Wheel substitutes for land vehicles – With interposed friction drive belt
Patent
1982-03-12
1985-07-23
Scherbel, David A.
Wheel substitutes for land vehicles
With interposed friction drive belt
305 54, B62D 5520
Patent
active
045305463
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
DESCRIPTION
1. Technical Field
This invention relates generally to apparatus for connecting components of an endless track and more particularly to coupling assemblies which releasably connect together the track shoes of the endless track. The coupling assemblies are laterally spaced from the links and pins of the endless track.
2. Background Art
Track-type vehicles which are used for construction and earthmoving functions are supported and propelled by an endless track assembly on each side of the vehicle. These track assemblies generally include a plurality of interconnected track links, bushings, pins, and track shoes, which are commonly referred to as a track chain. To form the endless track, opposite ends of the track chain are joined together into an endless loop. To facilitate connecting and disconnecting of the track chain ends, various types of connecting joints and master links are utilized.
One type of master link for joining the ends of an endless chain is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,262,973, issued to Walter Grilli et al. on April 21, 1981. This master link consists of two separate pieces which simulate a conventional link, and are joined by a key member. The key member fits within grooves formed in the two separate pieces. Because this master link is formed of two separate pieces, it does not have the strength of a regular one piece link, and therefore becomes a weak point of the chain.
Another type of master link is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,050,750, issued to Akira Yoshikashi et al. on Sept. 27, 1977. This master link also consists of two separate link pieces which fit together along a diagonal juncture. Each of the two link pieces has a cavity, when joined, form a hollow space. A thrust pin or other type bearing member is fitted into the hollow space to resist the traction and thrust forces. Track shoe bolts extend through both link pieces to secure the pieces together. As in the previously-noted master link, this link assembly does not have the strength of a regular one piece link and, additionally, is a rather complex multi-part link assembly.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,357,750 discloses an endless crawler track chain assembly which is formed of a plurality of leaf hinge units which are bolted together. The leaf hinges are permanently pre-assembled from three members and are pinned together by a rubber bushed pin. The plurality of pre-assembled leaf hinges are thereafter bolted together to form the endless track chain. The bolts which secure the leaf hinges together also secure the hinges to the track shoes.
The particular structure of U.S. Pat. No. 3,357,750 requires no master link as such, since in effect, each leaf hinge unit is detachable from the remainder of the endless chain. However, in view of the plurality of bolted joints which secure the hinge units together, and the rubber bushed pins, this track chain does not have the structural strength and resistance to wear under severe work conditions as a track chain which is formed of press fitted interconnected links, bushings, and solid pins.
The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems as set forth above.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect of the present invention, an endless track chain assembly for a vehicle has a plurality of interconnected track links, bushings, pins and shoes, and first and second coupling assemblies. Each coupling assembly is spaced from the links, pins, and bushings and is joined to the track shoes.
Endless track chains for track-type vehicles require some type of releasable joint for assembling and disassembling the endless chain. Prior art joints use a "master link" which includes two or more distinct pieces which are bolted or otherwise joined together in some manner. The master link is an inherently weak portion of the chain, and as such can lead to premature and unexpected failure. The subject invention provides a solution to the problems associated with master links by utilizing coupling apparatus which is separate and distinct from the endless chain. The strength of the end
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patent: 3853360 (1974-12-01), Khuntia
patent: 4050750 (1977-09-01), Yoshihashi et al.
patent: 4114958 (1978-09-01), Boggs
patent: 4262973 (1981-04-01), Grilli et al.
Caterpillar Tractor Co.
Scherbel David A.
White Claude F.
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