Tracket system for traction of a vehicle

Abstract

A track system for a vehicle, such as an agricultural vehicle, where the track system is configured to provide an indication indicative of the pressure of hydraulic fluid within a tensioner while reducing oil leakage and oil contamination and improving durability of the track system. For example, a track system includes: a track including a ground engaging outer surface and an inner surface opposite the ground engaging outer surface; a track engagement assembly configured to drive and guide a track around the track engagement assembly, and including a plurality of track contact wheels; a tensioner configured to control tension of the crawler; and an indicator configured to transmit an indication indicative of a pressure of the hydraulic fluid within the tensioner without contacting the hydraulic fluid.

Description

[0001] Prior application

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 316,387, filed on March 3, 2022, entitled “Track System for Traction of a Vehicle,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates generally to vehicles and, more particularly, to vehicles including track systems for traction. Background Art

[0004] Certain vehicles (e.g., including industrial vehicles, such as agricultural vehicles (e.g., harvesters, combines, tractors, etc.), engineering vehicles (e.g., excavators, bulldozers, loaders, etc.) and forestry vehicles (e.g., feller bunchers, tree chippers, clamp loaders, etc.), military vehicles (e.g., combat engineering vehicles (CEVs), etc.), snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs)) can be equipped with track systems to enhance their traction and flotation on soft, slippery and / or uneven surfaces (e.g., land, mud, sand, ice, snow, etc.).

[0005] The track system of a vehicle includes a track engagement assembly and a track driven around the track engagement assembly, wherein the track engagement assembly may include a frame, a track contact wheel, a tensioner for tensioning the track, etc. The design of the track system generally takes into account how, where, and when the vehicle will be used (e.g., on a farm field, on a road, on a trail, on a construction site, etc.). For example, in some conventional track systems, in order to indicate the load of the tensioner, the tensioner may include an indicator or sensor that receives oil from the tensioner or is in contact with oil and is configured to indicate whether the oil pressure in the tensioner is appropriate. However, such conventional indicators or sensors are prone to oil leakage and / or become ineffective when the oil from the tensioner is contaminated with dust or debris. In addition, the operating conditions of the vehicle (e.g., speed, load, ground characteristics, use / application, etc.) may vary, sometimes significantly, and the track system may not function optimally under all of these conditions (e.g., due to trade-offs and other decisions made during the design process).

[0006] For these and other reasons, improvements to the track systems of vehicles are welcome. Summary of the invention

[0007] According to various aspects, the present invention is directed to a track system for a vehicle, such as an agricultural vehicle, wherein the track system is configured to provide an indication of the pressure of a hydraulic fluid within a tensioner while reducing oil leakage and oil contamination and improving the durability of the track system. For example, the track system includes: a track including a ground engaging outer surface and an inner surface opposite the ground engaging outer surface; a track engagement assembly configured to drive and guide the track around the track engagement assembly and including a plurality of track contacting wheels; a tensioner configured to control the tension of the track; and an indicator configured to transmit an indication of the pressure of the hydraulic fluid within the tensioner without contacting the hydraulic fluid.

[0008] For example, according to a first aspect, a track system for a vehicle is provided. The track system includes: a track including a ground engaging outer surface and an inner surface opposite to the ground engaging outer surface; a track engaging assembly configured to drive and guide the track around the track engaging assembly and including a plurality of track contact wheels; a tensioner configured to control the tension of the track, the tensioner including a hydraulic cylinder and a hydraulic accumulator, the hydraulic accumulator being in fluid communication with the hydraulic cylinder and configured to receive hydraulic fluid; and an indicator configured to indicate a load of the tensioner and not in contact with the hydraulic fluid.

[0009] In some embodiments, the indicator includes a body, and the tensioner is configured to exert one of a force, a torque, and a pressure on the body.

[0010] In some embodiments, the tensioner includes: a first anchor portion, which is located at a first end of the hydraulic cylinder and attached to a first portion of the track engaging assembly; and a second anchor portion, which is located at a second end of the hydraulic cylinder and attached to a second portion of the track engaging assembly, the second portion of the track engaging assembly being movable relative to the first portion of the track engaging assembly; and an indicator is located at a designated anchor portion of the first anchor portion and the second anchor portion of the tensioner.

[0011] In some embodiments, the body includes a bolt.

[0012] In some embodiments, the indicator includes a surface visible from the exterior of the bolt, the surface configured to change color based on the load of the bolt.

[0013] In some embodiments, a bolt attaches a designated one of the first and second anchor portions of the tensioner to a corresponding portion of the track engagement assembly.

[0014] In some embodiments, the tensioner includes a resilient portion configured to elastically deform under pressure of the tensioner.

[0015] In some embodiments, the hydraulic cylinder includes: a first anchor portion located at a first end of the hydraulic cylinder and attached to a first portion of the track engaging assembly; and a second anchor portion located at a second end of the hydraulic cylinder and attached to a second portion of the track engaging assembly, the second portion of the track engaging assembly being movable relative to the first portion of the track engaging assembly.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first portion of the track engagement assembly includes a frame of the track engagement assembly, and the indicator includes a gap between: a first portion of the frame attached to the first anchor and resiliently deformable; and a second portion of the frame.

[0017] In some embodiments, the indicator includes a spring in the gap.

[0018] In some embodiments, the track system further includes a sensor in communication with the indicator and configured to sense a parameter of the track system.

[0019] In some embodiments, the sensor is a pressure sensor.

[0020] In some embodiments, the sensor is one of a load cell and a load pin.

[0021] In some embodiments, the sensor is an accelerometer.

[0022] In some embodiments, the sensor is a strain gauge.

[0023] In some embodiments, the sensor is a force sensor.

[0024] In some embodiments, the sensor is a first sensor and the track system includes a plurality of sensors.

[0025] In some embodiments, the sensor measurements are weighted.

[0026] In some embodiments, the sensor is wirelessly connected to the indicator.

[0027] In some embodiments, the indicator comprises a lighting device.

[0028] In some embodiments, the lighting device is an LED.

[0029] In some embodiments, the indicator includes a speaker device.

[0030] In some embodiments, the indicator is provided on a user interface of the vehicle.

[0031] In some embodiments, the vehicle's user interface is located in the vehicle's cabin.

[0032] In some embodiments, the indicator is provided on the display device.

[0033] In some embodiments, the display device includes one of: a computer, a smart phone, and a tablet computer.

[0034] In some embodiments, the hydraulic fluid includes oil.

[0035] In some embodiments, the tensioner includes a channel connecting the hydraulic cylinder with the hydraulic accumulator, and the channel is filled with hydraulic fluid.

[0036] In some embodiments, a hydraulic accumulator includes a housing including an accumulation chamber, a piston movable relative to the housing, and a compressible chamber formed by the housing and the piston and including a biasing element to apply a force to the piston.

[0037] In some embodiments, the biasing element includes a spring.

[0038] In some embodiments, the biasing element includes a compressible fluid.

[0039] In some embodiments, the compressible fluid includes nitrogen.

[0040] In some embodiments, the compressible chamber sealingly contains the compressible fluid.

[0041] In some embodiments, the tensioner is configured to apply tension on the track at a nominal tension value of at least 1500 psi.

[0042] In some embodiments, the tensioner is configured to apply tension on the track at a nominal tension value of at least 2000 psi.

[0043] In some embodiments, the tensioner is configured to apply tension on the track at a nominal tension value of at least 2500 psi.

