U.S. patent number RE37,254 [Application Number 09/224,586] was granted by the patent office on 2001-07-03 for track link for tracked crawlers.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Intertractor Zweigniederlassung Der Wirtgen GmbH. Invention is credited to Michael Ketting, Christoph Pietzsch.
United States Patent |
RE37,254 |
Ketting , et al. |
July 3, 2001 |
Track link for tracked crawlers
Abstract
A rotatable drive/support element having a support surface is
used with a chain link having a hardened running surface extending
in and adapted to ride in a travel direction on the support surface
and a side surface also extending in the travel direction and
normally out of contact with the element. The running surface has a
predetermined width b and is formed of at least one edge region of
an outwardly convex arcuate shape seen in the travel direction
having a radius R of curvature and a respective corner region
extending from the edge region to the side region and of an
outwardly convex arcuate shape seen in the travel direction having
a radius r of curvature. Herein r/b.congruent.0.05 to 0.11, and
preferably R/b.congruent.2.4 to 3.1.
Inventors: |
Ketting; Michael (Ennepetal,
DE), Pietzsch; Christoph (Lengenfeld, DE) |
Assignee: |
Intertractor Zweigniederlassung Der
Wirtgen GmbH (Gevelsberg, DE)
|
Family
ID: |
6480009 |
Appl.
No.: |
09/224,586 |
Filed: |
December 31, 1998 |
PCT
Filed: |
February 02, 1994 |
PCT No.: |
PCT/DE94/00110 |
371
Date: |
August 02, 1995 |
102(e)
Date: |
August 02, 1995 |
PCT
Pub. No.: |
WO94/18053 |
PCT
Pub. Date: |
August 18, 1994 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
Reissue of: |
501086 |
Feb 2, 1994 |
05704697 |
Jan 6, 1998 |
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Foreign Application Priority Data
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Feb 10, 1993 [DE] |
|
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43 03 785 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
305/193; 305/196;
305/199 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62D
55/12 (20130101); B62D 55/20 (20130101); B65G
17/38 (20130101); B65G 2201/06 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B62D
55/20 (20060101); B62D 55/12 (20060101); B62D
55/08 (20060101); B62D 055/18 () |
Field of
Search: |
;305/169,173,174,185,188,190,193,194,195,196,198,200,201,202,203,204,199,129
;295/31.1 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Other References
"Theoretical Principles to optimize the running surface of chain
links for track assemblies" by Michael Ketting, Germany
1996..
|
Primary Examiner: Stormer; Russell D.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Dubno; Herbert Wilford; Andrew
Parent Case Text
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is the US national phase of PCT application
PCT/DE94/00110 filed Feb. 2, 1994 with a claim to the priority of
German application P 43 03 785.2 filed Feb. 10, 1993.
Claims
We claim:
1. In combination with a rotatable drive/support element having a
support surface, a chain link having a hardened running surface
extending in and adapted to ride in a longitudinal travel direction
on the support surface and a side surface also extending in the
travel direction and normally out of contact with the element, the
running surface having a predetermined width b and being formed
of
at least one edge region having an outwardly convex arcuate shape
seen in the travel direction having a radius R of curvature;
and
a respective corner region extending from the edge region to the
side surface and of an outwardly convex arcuate shape seen in cross
section having a radius r of curvature.[.,
wherein r/b.congruent.0.05 to 0.11.]. .
2. The combination defined in claim 1 wherein R/b.congruent.2.4 to
3.1.
3. The combination defined in claim 1 wherein the running surface
has adjacent the edge region a noncurved region.
4. The combination defined in claim 1 wherein R/b<2.4 and
r/b.congruent.0.075 to 0.11, the entire running surface being of
convex arcuate shape seen in cross section.
5. The combination defined in claim 1 wherein the running surface
has two such side surfaces, two such edge regions adjacent the side
surfaces, and two such corner regions each joining a respective one
of the edge regions to the respective corner region.
6. The combination defined in claim 5 wherein the running surface
is formed between the edge regions with a substantially flat center
region.
7. The combination defined in claim 5 wherein the two edge regions
join centrally on the running surface, whereby the entire running
surface is arcuate.
