U.S. patent application number 13/092346 was filed with the patent office on 2012-10-25 for twin bushing track chain cartridge.
This patent application is currently assigned to Caterpillar, Inc.. Invention is credited to Mark S. Diekevers, Eric Johannsen, Roger Recker, Jason Sebright.
Application Number | 20120267947 13/092346 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47020723 |
Filed Date | 2012-10-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120267947 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Johannsen; Eric ; et
al. |
October 25, 2012 |
Twin Bushing Track Chain Cartridge
Abstract
A cartridge assembly for a track chain is disclosed. The
cartridge assembly includes a pin that has a lubricant channel
therein. The pin is accommodated in an inner bushing that also has
a channel extending therethrough for accommodating the pin. The pin
extends beyond either end of the inner bushing. The pin and inner
bushing are partially disposed in an outer bushing that also has a
channel for accommodating the pin in inner bushing. The ends of the
inner bushing and pin extend beyond the ends of the outer bushing.
First and second inserts are disposed at either end of the inner
bushing. The first and second inserts are disposed between the
outer bushing and a pair of opposing collars which are disposed on
the ends of the pin beyond the inserts and beyond the ends of the
inner bushing. The inserts and collars each include seals. The
seals of the collars are supported by one or more thrust rings as
opposed to the inserts or partially by the inserts.
Inventors: |
Johannsen; Eric;
(Washington, IL) ; Recker; Roger; (Dunlap, IL)
; Sebright; Jason; (Chillicothe, IL) ; Diekevers;
Mark S.; (Metamora, IL) |
Assignee: |
Caterpillar, Inc.
Peoria
IL
|
Family ID: |
47020723 |
Appl. No.: |
13/092346 |
Filed: |
April 22, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
305/103 ;
29/525.03; 305/202 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62D 55/0887 20130101;
B62D 55/21 20130101; Y10T 29/4995 20150115; B62D 55/092 20130101;
B62D 55/211 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
305/103 ;
305/202; 29/525.03 |
International
Class: |
B62D 55/21 20060101
B62D055/21; B62D 55/088 20060101 B62D055/088; B23P 11/00 20060101
B23P011/00; B62D 55/20 20060101 B62D055/20 |
Claims
1. A cartridge assembly for a track chain, comprising: a pin
defining a longitudinal axis and having a lubricant channel, the
pin including first and second opposing ends; an inner bushing
having first and second ends and a channel extending therethrough
for rotatably accommodating a portion of the pin disposed between
the first and second opposing ends of the pin; an outer bushing
having first and second opposing ends and a channel extending
therethrough for accommodating a portion of the inner bushing
disposed between the first and second opposing ends of the inner
bushing; first and second inserts, each having a channel extending
therethrough for accommodating opposing portions of the inner
bushing that extend beyond the outer bushing, the first insert
engaging the first end of the outer bushing, the second insert
engaging the second end of the outer bushing; first and second
collars, each having a channel extending therethrough for
accommodating portions of the pin that extend beyond the inner
bushing; and first and second thrust rings, the first thrust ring
disposed between the first collar and the first insert, the second
thrust ring disposed between the second collar and the second
insert.
2. The cartridge assembly of claim 1 further including a first seal
disposed between the first collar and first insert and a second
seal disposed between the second collar and second insert.
3. The cartridge assembly of claim 1 wherein the first thrust ring
includes a pair of first thrust rings, one disposed inside the
other and the second thrust ring includes a pair of second thrust
rings, one disposed inside the other.
4. The cartridge assembly of claim 1 wherein the first and second
thrust rings are disposed on top of the inner bushing.
5. The cartridge assembly of claim 1 wherein the first and second
thrust rings each include opposing ends, one end of the first
thrust ring engaging the first end of the inner bushing and one end
of the second thrust ring engaging the second end of the inner
bushing.
6. The cartridge assembly of claim 5 wherein the other end of the
first thrust ring engages the first collar and the other end of the
second thrust ring engages the second collar.
7. The cartridge assembly of claim 1 wherein the first and second
thrust rings each include opposing ends, one end of the first
thrust ring engaging the first insert and the other end of the
first thrust ring engaging the first collar, and one end of the
second thrust ring engaging the second insert and the other end of
the second thrust ring engaging the second collar.
8. The cartridge assembly of claim 1 wherein the first and second
opposing ends of the pin each accommodate a plug.
