WO2019241808A2

WO2019241808A2 - Multipiece bogie

Info

Publication number: WO2019241808A2
Application number: PCT/ZA2019/050031
Authority: WO
Inventors: Vusimuzi Patrick MOLOI; Peter Tshepiso MAHEGU; Marvin Osmund CARSTENS
Original assignee: Transnet Soc Ltd
Priority date: 2018-06-11
Filing date: 2019-06-10
Publication date: 2019-12-19
Also published as: ZA202007534B; WO2019241808A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a multipiece bogie, in particular a fabricated bogie that has a bolster having a first end region and a second opposite end region; a first side frame and a second opposite side frame, each side frame defining a central opening for accommodating and dismountably mounting to a respective end region of the bolster; and a reinforcement arrangement fitted at predetermined locations on at least one of the first side frame, second side frame, and bolster for reinforcing the multipiece bogie so as to, in use, enable a predetermined load of a wagon to be supported by the multipiece bogie. The invention further extends to a bolster that has a mounting arrangement for mounting to a corresponding mounting arrangement of a centre bowl arrangement. The invention further extends to a centre bowl arrangement which is arranged to be removably fitted to the bolster.

Description

MULTIPIECE BOGIE

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention is in the field of bogie assemblies, in particular bogie assemblies comprising a standalone bolster, standalone side frames, and a standalone centre bowl assembly.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Components of a bogie, such as side frames and the bolster are each manufactured generally as monolithic, casted components. The bolster of the bogie is typically provided with an integrally formed centre bowl which is arranged to accommodate a corresponding part (i.e. top centre) protruding from a wagon which the bogie is arranged to support.

Typically, if one of the components, such as the centre bowl, of the bogie fail in service, the entire bogie would be required to be removed from service and repaired or replaced with another bogie. In this regard, when one of the components of the bogie fractures in service or reaches its service life, the entire bogie would need to be scrapped or undergo intensive rehabilitation to restore the bogie into a good condition acceptable for service conditions.

With regard to fabricated bogies, the Applicant is aware of the DCD bogie which has a low axle load and also has a bolster that is integrally formed with the centre bowl. Again, should the centre bowl or bolster be damaged or require service, the entire bolster would be required to be removed from service so that it can be repaired.

It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide an improved bogie which can at least ameliorate some of the abovementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a multipiece bogie comprising: a bolster having a first bolster end region and a second opposite bolster end region;

a first side frame and a second opposite side frame, each side frame defining a central opening for accommodating and dismountably mounting to a respective end region of the bolster; and

a reinforcement arrangement fitted at predetermined locations on at least one of the first side frame, second side frame, and bolster for reinforcing the multipiece bogie so as to, in use, enable a predetermined load of a wagon to be supported by the multipiece bogie.

In an embodiment, the reinforcement arrangement may comprise a reinforcement means fitted along at least each end horn region of each side frame, in particularly arranged to be oriented around at least each peripheral opening defined by the side frame on each end of the side frame, which each peripheral opening is arranged to accommodate a bearing adapter on an axle, wherein the said reinforcement means is arranged to strengthen the end horn region of the side frame to prevent the multipiece bogie from failing static and dynamic fatigue strength requirements required for the multipiece bogie, and wherein the said reinforcement means is further arranged to provide rigidity and reduce stress experienced by the multipiece bogie, in use.

In an embodiment, the reinforcement arrangement may comprise another reinforcement means fitted to a spring bed that protrudes outwardly from the central opening defined by each side frame, to strengthen the spring bed and further provide rigidity to the side frames. In an embodiment, the reinforcement arrangement may comprise yet another reinforcement means fitted to edges of the bolster, in particular a bumpstop region of the bolster, to limit lateral displacement of the bolster relative to the side frames and to withstand lateral forces exerted on the multipiece bogie.

In an embodiment, the reinforcement arrangement may comprise yet another reinforcement means fitted on an underside of the bolster to support axial loads associated with the load supported by an axle that is fitted to the multipiece bogie.

