Patent Application
20230132538
The present technology relates to endless tracks for track systems and endless track systems for light heavy-duty vehicles.
Certain vehicles, such as, for example, construction or industrial vehicles (e.g., bulldozers, front-end loaders, compact track loaders, skid steer loaders, etc.) and agricultural vehicles (e.g., harvesters, combines, tractors, etc.) are used on ground surfaces that are soft, slippery and/or uneven (e.g., soil, mud, sand, ice, snow, etc.).
Conventionally, such vehicles have had large wheels with tires on them to move the vehicle along the ground surface. Under certain conditions, such tires may have poor traction on some kinds of ground surfaces, and as these vehicles are generally heavy, the tires may compact the ground surface in an undesirable way owing to the weight of the vehicle.
In order to reduce the aforementioned drawbacks, to increase traction and to distribute the weight of the vehicle over a larger area on the ground surface, track systems having endless tracks were developed to be used in place of at least some of the wheels and tires on the vehicles. For example, under certain conditions, track systems enable vehicles to be used in wet field conditions as opposed to its wheeled counterpart.
Conventionally, endless tracks for industrial or construction vehicles can be made of metallic members or can be made of an elastomeric material with rigid laterally extending reinforcing members. These conventional endless tracks can last a long time, but can be very heavy, and thus can require a relatively large amount of energy to move. Additionally, conventional endless tracks can induce vibrations within the endless track can reduce a maximum speed at which a vehicle to which the endless track is connected can travel.
Therefore, there is a desire for an endless track that could mitigate at least some of the above-mentioned issues.
It is an object of the present technology to ameliorate at least some of the inconveniences present in the prior art.
According to one aspect of the present technology, there is provided an endless track for a track system. The endless track includes a carcass and a belting member disposed within the carcass. The carcass is free of reinforcing member, and includes an inner surface, an outer surface, a first lateral edge, and a second lateral edge, a plurality of central lugs and a plurality of traction projections. The plurality of central lugs extend from the inner surface, and each central lug of the plurality of central lugs is longitudinally spaced from one another, and the plurality of central lugs is configured to engage with a driving wheel assembly. The plurality of traction projections extend from the outer surface, are configured to engage with a ground surface, and at least some of the plurality of traction projections defining outer recesses. The belting member is disposed within the carcass.
In some embodiments, the plurality of central lugs is configured to laterally guide the endless track with respect to wheel assemblies of the track system.
In some embodiments, each one of the plurality of central lugs has a lug base length and a lug base height, a ratio of the lug height over the lug base length is equal or less than about 80%.
In some embodiments, a ratio of a longitudinal distance between two adjacent central lugs of the plurality of central lugs over the lug base length is equal or less than about 170%.
In some embodiments, the belting member is a single set of cables.
In some embodiments, the belting member includes a primary layer and a secondary layer.
In some embodiments, the endless track defines a neutral axis, and the belting member is generally aligned with the neutral axis.
In some embodiments, the belting member extends along at least about 55% of the track width.
In some embodiments, a vertical distance between the belting member and the inner surface is at least about 13 mm.
In some embodiments, the plurality of traction projections form a plurality of traction projection sets, each one of the plurality of traction projection sets including at least two longitudinally aligned traction projections.
In some embodiments, the plurality of traction projection sets defines an alternating sequence of long traction projections followed by short traction projections.
In some embodiments, the long traction projections are longitudinally aligned with the central lugs.
In some embodiments, at least some of the plurality of traction projections are longitudinally aligned with the plurality of central lugs.
In some embodiments, the plurality of outer recesses is generally aligned with a leading end of a base portion of a central lug, and a trailing end of a base portion of an adjacent central lug.
In some embodiments, the inner surface has a first wheel engaging portion disposed on one side of the plurality of central lugs and a second wheel engaging portion disposed on an other side of the plurality of central lugs, the first lateral edge is vertically lower than the first wheel engaging portion, and the second lateral edge is vertically lower than the second wheel engaging portion.
In some embodiments, the inner surface further includes a first sloped portion extending between the first wheel engaging portion and the first lateral edge and a second sloped portion extending between the second wheel engaging portion and the second lateral edge, and the first and second sloped portions are configured to evacuate debris laterally outwardly from the first and second wheel engaging portions.
In some embodiments, the first and second sloped portions each have sloped portion width and a sloped portion height, and a ratio of the sloped portion height over the sloped portion width is at least about 20%.
In some embodiments, the ratio of the sloped portion height over the sloped portion width is at least about 30%.
