Low pivot intermediate roller swing beam for track system

Abstract

A lateral swing system for a track system is provided having a roller support beam coupleable to a roller and a support assembly rigidly coupled to a frame of the track system. The roller support beam and the support assembly are pivotally coupled or in a pivotal relationship such that rolling rotation is provided to the roller support beam. Pivot links or pivot relationships may be between the roller axles and / or embedded within the roller support beams to provide a lower pivot axis than conventional systems. The low pivot axis reduces lateral wobble and thus reduces potential contact between the rollers and the guide lugs. The lateral swing system may provide a high degree of lateral swing without causing friction and / or heat build-up when the track system is subjected to non-uniform loading.

Description

[0001] Prior Application

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 382,599, filed on November 7, 2022, and entitled "Low Pivot Intermediate Roller Swing Beam for a Track System", the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to track systems for vehicles (e.g., agricultural vehicles or other industrial vehicles, etc.). More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a track system having a low pivot intermediate roller swing beam. Background Art

[0004] Certain off-road vehicles such as agricultural vehicles (e.g., harvesters, combines, tractors, etc.), industrial vehicles such as construction vehicles (e.g., loaders, bulldozers, excavators, etc.) and forestry vehicles (e.g., log loaders, tree chippers, knuckleboom log loaders, etc.), and military vehicles (e.g., combat engineering vehicles (CEV), etc.) can be equipped with resilient track systems that enhance traction and flotation on soft, wet, and / or irregular ground (e.g., soil, mud, sand, ice, snow, etc.) during operation.

[0005] The loads in a vehicle's track system can vary significantly depending on how and where the vehicle is used, which can affect the performance and durability of its tracks and / or wheels. For example, the track system needs to respond to changes in the ground or road profile (such as a crown) to reduce the generation of heat and / or unnecessary erosion caused by an uneven distribution of loads between the wheels and the tracks. Additionally, when the track system does not respond to changes in the ground profile, the crown can be a significant contributing factor in limiting the vehicle's speed capabilities.

[0006] Some conventional track systems use lubricated pivot points to create a swinging motion in adjacent wheels. However, these systems have higher pivot points, which result in greater lateral sway and can thus create additional friction on the guide lugs. Additionally, the lubricated pivot points require additional maintenance to continue providing the swinging motion. Other track systems can use cylindrical rubber bushings mounted on each axle to provide swinging individually between adjacent wheels. However, when pivot points are provided on individual axles, the swinging generated on each axle can result in poor ride quality performance under some operating conditions. Therefore, there is a need for improved track systems. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect, a track system for vehicle traction is provided. The track system includes: a chassis including a track and a track engagement assembly for driving and guiding the track around the track engagement assembly. The track engagement assembly includes: a plurality of track contact wheels including a drive wheel for driving the track; a front idler; a rear idler; and a plurality of rollers; a frame configured to be coupled to the vehicle and coupled to the drive wheel, the front idler, and the rear idler; and a lateral swing system including: a roller support beam including a plurality of roller axles, each roller axle configured to be coupled to the plurality of rollers; and at least one support assembly rigidly coupled to the frame; wherein the roller support beam and the at least one support assembly are in a pivotal relationship such that the roller support beam is pivotable by at least + / -1° from a rest position of the roller support beam about a longitudinal pivot axis transverse to the rotational axis of the plurality of rollers.

[0008] According to another aspect, a track system for vehicle traction is provided. The track system includes: a chassis including a track and a track engagement assembly for driving and guiding the track around the track engagement assembly. The track engagement assembly includes: a plurality of track contact wheels including a drive wheel for driving the track; a front idler; a rear idler; and a plurality of rollers; a frame configured to be coupled to the vehicle and coupled to the drive wheel, the front idler, and the rear idler; and a lateral swing system including a roller support beam including at least three roller axles configured to be coupled to the plurality of rollers and at least two connection components longitudinally disposed between adjacent roller axles respectively; and at least two support assemblies configured to be rigidly coupled to the frame at respective connection components of the at least two connection components and pivotally coupled to the roller support beam; wherein the lateral swing system is configured to provide lateral swing to the roller support beam and thereby provide lateral swing to the plurality of rollers.

[0009] In some embodiments, the support assembly includes a connection flange coupled to a bushing via a guide post, and wherein each of the at least two connection components includes a receiving port and a pin having an opening extending through the receiving port; wherein the roller support beam is pivotally coupled to the at least two support assemblies via a pin extending through the opening in the at least two connection components and through the bushing in the corresponding support assembly of the at least two support assemblies.

[0010] In some embodiments, the bushing includes a rubber bushing or a steel sleeve bushing.

[0011] In some embodiments, the connection flange includes at least one alignment protrusion configured to be received in a hole in the frame.

[0012] In some embodiments, the connection flange includes a protrusion surface or a depression configured to be received in a frame depression or a frame protrusion surface in the frame respectively.

[0013] In some embodiments, the roller support beam is pivotable about a pivot axis that is transverse to the rotational axes of the plurality of rollers.

[0014] In some embodiments, the pivot axis is between about 50 mm below the rotational axes of the plurality of rollers and about 150 mm above the rotational axes of the plurality of rollers in the height direction.

[0015] In some embodiments, the roller support beam is pivotable about the pivot axis by at least + / -1°, at least + / -2°, or at least + / -3° from the rest position of the roller support beam.

[0016] In some embodiments, the lateral swing system further includes a swing stopper configured to restrict lateral swing.

[0017] In some embodiments, the swing stopper includes a first surface and a second surface configured to engage the lower side of the frame or the support assembly.

[0018] In some embodiments, the swing stopper extends upward in the height direction from the roller support beam such that when the support assembly is coupled to the frame, the swing stopper engages the lower side of the frame during lateral swing.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first surface and the second surface extend away from each other at a downward angle from a plane extending horizontally from the vertex.

[0020] In some embodiments, the downward angle is between about 1° and about 10°, between about 1° and about 4°, or about 2°.

[0021] In some embodiments, the swing stopper is located on the top side of the connection assembly.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first surface is located on a first side of the connection assembly, and the second surface is located on a second side of the connection assembly.

[0023] In some embodiments, the first surface and the second surface are disposed at an angle extending downward and away from both sides of the receiving port.

[0024] In some embodiments, the angle is between about 1° and about 10°, between about 1° and about 4°, or about 2°.

[0025] In some embodiments, at least three roller axles are a front roller axle, a middle roller axle, and a rear roller axle.

[0026] In some embodiments, at least two connecting components are a first connecting component and a second connecting component, wherein the first connecting component is disposed between the front roller axle and the middle roller axle, and the second connecting component is disposed between the middle roller axle and the rear roller axle.

[0027] In some embodiments, at least three roller axles are a first roller axle, a second roller axle, a third roller axle, and a fourth roller axle.

[0028] In some embodiments, at least two connecting components are a first connecting component and a second connecting component, the first connecting component is disposed between the first roller axle and the second roller axle, and the second connecting component is disposed between the third roller axle and the fourth roller axle.

[0029] In some embodiments, at least two connecting components further include a third connecting component disposed between the second roller axle and the third roller axle.

[0030] In some embodiments, the track engagement assembly does not have a suspension system capable of additional damped movement in the vertical direction.

[0031] According to another aspect, there is provided a lateral swing system for a track system of a vehicle, the lateral swing system including: a roller support beam having at least three roller axles and at least two connecting components, each connecting component being disposed between adjacent roller axles; and at least two support components configured to be pivotally coupled to the roller support beam via the at least two connecting components and configured to be rigidly coupled to a frame of the track system.

[0032] In some embodiments, at least three roller axles are configured to be coupled to a plurality of rollers of the track system.

[0033] In some embodiments, at least two connecting components include a receiving port configured to receive a portion of the support component, an opening, and a pin receivable through the opening.

[0034] In some embodiments, each of the at least two support components includes: a connecting flange configured to be rigidly coupled to a frame of the track system; and a bushing configured to receive a pin of a corresponding one of the at least two connecting components to pivotally couple the corresponding support component of the at least two support components to the roller support beam.

[0035] In some embodiments, each of the at least two support components further includes a guide post extending between the connecting flange and the bushing.

[0036] In some embodiments, the roller support beam is pivotable about a pivot axis between about 1° and about 10°, between about 2° and about 3°, or about 3° from a rest position of the roller support beam.

[0037] In some embodiments, the swing stop extends upward in the height direction from the roller support beam such that when the support assembly is coupled to the frame, the swing stop engages the lower side of the frame during lateral swing.

[0038] In some embodiments, at least two connecting components are a first connecting component and a second connecting component, wherein the first connecting component is disposed between the front roller axle and the middle roller axle, and the second connecting component is disposed between the middle roller axle and the rear roller axle.

[0039] In some embodiments, at least three roller axles are a first roller axle, a second roller axle, a third roller axle, and a fourth roller axle.

[0040] In some embodiments, at least two connecting components are a first connecting component and a second connecting component, the first connecting component is disposed between the first roller axle and the second roller axle, and the second connecting component is disposed between the third roller axle and the fourth roller axle.

[0041] According to another aspect, there is provided a track system for a vehicle, the track system comprising: an elastic track; and a track engagement assembly configured to drive and guide the track around the track engagement assembly, wherein the track engagement assembly includes: a plurality of first track contact wheels coupled to the frame; a plurality of second track contact wheels coupled to the support beam; and a support assembly pivotally coupled to the support beam and rigidly coupled to the frame, wherein the track engagement assembly is configured such that the plurality of second track contact wheels are pivotable about a pivot axis transverse to the rotational axis of the plurality of second track contact wheels; and wherein the track engagement assembly does not have a suspension system capable of additional damping movement in the vertical direction.

[0042] In some embodiments, the support beam includes at least one connecting component configured to receive the support assembly and pivotally couple to the support assembly.

[0043] In some embodiments, the support assembly includes a bushing configured to pivotally couple the support assembly to the support beam via a pin extending through an opening in at least one connecting component of the support beam.

[0044] In some embodiments, the pivot axis is between about 50 mm below the rotational axis of the plurality of rollers and about 150 mm above the rotational axis of the plurality of rollers in the height direction.

[0045] In some embodiments, the support beam is pivotable about the pivot axis between about 1° and about 10° from the rest position of the support beam, between about 2° and about 5° from the rest position of the support beam, or about 3° from the rest position of the support beam.

[0046] In some embodiments, the support beam further includes a swing stopper configured to restrain lateral swing, the swing stopper including a first surface and a second surface configured to engage the lower side of the frame or the support assembly.

[0047] In some embodiments, the swing stopper extends upward from the support beam in the height direction such that when the support assembly is coupled to the frame, the swing stopper engages the lower side of the frame during lateral swing.

[0048] In some embodiments, the first surface and the second surface extend away from each other at a downward angle from a plane extending horizontally from the vertex.

[0049] In some embodiments, the downward angle is between about 1° and about 10°, between about 1° and about 4°, or about 2°.

[0050] In some embodiments, the swing stopper is located on the top side of at least one connecting component.