In an embodiment, the bolster may comprise a mounting arrangement for mounting to a centre bowl arrangement or for facilitating the mounting of a centre bowl arrangement thereto.

In an embodiment, the mounting arrangement may comprise female mounting formations on the bolster for receiving male mounting formations to secure the centre bowl arrangement onto the bolster, in use.

In an embodiment, the bolster may comprise an upper side and an underside and may define a bolster opening on the upper side thereof, which opening may be located substantially at the centre of the bolster for registering/aligning with an opening provided on the centre bowl arrangement, wherein the bolster opening is arranged to be surrounded by or located proximate to the mounting arrangement on the bolster.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a centre bowl arrangement for removably mounting onto a bolster of a bogie, the centre bowl arrangement comprising: a centre bowl body defining a cavity that is shaped and sized to rotatably accommodate a corresponding part of a wagon that is arranged to be carried by the bogie, in use; and

a mounting arrangement for mounting or facilitating the mounting of the centre bowl body to the bolster.

In an embodiment, the cavity may be defined by a raised annular rim that is provided on a first major side of the centre bowl body.

In an embodiment, the centre bowl arrangement may comprise a second major side that is opposite the first major side, and the centre bowl arrangement may define an opening that is located substantially at the centre of the centre bowl body, the opening being arranged to be aligned with a bolster opening on the bolster.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a bolster comprising a mounting arrangement for mounting or facilitating the mounting of a centre bowl arrangement onto the bolster.

In an embodiment, the bolster may comprise a reinforcement arrangement fitted at predefined locations on the bolster to provide rigidity to the bolster.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a side frame comprising:

a first end and a second opposite end, the first end and second end each defining peripheral openings for accommodating a bearing mounted on an axle, and each side frame defining a central opening for accommodating and removably connecting to a respective end region of a bolster; and a reinforcement arrangement fitted to the side frame at predetermined locations, to strengthen the side frame.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of assembling a multipiece bogie, the method comprising:

providing a bolster having a first bolster end region and an opposite second bolster end region;

providing a first side frame and a second side frame, each side frame having a central opening for accommodating a respective end region of the bolster;

fitting a reinforcement arrangement to at least one of the bolster, the first side frame and second side frame; and

removably connecting the first side frame and second side frame to the first bolster end region and second bolster end region, respectively.

In an embodiment, the fitted reinforcement arrangement may comprise a reinforcement means fitted along each end (i.e. an end horn region of each side frame), in particular around at least one peripheral opening defined by the side frame on each end of the side frame, which peripheral opening is arranged to accommodate a bearing adapter on an axle, wherein the said reinforcement means is arranged to strengthen the side frame to prevent the multipiece bogie from failing static and dynamic fatigue strength requirements required for the bogie that is arranged to carry a predefined amount of weight per axle, for example 30 tonnes per axle.

In an embodiment, the fitted reinforcement arrangement may comprise yet another reinforcement means fitted to a spring bed protruding from the central opening defined by each side frame, to further strengthen the side frame. In an embodiment, the fitted reinforcement arrangement may comprise yet another reinforcement means fitted to edges of the bolster, i.e. a bumpstop region of the bolster, to limit lateral displacement of the bolster relative to the side frames and to withstand lateral forces exerted onto the bogie.

In an embodiment, the fitted reinforcement arrangement may comprise yet another reinforcement means fitted on an operative underside of the bolster to support axial loads associated with the load supported by an axle that is assembled to the multipiece bogie.

In an embodiment, the provided bolster may comprise a mounting arrangement for mounting or facilitating the mounting of a removable centre bowl arrangement thereto.

In an embodiment, the bolster may comprise a bolster opening located substantially at the centre thereof.

In an embodiment, the method may comprise providing a centre bowl arrangement and removably mounting the centre bowl arrangement to the bolster.

