Cassette pin assembly including a sleeve bearing having a flared end and track chain assembly including the cassette pin assembly

Abstract

A cassette pin assembly (300) in a track chain assembly (200) includes a sleeve bearing (400) having a flared end (402).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sleeve bearing for use in a track chain assembly, which is an endless undercarriage drive employed by earthmoving, construction and mining equipment, etc. In particular, the present invention relates to a sleeve bearing configured to contact links of the track chain assembly and withstand thrust forces without being easily deformed, thereby reducing the amount of maintenance required for the track chain assembly. Background Art

[0002] Earth moving, construction and mining equipment are often used in rough off-road terrain. These machines typically employ an endless drive having track shoes attached to a track chain assembly that are able to better propel the machine over obstacles and uneven terrain in such environments.

[0003] There can be a great deal of tension and load on a track chain assembly. More specifically, the loads imposed by the sprockets on the bushings and track pins of the track chain can cause these components, particularly the bushings, to become worn or fatigued. For example, high thrust loads can be imposed on the sleeve bearings, which can cause the ends of the sleeve bearings to mushroom or otherwise deform. As a result, the space between the track links and the outer bushings of the track chain assembly can decrease over time, and seals located in that space that are used to retain lubricant near the friction area can become damaged, allowing the lubricant to leak out. This can lead to wear problems and undesirable downtime of the machine while the track chain assembly is maintained.

[0004] Existing designs of sleeve bearings are not intended to alleviate the above problems. For example, DE102017218159A1 discloses a sliding bearing, which is preferably made of plastic or graphite and is used to reduce friction. Therefore, it is not intended to bear thrust loads or be used in lubricated and sealed crawler chain assemblies.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a track chain assembly that is lubricated and sealed while also being difficult to maintain. Summary of the invention

[0006] A sleeve bearing according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an at least partially annular cylindrical body defining a cylindrical axis, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction. The at least partially annular cylindrical body may include a first radially inner circumferential surface, a first radially outer circumferential surface, a first free end and a second free end arranged along the cylindrical axis, and a first flared portion arranged near the first free end along the cylindrical axis. The first flared portion may include a radially extending abutment surface, a first transition surface connecting the first radially inner circumferential surface to the radially extending abutment surface, an inclined surface forming a first outer obtuse angle with the first radially outer circumferential surface, a second transition surface connecting the radially extending abutment surface to the inclined surface, and a third transition surface connecting the inclined surface to the first radially outer circumferential surface.

[0007] A cassette pin assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a first collar and a second collar, the first collar including a first body, the first body defining a first hole having a first diameter and a second hole communicating with the first hole, the second hole having a second diameter greater than the first diameter, the second collar including a second body, the second body defining a third hole having a third diameter and a fourth hole communicating with the third hole, the fourth hole having a fourth diameter greater than the third diameter. The first hole and the third hole may be aligned to define a common track pin hole longitudinal axis. The track pin may be arranged in the first hole and the third hole, the track pin defining a radial direction and a circumferential direction. The first sleeve bearing may be arranged in the second hole radially and circumferentially around the track pin. The first sleeve bearing may include a first flared end arranged along the longitudinal axis.

[0008] A track chain assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a first track member, the first track member including a first track shoe portion and a first forked portion extending upward from the first track shoe portion, the first forked portion including a first lug and a second lug, wherein the first lug defines a first hole and a second hole, the first hole defining a first hole diameter and a first hole axis, and the second hole defining a second hole diameter and a second hole axis. The second hole axis may be aligned with the first hole axis. The second track member may include a second track shoe portion and a third lug extending upward from the second track shoe portion, the third lug defining a third hole, the third hole defining a third hole diameter and a third hole axis aligned with the second hole axis. A box pin assembly may be arranged in the first hole, the second hole, and the third hole. The box pin assembly may include a first collar, the first collar including a first body defining a first hole having a first diameter, and a second hole communicating with the first hole, the second hole having a second diameter greater than the first diameter. The second collar may include a second body defining a third hole having a third diameter and a fourth hole communicating with the third hole, the fourth hole having a fourth diameter greater than the third diameter. The first hole and the third hole may be aligned to define a common track pin hole longitudinal axis. The track pin may be arranged in the first hole and the third hole. The track pin may include a cylindrical track pin body defining a radial direction and a circumferential direction. The first sleeve bearing may be radially and circumferentially arranged in the second hole around the track pin. The bushing may be radially and circumferentially arranged around the track pin. The first seal assembly may be arranged in the second hole and radially and circumferentially arranged around the first sleeve bearing and configured to contact the bushing and the first body of the first collar. The first sleeve bearing may include a first flared end arranged along the longitudinal axis, the first flared end abutting the first body of the first collar, and the first flared end may be spaced apart from the first seal assembly by a minimum gap distance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. In the drawings:

