US1506431A - Flexible traction apparatus - Google Patents

Flexible traction apparatus Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US1506431A
US1506431A US494473A US49447321A US1506431A US 1506431 A US1506431 A US 1506431A US 494473 A US494473 A US 494473A US 49447321 A US49447321 A US 49447321A US 1506431 A US1506431 A US 1506431A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
belt
pair
rollers
axle
roller
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US494473A
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Kegresse Adolphe
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.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
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
Priority to FR523157A priority Critical patent/FR523157A/fr
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US494473A priority patent/US1506431A/en
Priority to FR25242D priority patent/FR25242E/fr
Priority to GB2279921A priority patent/GB168331A/en
Priority to DEK86449D priority patent/DE404453C/de
Priority to DEK78892D priority patent/DE396431C/de
Priority to DEK86442D priority patent/DE396432C/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US1506431A publication Critical patent/US1506431A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

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
    • B62D55/104—Suspension devices for wheels, rollers, bogies or frames
    • B62D55/108—Suspension devices for wheels, rollers, bogies or frames with mechanical springs, e.g. torsion bars

Definitions

  • This invention relates to improved devices for enabling the practical use of ilexible track belts on vehicles of any kind.
  • Figure 1 is an elevation of the general arrangement of one of the systems suggested, with tflour twin rollers.
  • Figure 2 is a plan of the same.
  • Figure 3 shows in section one form of bearing train.
  • Figure 4 is a sect-ion on line A-A of Figure 3.
  • Figure 5 shows in elevation a modified construction with two twin rollers.
  • Figure 6 illustrates in end view the bearing train of Figure 5.
  • Figures 7 and 8 show a bearing train with four single rollers for narrow track belts.
  • Figures 9 and 10 show in elevation and in plan, partly in section, one means for mounting and tightening the free pulley.
  • twin rollers are. designated here those, the axes of which intersect or are extended.
  • the lower parts of the plungers 6 carry either the axle pins 9 of the balance beams 10 ( Figures 1 3) or, in the case of Figures 5 and 6, the spindles 11 of the rollers 1Q.
  • the axes of the twin rollers are noti parallel ⁇ but intersect each other and form an angle, the apex of which is directed to the side opposite to the ground.
  • a. small balance beam 18 in one piece, which can oscillate about a pin 15 permanently secured in the walls of the upper part of the cylinders 5 and at right angles to the axis of the axle of the vehicle.
  • the cover 16 could be provided with special lugs through which also passes the pin 15. rl ⁇ he screws 17 which secure the cover 16 to the cylinders 5 give the necessary rigidity to the whole.
  • stops may be. provided for limiting the travel of all the parts in accordance with the differences of level of the ground.
  • the amplitude of movement of the lower balance beams 10 will be limited by the bot-toms of the plungers, against which the balance beams 10 will contact. It is obvious that the positions of all these stops will have to be judiciously calculated so as not to interfere with the movements of all the parts even on very rough ground.
  • the bearing train shown in Figures 5 and 6. has only two pairs of twin rollers 12.
  • the pin or spindle 11 of each roller ismounted directly on the lower part of the corresponding plunger 6.
  • the main balance beam 4 ensures here, by itself, longitudinal oscillations, whilst the transverse compensating system obtained by means of the balance beams 18 remains the same as in the previous construction.
  • Figures 7 and 8 show, also by way of example another construction of the bearing train for narrow track belts, this time without any necessity for a transverse compensating system. There are therefore no twin rollers.
  • the figures are suiiiciently clear to sho-w that this system is derived from the preceding ones.
  • the two central rollers in order to bring the rollers as close to each other as possible, and to reduce the total length'the two central rollers for instance have only one fiange each, and are arranged reversely, so that the liange of one roller is on the outer side thereof, while the other roller has its flange on its inner side, as shown.
