Motor vehicles – Special driving device – Portable track
Reexamination Certificate
1998-12-09
2001-02-06
Johnson, Brian L. (Department: 3618)
Motor vehicles
Special driving device
Portable track
Reexamination Certificate
active
06182777
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to a suspension system for a work machine having a pair of adjustable track roller frame assemblies.
BACKGROUND ART
Typical agricultural work machines are commonly supported and propelled by pneumatic tires. Pneumatic tires provide a great deal of cushioning or bounce as these machines encounter disparities in the surface of the soil the machines are working. These machines have therefore not required or have not been provided with suspension systems.
Steel track laying machines have long been used in earthworking, construction, and agriculture, because of the benefits of improved traction and reduced soil compaction. However, these machines are heavy and much slower moving than the pneumatic tired machines and work in environments not requiring suspension to any great degree.
With the introduction and acceptance of endless elastomeric track laying machines in the agriculture industry, new challenges have arisen. These track laying machines have been designed to perform the same operations as the pneumatic tired machines while offering benefits provided by the steel track laying counterparts. However, these machines need to be flexible to change between a variety of row crop spacing and travel at higher operating speeds for roading the work machine between different fields. Therefore, it is desirable to have a support system that is flexible and readily adaptable to varied row crop spacing, and provides suspension to reduce the shocks to the machine and operator.
The present invention is directed to overcome one or more of the problems as set forth above.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect of the present invention a suspension system for connecting and supporting a track laying work machine on first and second track roller frames is provided. The suspension system is comprised of an elongated beam that has a first end portion, a second end portion, and a middle portion. A means is included for connecting each of the track roller frames to a respective end portion of the support beam. First and second suspension members support the main frame of the work machine and support the middle portion of the elongated beam. The first and second suspension members allowing the main frame to float with respect to the elongated beam.
In another aspect of the present invention a work machine comprises a main frame, an engine having a transmission and a final drive. The final drive is operatively connected to the main frame and defines an axis. First and second track roller frames are laterally spaced apart on opposite sides of the work machine. A pair of drive wheels each is drivingly and axially movably attached to the final drive. Each of the drive wheels is connected to a hub assembly. The hub assemblies are connected to the first and second track roller frames. An elongated beam has a first end portion, a second end portion, and a middle portion. The end portions are connected to each of the track roller frames. First and second suspension members support the main frame of the work machine and the elongated beam. The first and second suspension members allow the main frame to float with respect to the elongated beam.
In yet another aspect of the present invention a suspension system for a work machine is provided. The work machine has an operator's station, a main frame, an engine, a transmission, and a final drive. The final drive defines an axis. The suspension system comprises an undercarriage assembly. The undercarriage assembly includes an elongated beam, first and second track roller frames that are fixedly and axially movably attached to the elongated beam on each of an opposite side of the main frame. A pair of idler wheels and a pair of drive wheels one each are attached to the first and second track roller frames. The drive wheels are drivingly and axially movably attached to the final drive. First and second suspension members support the main frame of the work machine and supported by the elongated beam. The first and second suspension members cushion the pivotal movement of the undercarriage about the axis that is defined by the final drive.
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Caterpillar Inc.
Greene Jeffrey A.
Johnson Brian L.
Klebe G
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