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a machine that may use various track chain assemblies having a cassette pin assembly including a sleeve bearing with a flared end according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 2 is with Figure 1 A perspective view of a portion of a track chain assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in isolation of a machine having a cassette pin assembly with sleeve bearing(s) having flared ends.

[0012] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The crawler chain assembly is along the Figure 2 A top cross-sectional view of a box pin assembly taken along the longitudinal axis and in a radial direction.

[0013] Figure 4 Shown separated from the track chain assembly Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a box pin assembly.

[0014] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An enlarged view of a portion of the track link more clearly illustrates the interface between the flared end of the sleeve bearing and the track link.

[0015] Figure 6 Shown separated from the track chain assembly Figure 3 Perspective view of a sleeve bearing.

[0016] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A side view of a sleeve bearing;

[0017] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A side cross-sectional view of a sleeve bearing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numerals are used throughout the accompanying drawings to represent the same or similar parts. In some cases, a reference numeral will be indicated in this specification and the accompanying drawings will show the reference numeral followed by a letter, such as 100a, 100b, or followed by a prime, such as 100', 100", etc. It should be understood that the reference numeral followed by a letter or a prime indicates that the features are similarly shaped and have functions similar to the general case when the geometric structure is mirrored about the plane of symmetry. For ease of explanation in this specification, letters and primes are generally not included herein, but may be shown in the drawings to indicate repetition of features having similar or identical functions or geometries discussed in this written specification.

[0019] Various embodiments of a track chain assembly having a cassette pin assembly with a sleeve bearing with a flared end according to various embodiments of the present invention will now be described. These various embodiments can reduce the likelihood that the track chain assembly will need to be replaced or require maintenance. That is, the various track chain assemblies described herein can be robust because the sleeve bearings are less likely to deform and can withstand thrust loads, helping to protect adjacent seals from being crushed.

[0020] See also Figure 1 , a machine 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. Machine 100 includes a track-type machine having a machine frame 102 and an implement system 104 coupled to frame 102. Frame 102 may be supported on and rotatable relative to a ground engaging track system 106. Track system 106 includes a track roller frame 108, an idler 120, a drive sprocket 122, and a plurality of track rollers 126 mounted to track roller frame 108. A ground engaging track 124 (also referred to as a track chain assembly 200) extends about idler 120, drive sprocket 122, track rollers 126, and possibly other rotatable track engaging elements. Machine 100 is shown in the context of a mining machine, i.e., a hydraulic mining shovel or the like, wherein implement system 104 includes a hydraulically actuated implement system 104 configured to operate at least primarily at a working face of a mine.

[0021] Alternatively, the machine 100 may be a rope shovel, such as an electric rope shovel, other types of equipment, such as a tractor, a bulldozer, or an excavator. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain mining machines, such as the hydraulic mining shovel shown, may operate 90% or more of the time in a fixed position on a worksite (e.g., at a face) to capture, lift, and dump material into a mining truck or another conveying mechanism, and are therefore transported only a small number of times. Such mining machines may weigh up to 3 million pounds or more, and despite relatively low frequency of transport, their tracks, for example, are subject to extreme wear, loads, and material deformation. It is generally desirable that the tracks in such machines have a service life of tens of thousands of hours. As further discussed herein, the machine 100, and in particular the track system 106, is configured to have a service life and operational reliability, particularly with respect to the track joints discussed further herein, which is extended relative to other strategies, with a reduced risk of premature failure or the necessity for unexpected field service and machine downtime.

[0022] Focus Figures 2 to 4 , a track chain assembly 200 according to various embodiments of the present invention can be described as follows.

[0023] Track chain assembly 200 may include a plurality of box pin assemblies 300 for forming an articulated joint 202 between a plurality of track members (eg, first track member 204 and second track member 204 ′).

[0024] The first track member 204 and the second track member 204' may have the same construction and may be matched to each other by providing one is placed in front of the other in the direction of travel of the track chain, thereby allowing for Figure 2 and Figure 3 2. As best seen in FIG. 2, two parallel hinge joints 202 are assembled. In other embodiments of the invention, other configurations are possible, including those in which the track members have more or less than two joints or are configured differently, etc.