[0051] In some embodiments, the first surface is located on a first side of at least one connecting component, and the second surface is located on a second side of at least one connecting component.

[0052] In some embodiments, a plurality of second track contact wheels are coupled to the support beam via at least three axles.

[0053] In some embodiments, the at least three axles are a front axle, a middle axle, and a rear axle.

[0054] In some embodiments, the at least one connecting component is a first connecting component and a second connecting component, wherein the first connecting component is disposed between the front axle and the middle axle, and the second connecting component is disposed between the middle axle and the rear axle.

[0055] In some embodiments, the at least three axles are a first axle, a second axle, and a third axle. In some embodiments, the at least one connecting component is a first connecting component and a second connecting component, the first connecting component is disposed between the first axle and the second axle, and the second connecting component is disposed between the third axle and the fourth axle.

[0056] In some embodiments, the at least one connecting component further includes a third connecting component disposed between the second axle and the third axle.

[0057] According to another aspect, a lateral swing system for a track system of a vehicle is provided. The lateral swing system includes: a roller support beam having at least three axles configured to be coupled to rollers of the track system; and at least two support assemblies configured to be pivotally coupled to the roller support beam and configured to be rigidly coupled to a frame of the track system; wherein the at least two support assemblies are the only parts of the lateral swing system that damp vertical shocks between the at least three axles and the frame.

[0058] In some embodiments, the roller support beam includes at least two connection assemblies, each connection assembly being disposed between adjacent ones of the at least three axles, wherein the at least two support assemblies are pivotally coupled to the roller support beam via the at least two connection assemblies.

[0059] In some embodiments, the pivot joints between the roller support beam and the support assemblies are embedded within the roller support beam.

[0060] In some embodiments, the pivot joints between the roller support beam and the support assemblies are bushings disposed around a body of the roller support beam.

[0061] In some embodiments, the roller support beam is pivotable about a pivot axis transverse to the at least three axles and / or about a pivot axis substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the track system.

[0062] According to another aspect, a lateral swing system for a track system of a vehicle is provided. The lateral swing system includes a roller support beam coupled to at least two bushings embedded within the roller support beam, the at least two bushings being pivotally coupled to the roller support beam and rigidly coupled to a frame of the track system.

[0063] In some embodiments, at least two pivot links are disposed between adjacent roller axles of the roller support beam.

[0064] In some embodiments, the at least two pivot links are each enclosed within a support assembly, wherein the support assembly is configured to be rigidly coupled to a frame of the track system.

[0065] In some embodiments, the at least two pivot links are the only parts of the lateral swing system that damp vertical shocks between the roller support beam and the frame.

[0066] According to another aspect, a lateral swing system for a track system of a vehicle is provided. The lateral swing system includes: a roller support beam including at least three roller axles configured to be coupled to a plurality of rollers of the track system; and at least two support assemblies configured to be rigidly coupled to a frame of the track system and pivotally coupled to the roller support beam; wherein a pivot coupling between the roller support beam and the at least two support assemblies is provided between adjacent ones of the at least three roller axles, and wherein the pivot coupling provides a lateral movement of about 1° to about 10° in a rolling direction for the plurality of rollers.

[0067] In some embodiments, the lateral movement among the plurality of rollers is about a pivot axis transverse to a rotational axis of the plurality of rollers.

[0068] In some embodiments, the pivot axis is between about 50 mm below the rotational axis of the plurality of rollers and about 150 mm above the rotational axis of the plurality of rollers in a height direction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0069] The following detailed description of embodiments of the present disclosure is provided only by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0070] Figure 1 An example of an agricultural vehicle including a track system according to an embodiment is shown;

[0071] Figure 2 A perspective side view of a track system according to an embodiment is shown;

[0072] Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 An exploded view of the track system shown in, including a lateral swing system according to an embodiment;

[0073] Figure 4 Shows Figure 2 An enlarged view of the track system shown in, including the connection between the frame of the track system and the lateral swing system;

[0074] Figure 5 A perspective side view of a lateral swing system according to an embodiment is shown;

[0075] Figure 6 Shows Figure 5 An exploded view of the lateral swing system shown in;

[0076] Figure 7 Shows Figure 5 A perspective cross-sectional view of the lateral swing system shown in;

[0077] Figure 8 Shows Figure 5Front sectional view of the lateral swing system shown in

[0078] Figure 9 Shows Figure 5 Exploded front sectional view of the lateral swing system shown in

[0079] Figure 10 Shows Figure 5 Enlarged three - dimensional sectional view of the lateral swing system shown in

[0080] Figure 11 Shows Figure 5 Exploded three - dimensional view of the support assembly of the lateral swing system shown in

[0081] Figure 12 Shows Figure 5 Front sectional view of the swing stopper on the roller support beam of the lateral swing system shown in

[0082] Figure 13 Shows the three - dimensional side view of the lateral swing system according to another embodiment;

[0083] Figure 14 Shows Figure 13 Enlarged view of the lateral swing system shown in

[0084] Figure 15 Shows Figure 13 Exploded three - dimensional view of the support assembly of the lateral swing system shown in

[0085] Figure 16 Shows Figure 13 Front sectional view of the swing stopper on the roller support beam of the lateral swing system shown in

[0086] Figure 17 Shows the front sectional view of the track system according to another embodiment;

[0087] Figures 18A to 18C Shows a diagram demonstrating the lateral swing action of the intermediate roller based on the high position of the pivot axis ( Figure 18A ) and the low position of the pivot axis ( Figure 18B and Figure 18C );

[0088] Figure 19 Shows the three - dimensional side view of the lateral swing system shown in Figure 13 in another configuration with tie rods;

[0089] Figure 20 Shows Figure 19 Three - dimensional side view of a part of the lateral swing system shown in

[0090] Figure 21Shows a perspective side view of a lateral swing system according to another embodiment;

[0091] Figure 22 Shows the one coupled to the frame of the track system Figure 21 The lateral swing system shown in;

[0092] Figure 23 Shows Figure 21 A perspective top view of the roller support beam of the lateral swing system shown in;

[0093] Figure 24 Shows Figure 23 A perspective bottom view of the roller support beam shown in;

[0094] Figure 25 Shows Figure 21 A perspective side view of the guide post assembly of the lateral swing system shown in;

[0095] Figure 26 Shows the one coupled to Figure 25 The guide post assembly shown in Figure 23 A perspective side view of the roller support beam shown in;

[0096] Figure 27 Shows a cross-sectional view of the lateral swing system shown in taken at a line extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the lateral swing system through the guide post assembly Figure 21 ;

[0097] Figure 28 Shows a cross-sectional view of the lateral swing system shown in taken at a line extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the lateral swing system through the guide post assembly Figure 21 wherein the roller support beam is shown at a rolling rotation (or lateral swing) angle in a first direction of about 2 degrees;

[0098] Figure 29 Shows a cross-sectional view of the lateral swing system shown in taken at a line extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the lateral swing system through the guide post assembly Figure 21 wherein the roller support beam is shown at a rolling rotation (or lateral swing) angle in a second direction of about 2 degrees;

[0099] Figure 30 Shows Figure 21 A perspective side view of the connecting flange of the lateral swing system shown in;

[0100] Figure 31 Shows Figure 30 An exploded side view of the connecting flange shown in;

[0101] Figure 32shown taken through the guide post assembly at a line extending in the longitudinal direction of the lateral swing system Figure 22 a cross-sectional side view of the lateral swing system coupled to the frame of the track system as shown in

[0102] Figure 33 shown taken through the roller axle at a line extending transverse to the longitudinal direction of the lateral swing system Figure 21 a perspective cross-sectional view of the lateral swing system as shown in

[0103] Figure 34 a perspective side view of the lateral swing system according to another embodiment, wherein a portion of the frame is shown in relative position to the lateral swing system when the lateral swing system is coupled to the frame of the track system

[0104] Figure 35 shown of the lateral swing system coupled to the frame of the track system Figure 34 a perspective side view as shown in

[0105] Figure 36 shown Figure 34 a perspective side view of the roller support beam of the lateral swing system as shown in

[0106] Figure 37 shown Figure 34 a perspective exploded view of the lateral swing system as shown in, showing Figure 36 the roller support beam, support assembly, and suspension pad

[0107] Figure 38 shown Figure 37 a perspective side view of the lateral swing system as shown in

[0108] Figure 39 shown taken at a line extending in the longitudinal direction of the lateral swing system Figure 35 a cross-sectional side view of the lateral swing system coupled to the frame of the track system as shown in

[0109] Figure 40 shown Figure 34 a perspective side view of the lateral swing system as shown in

[0110] Figure 41A shown taken at the longitudinal end of the roller support beam Figure 34 an enlarged perspective view of the lateral swing system as shown in

[0111] Figure 41B shown Figure 41A an enlarged perspective view of the axle clamp as shown in

[0112] Figure 42 shownFigure 34 An elevation or bottom view of the lateral swing system shown in

[0113] Figure 43 An enlarged elevation or bottom view of the lateral swing system shown in Figure 42 taken at a longitudinal end of the roller support beam;

[0114] Figure 44 A cross-sectional view of the lateral swing system shown in Figure 34 taken through the roller axle at a line extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the lateral swing system;

[0115] Figure 45 An enlarged perspective view of the lateral swing system shown in Figure 34 taken at a longitudinal end of the roller support beam;

[0116] Figure 46 A cross-sectional view of the lateral swing system shown in Figure 34 taken through the roller axle at a line extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the lateral swing system, wherein the roller support beam is shown at a rolling rotation (or lateral swing) angle in a first direction of about 2 degrees;

[0117] Figure 47 A cross-sectional view of the lateral swing system shown in Figure 34 taken through the roller axle at a line extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the lateral swing system, wherein the roller support beam is shown at a rolling rotation (or lateral swing) angle in a second direction of about 2 degrees;

[0118] Figure 48 is a perspective side view of a wear plate of a part of a frame shown relative to Figure 34 the lateral swing system shown in

[0119] Figure 49 A front view of an agricultural vehicle traveling on an arched road;

[0120] Figure 50 An example of an agricultural vehicle including two track systems instead of four track systems; and

[0121] Figure 51 An example of a trailer of an agricultural vehicle configured to be attached to Figure 1 or Figure 50 ;

[0122] It should be clearly understood that the description and drawings are for the purpose of illustrating certain embodiments of the present disclosure only and are helpful for understanding. They are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0123] As used herein, "substantially", "approximately", and "about" mean an acceptable variation according to conventional standards, otherwise up to a 5% to 10% variation from the indicated effect or value.

[0124] A track system for a vehicle is provided, such as for a heavy-duty work vehicle performing agricultural, construction, or other industrial work or military work. The track system includes a chassis having a track and a track engagement assembly for driving and guiding the track around the track engagement assembly. The track engagement assembly includes a drive wheel, a front idler, and a rear idler coupled to the frame, and a plurality of rollers (also referred to as intermediate rollers) coupled to a lateral swing system.

