Sprockets and crawler tracks

Abstract

The present invention discloses a sprocket and crawler device, the sprocket comprising: a wheel axle, comprising an annular groove and a first shoulder; a wheel body, comprising a cylindrical cavity, with an annular protrusion provided in the middle; a first tapered roller bearing, the outer ring of the first bearing abuts the side end face of the annular protrusion, and the inner ring of the first bearing abuts the first step side face of the first shoulder; a second tapered roller bearing, the outer ring of the second bearing abuts the side end face of the annular protrusion; an adjusting nut, threadedly engaged with the external thread; a stop plate, comprising an annular plate engaged with the annular groove; a first limiting assembly, comprising a first limiting portion provided on the groove wall of the annular groove and a second limiting portion provided on the annular plate, the first limiting portion and the second limiting portion cooperating to limit the rotation of the annular plate relative to the wheel axle; a second limiting assembly, comprising a third limiting portion and a fourth limiting portion provided on the annular plate, the fourth limiting portion cooperating with the third limiting portion to limit the rotation of the adjusting nut relative to the stop plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of engineering machinery, and in particular to a sprocket and crawler device. Background Art

[0002] Sprockets are crucial components of crawler tracks. They consist of a wheel body and an axle. The axle is mounted to the vehicle frame, and the wheel body mates with the track. Bearings connect the wheel body and axle, making the bearing play difficult to precisely adjust and control. For example, the carrier sprocket in the crawler travel mechanism of a crawler excavator consists of a wheel body and an axle, with one end of the axle being the working end and the other being the mounting end. In conventional carrier sprockets, the wheel body is typically attached to the axle via a sleeve, bearings, and a floating oil seal. The entire carrier sprocket is relatively heavy, and the axial play of the bearings cannot be precisely controlled, resulting in reduced bearing life and, in turn, oil leakage from the carrier sprocket. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide a sprocket capable of improving the precise adjustment and control of the clearance of the bearing.

[0004] A first aspect of the present invention discloses a sprocket, comprising:

[0005] A wheel axle, comprising a mounting end for connecting to a vehicle frame, a free end opposite to the mounting end, an annular groove and a first shoulder located between the mounting end and the free end, the free end being provided with an external thread, and the first shoulder having a first stepped side surface facing the free end;

[0006] The wheel body comprises a cylindrical cavity surrounding the wheel axle, wherein the middle portion of the inner wall of the cylindrical cavity is provided with an annular protrusion protruding radially inward;

[0007] a first tapered roller bearing, comprising a first bearing outer ring and a first bearing inner ring, which are interference fit with the inner wall of the cylindrical cavity and the wheel shaft, respectively, wherein the first bearing outer ring is axially abutted against the side end surface of the annular protrusion axially facing the mounting end, and the first bearing inner ring is axially abutted against the side surface of the first step;

[0008] a second tapered roller bearing, comprising a second bearing outer ring and a second bearing inner ring, which are interference fit with the inner wall of the cylindrical cavity and the wheel shaft respectively, wherein the second bearing outer ring is axially in contact with a side end surface of the annular protrusion axially facing the free end;

[0009] an adjusting nut, threadably engaged with the external thread to axially compress the second bearing inner ring;

[0010] a stopper, sleeved on the outside of the wheel shaft and disposed between the adjusting nut and the inner ring of the second bearing, comprising an annular plate engaged with the annular groove;

[0011] a first limiting assembly, comprising a first limiting portion provided on the groove wall of the annular groove and a second limiting portion provided on the annular plate, wherein the first limiting portion cooperates with the second limiting portion to limit the rotation of the annular plate relative to the wheel shaft;

[0012] The second limiting assembly includes a plurality of third limiting portions distributed along the circumference of the adjusting nut and a fourth limiting portion provided on the annular plate, the fourth limiting portion cooperates with one of the plurality of third limiting portions to limit the rotation of the adjusting nut relative to the stop plate, or the second limiting assembly includes a third limiting portion provided on the adjusting nut and a plurality of fourth limiting portions distributed along the circumference of the annular plate, the third limiting portion cooperates with one of the plurality of fourth limiting portions to limit the rotation of the adjusting nut relative to the stop plate.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first limiting portion includes a first card slot extending axially, the second limiting portion includes a first clip that cooperates with the first card slot, the third limiting portion includes a second card slot extending axially, and the fourth limiting portion includes a second clip that is bendable and cooperates with the second card slot after bending.

