Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an endless track link being able to reduce stress concentrations and to improve efficiency of an assembling process of the endless track link. The present invention is characterized in that: a reinforcing part (7) is formed in the region in which concentrates are generated in a window area (5); the reinforcing part (7) extends in a direction apart from a track shoe and includes an extended part of a through-hole (a plain through-hole 8 having a smooth inner surface) into which a track shoe connecting bolt is inserted; and a female thread (9) for engaging with the track shoe connecting bolt is formed at the extended part of the through-hole (8).

Abstract: Track sections (10) for forming into tracks for track laying vehicles are linked at one or more joints to form a continuous track. Co-operating formations (34) of respective track section ends in the joint are configured to prevent rotation of the respective track sections about the joint, so that the joint is substantially rigid.

Abstract: To provide a bearing device, which can be easily processed, and whereby, its durability is capable of being improved and a load (tractional force) can be remarkably increased till the burn-in occurs and a pin for the bearing device. The bearing device is provided with a bush and a pin to be inserted in this bush. When an external force is acting in a certain direction, the bush and the pin are relatively rocked, and a slidable range H is formed, in which an outer peripheral face of the pin and an inner peripheral face of the bush partially and slidably contact with each other. An oil reservoir is provided at the side of the pin in order to prevent a no-lubrication portion, to which no lubrication oil is supplied, from being formed in the slidable range H.

Abstract: A machine includes a bolt together track having sets of straight track links positioned in parallel and coupled via at least one pin. Retainer assemblies for the first and second sets of track links include at least one keeper engageable with the at least one pin and a keeper retainer configured to rotationally interlock with the track segment via threads, to inhibit disassembly of the keepers from the at least one pin. An assembly method for a machine track segment includes positioning first and second sets of track links on at least one pin, installing keepers on the at least one pin and inhibiting disassembly of the links by interlocking keeper retainers with the machine track segment, for instance rotationally interlocking the keeper retainers via external threads with threaded bores in the track links.

Abstract: In a track with a rotatable bushing which is brought into engagement with a sprocket of a track-type vehicle, it is intended that strength is enhanced rationally by link functionality sharing and by combination of such assigned functional tasks for achieving further improvements in rotatable bushing function. To this end, a first bolt insertion hole provided in a track shoe mount surface of an external link and a second bolt insertion hole provided in a track shoe mount surface of an internal link are arranged on the same straight line, and a straight line connecting the first bolt insertion hole and the second bolt insertion hole is situated at a position more interior than a contact plane of the external link and internal link.

Abstract: A caterpillar band chain (1) has an attachment or hinge area (3, 4) including connectors (10) which are situated on the outside. The connectors (10) clamp bolts (20, 21) in a rotationally fixed manner. The bolts (20, 21) are mounted in rubber mountings (18) in tubes (6, 7).

Abstract: To provide a bearing device, which can be easily processed, and whereby, its durability is capable of being improved and a load (tractional force) can be remarkably increased till the burn-in occurs and a pin for the bearing device. The bearing device is provided with a bush and a pin to be inserted in this bush. When an external force is acting in a certain direction, the bush and the pin are relatively rocked, and a slidable range H is formed, in which an outer peripheral face of the pin and an inner peripheral face of the bush partially and slidably contact with each other. An oil reservoir is provided at the side of the pin in order to prevent a no-lubrication portion, to which no lubrication oil is supplied, from being formed in the slidable range H.

Abstract: In a track with a rotatable bushing which is brought into engagement with a sprocket of a track-type vehicle, it is intended that strength is enhanced rationally by link functionality sharing and by combination of such assigned functional tasks for achieving further improvements in rotatable bushing function. To this end, a track link comprises a combination of an external link and an internal link; a coupler pin hole is provided through the external link; a bushing hole is provided through the internal link, and the thickness dimension of a bushing hole formation part of the internal link is made greater than that of a coupler pin formation part of the external link.

Abstract: Quenched layers are formed without irregularities on the inner circumferential surface of a track bushing having a small inside diameter or on the inner circumferential surfaces of two or more track bushings which are subjected to quenching in an overlapped condition. To introduce a cooling medium for cooling the inner circumferential surface of the track bushing, a guide tube having an outside diameter smaller than the inside diameter of the track bushing is disposed on the side of the inner circumferential surface and the cooling medium introduced by the guide tube is diverted by a diverting member having a spherical or similar curved surface, such that the cooling medium is allowed to flow in a direction substantially parallel with an axial direction of the track bushing 1 within a space defined by the outer circumferential surface of the guide tube and the inner circumferential surface of the track bushing, thereby performing laminar flow cooling.

