KR102552475B1 - Elastic crawler - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] Provision of an elastic crawler 4 capable of improving productivity while suppressing a decrease in durability.
[Solution] This elastic crawler 4 includes a plurality of plate-shaped core metals 22 disposed at intervals in the circumferential direction, and a cord layer 24 extending in the circumferential direction from the outside of the core metal. do. The code layer 24 includes a plurality of loop-shaped units 40 arranged in parallel in the width direction, and each unit 40 is made of a band-shaped body 36 wound two or more turns in a spiral, The upper body 36 includes at least one steel cord 34 . The starting end 42 and the ending end 44 of the belt-shaped body 36 constituting the unit 40 are disposed directly above one of the core metals 22 .

Description

Elastic crawler {ELASTIC CRAWLER}

The present invention relates to an elastic crawler. Specifically, the present invention relates to an elastic crawler mounted on a traveling device such as an agricultural machine or a construction machine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Crawler-type traveling devices such as agricultural machines such as combines and tractors and construction machines such as backhoes are equipped with elastic crawlers in the form of endless belts.

In the traveling device, the elastic crawler moves in the circumferential direction as the sprocket rotates. In this way, the travel device travels.

As disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example, an elastic crawler includes an elastic member made of cross-linked rubber, a plurality of core metals arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction, and extending in the circumferential direction from the outside of these core metals. Provide a code layer. In the elastic crawler, the core metal and cord layer are embedded in the elastic member.

In the elastic crawler, the cord layer is shaped like an endless belt and contains a steel cord. As this cord layer, for example, a cord layer obtained by arranging a plurality of steel cords in parallel in the width direction to form a cord bundle and joining both ends of the cord bundle (hereinafter referred to as a non-jointless type cord layer). However, a cord layer obtained by spirally winding a strip of steel cord in a circumferential direction (hereinafter, a jointless type cord layer) is known.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-131536

In the running state, considerable tension acts on the cord layer. In the resilient crawler employing the above-mentioned non-jointless type cord layer, since many steel cord joints are included in the joint portion, the strength of the joint portion is insufficient, and sufficient durability may not be obtained.

On the other hand, since there are no joints of steel cords in the above-mentioned jointless type cord layer, this cord layer has sufficient strength throughout. For this reason, if it is an elastic crawler employing a jointless type cord layer, good durability is likely to be obtained. However, a belt-shaped body having a sufficient length is required for the formation of this cord layer. For this reason, it is necessary to prepare a belt-shaped body whose length is adjusted according to the specifications of the elastic crawler to be manufactured, and there is a risk of generating a large number of intermediate products. In addition, since the strip-shaped body with insufficient length cannot be used for forming the cord layer, it must be discarded. An elastic crawler employing a jointless type cord layer tends to be inferior in productivity compared to an elastic crawler employing a non-jointless type cord layer.

The present invention has been made in view of such an actual situation, and an object of the present invention is to provide an elastic crawler capable of improving productivity while suppressing a decrease in durability.

A preferred elastic crawler according to the present invention includes a plurality of plate-shaped core metals disposed at intervals in the circumferential direction, and a cord layer extending in the circumferential direction from the outside of the core metal.

In this elastic crawler, the cord layer includes a plurality of loop-shaped units arranged in parallel in the width direction, and each unit consists of a belt-shaped body spirally wound two or more turns, and the belt-shaped body comprises at least one It contains a strand of steel cord.

In this elastic crawler, the starting and ending ends of the belt-shaped bodies constituting the unit are disposed directly above any one of the core metals.

Preferably, in this elastic crawler, the end of one belt-shaped body constituting one unit directly above one core metal and the beginning end of another belt-shaped body constituting another unit located next to the one unit. These are arranged so as to face each other.

Preferably, in this elastic crawler, in the cord layer, a first zone in which the cross section of the cord layer has a large number of cross sections of strips included in the cross section of the cord layer, and a second zone in which the number of cross sections of strips included in the cross section of the cord layer are small are small. , consists of The circumferential length of the first zone is shorter than the circumferential length of the second zone.

Preferably, in this elastic crawler, the start and end of the belt-shaped body are located in the first zone.

Preferably, in this elastic crawler, the end of one belt-shaped body and the other belt-shaped body right above the one core metal are equal to the number of cross-sections of the strip-shaped body included in the cross-section of the cord layer in the second zone. The ratio of the number of parts arranged so that the ends of the upper body face each other is 1% or more and 50% or less.

Preferably, in this elastic crawler, in the circumferential direction between the end of one belt-shaped body and the front end of the other belt-shaped body, which are arranged so as to face each other, right above the one core metal, with respect to the length of the core metal in the circumferential direction. The ratio of the length is 50% or less.

In the elastic crawler of the present invention, a belt-shaped body containing at least one steel cord is used to form the cord layer. In particular, this cord layer is constituted by combining a plurality of units obtained by spirally winding a strip-shaped body. In this elastic crawler, it is not necessary to prepare a belt-shaped body having a sufficient length as in the above-mentioned jointless type cord layer. In this elastic crawler, it is possible to reduce the size of a bobbin used for storage of belt-shaped bodies. Since it is difficult to generate a belt-shaped body that cannot be used for forming the cord layer due to insufficient length, the waste amount of the belt-shaped body can also be reduced. This elastic crawler can contribute to productivity improvement.

In this elastic crawl, each unit constituting the cord layer is made of a band-shaped body spirally wound two or more turns. This unit has a jointless structure. The joint of steel cord is not included in this unit. In this cord layer, the number of seams of the steel cord is smaller than that of the above-mentioned non-jointless type cord layer. The strength of this elastic crawler is sufficiently greater than that of an elastic crawler employing a non-jointless type cord layer. Further, by controlling the number of joints of the steel cord, this elastic crawler can obtain strength equivalent to that of the elastic crawler employing the above-mentioned jointless type cord layer.

And, in this elastic crawler, the starting and ending ends of the band-shaped bodies constituting the unit are disposed directly above any one of the core metals. In this elastic crawler, since the deformation of the portion where the start or end of the steel cord is located is suppressed, the tip of the steel cord is effectively prevented from bouncing.

