Track member with rotating bushing cartridge

Abstract

The present invention relates to a track member (1) comprising a pin (3); a rotating bushing (4) fitted onto said pin (3); a first inner link (5) and a second inner link (6) associated with said pin (3) and rotatable with respect to said pin (3); a first outer link (7) and a second outer link (8) associated with said pin (3) and integral with said pin (3); wherein a first and respectively a second outer gasket (13, 14) is provided between each of said first and second outer links (7, 8) and the facing link of said first and second inner links (5, 6); and wherein a first and respectively a second inner gasket (15, 16) is provided between each of said first and second inner links (5, 6) and the facing rotating bushing (4); wherein said first and respectively second inner gaskets (15, 16) each comprise two seat rings (17, 18) and each having a contact plane (19, 20) placed facing each other and in mutual contact and sealed; said seat rings (17, 18) each comprise at least one inclined annular surface (21, 22) which forms an acute angle (A, B) with respect to the contact plane (19, 20); each inner gasket (15, 16) comprises two elastic members (23, 24), a first elastic member (23) resting on the first and respectively second inner link (5, 6) and a second elastic member (24) resting on the rotating bushing (4), said elastic members apply a thrust action of the two seat rings (17, 18) so as to tighten said contact planes (19, 20) therebetween, creating a sealing effect.

Description

Track member with rotating bushing cartridge DESCRIPTION

[0001] Technical Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a track member with a rotating bushing cartridge.

[0003] In particular, the present invention generally relates to components of track systems used with a tracked tread, used in various types of earth-moving machines, such as tractors, bulldozers, excavators, graders, mining machines and other building and farm machines. More specifically, the present application relates to the joint used, for example, in track joints assemblies which can engage pin assemblies used for coupling shoes of adjacent tracks.

[0004] Background art

[0005] Machines used in the mining, building, farm industry and the like can be supported by an undercarriage assembly which can have one or more continuous tracks allowing the machine to cross the ground also in case of poor support capacity. The continuous track can comprise a plurality of links which are rotatably joined or connected together by means of pins and bushings, for example, and which are arranged in a continuous ring or belt similar to a closed chain. The connections of continuous tracks can also comprise track shoes for engaging the ground. The continuous track can be arranged around a plurality of rotating components, such as wheels, tensioners and rollers, arranged inside the undercarriage assembly along a lower side of the machine. The continuous track can be translated around the rotating components with respect to the machine by means of a drive gear wheel operatively coupled to an engine. A connection hinged between the individual links of the track can form a pin assembly which can allow the continuous track to articulate, for example, flex or bend, while the continuous track moves in a cycle around the plurality of rotating components, thus bringing the track shoes to engage the ground.

[0006] An advantage of continuous tracks is that they can support and better distribute the weight of the machine because the continuous tracks provide a greater contact surface with the ground, and thus improved traction, as compared to other forms of propulsion, such as tires or wheels.

[0007] Accordingly, continuous tracks can better cross soft or loose ground or other materials without getting stuck or spinning on site. Moreover, the improved traction can improve the capacity of the machine to overcome steep slopes along the working surface. Moreover, since the individual shoes and track links are often made of steel, continuous tracks are generally more durable than tires or the like.

[0008] However, to facilitate the articulation of the track links so that the continuous track translates around rotating elements and the drive gear wheel, the individual links of the track can be joined by means of a track joint assembly with a rotating bushing.

[0009] The track joint assembly can comprise combinations of pins, bearings, bushings and gasketsto facilitate the rotation of the coupled track connections, while resisting wear.

[0010] Publication No. US 2015 / 0061373 Al describes a track joint assembly which incorporates a plurality of bearings and gaskets for use in soil-working machines.

[0011] Publication No. US 2020 / 122792 Al describes a track joint assembly with a first link of the track comprising a first through hole, a second link of the track comprising a second through hole and a counterbore, a pin extending through the first through hole and the second through hole, and a first bushing surrounding the pin inside the second through hole, and a second bushing surrounding the first bushing adjacent to the enlarged hole, and a gasket arranged in the bore comprising a sealing body surrounding the first bushing. A bushing assembly comprises an inner bushing having a surface of the outer diameter, an outer bushing having a through hole extending from a first end of the outer bushing to a second end of the outer bushing and defining a surface of the inner diameter, a passage arranged between the surface of the outer diameter and the surface of the inner diameter, and a closed-ring gasket having a non-uniform cross-section profile positioned on the surface of the outer diameter against the first end of the outer bushing to seal the passage. This solution describes track systems incorporating a gasket configured to work in an axial direction and retain the lubrication between the rotating components, while keeping out dirt and debris. These gaskets are configured to have irregular, non-uniform or varying geometric shapes so that when the gaskets are axially deformed, they undergo an irregular movement for sealing between the different adjacent surfaces without excessively biasing the gasket or being too rigid in order to allow deformations promoting the sealing. The gaskets maintain a seal between adjacent components and therefore are useful in the seal for maintaining the lubrication on the inside and foreign bodies on the outside; in particular, irregularly shaped gaskets are used in the seal between concentric bushings in a rotating sleeve link in which the outer bushing is subject to axial compression against a counterbore of the link connection. Such irregularly shaped gaskets improve the seal capacities as compared to conventional O-ring type gaskets having regular or uniform cross-section profiles, which are ineffective in sealing the lubrication and in sealing the undercarriage, respectively.

