EP2558354A1 - Traverses métalliques pour une chenille d'un véhicule à chenilles - Google Patents

Traverses métalliques pour une chenille d'un véhicule à chenilles

Info

Publication number
EP2558354A1
EP2558354A1 EP10849629A EP10849629A EP2558354A1 EP 2558354 A1 EP2558354 A1 EP 2558354A1 EP 10849629 A EP10849629 A EP 10849629A EP 10849629 A EP10849629 A EP 10849629A EP 2558354 A1 EP2558354 A1 EP 2558354A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
sole
ground
elongate member
length
cross
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP10849629A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP2558354A4 (fr
Inventor
François Paquet
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Prinoth Ltd
Original Assignee
Rolic Invest SARL
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Rolic Invest SARL filed Critical Rolic Invest SARL
Publication of EP2558354A1 publication Critical patent/EP2558354A1/fr
Publication of EP2558354A4 publication Critical patent/EP2558354A4/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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
    • B62D55/18—Tracks
    • B62D55/24—Tracks of continuously flexible type, e.g. rubber belts
    • B62D55/253—Tracks of continuously flexible type, e.g. rubber belts having elements interconnected by one or more cables or like elements
    • 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
    • B62D55/18—Tracks
    • B62D55/26—Ground engaging parts or elements

Definitions

  • the invention relates generally to tracks for tracked vehicles and, more particularly, to cross-links for such tracks.
  • Certain types of tracked vehicles such as tractors and carriers used in various industrial or military applications, are propelled by a pair of tracks each comprising belts that are interconnected by a series of cross-links distributed longitudinally along the track.
  • Cross-links are typically made of metal, such as so-called “D-dent” cross-links and "flat track” cross-links which are forged into shape. These cross-links may be suitable when a tracked vehicle on which they are provided is on soft terrain (e.g., earth, mud). However, due to the tracked vehicle's weight, they are often unsuitable and/or unacceptable for use on hard surfaces (e.g., paved surfaces) as they tend to damage such hard surfaces. Some flat track cross-links have been permanently embedded in a rubber envelope to reduce their impact on hard surfaces. However, in view of the rubber envelope's permanent presence, these cross-links often prove inadequate in situations or applications where enhanced traction of metallic cross-links is desired or required, such as on very soft terrain.
  • the invention provides a cross-link for a track of a tracked vehicle.
  • the track comprises a plurality of belts spaced apart to accommodate a plurality of wheels of the tracked vehicle, the belts having a ground-facing side for facing the ground.
  • the cross-link comprises an elongate member for mounting to the belts to interconnect the belts.
  • the elongate member has a belt-engaging face contacting the belts on the ground-facing side when the elongate member is mounted to the belts.
  • the elongate member has a length.
  • the cross-link also comprises a sole mountable to the elongate member.
  • the sole comprises a ground-engaging portion for engaging the ground.
  • the ground-engaging portion of the sole has a length. The length of the ground-engaging portion of the sole is substantially different from the length of the elongate member.
  • the invention provides a sole for a cross- link of a track of a tracked vehicle.
  • the track comprises a plurality of belts spaced apart to accommodate a plurality of wheels of the tracked vehicle, the belts having a ground-facing side for facing the ground.
  • the cross-link comprises an elongate member for mounting to the belts to interconnect the belts.
  • the elongate member has a belt-engaging face contacting the belts on the ground-facing side when the elongate member is mounted to the belts.
  • the elongate member has a length.
  • the sole is mountable to the elongate member and comprises a ground-engaging portion for engaging the ground.
  • the ground-engaging portion of the sole has a length. The length of the ground-engaging portion of the sole is substantially different from the length of the elongate member.
  • the invention provides a cross-link for a track of a tracked vehicle.
  • the track comprises a plurality of belts spaced apart to accommodate a plurality of wheels of the tracked vehicle, the belts having a ground-facing side for facing the ground.
  • the cross-link comprises an elongate member for mounting to the belts to interconnect the belts.
  • the elongate member has a belt-engaging face contacting the belts on the ground-facing side when the elongate member is mounted to the belts.
  • the cross-link also comprises a sole mountable to the elongate member.
  • the sole comprises a ground-engaging portion for engaging the ground.
  • a ground contact area of the sole is substantially different from a projected area of the elongate member onto the ground.
  • the invention provides a sole for a crosslink of a track of a tracked vehicle.
  • the track comprises a plurality of belts spaced apart to accommodate a plurality of wheels of the tracked vehicle, the belts having a ground-facing side for facing the ground.
  • the cross-link comprises an elongate member for mounting to the belts to interconnect the belts.
  • the elongate member has a belt-engaging face contacting the belts on the ground-facing side when the elongate member is mounted to the belts.
  • the sole is mountable to the elongate member and comprises a ground- engaging portion for engaging the ground.
  • a ground contact area of the sole is substantially different from a projected area of the elongate member onto the ground.
  • Figures 1 A and 1 B show a side view and a front view of an example of a tracked vehicle comprising a pair of tracks each comprising a plurality of cross-links in accordance with an embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 2 shows perspective views of one of the tracks
  • Figures 3, 4 and 5 show a front view, a top view and a side view of one of the tracks;
  • Figures 6 to 1 1 show perspective views, a side view, a top view, a front view and a bottom view of one of the cross-links;
  • Figures 12 to 14 show a perspective view, a front view, a top view, and a side view of an elongate member of the cross-link shown in Figures 6 to 1 1 ;
  • Figures 15 to 19 show a perspective view, a bottom view, a front view, a cross-sectional side view, and a side view of a sole of the cross-link shown in Figures 6 to 1 1 ;
  • Figure 20 shows a front view of a sole in another embodiment of the invention.