In some embodiments, the first and second sloped portions are configured to flex inwardly and absorb a shock when the track system encounters an obstacle on the ground.
In some embodiments, the endless track is for replacing a steel-embedded endless track.
According to another aspect of the present technology, there is provided a track system for a vehicle, the track system including a frame, a plurality of wheel assemblies and an endless track according to the above aspect or according to the above aspect and one or more of the above embodiments. The plurality of wheel assemblies is connected to the frame, and includes at least one of a drive wheel assembly, an idler wheel assembly, and a support wheel assembly. The endless track at least partially surrounds the frame and the plurality of wheel assemblies.
According to another aspect of the present technology, there is provided an endless track for a track system. The endless track includes a track body, which has a wheel-contacting surface, a ground-contacting surface that is distal from the wheel-contacting surface and defining a track thickness, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge that is distal from the first lateral edge and defining a track width, and a centerline bisecting the track width. The endless track also includes a reinforcing layer embedded in the track body and distal from the wheel-contacting surface, a plurality of central lugs and a plurality of traction lugs. The plurality of central lugs is adapted to be drivingly engageable with a driving wheel assembly, having a lug height, a base length, and a base width, and longitudinally spaced along the centerline and extending from the wheel-contacting surface. The plurality of traction lugs is adapted to engage a ground surface, is longitudinally spaced along the track, extends from the ground-contacting surface, and defines a plurality of inter-lug regions located between adjacent traction lugs. The plurality of central lugs is free of reinforcing members. The wheel-contacting surface is substantially planar. The first lateral portion extends from the first lateral edge to the central lugs and a second lateral portion extending from the second lateral edge to the central lugs are comprised within the wheel-contacting surface.
In some embodiments, the plurality of central lugs is further adapted to laterally guide the endless track with respect to a plurality of wheel assemblies.
In some embodiments, a ratio of the lug height over the base length of one of the central lugs of the plurality of central lugs is equal or less than about 80%.
In some embodiments, a ratio of the longitudinal distance between each of the plurality of central lugs over the base length of the plurality of central lugs is equal or less than about 170%.
In some embodiments, the reinforcing layer is a single layer of reinforcing cables.
In some embodiments, the reinforcing layer further comprises a primary layer and a secondary layer.
In some embodiments, the reinforcing layer is disposed substantially aligned with a neutral axis of the endless track.
In some embodiments, the reinforcing layer extend along at least about 55% of the track width.
In some embodiments, a distance between the wheel-contacting surface and a closer one of the belting member and the neutral axis is at least about 13 mm.
In some embodiments, the plurality of traction lugs includes a longitudinally alternating sequence of a long traction lug followed by a short traction lug.
In some embodiments, the long traction lugs are longitudinally aligned with the central lugs.
In some embodiments, the plurality of inter-lug regions is substantially aligned with each extremity of the base length of the central lugs.
In some embodiments, the first and second lateral edges are vertically distal from the wheel-contacting surface.
In some embodiments, the first and second lateral portions further include a first sloped portion and a second sloped portion, respectively, for evacuating debris laterally outwardly from the wheel-contacting surface.
In some embodiments, the first and second sloped portions each have a sloped portion width and a sloped portion height, and a ratio of the sloped portion height over the sloped portion width is at least about 20%.
In some embodiments, the first and second sloped portions further include
a radius.
In some embodiments, the first and second sloped portions are configured to flex inwardly and absorb a shock when the track system encounters an obstacle on the ground.
In some embodiments, the ratio of the sloped portion height over the sloped portion width is at least about 30%.
In some embodiments, the tracked vehicle is one of a compact track loader and a tracked skid-steer.
In some embodiments, the endless track is for replacing a steel-embedded endless track.
According to another aspect of the present technology, there is provided a track system for a vehicle. The track system includes a frame, a plurality of wheel assemblies, and an endless track according to one of the above aspects or according to one of the above aspects and one or more of the above embodiments. The plurality of wheel assemblies, which is rotationally connected to the frame, includes a drove wheel assembly operatively connectable to a driving axle of the vehicle for driving the endless track. The endless track is disposed around the frame and the plurality of wheel assemblies. track-engaging assembly, a plurality of wheel assemblies.
In some embodiments, the plurality of wheel assemblies includes a tension wheel assembly and at least one support wheel assembly.
In some embodiments, the tension wheel assembly includes a tensioning system.
In some embodiments, at least two of the plurality of wheel assemblies are configured as a tandem.
