Material reduction hydraulic mining shovel track block

Abstract

The track block (200) includes a first link member (228) extending upwardly from the shoe member (208), the first link member including a first lug member (230) extending from the first link member (228) in a first direction, and a second lug member (232) and a third lug member (234), both of which extend from the first link member (228) in a second direction opposite the first direction. The track block (200) also defines a first side cavity (240) extending from the first lateral end (216) toward the second lateral end (218), from the front end (220) toward the rear end (222) along the track chain travel direction (210), and inwardly toward the ground engaging surface (204).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to track blocks for supporting heavy equipment such as hydraulic excavators. Specifically, this disclosure relates to track blocks that require less material to manufacture and do not involve the integrity of the track block itself. Background Technology

[0002] In various mining applications, track blocks withstand heavy loads, requiring them to be stable. However, the amount of material required to manufacture such track blocks increases costs and may necessitate thicker sections, which are difficult to manufacture without problems (e.g., voids, pores, etc.). This can lead to unnecessary maintenance of the track blocks early in their service life at a higher cost than desired.

[0003] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20190351958A1 discloses a multi-material track block for a continuous track assembly. The track block may include a body having: a ground engagement surface, wherein the body is formed of a metallic material having a first hardness; a roller engagement surface, wherein the roller engagement surface is formed of a ceramic material having a second hardness greater than the first hardness; and a sprocket engagement surface formed of the ceramic material.

[0004] However, this prior art has failed to disclose a track block that avoids costly manufacturing and reduces the possibility of manufacturing problems such as voids and pores. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The track block according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a shoe-shaped member, the shoe-shaped member including a ground contact surface and defining a track chain travel direction, a lateral direction perpendicular to the track chain travel direction, and a vertical direction perpendicular to both the lateral direction and the track chain travel direction. The shoe-shaped member may further define a first lateral end, a second lateral end, a front end along the track chain travel direction, and a rear end along the track chain travel direction, a lateral distance from the first lateral end to the second lateral end, and a width along the track chain travel direction from the front end to the rear end, the width being greater than the lateral distance. A first link member may extend upward from the shoe-shaped member and includes: a first lug member extending from the first link member along a first direction parallel to the track chain travel direction; and a second lug member and a third lug member, both extending from the first link member along a second direction opposite to the first direction. The track block may define a first side cavity that extends from a first lateral end toward a second lateral end, proceeding both from the front end toward the rear end and downward toward the ground contact surface along the track chain travel direction.

[0006] According to another embodiment of this disclosure, a track block may include a shoe-shaped member, the shoe-shaped member including a ground contact surface and defining a track chain travel direction, a lateral direction perpendicular to the track chain travel direction, and a vertical direction perpendicular to both the lateral direction and the track chain travel direction. The shoe-shaped member may also define a first lateral end, a second lateral end, a front end along the track chain travel direction, and a rear end along the track chain travel direction, a lateral distance from the first lateral end to the second lateral end, and a length along the track chain travel direction from the front end to the rear end, the length being greater than the lateral distance. A first link member may extend upward from the shoe-shaped member and includes: a first top track surface (e.g., may be planar); a first lug member extending from the first link member along a first direction parallel to the track chain travel direction; and a second lug member and a third lug member, both extending from the first link member along a second direction opposite to the first direction. The second link member extends upward from the shoe-shaped member and includes: a second top track surface; a fourth lug member extending from the link member along a first direction parallel to the track chain's direction of travel; a fifth lug member and a sixth lug member, both extending from the second link member along a second direction opposite to the first direction. The track block may define: a first side cavity extending below the first top track surface from a first lateral end toward a second lateral end; a second side cavity extending below the second top track surface from the second lateral end toward the first lateral end; a bottom cavity extending upward from the ground contact surface; and an upper groove vertically disposed above the bottom cavity, forming an "H" cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the track chain's direction of travel.

