All-cast idler

Abstract

A full cast idler (100) can include an annular rim portion (120), an annular hub portion (140), and a plurality of beams extending between the annular rim portion (120) and the annular hub portion (140). The plurality of beams can include a first set of beams (162) and a second set of beams (164) extending between the annular rim portion (120) and the annular hub portion (140) on opposite axial sides of the full cast idler (100). The first set of beams (162) and the second set of beams (164) can both be axially and circumferentially offset from one another.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to an idler wheel for mobile industrial machinery, and more specifically, to an all-cast idler wheel. Background Technology

[0002] Tracked machinery is widely used in a variety of harsh environments. These tracked machines combine ground-engaging tracks with multiple wheels to provide enhanced traction, stability, and robustness for mobile industrial machinery. Mining, construction, landfill, forestry, and other service environments are prominent examples of terrains where tracked machinery can be advantageously used. A typical chassis system for tracked machinery may include multiple track links that are linked together to form a continuous or circular track chain, extending around a drive sprocket and one or more rotatable idler pulleys. During operation, one or more idler pulleys may experience dynamic loads, which can then translate into additional stresses and forces applied to them. If these forces are not ideally distributed within the idler pulley, it can lead to premature failure and shorten its service life.

[0003] Because idler wheel designs may be standardized across different industrial machines for mass production, it is desirable for idler wheels to possess sufficient durability and robustness without increasing manufacturing costs or component weight. For example, an over-designed idler wheel may have sufficient durability and robustness to eliminate concerns about any structural failure, but due to the use of excessive materials, it may result in undesirable weight and increased manufacturing costs, rendering the design unfeasible due to excessive cost. Therefore, it is desirable to develop idler wheels that offer a suitable balance of strength, durability, weight, and cost.

[0004] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013078770 A (“770 Publication”) by Ono et al. discloses an exemplary wheel. 770 Publication discloses the use of a wheel comprising a disc portion having an inner rim portion and an outer rim portion, the inner rim portion being disposed around the periphery of the disc portion. 770 Publication also indicates that, to distribute the weight of the vehicle, a plurality of spoke portions extend between the outer rim portion and the inner rim portion. The wheel provided in 770 Publication is produced from a forged blank of a light metal alloy (such as duralumin) and is ultimately manufactured into a finished product by forming and machining the blank. Such a manufacturing process may have problems such as labor intensity and high cost.

[0005] The all-cast idler gear of this disclosure can solve one or more of the problems set forth 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] In one aspect, a fully cast idler wheel includes: an annular rim portion; an annular hub portion; and a plurality of beams extending between the annular rim portion and the annular hub portion. The plurality of beams includes: a first set of beams extending on a first axial side of the fully cast idler wheel between the annular rim portion and the annular hub portion; and a second set of beams extending on a second opposing axial side of the fully cast idler wheel between the annular rim portion and the annular hub portion. The first set of beams and the second set of beams of the fully cast idler wheel are axially offset.

[0007] On the other hand, an all-cast idler wheel for a chassis assembly of mobile industrial machinery includes: an annular rim portion; an annular hub portion; and a plurality of beams. The plurality of beams includes: a first set of beams extending on a first axial side of the all-cast idler wheel between the annular rim portion and the annular hub portion; and a second set of beams extending on a second opposing axial side of the all-cast idler wheel between the annular rim portion and the annular hub portion. The first set of beams and the second set of beams of the all-cast idler wheel each include a plurality of generally V-shaped beams extending between the annular hub portion and the annular rim portion.

[0008] In another aspect, an all-cast idler wheel for an industrial chassis assembly includes an annular rim portion, an annular hub portion, a first set of beams, and a second set of beams. Each of the first and second sets of beams includes four generally V-shaped beams extending between the annular hub portion and the annular rim portion, and the first and second sets of beams are circumferentially offset from each other at approximately a 45-degree angle. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Various exemplary embodiments are illustrated in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, and together with this specification serve to explain the principles of the disclosed embodiments.