Abstract: A track pin bushing for cooperating with a track pin in an endless track has a tubular body with a metallurgically bonded wear-resistant coating and a method for forming such a coated track pin bushing is taught herein. The tubular body, formed of an iron-based alloy, has an outer surface that is carburized and quenched, i.e., case-hardened, in at least a section thereof. At least a portion of the case hardened section has been removed to a depth sufficient to expose a non-carburized layer of the iron-based alloy. A hard metal alloy slurry is disposed on the non-carburized layer and forms a metallurgical bond between the non-carburized layer and the coated unfused slurry by fusing the hard metal alloy. The thickness of the unfused slurry is adjusted to be from 1.67 to 2.0 times a final thickness of the wear-resistant coating. The wear-resistant coating comprises a fused, metal alloy comprising at least 60% iron, cobalt, nickel, or alloys thereof.

Abstract: In a crawler belt comprising pairs of opposite links connected endlessly via pins press-fitted into the links, fixing surfaces of pins or links are successively pressed and deformed from the fixing surfaces in an axial direction along the circumferences inside or outside of openings of pin-press-fitting holes by means of local pressing in the axial direction, whereby the end portions of the pins or part of the circumferences of the openings in the links are expanded or narrowed in diameter. The expanded or narrowed portions are fixedly engaged with the opposing engaging spaces. The surface hardness of the expanded or narrowed portions is set to be lower than that of the other portions. With such structure and method, the links and pins can be easily and firmly connected with sufficient holding force in the axial direction, securing accurate, quick and easy fixing of pins and assembling of pins and links.

Abstract: A crawler track is provided which is improved in the service life of bushings engaging a driving wheel (sprocket) of a track type vehicle, thereby reducing the running cost and which can be used under high loading conditions and therefore has a wide range of applications covering all types of machines from small-sized to large-sized work machines. In the crawler track of the track type vehicle having a track chain composed of a plurality of track links each having a pair of links spaced apart from each other in a lateral direction and a pin for coupling the pair of links, the track links being connected in the form of a loop by their pins, each bushing engaging the driving wheel (sprocket) is rotatably mounted to its associated pin and a beam for coupling the pair of links is disposed at the center of the space between every adjacent pins.

Abstract: Joint assemblies are useful for connecting one structure to another structure. When the various structures deflect or bend, edge loading occurs therebetween. The subject joint assembly includes a pin positioned between a first and second structure. An insert is free floating positioned around the pin for contacting either of the first or second structures. A crown shaped surface is utilized on the insert at a substantially central location therealong. The crown shaped surface directs forces to the center of the insert to reduce edge loading.

Abstract: A track for in-line tires on a skid steer vehicle, the track includes a continuous loop of links with sidebars and a pin and a barrel, the pin and barrel together forming a hinge between the links and extending between the sidebars. Tire side guides extend upward from the side bars to guide the tires along a pathway over the upward side of the hinges. The opposite side of the hinges engage the ground. The tire side guides can be permanently attached or temporarily fastened to the sidebars at selected positions and moved to other selected positions to convert the track for use with different sized tires, thereby proving a convertible track and a method of converting a track. A system for forming and closing the track as a loop of links is also disclosed.

Abstract: Quenched layers are formed without irregularities on the inner circumferential surface of a track bushing having a small inside diameter or on the inner circumferential surfaces of two or more track bushings which are subjected to quenching in an overlapped condition. To introduce a cooling medium for cooling the inner circumferential surface of the track bushing, a guide tube having an outside diameter smaller than the inside diameter of the track bushing is disposed on the side of the inner circumferential surface and the cooling medium introduced by the guide tube is diverted by a diverting member having a spherical or similar curved surface, such that the cooling medium is allowed to flow in a direction substantially parallel with an axial direction of the track bushing 1 within a space defined by the outer circumferential surface of the guide tube and the inner circumferential surface of the track bushing, thereby performing laminar flow cooling.

Abstract: A cartridge assembly for a track chain assembly is provided. The cartridge assembly includes a bushing rotatably positioned about a track pin. Bearing members are positioned about the track pin adjacent the bushing. Collars are positioned about the track pin adjacent the bearing members. Seal arrangements are positioned between the collars and the bearing members and between the bearing members and the track bushing sealably excluding contaminants and the retention of a lubricating fluid from a passage in the bushing and a bore within the track pin.

