Improvements relating to Trucks or Bogies for Railway Rolling-stock.
Year: 1891

page_text: Date of Application, 2nd Dec., 1891
Complete Specification Left, 2nd Sept, 1892-Accepted, 8th Oct., 1892
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements relating to Trucks or Bogies for Railway
Rolling-stock.
LÉON MOREAU, of 34 Rue de Mérode, Brussels, in the Kingdom of Belgium,
Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
My invention relates to trucks or bogies for railway rolling-stock, and comprises
an arrangement of radial axles reversible according to the direction of travel of the
vehicle, and provided with either fixed or independently movable wheels.
To facilitate the passage of a vehicle around a curve on a railway, it is necessary
either to make the width between the wheels small, or to permit the movement of
the axles in such a manner that they may assume a position normal to the successive
elements of the curve over which the vehicle is to travel.
Various systems have been adopted, and hitherto the desired object has been
accomplished in such a manner as to cause the axles to turn or pivot, either around
the centre of their figure, or around fixed intermediate points between the axles
and equidistant therefrom; in other instances, there exists a connection between
the axles so that one controls the other.
In short, all these modes of convergence of the axles are carried into effect by
means of actual or virtual points of rotation situated either above the axles them-
selves or symmetrically between the axles.
In the systems coming under the first category, that is to say, those in which the
point of rotation coincides with the centre of figure of the axle, the position of the
wheels is in a condition of indifferent equilibrium; moreover this system necessitates
a dependence between the rolling apparatuses. In the systems coming under the
second category, on the contrary, one of the axles, that in the rear, is in a condition
of stable equilibrium, since it is drawn or pulled by the devices which connect it
with the main bolt or pivot-pin, whilst the other axle, that in front, in a condition
of unstable equilibrium, since it is pushed by the said devices. It is, therefore,
Becessary to have recourse to a third intermediate axle capable of a transverse
movement normal to the vehicle, or else to make the trucks or bogies guiding the
convergent axles, dependent upon the couplings.
According to my invention I obviate the above mentioned defects, by combining
the devices in such a manner that each axle will be drawn or pulled by its
articulation to the frame of the vehicle, in order to ensure for each axle stability of
equilibrium in whatever direction the vehicle may be travelling.
Two cases may present themselves :-
1. That in which the vehicle is always caused to travel in the same direction.
2. That in which the vehicle may be caused to travel in one or the other
direction.
In the first case, the main bolts or pivot-pins placed in front of each axle in the
direction in which the vehicle travels, are fixed; but in the second case, it is
necessary that they should be removable from one side to the other side of the
axles, according to whether the vehicle is to travel in one direction or the other;
this is accomplished by means of the devices hereinafter mentioned.
The demonstration of what takes place in the passage around curves, being the
same in both cases, since, in the direction of travel under consideration, the axles
are drawn or pulled and not pushed, it is only necessary to establish the facts for
the case of a vehicle which always travels in the same direction, and to give, for
the case of a vehicle which can travel in both directions, only the arrangement
of the parts which permits of changing the articulation of the trucks or bogies from
to
077

page_text: one to the other side of the axles, at the moment of changing the direction of
travel of the vehicle.
For the case of a vehicle with a single direction of travel, suitable under-
carriages, trucks or bogies, supported by axles, are connected to the longitudinal
axis of the frame of the vehicle, each by an articulation placed in front of the
corresponding axle, which permits of their pivoting horizontally around a suitable
pivot-pin.
By this arrangement, it is evident that the tractive force exerted upon the
vehicle in the required direction at the commencement of a curve, will compel the
forward axle to turn around its articulation and to assume a position normal to
the said curve.
As the vehicle proceeds along the curve, the frame of the said
vehicle will assume upon the second truck or bogie, pivoting about the corresponding
articulation, an inclination such that, at the moment of entering the curve, the
second or rear axle will be in a position normal to the said curve. It follows that,
when the two axles are at the same time upon the curve, they will necessarily have
the direction of radii of the curve, and will present the least practicable resistance
to rolling, especially if one of the wheels of each axle is movable or independent of
the other, because then there will be neither sliding or skidding, nor dragging upon
the rails occasioned by the difference between the distances traversed by each
of the wheels.
