Bogie for railway vehicle and railway vehicle

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a bogie for a railway vehicle guided on a railway track, the bogie comprising: a base configured to be attached to a chassis of the railway vehicle; a frame arranged to be rotatable about a vertical steering axis relative to the base; two wheels each comprising a tread arranged to be rotatable relative to the frame about a respective wheel axis of rotation, where the two wheels are arranged spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction, where the steering axis is arranged between the two wheels in the transverse direction. The bogie also includes at least one sensor assembly configured to determine a lateral position of the tread relative to the railway track during operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a bogie for a railway vehicle, to a railway vehicle including such a bogie, and to a method for steering a bogie of a railway vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Track-bound railway vehicles such as trains, trams or other vehicles often exhibit wheels that are not optimally aligned to the track, resulting in higher friction between the railway track and the tread of the wheel. Especially in curves with a small radius, this contact leads to increased profile wear and noise pollution. In the case of low-floor vehicles, this effect is even more pronounced. Low-floor vehicles are characterized by smaller and fewer wheels per vehicle in order to increase passenger comfort and the interior space of the vehicle by having a continuous low-floor structure. However, this further leads to increased loads on each wheel and more pronounced fatigue of the wheel material, causing smaller cracks or even larger material breaks.

[0003] Furthermore, reducing the number of wheels per vehicle and / or per bogie of a vehicle reduces the suspension comfort of the vehicle and / or of a vehicle comprising a bogie for passengers. In particular, for low-floor vehicles this leads to a conflict between interior space requirements and suspension comfort requirements. Furthermore, creating the desired suspension comfort for passengers often requires complex suspension concepts arranged above the bogie and between the bogie and the vehicle, which consumes a lot of construction space and further reduces the interior space available to passengers.

[0004] Several attempts are known to reduce rail and wheel wear. In the 1990s, systems were developed that enabled the wheels to steer in bends. However, it turned out that these solutions often suffered from undesirable side effects in straight track sections, causing the wheels to stick to the rails with one side of the tread, resulting in enhanced wear and noise in straight track sections. Therefore, after a few years, most of these concepts were abandoned and the traditional concepts in combination with wheel noise absorbers and advanced industrial lubricants were pursued again.

[0005] An example of a railway bogie that addresses these drawbacks in a successful manner is WO2018015290 published in 2018 in the name of the same applicant. The disclosed vehicle comprises a wheel assembly interconnected to a chassis and a method for steering the vehicle. The wheel assembly comprises a cross member having a first end and a second end, a first hub interconnected to the first end by a first steering joint, and a second hub interconnected to the second end by a second steering joint. The first wheel is rotatably attached to the first hub about a first axis of rotation, and the second wheel is rotatably attached to the second hub about a second axis of rotation. Summary of the invention

[0006] The object of the present disclosure is to provide a bogie for a railway vehicle, a railway vehicle comprising the bogie and a method for steering a bogie of a railway vehicle. In particular, the object of the present disclosure is to provide a bogie for a railway vehicle, a railway vehicle comprising the bogie and a method for steering a bogie of a railway vehicle which do not have at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, these objects are achieved by the features of the independent claims.Further advantageous embodiments result from the dependent claims and the description.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, a bogie for a railway vehicle guided on a railway track is provided. The bogie generally comprises a base configured to be attached to or integrated in the chassis of the railway vehicle. The bogie also comprises a frame and two wheels, the frame being arranged to be rotatable relative to the base about a vertical steering axis, each wheel comprising a tread arranged to be rotatable relative to the frame about a corresponding wheel rotation axis, wherein the two wheels are arranged (substantially coaxially) spaced from each other in a transverse direction. The steering axis is arranged between the two wheels in a transverse direction. The two wheels of the bogie are generally mounted to be rotatable and, when appropriate, can deflect against the force of at least one spring for suspension reasons, but are fixed relative to the other degrees of freedom of the bogie. In a preferred variant, the wheels are arranged substantially coaxially relative to the common wheel rotation axis. The bogie also comprises at least one sensor assembly configured to determine the lateral position of the tread of at least one of the two wheels relative to the railway track during operation.

[0009] In a variation of the present disclosure, the base is arranged via a bearing or bearing assembly rotatable on a frame. One rotatable side of the bearing may be arranged on the base, and the other rotatable side of the bearing or bearing assembly may be arranged on the frame. The bearing or bearing assembly enables rotation between the base connected to the chassis of the railway vehicle and the frame of the bogie during operation.

[0010] In case the steering axis is arranged in transverse direction between two wheels (which are arranged rotatably but in a quasi-static position relative to each other), it is possible to steer the wheels during operation on the railway track by slewing the frame about the steering axis. Both wheels are arranged at the frame and will slew simultaneously as required without the need to steer them independently.

