Drive sprocket member for tracks of tracked vehicles

Abstract

The present invention relates to a drive sprocket member (S1, S2) for a drive wheel member (DW) of a tracked vehicle (V). The drive wheel member (DW) is rotatable about a central axis (Z) for rotating a track (E). The drive sprocket member comprises a set of tooth members (10) arranged on the outer circumference of the drive sprocket member (S1, S2) and a ring-shaped support member (20) for the tooth members. The tooth members are configured to protrude from the ring-shaped support member (20) in a main direction substantially parallel to the axial direction of the central axis (Z) in an operating position. The tooth members (10) are arranged in connection with the ring-shaped support member (20) and have a shape that provides radial elasticity, so that the tooth members (10) are configured to deform relative to the operating position when the tooth members (10) are subjected to a radial force (F) exceeding a certain threshold value. The present invention also relates to a drive wheel member and a tracked vehicle.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a drive sprocket member for a drive wheel member for the tracks of a tracked vehicle, to a drive wheel member having such a drive sprocket member, and to a tracked vehicle including a drive wheel member having such a drive sprocket member. [Background technology]

[0002] A tracked vehicle may include opposed track assemblies, each including a track disposed to extend over a wheel set, the wheel set including a drive wheel member, a tension wheel, and a set of road wheels therebetween.

[0003] The drive wheel members may include a hub member and a lateral inner drive sprocket member and a lateral outer drive sprocket member connected to each side of the hub member.

[0004] Such tracked vehicles, such as combat vehicles, are intended for travel over rough terrain. A problem associated with reversing and turning during travel over rough terrain with such vehicles is that undesirable material, such as gravel and stones, can become sucked into the track assemblies and between the wheels, particularly between the drive wheel members and the tracks, which can cause damage to the tracked vehicle, including damage to the drive wheel members and the tracks, and in some cases tearing apart the tracks.

[0005] Also, wear on the drive wheel members can be relatively high. When rubber tracks are used, replacement of the drive wheel members must be performed at a work station where each of the drive sprocket members of the drive wheel members must be removed.

[0006] There is a need to provide a drive sprocket member for a drive wheel member for an endless track which further helps reduce such damage and facilitates maintenance.

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a drive sprocket member for a drive wheel member for a track of a tracked vehicle that helps reduce / prevent damage to the track and the drive wheel member.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a drive sprocket member for a drive wheel member for the tracks of a tracked vehicle which facilitates maintenance of the drive wheel member.

[0009] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a drive wheel member which includes such a drive sprocket member.

[0010] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a tracked vehicle including such a drive sprocket member. Summary of the Invention

[0011] These and other objects which will become apparent from the following description are achieved by a drive sprocket member, a drive wheel member and a tracked vehicle as set forth in the attached independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the drive sprocket member and the drive wheel member are defined in the attached dependent claims.

[0012] Specifically, the objects of the present invention are achieved by a drive sprocket member for a drive wheel member for a track of a tracked vehicle. The drive wheel member is rotatable about a central axis to rotate the track. The drive wheel member includes a drive sprocket member. The drive sprocket member includes a set of tooth members disposed on an outer periphery of the drive sprocket member and a ring-shaped support member for the tooth members. The tooth members are configured to project from the ring-shaped support member in a primary direction substantially parallel to an axial direction of the central axis such that the tooth members are in an operative position for engaging the track to facilitate rotation of the track. The tooth members are disposed in connection with the ring-shaped support member and are configured to be radially resilient such that when one of the set of tooth members is subjected to a radial force in a direction toward the central axis that exceeds a particular threshold value, the tooth members are configured to facilitate deformation of the tooth members to their operative position when the tooth members are subjected to a radial force that exceeds a particular threshold value. The tooth members are thus configured to facilitate deformation of the tooth members to their operative position when the tooth members are subjected to a radial force that exceeds a particular threshold value.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the tooth members are shaped, arranged and configured to promote deformation when subjected to such radial force. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the tooth members are shaped and configured to promote controlled deformation. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the tooth members are shaped and configured to promote controlled deformation in a direction towards the central axis when subjected to a radial force exceeding a predetermined threshold. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the tooth members have an elongated configuration configured to protrude from the ring-shaped support member in a major direction substantially parallel to an axial direction of the central axis.