I need not describe the devices which compose my apparatus, as their form and
arrangement may be considerably varied. The trucks or bogies may be arranged
either to support the frame of the vehicle or simply to guide the axles.
In the case of a reversible vehicle or one intended to travel in either direction,
the trucks or bogies which are supported upon the axles are each provided at the
front and rear with two suitably shaped sockets, bearings or straps situated in the
longitudinal axis of the frame of the vehicle, either at equal distances from the axle
or symmetrically at different distances from the axle.
At the outer edges of the two bearings or straps of each truck-or bogie are fixed
solidly to the frame of the vehicle two suitably shaped bearing pieces serving as
abutments between which the said bearings can move transversely to the vehicle.
These pieces are each struck from the pivot or axis of the opposite strap as
a centre, these centres being on the middle longitudinal line of the frame of the
vehicle; the said pieces are provided with projections at their ends to limit the
movement.
A movable rod or bar extends longitudinally of the frame of the vehicle, under
which it can move end wise in suitable guides. This rod or bar is provided with
sets of projections which serve as pivots and are adapted to fit the aforesaid sockets
or straps, into which they enter.
The coupling of the vehicle is effected at the exterior of the frame, either directly
to the said movable rod, or by a bar articulated to the said rod at a point such that
the effects of the tendency of the axles to return to their normal position, due to the
suspension, will be compensated in the passage around curves. This movable rod
may either remain free, or it may be secured, after the operations hereinafter
mentioned, by any suitable fastenings.
If the said rod is drawn in one direction, one set of pivots will engage with the
corresponding bearings or straps of the two trucks or bogies, whilst the other sets
of pivots will be disengaged from their bearings or straps. In this position, the
bearings or straps are held between the said bearing pieces forming part of the
frame of the vehicle, and the pivots in operation are caused to exert pressure
thereon by traction. The vehicle is thus caused to travel in the desired direction,
under the same conditions as in the first case above mentioned, since the other
pivots are completely disengaged from their bearings or straps, thus leaving
the trucks or bogies and consequently the wheels free to assume the normal
direction.
"If the force is applied in the reverse direction by traction or by pushing back-
ward, the one set of pivots is moved out of the corresponding bearings or straps

page_text: and the other set thereof is moved into engagement with the other bearings
or straps, and the trucks or bogies can turn around the pivots of the last-
mentioned set.
When this operation takes place in a curve, which is the most unfavorable
circumstance, the pivots slide upon the convergent walls of the bearings or straps,
until they arrive in the notches thereof, and the vehicle is then under conditions
similar to those of the first case above mentioned, for the new direction of
travel.
These arrangements do not impair the action of the brakes, as the trucks or
bogies, caused to approach or to recede from each other by the effect of the brake,
are held between the aforesaid bearing surfaces on the frame.
I have stated above that the coupling may be made either directly to the
movable rod, or to a bar articulated thereto.
The former arrangement is designed to overcome, in the passage around a curve,
the effects of the tendency of the axles to return to the position normal to the
frame, which is caused by the obliquity of the suspension-stays.
The latter arrangement permits but little if any tendency to such return of
the axles by the suspension-stays. The trucks or bogies, in this latter case,
must slide or roll under the frame whilst keeping in the same plane as the
latter.
To facilitate the traction, I sometimes use a wheel independent of the axle or
movable relatively thereto.
The nave or hub of this wheel is free to turn upon an enlarged portion of the
axle; it is held in position by two flanges or collars, one keyed or otherwise fixed at
the inner end, and the other fastened at the outer end of the enlargement of the
axle, by a key or by other suitable means.
To ensure tightness of the nave or hub and protect it against the entrance of
dust, at each end and free upon the extremity of the said nave or hub, is a ring or
annular piece of metal, which is pressed against the corresponding flange or collar
(in all positions of the hub relatively to the said flange) by means of a spring of
steel, india-rubber or other suitable elastic material.
The external Hange is held by a polygonal screw-nut, furnished with a guard-
piece fixed to the flange, or otherwise locked to prevent unscrewing thereof.
The lubrication is effected by means of a grease-cup attached to the hub, or by
means of oil or grease contained in a reservoir provided in the said hub.