  • the two outer rollers have no ianges at all, and project slightly into the spaces between the flanges of the large front and back pulleys or drums.
  • rollers 12 could be ymounted in the ordinary manner by means of two ball bearings per roller or on plain bearings ⁇ on roller bearings with large bearing surfaces etc.
  • rollers 12 could be ymounted in the ordinary manner by means of two ball bearings per roller or on plain bearings ⁇ on roller bearings with large bearing surfaces etc.
  • a practical constructionl of a roller mounted on a single swivel bearing is shown.
  • the outer ring or race of the swivel bearing 20 is keyed to the spindle 11 through the intermediary of a part 22 ( Figures 3 and 4) held in place by a nut 23 and key 24.
  • This part 22 has two flat faces with which engages, with a sli ht amount of friction, a ring 25 provide for the purpose with an opening of suitable shape which prevents the ring 25 from turning, but allows it to rock up and down in said opening.
  • the corresponding end of the hub 19 fits with a slight amount of friction on the part 25.
  • the advantage of this construction is that rthe axis of rotation of the roller is automatically maintained parallel to the rolling track belt at all times.
  • the part 25 allows the roller to oscillate on its swivel bearing only in the vertical direction, and allows it therefore, under the action of a part of the weight of the vehicle, to follow the variations of the rolling track belt.
  • the travel itself in the direction of the oscillation is limited by .y the length of the recess in the part 25 so that the balls cannot come out from their race.
  • the friction between the hub 19 and the part 25 is practically nil. Where the ground is very roughl or uneven, the part 22 on the outer portion of the spindle 11 will contact alternately with the top and bottom of the recess of the ring 25.
  • each plunger 6 In the 'interior of each plunger 6 and held in place for instance by the spring 13, is arranged a tubular body 26 ( Figure 3) which communicates at its base with the inner chamber of the plunger 6 in which, and to a height of a few centimeters, is the oil required for the lubrication.
  • a ball valve 27 In the bottom of the tubular body 26 is arranged a ball valve 27 which could be replaced by any other desired valve.
  • a tube 28 secured to the cover 16 projects slidably into the tubular body 26 but forms a tight joint therewith.
  • the upper portion of the said tube Yis Vformed with a hole or holes 29 for communication with the oil conveying conduits or grooves.
  • Each of the latter is provided at its base with an outlet 32 for the oil, which outlet communicates with conduits 33 leading to the balance beam 10.
  • Each cylinder is furnished with a studing box preventing oil from escaping and also forming a stopI for the key 7 ( Figure 3) in the event of an excessive expansion of the spring 13.
  • llt may be advantageous to utilize a flexible traction apparatus of the above or other suitable type on an ordinary motor car, with the least possible expenditure.
  • rlhis may be eliected as follows, according to the invention:
  • the rear axle of the machine is utilized merely as a driving axle.
  • lt does not carry any weight.
  • lts wheels are replaced by suitable driving pulleys which can be suspended at a suitable' height by means of an open bracket or strap 34, Figure 1. ln any case, these pulleys, and consequently the axle, will be able to rise to a certain height under the action of diii'erences of level of the ground, without alecting the rest of the vehicle.
  • connection of the driving axle to the rest of the machine can be obtained by means of a semi-rigid torque rod pivoted to the bearing axle 1 or around a spindle adjoining it. by two rigid parts 36 and 37 ( Figure 2) securely connected together by a spring blade 38 mounted edgewise.
  • the front pulley of the system could be connected to the fixed axle in the same way as the rear or driving pulley. llt could also be utilized as the driving pulley, whilst the rear pulley would then merely carry the track belt.
  • rlhe front pulley 39 is connected to the bearing axle 1 by a system constituted by two symmetrical or no-n-symmetrical girders 40 ( Figures 1, 2, 9 and 10) pivoted to the bearing axle 1 ( Figures 1 and 2).
  • the other ends of the girders 40 ( Figures 9 and 10) carry the tension device for the track belt which device also ensures a rigid connection between the girders which it con- This thrust rod is constitutedl nects, by means of an arrangement hereinafter described, to the hub of the pulley in question.