[0007] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a track block may include a shoe-shaped member, the shoe-shaped member including a ground contact surface and defining a track chain travel direction, a lateral direction perpendicular to the track chain travel direction, and a vertical direction perpendicular to both the lateral direction and the track chain travel direction. The shoe-shaped member may also define a first lateral end, a second lateral end, a front end along the track chain travel direction, and a rear end along the track chain travel direction, a lateral distance from the first lateral end to the second lateral end, and a length along the track chain travel direction from the front end to the rear end, the length being greater than the lateral distance. A first link member may extend upward from the shoe-shaped member and includes: a first lug member extending from the first link member along a first direction parallel to the track chain travel direction; and a second lug member and a third lug member, both extending from the first link member along a second direction opposite to the first direction. The first lug member and the second lug member may define a first top track surface. Furthermore, the track block may define a first side cavity extending from a first lateral end toward a second lateral end below the first top track surface, gradually advancing both from the front end toward the rear end and downward toward the ground engagement surface along the track chain's direction of travel. A first rib may extend from the first lateral end to the first link member, and a second rib may extend from the first lateral end to the first link member, defining the first side cavity on either side. A first fusion portion may transition from the shoe-shaped member to the first rib, and a second fusion portion may transition from the shoe-shaped member to the second rib. Additionally, the ground engagement surface may define a bottom cavity laterally spaced from the first side cavity, forming a support post therebetween. This support post may also be at least partially positioned below the first top track surface. The ground engagement surface may also define a first bottom lateral cavity extending laterally below the first side cavity, thereby forming a first wing designed in the lateral direction therebetween. The track block also defines a first opening, which is disposed between the second lug member and the third lug member, below the first top track surface and above the ground engagement surface, and vertically, laterally and adjacent to the gradual advance of the first side cavity along the track chain travel direction. Attached Figure Description

[0008] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. In the drawings:

[0009] Figure 1 A machine is shown in the form of a hydraulic mining shovel with a chassis that may use a track chain assembly having track blocks constructed according to various embodiments disclosed herein.

[0010] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a portion of the chassis, track chain assembly, and track blocks.

[0011] Figure 3 It includes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the track chain assembly of two track blocks, depicting the pin joints that allow the track chain assembly to be flexible due to the free rotation of the track blocks relative to each other.

[0012] Figure 4 It is possible Figures 1 to 3 A perspective view of a track block used in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0013] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A top view of the track blocks.

[0014] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 Bottom view of the track block.

[0015] Figure 7 is Figure 4 Left side view of the track block.

[0016] Figure 8 is Figure 5 A side sectional view of the track block taken along line 8-8. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of this disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals will be used wherever possible to denote the same or similar parts. In some cases, the reference numerals will be indicated in this specification, and the drawings will show reference numerals followed by letters, such as 100a, 100b, etc. It should be understood that the use of letters immediately following the reference numerals indicates that these features have similar shapes and similar functions, which is often the case when the geometry is mirrored about a plane of symmetry. For ease of explanation in this specification, letters will generally not be included herein, but may be shown in the drawings to indicate repetition of features discussed in this written specification.

[0018] Although this arrangement is illustrated with a hydraulic excavator shovel, the arrangement disclosed herein is universally applicable to a wide variety of other types of machines that typically employ tracked systems in contrast to wheels. The term "machine" can refer to any machine that performs some type of operation associated with industries such as mining, earthmoving, or construction, or any other industry known in the art. For example, the machine could be an excavator, wheel loader, cable shovel, or dragline excavator. Furthermore, one or more implements can be attached to the machine. These implements can be used for a variety of tasks, including, for example, lifting and loading. Among other uses, during the mining process in various open-pit mining applications, a hydraulic excavator shovel can be used to load topsoil and ore into trailer trucks.

[0019] refer to Figure 1 As can be seen, machine 100 may utilize track blocks constructed according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Machine 100 may include a body 104 having a cab 106 for accommodating a machine operator. The machine may also include a boom system 108 pivotally connected at one end to the body 104 and supporting an implement 110 at the opposite distal end. In embodiments, the implement 110 may be any suitable implement, such as a bucket, flap, blade, or any other suitable device of any type. A control system may be housed in the cab 106, and the control system may be adapted to allow the machine operator to manipulate and articulate the implement 110 for mining, excavation, or any other suitable application.