  • Figures 21 and 22 show a top view and a side view of a backing part of the cross-link shown in Figures 6 to 1 1 .
  • FIGS 1 A and 1 B show a tracked vehicle 10 comprising a pair of endless tracks 12i , 12 2 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
  • the tracked vehicle 10 is a tracked carrier vehicle designed to carry industrial or other equipment, such as, for example, a crane, a ladder, a lift, a drill, and/or any other apparatus to be carried, on various terrains, including rugged terrain (e.g., with mud, steep hills, swamps, rocks, mud, and/or snow).
  • the tracked vehicle 10 can be used in various industrial, military and/or other applications.
  • the tracked vehicle 10 comprises a prime mover (e.g., an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, etc.) in a driving relationship with a pair of drive wheels 18i , 82 (in this case, sprockets) each driving a respective one of the tracks 12 1 ; 12 2 to propel the tracked vehicle 10 on a ground surface.
  • a prime mover e.g., an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, etc.
  • each of the tracks 12i , 12 2 moves in an endless path around that drive wheel as well as a respective one of a pair of idler wheels 19i, 19 2 (in this case, sprockets) and a respective one of two sets of support wheels 21 1-r 21 i- 4, 212-1-212-4 of the tracked vehicle 10.
  • each track 12 j comprises a pair of belts 20i , 20 2 spaced apart from one another to accommodate the drive wheel 18 j , the idler wheel 19 j and the support wheels 21 j.1-21 j_4. of the tracked vehicle 10.
  • the track 12 j comprises a series of cross-links 14 14 N distributed longitudinally along the track 12 j and extending transversally to interconnect the belts 20i , 20 2 .
  • Each of the belts 20i , 20 2 has an inner side 24 facing the wheels 18j, 19 j , 21 j-r 21 j-4 and defining an inner area of the track 12 j in which these wheels rotate.
  • Each of the belts 20i , 20 2 also has a ground-facing outer side 25 opposite the inner side 24 and facing the ground surface on which the tracked vehicle 10 travels.
  • each of the belts 20i , 20 2 comprises a plurality of elastomeric (e.g., rubber) segments linked to one another form the belt.
  • the belts 20i , 20 2 may have various other constructions.
  • each of the belts 20 ⁇ , 2 ⁇ 2 may comprise a continuous length of elastomeric material (e.g., rubber) closed to form the belt, or a plurality of segments made of material other than elastomeric material (e.g., metallic sections) interconnected to form the belt.
  • elastomeric material e.g., rubber
  • segments made of material other than elastomeric material e.g., metallic sections
  • the track 12 j comprises the two belts 20i, 20 2
  • the track 12 j may comprise three or more such belts.
  • each cross-link 14 interconnects the belts 20 ⁇ , 2 ⁇ 2 and interact with the wheels 18 j , 19 j , 21 j - r 21 j - 4 as the track 12j moves in the endless path around these wheels.
  • the cross-links 14I-1 N interact with the drive wheel 8 j to cause the track 12 j to be driven by the drive wheel 18 j .
  • each cross-link 14 comprises lateral belt-engaging portions 28i , 28 2 , which contact the belts 2d, 20 2 and via which it is secured to the belts 20i, 20 2 , and a central wheel-engaging portion 32, which contacts the wheels 18j, 19 j , 21 j .
  • each crosslink 14 comprises an elongate member 30, a sole 40, and a pair of backing parts 50i , 50 2 .
  • the sole 40 can be used when the tracked vehicle 10 is to travel on a hard surface (e.g., a paved surface) in order to minimize an impact of the cross-link 14, on that surface.
  • the tracked vehicle 10 may be expected to mainly travel on a soft surface (e.g., mud, earth), but also be expected to sometimes have to move on a hard surface (e.g., crossing or otherwise moving on a paved road).
  • the tracked vehicle 10 may be expected to travel for longer distances and/or longer periods on a hard surface.
  • the sole 40 can be used as part of the cross-link 14, to help reduce the crosslink's potential to inflict damage to a hard surface.
  • the sole 40 can be removed from or otherwise not used as part of the crosslink 14, (e.g., in situations where the tracked vehicle 10 is exclusively used on a soft surface or is used on a hard surface for which damage is not a concern).
  • the elongate member 30 is configured to be mounted to the belts 20 ⁇ , 2 ⁇ 2 to interconnect the belts 20i , 20 2 .
  • the elongate member 30 has a first longitudinal end 31 1 and a second longitudinal end 31 2 that define a length L e of the elongate member 30.
  • the length L e of the elongate member 30 generally corresponds to a width W ba of a belt arrangement of the track 12j.
  • the width W ba of the belt arrangement of the track 12 j is a widthwise distance between edges of the belts 20i , 20 2 that are farthest from one another.
  • the length L e of the elongate member 30 may be substantially different from (i.e., longer or shorter than) the width W ba of the belt arrangement of the track 12 j .
  • the elongate member 30 comprises a belt-engaging face 33 that is in contact with the ground-facing outer side 25 of the belts 20i , 20 2 , when the elongate member 30 is mounted to the belts 20i , 20 2 .
  • the belt-engaging face 33 is generally flat, which may allow the weight of the tracked vehicle 10 to be distributed across the entire elongate member 30. In other cases, the belt-engaging face 33 may not be flat.
  • the elongate member 30 comprises a base portion 34 and a pair of sidewalls 36i , 36 2 .
  • the sidewalls 36i, 36 2 extend from the base portion 34 and lie opposite to one another on either side of the base portion 34 to define a channel 35.
