WHEEL UNIT, RAILWAY BOGIE, RAILWAY VEHICLE, AND RAILWAY SYSTEM

摘要

A self-steering bogie with a simple structure having improved running stability and curving performance is provided. The surface of the tread (5) of a wheel (3) which is brought into contact with a rail (4) is inclined in a direction opposite to that of conventional treads, such that the turning radius is gradually enlarged outward with respect to the rail (4). Gravitational restoring forces (F1, F2) produced by wheel loads (P1, P2) are accordingly oriented outward with respect to the rail (4). Consequently, when displacement in a yawing direction occurs, the gravitational restoring forces (F1, F2) produce a moment (M) with respect to the center (01) of the bogie in the direction in which the displacement in the yawing direction is nullified. The moment (M) functions as a moment for enhancing a self-steering capability that causes the bogie to follow the rail (4).