RU2446975C1 - Vehicle flexible caterpillar - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: transport.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to machine building. Flexible caterpillar comprises composite section chain with captivating end and rigid tracks attached thereto. Tracks are made up of cross bar and two straps arranged on opposite side of the chain. Said straps are spaced symmetrically apart over chain width and bolted to cross bar. Said tracks are provided with cogs, grousers and guide lugs. Captivating ends feature L-like shape. Cross bar is arranged on chain outer side to overlap its width and provided with cutouts made at right angle to chain. One cutout is common for chain section captivating ends or two cutouts for every captivating end. Said cross bar had inner side edges representing aforesaid guide lugs. Cross bar and straps are provided with symmetric pin-forming openings to receive drive wheel teeth provided there are arranged opposite each other in assembled track.

EFFECT: improved operating performances.

8 cl, 5 dwg

Description

The invention relates to tracked vehicle propulsion devices (mainly light military tracked vehicles (TGMs) for military and civilian use, in particular to snow and swamp vehicles), specifically endless, flexible (hinge-free), detachable (prefabricated) tracks.

Most track chains, used primarily in the undercarriage of the tracked vehicles listed above, are articulated, i.e. represents all-metal links (tracks) connected by fingers as separate parts (rather than assembly units). Caterpillars with prefabricated tracks are also known mainly for light TGM [RU 2385815, B62D 55/20, 03/18/2009]. Both are not light and economical (in the sense of efficiency) for light cars.

Therefore, on light machines, especially for civilian purposes, elastic (hinge-free) tracks, both with metal and non-metal tapes, have spread.

The closest analogue (prototype) of the claimed invention, that is, coinciding with the purpose and general essential structural features, is an elastic vehicle caterpillar ("Detachable tape caterpillar with a synthetic frame - device and manufacture") [RU 94022109/11, B62D 55 / 24, 06.16.1994, var. 1, 2, Figs. 1-3], containing a sectionally-composite tape with embedded ends (“edges”) and rigid tracks fixed on it, made of composite cross members and two overlays located on different sides of the tape, while the overlays are symmetrically spaced along the width of the tape and pulled together by bolted connections to the cross member, and on the tracks foreshanks, lugs and guide ridges are provided.

In it, the embedded ends of the tape are made flat (rectangular in longitudinal section), the cross member is located on the inside of the tape, which forms a treadmill for the road wheels of the vehicle and is made to cover its width, with the aforementioned grousers in the form of rectangular rubber soles with tread grooves of anti-skid (chevron - see drawings). Lugs (obviously, under one tooth of the drive wheel of the vehicle) are located in the middle of the truck (under the same gear). The pads are located on the outside of the tape, interacting with the ground or other supporting surface, are not extremely spaced across the width of the tape (i.e., not overlapping the width of the track) and are made in the form of flat rectangular plates.

In addition, in it: one of the paired (abutting) embedded ends ("edges") of a sectionally-composite tape is made with grooves in the longitudinal section of grooves of a length equal to the location of two rows of bolts taking into account the adjustment gap, with the possibility of removing this embedded end to the side when loosening the bolted connection; the embedded ends of the tape sections in the working state of the track are mated and fixed by a cross-member and overlays when the bolts are tightened; the ridge is solid.

However, the caterpillar of the prototype, with all its positive qualities, also has disadvantages.

Firstly, the joint of the embedded ends in it is based on the use of mainly friction forces in the pairs “cross member - tape”, “tape - tape” and “tape - overlay”, as well as joint vulcanization of all parts. This method (principle) increases the requirements for tightening the bolts, does not exclude the possibility of thread breakage in bolted joints, violation of the connection of the ends of the tapes during peak dynamic traction forces (which worsens the conditions for maintaining the integrity of the caterpillar as a prefabricated structure, and hence the reliability of the mover), and conditions low efficiency of the work of the torsion tracks (which is associated with an irrational distribution of loads in the structure and worsens their bearing capacity and causes excessive metal consumption).