[0044] As another example, according to another aspect, a track system for a vehicle is provided. The track system includes: a track including a ground engaging outer surface and an inner surface opposite the ground engaging outer surface; a track engaging assembly configured to drive and guide the track around the track engaging assembly and including a plurality of track contact wheels; a tensioner configured to control tension of the track, the tensioner including a hydraulic cylinder and a hydraulic accumulator in fluid communication with the hydraulic cylinder and configured to receive hydraulic fluid; and an indicator configured to communicate information related to a static pressure of the tensioner based on a measurement different from a measurement of the static pressure of the tensioner.

[0045] According to another aspect, a track system for a vehicle is provided, the track system comprising: a track including a ground engaging outer surface and an inner surface opposite the ground engaging outer surface; a track engaging assembly including a plurality of track contact wheels configured to drive and guide the track around the track engaging assembly; a tensioner configured to control tension of the track, the tensioner including a hydraulic cylinder and a hydraulic accumulator, the hydraulic accumulator being in fluid communication with the hydraulic cylinder and configured to receive hydraulic fluid; and an indicator configured to indicate a load on the tensioner and not in contact with the hydraulic fluid.

[0046] In some embodiments, the hydraulic cylinder includes: a first anchor portion, which is located at a first end of the hydraulic cylinder and connected to a first portion of the track engaging assembly; and a second anchor portion, which is located at a second end of the hydraulic cylinder and connected to a second portion of the track engaging assembly, and the second portion of the track engaging assembly can be moved relative to the first portion of the track engaging assembly.

[0047] In some embodiments, the indicator is located at a designated one of the first anchor and / or the second anchor of the tensioner.

[0048] In some embodiments, the indicator includes a body, and the tensioner is configured to apply one of a force, a torque, and a pressure on the body; or, the indicator includes an elastic portion configured to elastically deform when pressure, load, or torque is applied to the elastic portion.

[0049] In some embodiments, the indicator includes a body including a bolt, the bolt including a surface visible from an exterior of the bolt, the surface configured to change color based on a load on the bolt.

[0050] In some embodiments, a bolt couples a designated one of the first anchor portion and / or the second anchor portion of the tensioner to a corresponding portion of the track engaging assembly.

[0051] In some embodiments, the first portion of the track engagement assembly includes a frame of the track engagement assembly, and the indicator includes a gap between: a first portion of the frame coupled to the first anchor and resiliently deformable; and a second portion of the frame.

[0052] In some embodiments, the indicator includes a spring in the gap.

[0053] In some embodiments, the track system further includes at least one sensor in communication with the indicator and configured to sense a parameter of the track system, wherein the at least one sensor is at least one of: a pressure sensor, a load cell, a pin sensor, an accelerometer, a strain gauge, and a force sensor.

[0054] In some embodiments, the tensioner further includes a passage for fluidly connecting the hydraulic cylinder with the hydraulic accumulator.

[0055] In some embodiments, a hydraulic accumulator includes a housing, wherein the housing includes an accumulation chamber, a piston movable relative to the housing, a compressible chamber formed by the housing and the piston, and a biasing element applying a force to the piston.

[0056] In some embodiments, the biasing element comprises a spring or a compressible fluid.

[0057] In some embodiments, the compressible chamber sealingly contains a compressible fluid, the compressible fluid comprising nitrogen.

[0058] In some embodiments, the tensioner is configured to apply tension on the track at a nominal tension value of at least 1500 psi, at least 2000 psi, or at least 2500 psi.

[0059] In some embodiments, the indicator is configured to communicate information related to the static pressure of the tensioner based on a measurement other than a measurement of the static pressure of the tensioner.

[0060] These and other aspects of the present invention will now become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the following description of the embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0061] A detailed description of the embodiments is provided below, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0062] Figure 1 shows a perspective front view of an example of an agricultural vehicle including a track system according to one embodiment;

[0063] Figure 2 shows a side view of an example of an agricultural vehicle including a track system according to another embodiment;

[0064] Figure 3 showing a perspective view of a track of a designated track system of a track system according to one embodiment;

[0065] Figure 4 Shows Figure 3 A side view of the track shown in;

[0066] Figure 5 Shows Figure 3 A top view of the track shown in;

[0067] Figure 6 Shows Figure 4 The track shown in Figure 6-Figure 6 Cross-sectional view at ;

[0068] Figure 7 Shows Figure 3 An interior view of a portion of the track shown in ;

[0069] Figure 8 Shows Figure 3 A perspective view of the drive / guide lugs of the track shown in FIG.

[0070] Fig. 9 shows a drive wheel of a track engagement assembly of a track system according to one embodiment;

[0071] Fig.10 The track engagement assembly is shown with Figure 3 The intermediate rollers engaging the inner side of the track shown in ;

[0072] Fig.11 shows a tensioner of a track system according to one embodiment;

[0073] Fig.12 shows a side view of a portion of a track system according to one embodiment;

[0074] Fig.13 A cross-sectional view showing an indicator of a track system according to one embodiment;

[0075] Fig.14 Shows Fig.13 A top view of the indicator shown in ;

[0076] Fig.15 for Fig.12 an enlarged view of a portion of the track system shown in;

[0077] Fig.16 A crawler system according to one embodiment is shown. Fig.13 Arrangement of the anchor portion of the tensioner and the bracket of the frame shown in;

[0078] Fig.17 shows a section of a tensioner channel including an indicator according to another embodiment;

[0079] Fig.18 Shows Fig.17 A cross-sectional view of a section of a tensioner passage shown in;

[0080] Fig.19 shows a side view of a portion of a track system according to another embodiment;

[0081] Fig. 20 is a block diagram of a processing device according to one embodiment;

[0082] Fig.21is a block diagram of a processing device according to another embodiment;

[0083] Fig. 22 is a block diagram of an interface according to one embodiment;

[0084] Fig.23 is a block diagram of a processing device according to another embodiment;

[0085] Fig.24 is a block diagram of a communication device according to one embodiment;

[0086] Fig.25 is a block diagram of a user interface according to one embodiment;

[0087] Fig.26 is a process flow chart of a processing device and a communication device according to one embodiment;

[0088] Fig. 27 is a block diagram of a user interface according to one embodiment;

[0089] Fig.28 shows an enlarged side view of a track system according to another embodiment showing a pin-type sensor;

[0090] Fig.29 Shows Fig.28 A front view of the pin-type sensor shown in;

[0091] Fig.30 shows an enlarged side view of a track system according to another embodiment showing a strain gauge;

[0092] Fig.31 shows a side view of an example of an agricultural vehicle including a track system showing an accelerometer embedded in the track according to another embodiment;

[0093] Fig.32 shows a perspective side view of a track system according to another embodiment showing strain gauges connected to cables of the track;

[0094] Fig.33 shows a portion of a crawler according to one embodiment;

[0095] Fig.34 shows a perspective rear view of an example of an agricultural vehicle including four track systems according to another embodiment;

[0096] Fig.35 shows a side view of a track system according to another embodiment; and

[0097] Fig.36An embodiment of a trailer configured to be attached to an agricultural vehicle is shown.

