WO2007045031A1 - Acoustic shielding for a tracked vehicle - Google Patents

Acoustic shielding for a tracked vehicle Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2007045031A1
WO2007045031A1 PCT/AU2006/001545 AU2006001545W WO2007045031A1 WO 2007045031 A1 WO2007045031 A1 WO 2007045031A1 AU 2006001545 W AU2006001545 W AU 2006001545W WO 2007045031 A1 WO2007045031 A1 WO 2007045031A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
shielding
shielding element
acoustic
tracked vehicle
drive wheel
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2006/001545
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Justin Dennis Zandona
Justin Leonard Russell
Evan Brian Milton
Stephen Kozakiewicz
Graeme Declare Studdert
Gregory Tuman Collins
Timothy James Kirkness
Original Assignee
Ghd Pty Ltd
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 claimed from AU2005905758A external-priority patent/AU2005905758A0/en
Application filed by Ghd Pty Ltd filed Critical Ghd Pty Ltd
Publication of WO2007045031A1 publication Critical patent/WO2007045031A1/en

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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
    • B62D55/096—Endless track units; Parts thereof with noise reducing means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R13/00—Elements for body-finishing, identifying, or decorating; Arrangements or adaptations for advertising purposes
    • B60R13/08—Insulating elements, e.g. for sound insulation
    • B60R13/0884—Insulating elements, e.g. for sound insulation for mounting around noise sources, e.g. air blowers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to noise attenuation for tracked vehicles and more particularly to acoustic shielding for such vehicles.
  • the invention has been developed primarily for use in acoustic shielding for a dozer, and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular application and may also be applied, for example, to tracked military vehicles, such as tanks, as well as to other tracked vehicles.
  • Known dozers typically include two tracks, each of which extends around at least a drive wheel and an idler wheel.
  • the rear wheel includes a drive sprocket for progressing the track, and a front idler wheel around which the track is driven by the drive wheel.
  • a second idler wheel is provided and the track defines a triangle extending around the three wheels.
  • the drive wheel is usually located at the apex of the triangle, with the two idler wheels defining the base of the triangle.
  • track noise is generated predominantly by the action of the track chain on the drive sprocket.
  • secondary noise is also produced as the track chain passes around the idler wheel(s) and over track support rollers.
  • the invention provides acoustic shielding for a tracked vehicle having a body, a drive wheel having a drive sprocket, at least one idler wheel, and a track extending around the drive wheel and the idler wheel and being driven by the drive sprocket, said acoustic shielding comprising: a first acoustic shielding element adapted for fixed connection relative to the body of the tracked vehicle and at least partially enclosing the drive wheel and the track.
  • the invention provides a tracked vehicle comprising: a body; a drive wheel having a drive sprocket; at least one idler wheel; a track extending around the drive wheel and the idler wheel and being driven by the drive sprocket; acoustic shielding comprising a first acoustic shielding element adapted for fixed connection relative to the body and at least partially enclosing the drive wheel and the track.
  • the first acoustic shielding element extends from the body to at least partially enclose an outer side of the drive wheel. More preferably, the first shielding element is generally trapezoidal, with its longer side being adjacent the vehicle body and its shorter adjacent the drive wheel. In a preferred form, the first shielding element completely encloses the outer side of the drive wheel.
  • the shielding includes a second acoustic shielding element adapted for fixed connection relative to the body and at least partially enclosing a front portion of the drive wheel.
  • the second shielding element is fixedly connected to the body, and in other embodiments to the first shielding element.
  • the shielding includes a third acoustic shielding element adapted for fixed connection relative to the body and at least partially enclosing a rear portion of the drive wheel.
  • the third shielding element is fixedly connected to the body, and in other embodiments to the first and second shielding elements.
  • the shielding includes a fourth acoustic shielding element adapted for fixed connection relative to the body and at least partially enclosing a top portion of the drive wheel, hi a preferred form, the fourth shielding element is fixedly connected to the body, and the first shielding element is adapted for fixedly connection to the body by being fixedly connected to the fourth shielding element, hi a preferred form, the first, second, third and fourth shielding elements define an integral acoustic shield around the drive wheel.