According to another aspect of the present technology, there is provided an endless track for a tracked vehicle, the endless track being configured to be disposed around a plurality of wheel assemblies. The endless track includes a carcass and a belting member disposed within the carcass. The carcass has an inner surface, an outer surface, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. The outer surface is opposite to the inner surface, and the inner and outer surfaces define a track thickness. The first and second lateral edges define a track width.
The carcass has a plurality of central lugs. The plurality of central lugs is configured to engage a driving wheel assembly, and extends from the inner surface. Each one of the plurality of central lugs is longitudinally spaced from one another, and has a lug height, a lug base, a lug length, and a lug base width. The carcass also has a plurality of traction projections that are configured to engage a ground surface, extend from the outer surface and define a plurality of outer recesses. The carcass is free of reinforcing members. The inner surface is substantially planar.
In some embodiments, the plurality of central lugs is further adapted to laterally guide the endless track with respect to the plurality of wheel assemblies.
In some embodiments, a ratio of the lug height over the base length of a central lug of the plurality of central lugs is equal or less than about 80%.
In some embodiments, a ratio of the longitudinal distance between each of the plurality of central lugs over the base length of the plurality of central lugs is equal or less than about 170%.
In some embodiments, the belting member is a single set of cables.
In some embodiments, the belting member includes a primary layer and a secondary layer.
In some embodiments, the belting member is substantially aligned with a neutral axis of the endless track.
In some embodiments, the belting member extends along at least about 55% of the track width.
In some embodiments, a distance between the belting member and the inner surface is at least about 13 mm.
In some embodiments, the plurality of traction projections includes a longitudinally alternating sequence of a long traction lug followed by a short traction lug.
In some embodiments, the long traction lugs are longitudinally aligned with the central lugs.
In some embodiments, the plurality of outer recesses is substantially aligned with each extremity of the base length of the central lugs.
In some embodiments, the inner surface has a first wheel engaging portion and a second wheel engaging portion, and the first lateral edge is vertically lower than the first wheel engaging portion and the second lateral edge is vertically lower than the second wheel engaging portion.
In some embodiments, the inner surface further includes a first sloped portion and a second sloped portion for evacuating debris laterally outwardly from the wheel-contacting surface.
In some embodiments, the first and second sloped portions each have sloped portion width and a sloped portion height, and a ratio of the sloped portion height over the sloped portion width is at least about 20%.
In some embodiments, the first and second sloped portions further include at least one radius.
In some embodiments, the first and second sloped portions are configured to flex inwardly and absorb a shock when the track system encounters an obstacle on the ground.
In some embodiments, the ratio of the sloped portion height over the sloped portion width is at least about 30%.
In some embodiments, the tracked vehicle is one of a compact track loader and a tracked skid-steer.
In some embodiments, the endless track is for replacing a steel-embedded endless track.
According to another aspect of the present technology, there is provided a track system for a vehicle, the track system includes a frame, a plurality of wheel assemblies rotationally connected to the frame, and an endless track according to one of the above aspects or according to one of the above aspects and one or more of the above embodiments, which is disposed around the frame and the plurality of wheel assemblies. The plurality of wheel assemblies includes a drive wheel assemblies operatively connectable to a driving axle of the vehicle for driving the endless track, and a plurality of idler wheel assemblies.
In some embodiments, the plurality of idler wheels includes a tension wheel assembly and at least one support wheel assembly.
In some embodiments, the tension wheel assembly includes a tensioning system.
In some embodiments, at least two of the plurality of idler wheels are configured as a tandem.
In some embodiments, a first idler wheel assembly and a second idler wheel assembly are mounted together to pivot about a pivot axis disposed longitudinally between the first and second idler wheel assemblies.
In some embodiments, the inner surface of the endless track is free of lateral guide lugs.
In some embodiments, the endless track is configured to be laterally guided by only the central lugs.
In some embodiments, the endless track has an inversed T-shape.
In some embodiments, the wheel path height comprises a first wheel path height and a second wheel path height.
According to another aspect of the present technology, there is provide, an endless track for a track system, the endless track consisting of a carcass defining a neutral axis, and a belting member. The carcass has an inner surface, an outer surface opposite to the inner surface, a plurality of longitudinally spaced central lugs extending from the inner surface. The belting member is disposed within the carcass; and is generally aligned with the neutral axis.
In some embodiments, the body of the carcass consists essentially of elastomeric material.
According to another aspect of the present technology, there is provided an endless track for a tracked vehicle, the endless track being configured to be disposed around a plurality of wheel assemblies. The endless track includes a carcass having an inner surface, an outer surface, a first lateral edge, a second lateral edge, a plurality of central lugs and a plurality of tractions lugs.
