Drawbar assembly

Abstract

A drawbar assembly for a bogie system includes a body extending between a first end and a second end. A bushing assembly is coupled to the first end and includes a first member having a passage and a second member disposed within the passage of the first member. The bushing assembly includes an eccentric offset such that a center of the first member is offset from a center of the second member. A bearing assembly is coupled to the second end of the body and includes a cylindrical bearing concentric with the passage disposed at the second end of the body and a washer. The bushing assembly is coupled to a frame of the bogie system, and the bearing assembly is operably coupled to an axle assembly of the bogie system. The bearing assembly allows the body to rotate relative to the axle assembly of the bogie system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The described subject matter relates to tow bar assemblies and methods for vehicle systems. Background Art

[0002] The bogie of a vehicle system includes one or more drawbars or radial arms that provide structural support for the bogie's suspension system. For example, the drawbars or arms allow the wheels to move vertically relative to the main body of the bogie while reducing the amount of fore-aft (e.g., longitudinal) or side-to-side (e.g., lateral) movement of the wheels relative to the bogie frame. Figure 1 A partial perspective view of a bogie 10 is shown, which includes a front axle 12 and a rear axle 14, both of which are operatively coupled to a bogie frame 16. The bogie frame extends in a longitudinal direction between a front end 18 and a rear end 20, in a transverse direction between a first side 22 and a second side 24, and in a vertical direction between a top side 26 and a bottom side 28. In the embodiment shown, the bogie includes radial arms 30A, 30B that provide support for the bogie's suspension system. The two radial arms 30A, 30B on the first side are shown. Figure 1 The bogie also includes two radial arms on the second side. Figure 1 Each radial arm extends between an axle end 34 and a frame end 32. The axle end 34 of the radial arm 30B is operably coupled to the rear axle 14, and the frame end 32 of the radial arm 30B is operably coupled to the frame at a location between the first and second sides of the frame and proximate to the bottom side of the frame. For example, the frame end of each radial arm is coupled to the frame at a location below the main body of the frame and between the first and second sides of the main body of the frame.

[0003] However, the coupling of the frame end of each radial arm to the underside of the frame limits the overall height of the bogie system's frame, and thus the amount of cargo that can be carried by the bogie. For example, the underside of the frame must be spaced a certain distance from the path (not shown) to provide sufficient clearance for the radial arms to be secured to the underside of the frame. As the overall height of the bogie system increases, the bogie's stability decreases as it moves along the path.

[0004] It would be desirable to provide a system and method that is different from currently available systems and methods. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one or more embodiments, a drawbar assembly for a bogie system includes a body extending between a first end and a second end, and a bearing assembly coupled to the second end of the body. The bearing assembly includes a cylindrical bearing and one or more washers disposed between the cylindrical bearings along a bearing axis. The cylindrical bearing and the one or more washers are concentric with a channel disposed along the bearing axis at the second end of the body. The first end of the body is coupled to a frame of the bogie system, and the bearing assembly is coupled to an axle assembly of the bogie system. The body is configured to rotate about the bearing axis relative to the axle assembly of the bogie system.

[0006] In one or more embodiments, a drawbar assembly for a truck system includes a body extending between a first end and a second end, and a bushing assembly operably coupled to the first end of the body. The bushing assembly includes a first member having a channel extending between a first surface and a second surface of the first member, and a second member disposed within the channel of the first member. The bushing assembly includes an eccentric offset such that a center of the first member is offset from a center of the second member.

[0007] In one or more embodiments, a drawbar assembly for a bogie system includes a body extending between a first end and a second end. A bushing assembly is operably coupled to the first end of the body. The bushing assembly includes a first component having a channel and a second component disposed within the channel of the first component, the channel extending between a first surface and a second surface of the first component. The bushing assembly includes an eccentric offset such that a center of the first component is offset from a center of the second component. A bearing assembly is operably coupled to the second end of the body. The bearing assembly includes a cylindrical bearing and one or more shims disposed along a bearing axis. The cylindrical bearing and the one or more shims are concentric with the channel disposed at the second end of the body along the bearing axis. The bushing assembly is operably coupled to a frame of the bogie system, and the bearing assembly is operably coupled to an axle assembly of the bogie system. The bearing assembly allows the body to rotate relative to the axle assembly of the bogie system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The subject matter of the present invention may be understood by reading the following description of non-limiting embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0009] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a bogie assembly including a radial arm;

[0010] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a bogie system according to one embodiment;

[0011] Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 a side view of the bogie system shown;

[0012] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a bogie system according to one embodiment;

[0013] Figure 5 Shows Figure 4 An enlarged view of the bogie system is shown;

[0014] Figure 6 shows an exploded view of a drawbar assembly according to one embodiment;

[0015] Figure 7 shows a front view of a bushing assembly according to one embodiment;

[0016] Figure 8 Shown according to one embodiment Figure 7 a cutaway view of the bushing assembly coupled to the bogie system;

[0017] Figure 9 showing a cross-sectional view of a second end of a drawbar assembly according to one embodiment;

[0018] Figure 10 Shown according to one embodiment Figure 9 a cross-sectional view showing the second end of the drawbar assembly coupled to the bogie system;

[0019] Figure 11 shows an exploded view of a drawbar assembly according to one embodiment; and

