WO2008052357A1 - Gorge élastomère - Google Patents

Gorge élastomère Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2008052357A1
WO2008052357A1 PCT/CA2007/001982 CA2007001982W WO2008052357A1 WO 2008052357 A1 WO2008052357 A1 WO 2008052357A1 CA 2007001982 W CA2007001982 W CA 2007001982W WO 2008052357 A1 WO2008052357 A1 WO 2008052357A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
track
lugs
generally
area
longitudinally extending
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/CA2007/001982
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Rémi BRETON
Danny Roy
François DUQUETTE
Original Assignee
Soucy International Inc.
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 Soucy International Inc. filed Critical Soucy International Inc.
Publication of WO2008052357A1 publication Critical patent/WO2008052357A1/fr

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
    • B62D55/24—Tracks of continuously flexible type, e.g. rubber belts
    • B62D55/244—Moulded in one piece, with either smooth surfaces or surfaces having projections, e.g. incorporating reinforcing elements
    • 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
    • B62D55/12—Arrangement, location, or adaptation of driving sprockets
    • B62D55/125—Final drives

Definitions

  • the present invention generally relates to tracked vehicles which use elastomeric tracks for propulsion. More particularly, the present invention relates to5 the elastomeric tracks used on such tracked vehicles. Without being limitative in nature, the present invention particularly relates to elastomeric tracks for use on heavy tracked vehicles (i.e. vehicles weighing 5000 kg or more) such as military vehicles (e.g. tanks and transport vehicles) and heavy machinery (e.g. excavators, bulldozers, forestry equipments). 0
  • elastomeric tracks used on tracked vehicles are composed of a main elastomeric track body having reinforcing elements embedded therein.
  • The5 reinforcing elements now used come in a variety of forms such a reinforcing web or fabric, reinforcing cables or strips and stiffening rods just to name few.
  • prior art tracks also generally define a ground engaging outer surface and a wheel engaging inner surface.
  • the outer0 surface is generally provided with a pattern of ground engaging traction lugs.
  • the pattern and the shape of the traction lugs are generally designed for particular uses and therefore can vary according to the terrain upon which the vehicle adapted to be ridden.
  • the inner surface of the track is generally adapted to cooperate with a sprocket wheel and also generally with road and/or idler wheels.
  • the inner surface is generally provided with outwardly projecting drive lugs adapted to drivingly mate with the sprocket wheel.
  • the inner surface can also be provided with guide lugs (also referred to as guide horns) which are generally adapted to guide the track in order to prevent occurrences of detracking.
  • guide lugs are not used to drive to the track.
  • Elastomeric tracks of the aforementioned configuration are used on a plurality of vehicles. For example, it is not uncommon to find elastomeric tracks on snowmobiles, skid-steer and even tanks. However, in order to accommodate the increase in size, weight and power, tracks used on large and/or heavy vehicles are generally made with a thicker body which generally provides greater support for the vehicle and better resistance to the strain to which the track is subjected. Yet, having a thicker body brings problems which are generally non-existent in tracks used on smaller vehicles such as, but not limited to, snowmobiles.
  • drive lugs skipping also referred to as “teeth skipping” or “sprocket skipping”
  • drive lugs skipping must generally be avoided in order to prevent premature damages to the track and undesirable noise but, more File number: 04104-131 particularly, because it is limiting the power that can be effectively transmitted to the ground.
  • an aspect of the present invention is to provide an elastomeric track for use on tracked vehicles which generally increases the efficiency of the transmission of power between the sprocket wheel and the track.
  • Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an elastomeric track for use on tracked vehicles which generally decreases the occurrences of drive lugs skipping (also referred to as “teeth skipping” or “sprocket skipping”).
  • Still another aspect of the present invention is to provide an elastomeric track for use on tracked vehicles which generally reduces drive lugs elastic deformation when the drive lugs are subjected to longitudinal forces.
  • the present invention consists of an elastomeric track.
  • elastomeric relates to any generally elastic and primarily non metallic materials such as natural and/or synthetic rubber, File number: 04104-131 elastomers, or other polymers and/or combinations thereof used in the manufacture of tracks.
  • the elastomeric track of the present invention generally comprises a main body which defines a ground engaging outer surface and a wheel engaging inner surface.
  • the track body also generally comprises reinforcing elements embedded therein. Though other configurations are also possible, the reinforcing elements are generally located along the neutral axis of the track.
  • the neutral axis is the zero strain zone of a flexed or bent element.
  • the neutral axis of the track is the zone, along its thickness, which is subjected neither to compression nor tension when the track bends, for example, around the sprocket wheel.
  • the ground engaging outer surface is preferably provided with ground engaging traction lugs.
  • the traction lugs are generally disposed on the outer surface of the track according to a pattern which is chosen depending on the terrain upon which the vehicle is used. Understandably, the traction lugs can come in a plurality of shapes according to the intended use of the track. The present invention is not limited to any particular shape of traction lugs.
  • the inner surface of the track is generally adapted to cooperate with at least a sprocket wheel and also preferably with road and/or idler wheels.
  • the inner surface of the track generally comprises one or more rows of preferably longitudinally aligned drive lugs which are adapted to drivingly mate with the sprocket wheel in order to effect the transmission of power between the sprocket wheel and the track.
  • the drive lugs are disposed near the side edges of the track.
  • the inner surface of the track also preferably comprises at least one row of longitudinally aligned guide lugs or horns.
  • the guide lugs are preferably generally centrally located with respect to the width of the track though other configurations are also possible.
  • the guide lugs are generally used to guide the track File number: 04104-131 over the sprocket, road and idler wheels and hence, to prevent detracking. Accordingly, the guide lugs are generally neither adapted nor used to drive the track.
  • the inner surface of the track is generally divided into three areas or portions. It is however to be understood that even if the track defines a plurality of areas, the track still forms a single unitary body.
  • the inner surface comprises a generally longitudinally extending central area and two generally longitudinally extending lateral areas, each of which being respectively located on each side of the central area.
  • Other division patterns are also possible and within the scope of the invention.
  • the drive lugs are generally longitudinally disposed on the lateral areas of the inner surface. Also, should the inner surface be further equipped with guide lugs, they would preferably be longitudinally disposed along the central area. Still, other configurations are also possible.
  • the thickness of the track body and more particularly the thickness of the track body, or track material, between the neutral axis and the inner surface along the lateral areas is thinner than the thickness of the track body and more particularly the thickness of the track body, or track material, between the neutral axis and the inner surface along the central area.