Secondly, the docking of the embedded ends of the tapes mainly due to friction forces does not guarantee the accuracy of the coupling and impairs maintainability, especially in the field and, especially, in combat and other extreme conditions, which is explained by the need to hold the embedded ends of the tapes for pre-tensioning the tracks position within the track until the bolt connection is fully or almost completely tightened.

Thirdly, the need for great efforts to compress the tapes at the joints can lead to irreversible deformation of the embedded ends of the tapes and reduce their service life.

Fourth, the bolts perceive (practically) part of the pulling forces and, accordingly, work not only in tension but also in shear, which worsens the conditions for ensuring strength and reliability.

Fifth, the location of the cross members, in contrast to the pads, on the inside of the tape (track), i.e. interacting not with the ground, but with the track rollers of the vehicle, it is somewhat inferior to their "reverse" location in the desire to ensure contact with the ground of an integral (and not split) part-cross member, to eliminate the undesirable abrasive-destructive effect of the soil at the metal-tape joints.

Sixth, a chevron, even if developed “closed” lug (see the description of the prototype, Fig. 1, item 6, plan view from below), which has proven itself well in vehicles that have been operating for a long time on artificial roads, is inferior to the tracks with classic “open” (plate-shaped) lugs in off-road conditions, as applied to a wide class of all-terrain tracked and wheeled tracked vehicles, especially vehicles with active track rollers equipped with pneumatic tires, which is connected, etc. Every time, with the tendency of the tread to clog the soil, which has an extremely negative effect on the towing and hitching capabilities of the caterpillar mover.

Seventh, the caterpillar of the fore-gear gearing under the same-driven drive wheel of the vehicle and, accordingly, with the centrally located spindles, does not provide such kinematic certainty and stability of the longitudinal movement of the caterpillar as the tracks under the two-crown drive wheel, i.e. with paired spars across the width of the tape.

All of these shortcomings in the aggregate determine the insufficiently high technical and operational characteristics of the vehicle in off-road conditions, for which it is mainly intended.

The problem to which the invention is directed is to create an elastic track with higher technical and operational characteristics compared to the prototype: traction and coupling capabilities (and hence the effectiveness of the entire caterpillar mover), reliability and maintainability (especially in field conditions).

The solution to this problem is achieved by the fact that in an elastic vehicle caterpillar containing a sectional-composite belt with embedded ends and rigid tracks fixed to it, made of composite cross members and two overlays located on different sides of the belt, while the lining is symmetrically spaced across the width of the belt and tightened by bolted connections with a cross-member, lugs, lugs and guide ridges are provided on the tracks, the embedded ends of the tape are made L-shaped in longitudinal section, the cross-member is located laid on the outside of the tape and made overlapping its width, with slots at right angles to the tape, one common for the mating embedded ends of the tape sections or two individual for each embedded end, while the embedded ends of the tape sections in the working state of the track are inserted into the specified slots and fixed by a cross-member and plates with tightened bolts, the cross-section is made with inner side edges, designed in the form of the said guide ridges, in addition, on the cross-section and plates there are provided spherical windows spaced metrically across the width of the tape under the teeth of the drive wheel, provided that they are located in the assembled truck opposite each other.

The solution of this problem is also achieved due to additional structural features (with the above main set of features):

- the cross-member can be made with side collars oriented along the tape, and the pads are extremely spaced across the width of the tape and each is made with ears formed by a notch at the lateral edge under the collar of the cross-section, with the possibility of formation, when the track is assembled, of gapless locking joints between the ears and the collar ;

- said lugs can be made in the form of flanges;

- lugs of the cross member can be staggered;

- with the previous set of features, the total length of the lugs on one side of the cross member can be equal to the total length of the lugs on its opposite side;

- tsevobrazuyuschie window cross and lining can be spaced across the width of the truck half the width of the cross;

- tsevkoobrazuyuschie windows can be spaced across the width of the truck on the width of the cross member;

- the comb can be made with a window.