  • the shielding element(s) are formed from a plurality of shielding portions, while in other embodiments a single shielding portion forms each shielding element.
  • the shielding element(s) comprise a noise barrier material
  • the noise barrier material is a relatively flexible material such as rubber.
  • the barrier material is a stiffer material, such as steel.
  • the shielding element(s) also comprise a noise absorption material, hi a preferred form, the noise absorption material is a relatively deformable material, such as an elastomeric material, hi some preferred embodiments, the noise absorption material comprises one or more material selected from the group comprising: rubber, plastics, glass fibre, rock fibre and derivatives thereof.
  • the shielding is connected to the body by a flexible suspension frame. More preferably, the suspension frame is adapted to withstand side-impact while minimising permanent damage to the shielding elements by flexing to absorb impact forces.
  • the shielding includes deflector elements to direct track noise in a predetermined direction. More preferably, the deflector elements direct track noise toward the noise absorption material, hi some embodiments, the deflector elements are connected to the shielding element(s) and extend inwardly from the shielding elements toward the drive wheel. In other embodiments, the deflector elements are embedded in the shielding element(s). In yet further embodiments, the noise barrier material defines the deflector elements.
  • the shielding element(s) extend downwardly from an upper part of the body.
  • the shielding element(s) extend upwardly from a portion of the body to which the idler wheels are mounted.
  • the tracked vehicle includes two idler wheels and the drive wheel is elevated with respect to the idler wheels, such that in use the idler wheels are located adjacent the ground and the drive wheel is elevated with respect to the ground.
  • Figure 1 is a side elevation of a tracked vehicle incorporating a preferred embodiment of acoustic shielding
  • Figure 2 is a front elevation of the vehicle of Figure 1;
  • Figure 3 is a rear elevation of the vehicle of Figure 1;
  • Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the circled portion of Figure 3.
  • Figure 5 is similar view to Figure 4, but shown an alternative embodiment of the acoustic shielding.
  • the vehicle 40 has a body 41 supported on a high-drive track system 60.
  • the tracked vehicle 40 uses a low-drive track system.
  • the illustrated track system 60 includes a drive wheel 61 having a drive sprocket (not shown), and two idler wheels 62.
  • a track 63 extends around the drive wheel 61 and the idler wheels 62 and is driven by the drive sprocket.
  • the acoustic shielding 50 includes a first 51, second 52, third 53 and fourth 54 acoustic shielding elements, each of which are fixedly connected relative to the body 41 of the tracked vehicle 40 for shielding, respectively, the side, front, rear and top of the drive wheel 61.
  • the first shielding element 51 extends from the body 41 to enclose an outer side of the drive wheel 61 and an upper part of the track 63. However, in alternative embodiments, the first shielding element 51 only partially encloses the side of the drive wheel 61.
  • the first shielding element 51 is trapezoidal, with its longer side being adjacent the vehicle body 41 and its shorter side adjacent the drive wheel 61. However, in other embodiments (not shown), the first shielding element 51 is rectangular. In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, the first shielding element 51 is adapted for connection to the body 41 by virtue of being fixedly connected to the fourth shielding element 54, which is connected directly to the body 41.
  • a flexible suspension frame 70 extends generally laterally outwardly from the body 41 to support the first shielding element 51.
  • the suspension frame 70 is adapted to withstand side-impact while minimising permanent damage to the first shielding element 51 by flexing to absorb impact forces.
  • the second acoustic shielding element 52 extends from the body to partially enclose a front portion of the drive wheel 61.
  • the second shielding element 52 is fixedly connected to the body 41.
  • the second shielding element 52 is instead connected to the body 41 by virtue of being connected to the first 51 shielding element 51 and/or the suspension frame 70.
  • the third acoustic shielding element 53 extends from the body 41 to partially enclosing a rear portion of the drive wheel 61.
  • the third shielding element 53 is fixedly connected to the body 41.