[0012] Other similar solutions are known from Publications Nos. US6206491, US8991944, US2016176454, US9623920B2, US5685548, US2004012260, US5069509, US9604681, US9505453, US4582366; all solutions in which the seal of the interface between rotating bushing and links occurs in an axial, or substantially axial, direction, exposing the gasket to strong axial biases which quickly deteriorate the performance thereof, certainly much quicker than the remaining outer gaskets.

[0013] Tests have been performed, demonstrating how the gaskets between the links or the associated bushings have a longer average life than the average life of gaskets placed in contact with the rotating bushing.

[0014] Indeed, when the drive gear wheel meshes on the rotating bushing, it crushes and pushes all the dirt and debris between the rotating bushing and the innermost links facing the latter.

[0015] Ob ject and Summary of the Invention

[0016] It is the object of the invention to provide a track member with a rotating bushing which allows a similar average lifespan of the gaskets, for both the outer and the inner gaskets.

[0017] For this reason, the present invention aims to solve a felt need to improve the internal seal close to the rotating bushing.

[0018] Subordinately, the present invention aims to avoid the passage of dirt between the rotating bushing and the inner link in an improved manner adapted to preserve the life of the inner gaskets.

[0019] Therefore, it is the object of the present invention to solve the drawbacks of the prior art and allow the above-mentioned needs to be met.

[0020] This and other objects are achieved by a track member as claimed in claim 1.

[0021] Some advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0022] By virtue of the general embodiment and variants described above and further described below, it is possible to obtain the following advantages.

[0023] For example, by virtue of the suggested solution, it is possible to keep the lubricant inside the joint over a longer period, also by virtue of the improved sealing system obtained with the suggested solution.

[0024] Moreover, again by way of example, by virtue of the suggested solution, it is possible to obtain greater protection against the ingress of material from the outside.

[0025] Still in addition, again by way of example, by virtue of the suggested solution, it is possible to obtain an improved balance of the life (reduced due to wear, for example) of the chain components.

[0026] Still in addition, again by way of example, by virtue of the suggested solution, it is possible to obtain a decreased overall cost of the chain as compared to the solutions of the prior art.

[0027] Still in addition, again by way of example, by virtue of the suggested solution, it is possible to have increasingly easier maintenance also on the field, allowing a simple replacement of the joint, for example.

[0028] Description of the Drawings

[0029] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description provided below of preferred embodiments thereof, given by way of non-limiting indication, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0030] - Figure 1 shows an axonometric view of a track member;

[0031] - Figure 2 shows the track member in Figure 1, in a view transverse to the rotation axis of the pin, or in a radial direction on the side transverse to a continuous track in the flat path stretch thereof;

[0032] - Figure 3 shows the track member in Figure 1, in a view transverse to the rotation axis of the pin, or in a radial direction on the longitudinal side to a continuous track in the flat path stretch thereof;

[0033] - Figure 4 shows the track member in Figure 1, sectioned with a plane passing through the rotation axis of the pin and transverse to the longitudinal direction to a continuous track in the flat path stretch thereof;

[0034] - Figure 5 shows only the section of the track member in Figure 4;

[0035] - Figure 6 shows an enlargement of Figure 5;

[0036] - Figures 7 and 8 show two embodiments of the radial gasket between rotating bushing and inner link;

[0037] - Figure 9 shows an enlargement of the inner gasket;

[0038] - Figure 10 shows a tractor provided with a continuous track comprising a plurality of track members.

[0039] Detailed Description of some preferred embodiments of the invention

[0040] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings to allow those skilled in the art to practice it and use it. Various changes to the embodiments described will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the general principles described can be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention, as defined in the appended claims. Therefore, the present invention should not be considered as limited to the embodiments described and shown, but should be granted the broadest scope of protection in compliance with the features described and claimed.

[0041] Unless otherwise defined, all the technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning commonly used by those of ordinary skill in the field to which the present invention pertains. In the case of a conflict, the present description, including the definitions provided, will be binding. Moreover, the examples are merely provided for illustrative purposes, and as such they should not be considered as limiting.

[0042] In order to facilitate the understanding of the embodiments described herein, reference will be made to some specific embodiments and a specific language will be used to describe them. The terminology used herein has the purpose of describing only particular embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0043] In order to meet specific, contingent needs, those skilled in the art may make several changes and adaptations to the embodiments described below and replace elements with others which are functionally equivalent, without however departing from the scope of the following claims.

[0044] According to a general embodiment, a track member 1 for a track 2 of a track-type vehicle 54 comprises a pin 3 and a rotating bushing 4 fitted onto said pin 3 and rotatable with respect to said pin3.

[0045] Moreover, said track member 1 comprises a first inner link 5 and a second inner link 6 associated, directly or indirectly, for example, by means of a respective inner bushing 9, 10, with said pin 3 and rotatable with respect to said pin 3 and arranged on the opposite sides of said rotating bushing4.

[0046] Moreover, said track member 1 comprises a first outer link 7 and a second outer link 8 associated, directly or indirectly, for example, by means of a respective outer bushing 11, 12, with said pin 3 and integral with said pin 3 so that said first and second outer links 7, 8 are rotatable together with said pin 3.