Among the known devices and methods, no such combination of essential features would coincide with the declared one.

The inventive device of an elastic track of a vehicle is illustrated in the drawings:

Fig. 1 shows a fragment of a section of a caterpillar, a general top view of its lower (supporting) branch, i.e. on its inner side; figure 2 is the same, bottom view (from the ground), i.e. to its outer side; figure 3 is a side view of the caterpillar; figure 4 is a section aa in figure 2; figure 5 is a section bB in figure 2.

At the same time, the direction from the front of the vehicle is taken from right to left (abscissa axis).

The elastic caterpillar of the vehicle contains (see FIGS. 1-5) elastic (reversibly bending, with a sufficiently small resistance, at least in one direction from its plane), mainly a metal, caterpillar belt 1. In this case, the belt 1 is made integral (synonyms : sectional-composite, piecewise-composite), with butt-end embedded ends 2 and 3 (design see below). The length of the tape section is selected from structural (for each specific undercarriage and the vehicle as a whole) or technological considerations, usually in the range from 0.2 to 1.2 meters (steel woven tape with a rubberized surface).

Evenly along the length of the belt 1 (i.e., with the same pitch), sufficiently rigid track tracks (steel, aluminum alloy, titanium, wear-resistant polymer, etc. material) are installed, which increase the transverse stiffness and torsional stiffness of the track and act as power elements transmitting longitudinal force similarly to tracks of inelastic articulated articulated tracks. Each track is made integral of a set (package) of at least three parts.

The specified set (package) includes two structurally identical (paired), upper plates 4 and 5 symmetrically spaced along the edges of the composite track and one lower cross member 6, the length of which overlaps both the width of the tape 1 and the plates 4, 5. The plates 4, 5 and the cross member 6 are installed, thus, with the overlap of the “track” section of the tape 1. In this case, the overlay 4 with the cross member 6 and the overlay 5 with the cross member 6 are connected (tightened) to each other by means of a bolted connection (bolt-nuts) 7 (in this example - in the amount of eight per truck) through the holes and and extended, taking into account adjustments and self-installation of windows in the tape 1 (the illustrations are not designated positions).

Cross member 6 is made with lugs in the form of flanges oriented at an angle (usually right angle) to the tape (outward in the terminology for a closed randomly oriented track), preferably two identical front (along the vehicle forward) lugs spaced apart along the edges of the cross member 6 8, 9 and one central rear lug 10, so that lugs 8-10 within each track are staggered. The implementation of lugs with the same total length is recommended: the total length of the lugs 8 and 9 is equal to the length of the lug 10.

At the same time, the cross member 6 is made with the outwardly oriented tracks (in FIGS. 1-3, upward) with identical collars 11 and 12 (the purpose is explained below), as well as with symmetrical spacing windows 13 and 14 extending along the tape 1 of the shape and narrow rounded edges (these rounded edges are the spindles, moreover, the opposite spokes within the same window 13 (14), taking into account the possibility of the vehicle moving and backing up).

Each plate 4 (5), in turn, is made mainly with ears 15 (16), formed by a recess at the lateral edge under the shoulder 11 (12) of the cross member 6, with the possibility of formation (when collecting the track) gapless locking connection between the ears 15 (16) and a collar 11 (12) - the castle “11 and 15” and “12 and 16”).

The embedded ends 2 and 3 of the tape 1 are made L-shaped in a longitudinal section (due to flanges 17 and 18) and can be reinforced with various plates (gaskets, inserts) and / or vulcanized layers (19, 20 and 21, 22) front and back .