In an embodiment, the centre bowl arrangement may comprise a centre bowl body for mounting onto the bolster; the centre bowl body may define a cavity that is shaped and sized to rotatably accommodate a corresponding part of a wagon; and the centre bowl arrangement may further comprise a mounting arrangement for mounting or facilitating the mounting of the centre bowl body to the bolster. According to a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided a process of manufacturing a multiple-piece bogie, the method comprising:

metalworking, such as casting or forming (i.e. forging, fabricating, etc.) a bolster having a first bolster end region and a second opposite bolster end region; metalworking a first side frame; and metalworking a second side frame, wherein each side frame has a first end and a second opposite end, the first end and second end each defining peripheral openings for accommodating a bearing mounted on an axle, and each side frame defining a central opening for accommodating and removably connecting to a respective end region of the bolster.

In an embodiment, the bolster, first side frame, and second side frame may be separate bodies which are connectable to one another to define a multipiece bogie.

In an embodiment, the metalworking may be in the form of one of casting, forging, fabricating (i.e. cutting and/or welding parts (e.g. sheets of material, such as steel plates)) to form the bolster, first side frame, and second side frame.

In an embodiment, the manufacturing process may comprise the step of metalworking a reinforcement arrangement for the bolster, first side frame, and second side frame.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention, there is provided a bolster assembly comprising:

a bolster as hereinbefore described; and a centre bowl arrangement as hereinbefore described, the centre bowl arrangement being dismountably mountable to the bolster. According to a seventh aspect of the invention, there is provided a bogie assembly comprising:

the multipiece bogie as described above; and

the centre bowl arrangement as described above that is removably fitted to the bogie.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The objects and features of the present invention will become fully apparent from following the description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Undertaking that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore, not to be considered limiting its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specific and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

In the drawings:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a bogie assembly in accordance with the invention, the bogie assembly comprising a bolster, side frames, and a centre bowl arrangement;

Figure 2 shows a top perspective view of an assembled bogie assembly of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 shows a bottom perspective view of an assembled bogie assembly of Figure 2;

Figure 4 shows a partial perspective view of an end of a side frame of the assembled bogie of Figure 3; and

Figure 5 shows a three-dimensional view of the centre bowl arrangement of Figure 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EXAMPLE EMBODIMENT

While various inventive aspects, concepts and features of the invention may be described and illustrated herein as embodied in combination in the exemplary embodiments, these various aspects, concepts and features may be used in many alternative embodiments, either individually or in various combinations and sub-combinations thereof. Unless expressly exclude herein all such combinations and sub-combinations are intended to be within the scope of the present invention. Still further, while various alternative embodiments as to the various aspects, concepts and features of the invention - such alternative structures, configurations, methods, devices and components, alternatives as to form, fit and function, and so on may be described herein, such descriptions are not intended to be a complete or exhaustive list of available alternative embodiments, whether presently known or later developed.

Those skilled in the art may readily adopt one or more of the inventive aspects, concepts of features into additional embodiments and uses within the scope of the present invention even if such embodiments are not expressly disclosed herein. Still further, exemplary or representative values and ranges may be included to assist in understanding the present disclosure; however, such values and ranges are not to be construed in a limiting sense and are intended to be critical values or ranges only if so expressly, stated. Moreover, while various aspects, features and concepts may be expressly identified herein as being inventive or forming part of an invention, such identification is not intended to be exclusive but rather there may be inventive aspects, concepts and features that are fully described herein without being expressly identified as such or as part of a specific invention. In accordance with the invention there is provided a bogie assembly designated generally by reference numeral 10. The bogie assembly comprises a multi-piece bogie 12 comprising a bolster 14 fabricated typically from sheets/plates of metal. The bolster 14 comprises a central upper portion 16 and central lower portion 18, and a first and second upper arms 20, 22 extending from the central upper portion 16, and first and second lower arms 24, 26 extending outwardly from the central lower portion 18 via upwardly inclined connector plates 21 , 23, as shown in Figures 1 and 3. The central upper portion 16 and the first and second upper arms 20, 22 may be integrally formed. On the other hand, the central lower portion 18 may be connected, via welding for example, to the first and second lower arms 24, 26 via the inclined connector plates 21 , 23. The first upper and lower arms 20, 24 and the second upper and lower arms 22, 26 define first and second end regions 28, 30 respectively, of the bolster 14.

