Cast idler
The idler wheel is manufactured through the casting process, and the overall component design and hollow core structure are adopted, which solves the problems of high weight and cost of the idler wheel, achieves lightweight and robustness, and extends the service life.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202380037825.8
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-05-12
- Filing Date
- 2023-05-04
- Publication Date
- 2024-12-13
AI Technical Summary
The prior art is difficult to effectively manufacture idlers, resulting in increased weight, high cost and short service life, unable to adequately reduce costs while providing the necessary robustness.
Idle wheels are manufactured through casting process, using an overall component design, including hub, outer rim and side plate, which defines the rotation axis, radial direction and circumferential direction, and forms a hollow core structure to reduce material use, while setting appropriate parts in the casting process Pore and rib structure for increased strength.
Lightweight and cost reduction of idlers are achieved while providing sufficient robustness to support the weight and impact load of the machine, extending service life.
Smart Images
Figure CN119137033A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a manufacturing method for producing an idler pulley. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a geometry that facilitates the manufacture of an idler pulley using a casting process. Background Art
[0002] Idler wheels are commonly used by machines in the earthmoving, mining, agricultural and construction industries, among others, to guide the track chain of their chassis, and / or to support the weight of the machine and impact loads in use. These components are often manufactured as assemblies, which can increase cost and reduce reliability due to the multiple joints required to create such assemblies. More specifically, the side plates and hubs of such idler assemblies may be welded together. However, this creates a weakness that can limit the useful life of the idler assembly, causing the machine employing the idler assembly to require maintenance and undesirable downtime.
[0003] CN110735082B discloses a guide wheel for an endless track drive. The guide wheel comprises a guide wheel body having a wheel body base, an outer wheel rim and a hub. In addition, the guide wheel comprises an inner wheel rim and spokes connecting the hub and the inner wheel rim. The outer wheel rim is made of a wear-resistant material and is fixedly connected to the inner wheel rim at the circumferential surface on the radial outer side of the inner wheel rim. The guide wheel is manufactured using a process comprising the following steps. The wheel body base has a first component or a blank of the first component of the outer wheel rim, which is integrally formed with a second component or a blank of the second component of the wheel body base. This is done by a casting process.
[0004] However, the '082 patent does not address in sufficient detail an achievable manufacturing process. Furthermore, the '082 patent does not teach how to manufacture the entire idler so that its weight is reduced to reduce cost while still providing the necessary robustness. Summary of the invention
[0005] An idler wheel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may define a rotation axis, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction. The idler wheel may include a hub, an outer rim, and a first side plate and a second side plate extending radially from the hub to the outer rim. The hub, the outer rim, the first side plate, and the second side plate may be formed as an integral component. Moreover, the first side plate may define a first through hole, and the second side plate may define a second through hole.
[0006] An idler according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a hub defining a cylindrical bore and an outer rim, the hub having a rotation axis, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction. Moreover, a first side plate and a second side plate may extend radially from the hub to the outer rim. The hub, the outer rim, the first side plate, and the second side plate may form an inner cavity radially between the outer rim and the hub and axially between the first side plate and the second side plate. The first side plate may define a maximum first side plate axial thickness radially disposed near the hub in a cross section containing the radial direction and the rotation axis, and a minimum first side plate thickness radially disposed near the outer rim. The ratio of the maximum first side plate axial thickness to the minimum first side plate thickness may be in the range of 1.325 to 1.900.
[0007] An idler wheel according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a hub defining a cylindrical bore and an outer rim, the hub having an axis of rotation, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction. A first side plate and a second side plate may extend radially from the hub to the outer rim. The hub, the outer rim, the first side plate, and the second side plate may form an inner cavity radially between the outer rim and the hub and axially between the first side plate and the second side plate. A rib may be disposed in the inner cavity, extending from the first side plate to the second side plate in a cross section containing the radial direction and the axis of rotation. The rib may define a rib hole extending circumferentially through the rib. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] Figure 1 is a side view of a machine such as a hydraulic excavator using an idler wheel constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0009] Figure 2 is shown isolated from the rest of the machine Figure 1 Side view of the chassis.