[0020] Figure 12 A cross-sectional view of a second end of a drawbar assembly is shown according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Embodiments of the subject matter described herein relate to drawbar assemblies and methods that can be used with bogies and / or vehicle systems. The drawbar assembly can include a body extending between a first end and a second end. The first end can be operably coupled to a bogie frame, and the second end can be operably coupled to an axle assembly of the bogie. In one embodiment, the second end can be operably coupled to an axlebox of the axle assembly. Alternatively, the first end of the drawbar assembly can be coupled to a bogie component other than the frame, and / or the second end of the drawbar assembly can be coupled to an axle component other than the axlebox.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, the bushing assembly may be coupled to and / or disposed at the first end of the body. The bushing assembly may also be referred to herein as a metal elastomeric bushing or a metal elastomeric bushing assembly. For example, the bushing assembly may include one or more metal components and one or more elastomeric components coupled to the one or more metal components. The elastomeric components of the bushing assembly may move in one or more directions in response to the first end of the drawbar assembly being coupled to the bogie system. For example, the length of the drawbar assembly may move and / or adjust based on the movement of the elastomeric components and the eccentric offset of the bushing assembly.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, a bearing assembly may be coupled to and / or disposed at the second end of the body. The bearing assembly may include a cylindrical bearing that accommodates a feature or portion of an axle assembly of the bogie system. As an example, the cylindrical bearing may accommodate a feature of an axlebox of the axle assembly. The cylindrical bearings may allow the body of the drawbar assembly to rotate relative to the axle assembly of the bogie system. The inner race of each cylindrical bearing remains stationary with the axlebox while the outer race of each cylindrical bearing is allowed to rotate. For example, the outer race of the cylindrical bearings may allow the body of the drawbar assembly to rotate in response to a load being applied to or removed from the frame of the bogie (e.g., loading cargo onto the bogie) or a load being removed from the frame (e.g., unloading cargo from the bogie), while the fixed inner race of the bearing coupled to a portion of the axlebox may reduce the amount of rotation of the axlebox.

[0024] The drawbar assembly reduces longitudinal movement of the axlebox and / or frame of the axle assembly (e.g., forward or rearward movement of the axlebox, e.g., in the direction of movement of the bogie) relative to a bogie that does not include a drawbar assembly coupled to the axlebox and frame. The drawbar assembly reduces lateral movement of the axlebox and / or frame (e.g., lateral movement of the axlebox in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the bogie) relative to a bogie that does not include a drawbar assembly coupled to the axlebox and frame. The drawbar assembly reduces vertical movement of the axlebox and / or frame (e.g., up and down movement of the axlebox in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the bogie) relative to a bogie that does not include a drawbar assembly coupled to the axlebox and frame.

[0025] In one or more embodiments, the bogie system may include multiple drawbar assemblies. For example, the bogie system may include several drawbar assemblies and the same number of wheels operably coupled to the bogie system. Alternatively, the bogie system may include several drawbar assemblies and the same number of bogie system axles. Alternatively, the bogie system may include any number of drawbar assemblies.

[0026] In one or more embodiments, one or more drawbar assemblies may include a bearing assembly but may not include a bushing assembly. Additionally or alternatively, one or more drawbar assemblies may include a bushing assembly but may not include a bearing assembly. For example, a truck system may include one drawbar assembly that includes a bearing assembly but does not include a bushing assembly, and another drawbar assembly that includes a bushing assembly but does not include a bearing assembly. Alternatively, a truck system may include one or more drawbar assemblies that all have the same configuration or have different configurations from one another.

[0027] One or more embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be directed to bogie systems that may be used in rail vehicle systems or other types or models of vehicle systems (e.g., automobiles, trucks, buses, mining vehicles, agricultural vehicles, other off-highway vehicles), or any other mobile system that includes a suspension system.

[0028] Figure 2 A perspective view of a bogie system 100 is shown according to one embodiment. Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 A side view of a bogie system is shown. The bogie system extends between a front end 104 and a rear end 106 (e.g., in a direction of movement 134 of the bogie system along a route) and between a first side 108 and a second side 110. A first axle 112 (e.g., a front axle) is disposed near the front end of the bogie system and is operably coupled to first and second wheels 116A, 116B, which are disposed near the first and second sides of the bogie system, respectively. A second axle 114 (e.g., a rear axle) is disposed near the rear end of the bogie system and is operably coupled to third and fourth wheels 118A, 118B, which are disposed near the first and second sides of the bogie system, respectively.

[0029] The first axle is operably coupled to axlebox 126A of the axle assembly proximate a first side of the truck system and to axlebox 126B of the axle assembly proximate a second side of the truck system. Additionally, the second axle is operably coupled to axlebox 128A proximate the first side of the truck system and to axlebox 128B proximate the second side of the truck system.

[0030] The bogie system includes a frame 102 that includes multiple surfaces extending in one or more different directions. For example, the frame separates the bogie system's suspension system from objects that may be placed on top of the frame (e.g., cargo, vehicle frames, etc.) and / or provides a degree of protection for the bogie system's suspension system. A first side 102A of the frame extends between a generally forward end and a generally rearward end of the bogie system and extends over the top sides of the axleboxes 126A, 128A. A second side 102B of the frame extends between a generally forward end and a generally rearward end of the bogie system and extends over the top sides of the axleboxes 126B, 128B. A portion 170 of the frame (e.g., Figure 3 The portion of the frame (shown) extends away from the second side of the frame in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of extension of the second side 102B of the frame. For example, this portion of the frame is substantially in the same plane as the wheels 116B, 118B.