The central upper portion 16 and central lower portion 18 of the bolster 14 are connected to each other by an array of upright/vertically extending webs 32, and securing members 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d provided about the sides of the bolster 14 and extending between the first upper and lower arms 20, 24 and second upper and lower arms 22, 26. The vertical webs 32 are arranged to space the central upper portion 16, first upper arm 20 and second upper arm 22 from the central lower portion 18, first lower arm 24 and second lower arm 26. The securing members 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d are arranged to clamp/secure the first upper arm 20 to the first lower arm 24 and secure the second upper arm 22 to the second lower arm 26.

As can be seen in Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, the bolster 14 comprises a first reinforcement means/members 29a, 29b, 29c, 29d, each of which being fitted at or towards a dedicated corner/edge of the bolster 14. The first reinforcement means 29a, 29b are fitted within a first space 25 defined between peripheral edges of the first upper and lower arms 20, 24, and the other first reinforcement means 29c, 29d are fitted within a space 27 defined between peripheral edges of second upper and lower arms 22, 26 of the bolster 14. Each of the first reinforcement means 29a, 29b, 29c, 29d protrudes outwardly from the space 25, 27 and straddles the corresponding support member 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d situated at or proximate the edge of the bolster 14.

The bolster 14 accordingly has a first major upper side 14.2, as shown in Figure 1 , and a second major lower side/underside 14.4 as shown in Figure 3 of the drawings. In Figure 1 , the elongate sides of the bolster 14 are shown as being opened, however they are shown as being closed/covered by a closure/cover plate 31 on Figure 3 of the drawings.

The second major underside 14.4 is fitted with a second reinforcement means 33, as shown in Figure 3. The second reinforcement means is an arrangement of elongate plates/ribs which are fitted, in particular welded, to the lower major side 14.4 of the bolster 14. The second reinforcement means 33 are arranged to extend parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the bolster 14 which is shown in Figure 1 . Flowever, it is envisaged that the second reinforcement means 33 may be arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis A of the bolster 14. As shown in Figure 3, one of the second reinforcement means 33.2 is located on the central lower portion 18, and the other one of the second reinforcement means 33.4 is located on the second lower arm 26. Another second reinforcement means (not shown) is provided on the first lower arm 24.

The central upper portion 16 of the bolster body 14 is substantially flat and defines a central bolster opening 15 which is surrounded by a mounting arrangement 17, typically comprising female mounting formations, for example, openings. As can be seen in Figures 1 to 3 of the drawings, the multipiece bogie 12 comprises a first, elongate side frame 50, which as shown on side X of Figure 1 , shows the features provided on an outer side 60 of the side frame 50. The multipiece bogie 12 also comprises a second side frame which is a mirror image of the first side frame hence it is also designated by reference numeral 50, the second side frame 50 on side Y of Figure 1 , clearly shows features thereon which are provided on an inner side 58 of the first and second side frames 50. The first and second side frames 50 are fabricated from sheets of metal which are joined to each other, for example by welding.

