Adjustable track system for vehicles

Abstract

An adjustable track system (10) for a vehicle (12) includes a drive wheel (22) rotatably communicated with a bare axle (24). Rotation of the drive wheel (22) causes movement of the track (26) of the track system. A sliding mechanism (30) is provided, and the sliding mechanism is configured to allow adjustment of the position of a frame (28) relative to the bare axle (24) in the width direction. The system (10) includes an adjustment mechanism (32) having an attachment configuration that allows simultaneous movement of the frame (28) and the drive wheel (22) relative to the bare axle (24) in the width direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The subject matter of this invention relates to an adjustable track system for a vehicle that allows adjustment of the specifications of the vehicle's track system. More specifically, this application relates to a track system characterized by an adjustment mechanism that allows sliding and adjustment along the bare axle to select a desired distance from the drive housing in the width direction of the track system. Background Technology

[0002] In agriculture, crops are planted in rows, and the spacing between the rows depends on the type of crop being planted. Agricultural vehicles working in the fields have tracks on which they travel, and these tracks are spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the vehicle. This spacing is the distance from the left track to the right track of the vehicle and must be the correct spacing for the row spacing in the field to allow the vehicle to roll in the field. Because agricultural vehicles are used for different crops, and therefore the row spacing varies, the width between the tracks needs to be adjusted when used for different crop types.

[0003] Adjustment of track width can be achieved by providing an accessory kit that includes various components allowing the left and right tracks to be installed at different width intervals to accommodate the width of the crop row in question. To make these adjustments, the tracks and drive wheels of the track system on both the left and right sides must be removed. These components, along with other parts, must be removed from the agricultural vehicle, new hardware added, and reassembled to achieve the desired track width interval. Track spacing adjustment requires significant time and manpower, in addition to the need to preserve all the additional hardware from the accessory kit. Furthermore, the need to remove various components of the track system from the vehicle adds to the complexity of the adjustment, in addition to the risk of damage to these removed components or failure to reinstall them properly. Therefore, there is still room for change and improvement in this field. Attached Figure Description

[0004] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the complete and feasible disclosure of the invention for those skilled in the art, including its best mode, is set forth in the specification, wherein:

[0005] Figure 1 This is a rear perspective view of an agricultural vehicle using a tracked system.

[0006] Figure 2 This is a bottom perspective view of part of the adjustable track system and transmission system of an agricultural vehicle.

[0007] Figure 3 This is a front cross-sectional view of an adjustable track system in its fully retracted position to achieve the minimum width between the tracks.

[0008] Figure 4 This is a front cross-sectional view of an adjustable track system in its fully extended position to achieve the maximum width between the tracks.

[0009] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the adjustment mechanism.

[0010] Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 The line 6-6 was cut Figure 5 A front view of the cross-section of the adjustment mechanism.

[0011] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the adjustment mechanism in an attachment configuration, which is attached to the drive wheel and the support pin.

[0012] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of a sub-component of an agricultural vehicle, showing the sliding mechanism, bare shaft, and transmission system.

[0013] Figure 9 It is along Figure 8 The cross-sectional view taken from line 9-9.

[0014] Figure 10 It is a perspective view of a partial cross-section of an adjustable track system in its fully extended state, with the adjustment mechanism in an attached configuration.

[0015] Figure 11 It is a perspective view of a partial cross-section of an adjustable track system in its fully retracted state, with the adjustment mechanism in an attached configuration.

[0016] Figure 12 This is a bottom perspective view of a pair of adjustable track systems with hydraulic cylinders that adjust the width between the tracks.

[0017] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 A perspective view of a partial cross-section of an adjustable track system, wherein the adjustment mechanism is in an attachment configuration.

[0018] The same or similar reference numerals are used in different figures to indicate the same or similar features. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof, and one or more examples of embodiments thereof are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided for illustrative purposes and is not intended to limit the invention. For example, a feature shown or described as part of one embodiment may be used with another embodiment to obtain a third embodiment. The invention is intended to include these and other modifications and variations.

