BOGIE ASSEMBLIES

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application relates to and claims priority benefits from U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 63/695,942 , filed Sep. 18, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

Examples of the present disclosure generally relate to bogie assemblies that may be used with rail vehicle systems, such as autonomous or autonomously controlled rail vehicle systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Rail vehicles travel along railways, which have tracks that include rails. A rail vehicle includes one or more truck assemblies that support one or more car bodies. The rail vehicle includes a bogie assembly that is coupled with a vehicle frame.

During transit of the rail vehicles along the tracks, one or more components or systems of the bogie assembly may be displaced to follow anomalies, such as lateral perturbations, in the track. The bogie assemblies may include suspension systems and suspension components within the bogie assembly to mitigate at least some of the lateral perturbations. For example, suspension springs, dampers, traction bars, friction shoes or the like, may be used to minimize the transmission of transportation loads that move between side frames and a bolster of the bogie assembly.

Certain known suspension components used within a bogie assembly allow multi-directional movement of components of the bogie assembly. For example, the transportation loads may create longitudinal, lateral and/or rotational warping movement of components of the bogie assembly. The bogie assembly transmits both tractive effort and braking forces that are generated between the wheel to rail interface and are transmitted through the side frame to the bolster. Further, the force transmitted to the bolster continue through the car body to the other bogie. The transmission of force between the two bogies allows for uniform traction or braking of the vehicle. Such multi-directional movement can lead to longitudinal, lateral, and/or rotational warping of the bogie assembly, insufficient friction forces and/or uneven shoe rise of friction shoes between side frames and the bolster of the bogie assembly, and overall instability of the rail vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

A need exists for a bogie assembly of a rail vehicle that controls a direction of movement and an amount of movement of one or more components of the bogie assembly. Further, a need exists for a suspension system of a bogie assembly to allow vertical displacement but prohibits rotational warping or longitudinal displacement of components due to inertial affects such as tractive effort or braking of the bogie assembly.

With those needs in mind, certain examples of the present disclosure provide a bogie assembly that includes a side frame that extends between a first end that is operably coupled with a first axle and a second end that is operably coupled with a second axle. The side frame includes a first frame attachment portion and a second frame attachment portion. A bolster is operably coupled with the side frame and includes a bolster attachment portion. The bogie assembly includes a linkage system having a first connector link, a second connector link, and a center link. The center link is operably coupled with the bolster attachment portion of the bolster, the first connector link extends between a first end operably coupled with the first frame attachment portion and a second end operably coupled with the center link, and the second connector link extends between a third end operably coupled with the center link and a fourth end operably coupled with the second frame attachment portion.

In at least one example, the first frame attachment portion is positioned at a first elevation of the side frame, and the second frame attachment portion is positioned at a second elevation of the side frame that is different than the first elevation. The first end of the first connector link is pivotally coupled with the first frame attachment portion about a first axis and the second end of the first connector link is pivotally coupled with the center link about a second axis. The third end of the second connector link is pivotally coupled with the center link about a third axis and the fourth end of the second connector link is pivotally coupled with the second frame attachment portion about a fourth axis. The center link is pivotally coupled with the bolster attachment portion of the bolster about a fifth axis. The first connector link, the second connector link, and the center link pivot responsive to vertical movement of the bolster relative to the side frame.

In at least one example, the linkage system is configured to control one or more of a direction of movement or a travel distance of the bolster relative to the side frame. The linkage system is permits vertical movement of the bolster and prevents longitudinal or rotational warping movement of the bolster relative to the side frame. The center link of the linkage system is positioned along a center axis of the side frame.

In at least one example, the side frame is a first side frame and the linkage system is a first linkage system. The bogie assembly may include a second side frame that is operably coupled with the bolster. The second side frame may include a third frame attachment portion and a fourth frame attachment portion. A second linkage system includes a third connector link, a fourth connector link, and a second center link. The second center link may be operably coupled with a second bolster attachment portion of the bolster, the third connector link may be operably coupled with the third frame attachment portion and the second center link, and the fourth connector link may be operably coupled with the second center link and the fourth frame attachment portion.

In at least one example, the first linkage system and the second linkage system may control one or more of a direction of movement or a travel distance of the bolster relative to the first side frame and the second side frame. The second connector link of the first linkage system may be positioned proximate the first axle, and the fourth connector link of the second linkage system may be positioned proximate the second axle. The first center link of the first linkage system may be positioned along a first center axis of the first side frame and the second center link of the second linkage system may be positioned along a second center axis of the second side frame.