  • the third shielding element 53 is instead connected to the body 41 by virtue of being connected to the first shielding element 51 and/or the suspension frame 70.
  • the fourth acoustic shielding element 54 is fixedly connected at its laterally innermost end to the body 41 and, in combination with the body 41, encloses a top portion of the drive wheel 61. As mentioned above, in the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 4, the fourth shielding element 54 connects the first shielding element 51 to the body 41. However, in the second embodiment illustrated in Figure 5, the fourth shielding element
  • the fourth shielding element 54 is fixedly connected at its laterally innermost end to the body 41 and has an opposite free end. Accordingly, in the second embodiment, if the shielding 50 is subjected to a side impact force, the fourth shielding element 54 simply slides relative to the suspension frame 70 and the first shielding element 51 to avoid being damaged.
  • the first 51, second 52, third 53 and fourth 54 shielding elements define an acoustic shield around the drive wheel 61.
  • the shielding elements 51, 52, 53 and 54 are each formed from a single shielding portion. However, in alternative embodiments (not shown), each of the shielding elements 51, 52, 53 and 54 is formed from a plurality of shielding portions.
  • the shielding elements 51, 52, 53 and 54 include an outer relatively flexible noise barrier material, such as rubber.
  • the barrier material is a stiffer material, such as steel.
  • the shielding elements also comprise an inner relatively deformable noise absorption material formed from an elastomeric material, in the form of a rubber or plastics derivative.
  • the noise absorption material is formed from rubber, plastics, glass fibre, rock fibre or derivatives and/or combinations thereof.
  • the noise absorption material serves to absorb noise generated by engagement of the track 63 with the drive wheel 61.
  • the noise barrier material deflects noise to a region within the shielding 50 for absorption by absorption material.
  • the noise barrier material is stiffer than the noise absorption material.
  • the shielding elements 51, 52, 53 and 54 include deflector elements
  • the deflector elements 55 arranged to direct noise in a predetermined direction, preferably toward the noise absorption material.
  • the deflector elements 55 extend inwardly from the shielding elements 51, 52, 53 and 54, toward the drive wheel and in other embodiments, the deflector 55 elements are embedded in the shielding elements 51, 52, 53 and 54.
  • the noise barrier material defines the deflector elements.
  • acoustic shielding provide the advantage of reducing the transmission of track noise to tracked vehicle operators and the surrounding environment. Accordingly, the risk of damage to hearing health of operators is reduced, as is the environmental impact of operations utilising tracked vehicles.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Current-Collector Devices For Electrically Propelled Vehicles (AREA)
  • Body Structure For Vehicles (AREA)

Abstract

Referring to the drawings, there is shown a tracked vehicle (40) to which is mounted acoustic shielding (50). The vehicle has a body (41) supported on a high-drive track system (60). The illustrated track system (60) includes a drive wheel (61) having a drive sprocket (not shown), and two idler wheels (62). A track (63) extends around the drive wheel (61) and the idler wheels (62) and is driven by the drive sprocket. The acoustic shielding (50) includes a first (51), second (52), third (53) and fourth (54) acoustic shielding elements, each of which are fixedly connected relative to the body (41) of the tracked vehicle (40) for shielding, respectively, the side, front, rear and top of the drive wheel (61).

Description

ACOUSTIC SHIELDING FOR A TRACKED VEHICLE
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to noise attenuation for tracked vehicles and more particularly to acoustic shielding for such vehicles.
The invention has been developed primarily for use in acoustic shielding for a dozer, and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular application and may also be applied, for example, to tracked military vehicles, such as tanks, as well as to other tracked vehicles.
Background of the Invention
Known dozers typically include two tracks, each of which extends around at least a drive wheel and an idler wheel. In two-wheeled, or "low-drive", track systems, the rear wheel includes a drive sprocket for progressing the track, and a front idler wheel around which the track is driven by the drive wheel. In three-wheeled, or "high-drive", track systems, a second idler wheel is provided and the track defines a triangle extending around the three wheels. In known three-wheeled systems, the drive wheel is usually located at the apex of the triangle, with the two idler wheels defining the base of the triangle.