[0098] It should be clearly understood that the description and drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating certain embodiments, so as to facilitate understanding. They are not intended to be and should not be limiting. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0099] The present invention relates to a track system including a track, a track engagement assembly configured to drive and guide the track, a tensioner configured to control the tension of the track, and an indicator configured to provide an indication of the load, pressure, or torque of the tensioner. The tensioner may include a hydraulic cylinder and a hydraulic accumulator, the hydraulic accumulator being in fluid communication with the hydraulic cylinder and configured to receive hydraulic fluid. By monitoring and controlling the load, pressure, or torque of the tensioner, an appropriate tension level in the track may be maintained to ensure proper function of the track system and avoid track derailment, accelerated wear of the drive lugs of the track, loss of vehicle control, and / or ratcheting behavior.

[0100] Figure 1 An embodiment of a vehicle 10 is shown that includes a track system 16 that includes tracks 22 for towing the vehicle 10 on the ground. In this embodiment, the vehicle 10 is an agricultural vehicle for performing agricultural operations on a farmland 11. Specifically, in this embodiment, the agricultural vehicle 10 is a tractor and the farmland 11 includes land. In other embodiments, the agricultural vehicle 10 may be a combine harvester, another type of harvester, or any other type of agricultural vehicle.

[0101] The agricultural vehicle 10 includes a frame 12, a power system 15, a track system 16 (which may be referred to as a "chassis"), and a cab 20 that enable a driver to move the agricultural vehicle 10 over the ground. The vehicle 10 may be driven on agricultural fields to perform agricultural work using a work implement 18. The vehicle 10 may also be "road driven," i.e., driven on roads (i.e., paved roads having a hard surface of asphalt, concrete, gravel, or other paved surfaces), such as on roads between agricultural fields.

[0102] In this embodiment, track system 16 is configured to provide an indication of the pressure of hydraulic fluid 99 within tensioner 95 while reducing oil leakage and oil contamination and improving the durability of track system 16 , as discussed further below.

[0103] The power system 15 is configured to generate power and transmit the power to the track system 16 to propel the agricultural vehicle 10 on the ground. To this end, the power system 15 includes a prime mover 14, which is a power source including one or more engines. For example, in this embodiment, the prime mover 14 includes an internal combustion engine. In other embodiments, the prime mover 14 may include another type of engine (e.g., an electric motor) or a combination of different types of engines (e.g., an internal combustion engine and an electric motor). The prime mover 14 is in a driving relationship with the track system 16. That is, the power system 15 transmits the power generated by the prime mover 14 to one or more track systems 16 to drive (i.e., move) these one or more track systems 16. The power system 15 can transmit power from the prime mover 14 to the track system 16 in any suitable manner. In this embodiment, the power system 15 includes a transmission between the prime mover 14 and the final drive shafts 561, 562 for transmitting the power of the prime mover 14 to the track system 16. The transmission may be an automatic transmission, such as a continuously variable transmission (CVT), or any other suitable type of transmission.

[0104] The work implement 18 is used to perform agricultural work. For example, in some embodiments, the work implement 18 can be a combine harvester head, a cutter, a rake bucket, a tool bar, a seed drill or any other type of agricultural work implement.

[0105] The cab 20 is where the driver sits and controls the agricultural vehicle 10. More specifically, the cab 20 includes a user interface 70 that includes a set of controls that allow the driver to steer the agricultural vehicle 10 on the ground and operate the work implement 18. For example, in this embodiment, the user interface 70 includes an accelerator, brake control, and steering device that can be operated by the driver to control the movement of the agricultural vehicle 10 on the ground and the operation of the work implement 18. The user interface 70 also includes an instrument panel (e.g., an instrument panel) that provides indicators (e.g., a speedometer indicator, a tachometer indicator, etc.) to convey information to the driver.

[0106] The track system 16 engages the ground to propel the agricultural vehicle 10. Figure 2As shown, each track system 16 includes a track engagement assembly 21 and a track 22 arranged around the track engagement assembly 21. In this embodiment, the track engagement assembly 21 includes a plurality of track contact wheels, in this embodiment, the track contact wheels include a drive wheel 24 and a plurality of idler wheels, the drive wheel 24 is located at a first longitudinal end portion of the track system 16, and the idler wheels include a front (i.e., leading) idler wheel 26 and a plurality of rollers 281-286, the front idler wheel 26 is located at a second longitudinal end portion of the track system 16 opposite the first longitudinal end portion. The track system 16 also includes a frame 13, which supports various components of the track system 16, including the wheels 26, 281-286. The track system 16 has a longitudinal direction and a first longitudinal end 57 and a second longitudinal end 59, the first longitudinal end 57 and the second longitudinal end 59 defining the length of the track system 16 along a longitudinal axis 61, and the longitudinal axis 61 defines the longitudinal direction of the track system 16. The track system 16 has a width direction and a width W of the track 22. T The track system 16 also has a height direction perpendicular to its longitudinal direction and width direction.

[0107] Each of the front track systems of track system 16 is steerable via steering system 17 of agricultural vehicle 10 in response to user input on the steering device to change the orientation of the track system relative to frame 12 of agricultural vehicle 10 so that agricultural vehicle 10 can turn on the ground. To this end, each of the front track systems of track system 16 is pivotable about steering axis 25 of agricultural vehicle 10. Thus, the orientation of longitudinal axis 61 of each of the front track systems of track system 16 can be adjusted relative to longitudinal axis 95 of agricultural vehicle 10.

[0108] The track 22 engages the ground to provide traction to the agricultural vehicle 10. The length of the track 22 allows the track 22 to be installed around the track engagement assembly 21. Given the closed configuration of the track 22 without ends (allowing the track 22 to be arranged and moved around the track engagement assembly 21), the track 22 can be referred to as an "endless" track. Figures 3 to 7, track 22 includes an inner side 45, a ground engaging outer side 47, and side edges 491, 492. The inner side 45 faces the wheels 24, 26, 281-286, while the ground engaging outer side 47 engages the ground. A top extension 65 of track 22 extends above the wheels 24, 26, 281-286 and between the longitudinal ends 57, 59 of track system 16, while a bottom extension 66 of track 22 extends below the wheels 24, 26, 281-286 and between the longitudinal ends 57, 59 of track system 16. The bottom extension 66 of track 22 defines a contact area 63 of track 22 with the ground, which generates traction and bears most of the load on track system 16, and which will be referred to as the "ground contact patch" of track 22 with the ground. The track 22 has a longitudinal axis 19 that defines a longitudinal direction of the track 22 (i.e., a direction generally parallel to its longitudinal axis) and a transverse direction of the track 22 (i.e., a direction transverse to its longitudinal axis), including a width direction of the track 22 (i.e., a transverse direction generally perpendicular to its longitudinal axis). The track 22 has a thickness direction perpendicular to its longitudinal direction and width direction.

[0109] In this embodiment, the track 22 is relatively wide to effectively distribute the load of the vehicle 10 on the ground. For example, in some embodiments, the width W of the track 22 is T It may be at least 24 inches, in some cases at least 36 inches, in some cases at least 48 inches, and in some cases even larger.

[0110] Track 22 is elastomeric, i.e., comprises an elastomeric material to bend around track engagement assembly 21. The elastomeric material of track 22 may include any polymer material having suitable elasticity. In this embodiment, the elastomeric material of track 22 comprises rubber. Various rubber compounds may be used, and in some cases, different rubber compounds may be present in different areas of track 22. In other embodiments, the elastomeric material of track 22 may include another elastomer (e.g., a polyurethane elastomer) in addition to or in place of rubber.