  • the drive lugs and more particularly their bases are located nearer the neutral axis.
  • the momentum created by the longitudinal forces applied to the drive lugs when they mate with the sprocket wheel is reduced.
  • This reduction in momentum is translated in a reduction of the flexion and elastic deformation of the drives lugs.
  • By reducing this flexion and elastic deformation of the drives lugs less energy lost in the elastic deformation thereof, thereby generally increasing the efficiency of the power transmission between the sprocket wheel and the drive lugs.
  • the drive lugs are less flexed and elastically deformed, the track is less prone to drive lugs skipping.
  • the present invention generally allows the design of elastomeric tracks wherein the drive lugs are particularly designed to reduce drive lugs skipping and also to reduce interference between the drive lugs and the sprocket wheel when they drivingly mate with each other.
  • An example of such drive lugs is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,605,389 (Westhoff).
  • the outer perimeters of the sprocket wheel and possibly of the road and idler wheels are configured to be substantially conformed with the configuration of the inner surface of the track.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of the inner surface of a portion of a prior art track.
  • Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the prior art track of Fig. 1.
  • Figure 3 is a perspective view of the inner surface of a portion of a track according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the track of Fig. 3.
  • Figure 5 is a fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the track of Fig. 3 in cooperation with a sprocket wheel.
  • Figure 6 is a side view of a portion of the track of Fig. 3 in cooperation with a sprocket wheel.
  • Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the track and sprocket wheel along line A-A of Fig. 6.
  • Figure 8 is perspective view of the track of Fig. 3 as installed on a vehicle.
  • the track 100 comprises a main track body 105 defining an outer surface 102 and an inner surface 104.
  • the inner surface 104 generally comprises a row of longitudinally aligned guide lugs 130, generally centrally located with respect to the width of the track 100, and generally two rows of longitudinally aligned drive lugs 120, generally located near or adjacent to each side edge of the track 100.
  • the guide lugs 130 are generally adapted to guide the track 100 over the sprocket, road and idler wheels (not shown). Accordingly, they are generally neither adapted nor used to transmit power from the sprocket wheel to the track 100.
  • the drive lugs 120 are generally specifically designed to matingly cooperate with the sprocket wheel of the vehicle (not shown) on which the track 100 is mounted in order to effectively transmit the power from the sprocket wheel to the track 100.
  • the drive lugs 120 and guide lugs 130 are preferably laterally spaced apart in order to define wheel paths 140 therebetween.
  • the body 105 of the track 100 generally further comprises reinforcing elements 180, generally in the form of longitudinally extending cables. These reinforcing elements 180 are generally located at the neutral axis 103 of the body 105.
  • the neutral axis is the zone of the body 105 which is subjected neither to traction nor to compression when the track 100 is bent.
  • the thickness 107 of the body 105 between the neutral axis 103 in the inner surface 104 along the central area 150 is the same as the thickness 109 of the body 105 between the neutral axis 103 in the inner surface 104 along the lateral areas 150.
  • the track 200 similarly comprises a main track body 205 also defining an outer surface 202 and an inner surface 204.
  • the outer surface 202 of the track 200 comprises a plurality of traction lugs 210 preferably longitudinally disposed along the length of the track 200. Still, the exact pattern and shape of the traction lugs 210 are not the subject of the present invention and accordingly, the invention shall not be limited to the pattern and shape shown herein.
  • the inner surface 204 is preferably divided into three areas: a central area 250 and two lateral areas 260 located on each side of the central area 250.
  • guide lugs 230 are preferably adapted to guide the track 100 over the sprocket, road and idler wheels (not shown) and to prevent detracking.
  • the inner surface 204 further comprises preferably two rows of longitudinally aligned drive lugs 220 which are, according to the present invention, located along the lateral areas 260 of the inner surface 204.
  • the guide lugs 230 and drive lugs 220 are preferably laterally spaced apart in order to space wheel paths 240 therebetween.
  • track 200 further preferably comprises reinforcing elements 280, preferably located at the neutral axis 203 of the track body 205.
  • the thickness 209 of the body 205 between the neutral axis 203 and the inner surface 204 in the lateral areas 260 is thinner than the thickness 207 of the body 205 between the neutral axis 203 and the inner surface 204 in the central area 250.
  • This particular arrangement provides several advantages. For instance, by keeping a thick body 205 along the central area 250, the track 200 remains resistant enough to sustain the strains to which it will be subjected. Yet, by having a thinner body 205 along the lateral areas 260, the drive lugs 220 and more particularly their bases are located nearer the neutral axis 203. Consequently, when the drive lugs 220 mate with the sprocket wheel and are hence subjected to strong longitudinally forces, the momentum of the drive lugs 220 with respect to the neutral axis 203 is lessened. By reducing the momentum, the flexion and elastic deformation of the drive lugs 220 are reduced.
  • the outer perimeter 310 of the sprocket wheel 300 is preferably designed to be complementary with both the central area 250 and the lateral areas 260. As shown in Fig. 7, a notch or step 312 can be provided for that matter. For the remaining, the sprocket wheel 300 is generally of common construction.
  • the track 200 of the present invention is shown as installed in a exemplary manner on a military vehicle 600.
  • the track 200 is disposed around a sprocket wheel 300, preferably located at the fore of the vehicle 600, an idler wheel 500, preferably located at the aft of the vehicle 600, and a plurality of road wheels 400 located therebetween. Understandably, a similar arrangement is provided on the opposite side of the vehicle 600.
  • endless elastomeric tracks generally encompass tracks made of a single unitary loop and also tracks made of one or a plurality of elastomeric track segments joined end to end.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Tires In General (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne de façon générale la configuration de la surface intérieure d'une bande de traction. La bande de traction comprend de façon générale un corps principal dans lequel sont encastrés des éléments de renfort. Le corps définit de façon générale une surface extérieure entrant en prise avec le sol et une surface intérieure entrant en prise avec la roue. La surface extérieure est pourvue de façon générale de pattes de traction entrant en prise avec le sol. La surface intérieure de la bande de traction est de préférence divisée en une zone centrale s'étendant dans le sens de la longueur, de préférence pourvue de pattes de guidage, et deux zones latérales s'étendant dans le sens de la longueur, chacune située d'un côté de la zone centrale et pourvue de pattes d'entraînement. L'épaisseur des zones latérales est généralement inférieure à l'épaisseur de la zone centrale, les bases des pattes d'entraînement étant situées plus près de l'axe neutre de la gorge.
PCT/CA2007/001982 2006-10-30 2007-10-30 Gorge élastomère WO2008052357A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA2,566,225 2006-10-30
CA 2566225 CA2566225A1 (fr) 2006-10-30 2006-10-30 Chenille en elastomere

