OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a railway axle with automatic change to multiple
track widths, making it possible to solve the problem of the difference in track widths
adopted in different railway networks around the world and which represent a barrier
to railway traffic, requiring the transfer of the goods or manual width change.
[0002] Specifically, the railway axle of the invention is envisaged to change the width
between wheels in railway vehicles to continuously switch from one track width to
another, making them circulate along a transition track section with rail and check
rail which, by continuously varying its width, connects the two tracks of different
width. Such railway axles are known from
ES 338183 A2 for example.
[0003] The object of the invention is to remove the physical barrier currently represented
by the change in width both in freight and passenger traffic, in order to execute
said transition smoothly, without the need for stopping and without releasing the
wheel load during the width change process.
[0004] The invention falls within the field of railways and, specifically, that of wheel
tandems corresponding to railway vehicles or convoys.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The problem of width difference between railway networks is a problem which has historically
been addressed by means of solutions oriented mainly towards passenger traffic, namely
the CAF Talgo or Brava Universal Shifting Rolling System, inter alia, which currently
functions satisfactorily.
[0006] However, in the field of railway freight transport, there are different known solutions
based on axles with automatic change to variable widths, each with its own peculiarities,
but none of which has been capable of addressing the challenge posed by freight transport
due to the stringent heavy-haul requirements imposed.
[0007] Thus, the Talgo system titled "Railway axle assembly equipped with automatic track
width change and adaptable to conventional freight bogies" is known. However, it is
not a typical continuous mounted axle and the width change process is performed by
releasing the wheel load. It requires internal bearings which have a problem with
the detection of internal hot boxes, in addition to the possibility that the locks
may perform poorly in the event of extremely low temperatures. Said locks are disposed
in an upright position and have a hollow bridge that joins the vertical unblocking
rods on receiving the head of an appropriate profile of an unlocking guide of the
width changing installation, which requires precise action on the axle.
[0008] Typical assembled axle systems valid for freight include, namely, the Polish SUW2000
system and the German Rafil Type V system.
[0009] SUW2000 has the complication of transmitting torsional torque between wheelsets by
means of threaded male-female joining elements, which entail severe deterioration
in contact zones, giving rise to clearances that end up being supported by the wheel
locking system and consequently destroying it, thereby adding to the complexity of
the maintenance tasks.
[0010] Other variable-width systems are known that resolve this problem by means of fixation
compasses, but do not have an articulated connection and are disposed on the outer
part of the axle, which increases fatigue and, therefore, breakage of the part. In
addition, they require specially designed grease boxes, which significantly raise
the cost of the solution. Other variable-width systems are also known wherein the
forces required to perform the change in width are applied by means of the guiding
of additional wheel treads of the railway wheels, which adds excess weight. In other
axles, the width-changing process is carried out by means of the participation of
pendulums that interact with the width-changing platform, said pendulums being elements
which add excess weight to the system, in addition to further complicating maintenance.
[0011] Furthermore, both Rafil Type V and SUW2000 have the characteristic of being exclusively
compatible with two different track widths, restricting its use to a single railway
border, limiting any traffic to other networks with multiple widths, as becoming required
in Europe-Asia freight traffic.
[0012] In addition, there is a problem generally associated with current variable-width
railway axles, as they require the use of specific rolling material from the manufacturer,
which represents a handicap for their use in freight transport, since the car and
bogie fleet cannot be reused for the existing fixed width, raising total operating
costs.
[0013] In summary, there is currently no railway axle with automatic track width change
that solves the problem of international rail freight traffic between infrastructures
with different track widths, capable of changing to more than two widths without releasing
the wheel load, smoothly and with low maintenance requirements, without need for bearings
on the inner sides of the wheel, and being compatible with the twin-axle cars and
freight bogies customarily used by operators.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The railway axle with automatic change to multiple track widths, which does not need
to release wheel load, is based on the design of a new axle which, installed on a
train, allows it to freely circulate between railway networks of different widths.
The change of width is performed on passing through a system installed on the track
which is in charge of performing the corresponding manoeuvres that enable the unlocking
and subsequent locking of an internal mechanism envisaged for this purpose.
[0015] Specifically, the railway axle of the invention is composed of an actual axle and
two wheels which are coupled to said axle by means of adjusted bushings, allowing
the axial movement of the wheels on the axle under load conditions, without suffering
excessive wear or breakage, even under heavy-haul conditions due to freight traffic.