[0014] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the tooth members are arranged in connection with the ring-shaped support member and configured to protrude from the ring-shaped support member in a major direction substantially parallel to an axial direction of the central axis, the tooth members having an axial length, a radial thickness, and a material having a modulus of elasticity to provide resiliency. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the tooth members have a shape including radial, axial, and tangential stretches, and a material having a modulus of elasticity to provide resiliency.

[0015] The tooth members are configured to connect radially outwardly from the ring-shaped support member, protrude from the ring-shaped support member in a main direction substantially parallel to the axial direction of the central axis, and terminate at a predetermined distance away from the ring-shaped support member. According to one aspect of the disclosure, the tooth members have a terminal side axially furthest from the ring-shaped support member, and the axial length of each tooth member, i.e., the distance in the main direction of extension, corresponds to the distance from the ring-shaped support member from which the tooth member protrudes to the terminal side of the tooth member.

[0016] The length of the tooth members may be any length suitable for promoting resiliency to promote deformation of the tooth members in a direction toward the central axis when the tooth members are subjected to a radial force exceeding a predetermined threshold. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the length of the tooth members is within a range of 30% to 100% of the radial distance between the primary direction of elongation of the tooth members and the central axis, and according to one embodiment, the length is within a range of 50% to 80% of the radial distance between the primary direction of elongation and the central axis.

[0017] The average axial thickness of the ring-shaped support member may be any suitable thickness to facilitate placement of the teeth members connected to the ring-shaped support member, for example, as an integral part of the ring-shaped support member or an attachment to the ring-shaped support member. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the ring-shaped support member has an average axial thickness, i.e., a thickness in a direction substantially parallel to the axial direction of the central axis. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the average axial thickness of the ring-shaped support member is in the range of 5% to 20% of the length or axial extension of the teeth members, and according to one aspect, is in the range of about 7% to 15%.

[0018] The average radial thickness of the tooth members may be any suitable thickness to promote resiliency to promote deformation of the tooth members in a direction toward the central axis when the tooth members are subjected to a radial force exceeding a predetermined threshold. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the tooth members have an average radial thickness, i.e., a radial thickness when disposed on the outer periphery of the drive sprocket member, that is in the range of 5% to 15% of the length of the tooth members, and according to one aspect, in the range of about 7% to 12%. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the average radial thickness of each tooth member substantially corresponds to the axial thickness of the ring-shaped support member. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the tooth members have a variable radial thickness, which is configured to vary linearly or non-linearly along the primary extension of the tooth members to provide the desired resiliency and uniform material tension.

[0019] According to one aspect of the drive sprocket member, the tooth member has a tapered configuration from the ring-like support member toward the end of the tooth member to promote radial resiliency and promote deformation of the tooth member when the tooth member, i.e., the engaging portion of the tooth member, is subjected to a radial force above a certain threshold.

[0020] According to one aspect of the drive sprocket member, the tooth members have a tapered configuration from the ring-like support member towards the end of the tooth members, the tapered configuration having a curvature adapted to obtain a desired elasticity and material tension, so as to promote deformation of the tooth members when the tooth members, e.g., the engagement portion of the tooth members, are subjected to a radial force exceeding a certain threshold. According to one aspect of the drive sprocket member, the curvature of the tapered configuration of the tooth members has a linear and / or exponential and / or parabolic portion, e.g., a parabolic portion following the elastic curvature of a beam.

[0021] According to one aspect of the drive sprocket member, the tooth members have a curved configuration from the ring-shaped support member towards the end of the tooth members adapted to obtain a desired elasticity and material tension, so as to promote deformation of the tooth members when the tooth members are subjected to a radial force exceeding a certain threshold. According to one aspect of the drive sprocket member, the curved configuration of the tooth members has a linear portion and / or an exponential portion and / or a parabolic portion.

[0022] According to one aspect of the drive sprocket member, the tooth member has a tapered configuration in a major direction from the ring-shaped support member to promote high stiffness of the tooth member in a tangential direction of the ring-shaped support member and resiliency for deformation of the tooth member in a radial direction.

[0023] According to one aspect of the drive sprocket member, the tooth member comprises a material having a predetermined modulus of elasticity, and the geometry of the tooth member, including its radial, axial, and tangential extensions and configurations, combined with the predetermined modulus of elasticity of the material of the tooth member, provide resiliency such that deformation of the tooth member toward the central axis is promoted when the tooth member is subjected to a radial force.

[0024] According to one aspect of the drive sprocket member, each tooth member has a varying shape along a primary extension, the varying shape including a tapered portion from ring-like support member to ring-like support member in a tangential direction and including resiliency to facilitate deformation of the tooth member in a radial direction when subjected to a radial force.