8. The combination defined in claim 1 wherein the support surface
has a shape generally complementary to the edge and corner regions
of the running surface.
9. The combination defined in claim 1 wherein the running surface
has a hardness between 30 HRc and 60 HRc.
10. The combination defined in claim 1 wherein the running surface
has a hardness between 40 HRc and 50 HRc.
11. The combination defined in claim 1 wherein the running surface
is made of a manganese-steel alloy..Iadd.
12. The combination defined in claim 1 wherein r/b.apprxeq.0.05 to
0.11..Iaddend.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a chain link for a traction chain, for
example an offset model, conveyor chain, for example a straight
model, or for similar chain types as well as a guide wheel for
guiding and/or deflecting or tensioning conveyor chains, transport
chains, or similar chain models as well as a support roller for
supporting and guiding traction chains, transport chains, and/or
similar types of chains as well as guide rollers to ensure the
rolling and force transmission in mechanisms using traction chains,
transport chains, and or chain-like systems and functions.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Such elements are known in many types in the state of the art. With
the known elements the running surface region usually has a linear
or nearly linear shape so that nearly horizontal straight-line
running surfaces are formed on the engaging surfaces of the parts.
This construction is kinematically good mainly with regard to the
movements between guide wheel, support roller, and chain link but
this known construction is poor with respect to optimal strength
and wear in use. With elements made according to the known state of
the art the pressures occurring in use result in breaking-out or
spalling of the edges in particular of the chain link due to the
force distribution.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
Starting from this state of the art it is an object of the
invention to provide elements of the described type wherein the
pressures created in normal use are mainly directed along force
vectors which run radially to the running surface of the chain link
or radially to the running surface of the guide wheel or of the
support roller or running roller or that are directed inwardly into
inner regions of the guide wheel or support roller, not however
toward the edges of the running surfaces of the chain link, guide
wheel, or running or support roller.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
These objects are attained by a chain link usable a rotatable
drive/support element having a support surface. The chain link has
a hardened running surface extending in and adapted to ride in a
travel direction on the support surface and a side surface also
extending in the travel direction and normally out of contact with
the element. The running surface has a predetermined width b and is
formed of at least one edge region of an outwardly convex arcuate
shape seen in the travel direction having a radius R of curvature
and a respective corner region extending from the edge region to
the side region and of an outwardly convex arcuate shape seen in
the travel direction having a radius r of curvature. Herein
r/b.congruent.0.05 to 0.11, and preferably R/b.congruent.2.4 to
3.1.
The combination wherein the running surface has adjacent the edge
region a noncurved region.
Since the running surface of the chain link is formed so that the
forces occurring in use are directed generally radially to the
pivot axis of the link or toward the interior of the link, a wear-
and above all strength-optimal shape is achieved or the shape forms
itself at least after relatively short loading in use.
More particularly according to the invention R/b.congruent.2.4 and
r/b.congruent.0.075 to 0.11. In addition the entire running surface
is of convex arcuate shape seen in the travel direction. The
running surface has two such side surfaces, two such edge regions
adjacent the side surfaces, and two such corner regions each
joining a respective one of the edge regions to the respective
corner region. Furthermore the running surface is formed between
the edge regions with a substantially flat center region.
In accordance with other features of the invention the two edge
regions join centrally on the running surface so that the entire
running surface is arcuate. The support surface has a shape
generally complementary to the edge and corner regions of the
running surface.
The permissible hardness of the running surface lies between 30 and
60 HRc, preferably between 40 and 50 HRc, and the basic hardness of
the chain link is set such that no substantial cross-sectional or
surface flow takes place as a result of the pressure created by the
running roller, in particular with a permissible stretch-limit
relationship or R.sub.e /R.sub.m of about 1, preferably with a
yield-strength relationship R.sub.e /R.sub.m of about 0.65 with
particular attention to ensuring a sufficiently plastic working
possibility. Here R.sub.e is the yield strength and R.sub.m the
tensile strength.
It is also preferably provided that the chain link is formed of
standard materials, namely hardened steel, preferably with analysis
values whereby manganese-sulfide formation is minimized with in
particular when manganese steel is used a low sulfur content of
less than 0.02%. In this manner material fatigue is avoided.