This is possible as a result of the lubrication by means of grease achieved in the
inner zone by means of greasers disposed for this purpose. The axle has a system of
claws shaped in the manner of a sliding sleeve for each wheel, such that the locking
which makes it possible to maintain a constant track width is achieved when the claws
of said sleeve enter annular, trapezoidal grooves envisaged in rings mounted on the
wheel hub.
[0016] The axle may be configured to achieve more than two widths by modifying the length
of the sliding sleeves, as well as the length of the axle, and mounting more rings
with annular, trapezoidal grooves, combined with spacer rings envisaged to separate
the rings with annular grooves, and whose separation will establish the appropriate
distance until achieving the desired track widths.
[0017] Each sleeve of claws will rotate secured in rotation to the axle, as it is fixed
by means of a base ring that is hooped and secured to the axle, said fixation and
hooping being carried out by a single nut that is screwed onto a threaded section
of the hooped base ring. In order to enable the exact adjustment of track width dimensions,
a calibration washer will be installed between the sleeve of claws and the base ring
that is hooped and secured to the axle. In order to prevent the end of the sleeve
of claws, which maintains the locking, from slipping out of the annular ring grooves,
a clamping sleeve associated with one or more pretensioned springs will be used.
[0018] The change in width, and therefore the unlocking or unblocking of the wheels, will
occur when a force is applied that can overcome the resistance offered by installed
pretensioned springs and move the sleeve of claws. This force will be applied throughout
the width change process due to the interaction of the axle with a width-changing
device or platform installed on the track. The force will be applied to a disc-like
pusher secured to the sleeve of claws that will compress the springs installed in
the axle, in order to release the claws from the annular grooves, facilitating the
movement of the wheels in an axial direction until the claws of the end of the sleeve
are housed in the annular groove corresponding to the new track width on which the
railway vehicle will circulate.
[0019] The railway axle also has parts called compasses that serve as a coupling between
the wheel and the axle in the direction of rotation, each compass being formed by
a pair of semi-compasses or arms, articulated therebetween, with the participation
of a ball-and-socket joint which allows for pitching, such that the use of this ball-and-socket
joint allows for the absorption of small non-axial movements of the wheel on the axle
during rolling thereof, preventing the rod that connects them from breaking. The coupling
between the wheel and the axle occurs upon connecting a semi-compass to the inside
of the wheel by means of a supporting sleeve and the other semi-compass to the base
ring that is hooped and secured to the axle. The compass supports additionally serve
to protect the rings having annular, trapezoidal grooves when the axle is operating
on greater track-width configurations.
[0020] In addition, the railway axle is complemented with a bellows-type extendable membrane
having one or more folds and that will serve as protection for smaller track-width
positions, such that said membrane is joined to the axle and to the wheel on the outer
part thereof by means of a plate housed in a concave projection of the axle joined
to an outer protection part, and joined to the wheel by means of a ring whereto the
extendable membrane will be joined.
[0021] The structural elements that constitute the railway axle object of the invention
include, namely, the following:
- The axle is designed to support heavy-haul rail freight transport.
- The inclusion of the articulated compass system guarantees the absorption of non-axial
movements of the wheel on the axle during normal operation, without causing fatigue
of the connecting rod that joins the two semi-compasses.
- The use of non-ferrous material in the contact zone between the sleeve claws and the
trapezoidal grooves of the rings, and in the contact or outer zone between the sleeve
of claws and the clamping sleeve extends the useful life of the contact elements.
- All the elements are designed to be quickly replaced without auxiliary means.
[0022] The advantages of the railway axle described are as follows:
- It solves the problem of ice that appears in various width-changing systems.
- It achieves reduced maintenance, limited to the usual wear.
- The railway axle is compatible with any twin-axle car and bogie available to railway
operators.
- The railway axle is valid for changing to more than two widths simultaneously.
- The railway axle constitutes a highly robust assembly.
- The railway axle has sufficient structural resistance to house brake discs in its
middle area.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] As a complement to the description made below, and for the purpose of helping to
make the characteristics of the invention more readily understandable, this specification
is accompanied by a set of drawings that form an integral part thereof and whose figures,
by way of illustration and not limitation, represent the following:
Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the variable-width railway axle assembly
with the different components that integrate it in two positions, one of maximum width
and the other of minimum width.
Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the compasses that participate in the railway
axle of the invention, showing the ball-and-socket joint incorporated between the
two compasses.
Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view corresponding to a detail that shows the fixation
of the hooped ring and the sleeve of claws with respect to the axle.
Figure 4 shows, lastly, a cross-sectional view corresponding to a detail of the extendable
membrane constituted by an external protection bellows of the variable-width axle.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0024] As can be observed in the aforementioned figures, the variable-width axle object
of the invention is envisaged to be able to change from one width to another in a
fully satisfactory manner, such that, in accordance with figure 1, the railway axle
as a whole comprises the wheels (1) mounted on the corresponding axle (2) with sliding
adjustment, i.e. with axial sliding capacity of the wheel (1) over the axle (2). This
sliding adjustment occurs due to the use of adjusted bushings (3) lubricated by means
of grease on the inside (4) of the wheel (1), allowing the transition from one width
to another without the need to release the wheel load, even under heavy-haul conditions,
such as freight traffic. The wheels (1) will be immobilised with respect to the axle
(2) by means of a sleeve (5) of claws (5') that will prevent the axial movement thereof
when the claws (5') are housed in trapezoidal grooves (6') provided in rings (6) mounted
on the hub (7) of the wheel (1) itself, such that the layout of the trapezoidal grooves
(6') will establish annular grooves that will enable the configuration of two or more
track widths, by modifying the length of the hub (7) of the wheel (1), the length
of the axle (1) and the use of spacer rings (8) disposed between the rings (6) of
the groove (6').
[0025] The claws (5') will be secured in rotation to the axle (2) and are fixed by means
of a base ring (9) that is hooped and secured to the axle, housed in the trapezoidal
grooves of the rings (6), where they will form annular wedges along the entire perimeter.
In order to prevent damage to the claws (5'), non-ferrous materials will be used both
in the contact zone thereof with the trapezoidal grooves (6') and on the outer part
that is in contact with a clamping sleeve (10), the latter being envisaged to prevent
the claws (5') from abandoning the trapezoidal grooves (6') through the action of
one or more pretensioned springs (11).
[0026] In order to perform the change in width, said claws (5') must be unblocked with respect
to the grooves (6'), which is possible by means of the action of a force to overcome
one or more pretensioned springs (11) and move the clamping sleeve (10), a force applied
when said axle circulates through the track device or mechanism envisaged to perform
the change in width.
[0027] During the transition, a disc-like pusher (12) secured to said clamping sleeve (10),
which will compress one or more pretensioned springs (11), will be actuated, releasing
the claws (5') from the grooves (6') for the purpose of facilitating movement in an
axial direction until the desired claw (5') enters the corresponding groove (6') and
establishes the new track width to which the change is made. The coupling between
the wheel (1) and the axle (2), in the direction of rotation, is carried out based
on articulated compasses (13) connected by one end to the inside of the wheel (1),
by means of a supporting sleeve (14) and, by the other end, to the base ring (9) hooped
and secured to the axle (2), whereto the sleeve (5) with claws (5') is also connected,
thereby enabling the transmission of moment between the two wheels (1), without preventing
axial movement. The compass support (14) will in turn serve to protect the rings (6)
with trapezoidal grooves (6') when the axle (2) is in the maximum track-width position.
[0028] Figure 2 shows a more detailed view of the articulated compass system (13) formed
by two semi-compasses (15) which make rotation possible by means of an articulation
shaft (16), as well as shifting by means of a ball-and-socket joint (17) coupled to
said shaft (16) and housed in one of the semi-compasses (15). The use of this ball-and-socket
joint (17) absorbs the small non-axial movements of the wheel (1) on the axle (2),
during normal operation, without causing fatigue of the rod that connects them, thereby
preventing it from breaking. The position of the articulated compasses (13), which
transmit the rotation movement between the wheels (1), on the inside of the axle (2),
and not having to release the wheel (1) load during the transition, makes it possible
to use standard running systems and enables the variable-width railway axle to be
used in existing vehicles, requiring only small changes to apply it.
[0029] Figure 3 shows a more precise view of the fixation of the sleeve (5) of claws (5')
to the axle (2), said fixation being carried out by means of a single nut (18) that
is screwed onto a threaded section of the base ring (9). In order to allow for the
exact adjustment of the dimensions, a calibration washer (19) will be inserted between
the base ring (9) and the sleeve (5) of claws (5').
