WO2000029276A1 - Method of repairing a worn track link - Google Patents

Method of repairing a worn track link Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2000029276A1
WO2000029276A1 PCT/IB1999/001829 IB9901829W WO0029276A1 WO 2000029276 A1 WO2000029276 A1 WO 2000029276A1 IB 9901829 W IB9901829 W IB 9901829W WO 0029276 A1 WO0029276 A1 WO 0029276A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
track link
bearing element
bearing
bearing surface
link
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB1999/001829
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Marthinus Jacobus Van Rooyen
Original Assignee
Marthinus Jacobus Van Rooyen
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Marthinus Jacobus Van Rooyen filed Critical Marthinus Jacobus Van Rooyen
Priority to AU64842/99A priority Critical patent/AU6484299A/en
Publication of WO2000029276A1 publication Critical patent/WO2000029276A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D55/00—Endless track vehicles
    • B62D55/08—Endless track units; Parts thereof
    • B62D55/18—Tracks
    • B62D55/20—Tracks of articulated type, e.g. chains
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D55/00—Endless track vehicles
    • B62D55/32—Assembly, disassembly, repair or servicing of endless-track systems

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a track link for an endless link assembly. This invention
  • assembly 2 comprises a plurality of track links 10 (shown in more detail in figure
  • the vehicle 6 is provided with idlers 8a and rollers 8b,
  • each track link 10 which are supported on a bearing surface 26, provided by each track link 10.
  • the track links 10 are relatively expensive and a disadvantage of the known
  • track links 10 is that the bearing surfaces 26 are prone to wear.
  • the track links 10 are that the bearing surfaces 26 are prone to wear.
  • Such worn track links further present a pollution
  • endless link assembly and a method of repairing a worn track link, with which
  • the step of securing the bearing element to the track link may include the step
  • the method may include the further step of providing an interface between the
  • the bearing element being secured to the body to
  • the bearing surface of the bearing element may be complementary to the
  • the bearing element may be welded to the body.
  • the bearing element may define an interface along which it may be welded to
  • the interface may comprise a peripheral groove formation.
  • the interface may further comprise a centrally disposed hole extending through
  • the bearing element is of a material which is relatively more resistant
  • bearing element also having a bearing surface, the bearing element being
  • the bearing surface of the bearing element may be complementary to the
  • the bearing element may be welded to the track link.
  • the bearing element may define an interface along which it may be welded to
  • the interface may comprise a peripheral groove formation.
  • the interface may further comprise a centrally disposed hole extending through
  • the bearing element is of a material which is relatively more resistant
  • element for repairing a track link of the type comprising a body having a bearing
  • the bearing element comprising a solid member having a bearing
  • the interface may comprise a peripheral groove formation.
  • the interface may further comprise a centrally disposed hole extending through
  • the bearing element is of a material which is relatively more resistant
  • figure 1 is a side view of a lower rear portion of a vehicle having an
  • figure 2 is a side view of a worn track link according to the prior art
  • figure 3 is a plan view of a bearing element according to one aspect of the
  • figure 4 is a side view of the bearing element of figure 3;
  • figure 5 is a side view of a track link according to another aspect of the
  • figure 6 is an end view of the track link of figure 5.
  • figure 7 is a perspective exploded view of figure 5.
  • pivots 4 (figure 1), for connecting the track link 10 to other identical
  • the body 12 further includes a bearing surface 26
  • the bearing surface 26 is shown in figure 2 in a state of 100% wear.
  • the body 12 is further provided with two centrally disposed apertures 18 and
  • the track link 10 is connectable to a grouser shoe
  • a bearing element 28 is
  • the bearing element 28 is shaped complimentary to the bearing
  • the bearing element 28 is provided with a lower surface 31 (figure
  • the bearing element 28 is
  • the thickness of the bearing element 28 is selected such that after repair of the
  • the repaired track link 10 can now be relocated in the endless link assembly 2
  • the bearing element 28 can be made from a

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Bearings For Parts Moving Linearly (AREA)

Abstract

This invention provides a method of repairing a worn track link (10) of the type having a bearing surface (26), the method inlcuding the steps of providing a solid bearing element (28) having a bearing surface (30); and welding the bearing element (28) to the track link (10) to cover the bearing surface (26) of the track link (10). The track link (10) is further of the type which is linked to other track links to form an endless link assembly for a track type vehicle such as an excavator, bulldozer or the like. Instead of discarding worn track links, they can be repaired by a method according to the invention for re-use.