It is particularly provided that the chain link is formed of
alternative materials, in particular with a hard-metal base,
fiber-composition materials, ceramic/ceramic compounds and/or
technical ceramics, preferably based on Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 (silicon
nitrate) with less than 15% by weight of sinter additive, a
fracture growth in the subcritical region with a breaking strength
KIC smaller than 20 MPam as well as similar materials such that the
strength and the ductility are by means of the use and proportions
of suitable materials set to an optimal value for the particular
use of the chain link, with particular attention to the homogeneity
(Weibull modulus m) and m is greater than 10 m.
As a result of the construction according to the invention the use
of alternative materials is possible since these materials are as a
result of the shape used by the instant invention in a normal-load
situation only loaded with pressures that cannot be expected to
crack out or destroy the material.
In addition it is preferably provided that the compound convexly
arced curve of the side flanks of the running surfaces are formed
over the entire length or only in portions of the chain link with
their radii R and r preferably such that the parameter combination
is R/b1.congruent.2.4 to 3.1 and r/b1.congruent.0.05 to 0.11 or is
optimized taking into account various chain-link formations so that
depending on the actual application an optimal shape with respect
to strength and/or wear is quickly established automatically. The
parameter b1 here is determined depending on the chain-link type
and the particular link shape, this determination takes into
account the shape of the part the running surface rides on (for
example the shape of the running surface of the guide wheel or of
the running roller) and the surfaces dependent thereon are paid
attention to with respect to the forces effective on the side
surfaces of the running-surface of the chain link.
The guide wheel, support roller and running roller according to the
invention are characterized by modified running-surface shapes
which are derived from the special running-surface shape of the
piece they run on (e.g. the chain link) and also correspond to a
constant nonlinear (arced) function or nonlinear/linear curve
combination. A linear or nearly linear curve shape (e.g. a straight
line is effective for the optimal technical/physical functioning of
the pair of running surfaces--chain link/guide wheel or chain
link/support or running roller--taking into account the special
running-surface shape of the other piece. e.g. the chain link, for
particular technical uses of running systems, conveyors, and chain
systems of other constructions and function (e.g. high-speed
systems, systems with special shock resistance, and the like) as
particular embodiments of the running/surface shape of the guide
wheel or of the support or running roller which is arranged at an
angle to a normally horizontal running surface is advantageous when
the size of the angle is preferably selected that it can also be
arranged in accordance with the requirements of the special
running-surface shape of the other piece (e.g. chain link) a
strength- and wear-optimal shape of the running surfaces and side
guide surfaces of the guide wheel or the support or guide roller
are established in use as soon as possible all by themselves, in
particular however a slope of 1:10 is realized or must be derived
that these slopes of the running-part surfaces of guide wheels,
support or running rollers are set for functional reasons in
dependence on the geometry of the entire pair of running surfaces
and are not identical with a purely accidentally occurring
formation formed by certain manufacturing processes (e.g. casting)
on the running surfaces of guide wheels or of support or running
rollers.
It can also be good for particular technical embodiments of chain
systems for strength- and/or wear-optimal reasons that the linear
region of the running surface of the guide wheel or of the support
or running roller that extends at an angle to an imaginary
perpendicular to the running surface is formed as a special
combination of differently angled curves (e.g. several straight
lines at different angles to the imaginary straight running
surface), preferably so that it automatically and quickly
establishes in use the wear- and strength-optimal running-surface
shape of the guide wheel or of the support or running roller taking
into account the running-surface shape of the other piece of the
running-surface pair (e.g. chain link), it being particularly
preferable however with a curve combination of two straight
sections relative to a running-surface cross section transverse
(90.degree.) to the travel direction (with outward slope of the
running-surface shape) toward the edge inward is a linear or nearly
linear segment of the running-surface shape with a slope of 1:20
and wherein the straight portion directed to the guide wheel or
support or running-roll edge is sloped at 1:10 and in the opposite
case of the slope (inward) this slope is oppositely set up.
The formation according to the invention of chain link, guide
wheel, and support roller can also be used all by itself and is
advantageous, but is usable in combination with the corresponding
construction of the running surface of the chain link, the guide
wheel, the running roller, and the support roller.