[0030] Figure 4 shows the protection system when the axle (2) is in the minimum track-width
position, said protection system being based on a bellows-type extendable membrane
(20), having one or more folds, which will be joined to the axle (2) by means of a
plate (21) disposed on a concave projection (23) of the axle (2) joined to an outer
protection part and joined to the external part of the wheel (1) by means of a ring
(22) whereto the extendable membrane (20) will be joined.
[0031] Lastly, it should be noted that in relation to the railway braking system, brake
discs can optionally be disposed in the middle area of the axle, secured thereto,
or disposed secured to the wheels, requiring in this latter case a simple steering
system to accompany the movement of the wheels during the transition from one width
to another.
1. A railway axle with automatic change to multiple track widths, comprising wheels (1)
mounted on an axle (2) by means of sliding adjustment, enabling the transition from
one width to another without the need to release the wheel load, even in the case
of heavy hauling, wherein the wheels (1) are immobilised on the axle (2) in terms
of the axle movement thereof by means of a sleeve (5) of claws (5') secured in rotation
to the axle (2), the claws (5') envisaged on one of the ends of the sleeve (5) being
housed in annular, trapezoidal grooves (6') spaced apart from one another to enable
the configuration of the axle operating width, with the participation of a clamping
sleeve (10) associated with one or more pretensioned springs (11), with the collaboration
of articulated compasses (13) connected in an articulated manner between the axle
and the wheel, characterised in that the annular, trapezoidal grooves (6') wherein the claws (5') of the sleeve (6) are
housed define rings (5) mounted on the hub (7) of the wheel (1), with the interposition
of spacer rings (8); it being envisaged that the surface of the contact zone between
the claws (5') and the annular, trapezoidal grooves (6'), and between the outer zone
of said claws (5') and the clamping sleeve (10) will be made of non-ferrous materials,
with the added peculiarity that a ball-and-socket joint (17) mounted on the articulation
shaft (16) itself between the semi-compasses (15) participates in the articulation
between said semi-compasses (15') that form the articulated compasses (13), in order
to absorb the small non-axial movements of the wheel (1) on the axle (2).
2. The railway axle with automatic change to multiple track widths, according to claim
1, characterised in that the sliding adjustment between the wheels (1) and the axle (2) is performed by adjusted
bushings (3) lubricated by means of grease on the inside (4) of the wheel (1).
3. The railway axle with automatic change to multiple track widths, according to claim
1, characterised in that the pretensioned springs (11) that establish the blocking of the claws (5') on the
trapezoidal grooves (6') are mounted on a base ring (9) that is hooped and secured
to the axle (2), said pretensioned springs (11) being compressed by means of a disc-like
pusher (12) secured to the clamping sleeve (10).
4. The railway axle with automatic change to multiple track widths, according to claims
1 and 3, characterised in that the fixation of the sleeve (5) of claws (5') to the axle (2) by means of a base ring
(9) that is hooped and secured to the axle is executed by means of a nut (18) threaded
on a section of said base ring (9), also incorporating a collaboration washer (19)
between the sleeve (5) of claws (5') and the base ring (9), in order to allow the
exact adjustment of track width.
5. The railway axle with automatic change to multiple track widths, according to claim
1, characterised in that it incorporates a bellows-type extendable membrane (20), having one or more folds,
mounted on the axle (2) by means of a plate (21) housed in a concave projection (23)
of the axle (2) itself, and joined to an external protection part, and to the outer
part of the wheel (1) by means of a ring (22).
6. The railway axle with automatic change to multiple track widths, according to claim
1, characterised in that the joint between the articulated compasses (13) and the wheels (1) is executed through
a supporting sleeve (14) which acts as a protection element of the rings (6) with
trapezoidal grooves (6') when the axle (2) is in the configurations with the greatest
width.
7. The railway axle with automatic change to multiple track widths, according to claim
1, characterised in that in the middle area of the axle (2) it is possible to mount brake discs secured thereto,
or to dispose said brake discs secured to the wheels (1).