The outer surface is opposite to the inner surface, and the inner and outer surfaces define a carcass thickness. The first and second lateral edge define a carcass width. The plurality of central lugs is configured to engage a driving wheel assembly, and extend from the inner surface. Each one of the plurality of central lugs are longitudinally spaced from one another, and have a lug height, a lug base, a lug length, and a lug base width. The plurality of traction projections is configured to engage a ground surface, extend from the outer surface and define a plurality of outer recesses. The carcass is free of reinforcing members. The inner surface is substantially planar.
In some embodiments, the endless track further comprises a belting member disposed within the carcass.
In some embodiments, the belting member is disposed along a neutral axis of the carcass.
In some embodiments, the carcass consists essentially of elastomeric material.
According to another aspect of the present technology, there is provided a vehicle including a frame, an engine supported by the frame, and at least two track systems. Each of the track system includes a frame, a plurality of wheel assemblies and an endless track. The endless track includes a carcass free of reinforcing member, the carcass including an inner surface, an outer surface, a first lateral edge, a second lateral edge, a plurality of central lugs, and a plurality of traction projections. The plurality of central lugs extend from the inner surface, each central lug of the plurality of central lugs being longitudinally spaced from one another, and the plurality of central lugs being configured to engage with a driving wheel assembly. The plurality of traction projections extend from the outer surface, the plurality of traction projections being configured to engage with a ground surface, at least some of the plurality of traction projections defining outer recesses. The carcass also includes a belting member disposed within the carcass.
According to another aspect of the present technology, there is provided a vehicle including a frame, an engine supported by the frame, and at least two track systems comprising a frame, a plurality of wheel assemblies, and an endless track. The endless track includes a track body having a wheel-contacting surface, a ground-contacting surface distal from the wheel-contacting surface and defining a track thickness, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge distal from the first lateral edge and defining a track width, and a centerline bisecting the track width. The endless track also has a reinforcing layer embedded in the track body and distal from the wheel-contacting surface. The endless track also has a plurality of central lugs and a plurality of traction lugs. The plurality of central lugs is adapted to be drivingly engageable with a driving wheel assembly, and each one of the plurality of centra lugs has a lug height, a base length, and a base width, and is longitudinally spaced along the centerline and extends from the wheel-contacting surface. The plurality of traction lugs is adapted to engage a ground surface, and extends from the ground-contacting surface, and define a plurality of inter-lug regions located between adjacent traction lugs. Each one of the plurality of traction lugs is longitudinally spaced from one another. The plurality of central lugs is free of reinforcing members. The wheel-contacting surface is substantially planar. The first lateral portion extends from the first lateral edge to the central lugs and a second lateral portion extends from the second lateral edge to the central lugs. The first and second lateral portions are comprised within the wheel-contacting surface.
According to another aspect of the present technology, there is provided a vehicle including a frame, an engine supported by the frame, and at least two track systems. Each of the at least two track systems includes a frame, a plurality of wheel assemblies and an endless track. The endless track includes a carcass having an inner surface and an outer surface opposite to the inner surface, the inner and outer surfaces defining a track thickness, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge, the first and second lateral edge defining a track width, a plurality of central lugs configured to engage a driving wheel assembly, the plurality of central lugs being longitudinally spaced and extending from the inner surface, each one of the plurality of central lugs having a lug height, a lug base, a lug length, and a lug base width, and a plurality of traction projections configured to engage a ground surface, the plurality of traction projections extending from the outer surface and defining a plurality of outer recesses. The belting member is disposed within the carcass. The carcass is free of reinforcing members. The inner surface is substantially planar.
In the context of the following description, “outwardly” or “outward” means away from a longitudinal center plane of the track system, and “inwardly” or “inward” means toward the longitudinal center plane. In addition, in the context of the following description, “longitudinally” means in a direction parallel to the longitudinal center plane of the track system in a plane parallel to flat level ground, “laterally” means in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal center plane in a plane parallel to flat level ground, and “generally vertically” means in a direction contained in the longitudinal center plane along a height direction of the track system generally perpendicular to flat level ground. Also, the term “wheel assemblies” include all the necessary structure (bearing structures, pins, axles and other components) to permit a structure/wheel to pivot/rotate about an axis, as the case may be.
As used herein, the singular form “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
The recitation herein of numerical ranges by endpoints is intended to include all numbers subsumed within that range (e.g., a recitation of 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 4.32, and 5).