[0010] Figure 1 It is part of mobile industrial machinery with idler wheels according to various aspects of this disclosure.

[0011] Figure 2A yes Figure 1 An isometric view of an exemplary idler wheel.

[0012] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A An isometric cross-sectional view of an exemplary idler wheel.

[0013] Figure 3A yes Figure 1 A side view of an exemplary idler wheel.

[0014] Figure 3B yes Figure 3AA cross-sectional view of an exemplary idler wheel. Detailed Implementation

[0015] The foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and illustrative and do not limit the claimed features. As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “has,” or other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. In this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, relative terms such as, for example, “about,” “substantially,” and “approximately” are used to indicate possible variations of ±10% in stated values.

[0016] Figure 1 A partial view of mobile industrial machinery 10 is illustrated, including a portion of the chassis assembly 12 and ground-engaging tracks 20. Mobile industrial machinery 10 can be any of a variety of mobile machinery that uses tracked components for ground transport and / or movement during operation. For example, mobile industrial machinery 10 can be a tracked tractor, skid steer loader, bulldozer, excavator, tracked loader, front shovel excavator, dragline excavator, or any other type of tracked maneuvering machinery. Although Figure 1 Only a portion of the chassis assembly 12 is shown, but it will be understood that, in addition to the exemplary idler wheel 100, the chassis will also include a drive sprocket (not shown), one or more additional idler wheels (not shown), and other generally conventional track components.

[0017] Furthermore, the ground-engaging track 20 may include a plurality of track links 22 having an integral track bushing 24. The plurality of track links 22 may be connected together by a plurality of lateral track pins 26 extending through the integral track bushing 24 to form a continuous loop or annular loop. The continuous loop of the ground-engaging track 20 is formed around an idler sprocket 100, a drive sprocket (not shown), and one or more additional idler sprockets (not shown) of the chassis assembly 12. The track links 22 may engage with various aspects of the idler sprocket 100, although other configurations (such as engagement with the track bushing 24) are possible. During operation, the drive sprocket (not shown) may be driven by a power source or an engine (not shown) to engage the track links 22 and cause movement of the ground-engaging track 20.

[0018] Figures 2A to 2B and Figures 3A to 3BVarious views of an all-cast idler wheel 100 according to this disclosure are depicted. The idler wheel 100 includes an annular rim portion 120, an annular hub portion 140, and a plurality of beams, spokes, or components 160. It should be noted that the idler wheel 100 can be described based on an axial axis 102, a radial axis or a central vertical axis 112, and a circumferential direction 114. The axial axis 102 extends horizontally through the idler wheel 100 (in... Figure 2B and Figure 3B As shown in the diagram), specifically passing through the annular hub portion 140 and defining the first axial side 104 and the second axial side 108 (in... Figure 2B and Figure 3B (As shown in the diagram). The radial axis or central vertical axis 112 extends vertically through and bisects the idler wheel 100 (in... Figure 2B and Figure 3B (As shown in the diagram). Finally, the circumferential direction 114 corresponds to the rotational direction associated with the outer periphery of the idler wheel 100 (in the diagram). Figure 3A (As shown in the image).

[0019] exist Figures 2A to 2B and Figures 3A to 3B The annular rim portion 120 shown includes an annular or tubular body 122, which is generally symmetrical about the axial axis 102. The annular body 122 extends between a first axial edge 106 and a second axial edge 110 of the idler wheel 100. The annular body 122 also includes: a radially outer rim surface 124 having a pair of protrusions 126; and a pair of radially inner rim surfaces 130, 132, which are generally oriented towards the annular hub portion 140 (in...). Figure 2B and Figure 3B (As shown in the diagram). A pair of protrusions 126 extend radially outward from the radially outer rim surface 124 and surround the entire outer periphery of the idler wheel 100. The protrusions 126 are axially spaced inward from the first axial edge 106 and the second axial edge 110 (in the diagram). Figure 2B and Figure 3B (as shown in the figure), thereby forming an intermediate groove 128 on the radial outer rim surface 124 of the idler wheel 100. A pair of protrusions 126 can be profiled together with the intermediate groove 128 as needed to engage with the ground-engaging track 20 and / or track links 22.