[0047] Said first and second inner links 5, 6 are arranged each between one of said first and second outer links 7, 8 and said rotating bushing 4.

[0048] A first and respectively a second outer gasket 13, 14 is provided between each of said first and second outer links 7, 8, or said associated outer bushing 11, 12, and the facing link of said first and second inner links 5, 6, or respective inner bushing 9, 10.

[0049] A first and respectively a second inner gasket 15, 16 is provided between each of said first and second inner links 5, 6, or said associated inner bushing 9, 10, and the facing rotating bushing 4.

[0050] Advantageously, said first and respectively second inner gaskets 15, 16 each comprise two seat rings 17, 18 and each having a contact plane 19, 20 placed facing each other and in mutual contact and sealed.

[0051] Said seat rings 17, 18 each comprising at least one inclined annular surface 21, 22 which forms, in cross section with respect to the circumferential extension of the toroidal ring 17, 18, an acute angle A, B with respect to the contact plane 19, 20 of the respective toroidal ring 17, 18.

[0052] Each inner gasket 15, 16 further comprises two elastic members 23, 24, a first elastic member 23 resting on the first and respectively second inner link 5, 6 or said associated inner bushing 9, 10, and a second elastic member 24 resting on the rotating bushing 4, said elastic members apply a thrust action of the two seat rings (17, 18) so as to tighten said contact planes (19, 20) therebetween, creating a sealing effect between said two seat rings (17, 18).

[0053] According to an embodiment, each of said elastic members 23, 24 is an O-ring; and in which said seat rings 17, 18 are mutually mirroring in shape.

[0054] According to an embodiment, said pin 3 comprises a rotation axis X-X defining an axial direction A-A and a radial direction R-R transverse to said axial direction A-A.

[0055] According to an embodiment, said contact plane 19, 20 is arranged according to said radial direction R-R.

[0056] According to an embodiment, said first and / or second inner link 5 and / or 6 is associated by means of a respective inner bushing 9 and / or 10 with said pin 3; and in which said inner bushing 9and / or 10 is at least partially inserted between said first and / or second inner link 5 and / or 6 and said pin 3.

[0057] According to an embodiment, said first and / or second inner link 5 and / or 6 is integral with said inner bushing 9 and / or 10.

[0058] According to an embodiment, said first and / or second outer link 7 and / or 8 is associated by means of a respective outer bushing 11 and / or 12 with said pin 3; and in which said outer bushing 11 and / or 12 is at least partially inserted between said first and / or second outer link 7 and / or 8 and said pin 3; and in which said first and / or second outer link 7 and / or 8 is integral with said outer bushing 11 and / or 12 and said outer bushing 11 and / or 12 is integral with said pin 3.

[0059] According to an embodiment, an inner spacer 29, 30 is provided between each inner link 5, 6 and the rotating bushing 4 or between each inner bushing 9, 10 and the rotating bushing 4, creating an inner gasket working chamber 31, 32 to house the inner gasket 15, 16.

[0060] According to an embodiment, an outer spacer 33, 34 is provided between each inner link 5, 6 and the adjacent outer link 7, 8 or between each inner bushing 9, 10 and the adjacent outer bushing 11, 12, creating an outer gasket working chamber 35, 36 to house the outer gasket 13, 14.

[0061] According to an embodiment, an inner spacer 29, 30 is provided between each inner link 5, 6 and the rotating bushing 4 or between each inner bushing 9, 10 and the rotating bushing 4, creating an inner gasket working chamber 31, 32 to house the inner gasket 15, 16.

[0062] According to an embodiment, an outer spacer 33, 34 is provided between each inner link 5, 6 and the adjacent outer link 7, 8 or between each inner bushing 9, 10 and the adjacent outer bushing 11, 12, creating an outer gasket working chamber 35, 36 to house the outer gasket 13, 14.

[0063] According to an embodiment, said first outer link 7, or said first outer bushing 11, rests on said outer spacer 33 which in turn rests on said first inner link 5, or on said first inner bushing 9 which in turn rests on said inner spacer 29 which in turn rests on said rotating bushing 4 which in turn rests on said inner spacer 30 which in turn rests on said second inner link 6, or on said second inner bushing 10 which in turn rests on the outer spacer 34 which in turn rests on said second outer link 6, or on said second outer bushing 12.

[0064] According to an embodiment, each of said first or respectively second outer gasket 13, 14 is accommodated in an outer gasket working chamber 35, 36 and works sealingly resting on said first or respectively second outer link 7, 8, or on said first or respectively second outer bushing 11, 12 and sealingly resting on said first or respectively second inner link 5, 6, or on said first or respectively second inner bushing 9, 10.

[0065] According to an embodiment, each of said first or respectively second outer gasket 13, 14 is accommodated in an outer gasket working chamber 35, 36 and works sealingly resting on said first or respectively second outer link 7, 8, or on said first or respectively second outer bushing 11, 12 andsealingly resting on said first or respectively second inner link 5, 6, or on said first or respectively second inner bushing 9, 10.