The term “about” is used herein explicitly or not, every quantity given herein is meant to refer to the actual given value, and it is also meant to refer to the approximation to such given value that would reasonably be inferred based on the ordinary skill in the art, including equivalents and approximations due to the experimental and/or measurement conditions for such given value. For example, the term “about” in the context of a given value or range refers to a value or range that is within 20%, preferably within 15%, more preferably within 10%, more preferably within 9%, more preferably within 8%, more preferably within 7%, more preferably within 6%, and more preferably within 5% of the given value or range.
The expression “and/or” where used herein is to be taken as specific disclosure of each of the two specified features or components with or without the other. For example, “A and/or B” is to be taken as specific disclosure of each of (i) A, (ii) B and (iii) A and B, just as if each is set out individually herein.
As used herein, the term “comprise” is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded.
As used herein, the expression “consist essentially of” is used to indicate that the product or composition (a) necessarily includes the listed elements; and (b) is open to unlisted elements that do not materially affect the properties of the product or composition.
In the context of the present specification, unless expressly provided otherwise, the words “first”, “second”, “third”, etc. have been used as adjectives only for the purpose of allowing for distinction between the nouns that they modify from one another, and not for the purpose of describing any particular relationship between those nouns.
Implementations of the present technology each have at least one of the above-mentioned objects and/or aspects, but do not necessarily have all of them. It should be understood that some aspects of the present technology that have resulted from attempting to attain the above-mentioned object may not satisfy this object and/or may satisfy other objects not specifically recited herein.
Additional and/or alternative features, aspects, and advantages of implementations of the present technology will become apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.
For a better understanding of the present technology, as well as other aspects and further features thereof, reference is made to the following description which is to be used in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where:
The present description is intended to be a description of illustrative examples of the present technology. This description is not intended to define the scope or set forth the bounds of the present technology. In some cases, what are believed to be helpful examples of modifications or alternatives to apparatus may also be set forth below. This is done merely as an aid to understanding, and, again, not to define the scope or set forth the bounds of the present technology. These modifications are not an exhaustive list, and, as a person skilled in the art would understand, other modifications are likely possible. Further, where this has not been done (i.e., where no examples of modifications have been set forth), it should not be interpreted that no modifications are possible and/or that what is described is the sole manner of implementing or embodying that element of the present technology. As a person skilled in the art would understand, this is likely not the case. In addition, it is to be understood that the apparatus may provide in certain aspects a simple embodiment of the present technology, and that where such is the case it has been presented in this manner as an aid to understanding. As persons skilled in the art would understand, various embodiments of the present technology may be of a greater complexity than what is described herein.
The present technology relates to an endless track which is mountable to a track system. In some instances, the endless track is for replacing a conventional metallic endless track mounted to a track system of a vehicle. In other instances, the endless track is for replacing a polymeric track having laterally extending reinforcing members therein, commonly known as “steel embedded tracks”. In yet other instances, the endless track is initially provided with a track system of a vehicle.
The present technology will be described with reference to a track system 30, which is shown in
In some embodiments, the vehicle could be a light heavy-duty vehicle such as, but not limited to, a tracked skid-steer, and mini-excavator. It is also contemplated that in some embodiments, the vehicle could be a medium heavy-duty vehicle and/or a heavy heavy-duty vehicle. It is contemplated that light heavy-duty vehicles could weigh between about 3,000 lbs and about 19,500 lbs, medium heavy-duty vehicles could weigh between about 19,500 lbs and about 33,000 lbs and heavy heavy-duty vehicles could weigh more than about 33,000 lbs. It is further contemplated that in some embodiments, the present technology could be used with other types of vehicles. For example, in some embodiments, the vehicle is industrial or a military vehicle as well.
The track system 30 includes a frame 35, a plurality of wheel assemblies, which includes a sprocket wheel assembly 40, a leading idler wheel assembly 60a, a trailing idler wheel assembly 60b, support wheel assemblies 62a, 62b, 62c, 62d, and an endless track 100.
The frame 35 is a multi-member frame 35, where the various members are fastened to one another. It is contemplated that in other embodiments, the various members could be connected to one another differently, for example via welding or rivets. In some embodiments, the frame 35 could be a unitary frame.