As the tracked vehicle moves, track noise is generated predominantly by the action of the track chain on the drive sprocket. However, secondary noise is also produced as the track chain passes around the idler wheel(s) and over track support rollers.
Engagement of the track with the ground serves to dampen the tracks and thereby reduce the amount of track noise generated. This reduction of track noise due to ground engagement is significantly more pronounced in two-wheeled track systems where the drive wheel is located adjacent the ground. However, the degree of damping provided by ground engagement is appreciably less in three-wheeled systems where the drive wheel is elevated from the ground. Accordingly, known three-wheeled track systems tend to exhibit higher track noise than known two-wheeled systems. It is also noted that any noise that is not absorbed by ground engagement tends to be projected relatively large distances, especially when atmospheric temperature inversions occur, such as on cold nights.
Object of the Invention It is the object of the present invention to overcome or substantially ameliorate one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art.
Summary of the Invention
Accordingly, in a first aspect, the invention provides acoustic shielding for a tracked vehicle having a body, a drive wheel having a drive sprocket, at least one idler wheel, and a track extending around the drive wheel and the idler wheel and being driven by the drive sprocket, said acoustic shielding comprising: a first acoustic shielding element adapted for fixed connection relative to the body of the tracked vehicle and at least partially enclosing the drive wheel and the track.
In a second aspect, the invention provides a tracked vehicle comprising: a body; a drive wheel having a drive sprocket; at least one idler wheel; a track extending around the drive wheel and the idler wheel and being driven by the drive sprocket; acoustic shielding comprising a first acoustic shielding element adapted for fixed connection relative to the body and at least partially enclosing the drive wheel and the track.
Preferably, the first acoustic shielding element extends from the body to at least partially enclose an outer side of the drive wheel. More preferably, the first shielding element is generally trapezoidal, with its longer side being adjacent the vehicle body and its shorter adjacent the drive wheel. In a preferred form, the first shielding element completely encloses the outer side of the drive wheel.
Preferably, the shielding includes a second acoustic shielding element adapted for fixed connection relative to the body and at least partially enclosing a front portion of the drive wheel. In some embodiments, the second shielding element is fixedly connected to the body, and in other embodiments to the first shielding element. Preferably, the shielding includes a third acoustic shielding element adapted for fixed connection relative to the body and at least partially enclosing a rear portion of the drive wheel. In some embodiments, the third shielding element is fixedly connected to the body, and in other embodiments to the first and second shielding elements.
Preferably, the shielding includes a fourth acoustic shielding element adapted for fixed connection relative to the body and at least partially enclosing a top portion of the drive wheel, hi a preferred form, the fourth shielding element is fixedly connected to the body, and the first shielding element is adapted for fixedly connection to the body by being fixedly connected to the fourth shielding element, hi a preferred form, the first, second, third and fourth shielding elements define an integral acoustic shield around the drive wheel.
In some embodiments, the shielding element(s) are formed from a plurality of shielding portions, while in other embodiments a single shielding portion forms each shielding element.
Preferably, the shielding element(s) comprise a noise barrier material, hi a preferred form, the noise barrier material is a relatively flexible material such as rubber. However, in some embodiments the barrier material is a stiffer material, such as steel.
Preferably, the shielding element(s) also comprise a noise absorption material, hi a preferred form, the noise absorption material is a relatively deformable material, such as an elastomeric material, hi some preferred embodiments, the noise absorption material comprises one or more material selected from the group comprising: rubber, plastics, glass fibre, rock fibre and derivatives thereof.
Preferably, the shielding is connected to the body by a flexible suspension frame. More preferably, the suspension frame is adapted to withstand side-impact while minimising permanent damage to the shielding elements by flexing to absorb impact forces.
Preferably, the shielding includes deflector elements to direct track noise in a predetermined direction. More preferably, the deflector elements direct track noise toward the noise absorption material, hi some embodiments, the deflector elements are connected to the shielding element(s) and extend inwardly from the shielding elements toward the drive wheel. In other embodiments, the deflector elements are embedded in the shielding element(s). In yet further embodiments, the noise barrier material defines the deflector elements.