[0111] More specifically, track 22 includes an annular body 36 located underneath its inner side 45 and ground engaging outer side 47. Given its underlying nature, body 36 will be referred to as a "carcass." In this embodiment, carcass 36 includes a base 90. Carcass 36 and its base 90 are elastomeric in that base 90 contains elastomeric material 38 that allows carcass 36 to elastically change shape, thereby allowing track 22 to flex as it moves around track engaging assembly 21.

[0112] In this embodiment, the carcass 36 includes a plurality of reinforcements. Specifically, in this embodiment, the matrix of the carcass 36 includes a plurality of reinforcements embedded in its elastomeric material 38 and spaced apart from each other. These reinforcements can take various forms, such as reinforcing layers.

[0113] For example, in this embodiment, the base 90 of the carcass 36 includes reinforcing cables 371-373 adjacent to each other and extending generally in the longitudinal direction of the track 22. M In this case, each reinforcing cable 371-37 M The reinforcing cables 371-37 M The cable may be of another type and may be made of any material that is susceptible to suitable bending along the longitudinal axis of the cable, such as fibers or wires of a metallic material, a plastic material, or a composite material.

[0114] As another example, in this embodiment, the base 90 of the carcass 36 includes a layer of reinforcing fabric 43. The reinforcing fabric 43 includes a thin, flexible material that is typically made by weaving, felting, knitting, interweaving, or otherwise interlacing natural or synthetic elongated fabric elements (e.g., fibers, filaments, strands, and / or other elements) so that some of the elongated fabric elements extend transversely to the longitudinal direction of the track 22 to have a reinforcing effect in the transverse direction of the track 22. For example, the reinforcing fabric 43 may include a ply having reinforcing woven fibers (e.g., nylon fibers or other synthetic fibers).

[0115] The carcass 36 can be molded in a molding process that solidifies the rubber 38. For example, in this embodiment, a mold can be used to solidify the rubber layer of the rubber 38 provided with the carcass 36, the reinforcing cables 371-37 M and layer consolidation with reinforcing fabric 43 .

[0116] The inner side 45 of the endless track 22 includes the inner surface 32 of the carcass 36 and a plurality of wheel contact protrusions 481-48 N , wheel contact protrusion 481-48 N The wheel contact projections 481-486 are configured to contact at least some of the wheels 24, 26, 281-286 to at least one of drive (i.e., move) the track 22 and guide the track 22. N The wheel contact lugs 481-482 may be referred to as "wheel contact lugs". In addition, since each of them is used to at least one of drive the crawler track 22 and guide the crawler track 22, the wheel contact lugs 481-482 may be referred to as "wheel contact lugs". NIt may be referred to as a "drive / guide bump" or "drive / guide lug". In some embodiments, the drive / guide lug 48 i can interact with the drive wheel 24 to drive the track 22, in which case the drive / guide lugs 48 i In other embodiments, the drive / guide bump 48 i Instead of driving the track 22, the drive / guide lugs 48 may interact with the idler 26 and / or rollers 281-286 to guide the track 22 to maintain proper track alignment and prevent the track from falling off, in which case the drive / guide lugs 48 i In some other embodiments, the drive / guide protrusion 48 i The drive / guide lugs 48 may (i) interact with the drive wheel 24 to drive the track, and (ii) interact with the idler wheel 26 and / or rollers 281-286 to guide the track 22 to maintain proper track alignment and prevent the track from falling off, in which case the drive / guide lugs 48 i It is both a driving bump and a guiding bump.

[0117] In this embodiment, the drive / guide bumps 481-48 N The drive / guide lugs 481-486 interact with the drive wheel 24 to drive the track 22, and also interact with the idler wheel 26 and rollers 281-286 to guide the track 22 when the track 22 is driven by the drive wheel 24 to maintain proper track alignment and prevent the track from falling off. N It is used for both driving the crawler track 22 and guiding the crawler track 22 .

[0118] In the embodiment implemented, the drive / guide bumps 481-48 N The drive / guide lugs 481-48 are arranged in a single row longitudinally arranged along the inner side 45 of the track 22. In other embodiments of the present invention, the drive / guide lugs 481-48 N The tracks 22 may be arranged in other ways, such as in multiple rows spaced apart along the width of the track 22 .

[0119] Drive / guide bumps 481-48 N Can have any suitable shape. Figure 8 , each drive / guide bump 48 i The outer periphery 69 includes a front surface 801, a rear surface 802, two side surfaces 811, 812, and a top surface 86. The front surface 801 and the rear surface 802 are opposite to each other along the longitudinal direction of the crawler 22. iIn this embodiment for driving the track 22, each of the front surface 801 and the rear surface 802 constitutes a driving surface that can contact the driving member of the drive wheel 24, which pushes the driving surface to move the track 22. The two side surfaces 811, 812 are laterally opposite and can contact the rollers 281-286, the drive wheel 24 and / or the idler wheel 26, so as to prevent the track 22 from excessively moving laterally relative to these wheels, thereby preventing the track from falling off. In this embodiment, the drive / guide lugs 48 i Further comprising a hole 96 that relieves the drive / guide projection 48 i The weight of the track 21 is reduced, thereby reducing the weight of the track 21 and reducing the manufacturing cost of the track 21. In this embodiment, the hole 96 is a circular hole extending from the front surface 801 to the rear surface 802 at the mid-distance between the side surfaces 811 and 812. The drive / guide protrusion 48 i The outer periphery 69, although having a certain shape in this embodiment, may have various other shapes in other embodiments.

[0120] In this embodiment, the drive / guide bump 48 i is configured to interact with the idler wheel 26 and / or rollers 281-286 when they are aligned with each other, so that when they are aligned with each other, each drive / guide lug 48 i The side surfaces 811, 812 face the associated rollers of the rollers 281-286.

[0121] In this embodiment, each drive / guide bump 48 i The elastomeric drive / guide lug 48 is a elastomeric drive / guide lug because it contains an elastomeric material 67. The elastomeric material 67 can be any polymer material having suitable elasticity. More particularly, in this embodiment, the elastomeric material 67 comprises rubber. Various rubber compounds can be used, and in some cases, the drive / guide lug 48 can be made of a rubber. i In other embodiments, the elastomeric material 67 may include another elastomer (e.g., a polyurethane elastomer) in addition to or in place of the rubber. N The inner side 45 may be provided in various ways. For example, in this embodiment, the drive / guide projections 481-48 N It is arranged on the inner side 45 by being molded with the carcass 36 .

[0122] The ground engaging outer side 47 includes the ground engaging outer surface 31 of the carcass 36 and the tread pattern 40 to enhance traction on the ground. The tread pattern 40 includes a plurality of traction protrusions 581-58 protruding from the ground engaging outer surface 31. T , traction bulge 581-58 TThe traction projections 581-58 are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the endless track 22 and engage the ground to enhance traction. T May be called "tread lugs" or "traction bumps".

[0123] In this embodiment, the base 90 of the carcass 36 includes the inner surface 32 of the carcass 36 and a portion of the ground engaging outer surface 31 of the carcass 36 .

[0124] Each traction lug 58 i The front-rear dimension L in the longitudinal direction of the endless track 22 is L and the left-right dimension L in the width direction of the endless crawler belt 22 W In some cases, the front and rear dimensions L L The traction projection 58 may be i Width, and left and right dimensions L W The traction projection 58 may be i In other cases, the front and rear dimensions are L L The traction projection 58 may be i Length, and the left and right dimensions are L W The traction projection 58 may be i In other cases, the front and rear dimensions L L With left and right size L W The traction projection 58 may be substantially the same. i It also has a height H.