[0020] Within the annular rim portion 120, the annular body 122 includes an inner ridge 134 centered on the radial axis 112. Figure 2B and Figure 3B (as shown in the diagram), and is surrounded on either side by a pair of radially inner rim surfaces 130, 132 (in... Figure 2B and Figure 3B (As shown in the image). Figure 2B and Figure 3BAs shown, the inner ridge 134 protrudes radially inward toward the annular hub portion 140, wherein the radially inner rim surfaces 130, 132 extend radially outward to the first axial edge 106 and the second axial edge 110 of the idler wheel 100. The radially outward extension of the radially inner rim surfaces 130, 132 toward the first axial edge 106 and the second axial edge 110 provides relatively inclined surfaces, such as... Figure 3B The cross-section is shown.

[0021] The annular hub portion 140 is positioned radially inside the annular rim portion 120, as... Figures 2A to 2B and Figures 3A to 3B As shown. The annular hub portion 140 includes a radially outer hub surface 146 and a central bore 142 extending through the radially outer hub surface. While the radially inner hub surface 144 of the central bore 142 can be positioned about an axis (not shown) for rotation, the radially outer hub surface 146 can gradually transition into a plurality of beams 160. The axial width of each of the individual beams 160 is smaller than that of either the annular hub portion 140 or the annular rim portion 120. The plurality of beams 160 extend from the annular hub portion 140 to the annular rim portion 120. The plurality of beams may also include a plurality of rounded corners or fillets 166 located at the ends of the beams 160 near the annular rim portion 120. Furthermore, the plurality of beams 160 may be integrally formed with the annular hub portion 140 and / or the annular rim portion 120. For example, the idler wheel 100 may be cast from a single material (such as a high-strength steel alloy), while in other embodiments, the idler wheel 100 may be formed by means of preparation, forging, stamping, punching, etc.

[0022] Multiple beams 160 may include two sets of beams 162 and 164, which are located on opposite sides of the radial axis or the central vertical axis 112 (in Figure 2B and Figure 3B (As shown in the diagram), where a first set of beams 162 is located on the first axial side 104, and a second set of beams 164 is located on the second axial side 108. Both the first set of beams 162 and the second set of beams 164 include a pair of separate arms 168, 169, which form a generally V-shaped beam 160, wherein the apex 170 is adjacent to and integrally formed with the radially outer hub surface 146 of the annular hub portion 140. The separate arms 168, 169 of the V-shaped beam 160 extend radially and circumferentially outward from the apex 170 to the annular rim portion 120 to form an apex angle α. V (exist Figure 3A As shown in the diagram, the vertex angle ranges from approximately 25 to 35 degrees. More specifically, vertex angle a V Measuring the circumferential portion of the annular rim section 120 relative to the axial axis 102 ( Figure 3A The axial axis is centered within the central hole 142, and in some configurations, the vertex angle αV The angle can be 30 degrees or approximately 30 degrees. Additionally, the V-beams 160 can be substantially identical to each other, including V-beams 160 located in different groups of beams 162, 164. For example, as... Figure 2A and Figure 3A As shown, the first group of beams 162 may include four generally V-shaped beams 160, which are substantially the same as the four generally V-shaped beams 160 included in the second group of beams 164.

