Idle pulley with tapered web

Abstract

An idler wheel (100) may include an annular rim portion (104), an annular hub portion (106) configured to be positioned about an axle, a web (110) extending from an outer surface of the hub portion (106) to an inner surface of the rim portion (104), the web (110) including a first radius portion converging with the inner surface (114) of the rim portion (104), a second radius portion converging with the outer surface of the hub portion (106), a tapered transition point (112), and a first tapered portion (126) between the first radius portion and the tapered transition point (112). The idler (100) may also include a second tapered portion (128) between the second radius portion and the tapered transition point (112).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to an idler wheel for moving machinery, and more specifically to an idler wheel having a tapered web. Background Technology

[0002] Tracked machinery is used in a variety of harsh operating environments. Using ground-engaged tracks instead of wheels can provide the machinery system with enhanced traction, stability, and robustness than would otherwise be possible. Mining, construction, landfills, forestry, and other operating environments are prominent examples of the advantageous use of tracked machinery. A typical chassis system in tracked machinery may include multiple track plates linked together in a circular track chain by a set of track links, extending around a drive sprocket and one or more rotatable idler pulleys. In particular, the idler pulleys can experience dynamic loads during machinery operation, which can then translate into stress within the idler pulley. Suboptimal stress distribution within the idler pulley can contribute to failure and shorten its service life.

[0003] Because idler wheels can be standardized across different machines and thus mass-produced, it is crucial that their durability and robustness be coordinated with manufacturing costs and component weight. Thick, solid idler wheels may be durable and robust enough to alleviate any concerns about stress failure, but they may also have a suboptimal weight, and the material cost of such wheels may be prohibitively high. Therefore, it is necessary to optimize the strength, durability, weight, and cost of idler wheels.

[0004] An exemplary idler wheel is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 9,387,893 B2 (“'893 Patent”) to Steiner et al. The '893 Patent discloses an idler wheel having a flange connecting a hub portion and a rib portion. The flange tapers only in a single direction from the hub portion outward to the rim portion. The '893 Patent further illustrates that the idler wheel disclosed therein includes multiple side plates attached to the idler wheel. However, due to the load on the entire body of the idler wheel, this configuration may not satisfactorily distribute stress and may inefficiently distribute weight around the idler wheel. Therefore, the configuration shown in the '893 Patent may lead to premature failure, shortened service life, and / or increased material costs.

[0005] The idler wheel of this disclosure can solve one or more of the problems described above and / or other problems in the art. However, the scope of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims, and not by its ability to solve any particular problem. Summary of the Invention

[0006] On one hand, an idler wheel may include an annular rim portion; an annular hub portion configured to be positioned around an axle; and a web extending from the outer surface of the hub portion to the inner surface of the rim portion, the web including a first radial portion converging with the inner surface of the rim portion, a second radial portion converging with the outer surface of the hub portion, a tapering transition point, and a first tapering portion between the first radial portion and the tapering transition point. The first tapering portion may taper in thickness from the end of the first radial portion to the tapering transition point. The idler wheel may also include a second tapering portion between the second radial portion and the tapering transition point. The second tapering portion may taper in thickness from the end of the second radial portion to the tapering transition point.

[0007] On the other hand, an idler wheel may include an annular rim portion, an annular hub portion configured to be positioned around an axle, and a web extending from an outer surface of the hub portion to an inner surface of the rim portion, the web including a tapered transition point between the outer surface of the hub portion and the inner surface of the rim portion, and a first tapered portion between the outer surface of the hub portion and the tapered transition point. The first tapered portion may taper substantially linearly in thickness toward the tapered transition point. The idler wheel may also include a second tapered portion between the inner surface of the rim portion and the tapered transition point. The second tapered portion may taper substantially linearly in thickness toward the tapered transition point.

[0008] In another aspect, an idler wheel may include an annular rim portion; an annular hub portion configured to be positioned around an axle; and a web extending from the outer surface of the hub portion to the inner surface of the rim portion, the web including a first radial portion converging with the inner surface of the rim portion, a second radial portion converging with the outer surface of the hub portion, a first tapered portion extending a first length from the end of the first radial portion and tapering in thickness along the first length, and a second tapered portion extending a second length from the end of the second radial portion and tapering in thickness along the second length. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 A portion of a machine with an idler wheel is shown.

[0010] Figure 2A This is a perspective view of an exemplary idler wheel.

[0011] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A A perspective cross-sectional view of an exemplary idler wheel.

[0012] Figure 3 yes Figure 2A A partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary idler wheel.