[0025] Still see Figure 2 and 3 It is understood that the first track member 204 may include a first track shoe portion 206 and a first forked portion 208 (functioning as a track link) extending upward from the first track shoe portion 206. The first forked portion 208 may include a first lug 210 and a second lug 212. Figure 3 As shown, the first lug 210 defines a first hole 214, the first hole defines a first hole diameter 215 and a first hole axis 216, and the second lug 212 defines a second hole 218, the second hole defines a second hole diameter 220 and a second hole axis 222. The second hole axis 222 can be aligned with the first hole axis 216, thereby allowing the box pin assembly 300 to be inserted therein.

[0026] Similarly, the second track member 204' may include a second track shoe portion 206' and a third lug 224 extending upwardly from the second track shoe portion 206' (functioning as a track link). The third lug 224 may define a third hole 226, the third hole defining a third hole diameter 228 and a third hole axis 230, which is aligned with the second hole axis 222 when the first track member 204 and the second track member 204' are mated. Again, this structure allows the box pin assembly 300 to be inserted therein to form the hinge joint 202.

[0027] It should be appreciated that in other embodiments of the present invention, the track members may have track links that are separate from the track shoes, such as when the track shoes are bolted or otherwise attached to the track links or the like.

[0028] Now go to Figure 4 , each of the plurality of box pin assemblies 300 may include a first collar 302 including a first body 302a defining a first hole 304 having a first diameter 306 and a second hole 308 communicating with the first hole 304. The second hole 308 may have a second diameter 310 greater than the first diameter 306, forming a counterbore.

[0029] Likewise, the box pin assembly 300 may also include a second collar 312 including a second body 312a defining a third hole 316 having a third diameter 318, and a fourth hole 320 having a fourth diameter 322 in communication with the third hole 316. The fourth hole 320 may have a fourth diameter 322 greater than the third diameter 318, forming another countersunk hole. The first hole 304 and the third hole 316 may be aligned and have the same size diameter, defining a common track pin hole longitudinal axis 323 (which is aligned with the track pin hole when assembled). Figure 3 Second collar 312 may also have a stop 314 configured to position box pin assembly 300 in track chain assembly 200 as desired (this feature may be omitted). In other embodiments of the present invention, other configurations are possible.

[0030] Still refer to Figure 4 , the track pin 324 may be disposed in the first hole 304 and the third hole 316. The track pin 324 may have a cylindrical pin body 324a defining a radial direction 326 and a circumferential direction 328.

[0031] Cassette pin assembly 300 may further include a first sleeve bearing 400 disposed in second bore 308 and radially and circumferentially disposed about track pin 324 , and a bushing 330 disposed radially and circumferentially about track pin 324 and configured to rotate about track pin 324 .

[0032] The first seal assembly 332 may be disposed in the second bore 308 such that the first seal assembly 332 is radially and circumferentially disposed about the first sleeve bearing 400. The first seal assembly 332 may be axially positioned such that the first seal assembly 332 is configured to contact the bushing 330 and the first body 302a of the first collar 302.

[0033] like Figure 5 As shown, the first sleeve bearing 400 may include a first flared end 402 disposed along the longitudinal axis 323 that abuts the first body 302a of the first collar 302. In some embodiments of the present invention, the first flared end 402 may be spaced apart from the first seal assembly 332 by a minimum gap distance 334 of 3.0 mm to 5.0 mm.

[0034] Therefore, for some embodiments of the present invention, the function of first seal assembly 332 is not altered or inhibited by contacting first flared end 402 of first sleeve bearing 400 due to dimensional changes caused by loads applied to track chain assembly 200 or cassette pin assembly 300 during use.

[0035] Refer to Figure 4 Each of the plurality of box pin assemblies 300 may define a longitudinal midplane 336 of the box pin assembly 300 , which may serve as a plane of symmetry for at least some components of the box pin assembly 300 .

[0036] In this case, track chain assembly 200 may further include a second sleeve bearing 400' including a second flared end 402' disposed in fourth bore 320, the second flared end being radially and circumferentially positioned around track pin 324, and a second seal assembly 332' disposed in fourth bore 320, the fourth bore being radially and circumferentially positioned around second sleeve bearing 400' and being configured to contact second body 312a of second collar 312.

