Method of manufacturing a track link connecting element with an insert

Abstract

A method for manufacturing a connecting element for a track link includes: providing an elongated blank made of sheet metal, the blank having a first end and a second end; forming at least one first hole at the first end and at least one second hole at the second end; disposing a first insert and a second insert having corresponding shanks in the first hole and the second hole; and forming a support-like element by bending the first end and the second end of the blank around the first insert and the second insert. The invention also discloses a connecting element, an insert for use in the method, a track link including such a connecting element, and a track chain formed from such a track link.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of transportation machinery engineering, primarily to wheeled vehicles, and more specifically, to the articulated connection of track links in a flexible track chain, said flexible track chain being configured to be mounted on the outer periphery of a vehicle tire. More specifically, this invention relates to a method of manufacturing a connecting element for a track link. The invention also relates to a connecting element for a track link, a structure for inserts in said connecting element, a track link including said connecting element, and a track chain formed by a plurality of said track links. Background Technology

[0002] Various track chains with different structures are known, which can be detachably mounted around vehicle tires. For example, a track chain, essentially the closest prior art to the claimed invention, is known, comprising track plates with lateral support members, the track plates being hinged together by connecting links. This track chain is disclosed in Russian Patent No. 2,530,947, entitled "Track Link with Two Lateral Support Elements and Method for Manufacturing Support Elements for Such Track Link," filed on May 12, 2010. The track plates with lateral support members include connecting elements, each of which is a metal strip with bent ends, i.e., a bracket.

[0003] This type of track chain can be used to improve the traction between vehicle wheels and the road surface, especially on wet, slippery, or muddy surfaces. In logging operations, this track chain can also reduce rut formation, thereby reducing the adverse impact on the forest environment. Harsh working conditions cause the track chain components to wear down gradually, especially the connecting elements. This necessitates replacement and / or repair of the track chain.

[0004] The support frame, or connecting element, is a crucial component of the track chain, and the track chain's lifespan directly depends on the wear of the support frame. The support frame is made of wear-resistant structural steel. Rectangular metal strips are used as raw materials and bent at the ends. To improve the track chain's lifespan, manufacturers increase the thickness of the strips used.

[0005] Wear primarily occurs in the contact area between the support and the connecting links. Therefore, manufacturing the connecting elements, i.e., the support, entirely from wear-resistant steel is impractical and would increase the weight of the final product and its material consumption. This increased weight would also lead to increased fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

[0006] It should be noted that the wear-resistant steel used to manufacture the strips of connecting elements, i.e., the supports, has poor weldability, and the edges to be welded need to be preheated to 200–400°C during welding. This complicates both the manufacturing and repair processes.

[0007] One approach to improving the service life of the connecting elements, i.e., the brackets and the overall track chain, is to thicken the contact area between the brackets and the connecting links. An example of this method is the track chain sold under the "BERG" brand [UNI HDTRACK, http: / / kluch-td.ru / catalog / track-tire / track-tire2_1653.html]. The connecting elements of this track chain are manufactured using a casting method. However, this complicates the manufacturing process of the connecting elements and requires additional machining after the casting blank is produced. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a new method for manufacturing a connecting element for a track link and a more preferred structure of the connecting element.

[0009] The technical effects achieved by this invention include: The service life of the track chain is improved by thickening the material of the connecting element in the contact area between the connecting element and the connecting link, and by reliably fixing the insert in the bend of the bracket-like element. The manufacturing and repair process of track chains is simplified by using steel with good weldability to manufacture blanks for forming support-like elements, and the repair process is further simplified by being able to replace worn inserts to restore connecting elements; By thickening only in the contact area between the connecting element and the connecting link, and by being able to form the support-like element using a thinner blank, the material consumption and weight of the track chain are reduced without reducing the service life of the track chain.

[0010] The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a connecting element of a track link, the method comprising: providing an elongated blank made of sheet metal having a first end and a second end; forming a support-like element by bending the first end and the second end of the blank; forming at least one first hole at the first end of the blank and at least one second hole at the second end of the blank before forming the support-like element; bending the first end of the blank around a first insert, wherein a shank of the first insert is pre-positioned in the at least one first hole; and bending the second end of the blank around a second insert, wherein a shank of the second insert is pre-positioned in the at least one second hole.