[0125] Traction lugs 581-58 T Can have any suitable shape. In this embodiment, the traction projections 581-58 T Each of the traction lugs 581-58 is elongated in shape and is angled relative to the longitudinal direction of the track 22, i.e., defines an oblique angle θ (i.e., an angle that is not a right angle or a multiple of a right angle). T It may have various other shapes (eg, a curved shape, a shape having a straight portion and a curved portion, etc.).

[0126] In this embodiment, each traction projection 58 i The traction lug 58 is an elastomeric traction lug because it includes an elastomeric material 41. The elastomeric material 41 can be any polymer material having suitable elasticity. More specifically, in this embodiment, the elastomeric material 41 includes rubber. Various rubber compounds can be used, and in some cases, the traction lug 58 can be made of a rubber. i There are different rubber compounds in different areas of the . In other embodiments, the elastomeric material 41 may include another elastomer (e.g., a polyurethane elastomer) in addition to or instead of rubber. Traction lugs 581-58 TThe traction lugs 581-582 may be provided on the ground engaging outer side 47 in various ways. For example, in this embodiment, the traction lugs 581-58 T It is disposed on the ground engaging outer side 47 by being molded with the carcass 36 .

[0127] The driving wheels 24 can be rotated by the power from the prime mover 14 to drive the tracks 22. That is, the power generated by the prime mover 14 and transmitted through the power system 15 of the agricultural vehicle 10 can drive the final drive shaft 56 i Rotation causes the drive wheels 24 to rotate, which in turn causes the tracks 22 to move.

[0128] Additional references Fig. 9 In this embodiment, the drive wheel 24 includes a drive sprocket including a plurality of drive members 521-52 spaced apart along a circular path. B , to engage the drive / guide lugs 481-48 of the track 22 N , thereby driving the crawler 22. Therefore, the drive wheel 24 and the crawler 22 realize a "positive drive" arrangement. More specifically, in this embodiment, the drive wheel 24 includes two concentric side plates 501, 502 that rotate around a common axis 51, and the drive members 521-52 B The drive members 521-522 extend between the side discs 501, 502. B It is a driving rod extending between the side plates 501 and 502.

[0129] The drive wheels 24 and the crawler tracks 22 have drive rods 521-52 that allow the drive wheels 24 to B and the drive / guide bumps 481-48 of the track 22 N The corresponding size of the linkage. Driving rod 521-52 B The adjacent drive rods define an internal space 53 therebetween to accommodate the drive / guide protrusions 481-48 N A. Drive / guide bumps 481-48 N Adjacent drive / guide projections define inter-projection spaces 39 therebetween to accommodate drive rods 521-52 B A. Drive / guide bumps 481-48 N and drive rod 521-52 B have a regular spacing that allows the drive / guide bumps 481-48 N and drive rod 521-52 B It moves in conjunction with the drive wheel over a certain length of its circumference.

[0130] In other embodiments, the drive wheel 24 may be configured in various other ways. For example, in other embodiments, the drive wheel 24 may not have any side discs such as the side discs 501, 502. As another example, in other embodiments, the drive members 521-52 B Rather than a drive rod, there may be drive teeth, or any other type of drive member, distributed circumferentially along the drive wheel 24. As another example, in embodiments where the track 22 includes recesses or holes, the drive wheel 24 may have teeth that enter these recesses or holes to drive the track 22. As yet another example, in some embodiments, the drive wheel 24 may frictionally engage the inner side 45 of the track 22 to frictionally drive the track 22 (i.e., the drive wheel 24 and track 22 may implement a "friction drive" arrangement).

[0131] The front idler 26 and rollers 281-286 are not driven by the power supplied by the prime mover 14, but are used for at least one of: supporting part of the weight of the agricultural vehicle 10 on the ground through the track 22, guiding the track 22 when the track 22 is driven by the drive wheel 24, and keeping the track 22 taut. More specifically, in this embodiment, the front idler 26 is a leading idler that keeps the track 22 taut and helps to support part of the weight of the agricultural vehicle 10 on the ground through the track 22. Fig.10 As shown, rollers 281 - 286 roll along bottom extension 66 of track 22 on rolling path 33 on inner side 45 of track 22 to apply bottom extension 66 to the ground.

[0132] In this case, since rollers 281 - 286 are located between the front-most wheels and the rear-most wheels of track system 16 , rollers 281 - 286 may be referred to as “intermediate rollers”.

[0133] In this embodiment, the track system 16 includes a tensioner 95 configured to control the tension of the track 22. For example, in this embodiment, the tensioner 95 includes an actuator having one end mounted to a first portion of the track system 16 and the other end mounted to a second portion of the track system 16 that is movable relative to the first portion of the track system 16. More specifically, in this embodiment, the actuator may include: a first anchor portion 971 that is attached to a first portion of a track engagement assembly, such as the frame 13 of the track system 16; and a second anchor portion 972 that is attached to a second portion of the track engagement assembly, such as the hub of the idler wheel 26 or the drive wheel 24. This allows the tensioner 95 to change the distance between the idler wheels 26 in the longitudinal direction of the track system 16, thereby affecting the tension of the track 22. More specifically, in this embodiment, the tensioner 95 is a hydraulic tensioner.

[0134] For example, refer to Fig.11In this embodiment, the tensioner 95 includes a first tensioning member 111 and a second tensioning member 112. More specifically, in this embodiment, the first tensioning member 111 includes a hydraulic cylinder 100, which may include a plurality of hydraulic cylinder elements 106, 107. The first anchoring portion 971 of the tensioner 95 may be fixed to the cylinder member 107 (e.g., by using mechanical fasteners, adhesives, by mechanical linkage, etc.) or integrated with the cylinder member 107 (i.e., made integrally with the cylinder member 107), while the second anchoring portion 972 may be fixed to the cylinder member 106 (e.g., by using mechanical fasteners, adhesives, by mechanical linkage, etc.) or integrated with the cylinder member 106 (i.e., made integrally with the cylinder member 106).

[0135] In this embodiment, the hydraulic cylinder elements 106, 107 are movable relative to each other to allow the tensioner 95 to contract and / or expand. In particular, the hydraulic cylinder elements 106, 107 may be coaxial.

[0136] In this embodiment, the hydraulic cylinder element 107 is a bore and the hydraulic cylinder element 106 is a piston movable within the bore 107 .

[0137] In this embodiment, the second tensioning member 112 includes a hydraulic accumulator 101, which is configured to accumulate the hydraulic fluid (e.g., oil) of the hydraulic cylinder 100 in an accumulation chamber 136 and can be in fluid communication with the hydraulic cylinder 100 via the passage 98. More specifically, in this embodiment, the hydraulic accumulator 101 further includes a housing 134, which includes an accumulation chamber 136, a piston 138 that is movable relative to the housing 134, and a compressible chamber 140 formed by the housing 134 and the piston 138, and which can include a biasing element 142 (e.g., a spring or a compressible fluid) to apply a force to the piston 138. In this embodiment, the biasing element 142 is a compressible fluid, which is a gas (e.g., nitrogen) in this example. Housing 134 and piston 138 may form a sealed engagement that allows compressible chamber 140 to sealingly contain nitrogen at a relatively high pressure such that the nitrogen exerts a force on piston 138 that is transmitted to hydraulic cylinder 100 via fluid 99 flowing in passage 98 .