[0066] Each of said first or respectively second outer gasket 13, 14 is accommodated in an outer gasket working chamber 35, 36 and leaves a clearance between said outer gasket 13, 14 and said pin 3, or an outer spacer 33, 34 provided between each inner link 5, 6 and the adjacent outer link 7, 8, or between each inner bushing 9, 10 and the adjacent outer bushing 11, 12.

[0067] According to an embodiment, each of said first or respectively second outer gasket 13, 14 is accommodated in an outer gasket working chamber 35, 36 and works sealingly resting on said first or respectively second outer link 7, 8, or on said first or respectively second outer bushing 11, 12 in a direction parallel to the rotation axis X-X of the pin, or to the axial direction A-A defined by the latter, and also in a radial direction R-R, i.e. a direction orthogonal to said axial direction A-A, and sealingly resting on said first or respectively second inner link 5, 6 in a direction parallel to the rotation axis X- X of the pin, or to the axial direction A-A defined by the latter, or on said first or respectively second inner bushing 9, 10.

[0068] According to an embodiment, each of said first or respectively second inner gasket 15, 16 is accommodated in said inner gasket working chamber 31, 32 and leaves a clearance between said inner gasket 15, 16 and said pin 3, or an inner spacer 29, 30 provided between each inner link 5, 6 and the adjacent rotating bushing 4, or between each inner bushing 9, 10 and the adjacent rotating bushing 4.

[0069] According to an embodiment, each of said first or respectively second inner gasket 15, 16 is accommodated in an inner gasket working chamber 31, 32 entirely obtained in said inner link 5, 6 or in said inner bushing 9, 10.

[0070] According to an embodiment, each of said first or respectively second inner gasket 15, 16 is accommodated in an inner gasket working chamber 31 , 32 entirely obtained in said rotating bushing 4.

[0071] According to an embodiment, each of said first or respectively second inner gasket 15, 16 is partially accommodated in an inner gasket working chamber 31, 32 entirely obtained in said inner link 5, 6, or in said inner bushing 9, 10, and partially in an inner gasket working chamber 31, 32 entirely obtained in said rotating bushing 4.

[0072] According to an embodiment, each of said first or second outer gasket 13, 14 comprises at least a third and a fourth elastic member 37, 38 which sealingly rests at least against a corner 39 formed between an annular wall directed according to directions parallel to an axial direction A-A parallel to the rotation axis X-X of said pin 3 and a radial wall directed according to coplanar radial directions R- R all orthogonal to said rotation axis X-X of said pin 3.

[0073] According to an embodiment, said comer 39 is formed in said first or second outer link 7, 8 or in said first or second outer bushing 11, 12.

[0074] According to an embodiment, each of said first or second outer gasket 13, 14 comprises at leastone elastic member 40 which sealingly rests at least against a radial wall provided in said first or second inner link 5, 6, or at least against a radial inner-bushing wall 41 of said first or second inner bushing 9, 10, and directed according to a plurality of coplanar radial directions R-R orthogonal to said rotation axis X-X of pin 3.

[0075] According to an embodiment, each of said first or second outer gasket 13, 14 comprises at least one elastic member 37, 38 which sealingly rests with a comer-shaped portion thereof, or elastic lip member 40, formed by two gasket walls converging with an angle between 100 DEG and 45 DEG therebetween, in which said comer-shaped portion, or elastic lip member 40, rests at least against a radial wall provided in said first or second inner link 5, 6, or at least against a radial inner-bushing wall 41 of said first or second inner bushing 9, 10, and directed according to a plurality of coplanar radial directions R-R orthogonal to said rotation axis X-X of pin 3 so as to form acute angles between each of said two converging gasket walls and said radial wall 41.

[0076] According to an embodiment, each of said first or second inner gasket 15, 16 comprises said first and a second elastic members 23, 24 which place a first elastic member 23 on a first inclined outer annular surface 42 formed in said first and respectively second inner links 5, 6, or in said associated inner bushing 9, 10, and a second elastic member 24 resting on a second inclined outer annular surface 43 formed in said rotating bushing 4.

[0077] According to an embodiment, said first and second inclined outer annular surfaces 42, 43 each form, in cross section with respect to the circumferential extension of the toroidal ring 17, 18, an acute angle C, D with respect to the contact plane 19, 20 of the respective toroidal ring 17, 18 on which said first or a second elastic member 23, 24 works.

[0078] According to an embodiment, each of said first or second inner gasket 15, 16 comprises said first and a second elastic members 23, 24 which place a first elastic member 23 on a first inclined outer annular surface 42 formed in said first and respectively second inner links 5, 6, or in said associated inner bushing 9, 10, and a second elastic member 24 resting on a second inclined outer annular surface 43 formed in said rotating bushing 4.

[0079] According to an embodiment, said first and second inclined outer annular surfaces 42, 43 each form, in cross section with respect to the circumferential extension of the toroidal ring 17, 18, an acute angle C, D with respect to the contact plane 19, 20 of the respective toroidal ring 17, 18 on which said first or a second elastic member 23, 24 works.

[0080] According to an embodiment, said first or second inner gasket 15, 16 forms converging actions towards said pin 3.

[0081] According to an embodiment, each acute angle C, D of said first and second inclined outer annular surface 42, 43 is greater than each acute angle A or B of said inclined annular surface 21, 22 of said toroidal ring 17, 18.