[0014] In some embodiments, it also includes a baffle sleeved on the wheel axle and a sealing ring whose outer circumference is interference fit with the outer circumference of the cylindrical cavity and whose inner circumference is slidingly sealed with the outer circumference of the first shoulder. The first shoulder also has a second step side facing the mounting end. The second step side limits the axial position of the baffle. The edge of the inner wall of the cylindrical cavity along the axial direction is flush with the second step side. The radial dimension of the baffle is not less than the radial dimension of the edge of the inner wall of the cylindrical cavity along the axial direction.

[0015] In some embodiments, the sealing ring includes two skeleton oil seals arranged adjacent to each other in the axial direction, and the lips of the two skeleton oil seals are both facing the free end.

[0016] In some embodiments, the invention further comprises an outer cover provided at the end of the barrel cavity away from the mounting end, wherein the outer cover is interference fit with the inner wall of the barrel cavity to close the end of the barrel cavity.

[0017] In some embodiments, the outer cover is provided with a through hole connecting the barrel cavity and the outside, and the outer cover is also detachably provided with a screw plug for sealing the through hole.

[0018] In some embodiments, the sprocket is a carrier sprocket.

[0019] A second aspect of the present invention discloses a crawler device comprising any one of the sprockets described above.

[0020] Based on the sprocket provided by the present invention, by arranging an annular groove, a first shoulder, and an external thread on the wheel body, by arranging an annular protrusion on the wheel body, by arranging an adjusting nut, a stop plate, and a first limit assembly and a second limit assembly, the annular protrusion, the first shoulder, and the stop plate can be used to achieve the installation of the first tapered roller bearing and the second tapered roller bearing and the adjustment of the bearing clearance. The first limit assembly and the second limit assembly can be used to maintain the circumferential position of the adjusting nut relative to the wheel axle, thereby achieving stable control of the bearing clearance.

[0021] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The drawings described herein are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention and constitute a part of this application. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the present invention. In the drawings:

[0023] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of a sprocket according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a partial structure of a sprocket shown;

[0025] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The schematic diagram of the structure of the stopper is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The following will be combined with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is actually only illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the present invention and its application or use. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0027] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement of the parts and steps, the numerical expressions and the numerical values ​​set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention. At the same time, it should be understood that, for ease of description, the sizes of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn according to the actual proportional relationship. The techniques, methods and equipment known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, the techniques, methods and equipment should be considered as part of the authorization specification. In all examples shown and discussed here, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as being merely exemplary and not as limiting. Therefore, other examples of the exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar numbers and letters represent similar items in the following figures, and therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further discussed in subsequent figures.

[0028] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to limit components is only for the convenience of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0029] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood broadly. For example, they may refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they may refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediary. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0030] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "above", "above", "on the upper surface of", "above", etc. may be used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature to other devices or features as shown in the figures. It should be understood that spatially relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation described in the figures. For example, if the device in the drawings is inverted, the device described as "above other devices or structures" or "above other devices or structures" will be positioned as "below other devices or structures" or "below other devices or structures". Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below". The device can also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptions used here are interpreted accordingly.

[0031] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, the sprocket of this embodiment includes a wheel axle 1, a wheel body 2, a first tapered roller bearing 31, a second tapered roller bearing 32, an adjusting nut 4, a stopper 5, a first limiting assembly and a second limiting assembly.

[0032] The wheel axle 1 includes a mounting end 11 for connecting to the vehicle frame, a free end 12 opposite the mounting end 11, an annular groove 13 located between the mounting end 11 and the free end 12, and a first shoulder 14. The free end 12 is provided with an external thread, and the first shoulder 14 has a first stepped side surface 141 facing the free end 12. The mounting end refers to the end of the wheel axle 1 that is connected to the vehicle frame when the wheel axle 1 is mounted on the vehicle frame, while the free end is the end of the wheel axle 1 away from the mounting end 11. The first shoulder 14 is the portion of the wheel axle with an enlarged diameter, and the end surface of the first shoulder 14 facing the free end 12 is the first stepped side surface 141.

[0033] Wheel body 2 includes a cylindrical cavity 21 surrounding axle 1. Cavity 21 is a cavity structure, into which axle 1 is inserted. As shown in the figure, an annular protrusion 22 is provided in the middle of the inner wall of cavity 21, projecting radially inward. Axially, annular protrusion 22 has two side surfaces on either side: one side surface faces axially toward the free end, and the other side surface faces axially toward the mounting end 11.