The sprocket wheel assembly 40, which is connected to the frame 35, can be operatively connected to a driving axle (not shown) of the vehicle. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the sprocket wheel assembly 40 could be connected to a non-driving axle. The driving axle is configured to drive the sprocket wheel assembly 40, such that in some embodiments, the sprocket wheel assembly 40 could be referred to as a driving wheel assembly. The sprocket wheel assembly 40 has engaging members 44 (i.e., teeth) disposed on the circumference of the sprocket wheel assembly 40. The sprocket wheel assembly 40 defines, between each of two engaging members 44, recesses 45. The engaging members 44 and the recesses 45 are adapted, as will be described in greater detail below, to engage with central lugs 120 provided on an inner surface 110 of the endless track 100. It is contemplated that in other embodiments, the configuration of the sprocket wheel assembly 40 could differ without departing from the scope of the present technology.
With continued reference to
The leading idler wheel assembly 60a is rotationally connected to a leading end of the frame 35.
The support wheel assemblies 62a, 62b, 62c, 62d, which are disposed longitudinally rearwardly from the leading idler wheel assembly 60a, are also rotationally connected to the frame 35. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the support wheel assemblies 62a, 62b, 62c, 62d could be connected to the frame 35 via support structures enabling a pivotal movement of the support wheel assemblies 62a, 62b, 62c, 62d about a longitudinally extending axis.
The trailing idler wheel assembly 60b is rotationally connected to the frame 35 longitudinally rearwardly from the support wheel assemblies 62a, 62b, 62c, 62d.
It is contemplated that in some embodiments, one of the leading and trailing idler wheels 60a, 60b could be connected to the frame 35 via a tensioner, which is operable to adjust a tension in the endless track 100 by selectively moving one of the leading and trailing idler wheels 60a, 60b toward or away from the frame 35.
The track system 30 also includes the endless track 100, which extends around components of the track system 30, notably the frame 35 and the wheel assemblies, which, as mentioned above, includes the sprocket wheel assembly 40a, the leading idler wheel assembly 60a, the trailing idler wheel assembly 60b, and the support wheel assemblies 62a, 62b, 62c, 62d.
With reference to
In some embodiments, the endless track 100 is made of an elastomeric material. In some embodiments, the endless track 100 is made of at least about 90% polymeric material (i.e., carcass 102) and less than about 10% other material (i.e., belting member 104). In other embodiments, the endless track 100 is made of at least about 95% polymeric material (i.e., carcass 102) and less than about 5% other material (i.e., belting member 104). In yet other embodiments, the endless track 100 is made of at least about 98% polymeric material (i.e., carcass 102) and less than about 2% other material (i.e., belting member 104). In yet other embodiments, the endless track 100 is made of at least about 99% polymeric material (i.e., carcass 102) and less than about 1% other material (i.e., belting member 104). In some other embodiments, the endless track 100 consists essentially of elastomeric material.
As will be described in greater detail below, a reduction of rigid material within the endless track 100 can assist in reducing vibrations therein and can assist in reducing energy required to move the endless track 100.
The carcass 102, sometimes referred to herein as a body of the endless track 100, has an inner surface 110 and an outer surface 112 that is spaced from the inner surface 110. The inner and outer surfaces 110, 112 extend laterally from a left lateral edge 114 of the carcass 102 to a right lateral edge 116 of the carcass 102. The carcass 102 further has a plurality of central lugs 120 that extend from the inner surface 110, and a plurality of traction projections 122 that extend from the outer surface 112. The plurality of central lugs 120, and the plurality of traction projections 122 will be described in greater detail herebelow.
The endless track 100 includes a neutral axis 118 (
Being that the inner surface 110 and the outer surface 112 are spaced from one another, a track thickness T can be measured from the inner surface 110 to the outer surface 112. In some instances, the track thickness T can be measured from a point on the inner surface 110 that is most distant to the neutral axis 118 to a point on the outer surface 112 that is the closest to the neutral axis 118, such that the track thickness T does not include thickness of the traction projections 122. A total track thickness TT of the carcass 102, can be measured from the inner surface 110 to a bottommost surface of the traction projections 122. Additionally, a width W of the carcass 102 can be measured between the left and right lateral edges 114, 116.