Certain examples of the present disclosure provide a bogie assembly that includes a first side frame extending between a first end that may be operably coupled with a first axle and a second end that may be operably coupled with a second axle. The first side frame includes a first frame attachment portion and a second frame attachment portion. The bogie assembly may include a second side frame extending between a third end that may be operably coupled with the first axle and a fourth end that may be operably coupled with the second axle. The second side frame may include a third frame attachment portion and a fourth frame attachment portion. A bolster is operably coupled with the first side frame and the second side frame. The bolster includes a first bolster attachment portion proximate the first side frame and a second bolster attachment portion proximate the second side frame.

The bogie assembly includes a first linkage system including a first connector link, a second connector link, and a first center link. The first center link is operably coupled with the first bolster attachment portion of the bolster. The first connector link extends between a first end that is operably coupled with the first frame attachment portion of the first side frame and a second end that is operably coupled with the first center link. The second connector link extends between a third end that is operably coupled with the first center link and a fourth end that is operably coupled with the second frame attachment portion of the first side frame.

The bogie assembly also includes a second linkage system including a third connector link, a fourth connector link, and a second center link. The second center link is operably coupled with the second bolster attachment portion of the bolster. The third connector link extends between a first end that is operably coupled with the third frame attachment portion of the second side frame and a second end that is operably coupled with the second center link. The fourth connector link extends between a third end that is coupled with the second center link and a fourth end that is operably coupled with the fourth frame attachment portion of the second side frame.

Certain examples of the present disclosure provide a bogie assembly of an autonomous rail vehicle. The bogie assembly includes a first side frame extending between a first end coupled with a first axle of the autonomous rail vehicle and a second end coupled with a second axle of the autonomous rail vehicle. The first side frame includes a first frame attachment portion and a second frame attachment portion. A second side frame extends between a third end coupled with the first axle and a fourth end coupled with the second axle. The second side frame includes a third frame attachment portion and a fourth frame attachment portion. A bolster is operably coupled with the first side frame and the second side frame. The bolster includes a first bolster attachment portion proximate the first side frame and a second bolster attachment portion proximate the second side frame.

A first linkage system includes a first connector link, a second connector link, and a first center link. The first center link is pivotally coupled with the first bolster attachment portion of the bolster. The first connector link extends between a first end pivotally coupled with the first frame attachment portion of the first side frame and a second end pivotally coupled with the first center link. The second connector link extends between a third end pivotally coupled with the first center link and a fourth end pivotally coupled with the second frame attachment portion of the first side frame. The first center link is positioned along a first center axis of the first side frame between the first end and the second end of the first side frame.

A second linkage system includes a third connector link, a fourth connector link, and a second center link. The second center link is pivotally coupled with the second bolster attachment portion of the bolster. The third connector link extends between a first end pivotally coupled with the third frame attachment portion of the second side frame and a second end pivotally coupled with the second center link. The fourth connector link extends between a third end pivotally coupled with the second center link and a fourth end pivotally coupled with the fourth frame attachment portion of the second side frame. The second center link is positioned along a second center axis between the third end and the fourth end of the second side frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic of an autonomous rail vehicle, according to an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a bogie assembly, according to an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the bogie assembly shown in FIG. 2, according to an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of a portion of the bogie assembly shown in FIG. 2, according to an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates different positions of a linkage system of a bogie assembly, according to an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a suspension system of a first side bogie assembly in a first state, according to an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates a suspension system of the first side of the bogie assembly shown in FIG. 6 in a second state, according to an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates a suspension system of a second side bogie assembly in a first state, according to an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates a suspension system of the second side of the bogie assembly shown in FIG. 8 in a second state, according to an example of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain embodiments, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and preceded by the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not necessarily excluding the plural of the elements or steps. Further, references to “one embodiment” are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments “comprising” or “having” an element or a plurality of elements having a particular condition may include additional elements not having that condition.

Examples of the present disclosure provide a rai vehicle, such as an autonomous rail vehicle, that includes a bogie assembly having a side frame, a bolster, and a linkage system operably coupled with the side frame and the bolster. The linkage system may include a first connector link, a second connector link, and a center link. The center link may be pivotally coupled with the bolster. The first connector link may be pivotally coupled with the side frame and the center link, and the second connector link may be pivotally coupled with the side frame and the center link. The linkage system may control a direction of movement and/or a distance of travel of the bolster relative to the side frame. For example, the linkage system may allow vertical movement of the bolster and may prohibit longitudinal or rotational warp movement of the bolster relative to the side frame.