The rings or annular pieces of metal may be furnished internally upon the
rubbing surfaces with elastic material fastened in suitable grooves.
The hub can, therefore, turn upon the axle with the said rings, between the
flanges, without the liability to the entrance of foreign matter. The closing of the
nave or hub may, if desired, be effected by any other convenient means.
I may, if desired, modify the arrangement of the above mentioned pivots and
bearings or straps, either by placing the pivots on the trucks or bogies and the
bearings or straps on the movable rod; or by making the bearing pieces on the
interior and the pivots on the exterior of the trucks or bogies; or by placing
the points of articulation at any distances from and non-symmetrical with the axles;
or by arranging the devices in any other convenient manner for the purposes above
specified.
Dated this 2nd day of December 1891
D. YOUNG & Co.,
11 & 12, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicant.

page_text: Improvements relating to Trucks or Bogies for Railway
Rolling-stock.
I, LÉON MOREAU, of 34 Rue de Mérode, Brussels, in the Kingdom of Belgium,
Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner
the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by
the following statement :--
My invention relates to trucks or bogies for railway rolling-stock and comprises
an arrangement whereby the pivots about which the axles turn when the vehicle is
going around a curve are reversible according to the direction of travel of the
vehicle the said axles being provided with either fixed or independently movable
wheels.
To facilitate the passage of a vehicle around a curve on a railway, it is necessary
either to make the width between the wheels, small, or to permit the movement of
the axles in such a manner that they may assume a position normal to the successive
elements of the curve over which the vehicle is travelling.
Various systems have been adopted and hitherto the desired object has been
accomplished in such a manner as to cause the axles to turn or pivot, either around
the centre of their figure or around fixed intermediate points between the axles and
equidistant therefrom; in other instances, there exists a connection between the
axles so that one controls the other.
In short, all these modes of convergence of the axles are carried into effect by
means of actual or virtual points of rotation situated either above the axles them-
selves or symmetrically between the axles..
In the systems coming under the first category, that is to say, those in which the
point of rotation coincides with the centre of figure of the axle, the position of the
wheels is in a condition of indifferent equilibrium; moreover this system necessitates
a dependence between the rolling apparatuses. In the systems coming under the
second category, on the contrary, one of the axles, that in the rear, is in a condition
of stable equilibrium, since it is drawn or pulled by the devices which connect it
with the main bolt or pivot-pin, whilst the other axle, that in front, is in a condition
of unstable equilibrium, since it is pushed by the said devices. It is, therefore,
necessary to have recourse to a third intermediate axle capable of a transverse
movement normal to the vehicle, or else to make the trucks or bogies guiding the
convergent axles dependent upon the couplings.
According to my invention, I obviate the above mentioned defects, by combining
the devices in such a manner that each axle will be drawn or pulled by its
articulation to the frame of the vehicle, in order to ensure for each axle stability
of equilibrium in whatever direction the vehicle may be travelling.
Two cases may present themselves :-
1. That in which the vehicle is always caused to travel in the same direction.
2. That in which the vehicle may be caused to travel in either direction.
In the first case, the main bolts or pivot-pins, placed in front of each axle in the
direction in which the vehicle travels, are fixed; but in the second case, it is
necessary that the points of articulation about which the axles can turn, should be
removable from one side to the other side of the axles, according to whether the
vehicle is to travel in one direction or in the other; this is accomplished by means
of the devices hereinafter described.
The demonstration of what takes place in the passage around curves, being the
same in both cases, since, in the direction of travel under consideration, the axles
are drawn or pulled and not pushed, it is only necessary to establish the facts for
the case of a vehicle which always travels in the same direction, and to give, for the
case of a vehicle which can travel in either direction, only the arrangement of the

page_text: parts which permits of changing the articulation of the trucks or bogies from one
to the other side of the axles, at the moment of changing the direction of travel of
the vehicle.
For the case of a vehicle with a single direction of travel, suitable under-carriages,
trucks or bogies C, C (Figs. I and II) supported by the axles b, b, b', b' are con-
nected to the longitudinal axis of the frame V of the vehicle, each by an articulation
placed in front of the corresponding axle, which perinits of their pivoting horizontally
around a suitable pivot-pin.