Description

METHOD OF REPAIRING A WORN TRACK LINK
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a track link for an endless link assembly. This invention
further relates to a method of repairing a worn track link for an endless link
assembly.
A portion of an endless link assembly according to the prior art is generally
designated by reference numeral 2 in the enclosed figure 1. The endless link
assembly 2 comprises a plurality of track links 10 (shown in more detail in figure
2) which are connected to each other by pivots 4. The link assembly 2 is used
with a vehicle of which a lower rear portion is generally designated by reference
numeral 6 in figure 1. The vehicle 6 is provided with idlers 8a and rollers 8b,
which are supported on a bearing surface 26, provided by each track link 10.
The track links 10 are relatively expensive and a disadvantage of the known
track links 10 is that the bearing surfaces 26 are prone to wear. The track links
10 therefore have to be replaced regularly, and the worn track links 10 are
usually discarded.
It is known to build up the worn bearing surface of a track link by depositing
metal on the surface by welding. See for example CATERPILLAR CUSTOM TRACK SERVICE HANDBOOK, 14TH edition 1998 page 26 to 27. One of the
disadvantages of such method is that only track links meeting particular criteria,
as set out in the above handbook, can be rebuild.
Another disadvantage of such a method is that the track link has to be
machined after the surface has been built up. Yet another disadvantage of this
method is that only about 80% of the original life of the track link can be added
by building the track link up using such method.
Even another disadvantage of said method is that due to heat build up in the
track link during welding, the track link tends to distort and crack. As a result,
this method is hardly ever used and as a rule, worn track links are therefore still
being discarded notwithstanding the fact that the above described method is
prescribed in said handbook. Such worn track links further present a pollution
problem as it is difficult to recycle due to lubricants that are captured in the pins
and bushes of the track links.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a track link, an
endless link assembly, and a method of repairing a worn track link, with which
the aforesaid disadvantages may be overcome or at least minimised. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a method of
repairing a worn track link of the type having a bearing surface, the method
including the steps of providing a solid bearing element having a bearing
surface; and securing the bearing element to the track link to cover the bearing
surface of the track link.
The step of securing the bearing element to the track link may include the step
of welding the bearing element to the track link.
The method may include the further step of providing an interface between the
track link and the bearing element prior to the step of welding.
According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a track link
comprising a body having a bearing surface; and a solid bearing element also
having a bearing surface, the bearing element being secured to the body to
cover the bearing surface of the body.
The bearing surface of the bearing element may be complementary to the
bearing surface of the body.
The bearing element may be welded to the body. The bearing element may define an interface along which it may be welded to
the track link.
The interface may comprise a peripheral groove formation.
The interface may further comprise a centrally disposed hole extending through
the bearing element.
Preferably the bearing element is of a material which is relatively more resistant
to wear than the body.
According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided an endless link
assembly comprising at least one track link having a bearing surface; and a
bearing element also having a bearing surface, the bearing element being
secured to the track link to cover the bearing surface of the track link.
The bearing surface of the bearing element may be complementary to the
bearing surface of the track link.
The bearing element may be welded to the track link. The bearing element may define an interface along which it may be welded to
the track link.
The interface may comprise a peripheral groove formation.
The interface may further comprise a centrally disposed hole extending through
the bearing element.
Preferably the bearing element is of a material which is relatively more resistant
to wear than the track link.
According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a bearing
element for repairing a track link of the type comprising a body having a bearing
surface, the bearing element comprising a solid member having a bearing
surface which is complementary to the bearing surface of the track link; and an
interface along which it is connectable to the track link to cover the bearing
surface of the track link.
The interface may comprise a peripheral groove formation.
The interface may further comprise a centrally disposed hole extending through
the bearing element. Preferably the bearing element is of a material which is relatively more resistant
to wear than the track link.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will now be described further, by way of example only, with
reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:
figure 1 is a side view of a lower rear portion of a vehicle having an
endless link assembly according to the prior art;
figure 2 is a side view of a worn track link according to the prior art;
figure 3 is a plan view of a bearing element according to one aspect of the
invention for the track link of figure 2;
figure 4 is a side view of the bearing element of figure 3;
figure 5 is a side view of a track link according to another aspect of the
invention, repaired by the bearing element of figures 3 and 4;
figure 6 is an end view of the track link of figure 5; and
figure 7 is a perspective exploded view of figure 5.
DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
Referring to figures 1 and 2, the track link 10 according to the prior art
comprises an elongate relatively flat body 12 having two connecting formations 14 and 16 disposed towards opposite ends, for receiving connecting means in
the form of pivots 4 (figure 1), for connecting the track link 10 to other identical
track links.
As set out in the introduction, the body 12 further includes a bearing surface 26
for bearing against the idlers 8a and rollers 8b (figure 1) which support the
vehicle 6. The bearing surface 26 is shown in figure 2 in a state of 100% wear.
The body 12 is further provided with two centrally disposed apertures 18 and
20, from which two holes 22 and 24 extend transversely in a direction away
from the bearing surface 26. The track link 10 is connectable to a grouser shoe
9 (figure 1 ) forming part of the endless track assembly 2, by bolts extending
through the holes 22 and 24.
Referring to figures 3 to 7, in a method, according to a preferred embodiment
of the invention, of repairing the worn track link 10, a bearing element 28 is
provided. The bearing element 28 is shaped complimentary to the bearing
surface 26 and comprises an elongate solid member having an upper bearing
surface 30. The bearing element 28 is provided with a lower surface 31 (figure
4) which is adapted to cover the bearing surface 26. In a step of the method, the edge of the lower surface 31 and the edge of the upper surface 26 is ground away, thus to provide a welding interface along the periphery of the lower
surface 31 and along the upper surface 26. A central hole 32, extending
through the bearing element 28, provides a further welding interface.
After the preparation of the welding interface, the bearing element 28 is
disposed on the bearing surface 26 of the track link 10, to cover the bearing
surface 26 and the bearing element 28 is then welded along the welding
interface to the track link 10.
The thickness of the bearing element 28 is selected such that after repair of the
track link 10, it is restored substantially to its original dimensions.
The repaired track link 10 can now be relocated in the endless link assembly 2
and be used as before. Should the bearing element again wear down to the
state shown in figure 1 , the above procedure can optionally be repeated.
It will be appreciated that much money can be saved and pollution reduced by
repairing worn track links 10 with a bearing element 28 and method according
to the invention, instead of discarding worn track links 10. Another advantage
of the present invention is that the bearing element 28 can be made from a
material which is relatively more resistant to wear than the body 12. As a result,
the life of the track link can be extended to more than 100 % the original life of the track link. Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the worn
track links need not meet particular criteria in order to be rebuild, as bearing
elements 28 of different thickness can be selected.