In this elastic crawler, the influence of this cord layer on the durability is effectively suppressed even though the cord layer contains the joint of the steel cord. This elastic crawler can aim at improving productivity while suppressing a decrease in durability.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the elastic crawler in which productivity improvement can be achieved suppressing the fall of durability can be obtained.

1 is a side view showing a part of a traveling device equipped with an elastic crawler according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section of the elastic crawler of FIG. 1;
3 is a perspective view showing a part of a band-shaped body for a code layer.
4 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of a code layer.
5 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section of a code layer.
6 is a side view illustrating the configuration of a code layer.
Fig. 7 is a plan view illustrating a modified example of a code layer.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings as appropriate.

[Travel device]

1 shows a part of a crawler type traveling device 2 . As this traveling device 2, agricultural machines, such as a combine and a tractor, and construction machines, such as a backhoe, are mentioned, for example. This traveling device (2) is provided with an elastic crawler (4), a sprocket (6), an idler (8) and a front wheel (10).

The elastic crawler 4 is shaped like an endless belt. The elastic crawler 4 is provided with a hole 12 at its width direction center portion. In this elastic crawler 4, many holes 12 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction. The sprocket 6 and the idler 8 are disc-shaped and are rotatably supported by the main body of the traveling device 2 . The sprocket 6 has many teeth 14 on its outer periphery.

In this traveling device 2, the elastic crawler 4 is wound around the sprocket 6 and the idler 8. Accordingly, a predetermined tension is applied to the elastic crawler 4.

In this travel device 2, the sprocket 6 is rotated by a driving means not shown. Accordingly, the teeth 14 of the sprocket 6 sequentially enter the hole 12 of the elastic crawler 4. The teeth 14 entering the hole 12 move in the rotational direction of the sprocket 6, and the elastic crawler 4 moves in the circumferential direction. Accordingly, the travel device 2 travels. And when this elastic crawler 4 moves, the idler 8 rotates.

In this traveling device 2, a plurality of front wheels 10 are arranged on the road surface side. These front wheels 10 are located between the sprocket 6 and the idler 8. These front wheels 10 are rotatably supported by the main body of the traveling device 2 . In this traveling device 2, these front wheels 10 roll on the inner peripheral surface of the elastic crawler 4 moving in the circumferential direction.

[Elastic Crawler (4)]

FIG. 2 shows a cross section of the elastic crawler 4 taken along line II-II in FIG. 1 . 2, a cross section of this elastic crawler 4 along a plane perpendicular to the circumferential direction of this elastic crawler 4 is shown.

2, the left-right direction is the width direction of the elastic crawler 4. 2, the up-and-down direction is the thickness direction of this elastic crawler 4. As shown in Fig. 1, the elastic crawler 4 constitutes a loop. The upper side in this FIG. 2 is the inner side of this loop, and the lower side in this FIG. 2 is the outer side of this loop. 2, the direction perpendicular to the paper surface is the circumferential direction of this elastic crawler 4. The circumferential direction of this elastic crawler 4 is also the longitudinal direction of this elastic crawler 4. The circumferential direction of this elastic crawler 4 is orthogonal to its width direction.

This elastic crawler 4 is equipped with a lug 16 and a guide 18 in addition to the hole 12 described above as a shape element.

The lug 16 protrudes outward from the main body 4a of the elastic crawler 4. The lug 16 extends substantially in the width direction of this elastic crawler 4 . As shown in Fig. 1, in this elastic crawler 4, a large number of lugs 16 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction. The lug 16 contributes to the traction of the traveling device 2 .

The guide 18 protrudes inward from the main body 4a of the elastic crawler 4. As shown in FIG. 1, in this elastic crawler 4, many guides 18 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction. As shown in FIG. 2 , in the width direction, two guides 18 are arranged at a central portion of the elastic crawler 4 at intervals. These two guides 18 sandwich the sprocket 6 while the elastic crawler 4 is running. Thereby, the displacement of the elastic crawler 4 in the width direction is suppressed. The guide 18 contributes to the running stability of the running device 2 .

The elastic crawler 4 includes an elastic member 20, a core metal 22, a cord layer 24, and a canvas layer 26 as structural elements.

The elastic member 20 is made of crosslinked rubber. The elastic member 20 covers the core metal 22, the cord layer 24 and the canvas layer 26. In this elastic crawler (4), the core metal (22), the cord layer (24) and the canvas layer (26) are embedded in the elastic member (20).

The core metal 22 is plate-shaped. The core metal 22 includes a pair of flange portions 28 and a pair of wing portions 30 . A pair of flange portions 28 are disposed at a central portion of the core metal 22 in the width direction. In FIG. 2 , each flange portion 28 protrudes inward from the base portion 32 of the core metal 22 . In this elastic crawler 4, the flange portion 28 of the core metal 22 constitutes a part of the guide 18 described above. The pair of wings 30 are plate-shaped. The wings 30 each extend outward in the width direction from the base 32 . In this elastic crawler 4, the above-mentioned lug 16 is formed on the outer side of the core metal 22.

In this elastic crawler 4, the core metal 22 is made of metal. As a material of this core metal 22, common steel and alloy steel are illustrated.

This elastic crawler (4) is provided with many core metals (22). These core metals 22 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction.

The code layer 24 extends in the circumferential direction. This code layer 24 is shaped like an endless band. In the width direction, the outer end of the cord layer 24 is arranged so as to be located on the inner side of the outer end of the core metal 22 .

This code layer 24 includes a steel cord 34. In this cord layer 24, the steel cord 34 extends substantially in the circumferential direction. In the present invention, “substantially the circumferential direction” means that the angle formed by the steel cord 34 with respect to the circumferential direction is 5° or less. In this elastic crawler 4, from the viewpoint of securing the rigidity of the cord layer 24, the angle formed by the steel cord 34 with respect to the circumferential direction is preferably 3° or less, more preferably 2° or less.

In this elastic crawler 4, a steel cord generally used in elastic crawlers is used as the steel cord 34. Although not shown, in this elastic crawler 4, a cord formed by combining and twisting several strands of filaments is used as the steel cord 34.