[0020] The body 104 can be supported on a main frame 112, which in turn is supported on a chassis structure 114. The chassis structure 114 includes a support structure 118 that supports a track system 102 for movement of the machine 100. The track system 102 may include a first track roller frame assembly and a second track roller frame assembly 116, which are spaced apart from and adjacent to corresponding first and second sides of the chassis structure 114. It should be understood that, in Figure 1 Only one of the track roller frame components 116 is visible in the middle.

[0021] Each track roller frame assembly 116 carries an idler sprocket 120, a drive sprocket 122, and a plurality of track guide rollers 124. The drive sprocket 122 is powered by the machine 100 (via a motor, for example, an internal combustion engine) in both forward and reverse directions. An annular track chain assembly 126 surrounds each drive sprocket 122, idler sprocket 120, and track guide roller 124. The track chain assembly 126 includes a plurality of interconnected track blocks 200, also referred to herein as track chain members. When the track chain assembly 126 is driven by the drive sprocket 122, the track guide rollers 124 guide the track blocks 200. The track chain assembly 126 may have any track chain member, track pin retainer, and / or track chain assembly.

[0022] Figure 2 A portion of a track chain assembly 126 comprising two blocks 200 pivotally connected to each other is shown. Track rollers 124 are also shown, which straddle the track surface 202 of the track blocks 200. Thus, the weight of the machine 100 is distributed through the chassis structure 114 (see...). Figure 1 The load is transmitted to the track block 200 via the track roller 124, and the track block transmits the load to the ground via its ground engagement surface 204.

[0023] Figure 3A pin-pivot connection between track blocks 200 and adjacent track blocks 200 is depicted, the track blocks being configured similarly or identically to each other. A pin 128 is shown, disposed in a hole 206 in a lug member of a link member of the track block 200 (which will be discussed in more detail later), thereby allowing one track block 200 to pivot relative to another. A pin retaining bolt assembly 130 is also shown, which helps prevent the pouch pin assembly 128 from "walking" laterally away from the hole.

[0024] Now refer to Figure 2 Sections 8 and 9 provide detailed descriptions of various embodiments of track blocks that can be used for the construction and / or maintenance of track chain assemblies.

[0025] from Figure 2 and 3 Initially, track block 200 may include a shoe-shaped member 208, which includes a ground engagement surface 204 defining a track chain travel direction 210, a lateral direction 212 perpendicular to the track chain travel direction 210, and a vertical direction 214 perpendicular to both the lateral direction 212 and the track chain travel direction 210. The track chain travel direction 210 is generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation 132 provided by the bore and pin assembly 130.

[0026] Turn Figure 5 The shoe-shaped component 208 (so named because this portion of the track block contacts the ground) also defines a first lateral end 216, a second lateral end 218, a front end 220 arranged along the track chain travel direction 210, and a rear end 222 arranged along the track chain travel direction 210. The lateral distance 224 (or "lateral length") of the shoe-shaped component 208 can be measured along the lateral direction 212 from the first lateral end 216 to the second lateral end 218, and the width 226 measured along the track chain travel direction 210 from the front end 220 to the rear end 222 is greater than the lateral distance 224.

[0027] See Figure 4 A first link member 228 (so named because this portion of the track block connects to another portion of the track block) may extend upward from the shoe-shaped member 208. The first link member 228 may include a first lug member 230 extending from the first link member 228 in a first direction parallel to the track chain travel direction 210 (i.e., rearward), while a second lug member 232 and a third lug member 234 may both extend from the first link member 228 in a second direction opposite to the first direction (i.e., forward). A first side cavity 240 may extend from a first lateral end 216 toward a second lateral end 218 (it may terminate before reaching the lateral midplane 236 of the track block 200, as best seen in FIG8), i.e., along the track chain travel direction 210 (see...). Figure 4 The first side cavity gradually advances from the front end 220 toward the rear end 222 and then downward toward the ground engagement surface 204 (see Figure 8) (see reference numeral 250). Therefore, the first side cavity may be asymmetrical about another midplane 238 disposed along the track chain travel direction 210 (see Figure 8). Figure 5 ).