[0020] The present invention provides an adjustable track system 10 for a vehicle (such as an agricultural vehicle 12), which allows the width between the left and right track systems 10 to be adjusted to be larger or smaller as needed. The adjustable track system 10 includes tracks 26, drive wheels 22, and one or more idler wheels 34, 36. A sliding mechanism 30 allows the position of a frame 28, on which the idler wheels 34, 36 are mounted, to move relative to a bare axle 24 in the width direction 16. An adjustment mechanism 32 is provided, and this adjustment mechanism has an attachment configuration that allows the frame 28 and drive wheels 22 to move simultaneously relative to the bare axle 24 in the width direction 16. To perform this movement, a hydraulic cylinder 56 can be actuated to push or pull the frame 28, drive wheels 22, and associated components to a desired position relative to the width direction 16 of the agricultural vehicle 12. Alternatively, the adjustment mechanism 32 can be adjusted to cause the aforementioned movement of the frame 28, drive wheels 22, and other components in the width direction 16 towards the desired position. Once properly positioned, the sliding mechanism bolt 58 can be placed in the sliding mechanism 30 to lock it in place, thereby preventing movement of the track 26 and other components in the width direction 16. The adjustable track system 10 of the present invention allows for adjustment of the width between the tracks 76 without the need for accessory kits that require storage and transportation, and without the need to remove components such as the drive wheel 22 and the track 26, thus saving time and manpower.

[0021] Figure 1 A vehicle 12 is shown being towed on ground 72 using tracks. The vehicle 12 utilizing the adjustable track system 10 disclosed herein can be any type of vehicle, such as an agricultural vehicle, a construction vehicle (such as a bulldozer), a military vehicle (such as a tank), or an off-road vehicle (such as a snowmobile). The vehicle can be any type of agricultural vehicle 12 capable of performing agricultural operations in a field. The agricultural vehicle 12 can be a tractor, a combine harvester, different types of harvesters, or any other vehicle used in agricultural activities according to other exemplary embodiments. Figure 1 The agricultural vehicle 12 shown is a tractor 12 and can pull implements according to various embodiments, such as combine harvester heads, cutters, buckets, blades, or seeders, although in Figure 1 Such implements are not shown. Tractor 12 has a vehicle frame 66, a transmission system 68, and a cab 70 mounted to the vehicle frame. Although ground 72 is described as agricultural field, ground 72 can be a hard surface such as asphalt, concrete, or gravel.

[0022] The transmission system 68 generates power and transmits it to the track system of the tractor 12 to propel the tractor across the ground 72. The vehicle 12 includes a prime mover 74 as a power source. The prime mover 74 can be an internal combustion engine or an electric motor. The prime mover 74 may also include more than one motor, and these motors can be of the same type, or one can be an internal combustion engine and another an electric motor. The transmission system 68 transmits power from the prime mover 74 to the track system to impart motion to the track system, thereby causing the track system to move the vehicle 12 across the ground 72. The transmission system 68 includes a transmission between the prime mover 74 and a drive shaft, which is directly connected to the drive wheels of the track system. The transmission can be an automatic transmission or any other suitable type.

[0023] The operator's cab 70 is where the operator of the tractor 12 sits and controls the vehicle 12. A set of control controls is located in the cab 70 to allow the user to maneuver the tractor 12 across the ground 72 and operate the implements pulled by the tractor 12. The cab 70 may include an accelerator, brake controls, and steering mechanism operable by the operator to control the movement of the tractor 12 across the ground 72 and the operation of the implements. An instrument panel may provide meters such as a speedometer and tachometer to convey information to the operator. Although described as having a cab 70 and being human-controlled, the agricultural vehicle 12 may be an autonomous vehicle 12 or a remotely controlled vehicle 12 without a human operator on the tractor 12, and in some cases, a cab 70 may be completely unnecessary if human operation is not required.

[0024] Tractor 12 has four track systems, three of which are 60, 62, and 64. Figure 1 The fourth track system is not shown due to the orientation of tractor 12 in the figure. Tractor 12 has a length direction 18 extending between the front and rear ends of tractor 12. A width direction 16 is perpendicular to the length direction 18 and extends between the left and right sides of tractor 12. A vertical direction 20 of tractor 12 extends from the bottom of tractor 12 at ground level 72 and the top of tractor 12 at the top of cab 70. Left front track system 60 and right front track system ( Figure 1The left and right rear track systems 62 and 64 (not shown) are spaced apart in the width direction 16 and positioned in front of the rear track systems 62 and 64 in the length direction 18, and are the two front track systems of the tractor 12. The left rear track system 62 is spaced apart from the right rear track system 64 in the width direction 16 by a distance specified as the width between the tracks 76. The width between the tracks 76 is measured from the midpoint of the track of the left rear track system 62 to the midpoint of the track of the right rear track system 64. As disclosed herein, the width between the tracks 76 is adjustable. The distance in the width direction between the left front track system 60 and the right front track system (not shown) may be adjustable as disclosed herein, or may not be required to be adjustable depending on different exemplary embodiments. Thus, it is possible that the rear track systems 62 and 64 are adjustable relative to each other, but the front track system 60 is not adjustable.