In this elastic crawler (4), the cord layer (24) is located outside the core metal (22). As shown in Fig. 2, this elastic crawler 4 has a pair of cord layers 24. Each code layer 24 extends in the circumferential direction from the outside of each wing 30 provided on the left and right sides of the core metal 22 .

The canvas layer 26 is located outside the core metal 22, inside or outside the cord layer 24, and extends in the circumferential direction. This canvas layer 26 has an endless belt shape.

This canvas layer 26 is a fabric. Although not shown, the canvas layer 26 includes canvas cords made of organic fibers. Examples of these organic fibers include nylon fibers, polyester fibers, rayon fibers and aramid fibers. In this elastic crawler 4, the canvas cord is inclined with respect to the circumferential direction. The inclination angle of this canvas cord is usually set in the range of 20° to 70°. Preferably, the inclination angle of this canvas cord is 30°.

This elastic crawler (4) has a pair of canvas layers (26). Each canvas layer 26 extends along the cord layer 24 on the outside of each wing 30 provided on the left and right sides of the core metal 22 . As shown in Fig. 2, the canvas layer 26 of the elastic crawler 4 is constituted by wrapping the cord layer 24 with the fabric described above. This canvas layer 26 covers the code layer 24 . In this elastic crawler 4, the canvas layer 26 is located between the core metal 22 and the cord layer 24, that is, inside the cord layer 24 and outside the cord layer 24. In this elastic crawler 4, the canvas layer 26 may be provided only inside the cord layer 24. This canvas layer 26 may be provided only outside the cord layer 24 .

As described above, the cord layer 24 extends in the circumferential direction outside the wing portion 30 of the core metal 22 . The cord layer 24 includes a steel cord 34 extending substantially in the circumferential direction. In this elastic crawler 4, the cord layer 24 is constituted by using the belt-shaped body 36 shown in FIG. This belt-shaped body 36 includes at least one steel cord 34 . In this belt-shaped body 36, the steel cord 34 is covered with the topping rubber 38. This belt-shaped body 36 consists of a steel cord 34 and a topping rubber 38.

The belt-shaped body 36 shown in FIG. 3 includes two steel cords 34. In this belt-shaped body 36, these steel cords 34 line up in parallel in the width direction. In this elastic crawler 4, the belt-shaped body 36 may contain a plurality of steel cords 34 arranged in parallel in the width direction.

In this elastic crawler 4, from the viewpoint of contributing to the improvement of productivity and obtaining the cord layer 24 having sufficient rigidity, the number of strands of the steel cord 34 included in the strip 36 is Two or more strands are preferred. The number of strands of the steel cord 34 included in the belt-shaped body 36 is preferably 5 or less, more preferably 4 or less, still more preferably 3 or less.

In FIG. 4 , a portion of the code layer 24 is shown together with the core metal 22 . 4, the left-right direction is the width direction of the elastic crawler 4, and the vertical direction is the circumferential direction of this elastic crawler 4. The direction perpendicular to the ground is the thickness direction of this elastic crawler 4. The outer side of this ground is the outer side of the loop constituted by this elastic crawler 4.

In this specification, the configuration of the code layer 24 will be described based on the left code layer 24a shown in FIG. 4 . In this elastic crawler 4, the right side cord layer 24b also has the same structure as the left side cord layer 24a.

In this elastic crawler 4, the cord layer 24 includes a plurality of loop-shaped units 40 arranged in parallel in the width direction. The code layer 24 shown in FIG. 4 includes three units 40 . In this elastic crawler 4, the unit 40a located inside in the width direction is the 1st unit 40a, and the unit 40b located outside the width direction of this 1st unit 40a is the 2nd unit 40a. It is the unit 40b, and the unit 40c located in the width direction outer side of this 2nd unit 40b is the 3rd unit 40c. The code layer 24 is composed of a first unit 40a, a second unit 40b, and a third unit 40c. In this elastic crawler 4, the first unit 40a is the unit 40 located at the innermost side in the width direction among the plurality of units 40 constituting the cord layer 24. The third unit 40c is the unit 40 located at the outermost side in the width direction among the plurality of units 40 constituting the code layer 24 .

In this elastic crawler 4, the unit 40 constituting a part of the cord layer 24 is constituted by winding a strip 36 spirally. In other words, this unit 40 is composed of a spirally wound belt-shaped body 36. In Fig. 4, the direction indicated by the arrow A is the circumferential direction of the strip 36 constituting the cord layer 24. In this elastic crawler 4, the cord layer 24 is constituted by winding each strip 36 in the circular direction A.

In the code layer 24 shown in FIG. 4, the first unit 40a, the second unit 40b, and the third unit 40c, that is, all units 40 constituting the code layer 24, respectively. It consists of a belt-shaped body 36 wound two or more turns in a spiral. In this elastic crawler 4, the belt-shaped body 36a for the first unit 40a is called the first belt-shaped body 36a, and the belt-shaped body 36b for the second unit 40b is called the second belt-shaped body. 36b, and the strip 36c for the third unit 40c is called the third strip 36c.

In the present invention, the number of turns of the belt-shaped body 36 is the number of times the belt-shaped body 36 passes the position of the tip 42 of the belt-shaped body 36 in winding. You can get it by counting. Further, even if the position of the end 44 of the strip does not coincide with the position of the end 42 in the circumferential direction, the end 44 is the same as the core metal 22 on which the end 42 is disposed. If it is disposed directly above the core metal 22, the position of the end 44 coincides with the position of the end 42 in the circumferential direction, and the number of turns of the strip 36 is counted.

In this elastic crawler 4, a unit 40a located on the inner side in the width direction, that is, the first unit 40a is configured using the first belt-shaped body 36a. In this elastic crawler 4, the tip 42a of the first belt-shaped body 36a is disposed directly above the wing portion 30 of any one of the core metals 22 included in this elastic crawler 4. . In this elastic crawler 4, the core metal 22a on which the tip 42a of the first belt-shaped body 36a is disposed is called the first core metal 22a.