[0011] The lateral position of the tread of at least one of the two wheels is determined by the sensor assembly during operation. The lateral position of the tread relative to the wheel determines which area of ​​the rolling surface of the tread is in contact with the railway track during operation. In case the lateral position of the tread relative to the wheel is not as desired, the bogie of the railway vehicle usually causes noise pollution during operation. For example, the flange of the tread may contact the railway track in a sharp bend, which causes noise pollution and increases wear. The determination of the lateral position is usually necessary to control the lateral position of the tread relative to the railway track.

[0012] In a variant of the present disclosure, each of the wheel rotation axes is arranged substantially coaxially with each other and perpendicular to the steering axis. The wheel rotation axes of the two wheels are arranged, for example, parallel to the transverse direction, in which case the wheel rotation axes are also automatically arranged parallel to each other and perpendicular to the steering axis. In another variant of the present disclosure, each of the wheel rotation axes is arranged substantially coaxially with each other. During operation, different wheel rotation axes can deflect independently, for example due to independent wheel suspensions, so that the wheel rotation axes are not always arranged exactly coaxially during operation. In the neutral state, without any deflection, the wheel rotation axes of the two wheels are arranged coaxially relative to each other.

[0013] Preferably, at least one sensor assembly comprises a front sensor arranged in front of the respective wheel and / or a rear sensor arranged behind the respective wheel relative to the direction of travel of the bogie. The direction of travel is the direction of movement of the bogie during operation along the railway track. The direction of movement of the bogie may change during operation, which means that the previous front sensor becomes the rear sensor and vice versa. The front sensor may be arranged in front of the respective tread and the rear sensor may be arranged behind the respective tread. The sensor assembly uses, for example, a front sensor and / or a rear sensor of one of the wheels and / or a front sensor and / or a rear sensor of another of the wheels to determine the lateral position of the respective tread relative to the railway track during operation. Preferably, four sensors are used. The use of more than one sensor increases the accuracy of the determination of the lateral position of the tread relative to the railway track, in particular in sharp bends.

[0014] The advantageous suspension characteristics of the bogie are possible when each wheel is mounted to the frame by a swing arm, wherein the swing arm is pivotable relative to the frame about a pivot axis against the force of a swing arm spring. In other words, the swing arm is arranged to be pivotable relative to the frame about the pivot axis, and the swing arm spring limits and decelerates the swinging movement of the swing arm relative to the frame. The swing arm in combination with the swing arm spring is subjected to high frequency vibrations from the railway track during operation.

[0015] Preferably, the pivot axis of the swing arm is arranged parallel to the respective wheel rotation axis. It is also preferred that the pivot axis is arranged in front of or behind the respective wheel rotation axis with respect to the direction of travel of the bogie, which results in an advantageously compact construction.

[0016] In a variant, the swing arm is fork-shaped. The fork is formed by two parts extending mainly in the direction of travel and a transverse part extending mainly in the transverse direction and connecting the two other parts. Preferably, one longitudinal end of the two parts is connected to the frame via a pivot axis and the other longitudinal end of the two parts is connected to the transverse part, thereby forming a fork. It is also preferred that the transverse part includes a spring seat, which is configured to hold the swing arm spring. The spring seat is one contact point for the swing arm spring. The frame includes another spring seat as a second contact point for the swing arm spring.

[0017] An advantageously compact construction is achievable when the pivot axis is arranged in front of the wheel axis of rotation relative to the direction of travel of the bogie and the swing arm spring is arranged behind the wheel axis of rotation. In this case, the respective wheel is at least partially surrounded by the swing arm. It is also preferred for a compact and balanced construction that the respective wheel can be mounted on two parts of the swing arm, which extend in the direction of travel.

[0018] Particularly good suspension results can be achieved when the swing arm spring is or comprises a rubber composite spring or a rubber metal composite spring. A rubber composite spring advantageously reduces noise pollution and undesired vibrations. A rubber metal composite spring can comprise a metal structure surrounded by rubber.

[0019] In a variation of the present disclosure, the sensor assembly is at least partially arranged on the frame or the swing arm. In other words, at least some parts of the sensor assembly can be arranged on the frame or the swing arm or a combination thereof.

[0020] In a variant, the front sensor and / or the rear sensor of the sensor assembly is interconnected to the frame or the swing arm via a sensor bracket. The sensor bracket is, for example, a part of the sensor assembly or a part of the frame, which positions the front sensor and / or the rear sensor in a predetermined position, preferably in front of the tread or behind the tread. The sensor bracket provides an advantageously simple and reliable solution for holding the respective sensor in a predetermined position.

[0021] In a preferred variant, the front sensor and / or the rear sensor of the sensor assembly is arranged to be displaceable in the vertical direction during operation to adjust the vertical distance of the respective sensor(s) relative to the railway track. Movements of the frame and / or of the swing arm may cause an undesired vertical displacement of at least one of the sensors. An undesired vertical displacement may also be caused by wheel wear, which causes a reduction in the radial extension of the wheel. Arranging the respective sensors to be displaceable in the vertical direction creates the possibility of compensating for undesired vertical displacements of the respective sensors.