[0025] In some embodiments, the width between the tracks 76 can be 1.45 meters. Depending on the embodiments, the width between the tracks 76 can be adjusted to 2.0 meters, 1.5 meters, 1.8 meters, or any other distance. According to various embodiments, the adjustable range of the width between the tracks 76 can be 1.45 meters to 2 meters, 1.3 meters to 2.2 meters, 1 meter to 3 meters, 1.5 meters to 2 meters, 1.8 meters to 2 meters, or 1.45 meters to 1.8 meters. As disclosed herein, the adjustable track system 10 can adjust the width between the tracks 76 incrementally rather than in a continuous, non-incremental manner. In some embodiments, the adjustment can be made in 50-millimeter increments. In other embodiments, the adjustment is made continuously, non-incrementally. Although disclosed as adjusting only the width between the tracks 76 of the rear track systems 62, 64, in other embodiments, the width between the front track systems can also be adjusted together with the width of the front track systems, or adjusted in place of the width of the front track systems.

[0026] Figure 2A portion of the drive system 68 and an adjustable track system within the adjustable track system 10 are shown. The track 26, due to its closed configuration, can be referred to as an "annular" track, having no ends, thus allowing it to be positioned and moved around the adjustable track system 10. The track 26 has an inner side, an outer side engaging the ground, and lateral edges, and can be made of rubber, nylon, and other materials such as polyurethane elastomers to provide a degree of flexibility. The inner side of the track 26 faces the drive wheel 22, the front idler wheel 34, the rear idler wheel 36, and four rollers 38, while the outer side of the track 26 engages the ground 72. The drive wheel 22 engages lugs on the inner side of the track 26 and causes the track 26 to rotate in the same manner upon rotation. The inner side of the track 26 engages the front idler wheel 34 and the rear idler wheel 36, with the front idler wheel 34 positioned longitudinally 18 in front of the rear idler wheel 36. Four rollers 38 are located between idler wheels 34 and 36 and engage the inner side of track 26. Although four rollers 38 are shown, any number of rollers 38 may be present in other exemplary embodiments. Wheels 22, 34, 36, and 38 are shown as separate because they each have a left and right half that are separated from each other in the width direction 16. In other embodiments, these wheels 22, 34, 36, and 38 are each a single wheel and are not divided into two separate halves. Rotation of drive wheel 22 is transmitted to track 26, which then rotates itself. As track 26 rotates, movement of track 26 is transmitted to wheels 34, 36, and 38, and the engaged idler wheels 34, 36, and rollers 38 rotate in the same manner. Idler wheels 34, 36, and rollers 38 provide support for track 26 to ensure that track remains straight and in the desired position and to provide the desired contact with ground 72.

[0027] The frame 28 is part of the adjustable track system 10, supporting other components of the adjustable track system, such as idler wheels 34, 36, and rollers 38. The frame 28 is pivotally mounted to a support pin 40, allowing the frame 28 to rotate about a portion of the support pin 40 and to be suspended and thus held by the support pin 40. In this respect, the idler wheels 34, 36, and rollers 38 are rotatably mounted to and rotate relative to the frame 28, with their axes extending in the width direction 16. The drive wheel 22 is not mounted to the frame 28 but to a bare axle 24, such that rotation of the bare axle 24 causes rotation of the drive wheel 22. The adjustable track system 10 in… Figure 2 The track system 10 is fully retracted in the position shown, so that it is as close as possible to the midpoint of the vehicle 12 in the width direction 16. The adjustable track system 10 shown can be either the rear track systems 62 and 64, or additionally or alternatively, one or both of the front track systems 60.

[0028] Figure 3This is a cross-sectional view of the adjustable track system 10, where the adjustable track system 10 is retracted again to the position closest to the midpoint of the vehicle 12 in the width direction 16. The drive system 68 includes a drive housing 14 rigidly attached to the frame of the vehicle 12, and a bare shaft 24 extending from the drive housing in the width direction 16. The drive system 68 transmits motion to the bare shaft 24 to cause it to rotate. The bare shaft 24 is supported by bearings 78 and fixed in the width direction 16 such that the bare shaft 24 does not move relative to the drive system 68 in the width direction 16. A drive wheel 22 is mounted to the bare shaft 24, so that the drive wheel rotates with the bare shaft 24; however, the engagement between the bare shaft 24 and the drive wheel 22 is not a fixed engagement, as the drive wheel 22 can move along a portion of the length of the bare shaft 24. Therefore, the drive wheel 22 is slidably engaged with the bare shaft 24, allowing the position of the drive wheel 22 along the bare shaft 24 to be adjusted in the width direction 16. When the bare shaft 24 is rotated by the drivetrain 68, the bare shaft can be considered part of the drivetrain 68. However, since some, but not all, of the currently disclosed embodiments of the adjustable track system 10 utilize the bare shaft 24 during adjustment, the bare shaft 24, as described herein, is considered part of the adjustable track system 10. Furthermore, the bare shaft 24 can also be considered part of both the adjustable track system 10 and the drivetrain 68.