Claims

1. A method of repairing a worn track link of the type having a bearing
surface, the method including the steps of providing a solid bearing
element having a bearing surface; and securing the bearing element to
the track link to cover the bearing surface of the track link.
2. A method according to claim 1 wherein the step of securing the bearing
element to the track link includes the step of welding the bearing
element to the track link.
3. A method according to claim 2 which includes the further step of
providing an interface between the track link and the bearing element
prior to the step of welding.
4. A method of repairing a worn track link of the type having a bearing
surface substantially as herein described with reference to figures 3 to
7.
5. A track link comprising a body having a bearing surface; and a solid
bearing element also having a bearing surface, the bearing element
being secured to the body to cover the bearing surface of the body.
6. A track link according to claim 5 wherein the bearing surface of the
bearing element is complementary to the bearing surface of the body.
7. A track link according to claim 6 wherein the bearing element is welded
to the body.
8. A track link according to claim 7 wherein the bearing element defines
an interface along which it is welded to the track link.
9. A track link according to claim 8 wherein the interface comprises a
peripheral groove formation.
10. A track link according to claim 9 wherein the interface further comprises
a centrally disposed hole extending through the bearing element.
11. A track link according to any one of claims 5 to 10 wherein the bearing
element is of a material which is relatively more resistant to wear than
the body.
12. A track link substantially as herein described and as illustrated in figures
5 to 7.
13. An endless link assembly comprising at least one track link having a
bearing surface; and a bearing element also having a bearing surface,
the bearing element being secured to the track link to cover the bearing
surface of the track link.
14. An endless link assembly according to claim 13 wherein the bearing
surface of the bearing element is complementary to the bearing surface
of the track link.
15. An endless link assembly according to claim 13 or claim 14 wherein the
bearing element is welded to the track link.
16. An endless link assembly according to claim 15 wherein the bearing
element defines an interface along which it is welded to the track link.
17. An endless link assembly according to claim 16 wherein the interface
comprises a peripheral groove formation.
18. An endless link assembly according to claim 16 or claim 17 wherein the
interface further comprises a centrally disposed hole extending through
the bearing element.
19. An endless link assembly according to any one of the preceding claims
wherein the bearing element is of a material which is relatively more
resistant to wear than the track link.
20. A bearing element for repairing a track link of the type comprising a
body having a bearing surface, the bearing element comprising a solid
member having a bearing surface which is complementary to the
bearing surface of the track link; and an interface along which it is
connectable to the track link to cover the bearing surface of the track
link.
21. A bearing element according to claim 20 wherein the interface
comprises a peripheral groove formation.
22. A bearing element according to claim 21 wherein the interface further
comprises a centrally disposed hole extending through the bearing
element.
23. A bearing element according to any one of claims 20 to 22 which is of
a material which is relatively more resistant to wear than the track link.
4. A bearing element substantially as herein described and as illustrated
in figures 3 to 7.
PCT/IB1999/001829 1998-11-16 1999-11-15 Method of repairing a worn track link WO2000029276A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU64842/99A AU6484299A (en) 1998-11-16 1999-11-15 Method of repairing a worn track link