[0022] A reliable and simple solution for adjusting the vertical distance of the front and / or rear sensors of the respective sensor assembly is to provide at least one leveling actuator on each sensor assembly, the leveling actuator being configured to adjust the vertical distance of the front and / or rear sensors during operation. In another variant, each sensor may comprise one leveling actuator, the leveling actuator being configured to adjust the vertical distance during operation. In another variant, a plurality of sensors have one associated leveling actuator.

[0023] A particularly advantageous solution for adjusting the vertical distance of the front sensor and / or the rear sensor of the respective sensor assembly is to arrange the sensor holder so as to be pivotable relative to the swing arm or relative to the frame about a leveling axis. In this variant, the sensor holder is arranged on the swing arm or on the frame. The leveling axis is arranged, for example, parallel to the respective wheel rotation axis. In the case where the sensor holder is arranged on the swing arm, the sensor holder including the respective sensor follows the swinging movement of the swing arm relative to the frame. Arranging the sensor holder so as to be pivotable relative to the swing arm creates the possibility of compensating for the swinging movement of the sensor holder and thereby keeping the respective sensor in a predetermined position even during the swinging movement of the swing arm. In a variant, at least one leveling actuator is connected to the pivotable sensor holder and is configured to adjust the vertical position of the respective sensor during operation.

[0024] In order to achieve an advantageous sensing result, at least one front sensor and / or at least one rear sensor is arranged on the sensor assembly such that the sensing direction is oriented vertically from the bogie to the railway track. According to this variant, the sensing direction is parallel to the vertical direction and to the steering axis. A movement which displaces the front sensor, the rear sensor and / or the sensor support such that the sensing direction of the respective sensor is no longer oriented vertically can be compensated by at least one leveling actuator.

[0025] At least one of the front sensors and / or at least one of the rear sensors may be an inductive sensor, a laser sensor, a capacitive sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an optical sensor, a radar sensor or a combination thereof. Inductive sensors generally achieve good results even if the railway track is contaminated and / or covered with snow.

[0026] Steering the frame is particularly simple when the bogie comprises a steering actuator which is connected to the frame and is configured to swivel the frame by a steering angle relative to the base about a steering axis during operation. The steering actuator is for example connected to the base and the frame, which enables the frame to swivel relative to the base. In another variant, the steering actuator may be directly connected to the chassis of the railway vehicle.

[0027] In order to control the movement of the bogie, the bogie may include an electric motor for each wheel, which is configured to drive the corresponding wheel during operation. The electric motor is, for example, arranged coaxially with respect to the wheel and may be arranged on the same axis as the wheel. The electric motor may be arranged on the lateral outer side of the wheel to achieve a particular compact configuration. Preferably, the electric motor is an in-hub traction motor. Furthermore, driving during operation includes accelerating the corresponding wheel or decelerating the corresponding wheel via the electric motor. Thus, the electric motor may be used as a motor brake for braking the corresponding wheel. For example, preferably, the motor brake is a main brake of the railway bogie. It is also conceivable that one of the electric motors is controlled to accelerate and another electric motor of the bogie arranged on the opposite side of the bogie is controlled to decelerate (or slowly accelerate), so that the railway bogie is turned around the steering axis, which may be particularly quiet. The electric motor may also be used for regenerative braking to recover energy, which is stored in the corresponding battery.

[0028] It is also preferred that the electric motor is the only brake of the railway bogie, which is configured for deceleration of the railway bogie during operation of the railway bogie. In this embodiment, the railway bogie does not include a standard mechanical brake, such as a disc brake or the like. This brakeless embodiment provides a simple braking solution for the railway bogie. The railway bogie of this variant may also include a capacitor bank, which provides electrical energy to the electric motor for braking in the event of failure of the standard electrical system of the railway bogie or the railway vehicle. In addition, the bogie may include a brake, which is configured to decelerate the corresponding wheel during operation. The brake is, for example, a disc brake, preferably an internally ventilated disc brake, wherein the disc of the disc brake is, for example, arranged coaxially with respect to the wheel and can be arranged on the same axis as the wheel. The disc of the disc brake can be arranged on the lateral outside of the electric motor to achieve a particularly compact construction.

[0029] In order to achieve an advantageously compact construction, the brake caliper of the disk brake can be arranged fixedly on a swing arm, preferably on one of the two parts of the swing arm extending in the direction of travel.