[0125] In some embodiments, the lateral swing system includes a support assembly rigidly coupled to the frame of the track system and a roller support beam pivotally coupled to the support assembly or in a pivotal relationship with the support assembly. The roller support beam includes a plurality of axles configured to couple to the rollers, thereby providing lateral swing to the rollers. The lateral swing system is configured to provide a lateral swing of about + / -1 degree to about + / -10 degrees to facilitate movement of the rollers in the rolling direction of the track system.

[0126] In some embodiments, by placing pivot links between the support assembly (and thus the frame) and the roller support beam (and thus the rollers) and within the roller support beam, the pivot points of the roller support beam can be much lower than in conventional systems. By providing a lower pivot point (or pivot link) between the rollers and the frame of the track system, potential contact between the rollers and drive or guide lugs on the inner side of the track is reduced, thereby allowing a high degree of lateral swing without causing friction and / or heat buildup when the track system is subjected to uneven loads (such as when on an uneven surface). Additionally, providing pivot links (such as bushing / pin connections or pivotal relationships) embedded in or adjacent to the roller support beam can eliminate the need for an additional suspension system, as the pivot links can provide some vertical damping. Thus, the track engagement assembly can be without a suspension system capable of additional damping movement in the vertical direction, thereby providing a simpler system with a lower pivot point.

[0127] In some embodiments, the above-described track system can be used to convert or retrofit any wheeled vehicle (e.g., a wheeled vehicle with an inboard final drive or an outboard final drive) into a track system. In other embodiments, the track system can be first manufactured and installed on the vehicle. For example, the vehicle can be an industrial vehicle such as an agricultural vehicle (e.g., a harvester, a combine harvester, a tractor, etc.), a construction vehicle (e.g., a loader, a bulldozer, an excavator, a telehandler, etc.) used to perform construction work, or a forestry vehicle (e.g., a feller buncher, a chipper, an articulated boom log loader, etc.) used to perform forestry work, a military vehicle (e.g., a combat engineering vehicle (CEV), etc.) used to perform military work, an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) (e.g., a snowmobile, a quad bike, etc.), or any other vehicle that can operate off a paved road. Although it can operate off a paved road, in some cases, the vehicle can also operate on a paved road.

[0128] Now referring to Figure 1 , an example of an embodiment of a vehicle 10 including a track system 161 - 164 is shown. In this embodiment, the vehicle 10 is a heavy-duty work vehicle used to perform agricultural, construction, or other industrial work or military work. More specifically, in this embodiment, the vehicle 10 is an agricultural vehicle used to perform agricultural work. Specifically, in this example, the vehicle 10 is a tractor. In other examples, the vehicle 10 can be a combine harvester, another type of harvester, a seeder, or any other type of vehicle. The vehicle 10 includes a frame 12, a powertrain 15, a steering system 17, and a track system 161 - 164 (which can also be referred to as a "chassis") and has a longitudinal axis 97.

[0129] The vehicle 10 can travel in a farm field to perform agricultural work using a work implement 18. The vehicle 10 can also "road", i.e., travel on a road (i.e., a paved road with a hard surface of asphalt, concrete, gravel, or other pavement), such as between farm fields. As discussed further below, in this embodiment, the track system 161 - 164 of the vehicle 10 is designed to perform better when the vehicle 10 is traveling on a road or on an uneven surface such as a road crown.

[0130] The track system 161 - 164 engages the ground to propel the agricultural vehicle 10. As Figure 2As shown, each track system 16 includes a track 22 that is disposed around a track engagement assembly 21 configured to drive the track 22. In an exemplary embodiment, the track engagement assembly 21 includes a plurality of track contact wheels. In this example, the plurality of track contact wheels includes a drive wheel 24 and a plurality of idler wheels. The plurality of idler wheels includes two front (i.e., forward) idler wheels 23, two rear (i.e., aft) idler wheels 26, and three idler axles coupled to six rollers 281 - 283. However, other configurations of track contact wheels are possible, such as two, four (as Figure 5 shown) or five idler axles coupled to four, eight, or ten rollers disposed between the front idler wheel 23 and the rear idler wheel 26.

[0131] The track 22 engages the ground to provide traction to the agricultural vehicle 10. The length of the track 22 permits the track 22 to be mounted around the track engagement assembly 21. In view of the closed configuration of the track 22 without ends that permits the track 22 to be disposed around and move about the track engagement assembly 21, the track 22 may be referred to as an "endless" track. The track 22 includes an inner side 45 and a ground engaging outer side 47. The inner side 45 faces the front idler wheel 23, the drive wheel 24, the rear idler wheel 26, and the rollers 281 - 283, while the ground engaging outer side 47 engages the ground.

[0132] The inner side 45 of the endless track 22 includes a plurality of wheel contact protrusions 48 that project from the inner side 45 of the track 22 and are positioned to contact at least some of the track contact wheels to perform at least one of driving the track 22 (i.e., imparting motion to the track 22) and guiding the track 22. The wheel contact protrusions 48 may also be referred to as "wheel contact lugs". Additionally, since each of the wheel contact protrusions 48 is configured to perform at least one of driving the track 22 and guiding the track 22, the wheel or track contact lugs 48 may be referred to as "drive / guide protrusions" or "drive / guide lugs". In some embodiments, the drive / guide lugs 48 may interact with the front idler wheel 23 and the rear idler wheel 26 and / or adjacent rollers 281 - 283 to guide the track 22 to maintain proper track alignment and prevent derailment when not used to drive the track 22.

[0133] In an exemplary embodiment, the drive / guide lugs 48 are arranged in a single row longitudinally disposed within the middle of the inner side 45 of the track 22. In other examples of the embodiment, the drive / guide lugs 48 may be arranged in other ways (e.g., in multiple rows spaced along the width direction of the track 22). In this exemplary embodiment, the drive / guide lugs 48 are configured to pass between the respective front idler pairs and rear idler pairs and / or the rollers 28 when the drive / guide lugs 48 are aligned with each other, such that when the drive / guide lugs 48 are aligned with each other, the lateral surface of each drive / guide lug 48 faces one of the front idler and rear idler and / or the roller 28.

[0134] Now referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the track engagement assembly 21 further includes a frame 13 that supports various components of the track system 16, including the front idler 23, the rear idler 26, and the drive wheel 24. The frame 13 is pivotally coupled to the roller support beam 110 via a support assembly 120. As described herein, the pivotal relationship between the frame 13 and the roller support beam 110 is achieved by pivotally coupling the support assembly 120 to the roller support beam 110 and rigidly coupling it to the frame 13. The roller support beam 110 and the support assembly 120 together form a lateral swing system 100 that provides the rollers 281 - 283 with the ability to laterally swing or roll relative to the frame 13 via the pivotal movement of the roller support beam 110 relative to the frame 13. In this embodiment, the roller support beam 110 includes two connection components 112, and each connection component 112 includes an opening (described below) configured to receive a portion of the support assembly 120 and a pin 116.

[0135] The support assembly 120 includes a connection flange 122 connected to a bushing 124 via a guide post 126. The connection flange 122 is configured to be rigidly connected to the frame 13, for example, via a fastener 123, and is pivotally coupled to the roller support beam 110 via the bushing 124 (the bushing 124 and the pin 116 are pivot links). More specifically, the pin 116 of the connection component 112 extends through the bushing 124 to allow the roller support beam 110 to swing laterally, thereby imparting a rolling motion to the roller support beam 110 and thus imparting a rolling motion to the plurality of rollers 281 - 283. It can be seen that the lateral swing system 100 does not have a suspension system capable of additional damping motion in the vertical direction. In fact, in the exemplary embodiment, the bushing 124 is the only part of the lateral swing system that suppresses the vertical impact between the roller axles 1171 - 1174 of the intermediate rollers 28 of the lateral swing system and the frame 13 coupled to the support assembly 120.

[0136] In some cases, when the roller support beam 110 and the support assembly 120 are pivotally coupled, providing a bushing 124 within the roller support beam 110 can eliminate the need for a suspension system, thereby providing a simpler system that requires less maintenance. In addition to the vertical damping provided by the bushing 124, another advantage of not having an additional suspension system on the roller support beam 110 is that the vertical relationship between the bottom tangents of the plurality of roller wheels 281 - 283 and the bottom tangents of the front idler 23 and the rear idler 26 can be precisely controlled. When an additional suspension system is included within the lateral swing system 100 (such as in the lateral swing systems 300, 400), this vertical relationship varies according to the vertical load of the track system 16 (i.e., as the vertical load increases, the distance between the bottom tangents of the roller wheels 281 - 283 and the bottom tangents of the front idler 23 and the rear idler 26 decreases, and vice versa). In such an embodiment, vertical suspension stops can be utilized to constrain or control the vertical relationship between the bottom tangents of the roller wheels 281 - 283 and the bottom tangents of the front idler 23 and the rear idler 26 and / or to avoid over-compression of the suspension pads.

[0137] Now referring to Figures 5 to 10 , a lateral swing system 100 is shown. This exemplary embodiment of the lateral swing system 100 includes a roller support beam 110 and two support assemblies 120. The support assemblies 120 are rigidly connected to the frame 13 of the track system 16 and pivotally connected to the roller support beam 110 such that the roller support beam 110 is pivotable about a longitudinal pivot axis PA Lo pivotally, the longitudinal pivot axis PA Lo being transverse or perpendicular to the rotational axis AR of the roller wheels. Accordingly, the roller support beam 100 can pivot relative to the frame 13 of the track system 16 in the rolling direction, thereby imparting a rolling ability to the roller wheels when the track system 16 moves over an uneven ground area. More specifically, in this embodiment, when the lateral swing system 100 is coupled to the frame 13 of the track system 16, the longitudinal pivot axis PALo of the roller support beam 110 is parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the track system. Accordingly, the roller support beam 110 is provided with a lateral swing or "rolling" ability that allows the roller wheels to swing laterally or "roll" relative to the frame 13. In some embodiments, the roller support beam 110 may include swing stops 115 configured to limit or control the lateral swing provided by the swing system 100.

[0138] In this exemplary embodiment, the roller support beam 110 includes four roller axles 1171 - 1174, a first connection assembly 1121 positioned between the first roller axle 1171 and the second roller axle 1172, and a second connection assembly 1122 positioned between the third roller axle 1173 and the fourth roller axle 1174. Accordingly, the connection assemblies 1121, 1122 are positioned between adjacent roller axles. It is contemplated that the roller support beam 110 may have a different number of connection assemblies 112, such as a single connection assembly 112 disposed in the middle of the roller support beam 110 (i.e., between the second roller axle 1172 and the third roller axle 1173) or three connection assemblies 112 disposed between each of the roller axles 1171 - 1174. In other embodiments, such as Figure 13 the embodiment shown in, the roller support beam 210 may include three roller axles 2171 - 2173 and may include any number of connection assemblies between or adjacent to the roller axles 2171 - 2173.