9. The cartridge assembly of claim 1 further including a first seal
axially sandwiched between the first collar and the first insert
and a second seal axially sandwiched between the second collar and
the second insert, the first seal being radially sandwiched between
the first collar and the first thrust ring, the second seal being
radially sandwiched between the second collar and the second thrust
ring.
10. The cartridge assembly of claim 1 further including a first
seal axially sandwiched between the first collar and the first
insert and a second seal axially sandwiched between the second
collar and the second insert, the first seal being radially
sandwiched between the first collar and the inner bushing, the
second seal being radially sandwiched between the second collar and
the inner bushing.
11. The cartridge assembly of claim 1 wherein the first collar has
an axially facing inner face with at least one recess for
accommodating a first seal and the first thrust ring, and the
second collar has an axially facing inner face with at least one
recess for accommodating a second seal and the second thrust
ring.
12. The cartridge assembly of claim 1 wherein the first collar has
an axially facing inner face with at least one recess for
accommodating a first seal, the first thrust ring and the first end
of the inner bushing, and the second collar has an axially facing
inner face with at least one recess for accommodating a second
seal, the second thrust ring and the second end of the inner
bushing.
13. The cartridge assembly of claim 1 further including first and
second seals axially sandwiched between the first and second
collars and first and second inserts respectively, the first and
second seals each including an inner radial surface that does not
engage the first and second inserts respectively.
14. The cartridge assembly of claim 1 further including first and
second seals axially sandwiched between the first and second
collars and inserts respectively, the first and second seals each
including an inner radial surface that engages one of the first and
second thrust rings respectively.
15. A track chain comprising: a plurality of cartridge assemblies,
each including a pin defining a longitudinal axis and having a
lubricant channel, the pin including first and second opposing
ends; an inner bushing having first and second opposing ends and a
channel extending therethrough for rotatably accommodating a
portion of the pin disposed between the first and second opposing
ends of the pin; an outer bushing having first and second opposing
ends and a channel extending therethrough for accommodating a
portion of the inner bushing disposed between the first and second
opposing ends of the inner bushing; first and second inserts, each
having a channel extending therethrough for accommodating opposing
portions of the inner bushing that extend beyond the outer bushing,
the first insert engaging the first end of the outer bushing, the
second insert engaging the second end of the outer bushing; first
and second collars, each having a channel extending therethrough
for accommodating portions of the pin that extend beyond the inner
bushing; and first and second thrust rings, the first thrust ring
disposed between the first collar and the first insert, the second
thrust ring disposed between the second collar and the second
insert, wherein the first and second thrust rings each include
inner and outer radial faces, the outer radial faces of the first
and second thrust rings supporting first and second seals
respectively, the inner radial faces of the first and second thrust
rings engaging one of the pin or the inner bushing; and the first
collar being accommodated in a first link, the second collar being
accommodated in a second link, the first insert being accommodated
in a third link and the second insert being accommodated in a
fourth link.
16. The track chain of claim 15 further including a first seal
axially sandwiched between the first collar and the first insert
and a second seal axially sandwiched between the second collar and
the second insert, the first seal being radially sandwiched between
the first collar and the first thrust ring, the second seal being
radially sandwiched between the second collar and the second thrust
ring.
17. The track chain of claim 15 further including a first seal
axially sandwiched between the first collar and the first insert
and a second seal axially sandwiched between the second collar and
the second insert, the first seal being radially sandwiched between
the first collar and the inner bushing, the second seal being
radially sandwiched between the second collar and the inner
bushing.
18. The track chain of claim 15 further including first and second
seals axially sandwiched between the first and second collars and
inserts respectively, the first and second seals each including an
inner radial surface that does not engage the first and second
inserts respectively.
19. The track chain of claim 1 further including first and second
seals axially sandwiched between the first and second collars and
inserts respectively, the first and second seals each including an
inner radial surface that engages one of the first and second
thrust rings respectively.
20. A method for providing stiffness to a cartridge assembly of a
track chain, the method comprising: providing a pin defining a
longitudinal axis and having a lubricant channel, the pin including
first and second opposing ends; inserting the pin into an inner
bushing having first and second opposing ends and a channel
extending therethrough for rotatably accommodating a portion of the
pin with the first and second opposing ends of the pin extending
beyond the first and second opposing ends of the inner bushing
respectively; inserting the pin and inner bushing into an outer
bushing having first and second opposing ends and a channel
extending therethrough for accommodating a portion of the inner
bushing with the pin and with the inner bushing extending beyond
the first and second opposing ends of the outer bushing; coupling
first and second inserts over opposing portions of the inner
bushing that extend beyond the outer bushing and coupling the first
insert to the first end of the outer bushing and coupling the
second insert to the second end of the outer bushing; coupling a
first thrust ring to the pin and the first end of the inner bushing
and coupling a second thrust ring to the pin and the second end of
the inner bushing; coupling first and second collars to the first
and second thrust rings respectively and to portions of the pin
that extend beyond the inner bushing.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] An endless track chain for a track type vehicle is
disclosed, and, more particularly, a cartridge assembly that acts
as a joint for relative rotation between links of the track chain
is disclosed.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 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 machine to be propelled over the ground so as
to perform various work functions.