  • rlransverse rigidity of the girders 40 is further assured by a stay 47 of any desired cross-section ( Figures 1, 2, 9 and 10) which is here shown of tubular shape.
  • This stay has further for its object to limit the travel of the front pulley relatively to the bearing train.
  • end stops 48 Figures 1 and 2 have been provided on the cylinders 5.
  • rFliese stops could be adjustable, and the lower ones could be so arranged that the front pulley would besuspended at a certain height above the ground, whilst still being capable of executing, under the action of unevenness of ground. independent ascending movements. rlhe ascending movements of great amplitude are limited by the upper stop.
  • the front pulley may consist of two halfpulleys 39 ( Figures 9 and 10) mounted in a special manner on the hub 49 which in its turn is of avery special construction.
  • each front pulley Figures 9 and 10
  • the body of the hub 49 of each front pulley, Figures 9 and 10 is rigidly connected to the tension system.
  • Each end of the hub body 49 has inside it a ball bearing 50 ( Figure 10) on which lits the rotating hub 51 of special shape. ln order to avoid any jamming in the two bearings 50 (one for each half-pulley). whilst keeping the two pulleys loose relatively to each other, the two rotating hubs have passing centrally through them, with a slight amount of friction. a single spindle 52. It will be seen that this arrangement permits independent rotation of the two half-pulleys 39 relatively to each other, whilst at the same time ensuring normal .working of the two bearings.
  • the two half pulleys 39 are mounted on the rotating hubs 51 in such a manner as to facilitate the operations of putting on and taking oft' the track belt, which operations are controlled solely by the outer ⁇ front halfpulley, for when the latter has been removed, the putting in place of the track belt Will not otter any difficulties.
  • rlhe halfpulleys 39 are held in place by an ordinary locking nut ( Figure 10) and when this nut has been removed.
  • the pressure exerted by the track belt on the pulleys will be suflic-ent toautomatically disengage the conical hub 54 of the/,half-pulley from the rotating hub 51.
  • This conical mounting also facilitates the attachment of the pulley.
  • the device for tensioning the track belt is of a very special construction.
  • lt is constituted by a worm 41 ( Figuresl ..9 and 10) the shaft of which carries on its outer end a crank handle 42.
  • the worm 41 operates a nut or worm wheel 42 ( Figure 9) mounted on an endwise movable tension screw 43, the portion 44 of which in front of the Worm 1s made square.
  • This square part is mounted to slide in a fixed guide 45 permanently locked to the casing or body 46 of the tension system ( Figures 9 and 10) in which are hermetically enclosed the parts described.
  • the rod 43-44 is locked on the fixed central hub 49 ofthe loose pulley.
  • the tension mechanism constituted by the worm, worm Wheel or nut and tension screw, could be replaced by other mechanical parts Whilst retaining the same arrangement.
  • a tractor the combination of an endless, iexible track belt; front and rear drums around which the belt passes; a centrallylocated axle; and a bearing train for said belt comprising a rocking beam arranged longitudinally between thestretches of the belt and having a central pivotal connection 'with said axle, a pair of cylinders connected side by side to each end of the beam, a spring-controlled plunger in each cylinder, and rollers supported by. said plungers and arranged to bear upon the inner surface of y the lower stretch of the belt.
  • a tractor the combination of an endless, flexible track belt; frontand rear drums around which the belt passes, each drum having an axle; a centrally-located main axle; a bearing train for said belt supported from the main axle and including rollers arranged to bear upon the inner surface of the lower stretch of the belt; and a connection between said main axle and the axle of one drum comprising ⁇ a pair of rigid members each attached at one end to one of said axles, and a spring blade/between said members and connecting the same.
  • a tractor In a tractor, the combination of an endless, :liexible track belt provided on its inner surface with a continuous median rib; and front and rear drums 'around which the belt passes, each drum embodying a pair of half-drums spaced apart to receive the belt rib therebetween, one pair of half-drums being detachably mounted on a single spindle to permit the removal of the ribbed belt, said -spindle having a frusto-conical hub at each end, and each half-drum of said pair having a ⁇ ruste-conical ,hub which fits over the adjacent spindle hub.