In the cord layer 24 shown in Fig. 4, the tip 42a of the first band-shaped body 36a is disposed directly above the wing portion 30 of the first core metal 22a. This first belt-shaped body 36a is spirally wound three turns, and the end 44a of this first belt-shaped body 36a is adjacent to the first core metal 22a in the circular direction A. The other core metal 22b (hereinafter referred to as the second core metal 22b) located on the right above the wing portion 30 is disposed. Accordingly, the first unit 40a can be obtained.

In this elastic crawler 4, the first belt-like body 36a is wound and turned at least twice, and the end 44a of this first belt-like body 36a is any one included in this elastic crawler 4. The position of the end 44a of the first belt-shaped body 36a is not particularly limited as long as it is disposed directly above the wing portion 30 of the core metal 22. For example, the terminal end 44a of the first belt-shaped body 36a may be arranged directly above the first core metal 22a on which the start end 42a is arranged. Even if the end 44a of this first belt-shaped body 36a is disposed immediately above another core metal 22c (hereinafter referred to as a third core metal 22c) located adjacent to the second core metal 22b. good night. Even if the end 44a of this first belt-shaped body 36a is disposed directly above another core metal 22d (hereinafter referred to as a fourth core metal 22d) located adjacent to the third core metal 22c, good night.

In this elastic crawler 4, following the 1st unit 40a, the 2nd unit 40b is comprised using the 2nd belt-shaped body 36b. In the cord layer 24 shown in Fig. 4, the start end 42b of the second strip 36b is a wing of the second core metal 22b on which the end 44a of the first strip 36a is disposed. It is placed directly above the part 30. This second belt-shaped body 36b is spirally wound three turns, and the end 44b of this second belt-shaped body 36b is disposed directly above the wing portion 30 of the third core metal 22c. Thus, the second unit 40b can be obtained.

In this elastic crawler 4, similarly to the first belt-shaped body 36a described above, the second belt-shaped body 36b is wound at least two turns, and the end 44b of the second belt-shaped body 36b is The position of the end 44b of the second belt-shaped body 36b is not particularly limited as long as it is disposed directly above the wing portion 30 of any one of the core metals 22 included in the elastic crawler 4. .

In this elastic crawler 4, following the second unit 40b, the third unit 40c is constituted by using the third belt-shaped body 36c. In the cord layer 24 shown in FIG. 4, the starting end 42c of the third strip 36c is a wing of the third core metal 22c on which the end 44b of the second strip 36b is disposed. It is placed directly above the part 30. This third belt-shaped body 36c is spirally wound three turns, and the end 44c of this third belt-shaped body 36c is disposed directly above the wing portion 30 of the fourth core metal 22d. Accordingly, the third unit 40c can be obtained.

In this elastic crawler 4, like the first belt-shaped body 36a and the second belt-shaped body 36b described above, the third belt-shaped body 36c is wound and turned at least twice, and this third belt-shaped body 36c If the end 44c of this elastic crawler 4 is disposed directly above the wing 30 of any one of the core metals 22 included in this elastic crawler 4, the end 44c of this third belt-shaped body 36c ) There is no particular restriction on the position of.

In this elastic crawler 4, the cord layer 24 can be obtained by sequentially constructing the units 40 using several strips 36 in this way.

In this elastic crawler 4, a strip 36 containing at least one steel cord 34 is used to form the cord layer 24. In particular, this cord layer 24 is constructed by combining a plurality of units 40 obtained by spirally winding the strip 36. In this elastic crawler 4, it is not necessary to prepare a belt-shaped body having a sufficient length as in the conventional jointless type cord layer. In this elastic crawler 4, the size of the bobbin used for storing the belt-shaped body 36 can be reduced. In the manufacture of this elastic crawler 4, since it is difficult to generate a strip 36 that cannot be used for forming the cord layer 24 due to insufficient length, the waste amount of the strip 36 can also be reduced. This elastic crawler 4 can contribute to productivity improvement.

In this elastic crawler 4, each unit 40 constituting the cord layer 24 is made of a strip 36 spirally wound two or more turns. This unit 40 has a jointless structure. The joint of the steel cord 34 is not included in this unit 40. For this reason, in this cord layer 24, the number of seams of the steel cord 34 is smaller than that of the conventional non-jointless type cord layer. The strength of this elastic crawler 4 is sufficiently greater than that of an elastic crawler employing a non-jointless type cord layer. Further, by controlling the number of joints of the steel cord 34, this elastic crawler 4 can obtain a strength equivalent to that of the elastic crawler employing the above-mentioned jointless type cord layer.

And in this elastic crawler 4, the starting end 42 and the ending end 44 of the strip|belt-shaped body 36 which comprises the unit 40 are arrange|positioned directly above any one core metal 22. In this elastic crawler 4, since the deformation of the portion where the start or end of the steel cord 34 is located is suppressed, the bounce of the tip of the steel cord 34 (hereinafter, the bounce of the steel cord 34) is suppressed. is also called) is effectively prevented. As described above, in this elastic crawler 4, the above-described lugs 16 are formed outside the core metal 22. Therefore, in this elastic crawler 4, since the deformation of the portion where the start or end of the steel cord 34 is located is effectively suppressed by the lug 16 on the core metal 22, the spring of the steel cord 34 Rising is prevented more effectively.

In this elastic crawler 4, the influence of the cord layer 24 on the durability is effectively suppressed despite the fact that the cord layer 24 includes the joint of the steel cord 34. This elastic crawler 4 can improve productivity while suppressing a decrease in durability.

In this elastic crawler 4, as shown in FIG. 4, for example, the end portion 44a of the first strip 36a constituting the first unit 40a directly above the second core metal 22b and , the starting ends 42b of the second strips 36b constituting the second unit 40b located next to the first unit 40a are disposed to face each other. In this elastic crawler 4, the end 44a of the first strip 36a is disposed directly above the second core metal 22b, and the start end 42b of the second strip 36b is the second core metal 22b. You may arrange|position right above the 3rd core metal 22c located next to the core metal 22b. The end 44a of the first strip 36a is disposed directly above the second core metal 22b, and the start end 42b of the second strip 36b is next to the third core metal 22c. It may be arranged right above the fourth core metal 22d.