[0003] As shown in U.S. Pat. No. 7,850,256, track chain assemblies
generally include a pair of parallel chains, with each parallel
chain being made up of a series of track links. Track chain
assemblies further include a series of cartridges that include
bushings, pins, collars, seals and inserts. The cartridges are
interposed between and connected to the links of the parallel
chains. The cartridges and the entrained track links cooperate to
form a number of track joints which allow the necessary movement of
the track links during use of the track chain assembly, for
example, when the track chain assembly rotates about the sprocket
and the idler.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0004] In one example, a cartridge assembly for a track chain is
disclosed. The cartridge assembly includes a pin that defines a
longitudinal access and that has a lubricant channel. The pin
includes a first and second opposing ends. The cartridge assembly
includes an inner bushing having first and second ends and a
channel extending therethrough for rotatably accommodating a
portion of the pin disposed between the first and second opposing
ends of the pin. The cartridge assembly further includes an outer
bushing having first and second ends and a channel extending
therethrough for accommodating a portion of the inner bushing
disposed between the first and second ends of the inner bushing.
The cartridge assembly also includes first and second inserts. Each
insert has a channel extending therethrough for accommodating
opposing portions of the inner bushing that extend beyond the outer
bushing. The first insert engages the first end of the outer
bushing and the second insert engages the second end of the outer
bushing. The cartridge assembly also includes first and second
collars, each having a channel extending therethrough for
accommodating portions of the pin that extend beyond the inner
bushing. And, the cartridge assembly may include a first thrust
ring disposed between the first collar and the first insert and a
second thrust ring may be disposed between the second collar and
the second insert.
[0005] The first insert and first collar may be joined together or
be formed as a single part. Similarly, the second insert and second
collar may be joined together or be formed as a single part. Also,
the thrust rings may be separate parts or be formed as part of the
inserts, collars, inner bushing or a combination thereof.
[0006] In another example, a track chain in disclosed which
includes a plurality of cartridge assemblies. Each cartridge
assembly includes a pin that defines a longitudinal access and it
has a lubricant channel. The pin includes first and second opposing
ends. An inner bushing includes first and second ends and a channel
extending therethrough for rotatably accommodating a portion of the
pin disposed between the first and second opposing ends of the pin.
An outer bushing is included that has first and second opposing
ends and a channel extending therethrough for accommodating a
portion of the inner bushing disposed between the first and second
opposing ends of the inner bushing. The track chain also includes
first and second inserts. Each insert has a channel extending
therethrough for accommodating opposing portions of the inner
bushing that extend beyond the outer bushing. The first insert
engages the first end of the outer bushing while the second insert
engages the second end of the outer bushing. Each cartridge
assembly of the track chain also includes first and second collars.
Each collar has a channel extending therethrough for accommodating
portions of the pin that extend beyond the inner bushing. Each
cartridge assembly of the track chain also includes a first thrust
ring disposed between the first collar and the first insert and,
similarly, a second thrust ring disposed between the second collar
and the second insert. The first and second thrust rings each
include inner and outer radial faces. The outer radial faces of the
first and second thrust rings support first and second seals
respectively. The inner radial face of the first and second thrust
rings engage one of the pin or inner bushing. The first collar of
each cartridge assembly of the track chain is accommodated in a
first link. The second collar is accommodated in a second link. The
first insert is accommodated in a third link and the second insert
is accommodated in a fourth link.
[0007] In yet another example, a method for providing stiffness to
a cartridge assembly of a track chain is disclosed. The method
includes providing a pin defining a longitudinal access and having
a lubricant channel. The pin includes first and second opposing
ends. The method also includes inserting the pin into an inner
bushing having first and second ends and a channel extending
therethrough for rotatably accommodating a portion of the pin with
the first and second opposing ends of the pin extending beyond the
first and second opposing ends of the inner bushing respectively.