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ZA9810450 1998-11-16
ZA98/10450 1998-11-16

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2000029276A1 true WO2000029276A1 (en) 2000-05-25

Family

ID=25587399

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IB1999/001829 WO2000029276A1 (en) 1998-11-16 1999-11-15 Method of repairing a worn track link

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AU6484299A (en)
WO (1) WO2000029276A1 (en)

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2011003122A1 (en) * 2009-07-09 2011-01-13 Sandvik Mining And Construction G.M.B.H. Track chain running gear for mining machines, and chain link for a track chain running gear and method for producing said chain link
WO2012131214A2 (en) 2011-03-29 2012-10-04 Saipem S.A. Rigid material for heat-insulation and/or buoyancy for an underwater pipe
WO2012154737A2 (en) * 2011-05-11 2012-11-15 Caterpillar Inc. Track link with replaceable rail and method of replacing worn rails on track links
JP2015533717A (en) * 2012-09-26 2015-11-26 キャタピラー インコーポレイテッドＣａｔｅｒｐｉｌｌａｒ Ｉｎｃｏｒｐｏｒａｔｅｄ Ground engaging track system, track chain link and method
CN106043479A (en) * 2015-04-13 2016-10-26 卡特彼勒公司 Boltless track shoe
US9550537B2 (en) 2014-11-17 2017-01-24 Caterpillar Inc. Crown for a link in a ground engaging track system
US9926024B2 (en) 2010-06-29 2018-03-27 Caterpillar Inc. Master link joint for a track undercarriage and method of retrofitting an existing undercarriage
WO2020023182A1 (en) * 2018-07-24 2020-01-30 Caterpillar Inc. Attachable track shoe cover

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB710821A (en) * 1952-07-08 1954-06-16 John Robertson Johnston Improvements in or relating to the repair of articulated track members of track laying vehicles, or tractors
US3237999A (en) * 1964-05-06 1966-03-01 Phillip E Pentecost Track link
US3762012A (en) * 1972-08-01 1973-10-02 Int Harvester Co Wheel manufacture
US3795431A (en) * 1972-01-10 1974-03-05 Caterpillar Tractor Co Track link with replaceable rail
EP0240649A2 (en) * 1986-04-09 1987-10-14 Lear Siegler, Inc. Trailing arm suspension with wrapper compression axle mounting

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB710821A (en) * 1952-07-08 1954-06-16 John Robertson Johnston Improvements in or relating to the repair of articulated track members of track laying vehicles, or tractors
US3237999A (en) * 1964-05-06 1966-03-01 Phillip E Pentecost Track link
US3795431A (en) * 1972-01-10 1974-03-05 Caterpillar Tractor Co Track link with replaceable rail
US3762012A (en) * 1972-08-01 1973-10-02 Int Harvester Co Wheel manufacture
EP0240649A2 (en) * 1986-04-09 1987-10-14 Lear Siegler, Inc. Trailing arm suspension with wrapper compression axle mounting