[0025] The tooth members are configured to remain connected to the ring-shaped support member while being so deformed. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the deformation of the tooth members caused by a particular radial force acting on the tooth members may depend on the elastic modulus of the material of the ring-shaped drive sprocket member, in particular the elastic modulus of the material of the tooth members, and the geometry of the drive sprocket member, including the geometry of the tooth members of the drive sprocket member, including the radial, axial, and tangential extensions and configurations of the tooth members and their arrangement relative to the ring-shaped support member.

[0026] The material of the ring-shaped sprocket member / tooth members of the sprocket member may be any suitable material that promotes the above-mentioned properties including resilience, such as any of conventional metals including steel, superelastic alloys, metal matrix composites, amorphous metals, polymer-based composites, Shape Memory Alloys (SMA) metals, Carbon Nano Tubes (CNTs), or other nanotechnology-based materials.

[0027] The ring-shaped sprocket member / tooth members of the sprocket member may be manufactured by any suitable manufacturing method that facilitates providing the above characteristics, such as, for example, machining, casting, laminating, sintering, injection molding, hot isostatic pressing, conventional forging, flow forming, or additive manufacturing.

[0028] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the drive wheel member includes a hub member. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the hub member is provided to facilitate assembly of the drive wheel member to the tracked vehicle and to facilitate operation of the drive wheel member. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the drive sprocket member is configured to be attached to the hub member.

[0029] By providing such a drive sprocket member with tooth members arranged and shaped to provide such resiliency, the tooth members are configured to deform relative to an operating position when subjected to a certain radial force, and damage to the track and tooth members due to undesirable materials / objects, such as gravel and stones, being sucked between the drive wheel member and the track can be effectively reduced, since the deformation of one or more of the tooth members allows such materials / objects to escape. By providing tooth members arranged and shaped to provide radial resiliency to deform in a retained manner when subjected to a radial force exceeding a certain threshold, the risk of damage to the track, including the risk of the track being torn apart, can be effectively reduced. Providing such a resilient ring-shaped drive sprocket member promotes the drive sprocket member to resist external forces. Providing such a resilient ring-shaped drive sprocket member can provide a drive sprocket member that absorbs energy in any operating condition of the tracked vehicle.

[0030] According to one aspect of the drive sprocket member, the tooth members are arranged in connection with the ring-shaped support member and are shaped to be radially resilient such that when one of the set of tooth members is subjected to a radial force in a direction toward the central axis that exceeds a first threshold and is less than or equal to a second threshold, the tooth members are configured to resiliently deform to an operating position, so that when the tooth members are no longer subjected to the radial force, the tooth members are configured to return to their operating position. Thus, by providing tooth members arranged and shaped to resiliently deform when subjected to a radial force exceeding a certain threshold and to return to their operating position when such force is no longer subjected to the radial force, damage to the tracks and tooth members due to undesirable materials / objects, such as gravel and stones, being sucked between the drive wheel member and the tracks can be effectively reduced because such materials / objects can escape when the tooth members are elastically deformed. According to one aspect of the disclosure, the tooth members so arranged and configured can be configured to elastically deform under such radial force from a first threshold to a second threshold such that when subjected to a radial force, they protrude in a primary direction from the ring-shaped support member to a certain predetermined primary direction at an angle relative to and toward the axial direction of the central axis, the deformation depending, for example, on the elastic modulus, shape, configuration, and arrangement of the tooth members.

[0031] According to one aspect of the drive sprocket member, the tooth members are arranged in connection with the ring-shaped support member and are shaped to be radially resilient such that when one of the set of tooth members is subjected to a radial force in a direction toward the central axis exceeding a second threshold, the tooth members are configured to plastically deform to an operating position, such that when the tooth members are no longer subjected to the radial force, the tooth members are configured to substantially remain in the deformed position. According to one aspect of the disclosure, the second threshold corresponds to a threshold at which the tooth members undergo elastic deformation. Thus, by providing tooth members arranged and shaped to plastically deform when subjected to a radial force exceeding a certain threshold and to remain in the deformed position when such force is no longer subjected to the radial force, damage to the tracks and tooth members due to undesirable materials / objects such as gravel and stones being sucked between the drive wheel member and the tracks can be efficiently reduced. This is because such materials / objects can escape when the tooth members are plastically deformed, and the deformed tooth members are retained, but the drive sprocket member can be fully restored and prepared for reuse by returning it to an operating position with an appropriate tool. This allows the drive sprocket member to receive greater forces, such as those resulting from one or more relatively large objects being sucked between the radially outer side of the tooth member and the radially inner side of the track, without causing damage to the track and irreparable damage to the tooth member. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the tooth members so arranged and configured may be configured to plastically deform under such radial forces exceeding a second threshold and protrude in a primary direction from the ring-like support member at an angle relative to and toward the axial direction of the central shaft, the angle being within a range from an angle greater than that at which elastic deformation occurs to a predetermined angle, such as about 90 degrees. The tooth members are held in connection with the ring-like support member.