When complete chain segments comprised of two parallel chain links
are put together and a corresponding chain is made of such chain
segments, there is when for example it is used in the traction
systems of caterpillar vehicles the effect that the entire chain
segment takes a tipped position on the running roller on the guide
wheel so that only the outer region of one of the two chain links
which form a chain segment is directly in engagement with the
carrying surface of the guide wheel or of the guide roller. If this
is taken into account the object of the invention is achieved in
that the running-surface shape of the link in cross section to the
running-surface head transverse (90.degree.) to the travel
direction only corresponds to a nonlinear function on the
outer-lying running surface regions of a chain segment with two
parallel chain links, preferably to a compound or logarithmically
compound convexly arced curve as strength- and/or wear-optimal
running-surface geometry, preferably over half of two thirds of the
width of the running surface of each chain link so that the shape
of this part of the running-surface shape is particularly ideal in
that it automatically establishes in accordance with the basics of
mechanics the least stress during normal movement and use between a
chain link while taking into account the overall chain segment
working together preferably with a running roller over a long
service life.
It is thus preferably provided that the running-surface shape in
the region of the running surface in which the nonlinear function
is not realized merges into another curve shape, preferably a
linear or nearly linear straight or nearly straight curve parallel
or nearly parallel to the opposite running surface (e.g. with
respect to the standard embodiment of the running surface of a
roller).
It can further preferably be provided that the edge of the running
surface is formed in the region of the running-surface shape in
which the nonlinear function is not realized by the transition
radius, preferably in the parameter combination r/b.congruent.0.05
to 0.11.
In an analogous manner the guide wheel can be so formed according
to the invention such that the shape of the running surface or of
the running surfaces of the guide wheel correspond transverse
(90.degree.) to the travel direction in cross section to a
nonlinear function, preferably a compound or logarithmically
concavely arced curve under the effect of an adequately curved
opposite surface (e.g. the chain link) as a wear and/or
strength-optimal rolling-surface geometry with respect to a part,
e.g. half or two-thirds of the running surface, preferably the
mirror image of the opposite running surface (e.g. that of the
chain link) or a mirror-similar shape (e.g. taking into account the
running-surface width of the guide wheel) and as determined on the
basis of machines automatically establishes the least stress in
normal movement between a running surface, e.g. that of a guide
wheel, and a corresponding other piece. e.g. a chain link with a
long service life.
Since based on the possible tipped position of the chain segment
relative to the running roller or to the guide wheel in practice if
possible the formation of the running surface corresponding to a
nonlinear function or a compound shape first and mainly takes
places on the chain-link outer sides, it is preferably provided
that for the construction and the delivery of these chain links the
corresponding shape is not provided over the entire running surface
transverse to the travel direction, but only the respective chain
link outer sides (relative to the chain segment) are provided in
new condition with the nonlinear special compound arced surface
shape. In this manner expense is saved in manufacture without
however substantially badly affecting the desired performance.
An analogous formation of the running surface can also be used in
the construction of the support roller.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
The above and other objects, features, and advantages will become
more readily apparent from the following description, reference
being made to the accompanying drawing in which:
FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a standard prior-art chain
link;
FIG. 1A is cross section taken along the line IA--IA of FIG. 1;
FIG. 1B is a cross section taken along line IB--IB of FIG. 1;
FIG. 1C is a side view in the direction of arrow IC of FIG. 1;
FIG. 2 is an elevational view through a prior art chain link in a
straight model;
FIG. 2A is a section taken along line IIA--IIA of FIG. 2;
FIG. 2B is a side elevational view of the link of FIG. 2;
FIG. 2D is an elevational view of another prior-art link;
FIG. 2E is a section taken along line IIE--IIE of FIG. D;
FIG. 2F is a side elevational view of the link of FIG. D:
FIG. 3 is a cross section like FIG. 1A through an embodiment of a
chain link according to the invention;