Preferably, the shielding element(s) extend downwardly from an upper part of the body. However, in alternative embodiments, the shielding element(s) extend upwardly from a portion of the body to which the idler wheels are mounted.
Preferably, the tracked vehicle includes two idler wheels and the drive wheel is elevated with respect to the idler wheels, such that in use the idler wheels are located adjacent the ground and the drive wheel is elevated with respect to the ground.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Preferred embodiments will be described hereinafter, by way of examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a side elevation of a tracked vehicle incorporating a preferred embodiment of acoustic shielding;
Figure 2 is a front elevation of the vehicle of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a rear elevation of the vehicle of Figure 1;
Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the circled portion of Figure 3; and
Figure 5 is similar view to Figure 4, but shown an alternative embodiment of the acoustic shielding.
Preferred Embodiments of the Invention
Referring to the drawings, there is shown a tracked vehicle 40 to which is mounted acoustic shielding 50. The vehicle 40 has a body 41 supported on a high-drive track system 60. However, in alternative embodiments (not shown), the tracked vehicle 40 uses a low-drive track system. The illustrated track system 60 includes a drive wheel 61 having a drive sprocket (not shown), and two idler wheels 62. A track 63 extends around the drive wheel 61 and the idler wheels 62 and is driven by the drive sprocket. The acoustic shielding 50 includes a first 51, second 52, third 53 and fourth 54 acoustic shielding elements, each of which are fixedly connected relative to the body 41 of the tracked vehicle 40 for shielding, respectively, the side, front, rear and top of the drive wheel 61.
The first shielding element 51 extends from the body 41 to enclose an outer side of the drive wheel 61 and an upper part of the track 63. However, in alternative embodiments, the first shielding element 51 only partially encloses the side of the drive wheel 61. The first shielding element 51 is trapezoidal, with its longer side being adjacent the vehicle body 41 and its shorter side adjacent the drive wheel 61. However, in other embodiments (not shown), the first shielding element 51 is rectangular. In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, the first shielding element 51 is adapted for connection to the body 41 by virtue of being fixedly connected to the fourth shielding element 54, which is connected directly to the body 41. However, in other embodiments, such as that shown in Figure 5, a flexible suspension frame 70 extends generally laterally outwardly from the body 41 to support the first shielding element 51. The suspension frame 70 is adapted to withstand side-impact while minimising permanent damage to the first shielding element 51 by flexing to absorb impact forces.
The second acoustic shielding element 52 extends from the body to partially enclose a front portion of the drive wheel 61. The second shielding element 52 is fixedly connected to the body 41. However, in other embodiments (not shown), the second shielding element 52 is instead connected to the body 41 by virtue of being connected to the first 51 shielding element 51 and/or the suspension frame 70.
The third acoustic shielding element 53 extends from the body 41 to partially enclosing a rear portion of the drive wheel 61. The third shielding element 53 is fixedly connected to the body 41. However, in other embodiments (not shown), the third shielding element 53 is instead connected to the body 41 by virtue of being connected to the first shielding element 51 and/or the suspension frame 70.
The fourth acoustic shielding element 54 is fixedly connected at its laterally innermost end to the body 41 and, in combination with the body 41, encloses a top portion of the drive wheel 61. As mentioned above, in the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 4, the fourth shielding element 54 connects the first shielding element 51 to the body 41. However, in the second embodiment illustrated in Figure 5, the fourth shielding element
54 is fixedly connected at its laterally innermost end to the body 41 and has an opposite free end. Accordingly, in the second embodiment, if the shielding 50 is subjected to a side impact force, the fourth shielding element 54 simply slides relative to the suspension frame 70 and the first shielding element 51 to avoid being damaged.
As can be seen from Figures 1, 2 and 3, the first 51, second 52, third 53 and fourth 54 shielding elements define an acoustic shield around the drive wheel 61.
