GB2193941A - Resilient guidance of high speed rail bogie wheel sets - Google Patents

Description

GB2193941A 1 SPECIFICATION with stable running. However, it is insuffici

ently resilient lengthwise of the running gear Guidance of the wheel sets of high speed to enable the wheel sets to adjust themselves rail bogies and rnethod of converting con- radially of the centre of the curve being nego ventional bogies to this guidance 70 tiated by the vehicle. Correspondingly, there is no appreciable decrease in the forces which The invention relates to a resilient guidance of arise when the wheel strikes the rail on a the wheel sets of high-speed rail bogies, the curve. To obviate this disadvantage the rubber wheel sets being connected for longitudinal elements of a similar system were formed and transverse pivoting, one flexurally resistant 75 with reniform recesses or continuous bores axle guide bar each being provided between lengthwise of the running gear. This step pro the axle boxes of two wheel sets and the vides a desirable increase in longitudinal resili bogie frame, as considered in the direction of ence but simultaneously increases transverse travel, the guide bar forming a releasable unit resilience, with detriment to the vehicle ride. It on its side near the axle boxes with the axle 80 has also been found that the recesses impair box, on which the bogie frame is borne by the resilience and life of the rubber elements way of at least one spring element, the guide and gradually fill up with foreign matter. The bar having its end near the bogie frame so durability of the increased longitudinal resili connected thereto by way of a guide bar ence thus achieved is therefore very limited.

bearing as to be resiliently rockable around a 85 Also, DE-PS 1 100071 discloses wheel set horizontal axis. The invention also relates to a guidance for rail vehicles wherein each axle method of converting conventional bogies of box is rigidly connected to an axle guide rod the kind described to the novel wheel set pivotally connected at one end by way of a guidance. The aim of wheel set guidances of Silentbloc to the running gear frame for oscil this kind is to enable the wheel sets of high- 90 lation around a horizontal axis while its other speed bogies to be guided resiliently and end is rigidly connected to resilient blocks se without wear so as to ensure a comfortable cured to the running gear frame for transverse ride on both straight and curved track and to guidance of the wheel set. Since the Silent reduce stressing of rolling stock and track by bloc is operative solely to ensure wear-free reducing the tracking forces necessary be- 95 pivoting of the guide rod eye and the running tween the wheel and the rail. gear frame, it is virtually devoid of elasticity in It is known from the prior art to guide the the direction of travel. The wheel set is there- wheel sets of high-speed bogies resiliently fore guided without longitudinal clearance or relatively to the bogie frame so that the wheel has at least a very hard spring rate in the sets are adjusted in accordance with the type 100 direction of travel without any possibility of of track and thus contribute to quiet running. adaptation to the different guiding forces The guide elements which have proved more needed to negotiate curves. Also, in a system particularly -satisfactory are guide bar or guide of this kind the longitudinal springing is harder rod systems in which the axle boxes are resili- than the transverse springing arising from pre ently connected to the bogie frame by way of 105 loading of the resilient blocks, and so the sys axle guide bars or rods. Detailed theoretical tem cannot be used to devise a better type of considerations in conjunction with practical running gear.

trials have revealed that the required superch- It is the object of the invention to obviate tical wheel set running required of high-speed this disadvantage.

bogies with a so-called wear profile can be 110 The problem which the invention seeks to achieved more particularly if the wheel sets tackle is mainly to provide wear-free guidance are pivoted to the bogie frame by way of an of wheel sets to give a bogie supercritical. run adapted longitudinal springing and by way of a ning properties, in order to achieve good hard or moderately hard transverse springing. vehicle stability at high speeds and, on curves, Wheel set guidance systems are known which 115 to enable the wheel sets to align themselves have one spring rate lengthwise of the bogie relatively to the centre of the curve. Another and a different spring rate transversely thereof aim of the invention is for the longitudinal and and which have more particularly soft longitu- transverse resilience of the wheel set system dinal resilience and hard or moderately hard to be adjustable and re- adjustable in situ. The transverse resilience. In the case of the run- 120 invention also tackles the problem of disclos ning gear for high-speed rail vehicles disclosed ing a method enabling conventional bogies to in French patent application No. 76 08482, be rapidly and simply converted to the wheel the wheel sets are connected to the running- set guidance according to the invention and gear frame by way of guide bars or guide thus so to improve their behaviour that they rods. For this connection to be resilient, the 125 can be used for high- quality fast passenger horizontal axes provided in the articulations of train traffic and do not have to be replaced.

the frame connection have rubber elements in This problem is solved by the invention de- the form of a rubber ring preloaded between scribed in the operative part of the indepen concentric steel sleeves. This guidance is re- dent claim. Advantageous developments are silient and therefore permits higher speeds 130 disclosed in the dependent claims.

2 GB2193941A 2 A wheel set guidance according to the in- guide bar or rod type primary stage in which vention has the advantage that the ratio of wheel set guidance is by way of axle guide longitudinal resilience to transverse resilience rods mounted without backlash and with resili depends mainly upon the shape and material ence in the x and the y direction on the bogie properties of the annular rubber discs-i.e., it 70 frame and in which resilience in the z direction depends on a constructional element. Determi- is provided by primary springs disposed im nation of resilience in this way is therefore mediately above or adjacent the axle boxes.

particularly reliable. It has the further advan- Traction and braking forces can be tage that adjustment of the wheel sets on transmitted, for example, by a pivot at the curves greatly reduces the wear to which 75 centre of the bogie. The bogie 2 has near its flanges and rail flanks are subject as a result vertical transverse centre-plane 3 two secon- t of the tracking forces associated with a nego- dary springs 4, 4' which bear the body 1.

tiation of plain-line curves. Also, since the pre- The bogie 2 further comprises two wheel loading of the rubber elements can be ad- sets, 5,6 having wheels, 7,7' and 8,8' respec justed steplessly by loosening a few screws, 80 tively which have a high effective conicity and the guidance characteristic can readily be which are rigidly mounted on axles 9, 10. In matched to the radial control of the wheel known manner a respective axle guide rod 18, sets or to operating conditions which are dif- 18' and 19, 19' extends around the axle ferent or which vary in the course of time. boxes 11, 11' and 12, 12' respectively of the Also, the wheel set guidance according to the 85 wheel sets 5, 6. Longitudinal and transverse invention uses exclusively parts which are vir- guidance thereof is provided by a respective tually wear-free. Yet another advantage, thereaxle guide rod bearing 13, 13' and 14, 14' fore, is high durability of the guidance charac which is fitted in the guide rods 18, 18' and teristic. 19, 19' respectively and secured to bogie An embodiment of the invention and a 90 frame 15. Also, the same is borne by way of method of applying the same to the conver- primary springs 16, 16' and 17, 17' on the sion of bogies will be described in greater respective guide rods 18, 18' and 19, 19' detail hereinafter with reference to drawings immediately above the respective axle boxes wherein: 11, 11' and 12, 12', Figure 1 is a view in side elevation showing 95 Figs. 3 and 4 show a conventional axle the construction of a conventional bogie be- guide rod mounting in which a flexurally resis fore conversion; tant axle guide rod 19 is articulated by way of Figure 2 is a plan view of the construction a bearing 14 to the bogie frame 15 so as to of the bogie of Fig. 1; be resiliently rockable around an axis parallel Figure 3 is a view in side elevation of a 100 to the axle 10. To this end, the bearing 14 conventional axle guide bar mounting of a bo- comprises a pin 27 which by means of two gie of the kind shown in Figs. 1 and 2; flanges 37, 37' and screws 58, 58' and 59, Figure 4As a plan view of a conventional 59' is so mounted in a two-piece connecting axle guide mounting on the line B-B of Fig. 3; bracket 26 as to extend transversely and hori- Figure 5 is a view in side elevation of an 105 zontally and to be rigid relative to the frame axle guide mounting according to claim 1 and 15; extending around the pin 27 is a rubber an axle guide mounting according to claim 3, insert 29 whose outer sleeve 35 is pressed the latter as converted by means of the inven- into eye 28 of guide rod 19. The bogie frame tion; 15 is in known manner borne by way of the Figure 6 is a plan view of an axle guide bar 110 primary springing 17 on the axle guide rod 14 or rod mounting according to claim 1 on the immediately above the axle box 12.

fine C-C of Fig. 5 and also shows an axle Figs. 5 and 6 show the longitudinal and guide rod mounting according to claim 4 as transverse guidance provided by the invention converted by means of the invention; according to claim 1 wherein flexurally resis- Figure 7 is a view in side elevation of the 115 tant axle guide rods 18, 18' and 19, 19' are bogie of Figs. 1 and 2 after conversion to the provided to the number of one per wheel set axle guide rod guidance according to the in- on either side of the bogie to guide the wheel vention as shown in Figs. 5 and 6 and also sets 5, 6; at one end each of the last-men shows the automatic guidance by the vehicle tioned rods forms a releasable unit with the body according to claims 9 to 11, and 120 respective axle box 11, 11' and 12, 12' while Figure 8 is an inverted plan view of the at its other it is resiliently articulated to the bogie shown in Figs. 1 and 2 after conversion bogie frame 15 by way of an axle guide rod to the axle guide rod guidance according to bearing 23, 23' and 24, 24' respectively, with the invention shown in Figs. 5 and 6 and also provision for rocking by way of its eye 28 in shows the automatic quidance'by interaction 125 the bracket 26 around an axis parallel to the of the wheel sets as set out in claims 12 and axle 10.

13. Also, the frame 15 is borne by the primary Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, there can be springing 17 on the guide rod 19 immediately seen a rail vehicle body 1 and a conventional above the axle box 12.

bogie 2 of a rail vehicle; the bogie 2 has a 130 Fig. 6 is a detailed view showing how the 3 GB 2 193 941 A 3 axle guide rod bearing 24 according to the tally connected to one link lever 65, 65' each.

invention is devised; the right-hand half of Fig. The levers 65, 65' are pivotally mounted at a 6 relates to a new construction while the leftfixed position 64, 64' on the bogie frame 15.

hand half relates to conversion of conventional The positions 64, 64' are disposed substan axle guide rods mountings to the system ac- 70 tially centrally between the pivot points 67, cording to the invention. Resilient annular 68 and 6T, 68' respectively of the rods 62, discs 7 made of natural or synthetic rubber or 63 and 62', 63' respectively. A vertical actuat other elastomers are disposed on either side ing or control lever 69, 69' is connected at of the eye 28 between the flexurally resistant the position 64, 64' respectively to the lever guide rod 19 and dished bearing members 45, 75 65, 65' respecively for corotation therewith 46 which slide in one another concentrically and is pivotally connected in an articulation by way of two guide surfaces 44. A necked- 70, 70' respectively to a rod 71, 71' respec down bolt 48 in a bore 49 interconnects the tively which extends lengthwise of the bogie two members 45, 46 coaxially of one another and which is connected to an actuating posi to the limit permitted by self-centring spacer 80 tion 72, 72' respectively on the vehicle body rings 50. side; all the pivots and articulations of the An abutment in the form of a resilient annu- system 73, 73' are maintenance-free articula- lar abutment 51 is disposed between the hori- tions or pivots 70, 70'.

zontal axis 52 and the shank or stem 53 of A bogie 22' shown in Fig. 8 comprises the the eye 28 to take up substantial lomngitudi- 85 axle guide rod mounting according to claim 1.