[0028] Similarly, track block 200 may include a second link member 228a extending upward from shoe-shaped member 208. The second link member 228a may include: a fourth lug member 230a extending from the second link member 228a in a first direction parallel to the track chain travel direction 210; a fifth lug member 232a; and a sixth lug member 234a, both extending from the second link member 228a in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Furthermore, the track block defines a second side cavity 240a (see...). Figure 5 The second side cavity extends from the second lateral end 218 toward the first lateral end 216, both along the track chain travel direction 210 from the front end 220 toward the rear end 222 and downward toward the ground engagement surface 204 (see reference numeral 250a). These features may be symmetrical with those features in the preceding paragraphs concerning the lateral midplane 236.

[0029] Now for reference Figure 6 And 8, the shoe-shaped member 208 defines a bottom central cavity 242 extending upward from the ground engagement surface 204. Near this cavity 242, the track block 200 may also define a top central groove 244 (e.g., a through groove along the track chain travel direction 210), which allows the guide ridge 134 of the track roller to move unimpeded from one track block to the next, such as... Figure 2 (As seen in the text).

[0030] The top center groove 244 and the bottom center cavity 242 are centered between the first lateral end 216, the second lateral end 218, the first side cavity 240 and the second side cavity 240a, forming an "H" shaped cross section in a plane parallel to the lateral direction 212 and perpendicular to the track chain travel direction 210 (e.g., see the cutting plane of FIG8).

[0031] As best seen in Figure 8, the top central groove 244 and the bottom central cavity 242 can be separated from each other by a web 246, which defines a web thickness 246t ranging from 60.0 mm to 80.0 mm (e.g., 70.0 mm) measured along the vertical direction 214. In some embodiments, the bottom central cavity 242 may define a depth 242d ranging from 140.0 mm to 160.0 mm (e.g., 149.0 mm) measured along the vertical direction 214. The lateral width (see 242w) of the bottom central cavity 242 at the bottom of its radius can range from 225.0 mm to 245.0 mm (e.g., 234.2 mm). The top central groove 244 may define another lateral width (see 244w) at the top of its bottom radius, which can range from 172.0 mm to 192.0 mm (e.g., 182.6 mm). In other embodiments of this disclosure, any of these dimensions may be varied.

[0032] See Figure 4 7 and 8, track block 200 may further define a first cavity 248, which is disposed between the second lug member 232 and the third lug member 234. The first cavity 248 may be configured vertically, laterally, and gradually advancing adjacent to the first side cavity 240 along the track chain travel direction (see position indicated by reference numeral 250). Similarly, a second cavity 248a may be disposed between the fifth lug member 232a and the sixth lug member 234a. This second cavity 248a may be configured vertically, laterally, and gradually advancing adjacent to the second side cavity 240a along the track chain travel direction (see 250a). As shown, in some embodiments of this disclosure, these features may be symmetrical about the lateral midplane 236.

[0033] In Figures 7 and 8, the first and second cavities define an elliptical periphery 252 in a plane perpendicular to the track chain travel direction 210 (e.g., the plane shown in Figures 7 and 8). This removes the core of material, helping to avoid dents, voids, etc., during the casting process that can be used to manufacture track blocks. In other embodiments of this disclosure, this periphery may be shaped differently.

[0034] As in Figure 6As best seen in Figure 8, the shoe-shaped member 208 may further define a first bottom lateral cavity 254 extending laterally from the first lateral end 216 below the first side cavity 240, thereby forming therebetween a first wing 256 designed along the lateral direction 212. Specifically, the first wing 256 may be angled vertically downward to allow easier removal of the core forming the first side cavity 240 during the casting process. In a similar manner, a second bottom lateral cavity 254a may extend from the second lateral end 218 below the second side cavity 240a, thereby forming therebetween a second wing 256a designed along the lateral direction 212. As shown, in some embodiments of this disclosure, these features may also be symmetrical about the lateral midplane 236.

[0035] The track block 200 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will now be discussed.

[0036] As previously described herein, track blocks may include shoe-shaped members, first and second link members, and lug members. Focus Figure 4 Both the first link member 228 and the second link member 228a may include a first top track surface 202 and a second top track surface 202a, respectively. A first side cavity 240 may extend from a first lateral end 216 toward a second lateral end 218 below the first top track surface 202, thereby forming a top wall 260 (see FIG. 8), while a second side cavity 240a may extend from the second lateral end 218 toward the first lateral end 216 below the second top track surface 258a, thereby forming a second top wall 260a. A bottom cavity (e.g., a bottom center cavity 242) may extend upward from the ground engagement surface 204, and an upper groove (e.g., a top center groove 244) may be vertically disposed above the bottom cavity, forming an "H" cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the track chain travel direction (e.g., the cutting plane of FIG. 8).