[0030] An advantageously simple and reliable steering of the bogie is achievable when the bogie further comprises a control unit, which is configured to receive the measured lateral position during operation and is configured to determine the steering angle based on the received lateral position. The control unit is also configured to control the steering actuator based on the determined steering angle. Additionally or alternatively, the control unit is also configured to control at least one electric motor and / or at least one brake based on the determined steering angle for slewing the frame around the steering axis relative to the base. According to this variant, the desired steering of the bogie is achieved by controlling the steering actuator and / or by controlling the electric motors and brakes of the wheels. The electric motors of the wheels and brakes can be controlled during operation in a manner that achieves the steering of the bogie. For example, one wheel is decelerated and the other wheel is accelerated, which causes the bogie to slew relative to the base. The control unit can be arranged on or in the bogie. In another variant, the control unit is arranged outside the bogie, for example in a railway vehicle.

[0031] The steering system of the bogie may be a steering actuator, an electric motor and a brake and / or a steering actuator in combination with an electric motor and a brake.

[0032] In a variant of the disclosure, the frame comprises a base frame and a wheel frame interconnected to each other via a spring damping system, wherein the base is arranged on the base frame and wherein the wheel is arranged on the wheel frame. Preferably, a swing arm is arranged on the wheel frame interconnecting the wheel with the wheel frame. Interconnecting the base frame and the wheel frame via the spring damping system creates the possibility to damp vibrations and movements from the chassis of the railway vehicle during operation and additionally to damp vibrations from the railway track. This variant of the disclosure advantageously increases the suspension comfort during operation of the bogie.

[0033] In a variant, the spring-dampening system comprises a plurality of dampers and a plurality of spring assemblies, each spring assembly comprising a first spring and a second spring arranged coaxially with respect to one another. The spring assemblies are preferably arranged in a corner portion of the frame. The first spring and the second spring have different spring characteristics, which increases the range of frequencies that can be absorbed by the spring-dampening system during operation compared to a single spring. The spring assemblies are preferably arranged substantially vertically between the base frame and the wheel frame. At least some of the dampers can be arranged near the spring assemblies or in the region of the spring assemblies for advantageous suspension comfort.

[0034] In a variation of the present disclosure, the plurality of dampers comprises a first damper arranged substantially vertically and a second damper arranged substantially horizontally. In other words, the longitudinal axis of the first damper is arranged parallel to the vertical direction, and the longitudinal axis of the second damper is arranged substantially in the lateral direction. The first damper is configured to absorb vertical vibrations during operation, and the second damper is configured to absorb lateral / horizontal vibrations during operation. This variation achieves advantageous suspension comfort with respect to vertical and lateral vibrations during operation of the bogie.

[0035] When the base frame is arranged parallel to the wheel frame, a compact construction is preferred, which increases the available interior space in the railway vehicle. In particular, the main extension plane of the base frame is arranged parallel to the main extension plane of the wheel frame. The main extension plane is preferably arranged perpendicular to the steering axis. The main extension plane is an imaginary plane, which extends along the two main extension directions of the base frame and the wheel frame. In the installed position, according to this variant, the main extension planes of the base frame and the wheel frame extend in the transverse direction and in the direction of travel. The compact construction advantageously allows damped movements in certain directions and is rigid in other directions.

[0036] When the maximum vertical extension of the wheel exceeds the maximum vertical extension of the base frame, a particularly compact construction can be achieved. In other words, the base frame is arranged vertically within the vertical extension of the wheel.

[0037] In a variant of the present disclosure, the base frame is arranged above an imaginary separation plane, which is arranged perpendicular to the steering axis and intersects the center of the first wheel and / or the second wheel. In the case where the wheel rotation axes are arranged in parallel, the imaginary separation plane extends along the wheel rotation axes. It is also preferred that the wheel frame is mainly below the imaginary plane. In other words, the base frame is arranged vertically above the wheel rotation axis and most of the volume of the wheel frame is mainly arranged vertically below the wheel rotation axis. This configuration enables an advantageous compact design, which increases the available interior space in the railway vehicle.

[0038] A compact construction is preferred when the two wheels are at least partially surrounded by a frame, in particular a base frame and / or a wheel frame. For example, the base frame and / or the wheel frame extend beyond the wheels in the direction of travel and / or in the transverse direction.

[0039] For a particularly compact construction it is preferred if the majority of the volume of the base frame is arranged predominantly within an imaginary frame defined by the outer edges of the wheel frame.

[0040] In a variant of the present disclosure, the frame further comprises a plurality of struts, preferably four struts, which connect the base frame with the wheel frame, wherein the longitudinal axes of the struts are arranged perpendicular to the steering axis. The struts are preferably connected to the base frame and the wheel frame such that vertical movement between the base frame and the wheel frame is allowed and further movement, in particular lateral movement and movement in the direction of travel, is prevented. In other words, the struts allow vertical freedom between the base frame and the wheel frame and create stiffness in other directions. Thus, the steering torque / movement from, for example, a steering actuator can advantageously be transferred from the base frame to the wheel via the struts. In order to achieve the desired stiffness, the struts can be arranged parallel to each other and parallel to the direction of travel of the bogie.