  • a tractor the combination of an endless, flexible track belt; front and rear drums around which the belt passes; and a bearing train for said belt comprising a pivotallymounted balance beam, a pair of cylinders connected side by side to each end of the beam, a spring-controlled plunger in each cylinder, ⁇ and twin rollers supported by said plungers and disposed at opposite sides of the median line of the lower stretch of the belt in position to bear upon the inner surface of said stretch, each roller at one side of said median line being movable vertically relatively to the corresponding roller at the other side of the line.
  • a tractor the combination of an endless, flexible track belt; front and rear drums around which the belt passes; and a bearing train for said belt comprising a pivotally-mounted balance beam, a pair of cylinders connected side by side to each end of the beam, a spring-controlled plunger in each cylinder, and twin rollers supported by said plungers and arranged to bear upon the inner surface of the lower stretch of the belt at opposite sides of the median line of said stretch, said rollers having their axes intersecting to form an upwardly-directed angle.
  • a tractor the combination of an endless, eXible track belt ;i front and rear drums around which the belt passes; and a bearing train for said belt comprising a pivotally-mounted balance beam, a pair of cylinders connected side by side to each end of the beam, a spring-controlled plunger in each cylinder, and twin rollers supported by said plungers and disposed at opposite sides of the median line of the lower stretch of the belt in position to bear upon the inner surface of said stretch, each roller at one side of said median line having a mounting which renders it independent of the corresponding roller at the other side of the line.
  • each roller of each pair being mounted for vertical movement independently of the other roller thereof.
  • an endless, flexible track belt front and rear drums around which the belt passes: and a bearing train for said belt comprising a pivotally-mounted balance beam, and a pair of twin rollers associated with each end of the beam and adapted to bear upon the inner surface of the lower stretch of the belt, the rollers of each pair being disposed at opposite sides of the median line of said stretch with their axes intersecting to form an upwardly-directed angle, and each roller of each pair being mounted for vertical movement independently of the other roller thereof.
  • a tractor the combination of an endless, flexible track belt; front and rear drums around which the belt passes; and a bearing train for said belt comprising a pivotally-mounted, longitudinally-arranged balance beam, a pair of cylinders connected side by side to each end of the beam and disposed at opposite sides of the median line of the belt, a spring-controlled plunger in each cylinder, rollers supported by said plunger-s and arranged to bear upon the inner surface of the lower stretch of the belt, and a transversely-disposed balance beam extending across the tops of each pair of cylinders for maintaining a practically constant distribution of the load on the rollers.
  • a tractor the combination of an endless, flexible track belt; front and rear drums around which the belt passes; and a bearing train for said belt comprising a pivotally-mounted balance beam, a pair of cylinders connected side by side to each end of the beam, a plunger and a guide cap in each cylinder in opposed relation to each other, an interposed expansible spring in each cylinder between the plunger and cap therein, a pair of twin rollers carried by each pair of plungers and arranged to bear upon the inner surface of the lower stretch of the belty at opposite sides of the median line of said stretch, and a pivotally-mounted balance beam extending across the tops of the caps and bearing thereon at opposite endsy to maintain a practically constant distribution of the load on the rollers.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Automobile Manufacture Line, Endless Track Vehicle, Trailer (AREA)
  • Handcart (AREA)
  • Rolling Contact Bearings (AREA)
  • Devices For Conveying Motion By Means Of Endless Flexible Members (AREA)
  • General Details Of Gearings (AREA)
US494473A 1920-08-28 1921-08-23 Flexible traction apparatus Expired - Lifetime US1506431A (en)