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic of an autonomous rail vehicle 100, according to an example of the present disclosure. The autonomous rail vehicle 100 includes a bogie assembly 102 and a frame 104 that is operably coupled with the bogie assembly 102.

In one or more examples, the autonomous rail vehicle 100 may represent a propulsion-generating vehicle, such as a power generating vehicle that can generate its own power to propel along a route and/or to power one or more components or systems onboard the autonomous rail vehicle. For examples, the autonomous rail vehicle 100 may be and/or represent a motive system, which may be operably coupled with one or more other motive system, such as via a trailer that may be coupled to and disposed between two motive systems. For example, the autonomous rail vehicle may include two motive systems with a trailer disposed therebetween. The autonomous rail vehicle may along railroads (e.g., mainline railroads, regional and/or short line tracks, etc.). In one or more examples, the bogie assembly 102 and/or the frame 104 may be designed to meet the Association of American Railroads standards and requirements. In one or more examples, the autonomous rail vehicle 100 may be designed to meet a 110 ton car requirement and may withstand about 1 million pounds (MM lbs) of compression and about 900 thousand pounds (K lbs) of tension. In alternative examples, the bogie assembly 102, the vehicle frame 104, and/or one or more other components or systems of the autonomous rail vehicle may be designed to meet alternative force requirements and/or standards.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the bogie assembly 102 and FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the bogie assembly 102, according to an example of the present disclosure. In one or more examples, the bogie assembly 102 may be referred to as a powered bogie assembly.

The bogie assembly 102 includes a first side frame 110 and a second side frame 116, and a bolster 136 that is coupled with and extends between the first and second side frames 110, 116. For example, the bolster 136 extends between a first end 152 that is operably coupled with the first side frame 110 and a second end 154 that is operably coupled with the second side frame 116. The bogie assembly 102 also includes a transom 144 that is coupled with and extends between the first and second side frames 110, 116. In one or more examples, the bogie assembly 102 may be designed such that the autonomous rail vehicle 100 may be capable of carrying a capacity of about 286,000 lb. In another example, the bogie assemblies may be designed and capable of carrying a total load capacity that is greater than 286,000 lb.

The first side frame 110 extends between a first end 112 and a second end 114, and the second side frame 116 extends between a third end 118 and a fourth end 120. The first end 112 of the first side frame 110 and the third end 118 of the second side frame 116 are pivotally coupled with a first axle 122. The bogie assembly 102 includes a first wheel set 126A, 126B that are operably coupled with the first axle 122 and a second wheel set 128A, 128B that are operably coupled with the second axle 124. The first and second axles 122, 124 are pivotally coupled with the first and second side frames 110, 116, respectively, via a corresponding rotating lug and steering pad 142. For example, the wheelsets may transfer lateral motion through the pivot of the rotating lugs and steering pads 142, through the first and second side frames 110, 116, and finally through the transom 144.

In the illustrated example, the bolster 136 includes a center bowl 148 that may include a wear liner. The center bowl 148 may have a diameter that is about 16 inches, or the like. The bolster 136 includes a first side bearing 138A that is positioned on a first side of the center bowl 148 between the center bowl 148 and the first side frame 110, and a second side bearing 138B that is positioned on a second side of the center bowl 148 between the center bowl 148 and the second side frame 116.

The bogie assembly 102 includes a propulsion system that controls a speed of movement of the autonomous rail vehicle 100. In the illustrated example, the propulsion system includes at least a first motor unit 132 and a second motor unit 134. The first and second motor units may include first and second motors, respectively, that may be rated as about 119 horsepower nine (9) phase permanent magnetic motors. In alternative examples, the bogie assembly 102 may include a different type of motor, a motor having an alternative power generating capability, the first motor may differ from the second motor (e.g., in shape, size, power capabilities, type, etc.) or any combination therein.

The first and second motor units 132, 134 may be operably coupled with the bogie assembly 102 via motor hangers 160. Optionally, the propulsion system can include and/or represent one or more components that are powered to propel the autonomous rail vehicle, such as motors. Optionally, the propulsion system may include an engine and/or alternator or generator that may operate to separately provide electric energy to power loads of the powered system. In one or more examples, the propulsion system may be operably coupled with the one or more energy storage devices (not shown) that may provide power to one or more components of the propulsion system. Optionally, the propulsion system may generate power that may be directed to and/or stored within the energy storage devices.