[0037] As mentioned earlier herein, track block 200 may define a plane of symmetry (e.g., a lateral midplane 236) perpendicular to the lateral direction 212. For the embodiment shown in FIG8, the plane of symmetry is configured to be spaced from either the first lateral end 216 or the second lateral end 218. Figure 5 The lateral distance 224 shown is half of the lateral midplane 236.

[0038] See Figure 4 and 5 The first side cavity 240 may be defined by a first pair of ribs 262 extending laterally and vertically from the first lateral end 216 to the first link member 228, and the second side cavity 240a may be defined by a second pair of ribs 262a extending laterally and vertically from the second lateral end 218 to the second link member 228a. The top edges of these ribs may be angled and extend laterally and vertically.

[0039] At least one of the first pair of ribs 262 includes a first bolt receiving block 264, and at least one of the second pair of ribs 262a includes a second bolt receiving block 264a. That is, any of these bolt receiving blocks can define an opening through which the bolt of the pin retaining bolt assembly 130 can pass to help prevent the movement of the pin 128 (see [link]). Figure 3 In other embodiments of this disclosure, this feature may be omitted.

[0040] Figure 5 and 6 The shoe-shaped component 208 is shown to be in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction 214 (e.g., Figure 5 and 6 The top or bottom view includes at least a rectangular perimeter 266 having rounded corners 268 that are not tangent to a first lateral end or a second lateral end. That is, these rounded corners can define a sufficiently large radius of curvature 270 such that they can be tangent only to the front or rear edge of the shoe-shaped member (e.g., see 220 or 222).

[0041] Referring again to Figures 7 and 8, the track block 200 may further define a first elongated cavity (e.g., see 248) disposed between the second lug member 232 and the third lug member 234. This cavity may be positioned vertically, laterally, and gradually adjacent to the first side cavity 240 along the track chain travel direction (see 250) (see also...) Figure 4 Furthermore, a second elongated cavity (e.g., see 248a) is provided between the fifth lug member 232a and the sixth lug member 234a. This cavity may also be positioned vertically, laterally, and gradually advancing adjacent to the second side cavity 240a along the direction of travel of the track chain (see 250a).

[0042] The track pads can be a single, integral unit as shown in the figure, or an assembly of different components. Typically, the shoe-shaped components, the first track component, and the second track component are made primarily of metallic materials such as cast iron, steel, or gray cast iron.

[0043] In other embodiments of this disclosure, any of the foregoing features and their associated dimensions may be changed to be different from those shown or mentioned herein.

[0044] Industrial applicability

[0045] In practice, according to any of the embodiments discussed herein, track chain assemblies, track blocks, or portions thereof may be sold, manufactured, purchased, etc., and attached to a machine in the aftermarket or original equipment situation. That is, according to the embodiments described herein, the machine may be sold together with the track chain assemblies, track blocks, and / or portions thereof, or the machine may be modified, repaired, or refurbished to use any of the embodiments discussed herein. Various components, including but not limited to track blocks, may be manufactured from any suitable material, such as cast iron, gray cast iron, steel, etc.

[0046] In a particular application, track block 200 may include elements previously referenced herein. Figure 4 Many or possibly all of the features discussed in section 8. Such track block 200 may include a shoe-shaped member 208 and a first link member 228 extending upward from the shoe-shaped member 208, the first link member including a lug member as previously described herein. Track block 200 may also define a first side cavity 240 extending from a first lateral end 216 toward a second lateral end 218 below a first top track surface 258, advancing gradually as previously described (e.g., see 250).

[0047] The first rib and the second rib (see, for example, 262) extend from the first lateral end to the first link member 228, defining a first side cavity 240 on either lateral side. Furthermore, a first fusion portion 272 is provided, transitioning from the shoe-shaped member 208 to the first rib, and a second fusion portion 274 transitions from the shoe-shaped member 208 to the second rib.