FIG. 3A is a cross section like FIG. 1B through the link according
to the invention;
FIGS. 4 and 4A are larger scale views of details of respective
FIGS. 3 and 3A;
FIGS. 5 and 5A are views similar to FIGS. 4 and 4A but of another
embodiment;
FIGS. 6 and 6A are views corresponding to FIGS. 3 and 3A of still
another embodiment;
FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view through a hinge region of two
chain links with a chain sleeve and a chain pin;
FIGS. 8 and 8A are views similar to FIGS. 3 and 3A showing a
further variant;
FIG. 9 is a partial axial section through a guide wheel;
FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 9 of a variant of the guide
wheel;
FIG. 11 is a fragmentary elevational view illustrating a further
variant;
FIG. 11A is a view similar to FIG. 10 of still another variant;
FIG. 11B is a fragmentary view similar to FIG. 11 showing a
modification;
FIGS. 12, 13, 14, and 15 are views similar to FIG. 11 showing
further variants of the guide wheel;
FIGS. 16, 16A and 16B are fragmentary views of support and guide
rollers according to the invention in additional embodiments;
FIGS. 17, 17A and 17B are views similar to FIGS. 16, 16A and 16B of
still other embodiments;
FIGS. 18, 18A and 18B show, in views similar to FIGS. 16, 16A and
16B, further embodiments;
FIGS. 19, 19A and 19B are views similar to FIGS. 16, 16A and 16B of
other embodiments;
FIGS. 20, 20A and 20B are also views similar to FIGS. 16, 16A and
16B of still other embodiments;
FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a drive condition of a chain
segment relative to a guide roller;
FIG. 22A and 22B are views similar to FIGS. 3 and 3A showing
running surfaces of a chain link according to a further
embodiment;
FIG. 23 is a view similar to FIG. 10 showing a further embodiment
of the invention; and
FIG. 24 is a view similar to FIG. 16 of another support roller.
SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION
FIGS. 1A through 1C and 2A through 2F show the state of the art. In
these prior-art embodiments of chain links the running surface
region 1 is shaped as a straight or nearly straight line, that is
the running surface is in principle formed as a plane. This
formation is disadvantageous with respect to wear and strength.
In FIGS. 1A through 1C an offset chain link is shown while in FIGS.
2A through 2F a straight chain link is shown.
In the embodiment according to FIGS. 3 and 3A the running-surface
shape 2 of the chain link 3 seen in cross section to the running
surface head (perpendicular to the travel direction) is shaped
according to a nonlinear function, in particular as a compound
convexly arced surface which corresponds to or is close to
strength-optimal rolling-surface geometry.
In FIGS. 4 and 4A the shape of the compound curve running surface
is determined by the parameter combination R/b of about 2.4 to 3.1
and r/b.congruent.0.05 to 0.11 as a ratio of the radii of curvature
of an edge region 4 having the radius R to a corner region 2"
having the radius r and terminating at a side surface 2'". In the
embodiment according to FIGS. 5 and 5A the same radii and parameter
relationships are used in the center of the running-surface region
and in the regions of the bolt or sleeve eye, with the
running-surface shape correspondingly only in the lateral edge
regions of the running-surface cross section to a shape
corresponding to a nonlinear function and then subsequently going
over to a shape of a linear or nearly linear function (straight
part 4).
In the embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 6A there is in an offset chain
link 3 the corresponding shape of the running surface 2 both in the
central running-surface region (FIG. 6A) as in the region of the
bolt eye (FIG. 6).
In the embodiment according to FIG. 7 there is in an offset chain
link 3 a hinge region with the chain link 3 completed with a chain
sleeve 5 and a chain bolt 6. Thus the desired shape of the running
surface 2 is such in the region of the bolt or sleeve eye, thus in
the hinge region between two chain segments, that in this region
the desired running-surface shape 2 is formed over the entire cross
section of two chain links 3.
In the embodiment according to FIGS. 8 and 8A the shapes of the
side flanks 8 to both sides of the running surface 2 of the chain
link 3 are also a compound convexly arced curve region in the
above-given size-order regions and relationships of the radii R and
r.
In FIGS. 9 through 15 a guide wheel 9 is shown for guiding and/or
deflecting or tightening track chains, transport chains, or similar
chain types. To this end the shape of the running or support
surface 10 of the guide wheel 9 transverse to the travel direction
in cross section corresponds to a nonlinear function, in particular
a compound convexly arced curve which corresponds to or is close to
a strength- and/or wear-optimized rolling-surface geometry.