[0032] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a drive sprocket member, including a tooth member of the drive sprocket member, has a geometry including radial, axial, and tangential extensions and configurations and a material having a modulus of elasticity such that the tooth members are configured to elastically deform to an operating position when subjected to an inwardly directed radial force within a predetermined threshold range and to return to the operating position when such radial force is no longer present, and the tooth members are configured to plastically deform to an operating position when subjected to an inwardly directed radial force above a predetermined threshold and to substantially remain in the deformed position when such radial force is no longer present.

[0033] Thus, such first and second threshold radial forces acting on the tooth members may be any suitable radial force and may further depend on the size, including weight, of the tracked vehicle. For tracked vehicles that are combat vehicles, the second threshold may be in the range of about 100 kN, but may be less or greater. The radial force may be in any suitable range, such as, for example, 0-200 kN. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the radial force at which the tooth members elastically deform may depend on the arrangement and configuration of the tooth members, including radial, axial, and tangential extensions, and the elastic modulus of the tooth members. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, for tracked vehicles such as combat vehicles, the radial force at which the tooth members elastically deform may be in the range of 40 kN to 140 kN, and in one aspect, in the range of 70 kN to 120 kN.

[0034] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the teeth members so arranged and configured, since they can be configured to elastically deform under such radial forces that the teeth members are configured to elastically deform, protrude in a primary direction from the ring-like support member at an angle in this axial direction relative to the central axis, i.e., the axial direction of the central axis, that is in the range of 10 degrees to 50 degrees, and according to one aspect, in the range of 15 degrees to 35 degrees. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the teeth members so arranged and configured, since they can be configured to plastically deform under such radial forces that exceed the radial forces that the teeth members are configured to elastically deform, protrude in a primary direction from the ring-like support member at an angle in this axial direction relative to the axial direction of the central axis that exceeds the angle that the teeth members are configured to elastically deform.

[0035] According to one aspect of the disclosure, the tooth members so arranged and configured are configured to deform from an operating position to a deformed position in a direction towards the central axis upon receiving a radial force exceeding a certain threshold. The deformation, i.e., movement of the tooth members, is configured to occur in a plane substantially perpendicular to a tangent direction of the ring-like support member, which plane, according to one aspect, has a substantially sector-shaped configuration extending in the axial and radial directions. According to one aspect of the disclosure, the tooth members so arranged and configured can be configured to deform in a curved manner upon receiving a radial force exceeding a certain threshold, such that in the deformed position they protrude from the ring-like support member in a direction of extension having a curved shape. Such curved extension of the tooth members from the ring-like support member upon receiving a radial force exceeding a certain threshold, according to one aspect, has a main direction of extension from the ring-like support member at an angle with respect to the central axis, i.e., the axial direction of the central axis, toward said axial direction.

[0036] According to one aspect of the drive sprocket member, the tooth members are arranged in connection with the ring-shaped support member and are shaped to be radially resilient such that when one of the set of tooth members is subjected to a radial force in a direction toward the central axis, the tooth members are deformed to an operating position. The deformation corresponds to the tooth members protruding from the ring-shaped support member in a primary direction at an angle relative to the axial direction of the central axis, the angle depending, inter alia, on the magnitude of the radial force. According to one aspect of the disclosure, the tooth members arranged and configured in this manner can be configured to deform under a radial force such that they protrude from the ring-shaped support member in a primary direction at an angle relative to the axial direction of the central axis at least 20 degrees or less, according to one aspect at least 30 degrees or less, according to one aspect at least 40 degrees or less, according to one aspect at least 50 degrees or less, according to one aspect at least 60 degrees or less, according to one aspect at least 70 degrees or less, according to one aspect at least 80 degrees or less. The angle at which the tooth members can be deformed depends on the arrangement and configuration of the tooth members and the elastic modulus of the tooth members and, if applicable, may also depend on the elastic modulus of a ring-shaped support member connected to the tooth members.