Priority Applications (7)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR523157A FR523157A (fr) 1920-08-28 1920-08-28 Mécanismes pour l'utilisation pratique des chenilles souples
US494473A US1506431A (en) 1920-08-28 1921-08-23 Flexible traction apparatus
FR25242D FR25242E (fr) 1920-08-28 1921-08-23 Mécanismes pour l'utilisation pratique des chenilles souples
GB2279921A GB168331A (fr) 1920-08-28 1921-08-27
DEK86449D DE404453C (de) 1920-08-28 1921-08-28 Stuetzrollenkugellagerung fuer Laufketten an Kraftfahrzeugen
DEK78892D DE396431C (de) 1920-08-28 1921-08-28 Stuetzrollenanordnung fuer die Laufketten von Fahrzeugen mit an einem Schwinghebel abgefedert angeordneten Stuetzrollentraegern
DEK86442D DE396432C (de) 1920-08-28 1921-08-28 Schmiervorrichtung fuer die Stuetzrollenlager und fuer sonstige Teile von Gleiskettenfahrzeugen

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR523157T 1920-08-28
US494473A US1506431A (en) 1920-08-28 1921-08-23 Flexible traction apparatus

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US1506431A true US1506431A (en) 1924-08-26

Family

ID=23964635

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US494473A Expired - Lifetime US1506431A (en) 1920-08-28 1921-08-23 Flexible traction apparatus

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US1506431A (fr)
DE (3) DE404453C (fr)
FR (2) FR523157A (fr)
GB (1) GB168331A (fr)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5752574A (en) * 1994-08-19 1998-05-19 Caterpillar Inc. Track-type machine undercarriage
WO2016131140A1 (fr) * 2015-02-18 2016-08-25 Camso Inc. Système à chenille pour la traction d'un véhicule
US10308296B2 (en) 2013-06-05 2019-06-04 Cnh Industrial America Llc Rubber track unit for vehicle
US11618515B2 (en) 2019-04-09 2023-04-04 Cnh Industrial America Llc Suspension system for a track-driven work vehicle with tandem rear idler/roller
US11753093B2 (en) 2019-04-09 2023-09-12 Cnh Industrial America Llc Suspension system for a track-driven work vehicle with pivoting roller wheel assemblies
US12091110B2 (en) 2020-09-18 2024-09-17 Soucy International Inc. Support structure for connecting at least one support wheel assembly to a frame member of a track system and track system having the same

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE4230389A1 (de) * 1991-10-08 1993-04-15 Werner Dr Ing Hoefflinger Raupenlaufwerk
AUPO302096A0 (en) * 1996-10-16 1996-11-07 Warane Pty Ltd Load sharing wheel assembly for track laying vehicle

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5752574A (en) * 1994-08-19 1998-05-19 Caterpillar Inc. Track-type machine undercarriage
US10308296B2 (en) 2013-06-05 2019-06-04 Cnh Industrial America Llc Rubber track unit for vehicle
US11214319B2 (en) 2013-06-05 2022-01-04 Cnh Industrial America Llc Rubber track unit for vehicle
WO2016131140A1 (fr) * 2015-02-18 2016-08-25 Camso Inc. Système à chenille pour la traction d'un véhicule
US10647367B2 (en) 2015-02-18 2020-05-12 Camso Inc. Track system for traction of a vehicle
US11572112B2 (en) 2015-02-18 2023-02-07 Camso Inc. Track system for traction of a vehicle
US11618515B2 (en) 2019-04-09 2023-04-04 Cnh Industrial America Llc Suspension system for a track-driven work vehicle with tandem rear idler/roller
US11753093B2 (en) 2019-04-09 2023-09-12 Cnh Industrial America Llc Suspension system for a track-driven work vehicle with pivoting roller wheel assemblies
US12091110B2 (en) 2020-09-18 2024-09-17 Soucy International Inc. Support structure for connecting at least one support wheel assembly to a frame member of a track system and track system having the same

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE396431C (de) 1924-06-05
DE396432C (de) 1924-06-06
FR523157A (fr) 1921-08-13
FR25242E (fr) 1923-01-08
DE404453C (de) 1924-10-20
GB168331A (fr) 1922-07-27

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US1506431A (en) Flexible traction apparatus
US2416679A (en) Jointless tracklayer suspensions
US3205961A (en) Means for laterally adjusting ground engaging endless tracks
US2082920A (en) Trailer
US3620321A (en) Tractor drive conversion
NO129893B (fr)
US2124708A (en) Driving device provided with endless track chains for motor vehicles
US2383754A (en) Driving mechanism for vehicles
US2139937A (en) Land vehicle
US1295378A (en) Cushion-wheel.
US2291174A (en) Multiple wheel drive assembly
US1348558A (en) Tractor
US1300814A (en) Traction device.
US2851280A (en) Vehicle running gear with tracking facilitating means
US1807373A (en) Connecting rod for locomotives
US1416668A (en) Means for mechanically oiling the wheels of tramway and like vehicles
US3766999A (en) Motor sleigh
US2493022A (en) Oscillating axle suspension
USRE21953E (en) Tractor chain assembly
US2695819A (en) Traction tread for vehicles
US2186978A (en) Vehicle track chain
US1318008A (en) Tractob
US1409781A (en) Vehicle shock absorber
US1984072A (en) Rubber articulated endless track
US138707A (en) Improvement in traction-wheels