[0029] Adjustable track system 10 Figure 4 The center is shown in its fully extended position because the adjustable track system is moved to its outermost limit relative to the midpoint of the vehicle 12 in the width direction 16. Therefore, Figure 3 and Figure 4 The arrangement in the diagram represents the innermost and outermost poles of the adjustable track system 10 in the width direction 16. The adjustable track systems 10 on opposite sides of the tractor 12 can also be adjusted in a similar manner to double the maximum adjustment range of the tracks of the two systems 10 relative to each other in the width direction 16. During adjustment, the tracks 26, drive wheels 22, front idler wheels 34, rear idler wheels 36, rollers 38, frame 28, and support pins 40 move relative to the bare axle 24 and drive housing 14 in the width direction 16, while the bare axle and drive housing remain stationary relative to the frame of the vehicle 12 in the width direction 16. Figure 4 The positions shown indicate that the adjustable track system 10 is adjusted to achieve the widest possible width between the tracks 76. (Reference) Figure 3 and Figure 4 The drive wheel 22 is attached to the hub 88 by bolts 90, and bolts 98 extend through the tapered member 94 and engage the hub 88, such that tightening of bolts 98 causes the tapered member 94 to remain on the bare shaft 24.

[0030] To perform the aforementioned adjustments in the width direction 16, the adjustable track system 10 includes an adjustment mechanism 32 having an attachment configuration in which the adjustment mechanism is attached to certain components. (Reference) Figure 5 and Figure 6 An embodiment of the adjusting mechanism 32 is shown. This embodiment includes a cylinder 84 rigidly attached to a plate 80 and not moving therewith. The cylinder 84 is hollow and open at both ends, and an externally threaded rod 50 is located within the cylinder 84 and extends out of the cylinder and through the plate 80. The adjusting mechanism 32 includes a nut 54, which rotates relative to the cylinder 84. The nut 54 is mounted on the cylinder 84 via a thrust bearing and is held within the cylinder such that rotation of the nut 54 does not cause movement of the nut 54 relative to the cylinder 84 in the width direction 16. The nut 54 is attached to the externally threaded rod 50 via a pin attachment, which is partially located within and partially outside the cylinder 84. Therefore, when the nut 54 rotates, since the nut 54 is attached to the externally threaded rod 50, the nut 54 and the externally threaded rod 50 rotate as rigid bodies. The externally threaded rod 50 rotates relative to the cylinder 84, but the externally threaded rod 50 does not move in the width direction 16. In some embodiments, the threaded rod 50 and nut 54 are a single integral piece, wherein the rod has an externally threaded portion on one side and a hexagonal or other shape on the other side. In other embodiments, the threaded rod 50 and nut 54 are two separate pieces that are attached to each other in a rigid engagement.

[0031] Plate 80 includes a series of through holes, which may be slots or holes for bolts to pass through, used to secure plate 80 and thus adjustment mechanism 32 to other parts of the adjustable track system 10, such as drive wheel 32 and support pin 40. Plate 80 may consist of a single plate or multiple plates and may include guide rails or other components as shown. Adjustment mechanism 32 also includes a connecting member 82 extending from plate 80 in the width direction 16. In some embodiments, connecting member 82 may be a bolt. In other embodiments, connecting member 82 is a mechanical fastener capable of attaching to support pin 40, engagement member 44, or other parts of the adjustable track system 10, such that the connecting member causes adjustment mechanism 32 to be rigidly attached to these parts of the adjustable track system 10. Attachment mechanism 32 has an unattached configuration in which it is removed from the bare shaft 24, drive wheel 22, support pin 40, and other components of the adjustable track system 10. Bolt 96 is an inner bolt relative to cylinder 84 because it is closer to cylinder 84 in the radial direction than bolt 86, while bolt 86 is radially outward relative to bolt 96 and therefore further away from cylinder 84. Any number of bolts 86, 96 can be arranged around plate 80 and therefore around cylinder 84.