[0010] Figure 3 is the idler wheel that engages the track chain and Figure 2 A perspective view of the rollers of a chassis with the rest of the chassis removed for greater clarity.
[0011] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A perspective cross-sectional view of an idler gear, the idler gear being shown mated with a yoke via a shaft.
[0012] Figure 5 is shown separately Figure 4 Non-section side view of an idler pulley.
[0013] Figure 6 It is taken along line 6-6 Figure 5Only the portion of the cross section lacking the support hole is shown (e.g., Figure 5 The cross section is between the ribs of the idler.
[0014] Figure 7 is taken along line 7-7 passing through the top rib and the bottom rib Figure 5 Only the upper part of the cross section is shown.
[0015] Figure 8 It is along Figure 6 The midplane shown in Figure 5 Cross-section of the idler pulley.
[0016] Fig. 9 yes Figure 5 Side view of the idler wheel, showing possible gate locations. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals will be used wherever possible to represent the same or similar parts. In some cases, a reference numeral will be indicated in the specification and the drawings will show the reference numeral followed by a letter (e.g., 100a, 100b) or followed by a prime symbol (such as 100', 100", etc.). It should be understood that the use of a letter or prime symbol immediately following the reference numeral is intended to indicate that the features have similar shapes and similar functions, which is typically the case when the geometric structures are mirrored about a plane of symmetry. For ease of explanation in this specification, letters or prime symbols will often not be included herein, but may be shown in the drawings to indicate that this is a replica of a feature discussed in the written specification.
[0018] Various embodiments of idler wheels are disclosed that can improve the manufacturing process, reduce the material required to manufacture the idler wheel, and provide the necessary robustness to support the weight of the machine and the impact loads in use. More specifically, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the geometry of the idler wheel can allow it to be manufactured as an integral cast component.
[0019] Figure 1 An embodiment of a track-type machine 20 in the form of an excavator is shown that includes an embodiment of an idler wheel constructed according to the principles of the present disclosure. An excavator may be used, among other uses, to remove material from a work site using a bucket.
[0020] More precisely, Figure 1A machine 20 is shown including an undercarriage 22 having a track assembly 24 in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be understood that although the machine 20 is shown as a hydraulic excavator, the machine 20 may be any other type including a tracked undercarriage 22. As used herein, the term "machine" refers to a mobile machine that performs drive operations involving physical movement associated with a particular industry such as earthmoving, construction, landscaping, forestry, mining, agriculture, etc.
[0021] For example, the machine may be a hydraulic mining shovel, a wheel loader, a rope shovel, a crawler tractor, a bulldozer, or a dragline, etc. Furthermore, one or more implements may be connected to the machine. Such implements may be used for various tasks, including, for example, lifting and loading.
[0022] Undercarriage 22 may be configured to support machine 20 and move machine 20 along the ground, roads, and other types of terrain. Figure 2 and 3 As shown in FIG, track chain assembly 24 of undercarriage 22 may include track roller frame 26, and various guide components connected to track roller frame 26. The guide components may guide the track and include drive sprocket 30, idler 100, support roller 34, track guide 36, and load roller 38, although other components may be used.
[0023] Track chain assembly 24 may include a plurality of track links 40 to which a plurality of track shoes 42 are secured. The rotatable connection between adjacent track links 40 may form a flexible backbone of track chain assembly 24, and track shoes 42 may provide traction on various types of terrain. Track links 40 may extend in an endless chain around drive sprocket 30, support rollers 34 that support the heavy load of machine 20, and also around idler and load rollers 38.
[0024] By observation Figure 3 It can be understood that the track shoe 42 ( Figure 3 Track chain assembly 24 may be secured to the outer periphery of track chain assembly 24. For example, one track shoe 42 may be attached to each pair of laterally spaced apart links 40 via fasteners (not shown) that connect the track shoe to the links via threaded holes 44. Other attachment methods may be employed in other embodiments.