In this elastic crawler 4, the end 44 of one band-shaped body 36 constituting one unit 40 and the other unit 40 located next to this one unit 40 are constituted. The distance between the ends 42 of the other band-shaped bodies 36 to be formed affects the rigidity of the cord layer 24. In this elastic crawler 4, from the viewpoint of securing the rigidity of the cord layer 24, the end ( 44) and the starting end 42 of another band-shaped body 36 constituting another unit 40 located next to this one unit 40 are preferably arranged to face each other.

As shown in Fig. 4, in this elastic crawler 4, the starting end 42b of the second belt-shaped body 36b is directly above the second core metal 22b, and the terminal end of the first belt-shaped body 36a. 44a is arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction. The starting end 42c of the third belt-shaped body 36c is disposed directly above the third core metal 22c and is spaced apart from the terminal end 44b of the second belt-shaped body 36b in the circumferential direction. In this elastic crawler 4, the starting end 42b of the second strip 36b and the end 44a of the first strip 36a are directly above the second core metal 22b without leaving a gap therebetween. It's good even if they collide. The starting end 42c of the third belt-shaped body 36c and the terminal end 44b of the second belt-shaped body 36b may be bonded directly above the third core metal 22c without leaving a gap therebetween.

In FIG. 4 , double arrows LM are the length of the core metal 22 in the circumferential direction. The double arrow LD indicates the distance between the end 44 of one strip 36 and the start end 42 of the other strip 36, which are disposed opposite to each other directly above the core metal 22, In other words, it is the length in the circumferential direction of the seam of the unit 40.

In this elastic crawler 4, the length LD of the seam of the unit 40 in the circumferential direction affects not only the rigidity of the cord layer 24, but also the bounce of the steel cord 34. In this elastic crawler 4, from the viewpoint of effectively suppressing the deformation of the joint by the core metal 22 and preventing the springing of the steel cord 34 more effectively, the circumferential length of the core metal 22 ( The ratio of the circumferential length LD of the seam of the unit 40 to LM is preferably 50% or less. Further, when the end 44 of one strip 36 and the end 42 of another strip 36 are joined together, since the circumferential length LD is 0 mm, this ratio is 0% or more. am.

In this elastic crawler 4, from the viewpoint of preventing the springing of the steel cord 34, the core metal 22 is a belt-shaped body 36, specifically a steel cord included in the belt-shaped body 36 ( 34) overlaps sufficiently. Specifically, the ratio of the overlapping length of the strip 36 and the core metal 22 to the circumferential length LM of the core metal 22 is preferably 25% or more and preferably 50% or less.

5 shows a cross section of the code layer 24 . In FIG. 5(a), a cross section of the code layer 24 along the line a-a in FIG. 4 is shown. Fig. 5(b) shows a cross section of the code layer 24 taken along the line b-b in Fig. 4 . 5, the left-right direction is the width direction of the elastic crawler 4, and the vertical direction is the thickness direction of this elastic crawler 4. The direction perpendicular to the ground is the circumferential direction of this elastic crawler 4.

In this elastic crawler 4, along the circular direction A of the belt-shaped body 36, the third unit 40c is formed from the starting end 42a of the first belt-shaped body 36a constituting the first unit 40a. In the zone (hereinafter also referred to as the first zone Z1) up to the end 44c of the third strip 36c constituting the code layer 24, as shown in FIG. The number of cross sections of the band-shaped body 36 included in the cross section of is 10. Since the strip 36 includes two steel cords 34, the number of cross sections of the steel cords 34 included in the cross section of the cord layer 24 in this first zone Z1 is 20.

In this elastic crawler 4, the first unit 40a is formed along the circular direction A of the belt-shaped body 36 from the end 44c of the third belt-shaped body 36c constituting the third unit 40c. In the zone (hereinafter also referred to as the second zone Z2) up to the starting end 42a of the first strip 36a constituting the code layer 24, as shown in FIG. 5(b) The number of cross sections of the band-shaped body 36 included in the cross section of is 9. Since the belt-shaped body 36 includes two steel cords 34, the number of cross sections of the steel cords 34 included in the cross section of the cord layer 24 in this second zone Z2 is 18.

In this elastic crawler 4, the number of cross sections of the strips 36 included in the cross section of the cord layer 24 in the first zone Z1 is the number of cross sections of the cord layer in the second zone Z2 ( 24) is greater than the number of cross sections of the band-shaped body 36 included in the cross section. In the cord layer 24 of this elastic crawler 4, a first zone Z1 having a large number of cross sections of the band-shaped bodies 36 included in the cross section of the cord layer 24, and the cross section of the cord layer 24 A second zone Z2 with a small number of cross sections of the band-shaped body 36 included in the zone is constituted.

6 shows the cord layer 24 in the elastic crawler 4 mounted on the traveling device 2. In Fig. 6, the position indicated by the symbol PS is the position of the end 44c of the third strip 36c constituting the third unit 40c. The position indicated by the symbol PU indicates the position corresponding to the tip 42a of the first strip 36a constituting the first unit 40a. The double-headed arrow LZ1 is the length of the above-described first zone Z1 in the circumferential direction, and the double-headed arrow LZ2 is the above-mentioned length of the second zone Z2 in the circumferential direction. In this elastic crawler 4, the sum of the circumferential length LZ1 of the first zone Z1 and the circumferential length LZ2 of the second zone Z2 is the circumferential length of the cord layer 24.

As described above, in the second zone Z2, the number of cross sections of the strips 36 included in the cross section of the cord layer 24 is smaller than that in the first zone Z1. The rigidity of the second zone Z2 is lower than that of the first zone Z1.

As shown in Fig. 6, the circumferential length LZ1 of the first zone Z1 is shorter than the circumferential length LZ2 of the second zone Z2. In other words, the ratio of the circumferential length LZ1 of the first zone Z1 to the circumferential length LZ1+LZ2 of the code layer 24 is less than 0.5. In this elastic crawler 4, since the cord layer 24 is mainly composed of the second zone Z2, the influence of the second zone Z2 on the rigidity of the cord layer 24 is suppressed. In this elastic crawler 4, good durability is maintained. From this point of view, in this elastic crawler 4, the first zone Z1 with a large number of cross sections of strips 36 included in the cross section of the cord layer 24, and the strips 36 included in this cross section A second zone Z2 with a small number of cross sections is formed on this cord layer 24, and the circumferential length LZ1 of the first zone Z1 is the circumferential length LZ2 of the second zone Z2. ), which is shorter than that, is preferable.