At the same time, in the cross-member 6, the slots are provided that are centrally oriented and oriented transverse to the tape 1, one common 23 (in this embodiment) for placing (storing) the abutting flanges 17, 18 of the embedded ends 2 and 3 of the tape section 1 (of course, taking into account the total thickness with layers 19-22), or two individual slots (the presence of a second slot, through a partition similar to slot 23) for each embedded end 2, 3. In this case, the embedded ends 2 and 3 in the working state of the track are inserted into the slot 23 (cuts) and fixed by parts 4-6 p and tightened bolts 7. Of course, the compounds should provide fixation bolt-nut from samootvorachivaniya (spring washers, lock plates, tying wire).

Further, each plate 4 (5) is made with guide ridges 24 (25). In this example, the ridges 24, 25 are structurally and technologically designed in the form of internal lateral edges, which can be obtained by hot flexible plates 4 and 5. However, a variant with welded ridges 24, 25 as separate parts is also possible. It is also preferable to perform the ridge 24 (25) with a window 26 (27).

The overlays 4 and 5 are each made with a window-forming window 28 and 29, respectively, based on the calculation that, in the assembled track, the windows 28 and 29 must necessarily be symmetrically spaced across the width of the tape 1 (track, tracks), opposite to the windows 13, 14 with the fingers (and, on the contrary, specially provided for this, slotted windows oriented along the tape 1 or selections in the tape 1), that is, with the possibility of a pin gearing with the teeth of a two-axle drive wheel of the vehicle (the drive wheel is not shown in the illustrations). The teeth of the drive wheel must interact with the handles of the windows 13, 28 (14, 29) at the same time.

The spreader windows 13, 14, 28, 29 can, for example, be spaced along the width of the track either half the width of the cross member 6 (as in this example) or its entire width (in the latter case, the spherical windows can be open from the outer sides).

Possible, as in the prototype, combinations (compositions) with metal and synthetic materials, vulcanization, etc. additions.

Other design solutions are possible within the framework of the claimed combination of essential design features of the device.

The device operates in the usual way for elastic (hinge-free) tracks, with the following features of the claimed design.

When assembling in production or during repair (including in the field, including combat or other extreme), the embedded ends 2, 3 of the tape 1 are inserted (adjusted) with flanges 17, 18 into the slot (si) 23 and fixed with a bolt connection 7. In this case , due to the slots of the guides for flanging 17, 18, the geometrically accurate laying of the parts of the tape 1 is ensured, with guaranteed (even with a slight weakening of the connection 7) “tape-track” engagement, mutual distortions of the joined parts of the tape 1 in the plane of the track are excluded. Correspondingly, the requirements for the screed force are reduced, the likelihood of thread failure in the bolted joints 7 and the violation of the connection of the embedded ends 2, 3 with large traction forces is sharply reduced. In turn, reducing the required screed effort significantly simplifies the initial tension of the belt 1 (tracks): it is enough to set each of the embedded ends 2, 3 with a preload into the slot 23, moreover, even sequentially and using the forces of one collector, after which the bolts 7 should already be tightened when the ability to loosen the tightness. This gives the most tangible technical result with regard to field and extreme conditions of the repair and restoration assembly (maintainability). Moreover, it enhances the indicated effect of increasing the accuracy of the assembly. Reducing the required effort also reduces the likelihood of irreversible deformation of the embedded ends 2, 3 of the tape and extends its service life.

During the operation of the track, the longitudinal (traction) force is transmitted from the teeth of the drive wheel through (on the example of one section) window bores 13, 14, 28, 29, cross member 6 and embedded ends 2, 3 in the track to tape 1 (including a significant degrees through flanging 17, 18 (with elements 19-22)). The bolts 7 in the design do not work for shear, the tangential forces are perceived by the shoulder locks 11, 15 (12, 16), which improves the conditions for ensuring strength and reliability. Transverse structural rigidity and torsional rigidity are provided by a set (package) of parts 4-6. Tracks simultaneously perform two functions - the cross members of an elastic tape track and power elements that transmit longitudinal force, working for breaking, torsion and bending (when turning the vehicle).