Cited By (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2011003122A1 (en) * 2009-07-09 2011-01-13 Sandvik Mining And Construction G.M.B.H. Track chain running gear for mining machines, and chain link for a track chain running gear and method for producing said chain link
US9926024B2 (en) 2010-06-29 2018-03-27 Caterpillar Inc. Master link joint for a track undercarriage and method of retrofitting an existing undercarriage
US9156967B2 (en) 2011-03-29 2015-10-13 Saipem S.A. Rigid material for heat-insulation and/or buoyancy for an underwater pipe
WO2012131214A2 (en) 2011-03-29 2012-10-04 Saipem S.A. Rigid material for heat-insulation and/or buoyancy for an underwater pipe
WO2012154737A3 (en) * 2011-05-11 2013-01-31 Caterpillar Inc. Track link with replaceable rail and method of replacing worn rails on track links
US8905493B2 (en) 2011-05-11 2014-12-09 Caterpillar Inc. Track link with replaceable rail and method of replacing worn rails on track links
CN103608250A (en) * 2011-05-11 2014-02-26 卡特彼勒公司 Track link with replaceable rail and method of replacing worn rails on track links
WO2012154737A2 (en) * 2011-05-11 2012-11-15 Caterpillar Inc. Track link with replaceable rail and method of replacing worn rails on track links
JP2015533717A (en) * 2012-09-26 2015-11-26 キャタピラー インコーポレイテッドＣａｔｅｒｐｉｌｌａｒ Ｉｎｃｏｒｐｏｒａｔｅｄ Ground engaging track system, track chain link and method
US9550537B2 (en) 2014-11-17 2017-01-24 Caterpillar Inc. Crown for a link in a ground engaging track system
CN106043479A (en) * 2015-04-13 2016-10-26 卡特彼勒公司 Boltless track shoe
WO2020023182A1 (en) * 2018-07-24 2020-01-30 Caterpillar Inc. Attachable track shoe cover
US11104393B2 (en) 2018-07-24 2021-08-31 Caterpillar Inc. Attachable track shoe cover

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU6484299A (en) 2000-06-05

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US4423910A (en) Reversible track link assembly and track shoes therefor
EP3680154B1 (en) Undercarriage clamping master track link
WO2000029276A1 (en) Method of repairing a worn track link
EP0291333A2 (en) Modular endless track drive system and methods of making, installing and repairing same
EP0264980B1 (en) Endless drive system
CN110831843B (en) Curved track block rib for track chain
US6929335B2 (en) Crawler shoe with peening pads in roller path
KR102711034B1 (en) Undercarriage clamping master track link with texture track pin bore
CN110799410A (en) Track shoe geometry for track chain
KR100315077B1 (en) Track link with flange for an endless track and a method for producing the same
CN113646228B (en) Track chain and method for bushing rotation
US3237999A (en) Track link
EP1253070B1 (en) Endless track and a manufacturing method thereof
CN113226901B (en) Inclined nail prevention track shoe
US4455053A (en) Fabricated hinge track shoe
US4451097A (en) Track section including flexors
US4165137A (en) Apex track shoe and method for making the same
CA1141803A (en) As cast track shoe
CN110573412B (en) Pin retention design for track chain
ZA200103664B (en) Method of repairing a worn track link.
GB1558542A (en) Replaceable wear members for an endless track
CA1192240A (en) Track section including flexors
US20010009336A1 (en) Elastic crawler shoe
JPH02158505A (en) One-side attachment side bar type chain
CN115056871A (en) Roller path for track blocks of a track chain

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref country code: AU

Ref document number: 1999 64842

Kind code of ref document: A

Format of ref document f/p: F

AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AE AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BY CA CH CN CR CU CZ DE DK DM EE ES FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MD MG MK MN MW MX NO NZ PL PT RO RU SD SE SG SI SK SL TJ TM TR TT TZ UA UG US UZ VN YU ZA ZW

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): GH GM KE LS MW SD SL SZ TZ UG ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GW ML MR NE SN TD TG

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
DFPE Request for preliminary examination filed prior to expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed before 20040101)
WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 200103664

Country of ref document: ZA

REG Reference to national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: 8642