[0139] Return reference Figures 5 to 10 , each of the connection assemblies 1121 and 1122 includes a blind hole or receiving port 114 configured to receive a portion of a corresponding one of the support assemblies 1201, 1202. The connection assemblies 1121 and 1122 further include a pin 116 and an opening 118 extending through a sidewall of the receiving port 114. The pin is configured to extend through a first side of the opening 118, be received in a bushing 124 of the support assembly 120, and extend through a second side of the opening 118.

[0140] In an exemplary embodiment, each of the support assemblies 120 includes at least one connection flange 122 coupled to the bushing 124 via a guide post 126. The connection flange 122 is configured to be rigidly coupled to the frame 13 of the track system, and the bushing 124 is configured to receive the pin 116 of the connection assembly 110 to pivotally couple the support assembly 120 to the roller support beam 110. The connection flange 122 may include a hole configured to receive a fastener 123 to rigidly couple the support assembly 120 to the frame of the track system. Although fasteners 123 are used in this embodiment, other methods of rigid coupling are possible, such as welding. Alternatively, the support assembly 120 may be integrally integrated with the frame 13.

[0141] In some embodiments, the attachment flange 122 is a flat surface configured to abut against the underside of the frame 13 of the track system 16. In an exemplary embodiment, the attachment flange 122 includes a raised surface 130 that may be configured to be received in a groove or recess in the underside of the frame 13 of the track system 16. In some embodiments, the attachment flange 122 may include alignment protrusions 132 configured to be received in holes in the underside of the frame 13 of the track system 16 to align the support assembly 120 with the frame 13 such that the support assembly can be rigidly coupled to the frame 13 of the track system 16. In an exemplary embodiment, the alignment protrusions 132 have tapered ends to facilitate easy access to the holes in the frame 13. It is contemplated that other coupling mechanisms may be used, including protrusions or raised surfaces on the underside of the frame 13 of the track system 16 configured to be received in holes or recesses in the attachment flange 122.

[0142] The bushing 124 on the support assembly 120 provides a range of motion for the pin 116 in the rolling direction (i.e., a slight rotation or pivot about the longitudinal axis of the roller support beam 110). When the track system 16 is on an uneven surface such as an arched road, a range of motion in the rolling direction is provided to the roller support beam 110 and thus the intermediate roller wheels 281 - 283 as the pin 116 bears against the underside of the bushing 124 (which is slightly compressed, allowing the pin 116 in the opening 114 to adjust the angle of the roller support beam 110 relative to the frame 13 of the track system 16).

[0143] Now referring Figure 11 , in some embodiments, the bearing 124 may include an inner sleeve 142, an intermediate layer 144, and an outer sleeve 146. In an exemplary embodiment, the bushing 124 is a rubber - metal bonded bushing (also known as a sleeve bushing) having a concentric metal inner sleeve 142 and metal outer sleeve 146 and a rubber intermediate layer 144. The bushing 124 is received in a housing 129 at the end of the guide post 126 opposite the attachment flange 122.

[0144] When the pin 116 is inserted into the bushing 124, there can be a very small gap to facilitate insertion. However, the relative movement in the bushing when the pin 116 pivots should be between the inner sleeve 142 and the outer sleeve 146 due to the rubber intermediate layer 144 being compressed. The intermediate layer 144 allows some relative movement between the inner sleeve 142 and the outer sleeve 146. However, due to the small angle of movement between the pin 116 and the bushing 124, the relative movement between the inner sleeve 142 and the outer sleeve 146 is small. When envisioning an exemplary embodiment of the sleeve bushing for supporting the assembly 120, it is envisioned that the bushing 124 can be any bearing suitable for passive vibration / oscillation applications. For example, a steel spherical roller bearing can be used; however, when selecting a suitable bearing 124, the lubrication requirements of the bearing should be considered. In the exemplary embodiment, steel sleeve bushings are used because they require little or no lubrication maintenance (i.e., oiling).

[0145] As shown, the connecting flange 122 is coupled to the bushing 124 via the guide post 126. In some embodiments, the guide post 126 should have sufficient length to provide a gap between the connecting flange 120 and the roller support beam 110 that will allow the roller support beam 110 to swing laterally without interference from the underside of the connecting flange 122 that is coupled to the frame 13 of the track system. Thus, when the support assembly 120 is pivotally coupled to the roller support beam 110, there is a gap 148 between the top sides of the connecting assemblies 112 near the perimeter of the receiving port 114.

[0146] The receiving port 114 of the roller beam support 110 is sized and shaped to receive the bushing 124 and the guide post 126. When the pin 116 extends through the opening 118 and the bushing 124, the elastic properties of the bushing 124 provide a lateral swinging movement of the pin 116, thereby imparting a lateral swinging movement to the roller support beam 110. Thus, the receiving port 114 should be sized to have a width W1 that is wider than the width W2 of the guide post 126, thereby providing a gap 128 between the lateral outer wall of the guide post 126 and the lateral inner wall of the receiving port 114. The gap 128 provides clearance for the guide post 126 during the lateral swinging of the roller support beam 110.

[0147] Now refer to Figures 13 to 15, showing a lateral swing system 200 according to another embodiment. In this exemplary embodiment, the lateral swing system 200 includes a roller support beam 210 and a support assembly 220. The roller support beam 210 includes three intermediate roller shafts 2171 - 2173 configured to be coupled to six rollers (not shown). As shown, there are two connecting components 212 in the roller support beam 210, and each connecting component is located between adjacent intermediate roller shafts among the intermediate roller shafts 2171 - 2173. More specifically, the first connecting component 212 is located between the front intermediate roller shaft 2171 and the middle front intermediate roller shaft 2172, and the second connecting component 212 is located between the middle front intermediate roller shaft 2172 and the rear intermediate roller shaft 2173. Each of the connecting components 212 includes a receiving port 214, a pin 216, and an opening (not shown).

[0148] The support assembly 220 includes a connecting flange 222 and a bushing 224 coupled to a guide post 226. The connecting flange 222 may include alignment protrusions 232 and / or fasteners 223 configured to align and rigidly couple the connecting flange 222 to the underside of the frame 13 of the track system 16, respectively. In some embodiments, the connecting flange 222 may include a raised surface 230 configured to be received in a groove or recess on the underside of the frame 13 of the track system 16.

[0149] In both the lateral swing systems 100 and 200, swing stoppers 115, 215 may be used to slow down or restrict the lateral swing allowed by the bushings 124, 224. In embodiments such as the lateral swing system 100 that do not include a receiving port 114 between the intermediate roller shaft 1172 and the intermediate roller shaft 1173, the swing stopper 115 may be located on the top surface of the roller support beam 110 in the space between the intermediate roller shaft 1172 and the intermediate roller shaft 1173. Thus, when the roller support beam 110 swings laterally, the frame 13 of the track system 16 restricts the lateral swing of the roller support beam 110 to a predetermined amount. However, when a receiving port exists between each intermediate roller shaft, such as in the lateral swing system 200 or an embodiment (not shown) that includes four intermediate roller shafts and receiving ports, the swing stopper 215 may be placed on the top surface of the connecting component 212 around the top surface of the receiving port 214 such that when the roller support beam 210 swings laterally, the engagement between the underside of the connecting flange 222 on the support assembly 220 and the top surface of the connecting component 212 (and thus the roller support beam 210) restricts the lateral swing of the roller support beam 210 to a predetermined amount.

[0150] Return to reference Figure 12, A close-up cross-sectional view of the roll support beam 110 shows the swing stopper 115 for the lateral swing system 100. It can be seen that the swing stopper 115 includes a first flat surface 133 and a second flat surface 135 that extend away from each other at a slightly downward angle from the apex 136 of the swing stopper 115. The flat surfaces 133, 135 can be set at an angle α3 relative to an imaginary plane P that extends horizontally at the apex 136. The angle α3 can be adjusted according to the desired swing or rolling ability applied to the roll support beam 110. In some embodiments, the angle α3 is between about 1° and about 10°, and preferably between about 1° and about 4°. In some embodiments, the angle α3 is about 2°, thus allowing the intermediate roll to swing or roll laterally about 2° on either side of the roll support beam 110. In this exemplary embodiment, the lateral swing of the roll support beam 110 is restricted by the frame 13 of the track system 16 that contacts the first flat surface 133 and the second flat surface 135. In some embodiments, the contact or mating surface of the swing stopper 115 on the lower side of the frame 13 is a flat surface that is substantially horizontal or parallel to the ground, such that the angle α3 defines the range of allowed swing from the horizontal plane (i.e., if the two surfaces 133, 135 have an angle α3 of 2°, the roll support beam 110 will have an allowed lateral swing (rolling ability) of 2° on both sides).

[0151] Now refer to Figure 16, A close-up cross-sectional view of the roller support beam 210 shows the swing stopper 215 for the lateral swing system 200. In this exemplary embodiment, the swing stopper 215 includes a first flat surface 233 located on the first side of the top surface surrounding the receiving port 214 and a second flat surface 235 located on the second side of the top surface surrounding the receiving port 214. Accordingly, when the lateral swing system 200 is enabled, the lateral swing is constrained by the lower side (in this case, the lower side of the connecting flange 222) of the support assembly 220 contacting the first surface or the second surface of the swing stopper 215. The first surface 233 and the second surface 235 may be disposed at an angle α4 with respect to an imaginary horizontal plane parallel to the lower side of the support assembly 220. The angle α4 can be adjusted according to the desired swing or rolling ability applied to the roller support beam 210. In some embodiments, the angle α4 is between about 1° and about 10°, and in some cases, between about 1° and about 4°. In some embodiments, the angle α4 is about 2°, thus allowing the intermediate roller to laterally swing or roll about 2° on either side of the roller support beam 210. In the exemplary lateral swing system 200, a gap 248 between the top sides of the connecting components 212 near the periphery of the receiving port 214 provides the small spacing required for the roller support beam 210 to pivot about the support assembly 220. When the roller support beam 210 pivots to one side, the pivoting movement is stopped by the swing stopper 215, so the gap 248 on that side can be negligible, and the gap 248 on the opposite side will be wider than when in the neutral or stationary position. In some embodiments, the contact or mating surface of the swing stopper 215 on the lower side of the support assembly 220 is a flat surface that is substantially horizontal or parallel to the ground, such that the angle α4 defines the range of allowed swing from the horizontal plane (i.e., if the two surfaces 233, 235 have an angle α4 of 2°, the roller support beam 210 will have an allowed lateral swing (rolling ability) of 2° on both sides).

[0152] As Figure 9 best shown in, the lateral swing systems 100, 200 provide a pivot point or a longitudinal pivot axis PA Lo , the axis PA Lo is transverse to the axis AP of the pin 116 and at the same height as the axis AP of the pin 116. In the Figures 1 to 17 embodiment shown, the axis AP of the pin 116 is slightly higher than the rotational axis AR of the roller. In some embodiments, the longitudinal pivot axis PA Lo can be between about 0.1 mm and about 150 mm above the rotational axis AR of the roller. One advantage of providing a lower pivot point than conventional track systems is to reduce the amount of lateral sway of the roller relative to the track 22. In other embodiments, the longitudinal pivot axis PA LoIt can be at the same height as the rotational axis AR of the roller, or can be up to 50 mm below the rotational axis AR of the roller.