[0032] Similar to Figure 5 and Figure 6 Another embodiment of the regulating mechanism 32 shown in the diagram is... Figure 7 The image is shown in an attachment configuration. Here, the adjustment mechanism 32 has a plate 80 consisting of three parts. In the attachment configuration, the nut 54 is visible and accessible to the user of the adjustable track system 10 for rotation. In the attachment configuration, the adjustment mechanism 32 is attached to the drive wheel 22 and the support pin 40. A plurality of bolts 86 are used to attach the plate 80 to the drive wheel 22 and indirectly to the hub 88. The bolts 86 are not attached to the bare axle 24. The drive wheel 22 is attached to the hub 88 via four bolts 86. A connecting member 82 (which may be a bolt) engages the plate 80 and is disposed through the plate, and engages with the support pin 40 and is attached to the support pin 40 via a threaded engagement. Although shown attached to the support pin 40, in other embodiments, the connecting member 82 may be attached to the frame 28 or another component.

[0033] Figure 8 and Figure 9 A sliding mechanism 30 of an adjustable track system 10 is shown, comprising a sliding plate 42 and an engagement member 44 that are slidably engaged with each other. The sliding plate 42 is rigidly attached to the bottom of a drive housing 14 and does not move relative to the drive housing 14. The engagement member 44 slides relative to both the sliding plate 42 and the drive housing 14 in a width direction 16 via the sliding engagement. This sliding engagement can be achieved in various ways. In the illustrated embodiment, the sliding plate 42 has a pair of guide rails 46 in which a roller 48 of the engagement member 44 is received. The roller 48 is locked in the guide rails 46 such that relative movement between the sliding plate 42 and the engagement member 44 in the vertical direction 20 and the length direction 18 is impossible. The roller 48 moves freely within the guide rails 46 in the width direction 16, allowing attached components such as the engagement member 44 to also move in the width direction 16. Limiting elements may be present at either end of the guide rails 46, restricting the range of movement of the roller 48 within the guide rails 46, both inside and outside. The sliding mechanism 30 can employ any type of sliding arrangement to achieve sliding engagement. In addition, the protrusion of the engaging member 44 can engage with the guide rail 47 of the sliding plate 42 to further realize the seating of the engaging member 44 on the sliding plate 42, while still allowing relative movement of these components 42, 44 in the width direction 16.

[0034] Therefore, during adjustment, the engagement member 44 moves relative to the bare shaft 24 in the width direction 16. The support pin 40 is attached to and can be rigidly attached to the engagement member 44, such that the support pin 40 does not move relative to the engagement member 44. In some embodiments, the support pin 40 is integrated into the engagement member 44, making them a single integral component, such that the sliding connection between the support pin 40 and the sliding plate 42 is referred to as the engagement member 44, and the other parts of this component are referred to as the support pin 40. The support pin 40 supports the frame 28, and the frame 28 is pivotable about the support pin 40, such that the frame 28 is pivotable about an axis extending in the width direction 16. The frame 28 does not move 360 ​​degrees about the support pin 40, but may have a range of motion less than 360 degrees. In some embodiments, due to the presence of other parts of the adjustable track system 10 or vehicle 12, the pivoting may be limited to a range of less than 20 degrees.

[0035] Now refer to Figure 10 and Figure 11 Describes the actuation of the adjustable track system 10. In Figure 10 In the diagram, the adjustable track system 10 is shown in its maximum extended state because the tracks 26 and other components are moved as far away as possible from the centerline of the vehicle 12 to achieve the maximum width between the tracks 76, assuming that the corresponding adjustable track system 10 on the other side is similarly moved to its maximum outer range. Bolts 90 and 98 are used under normal operating conditions of the tractor 12 and are used to attach the drive wheels 22 to the bare axle 24 via the hub 88 and the tapered member 94. These bolts 90 and 98 are... Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, however, they are actually removed for adjustment. Adjustment mechanism 32 can initially be positioned as follows: Figure 10In the attached configuration shown, bolts 86 attach plate 80 to drive wheel 22. When adjustment mechanism 32 is in the attached configuration, these bolts 86 replace bolt 90. Additionally, for adjustment, bolt 98 is loosened and bolt 96 is used to unlock tapered member 94. This causes tapered member 94 to move outward in the width direction 16. Connecting member 82 is a bolt and is rigidly attached to support pin 40. The end of bare shaft 24 has an internally threaded hole 52 that receives externally threaded rod 50 in a threaded engagement. With adjustment mechanism 32 in the attached configuration, hub 88, drive wheel 22, adjustment mechanism 32, connecting member 44, support pin 40, track 26, front idler wheel 34, rear idler wheel 36, and roller 38 are all locked together as a single unit capable of moving relative to bare shaft 24, drive housing 14, and sliding plate 30 in the width direction 16. A sliding mechanism bolt 58 is present, and the sliding mechanism bolt locks the position of the sliding plate 42 relative to the engaging member 44 to prevent relative movement of the hub 88, drive wheel 22, adjusting mechanism 32, engaging member 44, support pin 40, track 26, front idler wheel 34, rear idler wheel 36, and roller 38 in the width direction 16 with respect to the bare axle 24, drive housing 14, and sliding plate 30. The sliding mechanism bolt 58 can be removed to allow this relative movement to occur. Four sliding mechanism bolts 58 are present in the disclosed embodiment, but any number of sliding mechanism bolts may be present in other embodiments. The sliding mechanism bolts 58 attach the sliding plate 42 to the engaging member 44 to lock them together, thereby preventing relative movement in the width direction 16.