[0025] Figure 4 The idler 100 is shown rotationally held in place by the yoke 46 and the shaft 48. A metal-to-metal face seal 50 (which may be a dual cone face seal, for example) is also shown that allows the idler 100 to rotate relative to the yoke 46. In addition, a thrust washer and a lubrication groove 200 are depicted. It can be seen that the idler 100 is hollow, but it may also be integral.
[0026] To achieve this result, various embodiments of an idler pulley will now be described that is configured to facilitate its manufacture as a unitary component via a lost core or hollow core casting process.
[0027] This idler wheel 100 Figure 5 and 6 , and may define a rotation axis 102, a radial direction 104, and a circumferential direction 106. In addition, the idler 100 may include a hub 108, an outer rim 110, a first side plate 112 and a second side plate 112a extending radially from the hub 108 to the outer rim 110. Figure 5 and 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the hub 108, the outer rim 110, the first side plate 112, and the second side plate 112a can be formed as an integral component (but not necessarily). To facilitate the casting process, the first side plate 112 can define a first through hole 114 (e.g., extending axially completely through the first side plate), and the second side plate 112a can define a second through hole 116 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 8 ).
[0028] Reference Figure 5 and 8 The first side plate 112 may define a third through hole 118 that is circumferentially spaced apart from the first through hole 114 and the second through hole 116 . Meanwhile, the first through hole 114 may be circumferentially spaced apart from the second through hole 116 and the third through hole 118 .
[0029] In some embodiments, the first through hole 114, the second through hole 116, and the third through hole 118 can extend completely through the first side plate 112 and the second side plate 112a. This can allow the support column to extend through these holes in the mold to hold the hollow core axially in place so that when the casting is poured, the hollow core forms the internal geometry of the idler. Although not shown, the support column can have a guide portion that also holds the hollow core radially in place. After the casting process is completed, the idler can be removed from the mold so that the holes are empty. The hollow core can then be shaken (when using a sand core), dissolved, melted, or otherwise loosened or liquefied to flow out of the holes.
[0030] As Figure 4 In addition to or in lieu of the holes shown in the drawings, the outer rim 110 may further define at least one radially extending hole 120 extending completely through the outer rim 110. A series of similar holes may be spaced circumferentially along the outer rim. These holes may also be used to support or properly position the hollow core, and / or allow the hollow core to flow out after it is loosened or liquefied.
[0031] like Figure 5 and 8As seen in the diagram, the first through hole 114, the second through hole 116, and the third through hole 118 form a circular array circumferentially around the rotation axis 102 with 120.0 degrees of separation. In this case, the hole diameter 122 of all holes can be in the range of 58.0 mm (millimeters) to 72.0 mm, but in no case less than 38.0 mm. In other embodiments, the holes can be circumferentially spaced 60.0 degrees apart (i.e., there will be six holes), and the hole diameters of these holes can be in the range of 38.0 mm to 52.0 mm. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, other arrangements, configurations, and sizes of these holes are possible.
[0032] As reference Figure 4 , 7 As best understood from Figure 8, one or more ribs 124 can extend from the outer rim 110 to the hub 108 in the inner cavity 126, circumferentially spaced between the first through hole 114 and the second through hole 116. More specifically, the ribs 124 can be identical and can form a circular array spaced at 60.0 degree intervals around the rotation axis 102. The holes 114, 116, and 118 can be spanned by these ribs 124, centered between them. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, other configurations, arrangements, and sizes of the ribs are possible.
[0033] The idler wheel 100 can be cast in various ways. Figure 5 and 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the first side plate 112 may define a first radially extending outer surface 128, and the second side plate 112a may define a second radially extending outer surface 128a. Circumferentially between the ribs 124 (e.g., at locations where there are no through holes 114, 116, 118), a plurality of gate defects 130 may be disposed on the first radially extending outer surface 128 and / or the second radially extending outer surface 128a.