In this elastic crawler 4, from the viewpoint that the influence of the second zone Z2 on the rigidity of the cord layer 24 is effectively suppressed, the circumferential length LZ1+LZ2 of the cord layer 24 is limited. The ratio of the circumferential length LZ1 of one zone Z1 is preferably 0.4 or less. From the viewpoint that the high rigidity first zone Z1 can effectively contribute to the rigidity of the cord layer 24, the ratio of the first zone Z1 to the circumferential length (LZ1 + LZ2) of the cord layer 24 0.1 or more is preferable and, as for ratio of circumferential direction length LZ1, 0.2 or more is more preferable.

As described above, in the first zone Z1, the number of cross sections of the strips 36 included in the cross section of the cord layer 24 is greater than that in the second zone Z2, and the first zone Z1 has the second It has higher rigidity than the zone Z2.

As shown in Fig. 4, in this elastic crawler 4, the first strip 36a has a start end 42a and end 44a, and a second strip 36b has a start end 42b and end 44b. ), and the start end 42c and end 44c of the third strip-shaped member 36c, that is, the start end 42 and end 44 of all the band-shaped members 36 constituting the cord layer 24 are It is located in the first zone Z1 having rigidity. In this elastic crawler 4, the influence of the starting end 42 and end 44 of the belt-shaped body 36 on the rigidity of the cord layer 24 is effectively suppressed. In this elastic crawler 4, good durability is maintained. From this point of view, in this elastic crawler 4, the start 42 and the end 44 of all the strips 36 constituting the cord layer 24 are band-shaped bodies included in the cross section of the cord layer 24. It is preferable to be located in the first zone Z1, where the number of cross sections of (36) is large.

As shown in Fig. 4, in this elastic crawler 4, three strips 36 of a first strip 36a, a second strip 36b, and a third strip 36c, A code layer 24 is constructed. In the first zone Z1 of the cord layer 24, the joint between the first belt-shaped body 36a and the second belt-shaped body 36b and the second belt-shaped body 36b and the third belt-shaped body 36c are formed. seams exist. In other words, in this first zone Z1, immediately above one core metal 22, the end 44 of one strip 36 and the start end 42 of another strip 36 face each other. There are two places to be placed.

In this elastic crawler 4, the cord layer 24 is composed of three strips 36, but assuming that the cord layer 24 is composed of one strip, the cord layer 24 ), nine loops are constituted by this band-shaped body. In this elastic crawler 4, the number of loops equal to the number of cross sections of the strips 36 included in the cross section of the cord layer 24 in the second zone Z2 is constituted in this cord layer 24. . The ratio of the number of the above-described joints to the number of loops, that is, to the number of cross sections of the strip 36 included in the cross section of the cord layer 24 in the second zone Z2, one core Right above the metal 22, the ratio of the number of portions arranged so that the end 44 of one strip 36 and the end 42 of another strip 36 face each other is Affect productivity and durability.

In this elastic crawler 4, from the viewpoint of improving its productivity, one core is equal to the number of cross sections of the strips 36 included in the cross sections of the cord layer 24 in the second zone Z2. Right above the metal 22, the ratio of the number of portions arranged so that the end 44 of one strip 36 and the end 42 of the other strip 36 face each other is preferably 1% or more. , 5% or more is more preferable. From the standpoint of effectively reducing the durability of the elastic crawler 4, this ratio is preferably 50% or less, and more preferably 35% or less.

In FIG. 7, a modified example of the code layer 24 shown in FIG. 4 is shown. In this FIG. 7 , a part of the code layer 52 as a modified example of the code layer 24 is shown together with the core metal 22 . 7, the left-right direction is the width direction of the elastic crawler 4, and the vertical direction is the circumferential direction of this elastic crawler 4. The direction perpendicular to the ground is the thickness direction of this elastic crawler 4. The outer side of this ground is the outer side of the loop constituted by this elastic crawler 4. Hereinafter, a modification of this code layer 24 will be described based on the left code layer 52a shown in this FIG. 7, but in this elastic crawler 4, the right code layer 52b is also It has a configuration equivalent to that of the code layer 52a.

This code layer 52 includes four loop-shaped units 54 arranged in parallel in the width direction. Among these four units 54, the unit 54a located at the innermost side in the width direction is the first unit 54a, and the unit 54b located outside the width direction of the first unit 54a is The unit 54c that is the second unit 54b and is located outside the second unit 54b in the width direction is the third unit 54c, and is located outside the third unit 54c in the width direction. 54d is the fourth unit 54d. In this code layer 52, the fourth unit 54d is the unit 54 located at the outermost side in the width direction among the plurality of units 54 constituting the code layer 52.

Also in this cord layer 52, the unit 54 is constituted by winding the strip 56 spirally two or more turns.

In the cord layer 52 shown in Fig. 7, the tip 58a of the first band-shaped body 56a is disposed directly above the wing portion 30 of the first core metal 22a. This first belt-shaped body 56a is spirally wound two turns, and the end portion 60a of this first belt-shaped body 56a is disposed directly above the wing portion 30 of the first core metal 22a. Thus, the first unit 54a can be obtained.

In this code layer 52, following the first unit 54a, the second unit 54b is constituted by using the second strip 56b. In this cord layer 52, the starting end 58b of the second strip-shaped member 56b is the blade portion 30 of the first core metal 22a on which the end 60a of the first strip-shaped member 56a is disposed. is placed directly above the This second belt-shaped body 56b is spirally wound three turns, and the end 60b of this second belt-shaped body 56b is disposed directly above the wing portion 30 of the second core metal 22b. Thus, the second unit 54b can be obtained.