[0034] The first tapered roller bearing 31 includes a first outer ring and a first inner ring, which respectively form an interference fit with the inner wall of the cylindrical cavity 21 and the wheel axle 1. The first outer ring radially forms an interference fit with the inner wall of the cylindrical cavity 21. The first outer ring axially abuts against the side end face of the annular protrusion 22 axially facing the mounting end 11. The first inner ring axially abuts against the side face 141 of the first step. Abutment refers to the application of pressure between the two, which can be direct contact or indirect contact through an intermediate body. In the embodiment shown in the figure, one side end face of the annular protrusion 22 directly contacts the first outer ring, limiting the axial position of the first outer ring.

[0035] The second tapered roller bearing 32 includes a second bearing outer ring and a second bearing inner ring, which respectively form an interference fit with the inner wall of the cylindrical cavity 21 and the wheel shaft 1. The second bearing outer ring forms an interference fit with the inner wall of the cylindrical cavity 21 in the radial direction, and the second bearing outer ring abuts the side end surface of the annular protrusion 22 axially toward the free end 12. Abutment refers to the application of pressure between the two, and the contact between the two can be direct or indirect through an intermediate body. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the other side end surface of the annular protrusion 22 directly contacts the second bearing outer ring to limit the axial position of the first bearing outer ring.

[0036] The adjusting nut 4 is threadedly engaged with the external thread to axially compress the second bearing inner ring. Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the internal thread of the adjusting nut 4 cooperates with the external thread of the wheel axle. By rotating the adjusting nut 4, the distance of the adjusting nut 4 along the axial direction is adjusted, and pressure can be applied to the inner ring of the second bearing, thereby adjusting the clearance of the first tapered roller bearing 31 and the second tapered roller bearing 32.

[0037] The retaining plate 5 is sleeved on the outside of the axle 1 and is arranged between the adjusting nut 4 and the second bearing inner ring. The retaining plate 5 includes an annular plate that cooperates with the annular groove 13. The adjusting nut 4 is in indirect contact with the second bearing inner ring through the retaining plate 5, and pressure is applied to the second bearing inner ring through the retaining plate 5. Figure 3 As shown, the retaining plate 5 includes a circular annular plate. The retaining plate 5 is inserted into the annular groove 13 from the free end, and the annular plate surrounds the annular groove 13 .

[0038] The first stop assembly includes a first stopper 61 provided on the wall of the annular groove 13 and a second stopper 62 provided on the annular plate. The first stopper 61 and the second stopper 62 cooperate to limit the rotation of the annular plate relative to the wheel axle 1. The first stopper is fixed to the wall of the annular groove 13, and the second stopper 62 is fixed to the annular plate. When the annular plate surrounds the annular groove 13, the first stopper 61 and the second stopper 62 cooperate to prevent the stopper from rotating relative to the wheel axle 1. The cooperation between the first stopper 61 and the second stopper 62 does not restrict the axial movement of the stopper relative to the wheel axle 1.

[0039] The second limiting assembly includes a plurality of third limiting portions 63 distributed along the circumference of the adjusting nut 4 and a fourth limiting portion 64 provided on the annular plate. The fourth limiting portion 64 cooperates with one of the third limiting portions 63 to limit the rotation of the adjusting nut 4 relative to the retaining plate 5. In this embodiment, after the adjusting nut 4 rotates relative to the axle 1 to adjust the clearance between the first and second tapered roller bearings to a suitable position, one of the third limiting portions on the adjusting nut 4 aligns with the fourth limiting portion 64 on the annular plate. The cooperation between the third and fourth limiting portions prevents the adjusting nut 4 from rotating relative to the retaining plate 5, thereby maintaining a fixed position of the adjusting nut 4 relative to the axle and thus stabilizing the clearance between the first and second tapered roller bearings.

[0040] Alternatively, the second limiting assembly includes a third limiting portion 63 provided on the adjusting nut 4 and a plurality of fourth limiting portions 64 distributed circumferentially along the annular plate. The third limiting portion 63 cooperates with one of the fourth limiting portions 64 to limit the rotation of the adjusting nut 4 relative to the retaining plate 5. In this embodiment, after the adjusting nut 4 rotates relative to the axle 1 to adjust the clearance between the first and second tapered roller bearings to a suitable position, one of the fourth limiting portions on the annular plate aligns with the third limiting portion 63 on the adjusting nut. The cooperation between the third and fourth limiting portions prevents the adjusting nut 4 from rotating relative to the retaining plate 5, thereby maintaining a fixed position of the adjusting nut 4 relative to the axle and thus stabilizing the clearance between the first and second tapered roller bearings.

