Wheel substitutes for land vehicles – With means to remove or exclude foreign matter – With end seal between bushing and track link
Reexamination Certificate
2001-02-28
2002-11-12
Stormer, Russell D. (Department: 3617)
Wheel substitutes for land vehicles
With means to remove or exclude foreign matter
With end seal between bushing and track link
C305S100000, C305S202000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06478388
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates generally to track type work machines, and more particularly to a seal arrangement for track type work machines and an associated method for producing a seal arrangement.
BACKGROUND ART
Track type work machines typically have a sprocket, an idler, and a track chain assembly. During use of the work machine the sprocket rotates and engages the track chain assembly, thereby causing the track chain assembly to rotate around a path defined by the sprocket and the idler. The rotation of the track chain assembly causes the work machine to be propelled over the ground so as to perform various work functions.
Track chain assemblies generally include a pair of parallel chains, with each parallel chain being made up of a series of entrained track links. Track chain assemblies further include a series of bushings and track pins interposed between and connected to the parallel chains. The bushings and the entrained track links cooperate to form a number of track joints which allow the necessary movement of the bushings relative to the track links during use of the track chain assembly, for example, when the track chain assembly rotates about the sprocket and the idler.
Track joints are typically equipped with a track seal assembly to keep out various corrosive and abrasive mixtures of water, dirt, sand, rock or other mineral or chemical elements to which the track chain is exposed during its use. The track seal assembly also functions to keep a lubricant within the track joint to facilitate the aforementioned relative movement of the bushings and the track links.
One prior art track seal assembly design used to accomplish the aforementioned functions employs a seal groove with a load member and a seal member positioned within the seal groove. The seal member is axially urged into sliding sealing engagement against a polished face (e.g. a bushing face) by the resilient load member. However, a number of problems have been encountered using the above-described arrangement.
One such problem relates to positioning the load and seal members into the seal groove. In particular, the physical configuration of the seal groove, the load member, and the seal member makes it difficult to properly seat the load and seal members into the seal groove. In particular, the configuration of these components makes it difficult to automate the process of positioning the load and seal members into the seal groove. The above-discussed problem increases the difficulty and expense of manufacturing track seal assemblies.
The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems or disadvantages associated with the prior art.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a seal arrangement. The seal arrangement includes a seal groove having a central axis. The seal groove is defined by at least a first wall segment, a second wall segment, and a third wall segment interposed the first wall segment and the second wall segment. The first wall segment is angled relative to the central axis so that a linear extension of a surface of the first wall segment intersects the central axis so as to define an angle &agr; therebetween.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a work machine. The work machine includes a track pin having a central axis. The work machine also includes a seal groove positioned in a concentric relationship with the track pin. The seal groove is defined by at least a first wall segment, a second wall segment, and a third wall segment interposed the first wall segment and the second wall segment. A vertical axis intersects the central axis so as to define a substantially 90° angle &sgr;
0
therebetween. A linear extension of a surface of the first wall segment intersects the vertical axis so as to define an acute angle &bgr; therebetween.
In accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of producing a seal arrangement. The method includes the step of inserting a load member into a seal groove having a central axis, the seal groove being defined by at least a first wall segment, a second wall segment, and a third wall segment interposed the first wall segment and the second wall segment. The first wall segment of the seal groove is angled relative to the central axis such that a linear extension of a surface of the first wall segment intersects the central axis so as to define an angle &agr; therebetween.
In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a seal arrangement. The seal arrangement includes a track link. The seal arrangement also includes a seal groove defined in the track link. The seal groove has a central axis. The seal groove is defined by a first wall segment and a second wall segment. The first wall segment is angled relative to the central axis so that a linear extension of a surface of the first wall segment intersects the central axis so as to define an angle &Ggr; therebetween.
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Caterpillar Inc
Glastetter Calvin E
Greene Jeff A
Maginot Addison & Moore
Stormer Russell D.
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