[0041] In other variations, the frame and / or other components of the bogie are at least partially made of or include lightweight materials. The lightweight material may include aluminum, aluminum alloys, lightweight steel alloys, composite materials, fiber reinforced composite materials, or combinations of the foregoing. The lightweight structure of the bogie helps to reduce energy consumption during operation of the railway bogie and improve the overall environmental footprint.

[0042] In a preferred variant, the frame and / or other components of the bogie have a lightweight design shape. The lightweight design shape of a part is a shape that has a reduced weight due to a specific design, but does not lose its required functionality. The lightweight design shape includes, for example, a slender / thin structure that follows its corresponding functionality compared to a standard design, which is, for example, constructed from standard parts such as rods, bars or standard profiles. Furthermore, the lightweight design shape is determined, for example, using simulation results of different parts of a railway bogie, so that material is added where it is needed and removed where it is not needed.

[0043] In an aspect of the present disclosure, a railway vehicle is specified, which includes a bogie as described above and below.

[0044] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for steering a bogie of a railway vehicle is described. The method comprises the following steps:

[0045] providing a railway vehicle comprising a bogie as described above and below;

[0046] determining, by at least one sensor assembly, a lateral position of a tread of at least one of the two wheels relative to the railroad track;

[0047] receiving, in a control unit, the determined lateral position and calculating a steering angle using the received lateral position;

[0048] The bogie is swung about the steering axis by the steering system approximately by the calculated steering angle for steering the bogie relative to the base. The steering system may include a steering actuator and / or at least one electric motor and / or at least one brake.

[0049] It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present embodiments and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the present disclosure. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles and operation of the disclosed concepts. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] The disclosure described herein will be more fully understood from the detailed description given below and the accompanying drawings, which should not be considered as limiting the disclosure described in the appended claims. In the drawings:

[0051] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first variation of a bogie according to the present disclosure;

[0052] Figure 2 shows a first perspective view of a second variation of a bogie according to the present disclosure;

[0053] Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 a second perspective view of a second variation of the invention;

[0054] Figure 4 Shows Figure 3 Detail view of

[0055] Figure 5 Shows Figure 2 A top view of a second variation of ;

[0056] Figure 6 The cross-sectional area indicated by the cross-sectional line I is shown. Figure 5 A first cross-sectional view of a second variation of ;

[0057] Figure 7 The cross-sectional area indicated by the J is shown. Figure 5 A second cross-sectional view of a second variation of ;

[0058] Figure 8 A first perspective view showing a variation of a wheel of a bogie;

[0059] Fig. 9 a second perspective view showing a variation of the wheel of the bogie;

[0060] Fig.10 A perspective view showing a variation of the swing arm of the bogie;

[0061] Fig.11 A perspective view showing a variation of the base frame of the bogie;

[0062] Fig.12 A perspective view showing a variation of the wheel frame of the bogie;

[0063] Fig.13 A perspective view of a connection of a bogie is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, features are shown. Indeed, the embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Whenever possible, like reference numerals will be used to refer to like components or parts.

[0065] Figure 1 A perspective view of a first variation of a bogie according to the present disclosure is shown. Figure 2 A first perspective view of a second variation of a bogie according to the present disclosure is shown. Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 A second perspective view of a second variation of . Figure 4 Shows Figure 3 Detail view of the Figure 5 Shows Figure 2 A top view of a second variant of FIG. Figure 6 The cross-sectional area indicated by the cross-sectional line I is shown. Figure 5 A first cross-sectional view of a second variation of . Figure 7 The cross-sectional area indicated by the J is shown. Figure 5 A second cross-sectional view of a second variation of . Figure 8 A first perspective view of a variant of a wheel of a bogie is shown. Fig. 9 A second perspective view of a variation of a wheel of a bogie is shown. Fig.10 A perspective view showing a variation of the swing arm of a bogie is shown. Fig.11 A perspective view showing a variation of the base frame of the bogie is shown. Fig.12 A perspective view showing a variant of a wheel frame of a bogie is shown. Fig.13 A perspective view of a connection of a bogie is shown.

[0066] For example Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5As can be seen in the figure, the bogie 1 comprises a base 2 configured to be attached to the chassis of a railway vehicle. The base 2 can be connected to a connection 9 configured to be connected to the chassis of the railway vehicle during operation of the bogie 1. The bogie 1 also comprises a frame 3 arranged to be rotatable relative to the base 2 about a vertical steering axis 4. The bogie 1 also comprises two wheels 5, which include a tread 6. The tread 6 or tread profile is a radially outer part of the wheel 5. The tread 6 includes a contact surface or rolling surface that comes into contact with the railway track during operation. The wheels 5 are arranged to be rotatable relative to the frame 3 about respective wheel rotation axes 7. The wheel rotation axes 7 of the wheels 5 are arranged substantially coaxially with each other, and the steering axis 4 is arranged between the two wheels 5 in the transverse direction Y. In another variant, the wheel rotation axis 7 can be arranged at a specific angle relative to the transverse direction Y. In this case, the wheel rotation axis 7 is inclined relative to the transverse direction Y. Figure 1 Also shown is a cover 30 arranged on the frame 3 for protecting the bogie 1 during operation.