[0153] For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the intermediate roller 28 has a diameter of approximately 330 mm, such that the rotational axis AR of the intermediate roller 28 is approximately 165 mm from the bottom tangent of the intermediate roller 28. The longitudinal pivot axis PA of the roller support beam 110 Lo (the axis AP of the through-pin 116) is approximately 15 mm above the rotational axis AR, and thus is approximately 180 mm from the bottom tangent of the intermediate roller 28 (see Figure 9 ). Since the roller rotation is provided by the coupling between the bushing 124 and the receiving port 114 embedded in the roller support beam 110, those skilled in the art will understand that minor modifications can be made to use a lateral swing system 100 with a larger intermediate roller 28, which can change the rotational axis AR of the intermediate roller 28 without moving the longitudinal pivot axis PA of the roller support beam 110 Lo . In some embodiments, the lateral swing system 100 can be used with an intermediate roller 28 of 426 mm, such that the rotational axis AR of the intermediate roller 28 is approximately 213 mm from the bottom tangent of the intermediate roller 28, while the longitudinal pivot axis of the roller support beam 110 remains at 180 mm from the bottom tangent of the intermediate roller 28. In such an embodiment, the longitudinal pivot axis PA Lo is approximately 33 mm below the rotational axis of the roller.

[0154] As Figures 17 to 18C best shown in, the intermediate roller 28 is located on either side of the drive or guide lug 48 extending outward from the inner side 45 of the track 22. When the roller support beam 110 swings via a pivotal connection with the support assembly 120, the intermediate roller 28 moves laterally (also referred to as "side sway") relative to the track 22 and is displaced to position 28 i . As Figures 18A to 18C shown, for the same lateral swing angle or rolling motion angle α2, as the distance between the pivotal point of the lateral swing of the intermediate roller 28 and the intermediate roller axle 117 increases, the width of the side sway increases. Figure 18A shows a representation of a lateral swing system with a relatively high pivotal point PP1 of the roller support beam, as indicated by the distance D1 between the pivotal point PP1 and the axle 117 of the intermediate roller 28, while Figure 18B and Figure 18C show representations of lateral swing systems according to other embodiments, each lateral swing system having a low pivotal point PP2, PP3 of the roller support beam, as indicated by the short distance D2 between the pivotal point PP2 and the axle 117 of the intermediate roller 28 and the short distance D3 between the pivotal point PP3 and the axle 117 of the intermediate roller 28, respectively. Figure 18B andFigure 18C The lateral swing systems shown in [reference] only differ in the size of the intermediate roller (and thus in the distance between the ground or the bottom tangent of the intermediate roller and the axis of the intermediate roller).

[0155] It can be seen that Figures 18A to 18C the systems shown in [reference] each provide the same angle α2 (for illustrative purposes, approximately 15°) of lateral swing or rolling motion; however, Figure 18A the width W3 of the lateral swing of the system with the higher pivot point PP1 shown in [reference] is significantly greater than Figure 18B and Figure 18C the width W2 of the lateral swing of the system with the lower pivot point PP2 shown in [reference] and Figure 18B and Figure 18C as shown in [reference] and [reference], the size of the intermediate roller and thus the distance between the ground or the bottom of the intermediate roller and the axis of the intermediate roller affect the distance between the axis of rotation of the intermediate roller and the pivot axis of the roller support beam. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 18B [reference], a system with a low pivot swing system (such as the lateral swing system described herein) may have a longitudinal pivot axis that is less than 150 mm above the axis of rotation of the intermediate roller in the height direction. Other systems may have a longitudinal pivot axis at the same height as the axis of rotation of the intermediate roller (i.e., in the same plane as the axis of rotation of the intermediate roller). In other embodiments, such as Figure 18C shown in [reference], the longitudinal pivot axis may be below the axis of rotation of the intermediate roller. In some embodiments, the longitudinal pivot axis is between 50 mm below the axis of rotation of the intermediate roller and 150 mm above the axis of rotation of the intermediate roller.

[0156] Providing lower pivot points PP2, PP3 can also allow the lateral swing of the intermediate rollers 28 while requiring the spacing between the corresponding intermediate rollers 28 to be substantially equal to or less than the spacing required if there is no lateral swing. It is noted that when the lateral swing pivot of the intermediate roller is too high, the lateral swing may cause lateral movement of the intermediate roller relative to the front idler and rear idler and / or the track 22, such that the risk of contact between the intermediate roller 28 and the drive / guide lug 48 may increase, which may prematurely damage the intermediate roller 28 and / or the track 22, and the spacing between the corresponding intermediate rollers 28 may be significantly increased to mitigate this.

[0157] Specific reference is made to Figure 17, the intermediate roll 28 is separated from the guide lug 48 by a small spacing 30 such that, under normal operating conditions, the outer edge of the guide lug 48 does not contact or only rarely contacts the inner surface of the intermediate roll 28. However, when the roll support beam 110 swings laterally to provide rotation in the rolling direction to the intermediate roll 28, the lateral sway of the intermediate roll 28 can cause the inner side of the intermediate roll 28 to contact the outer edge of the guide lug 48, thereby causing unnecessary friction and heat, which can result in non-uniform erosion on the intermediate roll and the guide lug 48 and reduce the overall speed at which the track system can be operated. By providing lower pivot points PP2, PP3, the lateral swing system 100 is able to provide the same angle α2 of lateral swing or rolling motion while reducing the negative impacts caused by excessive lateral sway. Additionally, by providing lower pivot points PP2, PP3, the lateral swing system 100 can provide a greater angle α2 of lateral swing or rolling motion before the lateral sway motion of the intermediate roll 28 causes the intermediate roll to contact the guide lug 48. In other words, the lateral swing system 100 can allow the intermediate roll 28 to pivot about the longitudinal pivot axis PA Lo through a greater angle α2 of pivotable lateral swing or rolling motion. For example, in some embodiments, each of the intermediate rolls 28 can pivot about the longitudinal pivot axis PA Lo by at least + / -1° from the rest position of the intermediate roll 28, in some cases at least + / -2° from the rest position of the intermediate roll 28, in some cases at least + / -3° from the rest position of the intermediate roll, in some cases at least + / -5° from the rest position of the intermediate roll 28, in some cases at least + / -7° from the rest position of the intermediate roll 28, in some cases at least + / -10° from the rest position of the intermediate roll 28, and in some cases even more (e.g., at least + / -15°).

[0158] Now refer to Figure 19 and Figure 20 , in some embodiments, the lateral swing system 200 can include a tie rod 240 coupled to at least one of the connection flanges 222. In an exemplary embodiment, the tie rod 240 is coupled to the raised surfaces 230 of the front connection flange 222 and the rear connection flange 222 and extends between the front connection flange 222 and the rear connection flange 222. The tie rod 240 can be coupled to the connection flange 222 by any known coupling means such as welding or bolts. In an exemplary embodiment, the tie rod 240 is coupled to the connection flange 222 by four mounting bolts or fasteners 242. The tie rod 240 can simplify assembly by restricting the relative movement of the connection flanges 222 with respect to each other and ensure that the fasteners connecting the connection flanges 222 to the frame of the track system do not become overloaded or overstressed.

[0159] In some embodiments, the lateral swing system 200 may include one or more retaining plates 244 coupled to one or both sides of the bushing 224. The retaining plates 244 may prevent the bushing 224 from shifting outside of the bushing housing 229.

[0160] Now referring to Figures 21 to 33 , a lateral swing system 300 according to another embodiment is shown. The lateral swing system 300 includes a roller support beam 310 and a support assembly 320. The roller support beam 310 is configured to be pivotally coupled to the frame 13 of the track system. In an exemplary embodiment, the support assembly 320 is rigidly coupled to the frame 13 of the track system and pivotally coupled to the roller support beam 310.

[0161] Specifically referring to Figure 25 , Figure 30 and Figure 31 , the support assembly 320 includes a guide post assembly 321 and a connection flange 322. The support assembly 320 is rigidly connected to the frame 13 of the track system via the connection flange 322. The connection flange 322 is pivotally coupled to the guide post assembly 321 via a sleeve bearing or bushing 325 within a housing 323 in the connection flange 322. The bushing 325 allows the guide post assembly 321 and thus the roller support beam 310 to vertically move or pivot about a vertical pivot axis PA V relative to the connection flange 322 (and thus relative to the frame 13 of the track system), the vertical pivot axis PA V being perpendicular or transverse to the rotational axis AR of the roller axle 317. For example, rotation about the vertical pivot axis PA V (yaw rotation) may occur when the lateral swing system 300 includes only a single connection assembly 320. To reduce or eliminate yaw rotation of the roller support beam 310, a yaw rotation stopper such as a surface on the frame 13 that prevents the roller support beam 310 from rotating about the vertical pivot axis PA V may be included. Alternatively or additionally, the lateral swing system 300 may include two or more support assemblies 320 to reduce or eliminate yaw rotation. In an exemplary embodiment, having two connection assemblies 312 that can be coupled to two guide post assemblies 321 reduces or in some cases eliminates yaw rotation of the roller support beam 310.

[0162] The bushing 325 permits vertical movement of the guide post assembly 321 (and thus the roller support beam 310) relative to the connection flange 322 (and thus relative to the frame 13). The lateral swing system 300 may further include a retaining plate 352 that can be coupled to the top end of the guide post assembly 321. The retaining plate 352 holds the guide post assembly 321 and thus the roller support beam 310 in a vertical relationship with the connection flange 322 and thus the frame 13 by preventing the guide post assembly 321 from extending below the top surface 322a of the connection flange 322. In an exemplary embodiment, a single retaining plate 352 is coupled to the tops of two guide post assemblies 321. However, other embodiments are also contemplated, such as each guide post assembly 321 having a retaining plate 352 that engages the connection flange 321 to prevent the roller support beam 310 from vertically moving below the top surface 322a of the connection flange 322 and / or a protrusion on the top end of the guide post assembly 321 for preventing the roller support beam 310 from vertically moving below the top surface 322a of the connection flange 322.

[0163] Vertical movement of the support assembly 321 is constrained by a vertical suspension stop, as described below. As Figure 27 best shown, the lateral swing system 300 includes an upper spacing 360a between the top surface 322b of the connection flange 322 and the bottom surface of the retaining plate 352 and a lower spacing 360b defined by the bottom surface 322b of the connection flange 322 and the top surface of the roller support beam 310. The upper spacing 360a and the lower spacing 360b are provided adjacent to the top surface 322a and the bottom surface 322b of the connection flange 322 to permit vertical movement of the roller support beam 310.