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2008052357A1 true WO2008052357A1 (fr) 2008-05-08

Family

ID=39343769

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/CA2007/001982 WO2008052357A1 (fr) 2006-10-30 2007-10-30 Gorge élastomère

Country Status (2)

Country Link
CA (1) CA2566225A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2008052357A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CA3238479A1 (fr) * 2021-11-23 2023-06-01 Eric Halstead Chenille elastomere et son procede de fabrication
WO2024020668A1 (fr) * 2022-07-26 2024-02-01 Soucy International Inc. Ensemble chenille, véhicule équipé de ce dernier, roue, et chenille sans fin destinée à être utilisée avec ce dernier

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20040222697A1 (en) * 2003-03-18 2004-11-11 Gilles Soucy Elastomeric traction band with lug reinforcements
US20050252697A1 (en) * 2002-02-27 2005-11-17 Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. Elastic crawler
JP2006062391A (ja) * 2004-08-24 2006-03-09 Bridgestone Corp ゴムクロ−ラ走行装置
JP2007137362A (ja) * 2005-11-22 2007-06-07 Sumitomo Rubber Ind Ltd 弾性クローラ

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20050252697A1 (en) * 2002-02-27 2005-11-17 Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. Elastic crawler
US20040222697A1 (en) * 2003-03-18 2004-11-11 Gilles Soucy Elastomeric traction band with lug reinforcements
JP2006062391A (ja) * 2004-08-24 2006-03-09 Bridgestone Corp ゴムクロ−ラ走行装置
JP2007137362A (ja) * 2005-11-22 2007-06-07 Sumitomo Rubber Ind Ltd 弾性クローラ

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2566225A1 (fr) 2008-04-30

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