The method also includes inserting the pin an inner bushing into an
outer bushing having first and second opposing ends and the channel
extending therethrough for accommodating a portion of the inner
bushing with the pin and with the inner bushing extending beyond
the first and second ends of the outer bushing. The method further
includes coupling first and second inserts over opposing portions
of the inner bushing that extend beyond the outer bushing and
coupling the first insert to the first end of the outer bushing and
coupling the second insert to the second end of the outer bushing.
The method also includes coupling a first thrust ring to the pin
and the first end of the inner bushing and coupling a second thrust
ring to the pin in a second end of the inner bushing. The method
also includes coupling the first and second collars to the first
and second thrust rings respectively and to portions of the pin
that extend beyond the inner bushing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a side plan view of a track type machine that can
incorporate the track chain cartridges disclosed herein.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a partial sectional view of a disclosed cartridge
assembly for a track chain.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of yet another disclosed
cartridge assembly for a track chain.
[0011] FIG. 4 is another partial sectional view of a disclosed
cartridge assembly for a track chain.
[0012] FIG. 5 is yet another partial sectional view of a disclosed
cartridge assembly for a track chain.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] While the prior art track chain assemblies articulate around
the sprocket and the idler, and thereby allow the work machine to
be propelled over the ground, the prior art track chain assemblies
suffer from several drawbacks. For example, the prior art track
chain assemblies tend to be mechanically complex and are prone to
structural problems. Specifically, the cartridge assemblies
(bushings, pins, collars, seals and inserts) are difficult to
manufacture and assemble and, further, lack sufficient axial
stiffness to ensure a long working life. Therefore, a track chain
assembly which overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks is
needed.
[0014] Referring to FIG. 1, a track type machine 500 includes a
machine body 512, having a drive sprocket 520 mounted to a side
thereof. A track chain 514 extends about the drive sprocket 520, as
well as a rear idler 518 and a front idler 519. The track chain 514
includes a plurality of links 515 movably coupled to two other
links 515 via a sleeve bearing cartridge assembly 10. A plurality
of track rollers 517 may be coupled with work machine body 512 and
rotate against track chain 514 in a conventional manner. The
machine 500 may include identical track chains, drive sprockets and
idlers on opposite sides thereof, in a conventional manner. The
machine 500 is illustrated as a relatively large "high drive"
tractor, however, it should be appreciated that this disclosure is
not thereby limited, and any of a wide variety of track type
machines might be designed according to this disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a partial sectional view of a disclosed cartridge
assembly 10. The cartridge assembly 10 includes a pin 11 that
includes a lubricant channel 12 extending therethrough for
accommodating lubricant and delivering lubricant to various other
channels in the cartridge assembly 10, such as those shown at 13-15
in FIGS. 2 and 3. The pin 11 includes an opening 16 which is sealed
with a plug assembly 17.
[0016] In the cartridge assembly 10 shown in FIG. 2, the pin 11 is
accommodated within an inner bushing 18. The inner bushing 18 and
pin 11 are then accommodated within an outer bushing 19. An insert
22 accommodates the pin 11 and inner bushing 18 and also engages an
end 23 of the outer bushing 19. The insert 22 includes a recess 24
that accommodates a seal 25. The insert 22 is disposed between the
outer bushing 19 and a collar 26. The collar 26 accommodates the
end 27 of the pin 11 and also includes a recess 28 for
accommodating a seal 29.
[0017] A more complete illustration of a cartridge assembly 100 is
illustrated in FIG. 3. The pin 11 includes first and second
opposing ends 31, 27 respectively. Each end 31, 27 of the pin 11
includes an opening 32, 16 respectively that is sealed with a plug
assembly 33, 17. The lubricant channel 12 serves as a reservoir for
lubricant and also delivers lubricant through the channel 15 to the
inner bushing 18 and through the channels 13, 14 to the outer
bushing 19. The inner bushing 18 includes first and second opposing
ends 36, 37 and the outer bushing 19 includes first and second
opposing ends 38, 39 respectively.
[0018] In the cartridge assembly 100 shown in FIG. 3, the first and
second inserts 41, 22 respectively engage the first and second
opposing ends 38, 39 of the outer bushing 19 respectively and are
also disposed on top of the inner bushing 18 near the first and
second opposing ends 36, 37 respectively. The first and second
inserts 41, 22 are also axially sandwiched between the outer
bushing 19 and the first and second collars 40, 26 respectively or,
more specifically, the first and second inserts 41, 22 are
sandwiched between the outer bushing 19 and the first and second
thrust rings 43, 44 and the first and second seals 45, 29
respectively. The first and second thrust rings 43, 44 support the
seals 45, 29 and avoid the necessity of designing the inserts 41,
22 to accommodate or support the outer seals 45, 29. Similarly, the
first and second inner seals 46, 25 are disposed in recesses 48, 24
in the inserts 41, 22 and engage the first and second opposing ends
38, 39 of the outer bushing 19 as shown in FIG. 3. Similarly, the
first and second outer seals 45, 29 are accommodated in recesses
52, 28.