The bogie assembly 102 includes brakes 146. Each of the brakes 146 are operably coupled with a corresponding wheel 126A, 126B, 128A, 128B such that brakes 146 may control a speed of rotation of each of the wheels. In one or more examples, the brakes 146 may be referred as cheek block self-cooling disc brakes 146. In the illustrated example of the bogie assembly 102, each of the brakes 146 are substantially the same, include the same or substantially the same components, are capable of providing the same or substantially the same amount of braking efforts, or the like. Optionally, the bogie assembly 102 may include one or more brakes that may differ from one or more of the other brakes (e.g., include different components, provide a different amount of braking effort, or the like).

The transom 144 includes plural motor hanger supports 162. Each of the motor hanger supports 162 is operably coupled with a corresponding motor hanger 160. For example, the motor hangers 160 and the motor hanger supports 162 of the transom 144 support the first and second motors 132, 134, the brakes 146, and first and second axles 122, 124, and the wheelsets 126A-B and 128A-B.

The bogie assembly 102 also includes sets of friction shoes 150A, 150B that are positioned between the first side frame 110 and the first end 152 of the bolster 136 and between the second side frame 116 and the second end 154 of the bolster 136, respectively. In one or more examples, the friction shoes 150A, 150B may provide damping of the suspension between the first and second side frames 110, 116 and the bolster 136. The friction shoes 150A, 150B may include a friction face that allow a friction force to react vertically.

During operation of the autonomous rail vehicle 100 moving along a route or a track, the wheels 126A-B, 128A-B and/or the axles 122, 124 may displace to follow anomalies (e.g., vertical and lateral perturbations) in the track. In order to control a displacement of the wheels from being transferred to the vehicle frame 104, and to increase a stability of the vehicle frame 104, the bogie assembly 102 includes a suspension system that allow the bolster 136 and the first and second side frames 110, 116 to move relative to each other. The suspension system that may include one or more components that may be designed, shaped, sized, and/or positioned within the bogie assembly 102 to control an amount of movement, an amount of displacement, an amount of travel, or the like, of one or more components of the bogie assembly 102.

For example, the suspension system may control movement of the bolster 136, the first and/or second frames 110, 116, the transom 144, the axles 122, 124 and/or the wheel sets 126A-B, 128A-B, or the like, relative to one or more other components of the bogie assembly 102. The suspension system includes suspension springs 130A, 130B disposed proximate the first and second ends of the bolster 136 and first and second ends 156, 158 of the transom 144. The suspension springs 130A, 130B are positioned between the bolster 136 and the transom 144.

The suspension system also includes one or both of a first or second linkage system 140A, 140B. In one or more examples, the first and second linkage systems 140A, 140B may be referred to as a watts linkage system, a watts link, or the like. The first linkage system 140A is disposed on the first side of the bogie assembly 102 proximate the first side frame 110. The second linkage system 140B is disposed on the second side of the bogie assembly 102 proximate the second side frame 116. In the illustrated example, the second linkage system 140B is arranged and positioned opposite of the first linkage system 140A. In another example, the second linkage system 140B may be arranged as a mirrored reflection of the first linkage system 140A. In another example, the bogie assembly 102 may include one of the first or the second linkage systems 140A but may be devoid of the other linkage system. In another example, one or more components of the first linkage system 140A may be different (e.g., different shape, size, manufactured of different materials, etc.) than one or more components of the second linkage system 140B.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of a portion of the bogie assembly 102, according to an example of the present disclosure. The first side frame 110 extends between the first end 112 that is configured to be operably coupled with the first axle 122 and the second end 114 that is configured to be operably coupled with the second axle 124. The first side frame 110 includes an opening passage that is proximate a center axis 184 between the first and second ends 112, 114 through which a portion of the bolster 136 is positioned.

The first side frame 110 includes a first frame attachment portion 170 and a second frame attachment portion 172. The first and second frame attachment portions 170, 172 extend a distance away from the first side frame 110 and away from the bolster 136. In the illustrated example, the first frame attachment portion 170 is positioned at a first elevation 180 relative to a ground level (not shown) and the second frame attachment portion 172 is positioned at a second elevation 182 that is different than the first elevation 180. In another example, the first frame attachment portion 170 may be positioned lower than the second frame attachment portion 172. The shape, size, position, and/or arrangement of the first and/or second frame attachment portions are for illustrative purposes only, and in alternative examples may have different shapes, sizes, positions, orientations, arrangements, or the like.