As in particular visible from FIG. 11 the radii R and r of the
compound convex curvature of the running surface are characterized
by the parameter combinations R/b of about 2.4 to 3.1 and
r/b.congruent.0.05 to 0.11. The parameter b thus is dependent on
the shape of the other part, that is for example on the chain link
running on the running surface 10 of the guide wheel 9 and of the
thereto related force transmission to the running surface 10 of the
guide wheel 9.
As visible in FIG. 11A the nonlinear curve of the shape of the
running surface 10, preferably the compound convexly curved shape,
can only be created in part, that is the edge radii, for example
the edge radius r as well as the running surface radius R are set
such that they merge into a linear or nearly linear curve shape of
the running-surface shape, for example a straight region 11. The
linear or nearly linear curve shape of the running surface 10 can
also be set in a corner to a presumed horizontal running surface as
in FIG. 11A on the left (See also FIGS. 18A and 18B.) with the
angle preferably so chosen that the wear- and strength-optimal
running surface is set by itself as quickly as possible in use
while taking into account the special running-surface shape of the
other part of the running surface pair (e.g. the chain link), in
particular set with an inclination of 1:10.
The imaginary straight line of the running surface is thus shown in
a dashed line and the respective facing inclined surface in solid
lines.
As also shown in FIG. 11B, (and in FIGS. 18A and 18B) the linear or
nearly linear curve shape can also be formed as a combination of
curves with different inclinations wherein two combined straight or
nearly straight sections with one section 10a (16a in FIGS. 18A and
18B) at 1:20 and the section 10b (16b in FIGS. 18A and 18B) at
1:10. The same is true for the support roller and running roller.
According to FIG. 12 the shape of the lateral guiding surfaces 12
of the central flange of the wheel 9 corresponds to a compound
concavely arced curve with the radii R and r of the compound arced
curve preferably at the ratio of R to b1 of about 2.4 to 3.1 and
r/b1 about equal to 0.05 to 0.11.
As also shown in FIG. 13 the compound concavely arced shape of the
lateral guiding surfaces 12 of the central flange of the guide
wheel 9 can be only partially formed, with the edge radius r and
the running-surface radius R such that they merge into a linear or
nearly linear function of the shape of the lateral guiding surfaces
12 of the central flange of the guide wheel 9. The straight regions
are shown at 13.
As visible from FIGS. 14 and 15 the nonstraight preferably compound
concavely arced shape of the running surface 10 of the guide wheel
9 as well as the similarly curved shape of the side guiding
surfaces 12 of the central flange of the guide wheel 9 are combined
with each other such that both curve shapes whether of a nonlinear
base (see FIG. 14) or even combined with linear or nonlinear bases
(see FIG. 15) merge into one another such that a strength- and/or
wear-optional overall shape is produced and the radii R and r of
the compound concavely arced overall shape are characterized by the
above-described dimensional relationship.
FIGS. 16 to 20 finally each show a support roller 14 for supporting
and guiding traction chains, transport chains, or similar types of
chains or usable as a guide roller for ensuring the rolling
function and transfer of force to traction chains, transport
chains, and/or similar chain-like things becoming necessary with
the running mechanism. Even herein the shape of the running
surfaces 15 of the support or running roller 14 correspond seen
perpendicular to the travel direction in section to a compound
concavely arced curve (as in particular visible in FIG. 16). With
respect to FIGS. 17, 17A, and 17B, the radii R and r of the
compound concave curve of the running surface are preferably
characterized by the parameter relationship R/b.congruent.2.4 to
3.1 and r/b.congruent.0.05 to 0.11.
The parameter b is thus to be quantified by the shape of the other
part, that is for example of the chain link riding on the running
surface of the support or running roller 14 and the associated
force applied to the running surface.
As in particular visible in FIGS. 18, 18A, and 18B the nonstraight
curve shape of the contour of the running surfaces 15 is only
partially employed, that is the edge radii, for example the edge
radius r, as well as the running surfaces radii, for example the
running-surface radius R, are set such that they merge into a
linear or nonlinear function of the running-surface shape, for
instance a straight line 16.
Here the same embodiments as above are described with reference to
the running surface of the guide wheel, in FIG. 18 the
running-surface shapes 16a and 16b.