1. Schienenachse mit automatischem Wechsel zu mehreren Spurweiten, bestehend aus Rädern
(1), die auf einer Achse (2) mittels Schiebeeinstellung montiert sind und den Übergang
von einer Weite zu einer anderen ermöglichen, ohne dass die Radlast gelöst werden
muss, selbst in dem Fall eines Schwerlasttransports, wobei die Räder (1) an der Achse
(2) hinsichtlich deren Achsbewegung mittels einer Hülse (5) aus Klammern (5') fixiert
sind, die drehfest an der Achse (2) befestigt sind, wobei die Klammern (5'), die an
einem der Enden der Hülse (5) vorgesehen sind, in ringförmigen, trapezförmigen Nuten
(6') untergebracht sind, die voneinander beabstandet sind, um die Konfiguration der
Achsenbetriebsbreite unter Beteiligung einer Spannhülse (10) zu ermöglichen, die einer
oder mehreren vorgespannten Federn (11) zugeordnet ist, unter Zusammenwirken von zwischen
der Achse und dem Rad gelenkig verbundenen Gelenkzirkeln (13), dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die ringförmigen, trapezförmigen Nuten (6'), in denen die Klammern (5') der Hülse
(6) untergebracht sind, Ringe (5) definieren, die unter Zwischenlage von Distanzringen
(8) an der Nabe (7) des Rads (1) montiert sind; wobei es vorgesehen ist, dass die
Oberfläche der Kontaktzone zwischen den Klammern (5') und den ringförmigen, trapezförmigen
Nuten (6') und zwischen der äußeren Zone dieser Klammern (5') und der Spannhülse (10)
aus anderen Werkstoffen als Eisen hergestellt ist, mit der zusätzlichen Besonderheit,
dass ein Kugelgelenk (17), das an der Gelenkwelle (16) selbst zwischen den Zirkelhälften
(15) montiert ist, an der Gelenkverbindung zwischen den Zirkelhälften (15'), welche
die Gelenkzirkel (13) bilden, beteiligt ist, um die kleinen nichtaxialen Bewegungen
des Rads (1) an der Achse (2) aufzunehmen.
2. Schienenachse mit automatischem Wechsel zu mehreren Spurweiten nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Schiebeeinstellung zwischen den Rädern (1) und der Achse (2) durch eingestellte
Muffen (3) an der Innenseite (4) des Rads (1), die mittels Fett geschmiert werden,
durchgeführt wird.
3. Schienenachse mit automatischem Wechsel zu mehreren Spurweiten nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die vorgespannten Federn (11), welche die Blockierung der Klammern (5') an den trapezförmigen
Nuten (6') bewirken, an einem Basisring (9) montiert sind, der aufgezogen und an der
Achse (2) befestigt ist, wobei die vorgespannten Federn (11) mittels eines scheibenartigen
Schiebeelements (12) zusammengedrückt werden, das an der Spannhülse (10) befestigt
ist.
4. Schienenachse mit automatischem Wechsel zu mehreren Spurweiten nach Anspruch 1 und
3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Befestigung der Hülse (5) von Klammern (5') an der Achse (2) mittels eines Basisrings
(9), der aufgezogen und an der Achse befestigt ist, mittels eines Bolzens (18) ausgeführt
ist, der auf einen Abschnitt des Basisrings (9) geschraubt ist und auch eine Kollisionsscheibe
(19) zwischen der Hülse (5) der Klammern (5') und dem Basisring (9) aufweist, um die
Spurweite genau einstellen zu können.
5. Schienenachse mit automatischem Wechsel zu mehreren Spurweiten nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass sie eine ausfahrbare Balgmembran (20) mit einer oder mehreren Falten aufweist, die
mittels einer Platte (21), die in einem konkaven Vorsprung (23) der Achse (2) selbst
untergebracht ist, an der Achse (2) montiert und mit einem äußeren Schutzteil und
mit dem äußeren Teil des Rads (1) mittels eines Ringes (22) verbunden ist.
6. Schienenachse mit automatischem Wechsel zu mehreren Spurweiten nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Verbindung zwischen den Gelenkzirkeln (13) und den Rädern (1) durch eine Stützhülse
(14) ausgeführt ist, die als Schutzelement der Ringe (6) mit trapezförmigen Nuten
(6') dient, wenn sich die Achse (2) in den Konfigurationen mit der größten Weite befindet.