[0036] The user can engage nut 54 with a tool and rotate nut 54 to cause the external threaded rod 50 to rotate in the same direction. Since the external threaded rod 50 does not move in the width direction 16 relative to any other part of the adjusting mechanism 32, the threaded engagement with the internal threaded hole 52 will cause the bare shaft 24 to move in the width direction 16 and be pulled into the cylinder 84. When nut 54 rotates, the attachment configuration of the adjusting mechanism 32 will cause the attached support pin 40 to move in the same direction relative to the bare shaft 24, and the frame 28 and other components discussed to move in the width direction relative to the bare shaft 24. The adjusting mechanism 32 can be adjusted until the desired width between the tracks 76 is achieved.

[0037] Figure 11The adjustable track system 10 is shown positioned at its furthest inner side in the width direction 16. Once the adjustment of the hub 88, drive wheel 22, adjustment mechanism 32, engagement member 44, support pin 40, track 26, front idler wheel 34, rear idler wheel 36, and roller 38 has been completed, rotation of the external threaded rod 50 can be stopped and the user can insert the sliding mechanism bolt 58 to lock the adjustable track system 10 in place. The sliding mechanism bolt 58 rigidly attaches the sliding plate 42 to the engagement member 44 to prevent them from moving relative to each other in the width direction 16. This locking of the sliding mechanism similarly prevents movement of the hub 88, drive wheel 22, adjustment mechanism 32, engagement member 44, support pin 40, track 26, front idler wheel 34, rear idler wheel 36, and roller 38 relative to the bare axle 24 in the width direction 16. The adjustment mechanism 32 can be removed from the attachment configuration by separating the connecting member 82 and bolts 86, 96. With these components separated, the external threaded rod 50 can be withdrawn from the internal threaded hole 52 to remove these components from the threaded engagement, and doing so will not cause any movement of the components of the adjustable track system 10, except for the adjustment mechanism 32, relative to the bare shaft 24 in the width direction 16. Bolts 90 and 98 can be reattached to place the vehicle 12 in its normal operating configuration. With the adjustment mechanism 32 removed and the adjustable track system 10 placed in the desired position, the vehicle 12 can then be driven with the desired width between the tracks 76. It should be understood that the same steps need to be performed on the left-hand adjustable track system 10 to similarly move the left-hand adjustable track system relative to the midpoint of the vehicle 12 in the width direction 16 so that the desired width between the tracks 76 can be obtained. Since the adjustment of the other track 26 is accomplished in a similar manner, these steps do not need to be described again. Therefore, it should be understood that in some embodiments, the two track systems on the left and right sides of the vehicle 12 must be adjusted independently of each other to achieve the desired width between the tracks 76. However, it is not required that the left-hand track system and the right-hand track system be spaced at the same distance from the midpoint of the vehicle 12 in the width direction 16.