[0011] In one embodiment, the method further includes pressing the surface of the support element into the insert such that the surface of the support element facing the upper portion of the corresponding insert at least partially conforms to the shape of the corresponding upper surface of the corresponding insert, and the surface of the support element facing the lower portion of the corresponding insert at least partially conforms to the shape of the corresponding lower surface of the corresponding insert.

[0012] In another embodiment, the pressing and bending of the first and second ends of the blank are performed simultaneously.

[0013] In another embodiment, the method further includes heating the blank prior to forming the support-like element.

[0014] The present invention also relates to an insert for use in a method of manufacturing the connecting element of the above-mentioned track link, the insert comprising a body and a handle, wherein one side of the body has a concave surface, the opposite side of the body has a convex surface, and the handle is disposed on one side of the convex surface.

[0015] In one embodiment, the handle includes a single protruding element extending from the convex surface. In other embodiments, the handle includes multiple protruding elements extending from the convex surface.

[0016] In another embodiment, at least one of the upper and lower surfaces of the insert includes at least one recess.

[0017] In addition, the insert can be made of a wear-resistant material.

[0018] The present invention also relates to a connecting element for a track link, the connecting element comprising a bracket-like element formed by bending a first end and a second end of an elongated blank made of sheet metal, wherein the bracket-like element has at least one first hole and at least one second hole at its opposite ends, a shank of a first insert is disposed in the at least one first hole, a shank of a second insert is disposed in the at least one second hole, and the first end is bent around the first insert, and the second end is bent around the second insert.

[0019] The present invention also relates to a track link configured to connect with a plurality of track links to form a flexible track chain, the flexible track chain being configured to be mounted on the outer periphery of a vehicle tire. The track link includes a lateral element, two lateral support elements, and two connecting elements. The lateral element extends across the tread of the tire. The two lateral support elements are disposed at opposite ends of the lateral element and extend from the same side of the lateral element, spaced apart from each other to accommodate the tire therebetween. The connecting elements are configured as bracket-like elements formed by bending a first end and a second end of an elongated blank made of sheet metal. Each bracket-like element has at least one first hole and at least one second hole at its opposite ends. A shank of a first insert is disposed in the at least one first hole, and a shank of a second insert is disposed in the at least one second hole. The first end is bent around the first insert, and the second end is bent around the second insert.

[0020] The present invention also relates to a track chain configured to be mounted on the outer periphery of a vehicle tire, the track chain comprising a plurality of track links connected in series with each other by connecting links, wherein each track link is configured to be connected with the plurality of track links to form the track chain, and includes a lateral element, two lateral support elements and two connecting elements as described above, the lateral element extending across the tread of the tire, the two lateral support elements being disposed at opposite ends of the lateral element and extending from the same side of the lateral element and spaced apart from each other to accommodate the tire therebetween. Attached Figure Description

[0021] This invention is illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is an overall view of a preferred embodiment of the connecting elements of a track link; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A top view of the connecting elements of the track link shown; Figure 3 This is an overall view of the insert according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A top view of the insert according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 5 This is an overall view of a preferred embodiment of a blank having holes, the blank being used to manufacture connecting elements for track links; Figure 6 This is an assembly view of the track links, where inserts and holes in the bracket-like elements are not shown. Detailed Implementation

[0022] A method for manufacturing a connecting element of a track link according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: providing an elongated blank 1 made of sheet metal. Figure 5 The blank 1 has a first end 2 and a second end 3; and a support-like element 4 is formed by bending the first end 2 and the second end 3 of the blank 1. Figure 1 Before forming the support-like element 4, at least one first hole 5 is formed at the first end 2 of the blank 1, and at least one second hole 6 is formed at the second end 3 of the blank 1. Figure 5 The first end 2 of the blank 1 is bent around the first insert 7, and the shank 8 of the first insert 7 is pre-positioned at least in the first hole 5. Figure 3 ), and the second end 3 of the blank 1 is bent around the second insert 9 ( Figure 1 The shank of the second insert 9 is pre-set in at least the second hole 6.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the blank 1 has a rectangular shape, but it can also be formed as, for example, a rectangle with rounded corners, an ellipse, or other known elongated shapes. The blank 1 can be obtained from a metal sheet or strip by laser cutting, plasma cutting, die stamping, or other known methods.

