CA1214189A - Roller suspension apparatus for a belted vehicle - Google Patents
Roller suspension apparatus for a belted vehicleInfo
- Publication number
- CA1214189A CA1214189A CA000467748A CA467748A CA1214189A CA 1214189 A CA1214189 A CA 1214189A CA 000467748 A CA000467748 A CA 000467748A CA 467748 A CA467748 A CA 467748A CA 1214189 A CA1214189 A CA 1214189A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- mounting surfaces
- pair
- arms
- roller
- suspension apparatus
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D55/00—Endless track vehicles
- B62D55/08—Endless track units; Parts thereof
- B62D55/14—Arrangement, location, or adaptation of rollers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D55/00—Endless track vehicles
- B62D55/08—Endless track units; Parts thereof
- B62D55/104—Suspension devices for wheels, rollers, bogies or frames
- B62D55/112—Suspension devices for wheels, rollers, bogies or frames with fluid springs, e.g. hydraulic pneumatic
- B62D55/1125—Hydro-pneumatic or pneumatic, e.g. air-cushioned
Abstract
Roller Suspension Apparatus for a Belted Vehicle Abstract of the Disclosure Roller suspension apparatus are useful for example in belted vehicles. The heretofore known roller suspension apparatus impart a shear force to the spring due to the geometry and the relationship between the roller mounting arms, the walking beam, and the pivot pins to which the arms and beam are pivoted. The subject roller suspension apparatus has a pair of arms and a force transmitting beam pivotally connected to a single pivot shaft. The mounting surfaces to which a pair of springs are attached are then arranged relative to the pivot shaft such that substantially only compressive forces are imparted to the springs. Thus, the full shock absorbing potential of the springs is fully utilized.
Description
Description Roller Suspension Apparatus for a Belted Vehicle Technical Field This invention relates generally to a roller suspension apparatus and more particularly to such an apparatus in which substantially onl~ compressive forces are imposed upon a spring.
Back~round Art Many track roller and tandem wheel support systems use a resilient elastomer pad between the ends of a pair of pivotal arms for absorbing shock loads.
The elastomer pads are normally connected to one or both of the arms. One such suspension system is shown in U.S. Patent 3,323,811 which issued to J. M. Nelson on January 12, 1965. That patent shows a pair of radius arms each having an end pivotally connected to a bracket by separate pins while a walking beam is pivotally secured at its mid-point to the bracket by another pin. A wheel is rotatably carried at the distal end of the radius arms, Resilient pad springs are positioned between the distal ends of the radius arms and the end o~ the walking beam. Thus, an upward force on one wheel is transmitted to the springs so that a downward force is imparted to the other wheel.
One of the problems associated with that suspension system is that three separate pins are used 3Q to pivotally connect the radius arms and walking beam to the supporting bracket thereby adding to the cost o~
the structure. Another problem is that a particular geometry thereof induces a component of shear in the springs when a compressive force is imposed thereon due to a load being applied to one of the wheels~ Such .~
~L2~
shear induced into the springs is deleterious to the suspension system and/or the operation thereof~
The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems as set forth above.
Disclosure of the Invention In one aspect of the present invention a roller suspension apparatus for use on a belted vehicle having a frame includes a single pivot shaft adapted to be connected to the vehicle frame. A pair of arms are each pivotally connected at one end to the pivot shaft and extend in opposite directions from the pivo~
shaft. Each of the arms has a mounting surface at a distal end portion thereof~ A pair of roller mechanisms are individually connected to the distal end portions of the arms. A force transfer beam is pivotally connected at its mid-portion to the pivot shaft and has first and s~cond mounting surfaces individually generally facing a respective one of the mounting surfaces of the arms defining two pairs of facing mounting surfaces. A spring means is positioned between each pair of facing mounting surfaces in load bearing and ~orce transferring relation. The mounting surfaces are arranged relativel~ to the pivot sha~t so that substantially only compressive forces are transmitted to the spring means upon movement oE the mounting surfaces of each pair of facing mounting surfaces toward one another.