[0034] In addition to or in lieu of these gate locations, the hub 108 may define an annular gate defect 132 on its exterior or interior. For example, the hub 108 may define a central bore 134 including a cylindrical surface 136 defining the axis of rotation 102 and receiving the shaft 48, such as Figure 4 As shown in Figure 6 Such annular gate defect(s) 132 is shown in FIG. This area of the hub may also be formed from another hollow core, and / or may be machined into a desired shape.
[0035] focus on Figure 6, it can be clearly seen that the hub 108, the outer rim 110, the first side plate 112 and the second side plate 112a form an inner cavity 126 radially between the outer rim 110 and the hub 108, and axially between the first side plate 112 and the second side plate 112a. The first side plate 112 can be defined in a cross-section 140 (e.g., Figure 6 The first side plate may further define a maximum first side plate axial thickness 138 disposed radially close to the hub 108 in a cross section of the wheel rim 100. Moreover, the first side plate may further define a minimum first side plate thickness 142 disposed radially close to the outer rim 110.
[0036] The ratio of the maximum first side plate axial thickness 138 to the minimum first side plate thickness 142 may be in the range of 1.325 to 1.900 (or may be greater than 1.1). This ratio may help provide the required strength to withstand the weight and impact loads of the machine while also minimizing the amount of material used to manufacture the idler without also adversely affecting material flow during the casting process.
[0037] In some embodiments, the minimum first side plate thickness 142 may be 12.0 mm or less. More specifically, the minimum first side plate thickness 142 may be in the range of 10.0 mm to 12.0 mm in a small embodiment, but may be in the range of 8.0 mm to 28.0 mm depending on the size of the idler, while the maximum first side plate axis thickness 138 may be in the range of 14.9 mm to 16.9 mm. Other size ranges are possible in other embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0038] Similarly, outer rim 110 may also include a support surface 144 (so called because it supports the track chain assembly, and thus the surface may or may not be interrupted axially by guide ridges 146) that defines a support surface radial dimension 148 measured from support surface 144 to rotation axis 102. First side plate 112 may also define a transition point 150 where the first side plate axial thickness (e.g., see radially midway between 138 and 142) stops changing. Transition point 150 may also be spaced from rotation axis 102 by a transition point radial distance 152. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a ratio of support surface radial dimension 148 to transition point radial distance 152 may be in a range of 1.72 to 2.08. In some embodiments, the transition point radial distance is in a range of 36.5 mm to 38.5 mm. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, other ratios and size ranges are possible.
[0039] Again, this ratio also helps provide the required strength to withstand the weight and impact loads of the machine while also minimizing the amount of material used to manufacture the idler without also adversely affecting material flow during the casting process. In some embodiments, the outer rim defines a tread diameter or overall diameter defined by the support surface that is within the range of 456.0 millimeters (mm) to 770.0 millimeters (mm).
[0040] Still refer to Figure 6 , the first side plate outer surface (e.g., see 128) or the second side plate outer surface (e.g., see 128a) may include a fully radially extending portion 154 disposed radially adjacent to the hub 108, and an angled portion 156 extending radially and axially outwardly from the fully radially extending portion 154 at an opening angle 158 in the range of 8.0 degrees to 10.0 degrees with the radial direction 104. This may not be the case in other embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0041] In addition, outer rim 110 can define a first axial end 160 of idler 100, and in some embodiments of the present disclosure, fully radially extending portion 154 can be spaced apart from first axial end 160 by a first axial distance 162 in the range of 30.0 mm to 33.0 mm. Idler 100 defines a mid-plane 163 disposed along rotational axis 102 (which can be a symmetry plane as shown, or not), and in some embodiments of the present disclosure, fully radially extending portion 154 can be spaced apart from mid-plane 163 by a second axial distance 164 in the range of 46.5 mm to 49.5 mm.