[0164] At the other (bottom) end of the guide post assembly 321, the guide post assembly 321 is pivotally connected to the roller support beam 310 via a bushing 324. The pivotal connection provided by the bushing 324 and / or the bushing 325 permits the roller support bar 310 to move or pivot relative to the guide post assembly 321 (and thus relative to the connection flange 322 and the frame 13 of the track system) about a longitudinal pivot axis PA Lo that is perpendicular or transverse to the axis of rotation AR of the roller axle 317 (or that traverses the lateral pivot axis PA Lo ). In some embodiments, the pivotal connection provided by the bushing 324 and / or the bushing 325 permits the roller support bar 310 to pivot relative to the guide post assembly 321 (and thus relative to the connection flange 322 and the frame 13 of the track system) about a lateral pivot axis PA La that is parallel to the axis of rotation AR of the roller axle 317 (or that traverses the longitudinal pivot axis PA Lo ). LaMove or pivot to provide pitch rotation for the roller support beam 310. Accordingly, the two pivot joints between the frame 13 and the roller axle 317 provide rolling, yaw, and / or pitch rotation of the rollers 281 - 283 relative to the frame 13 of the track system.

[0165] In an exemplary embodiment, as Figure 30 and Figure 31 best shown in, the connecting flange 322 includes flanges 329a extending on two lateral sides of the housing 324 having holes configured to receive fasteners and flat surfaces on the flanges 329a having holes configured to receive fasteners. The flat surfaces on the flanges 329a are configured to abut against the bottom side of the frame 13 of the track system 16 to rigidly couple the frame 13 to the connecting flange 322.

[0166] In some embodiments, the connecting flange 322 may include alignment protrusions 332 configured to be received in holes in the lower side of the frame 13 to align the holes in the connecting flange 322 with the holes in the frame 13 such that fasteners can pass through the holes in the connecting flange 322 and the holes in the frame 13. In an exemplary embodiment, the flanges 329a on either lateral side of one housing 323 include alignment protrusions 332. In an exemplary embodiment, the alignment protrusions 332 have tapered ends facilitating easy access to the holes in the frame 13. It is contemplated that other alignment mechanisms may be used, including protrusions or raised surfaces on the lower side of the frame 13 of the track system configured to be received in holes or recesses on the connecting flange 322 (and vice versa).

[0167] As Figure 23 and Figure 24 shown, in this embodiment, the roller support beam 310 includes two connection assemblies 312, each connection assembly 312 including a receiving port 314 configured to receive a portion of the support assembly 320 (in this embodiment, the guide post assembly 321) and an opening 318 configured to align with a bushing 324 on the support assembly 320 and receive a pin 316 through the opening 318. In this exemplary embodiment, the roller support beam 310 includes three roller axle recesses 319 for receiving the roller axles 317. In some embodiments, the roller support beam 310 includes the roller axles 317. In an exemplary embodiment, the two connection assemblies 312 are dispersed between the three roller axle recesses 319 (i.e., the connection assemblies 312 are located between adjacent roller axles 317). It is contemplated that the roller support beam 310 may have any number of connection assemblies 312 dispersed between any number of roller axles 317.

[0168] In some embodiments, the roller support beam 310 is configured to rotate about a lateral axis PA LaPivot to impart a pitching motion relative to the frame 13 of the track system 16 on the roller support beam 310. In other words, the roller support beam 310 pivots about an axis AR that is parallel to or substantially parallel to the roller axle 317. Specifically, the bearing 325 allows the guide post assembly 321 and thus the roller support beam 310 to move vertically relative to the connecting flange 322 and thus the frame 13 of the track system. By having a support assembly 320 with two guide post assemblies 321 that can move vertically relative to the connecting flange 322 independently of each other, the roller support beam 310 can pivot about a transverse axis PA La Pivot.

[0169] Specifically referring to Figure 25 , the guide post assembly 321 has a bushing 324 and a guide post 326, and the bushing 324 is configured to be received in a receiving port 314 on the roller support beam 310. In the illustrated embodiment, unlike the lateral swing systems 100, 200, the connecting flange 322 is separate from the guide post assembly 321 (and thus from the bushing 324 and the guide post 326) and is configured to receive one or more guide posts 326 in a housing 323 (optionally, a bushing 325) and to be coupled to one or more guide posts 326 in the housing 323 (optionally, the bushing 325). In an exemplary embodiment, the roller support beam 310 has two receiving ports 314 each configured to receive a bushing 324 of the guide post assembly 321 and a connecting flange 322 configured to receive and couple to the guide posts 326 of the two guide post assemblies 321.

[0170] The connecting flange 322 may include one or more housings 323 having bushings 325, and the bushings 325 are configured to receive the guide posts 326 on the guide post assembly 321. In an exemplary embodiment, the connecting flange 322 includes two housings 323 separated by a tie rod 327, and each housing 323 has a bushing 325, a retaining ring 325a, and a seal 325b. When determining the number of housings 323 on the connecting flange 322, the potential yaw rotation of the roller support beam 310 should be considered. Specifically, having one housing with a bushing 325 configured to receive a single guide post assembly 321 will result in significant yaw rotation of the roller support beam 310 relative to the frame 13, which can be mitigated or reduced by providing yaw rotation stoppers on the frame 13 that prevent or reduce the yaw rotation of the roller support beam 310. For example, the yaw rotation stoppers may include protrusions on two lateral sides of the frame 13 and at either longitudinal end of the frame, and the protrusions are configured to engage the side surface or top surface of the roller support beam 310 and prevent the yaw rotation of the roller support beam 310.

[0171] The connecting flange 322 is configured to be rigidly connected to the frame 13, for example, via a fastener passing through a hole. In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting flange 322 is pivotally and slidably connected to the guide post assembly 321, which is pivotally connected to the roller support beam 310, thereby providing more degrees of freedom between the frame 13 and the roller support beam 310 than the lateral swing systems 100, 200.

[0172] In some embodiments, the lateral swing system 300 may include a suspension pad 350 located between the roller support beam 310 and the support assembly 320 and / or between the support assembly 320 and the frame 13 of the track system 16. By providing the suspension pad 350 between the roller support beam 310 and the support assembly 320 or between the support assembly 320 and the frame 13 of the track system 16, the vertical movement provided by the relationship between the bushing 325 in the connecting flange 322 and the guide post 326 of the guide post assembly 321 is further suppressed (in addition to the suppression provided by the bushing 324). In an exemplary embodiment, the suspension pad 350 is located between the underside of the strap 327 on the connecting flange 322 of the support assembly 320 and the top side of the roller support beam 310 to further suppress the vertical movement of the roller support beam 310 relative to the frame 13 of the track system provided by the bushing 325. Additional suspension pads 350 are provided between the connecting flange extension 370 coupled to the frame 13 and the roller support beam 310. In an exemplary embodiment, the connecting flange extension 370 is coupled to the underside of the frame 13 on the front (front) side and the rear (rear) side of the housing 323 in the connecting flange 322.

[0173] In some embodiments, the lateral swing system may include a swing stopper 315 configured to limit or control the lateral swing provided by the swing system 300. In an exemplary embodiment, the swing stopper 315 is defined by the inner surface of the receiving port 314 and the outer surface of the guide post 326 (and thus the side surface of the support assembly) (i.e., the inner surface of the receiving port 314 constrains the movement of the guide post 326). Thus, the lateral swing is limited to the width of the gap (i.e., the radial distance between the outer surface of the guide post 326 and the inner surface of the receiving port 314). Accordingly, the receiving port 314 of the roller beam support 310 is sized and shaped to receive the guide post 326 with a small clearance. In other words, the receiving port 314 should have a width wider than the width of the guide post 326, thereby providing a gap between the lateral outer wall of the guide post 326 and the lateral inner wall of the receiving port 314. In an exemplary embodiment, the swing stopper 315 engages between the inner surface of the receiving port 314 above the bushing 324 and the outer surface of the guide post 356 (i.e., when in the rest position, as Figure 27As shown, there is an upper gap between the receiving port 314 above the bushing 324 and the guide post 355), and between the inner surface of the receiving port 314 joined below the bushing 324 and the outer surface of the guide post assembly 321 around the bushing 324 (and thus the side surface of the support assembly) (i.e., when in the rest position, as Figure 27 As shown, there is a lower gap between the receiving port 314 below the bushing 324 and the guide post assembly 321). In an exemplary embodiment, the upper gap is greater than the lower gap.

[0174] As Figure 28 and Figure 29 Best shown in, the lateral inner wall of the receiving port 314 can be configured such that the lateral inner wall of the receiving port 314 provides a predetermined range of lateral movement α5, such as up to 1°, 2°, 3°, 4°, 5° or up to 10° in one direction (providing a movement range of the roller support beam 310 relative to the frame 13 between about + / -2° to about + / -20°). In an exemplary embodiment, the lateral inner wall of the receiving port 314 tapers at an angle of about 2°, such that a 2° lateral movement range α5 is provided to the guide post 326 in both lateral directions (+ / -2° of movement provides a 4° rotation of the roller support beam 310 relative to the frame 13).

[0175] In some embodiments, the lateral swing system 300 can include a vertical suspension stop configured to limit or control the vertical swing and / or pitch movement provided by the swing system 300. The vertical suspension stop also helps prevent, for example, over-compression of the suspension pad 350 when the track system is subjected to heavy loads.

[0176] As Figure 27As best shown, the vertical suspension stop may include an engagement between the top surface 322b of the connecting flange 322 and the bottom surface of the retaining plate 352 (in which case the upper spacing 360a will be zero) and / or an engagement between the bottom surface 322b of the connecting flange 322 and the top surface of the roller support beam 310 (in which case the lower spacing 360b will be zero). In such an embodiment, the upper spacing 360a and the lower spacing 360b adjacent to the top surface 322a and the bottom surface 322b of the connecting flange 322 allow vertical movement provided by the bushing 325, and the top surface 322a and the bottom surface 322b of the connecting flange 322 will guide the vertical movement of the guide post assembly 321 and thus limit the vertical movement of the roller support beam 310 to a predetermined range. In other words, when the vertical movement of the guide post assembly 321 reaches the predetermined range, further vertical movement of the roller support beam 310 can be prevented by the abutment or contact of the connecting flange 322 with the top surface 322a of the retaining plate 352 and / or the abutment or contact of the connecting flange 322 with the bottom surface 322b of the roller support beam 310. Other configurations are also conceivable, such as the upper spacing 360a and the lower spacing 360b being defined by upper and lower protrusions closer to the connecting flange 322 than the retaining plate 352 and / or the roller support beam 310.

[0177] When determining the size of the lower spacing 360b defined by the bottom surface 322b of the connecting flange 322 and the top surface of the roller support beam 310, the degree of lateral swing provided by the spacing defining the lateral swing stop 315 should be considered.

[0178] Specific reference Figure 32 Referring specifically to

[0179] Other configurations are possible, such as a vertical suspension stop via the relationship between the connecting flange 322 and the roller support beam 310. For example, the vertical suspension stop can include an engagement between the bottom surface of the tie rod 327 (and thus the support assembly 320) between the connecting components 312 and the top surface of the roller support beam 310. In other words, the spacing 360d between the tie rod 327 and the roller support beam 310 provides room for the vertical movement of the roller support beam 310 relative to the frame 310, which is constrained by the bottom surface of the support assembly 320 adjacent to the top surface of the roller support beam 310.