The problem of shear forces being transmitted to the springs positioned between the pivotal arms of roller or tandem wheel suspension systems is solved by the present invention by pivotally connecting the arms and the force transfer beam to a single pivot shaft and positioning the mounting surfaces, to which the springs ~z~
are connected, relative to the pivot shaEt such that the mounting surfaces move in the same arcuate path when one of the mounting surfaces moves toward the other mountiny surface. By so doing, subst~ntially only compressive Eorces are transmitted to the springs during such movement o~ the mounting surfaces.
Brief Description of the Drawinqs Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of a vehicle including an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 2 is an enlarged side elevational view of a portion of Fig. 1.
Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of Fig. 2.
Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of Fig. 2.
Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 2 with components thereof in a loaded condition.
Best Mode for Carryin~ Out the Invention Referring now to the drawings, a roller suspension appar~tus is generally indicated by the reference numeral 1~ in association with a work vehicle 12. The work vehicle has a longitudinally extending main frame 14 and a propulsion system 16 residing generally ben~ath and in supporting relation to the frame 14. The propulsion system 16 includes an endless, inextensible track or belt 18 encircling longitudinally spaced front and rear wheels disposed on one side of the vehicle. In the present embodiment, the front wheel 20 is a non-driving wheel and includes an elastomeric inflatable carcass 24 mounted on a rim 26. The rear wheel 2Z is the driving wheel and CQnSiStS of a drum Z8 having a layer of elastomer 30 bonded thereto.
., 'l~he roller suspension apparatus 10 is disposed intermediate the front and rear wheels 20, 22 for distributively transmitting a portion of the vehicle/load imposed on the vehicle main frame to -the belt 18. The roller suspension apparatus includes a single pivot shaft 32, a pair of arms 34, 36, a pair of roller mechanisms 38, a force transfer beam 40, and a pair of spring means 42.
~s more clearly shown in FigsO 2 and 3, the pivot shaft 32 is rigidly connected to the main frame 14 by a mounting bracket 43 and defines a pivot axis A. Each of the arms 34, 36 has a biurcated end 44, 45 respectively pivotally connected to the pivot shaft 32 and extend in opposite directions therefrom. Each of the axms has a planar mounting surface 46 provided thereon at a distal or outer end portion 48 thereof.
The force transfer beam 40 is pivotally connected at its mid-portion to the pivot shaft 32 and generally overlies the arms 34, 36. The beam has first and second planar mounting surfaces 50, 51 individually generally facing a respective one of the mounting surfaces 46 of the arms 34, 36. The ~irst mounting surface 50 and the mounting surface 46 on the arm 34 define a first pair of facing mounting surfaces while the second mounting surface Sl and the mounting surface 46 on the arm 36 define a second pair of facing mounting sur~aces.
The spring means 42 are positioned between and connected to the mounting surface 46, 50, and 51 for biasingly transmitting forces Pxerted on the force transfer beam 40 by one arm 34 or 36 to the other arm 34 or 36. The spring means 42 can include either a single elastomer padJ a pluralit~ of elastomer pads or an inflatable air bags positioned between the facing mounting sur~aces. Each of the spring means includes a portion 52 sui-tably secured to the respective mounting surfaces 46~ 50, and 51.
Each oE the roller mechanisms 38 includes a walking beam 5~ pivotally connected to the distal end portion 48 of the arms 3~ and 36 by a pivot pin 56. A
pair of roller assemblies 58 are connected to the ends of the walking beam 54. As more clearly shown on Fig.
3, each of the roller assemblies 58 includes a pair of laterally spaced rollers 60 rotatably connected to an axle 62 which is rigidly connected to a bracket 64 connected to the end of the walking beam 54. The rollers 60 rolling~y engage the interior belt surface of the lower belt run.
Alternatively, each of the roller mechanisms 38 could be replaced with a single roller assembly 58 wherein the bracket 64 would be connected directly to the distal end portion 43 of the respective a~ms 34, 36.
Each of the arms 34, 36 has a stop surface 66 positioned for engagement with one another to limit movement of the arms 34, 36 in a direction causing the mounting surfaces 46 to move away ~rom the mounting surfaces 50, 51.
