Adam's axis
An Adam's axle is used to mount a wheel set of a rail vehicle in a laterally movable manner. The axle was invented by William Bridges Adams and patented in 1865. The axis can swing out to the side like a Bissel axis and adjust itself radially. Instead of a drawbar, an Adam's axle is guided by axle bearings, which can be moved laterally on an arc, with sliding plates arranged at an angle, the center of the arc being in the pivot of the (imaginary) drawbar. This construction using slide bearings is more complex, but requires less space than a drawbar. Adam axles carry parts of the vehicle mass, but guide the vehicle less well than more complex designs. The running properties can be improved with a reset device. This construction is less suitable for leading axles of high-speed locomotives. Adam axles were used as a forerunner in steam and early electric locomotives that did not travel too fast, and above all as trailing axles in tender locomotives. The advantage here is that no drawbar frame has to be installed under the ash pan.
see also: Krauss-Helmholtz steering frame and Schwartzkopff-Eckhardt steering frame
Web links
- Adams axis. In: Viktor von Röll (ed.): Encyclopedia of the Railway System . 2nd Edition. Volume 1: Cover - discontinuation of construction . Urban & Schwarzenberg, Berlin / Vienna 1912, p. 98 .
literature
- Theodor Düring: Express train steam locomotives of the German state railways 1907-1922 Franckh, Stuttgart 1972, ISBN 3-440-03795-9