[0082] According to an embodiment, at least one of said seat rings 17, 18 has, in cross section with respect to the circumferential extension of the toroidal ring 17, 18, a radial toroidal-ring protuberance 44 which extends mainly in a radial direction to the rotation axis X-X of said pin 3, and connected, forming a connection, to said inclined annular surface 21, 22.

[0083] According to an embodiment, at least one of said seat rings 17, 18 has, in cross section with respect to the circumferential extension of the toroidal ring 17, 18, a radial toroidal-ring protuberance44 which extends mainly in a radial direction to the rotation axis X-X of said pin 3, and connected, forming a connection, to said inclined annular surface 21, 22.

[0084] According to an embodiment, said connection creates a support seat for said first or second inner gasket 15, 16.

[0085] According to an embodiment, at least one of said seat rings 17, 18 has, in cross section with respect to the circumferential extension of the toroidal ring 17, 18, an axial toroidal-ring protuberance45 which extends mainly in a direction parallel to the rotation axis X-X of said pin 3, and connected, forming a connection, to said inclined annular surface 21, 22.

[0086] According to an embodiment, at least one of said seat rings 17, 18 has, in cross section with respect to the circumferential extension of the toroidal ring 17, 18, an axial toroidal-ring protuberance 45 which extends mainly in a direction parallel to the rotation axis X-X of said pin 3, and connected, forming a connection, to said inclined annular surface 21, 22.

[0087] According to an embodiment, said connection creates a support seat for said first or second inner gasket 15, 16.

[0088] According to an embodiment, said seat rings 17, 18 are made of a material comprising spheroidal cast iron or steel.

[0089] According to an embodiment, said first and second contact planes 19, 20 are lapped surfaces pressed against each other by said first and second elastic member, forming a seal which prevents the lubricant from escaping.

[0090] According to an embodiment, said rotating bushing 4 enters between said first and / or second inner link 5, 6, or between said first and / or second inner bushing 9, 10, and said pin 3, placing an outer bushing surface 46 facing said first and / or second inner link 5, 6, or between said first and / or second inner bushing 9, 10.

[0091] According to an embodiment, a first and / or second radial gasket 27 is arranged between said outer bushing surface 46, or an appropriate radial gasket seat 47 obtained in said rotating bushing 4 by said outer bushing surface 46, and said first and / or second inner link 5, 6, or between said first and / or second inner bushing 9, 10.

[0092] According to an embodiment, said rotating bushing 4 includes opposite rotating bushing end portions 25, 26.

[0093] According to an embodiment, each rotating bushing end portion 25, 26 is partially inserted between said first or second inner link 5, 6, or the respective inner bushing 9, 10, and said pin 3.

[0094] According to an embodiment, a radial gasket 27, 28 is provided between each rotating bushing end 25, 26 and the respective first or second inner link 5, 6, or the respective inner bushing 9, 10.

[0095] According to an embodiment, said radial gasket 27, 28 is an O-ring 48.

[0096] According to an embodiment, said radial gasket 27, 28 is an O-ring 48 resting on a shoe 49; in which said O-ring 48 is accommodated in a radial gasket seat 47 obtained in said rotating bushing 4 by said outer bushing surface 46 and biases, in a radial direction R-R orthogonal to the rotation axis of said pin 3, said shoe 49 resting with pressure against said first and / or second inner link 5, 6, or said first and / or second inner bushing 9, 10.

[0097] According to an embodiment, said radial gasket 27, 28 is an O-ring 48 resting on a shoe 49; in which said O-ring 48 is accommodated in a radial gasket seat 47 obtained in said rotating bushing 4 by said outer bushing surface 46 and biases, in a radial direction R-R orthogonal to the rotation axis of said pin 3, said shoe 49 resting with pressure against said first and / or second inner link 5, 6, or said first and / or second inner bushing 9, 10 like a scraper.

[0098] According to an embodiment, said pin 3 is a hollow pin which internally forms a pin tank 50 adapted to contain a lubricant element, grease, or more preferably, oil, for example.

[0099] According to an embodiment, said pin 3 comprises a feeding conduit 51 fluidly connecting said pin tank 50 to an outer pin surface 52 in a portion thereof placed inside said rotating bushing 4.

[0100] According to an embodiment, said pin 3 is a hollow pin which internally forms a pin tank 50 adapted to contain a lubricant element, grease, or more preferably, oil, for example.

[0101] Said pin 3 comprises a feeding conduit 51 fluidly connecting said pin tank 50 to an outer pin surface 52 in a portion thereof placed inside said rotating bushing 4 where there is an annular bushing pocket 53 which creates a compartment for collecting and distributing the lubricant element between the rotating bushing 4 and pin 3.REFERENCE SIGNS track member track pin rotating bushing first inner link second inner link first outer link second outer link first inner bushing second inner bushing first outer bushing second outer bushing first outer gasket second outer gasket first inner gasket second inner gasket first toroidal ring second toroidal ring first contact plane second contact plane first inclined annular surface second inclined annular surface first elastic member second elastic member first rotating bushing end second rotating bushing end first radial gasket second radial gasket inner spacer inner spacer inner gasket working chamber inner gasket working chamber outer spacer outer spacer35 outer gasket working chamber36 outer gasket working chamber37 third elastic member of outer gasket38 fourth elastic member of outer gasket39 corner40 elastic lip member41 radial inner-bushing wall42 first inclined outer annular surface43 second inclined outer annular surface44 radial toroidal-ring protuberance45 axial toroidal-ring protuberance46 outer bushing surface47 radial gasket seat48 radial gasket O-ring49 radial gasket shoe50 pin tank51 feeding conduit52 outer pin surface53 annular bushing pocket54 tractorX-X pin axisRR direction orthogonal to pin axis or radial directionA-A direction parallel to pin axis or axial directionA open angle between first contact plane and first inclined surfaceB open angle between second contact plane and second inclined surfaceC open angle between first contact plane and first inclined outer annular surfaceD open angle between second contact plane and second inclined outer annular surface

