Collapsible track undercarriage for installation and tensioning

Abstract

A track frame or undercarriage (12) is made to support a rubber track (10) on suitable guide rollers (13,18,19). A tensioning roller (18) is provided as part of the guide rollers (13,18,19) on the interior of the track (10) and is mounted on a pivoting bracket (24). The bracket (24) moves the tensioning roller (18) to a working position for creating tension in the track (10). An actuator (22) provides a known force on the bracket (24) to move the tensioning roller (18) to its working position, using a controlled pressure applied to the actuator (22). Drive sprockets (19) for the track (10) are mounted onto a drive case (20) that is mounted to the track frame (12) through pivoting linkages (40,42) such that the drive case (20) and the drive sprocket (19) can be held in a working position and retracted away from the track (10). The position of the tensioning roller (18) is maintained within set limits of retractions during use, by providing a stop (32,30) to limit the amount that the tensioning roller (18) can retract.

Description

technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a mounting system for endless drive tracks used in tracked vehicles such as loaders, tractors or the like. The mounting system includes an undercarriage that includes pivotally movable track rollers that support the track under tension at one location and loosen the track at another location so that the track can disengage from the support rollers And reinstall, then when needed, the roller will pivot back to maintain the desired tension in the track position. Background technique

[0002] In the prior art, the application of track drives to various vehicles including tractors and self-propelled loaders has been developed. Rail laying cars have been known for many years and typically include guide rollers or sprockets which, when driven, will guide the track along a path of motion. Tension in the tracks is provided by various adjustment devices including springs, threaded adjusters, pressure actuators, and the like. ...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0026] The compact loader shown at 7 is only schematically illustrated in FIG. 1 and is of conventional design. The loader is powered by an engine 8 to provide power to a hydraulic system 8A comprising a pump 8B, appropriate valves 8C, and various hydraulic controls to be connected along line 8D. Valve 8C controls an electric motor 56 for driving the input shaft of a suitable drive chain box or gear drive mechanism for driving tracks 10 (rubber tracks on each side of frame 7 as shown).

[0027] Figure 1 shows the track on one side of the loader in a working or operating position. A track frame or undercarriage 12 is connected to the loader body or frame 7 in a suitable manner. Track frame 12 supports road wheels 13 mounted on frame 12 to support a lower length of track 10 . Track frame 12 also supports rotatable but fixed front idler rollers 14 and rear idler rollers 16 . The upper front portion of the track 10 is held in the operative position by retractable, tensioned mul...

technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a mounting system for endless drive tracks used in tracked vehicles such as loaders, tractors or the like. The mounting system includes an undercarriage that includes pivotally movable track rollers that support the track under tension at one location and loosen the track at another location so that the track can disengage from the support rollers And reinstall, then when needed, the roller will pivot back to maintain the desired tension in the track position. Background technique

[0002] In the prior art, the application of track drives to various vehicles including tractors and self-propelled loaders has been developed. Rail laying cars have been known for many years and typically include guide rollers or sprockets which, when driven, will guide the track along a path of motion. Tension in the tracks is provided by various adjustment devices including springs, threaded adjusters, pressure actuators, and the like. ...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0026] The compact loader shown at 7 is only schematically illustrated in FIG. 1 and is of conventional design. The loader is powered by an engine 8 to provide power to a hydraulic system 8A comprising a pump 8B, appropriate valves 8C, and various hydraulic controls to be connected along line 8D. Valve 8C controls an electric motor 56 for driving the input shaft of a suitable drive chain box or gear drive mechanism for driving tracks 10 (rubber tracks on each side of frame 7 as shown).

[0027] Figure 1 shows the track on one side of the loader in a working or operating position. A track frame or undercarriage 12 is connected to the loader body or frame 7 in a suitable manner. Track frame 12 supports road wheels 13 mounted on frame 12 to support a lower length of track 10 . Track frame 12 also supports rotatable but fixed front idler rollers 14 and rear idler rollers 16 . The upper front portion of the track 10 is held in the operative position by retractable, tensioned mul...

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