[0042] Furthermore, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the angled portion 156 can be spaced apart from the first axial end 160 by a minimum axial distance 166 in the range of 19.3 mm to 22.3 mm. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the axial spacing (see dimension 190) between the first axial end 160 of the outer rim and the axial end of the hub can be approximately 10.5 mm (+ / - 0.5 mm).
[0043] Continue to refer to Figure 6 , the hub 108 can define a concave arcuate surface 168 forming a radially lower portion 170 of the inner cavity 126, and in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the concave arcuate portion (or surface) 168 can be spaced from the rotational axis 102 by a minimum radial distance 172 in the range of 65.0 mm to 68.0 mm.
[0044] On the other hand, the first side plate 112, the second side plate 112a and the outer rim 110 can form a radially upper portion 174 of the inner cavity 126, which can include a first curved arcuate surface 176 (so called because it looks like an "S" curve), a second curved arcuate surface 176a, and an at least partially fully axially extending surface 178 that connects the first curved arcuate surface 176 to the second curved arcuate surface 176a and is arranged radially close to the radially outermost portion or surface 180 of the idler 100.
[0045] The first curved arcuate surface 176 defines a first radial tangent line 182, and the second curved arcuate surface 176a defines a second radial tangent line 182a. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the maximum internal cavity axial dimension 184 measured from the first radial tangent line 182 to the second radial tangent line 182a can be in the range of 92.4 mm to 95.4 mm.
[0046] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, at least a portion of the fully axially extending surface 178 includes a first concave axial end 186, a second concave axial end 186a, and defines a top maximum axial dimension 188 in the range of 46.9 mm to 49.4 mm measured from the first concave axial end 186 to the second concave axial end 186a.
[0047] Still see Figure 6 , the first curved arcuate surface 176 may include a first concave arcuate surface 192 and a first convex arcuate surface 194. Similarly, the second curved arcuate surface 176a includes a second concave arcuate surface 192a and a second convex arcuate surface 194a. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the minimum axial dimension 196 measured from the first concave arcuate surface 192 to the second concave arcuate surface 192a may be in the range of 75.6 mm to 78.6 mm, and the maximum axial dimension 198 measured from the first convex arcuate surface 194 to the second convex arcuate surface 194a may be in the range of 57.1 mm to 60.0 mm.
[0048] See also Figure 7 , the hub 108 may define a lubrication groove 200 in communication with the central bore 134, the lubrication groove defining a groove axial width 202 in the range of 34.5 mm to 37.5 mm. The groove may also define a groove outer radial vertex 204, an inclined segment 206 extending from the groove outer radial vertex 204 defining an inclined angle 208 in the range of 5.0 degrees to 7.0 degrees with a line 210 parallel to the rotational axis 102. Moreover, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the groove outer radial vertex 204 may be spaced from the rotational axis 102 by a vertex radial distance 212 in the range of 53.5 mm to 56.5 mm.
[0049] Next, an idler pulley having internal reinforcing ribs as previously described herein and which may be cast will be discussed. Figure 7 In the embodiment, such rib(s) 124 may be disposed in the inner cavity 126 and may be disposed in a cross section 300 (ie, Figure 7 124 extends from the first side plate 112 to the second side plate 112 in a cross section. In some embodiments, the ribs 124 may also define rib holes 302 extending circumferentially through the ribs 124. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the ribs may not have holes.
[0050] The rib hole 302 may include a rib hole perimeter 304 having a radially inner concave curve 306, a radially outer concave curve 308, and a first angled segment 310 radially and axially connecting the radially inner concave curve 306 to the radially outer concave curve 308. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the radially inner concave curve 306 may define a minor radius 312, and the radially outer concave curve may define a major radius 314, wherein a ratio of the major radius to the minor radius is in a range of 1.40 to 1.75.
[0051] Moreover, in certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the first angled segment 310 at least partially defines a rib cross-sectional thickness 318 (i.e., the minimum thickness measured from the first angled segment to the outer surface of the side panel in the cross section 300) within a range of 14.0 mm (millimeter) to 16.0 mm.