[0031] The bogie system includes one or more drawbar assemblies 120A, 120B. Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, first drawbar assembly 120A includes a first end 130 operably coupled to frame portion 170 and a second end 132 operably coupled to axlebox 126B. Second drawbar assembly 120B includes a first end 140 operably coupled to frame portion 170 and a second end 142 operably coupled to axlebox 128B. The first and second drawbar assemblies are disposed on the second side of the bogie system. Alternatively, the bogie system may include two drawbar assemblies (not shown) disposed on the first side of the bogie system, such that the bogie system includes four drawbar assemblies. Alternatively, the bogie system may include any number of drawbar assemblies. In one embodiment, the bogie system may include one or more drawbar assemblies disposed on the first side of the bogie system, may not include any drawbar assemblies, or may include two or more drawbar assemblies on the second side. Alternatively, the bogie system may include a drawbar assembly disposed forward of the first side 108 of the bogie system (e.g., in the direction of travel of the bogie system) and a drawbar assembly disposed aft of the second side 110 of the bogie system. Alternatively, the truck system may have another configuration of one or more drawbar assemblies.

[0032] The first and second ends of the drawbar assembly are secured to the frame and the corresponding axlebox, respectively, thereby reducing the amount of movement of the axlebox relative to a truck system that does not include the drawbar assembly. Alternatively, the drawbar assembly may be secured to another feature or component of the axle assembly of the truck system. The drawbar assembly reduces the amount of movement of the axlebox in a vertical direction 202 (e.g., upward and downward), reduces the amount of movement of the axlebox in a longitudinal direction 204 (e.g., forward and rearward), and reduces the amount of movement of the axlebox in a lateral direction 206 (e.g., from side to side) relative to a truck system that does not include the drawbar assembly. For example, the drawbar assembly increases the stiffness of the truck system relative to a truck system that does not include the drawbar assembly.

[0033] In one or more embodiments, the truck system may include a connecting rod 122. Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, a connecting rod 122 extends between a first end 136 and a second end 138. First end 136 is operably coupled to a portion 170 of the frame and first end 130 of the first drawbar assembly 120A, and second end 138 is operably coupled to a portion of the frame and first end 140 of the second drawbar assembly 120B. In one or more embodiments, connecting rod 122 can control the amount of longitudinal force (e.g., along longitudinal direction 204) directed to the first and / or second drawbar assemblies. For example, during a braking operation of the truck system, a braking force can be directed to the first and second drawbar assemblies in a direction substantially opposite to the direction of travel 134 of the truck system. The connecting rod can control the amount of braking force directed to the second drawbar assembly.

[0034] The second lateral linkage system includes first and second drawbar assemblies and a connecting rod disposed on a second side of the bogie system. The second lateral linkage system is located externally to the frame of the bogie system. For example, wheels 116B and 118B disposed on the second side of the bogie system are located between the second lateral linkage system and wheels 116A and 118A disposed on the first side of the bogie system along the lateral direction 206.

[0035] In one or more embodiments, a first side of the truck system opposite to the second side ( Figure 2 and Figure 3 The bogie system (not shown) may include one or more drawbar assemblies and / or one or more connecting rods to form a first side linkage system located on a first side of the bogie system at a location external to the bogie system frame. For example, wheels 116A and 118A located on the first side of the bogie system are located between the first side linkage system and wheels 116B and 118B located on a second side of the bogie system along the lateral direction 206. Alternatively, the first side linkage system may have a configuration and / or orientation different from the configuration and / or orientation of the second side linkage system located on the second side of the bogie system.

[0036] Figure 4 A perspective view of two of the drawbar assemblies 120A, 120B coupled to the bogie system is shown. Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, several components of the bogie system are hidden for clarity. A first end 130 of the drawbar assembly 120A is operably coupled to a portion of the frame 102B and a first end 136 of the connecting rod 122, and a second end 132 of the drawbar assembly 120A is operably coupled to a portion of the axlebox 126B. A first end 140 of the drawbar assembly 120B is operably coupled to a portion of the frame 102B and a second end 138 of the connecting rod 122, and a second end 142 of the drawbar assembly 120B is operably coupled to a portion of the axlebox 128B. For example, the two drawbar assemblies and the connecting rod form a second side linkage system between the axlebox and the frame of the bogie system. The second side linkage system is disposed externally to the frame of the bogie system. For example, the drawbar assembly is coupled to components of the bogie system at locations external to the bogie system and is not coupled to the bogie system at various locations between the first side 108 and the second side 110 of the bogie system (e.g., at Figure 2 ).

[0037] Figure 5 Shows Figure 4 An enlarged view of the truck system is shown. A first end 140 of the drawbar assembly (including a bushing assembly) is coupled to a portion of the truck system's frame, and a second end 142 of the drawbar assembly (including a bearing assembly) is coupled to a portion of the axlebox 128B.

[0038] Figure 6 An exploded view of a drawbar assembly 120A according to one embodiment is shown. The drawbar assembly includes a body 124 extending between a first end 130 and a second end 132. The body has a first side 144 and an opposing second side 146, a top side 172, and an opposing bottom side 174. In the illustrated embodiment, the body of the drawbar assembly has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape extending between the first and second ends. Alternatively, the body of the drawbar assembly may have any other shape.

[0039] The first end 130 of the body has a first end body 148 having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape about an axis 182 and elongated along the axis between a first surface 176 and a second surface 178. The first end body includes an opening or passage 150 extending along the axis between the first surface and the second surface. The second end 132 of the body has a second end body 190 having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape about a bearing axis 180 and elongated along the bearing axis between a first surface 186 and a second surface 188. The second end body includes an opening or passage 152 extending along the bearing axis between the first surface and the second surface. Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment, the first end body has a larger size than the second end body. Alternatively, the second end body may have a size substantially equal to or larger than the first end body. Alternatively, the first end body may have another shape and / or size, and may have a unique or common shape and / or size relative to the shape and / or size of the second end body.