The discussion to follow below will be in view of the side frame on side X of Figure 1 , however the same description made on this side frame applies equally to the second side frame 50 shown on side Y of Figure 1. The side frame 50 comprises a central side frame body 52 which is in the form of a substantially flat plate. The central side frame body 52 defines a central side frame opening 54 for accommodating the second upper arm 22 and second lower arm 26 respectively, (i.e. a first end region) of the bolster 14. The side frame 50 comprises a spring bed/platform 56 which protrudes outwardly at a lower end of the central side frame opening 54 from both an inner side 58, as shown on side Y of Figure 1 , and an outer side 60 of the side frame 50. An underside of the spring bed 56 is supported by a first pair of outwardly extending first support members (i.e. two ribs, which act as reinforcements elements) 55 on the inner side 58 of the side frame 50, and a second pair of second support members (i.e. two ribs) 57 on an outer side 60 of the side frame 50, as shown in Figure 1 . Although only two ribs are shown in the drawings, it is envisaged that any number of ribs can be used to reinforce the spring bed, for example, the first and second support members 55, 57 may each be constituted of four ribs. The first and second pairs of support members 55, 57 protrude from an edge of a lower portion 76 of the central side frame body 52, as shown in Figure 3. The central side frame opening 54 is bordered by a first rim member 62 provided on the inner and outer sides 58, 60 of the side frame 50, which rim member 62 comprises an upper rim wall 64 and side rim walls 66, 68. The rim member 62 is in the shape of an inverted U. The central side frame body 52 comprises a first and second inclined webs/flanges 70, 72 on both the inner and outer sides 58, 60 of the side frame 50. The first and second flanges 70, 72 connect an upper portion 74 of the side frame 50 to the lower portion 76 of the side frame 50 on opposite sides of the central side frame opening 54. The upper portion 74 is connected to a first outer side 75 of a first arm 80 of the side frame 50, and second outer side 77 of a second arm 96 of the side frame

50, as will be described below. The central side frame body 52 defines a pair of windows 78 which are located on the sides of the central side frame opening 54.

As mentioned above, the side frame 50 comprises the first arm 80 located on one end of the side frame 50. The first arm 80 extends longitudinally outwardly from the central side frame body 52. The first arm 80 comprises a free opened end 82, as shown in Figure 1 , that is arranged to be barricaded by a bridging plate 94, as shown in Figures 1 to 3. The bridging plate 94 comprises first bridging plate openings 94a. The bridging plate 94 is arranged to be mounted across the free opened end 82 and secured under the first arm 80 by fasteners 99 which are received through the first bridging plate openings 94a and corresponding openings (not shown) under the first arm 80, as shown in Figure 3 of the drawings.

The free opened end 82 leads into an axle accommodating opening 84 (i.e. peripheral opening of the side frame 50) that is defined by an inverted U- shaped member/bracket 85 that comprises an innermost upright sidewall 86, outermost upright sidewall 88 and upper wall 90 that connects to the innermost and outermost sidewalls 86, 88. The innermost sidewall 86 is connected to the inclined flange 70 via an inclined first base plate 89 of the first arm 80. The outermost sidewall 88 is connected to the outer side of the first arm 80 via a substantially horizontally extending second base plate 91 of the first arm 80. The axle accommodating opening 84 is arranged to accommodate an end of an axle (not shown) and axle box (not shown) fitted to the journal of the axle (not shown). The first arm 80, in particular the inverted U-shaped member 85 defines a first end horn region or horn cheek of the side frame 50, as commonly known in the art. A third reinforcement means 95 is located on adjoining edges of the walls defining the axle accommodating opening 84, in particular, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, one of the third reinforcement means 95.2 is located on the adjoining edge of the outermost wall 88 and upper wall 90, and another one 95.4 is located on the edge of the innermost wall 86 and upper wall 90.

As shown in Figure 4 of the drawings, a space 87 is defined between the U-shaped member 85, the first inclined flange 70, the upper portion 74, the outer side 75 of the side frame 50, and the first and second base plates

89, 91. As shown in Figure 4 of the drawings, a fourth reinforcement means 93, typically a plate 93, is fitted in the space 87. The plate 93 is connected, preferably welded, to the first inclined flange 70, the upper portion 74, and to the adjoining edges of the innermost wall 86 and upper wall 90 of the first arm 80 along the shaped edge 97 which conforms to the shape of the adjoining edges of the innermost wall 86 and upper wall 90. A cover plate 92, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, is fitted to the side frame 50 to cover the space 87.