[0013] Figure 4 yes Figure 2A A perspective cross-sectional view of an exemplary idler wheel shows the stress concentration. Detailed Implementation

[0014] The foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and illustrative only, and do not limit the claimed features. As used herein, the terms “comprise,” “comprising,” “having,” “including,” or other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article of manufacture, or apparatus that includes a list of elements includes not only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article of manufacture, or apparatus. In this disclosure, relative terms, such as “about,” “substantially,” and “approximately,” are used to indicate possible variations of ±10% in the stated values.

[0015] Figure 1 This is a partial view of mobile machinery 10, which includes a portion of a track assembly 12 associated with the mobile machinery. Mobile machinery 10 can be any of a variety of mobile machinery that employs a track assembly for ground transport and / or for mobility during machinery operation. For example, mobile machinery 10 can be a tracked tractor, skid steer loader, bulldozer, excavator, tracked loader, front shovel, rope shovel, or any other type of tracked motorized machinery. Track assembly 12 may include idler wheels 100 cooperating with the tracks 16 of track assembly 12. Although in Figure 1 Only a portion of track assembly 12 is shown, but it should be understood that, in addition to idler wheel 100, drive sprocket (not shown) and one or more other idler wheels (also not shown) and other generally conventional track assembly components may be associated with track assembly 12.

[0016] The track 16 may include a plurality of track links 18 connected by lateral track pins 20 and forming an annular ring around an idler sprocket 100, a drive sprocket, and any other idlers that may be associated with the track assembly. The idler sprocket 100 may include an outer peripheral surface 102 configured to engage the track links 18, but other configurations are possible, such as engaging with track bushings 24 that may be associated with the track pins 20. During operation, the drive sprocket may be driven by a power source (e.g., an engine) to engage the track links 18 (e.g., via the track pins 20) and cause movement of the track. As the track moves around the ring, the track bushings 24 may similarly engage the track pins 20 to guide the track.

[0017] Figure 2A and 2BPerspective views and cross-sectional perspective views of an idler wheel 100 according to the present disclosure are shown, respectively. An outer peripheral surface 102 may extend around the outer circumference of the idler wheel 100 and may be profiled as needed to engage with the track 16 and / or track links 18. The idler wheel 100 may also include a rim portion 104 positioned radially inward of the outer peripheral surface 102. The rim portion 104 may be generally annular in shape. The idler wheel 100 may also include a hub portion 106 positioned radially inward of the rim portion 104. The hub portion 106 may be generally annular in shape and may define a central cavity 108. The hub portion 106 and / or the central cavity 108 may be configured to be positioned around an axle (not shown) for rotation.

[0018] The idler wheel 100 may also include a web 110. The web 110 extends from the hub portion 106 to the rim portion 104, thereby providing structural support between the rim portion 104 and the hub portion 106. The web 110 may be integrally formed with the rim portion 104 and / or the hub portion 106. For example, the idler wheel 100 may be cast from a single material such as high-strength steel. For example, the steel may be high-alloy steel. In some embodiments, the idler wheel 100 may be formed by forging, stamping, punching, etc.

[0019] like Figure 2B As shown, the web 110 is narrower in the axial direction than the rim portion 104 and the hub portion 106. Thus, the web 110 can be used to provide sufficient support between the rim portion 104 and the hub portion 106 and to provide stability to the idler wheel 100 without unduly increasing the weight or material cost of the idler wheel 100.

[0020] Figure 3 A partial cross-section of the idler wheel 100, extending partially from the rim portion 104 through the hub portion 106, is shown, and the dimensions of the idler wheel 100 are depicted in more detail. Figure 3 As shown, the idler wheel 100 can be approximately symmetrical about the central axis 124 of the equally bisected web 110. Therefore, in Figure 3 In the case where a feature or dimension is marked on only one side of the idler gear 100, it should be understood that the corresponding description of that feature or dimension has the same effect on its symmetrically corresponding portion. Additionally, Figure 3 Track engagement protrusions extending radially outward from the rim portion 104 are depicted, but it should be understood that such protrusions may be included or omitted as needed.

[0021] As shown, the rim portion 104 may include an inner rim surface 114 generally facing the center of the idler wheel 100. Similarly, the hub portion 106 may include an inner hub surface 116 generally facing away from the center of the idler wheel 100. The inner hub surface 116 may gradually transition into the web 110, such that a radius R1 is formed between the inner hub surface 116 and the web 110. In other words, the radius R1 may converge with the inner hub surface 116. Similarly, the inner rim surface 114 may gradually transition into the web 110, such that a radius R2 is formed between the inner rim surface 114 and the web 110. Likewise, the radius R2 may converge with the inner rim surface 114.

[0022] In some embodiments, the radius R1 may be between about 30 mm and 32 mm, or about 31 mm. In some embodiments, the radius R2 may be between about 16 mm and about 18 mm, or about 17 mm.