Claims

CLAIMS1. A track member (1) for a track (2) of a vehicle (54) of the track type, comprising:- a pin (3);- a rotating bushing (4) fitted onto said pin (3) and rotatable with respect to said pin (3);- a first inner link (5) and a second inner link (6) associated, directly or indirectly by means of a respective inner bushing (9, 10), with said pin (3) and rotatable with respect to said pin (3) and arranged on the opposite sides of said rotating bushing (4);- a first outer link (7) and a second outer link (8) associated, directly or indirectly by means of a respective outer bushing (11, 12), with said pin (3) and integral with said pin (3) so that said first and second outer links (7, 8) are rotatable together with said pin (3);- wherein said first and second inner links (5, 6) are arranged each between one of said first and second outer links (7, 8) and said rotating bushing (4);- and wherein a first and respectively a second outer gasket (13, 14) is provided between each of said first and second outer links (7, 8), or said associated outer bushing (11, 12), and the facing link of said first and second inner links (5, 6), or respective inner bushing (9, 10);- and wherein a first and respectively a second inner gasket (15, 16) is provided between each of said first and second inner links (5, 6), or said associated inner bushing (9, 10), and the facing rotating bushing (4); characterized in that said first and respectively second inner gaskets (15, 16) each comprise two seat rings (17, 18) and each having a contact plane (19, 20), placed facing each other and in mutual contact and sealed; said seat rings (17, 18) each comprising at least one inclined annular surface (21, 22) which forms, in cross section with respect to the circumferential extension of the toroidal ring (17, 18), an acute angle (A, B) with respect to the contact plane (19, 20) of the respective toroidal ring (17, 18); each inner gasket (15, 16) further comprises two elastic members (23, 24), a first elastic member (23) resting on the first and respectively second inner links (5, 6), or said associated inner bushing (9, 10), and a second elastic member (24) resting on the rotating bushing (4); said elastic members apply a thrust action of the two seat rings (17, 18) so as to tighten said contact planes (19, 20) therebetween, creating a sealing effect between said two seat rings (17, 18).

2. A track member (1) according to claim 1, wherein each of said elastic members (23, 24) is an O-ring; and wherein said seat rings (17, 18) are mutually mirroring in shape.

3. A track member (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said pin (3) comprises a rotation axis (X-X) defining an axial direction (A- A) and a radial direction (R-R) transverse to said axial direction (A- A); and whereinsaid contact plane (19, 20) is arranged according to said radial direction (R-R).

4. A track member (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first and / or second inner link (5 and / or 6) is associated by means of a respective inner bushing (9 and / or 10) with said pin (3); and wherein said inner bushing (9 and / or 10) is at least partially inserted between said first and / or second inner link (5 and / or 6) and said pin (3); and / or wherein said first and / or second inner link (5 and / or 6) is integral with said inner bushing (9 and / or 10); and / or wherein said first and / or second outer link (7 and / or 8) is associated by means of a respective outer bushing (11 and / or 12) with said pin (3); and wherein said outer bushing (11 and / or 12) is at least partially inserted between said first and / or second outer link (7 and / or 8) and said pin (3); and wherein said first and / or second outer link (7 and / or 8) is integral with said outer bushing (11 and / or 12) and said outer bushing (11 and / or 12) is integral with said pin (3).

5. A track member (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an inner spacer (29, 30) is provided between each inner link (5, 6) and the rotating bushing (4) or between each inner bushing (9, 10) and the rotating bushing (4), creating an inner gasket working chamber (31, 32) to house the inner gasket (15, 16); and / or wherein an outer spacer (33, 34) is provided between each inner link (5, 6) and the adjacent outer link (7, 8) or between each inner bushing (9, 10) and the adjacent outer bushing (11, 12), creating an outer gasket working chamber (35, 36) to house the outer gasket (13, 14); and / or wherein an inner spacer (29, 30) is provided between each inner link (5, 6) and the rotating bushing (4) or between each inner bushing (9, 10) and the rotating bushing (4), creating an inner gasket working chamber (31, 32) to house the inner gasket (15, 16); and wherein an outer spacer (33, 34) is provided between each inner link (5, 6) and the adjacent outer link (7, 8) or between each inner bushing (9, 10) and the adjacent outer bushing (11, 12), creating an outer gasket working chamber (35, 36) to house the outer gasket (13, 14); and wherein said first outer link (7), or said first outer bushing (11), rests on said outer spacer (33) which in turn rests on said first inner link (5), or on said first inner bushing (9) which in turn rests on said inner spacer (29) which in turn rests on said rotating bushing (4) which in turn rests on said inner spacer (30) which in turn rests on said second inner link (6), or on said second inner bushing (10) which in turn rests on the outer spacer (34) which in turn rests on said second outer link (6), or on said second outer bushing (12).