[0024] Wear-resistant steel can be used as the material for the blank 1, but in a preferred embodiment, structural steel suitable for welded structures and requiring no additional heat treatment is suitable, such as 09G2S steel, also known as 09Mn2Si steel. This not only reduces the manufacturing cost of the finished product but also facilitates the assembly and subsequent repair of the track links.

[0025] Holes 5 and 6 in the blank 1 ( Figure 5 The holes 5 and 6 can be formed by laser cutting, punching in a mold, drilling, or other known methods. In a preferred embodiment, the holes 5 and 6 are rectangular, but they can also be other shapes, particularly circular, square, elliptical, or other shapes. The number of holes at the ends of the blank 1 can vary; for example, two or more holes can be provided, but in a preferred embodiment, one hole is provided at each end. In a preferred embodiment, the holes 5 and 6 at the ends of the blank 1 are formed at locations where future bending will occur.

[0026] The inserts 7 and 9 can be manufactured by forging, stamping, casting, powder metallurgy followed by quenching, or any other known method.

[0027] When the end of the blank 1 is bent, due to the metal deformation caused by the bending, the shank 8 of the insert 7 and similarly the shank of the insert 9 are reliably clamped, and the insert is fixed in the track chain at a position where it will not contact the connecting link. The blank 1 at the bent position conforms to the convex surface 10 of the insert 7. Figure 1 and Figure 3 The bending of ends 2 and 3 of the blank 1 can be performed sequentially, for example, bending end 2 first and then bending end 3, or simultaneously. This operation can be performed, for example, using a hydraulic press or a crank press.

[0028] Furthermore, the inserts 7 and 9 can be welded to the support element 4 to improve the structural reliability of the track chain's connecting elements. Welds can be formed between the body of the insert, such as body 17, and the surface of the support element, and / or the shank of the inserts 7 and 9, such as shank 8, can be spot-welded in holes 21 and 22.

[0029] By placing the inserts 7 and 9 in the track chain at positions where they contact the connecting links, thinner metal can be used for the blank 1, thereby reducing the overall material consumption and weight of the track chain without compromising its service life. This results in reduced fuel consumption during use and related benefits such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions and easier transportation.

[0030] The inserts 7 and 9 increase the service life of the track chain by thickening the material at the contact point between the connecting element and the connecting link, which is most susceptible to wear during vehicle operation.

[0031] Furthermore, the inserts enable simplified repair or restoration of the track chain, which includes removing worn inserts and installing new inserts in their place.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the surface of the support-like element 4 is pressed into the inserts 7 and 9, such that the surface 11 of the upper portion of the support-like element 4 facing the insert 7 ( Figure 1 ) at least partially conforms to the surface 12 of the upper portion of the insert 7 ( Figure 3 The shape of the support element 4, and the surface 13 of the lower portion facing the insert 7. Figure 1 ) at least partially conforms to the surface 14 of the lower portion of the insert 7 ( Figure 3 and Figure 4 The shape is described. In this case, indentations 15 and 16 can be formed on the lower side of the outer surface of the support element 4. Figure 2 Furthermore, an indentation 23 can be formed on its upper side, while a second upper indentation is not shown in the figures. This operation provides more reliable retention of the inserts 7, 9 within the support-like element 4.

[0033] This operation can be performed by pressing, stamping, or other known metal forming methods.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the operation of pressing the surface of the support-like element 4 into the insert is performed simultaneously with bending the first end 2 and the second end 3 of the blank 1, that is, simultaneously with forming the support-like element 4. This operation can be carried out using a mold or any other known method.

[0035] However, the pressing operation can also be performed after the support-like element 4 is formed, or sequentially: first bend one end, then press it in at the end, and then repeat the above operation in the same order at the opposite ends of the blank 1.

[0036] In another embodiment of the invention, the blank 1 is heated before forming the support-like element 4. This allows for improved ductility of the metal and reduced resistance to deformation. Furthermore, heating the blank further enhances the holding force of the inserts 7, 9 within the support-like element 4, because during cooling, the element 4 clamps the inserts due to thermal contraction.