By this arrangement, it is evident that the tractive force exerted upon the
vehicle in the direction indicated by the arrow A, at the commencement of a
curve, will compel the forward axle ', ' to turn around its articulation a' and
to assume a position B', B' normal to the said curve. As the vehicle proceeds
along the curve, the frame of the said vehicle will assume upon the second or
rear truck or bogie C, pivoting about the corresponding articulation a, an
inclination such that, at the moment of entering the curve, the second or rear
axle will be in a position normal to the said curve. It follows that, when the
two, axles are at the same time upon the curve, they will necessarily have the
direction of radii of the curve and will present the least practicable resistance to
rolling, especially if one of the wheels of each axle is movable, or independent
of the other, because then there will be neither sliding or skidding, nor dragging
upon the rails occasioned by the difference between the distances traversed by the
wheels.
I need not describe in detail the devices which compose my apparatus, since
their form and arrangement may be considerably varied. The trucks or bogies
may be arranged either to support the frame of the vehicles or simply to guide the
axles.
In the case of a reversible vehicle or one intended to travel in either direction,
the trucks or bogies C, C¹ Figures III, IV, V and VI (the last two figures being
drawn to an enlarged scale) which are supported upon the axles, are each provided
at the front and rear with two suitably shaped sockets, bearings or straps A, A', A, A'
situated in the longitudinal axis of the frame of the vehicle either at equal distances
from the corresponding axle or symmetrically at different distances from the
said axle.
At the outer edges of the two bearings or straps of each truck or bogie are fixed
solidly to the frame of the vehicle, two suitably shaped bearing-pieces E, E¹, E, E'
serving as abutments between which the said bearings or straps can move trans-
versely to the vehicle. These bearing-pieces are each struck from the pivot or axis
of the opposite bearing or strap as a centre, these centres being on the middle
longitudinal line of the frame of the vehicle; the said bearing-pieces are provided
with projections at their ends to limit the movement.
A movable rod or bar T, T extends longitudinally of the frame of the vehicle,
under which it can move end wise in suitable guides 9. This rod or bar is provided
with sets of projections which serve as pivots P, P, P, P¹ and are adapted to fit
the aforesaid sockets or straps A, A into which they enter. The distance between
the pivots P, P or P¹, P is equal to that between the axes of the sockets or
straps A, A and A', A'; but the distance from P to P is less than that from A
to A in each truck or bogie.
The coupling of the vehicle is effected at the exterior of the frame, either
directly to the movable rod T, T or by a bar articulated to the said rod, at a point
such that the effects of the tendency of the axles to return to their normal position,
by the suspension, will be compensated in the passage around curves. This movable
rod T, T may either remain free or it may be secured, after the operations herein-
after described, by any suitable fastenings.
If the said rod is drawn in the direction indicated by the arrow A (Figure II)
the pivots P, P¹ will engage with the corresponding bearings or straps A', A' of
the two trucks or bogies as shown in Figure IV, whilst the pivots P, P. will be
disengaged from their bearings or straps A, A. In this position, the bearings or

page_text: straps A, A¹ being held between the bearing-pieces E, E¹, forming part of the
frame of the vehicle, the pivots P1, P1 in operation are caused to exert pressure
thereon by traction. The vehicle is thus caused to travel in the desired direction,
under the same conditions as in the first case above mentioned, since the pivots P, P
are completely disengaged from their bearings or straps A, A, thus leaving the
trucks or bogies and consequently the wheels free to assume the normal direction.
If the force is applied in the reverse direction by traction or by pushing back-
ward, the pivots P₁, Pare moved out of the corresponding bearings or straps,
whilst the pivots P, P enter into engagement with the bearings or straps A, A as
shown in Figures V and VI and become the points of articulation about which the
trucks or bogies can turn.
When this operation takes place in a curve, which is the most unfavorable
circumstance, the pivots, P, P slide upon the convergent walls of the bearings or
straps A, A, until they arrive in the notches thereof, and the vehicle is then under
conditions similar to those of the first case above mentioned for the new direction
of travel.