nal forces, e.g. in braking, and for ambidrec- In addition, the wheel set adjustability feature tional limiting of the longitudinal spring travel; which co-operates with the wheel set quid the abutment 51 is guided in a groove 54 in ance according to the invention takes the form the base of the member 45. The bearing 24 of automatic interaction between the wheel is connected to the bogie frame 15 by way of 90 sets as set out in claims 12 and 13. To this the bracket 26. The members 45, 46 form by end, a substantially C-shaped frame 75, 76 is way of their ends 55, 56 a horizontal axis 52 associated with each wheel set 5, 6 and ex mounted on both sides by clamping by means tends around the associated wheel set to of a respective flange 57, 57' and of screws wards the transverse centreplane of the bo 58, 58' and 59, 59' in the bracket 26 in the 95 gie. The frame 75, 76 are rigidly connected in horizontal transverse direction so as to be ri- any desired manner on the one hand to the gid relatively to the frame 15. A connection of associated axle boxes 11, 11' and 12, 12'.

this kind is wear-free and steplessly adjust- On the other hand, the frames 75, 76 each able. have near the bogie longitudinal axis a con- In the case shown in the left-hand half of 100 necting bracket 85, 86 which converges coni- Fig. 6 relating to the conversion of conven- cally towards the centre of the bogie, the tional axle guide rod mountings in accordance apexes of each such bracket being so inter with the invention, a shank or stem 33 needs connected by way of a common articulation to be fitted subsequently in the eye 28 for the 88 as to be pivotable around the vertical axis.

axle guide rod mounting to be devised in the 105 The elements cooperating with the frames manner hereinbefore described. 75, 76-Le., the brackets 85, 86-and the - A bogie 22 shown in Fig. 7 has the axle securing of the frames 75, 76 to the respec- guide rod mounting of the system according tive axle boxes 11, 11' and 12, 12' are so to claim 1. In addition, the radial adjustment devised as to be sufficiently rigid longitudinally feature of the wheel sets 5, 6 which co-oper- 110 and transversely to be able to adjust the two ates with the wheel set guidance according to wheel sets 5, 6 radially towards the centre of the invention takes the form of automatic con- the curve being negotiated by the vehicle; the trol by the vehicle body as set out in claims two frames 75, 76 can pivot around the verti 9, 10 and 11, a guide and lever system 73, cal axis in the common articulation 88 and be 73' being provided one on each side of the 115 adjusted.

bogie. On each side thereof the wheel sets 5 The operation of the axle guide rod bearing and 6 are guided by way of the axle boxes 23, 23' and 24, 24' will be apparent from 11, 12 and 11% 12' respectively by one guide Figs. 5 and 6. Operation is based on the rod 18, 19 and 18', 19' respectively for each knowledge from physics that the elastic char axle box and by one coupling rod 62, 63 and 120 acteristic of an elastic material such as rubber 62', 63' respectively for each axle box. The can be varied within limits by preloading. Con elements 18, 19, 18', 19', 62, 63, 62', 63' sequently, the resilient annular discs 47 have are connected at one end to the respective different spring rates in compression and in axle boxes 11, 12, 1 '1', 12' and extend there- shear, depending upon the compressive pre from towards the vertical transverse centre- 125 loading of such discs between the dished plane of the bogie. At the other end the guide bearing members 45, 46 and the shank or rods 18, 19, and 18', 19' are connected by stem 53 of the eye 28. When the necked way of the respective axle guide rod bearings down bolt 48 is tightened, the two members 23, 24 and 2X, 24' to the bogie frame 15 45, 46 move closer together so that the pres while the rods 62, 63 and 62', 63' are pivosure on the discs 47 increases, with a propor- 4 GB 2 193 941 A 4 tional increase in the disc spring rates which provide an excellent combination with one of are operative in shear and compression, the the two forms of operation hereinbefore set shear spring rate being operative lengthwise out for radial adjustment of the wheel sets 5, f the bogie and the compression spring rate 6-i.e., the vehicle body control shown in Fig.