[0041] The sprocket of this embodiment is provided with an annular groove 13, a first shoulder 14, and an external thread on the wheel body 2, and an annular protrusion 22 is provided on the wheel body 2. An adjusting nut 4, a stop plate 5, and a first limit assembly and a second limit assembly are provided. The annular protrusion 22, the first shoulder 14, and the stop plate 5 can be used to install the first tapered roller bearing 31 and the second tapered roller bearing 32 and adjust the bearing clearance. The first limit assembly and the second limit assembly can be used to maintain the circumferential position of the adjusting nut 4 relative to the wheel axle 1, thereby achieving stable control of the bearing clearance.

[0042] In some embodiments, as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the first limiting portion 61 includes a first slot extending in the axial direction. Figure 3 As shown, the second limiting portion 62 includes a first clip that cooperates with the first slot. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the first clip is a bent plate fixedly connected to the inner wall of the annular plate, and the bent plate forms a 90-degree angle with the annular plate. The first slot is a groove extending axially on the free end of the wheel shaft 1. When the bent plate is inserted into the first slot, the stopper 5 can move axially relative to the wheel shaft, but cannot rotate relative to the wheel shaft. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the third limiting portion 63 includes a second slot extending in the axial direction. Figure 3 As shown, the fourth limiting portion 64 includes a second bendable clip that mates with the second retaining groove after bending. The second clip is a bendable plate. When the retaining plate 5 is initially installed on the axle, the plate is not bent. After the adjusting nut adjusts the bearing clearance, the plate is bent manually or with a tool so that the aligned plates bend into the aligned second retaining groove, thereby limiting the rotation of the adjusting nut relative to the retaining plate 5.

[0043] In some embodiments, as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the sprocket further includes a baffle 8 and a sealing ring 7 sleeved on the wheel shaft 1. The outer circumference of the sealing ring 7 is interference fit with the outer circumference of the cylindrical cavity 21, and the inner circumference of the sealing ring 7 is in sliding sealing fit with the outer circumference of the first shaft shoulder 14. The sealing ring 7 is mounted on the first shaft shoulder 14. The first shaft shoulder 14 also has a second step side surface 142 facing the mounting end 11. The second step side surface 142 limits the axial position of the baffle 8, that is, the baffle 8 is axially positioned by the first shaft shoulder 14. The edge of the inner wall of the cylindrical cavity 21 along the axial direction is flush with the second step side surface 142, that is, the sealing ring 7 is axially located on the inner side of the second step side surface 142 near the free end, and the baffle 8 is axially located on the outer side of the second step side surface 142 near the mounting end. The radial dimension of baffle 8 is no less than the radial dimension of the edge of the inner wall of the cylindrical cavity 21 along the axial direction, that is, baffle 8 can cover the sealing ring 7 in the radial direction. Because baffle 8 contacts the second step side 142, which is flush with the edge of the inner wall of the cylindrical cavity 21, the gap between baffle 142 and the edge of the inner wall of the cylindrical cavity 21 is very small. In other words, during operation, baffle 142 does not interfere with the rotation of the wheel body relative to the wheel axle, while providing relatively tight protection for the sealing ring. In this embodiment, a first shoulder 14 is used to position both the first bearing outer ring and the baffle 8, and also to install the sealing ring to form a seal. It also cooperates with the wheel body baffle 8 to protect the sealing ring. The end faces and circumferential surface of the first shoulder 14 are fully utilized, maximizing the structural function, achieving multiple benefits, and also contributing to a compact structure.

[0044] In some embodiments, as Figure 1 As shown, the sealing ring 7 includes two skeleton oil seals arranged adjacent to each other in the axial direction, and the lips of the two skeleton oil seals are both facing the free end 12. Providing two skeleton oil seals can improve the oil sealing effect.

[0045] In some embodiments, the sprocket further includes an outer cover 91 provided at the end of the cylinder cavity 21 away from the mounting end 11, and the outer cover 91 is interference fit with the inner wall of the cylinder cavity 21 to close the end of the cylinder cavity 21. The outer cover 91 can be provided to seal and protect the cylinder cavity 21 at the other end.

[0046] In some embodiments, the outer cover 91 is provided with a through hole connecting the barrel cavity 21 and the outside, and the outer cover 91 is also detachably provided with a screw plug 92 for blocking the through hole. The screw plug 92 can be conveniently blocked or opened to add lubricating oil from the through hole.

[0047] In some embodiments, the sprocket is a carrier sprocket.

[0048] In some embodiments, a crawler device is also disclosed, the crawler device including any sprocket.

[0049] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, ordinary technicians in the field should understand that the specific implementation methods of the present invention can still be modified or some technical features can be replaced by equivalents without departing from the spirit of the technical solutions of the present invention. They should all be included in the scope of the technical solutions claimed for protection by the present invention.