The mounting surfaces o each pair of facing mounting surfaces 46,50/46,51 define an acute angle "B"
therebetween. A plane illustrated by the line "C"
bisecting the angle "B" passes through the axis "A" of the pivot shaft 32. This causes the mounting portions 52 to move in the same arcuate pathway generated about the axis "A" as illustrated by the broken lines 68 on Fig. 2. A convergent point "D" of the angle "B" is preferrably disposed at the side of the axis "A"
opposite to the side at which the mounting surfaces defining the angle "B" are disposed. This permits the angle "B" to be relatively small and thereby minimizes unequal loading on the spring means 42 caused by the mounting sur~aces being angled relative to one another.
Industrial Applicability In use, the roller suspension system 10 distributes the weight/load equally through the rollers 60 to the belt 18. The arms 34, 36 transmit equal forces to the belt 18 for all conditions whether the forces originate from the vehicle weight, loads exerted on the vehicle, or a combination thereof. In forward operation of the vehicle, ~or example, when the belt 18 under the rollers 60 o~ the leading roller assembly 58 initially engages an object protruding from the surface, the leading roller assembly is raised. This causes the leading walking beam 54 to pivot about the pivot pin 56 and applies a downward ~orce onto the rollers 60 of the second trailing roller assembly.
Consequently, there is a longitudinal load sharing between the rollers 60 of the two leading assemblies 58 supported on the common walking beam 54.
The raising oE the leading roller 60 and eventually the second roller 60 also causes the arm 34 to pivot about the pivot shaft 32 and thereby transmit a compressive force to the spring means 42 between the mounting surface 46 and the mounting surface 50 of the ~orce transfer beam 40 so as to cause pivoting o~ the force transfer beam in a counterclockwise direction about the pivot shaft 32. Such pivoting of the force trans~er beam 40 transfers the increased ~orce and motion through the trailing spring means 42, the arm 36, and the rollers ~0 o the trailing roller mechanism 38 to the portion o~ the belt 18 beneath the trailing rollers 60. As such, longitudinal load sharing between arms 34 and 36 is provided to augment the longitudinal load sharing between the rollers 60 mounted to the leading walking beam 54.
~2~
Of course as the trailin~ rollers 60 pass over the protruding object, the force transfer beam 40 pivots clockwise to transmit motion and forces in the opposite direction to that previously described.
The mounting surfaces 46, 50 and 51 are preferrably arranged relative to the pivot shaft 32 so that substantially only compressive Eorces are transmitted to the spring means 42 upon relative movement of the mounting surfaces of each pair of facing mounting surfaces 46,50/46,51 toward one another. As illustrated in Fig. 2, clockwise pivotal movement of the arm 36 about the shaft 32 causes the mounting portion 52 of the spring means 42 connected to the mounting surface ~6 of the arm 36 to move in an arcuate path indicated by the broken lines 68. Since the mounting portion 52 connected to the mounting surface 51 is positioned in the projected arcuate path of movement of the mounting portion 52 connected to the arm, only compressive forces are transmitted to the spring means 320 Moreover as more clearly illustrated in Fig. 5 at the maximum loaded condition of the spring means 42, the facing mounting surfaces 4~,50/46,51 are substantially parallel to one anoLher. As such, the spring means 42 are uniformally stressed so that ma~imum utilization of the spring force is achieved.
In view of the foregoing, it is readily apparent that the structure of the present invention provides an improved roller suspension system in which substantially only compressive forces are imparted to the spring means during operation. This is accomplished by positioning the mounting surfaces, to which the springs are attached, relative to the pivot shaft so that the connections between the spring and the mounting surface fall in a coincidential arcutate pathway~
Other aspects, objects and advantages of this invention can be obtained from a study of the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims.
Back~round Art Many track roller and tandem wheel support systems use a resilient elastomer pad between the ends of a pair of pivotal arms for absorbing shock loads.
The elastomer pads are normally connected to one or both of the arms. One such suspension system is shown in U.S. Patent 3,323,811 which issued to J. M. Nelson on January 12, 1965. That patent shows a pair of radius arms each having an end pivotally connected to a bracket by separate pins while a walking beam is pivotally secured at its mid-point to the bracket by another pin. A wheel is rotatably carried at the distal end of the radius arms, Resilient pad springs are positioned between the distal ends of the radius arms and the end o~ the walking beam. Thus, an upward force on one wheel is transmitted to the springs so that a downward force is imparted to the other wheel.