being operative transversely of the bogie. 70 7 or the interaction control shown in Fig. 8. In Slackening of the bolt 48 causes the members both cases, therefore, the guide rod bearings 45, 46 to move apart from one another, so 23, 24 and 2X, 24' are so preloaded by that the pressure of the discs 47 decreases means of the necked-down bolts 48 as to and there is a proportional decrease in their provide the required ratio of longitudinal rigi- spring rates in shear and compression. The 75 dity to transverse rigidity. For high-speed tra strength properties of rubber are such that of vel, more particularly on curves, this means course the spring rate in shear is less than the that the axle guide rod bearings should have spring rate in compression, and so the soft soft longitudinal resilience and hard to moder wheel set guidance is operative lengthwise of ately hard transverse resilience, the bogie and a hard or moderately hard 80 In a variant of the invention which is not wheel set guidance is operative transversely of shown, the discs 47 have metal plates vulcan the bogie. The self-centring spacer rings 50 ized on to both sides; for improved centring, enable the spacing between the two members with a resulting simplification of assembly, the and 46 to be so determined that the com- plates are in shape conical in their inner and pression of the discs 47 takes on a predeter- 85 outer bearing zones. In another embodiment mined and accurately defined value. To this of the invention which is not shown either, end, the bolt 48 is tightened until the memthe discs 47 are embodied with one or more bers 45, 46 abut the spacer rings 50. Accu- intermediate metal plates vulcanized in. This rate adjustment of a desired preloading is feature enables the spring rate in compression therefore not critical and is proof against acci- 90 operative for transverse resilience to be con dental or incorrect readjustment to beyond the siderably influenced substantially without any predetermined value. change in the spring rates in shear operative Figs. 7 and 8 illustrate the operation of a in the direction of travel.

bogie 22 and 22' respectively which has been The invention is not limited to having a completely converted in accordance with the 95 once-for-all adjustment of the preloading of invention. the discs 47. In a variant, the necked-down Referring to Fig. 7, the two wheel sets 5, 6 bolt 48 is replaced by a pressure element of a bogie 22 negotiating a curve are adjusted which is operated by means of an energy car to the centre of the curve by automatic con- rier and which enables the preloading of the trol by the vehicle body by way of a respec- 100 discs 47 to be varied while the vehicle is tive guide rod and lever system 73, 7X. the moving, so that the elasticity matching of the wheel sets 5, 6 are guided by way of the wheel set guidance can be varied to give an guide rods- 18, 19 and 18', 19' respectively optimal setting for particular rack conditions.

comprising the axle guide rod bearings 23, 24 The pressure element can be operated by and 2X, 24' according to the invention and 105 compressed air or pressure fluid or by an are automatically controlled by the vehicle electric motor, depending upon circumstances, body 1 in dependence upon the curve by the and a mechanical or electrical control not de guide rod and lever systems 73, 73' disposed scribed in greater detail is provided for this one on either side of the bogie 22. purpose. Axle rod guidance can therefore be 9 Fig. 8 illustrates the case in which the two 110 made harder or softer in dependence upon the wheel sets 5, 6 of a bogie 22' negotiating a track, according as the vehicle is travelling on curve are adjusted radially to the centre the straight or negotiating a curve. Conse thereof by automatic control based on interac- quently, accurate backlashfree parallel guid tion between the wheel sets. The same are, ance of the wheel sets is ensured in straight on the one hand, guided by way of the guide 115 ahead travel while radial adjustment of the rods 18, 19 and 18', 19' respectively having wheel sets is possible on curves.