[0040] The passage 150 of the first end body receives a bushing assembly 154. The bushing assembly extends between a first end 192 and a second end 194. When the bushing assembly is positioned within the passage 150, the first end can be substantially flush with the first surface 176 of the first end body, and the second end can be substantially flush with the second surface 178 of the first end body. Alternatively, the first end, the second end, or both ends of the bushing assembly may not be substantially flush with the first surface or the second surface, respectively.

[0041] Figure 7 A front view of a bushing assembly according to one embodiment is shown. The bushing assembly includes a first component 302 having an outer surface 304 and an inner surface 306. The inner surface of the first component is operably coupled to an outer surface 310 of a second component 308. For example, the outer surface of the second component can be bonded, adhered, fastened, etc. to the inner surface of the first component. The inner surface 312 of the second component is operably coupled to an outer surface 316 of a third component 314. For example, the outer surface of the third component can be bonded, adhered, fastened, etc. to the inner surface of the second component. The first, second, and third components are operably coupled together to form a bushing assembly, which can be disposed or positioned within an opening or channel of a first end of a body of a drawbar assembly.

[0042] In one or more embodiments, the bushing assembly may be referred to as a metal elastic bushing assembly, a metal bushing assembly, a metal elastic bushing, etc. For example, the first component may be made of a metal alloy, a metal engineering material, a composite material, etc. In one or more embodiments, the first component may be made of the same material as the main body of the drawbar assembly or a common material. The first component may also be referred to as a metal component, a metal part, a metal structure, etc. Optionally, the first component may be made of another material. The third component may be made of a metal or a metal alloy, and its chemical composition may be the same as or different from the chemical composition of the material of the first component. The third component may also be referred to as a mating component, a mating structure, etc. of the bushing assembly. For example, the mating component or the third component is configured to be operably coupled to a portion of the frame of the bogie system.

[0043] The second component can be made of an elastomer, i.e., an elastomeric material. Examples of elastomeric materials may include natural and / or synthetic rubber. Alternatively, the second component can be made of a polymer material, such as, but not limited to, low-density and / or high-density polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride (PCV), nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene, thermoplastic polyurethane, etc. In one or more embodiments, the design, configuration, orientation, shape, size, etc. of the second component can be adjusted so as to tune the longitudinal and / or lateral characteristics of the bushing assembly suspension according to the material used to form the second component. In one embodiment, the elastomeric material can be a conductive elastomeric material, or it can be a non-conductive material. In this article, the second component may be referred to as an elastomeric component, a rubber component, a flexible structure, etc. In one embodiment, the stiffness of the material composition of the first component and the material composition of the third component may be greater than the stiffness of the material composition of the second component. For example, the second component is configured to bend or move, and the first and third components are configured to remain substantially stationary, fixed, or not move.

[0044] The first component is arranged along the first central axis 320 on the first surface ( Figure 7 The second member extends between a first surface (not visible in FIG) and a substantially opposite second surface 326. The second member extends along a second central axis 322 on the first surface ( Figure 7 The third member extends between the first surface (not visible in FIG) and a substantially opposite second surface 328. Figure 7 The first component 300 extends between the first and second surfaces 330 and 331. For example, the second component is concentric with the third component, while the first component is not concentric with the second and third components about the second central axis.

[0045] In one or more embodiments, the first surfaces of two or more of the first, second, or third components may be substantially in the same plane as one another. Additionally or alternatively, the second surfaces of two or more of the first, second, or third components may be substantially in the same plane as one another. In one or more embodiments, the first surface and / or the second surface of one or more of the first, second, or third components may include one or more radii, curves, chamfers, etc. For example, in Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment of FIG, a portion of the second surface of the elastomeric component or the second component is concave, while another portion of the second surface is convex, such that the second surface is contoured in different directions between the outer and inner surfaces of the second component. Alternatively, the second surface of one or more of the first, second, or third components may have another shape.

[0046] The bushing assembly includes an eccentric offset 324 such that a first center axis 320 of the first component is offset from a second center axis 322 of the second and third components. In one or more embodiments, the eccentric offset can be a distance of about 1 millimeter (mm), about 3 mm, about 5 mm, about 10 mm, etc. The eccentric offset enables the elastomeric component or the second component of the bushing assembly to move in one or more directions in response to the first end of the drawbar assembly being coupled to the bogie system. For example, the length of the drawbar assembly can be moved and / or adjusted based on the movement of the second component and the eccentric offset of the bushing assembly. The eccentric offset allows the drawbar assembly to be more accurately positioned when coupled to the bogie system relative to a bushing assembly that does not include the eccentric offset. Additionally, the eccentric offset increases the design tolerance of the drawbar assembly (e.g., is less restrictive) relative to a drawbar assembly that does not include a bushing assembly with the eccentric offset.

[0047] return Figure 6 The bushing assembly can be coupled to or contained within the channel at the first end of the body by bonding, adhering, fastening, etc., an outer surface of the first component to an inner surface of the channel at the first end of the body. Optionally, the bushing assembly can be held in position within the channel by one or more assembly components. Figure 6 An example of an assembly system for coupling a bushing assembly to a first end of a body is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, an assembly member 166 (e.g., a washer) is coupled to the first end of the body via one or more assembly fasteners 168 (e.g., screws) received within corresponding fastener passages 167 (e.g., screw holes) coupled to the first end of the body of the drawbar assembly.