In this code layer 52, following the second unit 54b, a third unit 54c is constituted using a third strip 56c. In this cord layer 52, the starting end 58c of the third strip-shaped member 56c is formed by the wing portion 30 of the second core metal 22b on which the terminal end 60b of the second strip-shaped member 56b is disposed. is placed directly above the This third belt-shaped body 56c is spirally wound two turns, and the end portion 60c of this third belt-shaped body 56c is disposed directly above the wing portion 30 of the second core metal 22b. Accordingly, the third unit 54c can be obtained.

In this code layer 52, following the third unit 54c, a fourth unit 54d is constituted by using a fourth strip 56d. In this cord layer 52, the starting end 58d of the fourth strip-shaped member 56d is formed by the wing portion 30 of the second core metal 22b on which the end 60c of the third strip-shaped member 56c is disposed. is placed directly above the This fourth belt-shaped body 56d is spirally wound three turns, and the end 60d of this fourth belt-shaped body 56d is disposed directly above the wing portion 30 of the third core metal 22c. Accordingly, the fourth unit 54d can be obtained.

In this elastic crawler 4, in this way, the code layer 52 can be obtained by sequentially configuring the units 54 using the strips 56 of several strands. The cord layer 52 is constituted by alternately combining a unit 54 formed by winding the strip 56 two turns and a unit 54 formed by winding the strip 56 three turns. .

In Fig. 7, the zone indicated by the symbol Z1 is the first zone Z1 described above. As shown in Fig. 7, in this code layer 52, the first strip 56a constituting the first unit 54a and the second strip 56b constituting the second unit 54b The seam of is located outside the first zone Z1, that is, in the above-described second zone Z2.

In the present invention, in the width direction, which is the reference position of the first zone Z1, the core metal 22 at which the tip 58 of the strip-shaped body 56 positioned at the innermost side is disposed, or the strip-shaped body positioned at the outermost side. If the joint of the belt-shaped body 56 is located immediately above the core metal 22 where the end 60 of the upper body 56 is disposed and the same core metal 22, this joint is in this first zone. It is considered as a joint included in (Z1). Therefore, in the code layer 52 shown in FIG. 7, the joint between the first strip 56a constituting the first unit 54a and the second strip 56b constituting the second unit 54b is , treated as a joint located in this first zone Z1. In the cord layer 52 shown in FIG. 7 , the starting ends 58 and ends 60 of all the strips 56 constituting the cord layer 52 are included in the cross section of the cord layer 52. It is located in the first zone Z1 where the number of cross sections of the belt-shaped body 56 is large.

Also in this elastic crawler 4 provided with the cord layer 52, the belt-shaped body 56 containing at least one steel cord 34 is used to form the cord layer 52. In particular, this cord layer 52 is constituted by combining a plurality of units 54 obtained by spirally winding the strip 56. In this elastic crawler 4, it is not necessary to prepare a belt-shaped body having a sufficient length as in the conventional jointless type cord layer. In this elastic crawler 4, the size of the bobbin used for storing the belt-shaped body 56 can be reduced. Since the strip 56, which cannot be used for forming the cord layer 52 due to insufficient length, is unlikely to be formed, the waste amount of the strip 56 can also be reduced. This elastic crawler 4 can contribute to productivity improvement.

In this elastic crawler 4, each unit 54 constituting the cord layer 52 is made of a strip 56 spirally wound two or more turns. This unit 54 has a jointless structure. The joint of the steel cord 34 is not included in this unit 54. For this reason, in this cord layer 52, the number of seams of the steel cord 34 is smaller than that of the conventional non-jointless type cord layer. The strength of this elastic crawler 4 is sufficiently greater than that of an elastic crawler employing a non-jointless type cord layer. Further, by controlling the number of joints of the steel cord 34, this elastic crawler 4 can obtain strength equivalent to that of the elastic crawler employing the above-mentioned jointless type cord layer.

And, in this elastic crawler 4, the starting end 58 and the ending end 60 of the strip|belt-shaped body 56 which comprises the unit 54 are arrange|positioned directly above any one core metal 22. In this elastic crawler 4, deformation of the portion where the start or end of the steel cord 34 is located is suppressed, so that the spring of the steel cord 34 is effectively prevented.

In this elastic crawler 4, although the cord layer 52 includes the joint of the steel cord 34, the influence of the cord layer 52 on durability is effectively suppressed. This elastic crawler 4 can improve productivity while suppressing a decrease in durability.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain the elastic crawler 4 in which improvement in productivity is achieved while suppressing a decrease in durability. From the viewpoint of effectively suppressing the springing of the steel cord 34, the present invention exerts a remarkable effect particularly in a large combine with a large sprocket diameter.

Embodiment disclosed this time is an illustration in all points, and is not restrictive. The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but this technical scope includes all changes within the range equivalent to the structure described in the claims.

[Example]

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail by examples and the like, but the present invention is not limited only to these examples.

[Example 1]

An elastic crawler having the basic configuration shown in FIG. 2 was manufactured. In this Example 1, the cord layer was produced using two strips containing one steel cord and having the same length. Each strip-shaped body was spirally wound 10 times, and two loop-shaped units arranged in parallel in the width direction were constituted in this cord layer.

In this Embodiment 1, the starting and ending ends of the strips constituting each unit are disposed directly above the wings of the first core metal in the manner shown in FIG. The end of the band-shaped body was disposed directly above the second core metal. The start end of the second strip-shaped body was disposed directly above the wing portion of the second core metal, and the end of the second belt-shaped body was disposed directly above the third core metal. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the end of the first strip constituting the first unit directly above the second core metal and the second strip constituting the second unit located next to the first unit are The podiums were arranged to face each other. In this code layer, the number of seams in the band-shaped body is one.

In the cord layer of Embodiment 1, the number of loops constituted by strips, that is, the number of cross sections of strips included in the cross section of this cord layer in the second zone is set to 20. For the number of cross sections of the strips included in the cross section of the cord layer in the second zone, immediately above one core metal, the area where the end of one strip and the start end of the other strip are arranged so as to face each other The ratio of the number, that is, the number of joints of the band-shaped body (unit) is 5%. This is shown in the column of the ratio of joints in Table 1 below.

In this first embodiment, since the number of steel cords included in the strip is 1, the number of loops constituted by this steel cord is also 20.