[0037] Bushing 330 may be radially and circumferentially arranged around first sleeve bearing 400, second sleeve bearing 400', and track pin 324. Bushing 330 may also be axially arranged proximate to first seal assembly 332 and second seal assembly 332', and configured to contact first seal assembly 332 and second seal assembly 332'. Bushing 330 may also include a protrusion 338 that extends radially inward and is configured to axially contact first sleeve bearing 400 and second sleeve bearing 400' while radially contacting first sleeve bearing 400 and second sleeve bearing 400', while also nearly radially contacting track pin 324. A lubricant reservoir is also shown between protrusion 338 of bushing 330 and track pin 324. Other configurations of these features are possible, or they may be omitted in other embodiments of the present invention.

[0038] As just mentioned herein, the second sleeve bearing 400' can be symmetrical with the first sleeve bearing 400 about the longitudinal midplane 336, and the second seal assembly 332' can be symmetrical with the first seal assembly 332 about the longitudinal midplane 336. In fact, these components can be constructed identically and can be used by rotating them one hundred eighty degrees about the longitudinal midplane 336, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 Similarly, the bushing 330 can be symmetrical about the longitudinal midplane 336 .

[0039] In other embodiments of the invention, other configurations and dimensions are possible, including those in which the box pin assembly 300 and its components are asymmetrical.

[0040] See together Figure 4 and 5 The features of the box pin assembly 300 that can be used in the above-mentioned track chain assembly 200 are as follows.

[0041] exist Figure 4 , the box pin assembly 300 may include a first collar 302 having a first body 302a defining a first hole 304 having a first diameter 306, and a second hole 308 communicating with the first hole 304. The second hole 308 may have a second diameter 310 greater than the first diameter 306, forming a counterbore.

[0042] The cassette pin assembly 300 may also include a second collar 312 having a third hole 316 defining a second body 312a, the second body having a third diameter 318, and a fourth hole 320 having a fourth diameter 322 communicating with the third hole 316. The fourth hole 320 may have a fourth diameter 322 greater than the third diameter 318, forming another countersunk hole. The first hole 304 and the third hole 316 are aligned to define a common track pin hole longitudinal axis 323 as previously described herein.

[0043] Thus, track pin 324 is disposed in first aperture 304 and third aperture 316. Track pin 324 defines a radial direction 326 and a circumferential direction 328.

[0044] First sleeve bearing 400 is disposed in the second bore radially and circumferentially around track pin 324. First sleeve bearing 400 includes a first flared end 402 disposed along longitudinal axis 323.

[0045] Cassette pin assembly 300 may further include a second sleeve bearing 400' including a second flared end 402' radially and circumferentially disposed in fourth bore 320 around track pin 324, and a first seal assembly 332 radially and circumferentially disposed in second bore 308 around first sleeve bearing 400. First seal assembly 332 is configured to contact first collar 302.

[0046] In addition, a second seal assembly 332' is radially and circumferentially arranged in the fourth bore 320 around the second sleeve bearing 400'. The second seal assembly 332' is configured to contact the second collar 312.

[0047] Bushing 330 is radially and circumferentially arranged around first sleeve bearing 400, second sleeve bearing 400' and track pin 324. Bushing 330 is axially arranged adjacent to first seal assembly 332 and second seal assembly 332', and is configured to contact first seal assembly 332 and second seal assembly 332' (creating a fluid tight seal to seal lubricant in cassette pin assembly 300). Bushing 330 also includes a protrusion 338, which is configured to axially contact first sleeve bearing 400 and second sleeve bearing 400'.

[0048] like Figure 5 As shown, the first flared end 402 includes a first radially inner circumferential surface 404 , a first abutment surface 406 , and a first inclined surface 408 forming a first acute inner angle 410 ranging from 70.0 degrees to 89.0 degrees (eg, approximately 80 degrees) with the longitudinal axis 323 .

[0049] In some embodiments, the first abutment surface 406 may be a first radially extending surface 412 (eg, a planar surface). In this case, the first abutment surface 406 contacts the first collar 302 to form a defined range from 14,000 mm to 14,000 mm. 2 Up to 37,000mm 2 The first interface region 416 of the surface region 418 .

[0050] Similarly, in some embodiments, the first inclined surface 408 is a first ramp surface 414 (e.g., a tapered surface). In this case, the first seal assembly 332 can be arranged radially, circumferentially, and axially close to the first inclined surface 408. A first radial gap 420 can be arranged between the first inclined surface 408 and the first seal assembly 332 in a range of 3.0 mm to 5.0 mm.