One of the problems associated with that suspension system is that three separate pins are used 3Q to pivotally connect the radius arms and walking beam to the supporting bracket thereby adding to the cost o~
the structure. Another problem is that a particular geometry thereof induces a component of shear in the springs when a compressive force is imposed thereon due to a load being applied to one of the wheels~ Such .~
~L2~
shear induced into the springs is deleterious to the suspension system and/or the operation thereof~
The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems as set forth above.
Disclosure of the Invention In one aspect of the present invention a roller suspension apparatus for use on a belted vehicle having a frame includes a single pivot shaft adapted to be connected to the vehicle frame. A pair of arms are each pivotally connected at one end to the pivot shaft and extend in opposite directions from the pivo~
shaft. Each of the arms has a mounting surface at a distal end portion thereof~ A pair of roller mechanisms are individually connected to the distal end portions of the arms. A force transfer beam is pivotally connected at its mid-portion to the pivot shaft and has first and s~cond mounting surfaces individually generally facing a respective one of the mounting surfaces of the arms defining two pairs of facing mounting surfaces. A spring means is positioned between each pair of facing mounting surfaces in load bearing and ~orce transferring relation. The mounting surfaces are arranged relativel~ to the pivot sha~t so that substantially only compressive forces are transmitted to the spring means upon movement oE the mounting surfaces of each pair of facing mounting surfaces toward one another.
The problem of shear forces being transmitted to the springs positioned between the pivotal arms of roller or tandem wheel suspension systems is solved by the present invention by pivotally connecting the arms and the force transfer beam to a single pivot shaft and positioning the mounting surfaces, to which the springs ~z~
are connected, relative to the pivot shaEt such that the mounting surfaces move in the same arcuate path when one of the mounting surfaces moves toward the other mountiny surface. By so doing, subst~ntially only compressive Eorces are transmitted to the springs during such movement o~ the mounting surfaces.
Brief Description of the Drawinqs Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of a vehicle including an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 2 is an enlarged side elevational view of a portion of Fig. 1.
Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of Fig. 2.
Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of Fig. 2.
Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 2 with components thereof in a loaded condition.
Best Mode for Carryin~ Out the Invention Referring now to the drawings, a roller suspension appar~tus is generally indicated by the reference numeral 1~ in association with a work vehicle 12. The work vehicle has a longitudinally extending main frame 14 and a propulsion system 16 residing generally ben~ath and in supporting relation to the frame 14. The propulsion system 16 includes an endless, inextensible track or belt 18 encircling longitudinally spaced front and rear wheels disposed on one side of the vehicle. In the present embodiment, the front wheel 20 is a non-driving wheel and includes an elastomeric inflatable carcass 24 mounted on a rim 26. The rear wheel 2Z is the driving wheel and CQnSiStS of a drum Z8 having a layer of elastomer 30 bonded thereto.
., 'l~he roller suspension apparatus 10 is disposed intermediate the front and rear wheels 20, 22 for distributively transmitting a portion of the vehicle/load imposed on the vehicle main frame to -the belt 18. The roller suspension apparatus includes a single pivot shaft 32, a pair of arms 34, 36, a pair of roller mechanisms 38, a force transfer beam 40, and a pair of spring means 42.
~s more clearly shown in FigsO 2 and 3, the pivot shaft 32 is rigidly connected to the main frame 14 by a mounting bracket 43 and defines a pivot axis A. Each of the arms 34, 36 has a biurcated end 44, 45 respectively pivotally connected to the pivot shaft 32 and extend in opposite directions therefrom. Each of the axms has a planar mounting surface 46 provided thereon at a distal or outer end portion 48 thereof.
The force transfer beam 40 is pivotally connected at its mid-portion to the pivot shaft 32 and generally overlies the arms 34, 36. The beam has first and second planar mounting surfaces 50, 51 individually generally facing a respective one of the mounting surfaces 46 of the arms 34, 36. The ~irst mounting surface 50 and the mounting surface 46 on the arm 34 define a first pair of facing mounting surfaces while the second mounting surface Sl and the mounting surface 46 on the arm 36 define a second pair of facing mounting sur~aces.