  • the channel 35 helps to receive and retain the sole 40 when the sole 40 is used as part of the crosslink 14i.
  • the base portion 34 comprises a plurality of holes 73i-73 6 passing through it to receive fasteners 41 41 6 to secure the elongate member 30 to the belts 20i , 20 2 .
  • the holes 73 73 6 are divided equally between two sets.
  • Each set is located in one of the lateral belt-engaging portions 28i , 28 2 of the cross-link 14,, so that a first set with the holes 73 73 3 is located in the lateral belt-engaging portion 28i proximate the first longitudinal end 31 1 , while a second set with the holes 73 -73 6 is located in the lateral belt-engaging portion 28 2 proximate the second longitudinal end 31 2 .
  • the base portion 34 also comprises a plurality of holes 74 ⁇ 74 2 extending therethrough to receive fasteners for securing the sole 40 to the elongate member 30 when the sole is used as part of the cross-link 14,.
  • the elongate member 30 may have a different number of holes and/or a different arrangement of holes.
  • the base portion 34 also comprises a sole-facing surface 37 that extends from the first longitudinal end 31 1 to the second longitudinal end 312 of the elongate member 30 and that is in contact with the sole 40 when the sole 40 is mounted in the channel 35.
  • the sole-facing surface 37 is generally flat such that, as the sole 40 contacts the sole-facing surface 37 when mounted in the channel 35, there is a planar interface (i.e., contact points lying in a common plane) between the sole 40 and the bottom portion 34, which may allow a more uniform distribution of forces when the tracked vehicle 10 travels.
  • the sidewalls 36i , 362 are configured to, on the one hand, enhance retention of the sole 40 when it is used as part of the cross-link 14, and, on the other hand, create a traction effect of the elongate member 30 on the ground surface on which the tracked vehicle 10 travels when the sole 40 is not used.
  • Each of the sidewalls 36i , 36 2 extends from the base portion 34 to a terminating edge 39.
  • the sidewalls 36i , 36 2 are configured such that the channel 35 has a substantially constant width W c from the first longitudinal end 31 1 to the second longitudinal end 312 of the elongate member 30 (while in practice there may be some slight variation in the width Wc of the channel 35 due to manufacturing of the elongate member 30, the width W c is substantially constant in that it does not change from a macroscopic point of view).
  • the sidewalls 36i , 362 have inner surfaces that are generally parallel to one another such that the width Wc of the channel 35 is substantially constant.
  • Maintaining this substantially constant width W c throughout the channel 35 along its entire length allows the elongate member 30 to be sturdier, facilitates its manufacturing, and provides a better interface with and retention of the sole 40 within the channel 35 when the sole 40 is used as part of the cross-link 14,.
  • Each of the sidewalls 36i , 36 2 has a height H sw (measured from the belt- engaging face 33 to its terminating edge 39) providing the channel 35 with an internal height that enhances retention of the sole 40 when the sole 40 is mounted therein.
  • the height H sw of each of the sidewalls 36i , 36 2 also allows that sidewall to act as an aggressive traction element on the ground surface on which the tracked vehicle 10 travels, when the sole 40 is not used as part of the cross-link 14,.
  • the height H sw of each of the sidewalls 36i , 36 2 may be of at least 30 mm, and in some cases 35 mm or more, to provide such desired enhanced retention of the sole 40 when it is used and aggressive traction effect when the sole 40 is not used.
  • the height H may take on various other values in other embodiments.
  • the terminating edge 39 of each sidewall engages the ground surface on which the tracked vehicle 10 travels to form a region of localized pressure on the ground surface which enhances traction of the tracked vehicle 10.
  • the height H sw of the sidewalls 36i , 36 2 is such that, when the sole 40 is not used as part of the cross-link 14,, any fasteners used to secure the elongate member 30 to the belts 2d , 20 2 remain recessed within the channel 35, i.e., do not extend higher than the sidewalls 36i, 36 2 .
  • the height H sw of the sidewalls 36i, 36 2 helps reduce potential damage from the cross-link 14, on such a surface. Moreover, such contact between any part of a fastener outside of the channel 35 and a hard ground surface could also cause unnecessary wear to and decrease operational life of such fasteners, and thus the height H sw of the sidewalls 36i , 36 2 also helps to extend the operational life of the fasteners when the sole 40 is not used as part of the cross-link 14,.
  • the sidewalls 36i , 36 2 decrease in height proximate the first longitudinal end 311 and the second longitudinal end 31 2 of the elongate member 30. That is, each of the sidewalls 36i, 36 2 has a first tapering end portion leading to the first longitudinal end 31 1 and a second tapering end portion leading to the second longitudinal end 31 2 . These tapering end portions can facilitate turning of the cross-link 14, when the tracked vehicle 10 and the track 12 j turn.
  • the height H sw of each of the sidewalls 36i, 36 2 can be taken as a maximum height of that sidewall along its length.
  • both of the sidewalls 36i , 36 2 have the same height H sw
  • the sidewalls 36i , 36 2 may have different heights H sw .
  • Each of the sidewalls 36i , 36 2 also has a thickness T sw (taken as its average thickness along its height H sw ) which provides sufficient strength and rigidity to that sidewall to allow it properly retain the sole 40 when the sole 40 is mounted in the channel 35 and to allow it to withstand forces exerted thereon while acting as a traction element when the sole 40 is not used as part of the cross-link 14,.
  • the thickness T sw of each of the sidewalls 36i , 36 2 may be of at least 7.5 mm, and in some cases of at least 9.5 mm, to provide such desired enhanced retention of the sole 40 when it is used and aggressive traction effect when the sole 40 is not used.