[0023] Furthermore, the V-shaped beams 160 of the first group of beams 162 and the second group of beams 164 are positioned in an alternating configuration, such as... Figure 2A and Figure 3A As shown. In this spacing configuration, the V-beams 160 of the first group 162 and the V-beams 160 of the second group 164 are circumferentially spaced apart or offset, thereby evenly distributing the load between the annular rim portion 120 and the annular hub portion 140. In the exemplary spacing configuration ( Figure 2A and Figure 3A In this configuration, the V-beams 160 of the first group of beams 162 and the second group of beams 164 are circumferentially offset from each other by approximately a 45-degree angle. This angle is measured from the leading arm 172 of an individual V-beam 160 to the leading arm 174 of an adjacent V-beam 160 in the opposing group (e.g., the first group of beams 162 or the second group of beams 164, respectively). This circumferential spacing is repeated such that the V-beams 160 are evenly spaced along the outer periphery of the annular rim portion 120 and the annular hub portion 140. However, it should be noted that in an alternative embodiment (not shown), the first group of beams 162 and the second group of beams 164 may include more or fewer V-beams 160 and employ different spacing configurations, depending on the user's requirements.

[0024] The pair of arms 168, 169 of the V-beam 160 may also include a bidirectional tapering along the length of the arms 168, 169. For example... Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 3A As shown, a pair of arms 168, 169 may include a radial arm thickness t RA As arms 168 and 169 extend radially outward from the annular hub portion 140 to the annular rim portion 120, the radial arm thickness t RA The dimensions have increased, with thicknesses ranging from approximately 23.5 mm to approximately 37 mm. For example, such as Figure 3AAs shown, the radial arm thickness of the ends of the pair of arms 168, 169 located near the annular hub portion 140 is less than the radial arm thickness of the ends of the pair of arms 168, 169 located near the annular rim portion 120. Furthermore, it should be noted that each V-beam in the V-beams 160 will include a similar radial taper, such that the size of each V-beam 160 increases as the V-beam 160 extends radially outward from the annular hub portion 140 to the annular rim portion 120. In addition to the radial taper, the V-beams 160 (including the pair of arms 168, 169) Figure 3A The V-beam also tapers in the axial direction, thus matching the axial thickness measurements of the V-beam 160 and the pair of arms 168, 169. For example, in Figure 3B In the middle, multiple V-beams 160 include axial arm thickness t AA The axial arm thickness decreases as the multiple V-beams 160 extend from the annular hub portion 140 toward the rounded corner 166 and the annular rim portion 120, such that the axial arm thickness near the annular hub portion 140 is greater than the arm beam thickness near the annular rim portion 120. Therefore, the axial arm thickness t AA The range can be from approximately 19 mm to approximately 36 mm.

[0025] As noted above, the ends of the plurality of V-beams 160 near the annular rim portion 120 can be axially offset from each other about opposite sides of the radial axis 112. For example, as Figure 3B As shown, the ends of the first beam group 162 on the first axial side 104 and the ends of the second beam group 164 on the second axial side 108 are axially offset, with the corresponding ends connected to the annular rim portion 120. The first beam group 162 and the second beam group 164 form an axial offset angle α. AO The axial offset angle is measured as the distance between two sets of beams 162 and 164 located on opposite sides 104 and 108 of the radial axis or central vertical axis 112. Axial offset angle α AO The angular vertex is located at a position 140 degrees close to the annular hub portion, and the axial offset angle α AO Extending radially outward toward the annular rim portion at 120 degrees. Axial offset angle α AO The range can be approximately 40 to 60 degrees. However, in some configurations, the axial offset angle α... AO It can be 50 degrees or approximately 50 degrees.

[0026] Industrial applicability

[0027] The disclosed aspects of the all-cast idler wheel 100 can be used with chassis assembly 12 and can be used in a variety of mobile industrial machinery including such tracked chassis. The all-cast idler wheel 100, as described herein, provides a lightweight, durable, and cost-effective alternative to the prepared idler wheel, while improving performance, reducing the risk of deformation, and limiting the potential need for component maintenance or replacement. If replacement of the all-cast idler wheel 100 is required, the idler wheel 100 can minimize replacement costs and the amount of material required, while providing adequate strength.