Abstract: A cartridge assembly for a track chain assembly is provided. The cartridge assembly includes a bushing rotatably positioned about a track pin. Bearing members are positioned about the track pin adjacent the bushing. Collars are positioned about the track pin adjacent the bearing members. Seal arrangements are positioned between the collars and the bearing members and between the bearing members and the track bushing sealably excluding contaminants and the retention of a lubricating fluid from a passage in the bushing and a bore within the track pin.

Abstract: A crawler having a crawler pin and a crawler bush having lubrication between the crawler pin and the crawler bush without lowering the strength of the crawler at the running time, thereby to prevent the creak or seizure, as might otherwise be caused at the running time. A metallic sliding member having an excellent wear resistance can be arranged in the clearance between the crawler bush and the crawler pin. The metallic sliding member can be capable of holding lubricating oil and/or a lubricant. In addition, the clearance between the core bush and the crawler pin can be narrowed, so that the resulting structure retains the imbalance load on both the crawler bush and the crawler pin.

Abstract: A track link assembly having a first pair of track links, and a second pair of track links is disclosed. The track link assembly further includes a bushing having ends pressed into an inner boss of the second pair of track links. The track link assembly yet further includes a solid track pin positioned within the bushing and swaged to the outer boss of the first track links. The track link further includes a thrust ring interposed between the end of the bushing and the outer boss of the respective one of the first pair of track links. The track link assembly still further includes a seal assembly positioned adjacent each thrust ring.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of assembling a joint of an endless track chain for track-type machines to prevent endplay in the joint is disclosed. The joint includes a pair of links and a cylindrical pin. Each link includes a outwardly offset outboard end collar having a boss extending outwardly therefrom and a bore therethrough. Each boss has an outer surface. The pin includes opposite end portions. Each end portion is pressed and non-rotatably mounted into respective one of the bores of the outboard end collars. The method comprises the steps of forming an annular groove about each of the end portions, placing a swage tool against the outer side surface of the boss in axial alignment with the pin, and applying a sufficient force on the swage tool to form at least one mechanically formed nodule protruding from the outer side surface into a respective ones of the grooves. The nodule having a cross-sectional configuration substantially conforming to the groove.

Abstract: Joint assemblies are useful for connecting one structure to another structure. When the various components deflect or bend edge loading occurs between the various components. The subject joint assembly includes a bushing positioned in one structure and a pin positioned in a second structure. An insert has an inner diameter positioned around the pin and an outer surface diameter positioned to interact with the bushing. The outer surface being a crowned surface. The joint assembly having the crowned insert directs forces to the center of the insert to reduce edge loading and deflection of the pin will be followed by the insert.

Abstract: A seal arrangement is disclosed. The seal arrangement includes a seal groove having a central axis. The seal groove is defined by at least a first wall segment, a second wall segment, and a third wall segment interposed the first wall segment and the second wall segment. The first wall segment is angled relative to the central axis so that a linear extension of a surface of the first wall segment intersects the central axis so as to define an angle &agr; therebetween. An associated method of producing a seal arrangement is also provided.

Abstract: Joint assemblies are useful for connecting one structure to another structure. When the various structures deflect or bend, edge loading occurs therebetween. The subject joint assembly includes a pin positioned between a first and second structure. An insert is free floating positioned around the pin for contacting either of the first or second structures. A crown shaped surface is utilized on the insert at a substantially central location therealong. The crown shaped surface directs forces to the center of the insert to reduce edge loading.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of assembling a joint of an endless track chain for track-type machines to prevent end play in the joint is disclosed. The joint includes a pair of links and a cylindrical pin. Each link includes a outwardly offset outboard end collar having a boss extending outwardly therefrom and a bore therethrough. Each boss has an outer surface. The pin includes opposite end portions. Each end portion is pressed and non-rotatably mounted into respective one of the bores of the outboard end collars. The method comprises the steps of forming an annular groove about each of the end portions, placing a swage tool against the outer side surface of the boss in axial alignment with the pin, and applying a sufficient force on the swage tool to form at least one mechanically formed nodule protruding from the outer side surface into a respective ones of the grooves. The nodule having a cross-sectional configuration substantially conforming to the groove.