  • the thickness T sw may take on various other values in other embodiments. Also, while in this embodiment both of the sidewalls 36i , 36 2 have the same thickness T sw , in other embodiments, the sidewalls 36i , 36 2 may have different thicknesses T sw .
  • each of the sidewalls 36i , 36 2 can thus be selected to allow the sidewalls 36i , 36 2 to both enhance retention of the sole 40 when it is used as part of the cross-link 1 4, and act as an aggressive traction element when the sole 40 is not used as part of the crosslink 1 4j.
  • each of the sidewalls 36i , 36 2 may have a height-to-thickness ratio H sw Tsw of at least 3.0, and in some cases 3.5 or more, to provide such desired enhanced retention of the sole 40 when it is used and aggressive traction effect when the sole 40 is not used, while maintaining sufficient strength and rigidity.
  • the height-to-thickness ratio Hsw Tsw may take on various other values in other embodiments.
  • the elongate member 30, including the bottom portion 34 and the sidewalls 36i , 36 2 is created by stamping, in this case bending, a single piece of material to form the elongate member 30.
  • the single piece of material is a flat piece of metal (e.g., high-strength steel) which is bent into shape.
  • Various bending techniques involving plastic deformation of the single piece of material about a linear axis with little or no change in its surface area, are well-known and can be used for this process. These bending techniques can facilitate manufacturing of the elongate member 30 and allow proper formation of the sidewalls 36i , 36 2 with a height-to-thickness H sw /T S w ratio as described above.
  • the elongate member 30 comprises a single metallic piece that is formed and shaped through a stamping process
  • the elongate member 30 may be produced using various other processes (e.g., casting) and/or various other materials (e.g., polymers, composites), and/or may comprise a plurality of distinct pieces that are connected to one another (e.g., by welding, fasteners, etc.) and that are made of the same material or different materials.
  • the sidewalls 36i , 36 2 and the bottom portion 34 may each be produced separately and then welded together to form the elongate member 30.
  • the elongate member 30 may be configured in various other ways in other embodiments.
  • the base portion 34 and the sidewalls 36i, 36 2 may have various other configurations such that the channel 35 may have various other configurations.
  • the cross-link 14 comprises a wheel guide 60 to engage individual ones of the wheels 18 j , 19 j , 21j. 21j- 4 as the track 12, moves in the endless path around these wheels.
  • the wheel guide 60 comprises a pair of guide projections 62 ⁇ 62 2 that are spaced apart from one another and that extend from the belt-engaging face 33 and opposite the ground-facing outer side 25 (i.e., from the belt-engaging face 33 towards the inner area of the track 12 j ).
  • the wheel guide 60 also comprises an intermediate portion 64 between and linking the guide projections 62i, 62 2 .
  • each of the wheels 18 j , 19j, 21 j. 1-21 j_ 4 passes through the wheel guide 60, and in particular, between the guide projections 62i, 62 2 that are located on either side of these wheels.
  • the guide projections 62i, 62 2 can interact with the wheels 18 j , 19 j , 21 j . 21 j-4 to keep the cross-link 14, centered by opposing any lateral movement outside of a space between these projections.
  • the guide projections 62i, 62 2 help to laterally guide the track 12 j as it moves along its endless path.
  • each of the guide projections 62 ⁇ , 62 2 has a triangular shape, in this case resembling a right-angle triangle, with a wheel-facing face 63 that faces individual ones of the wheels 18 j , 19 j , 21 j -i-21 j . 4 as the track 12 j moves along its endless path.
  • each of the guide projections 62i, 62 2 lies at an obtuse angle relative to the belt-engaging face 33, which can help center the elongate member 30 (and therefore the cross-link 14,) as it comes into contact with any of the wheels 18 j , 19 j , 21 j - 21 j - .
  • any lateral motion of the elongate member 30 towards outside of the space between the guide projections 62 ⁇ 62 2 will be counteracted when the wheel-facing face 63 of one of the guide projections 62 ⁇ 62 2 comes into contact with one of the wheels 18 j , 19 j , 21 -21 , thus guiding the elongate member 30 back towards a center region of the space between the guide projections 62i , 62 2 .
  • the guide projections 62i , 62 2 are configured as right-angled triangles
  • the guide projections 62 ( 62 2 may have various other shapes.
  • the guide projections 62i , 62 2 may be configured as non-right-angled triangles (e.g., isosceles or equilateral triangles).
  • the wheel-facing face 63 may define an arc that approximates a profile of the wheels 18 j , 19 j , 21 j .r21 j . 4 .
  • the intermediate portion 64 of the wheel guide 60 has a bearing surface 65 which contacts individual ones of the wheels 18j, 19j, 21j-r21 j- as the track 12j moves around these wheels.
  • the bearing surface 65 is curved (e.g., convex in this example) in the widthwise direction of the cross-link 14,.
  • the bearing surface 65 may have a curvature that complements a curvature of a surface of the drive wheel 18 j which engages the bearing surface 65 in use.
  • the intermediate portion 64 also has a member-engaging surface (not shown) opposite the bearing surface 65 and engaging the elongate member 30. In this case, the member-engaging surface is also curved.
  • the bearing surface 65 and/or the member-engaging surface of the intermediate portion 64 may be flat, partly flat and partly curved, or shaped in various other ways in other cases.
  • the wheel guide 60 is a one-piece component which has been formed into shape. More particularly, in this case, the wheel guide 60 is a single piece of metal (e.g., high-strength steel) cast into shape. In other cases, the wheel guide 60 may be produced using various other processes (e.g., bending) and/or various other materials (e.g., polymers, composites), and/or may comprise a plurality of distinct pieces that are connected to one another (e.g., by welding, fasteners, etc.) and that are made of the same material or different materials. For example, in some embodiments, the guide projections 62 ! , 62 2 and the intermediate portion 64 may each be produced separately and then welded together to form the wheel guide 60.