The bolster 136 includes a first bolster attachment potion 166 that extends a distance away from the first end 152 of the bolster 136. The bolster also includes a second bolster attachment portion 168 that extends a distance away from the second end 154 of the bolster 136 (shown in FIG. 3). The shape, size, position, and/or arrangement of the first and/or second bolster attachment portions are for illustrative purposes only, and in alternative examples may have different shapes, sizes, positions, orientations, arrangements, or the like.

The first linkage system 140A includes a first connector link 202, a second connector link 212, and a center link 222. In one or more examples, the first and second connector links 202, 212 may be referred to as side frame anchors, or the like. The first connector link 202 extends between a first end 204 that is operably coupled with the first frame attachment portion 170 of the first side frame 110 and a second end 206 that is operably coupled with the center link 222. The second connector link 212 extends between a third end 214 that is operably coupled with the center link 222 and a fourth end 216 that is operably coupled with the second frame attachment portion 172 of the first side frame 110. The center link 222 is operably coupled with the first bolster attachment portion 166.

In the illustrate example, the first linkage system 140A includes plural locking pins 244A-E and plural bearings 246A-D that are used to pivotally couple the different components of the linkage system 140A with each other, with the first side frame 110, and/or the bolster 136. For example, the first end 204 of the first connector link 202 is pivotally coupled with the first frame attachment portion 170 about a first axis 230. The second end 206 of the first connector link 202 is pivotally coupled with the center link 222 about a second axis 232 such that one or both of the second end 206 of the first connector link 202 and the center link 222 are permitted or allowed to pivot or rotate about the second axis 232. The third end 214 of the second connector link 212 is pivotally coupled with the center link 222 about a third axis 234 such that one or both of the third end 214 of the second connector link 212 and the center link 222 are permitted or allowed to pivot or rotate about the third axis 234. The fourth end 216 of the second connector link 212 is pivotally coupled with the second frame attachment portion 172 about a fourth axis 236. The center link 222 is pivotally coupled with the first bolster attachment portion 166 about a fifth axis 238. For example, the first connector link 202, the second connector link 212, and the center link 222 are allowed to and permitted to rotate responsive to vertical movement of the bolster 136 in a vertical direction 190 relative to the first side frame 110.

The first end 204 of the first connector link 202 is operably coupled with the first frame attachment portion 170 at a fixed position at the first elevation 180. The fourth end 216 of the second connector link 212 is operably coupled with the second frame attachment portion 172 at a fixed position at the second elevation 182. For example, the first end 204 of the first connector link 202 and the fourth end 216 of the second connector link 212 remain fixedly coupled with the first side frame 110.

The center link 222 is operably coupled with the first bolster attachment portion 166 of the bolster 136 at a fixed position proximate to and along the center axis 184 of the first side frame 110. The center link 222 controls a direction of movement and an amount of movement or a travel distance of the bolster 136 relative to the first side frame 110. For example, the center link 222 may pivot about the fifth axis 238 responsive to movement of the first and/or second connector links 202, 212. The center link 222 may allow or permit vertical movement of the bolster 136 along the center axis 184 of the first side frame 110 but prohibits or prevents rotational movement of the bolster 136.

FIG. 5 illustrates different positions of the first linkage system 140A, according to an example of the present disclosure. The first connector link 202 is pivotally coupled with the first frame attachment portion 170 at the first axis 230 and is pivotally coupled with the center link 222 at the second axis 232. The second connector link 212 is pivotally coupled with the center link 222 at the third axis 234 and is pivotally coupled with the second frame attachment portion 172 at the fourth axis 236. The center link 222 is pivotally coupled with the first bolster attachment portion 166 at the fifth axis 238. The first end 204 of the first connector link 202 is fixedly coupled with the first frame attachment portion 170 at the first elevation 180 and the fourth end 216 of the second connector link 212 is fixedly coupled with the second frame attachment portion 172 at the second elevation 182. For example, the first and second frame attachment portions 170, 172 prevent or prohibit vertical movement of the first end 204 of the first connector link 202 and the fourth end 216 of the second connector link 212, respectively, in the vertical direction 190.