[0138] The tensioner 95 can be configured to apply tension to the track 22 at any suitable nominal tension value. For example, in some embodiments, the vibration controller or tensioner 95 can be configured to apply a nominal tension of at least 1500 psi, in some embodiments at least 2000 psi, in some embodiments at least 2500 psi, and in some embodiments even greater (e.g., at least 2900 psi).

[0139] like Fig.12As shown, in this embodiment, track system 16 includes indicator 30, which is configured to provide an indication of the pressure of hydraulic fluid 99 within tensioner 95, while reducing oil leakage and oil contamination and improving the durability of track system 16. More specifically, in this embodiment, indicator 30 is configured to indicate the load of tensioner 95 and is not in contact with hydraulic fluid 99.

[0140] Additional references Figures 12 to 16 In this embodiment, the indicator 30 includes a body 150, and the tensioner 95 is configured to apply a force, torque, or pressure on the body 150. For example, the indicator 30 can be located at the anchor portion 971 of the hydraulic cylinder 100. The body 150 can be a bolt that attaches the first anchor portion 971 of the hydraulic cylinder 100 to the frame 13 of the track system 16. More specifically, the frame 13 can include a bracket 162 and a pivot 164 rotatably connected to the bracket 162, and the pivot 164 includes a non-threaded opening configured to receive the bolt 150. The first anchor portion 971 can include a threaded opening configured to receive the threaded end of the bolt 150, so that the bolt 150 fixes the first anchor portion 971 to the pivot 164 of the frame 13 and rotatably connects the first anchor portion 971 to the bracket 162 of the frame 13. In this configuration, the linear load supported by the bolt 150 can correspond to the load of the tensioner 95.

[0141] Bolt 150 may include a surface 152 that is visible from the outside of track system 16, and surface 152 indicates the tension and / or shear force applied to bolt 150. For example, surface 152 may have a color that changes depending on the tension or shear force applied to bolt 150. For example, a smart bolt may be used. TM (SMARTBOLTS TM ).

[0142] The surface 152 of the indicator 30 may indicate the force applied by the tensioner 95 on the frame 13 and may be used to determine the pressure of the hydraulic fluid 99 of the tensioner 95. For example, data may be provided to a user and, depending on the size and model of the track system 16 and / or the tensioner 95, the force applied to the bolt 150 may correspond to the static pressure of the hydraulic fluid 99 of the tensioner 95. Thus, the indicator 30 may provide a visual indication of the static pressure of the hydraulic fluid 99 of the tensioner 95. For example, the surface 152 of the indicator may be configured to be orange if the static pressure of the hydraulic fluid 99 is below a predetermined operating pressure range, red if the static pressure of the hydraulic fluid 99 is within the predetermined operating pressure range, and dark if the static pressure of the hydraulic fluid 99 is above the predetermined operating pressure range.

[0143] In some embodiments, bolts 150 may attach second anchor portion 972 of hydraulic cylinder 100 to a hub portion of idler wheel 26 of track system 16 .

[0144] In other embodiments, track system 16 including indicator 30 may be implemented in any other suitable manner.

[0145] For example, in some embodiments, Fig.17 and Fig.18 As shown, the indicator 30 may include an elastic portion 180, which may be elastically deformed when pressure, load or torque is applied thereon. That is, the elastic portion 180 may be configured to deform as pressure, load or torque is applied thereon, and may restore its original shape as pressure, load or torque is removed.

[0146] In this embodiment, the elastic portion 180 is disposed on the channel 98 and comprises an elastic material 182. More specifically, the elastic material 182 is an elastomeric material. More specifically, the elastic material 182 comprises rubber.

[0147] The resilient portion 180 may be defined by a hole 185 of a rigid material 183 of the channel 98 that is more rigid than the resilient material 182 .

[0148] In this embodiment, the elastic portion 180 of the indicator 30 is covered by a protective transparent cover 184, thereby allowing the user to observe the deformation of the elastic portion 180 under the pressure of the fluid 99. In this embodiment, the cover 184 includes markings 186, which define a range between which the top end 188 of the elastic portion should be located. The top end 188 below the range can indicate that the pressure of the fluid 99 is too low, while the top end above the range can indicate that the pressure of the fluid 99 is too high.

[0149] As another example, in some embodiments, Fig.19 As shown, the frame 13 may include a first portion 190 that is elastically deformable, and the first portion 190 is adjacent to a more rigid second portion 192 that does not substantially deform under the load of the tensioner 95. In this embodiment, the indicator 30 may include a gap 194 between the elastic portion 190 and the rigid portion 192. In particular, the first anchor portion 971 of the tensioner 95 may be rotatably attached to the elastic portion 190 by any suitable means (e.g., using a pivot) so that the elastic portion 190 is deformed, and the width W of the gap 194 is G It can represent the static pressure of the hydraulic fluid 99 of the tensioner 95. For example, a width W greater than a predetermined range G It may indicate that the static pressure of the hydraulic fluid 99 of the tensioner 95 is too low, or, conversely, below a predetermined range of width W. GIt may indicate that the static pressure of the hydraulic fluid 99 of the tensioner 95 is too low. In this embodiment, the indicator 30 may include a spring 198 connecting the portions 190,192.

[0150] As another example, Figures 20 to 27 As shown, in some embodiments, vehicle 10 may include processing device 200, and track assembly 30 may include monitoring equipment 202 (e.g., sensor 204 and / or other monitoring equipment (e.g., camera)) for sensing and / or otherwise monitoring parameters of vehicle 10, track system 16, and / or its environment (e.g., ground). Processing device 200 may communicate with monitoring equipment 202 and be configured to generate a signal 290 related to the static pressure of hydraulic fluid 99 and / or the operating condition of track system 16.

[0151] Sensor 204 may be configured to generate signal 206 related to the parameter sensed by sensor 204 and transmit signal 206 to processing device 200. Sensor 204 may be configured to transmit signal 206 to processing device 200 in any suitable manner. For example, in some cases, signal 206 may be transmitted to processing device 200 using one or more wires. In some cases, signal 206 may be transmitted to processing device 200 using, for example, a The signal 206 is wirelessly transmitted to the processing device 200 via a wireless communication protocol, a Wi-Fi network, a 5G network, etc. More specifically, the processing device 200 can be configured to process the signal 206 related to the sensed parameter and generate a signal 290 related to the static pressure of the hydraulic fluid 99 and / or the operating condition of the track system 16, and the signal 290 can transmit information derived from the processing characteristics to the indicator 30. For example, in some embodiments, the indicator 30 can be an electronic pressure sensor connected to a hydraulic port in the tensioner 95. The electronic pressure sensor can be configured to send the signal 206 to the processing device 200. In some embodiments, the signal 206 can include an electrical signal indicating the pressure level of the tensioner 95.

[0152] The sensor 204 used in the actual implementation may include various suitable types of sensors. For example, the sensor 204 may include a pressure sensor for sensing pressure, a load cell or a pin-type sensor for sensing load, an accelerometer for sensing acceleration, a strain gauge for sensing deformation, a force sensor for sensing force, etc.

[0153] In this embodiment, the processing device 200 includes an interface 242, a processing portion 244, and a memory portion 246 implemented by suitable hardware and / or software.