  • various other processes e.g., bending
  • various other materials e.g., polymers, composites
  • the guide projections 62 ! , 62 2 and the intermediate portion 64 may each be produced separately and then welded together to form the wheel guide 60.
  • the wheel guide 60 is secured to the elongate member 30 by welding.
  • the guide projections 62 ⁇ 62 2 and the intermediate portion 64 are individually welded to the belt-engaging face 33.
  • the wheel guide 60 may be secured to the elongate member 30 in various other ways in other embodiments.
  • the guide projections 62 1 ; 62 2 and/or the intermediate portion 64 may be secured to the elongate member 30 via nut and bolt fasteners.
  • the guide projections 62 ⁇ 62 2 and/or the intermediate portion 64 may be integrally formed with the elongate member 30 (e.g., by casting).
  • the wheel guide 60 may be configured in various other ways in other embodiments.
  • the intermediate portion 64 may be omitted, in which case the guide projections 62i, 62 2 are individually secured to (e.g., by welding or fasteners) or integrally formed with the elongated member 30 and spaced apart from one another by a portion of the elongated member 30.
  • the sole 40 can be mounted to the elongate member 30 when the tracked vehicle 10 is to travel on a hard surface (e.g., a paved surface) in order to minimize an impact of the cross-link 14i on that surface.
  • the sole 40 comprises an inner side 42 for facing the elongate member 30 and an outer side 44 opposite the inner side 42 for engaging the ground on which the tracked vehicle 10 moves.
  • the sole 40 comprises a base portion 46 mountable to the elongate member 30 and a ground-engaging portion 48 for engaging the ground on which the tracked vehicle 10 travels.
  • the base portion 46 of the sole 40 is mountable within the channel 35 of the elongate member 30. More particularly, in this case, the base portion 46 of the sole has a periphery generally complementary to that of the channel 35 of the elongate member 30.
  • the base portion 46 of the sole 40 comprises a pair of sidewall-engaging surfaces 47i, 47 2 for engaging the sidewalls 36i, 36 2 of the elongate member 30 when the sole 40 is mounted in the channel 35.
  • the sidewall-engaging surfaces 47 ⁇ 47 2 are generally parallel to one another and separated by a distance corresponding to the width W c of the channel 35 to allow the base portion 46 of the sole 40 to fit within the channel 35.
  • the sidewall-engaging surfaces 47i, 47 2 contact the sidewalls 36i, 36 2 of the elongate member 30, which helps retains the sole 40 in the channel 35 when the cross-link 14, is subjected to forces as the tracked vehicle 10 moves on the ground surface.
  • the base portion 46 of the sole 40 comprises a plurality of openings 75r75 4 extending inwardly from a bottom surface of the sole 40. Some of these openings may accommodate parts (e.g., heads) of some of the fasteners 73 736 fastening the elongate member 30 to the belts 20i, 20 2 , such as the openings 75 ⁇ 75 4 in this example which receive heads of the fasteners 73 3 , 73 4 .
  • the base portion 46 of the sole 40 may be configured in various other ways in other embodiments.
  • the ground-engaging portion 48 of the sole 40 has a ground contact surface 81 which is in contact with the ground on which the tracked vehicle 10 moves.
  • the ground contact surface 81 is generally flat.
  • the ground contact surface 81 lacks any space in which a rock or other hard object on the ground could become trapped when it contacts the ground surface.
  • the ground contact surface 81 may be curved, may define a tread pattern which can assist in improving traction of the tracked vehicle 10 and/or channeling water or other liquid away under wet or adverse weather conditions, and/or may be configured in various other ways.
  • the ground-engaging portion 48 comprises polymeric material that contacts the ground surface on which the tracked vehicle 10 moves.
  • polymeric compounds may be used and, in some cases, different polymeric compounds may be present in different areas of the ground-engaging portion 48.
  • the polymeric material of the ground-engaging portion 48 may comprise rigid polymeric material (e.g., polyurethane).
  • the polymeric material of the ground- engaging portion 48 may comprise elastomeric material (e.g., rubber and/or another elastomer, such as polyurethane elastomer).
  • the polymeric material of the ground- engaging portion 48 comprises polyurethane.
  • the polyurethane may contribute to increasing a useful life of the sole 40.
  • the polymeric material of the ground-engaging portion 48 helps minimize effects of the cross-link 14, as it comes into repeated contact with the hard ground surface.
  • the polymeric material of the ground-engaging portion 48 may also help providing traction for the tracked vehicle 10 to travel along such a surface. For example, in some cases, the polymeric material of the ground-engaging portion 48 may "grip" the ground surface on which the tracked vehicle 10 travels.
  • the ground-engaging portion 48 of the sole 40 is wider than the base portion 46 of the sole 40. More particularly, in this embodiment, the ground-engaging portion 48 comprises shoulders 66 1 , 662 which overhang the base portion 46, i.e., extend beyond the base portion 46 in the widthwise direction of the sole 40.
  • the shoulders 66 1 , 662 of the ground-engaging portion 48 overlie, and in this case rest against, the terminating edges 39 of the sidewalls 36 1 ; 362 of the elongate member 30. In this case, the shoulders 661, 66 2 of the ground- engaging portion 48 extend beyond the sidewalls 36 !
  • the ground-engaging portion 48 of the sole 40 may not be wider than (i.e., it may be as wide as or narrower than) the base portion 46 of the sole 40.