[0048] Figure 6The assembly system shown can hold or maintain the position of the bushing assembly within the passageway of the first end of the body. For example, when the bushing assembly is disposed within the passageway, the assembly component and the fastener assembly can increase the amount of pressure directed onto the bushing assembly to maintain the position of the bushing assembly within the passageway. Alternatively, the assembly component can be any alternative fastening component that can maintain the position of the bushing assembly within the first end of the body. As an example, the assembly component can be a clamp or hinged component that can extend around the exterior of the first end of the body and can be secured, coupled, or retained to the first end of the body by one or more locking mechanisms.

[0049] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the first end of the drawbar assembly coupled to a portion 170 of the frame of the truck system is shown. The portion of the frame includes a frame engagement post 712 that extends a distance away from the frame. The channel defined by the inner surface 318 or engagement surface of the third component 314 of the bushing assembly is configured to receive the frame engagement post along the engagement axis 710. The position of the first end of the drawbar assembly assembled to the frame is controlled by one or more coupling components. Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, bolt 702 extends through a washer 704 and a passage in the frame mating post and is coupled to the frame at an interior location of frame portion 170 via nut 706. In alternative embodiments, the first end of the drawbar assembly may be coupled to the frame via alternative fastening or coupling configurations and / or coupling components.

[0050] When the bogie system operates with the first end of the drawbar assembly coupled to the frame, the second component of the bushing assembly (e.g., an elastomeric component) flexes or moves relative to the first component (e.g., a metal component). For example, the stiffness of the elastomeric material used to manufacture the second component controls the amount of movement of the first end of the drawbar assembly relative to the frame. In one or more embodiments, the stiffness of the second component can control the stiffness of the bogie system, such as when the bogie system moves along a route, when cargo is loaded onto and / or unloaded from the bogie system, when the bogie system changes propulsion and / or braking operations, etc. For example, material properties, including the stiffness of the elastomeric material of the second component, can control the smoothness of the bogie system as the bogie system moves along a route. For example, the second component can flex and / or move to inhibit one or more movements of the frame relative to an axle box of the bogie system.

[0051] return Figure 6 , the second end 132 of the body may include a bearing assembly 156 disposed within an opening or passage 152 at the second end of the body of the drawbar assembly. Figure 6In the illustrated embodiment, the bearing assembly includes two cylindrical bearings 158 and two washers 160A, 160B. A first washers 160A is positioned between the two cylindrical bearings 158, and a second washers 160B is positioned outside of the two cylindrical bearings. Optionally, the number of washers, the position of each different washers relative to each bearing, and / or the size and / or shape of the different washers may vary. In the illustrated embodiment, the cylindrical bearings and washers extend along a bearing axis 180 and are substantially concentric with each other and with the passageway at the second end of the body.

[0052] The bearing assembly, including the cylindrical bearing and the spacer, can be assembled within the passage of the second end of the body by inserting the bearing assembly into the passage from the second surface 188 of the second end and moving the bearing assembly along the bearing axis in a direction toward the first surface 186 of the second end. The bearing assembly can be retained within the passage by one or more assembly members 162 and / or one or more assembly fasteners 164. For example, Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment, the assembly component utilizes a washer including a plurality of mounting openings (e.g., screw or bolt holes), and the second surface of the second end of the main body includes the same number of mounting openings as the assembly component. The assembly component is coupled to the second surface of the second end of the main body via an assembly fastener that extends through the mounting openings of the assembly component and is fastened to the second end of the main body. Alternatively, the position of the bearing assembly can be maintained within the passageway of the second end of the main body by an alternative coupling or fastening mechanism or assembly.

[0053] Figure 6 The illustrated embodiment of the drawbar assembly shown includes a bushing assembly and a bearing assembly coupled to a body of the drawbar assembly. Alternatively, in one or more embodiments, a first end of the body of the drawbar assembly may include a bushing assembly, but a second end of the body may be free of a bearing assembly. For example, the drawbar assembly may include a bushing assembly that is operably coupled to a portion of a frame of a bogie system, while a second end of the body (e.g., without a bearing assembly) may be coupled to another portion and / or component of the bogie system. Alternatively, the second end of the body of the drawbar assembly may include a bearing assembly, but a first end of the body may be free of a bushing assembly. For example, a bearing assembly disposed at the second end of the body may be operably coupled to a component of an axlebox of the bogie system, while a first end of the body (e.g., without a bushing assembly) may be coupled to another portion and / or component of the bogie system, such as a portion of a frame of the bogie system.

[0054] Figure 9 A cross-sectional view is shown of the second end of the drawbar assembly 120B coupled to the truck system according to one embodiment. Figure 10A cross-sectional view of the second end of a drawbar assembly coupled to an axlebox of a bogie system is shown, according to one embodiment. A bearing assembly includes a cylindrical bearing 158, a first washer 160A, and a second washer 160B disposed within a passageway at the second end of the body. The bearing assembly is introduced into the passageway of the body in a first direction A. The passageway includes a lip 902 disposed adjacent to a first surface 186 of the second end of the body and extending into the passageway. After the bearing assembly is operatively coupled to the lip, the lip prevents additional travel of the bearing assembly in the first direction A. An assembly member 162 (e.g., a washer) and an assembly fastener 164 are coupled to the second surface of the body to maintain the bearing assembly in position within the drawbar assembly and prevent movement of the bearing assembly in a second direction B.

[0055] In the illustrated embodiment, a first assembly component 910, a second assembly component 920, and a bolt 944 are used to couple the second end of the drawbar assembly to the axle housing. The first assembly component includes a first end 916 housed within an axle housing cavity 932 of an axle housing body 930. In the illustrated embodiment, the first end and the axle housing cavity have corresponding threads to couple the first assembly component to the axle housing. The first assembly component also includes a second end 918 housed within a passageway of the bearing assembly. The first assembly component includes a lip 922 that separates the first end from the second end, controls the amount of movement of the first assembly component in a first direction A, and controls the amount of movement of the second end of the drawbar assembly in the first direction A.