The spring means 42 are positioned between and connected to the mounting surface 46, 50, and 51 for biasingly transmitting forces Pxerted on the force transfer beam 40 by one arm 34 or 36 to the other arm 34 or 36. The spring means 42 can include either a single elastomer padJ a pluralit~ of elastomer pads or an inflatable air bags positioned between the facing mounting sur~aces. Each of the spring means includes a portion 52 sui-tably secured to the respective mounting surfaces 46~ 50, and 51.
Each oE the roller mechanisms 38 includes a walking beam 5~ pivotally connected to the distal end portion 48 of the arms 3~ and 36 by a pivot pin 56. A
pair of roller assemblies 58 are connected to the ends of the walking beam 54. As more clearly shown on Fig.
3, each of the roller assemblies 58 includes a pair of laterally spaced rollers 60 rotatably connected to an axle 62 which is rigidly connected to a bracket 64 connected to the end of the walking beam 54. The rollers 60 rolling~y engage the interior belt surface of the lower belt run.
Alternatively, each of the roller mechanisms 38 could be replaced with a single roller assembly 58 wherein the bracket 64 would be connected directly to the distal end portion 43 of the respective a~ms 34, 36.
Each of the arms 34, 36 has a stop surface 66 positioned for engagement with one another to limit movement of the arms 34, 36 in a direction causing the mounting surfaces 46 to move away ~rom the mounting surfaces 50, 51.
The mounting surfaces o each pair of facing mounting surfaces 46,50/46,51 define an acute angle "B"
therebetween. A plane illustrated by the line "C"
bisecting the angle "B" passes through the axis "A" of the pivot shaft 32. This causes the mounting portions 52 to move in the same arcuate pathway generated about the axis "A" as illustrated by the broken lines 68 on Fig. 2. A convergent point "D" of the angle "B" is preferrably disposed at the side of the axis "A"
opposite to the side at which the mounting surfaces defining the angle "B" are disposed. This permits the angle "B" to be relatively small and thereby minimizes unequal loading on the spring means 42 caused by the mounting sur~aces being angled relative to one another.
Industrial Applicability In use, the roller suspension system 10 distributes the weight/load equally through the rollers 60 to the belt 18. The arms 34, 36 transmit equal forces to the belt 18 for all conditions whether the forces originate from the vehicle weight, loads exerted on the vehicle, or a combination thereof. In forward operation of the vehicle, ~or example, when the belt 18 under the rollers 60 o~ the leading roller assembly 58 initially engages an object protruding from the surface, the leading roller assembly is raised. This causes the leading walking beam 54 to pivot about the pivot pin 56 and applies a downward ~orce onto the rollers 60 of the second trailing roller assembly.
Consequently, there is a longitudinal load sharing between the rollers 60 of the two leading assemblies 58 supported on the common walking beam 54.
The raising oE the leading roller 60 and eventually the second roller 60 also causes the arm 34 to pivot about the pivot shaft 32 and thereby transmit a compressive force to the spring means 42 between the mounting surface 46 and the mounting surface 50 of the ~orce transfer beam 40 so as to cause pivoting o~ the force transfer beam in a counterclockwise direction about the pivot shaft 32. Such pivoting of the force trans~er beam 40 transfers the increased ~orce and motion through the trailing spring means 42, the arm 36, and the rollers ~0 o the trailing roller mechanism 38 to the portion o~ the belt 18 beneath the trailing rollers 60. As such, longitudinal load sharing between arms 34 and 36 is provided to augment the longitudinal load sharing between the rollers 60 mounted to the leading walking beam 54.
~2~
Of course as the trailin~ rollers 60 pass over the protruding object, the force transfer beam 40 pivots clockwise to transmit motion and forces in the opposite direction to that previously described.
The mounting surfaces 46, 50 and 51 are preferrably arranged relative to the pivot shaft 32 so that substantially only compressive Eorces are transmitted to the spring means 42 upon relative movement of the mounting surfaces of each pair of facing mounting surfaces 46,50/46,51 toward one another. As illustrated in Fig. 2, clockwise pivotal movement of the arm 36 about the shaft 32 causes the mounting portion 52 of the spring means 42 connected to the mounting surface ~6 of the arm 36 to move in an arcuate path indicated by the broken lines 68. Since the mounting portion 52 connected to the mounting surface 51 is positioned in the projected arcuate path of movement of the mounting portion 52 connected to the arm, only compressive forces are transmitted to the spring means 320 Moreover as more clearly illustrated in Fig. 5 at the maximum loaded condition of the spring means 42, the facing mounting surfaces 4~,50/46,51 are substantially parallel to one anoLher. As such, the spring means 42 are uniformally stressed so that ma~imum utilization of the spring force is achieved.