[0154] The interface 242 includes one or more inputs and outputs, thereby allowing the processing device 220 to receive input signals from and send output signals to other components to which the processing device 220 is connected (i.e., directly or indirectly), which in this embodiment include the sensor 204. For example, in this embodiment, the input of the interface 242 is implemented by a wireless receiver 248 to receive sensor signals from the sensor 204. The output of the interface 242 is implemented by a transmitter 249 to send a signal 290.

[0155] The processing portion 244 includes one or more processors for performing processing operations that implement the functions of the processing device 220. The processor of the processing portion 244 may be a general-purpose processor that executes program code stored in the memory portion 246. Alternatively, the processor of the processing portion 244 may be a dedicated processor including one or more pre-programmed hardware or firmware elements (e.g., application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), electrically erasable programmable read-only memories (EEPROMs), etc.) or other related elements.

[0156] The memory portion 246 includes one or more memories for storing program codes executed by the processing portion 244 and / or data used during the operation of the processing portion 244. The memory portion 246 can also be used to store data (e.g., temperature readings, reference temperatures). The memory of the memory portion 246 can be a semiconductor medium (including, for example, solid-state memory), a magnetic storage medium, an optical storage medium, and / or any other suitable type of memory. The memory of the memory portion 246 can be, for example, a read-only memory (ROM) and / or a random access memory (RAM).

[0157] In some embodiments, two or more elements of processing device 220 may be implemented by physically distinct devices from one another and may be connected to one another by a bus (e.g., one or more electrical conductors or any other suitable bus) or by a communication link that may be wired, wireless, or both. In other embodiments, two or more elements of processing device 220 may be implemented by a single integrated device. In some embodiments, at least a portion of processing device 220 is integrated into a remote device such as a smartphone or a remote computer.

[0158] In some embodiments, the indicator 30 may include a lighting device configured to illuminate according to the parameter sensed by the monitoring device 202. The lighting device may include one or more light emitting diodes ("LEDs"), which may be located on a portion of the track system 16 (e.g., the tensioner 95, the frame 13, etc.), on the user interface 70 of the cab 20 of the vehicle 10, or on a remote device. For example, the lighting device may include a green LED and a red LED, the green LED being configured to turn on when the parameter sensed by the monitoring device 202 is within a predetermined range, and the red LED being configured to turn on when the parameter sensed by the monitoring device 202 is outside the predetermined range.

[0159] In other embodiments, the indicator 30 may be implemented by the communication device 130, and the signal 290 generated by the processing device 220 may be directed and sent to the communication device 230 to convey information to the user of the communication device 230. More specifically, in this embodiment, the communication device 230 may include a user interface 234 (e.g., a graphical user interface) for interacting with the user and a processing entity 236 for processing the signal 292 and generating appropriate user interactions based on the signal 292. In this embodiment, the user interface 234 includes a display 237 for displaying information to the user and a speaker 238 for issuing notifications or alerts to the user.

[0160] In some embodiments, the communication device 230 including the user interface 134 may be part of the user interface 70 of the cab 20. In other embodiments, the communication device 230 may be a device separate from the cab 20. The communication device 230 may be any suitable device, and may be, for example, one of a computer, a smartphone, a laptop, a tablet, and a phablet, on which an application is downloaded for interacting with the monitoring system 200. In this embodiment, the signal 292 may be configured to push a notification to the communication device 230 when the characteristic sensed by the sensor 204 reaches a threshold.

[0161] The information communicated by the communication device 230 may include an indication of a parameter sensed by the monitoring device 202 and / or a notification related to the static pressure of the hydraulic fluid 99. In this embodiment, the notification may notify that an adjustment is to be made to adjust a device setting (e.g., a pressure adjustment of the tensioner 95), indicate a magnitude of an adjustment to be made, request user authorization to automatically adjust the device setting, notify of potential damage to the tensioner 95, the track system 16, and / or the vehicle 10, etc. Various embodiments of implementations of the processing device 200 and the monitoring device are provided below.

[0162] For example, in some embodiments, Fig.28 and Fig.29As shown, at least one of the sensors 204 is a pin-type sensor that connects a designated one of the first and second anchor portions 971, 972 to a corresponding portion of the track engagement assembly 21 (e.g., the frame 13 or the drive wheel 26, respectively). In this embodiment, the first anchor portion 971 of the cylinder 100 may include an opening, the frame 13 may include a bracket (e.g., bracket 162) having a similar opening, and the sensor 204 as a pin-type sensor may be inserted through the opening and longitudinally fixed to rotatably connect the anchor portion 971 of the cylinder 100 to the bracket 162 of the frame 13. The sensor 204 as a pin-type sensor may be configured to measure the force applied by the tensioner 95, the processing device 200 may be configured to correlate the force sensed by the sensor 204 as a pin-type sensor with the static pressure of the hydraulic fluid 99, and the indicator 30 may transmit an indication related to the static pressure of the hydraulic fluid 99.

[0163] In some embodiments, such as Fig.30 As shown, at least one of the sensors 204 is a strain gauge mounted at a designated one of the first and second anchors 971, 972. In this embodiment, the first anchor 971 of the cylinder 100 may include an opening, the frame 13 may include a bracket 162 having a similar opening, and the pivot 164 may be inserted through the opening and longitudinally fixed to rotatably connect the first anchor 971 of the cylinder 100 to the bracket 162 of the frame 13. One of the openings may be slightly oversized to allow the sensor 204, which is a strain gauge, to be mounted between the periphery of the opening and the pivot 164. In this configuration, the sensor 204, which is a strain gauge, may be configured to measure the force applied by the tensioner 95, the processing device 200 may be configured to correlate the force sensed by the sensor 204, which is a strain gauge, to the static pressure of the hydraulic fluid 99, and the indicator 30 may transmit an indication related to the static pressure of the hydraulic fluid 99.

[0164] In some embodiments, such as Fig.31 As shown, at least one of the sensors 204 is an accelerometer embedded in the track 22. In this embodiment, the sensor 204, which is an accelerometer, can be embedded in the carcass 36 of the track 22 during the molding process of the track 22. The sensor 204, which is an accelerometer, can be configured to measure the acceleration of the track, and the processing device 200 can be configured to correlate the acceleration of the track 22 with the resonant frequency of the track 22, the corresponding tension of the track 22 (which is indicative of the resonant frequency of the track 22), and the static pressure of the hydraulic fluid 99. The indicator 30 can transmit an indication related to the static pressure of the hydraulic fluid 99.

[0165] In some embodiments, such as Fig.32 and Fig.33As shown, the track 22 may include a longitudinal cable 37 that imparts most of the longitudinal stiffness of the track 22, and at least one of the sensors 204 is a strain gauge embedded in the track 22 and configured to measure the elongation of the cable 37 of the track 22. The cable 37 may be made of a relatively rigid material, such as steel. The processing device 200 may be configured to correlate the longitudinal component of the elongation of the track 22 with the corresponding tension of the track and the static pressure of the hydraulic fluid 99. The indicator 30 may transmit an indication related to the static pressure of the hydraulic fluid 99.

[0166] although Figure 1 The agricultural vehicle 10 shown in FIG. 1 is an agricultural tractor including two track systems 16 , but different types of agricultural vehicles with different configurations (eg, having different numbers of track systems) may be modified based on the principles disclosed herein.