[0052] More specifically, the major radius 314 may be in the range of 38.0 mm to 40.0 mm, while the minor radius 312 may be in the range of 24.0 mm to 26.0 mm. In some embodiments, the radially inner concave curve 306 is spaced from the rotation axis 102 by a lower rib hole radial spacing distance 320 (i.e., a minimum distance) in the range of 74.7 mm to 76.7 mm, while in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the radially outer concave curve 308 may be spaced from the outer rim 110 (i.e., the circumferential surface 322 of the guide ridge 146) by an upper rib hole radial spacing distance 324 in the range of 39.0 mm to 41.0 mm.
[0053] like Figure 8 As best seen in FIG. 1 , in certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the rib 124 may define a thickness 326 in the range of 10.0 mm to 14.0 mm, the thickness being radially proximate to the axial midplane 163 of the outer rim 110 (ie, Figure 8 ) in a direction tangential to the circumferential direction 106.
[0054] Depending on the application, the configuration, ratios, and size ranges of any features of any embodiment discussed herein may be varied from what has been explicitly discussed or shown. Although the various sizes, ratios, and configurations of the features discussed herein for various embodiments are suitable for casting, they may also be used and beneficial in idlers for manufacture or assembly.
[0055] Industrial Applicability
[0056] In practice, an idler according to any of the embodiments described herein may be provided, sold, manufactured, purchased, etc. as needed or desired in an aftermarket or OEM (original equipment manufacturer) environment. For example, an idler may be used to retrofit a chassis of a machine already in the field, or may be sold with a piece of equipment (e.g., a machine such as an excavator, wheel loader, etc.) at the first point of sale where the chassis is used.
[0057] The idler may be made of iron, cast iron, steel or grey cast iron or other suitable material that is durable and can be used in the casting process. The geometry of the idler may be formed during casting and then may be rough machined and / or finished as necessary. Suitable machining processes may include milling, turning, electrical discharge machining, etc. The idler may be separated from the gate, forming a gate defect that is protruding, concave, or some combination of protruding and concave relative to the surface of the idler. The gate defect may be removed by machining, grinding, etc.
[0058] Additionally, the hollow core(s) mentioned earlier herein may be loosened via the shaking process, or liquefied and removed. The holes may then be plugged to help prevent the ingress of debris, dirt, etc. when the idler is used in the field. It should be understood that the mold used to make the idler is actually a negative image of the cast idler before machining is completed.
[0059] The inventor(s) have tested and / or performed FEA (finite element analysis) on the idlers disclosed herein for strength, material flow during casting, lack of porosity, etc., and have found that the idlers provide suitable strength and the desired manufacturability sought at the same time.
[0060] As used herein, the term "integral" means that the idler is not fastened or welded together, but rather is cast in steps or in one step, depending on the application. For example, the hub and / or side plates may be cast together first, and then the outer rim may be cast thereon. In this case, the outer rim may be cast at multiple points (e.g., circumferentially at ninety degree intervals, risers are also shown), leaving gate defects 328, such as Fig. 9 However, fabrication, assembly, etc. of an idler pulley is also contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0061] It should be understood that the above description provides examples of the disclosed components and techniques. However, it is conceivable that other embodiments of the present disclosure may differ in detail from the foregoing examples. All references to the present disclosure or its examples are intended to reference the specific examples discussed at the time, and are not intended to imply any limitation on the scope of the present disclosure more generally. All distinctions and unfavorable remarks about certain features are intended to indicate that these features are not preferred, but unless otherwise indicated, these features are not completely excluded from the scope of the present invention.
[0062] Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein.
[0063] As used herein, the articles "a" and "an" are intended to include one or more items, and may be used interchangeably with "one or more." Where only one item is intended, the term "one" or similar language is used. Additionally, as used herein, the terms "has," "have," "having," "with," and the like are intended to be open-ended terms. Furthermore, the phrase "based on" is intended to mean "based, at least in part, on," unless expressly stated otherwise.