[0051] As mentioned previously herein, the second sleeve bearing 400' may also have a second flared end 402' (see FIG. 1 ) of the same configuration as the first flared end 402 of the first sleeve bearing 400. Figure 4 ).

[0052] In other embodiments of the invention, any of these configurations or dimensions may be different.

[0053] Now refer to Figures 5 to 8 A first sleeve bearing 400 is described that may be used in the cassette pin assembly 300 just described.

[0054] The first sleeve bearing 400 may include an at least partially annular cylindrical body 400a defining a cylindrical axis 422 , a radial direction 424 , and a circumferential direction 426 .

[0055] The at least partially annular cylindrical body 400a may include a first radially inner circumferential surface 404 disposed along a cylindrical axis 422, a first radially outer circumferential surface 428, a first free end 430, and a second free end 432. A first flared portion 434 may be disposed along the cylindrical axis 422 proximate the first free end 430.

[0056] The first flared portion 434 may include: a radially extending adjacent surface 436, a first transition surface 438 connecting the first radial inner circumferential surface 404 to the radially extending adjacent surface 436, an inclined surface 440 forming a first outer obtuse angle 442 with the first radial outer circumferential surface 428, a second transition surface 444 connecting the radially extending adjacent surface 436 to the inclined surface 440, and a third transition surface 446 connecting the inclined surface 440 to the first radial outer circumferential surface 428.

[0057] In some embodiments, first outer obtuse angle 442 can range from 160.0 degrees to 179.0 degrees (eg, approximately 170 degrees). In other embodiments of the invention, other values ​​for this angle are possible.

[0058] like Figure 5 As best seen in FIG. 4 , first transition surface 438 may be a first chamfer 438', second transition surface 444 may be a second chamfer 444', and third transition surface 446 may be a radius 446'. Other configurations are possible for these features in other embodiments of the invention.

[0059] See also Figure 8, in some embodiments, the first radially outer circumferential surface 428 can define an outer diameter 448 of the first sleeve bearing 400 that ranges from 80 mm to 200 mm. Additionally, in some embodiments, the first radially inner circumferential surface 404 can define an inner diameter 450 of the first sleeve bearing 400 that ranges from 60 mm to 180 mm. The at least partially annular cylindrical body 400a can define a longitudinal length 456 that ranges from 80.0 mm to 250.0 mm measured from the first free end 430 to the second free end 432. In other embodiments of the present invention, these dimensions can be different.

[0060] like Figure 5 , 6 8, the radially extending abutment surface 436 may define a radial height 452 measured radially from the first transition surface 438 to the second transition surface 444 ranging from 10.0 mm to 30.0 mm.

[0061] See also Figure 5 , the inclined surface 440 can be a tapered surface 440'. The cross-section of the tapered surface 440' can define a height 453 ranging from 3.0 mm to 9.5 mm measured along the radial direction 424 from the second transition surface 444 to the third transition surface 446, and a width 454 ranging from 18.0 mm to 54.0 mm measured along the cylindrical axis 422 from the second transition surface 444 to the third transition surface 446. In other embodiments of the present invention, these features and dimensions can be different.

[0062] The various components of the track chain assembly 200 and the box pin assembly 300 can be manufactured using any suitable manufacturing process or material. The track components can be forged, cast or machined using steel, cast iron, cast steel, etc. The first sleeve bearing 400 can also be made of steel, stainless steel, etc.

[0063] Industrial Applicability

[0064] In practice, track chain assemblies, cassette pin assemblies (or subassemblies thereof) and / or sleeve bearings according to any embodiment described herein may be sold, purchased, manufactured or otherwise obtained in an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) or aftermarket context.

[0065] For example, a track chain assembly already in the art can be retrofitted with a sleeve bearing with a flared end or a box pin assembly with a sleeve bearing with a flared end. In addition, according to various embodiments of the present invention, existing machines in the art can be retrofitted with a track chain assembly using a box pin assembly or a sleeve bearing with a flared end.

[0066] Alternatively, according to various embodiments of the present invention, the machine may initially be sold with a track chain assembly having a cassette pin assembly or a sleeve bearing with a flared end. The cassette pin assembly or the sleeve bearing with a flared end is then provided as a replacement part or the like.