Claims

1. A sprocket, characterized in that: include: A wheel axle (1) comprises a mounting end (11) for connecting to a vehicle frame, a free end (12) opposite to the mounting end (11), an annular groove (13) and a first shaft shoulder (14) located between the mounting end (11) and the free end (12), wherein the free end (12) is provided with an external thread, and the first shaft shoulder (14) has a first step side surface (141) facing the free end (12); The wheel body (2) comprises a cylindrical cavity (21) surrounding the wheel shaft (1), and an annular protrusion (22) protruding radially inward is provided in the middle of the inner wall of the cylindrical cavity (21); A first tapered roller bearing (31) comprises a first bearing outer ring and a first bearing inner ring which are interference-fitted with the inner wall of the cylindrical cavity (21) and the wheel shaft (1), respectively, wherein the first bearing outer ring is axially abutted against the side end surface of the annular protrusion (22) axially facing the mounting end (11), and the first bearing inner ring is axially abutted against the side surface (141) of the first step; A second tapered roller bearing (32) comprises a second bearing outer ring and a second bearing inner ring which are interference-fitted with the inner wall of the cylindrical cavity (21) and the wheel shaft (1), respectively, wherein the second bearing outer ring is axially in contact with the side end surface of the annular protrusion (22) which is axially directed toward the free end (12); an adjusting nut (4) threadably engaged with the external thread to axially compress the second bearing inner ring; A stopper (5) is sleeved on the outside of the wheel shaft (1) and is arranged between the adjusting nut (4) and the second bearing inner ring, and includes an annular plate that cooperates with the annular groove (13); A first limiting assembly comprises a first limiting portion (61) provided on the groove wall of the annular groove (13) and a second limiting portion (62) provided on the annular plate, wherein the first limiting portion (61) cooperates with the second limiting portion (62) to limit the rotation of the annular plate relative to the wheel shaft (1); A second limiting assembly, wherein the second limiting assembly includes a plurality of third limiting portions (63) distributed along the circumference of the adjusting nut (4) and a fourth limiting portion (64) provided on the annular plate, wherein the fourth limiting portion (64) cooperates with one of the plurality of third limiting portions (63) to limit the rotation of the adjusting nut (4) relative to the stop plate (5), or the second limiting assembly includes a third limiting portion (63) provided on the adjusting nut (4) and a plurality of fourth limiting portions (64) distributed along the circumference of the annular plate, wherein the third limiting portion (63) cooperates with one of the plurality of fourth limiting portions (64) to limit the rotation of the adjusting nut (4) relative to the stop plate (5).

2. The sprocket according to claim 1, wherein: The first limiting portion (61) includes a first card slot extending in the axial direction, the second limiting portion (62) includes a first clip cooperating with the first card slot, the third limiting portion (63) includes a second card slot extending in the axial direction, and the fourth limiting portion (64) includes a second clip that is bendable and cooperates with the second card slot after being bent.

3. The sprocket according to claim 1, wherein: The invention also includes a baffle (8) sleeved on the wheel shaft (1) and a sealing ring (7) whose outer peripheral surface is interference-fitted with the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical cavity (21) and whose inner peripheral surface is slidingly sealed with the outer peripheral surface of the first shaft shoulder (14); the first shaft shoulder (14) also has a second step side surface (142) facing the mounting end (11); the second step side surface (142) limits the axial position of the baffle (8); the edge of the inner wall of the cylindrical cavity (21) along the axial direction is flush with the second step side surface (142); and the radial dimension of the baffle (8) is not less than the radial dimension of the edge of the inner wall of the cylindrical cavity (21) along the axial direction.

4. The sprocket according to claim 3, wherein: The sealing ring (7) comprises two skeleton oil seals arranged adjacent to each other in the axial direction, and the lips of the two skeleton oil seals are both oriented toward the free end (12).

5. The sprocket according to claim 1, wherein: It also includes an outer cover (91) provided at the end of the barrel cavity (21) away from the mounting end (11), wherein the outer cover (91) is interference-fitted with the inner wall of the barrel cavity (21) to close the end of the barrel cavity (21).

6. The sprocket according to claim 5, wherein: The outer cover (91) is provided with a through hole communicating with the cylindrical cavity (21) and the outside world, and the outer cover (91) is also detachably provided with a screw plug (92) for sealing the through hole.

7. The sprocket according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The sprocket is a supporting sprocket.

8. A crawler device, characterized in that: The invention comprises a sprocket according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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