[0064] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made to the embodiments of the apparatus and assembly methods discussed herein without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Other embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the description and implementation of the various embodiments disclosed herein. For example, the construction and function of some apparatus may be different from those described herein, and certain steps of any method may be omitted, performed in a different order than specifically mentioned, or performed simultaneously or in sub-steps in some cases. In addition, certain aspects or features of the various embodiments may be varied or modified to produce additional embodiments, and the features and aspects of the various embodiments may supplement or replace other features or aspects of other embodiments in order to provide additional embodiments.
[0065] Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Additionally, this disclosure encompasses any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context.
Claims
1. An idler wheel (100), comprising: a hub (108) defining a cylindrical bore (134), the hub having an axis of rotation (102), a radial direction (104), and a circumferential direction (106); an outer rim (110); and A first side plate (112) and a second side plate (112a) radially extending from the hub (108) to the outer rim (110); The wheel hub (108), the outer rim (110), the first side plate (112) and the second side plate (112a) form an inner cavity (126) radially between the outer rim (110) and the wheel hub (108) and axially between the first side plate (112) and the second side plate (112a), the first side plate (112) defining a maximum first side plate axial thickness (138) radially close to the wheel hub (108) in a cross section (140) including the radial direction (104) and the rotation axis (102), a minimum first side plate axial thickness (142) radially close to the outer rim (110), and a ratio of the maximum first side plate axial thickness (138) to the minimum first side plate axial thickness (142) is in a range of 1.325 to 1.
900.
2. The idler wheel (100) of claim 1, wherein the outer rim (110) further includes a support surface (144), the support surface defining a support surface radial dimension (148) measured from the support surface (144) to the rotation axis (102), the first side plate (112) defining a transition point (150), at which the first side plate axial thickness (138) stops changing, the transition point (150) being spaced from the rotation axis (102) by a transition point radial distance (152), and a ratio of the support surface radial dimension (148) to the transition point radial distance (152) being in the range of 1.72 to 2.08, and the maximum first side plate axial thickness (138) being in the range of 8.0 mm to 28.0 mm.
3. The idler wheel (100) of claim 2, wherein the first side plate (112) defines a first side plate outer surface (128), the first side plate outer surface including a radially extending portion (154) disposed radially adjacent to the hub (108), and an angled portion (156) extending radially and axially outwardly from the radially extending portion (154) at an opening angle (158) in the range of 8.0 degrees to 10.0 degrees with respect to the radial direction (104), and the transition point radial distance (152) is in the range of 36.5 mm to 38.5 mm, and the outer rim (110) defines the The idler wheel (100) has a first axial end (160) and the radially extending portion (154) of the first side plate outer surface (128) is spaced apart from the first axial end (160) by a first axial distance (162) in the range of 30.0 mm to 33.0 mm, and the idler wheel (100) defines a midplane (163) disposed along the rotational axis (102), and the radially extending portion (154) of the first side plate outer surface (128) is spaced apart from the midplane (163) by a second axial distance (164) in the range of 46.5 mm to 49.5 mm.
4. The idler wheel (100) of claim 3, wherein the angled portion (156) of the first side plate outer surface (128) is spaced apart from the first axial end (160) by a minimum axial distance (166) in the range of 19.3 mm to 22.3 mm, and the midplane (163) is a symmetry plane of the idler wheel (100).
5. The idler wheel (100) of claim 1, wherein the hub (108) defines a concave arcuate surface (168) that forms a radially lower portion (170) of the inner cavity (126), and the concave arcuate surface (168) is spaced a minimum radial distance (172) from the rotational axis (102) in the range of 65.0 mm to 68.0 mm, and the first side plate (112), the second side plate (112a) and the outer rim (110) form a radially upper portion (174) of the inner cavity (126), the radially upper portion including a first curved arcuate surface (176), a second curved arcuate surface (176a), and an at least partially axially extending surface (178) that connects the first curved arcuate surface (176) to the second curved arcuate surface (176a) and is disposed radially proximate to a radially outermost surface (180) of the idler wheel (100).