[0019] One problem associated with prior art cartridge assemblies
10 for track chains is the use of the inserts 41, 22 to accommodate
and/or support the outer seals 45, 29. Normally such designs reduce
the thickness of the inner bushing 18 which can compromise the
structural integrity of the inner bushing 18. Compromising the
structural integrity of the inserts 41, 22 can also compromise the
inner box stiffness, which can lead to link walking, shoe bolt
loosening and link cracking. A lack of strength in the inserts 41,
22 also compromises the axial stiffness of a cartridge assembly 10.
Therefore, FIGS. 2-5 illustrate four variations, all of which
preserve the integrity of the first and second inserts 41, 22 and
provide improved inner box stiffness, reduced shoe bolt loosening,
reduced link cracking and increased axial stiffness.
[0020] Returning to FIG. 2, the cartridge assembly 10 includes a
single thrust ring 144 that engages the second opposing end 37 of
the inner bushing 18. The single thrust ring 144 supports the seal
29 as shown. The insert 22 is not utilized for supporting the seal
29 in a radial direction, nor is there any need for an extension of
the insert 22 for supporting the seal 29. In FIG. 3, the cartridge
assembly 100 also includes single thrust rings 43, 44, but which
are thicker than the thrust ring 144 shown in FIG. 1.
[0021] Turning to FIGS. 4-5, the cartridge assembly 200 of FIG. 4
may feature inner and outer thrust rings 244, 344 respectively, or
one thick thrust ring 244/344. Again, the insert 22 is not used or
needed to support the seal 29. Turning to FIG. 5, instead of the
thrust ring 444 engaging the pin 11 the thrust ring 444 rides on
top of the inner bushing 18. In the cartridge assembly 300 shown in
FIG. 5, the end 137 of the inner bushing 18 has been extended so it
passes through the thrust ring 444.
[0022] The insert 22 and collar 24 may be joined together or be
formed as a single, unitary part. Similarly, the insert 41 and
collar 40 may be joined together or be formed as a single part.
Also, the thrust rings 43, 44, 144, 244/344, 444 may be separate
parts or be formed as part of the inserts 41, 22, collars 40, 26,
inner bushing 18 or a combination thereof.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0023] The four cartridge assemblies 10, 100, 200, 300 are
illustrated that provide improved inner box stiffness, reduced link
walking, reduced shoe bolt loosening, reduced link cracking and
improved axial stiffness. And improved these advantages, without
being bound to any particular theory, may be the result of the use
of thrust rings 43, 44, 144 for supporting the outer seals 45, 29
as opposed to using a portion of the inserts 41, 26 for the same
function.
[0024] A method for providing stiffness to a cartridge assembly 10
of a track chain 514 is also disclosed. The method includes
providing a pin 11 that has a lubricant channel 12 and first and
second opposing ends 31, 27. The pin 11 is inserted into an inner
bushing 18 that also has first and second opposing ends 36, 37. The
inner bushing 18 also has a channel 15 extending therethrough for
rotatably accommodating a portion of the pin 11 with the first and
second opposing ends 31, 27 of the pin 11 extending beyond the
first and second opposing ends 36, 37 of the inner bushing 18. The
pin 11 and the inner bushing 18 are then inserted into an outer
bushing 19 which also has first and second opposing ends 38, 39.
The opposing ends 36, 37 of the inner bushing 18 and the opposing
ends 31, 27 of the pin 11 both extend beyond the opposing ends 38,
39 of the outer bushing 19. The first and second inserts 41, 22 are
coupled over opposing portions of the inner bushing 18 that extend
beyond the outer bushing 19 and the first insert 41 is coupled to
the first end 38 of the outer bushing 19 and the second insert 22
is coupled to the second end 39 of the outer bushing 19. A first
thrust ring 43 is coupled to the pin 11 and the first end 36 of the
inner bushing 18. Similarly, a second thrust ring 44 is coupled to
the pin 11 and the second end 37 of the inner bushing 18.
* * * * *