The center link 222 is allowed to pivot or rotate about the fifth axis 238 responsive to movement of the first and/or second connector links 202, 212 between different positions. For example, at a first position 502, a vertical position of the fifth axis 238 (e.g., the mating location between the bolster 136 and the center link 222) is at a location that is above the first elevation 180. At a second position 504, the vertical position of the fifth axis 238 is at a location between the first and second elevations 180, 182. At a third position 506, the vertical position of the fifth axis 238 is at a location that is below the second elevation 182. For example, the first linkage system 140A allows vertical movement of the bolster 136 between different vertical positions above the first elevation 180, between the first and second elevations 180, 182, and below the second elevation 182. Additionally, the first linkage system 140A prevents or prohibits rotational movement of the bolster 136. For example, in the illustrated example, the fifth axis 238 indicative of the mating location between the bolster 136 and the center link 222 travels only along the center axis 184 of the first side frame 110 and does not move away from the center axis 184 of the first side frame 110. The center link 222 is allowed to pivot about the second axis 232, the third axis 234, and the fifth axis 238, and the pivoting or rotational movement of the center link 222 prohibits rotational movement of the bolster 136.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a first side view of the bogie assembly 102 that includes the first side frame 110, according to an example of the present disclosure. The bogie assembly 102 in the illustrated example shown in FIG. 6 is in a first state 600A and the bogie assembly 102 in the illustrated example shown in FIG. 7 is in a second state 600B.

The bogie assembly 102 includes the first linkage system 140A that is operably coupled with the first side frame 110 at the first and second frame attachment portions 170, 172, and is operably coupled with the bolster at the first bolster attachment portion 166. The bogie assembly 102 includes the suspension springs 130A positioned between the bolster 136 and the transom 144. In the first state 600A shown in FIG. 6, the suspension springs 130A are in an uncompressed or free height. Alternatively, in the second state 600B shown in FIG. 7, the suspension springs 130A are in a compressed or solid height responsive to vertical movement of the bolster 136 in the vertical direction 190 (shown in FIGS. 4 and 5). For example, the suspension springs 130A and the first linkage system 140A control a direction of movement of the bolster and a distance of travel of the bolster 136 while transmitting transportation loads between the bolster 136 and the first side frame 110. For example, the first linkage system 140A allows only vertical movement of the first end 152 of the bolster 136 and prohibits rotational movement of the first end 152 of the bolster 136.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a second side view of the bogie assembly 102 that includes the second side frame 116, according to an example of the present disclosure. The bogie assembly 102 in the illustrated example shown in FIG. 8 is in a first state 800A and the bogie assembly 102 in the illustrated example shown in FIG. 9 is in a second state 800B.

The second side frame 116 includes a third frame attachment portion 270 and a fourth frame attachment portion 272. The second linkage system 140B includes a third connector link 302, a fourth connector link 312, and a second center link 322. Like the first linkage system 140A, the third connector link 302 extends between a first end 304 that is operably coupled with the third frame attachment portion 270 of the second side frame 116 and a second end 306 that is operably coupled with the second center link 322. The fourth connector link 312 extends between a third end 314 that is operably coupled with the second center link 322 and a fourth end 316 that is operably coupled with the fourth frame attachment portion 272 of the second side frame 116. The second center link 322 is operably coupled with the second bolster attachment portion 168.

The bogie assembly 102 includes the suspension springs 130B positioned between the bolster 136 and the transom 144 at the second end 154 of the bolster 136. In the first state 800A shown in FIG. 8, the suspension springs 130B are in an uncompressed state or at a free height. Alternatively, in the second state 800B shown in FIG. 9, the suspension springs 130B are in a compressed state or at solid height responsive to vertical movement of the bolster 136 in the vertical direction 190 (shown in FIGS. 4 and 5). For example, the suspension springs 130B and the second linkage system 140B control a direction of movement of the bolster and a distance of travel of the bolster 136 while transmitting transportation loads between the bolster 136 and the second side frame 116. For example, the second linkage system 140B allows only vertical movement of the second end 154 of the bolster 136 and prohibits rotational movement of the second end 154 of the bolster 136.

In one or more examples, the first and second linkage systems 140A, 140B may move and/or operate independent of each other. For example, the route or track may include irregularities that may be exposed only to the wheels 126A, 128A proximate to the first side frame 110, and not the wheels 126B, 128B proximate to the second side frame 116. The first linkage system 140A and/or the suspension springs 130A may control a vertical displacement of the first end 152 of the bolster 136, while a vertical placement of the second end 154 of the bolster 136 remains substantially unchanged.