6. The idler (100) of claim 5, wherein the first curved arcuate surface (176) defines a first radial tangent (182), the second curved arcuate surface (176a) defines a second radial tangent (182a), and a maximum inner cavity axial dimension (184) measured from the first radial tangent (182) to the second radial tangent (182a) is in the range of 92.4 mm to 95.4 mm, and the at least partially axially extending surface (178) includes a first concave axial end (186), a second concave axial end (186a), and defines a maximum inner cavity axial dimension (184) measured from the first concave axial end (186) to the second concave axial end (186a) in the range of 46.9 mm to 49.4 mm. The top maximum axial dimension (188) is within the range of 20.6 mm to 60.0 mm, and the first curved arcuate surface (176) includes a first concave arcuate surface (192) and a first convex arcuate surface (194), the second curved arcuate surface (176a) includes a second concave arcuate surface (192a) and a second convex arcuate surface (194a), the minimum axial distance (196) measured from the first concave arcuate surface (192) to the second concave arcuate surface (192a) is within the range of 75.6 mm to 78.6 mm, and the maximum axial dimension (198) measured from the first convex arcuate surface (194) to the second convex arcuate surface (194a) is within the range of 57.1 mm to 60.0 mm.
7. The idler wheel (100) of claim 1, wherein the hub (108) defines a lubrication groove (200) in communication with the central bore (134), the lubrication groove (200) defining a groove axial width (202) in the range of 34.5 mm to 37.5 mm, a groove outer radial apex (204), an inclined segment (206) extending from the groove outer radial apex (204), the groove outer radial apex (204) being spaced a vertex radial distance (212) from the rotational axis (102) in the range of 53.5 mm to 56.5 mm, and the inclined segment (206) defining an inclination angle (208) in the range of 5.0 degrees to 7.0 degrees with a line (210) parallel to the rotational axis (102).
8. An idler wheel (100), comprising: a hub (108) defining a cylindrical bore (134), the hub having an axis of rotation (102), a radial direction (104), and a circumferential direction (106); an outer rim (110); and A first side plate (112) and a second side plate (112a) radially extending from the hub (108) to the outer rim (110); The wheel hub (108), the outer rim (110), the first side plate (112) and the second side plate (112a) form an inner cavity (126) radially between the outer rim (110) and the wheel hub (108) and axially between the first side plate (112) and the second side plate (112a), and the idler wheel (100) further includes a rib (124) in the inner cavity (126), the rib extending from the first side plate (112) to the second side plate (112a) in a cross section (300) including the radial direction (104) and the rotation axis (102), and the rib (124) defines a rib hole (302) extending circumferentially through the rib (124).
9. The idler wheel (100) of claim 8, wherein the rib hole (302) includes a rib hole perimeter (304), the rib hole perimeter including a radially inner concave curve (306), a radially outer concave curve (308), and a first angled segment (316) radially and axially connecting the radially inner concave curve (306) and the radially outer concave curve (308), the radially inner concave curve (306) defining a small radius (312), the radially outer concave curve (308) defining a large radius (314), the first angled segment (316) at least partially defining a rib cross-sectional thickness (318) in the range of 14.0 mm to 16.0 mm, and The ratio of the major radius (314) to the minor radius (312) is in the range of 1.40 to 1.75, the major radius (314) is in the range of 38.0 mm to 40.0 mm, the minor radius (312) is in the range of 24.0 mm to 26.0 mm, the radially inner concave portion (306) is spaced apart from the rotation axis (102) by a lower rib hole radial spacing distance (320) in the range of 74.7 mm to 76.7 mm, and the radially outer concave portion (308) is spaced apart from the outer rim (110) by an upper rib hole radial spacing distance (324) in the range of 39.0 mm to 41.0 mm.
10. The idler (100) of claim 8, wherein the rib (124) defines a thickness (326) in the range of 10.0 mm to 14.0 mm measured in an axial midplane (163) in a direction tangential to the circumferential direction (106).