Abstract: A pressure receiving surface (8) having a diameter gradually decreasing in an axially inward direction is formed at an outer end portion of a pin (1), whereas a pressing portion (7) is formed at a circumferential edge of an opening of a pin insertion hole (5) of a link (2). A retaining ring (3) is formed with a friction surface (9) to be press-contacted to the pressure receiving surface (8) when a force is applied from the pressing portion (7) upon development of a relative movement in a disengaging direction. The retaining ring (3) and the pressure receiving surface (8) share a greater area of contact than in the prior art, providing sufficient friction. This makes possible to provide a fastening structure of the link and the pin of a crawler belt which can be assembled by simple operation at a low cost, without requiring a high machining accuracy, and thus can be manufactured at a low cost.

Abstract: A cartridge assembly is provided that connects first and second links of a track chain of a track type work machine. The cartridge assembly includes first and second collars and a track pin. The first collar is positioned within a first hole of the first link and the second collar is positioned within a second hole of the second link. The first collar is fixed in relation to the first link and the track pin and the second collar is fixed in relation to the second link and is allowed to move relative to the track pin.

Abstract: A fitting space having an annular opening, in which an elastic ring whose diameter of a section is D is to be fitted, is formed between a pin-press-fit hole of a link and an exposed end portion of a pin. A link inner wall face and a pin outer peripheral face in the fitting space are formed with tapered faces whose diameters decrease as they go toward an inmost of the fitting space at angles &agr; and &bgr; (&agr;>&bgr;) with respect to the axial line of the pin, respectively. The elastic ring contacts with the respective tapered faces in the fitting space at the angles &agr; and &bgr; with respect to a perpendicular passing a center of its section. Dimensions d1 and d2 between contact points at the respective tapered faces and a horizontal line passing the center of the section of the elastic ring, the diameter D of the section of the elastic ring, and the angles &agr; and &bgr; have a relation of &agr;>&bgr;, D>d1+d2 (where d1=D/2·cos &agr;, d2=D/2·cos &bgr;).

Abstract: An insert arrangement includes a ring member having (i) a first sidewall, (ii) a second sidewall, (iii) a bore defined therethrough, (iv) a first seal groove defined in the first sidewall, and (v) a second seal groove defined in the second sidewall. The insert arrangement also includes a bushing having (i) a passageway defined therethrough and (ii) a bushing end face. The bushing is positioned relative to the ring member so that (i) the passageway is linearly aligned with the bore and (ii) the first seal groove is located in an opposing relationship with the bushing end face. The insert arrangement further includes a link having an aperture defined therein. The link is positioned relative to the ring member so that the ring member is positioned within the aperture.

Abstract: A cartridge assembly for a track chain assembly includes a bushing having a passageway defined therethrough. The cartridge assembly also includes track pin having a longitudinal axis. The track pin is located within the passageway so that a first end portion and a second end portion of the track pin extends outwardly from the passageway of the bushing. The cartridge assembly further includes a first insert having a first bore defined therethrough. The first insert is positioned relative to the track pin such that the first end portion of the track pin is disposed within the first bore. The cartridge assembly also includes a first collar having a first hole defined therein.

Abstract: A track chain assembly includes a bushing having a passageway defined therethrough. The track chain assembly also includes a track pin having a longitudinal axis. The track pin is disposed within the passageway of the bushing. The track chain assembly further includes a first insert having a first bore defined therethrough. The first insert is positioned relative to the track pin such that the track pin is disposed within the first bore. The track pin assembly further includes a first inner link having a first aperture defined therein. The first inner link is positioned relative to the first insert such that the first insert is (i) located within the first aperture and (ii) interposed between the first inner link and the track pin. The track pin assembly also includes a first outer link having a second aperture defined therein.

Abstract: In a travelling crawler belt in which a pair of left and right links are connected by pins respectively press-fitted into the corresponding links, a fixing end surface of the pin or the links is continuously and locally pressed and deformed in an axial direction of the pin from the fixing end surface, along an inner or outer peripheral portion of an opening of a pin-press-fit hole. Then, a part of the opening peripheral portion of the end of the pin or the link is enlarged or reduced in diameter, so that the diametrically increased or reduced portion is retained and fixed to a mating retaining space. With this fixing method, it is possible to easily and strongly couple the links and the pin, and to obtain a fixing structure of the links and the pin for a crawler belt capable of sufficiently securing a holding force of the pin in the axial direction.