Accordingly, in conditions of peak dynamic traction forces that are usual for driving a vehicle off-road at a high average speed, the conditions for maintaining the integrity of the track as a prefabricated structure, and hence the propulsion reliability, are improved. Redistribution (rationalization) of loads in the “track-tape” design with built-in embedded ends 2, 3 with flanges 17, 18 of tape 1, the “involvement” of almost all parts of the prefabricated track in three dimensions leads to improved load-bearing capacity and reduced metal consumption of the tracks. Reducing the susceptibility of the track to longitudinal peak loads also contributes to an increase in the towing capacity of the tracked mover.

Traction forces are transmitted to the ground due to the friction of all the bearing surfaces of the track (belt 1 and cross members 6 of the tracks), and thanks to the lugs 8-10. Interaction with the soil is not of the plates with the portion of the tape between them, but of the solid cross member increases the wear resistance and reliability of the track. Due to the “classical” (in the form of plates) design, self-cleaning is facilitated from soil sticking to the track near the lugs, which is even more beneficial in maintaining the estimated traction and coupling properties of the propulsion device.

The two-axle version of the drive wheel-track connection provides greater kinematic certainty and stability of the longitudinal movement (rewind) of the track compared to the single-shaft system.

With regard to transport engineering, traction and coupling capabilities, reliability and maintainability (especially in the field) are the components of the technical and operational (in relation to special equipment - “tactical and technical”) characteristics (TTX) of the propulsion device and the machine as a whole.

For mounting and dismounting the track as a whole or replacing a section (s), it is not necessary to completely disassemble the truck (s). It is enough to loosen the bolt connection 7 by an amount not less than the height of the flanges 17, 18 and, lifting the embedded end 2 (3), remove it in the longitudinal direction. It is not difficult to provide structurally and the ability to extract the embedded ends 2, 3 sideways (for example, by introducing into the design transverse or curly slots in the tape 1).

Thus, the use of the invention allows to improve the TEC of the caterpillar and mover as a whole: traction and coupling capabilities (and therefore, efficiency as mover), reliability and maintainability (especially in the field).

Claims (8)

1. An elastic vehicle caterpillar containing a sectional-composite belt with embedded ends and fixed tracks fixed on it, made of a cross member and two overlays located on different sides of the belt, while the overlays are symmetrically spaced across the width of the belt and tightened by bolted connections to the cross member , on the tracks foreholes, lugs and guide ridges are provided, characterized in that the embedded ends of the tape are L-shaped in it, the cross member is located on the outside of the tape and made covering its width, with slots at right angles to the tape - one common for the abutting embedded ends of the tape sections or two individual for each embedded end, the cross member is made with inner side edges, designed in the form of the said guide ridges, in addition, on the cross member and overlays are provided symmetrically spaced across the width of the tape tsevkoobraznye windows under the teeth of the drive wheel, provided that they are located in the assembled truck opposite each other. 2. The caterpillar according to claim 1, characterized in that the cross member is made with lateral collars oriented along the tape, and the lining is extremely spaced across the width of the tape and each is made with ears formed by a notch at the lateral edge under the collar of the cross member, with the possibility of formation collecting a track of gapless locking joints between the ears and the shoulder. 3. The caterpillar according to claim 1, characterized in that the said lugs are made in the form of flanges. 4. The caterpillar according to claim 1, characterized in that the lugs of the cross member are staggered in it. 5. The caterpillar according to claim 4, characterized in that in it the total length of the lugs on one side of the cross member is equal to the total length of the lugs on its opposite side. 6. The caterpillar according to claim 1, characterized in that therein the spider-like windows of the cross member and the linings are spaced half the width of the cross member across the width of the track. 7. The caterpillar according to claim 1, characterized in that therein the spider-forming windows are spaced across the width of the track by the width of the cross member. 8. The caterpillar according to claim 1, characterized in that in it the comb is made with a window.

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