  • the ground-engaging portion 48 of the sole 40 tapers along the height direction of the sole 40. That is, a longitudinal cross- sectional area of the ground-engaging portion 48 decreases along the height direction of the sole 40.
  • the ground-engaging portion 48 has front and rear surfaces 52 ⁇ 52 2 that converge along the height direction of the sole 40, and lateral surfaces 54i, 54 2 that also converge along the height direction of the sole 40.
  • This tapered shape of the ground-engaging portion 48, in particular the convergent lateral surfaces 54! , 54 2 may facilitate turning of the tracked vehicle 10 on the ground.
  • the ground-engaging portion 48 of the sole 40 may be configured in various other ways in other embodiments.
  • the base portion 46 and the ground-engaging portion 48 of the sole 40 are integral with one another in this embodiment. More particularly, in this embodiment, the base portion 46 and the ground-engaging portion 48 of the sole 40 constitute a single polymeric component molded into shape. In this case, the base portion 46 of the sole 40 is made of the same polymeric material (in this case, polyurethane) as the ground-engaging portion 48. In other cases, the base portion 46 and the ground-engaging portion 48 may be made of different polymeric material. In other embodiments, the base portion 46 and the ground-engaging portion 48 of the sole 40 may be components distinct from but connected to one another and/or may be made of the same material or different materials and/or using various other processes.
  • the base portion 46 and the ground-engaging portion 48 of the sole 40 may be components distinct from but connected to one another and/or may be made of the same material or different materials and/or using various other processes.
  • the base portion 46 may be made of rigid material, such as a ultra-high molecular weight (UHMW) plastic or other rigid plastic or a metal, while the ground-engaging portion 48 may be made of polymeric material and be secured to the base portion 46 through one or more fasteners (e.g., screws or nuts/bolts) or some bonding technique (e.g., glue or epoxy).
  • UHMW ultra-high molecular weight
  • the ground-engaging portion 48 may be made of polymeric material and be secured to the base portion 46 through one or more fasteners (e.g., screws or nuts/bolts) or some bonding technique (e.g., glue or epoxy).
  • fasteners e.g., screws or nuts/bolts
  • some bonding technique e.g., glue or epoxy
  • the fastening mechanism 89 comprises a plurality of fasteners 511 , 51 2 that extend from the inner side 42 of the sole 40.
  • the fasteners 51 1 ; 51 2 are integrated with the sole 40.
  • the sole 40 comprises a frame member 49 which acts as an armature on which the polymeric material of the sole 40 is supported.
  • the polymeric material of the base portion 46 and the ground-engaging portion 48 of the sole 40 is molded around the frame member 49 and the fasteners 51 1 , 512 ⁇
  • this integration of the frame member 49 and the fasteners 51 1 , 512 with a remainder of the sole 40 help simplify and speed up mounting and dismounting of the sole 40 to and from the elongate member 30.
  • the frame member 49 which may be made of any suitable rigid material (e.g., steel), supports the fasteners 51 1 , 51 2 .
  • the fasteners 51 1 , 51 2 may be attached to the frame member 49 by screwing one of their ends into the frame member 49 or by welding one of their ends to the frame member 49.
  • the fasteners 51 1 , 512 may be integrally formed with the frame member 49.
  • the fasteners 51 1 , 51 2 are arranged such that, when the sole 40 is mounted to the elongate member 30, each of them is positioned in a space 77 defined by one of the guide projections 62i , 62 2 under that guide projection.
  • the fasteners 51 1 , 512 may are arranged in other manners in other cases.
  • the outer side 44 of the sole 40 lacks holes through which the fasteners 51 1 , 512 are exposed when the sole 40 is mounted to the elongate member 30. This lack of holes on the outer side 44 of the sole 40 prevents rocks and other objects from being trapped in the outer side 44 of the sole 40, which could otherwise contribute to damaging a hard ground surface (e.g., a paved road) on which the tracked vehicle 10 travels under the vehicle's weight.
  • a hard ground surface e.g., a paved road
  • the sole 40 comprises a plurality of blind holes 21 ⁇ , 212 which extend from its inner side 42 without reaching its outer side 44, and in which are received the fasteners 511 , 512-
  • the outer side 44 of the sole 40 lacks holes through which the fasteners 51 1 , 51 2 would otherwise be exposed.
  • This seamless nature of the outer side 44 prevents rocks and other small objects from becoming trapped within such holes and also protects the fasteners 5 1 , 512 from damage from such debris, which may extend their operational life.
  • fasteners 51 1 , 51 2 are integrated with the sole 40, in other embodiments, separate fasteners may be used to mount the sole 40 to the elongate member 30 (e.g., by screwing them into the base portion 46 of the sole 40 from its inner side 24).
  • fastening mechanism 89 comprises two threaded fasteners 511 , 512 in this embodiment, the fastening mechanism 89 may comprise more or less threaded fasteners or may not comprise any threaded fasteners but some other type of fastening elements in other embodiments.
  • the sole 40 has a first longitudinal end 43i and a second longitudinal end 43 2 that define a length L s of the sole 40.
  • the longitudinal ends 43i , 432 of the sole 40 are also those of the base portion 46 of the sole 40 and those of the ground-engaging portion 48 of the sole 40 such that a length U of the base portion 46, a length L g of the ground-engaging portion 48, and the length L s of the sole 40 are all the same.
  • the length L s of the sole 40 is substantially different from the length L e of the elongate member 30. More particularly, in this embodiment, the length L s of the sole 40 is substantially shorter than the length L e of the elongate member 30.
  • a ratio L s /L e of the length L s of the sole 40 to the length L e of the elongate member 30 is about 0.5.