[0048] As best seen in Figure 8, the ground contact surface 204 defines a bottom cavity (e.g., see 242), which is laterally spaced from the first side cavity 204 (and the upper groove), forming a support post 276 therebetween. This support post 276 may be positioned at least partially below the first top track surface 258 such that the weight applied to the track surface can be transferred to the ground under compression via the support post 276.

[0049] The ground contact surface 204 may also define a first bottom transverse cavity 254 that extends laterally below the first side cavity 240, thereby forming therebetween a first wing 256 designed in the transverse direction 212 to aid in core removal during the casting process.

[0050] Track block 200 also defines a first opening (e.g., see 248 in FIG8), which is located between the second lug member 232 and the third lug member 234, below the first top track surface 258 and above the ground engagement surface 204. This opening may be a through opening and may be arranged vertically, laterally, and gradually adjacent to the first side cavity 240 along the track chain travel direction (see 250). Any of these features may be mirrored with respect to a plane of symmetry as previously mentioned herein.

[0051] For any of the embodiments discussed herein, the track chain assembly may include a plurality of track chain members (e.g., track blocks) configured similarly or identically. It should be understood that at least one or two additional track chain members may also be provided, having geometries that may be different or dissimilar to those of two main links, etc., connected to a plurality of similarly or identically configured track chain members.

[0052] As can be seen, the various embodiments of track blocks disclosed herein can provide track blocks with lower cost, which are easier to manufacture, less prone to manufacturing problems, and still able to support heavy loads in use.

[0053] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can 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 this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the description and implementation of the various embodiments disclosed herein. For example, the construction and function of some devices may differ 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. Furthermore, variations or modifications may be made to certain aspects or features of the various embodiments to produce other embodiments, and features and aspects of the various embodiments may supplement or substitute other features or aspects of other embodiments to provide other embodiments.

[0054] Therefore, the specification and examples are intended to be exemplary, and the true scope and spirit of the invention are defined by the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A track block (200) comprising: A shoe-shaped component (208) includes a ground contact surface (204) and defines a track chain travel direction (210), a lateral direction (212) perpendicular to the track chain travel direction (210), and a vertical direction (214) perpendicular to both the lateral direction (212) and the track chain travel direction (210). The shoe-shaped component (208) also defines a first lateral end (216), a second lateral end (218), a front end (220) along the track chain travel direction (210), and a rear end (222) along the track chain travel direction (210), a lateral distance (224) from the first lateral end (216) to the second lateral end (218), and a width (226) along the track chain travel direction (210) from the front end (220) to the rear end (222), the width being greater than the lateral distance (224). and A first link member (228) extends upward from the shoe-shaped member (208) and includes... A first lug member (230) extends from the first link member (228) along a first direction parallel to the track chain travel direction (210); The second lug member (232) and the third lug member (234) both extend from the first link member (228) along a second direction opposite to the first direction; The track block (200) defines a first side cavity (240) extending from the first lateral end (216) toward the second lateral end (218), the first side cavity being asymmetrical about the midplane of the track block extending from the first lateral end to the second lateral end, the first side cavity gradually advancing from the front end (220) toward the rear end (222) along the track chain travel direction (210), and gradually advancing (250) downward from the first lateral end toward the ground contact surface (204).

2. The track block (200) according to claim 1 further includes: A second link member (228a) extends upward from the shoe-shaped member (208) and includes... A fourth lug member (230a) extends from the second link member (228a) along a first direction parallel to the track chain travel direction (210); The fifth lug member (232a) and the sixth lug member (234a) both extend from the second link member (228a) along a second direction opposite to the first direction; The track block (200) defines a second side cavity (240a) that extends from the second lateral end (218) toward the first lateral end (216) and gradually advances along the track chain travel direction (210) from the front end (220) toward the rear end (222) and downward toward the ground contact surface (204).

3. The track block (200) according to claim 2, wherein the shoe-shaped member (208) defines a bottom central cavity (242) extending upward from the ground contact surface (204), and the track block (200) further defines a top central groove (244), and the top central groove (244) and the bottom central cavity (242) are centered between the first lateral end (216), the second lateral end (218), the first side cavity (240) and the second side cavity (240a), forming an "H" shaped cross section in a plane parallel to the lateral direction (212) and perpendicular to the track chain travel direction (210).