6. A track member (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, whereineach of said first or respectively second outer gasket (13, 14) is accommodated in an outer gasket working chamber (35, 36) and works sealingly resting on said first or respectively second outer link (7, 8), or on said first or respectively second outer bushing (11, 12), and sealingly resting on said first or respectively second inner link (5, 6), or on said first or respectively second inner bushing (9, 10); or wherein each of said first or respectively second outer gasket (13, 14) is accommodated in an outer gasket working chamber (35, 36) and works sealingly resting on said first or respectively second outer link (7, 8), or on said first or respectively second outer bushing (11, 12), and sealingly resting on said first or respectively second inner link (5, 6), or on said first or respectively second inner bushing (9, 10); and wherein each of said first or respectively second outer gasket (13, 14) is accommodated in said outer gasket working chamber (35, 36) and leaves a clearance between said outer gasket (13, 14) and said pin (3), or an outer spacer (33, 34) provided between each inner link (5, 6) and the adjacent outer link (7, 8), or between each inner bushing (9, 10) and the adjacent outer bushing (11, 12); or wherein each of said first or respectively second outer gasket (13, 14) is accommodated in an outer gasket working chamber (35, 36) and works sealingly resting on said first or respectively second outer link (7, 8), or on said first or respectively second outer bushing (11, 12), in a direction parallel to the rotation axis (X-X) of the pin, or to the axial direction (A-A) defined by the latter, and also in a radial direction (R-R), i.e., a direction orthogonal to said axial direction (A-A), and sealingly resting on said first or respectively second inner link (5, 6), in a direction parallel to the rotation axis (X-X) of the pin, or to the axial direction (A-A) defined by the latter, or on said first or respectively second inner bushing (9, 10).

7. A track member (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of said first or respectively second inner gasket (15, 16) is accommodated in an inner gasket working chamber (31, 32) and leaves a clearance between said inner gasket (15, 16) and said pin (3), or an inner spacer (29, 30) provided between each inner link (5, 6) and the adjacent rotating bushing (4), or between each inner bushing (9, 10) and the adjacent rotating bushing (4).

8. A track member (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of said first or respectively second inner gasket (15, 16) is accommodated in an inner gasket working chamber (31, 32) entirely obtained in said inner link (5, 6) or in said inner bushing (9, 10); or wherein each of said first or respectively second inner gasket (15, 16) is accommodated in an inner gasket working chamber (31, 32) entirely obtained in said rotating bushing (4); or wherein each of said first or respectively second inner gasket (15, 16) is partially accommodated in an inner gasket working chamber (31, 32) entirely obtained in said inner link (5, 6), or in said inner bushing(9, 10), and partially in an inner gasket working chamber (31, 32) entirely obtained in said rotating bushing (4).

9. A track member (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of said first or second outer gasket (13, 14) comprises at least a third and a fourth elastic member (37, 38) which sealingly rests at least against a corner (39) formed between an annular wall directed according to directions parallel to an axial direction (A-A) parallel to the rotation axis (X- X) of said pin (3) and a radial wall directed according to coplanar radial directions (R-R) all orthogonal to said rotation axis (X-X) of said pin (3); wherein said comer (39) is formed in said first or second outer link (7, 8) or in said first or second outer bushing (11, 12); and wherein each of said first or second outer gasket (13, 14) comprises at least one elastic member (40) which sealingly rests at least against a radial wall provided in said first or second inner link (5, 6), or at least against a radial inner-bushing wall (41) of said first or second inner bushing (9, 10), and directed according to a plurality of coplanar radial directions (R-R) orthogonal to said rotation axis (X-X) of the pin (3); or wherein each of said first or second outer gasket (13, 14) comprises at least one elastic member (37, 38) which sealingly rests with a comer-shaped portion thereof, or elastic lip member (40), formed by two gasket walls converging with an angle between 100 DEG and 45 DEG therebetween, wherein said comer-shaped portion, or elastic lip member (40), rests at least against a radial wall provided in said first or second inner link (5, 6), or at least against a radial inner-bushing wall (41) of said first or second inner bushing (9, 10), and directed according to a plurality of coplanar radial directions (R-R) orthogonal to said rotation axis (X-X) of the pin (3) so as to form acute angles between each of said two converging gasket walls and said radial wall (41).

10. A track member (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of said first or second inner gasket (15, 16) comprises said first and a second elastic members (23, 24) which place a first elastic member (23) on a first inclined outer annular surface (42) formed in said first and respectively second inner links (5, 6), or in said associated inner bushing (9, 10), and a second elastic member (24) resting on a second inclined outer annular surface (43) formed in said rotating bushing (4); wherein said first and second inclined outer annular surfaces (42, 43) each form, in cross section with respect to the circumferential extension of the toroidal ring (17, 18), an acute angle (C, D) with respect to the contact plane (19, 20) of the respective toroidal ring (17, 18) on which said first or a second elastic member (23, 24) works; or wherein each of said first or second inner gasket (15, 16) comprises said first and a second elastic members (23, 24) which place a first elastic member (23) on a first inclined outer annular surface (42) formed in said first and respectively second inner links (5, 6), or in said associated inner bushing (9, 10),and a second elastic member (24) resting on a second inclined outer annular surface (43) formed in said rotating bushing (4); wherein said first and second inclined outer annular surfaces (42, 43) each form, in cross section with respect to the circumferential extension of the toroidal ring (17, 18), an acute angle (C, D) with respect to the contact plane (19, 20) of the respective toroidal ring (17, 18) on which said first or a second elastic member (23, 24) works; and wherein said first or second inner gasket (15, 16) forms actions converging towards said pin (3).