The shielding elements 51, 52, 53 and 54 are each formed from a single shielding portion. However, in alternative embodiments (not shown), each of the shielding elements 51, 52, 53 and 54 is formed from a plurality of shielding portions. The shielding elements 51, 52, 53 and 54 include an outer relatively flexible noise barrier material, such as rubber. However, in alternative embodiments (not shown), the barrier material is a stiffer material, such as steel. The shielding elements also comprise an inner relatively deformable noise absorption material formed from an elastomeric material, in the form of a rubber or plastics derivative. However, in other embodiments (not shown), the noise absorption material is formed from rubber, plastics, glass fibre, rock fibre or derivatives and/or combinations thereof. The noise absorption material serves to absorb noise generated by engagement of the track 63 with the drive wheel 61. The noise barrier material deflects noise to a region within the shielding 50 for absorption by absorption material. The noise barrier material is stiffer than the noise absorption material.
As shown in Figure 4, the shielding elements 51, 52, 53 and 54 include deflector elements
55 arranged to direct noise in a predetermined direction, preferably toward the noise absorption material. In some embodiments, the deflector elements 55 extend inwardly from the shielding elements 51, 52, 53 and 54, toward the drive wheel and in other embodiments, the deflector 55 elements are embedded in the shielding elements 51, 52, 53 and 54. hi yet further embodiments (not shown), the noise barrier material defines the deflector elements.
It will be appreciated that the illustrated embodiments of acoustic shielding provide the advantage of reducing the transmission of track noise to tracked vehicle operators and the surrounding environment. Accordingly, the risk of damage to hearing health of operators is reduced, as is the environmental impact of operations utilising tracked vehicles.

Claims

CLAUvlS:
1. Acoustic shielding for a tracked vehicle having a body, a drive wheel having a drive sprocket, at least one idler wheel, and a track extending around the drive wheel and the idler wheel and being driven by the drive sprocket, said acoustic shielding comprising: a first acoustic shielding element adapted for fixed connection relative to the body of the tracked vehicle and at least partially enclosing the drive wheel and the track.
2. Acoustic shielding according to claim 1, wherein the first acoustic shielding element extends from the body to at least partially enclose an outer side of the drive wheel.
3. Acoustic shielding according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first shielding element is generally trapezoidal, with its longer side being adjacent the vehicle body and its shorter adjacent the drive wheel.
4. Acoustic shielding according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first shielding element substantially completely encloses the outer side of the drive wheel.
5. Acoustic shielding according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a second acoustic shielding element adapted for fixed connection relative to the body and at least partially enclosing a front portion of the drive wheel.
6. Acoustic shielding according to claim 5, wherein the second shielding element is fixedly connected to the body.
7. Acoustic shielding according to claim 5, wherein the second shielding element is fixedly connected to the first shielding element.
8. Acoustic shielding according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a third acoustic shielding element adapted for fixed connection relative to the body and at least partially enclosing a rear portion of the drive wheel.
9. Acoustic shielding according to claim 8, wherein the third shielding element is fixedly connected to the body.
10. Acoustic shielding according to claim 8, wherein the third shielding element is fixedly connected to the first shielding element.
5 11. Acoustic shielding according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a fourth acoustic shielding element adapted for fixed connection relative to the body and at least partially enclosing a top portion of the drive wheel.
12. Acoustic shielding according to claim 11, wherein the fourth shielding element is I0 fixedly connected to the body, and the first shielding element is adapted for fixed connection to the body by being fixedly connected to the fourth shielding element.
13. Acoustic shielding according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shielding element(s) define an integral acoustic shield around the drive wheel. is
14. Acoustic shielding according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shielding element(s) are formed from a plurality of shielding portions.
15. Acoustic shielding according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein a single 0 shielding portion forms each said shielding element.
16. Acoustic shielding according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shielding element(s) comprise a noise barrier material.
5 17. Acoustic shielding according to claim 16, wherein the noise barrier material is a relatively flexible material.