4. The track block (200) according to claim 3, wherein the top center groove (244) and the bottom center cavity (242) are separated from each other by a web (246), the web defining a web thickness (246t) ranging from 60.0 mm to 80.0 mm along the vertical direction (214), and the bottom center cavity (242) defining a depth (242d) ranging from 140.0 mm to 160.0 mm along the vertical direction (214).

5. The track block (200) according to claim 2, wherein the track block (200) further defines: a first cavity (248) disposed between the second lug member (232) and the third lug member (234), vertically, laterally and along the track chain travel direction (210) adjacent to the creep (250) of the first side cavity (240); and a second cavity (248a) disposed between the fifth lug member (232a) and the sixth lug member (234a), vertically, laterally and along the track chain travel direction (210) adjacent to the creep (250a) of the second side cavity (240a).

6. The track block (200) according to claim 5, wherein the first cavity (248) and the second cavity (248a) define an elliptical periphery (252) in a plane perpendicular to the track chain travel direction (210).

7. The track block (200) according to claim 3, wherein the shoe-shaped member (208) further defines: a first bottom lateral cavity (254) extending from the first lateral end (216) below the first side cavity (240) to form therebetween a first wing (256) designed along the lateral direction (212); and a second bottom lateral cavity (254a) extending from the second lateral end (218) below the second side cavity (240a) to form therebetween a second wing (256a) designed along the lateral direction (212).

8. A track block (200) comprising: A shoe-shaped component (208) includes a ground contact surface (204) and defines a track chain travel direction (210), a lateral direction (212) perpendicular to the track chain travel direction (210), and a vertical direction (214) perpendicular to both the lateral direction (212) and the track chain travel direction (210). The shoe-shaped component (208) also defines a first lateral end (216), a second lateral end (218), a front end (220) along the track chain travel direction (210), and a rear end (222) along the track chain travel direction (210), a lateral distance (224) from the first lateral end (216) to the second lateral end (218), and a length along the track chain travel direction (210) from the front end (220) to the rear end (222), the length being greater than the lateral distance (224). and A first link member (228) extends upward from the shoe-shaped member (208) and includes... First top track surface (202); A first lug member (230) extends from the first link member (228) along a first direction parallel to the track chain travel direction (210); The second lug member (232) and the third lug member (234) both extend from the first link member (228) along a second direction opposite to the first direction; A second link member (228a) extends upward from the shoe-shaped member (208) and includes... Second top track surface (202a); A fourth lug member (230a) extends from the second link member (228a) along a first direction parallel to the track chain travel direction (210); The fifth lug member (232a) and the sixth lug member (234a) both extend from the second link member (228a) along a second direction opposite to the first direction; The track block (200) defines: a first side cavity (240) extending from the first lateral end (216) toward the second lateral end (218) below the first top track surface (202), the first side cavity being asymmetrical about the midplane of the track block extending from the first lateral end to the second lateral end, the first side cavity gradually advancing along the track chain travel direction (210) from the front end (220) toward the rear end (222), and gradually advancing downwards (250) from the first lateral end toward the ground contact surface (204); a second side cavity (240a) extending from the second lateral end (218) toward the first lateral end (216) below the second top track surface (202a); and a bottom cavity (242) extending upwards from the ground contact surface (204). The upper groove (244) is vertically disposed above the bottom cavity (242) and forms an "H" cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the track chain travel direction (210).

9. The track block (200) according to claim 8, wherein the second side cavity advances (250a) both from the front end (220) toward the rear end (222) and downward toward the ground contact surface (204) along the track chain travel direction (210).

10. The track block (200) according to claim 9, wherein the first side cavity (240) is defined by a first pair of ribs (262) extending laterally and vertically from the first lateral end (216) to the first link member (228), and the second side cavity (240a) is defined by a second pair of ribs (262a) extending laterally and vertically from the second lateral end (218) to the second link member (228a), and at least one of the first pair of ribs includes a first bolt receiving block (264), and at least one of the second pair of ribs includes a second bolt receiving block (264a).

Images