11. A track member (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein each acute angle (C, D) of said first and second inclined outer annular surfaces (42, 43) is greater than each acute angle (A or B) of said inclined annular surface (21, 22) of said toroidal ring (17, 18); or wherein at least one of said seat rings (17, 18) has, in cross section with respect to the circumferential extension of the toroidal ring (17, 18), a radial toroidal-ring protuberance (44) which extends mainly in a radial direction with respect to the rotation axis (X-X) of said pin (3), and connected, forming a connection, to said inclined annular surface (21, 22); or wherein at least one of said seat rings (17, 18) has, in cross section with respect to the circumferential extension of the toroidal ring (17, 18), a radial toroidal-ring protuberance (44) which extends mainly in a radial direction with respect to the rotation axis (X-X) of said pin (3), and connected, forming a connection, to said inclined annular surface (21, 22); and wherein said connection creates a support seat for said first or second inner gasket (15, 16); and / or wherein at least one of said seat rings (17, 18) has, in cross section with respect to the circumferential extension of the toroidal ring (17, 18), an axial toroidal -ring protuberance (45) which extends mainly in a direction parallel to the rotation axis (X-X) of said pin (3), and connected, forming a connection, to said inclined annular surface (21, 22); or wherein at least one of said seat rings (17, 18) has, in cross section with respect to the circumferential extension of the toroidal ring (17, 18), an axial toroidal -ring protuberance (45) which extends mainly in a direction parallel to the rotation axis (X-X) of said pin (3), and connected, forming a connection, to said inclined annular surface (21, 22); and wherein said connection creates a support seat for said first or second inner gasket (15, 16);12. A track member (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said seat rings (17, 18) are made of a material comprising spheroidal cast iron or steel; and whereinsaid first and second contact planes (19, 20) are lapped surfaces pressed against each other by said first and second elastic members, forming a seal which prevents lubricant from escaping.

13. A track member (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said rotating bushing (4) enters between said first and / or second inner link (5, 6), or between said first and / or second inner bushing (9, 10), and said pin (3), placing an outer bushing surface (46) facing said first and / or second inner link (5, 6), or between said first and / or second inner bushing (9, 10); and wherein a first and / or second radial gasket (27) is arranged between said outer bushing surface (46), or an appropriate radial gasket seat (47) obtained in said rotating bushing (4) by said outer bushing surface (46), and said first and / or second inner link (5, 6), or between said first and / or second inner bushing (9, 10); or wherein said rotating bushing (4) includes opposite rotating bushing end portions (25, 26); and wherein each rotating bushing end portion (25, 26) is partially inserted between said first or second inner link (5, 6), or the respective inner bushing (9, 10), and said pin (3); and wherein a radial gasket (27, 28) is provided between each rotating bushing end (25, 26) and the respective first or second inner link (5, 6), or the respective inner bushing (9, 10).

14. A track member (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said radial gasket (27, 28) is an O-ring (48); or wherein said radial gasket (27, 28) is an O-ring (48) resting on a shoe (49); wherein said O-ring (48) is accommodated in a radial gasket seat (47) obtained in said rotating bushing (4) by said outer bushing surface (46) and biases, in a radial direction (R-R) orthogonal to the rotation axis of said pin (3), said shoe (49) resting with pressure against said first and / or second inner link (5, 6), or said first and / or second inner bushing (9, 10); or wherein said radial gasket (27, 28) is an O-ring (48) resting on a shoe (49); wherein said O-ring (48) is accommodated in a radial gasket seat (47) obtained in said rotating bushing (4) by said outer bushing surface (46) and biases, in a radial direction (R-R) orthogonal to the rotation axis of said pin (3), said shoe (49) resting with pressure against said first and / or second inner link (5, 6), or said first and / or second inner bushing (9, 10) like a scraper.

15. A track member (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said pin (3) is a hollow pin which internally forms a pin tank (50) adapted to contain a lubricant element, such as grease or more preferably oil, for example; and whereinsaid pin (3) comprises a feeding conduit (51) fluidly connecting said pin tank (50) to an outer pin surface (52) in a portion thereof placed inside said rotating bushing (4); or wherein said pin (3) is a hollow pin which internally forms a pin tank (50) adapted to contain a lubricant element, such as grease or more preferably oil, for example; and wherein said pin (3) comprises a feeding conduit (51) fluidly connecting said pin tank (50) to an outer pin surface (52) in a portion thereof placed inside said rotating bushing (4) where there is an annular bushing pocket (53) which creates a compartment for collecting and distributing the lubricant element between the rotating bushing (4) and the pin (3).