[0056] The second assembly component 920 is introduced into the passage of the bearing assembly along the first direction A and is configured to mate with the second shim 160B within the passage. In the illustrated embodiment, the second assembly component extends a distance beyond the second surface 188 of the second end of the body. Alternatively, the second assembly component may have another shape and / or size, may be substantially flush with the second surface, or any combination thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, a portion of the second end of the first assembly component extends within the passage of the second assembly component. The second assembly component and the second end of the first assembly component receive bolts 944 that couple the second end of the drawbar assembly to the axlebox of the bogie system. Alternatively, the second end of the drawbar assembly may be operably coupled to the axlebox of the bogie system using an alternative assembly method and one or more alternative assembly components.

[0057] The cylindrical bearings can allow the main body of the drawbar assembly to rotate relative to the axlebox of the bogie system. For example, the inner race of each cylindrical bearing can remain stationary while the outer race of each cylindrical bearing can rotate. For example, the outer race of the cylindrical bearings can enable the main body of the drawbar assembly to rotate in response to a load being applied to the bogie frame (e.g., cargo being loaded onto the bogie) or a load being removed from the frame (e.g., cargo being unloaded from the bogie), while the fixed inner race of the cylindrical bearings, coupled to a portion of the axlebox via an assembly component, can reduce the amount of axlebox rotation.

[0058] Figure 11 An exploded view of a drawbar assembly 1120 according to another embodiment is shown. Figure 6 Like the illustrated drawbar assembly, the drawbar assembly includes a bushing assembly 154 disposed at the first end 130 of the body 124 of the drawbar assembly. Figure 11 The drawbar assembly shown in FIG. 1 includes a bearing assembly 1156 having Figure 6 An alternative configuration to the bearing assembly 156 shown in FIG. Figure 11 In the illustrated embodiment of FIG, the bearing assembly includes two cylindrical bearings 1158 and two washers 1160 disposed between the two cylindrical bearings 1158. The cylindrical bearings and washers are concentric with each other about the bearing axis 180. Figure 6 Unlike the shims of the bearing assembly 156 shown in FIG, shims 1160 are substantially uniform in shape and size and are positioned between the cylindrical bearings. Alternatively, the bearing assembly may be equipped with a single shim, or may have two or more shims positioned anywhere relative to one or more cylindrical bearings and anywhere along the bearing axis.

[0059] Figure 12 A cross-sectional view of the second end 1232 of the drawbar assembly coupled to the axlebox of the truck system is shown according to one embodiment. The second end includes a bearing assembly 1256 disposed within a channel at the second end of the drawbar assembly. The bearing assembly includes two cylindrical bearings 1258 separated from each other by a spacer 1260. The bearing assembly may be held in position within the channel by one or more assembly members 1262 and / or one or more assembly fasteners 1264. Figure 10 As with the drawbar assembly shown in FIG, the second end of the drawbar assembly may be coupled to a portion 1930 of the axlebox of the truck system via one or more assembly components 1910, 1920, 1944. Alternatively, the second end of the drawbar assembly may be coupled to the axlebox of the truck system via one or more alternative configurations.

[0060] In one or more embodiments of the subject matter described herein, a drawbar assembly for a bogie system includes a body extending between a first end and a second end, and a bearing assembly coupled to the second end of the body. The bearing assembly includes a cylindrical bearing and one or more shims disposed between the cylindrical bearings along a bearing axis. The cylindrical bearings and the one or more shims are concentric with a channel disposed at the second end of the body along the bearing axis. The first end of the body is coupled to a frame of the bogie system, and the bearing assembly is coupled to an axlebox of the bogie system. The body is configured to rotate about the bearing axis relative to the axlebox of the bogie system.

[0061] Optionally, the drawbar assembly may include a bushing assembly operably coupled to the first end of the body. The bushing assembly may include a first component having a channel and a second component disposed within the channel of the first component, the channel extending between a first surface and a second surface of the first component. The bushing assembly may include an eccentric offset such that a center of the first component is offset from a center of the second component.

[0062] Optionally, the first component may be made of a metal material, and the second component may be made of an elastomer material.

[0063] Alternatively, the bushing assembly may include a third component disposed within a channel of the second component, the channel of the second component extending between the first surface and the second surface of the second component. The third component may include a mating interface configured to couple with a mating component of a frame of the bogie system.

[0064] In one or more embodiments, a bogie system may include a bushing assembly and a bearing assembly. The bushing assembly may be coupled to a frame of the bogie system. The drawbar assembly may reduce the amount of translational motion of an axlebox of the bogie system relative to a scenario where the bushing assembly is not coupled to the frame and the bearing assembly is not coupled to the axlebox of the bogie system.

[0065] Optionally, the bearing assembly and bushing assembly may increase the stiffness level of the bogie system relative to a first end of the body not being coupled to a frame of the bogie system and a second end of the body not being coupled to an axlebox of the bogie system.

[0066] Optionally, the traction rod assembly may be a first traction rod assembly, and the bogie system may include a plurality of traction rod assemblies. The first traction rod assembly and the second traction rod assembly may be arranged on a first side of the bogie system, and the third traction rod assembly and the fourth traction rod assembly may be arranged on a second side of the bogie system.