[0067] The inventors of the present application have performed FEA (finite element analysis) on a cassette pin assembly using a sleeve bearing having a flared end as described herein. Due to the increased contact area, stress is reduced. Therefore, deformation of the sleeve bearing or collar can be reduced. This can extend the life of the cassette pin assembly and reduce the frequency of maintenance as needed.

[0068] The various embodiments discussed here can be scaled up or down according to the application. To this end, various size ratios can be provided in other embodiments of the present invention that can provide satisfactory performance. For example, in certain embodiments, the ratio of the outer diameter of the sleeve bearing to the radial height of the radially extending adjacent surface can be in the range of 10.0 to 15.0. Similarly, the ratio of the longitudinal length of the sleeve bearing to the height of the tapered surface can be in the range of 28.0 to 36.0, and in certain embodiments, the ratio of the longitudinal length to the width of the tapered surface can be in the range of 3.0 to 5.0. In addition, in certain embodiments, the ratio of the first interface region surface area to the inner diameter can be in the range of 300.0 mm to 400.0 mm. In other embodiments of the present invention, other ranges of these ratios are possible.

[0069] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made to the embodiments of the apparatus and assembly methods discussed herein without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art by consideration of the specification of the systems disclosed herein and the practice of the various embodiments. For example, the construction and function of some devices may be different from those described herein, and certain steps of any method may be omitted, performed in a different order than specifically mentioned, or in some cases performed simultaneously or in sub-steps. In addition, certain aspects or features of the various embodiments may be varied or modified to create further embodiments, and features and aspects of the various embodiments may be added to other features or aspects of other embodiments, or replaced with other features or aspects of other embodiments, so as to provide further embodiments.

[0070] Accordingly, it is intended that the specification and embodiments be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A box pin assembly (300), comprising: A first set of rings (302) comprising a first body (302a) defining a first hole (304) having a first diameter (306) and a second hole (308) communicating with the first hole (304), the second hole (308) having a second diameter (310) greater than the first diameter (306); The second ring (312) includes a second body (312a) defining a third bore (316) having a third diameter (318) and a fourth bore (320) communicating with the third bore (316), the fourth bore (320) having a fourth diameter (322) greater than the third diameter (318), and the first bore (304) and the third bore (316) being aligned to define a common track pin bore longitudinal axis (323); a track pin (324) disposed in the first bore (304) and the third bore (316), the track pin (324) defining a radial direction (326) and a circumferential direction (328); and a first sleeve bearing (400) radially and circumferentially disposed in the second bore (308) about the track pin (324); wherein the first sleeve bearing (400) comprises a first flared end (402) arranged along the longitudinal axis (323), wherein the first flared end (402) includes a first radial inner circumferential surface (404), a first abutment surface (406), and a first inclined surface (408), wherein the first inclined surface forms a first inner acute angle (410) ranging from 70.0 degrees to 89.0 degrees with the longitudinal axis (323), wherein the first abutment surface (406) is a first radially extending surface (412), and the first inclined surface (408) is a first inclined surface (414), The first sealing assembly (332) is disposed close to the first inclined surface (408) in radial, circumferential and axial directions.

2. The box pin assembly (300) of claim 1, further comprising: a second sleeve bearing (400') including a second flared end (402') radially and circumferentially disposed in the fourth bore (320) around the track pin (324); a first seal assembly (332) radially and circumferentially disposed in the second bore (308) around the first sleeve bearing (400) and configured to contact the first collar (302); a second seal assembly (332') radially and circumferentially disposed in the fourth bore (320) around the second sleeve bearing (400') and configured to contact the second collar (312); and a liner A sleeve (330) is radially and circumferentially arranged around the first sleeve bearing (400), the second sleeve bearing (400'), and the track pin (324), the sleeve (330) is also axially arranged adjacent to the first seal assembly (332) and the second seal assembly (332'), the sleeve is configured to contact the first seal assembly (332) and the second seal assembly (332'), and the sleeve (330) further includes a protrusion (338) configured to axially contact the first sleeve bearing (400) and the second sleeve bearing (400').

3. The box pin assembly (300) of claim 1, wherein the first abutment surface (406) contacts the first collar (302) to form a first interface region (416), the first interface region defining a range from 14,000 mm to 14,000 mm. 2 Up to 37,000mm 2 The first radially inner circumferential surface (404) defines an inner diameter (450) of the first sleeve bearing (400), and a ratio of the first interface area surface area (418) to the inner diameter (450) ranges from 300.0 mm to 400.0 mm.

