Patent classifications
B62D55/12
Elastic crawler and crawler-type travel device
Provided are an elastic crawler and a crawler-type travel device in which wheel detachment and edge cut are unlikely to occur even when performing operations inside a large cylindrical structure or on a ground surface that is highly curved. An elastic crawler (1) has a crawler body (2) comprising an endless elastic body depressed by roller wheels having left and right tread surfaces, a plurality of lugs (4) being disposed on the ground-contact surface (7) of the crawler body (2). On one side portion in relation to the center position in the crawler width direction on the ground-contact surface side of the crawler body (2), outward of a tread surface (11c) which is the inner side of the roller wheels in the crawler width direction, toward the vicinity of one side end edge in the crawler width direction from a position within a range inward of a tread surface (11a) which is the outer side, a distance (dp) in the height direction of the tread surface (11a) which is the outer side is gradually reduced, whereby an inclined surface (7a) is formed such that the crawler thickness is gradually reduced, and due to this configuration, the inclined surface does not contact the ground when travelling on a flat surface.
Transformable track assembly
An endless track assembly that mounts to a vehicle drive linkage and is operative to vary the track geometry or profile and terrain contact surface to differing terrains. The track assembly includes controlled idler wheel rocker arm suspensions for pivoting associated idler wheels at an assembly framework. In one assembly, a wheel and tire are supported to a track drive sprocket. The shape of the track assembly can be transformed to alternately engage and disengage the track or wheel with the terrain. In other constructions, the geometry of the track can be varied between triangular and circular shapes. The assemblies include pivotally controlled idler wheel suspensions that cooperate with a drive sprocket supported expansible member to transform the track profile.
Transformable track assembly
An endless track assembly that mounts to a vehicle drive linkage and is operative to vary the track geometry or profile and terrain contact surface to differing terrains. The track assembly includes controlled idler wheel rocker arm suspensions for pivoting associated idler wheels at an assembly framework. In one assembly, a wheel and tire are supported to a track drive sprocket. The shape of the track assembly can be transformed to alternately engage and disengage the track or wheel with the terrain. In other constructions, the geometry of the track can be varied between triangular and circular shapes. The assemblies include pivotally controlled idler wheel suspensions that cooperate with a drive sprocket supported expansible member to transform the track profile.
ACTIVE TENSION SYSTEM AND METHOD
A work machine may include an idler wheel, a drivable track engaged with the idler wheel, and an actuator configured to move the idler wheel to adjust the tension in the drivable track. A controller may actively instruct the actuator to adjust the tension in the drivable track based on the pressure in the actuator and variables associated with the drivable track and the work machine.
ACTIVE TENSION SYSTEM AND METHOD
A work machine may include an idler wheel, a drivable track engaged with the idler wheel, and an actuator configured to move the idler wheel to adjust the tension in the drivable track. A controller may actively instruct the actuator to adjust the tension in the drivable track based on the pressure in the actuator and variables associated with the drivable track and the work machine.
Tracked vehicle with adjustable track spacing
Track systems for traction of a vehicle in which a spacing of laterally-adjacent ones of the track systems in a widthwise direction of the vehicle is adjustable. This may facilitate use of the vehicle in different conditions (e.g., in different field configurations, such as in different configurations of row crops, where the vehicle is an agricultural vehicle). For instance, the spacing of the laterally-adjacent ones of the track systems may be adjustable while the laterally-adjacent ones of the track systems are connected to a power train of the vehicle and/or without requiring use of additional parts (e.g. spacers).
TRACK SYSTEM
A track system for use with a vehicle includes an attachment assembly connectable to the chassis of the vehicle having a multi-pivot assembly having a first pivot extending longitudinally and defining a roll pivot axis, and a second pivot extending laterally and defining a pitch pivot axis. A frame assembly is disposed laterally outwardly from the attachment assembly and connected thereto. The frame assembly includes at least one wheel-bearing frame member. The track system further includes at least one actuator connected between the attachment assembly and the frame assembly for pivoting the frame assembly about the roll pivot axis, a leading idler wheel assembly, a trailing idler wheel assembly, at least one support wheel assembly, and an endless track.
TRACK SYSTEM
A track system for use with a vehicle includes an attachment assembly connectable to the chassis of the vehicle having a multi-pivot assembly having a first pivot extending longitudinally and defining a roll pivot axis, and a second pivot extending laterally and defining a pitch pivot axis. A frame assembly is disposed laterally outwardly from the attachment assembly and connected thereto. The frame assembly includes at least one wheel-bearing frame member. The track system further includes at least one actuator connected between the attachment assembly and the frame assembly for pivoting the frame assembly about the roll pivot axis, a leading idler wheel assembly, a trailing idler wheel assembly, at least one support wheel assembly, and an endless track.
Track assembly for an off-road vehicle
A track assembly for traction of a tracked vehicle, such as an agricultural vehicle, an industrial vehicle (e.g., a construction vehicle) or a military vehicle, is provided. The track assembly comprises a plurality of wheels which comprises a drive wheel and a plurality of roller wheels, as well as an elastomeric endless track disposed around the plurality of wheels for engaging the ground. A roller wheel may comprise a wheel body and a covering on the wheel body. The covering may comprise a lateral portion dimensioned to contact a drive/guide lug of the track. The roller wheels and the track may implement a self-alignment system of the track assembly. The track assembly may comprise a cooling system for transferring heat away from a roller wheel. The track assembly may comprise a lateral motion mechanism allowing a roller wheel to move widthwise in response to a side load.
Track assembly for an off-road vehicle
A track assembly for traction of a tracked vehicle, such as an agricultural vehicle, an industrial vehicle (e.g., a construction vehicle) or a military vehicle, is provided. The track assembly comprises a plurality of wheels which comprises a drive wheel and a plurality of roller wheels, as well as an elastomeric endless track disposed around the plurality of wheels for engaging the ground. A roller wheel may comprise a wheel body and a covering on the wheel body. The covering may comprise a lateral portion dimensioned to contact a drive/guide lug of the track. The roller wheels and the track may implement a self-alignment system of the track assembly. The track assembly may comprise a cooling system for transferring heat away from a roller wheel. The track assembly may comprise a lateral motion mechanism allowing a roller wheel to move widthwise in response to a side load.