7. Schienenachse mit automatischem Wechsel zu mehreren Spurweiten nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass es im mittleren Bereich der Achse (2) möglich ist, Bremsscheiben zu montieren, die
daran befestigt sind, oder die an den Rädern (1) befestigten Bremsscheiben anzuordnen.
1. Essieu ferroviaire à adaptation automatique à plusieurs largeurs de voie, comprenant
des roues (1) montées sur un essieu (2) au moyen d'un ajustement coulissant, permettant
la transition d'une largeur à l'autre sans avoir à libérer la charge des roues, même
en cas de transport lourd, les roues (1) étant bloquées sur l'essieu (2) en ce qui
concerne leur mouvement sur l'essieu, au moyen d'un manchon (5) à griffes (5') solidaire
en rotation avec l'essieu (2), les griffes (5') prévues sur une des extrémités du
manchon (5) étant logées dans des rainures (6') trapézoïdales annulaires espacées
les unes des autres pour permettre de configurer la largeur de fonctionnement de l'essieu,
à l'aide d'un manchon de serrage (10) associé à un ou plusieurs ressorts prétendus
(11), en coopération avec des compas articulés (13) reliés de manière articulée entre
l'essieu et la roue, caractérisé en ce que les rainures (6') trapézoïdales annulaires dans lesquelles les griffes (5') du manchon
(6) sont logées définissent des bagues (5) montées sur le moyeu (7) de la roue (1),
par interposition de bagues d'écartement (8) ; la surface de la zone de contact entre
les griffes (5') et les rainures (6') trapézoïdales annulaires, et entre la zone extérieure
desdites griffes (5') et le manchon de serrage (10), étant constituée de matériaux
non ferreux, avec la particularité supplémentaire qu'un joint à rotule (17) monté
sur l'axe d'articulation (16) entre les demi-compas (15) participe à l'articulation
entre lesdits demi-compas (15') qui forment les compas articulés (13), afin d'absorber
les petits mouvements non axiaux de la roue (1) sur l'axe (2).
2. Essieu ferroviaire à adaptation automatique à plusieurs largeurs de voie selon la
revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que l'ajustement coulissant entre les roues (1) et l'essieu (2) est effectué par des
douilles ajustées (3) lubrifiées avec de la graisse sur l'intérieur (4) de la roue
(1).
3. Essieu ferroviaire à adaptation automatique à plusieurs largeurs de voie selon la
revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que les ressorts prétendus (11) qui mettent en oeuvre le blocage des griffes (5') sur
les rainures (6') trapézoïdales sont montés sur une bague de base (9) qui encercle
l'essieu (2) et est solidaire de celui-ci, lesdits ressorts prétendus (11) étant comprimés
au moyen d'un disque pousseur (12) solidaire du manchon de serrage (10).
4. Essieu ferroviaire à adaptation automatique à plusieurs largeurs de voie selon les
revendications 1 et 3, caractérisé en ce que la fixation du manchon (5) à griffes (5') sur l'essieu (2) au moyen d'une bague de
base (9) qui encercle l'essieu et est solidaire de celui-ci est exécutée au moyen
d'un écrou fileté (18) sur une partie de ladite bague de base (9), avec également
une rondelle de coopération (19) entre le manchon (5) à griffes (5') et la bague de
base (9), afin de permettre le réglage exact de la largeur de voie.
5. Essieu ferroviaire à adaptation automatique à plusieurs largeurs de voie selon la
revendication 1, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend une membrane extensible (20) de type soufflet, présentant un ou plusieurs
plis, montée sur l'essieu (2) au moyen d'une plaque (21) qui est logée dans une saillie
concave (23) dudit essieu (2) et est raccordée à une pièce de protection extérieure
et à la partie extérieure de la roue (1) au moyen d'une bague (22).
6. Essieu ferroviaire à adaptation automatique à plusieurs largeurs de voie selon la
revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la liaison entre les compas articulés (13) et les roues (1) est réalisée par un manchon
de support (14) qui agit comme élément de protection des bagues (6) à rainures (6')
trapézoïdales quand l'essieu (2) se trouve dans les configurations de largeur supérieure.
7. Essieu ferroviaire à adaptation automatique à plusieurs largeurs de voie selon la
revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que, dans la zone médiane de l'essieu (2), il est possible de monter des disques de frein
solidaires de celui-ci, ou de disposer lesdits disques de frein de manière solidaire
des roues (1).