Steering links

Abstract

This invention relates to steering links for bogies and to wagons incorporating such bogies, a variable length steering link assembly for a bogie including an elongate link having a generally T-shaped head at each end and an anchor for each end, wherein each anchor defines an axially extending chamber for slidably receiving a respective head an a compression spring wherein in one chamber the spring acts on the end fact of its associated head and in the other chamber the spring acts on the back face of its associated head.

1 . A variable length steering link assembly for a bogie comprising an elongate link having a generally T-shaped head at each end and an anchor for each end, wherein each anchor defines an axially extending chamber for slidably receiving a respective head and a compression spring wherein in one chamber the spring acts on an end face of its associated head and in the other chamber the spring acts on a back face of its associated head. 
   
   
       2 . A link as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein at least one anchor includes a ball joint for connecting to a part of the bogie. 
   
   
       3 . An assembly as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the link has a central element and two head elements. 
   
   
       4 . An assembly as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the anchors are identical. 
   
   
       5 . An assembly as claimed in  claim 1  including hard stops for limiting the extension or contraction of the assembly. 
   
   
       6 . A variable length steering link assembly for a bogie comprising an elongate link having a generally T-shaped head at each end and an anchor for each end, wherein each anchor defines an axially extending chamber for slidably receiving a respective head and a compression spring wherein in one chamber the spring acts on the end face of its associated head and in the other chamber the spring acts on the back face of its associated head wherein at least one anchor includes a ball joint for connecting to a part of the bogie and wherein the link has a central element and two head elements. 
   
   
       7 . An assembly as claimed in  claim 6  wherein the anchors are identical. 
   
   
       8 . An assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims including hard stops for limiting the extension or contraction of the assembly 
   
   
       9 . A container wagon having at least a pair of bogies having wheels of diameters of less than 600 mm characterised in that each bogie has a steering link extending from its frame to a wheel set, for each wheel set. 
   
   
       10 . A wagon as claimed in  claim 9  wherein there are a pair of steering links for each wheel set, one on each side of the bogie. 
   
   
       11 . A wagon as claimed in  claim 9  wherein each link is extendable and includes a pair of compression springs, one of which is compressed on extension of the link and one of which is compressed on contraction of the link. 
   
   
       12 . A wagon as claimed in  claim 9  wherein the link is a steering link assembly as claimed in  claim 1 .