[0037] In some embodiments of the invention, after forming the support-like element 4 with the inserts 7, 9, the resulting structure is quenched, which helps to improve the wear resistance of the connecting elements of the track links.

[0038] The insert 7, suitable for implementing the above-described method embodiments, includes a main body 17 ( Figure 3 The body 17 has a concave surface 18 on one side and a convex surface 10 on the opposite side, and the handle 8 is disposed on one side of the convex surface 10. The insert 9 can be constructed in a similar manner.

[0039] The insert can be manufactured by forging, stamping, precision casting, powder metallurgy followed by quenching, or any other known method. Quenching can be performed after stamping or forging to improve the wear resistance of the insert material.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the concave surface 18 and the convex surface 10 are each part of the cylindrical side surface.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the handle 8 is configured as a single element extending from one side of the convex surface 10 and is substantially a straight element with a rectangular cross-section. However, the invention is not limited to this configuration of the handle. For example, the handle 8 may have other cross-sections, such as circular, square, trapezoidal, or other cross-sections. Furthermore, the cross-sectional dimensions of the handle may vary along the length of the handle, for example, it may increase or conversely decrease. The shape of the handle may also be curved, such as serrated or arc-shaped, or straight, or the handle may be angled relative to the axis of the insert.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the cross-section of the handle 8 corresponds to the shape of the hole 5 and / or hole 6 in the blank 1. The rectangular shape of the hole 5 or hole 6 and the construction of the handle 8 having a rectangular cross-section, wherein the maximum axis of symmetry of the cross-section is oriented along the maximum axis of symmetry of the blank 1, such that when the end of the blank 1 is bent, the handle 8 can be clamped in the hole 5 or hole 6 in an optimal manner due to material deformation.

[0043] In some embodiments of the invention, the insert 7 is configured to have a shank formed by a plurality of elements extending from one side of the convex surface 10. The insert 9 can be constructed in a similar manner. In this case, it is suitable to form a hole for each shank at the end of the blank 1. However, in some embodiments of the invention, the plurality of elements of the shank can be disposed in one hole of the blank. Due to this arrangement, after the end of the blank 1 is bent around the inserts 7 and 9, the shank of the insert is clamped not only due to the shape deformation of the holes 5 and 6 of the blank 1, but also additionally due to the residual elastic expansion deformation of the shank. During the use of the track chain, this can at least partially compensate for the weakening of the fixation of the insert in the support-like element due to metal fatigue.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the surface 12 of the upper portion of the insert 7 and / or the surface 14 of the lower portion of the insert 7 each have at least one recess 19 and 20. Figure 3 and Figure 4 Other embodiments of the invention provide two or more recesses. These recesses form spaces that are filled with the material of the blank 1 during the pressing operation. This creates an additional engagement between the inserts 7, 9 and the support-like element 4 to prevent displacement of the inserts at the points where they contact the surfaces of the connecting elements and links of the track links.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the insert is made of a wear-resistant material, such as spring steel, like 65G steel, also known as 65Mn steel, which can further improve the service life of the connecting element.

[0046] The present invention also relates to a connecting element for a track link, which can be manufactured by the method described above, and includes a support-like element 4 formed by bending a first end 2 and a second end 3 of an elongated blank 1 made of sheet metal. The support-like element 4 has at least one first hole 21 and at least one second hole 22 at its opposite ends. Figure 1 In this configuration, the shank 8 of the first insert 7 is disposed in the first hole 21, and the shank 9 of the second insert 9 is disposed in the second hole 22. The first end 2 of the blank 1 is bent around the first insert 7, and the second end 3 of the blank 1 is bent around the second insert 9. The inserts 7 and 9 can be constructed according to the above example.