As mentioned above, the side frame 50 comprises a second opposite arm 96 which extends longitudinally outwardly from the central side frame body 52. The second arm 96 comprises a second free end 98, as shown in Figure 1 , that is arranged to be barricaded by a second bridging plate 1 10, as shown in Figures 1 to 3. The second bridging plate 1 10, is arranged to be mounted across the second free end 98, preferably secured to the second arm 96 by fasteners 11 1 which are received through the second bridging plate openings 1 10a and corresponding openings (not shown) under the second arm 96, as shown in Figure 3 of the drawings. The second free end 98 leads into a second axle accommodating opening 100 (i.e. second peripheral opening) of the side frame 50. The second axle accommodating opening 100 is defined by a second inverted U- shaped member/bracket 101 , as shown in Figures 1 and 3, which comprises a second innermost sidewall 102, a second outermost sidewall 104 and upper wall 106 that connects the second innermost sidewall 102 to the second outermost sidewall 104. The second innermost sidewall 102 is connected to the inclined flange 72 via a second inclined base plate 105 of the second arm 96. The outermost sidewall 104 is connected to the outer side 77 of the second arm 96 via a second substantially horizontal base plate 103 of the second arm 96. The axle accommodating opening 100 is arranged to accommodate an end of an axle (not shown) and axle box (not shown). The second arm 96, in particular the second inverted U-shaped member 101 defines a second end horn region or horn cheek of the side frame 50, as commonly known in the art.

A fifth reinforcement means 1 13, is located on adjoining edges (not shown) of the U-shaped member 101 , in particular, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, one of the fifth reinforcement means 1 13.2 is located on the adjoining edge of the second outermost wall 104 and second upper wall 106, and another one of the fifth reinforcement means 1 13.4 is located on the edge of the second innermost wall 102 and second upper wall 106. A cover plate 108, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, is fitted to the side frame 50 to cover a space (not shown), but which is similar to the space 87 as hereinbefore described. Within the space (not shown), there is provided a sixth reinforcement means (not shown), which is similar to the fourth reinforcement means 93, for further strengthening the second arm 96 of the side frame 50.

A seventh reinforcement means, such as an arrangement of longitudinally extending plates 1 12 is fitted on the inner side 58 and outer side 60 of the central side frame body 52 between the vertical rim wall 66 and the angular flange 72 and also between the vertical rim wall 68 and angular flange 70 as shown in Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, to further reinforce the side frame 50.

As mentioned hereinbefore, the bogie assembly 10 comprises the centre bowl arrangement 200, as shown in Figures 1 , 2, and 5, comprising a centre bowl body 202 having a first major side 204 and a second opposite major side 203. A substantially circular cavity 206 is defined by a raised annular rim 208 protruding from the first major side 204. The cavity 206 is generally shaped and sized to rotatably accommodate a corresponding part

(i.e. top centre) of a wagon (not shown).

The centre bowl arrangement 200 also comprises a mounting arrangement comprising female mounting formations (i.e. openings) 210 for aligning with the female mounting formations 17 on the bolster 14. Once corresponding female mounting formations on the bolster 14 are aligned with the female mounting formations 210 on the centre bowl arrangement 200, male mounting means (not shown), can be threaded through the aligned female mounting formations 17, 210 of the bolster 14 and centre bowl arrangement 200 to secure the centre bowl arrangement 200 to the bolster

14.

The centre bowl arrangement 200 further comprises a first pair of lugs 214 on one end 216 of the centre bowl body 202, and a second pair of lugs 218 on the other opposite end 220 of the centre bowl body 202.