the bearings 23, 24 and 2X, 24' according to The invention also relates to a method of the invention and are also controlled relatively modifying existing bogies which, when fitted to one another in dependence upon curvature with the facilities according to the invention, of the track by the two frames 75, 76 which 120 permit a controlled radial adjustment of the engage the axle boxes 11, 12 and 11% 12' wheel sets towards the centre of a curve be and which are so interconnected in the articu- ing negotiated by the vehicle. Preferably, the lation 88 as to be rotatable around the vertical starting point is a bogie construction having a axis and as to be adjustable. primary stage which is of the guide rod kind Both the forms of control shown in Figs. 7 125 and in which the wheel sets are guided by and 8 require soft longitudinal guidance of the means of axle guide rods mounted resiliently wheel sets 5, 6 for satisfactory tracking. It is and without backlash in the x-direction and y precisely the possibilities of adaptation of resi- direction on the bogie frame and in which lience of the axle guide rod bearing 23, 23' springing in the z-direction is provided by pri and 24, 24' described in Figs. 5 and 6 which 130 mary springs disposed immediately above or GB2193941A 5 adjacent the axle boxes. As is well known on both sides of which resilient annular discs from the prior art, wheel set guidance sys- are arranged coaxially of the eye axis, the tems of this kind permit higher speeds on the same extending parallel to the wheel set straight because of their stable straight-ahead axles, the discs being preloaded in compres running but can provide only an inadequate 70 sion transversely of the bogie by means of a and uncontrolled radial adjustment of the necked-down bolt and of selfcentering spacer wheel sets on very curved sections of track; rings between two dished bearing members indeed, in unfavourable conditions, for sliding concentrically in one another on either example, the leading wheel set may take up side of the eye, the dished bearing members, an anti-radial adjustment on a curve. 75 as a two-piece horizontal axis of such a resili- This invention not only obviates such disad- ent axle guide bar bearing, having their ends vantages but also provides facilities such as secured non-positively to the bogie frame in a can be used for subsequent conversion of a two-piece support bracket (26) by means of bogie of the kind hereinbefore described. To one flange each and screws; and the guide this end, in the method according to the in- 80 bar type longitudinal and transverse articula vention the conventional longitudinal guidance tion for guiding the wheel sets is also opera and transverse guidance of a bogie to be con- tive for radial guidance, the longitudinal rigidity verted are replaced by the guide rod guidance and transverse rigidity of an axle guide bar according to the invention and the same is bearing being so matched to one another that matched to an additional radial guidance to be 85 when negotiating curves the wheel sets align fitted. To this end, the facilities for one of themselves radially to the centre of the curve two kinds of radial guidance can be selected with very reduced expenditure of energy.

at choice-i.e., automatic control by the 2. Guidance according to claim 1, charac- vehicle body or automatic control by interac- terised in that the resilient annular discs are tion between wheel sets. 90 made of natural or synthetic rubber or other The method of converting existing bogies elastomeric substances.

enables conventional bogies of the kind here- 3. Guidance according to claim 1, charac- inbefore described to benefit from an advan- terised in that the resilient annular discs which tageous alteration of the radial adjustability of bear directly on the shank or stem of the axle the wheel sets, produced either automatically 95 guide bar eye and on the dished bearing by the vehicle superstructure or by automatic members are in shape conical.

control by interaction between the wheel sets, 4. Guidance according to claim 1, charac- without impairment of stable running on the terised in that the resilient annular discs have straight. The method according to the inven- metal plates vulcanized onto both their sides.

tion therefore fulfills a long-felt want but also 100 5. Guidance according to claim 4, charac- aims so to modify the large number of existterised in that the vulcanized plates of the ing bogies of the kind described at compara- resilient annular discs are in shape conical.

tively reduced cost that the corresponding 6. Guidance according to claim 1, charac- vehicles when used on high-quality and fast terised in that the resilient annular discs have passenger trains can fulfill even on curved 105 one or more intermediate metal plates vulcan stretches of track the present-day compara- ized in.

tively stringent requirements which are made 7. Guidance according to claim 1, charac- on vehicles as regards quietness of running, terised in that the resilient annular discs are sound insulation and reduced wear. preloaded by means of a neckeddown boilt The use of, or the conversion provided by, 110 or of a pressure element actuatable as energy this invention is independent of gauge and carrier.

suitable not only for a carrying bogie, as illus- 8. Guidance according to claim 1, charac- trated he-rein, but for a similarly designed tracterised in that a resilient annular abutment op tion or motor bogie. erative as end stop for ambidirectional limiting 115 of the longitudinal spring travel of the axle

Claims (1)

1. CLAIMS guide bar is disposed between the shank or

   1. Guidance of the wheel sets of high-spo- stem of the eye and the dished bearing mem- eed rail bogies, the wheel sets being con- bers, such abutment being received in a nected for longitudinal and transverse pivoting, groove in the base of the dished member.