Abstract: A fitting space having an annular opening, in which an elastic ring whose diameter of a section is D is to be fitted, is formed between a pin-press-fit hole of a link and an exposed end portion of a pin. A link inner wall face and a pin outer peripheral face in the fitting space are formed with tapered faces whose diameters decrease as they go toward an inmost of the fitting space at angles &agr; and &bgr; (&agr;> &bgr;) with respect to the axial line of the pin, respectively. The elastic ring contacts with the respective tapered faces in the fitting space at the angles &agr; and &bgr; with respect to a perpendicular passing a center of its section. Dimensions d1 and d2 between contact points at the respective tapered faces and a horizontal line passing the center of the section of the elastic ring, the diameter D of the section of the elastic ring, and the angles &agr; and &bgr; have a relation of &agr;> &bgr;, D> d1+ d2 (where d1=D/2· cos &agr;, d2= D/2·cos &bgr;).

Abstract: As well as a torsional rigidity of right and left crawler links is secured, a seal is prevented from damaging so as to restrict a leakage of a lubricating oil, so that a durability of a crawler device is improved.

Abstract: In the operation of track-type machines, the pin and bushing assemblies incorporated in the track assemblies are typically lubricated to accommodate wear that occurs as they rotate relative to one another. Since the relative rotation occurs over a relatively small area, there are instances wherein portions of the interface between the pin and bushing never are exposed to the lubricating fluid, thus causing premature wear. The present invention provides a track assembly that has a track bushing that defines a bore that is defined by a plurality of wall segments. The wall segments join one another to define a plurality of cusps that form axially extending channels that extend the axial length of the bushing. The channels maintain a quantity of lubricant during relative rotation of the track pin and bushing to prevent premature wear.

Abstract: Magnets 1 are pressed against a vehicle body (side plates, a rotary shaft, a supporting beam 12 of springs 10, etc.), which travels on an endless track comprising the magnets 1, a chain 5, etc., by auxiliary wheels 9 having a plurality of springs 10 which are different from a chain driving wheels 6a of the endless track, and also suspension function is given between each magnet 1 and the chain 5 by springs 4. When the idler wheels 8a with gears are pressed against the vehicle body by springs 8c, slacks are generated in the endless track in front of the traveling direction, thereby improving the traveling performance for traveling on the traveling surface having an uneven spot or curvatures. Further, a plurality of endless tracks each capable of traveling independently are combined to constitute the traveling device, which form the endless track magnetic traveling device fit for various uses.

Abstract: A crawler track mechanism including a plurality of track plates each mounted on track chain links, the chain links being interconnected by bushes having an outer sleeve rotatably journalled on an inner sleeve which in turn is rotatably journalled on a central cylindrical pin). A drive sprocket, and if necessary an idler sprocket, includes recesses having a semi-circular cross section to receivably locate the bushes. The bushes, by virtue of the relative rotation between the pin, the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve, reduce friction and wear between the drive sprocket and the chain bushes.

Abstract: In hinge tracks with rubber mountings (5) in which rubber-lined tubular steel bushes mount track pivot pins (20), the pin ends are usually provided with screwthreaded projection portions so that the steel bushes (10) are motion-free braced relative to each other and relative to the track pivot pins (20) by means of nuts. In order to improve the useful life of the rubber mounting (5) and reduce maintenance, a rubber-lined spreadable bush (10) with at least one dividing gap (11) is proposed instead of the tubular bush. The internal width (25) of the bush (10) which is pressed into position is less than the diameter (27) of the track pivot pin (20). The inserted track pivot pin (20) expands the bush (10) which is pressed into the chain link member (1). In that case the track pivot pin (20) is braced in the bush (10) and is fixed in its longitudinal direction by frictional engagement and in the peripheral direction by frictional engagement and/or positively locking engagement.

Abstract: A track bushing for use with a track assembly of a track-type machine includes a generally cylindrical member having ends adapted for mounting in opposing end portions of a track link and a longitudinal bore extending between the ends. The inner surface of the bore defines first and second load bearing portions at each of the ends. Each of the first load bearing portions define a first conical surface tapering radially inward from each of the ends at a first angle, and each of the second load bearing portions define a second conical surface tapering radially inward from each of the first conical surfaces at a second angle. In the bushing's assembled state, the first angle is in the range of 0.09 degrees to 0.18 degrees and the second angle is in the range of -0.01 degrees to 0.01. In the bushing's free state, the first angle is in the range of 0.19 degrees to 0.27 degrees and the second angle is in the range of 0.06 degrees to 0.08 degrees.