[0067] Optionally, the first and second traction rod assemblies may be disposed on a first side of the bogie system at positions outside the frame of the bogie system, and the third and fourth traction rod assemblies may be disposed on a second side of the bogie system at positions outside the frame of the bogie system.

[0068] In one or more embodiments of the subject matter described herein, a drawbar assembly for a bogie system includes a body extending between a first end and a second end, and a bushing assembly operably coupled to the first end of the body. The bushing assembly includes a first member having a channel extending between a first surface and a second surface of the first member, and a second member disposed within the channel of the first member. The bushing assembly includes an eccentric offset such that a center of the first member is offset from a center of the second member.

[0069] Optionally, the bushing assembly may be operably coupled to the mating component. The mating axis of the mating component may be offset from a center of the first component, and the mating axis of the mating component may be aligned with a center of the second component.

[0070] Optionally, the first component may be made of a metal material, and the second component may be made of an elastomer material.

[0071] Alternatively, the bushing assembly may include a third component disposed within a channel of the second component, the channel of the second component extending between the first surface and the second surface of the second component.The third component may include a mating interface coupled to a mating component of the frame of the bogie system.

[0072] Optionally, the drawbar assembly may include a bearing assembly operably coupled to the second end of the main body. The bearing assembly may include a cylindrical bearing and one or more washers disposed along the bearing axis. The cylindrical bearing and the one or more washers are concentric with a channel disposed along the bearing axis at the second end of the main body. The bearing assembly may be coupled to an axlebox of the bogie system and may enable the main body to rotate relative to the axlebox of the bogie system.

[0073] Optionally, the bushing assembly may be coupled to the frame of the truck system.

[0074] Optionally, the bearing assembly can enable the body to rotate relative to the axle box of the bogie system, and the bearing assembly and the bushing assembly can reduce the amount of translational movement of the axle box relative to when the bushing assembly is not coupled to the frame of the bogie system and the bearing assembly is not coupled to the axle box of the bogie system.

[0075] Optionally, the bearing assembly and bushing assembly may increase the stiffness level of the bogie system relative to a first end of the body not being coupled to a frame of the bogie system and a second end of the body not being coupled to an axlebox of the bogie system.

[0076] Optionally, the first end of the body may be operably coupled to a frame of the bogie system and the second end of the body may be operably coupled to an axlebox of the bogie system.

[0077] In one or more embodiments of the subject matter described herein, a drawbar assembly for a bogie system includes a body extending between a first end and a second end. A bushing assembly is operably coupled to the first end of the body. The bushing assembly includes a first component having a passage and a second component disposed within the passage of the first component, the passage extending between a first surface and a second surface of the first component. The bushing assembly includes an eccentric offset such that a center of the first component is offset from a center of the second component. A bearing assembly is operably coupled to the second end of the body. The bearing assembly includes a cylindrical bearing and one or more shims disposed along an axis of the bearing. The cylindrical bearing and the one or more shims are concentric with the passage disposed at the second end of the body along the axis of the bearing. The bushing assembly is operably coupled to a frame of the bogie system, and the bearing assembly is operably coupled to an axlebox of the bogie system. The bearing assembly allows the body to rotate relative to the axlebox of the bogie system.

[0078] Optionally, the first component of the bushing assembly may be made of a metal material, and the second component of the bushing assembly may be made of an elastomeric material.

[0079] Optionally, the bearing assembly may allow the body to rotate relative to the axle box of the bogie system, and the bearing assembly and bushing assembly may reduce the amount of translational movement of the axle box relative to when the bushing assembly is not coupled to the frame of the bogie system and the bearing assembly is not coupled to the axle box of the bogie system.

[0080] Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references. "Optional" or "optionally" means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description may include instances where the event occurs and instances where the event does not occur. Approximate language, as used throughout the specification and claims of this application, may be used to modify any quantitative representation that is permissibly variable without causing a change in the basic function to which it may be associated. Accordingly, a value modified by one or more terms, such as "about," "substantially," and "approximately," may not be limited to the precise value specified. Approximate language may correspond to the numerical measurement precision of an instrument, at least in some cases. In this application and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and / or interchanged, and unless the context or language dictates otherwise, these ranges may be determined to include all subranges contained therein.

[0081] This written description uses examples to disclose embodiments, including the best mode, and to enable any person skilled in the art to put the embodiments into practice, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The claims define the patentable scope of the disclosure and 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 they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A drawbar assembly for a bogie system, the drawbar assembly comprising: a body extending between a first end and a second end; as well as a bearing assembly coupled to the second end of the body, the bearing assembly comprising a cylindrical bearing and one or more washers disposed between the cylindrical bearings along a bearing axis, the cylindrical bearings and the one or more washers being concentric with a channel disposed at the second end of the body along the bearing axis, wherein the first end of the body is configured to be coupled to the frame of the bogie system, the bearing assembly is configured to be coupled to the axle box of the axle assembly of the bogie system, the bearing assembly is offset from the axle of the bogie system in the longitudinal direction, and the body is configured to rotate about the bearing axis relative to the axle assembly of the bogie system.

2. The drawbar assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a bushing assembly operably coupled to the first end of the body, the bushing assembly comprising a first component having a channel and a second component disposed within the channel of the first component, the channel of the first component extending between a first surface and a second surface of the first component, wherein The bushing assembly includes an eccentric offset such that a center of the first component is offset from a center of the second component.

3. The drawbar assembly of claim 2, wherein: The first component is made of metal material, and the second component is made of elastomer material.

4. The drawbar assembly of claim 2, wherein: The bushing assembly further includes a third component disposed within a channel of the second component, the channel of the second component extending between the first surface and the second surface of the second component, wherein the third component includes a mating interface configured to couple with a mating component of the frame of the bogie system.