  • the ratio L/L e may take on various other values in other examples.
  • the ratio L s /L e may be no more than 0.9, in some cases no more than 0.8, in some cases no more than 0.7, in some cases no more than 0.6, in some cases no more than 0.5, in some cases no more than 0.4, and in some cases no more than 0.3.
  • a penetration depth of the sole 40 into the ground may be greater than a penetration depth of the elongate member 30, when the sole 40 is not used as part of the cross-link 14,, into the ground.
  • a ground contact area A s of the sole 40 is substantially different from a projected area A e of the elongate member 30 onto the ground.
  • the ground contact area A s of the sole 40 is the area (e.g., in mm 2 or other surface units) of the ground contact surface 81 of the sole 40.
  • the projected area A e of the elongate member 30 onto the ground is the area (e.g., in mm 2 or other surface units) obtained by projecting the elongate member's shape onto an imaginary plane parallel to the ground, when the sole 40 is not used as part of the cross-link 14,.
  • the projected area A e of the elongate member 30 onto the ground is equal to the length L e of the elongate member 30 multiplied by a width W e of the elongate member 30.
  • the ground contact area A s of the sole 40 is substantially less than the projected area A e of the elongate member 30 onto the ground.
  • a ratio As/A e of the ground contact area A s of the sole 40 to the projected area A e of the elongate member 30 onto the ground may be no more than 0.9, in some cases no more than 0.8, and in some cases no more than 0.7.
  • the ratio A s /A e may have various other values in other embodiments.
  • the enhanced traction effect may be increased with a height H g of the ground- engaging portion 48 of the sole 40.
  • the height H g of the ground-engaging portion 48 of the sole 40 may be at least 20 mm, in some cases at least 25 mm, in some cases at least 30 mm, and in some cases at least 35 mm.
  • the height H g of the ground-engaging portion 48 of the sole 40 may be at least 30%, in some cases at least 35%, in some cases at least 40%, and in some cases at least 45% of a height H s of the sole 40 (excluding the fasteners 51 1 , 51 2 ).
  • the sole 40 may be configured in various other ways in other embodiments.
  • the length L b of the base portion 46 of the sole 40 and the length L g of the ground-engaging portion 48 of the sole 40 are the same and correspond to the length L s of the sole 40
  • the length L b of the base portion 46 and the length L g of the ground-engaging portion 48 may be substantially different.
  • the length L g of the ground- engaging portion 48 may be substantially shorter than the length L b of the base portion 46, which corresponds to the length L s of the sole 40.
  • a ratio L g /L e of the length L g of the ground-engaging portion 48 to the length L e of the elongate member 30 may be as discussed above in respect of the ratio L s /L e of the length L s of the sole 40 to the length L e of the elongate member 30.
  • the ratio L g /L e may be no more than 0.8, in some cases no more than 0.7, in some cases no more than 0.6, in some cases no more than 0.5, in some cases no more than 0.4, and in some cases no more than 0.3.
  • the length L b of the base portion 46 may generally correspond to the length L e of the elongate member 30 or may be substantially different from (i.e., shorter or longer than) the length L e of the elongate member 30 (e.g., the length L of the base portion 46 may correspond to the length L e of the elongate member 30 such that the base portion 46 occupies the entire channel 35 of the elongate member 30, while the length L g of the ground-engaging portion 48 is 40%, 50% or 60% of the length L e of the elongate member 30).
  • the length L s of the sole 40 is substantially shorter than the length L e of the elongate member 30, in other embodiments, the length L s of the sole 40 may be substantially longer than the length L e of the elongate member 30. This may be useful, for instance, in situations where it is desired to reduce the pressure applied on the ground by the cross-link 14,.
  • a ratio L s /L e of the length L s of the sole 40 to the length L e of the elongate member 30 may be at least 1 .1 , in some cases at least 1.2, in some cases at least 1 .3, and in some cases at least 1.4.
  • the ground contact area A s of the sole 40 is substantially less than the projected area A e of the elongate member 30 onto the ground
  • the ground contact area A s of the sole 40 may be substantially greater than the projected area A e of the elongate member 30 onto the ground. This may be useful, for instance, in situations where it is desired to reduce the pressure applied on the ground by the cross-link 14,.
  • the ratio A s /A e of the ground contact area A s of the sole 40 to the projected area A e of the elongate member 30 onto the ground may be at least 1.1 , in some cases at least 1 .2, and in some cases at least 1 .3.
  • the ground contact area A s of the sole 40 is substantially different from the projected area A e of the elongate member 30 onto the ground primarily due to the difference between the length L g of the ground-engaging portion 48 of the sole 40 and the length Le of the elongate member 30
  • the substantial difference between the ground contact area A s of the sole 40 and the projected area A e of the elongate member 30 onto the ground may be primarily due to a difference between a width W g of the ground-engaging portion 48 of the sole 40 and the width W e of the elongate member 30.
  • a ratio W g /W e may be no more than 0.9, in some cases no more than 0.8, in some cases no more than 0.7, in some cases no more than 0.6, in some cases no more than 0.5, in some cases no more than 0.4, and in some cases no more than 0.3.
  • the backing parts 50 ⁇ , 50 2 are configured to be mounted to the belts 20 ⁇ 20 2 to assist the elongate member 30 in interconnecting the belts 20i, 20 2 .
  • Each of the backing parts 50i, 50 2 has a belt-engaging face 51 that contacts a respective one of the belts 20i , 20 2 on its inner side 24 when the backing part is mounted to that belt.