[0038] The adjustment mechanism 32 can be actuated in the attachment configuration to move the aforementioned components of the adjustable track system 10 relative to the bare shaft 24, or the adjustment mechanism 32 can be placed in the attachment configuration and not actuated to achieve movement. Alternatively, another device can be used to move the aforementioned components of the adjustable track system 10 relative to the bare shaft 24. However, the adjustment mechanism 32 will still exist and be placed in the attachment configuration to achieve this objective. In this regard, the plate 80 of the adjustment mechanism 32 in the attachment configuration locks the hub 88, drive wheel 22, engagement member 44, support pin 40, track 26, front idler wheel 34, rear idler wheel 36, and roller 38 together, allowing them to move as an assembly relative to the bare shaft 24 in the width direction 16. However, the adjustment mechanism 32 does not have a threaded engagement between the internal threaded hole 52 and the external threaded rod 50, nor does it have a nut 54. (Reference) Figure 12 and Figure 13 A hydraulic cylinder 56 is provided, and this hydraulic cylinder engages with engagement members 44 of the opposing left-hand and right-hand track systems. Actuation of the hydraulic cylinder 56 pulls the left-hand and right-hand track systems together to shorten the width between the tracks 76, or pushes the left-hand and right-hand track systems apart to increase the width between the tracks 76. In other embodiments, the hydraulic cylinder 56 engages only the engagement member 44 of the right-hand track system, without engaging the left-hand track system. After moving the right-hand track system, the hydraulic cylinder 56 can then be used to adjust the position of the left-hand track system in the width direction 16. The hydraulic cylinder 56 thus moves the components relative to the bare axle 24 rather than relative to the still-existing adjustment mechanism 32, and is attached to the support pin 40, drive wheel 22, and hub 88 using bolts 86, 96 and connecting members 82. These bolts and components can be as described above. Although shown as engaging and pushing / pulling engagement member 44, in other embodiments, hydraulic cylinder 56 may engage other components such as frame 28, adjustment mechanism 32, or sliding mechanism 30 or drive wheel 22. Figure 12 and Figure 13 The adjustment mechanism 32 shown does not have a cylinder 84 and an external threaded rod 50.

[0039] The adjustment can be configured to be incremental in nature. In this respect, the locking or threaded engagement adjustment of the sliding mechanism 30 can be arranged such that the hub 88, drive wheel 22, adjustment mechanism 32, engagement member 44, support pin 40, track 26, front idler wheel 34, rear idler wheel 36, and roller 38 move in 50 mm increments in the width direction 16. In other embodiments, the incremental adjustment is from 50 mm to 100 mm, from 100 mm to 150 mm, from 150 mm to 200 mm, or from 200 mm to 300 mm. The adjustable track system 10 eliminates the need for accessory kits, eliminating the need to store parts of various lengths and then load and remove them from the tractor 12 according to the desired width between the tracks 76. The adjustable track system 10 allows all components of the tractor 12, such as the tracks 26, drive wheels 22, rollers 38, and idler wheels 34, 36, to remain on the tractor 12 during adjustment, thus avoiding the need for laborious disassembly of the vehicle 12. Furthermore, the movement of these components relative to the bare axle 24 is simultaneous, which allows for time savings when adjusting the width between the tracks 76.

[0040] Although the subject matter of the invention has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments and methods, it should be understood that modifications, variations, and equivalents of such embodiments can be readily conceived by those skilled in the art upon understanding the foregoing. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is by way of example rather than limitation, and this disclosure does not exclude obvious such modifications, variations, and / or additions to the subject matter.

Claims

1. An adjustable track system for a vehicle, comprising: A bare shaft extending from the drive housing of the vehicle in the width direction, wherein the vehicle has a length direction perpendicular to the width direction; A drive wheel, which is rotatably connected to the bare shaft, such that rotation of the bare shaft causes rotation of the drive wheel; Tracks, the tracks being configured to engage the ground and communicate with the drive wheels, such that rotation of the drive wheels causes movement of the tracks; The frame, which carries the idler wheel; A sliding mechanism configured to allow adjustment of the frame position relative to the bare shaft in the width direction; and An adjustment mechanism having an attachment configuration that allows the frame and the drive wheel to move simultaneously relative to the bare shaft in the width direction; The adjustment mechanism is bolted to the drive wheel in the attachment configuration, and the adjustment mechanism is adjustable to cause the frame and the drive wheel to move simultaneously relative to the bare shaft in the width direction.

2. The adjustable track system of claim 1, wherein the idler wheel is a front idler wheel, and wherein the frame carries a rear idler wheel and a plurality of rollers, wherein the front idler wheel, the rear idler wheel, and the rollers are all rotatably mounted to the frame and all engage the track; and The drive wheel engages with the track, and the drive wheel is mounted on the bare axle.

3. The adjustable track system of claim 1, further comprising a support pin, wherein the frame is pivotally mounted to the support pin, wherein the sliding mechanism is configured to allow adjustment of the position of the support pin relative to the bare shaft in the width direction, thereby allowing adjustment of the position of the frame relative to the bare shaft in the width direction.

4. The adjustable track system of claim 3, wherein the sliding mechanism has a sliding plate attached to the drive housing, and wherein the sliding mechanism has an engaging member that engages the sliding plate and slides along the sliding plate during simultaneous movement of the drive wheel and the frame.