[0167] For example, refer to Fig.34 and Fig.35 , an agricultural vehicle 510 can be provided that includes four track systems 516 instead of two (i.e., two track systems 516 on each side of the agricultural vehicle 510). The agricultural vehicle 510 also includes a frame 512, a prime mover 514, a power system 515, and a cab 520, and can be equipped with a work implement 18 for agricultural work. Each track system 516 includes a frame 513, a drive wheel 524, a front idler wheel 523 located at a first longitudinal end portion of the track system 516, a rear idler wheel 526 located at a second longitudinal end portion of the track system 516 opposite to the first longitudinal end portion, and a plurality of intermediate rollers 528 located between the drive wheel 524 and the idler wheel 526. The track system 516 further includes a track 522, which is arranged around the wheels 524, 526, 528 and is driven by the drive wheel 524. Each track system 516 may include a tensioner 595 , an indicator 530 , and an optional monitoring device 592 configured in a manner similar to the tensioner 95 , the indicator 30 , and the monitoring device 202 described above.

[0168] In addition, the improvements disclosed herein may be implemented with a work implement 18 towed by the agricultural vehicle 10 or the agricultural vehicle 510. Fig.36, the work implement 18 may include a trailer 610, which includes a frame 612, a body 613 (e.g., a cargo box), and track systems 6161, 6162. In this embodiment, the trailer 610 is a harvester. In other embodiments, the trailer 610 may be a fertilizer truck, a sprayer, a seed drill, or any other suitable type of trailer. Each track system 616 of the trailer 610 includes a front (i.e., leading) idler wheel 623 located at a first longitudinal end portion of the track system 616, a rear (i.e., trailing) idler wheel 626 located at a second longitudinal end portion of the track system 616 opposite to the first longitudinal end portion, and a plurality of intermediate rollers 6281, 6282 located between the front idler wheel 623 and the rear idler wheel 626. The track system 616 further includes a track 622 arranged around the front idler wheel 623, the plurality of intermediate rollers 6281, 6282, and the rear idler wheel 626. Each track system 616 may include a tensioner 695 , an indicator 630 , and an optional monitoring device 692 configured in a manner similar to the tensioner 95 , the indicator 30 , and the monitoring device 202 described above.

[0169] In this embodiment, the trailer 610 is not motorized because it does not include a prime mover for driving the track systems 6161, 6162. Instead, the trailer 610 is displaced by the agricultural vehicle 10 or agricultural vehicle 510 to which the trailer 610 is attached. However, in some embodiments, the trailer 610 can be motorized. That is, the trailer 610 can include a prime mover for driving the drive wheels of each track system 616. For example, the track systems 6161, 6162 can include drive wheels for driving the track 622, rather than each track system 6161, 6162 including a rear idler wheel 626.

[0170] Although in the above embodiments, the vehicles 10, 510 are agricultural vehicles that can be operated by a user from the cab 20, 520, respectively, in some embodiments, the vehicles 10, 510 can be remotely operated by the user. In some embodiments, the vehicles 10, 510 can include automated features, allowing the vehicles 10, 520 to be semi-automated and / or fully automated. In some embodiments, the vehicles 10, 510 can be without any cab 20, 520, respectively.

[0171] Although in the above-described embodiments, the vehicle 10, 510 is an agricultural vehicle, in other embodiments, the vehicle 10, 510 may be an industrial vehicle such as an engineering vehicle for performing engineering operations (e.g., a loader, a telehandler, a bulldozer, an excavator, etc.) or a forestry vehicle for performing forestry operations (e.g., a feller buncher, a tree chipper, a clamp loader, etc.), a military vehicle for performing military operations (e.g., a combat engineering vehicle (CEV)), an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), a snowmobile, or any other vehicle that can be operated on unpaved roads. Although it can be operated on unpaved roads, in some cases, the vehicle 10, 510 can also be operated on paved roads.

[0172] In some examples of implementation, any feature of any embodiment described herein may be used in combination with any feature of any other embodiment described herein.

[0173] Certain additional elements that may be required for the operation of some embodiments are not described or shown because they are considered to be within the scope of ordinary skill in the art. In addition, certain embodiments may not have, may lack and / or may function without any element not specifically disclosed herein.

[0174] In the event of any conflict, inconsistency or other discrepancy between a term used herein and a term used in any document incorporated herein by reference, the meaning of the term used herein shall control and be used.

[0175] Although various embodiments and examples have been shown, this is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting. Various changes and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A track system for a vehicle, the track system comprising: - a crawler comprising a ground engaging outer surface and an inner surface opposite said ground engaging outer surface; - a track engaging assembly including a plurality of track contact wheels configured to drive and guide a track around the track engaging assembly; - a tensioner configured to control the tension of the track, the tensioner comprising a hydraulic cylinder and a hydraulic accumulator in fluid communication with the hydraulic cylinder and configured to receive hydraulic fluid; as well as - an indicator configured to indicate the load of the tensioner.

2. The crawler system according to claim 1, wherein: The indicator is configured to communicate information related to the static pressure of the tensioner based on a measurement other than a measurement of the static pressure of the tensioner.

3. The crawler system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The indicator includes one of the following: a body, the tensioner being configured to apply one of a force, a torque, and a pressure on the body; and An elastic portion is configured to elastically deform when pressure, load or moment is applied to the elastic portion.

4. The crawler system according to claim 3, wherein: The indicator includes a body including a bolt including a surface visible from an exterior of the bolt, the surface configured to change color depending on a force, torque, or pressure on the bolt.

5. The crawler system according to claim 4, wherein: The bolts couple the tensioner to a corresponding portion of the track engagement assembly.

6. The crawler system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The hydraulic cylinder includes a first anchor portion located at a first end of the hydraulic cylinder and coupled to a first portion of the track engaging assembly; and a second anchor portion located at a second end of the hydraulic cylinder and coupled to a second portion of the track engaging assembly, the second portion of the track engaging assembly being movable relative to the first portion of the track engaging assembly.

7. The crawler system according to claim 6, wherein: The indicator is located at a designated one of the first anchoring portion and / or the second anchoring portion of the tensioner.

8. The crawler system according to claim 6, wherein: The first portion of the track engagement assembly includes a frame of the track engagement assembly, and the indicator includes a gap between: a first portion of the frame coupled to the first anchor portion and capable of elastic deformation; and a second portion of the frame.

9. The crawler system according to claim 8, wherein: The indicator includes a spring in the gap.

10. The track system of any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising at least one sensor in communication with the indicator or the tensioner and configured to sense a parameter of the track system, wherein: The at least one sensor is at least one of: a pressure sensor, a load cell, a pin sensor, an accelerometer, a strain gauge, and a force sensor.

11. The crawler system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The tensioner further includes a passage for fluidly connecting the hydraulic cylinder with the hydraulic accumulator.

12. The crawler system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The hydraulic accumulator includes a housing, wherein the housing includes an accumulation chamber, a piston movable relative to the housing, a compressible chamber formed by the housing and the piston, and a biasing element applying a force to the piston.

13. The crawler system according to claim 12, wherein: The biasing element comprises a spring or a compressible fluid.

14. The crawler system according to claim 13, wherein: The compressible chamber sealingly contains a compressible fluid, the compressible fluid comprising nitrogen.

15. The crawler system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein: The tensioner is configured to apply tension on the track at a nominal tension value of at least 1500 psi, at least 2000 psi, or at least 2500 psi.

Images