[0180] Unlike the swing system 100 without a suspension system capable of additional damping movement in the vertical direction and where vertical damping is provided only by the bushing 124, the swing system 300 provides suppression of vertical shock between the roller axle 317 and the frame 13 via the bushings 324, 325, and in some embodiments, the suspension pad 350.

[0181] When additional vertical damping is provided by the suspension system (which includes the suspension pad 350 in the exemplary embodiment), the vertical relationship between the bottom tangents of the plurality of rollers 281 - 283 (which will be coupled to the roller axle 317) and the bottom tangents of the front idler 23 and the rear idler 26, which can vary according to the vertical load of the track system 16, should be considered. That is, as the vertical load increases, the distance between the bottom tangents of the rollers 281 - 283 and the bottom tangents of the front idler 23 and the rear idler 26 decreases, and vice versa.

[0182] Now referring Figures 34 to 47 , a swing system 400 according to another embodiment is shown. The swing system 400 includes a roller support beam 410, a support assembly 420, and an optional suspension pad 450. In this embodiment, the swing is provided by the pivot relationship between the support assembly 420 and the roller support beam 410. Specifically, the roller support beam 410 and the support assembly 420 coupled to the frame 13 of the track system are arranged in a spatial relationship (i.e., the roller support beam 410 is nested within the support assembly 420 and the frame 13) such that the roller support beam 410 pivots relative to the support assembly 420 and thus relative to the frame 13 without having a pivot joint or link (such as the joint or link provided by the bushing 324 in the swing system 300).

[0183] The roller support beam 410 is configured to support a roller axle 417 coupled to the roller support beam 410 within a roller axle recess 419. In an exemplary embodiment, a suspension pad 450 is coupled to the top side of the roller support beam 410. The roller support beam 410 may include an axle clamp 413 to secure the roller axle 417 to the roller support beam 410. In an exemplary embodiment, the axle clamps 413 on the front roller axle 417 and the rear roller axle 417 include recesses defined by a side surface 418a and a longitudinally outward surface 418b. The recesses in the front (front portion) axle clamp 413 and the rear (rear portion) axle clamp 413 are configured to engage with the frame 13 of the track system (or a wear plate 456 coupled to the frame 13) to constrain longitudinal and lateral movement of the bottom side of the roller support beam 410 relative to the frame 13. However, it is also contemplated that recesses in the roller support beam 410 may be configured to engage with the frame 13 to constrain longitudinal and lateral movement of the bottom side of the roller support beam 410.

[0184] As Figure 37 Best shown in, the support assembly 420 includes two connection flange extensions 470 rigidly coupled to the frame 13. Each of the connection flange extensions 470 includes a suspension pad recess 472 configured to receive a suspension pad 450 coupled to the top side of the roller support beam 410. In other words, the suspension pad 450 coupled to the roller support beam 410 nests within the suspension pad recess 472 of the connection flange extension 470 and is thus nested within the support assembly 420.

[0185] In some embodiments, the roller support beam 410 may be disconnected or separated from the support assembly 420 and thus from the frame 13 such that the roller support beam 410 remains in place relative to the frame 13 via the nesting relationship between the roller support beam 410 and the support assembly 420 and the frame 13. In an exemplary embodiment, as Figure 39As best shown, the protrusion 411 on the top side of the roller support beam 410 is nested within the recess in the frame 13, and the suspension pads 450 that are coupled to the top side of the roller support beam 410 on the front and rear sides of the protrusion 411 are nested within the connection flange recesses 472 on the connection flange extensions 470. The longitudinal ends of the bottom side of the roller support beam 410 are nested within the longitudinal ends of the frame 13, and the suspension pads 450 that are coupled to the top side of the roller support beam 410 are nested between the rear / front alignment protrusions 476. In an exemplary embodiment, the nesting of the protrusion 411 of the roller support beam 410 within the frame 13 laterally holds the top side of the roller support beam 410 within the frame 13. The nesting of the suspension pads 450 within the connection extension recess 272 and between the rear / front alignment protrusions 476 also laterally and longitudinally holds the top side of the roller support beam 410. The nesting of the longitudinal ends of the roller support beam within the frame 13 laterally and longitudinally holds the bottom side of the roller support beam 410. As described below, a top spacing space is provided between the protrusion 411 and the recess in the frame 13 and a bottom spacing space is provided between the side walls of the recess in the axle clamp 413 on the roller support beam 410 and the frame 13 to allow the roller support beam 410 to swing laterally (i.e., the roller support beam 410 can provide a rolling rotation in the nested position within the frame 13).

[0186] In an exemplary embodiment, the roller support beam 410 is coupled to the support assembly 420 via the connection protrusion 412. The connection protrusion 412 includes flanges 414 that extend in the front (front) and rear (rear) sides of the connection protrusion 412 to couple to the support assembly 420. The flange 414 includes an oversized opening 416 configured to receive a pin 416a to couple the roller support beam 410 to the support assembly 420.

[0187] The connection flange extensions 470 each include a protrusion 473 having an alignment hole 474 that extends through the protrusion 473 to receive the pin 416a. When assembled, the alignment hole 424 on a given protrusion 423 aligns with a given oversized opening 416 in the oversized opening 416 on the connection assembly 412 of the roller support beam 410. The oversized opening 416 is larger than the diameter of the pin 416a, which allows the pin 416a to move within the oversized opening 416, thereby allowing movement of the roller support beam 410 (and thus the roller axle 417) relative to the support assembly 420 (and thus relative to the frame 13 of the track system).

[0188] In an exemplary embodiment, the oversized opening 416 has a width and height greater than the diameter of the pin 416a, which allows the support assembly 420 (and thus the frame 13 of the track system) to move longitudinally, laterally, and vertically relative to the roller support beam 410 (and thus the roller axle 417). In other words, the oversized opening 416 allows the roller axle 417 to move forward and backward (which may also be referred to as front / back), left and right (or laterally), and vertically relative to the frame 13 of the track system. In addition to the downward vertical movement of the roller support beam 410, this movement is blocked in each direction by longitudinal, lateral, and vertical motion stoppers. In other words, during normal operation of the track system, the pin 416a will only contact the oversized opening 416 when the track system is not supported on the lower side (such as when the track system is lifted off the ground during maintenance). If the track system is not supported by the ground, the top side of the oversized opening 416 serves as a vertical motion stopper to prevent the roller support beam 410 from being released from its nested position within the support assembly 420.

[0189] In some embodiments, the lateral swing system 400 may include a suspension pad 450 to provide suspension to the roller support beam 410. The lateral swing system 400 may further include different stoppers to constrain the longitudinal, lateral, and vertical movement of the roller support beam 410 within its nested position in the support assembly 420.

[0190] In some embodiments, the lateral swing system 400 may include a swing stopper configured to constrain the lateral swing (or roll rotation) of the roller support beam 410 by a predetermined amount. In some embodiments, the swing stopper may include an angled surface on the top surface of the connection assembly 412, the angled surface being configured to engage the bottom or lower side of the frame 13. In an exemplary embodiment, the lateral swing system includes a top swing stopper 415a and a bottom swing stopper 415b. The relationship between the top swing stopper 415a and the bottom swing stopper 415b provides a predetermined space for the lateral swing of the roller support beam 410 within the nested position.

[0191] The top swing stopper 415a is a lateral surface (i.e., the inner surface of the frame 13) of a recess on the lower side of the frame 13 configured to engage with the lateral side surface 411a of a protrusion 411 extending upward from the connection assembly 412. However, other configurations are possible, such as one or more protrusions 411 extending upward from the roller support rod 410 and separated from the connection protrusion 412. The frame 13 may include a wear plate 452 to prevent or reduce wear and erosion on the lateral side walls of the recess in the frame 13, and the protrusion 411 contacts the wear plate 452 to stop the lateral swing (i.e., the top swing stopper 415a) of the roller support beam 410. Thus, in this embodiment, the frame 13 (or, optionally, the wear plate 452 coupled to the frame 13) restricts the lateral swing of the roller support beam 410 at the top end of the roller support beam 410.

[0192] The bottom swing stopper 415b is a side surface of a protrusion 454 of the frame 13 of the track system, and the bottom swing stopper 415b is configured to engage with the side surface 418a of a recess on the front axle clamp 413 and the rear axle clamp 413. In an exemplary embodiment, the frame 13 includes a wear plate 456 having a protrusion 454 to prevent or reduce wear and erosion on the protrusion 454. In some embodiments, the wear plate 546 may include alignment protrusions 432 and / or fasteners configured to align and rigidly couple the wear plate 256 to the lower side of the frame 13 of the track system, respectively. Thus, in this embodiment, the frame 13 (or, optionally, the wear plate 456 coupled to the frame 13) restricts the lateral swing of the roller support beam 410 at the bottom end of the roller support beam 410.

[0193] As understood by those skilled in the art, the lower spacing between the lateral side surface of the protrusion 454 and the lateral side surface 418a of the recess in the axle clamp 413 and the upper spacing between the lateral side surface 411a of the protrusion 411 and the opposite lateral surface of the recess in the frame 13 (in the exemplary embodiment, the surface of the wear plate 452) define the pivot relationship between the roller support beam 410 and the support assembly 420 (and thus the frame 13). In other words, the lower spacing and the upper spacing both define the degree of lateral swing provided to the roller support beam 410 and the located position of the theoretical longitudinal pivot axis PA. TL In some embodiments, the upper spacing is about 2 times to about 8 times the lower spacing (or provided with an upper spacing to lower spacing ratio of 2:1 to 8:1). In an exemplary embodiment, the upper spacing is about 5 mm and the lower spacing is about 1 mm (i.e., having an upper spacing to lower spacing ratio of 5:1), which provides a degree of lateral swing of about + / -2° from the rest position.

[0194] In other words, the top swing stopper 415a and the bottom swing stopper 415b are configured to restrict the lateral swing of the roller support beam 410 to + / - 2° from the rest position; however, other predetermined amounts are also contemplated. As Figure 39 Best shown in, in the exemplary embodiment, the upper spacing and the lower spacing of the top swing stopper 415a and the bottom swing stopper 415b respectively allow the roller support beam 410 to pivot longitudinally along a theoretical longitudinal pivot axis PA that is vertically aligned (but transverse) to the axis of rotation of the roller axle 417 LT to pivot.

[0195] As will be understood by those skilled in the art, as the upper spacing increases relative to the lower spacing, the theoretical longitudinal pivot axis PA TL is lowered and thus is closer to or transverse to the axis of rotation AR of the roller axle. As described above, having a low pivot axis or pivot point reduces the lateral sway of the roller.

[0196] In some embodiments, the lateral swing system 400 may include longitudinal motion stoppers (which may also be referred to as front / rear travel stoppers). The longitudinal motion stoppers may also hold the roller support beam 410 longitudinally within its nested position in the support assembly 420 (i.e., prevent or reduce longitudinal or rear / front motion).