[0067] The bogie 1 also includes Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 7 The most clearly visible sensor assembly 11 is configured to determine the lateral position of the treads 6 of the two wheels 5 relative to the railway track during operation. The sensor assembly 11 enables the position of the treads 6 of the wheels 5 on the railway track to be determined during operation, which is crucial for controlling the position of the treads 6 of the wheels 5 relative to the railway track for noise and wear control.

[0068] Figure 1 Also shown is a steering actuator 16, which is connected to the frame 3 and the connecting member 9. The connecting member 9 is also Fig.13 The movement of the steering actuator 16 causes the frame 3 to rotate about the steering axis 4 by a steering angle relative to the base 2 and relative to the connection 9 and also relative to the chassis of the railway vehicle.

[0069] Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 7 and Figures 8 to 10 Also shown is a swing arm 20. Each of the wheels 5 is pivotably mounted to the frame 3 via a swing arm 20. The swing arm 20 is arranged to be pivotable relative to the frame 3 about a pivot axis 21 against the force of a swing arm spring 22 which is arranged at Figure 6 and Figure 8The pivot axis 21 is arranged parallel to the wheel rotation axis 9. The support point of the wheel 5 is arranged on the swing arm 20 between the pivot axis 21 and the swing arm spring 22. In other words, according to the embodiment shown in the figure, the wheel 5 is mounted on the swing arm 20 between the pivot axis 21 and the swing arm spring 22.

[0070] Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 7 The sensor assembly 11 is also shown in detail. The sensor assembly 11 comprises a front sensor 13, which is arranged in front of the corresponding tread 6 of the wheel 5 relative to the travel direction X of the bogie 1. The sensor assembly 11 also comprises a rear sensor 14, which is arranged behind the corresponding tread 6 of the wheel 5 relative to the travel direction X of the bogie 1. Figure 3 As can be seen most clearly in the drawing, both wheels 5 of the bogie 1 comprise a front sensor 13 and a rear sensor 14. The front sensor 13 and the rear sensor 14 are arranged on a sensor bracket 15 which is pivotably mounted on a swing arm 20. The sensor bracket 15 extends along the wheel 5 and holds the respective sensor 13, 14 in a predetermined position during operation of the bogie 1. The sensor bracket 15 is arranged to be pivotable relative to the swing arm 20 about a leveling axis 10 which is located at Figure 4 and Figure 7 The levelling axis 10 is arranged parallel with respect to the respective wheel rotation axis 4 and parallel with respect to the pivot axis 21 .

[0071] The bogie 1 also includes Figure 6 and Fig.11 The most clearly visible leveling actuator 8 is connected to the frame 3 and the corresponding sensor bracket 15. The linear movement of the leveling actuator 8 adjusts the vertical distance of the front sensor 13 and / or the rear sensor 14 relative to the railway track during the operation of the bogie 1. The movement of the swing arm 20 may change the vertical distance of at least one of the sensors 13, 14, which can be compensated by the movement of the leveling actuator 8. In a variant of the present disclosure as shown in the figures, the linear movement of the leveling actuator 8 causes a pivoting of the connected sensor bracket 15 about the leveling axis 10. The pivoting about the leveling axis 10 compensates for possible deflections of the swing arm 20 against the swing arm spring 22 during the operation of the bogie 1, so that the vertical position of the corresponding sensor 13, 14 can be kept as stationary as possible. In another variant, the leveling actuator 8 associated with the corresponding sensor 13, 14 can be moved independently, so that each of the sensors 13, 14 is always in a predetermined vertical position.

[0072] Figures 1 to 9It is also shown that each wheel 5 comprises an electric motor 18 and a brake 19. The electric motor 18 is configured to drive the corresponding wheel 5 if necessary during operation, and the brake 19 is configured to decelerate the corresponding wheel 5 if necessary during operation of the bogie 1. The brake 19 is a disc brake, and the disc of the disc brake is arranged on the same axis as the corresponding wheel 5 and the corresponding electric motor 18. The wheel 5, the electric motor 18 and the disc are partially surrounded and held by a swing arm 20, at Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The brake caliper of the brake 19 is arranged on the swing arm 20.

[0073] The figures also schematically indicate a control unit 17. The control unit 17 is, for example, arranged in the bogie 1 or at a different location of the railway vehicle. The control unit 17 is configured to receive the measured lateral position of the (multiple) corresponding sensors 13, 14 during operation of the bogie 1 and is also configured to determine the steering angle based on the received lateral position. The control unit 17 is also configured to control the steering actuator 16 and / or control the electric motor 18 and the brake 19 based on the determined steering angle for slewing the frame 3 relative to the base 2 about the steering axis 4.