5. A bogie system comprising the drawbar assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The bushing assembly is configured to be coupled to the frame of the bogie system, wherein the drawbar assembly is configured to reduce an amount of translational movement of the axle assembly of the bogie system relative to when the bushing assembly is not coupled to the frame and the bearing assembly is not coupled to the axle assembly of the bogie system.

6. The bogie system according to claim 5, wherein: The bearing assembly and the bushing assembly are configured to increase the stiffness level of the bogie system relative to a first end of the body not being coupled to a frame of the bogie system and a second end of the body not being coupled to an axle assembly of the bogie system.

7. The bogie system according to claim 5, further comprising a connecting rod, wherein The bogie system includes a plurality of drawbar assemblies, wherein a first drawbar assembly and a second drawbar assembly are configured to be disposed on a first side of the bogie system, wherein a first end of the connecting rod is operably coupled to the frame and the first end of the first drawbar assembly, and a second end of the connecting rod is operably coupled to the frame and the first end of the second drawbar assembly, and wherein a third drawbar assembly and a fourth drawbar assembly are configured to be disposed on a second side of the bogie system.

8. The bogie system according to claim 7, wherein: The first and second drawbar assemblies are configured to be disposed on the first side of the bogie system at locations outside the frame of the bogie system, and the third and fourth drawbar assemblies are configured to be disposed on the second side of the bogie system at locations outside the frame of the bogie system.

9. A drawbar assembly for a bogie system, the drawbar assembly comprising: a body extending between a first end and a second end; as well as a bushing assembly operably coupled to the first end of the body, the bushing assembly comprising: a first component having a first channel extending between a first surface and a second surface of the first component; a second component disposed within the first channel of the first component, the second component including a second channel extending between the first surface and the second surface of the first component; a third component disposed within the second channel of the second component, the third component including a mating surface configured to couple with a mating component of a frame of the bogie system, wherein the bushing assembly includes an eccentric offset such that a center of the first component is offset from a center of the second component and a center of the second component is aligned with a center of the third component.

10. The drawbar assembly of claim 9, wherein: The bushing assembly is configured to be operably coupled to the mating component of the frame of the bogie system, wherein a mating axis of the mating component is configured to be offset from the center of the first component and wherein the mating axis of the mating component is configured to be aligned with the center of the second component.

11. The drawbar assembly of claim 9, wherein: The first component is made of metal material, and the second component is made of elastomer material.

12. The drawbar assembly of claim 9 , further comprising a bearing assembly operably coupled to the second end of the body, the bearing assembly comprising a cylindrical bearing and one or more washers disposed between the cylindrical bearings along a bearing axis, the cylindrical bearing and the one or more washers being concentric with a channel disposed at the second end of the body along the bearing axis, the bearing assembly being configured to couple to an axlebox of an axle assembly of the truck system, wherein The bearing assembly is offset in a longitudinal direction from an axle of the bogie system, and the bearing assembly is configured to allow the body to rotate relative to the axle assembly of the bogie system.

13. A bogie system comprising the drawbar assembly of claim 12, wherein: The bushing assembly is configured to couple with a frame of the truck system.

14. The bogie system according to claim 13, wherein: The bearing assembly and the bushing assembly are configured to reduce an amount of translational movement of the axle assembly relative to when the bushing assembly is not coupled to the frame of the bogie system and the bearing assembly is not coupled to the axle assembly of the bogie system.

15. The bogie system according to claim 13, wherein: The bearing assembly and the bushing assembly are configured to increase the stiffness level of the bogie system relative to a first end of the body not being coupled to a frame of the bogie system and a second end of the body not being coupled to an axle assembly of the bogie system.

16. A bogie system comprising the drawbar assembly of claim 9, wherein: The first end of the body is configured to be operably coupled to a frame of the truck system, and the second end of the body is configured to be operably coupled to an axle assembly of the truck system.

17. A drawbar assembly for a bogie system, the drawbar assembly comprising: a body extending between a first end and a second end; a bushing assembly operably coupled to the first end of the body, the bushing assembly comprising: a first component having a first channel extending between a first surface and a second surface of the first component; a second component disposed within the first channel of the first component, the second component including a second channel extending between the first surface and the second surface of the first component; a third component disposed within the second channel of the second component, the third component including a mating surface configured to couple with a mating component of a frame of the truck system, wherein the bushing assembly includes an eccentric offset such that a center of the first component is offset from a center of the second component and a center of the second component is aligned with a center of the third component; and a bearing assembly operably coupled to the second end of the body, the bearing assembly comprising a cylindrical bearing and one or more washers disposed along a bearing axis, the cylindrical bearing and the one or more washers being concentric with a third channel disposed at the second end of the body along the bearing axis, wherein the bushing assembly is configured to be operably coupled to the frame of the bogie system, the bearing assembly is configured to be operably coupled to the axle box of the axle assembly of the bogie system, the bearing assembly is offset from the axle of the bogie system in the longitudinal direction, and the bearing assembly is configured to allow the body to rotate relative to the axle assembly of the bogie system.

18. The drawbar assembly of claim 17, wherein: The first component of the bushing assembly is made of metal material, and the second component of the bushing assembly is made of elastomer material.

19. The drawbar assembly of claim 17, wherein: The bearing assembly and the bushing assembly are configured to reduce an amount of translational movement of the axle assembly relative to when the bushing assembly is not coupled to the frame of the bogie system and the bearing assembly is not coupled to the axle assembly of the bogie system.

Images