With continued reference to
Furthermore, the inner surface 110 has a left wheel engaging portion 130, and a right wheel engaging portion 132. The left and right wheel engaging portions 130, 132 are configured to engage with wheels of the track system 30, such as for example, wheels of the idler and support wheel assemblies 60a, 60b, 62a, 62b, 62c, 62d. The left wheel engaging portion 130 is disposed on a left side of the central lugs 120, and the right wheel engaging portion 132 is disposed on a right side of the central lugs 120. As such, the left and right wheel engaging portions 130, 132 are laterally spaced from one another. Each of the left and right wheel engaging portions 130, 132 has a wheel engaging portion width WWEP. The left and right wheel engaging portions 130, 132 each extend longitudinally along the entire length of the carcass 102, and are configured so that upper surfaces of the left and right wheel engaging portions 130, 132 are positioned vertically above the left and right lateral edges 114, 116. Additionally, the left and right wheel engaging portions 130, 132 are also configured to be above the neutral axis 118. In some instances, a wheel engaging portion thickness TWEP of the left and right wheel engaging portions 130, 132 can be measured from the neutral axis 118 to an upper surface of the left and right wheel engaging portions 130, 132. The wheel engaging portion thickness TWEP is at least about 13 mm. In other embodiments, the wheel engaging portion thickness TWEP can be about 14 mm, about 15 mm, about 16 mm, about 17 mm, about 18 mm, about 19 mm, or about 20 mm. As will be described in greater detail below, thicker wheel engaging portions 130, 132 may at least assist in reducing vibrations within the endless track 100, and thus reduce vibrations transmitted to the track system 30.
Laterally outwardly from the left and right wheel engaging portions 130, 132, the inner surface 110 has, respectively, left and right sloped portions 140, 142. The left sloped portion 140 is configured to extend laterally outwardly and generally downwardly from the left wheel engaging portion 130, such that an outermost point of the left sloped portion 140 (which in this embodiment corresponds to the left lateral edge 114) is vertically lower than a laterally outermost point of the left wheel engaging portion 130 (which, in this embodiment, corresponds to the intersection between the left sloped portion 140 and the left wheel engaging portion 130). Similarly, the right sloped portion 142 is configured to extend laterally outwardly and generally downwardly from the right wheel engaging portion 140, such that an outermost point of the right sloped portion 142 (which, in this embodiment, corresponds to the right lateral edge 116) is vertically lower than a laterally outermost point of the right wheel engaging portion 142 (which, in this embodiment, corresponds to the intersection between the right sloped portion 142 and the right wheel engaging portion 132). Each one of the left and right sloped portions 140, 142 has a sloped portion width WSP, and a sloped portion height HSP. As best seen in
The presence of the left and right sloped portions 140, 142 can, in some instances, assist in the evacuation of debris such as mud or snow that may accumulate on the inner surface 110. Additionally, the presence of the left and right sloped portions 140, 142 can reduce the amount of material required to manufacture the endless track 100, which in turn can make the endless track 100 lighter and cheaper to manufacture. Furthermore, as shown in
As best seen in
The central lug 120 has a base portion 150, an intermediate portion 152 and a top portion 154. A bottom of the base portion 150 is generally coincident with the upper surface of the left and right wheel engaging portions 130, 132. In the embodiment illustrated in
The central lug 120 has a longitudinal rigidity and a lateral rigidity. It is contemplated that the longitudinal and lateral rigidities could be different from one another (i.e., the modulus of elasticity in the longitudinal direction could be different from the modulus of elasticity in the lateral direction). It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the longitudinal and/or lateral rigidities could vary from between the base, intermediate and top portions 150, 152, 154. This can, for example, be a result of the varying amount of the elastomeric material between the base, intermediate, and top portions 150, 152, 154 As will be described in greater detail below, the central lug 120 is configured to drive the endless track 100 as well as laterally guide the endless track 100. Given that the central lugs 120 are configured to drive as well as guide the endless track 100, in some embodiments of the present technology, the carcass 102 does not have lateral guide lugs.
With continued reference to
A ratio of the lug height HL over the lug base length LLB is equal to or less than about 80%. In some embodiments, the ratio of the lug height HL over the lug base length LLB is about 705%. In some embodiments, the ratio of the lug height HL over the lug base length LLB is about 70%.
A ratio of the pitch P over the lug base length LLB is equal to or less than about 170%. In some embodiments, the ratio of the pitch P over the lug base length LLB could be equal to or less than about 160%. In other embodiments, the ratio of the pitch P over the lug base length LLB could be equal to or less than about 150%.
As will be described in greater detail below, the lug height HL, the lug base length LLB, the ratio of the lug height HL over the lug base length LLB, and the ratio of the ratio of the pitch P over the lug base length LLB can each impact the rigidity of the central lugs 120 as well as the guiding of the carcass 102.