4. The box pin assembly (300) of claim 1, wherein the box pin assembly (300) defines a first radial gap distance (420) between the first inclined surface (408) and the first seal assembly (332) ranging from 3.0 mm to 5.0 mm.

5. The cassette pin assembly (300) of claim 2, wherein the second sleeve bearing (400') further comprises a second flared end (402'), the second flared end being configured identically to the first flared end (402) of the first sleeve bearing (400).

6. A crawler chain assembly (200), comprising: A first track member (204) comprising a first track shoe portion (206); and a first forked portion (208) extending upwardly from the first track shoe portion (206), the first forked portion (208) comprising a first lug (210) and a second lug (212), wherein the first lug (210) defines a first hole (214) of the track member, the first hole defining a first hole diameter (215) and a first hole axis (216), and the second lug (212) defines a second hole (218) of the track member, the second hole defining a second hole diameter (220) and a second hole axis (222), the second hole axis (222) being aligned with the first hole axis (216); The second track member (204') comprises A second track shoe portion (206'); as well as a third lug (224) extending upwardly from the second track shoe portion (206'), the third lug (224) defining a third hole (226) of the track member, the third hole defining a third hole diameter (228) and a third hole axis (230) aligned with the second hole axis (222); and A box pin assembly (300) is disposed in a first hole (214) of a track member, a second hole (218) of a track member, and a third hole (226) of a track member, the box pin assembly (300) comprising A first set of rings (302) comprising a first body (302a) defining a first hole (304) having a first diameter (306) and a second hole (308) having a second diameter (310) communicating with the first hole (304) having the first diameter (306), the second diameter (310) being greater than the first diameter (306); The second ring (312) includes a second body (312a) defining a third hole (316) having a third diameter (318) and a fourth hole (320) communicating with the third hole (316) having the third diameter (318), the fourth hole (320) having a fourth diameter (322) greater than the third diameter (318), and the first hole (304) having the first diameter (306) and the third hole (316) having the third diameter (318) being aligned to define a common track pin hole longitudinal axis (323); a track pin (324) disposed in the first hole (304) having a first diameter (306) and the third hole (316) having a third diameter (318), the track pin (324) including a cylindrical pin body (324a) defining a radial direction (326) and a circumferential direction (328); a first sleeve bearing (400) radially and circumferentially disposed about the track pin (324) in the second bore (308) having a second diameter (310); a bushing (330) radially and circumferentially disposed about the track pin (324); and a first seal assembly (332) disposed in the second bore (308) having a second diameter (310) and radially and circumferentially disposed about the first sleeve bearing (400) and configured to contact the bushing (330) and the first body (302a) of the first collar (302); The first sleeve bearing (400) includes a first flared end (402) arranged along the longitudinal axis (323), the first flared end is adjacent to the first body (302a) of the first collar (302), and the first flared end (402) is spaced apart from the first seal assembly (332) by a first gap distance at a first point near the large diameter end and is spaced apart from the first seal assembly by a second gap distance at a second point near the small diameter end, and the first gap distance is different from the second gap distance.

7. The track chain assembly (200) of claim 6, wherein the box pin assembly (300) defines a longitudinal mid-plane (336) of the box pin assembly (300), the box pin assembly (300) further comprising: a second sleeve bearing (400') including a second flared end (402') disposed in the fourth bore (320) radially and circumferentially about the track pin (324); a second seal assembly (332') radially and circumferentially disposed in the fourth bore (320) around the second sleeve bearing (400') and configured to contact the second body (312a) of the second collar (312); and The bushing (330) is radially and circumferentially arranged around the first sleeve bearing (400), the second sleeve bearing (400'), and the track pin (324), the bushing (330) is also axially arranged adjacent to the first seal assembly (332) and adjacent to the second seal assembly (332'), the bushing is configured to contact the first seal assembly (332) and the second seal assembly (332'), and the bushing (330) further includes a protrusion (338) extending radially inwardly and configured to axially contact the first sleeve bearing (400) and the second sleeve bearing (400'); The second sleeve bearing (400') is symmetrical with the first sleeve bearing (400) about the longitudinal midplane (336), the second sealing assembly (332') is symmetrical with the first sealing assembly (332) about the longitudinal midplane (336), and the bushing (330) is symmetrical with the longitudinal midplane (336).

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