18. Acoustic shielding according to claim 17, wherein the noise barrier material is rubber. 0
19. Acoustic shielding according to claim 16, wherein the noise barrier material is a relatively stiff material.
20. Acoustic shielding according to claim 19, wherein the noise barrier material is 5 steel.
21. Acoustic shielding according to any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein the noise barrier material defines a deflector element for directing track noise in a predetermined direction. s
22. Acoustic shielding according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shielding element(s) comprise a noise absorption material.
23. Acoustic shielding according to claim 22, wherein the noise absorption material Q is a relatively deformable material.
24. Acoustic shielding according to claim 22, wherein the noise absorption material is an elastomeric material.
s 25. Acoustic shielding according to claim 22, wherein the noise absorption material comprises one or more material selected from the group comprising: rubber, plastics, glass fibre, rock fibre and derivatives thereof.
26. Acoustic shielding according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each said shielding element is connected to the body by a flexible suspension frame.
27. Acoustic shielding according to claim 26, wherein the suspension frame is adapted to withstand side-impact while minimising permanent damage to the shielding elements by flexing to absorb impact forces. 5
28. Acoustic shielding according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising deflector elements to direct track noise in a predetermined direction.
29. Acoustic shielding according to claim 28, wherein the deflector elements direct track noise toward noise absorption material.
30. Acoustic shielding according to claim 28 or claim 29, wherein the deflector elements are connected to the shielding element(s) and extend inwardly from the shielding element(s) toward the drive wheel.
31. Acoustic shielding according to claim 28 or claim 29, wherein the deflector elements are embedded in the shielding element(s).
32. Acoustic shielding according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shielding element(s) extend downwardly from an upper part of the body.
33. Acoustic shielding according to any one of claims 1 to 31, wherein the shielding element(s) extend upwardly from a portion of the body to which the idler wheels are mounted.
34. A tracked vehicle comprising: a body; a drive wheel having a drive sprocket; at least one idler wheel; a track extending around the drive wheel and the idler wheel and being driven by the drive sprocket; acoustic shielding comprising a first acoustic shielding element adapted for fixed connection relative to the body and at least partially enclosing the drive wheel and the track.
35. A tracked vehicle according to claim 34, wherein the first acoustic shielding element extends from the body to at least partially enclose an outer side of the drive wheel.
36. A tracked vehicle according to claim 34 or claim 35, wherein the first shielding element is generally trapezoidal, with its longer side being adjacent the vehicle body and its shorter adjacent the drive wheel.
37. A tracked vehicle according to any one of claims 34 to 36, wherein the first shielding element substantially completely encloses the outer side of the drive wheel.
38. A tracked vehicle according to any one of claims 34 to 37, further comprising a second acoustic shielding element adapted for fixed connection relative to the body and at least partially enclosing a front portion of the drive wheel.
39. A tracked vehicle according to claim 38, wherein the second shielding element is fixedly connected to the body.
40. A tracked vehicle according to claim 38, wherein the second shielding element is fixedly connected to the first shielding element.
41. A tracked vehicle according to any one of claims 34 to 40, further comprising a third acoustic shielding element adapted for fixed connection relative to the body and at least partially enclosing a rear portion of the drive wheel.
42. A tracked vehicle according to claim 41, wherein the third shielding element is fixedly connected to the body.
43. A tracked vehicle according to claim 41, wherein the third shielding element is fixedly connected to the first shielding element.
44. A tracked vehicle according to any one of claims 34 to 43, further comprising a fourth acoustic shielding element adapted for fixed connection relative to the body and at least partially enclosing a top portion of the drive wheel.
45. A tracked vehicle according to claim 44, wherein the fourth shielding element is fixedly connected to the body, and the first shielding element is adapted for fixed connection to the body by being fixedly connected to the fourth shielding element.
46. A tracked vehicle according to any one of claims 34 to 45, wherein the shielding element(s) define an integral acoustic shield around the drive wheel.
47. A tracked vehicle according to any one of claims 34 to 46, wherein the shielding element(s) are formed from a plurality of shielding portions.