These arrangements do not impair the action of the brakes, as the trucks or
bogies, caused to approach or to recede from each other by the effect of the brake,
are held between the aforesaid bearing surfaces E, E on the frame.
I have stated above that the coupling may be made either directly to the
movable rod, T, T or to a bar articulated thereto.
The former arrangement is designed to overcome, in the passage round a curve,
the effects of the tendency of the axles to return to the position normal to the
frame, which is caused by the obliquity of the suspension stays.
The latter arrangement permits but little if any tendency to such return of the
axles by the suspension stays. The trucks or bogies, in this latter case, must slide
or roll under the frame whilst keeping in the same plane parallel to the latter.
To facilitate the traction; I sometimes use a wheel independent of the axle or
movable relatively thereto as hereinafter described. Fig. VI shows a section of
this wheel.
The nave or hub M of this wheel is free to turn upon an enlarged portion L of
the axle.; it is held in position by two flanges or collars, the one F keyed or
otherwise fixed at the inner end, and the other F' fastened at the outer end of tlie
enlargement of the axle, by a key or by other suitable means.
To ensure tightness of the nave or hub and protect it against the entrance of
dust I provide at each end and free upon the extremity of the said nave or hub a
ring or annular piece S, S of metal which is pressed against the corresponding
flange or collar F, F (in all positions of the hub relatively to the said flange) by
means of a spring R, R of steel, india-rubber or other suitable elastic material.
The external flange F¹ is held by a polygonal screw-nut E, furnished with a
guard-piece B fixed to the flange, or otherwise locked to prevent unscrewing
thereof.
The lubrication is effected by means of a grease-cup attached to the hub, or by
means of oil or grease contained in a reservoir provided in the said hub.
The rings or annular pieces S, S of metal may be furnished internally upon the
rubbing surfaces with elastic material fastened in suitable grooves N, N.
The hub can therefore turn upon the axle, with the said rings, between the
flanges, without the liability to the entrance of foreign matter. The closing of the
nave or hub may if desired be effected by other means analogous to the annular
pieces pressed against the hub by springs.
I may, if desired, modify the arrangement of the above mentioned pivots and
bearings or straps, either by placing the pivots on the trucks or bogies and the
bearings or straps on the movable rod; or by making the bearing pieces on the
interior and the pivots on the exterior of the trucks or bogies; or by placing
the points of articulation at any distances from and non-symmetrical with the
axles; or by arranging the devices in any other convenient manner for the purposes
above specified.

page_text: Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is :-
First The employment, in a railway vehicle, of axles each drawn by an actual
or virtual pivot or articulation situated in front of the same in the direction of
travel.
Second-The herein described method of providing for reversing the point of
rotation of the trucks or bogies supported on the axles, through the medium of a
movable rod sliding longitudinally in guides attached to the frame of the vehicle,
or otherwise suitably guided, either by the tractive force or by an operation
independent of the traction.
Third: The combination of the pivots, the sockets, bearings or straps, the
sliding rod and the trucks or bogies, whether the said pivots are attached to the
said rod or to the trucks or bogies or are otherwise suitably arranged for the purpose
above specified.
Fourth-The employment, as above described, of abutment-pieces or bearing-
pieces of suitable shape attached to the frame of the vehicle and engaging with the
sockets, bearings or straps or with the truck or bogie with sufficient play, in such a
manner as to keep the latter in an invariable position relatively to the longitudinal
direction, whilst permitting it to move or oscillate laterally or transversely when-
the vehicle is passing around a curve.
:-
Fifth The application of the system above described whatever may be the mode
of suspension and of returning the axles to their normal position, the return of the
said axles being effected by special springs or by the inclination which the suspen-
sion stays assume when the turning or swivelling takes place or is produced, or by
other suitable means.
Sixth-
-The application of the system above described, either with wheels
fixed upon the axles, or with wheels independent of each other or movable upon
their axles..
Seventh-The movable or independent wheel substantially as herein before
described, held in place upon the axle by means of annular pieces pressing against
the hub or a portion of the hub of the wheel to prevent the entrance of dust or
other foreign matter.
Dated this Second day of September 1892.
D. YOUNG & Co.,
11 & 12, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicant.