Rotating track guide with white iron segment

Abstract

A rotating track guide component (100, 200) includes a tubular or annular base (120, 204) having a longitudinal length (104, 206) and an outer surface (106, 208). The outer surface (106, 208) includes at least one flat portion or one curved portion (209), and at least one wear member (110, 210). The at least one wear member (110, 210) includes a flat inner surface or a curved inner surface (212), and the at least one wear member (110, 210) is secured to the tubular or annular base (120, 204).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to a rotating track guide component, such as a track idler, track track roller, and sprocket designed to resist wear. More specifically, this invention relates to a track guide component comprising a wear-resistant member that contacts the track chain and resists wear. Background Technology

[0002] Tracked machines typically utilize track chains on each side of the machine, which engage the ground during the machine's propulsion. Multiple individual links are pivotally linked via bushings and pins to form a track chain. A sprocket driven by the machine's engine engages the bushing and translates the chain about one or more idler pulleys. As the chain translates, the connected links engage the ground beneath the machine, for example via coupled track plates, and propel the machine across the surface. Track chains can be straight links with alternating inner and outer links, or they can be offset links where all links are identical. In both types of track chains, elements wear over time, particularly the bushings that continuously engage with the sprocket to propel the machine. Hardened elements in a track chain can increase the durability and wear resistance of track chain components, but can also increase brittleness or otherwise adversely affect the performance of track chain components. Accordingly, wear resistance and strength, along with the cost of production and maintenance, are often important considerations in the manufacture and assembly of track chains. Track guide components such as idler wheels, sprockets, and track track rollers can also come into contact with track chain elements and can wear out over time.

[0003] Chinese Patent No. 206336345U (“'345 Patent”) discloses a prior art track support roller. '345 Patent discloses a washer structure for welding a large tracked engineering machine with a track support roller, the track support roller comprising a wheel body (1) and a second wheel body (2), which are joined together by welding an annular washer (3) at a joint. The weld is located inside the first wheel body and the second wheel body. The assembly is constructed with steps forming an annular channel in which the annular washer (3) is placed during installation. This arrangement helps to provide a robust assembly that is less prone to breakage at the joint.

[0004] However, there is a need for track rollers or other track guides that are more wear-resistant than those already designed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one aspect, a track roller for a track assembly may include a tubular track roller base having a longitudinal length and an outer surface, the outer surface including at least one flat portion or one curved portion. The track roller may also include at least one wear-resistant member. The at least one wear-resistant member may be fixed to the outer surface of the tubular track roller base. In some embodiments, at least one flat portion of the tubular track roller base mates with the flat inner surface of at least one wear-resistant member, or at least one curved portion of the tubular track roller base mates with the curved inner surface of at least one wear-resistant member.

[0006] On the other hand, the sprocket for the track assembly includes an annular hub outer surface having a longitudinal length and an annular sprocket base, wherein the outer surface includes at least one flat portion or at least one curved portion. At least one wear-resistant member is provided, comprising a flat inner surface or a curved inner surface, and the at least one wear-resistant member is fixed to the annular sprocket base. In some embodiments, the at least one flat portion of the annular sprocket base matches the flat inner surface of the at least one wear-resistant member, or the at least one curved portion of the annular sprocket base matches the at least one curved inner surface of the at least one wear-resistant member.

[0007] In another aspect, a method of manufacturing a rotation guide for a track assembly may include securing at least one white cast iron member to the outer surface of a tubular or annular base. The at least one white cast iron member may include an inner portion, and the tubular or annular base may include an outer portion configured to mate with the inner portion. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an exemplary machine, with an enlarged cross-section showing the engagement of a sprocket with a bushing of a track chain assembly. The sprocket includes wear-resistant components on its periphery that engage with the bushing of the track chain assembly.

[0009] Figure 2 Is with Figure 1 The perspective view shows a track chain assembly similar to the track chain assembly used in the example, which has track guiding components, such as idler pulleys and track track roller components, which are made of wear-resistant components according to various embodiments of the invention.

[0010] Figure 3 The diagram shows that it can be used Figure 1 A perspective view of the sprocket assembly shown separately in the image.

[0011] Figure 4 It is cut along a plane having both radial and axial dimensions. Figure 3 Cross-sectional view of the sprocket assembly.

[0012] Figure 5yes Figure 3 The enlarged detail of the sprocket assembly illustrates the assembly of the wear-resistant component into the recess of the sprocket part.

[0013] Figure 6 The diagram illustrates the relationship with Figure 2 A perspective view of a track track roller assembly similar to the track track roller assembly shown separately.

[0014] Figure 7 It is similar to Figure 6 A side view of the track track roller assembly, showing the track link in contact with the track track roller.

[0015] Figure 8 It is similar to Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the track track roller assembly taken along a plane containing its radial and axial directions, with the track links removed.

[0016] Figure 9 It is similar to Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the track support roller assembly taken along a plane that includes its radial and circumferential directions.

[0017] Figure 10 The illustration shows a method for brazing hardened components to a similar... Figures 6 to 9 The clamps on the track support roller assembly.

[0018] Figure 11 The illustration is similar to Figures 6 to 9 The hose clamp shown is used to hold the hardened component in place during the assembly / brazing of the track track roller assembly.

[0019] Figure 12 It describes the use Figure 10 and Figure 11 A flowchart illustrating a method for brazing an arc segment to a track track roller guide component using one or more fixing techniques. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and illustrative and do not limit the claimed features. As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “having,” “including,” or other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. In this invention, relative terms (such as “about,” “approximately,” “about,” etc.) are used to indicate possible variations of ±10% in the stated values.

[0021] Figure 1 The illustration depicts a machine 10 having a track assembly 12 according to the invention. The machine 10 can be a tracked tractor or any mobile machine that performs some type of operation in conjunction with industries such as mining, construction, farming, transportation, or any other industry known in the art, such as bulldozers, excavators, loaders, backhoe excavators, motorized graders, or any other earthmoving machinery. In one aspect, the machine 10 can be a medium-sized tracked tractor. However, in other aspects, the machine 10 can be a small or large tracked tractor. The track assembly 12, also referred to as a track link assembly or track chain assembly, can be coupled to the underframe assembly 14 of the machine 10 and driven by a machine engine or other power source (not shown) via at least one drive gear or sprocket 100. Individual track assemblies 12 can be coupled to each side of the machine 10, each track assembly 12 forming a separate endless loop. A plurality of track plates 18 can be coupled to the outer surface of the track assembly 12 to facilitate ground engagement.

[0022] Track assembly 12 may be a chain comprising multiple structurally similar link assemblies, each link assembly including a pair of links. A pair of links may include link 22 and separately paired links parallel to and spaced apart from link 22 (in the side view). Figure 1 (Not shown in the enlarged portion). Link 22 and their respective pairs of links can be straight or offset links, and each link includes a hole at a corresponding opposite end (e.g., a first end hole and a second end hole).

[0023] Successive chain link subassemblies can be connected via pins 16 and bushings 20. For example, to connect a first chain link subassembly to a subsequent second chain link subassembly, pin 16 can be securely received in a first end hole of a link in the first chain link subassembly, and bushing 20 can be securely received in a second end hole of a link in the second chain link assembly. In this way, pin 16 and bushing 20 connect two chain link assemblies 24 together to form part of track assembly 12.

[0024] Each pin 16 may be a substantially cylindrical rod, and its dimensions may be configured for a sliding fit via a bushing 20. Each bushing 20 may be substantially cylindrical, having a cylindrical channel extending longitudinally through the bushing 20 as a hole. The hole and the pin may have a constant diameter, but this is not necessarily the case.

[0025] See Figure 2One or more track support rollers 200 and idler rollers 26 may be provided to guide the track assembly 12 as it rotates, thereby propelling the machine. For example, the idler roller 26 may engage between links 22 and contact bushings 20 as shown, or it may include ridges (not shown) defined by two shoulders, such that the shoulders contact the track surfaces of the links 22 while the ridges engage between the links 22. In either case, the idler roller 26 helps prevent lateral movement of the track assembly 12, preventing it from falling off the undercarriage, while also allowing it to rotate with the track assembly 12.

[0026] Similarly, track track roller 200 may include two outer rim portions 202 that engage with the lateral outer surfaces of the track link 22, helping to prevent the track assembly 12 from detaching from the undercarriage while also being able to rotate with the track assembly 12. In the following, idler wheels will be interpreted as a subset of track track rollers, as both have similar functions and can be manufactured in a similar manner. Therefore, the term "track track roller" should be broadly interpreted in the claims to include idler wheels, in some cases where the idler wheel may only be the same size as... Figure 2 The smaller track support rollers shown are different.

[0027] See Figures 3 to 5 According to one aspect of the invention, a sprocket 100 may include an annular hub 102 having a longitudinal length 104 and an outer surface 106. At least one wear-resistant member 110 is directly or indirectly connected to the outer surface 106. As shown, a sprocket segment 118 may form part of the wear-resistant member and may be used to attach the wear-resistant member 110 to the annular hub 102. This may not be the case in other embodiments of the invention. Any wear-resistant member discussed herein may be more wear-resistant than the substrate or other parts to which the wear-resistant member is attached.

[0028] The at least one wear-resistant member 110 may take the form of a first white cast iron member, which includes a wavy outer surface 114 defining a longitudinal length 116 of the outer surface. The first white cast iron member may extend (e.g., circumferentially) over the central portion 117 of the annular hub 102. The at least one white cast iron member may extend less than the entire longitudinal length 104 of the annular hub 102 and less than the entire longitudinal length 116 of the outer surface (see...). Figure 4 However, this is not necessarily the case.

[0029] More specifically, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As seen, the at least one wear-resistant member can take the form of a sprocket segment 118, which includes an annular sprocket base 120, the annular sprocket base being an internal portion (e.g., radially) of the sprocket segment 118. The first white cast iron member can be as follows: Figure 4The outer portion 122 of the sprocket segment 118 seen herein (e.g., radially) is configured to engage a bushing of the track assembly. The sprocket segment may be fastened to the inner hub or may be otherwise attached (e.g., brazing, welding, etc.).

[0030] In such Figure 5 In some of the applications shown, the annular sprocket base 120 may define an inner corrugated surface 124, which is longitudinally separated by corrugated recesses 126. A first white cast iron member (e.g., see 122) may be arranged in the corrugated recesses 126 to form an outer corrugated surface 114 spaced outward (e.g., radially) from the inner corrugated surface 124.

[0031] The first white cast iron component (e.g., see 122) can be brazed to the annular sprocket base 120, which can be formed of steel, and at least a portion of the annular sprocket base 120 can be carburized. Figure 3 As shown, multiple sprocket segments connected to white cast iron components can be provided. Other configurations are also possible in other aspects of the invention.

[0032] In other applications, the sprocket segment itself can be made entirely of a wear-resistant material and used as a wear-resistant component. In other applications, such as when the sprocket segment includes a corrugated wear-resistant component made of a wear-resistant material that fits into a corrugated recess, the corrugated wear-resistant component (e.g., see...) Figure 5 122) can be formed by a pressing process via a brake press, a sequential die, etc.

[0033] Now refer to Figures 6 to 9 The tracked track roller 200, as mentioned earlier in this article, will now be described.

[0034] The track roller 200 includes a tubular track roller base 204 having a longitudinal length 206 and an outer surface 208. The outer surface 208 may include at least one wear-resistant member 210. The wear-resistant member 210 can be fixed to the outer surface 208 of the tubular track roller base 204. Hole 214 (see...) Figure 8 The track roller base 204 can extend completely through the track roller, forming a tubular shape. In other words, the track roller base 204 can be hollow, having a hole 214 that extends completely through the track roller base 204 along its longitudinal length 206. Furthermore, the track roller base can be formed as an assembly of at least two track roller components 222, 224, which are attached to each other at a joint 226 (e.g., by welding, fastening, etc.).

[0035] At least one wear-resistant member 210 may take the form of a first white cast iron member including a curved (i.e., bow-shaped) outer surface 216. As shown, at least one white cast iron member may extend less than the entire longitudinal length 206 of the tubular support roller base 204. This may not be the case in other applications.

[0036] At least two white cast iron components (e.g., see 210, 210a) may be circumferentially spaced around the tubular support roller base 204. In some cases, the two white cast iron components each span a circumferential angle 220 of approximately 45 to 120 degrees across the tubular support roller base 204.

[0037] Any white cast iron component can be brazed to the tubular support roller base 204 made of steel, and at least a portion of the tubular support roller base 204 can be carburized. Other construction and assembly methods can be used in other applications.

[0038] The tubular support roller base 204 may also include a central portion of a polygonal cross-section having a predetermined number of flat portions. The same number of white cast iron components as the predetermined number of flat portions can be provided. In this case, each white cast iron component can be brazed to one of the flat portions of the polygonal cross-section. Other configurations are possible in other applications.

[0039] White cast iron components may form a circumferential gap 230 between adjacent white cast iron components, and at least one of the white cast iron components may have a different dimension than the other. This may not be the case in other applications.

[0040] As mentioned earlier, wear-resistant components 110 and 210 can be wear-resistant. When the sprocket 100 and / or track roller 200 are used in the track assembly 12, the wear-resistant components 110 and 210 can serve as a wear-resistant layer, thereby providing enhanced wear resistance to the sprocket or track roller when it engages with the bushing or link of the track assembly. Typically, the wear-resistant components 110 and 210 can be or include at least one component, wherein such a component can be at least partially cylindrical (e.g., a circular outer surface) or an arcuate segment. In some embodiments, these wear-resistant components can include at least one arcuate segment (e.g., a single arcuate segment or multiple arcuate segments) fixed to the outer surface of the track roller or sprocket.

[0041] In some embodiments, such as Figure 9As shown, the wear-resistant member 210 can be configured as a replacement part and may include a curved outer surface 216 and a curved inner surface 212. Additionally, the outer surface 208 of the substrate may include one or more flat outer surfaces (e.g., see curved portion 209). The curved inner surface 212 may be coupled to the flat outer surface at interface 232. As discussed in detail below, interface 232 may include one or more connecting mechanisms, such as brazing material. Similar statements can be made regarding the sprocket described earlier herein.

[0042] See Figure 8 It can be understood that the tubular support roller base 204 may have a first longitudinal end 234 and a second longitudinal end 236 along a longitudinal length 206, through which a hole 214 extends for receiving an axle (not shown) about which the support roller may rotate. Thus, the hole may have a substantially uniform diameter, but not necessarily.

[0043] A recess 238 (e.g., a cavity, etc.) may be formed on the outer surface 208 of the tubular support roller base 204. For example, the recess 238 may be formed in the portion of the outer surface 208 surrounding the central portion 218. The recess 238 may be a circumferential recess that traverses the entire circumference or one or more portions of the circumference.

[0044] For example, such as Figure 8 As shown, the recess 238 may be longitudinally spaced inward from the first longitudinal end 234 and the second longitudinal end 236, but this is not mandatory. The wear-resistant member 210 may be at least partially disposed in the recess 238 and may project radially to provide a contact surface for the links of the track assembly. The recess 238 may include and / or form a flat portion of the outer surface 208, which, in other aspects of the invention, may be coupled to the flat inner surface to form an interface 232.

[0045] Therefore, the thickness of the substrate can vary, for example, around its circumference, such as... Figure 9 As shown. The thickness of the central portion 218 at its thinnest point may be approximately 10 mm, or approximately 7 mm, or approximately 4 mm, and in some applications may be widened to approximately 12 mm to 25 mm, for example, approximately 15 to 18 mm. The number, configuration, and arrangement of the recesses may vary from those shown.

[0046] As described earlier in this document, the track roller 200 can be a multifaceted track roller, and the tubular track roller base 204 can include multiple sides, surfaces, and / or circular portions. For example, as Figure 10 As shown, the recess 238 can be separated by the non-recessed portion of the tubular support roller base 204.

[0047] The wear-resistant component 210 may include a first arcuate portion 210a and a second arcuate portion 210b fixed to the outer surface 208 of the tubular bushing base 204. The arcuate segments 210a and 210b may be continuously arranged circumferentially around the tubular support roller base 204, for example, within the recess 238, such as... Figure 8 As shown, or on multiple sides, etc.

[0048] The arc-shaped segments 210a and 210b have a curved outer surface 216 and a flat inner surface. Therefore, the thickness of the arc-shaped segments 210a and 210b varies based on their position along the arc of the arc-shaped segments 210a and 210b (e.g., gradually increasing or decreasing along the circumference of the tubular support roller base 204), but the thickness of the arc-shaped segments 210a and 210b can be constant along the longitudinal length 206 of the tubular support roller base 204, such as... Figure 10 As shown. In one example, the edges of the arcuate segments 210a, 210b can be approximately 1 to 3 mm, and the central portions of the arcuate members 210a, 210b can be approximately 5 to 15 mm, for example, approximately 8 mm. Additionally, in some aspects, the edges of the arcuate segments can be thinner than 1 mm, and the gaps and / or transitions between the recesses 126 and the portions therebetween can be substantially eliminated.

[0049] The arcuate segments 210a and 210b may each have a thickness such that a portion of each of the arcuate segments 210a and 210b protrudes radially beyond the recess 238. For example, the arcuate segments 210a and 210b may extend radially beyond the central portion 218. However, the arcuate segments 210a and 210b may also be flush with the outer surface of the central portion 218, for example, extending radially to be flush with any portion between the recesses 238. The depth of the recess 238 may depend on the thickness of the wear-resistant member 210, which in turn may depend on the material forming the wear-resistant member 210. The overall outer diameter of the track roller 200 (including member 210) may depend on the application of the track roller 200 (e.g., the type and / or size of the track assembly 12, machine 10, whether it is used as an idler wheel, etc.).

[0050] like Figure 8 As shown, the wear-resistant member 210 may extend less than the entire longitudinal length of the tubular support roller base 204. However, the wear-resistant member 210 may also extend over the entire longitudinal length 206 of the tubular support roller base 204.

[0051] These arcuate segments 210a and 210b can span most of the recess, for example, approximately 90% of the recess 238, or the arcuate segments 210a and 210b can span the entire recess 238. Furthermore, the arcuate segments 210a and 210b can span angles a and b respectively, such as... Figure 10As shown. Angles a and b can each span approximately 45 to 60 degrees across the outer circumference of the tubular support roller base 204. Angles a and b can be approximately the same, or one of angles a and b can be larger than the other. Therefore, the wear-resistant member 210 can span a total of approximately 90 to 240 degrees across the outer circumference of the tubular support roller base 204.

[0052] It should be noted that the wear-resistant member 210 may include one, three, four, or more arcuate segments and may span any portion of the outer circumference of the tubular support roller base 204, for example, any angle greater than 0 degrees and less than or equal to 360 degrees. Furthermore, individual arcuate segments (e.g., 210a, 210b) may span any portion of the outer circumference of the tubular support roller base 204, for example, any angle greater than 0 degrees and less than or equal to 180 degrees, and this angle may be continuous or discontinuous. In some embodiments, the wear-resistant member 210 may span angles ranging from about 90 degrees to 360 degrees, and individual wear-resistant members (e.g., 210a, 210b) may span angles ranging from about 30 degrees to about 180 degrees. Similar statements can be made regarding the wear-resistant members of the sprockets discussed earlier herein.

[0053] Typically, wear-resistant components 110, 210 and substrates 120, 204 can be formed from their respective materials. The constituent components of wear-resistant components 110, 210 can be formed from wear-resistant materials, such as white cast iron. In this invention, the term "white cast iron" refers to cast iron in which all or substantially all of the carbon is present as carbides. When formed from white cast iron, the components of outer components 120, 220 can be referred to as white cast iron components. Examples of white cast iron include pearlitic (FeC) white cast iron, nickel-hard or nickel-chromium (M3C) white cast iron, nickel-hard 4 (M7C3) white cast iron, and high-chromium (M7C3) white cast iron (also known as "high-chromium white cast iron"). In some embodiments, the external components 120, 220 may comprise white cast iron components formed of high-chromium white cast iron having a chromium content of 12 wt% or higher (e.g., 12 wt%, 15 wt%, 20 wt%, or 25 wt% chromium content) and suitable amounts of other elements (e.g., 2 to 3 wt% carbon content, 0.5 to 3.5 wt% molybdenum content, 0.5 to 1.5 wt% manganese content, up to 1.0 wt% silicon content, and up to 0.5 wt% nickel content), with the balance being iron. Examples of white cast iron include white cast iron specified by ASTM A532 (e.g., ASTM A532 II-A, II-B, II-C, II-D, II-E, and III-A high-chromium cast iron, and ASTM A532 Ni hard cast iron). White cast iron may also be referred to as wear-resistant cast iron. While examples of white cast iron have been given, the invention is not limited thereto, and it should be understood that white cast iron components may be formed from any suitable hard, wear-resistant finished white cast iron.

[0054] Conversely, substrates 120 and 204 can be formed from any suitable type of steel and can be formed by any forming process. In one aspect, substrates 110 and 210 can be formed in a casting process. In some embodiments, substrates 102 and 204 can be formed from high-carbon chromium steel. High-carbon chromium steel includes chromium-containing steels with a carbon content of 0.55 wt% or higher, such as 52100 alloy steel. The steel forming these substrates can be heat-treated (e.g., using induction or furnace heating) or untreated steel. Examples of heat treatment methods include carburizing and surface hardening. For example, carburizing one or more portions of substrates 120 and 204 can produce high-carbon steel. In some embodiments, in addition to using high-carbon chromium steel for tubular bushing substrates 120 and 204, or as an alternative, the outer surfaces of substrates 110 and 210 can be carburized at the locations where these wear-resistant members 110 and 210 are disposed. For example, a portion of the outer surface within an inner portion of the outer surface can be carburized. It should be noted that the above carburizing step can be performed before and / or after brazing or otherwise joining the wear-resistant component to the substrate. Alternatively, one or more portions of the substrate can be hardened by induction hardening or direct hardening.

[0055] Typically, portions of the wear-resistant components 110 and 210 can have any suitable shape, size, and / or surface texture. For example, the arcuate segments can be small arcs, large arcs, button-shaped, circular, smooth, or rough. The area covered by an arcuate segment on the circumference of the substrate can be non-rectangular (e.g., circular, rhomboid, etc.). The arcuate segments constituting the wear-resistant components 110 and 210 can have any suitable combination of different shapes, sizes, and / or surface textures to form a repair on the substrate.

[0056] The arcuate segments of the wear-resistant component can be secured to the outer surface of the substrate by any suitable fixing method, such as welding, soldering, bonding, or one or more other coupling mechanisms. In some embodiments, as described herein, the segments are brazed to the outer surface of the substrate by melting and / or flowing (e.g., by capillary action) a filler metal (e.g., aluminum-silicon, copper (e.g., copper powder), copper-silver, copper-zinc (brass), copper-tin (bronze), gold-silver, nickel alloys (e.g., Nicorobraz 152 from Wall Colmonoy), silver, or amorphous brazing foil using nickel, iron, copper, silicon, boron, phosphorus, and / or other materials) between the wear-resistant component and the substrate. In this respect, the segments of the wear-resistant component are secured to the substrate by cured brazing filler. The cured hard brazing filler may be referred to as a hard brazed joint.

[0057] Industrial applicability

[0058] Track track rollers and / or sprockets, as well as wear-resistant components, according to any embodiment discussed herein may be supplied as replacement parts in the field or in an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) environment.

[0059] In the disclosed aspect, the rotary guide component can be used with track assembly 12, which can be used in any machine including a tracked underframe comprising links coupled together to form one or more tracks. Therefore, these rotary track guide components as described herein offer greater wear resistance, longer working duration, improved performance, reduced risk of deformation, and a lower likelihood of requiring maintenance or replacement.

[0060] Figure 10 and 11 The illustration shows a retaining jig that can be used, for example, to aid in the production of a track track roller 200 by brazing multiple segments (e.g., arcuate segments 210a, 210b) to a tubular track roller base 204. Although arcuate segments 210a, 210b are discussed below, Figure 10 and 11 Various aspects can be used to braze and attach wear-resistant components to sprocket segments. In this case, a standard vise can be used to supplement or replace the clamps described now.

[0061] like Figure 10 As shown, a retainer or clamp 300 can be used to perform the brazing method. The clamp 300 may have a retaining surface 302 designed to hold the wear-resistant member 210 in place when brazed to the tubular support roller base 204. Furthermore, a brazing filler 304 may be located between the wear-resistant member 210 (or 110) and the tubular support roller base 204 (or 120). The brazing filler 304 may be in the form of a sheet or foil (e.g., pure copper, copper-based alloy, pure nickel, nickel-based alloy, or a mixture of copper-based and nickel-based alloys) that can be positioned between the interface between the wear-resistant member and any of the bases 120, 204.

[0062] Alternatively or concurrently, solder paste 306 may be positioned and / or applied between and / or around the interface of any wear-resistant component and any substrate. For example, solder paste 306 may be applied as solder beads around the periphery of arcuate segments 210a, 210b. Solder paste 306 may comprise powder (e.g., pure copper, copper-based alloy, pure nickel, nickel-based alloy, or a mixture of copper-based and nickel-based alloys) and binder material (e.g., a water-based gel suspending agent). The binder material may burn off when heated (e.g., via a brazing process in a furnace). The brazing process may be performed using brazing filler 304, brazing paste 306, or both brazing filler 304 and brazing paste 306.

[0063] like Figure 10As shown, the retaining surface 302 of the clamp 300 may have a concave profile that substantially matches the outer profile of the arcuate segments 210a, 210a when they mate with the tubular support roller base 110. The size and / or shape of the clamp 300 may be configured to receive a portion of the track support roller 200 and span approximately 180 degrees around the circumference of the track support roller 200. In some embodiments, the clamp 300 may be a bracket or a tube, and the retaining surface 302 may be a concave surface of the bracket or an inner surface of the tube. However, it should be noted that the invention is not limited thereto, and the clamp 300 may generally be any device suitable for holding the aforementioned components in place during brazing. For example, the clamp may be one or more wires passing through a hole in the substrate, a vise, etc. Alternatively, the clamp 300 may be multiple components that collectively provide the retaining surface 302 and are pressed together using a clamp, vise, etc.

[0064] Figure 11 Additional or alternative retaining clamps are shown that can be used to aid in the production of track rollers 200 (or sprockets, etc.), for example, by brazing one or more external components (e.g., arcuate segments 210a, 210b) to the central portion 218 of the tubular track roller base 204. As shown, the brazing process may include one or more hose clamps 308. The hose clamps 308 may be positioned and secured around the central portion 210 and the arcuate segment 210a to help secure the arcuate segment 210a to the central portion 218. In this way, the retaining surface (not shown) of the hose clamps 308 may contact the outer surfaces of the central portion 218 and the arcuate segment 210a. The arcuate segment 210a may then be brazed or otherwise joined to the tubular track roller base 204, for example, via brazing filler (not shown), brazing paste 306, etc. Although only the arcuate segment 210a is shown, it should be noted that the hose clamps 308 may be positioned around the tubular track roller base and facilitate securing multiple arcuate segments to the tubular track roller base.

[0065] Furthermore, even though two hose clamps 308 are shown, one, three or more hose clamps 308 can be used to help secure one or more arcuate segments to the central portion of the tubular support roller base.

[0066] Additionally, although not shown, one or more hose clamps 308 may be used to assist in attaching the arcuate segment to the tubular track roller base to form the track roller 200, such as Figure 10 As shown, the track support roller 200 with hose clamp 308 can also be positioned in the retaining clamp 300, such as Figure 10 As shown.

[0067] Figure 12 This is a diagram for reference. Figure 10 and 11A flowchart of a method 400 for brazing an arcuate segment to a tubular bushing substrate using any fixtures or techniques discussed herein, and other fixtures or techniques not specifically mentioned herein. Step 402 may include assembling a brazing assembly comprising a tubular or annular substrate (e.g., a tubular support roller 204, an annular sprocket substrate 120), brazing materials (e.g., brazing filler 304 and / or brazing paste 306), and at least a wear-resistant member (e.g., a white cast iron member). In the brazing assembly, wear-resistant members 110, 210 may mate with the tubular or annular substrate, and brazing filler 304 is disposed between the substrate and the wear-resistant member. The brazing filler 304 may initially be in the form of a foil positioned around at least a portion of the outer surface of the substrate to mate with the wear-resistant member. Additionally or alternatively, brazing paste 306 may be applied around the edge of the wear-resistant member.

[0068] Step 404 may include, for example, using a clamp 300, a vise, and / or a hose clamp 308 to hold the brazed components together. In step 404, for example, retaining surface 305 may hold the wear-resistant component in place on the substrate. Alternatively or additionally, such as Figure 10 As shown, one or more hose clamps 308 can be positioned and secured around the wear-resistant component and the substrate to help keep the wear-resistant component in place.

[0069] Next, step 406 may include heating the brazing material (e.g., brazing filler and / or brazing paste) to melt it. In this respect, the brazing filler may melt and / or flow between the substrate and the wear-resistant component. Furthermore, heating may cause the brazing paste to melt and / or flow between the substrate 110 and the wear-resistant component. Heating may also help remove (i.e., burn off) the filler material in the brazing paste. Brazing can be performed in a furnace, such as a vacuum furnace. Heating can be performed while the brazing components are held together using clamps, hose clamps, vises, etc.

[0070] Step 408 may then include curing brazing material, such as brazing filler and / or brazing paste. In step 408, the brazing material may be cooled and cured, such that the wear-resistant component is bonded to the substrate via the cured brazing material. In one aspect, the rotating track guide component may be removed from the furnace and quenched. The entire brazed assembly may be heated in step 406 and cooled in step 408. Although not shown, when the wear-resistant components are adjacent to each other or closely positioned circumferentially around the substrate, the cured brazing filler and / or cured brazing paste, for example, flows in partially or completely and fills the gaps between the wear-resistant components (i.e., Figure 9 The gap 230 in the middle connects the adjacent wear-resistant components to each other.

[0071] While embodiments using brazing have been described, other suitable forms of attachment can also be used to attach sprocket segments, wear-resistant components, etc., to a base or hub. Other forms of attachment may include welding (e.g., high-strength welding), mechanical press fitting, welding (e.g., plasma-transferred arc (PTA) welding), and / or attachment via epoxy resin and / or other adhesives. It should be noted that these various forms of attachment are not intended to be mutually exclusive and can be used in combination with each other. Furthermore, one or more wear-resistant components may include more than one flat inner surface, for example, an inner surface having two flat surfaces forming a V-shaped inner surface. One or more wear-resistant components may also include three or more flat inner surfaces. Additionally, any base may include one or more outer surfaces corresponding to the inner surfaces of one or more arcuate wear-resistant components. For example, if the wear-resistant component includes a V-shaped inner surface, the base may include a matching V-shaped outer surface. As described above, the base and one or more arcuate wear-resistant components can be coupled.

[0072] As described above, any wear-resistant component described herein can be made of white cast iron, which provides wear resistance. The white cast iron material of the wear-resistant component can differ from the material of any underlying substrate. Therefore, the wear-resistant component can serve as a specialized wear-resistant layer that imparts wear resistance to rotating track guide components (e.g., track rollers, sprockets, etc.) while avoiding the potential cost of constructing the entire rotating track guide component from the same wear-resistant material. Furthermore, the rotating track guide component can be formed from a thinner material, and the wear-resistant component helps increase the component's wear resistance and service life. Any substrate can additionally possess wear-resistant properties, such as high-carbon chromium steel compositions or carburized layers as described above. Therefore, even if the wear-resistant component wears, the rotating guide component using it can still retain a degree of wear resistance, thus delaying the required maintenance.

[0073] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed system without departing from the scope of the invention. Other embodiments of the system will become apparent to those skilled in the art, taking into account the description and practice of the track assembly bushings disclosed herein. This specification and examples are intended to be considered merely exemplary, and the true scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A sprocket (100) for a track assembly (12), comprising: An annular hub (102) has a longitudinal length (104) and an outer surface (106), wherein the outer surface (106) includes at least one flat portion or at least one curved portion; and At least one wear-resistant member (110), wherein the at least one wear-resistant member (110) includes a flat inner surface, and the flat inner surface of the at least one wear-resistant member (110) is fixed to at least one flat portion of the outer surface (106) of the annular hub (102); Wherein, the at least one wear-resistant component (110) is a sprocket segment (118), the sprocket segment including an annular sprocket base (120) constituting the inner portion of the sprocket segment (118) and a first white cast iron component constituting the outer portion (122) of the sprocket segment (118); The first white cast iron component includes an outer wavy surface (114) defining a longitudinal length (116) of the outer surface, and an annular sprocket base (120) defining an inner wavy surface (124) longitudinally separated by a wavy recess (126). The first white cast iron component is arranged in the wavy recess (126), and the outer wavy surface (114) and the inner wavy surface (124) are spaced outwardly.

2. The sprocket (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The first white cast iron member extends over the central portion (117) of the annular hub (102), and at least one white cast iron member extends less than the entire longitudinal length (104) of the annular hub (102) and less than the entire length of the longitudinal length (116) of the outer surface.

3. The sprocket (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The first white cast iron component is brazed to the annular sprocket base (120) formed of steel, and at least a portion of the annular sprocket base (120) is carburized, induction hardened, or directly hardened.

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