[0197] In the exemplary embodiment, as Figure 41A and Figure 41B Best shown in, the longitudinal motion stoppers are the longitudinally inward surfaces 458 (i.e., the rear surface on the front or front protrusion 454 and the front surface on the rear or rear protrusion 454) of the protrusions 454 of the wear plate 456 that engage the longitudinally outward surfaces 418b of the recesses 418 on the front roller axle clamp 413 and the rear roller axle clamp 413. The longitudinal motion stoppers may be configured to restrict longitudinal motion (forward and backward motion), or may be positioned to prevent any longitudinal motion. Thus, in this embodiment, the frame 13 (or optionally, the wear plate 456 coupled to the frame 13) restricts the longitudinal motion of the roller support beam 410 at each of its ends and holds the roller support beam 410 in its nested position within the support assembly 420. The spacing between the longitudinally inward surface 458 of the protrusion 454 and the longitudinally outward surface 418b of the recess in the axle clamp 413 may be a predetermined amount depending on the tolerances of the track system for longitudinal motion. In the exemplary embodiment, the spacing between the longitudinally inward surface 458 and the longitudinally outward surface 418b is approximately 3 mm.

[0198] In some embodiments, the lateral swing system 400 can include a partial longitudinal motion stopper configured to prevent longitudinal motion up to a predetermined load. In an exemplary embodiment, the partial longitudinal motion stopper includes a rear / front alignment protrusion 476 that extends downward from a suspension pad recess 472 of the connection flange extension 470. The rear / front alignment protrusion 476 can be tapered to facilitate alignment between the connection flange extension 470 and the suspension pad 450 coupled to the roller support beam 410. In an exemplary embodiment, when assembled, the rear / front alignment protrusion 476 has zero or nominal spacing from the longitudinal ends of the suspension pad 450, thereby preventing any longitudinal motion of the roller support beam 410 relative to the support assembly 420 (and thus the frame 13). If the longitudinal (rear / front) force is greater than a predetermined amount that the rear / front alignment protrusion 476 can withstand, the longitudinal motion will be constrained by the longitudinal inner surface 458 of the protrusion 454 (i.e., by the frame 13).

[0199] Specific reference Figure 39 , in some embodiments, the lateral swing system 400 can include a vertical suspension stopper 460 configured to constrain the vertical motion of the roller support beam 410 by a predetermined amount. In an exemplary embodiment, the vertical suspension stopper 460 is the lower side surface of a protrusion 471 on the connection flange extension 470 (and thus the support assembly 420), and the vertical suspension stopper 460 is configured to engage the top side of the roller support beam 410 and prevent over-compression of the suspension pad 450. Thus, in this embodiment, the support assembly 420 constrains the vertical motion of the roller support beam 410 at the top end of the roller support beam 410. As described above, when the roller support beam 410 is not supported on its lower side by, for example, the ground, the pin 416a extending through the oversized opening 416 constrains the downward vertical motion of the roller support beam 410.

[0200] Now refer to Figure 49 , when the agricultural vehicle 10 is traveling on a road (i.e., on a road that typically has a certain degree of crown), the lateral swing or rolling motion capability can be useful. This capability that the track system 16 performs better on the road surface S can be particularly useful in cases such as an example where the road surface S has a cross slope (i.e., crown) for diverting water away from the road (i.e., avoiding water accumulation on the road). In this case, the cross slope of the road surface S causes the road to have a crown (i.e., the highest point) at the center in its width direction and slope downward on both sides of the crown.

[0201] For example, in some cases, the angle α defined between the horizontal axis and the road surface S on both sides of the crown can be between at least 1° and at least 10°, and in some cases even higher. In other cases, the angle α can have any other value. In an exemplary embodiment, the track system 16 is configured to adapt to the road surface S, including the crown of the road surface S in this example, so as to better distribute the load on the tracks 22 of the track system 16 and avoid or limit premature wear of the intermediate rollers 28 and the tracks 22 compared to a conventional track system.

[0202] Although Figure 1 the agricultural vehicle 10 shown in is an agricultural tractor including four track systems 161 - 164, different types of agricultural vehicles configured differently (e.g., having a different number of track systems) can implement the improvements based on the principles disclosed herein.

[0203] For example, with further reference to Figure 50 , an agricultural vehicle 510 can be provided that includes two track systems 5161, 5162 (i.e., a single track system on each side of the agricultural vehicle 510) instead of four track systems. The agricultural vehicle 510 further includes a frame 512, a prime mover 514, and an operator's cab 520, and can be equipped with a working machine 18 to perform agricultural work. Each track system includes a drive wheel 524 at a first longitudinal end of the track systems 5161, 5162, an idler wheel 526 at a second longitudinal end of the track systems 5161, 5162 opposite the first longitudinal end, and a plurality of intermediate rollers 5281 - 5283 between the drive wheel 524 and the idler wheel 526. The track systems 5161, 5162 further include tracks 522 disposed around the wheels 524, 526, and 5281 - 5283 and driven by the drive wheel 524. The track systems 5161, 5162 can implement lateral swing systems 100, 200, 300, 400, such as the roller support beams 110, 210, 310, 410 and the support assemblies 120, 220, 320, 420 described above.

[0204] In addition, the working machine 18 towed by the agricultural vehicle 10 or the agricultural vehicle 510 can implement the improvements disclosed herein. For example, with further reference to Figure 51, the work machine 18 may include a trailer 610, which includes a frame 612, a body 613 (e.g., a container), and track systems 6161, 6162. In this example, the trailer 610 is a grain cart. In other examples, the trailer 610 may be a fertilizer cart, a sprayer, a seeder, or any other suitable type of trailer. Each of the track systems 6161, 6162 of the trailer 610 includes a front (i.e., front) idler 6231 at a first longitudinal end of the track systems 6161, 6162, a rear (i.e., rear) idler 6261 at a second longitudinal end of the track systems 6161, 6162 opposite the first longitudinal end, and a plurality of intermediate rollers 6281 - 6282 intermediate the front idler 6231 and the rear idler 6261. The track systems 6161, 6162 further include tracks 622 disposed around the wheels 6231, 6261, 6281, and 6282. The track systems 6161, 6162 may implement lateral swing systems 100, 200, 300, 400, such as the roller support beams 110, 210, 310, 410 and the support assemblies 120, 220, 320, 420 described above. Additionally or alternatively, the tracks 622 may be configured in a manner similar to the tracks 22 described in part 2 above.

[0205] In this example, the trailer 610 is not motorized because the trailer 610 does not include a prime mover for driving the track systems 6161, 6162. More precisely, the trailer 610 is displaced by the agricultural vehicle 10 or the agricultural vehicle 510 to which it is attached. However, in some examples, the trailer 610 may be motorized. That is, the trailer 610 may include drive wheels for driving each of the track systems 6161, 6162. For example, instead of including a rear idler 6261, the track system 6161 may include a drive wheel for driving the track 622.

[0206] In some examples of the embodiments, any feature of any embodiment described herein may be used in combination with any feature of any other embodiment described herein. Since certain additional elements that may be required for the operation of some embodiments are assumed to be within the capabilities of a person of ordinary skill in the art, they are not described or shown. Additionally, certain embodiments may not have, may lack, and / or may operate without any element not specifically disclosed herein.

[0207] Although various embodiments and examples have been presented, this is for purposes of description and should not be limiting. Various modifications and improvements will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

Claims

1. A crawler system for vehicle traction, the crawler system comprising: A chassis, which includes a crawler and a crawler engagement assembly for driving and guiding the crawler around the crawler engagement assembly, wherein the crawler engagement assembly includes: A plurality of crawler contact wheels, which include a drive wheel for driving the crawler; a front idler wheel; a rear idler wheel; and a plurality of rollers; A frame configured to be coupled to a vehicle and coupled to the drive wheel, the front idler wheel, and the rear idler wheel; and A lateral swing system, which includes A roller support beam, which includes a plurality of roller axles, each roller axle configured to be coupled to a plurality of rollers; and At least one support assembly rigidly coupled to the frame; Wherein, the roller support beam and the at least one support assembly are in a pivotal relationship such that the roller support beam can pivot at least + / -1° from the rest position of the roller support beam about a longitudinal pivot axis transverse to the rotation axis of the plurality of rollers.

2. The crawler system according to claim 1, wherein The roller support beam further includes at least one connection assembly located between adjacent roller axles among the plurality of roller axles; and the at least one support assembly further includes at least one pivot link configured to be pivotally coupled to the roller support beam at a corresponding connection assembly in the at least one connection assembly to provide the pivotal relationship.

3. The crawler system according to claim 2, wherein The at least one connection assembly includes a receiving port, and the at least one support assembly includes a bushing, wherein the at least one pivot link includes a bushing coupled to the receiving port on the roller support beam via a pin.

4. The crawler system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein The pivot link is embedded in the roller support beam.

5. The crawler system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The support assembly includes a connection flange and a guide post assembly, the connection flange is rigidly coupled to the frame, and the guide post assembly is slidably coupled to the connection flange such that the guide post assembly provides vertical movement for the roller support beam.

6. The crawler system according to claim 1, wherein The roller support beam is nested within the frame and / or the support assembly in a spatial relationship that provides the pivotal relationship.

7. The crawler system according to claim 6, wherein The top side of the roller support beam is laterally nested within a recess in the frame with a top spacing between the lateral sidewalls of the top side of the roller support beam and the lateral sidewalls of the recess in the frame; and the bottom side of the roller support beam is laterally nested within the frame with a bottom spacing between the lateral sidewalls of the recess in the roller support beam and the lateral sidewalls of the frame; Wherein, the top spacing and the bottom spacing include a spatial relationship that provides the pivotal relationship.

8. The crawler system according to claim 7, wherein The ratio of the upper spacing to the lower spacing is between about 2:1 and about 8:

1.

9. The crawler system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein The longitudinal pivot axis is between about 50 mm below the rotation axis of the plurality of rollers and about 150 mm above the rotation axis of the plurality of rollers in the height direction.

10. The crawler system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein The lateral swing system further includes a swing stopper configured to constrain the lateral swing of the roller support beam relative to the frame, wherein the swing stopper includes a surface of the roller support beam configured to engage with a surface of the frame or a surface of the support assembly.

11. The crawler system according to claim 10, wherein The surface of the roller support beam includes the top surface of the roller support beam, the inner surface of the roller support beam, or the side surface of the roller support beam; the surface of the frame includes the lower side of the frame, the inner surface of the frame, or the side surface of the frame; and the surface of the support assembly includes the lower side of the support assembly, the inner surface of the support assembly, or the side surface of the support assembly.

12. The crawler system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein The lateral swing system further includes a suspension pad located between the roller support beam and the support assembly to provide vertical suspension of the roller support beam relative to the frame.

13. The crawler system according to claim 12, wherein The lateral swing system further includes a vertical suspension stopper configured to limit the vertical movement of the roll support beam relative to the frame to a predetermined amount.

14. The crawler system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein The lateral swing system further includes a longitudinal movement stopper configured to limit the longitudinal movement of the roll support beam relative to the frame to a predetermined amount.

15. The crawler system according to claim 14, wherein The longitudinal movement stopper includes a surface on the frame configured to engage a corresponding surface on the roll support beam.

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