5. The adjustable track system of claim 4, wherein the support pin is rigidly attached to the engagement member, and wherein the sliding plate has a pair of guide rails, and the engagement member has rollers disposed on the pair of guide rails.

6. The adjustable track system of claim 3, wherein the adjustment mechanism is bolted to the support pin in the attachment configuration, wherein adjustment of the adjustment mechanism causes the support pin to move relative to the bare shaft in the width direction, such that the frame and the drive wheel move simultaneously relative to the bare shaft in the width direction.

7. An adjustable track system for a vehicle, comprising: A bare shaft extending from the drive housing of the vehicle in the width direction, wherein the vehicle has a length direction perpendicular to the width direction; A drive wheel, which is rotatably connected to the bare shaft, such that rotation of the bare shaft causes rotation of the drive wheel; Tracks, the tracks being configured to engage the ground and communicate with the drive wheels, such that rotation of the drive wheels causes movement of the tracks; The frame, which carries the idler wheel; A sliding mechanism configured to allow adjustment of the frame position relative to the bare shaft in the width direction; and An adjustment mechanism having an attachment configuration that allows the frame and the drive wheel to move simultaneously relative to the bare shaft in the width direction; The adjustment mechanism is engaged with the bare shaft via a threaded engagement, such that adjustment of the threaded engagement causes the frame and the drive wheel to move simultaneously relative to the bare shaft in the width direction.

8. An adjustable track system for a vehicle, comprising: A bare shaft extending from the drive housing of the vehicle in the width direction, wherein the vehicle has a length direction perpendicular to the width direction; A drive wheel, which is rotatably connected to the bare shaft, such that rotation of the bare shaft causes rotation of the drive wheel; Tracks, the tracks being configured to engage the ground and communicate with the drive wheels, such that rotation of the drive wheels causes movement of the tracks; The frame, which carries the idler wheel; A sliding mechanism configured to allow adjustment of the frame position relative to the bare shaft in the width direction; and An adjustment mechanism having an attachment configuration that allows the frame and the drive wheel to move simultaneously relative to the bare shaft in the width direction; The adjusting mechanism has an externally threaded rod that engages with the internally threaded hole of the bare shaft, and the adjusting mechanism has a nut that rotates to cause rotation of the externally threaded rod and adjustment of the internally threaded hole along the externally threaded rod, thereby causing the frame and the drive wheel to move simultaneously relative to the bare shaft in the width direction.

9. An adjustable track system for a vehicle, comprising: A bare shaft extending from the drive housing of the vehicle in the width direction, wherein the vehicle has a length direction perpendicular to the width direction; A drive wheel, which is rotatably connected to the bare shaft, such that rotation of the bare shaft causes rotation of the drive wheel; Tracks, the tracks being configured to engage the ground and communicate with the drive wheels, such that rotation of the drive wheels causes movement of the tracks; The frame, which carries the idler wheel; A sliding mechanism configured to allow adjustment of the frame position relative to the bare shaft in the width direction; An adjustment mechanism having an attachment configuration that allows the frame and the drive wheel to move simultaneously relative to the bare shaft in the width direction; and A hydraulic cylinder, when actuated, causes the frame and the drive wheel to move simultaneously relative to the bare shaft in the width direction.

10. The adjustable track system of claim 9, further comprising a support pin, wherein the frame is pivotally mounted to the support pin, wherein the sliding mechanism is configured to allow adjustment of the position of the support pin relative to the bare shaft in the width direction, thereby allowing adjustment of the position of the frame relative to the bare shaft in the width direction.

11. The adjustable track system of claim 9, wherein the sliding mechanism has a sliding plate attached to the drive housing, and wherein the sliding mechanism has an engaging member that engages the sliding plate and slides along the sliding plate during simultaneous movement of the drive wheel and the frame.

12. The adjustable track system of claim 10, wherein the adjustment mechanism is bolted to the drive wheel in the attachment configuration, and wherein the adjustment mechanism is bolted to the support pin in the attachment configuration.

13. The adjustable track system of claim 11, wherein the hydraulic cylinder engages the engagement member.

14. The adjustable track system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a sliding mechanism bolt bolted to the sliding mechanism to lock the sliding mechanism, thereby preventing movement of the frame relative to the bare shaft in the width direction.

15. The adjustable track system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the vehicle is an agricultural vehicle.

16. The adjustable track system of claim 15, wherein the agricultural vehicle is a tractor.

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