[0028] The fully cast idler wheel 100 of this disclosure can be manufactured through an industrial casting process, resulting in an idler wheel 100 with a monolithic construction. The casting process of the idler wheel 100 may include several steps, including creating a model based on the final idler wheel 100 and generating a reusable industrial mold. Next, the casting process may include heating a high-strength steel alloy until the metal is liquid. In a subsequent casting step, the molten metal is poured into the reusable industrial mold and cooled. After the cast idler wheel 100 has cooled and completely solidified, the method may include finishing the idler wheel 100, which may include filing, polishing, and other machining of the cast idler wheel to remove any excess material or defects from the finished product. Therefore, the resulting idler wheel 100 can be made from a single piece of steel without the use of welding or other fastening or attachment methods.

[0029] According to this disclosure, the all-cast idler wheel 100 can help minimize the overall weight of individual components while contributing to adequate strength for the overall design. By utilizing the casting design, the idler wheel 100 can reduce the amount of material used in manufacturing individual idler wheels 100 and eliminate the use of welding and / or the use of manufactured components. The idler wheel 100 can be mass-produced cost-effectively, has high durability, and uses less material.

[0030] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations 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 upon consideration of this specification and the practice of the system disclosed herein. This specification and examples are intended to be considered merely exemplary, and the true scope of this disclosure is indicated by the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A fully cast idler wheel (100), the fully cast idler wheel comprising: Annular rim section (120); Annular hub section (140); and A plurality of beams extending between the annular rim portion (120) and the annular hub portion (140), the plurality of beams comprising: The first set of beams (162) extends on the first axial side (104) of the all-cast idler wheel (100) between the annular rim portion (120) and the annular hub portion (140); and The second set of beams (164) extends on the second opposite axial side of the all-cast idler wheel (100) between the annular rim portion (120) and the annular hub portion (140). The first set of beams (162) of the all-cast idler wheel (100) is axially offset from the second set of beams (164) of the all-cast idler wheel (100).

2. The all-cast idler wheel (100) according to claim 1, wherein the all-cast idler wheel (100) includes a central vertical axis (112), wherein the first set of beams (162) and the second set of beams (164) are located on opposite sides of the central vertical axis (112).

3. The all-cast idler wheel (100) according to claim 2, wherein the first set of beams (162) and the second set of beams (164) extend radially outward from the annular hub portion (140) about either side of the central vertical axis (112) and together form an axial angle α. AO The axial angle α AO The range is approximately 40 to 60 degrees.

4. The all-cast idler wheel (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first set of beams (162) and the second set of beams (164) each comprise a plurality of generally V-shaped beams, each generally V-shaped beam having a pair of arms extending between the annular hub portion (140) and the annular rim portion (120).

5. The all-cast idler wheel (100) according to claim 4, wherein each of the pair of arms forms a vertex (170) adjacent to the radially outer surface of the annular hub portion (140), and extends radially and circumferentially outward from the vertex (170) to the annular rim portion (120).

6. The all-cast idler wheel (100) according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of generally V-shaped beams of the first set of beams (162) are substantially the same as the plurality of generally V-shaped beams of the second set of beams (164).

7. The all-cast idler wheel (100) according to claim 4, wherein the pair of arms together form a vertex angle α. v The vertex angle ranges from approximately 25 degrees to 35 degrees.

8. The all-cast idler wheel (100) according to claim 4, wherein the first set of beams (162) comprises four generally V-shaped beams, and the second set of beams (164) comprises four generally V-shaped beams. The first group of beams (162) and the second group of beams (164) are offset from each other by approximately 45 degrees in the circumferential direction.

9. The all-cast idler wheel (100) according to claim 4, wherein each of the pair of arms includes a radial arm thickness that increases as the pair of arms extend radially outward from the annular hub portion (140) to the annular rim portion (120).

10. The all-cast idler wheel (100) according to claim 9, wherein each of the pair of arms includes an axial arm thickness that decreases as the pair of arms extend radially outward from the annular hub portion (140) to the annular rim portion (120).

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