The centre bowl arrangement 200 also defines a centre bowl opening 222 that extends through the thickness of the centre bowl body 202 and is in communication with the cavity 206. The centre bowl opening 222 is arranged to align with the opening 15 provided on the bolster 14 when the centre bowl body 202 is mounted on the bolster 14. In use, the removable centre bowl arrangement 200 can be replaced with another centre bowl arrangement having an annular rim 208 of a different diameter, to enable a corresponding top centre of another wagon to be connected to the bogie 10. The centre bowl arrangement 200 was designed in this manner so that it could be removeable in order to allow centre bowl arrangements of various diameters to be removably fitted on the same bolster 14. Also, if damage were to occur on the removable centre bowl arrangement 200, the centre bowl arrangement can be easily removed and replaced with another one.

In use, the mounting of the centre bowl arrangement 200 on the bolster

14 forms a bolster arrangement 1 1 of the bogie 10, as shown in Figure 2.

As can be seen in Figures 2 and 3 of the drawings, the central openings 54 of the first and second side frames 50 accommodate the end regions 28, 30 of the bolster 14, and the space defined between the spring bed 56 and first and second lower arms 24, 26 is arranged to accommodate springs (not shown) which support the bolster 14 onto the side frames 50. Other components associated with bogies known in the art can be accordingly fitted (i.e. dismountably mounted) to the bogie assembly 10 of the present invention.

The Applicant is not aware of a fabricated bogie that has multiple components as the bogie described above. The reinforcement means fitted to various fabricated sections of the multipiece bogie provides the bogie with the required strength to carry loads of up to 30 tonnes per axle that is fitted to the bogie 10 envisaged by the present invention.

Claims

1. A multipiece bogie comprising:

a bolster having a first end region and a second opposite end region;

2. The multipiece bogie according to claim 1 , wherein the reinforcement arrangement comprises a reinforcement means that is fitted to edges of walls of the side frame, which walls define a peripheral opening that is arranged to accommodate a bearing adapter on an axle, wherein the said reinforcement means is arranged to provide rigidity and reduce stress experienced by the multipiece bogie, in use.

3. The multipiece bogie according to claim 1 , wherein the reinforcement arrangement comprise another reinforcement means fitted to a spring bed that protrudes outwardly from a central opening defined by each side frame, to strengthen the spring bed.

4. The multipiece bogie according to claim 1 , wherein the reinforcement arrangement comprises another reinforcement means that is fitted on an underside of the bolster to support axial loads associated to the axle load of the multipiece bogie.

5. The multipiece bogie according to claim 1 , wherein the bolster comprises a mounting arrangement for mounting to a corresponding mounting arrangement on a centre bowl arrangement or facilitating the mounting of a centre bowl arrangement thereto.

6. A centre bowl arrangement for removably mounting onto a bolster of a bogie, the centre bowl arrangement comprising:

a centre bowl body defining a cavity that is shaped and sized to rotatably accommodate a corresponding part of a wagon that is arranged to be supported by the bogie; and

a mounting arrangement for mounting or facilitating the mounting of the centre bowl arrangement to the bolster.

7. The centre bowl arrangement according to claim 6, wherein the cavity is defined by a raised annular rim that is provided on a first major side of the centre bowl body.

8. The centre bowl arrangement according to claim 7, wherein the centre bowl arrangement defines an opening that is located substantially at the centre of the centre bowl body.

9. A bolster comprising a mounting arrangement for mounting to a corresponding mounting arrangement of a centre bowl arrangement, or for facilitating the mounting of a centre bowl arrangement onto the bolster.

10. The bolster according to claim 9, comprising a reinforcement arrangement fitted thereto at predetermined locations, to strengthen the bolster.

1 1 . A side frame comprising: a first end and a second opposite end, the first end and second end each defining peripheral openings for accommodating a bearing mounted on an axle, and each side frame defining a central opening for accommodating and removably connecting to a respective end region of a bolster; and a reinforcement arrangement fitted to the side frame at predetermined locations, to strengthen the side frame.

12. A bolster assembly comprising a centre bowl arrangement according to claim 6, which is fitted to a bolster according to claim 9.

13. A bogie assembly comprising a multipiece bogie as described in claim 1 to which is removeably mounted a centre bowl arrangement as described in claim 6.