With reference to
It is contemplated that in other embodiments, the configuration of the outer tread could differ from the configuration of the present embodiment. For instance, in some embodiments, some of the traction projection sets 160 could have a height that is shorter than the height of the other traction projection sets 160 of the track (e.g., short and tall sets), wherein the height of the traction projections 122 of the short sets is smaller than the height of the traction projections 122 of the tall sets, when height is measured from the outer surface 112 to the furthermost point of the traction projection 122 relative to the neutral axis 118. The height of the traction projections 122 can have an impact on the rolling resistance of the endless track 100. Specifically, as the height of the traction projections 122 increases by making the thickness T smaller, the endless track 100 becomes more flexible, such that rolling resistance is decreased. Additionally, length of the traction projections 122 can also vary from one traction projection set 160 to another.
In some embodiments, a given one of the traction projection sets 160 could include a combination of short traction projections 122 and tall traction projections 122 (shown in
With reference to
In the present embodiment, the belting member 104 is a layer of longitudinally extending cables disposed within the carcass 102. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the layer could include a single cable, whereas in other embodiment, it could include a plurality of cables. In some embodiments, the belting member 104 could comprise two or more layers laterally, longitudinally and/or vertically spaced from one another. In some embodiments, the second layer could be a fabric, a mesh or another secondary structure. For example, some embodiments, the belting member 104 could include a primary layer made of longitudinal extending metallic cables, and a secondary layer made of a mesh interconnected to the primary layer. The belting member 104 extends along about 55% of the track width W. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the belting member 104 could extend more or less than about 55% of the track width W. In some embodiments, the belting member 104 could extend under the left and right wheel engaging portions 130, 132. In some embodiments, the belting member 104 does not extend below the left and right sloped portions 140, 142 so as to ensure the flexibility of the endless track 102 at those regions is not affected.
In the present embodiment, the cables of the belting member 104 are made of steel, however, it is contemplated that the cables could be made of different materials such as natural fibers or nylon without departing from the present technology.
In some embodiments, the belting member 104 is configured to generally limit, amongst other things, the longitudinal elongation of the carcass 102 and/or the longitudinal deformation. For instance, when the endless track 100 is subjected to forces causing it to deform into a sinuous shape, the belting member 104 can limit the sinuous deformation.
The belting member 104 is positioned to be generally aligned with the neutral axis 118 of the endless track 100 such as to assist in reducing stresses and strains that the endless track 100 may be subjected to. A ratio of the distance between the position of the belting member 104 and the upper surface of the left and right wheel engaging portions 140, 142 (inner surface 110) over the track thickness T can be measured. In some embodiments, the ratio can be about 30%. In other embodiments, the ratio can be about 20%, about 25%, about 35%, about 40%, about 45%, about 50%, about 55%.
Some advantages of the present technology over conventional endless tracks will now be described.
With the electrification of vehicles, there is a desire and a need to modify various systems and subsystems (such as track systems) to minimize their energy consumption and to increase the autonomy of said vehicles per given battery charge. Additionally, as vehicles become more sophisticated, they are capable of carrying higher loads, and the track systems and the endless tracks should, while reducing energy consumption thereof, also be configured to withstand these higher loads.
Conventional endless tracks for use with vehicles such as tractors have laterally extending reinforcing members therein. These laterally extending reinforcing members, while allowing to increase the life of their endless tracks, also cause an increase in the amount of energy required to move the conventional endless track. The laterally extending reinforcing members can also increase vibrations in the endless tracks, thereby reducing the maximum speed at which the vehicle can travel.
Because the endless track of the present technology is free of the reinforcing members (e.g., free of laterally reinforcing members), its weight is lighter than conventional track with reinforcing members. This absence of reinforcing members allows to decrease the energy required to move the endless track of the present technology.
Furthermore, rather than having two or more sets of lugs (e.g., lateral guiding lugs), the endless track of the present technology has a single set of longitudinally spaced lugs (i.e., central guide lugs 120) that guide the endless track, which reduces the overall weight of the track. As shown, in
Additionally, the ratio of the wheel engaging portion thickness TWEP over track thickness T, the ratio of the distance between the belting member 104 and the upper surface of the left and right wheel engaging portions 140, 142 over the track thickness T, the ratio of the lug height HL over the lug base length LLB, the configuration of the left and right sloped portion 140, 142, and/or the outer recesses 162 can contribute in reducing the rolling resistance of the endless track 100, t thereby resulting in reducing energy required to move the endless track 100.
Modifications and improvements to the above-described embodiments of the present technology may become apparent to those skilled in the art. The foregoing description is intended to be exemplary rather than limiting.
The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/274,810, filed Nov. 2, 2021 entitled “Endless Track for a Track System”, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63274810 | Nov 2021 | US |