[0023] The web 110 may have a bidirectional tapering characteristic in thickness. For example, as... Figure 3 As shown, the web 110 may include a thickness T1 at the end of radius R1. The web 110 may include a thickness T2 at the transition point 112 of the web 110. The web 110 may also include a thickness T3 at the end of radius R2. The web 110 may taper in two directions: from the end of radius R1 to the transition point 112, and from the end of radius R2 to the transition point 112. In other words, thickness T1 may be greater than thickness T2, and thickness T3 may be greater than thickness T2.

[0024] The taper from thickness T1 to transition point 112 defines a first tapered portion 126 of the web 110. The first tapered portion 126 may form an angle A1 relative to the central axis 124. In some embodiments, angle A1 may be between about 4 degrees and about 6 degrees. In some embodiments, angle A1 may be about 5 degrees. The taper from thickness T3 to transition point 112 defines a second tapered portion 128 of the web 110. The second tapered portion 128 may form an angle A2 relative to the central axis 124. In some embodiments, angle A2 may be between about 5 degrees and about 7 degrees. In some embodiments, angle A2 may be about 6 degrees.

[0025] In some embodiments, the thickness T1 may be between about 20 mm and about 26 mm, between about 22 mm and about 24 mm, or about 23 mm. In some embodiments, the thickness T2 may be between about 15 mm and about 18 mm, or between about 16 mm and about 17 mm. In some embodiments, the thickness T3 may be between about 20 mm and about 30 mm, between about 23 mm and about 27 mm, or about 25 mm.

[0026] The taper from thickness T1 to transition point 112 and from thickness T3 to transition point 112 can be further defined by ratios. For example, the ratio of thickness T1 to thickness T2 can be between about 1.1 and about 1.75. The ratio of thickness T3 to thickness T2 can be between about 1.33 and about 2.0. In some embodiments, the taper from thickness T1 to transition point 112 and from thickness T3 to transition point 112 can be substantially linear. In other words, the thickness can vary substantially linearly between thickness T1 and transition point 112 and between transition point 112 and thickness T3. Therefore, the taper from thickness T1 to transition point 112 and from thickness T3 to transition point 112 can be distinguished from any variation in thickness at radius R1 or radius R2 (which can be non-linear).

[0027] The relationship between radii R1 and R2 and their corresponding adjacent thicknesses can also be defined by ratios. For example, the ratio of radius R1 to adjacent thickness T1 can be between approximately 1.15 and approximately 2.13. The ratio of radius R2 to adjacent thickness T3 can be between approximately 0.5 and approximately 0.9.

[0028] like Figure 3 As shown, the additional dimensions of the web 110 can be understood with reference to distances D1, D2, D3, and D4. Distance D1 may represent the distance from the inner hub surface 116 to the end of radius R1. In some embodiments, distance D1 may be between about 30 mm and about 32 mm, or about 31 mm. Distance D2 may represent the distance from the end of radius R1 to transition point 112 and / or the length of the first tapered portion 126. In some embodiments, distance D2 may be between about 45 mm and about 47 mm, or about 46 mm. Distance D3 may represent the distance from transition point 112 to the end of radius R2 and / or the length of the second tapered portion 128. In some embodiments, distance D3 may be between about 50 mm and about 52 mm, or about 51 mm. Distance D4 may represent the distance from the end of radius R2 to the inner rim surface 114. In some embodiments, distance D4 may be between about 17 mm and about 19 mm, or about 18 mm.

[0029] The specific dimensions and / or dimensional ranges described herein improve the strength of the idler wheel 100 under load and reduce the amount of material required to achieve this strength. Specifically, by controlling the thicknesses T1, T2, and T3, radii R1 and R2, and distances D1, D2, D3, and D4 as described herein, the idler wheel 100 can be appropriately robust and durable while also achieving a significant weight reduction compared to previous idler wheel designs. In fact, the dimensions described herein can provide the idler wheel 100 with an unexpectedly enhanced strength-to-weight ratio.

[0030] Figure 4The stress concentration mapping of the idler wheel 100 when subjected to a normal load is shown. Although Figure 4 The cross-section of the idler wheel 100 is depicted, but it should be understood that the stress concentration map represents the stress that occurs when the entire idler wheel 100 is subjected to a load. As shown, the idler wheel 100 may experience concentrated stress in stress concentration regions 120 and 122 when subjected to a load. Stress concentration region 120 may be located between transition point 112 and hub portion 106, where the web 110 is reinforced relative to transition point 112. Stress concentration region 122 may appear in the rim portion 104, which may be significantly thicker than the web 110. Apart from stress concentration regions 120 and 122, stress can be well distributed throughout the idler wheel 100, thereby helping to minimize the risk of failure due to stress and promoting an extended service life of the idler wheel 100.