Further, the disclosure comprises embodiments according to the following clauses:

• • Clause 1: a Bogie Assembly, Comprising:
  • a side frame extending between a first end configured to be operably coupled with a first axle and a second end configured to be operably coupled with a second axle, the side frame including a first frame attachment portion and a second frame attachment portion;
  • a bolster configured to be operably coupled with the side frame, the bolster comprising a bolster attachment portion; and
  • a linkage system comprising a first connector link, a second connector link, and a center link, wherein the center link is configured to be operably coupled with the bolster attachment portion of the bolster,
  • wherein the first connector link extends between a first end configured to be operably coupled with the first frame attachment portion and a second end configured to be operably coupled with the center link, and
  • wherein the second connector link extends between a third end configured to be operably coupled with the center link and a fourth end configured to be operably coupled with the second frame attachment portion.
  • Clause 2: the bogie assembly of clause 1, wherein the first frame attachment portion is positioned at a first elevation of the side frame, and the second frame attachment portion is positioned at a second elevation of the side frame that is different than the first elevation.
  • Clause 3: the bogie assembly of clauses 1 or 2, wherein the first end of the first connector link is configured to be pivotally coupled with the first frame attachment portion about a first axis and the second end of the first connector link is configured to be pivotally coupled with the center link about a second axis.
  • Clause 4: the bogie assembly of any of clauses 1-3, wherein the third end of the second connector link is configured to be pivotally coupled with the center link about a third axis and the fourth end of the second connector link is configured to be pivotally coupled with the second frame attachment portion about a fourth axis.
  • Clause 5: the bogie assembly of any of clauses 1-4, wherein the center link is configured to be pivotally coupled with the bolster attachment portion of the bolster about a fifth axis.
  • Clause 6: the bogie assembly of any of clauses 1-5, wherein the first connector link, the second connector link, and the center link are configured to pivot responsive to vertical movement of the bolster relative to the side frame.
  • Clause 7: the bogie assembly of any of clauses 1-6, wherein the linkage system is configured to control one or more of a direction of movement or a travel distance of the bolster relative to the side frame.
  • Clause 8: the bogie assembly of any of clauses 1-7, wherein the linkage system is configured to permit vertical movement of the bolster and prevent rotational movement of the bolster relative to the side frame.
  • Clause 9: the bogie assembly of any of clauses 1-8, wherein the center link of the linkage system is configured to be positioned along a center axis of the side frame.
  • Clause 10: the bogie assembly of any of clauses 1-9, wherein the side frame is a first side frame and the linkage system is a first linkage system, and further comprising:
  • a second side frame configured to be operably coupled with the bolster, the second side frame including a third frame attachment portion and a fourth frame attachment portion; and
  • a second linkage system comprising a third connector link, a fourth connector link, and a second center link, wherein the second center link is configured to be operably coupled with a second bolster attachment portion of the bolster, the third connector link configured to be operably coupled with the third frame attachment portion and the second center link, the fourth connector link configured to be operably coupled with the second center link and the fourth frame attachment portion.
  • Clause 11: the bogie assembly of clause 10, wherein the first linkage system and the second linkage system are configured to control one or more of a direction of movement or a travel distance of the bolster relative to the first side frame and the second side frame.
  • Clause 12: the bogie assembly of clauses 10 or 11, wherein the second connector link of the first linkage system is positioned proximate the first axle, and wherein the fourth connector link of the second linkage system is positioned proximate the second axle.
  • Clause 13: the bogie assembly of any of clauses 10-12, wherein the first center link of the first linkage system is configured to be positioned along a first center axis of the first side frame and the second center link of the second linkage system is configured to be positioned along a second center axis of the second side frame.
  • Clause 14: a Bogie Assembly, Comprising:
  • a first side frame extending between a first end configured to be operably coupled with a first axle and a second end configured to be operably coupled with a second axle, the first side frame including a first frame attachment portion and a second frame attachment portion;
  • a second side frame extending between a third end configured to be operably coupled with the first axle and a fourth end configured to be operably coupled with the second axle, the second side frame including a third frame attachment portion and a fourth frame attachment portion;
  • a bolster configured to be operably coupled with the first side frame and the second side frame, the bolster comprising a first bolster attachment portion proximate the first side frame and a second bolster attachment portion proximate the second side frame;
  • a first linkage system comprising a first connector link, a second connector link, and a first center link, wherein the first center link is configured to be operably coupled with the first bolster attachment portion of the bolster, the first connector link extends between a first end configured to be operably coupled with the first frame attachment portion of the first side frame and a second end configured to be operably coupled with the first center link, and the second connector link extends between a third end configured to be operably coupled with the first center link and a fourth end configured to be operably coupled with the second frame attachment portion of the first side frame; and
  • a second linkage system comprising a third connector link, a fourth connector link, and a second center link, wherein the second center link is configured to be operably coupled with the second bolster attachment portion of the bolster, the third connector link extends between a first end configured to be operably coupled with the third frame attachment portion of the second side frame and a second end configured to be operably coupled with the second center link, and the fourth connector link extends between a third end configured to be operably coupled with the second center link and a fourth end configured to be operably coupled with the fourth frame attachment portion of the second side frame.