[0074] In particular, Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 6 , Fig.11 or Fig.12 The frame 3 is shown to include a base frame 23 and a wheel frame 24 . Fig.11 The base frame 23 is shown in detail, and Fig.12 The wheel frame 24 is shown in detail. The base frame 23 is mainly arranged above the wheel frame 24. The base frame 23 is interconnected to the wheel frame 24 via the spring-damper system 12, and vice versa. The base 2 of the bogie 1 is arranged on the base frame 23, and the two wheels 5 are arranged on the wheel frame 24 via the swing arms 20. The spring-damper system 12 includes a plurality of dampers 25, which are configured to damp different kinds of movements / vibrations of the bogie 1 during operation. According to a variant of the present disclosure as shown in the figure, four of the dampers 25 are arranged vertically. In other words, the long axes of the four dampers 25 are arranged parallel to the vertical direction Z, and these dampers 25 are configured to damp vertical vibrations. In addition, two of the dampers 25 are mainly arranged in the lateral direction Y, as in Figure 5The dampers 25 are most clearly visible in the figure. These dampers 25 are configured to damp lateral vibrations / movements. The spring damping system 12 also includes four spring assemblies 26. The spring assembly 26 includes a first spring 27 and a second spring 28. The first spring 27 is arranged coaxially with respect to the second spring 28. The second spring 28 has a smaller radial extension than the first spring 27 and is arranged inside the first spring 27. The two springs 27, 28 are engaged with the base frame 23 and the wheel frame 24 and are configured to absorb vibrations generated by the movement of the bogie 1 on the railway track in combination with the dampers 25 during operation of the bogie 1.

[0075] The swing arm 20 is pivotally mounted on the wheel frame 24 against the force of a swing arm spring 22 . Fig.12 The attachment point of the pivot axis 21 of the respective swing arm 20 on the wheel frame 24 is shown. Fig.10 and Fig.12 Also shown are a spring seat 32 on the swing arm 20 and a spring seat 33 on the wheel frame 24 for the swing arm spring 22. The swing arm spring 22 is engaged with the swing arm 20 and the wheel frame 24 via the spring seats 32,33.

[0076] The drawings further show a stopper 31 arranged on the base frame 23. Figure 2 and Fig.12 It can be seen most clearly in FIG. 2 , where some of the stops 31 limit the movement of the base frame 23 relative to the wheel frame 24. Other stops 31 limit the maximum possible rotation of the frame 3 relative to the base 2.

[0077] Figures 1 to 5 And especially Figure 6 and Figure 7 The compact construction of the bogie 1 is shown. This is a result of the compact and staggered design of the different parts of the bogie 1. The wheel 5 is partially surrounded and held by a swing arm 20 in combination with the electric motor 18 and the brake 19. A wheel frame 24 partially surrounds the swing arm 20 and a large part of the wheel frame 24 is arranged below the wheel rotation axis 7. A large part of the base frame 23 is arranged above the wheel rotation axis 7 and does not extend beyond the maximum radial extension of the wheel 5 with respect to the vertical direction Z. The maximum vertical extension of the wheel frame 24 with respect to the vertical direction Z also does not exceed more than 10 mm, preferably 5 mm, of the maximum radial extension of the wheel 5, which increases the available interior space in a railway vehicle in which the bogie 1 is used, see Figure 6 and Figure 7 .

[0078] Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 6Also shown are four struts 29, which connect the base frame 23 with the wheel frames 24. The longitudinal axes of the struts 29 are arranged parallel to each other and, in the stationary state of the bogie 1, are further arranged parallel to the direction of travel X. The struts 29 are connected to the base frame 23 and the wheel frames 24 in such a way that vertical movement between these two parts is allowed within certain limits (damped by the spring-damper assembly 12) and movement in the direction of travel X is prevented. Thus, movement of the steering actuator 16 results in the desired direct and precise steering of the wheels 5, which is particularly advantageous in tight bends.

[0079] Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0080] Numbered List

[0081] 1 Bogie 20 Swing arm

[0082] 2 Base 21 Pivot axis

[0083] 3 frame 22 swing arm spring

[0084] 4 Steering axis 23 Base frame

[0085] 5 wheels 24 wheel frame

[0086] 6 tread 25 damper

[0087] 7 Wheel rotation axis 26 Spring assembly

[0088] 8 Leveling actuator 27 First spring

[0089] 9 Connecting piece 28 Second spring

[0090] 10 Leveling axis 29 Support

[0091] 11 sensor assembly 30 cover

[0092] 12 Spring damping system 31 Stopper

[0093] 13Front sensor 32 Spring seat on swing arm

[0094] 14 Rear sensor 33 Spring seat on wheel frame

[0095] 15 sensor bracket

[0096] 16 Steering actuator X Travel direction

[0097] 17 Control unit Y Horizontal direction

[0098] 18 Electric motor Z vertical direction

[0099] 19 Brakes

Claims

1. A bogie (1) for a railway vehicle guided on a railway track, comprising: a. a base (2) configured to be attached to the chassis of the railway vehicle; b. a frame (3) arranged to be rotatable relative to the base (2) about a vertical steering axis (4); c. two wheels (5), each of the two wheels comprising a tread (6) arranged to be rotatable relative to the frame (3) about a respective wheel rotation axis (7), wherein the two wheels (5) are arranged spaced apart from each other in a transverse direction (Y); d. wherein the steering axis (4) is arranged between the two wheels (5) in the transverse direction (Y); e. At least one sensor assembly (11) configured to determine, during operation, the lateral position of the tread (6) of at least one of the two wheels (5) relative to the railway track.