[Comparative Example 1]

An elastic crawler of Comparative Example 1 was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the cord layer was constituted by making 20 turns of one strip of one steel cord. This comparative example 1 is a conventional elastic crawler, and the cord layer of this comparative example 1 is a conventional jointless type cord layer. In this cord layer, no joint of the band-shaped body is provided. In this comparative example 1, the ratio of seams is 0%.

[Comparative Example 2]

An elastic crawler of Comparative Example 2 was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 except that a cord bundle was formed by arranging 20 steel cords in parallel in the width direction, and a cord layer was formed by joining both ends of the cord bundle. . This comparative example 2 is a conventional elastic crawler, and the cord layer of this comparative example 2 is a conventional non-jointless type cord layer. In this code layer, 20 cord joints were formed. In this comparative example 2, the ratio of seams is 100%.

[Example 2]

An elastic crawler of Example 2 was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the cord layer was constituted using 5 strips containing 1 steel cord. In the cord layer of this Example 2, each strip was wound four turns at a time, and the number of seams of the strip was set to four. In this Example 2, the ratio of seams is 20%.

[Example 3]

An elastic crawler of Example 3 was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the cord layer was constituted using 10 strips of one steel cord. In the cord layer of Example 3, each strip was wound two turns at a time, and the number of seams of the strip was set to nine. In this Example 3, the ratio of seams is 45%.

[Example 4]

An elastic crawler of Example 4 was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the cord layer was constituted using two strips of steel cords. In the cord layer of this Example 4, each strip was wound 5 turns at a time, and the number of seams of the strip was set to one. In this Example 4, the ratio of seams is 10%. In Example 4, the number of loops formed by the steel cord is 20, which is the same number as in Example 1.

[breaking force]

The tensile breaking force of the elastic crawler was evaluated using a tensile tester. The results are shown as an index in Table 1 below. The larger the number, the larger the breaking force is, which is preferable.

[bending rigidity]

The bending stiffness of the elastic crawler was evaluated using a compression tester. A portion including the first zone of the cord layer was sampled from the elastic crawler, and this was used as a provided sample. A disc imitating a sprocket was prepared. A load required when the provided sample was wound around the disk was measured, and the maximum value of the load as an index of bending rigidity was obtained. The results are shown as an index in Table 1 below. The larger the number, the larger the bending rigidity is, and is preferable.

[Bounces up]

The rebound of the steel cord in the elastic crawler was evaluated using a bending tester. A portion containing the first zone of the cord layer was sampled from the elastic crawler, and this was used as a sample provided. This provided sample was repeatedly bent, and the time until the springing of the steel cord occurred was measured. The results are shown as an index in Table 1 below. The larger the value, the less likely the spring of the steel cord is to occur, which is preferable.

[productivity]

Each of the length of the strip required for unit construction and the time required for forming the cord layer as an index of the waste amount of the strip was expressed as an index based on Comparative Example 1, and a total value was calculated. The reciprocal of this total value was expressed as an index, and the productivity was evaluated. The results are shown as an index in Table 1 below. Productivity is excellent and preferable, so that a numerical value is large. Further, in Comparative Example 1, the index was calculated by substituting the length of the strip required for the construction of the unit with the length of the strip necessary for the construction of the cord layer. In Comparative Example 2, the index was calculated by substituting the length of a strip required for unit construction with the length of one steel cord included in the cord layer.

[Comprehensive Performance]

The sum of the indices obtained in each evaluation was calculated. The results are shown as an index in Table 1 below. The larger the number, the better.

As shown in Table 1, in Examples, improvement in productivity is achieved while suppressing a decrease in durability. The superiority of this invention is clear from this evaluation result.

The technology related to the code layer described above can also be applied to various elastic crawlers.

2: traveling device 4: elastic crawler
6: sprocket 8: idler
10: front wheel 12: hole
16: lug 18: guide
20: elastic member 22: core metal
24, 52: code layer 26: canvas layer
28: flange portion 30: wing portion
34: steel code 36, 56: belt-shaped body
40, 54: unit 42: the beginning of the band-shaped body 36
44: end of band-shaped body 36 54: unit
58: the beginning of the band-shaped body 56 60: the end of the band-shaped body 56

Claims (6)

A plurality of plate-shaped core metals disposed at intervals in the circumferential direction;
A cord layer extending in a circumferential direction from the outside of the core metal
to provide,
The code layer includes a plurality of loop-type units arranged in parallel in the width direction,
Each unit consists of a band-shaped body wound two or more turns in a spiral,
The belt-shaped body includes at least one steel cord,
The starting and ending ends of the strips constituting the unit are disposed directly above one of the core metals,
In the cord layer, a first zone with a large number of cross sections of strips included in the cross section of the cord layer and a second zone with a small number of cross sections of strips included in the cross section are constituted;
The circumferential length of the first zone is shorter than the circumferential length of the second zone;
The number of cross sections of the strips included in the cross section of the cord layer is represented by the number of cross sections of the strips included in the cross section of the cord layer between two core metals adjacent in the circumferential direction,
Directly above one core metal, the end of one strip constituting one unit and the beginning end of another strip constituting another unit located adjacent to the one unit are arranged to face each other,
The first zone is a zone from the start end of the strip constituting the innermost unit in the width direction to the end of the strip constituting the outermost unit in the width direction, and other than the first zone The zone is the second zone,
The elastic crawler, wherein the starting and ending ends of all the strips constituting the cord layer are located in the first zone. According to claim 1,
The region in which the end of one strip and the start end of another strip are arranged so as to face each other, right above the one core metal, relative to the number of cross sections of the strip included in the cross section of the cord layer in the second zone. An elastic crawler in which the ratio of the number of is 1% or more and 50% or less. According to claim 1 or 2,
The ratio of the circumferential length between the end of one strip and the front end of the other strip, disposed so as to face each other, directly above the one core metal, to the circumferential length of the core metal is 50% or less. , an elastic crawler. According to claim 1 or 2,
On the outside of the core metal, located outside and inside the cord layer, extending in the circumferential direction, further comprising a canvas layer, the elastic crawler.
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