48. A tracked vehicle according to any one of claims 34 to 46, wherein a single shielding portion forms each said shielding element.
49. A tracked vehicle according to any one of claims 34 to 48, wherein the shielding element(s) comprise a noise barrier material.
50. A tracked vehicle according to claim 49, wherein the noise barrier material is a relatively flexible material.
51. A tracked vehicle according to claim 50, wherein the noise barrier material is rubber.
52. A tracked vehicle according to claim 49, wherein the noise barrier material is a relatively stiff material.
53. A tracked vehicle according to claim 52, wherein the noise barrier material is steel.
54. A tracked vehicle according to any one of claims 49 to 53, wherein the noise barrier material defines a deflector element for directing track noise in a predetermined direction.
55. A tracked vehicle according to any one of claims 34 to 54, wherein the shielding element(s) comprise a noise absorption material.
56. A tracked vehicle according to claim 55, wherein the noise absorption material is a relatively deformable material.
57. A tracked vehicle according to claim 55, wherein the noise absorption material is an elastomeric material.
58. A tracked vehicle according to claim 55, wherein the noise absorption material comprises one or more material selected from the group comprising: rubber, plastics, glass fibre, rock fibre and derivatives thereof.
59. A tracked vehicle according to any one of claims 34 to 58, wherein each said shielding element is connected to the body by a flexible suspension frame.
60. A tracked vehicle according to claim 59, wherein the suspension frame is adapted to withstand side-impact while minimising permanent damage to the shielding elements by flexing to absorb impact forces.
61. A tracked vehicle according to any one of claims 34 to 60, further comprising deflector elements to direct track noise in a predetermined direction.
62. A tracked vehicle according to claim 61, wherein the deflector elements direct track noise toward noise absorption material.
63. A tracked vehicle according to claim 61 or claim 62, wherein the deflector elements are connected to the shielding element(s) and extend inwardly from the shielding element(s) toward the drive wheel.
64. A tracked vehicle according to claim 61 or claim 62, wherein the deflector elements are embedded in the shielding element(s).
65. A tracked vehicle according to any one of claims 34 to 64, wherein the shielding element(s) extend downwardly from an upper part of the body.
66. A tracked vehicle according to any one of claims 34 to 64, wherein the shielding element(s) extend upwardly from a portion of the body to which the idler wheels are mounted.
67. A tracked vehicle according to any one of claims 34 to 64, comprising two said idler wheels, and wherein the drive wheel is elevated with respect to the idler wheels, such that, in use, the idler wheels are located adjacent the ground and the drive wheel is elevated with respect to the ground.
PCT/AU2006/001545 2005-10-18 2006-10-18 Acoustic shielding for a tracked vehicle WO2007045031A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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AU2005905758 2005-10-18
AU2005905758A AU2005905758A0 (en) 2005-10-18 Acoustic shielding for a tracked vehicle

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US5631451A (en) * 1991-02-04 1997-05-20 Hino Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Device for reducing noise produced by automotive vehicle components
EP1060975B1 (en) * 1999-06-18 2004-06-02 Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH Drivers cabin for a tracked teaching vehicle
JP2005140224A (en) * 2003-11-06 2005-06-02 Koyo Seiko Co Ltd Power transmission chain and power transmission device
JP2005212565A (en) * 2004-01-28 2005-08-11 Topy Ind Ltd Noise reducing device and crawler (belt) type traveling body

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS5992268A (en) * 1982-11-15 1984-05-28 Yanmar Diesel Engine Co Ltd Frame structure of vehicle
US5631451A (en) * 1991-02-04 1997-05-20 Hino Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Device for reducing noise produced by automotive vehicle components
EP1060975B1 (en) * 1999-06-18 2004-06-02 Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH Drivers cabin for a tracked teaching vehicle
JP2005140224A (en) * 2003-11-06 2005-06-02 Koyo Seiko Co Ltd Power transmission chain and power transmission device
JP2005212565A (en) * 2004-01-28 2005-08-11 Topy Ind Ltd Noise reducing device and crawler (belt) type traveling body

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