2. The bogie (1) according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the wheel rotation axes (7) is arranged parallel to each other and perpendicular to the steering axis (4).

3. The bogie (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The at least one sensor assembly (11) comprises a front sensor (13) arranged in front of the corresponding wheel (5) and / or a rear sensor (14) arranged behind the corresponding wheel (5) relative to the travel direction (X) of the bogie (1).

4. The bogie (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Each wheel (5) is mounted to the frame (3) via a swing arm (20), wherein the swing arm (20) is pivotable relative to the frame (3) about a pivot axis (21) against the force of a swing arm spring (22).

5. The bogie (1) according to claim 4, wherein: The pivot axis (21) is arranged in front of the corresponding wheel rotation axis (7) relative to the travel direction of the bogie (1), and the swing arm spring (22) is arranged behind the corresponding wheel rotation axis (7) relative to the travel direction of the bogie (1).

6. Bogie (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The sensor assembly (11) is at least partially arranged on the frame (3) or the swing arm (20).

7. The bogie (1) according to claim 6, wherein: The front sensor (13) and / or the rear sensor (14) of the sensor assembly (11) are interconnected to the frame (3) or the swing arm (20) via a sensor bracket (15).

8. The bogie (1) according to any one of claims 6 or 7, wherein: The front sensor (13) and / or the rear sensor (14) of the sensor assembly (11) are arranged to be displaceable in a vertical direction (Z) during operation to adjust the vertical distance relative to the railway track.

9. The bogie (1) according to claim 8, wherein: Each of the sensor assemblies (11) comprises at least one levelling actuator (8) configured to adjust the vertical distance of the front sensor (13) and / or the rear sensor (14) of the respective sensor assembly (11) relative to the railway track during operation.

10. Bogie (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The bogie (1) comprises a steering actuator (16) connected to the frame (3) and configured to swivel the frame (3) about the steering axis (4) by a steering angle relative to the base (2) during operation.

11. Bogie (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Each wheel (5) comprises: a. an electric motor (18) configured to drive the corresponding wheel (5) during operation; and / or b. A brake (19) configured to decelerate the corresponding wheel (5) during operation.

12. The bogie (1) according to claim 10 or 11, further comprising: a. a control unit (17) configured to receive the measured lateral position during operation and to determine a steering angle based on the received lateral position; b. wherein the control unit (17) is configured to control the steering actuator (16) based on the determined steering angle; and / or c. wherein the control unit (17) is configured to control the at least one electric motor (18) and / or the at least one brake (19) based on the determined steering angle so as to rotate the frame (3) around the steering axis (4) relative to the base (2).

13. Bogie (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The frame (3) comprises a base frame (23) and a wheel frame (24) which are interconnected to each other via a spring damping system (12), wherein the base (2) is arranged on the base frame (23), and wherein the wheel (5) is arranged on the wheel frame (24).

14. The bogie (1) according to claim 13, wherein: The spring damping system (12) includes a plurality of dampers (25) and a plurality of spring assemblies (26), each of the plurality of spring assemblies (26) including a first spring (27) and a second spring (28) arranged coaxially with each other.

15. The bogie (1) according to any one of claims 13 to 14, wherein: The maximum vertical extension of the wheels (5) exceeds the maximum vertical extension of the base frame (23).

16. The bogie (1) according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein: The frame (3) comprises a plurality of struts (29) connecting the base frame (23) with the wheel frame (24), wherein the longitudinal axes of the struts (29) are arranged perpendicular to the steering axis (4).

17. Bogie (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The frame (3) and / or other components of the bogie (1) are made of lightweight materials.

18. Bogie (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The frame (3) and / or other components of the bogie (1) have a lightweight design.

19. A railway vehicle comprising a bogie (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

20. A method for steering a bogie (1) of a railway vehicle, the method comprising the following steps: a. Providing a railway vehicle comprising a bogie (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16; b. determining, by said at least one sensor assembly (11), the lateral position of said tread (6) of at least one of said two wheels (5) relative to said railway track; c. receiving the determined lateral position in a control unit (17) and calculating a steering angle using the received lateral position; d. The steering system causes the bogie (1) to rotate about the steering axis (4) by approximately the calculated steering angle to steer the bogie (1) relative to the base (2).

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