In view of the foregoing, it is readily apparent that the structure of the present invention provides an improved roller suspension system in which substantially only compressive forces are imparted to the spring means during operation. This is accomplished by positioning the mounting surfaces, to which the springs are attached, relative to the pivot shaft so that the connections between the spring and the mounting surface fall in a coincidential arcutate pathway~
Other aspects, objects and advantages of this invention can be obtained from a study of the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims.
Claims (11)
1. A roller suspension apparatus adapted for use on a belted vehicle having a frame comprising:
a single pivot shaft adapted to be connected to the vehicle frame;
a pair of arms each pivotally connected at one end to the pivot shaft and extending in opposite directions from the pivot shaft, each of said arms having a mounting surface at a distal end portion thereof;
a pair of roller mechanisms individually connected to the distal end portions of said arms;
a force transfer beam pivotally connected at its mid-portion to the pivot shaft and having first and second mounting surfaces individually generally facing a respective one of the mounting surfaces of said arms defining two pairs of facing mounting surfaces; and spring means positioned between each pair of facing mounting surfaces in load bearing and force transferring relation; and wherein said mounting surfaces are arranged relative to the pivot shaft so that substantially only compressive forces are transmitted to the spring means upon movement of the mounting surfaces toward one another.
a single pivot shaft adapted to be connected to the vehicle frame;
a pair of arms each pivotally connected at one end to the pivot shaft and extending in opposite directions from the pivot shaft, each of said arms having a mounting surface at a distal end portion thereof;
a pair of roller mechanisms individually connected to the distal end portions of said arms;
a force transfer beam pivotally connected at its mid-portion to the pivot shaft and having first and second mounting surfaces individually generally facing a respective one of the mounting surfaces of said arms defining two pairs of facing mounting surfaces; and spring means positioned between each pair of facing mounting surfaces in load bearing and force transferring relation; and wherein said mounting surfaces are arranged relative to the pivot shaft so that substantially only compressive forces are transmitted to the spring means upon movement of the mounting surfaces toward one another.
2. The roller suspension apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein the mounting surfaces of each pair of facing mounting surfaces define an acute angle therebetween, said pivot shaft defines an axis, and a plane bisecting the angle passes substantially through the axis.
3. The roller suspension apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein the mounting surfaces of each pair of facing mounting surfaces are substantially parallel when the spring means are in their fully compressed condition.
4. The roller apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein each of said roller mechanisms includes a walking beam pivotally connected to the distal end portion of one of the arms, and a pair of roller assemblies individually connected to the ends of the walking beam.
5. The roller suspension apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein each of said arms has a stop surface positioned for engagement with one another and adapted to limit movement of the arms in a direction causing movement of the mounting surfaces of each pair of facing mounting surfaces away from one another.
6. The roller suspension apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein said spring means includes a elastomer pad positioned between each pair of facing mounting surfaces and connected to one of the mounting surfaces.
7. The roller suspension apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein said spring means includes an air bag positioned between each pair of facing mounting surfaces and connected to one of the facing mounting surfaces.
8. A roller suspension apparatus adapted for use on a belted vehicle having a frame comprising:
a pair of arms disposed in end to end relationship with each of said arms having a mounting surface at an outer end portion thereof;
a pair of roller mechanisms individually connected to the outer end portions of said arms;
a force transfer beam generally overlying the arms and having first and second mounting surfaces individually generally facing a respective one of the mounting surfaces of said arms and defining two pairs of facing mounting surfaces;
spring means positioned between each pair of facing mounting surfaces in load bearing and force transferring relation; and a single pivot shaft having the inner ends of said arms and the midportion of the force transfer beam commonly pivotally connected thereto, said pivot shaft adapted to be connected to the vehicle frame.
a pair of arms disposed in end to end relationship with each of said arms having a mounting surface at an outer end portion thereof;
a pair of roller mechanisms individually connected to the outer end portions of said arms;
a force transfer beam generally overlying the arms and having first and second mounting surfaces individually generally facing a respective one of the mounting surfaces of said arms and defining two pairs of facing mounting surfaces;
spring means positioned between each pair of facing mounting surfaces in load bearing and force transferring relation; and a single pivot shaft having the inner ends of said arms and the midportion of the force transfer beam commonly pivotally connected thereto, said pivot shaft adapted to be connected to the vehicle frame.