  • the cross-link 14,- is mounted to the belts 20i , 20 2
  • the belts 20i, 20 2 are sandwiched between the belt-engaging face 33 of the elongate member 30 and the belt-engaging face 51 of each of backing parts 50i, 50 2 .
  • the backing parts 50i, 50 2 are metallic plates that may be formed from any suitably rigid metallic material (e.g., steel). Each of the backing parts 50i , 50 2 is pierced with a plurality of holes 8 ⁇ 1-8 ⁇ 3 to receive the fasteners 41 1-41 6 to interconnect the elongate member 30 to the belts 20i , 20 2 .
  • the belts 20i , 20 2 lie between the belt-engaging face 33 of the elongate member 30 on one side (i.e., the ground-facing side 25) and the belt-engaging face 51 of one of the backing parts 50i , 50 2 on the other side (i.e., the inner side 24). Holes in the belts 2Q ⁇ , 20 2 allow alignment of the holes 73 r 73 6 of the elongate member 30 and the holes 80 80 3 of the backing parts 50i , 50 2 that sandwich the belts.
  • a fastener e.g., 41 1
  • a fastener inserted through one of the holes 73 73 6 of the elongate member 30 emerges through the belt-engaging face 33, passes through the corresponding hole in the belt (20i or 20 2 ), and then emerges through the corresponding hole (e.g., 8 ⁇ 1) in the belt-engaging face 51 .
  • the elongate member 30 When the holes 73i-73 6 of the elongate member 30 are so aligned with the holes in the belts 20i , 20 2 , the elongate member 30 lies transversely across the ground-facing side 25 of each of the belts.
  • Each of the backing parts 5CH, 50 2 lies transversely across the inner side 24 of one of the belts 20i, 20 2 .
  • the elongate member 30 and the backing parts 50i, 50 2 are appropriately aligned with the belts 20i, 20 2 .
  • the fasteners 41 r 41 6 are used to attach these components together and thus form the cross-link 14, with the sole 40 mounted thereon.

Abstract

L'invention concerne une traverse métallique pour une chenille d'un véhicule à chenilles, tel un véhicule transporteur à chenilles. La chenille comporte une pluralité de courroies espacées les unes par rapport aux autres pour recevoir une pluralité de roues du véhicule à chenilles, les courroies ayant un côté faisant face au sol pour faire face au sol. La traverse métallique comporte un élément allongé à des fins de montage au niveau des courroies pour interconnecter les courroies. L'élément allongé comporte une face de mise en prise des courroies entrant en contact avec les courroies sur le côté faisant face au sol quand l'élément allongé est monté sur les courroies. La traverse métallique comporte aussi une semelle en mesure d'être montée sur l'élément allongé. La semelle comporte une partie entrant en prise avec le sol pour entrer en prise avec le sol. Une zone de contact avec le sol de la semelle peut être sensiblement différente d'une zone faisant saillie de l'élément allongé sur le sol. Par exemple, une longueur de la partie entrant en prise avec le sol de la semelle peut être sensiblement différente d'une longueur de l'élément allongé.
EP10849629.0A 2010-04-16 2010-04-16 Traverses métalliques pour une chenille d'un véhicule à chenilles Withdrawn EP2558354A4 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/CA2010/000612 WO2011127554A1 (fr) 2010-04-16 2010-04-16 Traverses métalliques pour une chenille d'un véhicule à chenilles

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EP2558354A1 true EP2558354A1 (fr) 2013-02-20
EP2558354A4 EP2558354A4 (fr) 2015-03-04

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DE202014102210U1 (de) * 2014-05-12 2014-07-11 Hans Hall Gmbh Raupensteg
US9902442B2 (en) 2015-04-06 2018-02-27 John P. Moyna Track link
DE102015206775A1 (de) * 2015-04-15 2016-10-20 Kässbohrer Geländefahrzeug AG Kettensteganordnung einer Laufwerkskette einer Pistenraupe, Verfahren zur Herstellung eines Kettenstegprofils für eine derartige Kettensteganordnung und Laufwerkskette für eine Pistenraupe
FR3047224B3 (fr) * 2016-02-02 2018-05-18 Prinoth Spa Barre transversale pour une chenille d'un vehicule a chenille en particulier pour une dameuse
IT201800006772A1 (it) * 2018-06-28 2019-12-28 Veicolo cingolato per movimentare materiale organico derivante dalla lavorazione di piante
DE102019220531B4 (de) * 2019-12-23 2021-08-26 Kässbohrer Geländefahrzeug Aktiengesellschaft Kettensteganordnung für eine Laufwerkskette eines Kettenfahrzeugs und Verfahren zur Herstellung einer derartigen Kettensteganordnung

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FR621324A (fr) * 1925-12-31 1927-05-09 Perfectionnements aux chenilles souples
US3703321A (en) * 1970-07-31 1972-11-21 Formac Intern Inc Track assembly for tracked vehicles
CA956351A (en) * 1972-10-24 1974-10-15 Foremost International Industries Ltd. Vehicle track
US5368376A (en) * 1991-08-26 1994-11-29 Edwards, Harper, Mcnew & Company Replacement endless vehicle tracks
US6520603B2 (en) * 2001-03-15 2003-02-18 Takeuchi Mfg, Co., Ltd. Low-noise endless crawler belt having embedded core bars and detachable crawler shoes
CA2430028A1 (fr) * 2003-05-28 2004-11-28 Foremost Industries Inc. Chenille de vehicule
EP2271543B1 (fr) * 2007-10-15 2015-12-09 Snowgrolic S.A R.L. Traverses pour chenille de véhicule à chenilles

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WO2011127554A1 (fr) 2011-10-20
EP2558354A4 (fr) 2015-03-04

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