[0031] Industrial applicability

[0032] The disclosed idler wheel 100 can be used with the track assembly 12 and on any mobile machinery, including tracked chassis. As described herein, the idler wheel 100 provides a lightweight, durable, and cost-effective component for tracked chassis, offering greater wear resistance, longer service life, improved performance, reduced risk of deformation, and lower likelihood of requiring maintenance or replacement. In cases where replacement is necessary, the idler wheel 100 is optimized to use minimal material, thus reducing replacement costs.

[0033] Previous idler wheels typically consisted of multiple separate components. For example, a previous idler wheel might have included a separate hub and rim, which were held together by plates welded to them. This construction had at least two disadvantages. First, welding multiple components together often increased assembly time and therefore cost. Second, the weld seams were major failure points, requiring the idler wheel to be replaced at a frequency higher than desired.

[0034] In contrast, the idler wheel 100 described herein eliminates the need for welding and / or the use of multiple components. Furthermore, unlike a solid wheel of uniform thickness, the construction of the idler wheel 100 allows for a significant reduction in material usage during its manufacture. Therefore, the idler wheel 100 can be cost-effectively mass-produced using minimal materials, while also promoting component reliability and lifespan.

[0035] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and alterations can be made to the disclosed system without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Other embodiments of the system will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the description and practice of the bushings for track assemblies disclosed herein. The specification and examples are intended to be considered merely exemplary, and the true scope of this disclosure is defined by the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An idler wheel (100), comprising: Annular rim portion (104); The annular hub portion (106) is configured to be positioned around the axle. A web (110) extending from the outer surface of the hub portion (106) to the inner surface (114) of the rim portion (104), the web (110) comprising: The first radial portion that converges with the inner surface (114) of the rim portion (104); The second radius portion that converges with the outer surface of the hub portion (106); Gradual transition point (112); A first tapered portion (126) between the first radius portion and the tapered transition point (112), wherein the first tapered portion (126) tapers in thickness from the end of the first radius portion to the tapered transition point (112); and A second tapered portion (128) between the second radius portion and the tapered transition point (112), wherein the second tapered portion (128) tapes in thickness from the end of the second radius portion to the tapered transition point (112).

2. The idler wheel (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first tapered portion (126) has a first thickness at the end of the first radial portion, and the tapered transition point (112) has a second thickness; and The ratio of the first thickness to the second thickness is between 1.1 and 1.

75.

3. The idler wheel (100) according to claim 2, wherein the second tapered portion (128) has a third thickness at the end of the second radius portion; and The ratio of the third thickness to the second thickness is between 1.33 and 2.

0.

4. The idler wheel (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first tapered portion (126) has a first thickness at the end of the first radial portion, and the first radial portion has a first radius; and The ratio of the first thickness to the first radius is between 1.15 and 2.

13.

5. The idler wheel (100) according to claim 1, wherein the second tapered portion (128) has a third thickness at the end of the second radial portion, and the second radial portion has a second radius; and The ratio of the third thickness to the second radius is between 0.5 and 0.

9.

6. The idler wheel (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first tapered portion (126) has a first thickness between about 20 mm and about 26 mm at the end of the first radial portion, and the tapered transition point (112) has a second thickness between about 15 mm and about 18 mm.

7. The idler wheel (100) according to claim 6, wherein the second tapered portion (128) has a third thickness at the end of the second radius portion between about 20 mm and about 30 mm.

8. An idler wheel (100), comprising: Annular rim portion (104); The annular hub portion (106) is configured to be positioned around the axle. A web plate (110) extending from the outer surface of the hub portion (106) to the inner surface of the rim portion (104), the web plate (110) comprising: The tapering transition point (112) between the outer surface of the hub portion (106) and the inner surface (114) of the rim portion (104). A first tapered portion (126) between the outer surface of the hub portion (106) and the tapered transition point (112), wherein the first tapered portion (126) tapers substantially linearly in thickness toward the tapered transition point (112); and A second tapered portion (128) between the inner surface (114) of the rim portion (104) and the tapered transition point (112), wherein the second tapered portion (128) tapes in thickness substantially linearly toward the tapered transition point (112).

9. The idler wheel (100) according to claim 8, wherein the first tapering portion (126) tapers at a first angle between about 4 degrees and about 6 degrees relative to the central axis (124) of the web (110).

10. The idler wheel (100) according to claim 9, wherein the second tapering portion (128) tapers at a second angle between about 5 degrees and about 7 degrees relative to the central axis (124) of the web (110).

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