9. The roller suspension apparatus as set forth in claim 8 wherein the mounting surfaces of each pair of facing mounting surfaces define an acute angle therebetween, said pivot shaft defines an axis, and a plane bisecting the angle passes substantially through the axis.
10. The roller suspension apparatus as set forth in claim 8 wherein the mounting surfaces of each pair of facing mounting surfaces are substantially parallel when the spring means are in there fully compressed condition.
11. The roller suspension apparatus as set forth in claim 8 wherein the mounting surfaces are arranged relative to the pivot shaft so that the mounting surfaces of each pair of facing mounting surfaces move in substantially the same arcuate pathway.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US563,335 | 1983-12-20 | ||
| US06/563,335 US4519654A (en) | 1983-12-20 | 1983-12-20 | Roller suspension apparatus for a belted vehicle |
| US84/01615 | 1984-10-10 | ||
| PCT/US1984/001615 WO1985002825A1 (en) | 1983-12-20 | 1984-10-10 | Roller suspension apparatus for a belted vehicle |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1214189A true CA1214189A (en) | 1986-11-18 |
Family
ID=24250096
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000467748A Expired CA1214189A (en) | 1983-12-20 | 1984-11-14 | Roller suspension apparatus for a belted vehicle |
Country Status (6)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JPS61500723A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU569553B2 (en) |
| BR (1) | BR8407175A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1214189A (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2159477B (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1985002825A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2684632A1 (en) * | 1991-12-04 | 1993-06-11 | Cmhf Remy | SUSPENSION DEVICE FOR TRACKED VEHICLE. |
| US11724756B2 (en) * | 2019-11-12 | 2023-08-15 | Soucy International Inc. | Track system for a vehicle having at least three axles, vehicle comprising the same and pivoting assemblies adapted for connection between a frame of a track system and an axle of a vehicle |
Family Cites Families (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US1386978A (en) * | 1921-08-09 | Trailer-wagon | ||
| US1514188A (en) * | 1919-09-29 | 1924-11-04 | Holt Mfg Co | Tractor-frame suspension |
| US3323811A (en) * | 1965-01-12 | 1967-06-06 | John M Nelson | Suspension for vehicles |
| US4097093A (en) * | 1976-10-26 | 1978-06-27 | Caterpillar Tractor Co. | Track guiding means for a track-type vehicle |
| US4202564A (en) * | 1978-09-07 | 1980-05-13 | Motor Wheel Corporation | Tandem axle suspension system |
| JPS598588B2 (en) * | 1979-05-11 | 1984-02-25 | 株式会社小松製作所 | Lower wheel “ken” racking device for tracked vehicles |
-
1984
- 1984-10-10 AU AU35023/84A patent/AU569553B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1984-10-10 BR BR8407175A patent/BR8407175A/en unknown
- 1984-10-10 WO PCT/US1984/001615 patent/WO1985002825A1/en unknown
- 1984-10-10 GB GB08513380A patent/GB2159477B/en not_active Expired
- 1984-10-10 JP JP50374884A patent/JPS61500723A/en active Granted
- 1984-11-14 CA CA000467748A patent/CA1214189A/en not_active Expired
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU3502384A (en) | 1985-07-12 |
| BR8407175A (en) | 1985-11-05 |
| JPH0212794B2 (en) | 1990-03-27 |
| JPS61500723A (en) | 1986-04-17 |
| GB2159477B (en) | 1987-08-05 |
| GB8513380D0 (en) | 1985-07-03 |
| GB2159477A (en) | 1985-12-04 |
| WO1985002825A1 (en) | 1985-07-04 |
| AU569553B2 (en) | 1988-02-04 |
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