   one flexurally resistant axle guide bar each be- 120 9. Guidance according to claim 1, charac- ing provided between the axle boxes'of two terised in that radial adjustment of the wheel wheel sets and a bogie frame, the guide bar sets arises from automatic steering by the forming a releasable unit with the axle boxes, vehicle body, the axle boxes on both sides on which the bogie frame is borne by way of being interconnected in pairs by way of a re primary springs, the guide bar having its end 125 spective guide rod and lever system, the near the bogie frame so connected thereto by same being disposed laterally on the bogie way of a guide bar bearing as to be resiliently frame and being actuated by relative move rockable around a horizontal axis, character- ment between the vehicle body and the bogie.

   ised in that each flexurally rigid axle guide bar 10. Guidance according to claim 9, charac- has at the end near the bogie frame an eye 130 terised in that each guide rod and lever sys- 6 GB2193941A 6 tern comprises a vertical actuating lever pivo- lever system each for wheel set control is tally mounted at a fixed place on the bogie rotatably mounted by means of maintenance frame and corotating with a link lever, the ver- free articulation at such fixed position; tical actuating lever being connected by way Each of the two adjustable coupling rods of of a rod to an actuating position of the vehicle 70 one bogie side is connected to the associated body; and the link lever is connected by way axle box of each wheel set by way of mainte of articulations to adjustable coupling rods nance-free articulations; coupled with the corresponding axle boxes. The vertical actuating lever is connected to 11. Guidance according to claim 10, char- the vehicle body by way of a rod and of acterised in that to facilitate relative move- 75 maintenance-free articulations merits between the vehicle body and the bo- 16. A method according to claim 14, chargie, the guide rod and lever-system has main- acterised in that to assemble the C-shaped tenance-free articulation throughout. frames the same are so disposed on the axle 12. Guidance according to claim 1, charac- boxes of a wheel set as to engage around the terised in that radial adjustment of the wheel 80 wheel set towards the bogie centre; and the sets arises from automatic interaction between connecting brackets of the two C-shaped them, transverse horizontal C-shaped frames frames are resiliently and adjustably intercon extending one each around the two wheel nected, with provision for pivoting around the sets, such frames being rigidly connected to vertical axis, in a common bearing at the bothe associated axleboxes and each having a 85 gie centre.

   connecting bracket which extends towards the bogie centre and whose apexes are adjustably Published 1988 at The Patent Office, State House, 66171 HighHolborn, London WC1 R 4TP. Further copies may be obtained from interconnected in a common resilient articula- The Patent Office, Sales Branch, St Mary Cray, Orpington, Kent BR5 3RD.

   tion for pivoting around the vertical axis. Printed by Burgess & Son (Abingdon) Ltd. Con. 1187.

   13. Guidance according to claim 12, char- acterised in that the resilient articulation is dis posed at a height above or below the axles and takes the form, for instance, of a resilient bearing.

   14. A method of converting bogies to the wheel set guidance according to claims 1-8 and 9-11 or 12 and 13, characterised in that:

   The conventional axle guide rod bearings of an existing bogie are pressed off after the flanges have been opened and are replaced by resilient annular discs which bear by way of a major surface on a shank or stem at the centre of the axle guide rod eye; The last-mentioned discs are preloaded through the agency of the dished bearing members actuated by a necked-down bolt; The registering axes formed by the ends of the dished bearing members coaxially intercon nected by way of their guide surfaces are in troduced by way of such ends into the two piece connecting bracket and each secured to the bogie frame non-positively by way of a flange and screws; For radial adjustability of the two wheel sets, at choice either a guide rod and lever system according to claim 9 is provided on either side of the bogie frame, for automatic control by the vehicle body, or for automatic interaction between the two wheels sets the same each have a C-shaped frame according to claim 12 and such frames are so intercon nected adjustably by way of one connecting bracket each in a common bearing as to be pivotable around the vertical axis.

   15. A method according to claim 14, char- acterised in that:

   For assembly of the guide rod and lever system one fixed position each extending to wards the exterior is provided on either side of the bogie frame and one guide rod and