  • Clause 15: the bogie assembly of clause 14, wherein the first center link of the first linkage system is configured to be pivotally coupled with the first bolster attachment portion about a first axis, the first connector link is configured to be pivotally coupled with the first frame attachment portion about a second axis, and the second connector link is configured to be pivotally coupled with the second frame attachment portion about a third axis.
  • Clause 16: the bogie assembly of clauses 14 or 15, wherein the second center link of the second linkage system is configured to be pivotally coupled with the second bolster attachment portion about a fourth axis, the third connector link is configured to be pivotally coupled with the third frame attachment portion about a fifth axis, and the fourth connector link is configured to be pivotally coupled with the fourth frame attachment portion about a sixth axis.
  • Clause 17: the bogie assembly of any of clauses 14-16, wherein the first linkage system and the second linkage system are configured to control one or more of a direction of movement or a travel distance of the bolster relative to the first side frame and the second side frame.
  • Clause 18: the bogie assembly of any of clauses 14-17, wherein the first linkage system and the second linkage system are configured to permit vertical movement of the bolster and prevent rotational movement of the bolster relative to the first side frame and the second side frame.
  • Clause 19: the bogie assembly of any of clauses 14-18, wherein the first center link of the first linkage system is configured to be positioned along a first center axis of the first side frame and the second center link of the second linkage system is configured to be positioned along a second center axis of the second side frame.
  • Clause 20: a bogie assembly of an autonomous rail vehicle, the bogie assembly comprising:
  • a first side frame extending between a first end operably coupled with a first axle of the autonomous rail vehicle and a second end operably coupled with a second axle of the autonomous rail vehicle, the first side frame including a first frame attachment portion and a second frame attachment portion;
  • a second side frame extending between a third end operably coupled with the first axle and a fourth end operably coupled with the second axle, the second side frame including a third frame attachment portion and a fourth frame attachment portion;
  • a bolster configured to be operably coupled with the first side frame and the second side frame, the bolster comprising a first bolster attachment portion proximate the first side frame and a second bolster attachment portion proximate the second side frame;
  • a first linkage system comprising a first connector link, a second connector link, and a first center link, wherein the first center link is configured to be pivotally coupled with the first bolster attachment portion of the bolster, the first connector link extends between a first end configured to be pivotally coupled with the first frame attachment portion of the first side frame and a second end configured to be pivotally coupled with the first center link, and the second connector link extends between a third end configured to be pivotally coupled with the first center link and a fourth end configured to be pivotally coupled with the second frame attachment portion of the first side frame, wherein the first center link is configured to be positioned along a first center axis of the first side frame between the first end and the second end of the first side frame; and
  • a second linkage system comprising a third connector link, a fourth connector link, and a second center link, wherein the second center link is configured to be pivotally coupled with the second bolster attachment portion of the bolster, the third connector link extends between a first end configured to be pivotally coupled with the third frame attachment portion of the second side frame and a second end configured to be pivotally coupled with the second center link, and the fourth connector link extends between a third end configured to be pivotally coupled with the second center link and a fourth end configured to be pivotally coupled with the fourth frame attachment portion of the second side frame, wherein the second center link is configured to be positioned along a second center axis between the third end and the fourth end of the second side frame.

While various spatial and directional terms, such as top, bottom, lower, mid, lateral, horizontal, vertical, front and the like may be used to describe embodiments of the present disclosure, it is understood that such terms are merely used with respect to the orientations shown in the drawings. The orientations may be inverted, rotated, or otherwise changed, such that an upper portion is a lower portion, and vice versa, horizontal becomes vertical, and the like.

As used herein, a structure, limitation, or element that is “configured to” perform a task or operation is particularly structurally formed, constructed, or adapted in a manner corresponding to the task or operation. For purposes of clarity and the avoidance of doubt, an object that is merely capable of being modified to perform the task or operation is not “configured to”perform the task or operation as used herein.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the various embodiments of the disclosure without departing from their scope. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the various embodiments of the disclosure, the embodiments are by no means limiting and are exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the various embodiments of the disclosure should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein. ” Moreover, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S. C. § 112(f), unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function void of further structure.

This written description uses examples to disclose the various embodiments of the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various embodiments of the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the various embodiments of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if the examples have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if the examples include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.