[0047] Using the aforementioned connecting elements, a track link can be manufactured, the track link being configured to connect with multiple track links to form a flexible track chain, the flexible track chain being configured to be mounted on the outer periphery of a vehicle tire. The track link includes a lateral element 24 ( Figure 6The track link comprises two lateral support elements 25 and 26, and two connecting elements 27 and 28, with the lateral element 24 extending across the tread of the tire. The lateral support elements 25 and 26 are located at opposite ends of the lateral element 24, extending from the same side of the lateral element 24, and spaced apart to accommodate the tire therebetween. The connecting elements 27 and 28 of the track link include a bracket-like element 4 formed by bending a first end 2 and a second end 3 of an elongated blank 1 made of sheet metal. The bracket-like element 4 has at least one first hole 21 and at least one second hole 22 at its opposite ends, wherein the shank 8 of the first insert 7 is disposed in the first hole 21, and the shank 9 of the second insert 9 is disposed in the second hole 22. The first end 2 of the blank 1 is bent around the first insert 7, and the second end 3 of the blank 1 is bent around the second insert 9.

[0048] Finally, a track chain can be formed by multiple track links as described above, the multiple track links being connected in series with each other by connecting links, and the track chain is configured to be mounted on the outer periphery of a vehicle tire.

[0049] The aforementioned track chain operates as follows: The track chain is mounted on the outer circumference of a vehicle tire and subjected to the required tension. As the track chain passes over the vehicle wheel, relative rotation occurs between the track links and the connecting links. The surface of the connecting link rubs against the concave surface of the insert of the connecting element of the track link. During use, the insert wears down and is subsequently replaced by a new insert.

[0050] Therefore, the present invention improves the service life of the track chain by thickening the material of the connecting element at the contact point between the connecting element and the connecting link; simplifies track chain repair by enabling the use of steel with good weldability to form the connecting element and by allowing the connecting element to be restored by replacing worn inserts; and reduces material consumption and weight of the track chain without reducing its service life by thickening only in the contact area between the connecting element and the connecting link and by enabling the use of relatively thin material to manufacture the blank.

[0051] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications can be made to this invention by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a connecting element for a track link, comprising the following steps: An elongated blank made of sheet metal is provided, the blank having a first end and a second end; A support-like element is formed by bending the first and second ends of the blank. Its features are, Before forming the support-like element, at least one first hole is formed at the first end of the blank, and at least one second hole is formed at the second end of the blank; The first end of the blank is bent around the first insert, and the shank of the first insert is pre-positioned in the at least one first hole; The second end of the blank is bent around the second insert, the shank of the second insert being pre-positioned in the at least one second hole.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes pressing the surface of the support element into the insert such that the surface of the support element facing the upper portion of the corresponding insert at least partially conforms to the shape of the corresponding upper surface of the corresponding insert, and the surface of the support element facing the lower portion of the corresponding insert at least partially conforms to the shape of the corresponding lower surface of the corresponding insert.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The pressing and bending of the first and second ends of the blank are performed simultaneously.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The method further includes heating the blank prior to forming the support-like element.

5. An insert for use in the method of any one of claims 1 to 4, the insert comprising a body and a handle. in, One side of the main body has a concave surface, the opposite side of the main body has a convex surface, and the handle is disposed on one side of the convex surface.

6. The insert according to claim 5, characterized in that, The handle includes a single protruding element extending from the convex surface.

7. The insert according to claim 5, characterized in that, The handle includes a plurality of protruding elements extending from the convex surface.

8. The insert according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that, The upper and / or lower surfaces of the insert include at least one recess.

9. The insert according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that, The insert is made of a wear-resistant material.

10. A connecting element for a track link manufactured by the manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising: A support-like element formed by bending a first end and a second end of an elongated blank made of sheet metal, the support-like element having at least one first hole and at least one second hole at its opposite ends; A first insert and a second insert, the first insert having a shank disposed in the at least one first hole, and the second insert having a shank disposed in the at least one second hole. Its features are, The first end is bent around the first insert, and the second end is bent around the second insert.

11. A track link configured to connect with a plurality of track links to form a flexible track chain, the flexible track chain being configured to be mounted on the outer periphery of a vehicle tire, the track link comprising: A lateral element that extends across the tread of the tire; Two lateral support elements are disposed at opposite ends of the lateral element and extend from the same side of the lateral element and are spaced apart from each other to accommodate the tire therebetween; as well as The two connecting elements according to claim 10.

12. A track chain configured to be mounted on the outer periphery of a vehicle tire, the track chain comprising a plurality of track links as claimed in claim 11, the plurality of track links being connected in series with each other via connecting links.

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