In the embodiment according to FIGS. 19, 19A, and 19B the shapes of
the side guiding surfaces 17 of the rim of the support or running
roller 14 are conformed in cross section to a nonlinear function,
in particular a compound concavely arced curve where the radii R
and r of the compound arced curve are formed by the relationship
R/b1.congruent.2.4 to 3.1 and r/b1.congruent.0.05 to 0.11.
FIGS. 20, 20A, and 20B show how the nonlinear preferably compound
arced shape of the side guiding surfaces at the edges of the
support or running roller 14 are only partially formed, that is the
edge radii, for example the edge radius r, as well as the
running-surface radii, for example the running-surface radius R,
are chosen so that they merge into a linear or nearly linear
function 18 of the shape of the side guiding surfaces of the edges
of the support or running roller 14. In this manner the nonlinear,
preferably compound arced shape of the running surfaces of the
support and running rollers 14 and the corresponding shape of the
side guiding surfaces 17 are combined such that both curves merge
into one another on a purely nonlinear bases as well as on a
combined linear/nonlinear basis.
FIG. 21 shows the possible tipped position of a chain segment
relative to a support roller 14. The chain-link segment thus is
formed by two chain links 3 which are connected to each other by a
chain sleeve 5 or a chain bolt. According to FIG. 21 it is possible
that the chain segment assumes a tipped position relative to the
support roller 14 or even relative to the guide wheel. In FIG. 21
one possible position is shown in solid lines while the other
possible tipped position is shown by a dashed line 19. In a
construction with a traveling chain, guide wheel and running wheel
as customarily used in a tracked caterpillar drive when there is a
tipped position as shown in FIG. 21, this means that during use of
such a chain segment the compound shape will at first or
exclusively be formed by the outer sides of the chain links. As a
result of this possibility a preferred construction is that the
chain link is provided corresponding to FIGS. 22A and 22A only on
the chain-link outer side (in FIGS. 22A and 22B upper right) with
nonlinear preferably compound convexly arced running-surface shapes
2. In this manner when there is produced in region 2 a strength-
and/or wear-optimal running-surface geometry in a partial region of
the running-surface shape, this running-surface shape 2 extends
over half to two-thirds of the width of the running surface of the
chain link 3. The remaining region which is indicated with arrow 20
is formed otherwise, preferably as a straight or nearly straight
surface which preferably is formed parallel or nearly parallel to
the opposite running surface of the support roller of the guide
wheel. Preferably this region is straight and extends substantially
parallel to the pivot axis of the chain link which is shown at 21.
Even in this arrangement the relationships of the transition radius
r relative to the width b of the entire running surface is such
that the relationship r/b is about equal to 0.05 to 0.11.
The corresponding formation in a guide wheel 9 is shown in FIG. 23.
Here the shape of the running surfaces or the running surfaces 2 of
the guide wheel 9 is formed transverse (at 90.degree.) to the
travel direction in cross section to a nonlinear function,
preferably a compound or logarithmically concavely arced curve
corresponding to the adequately curved opposite running surface of
the chain link 2 as wear- and/or strength-optimal geometry with
this particular formation of the running surface being made only in
the relatively outer-lying regions of the running surface 2 of the
guide wheel 9, in fact over from half to two-thirds of the width of
the running surface. This surface corresponds generally to the
mirror image of the opposite running surface of the chain link 2 or
is at least generally mirror symmetrical or similar to this shape.
The corresponding shape is worked into the new part, this shape
corresponding to a shape which will give a longer service life
according to the invention.
Even here the relationship of radius R to the width of the
corresponding running surface b and the transition radius r
relative to the width of the running surface b is done in the
manner laid out above.
FIG. 24 shows the same relationships with reference to a running
roller 14. Here the corresponding shape formation is only provided
in the region 2 of the running surface while the region 20 can also
be formed as in the above-described embodiments, in particular
straight and parallel to the pivot axis 22 of the running roller or
of the guide wheel.
The invention is not restricted to the illustrated embodiments but
can be varied widely within the scope of the disclosure.
All new individual or combination features described in the
description and/or the drawing are considered important to the
invention.
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