[0037] According to one aspect of the drive sprocket member, the tooth members have a radially outer side configured to connect to engage with the track and face the radially inner side of the track when the tooth members are in an operating position. When one or more objects are drawn between the radially inner side of the track and the radially outer side of the tooth members during operation of the tracked vehicle such that the tooth members experience a radial force toward the central axis that exceeds a certain threshold, the tooth members are configured to deform relative to the operating position to allow the one or more objects to escape. This can effectively reduce damage to the track and tooth members caused by undesirable objects, such as gravel or stones, being drawn between the drive wheel member and the track.

[0038] According to one aspect of the disclosure, the tooth members are configured and arranged in connection with the ring-shaped support member and are shaped to be radially resilient such that, during operation of the tracked vehicle, if one or more objects are drawn between the radially inner side of the track and the radially outer side of the tooth members such that the tooth members experience a radial force toward the central axis that exceeds a certain threshold, the tooth members are configured to deform relative to an operating position such that the one or more objects experience an outward lateral axial force and escape from the track assembly, and thus from the tracked vehicle.

[0039] According to one aspect of the disclosure, the tooth members are configured and arranged in connection with the ring-shaped support member and are shaped to be radially resilient such that, during operation of the tracked vehicle, if one or more objects are drawn between the radially inner side of the track and the radially outer side of the tooth members such that the tooth members experience a radial force toward the central axis that exceeds a certain threshold, the tooth members are configured to deform relative to an operating position and protrude from the ring-shaped support member in a primary direction at an angle relative to the axial direction of the central axis, such that the one or more objects experience an outward lateral axial force due to the shape and resilience of the tooth members and the inclined deformation relative to the radially inner side of the track, and thus escape from the track assembly, and thus the tracked vehicle.

[0040] According to one aspect of the drive sprocket member, at least one tooth member of the set of tooth members includes a resilient support portion having a resilience and an engagement portion for engaging with the endless track. The resilient support portion is arranged in connection with the ring-shaped support member and configured to protrude from the support member in a main direction substantially parallel to the axial direction of the central shaft when the tooth members are in an operative position. The engagement portion is supported by the support portion and configured to protrude from the support portion for engaging with the endless track when in an operative position. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, each tooth member of the set of tooth members includes such a resilient support portion and an engagement portion. By thus providing the tooth members with such a resilient support portion and an engagement portion, efficient deformation, such as elastic and / or plastic deformation, based on radial forces on the tooth members, as well as efficient engagement, is facilitated. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the engagement portion is configured to protrude from the support portion in a main direction substantially parallel to the axial direction of the central shaft when the tooth members are in an operative position. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, when the tooth member is in the operating position, the engagement portion is configured to protrude from the support portion in a main direction away from the ring-shaped support member. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the length or distance of the main direction of extension of the support portion of the tooth member is in the range of 25% to 75% of the length of the tooth member, and according to one aspect, in the range of 40% to 60%. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the length or distance of the main direction of extension of the engagement portion of the tooth member is in the range of 25% to 75% of the length of the tooth member, and according to one aspect, in the range of 40% to 60%. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the length of the support portion and the length of the engagement portion correspond to the length of the tooth member.

[0041] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the tooth member support portion may have any radial thickness suitable for promoting resilience. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the tooth member support portion has an average radial thickness, i.e., a radial thickness when disposed in connection with the ring-shaped support portion and projecting in a main direction substantially parallel to the central axis. This thickness is in the range of 5% to 15% of the length of the tooth member, and according to one aspect, in the range of about 7% to 12%. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the average radial thickness of the tooth member support portion substantially corresponds to the axial thickness of the ring-shaped support member. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the tooth member support portion has a variable radial thickness, which is configured to vary linearly or non-linearly along a main extension of the tooth member support portion to provide a desired resilience and uniform material tension.

[0042] According to one aspect of the drive sprocket member, the support portion of the tooth member has a tapered configuration from the ring-shaped support member to the engagement portion to promote radial resiliency and promote deformation of the tooth member when the tooth member, i.e., the engagement portion of the tooth member, is subjected to a radial force above a certain threshold.

[0043] According to one aspect of the drive sprocket member, the support portion of the tooth member has a tapered configuration from the ring-shaped support member towards the engagement portion, the tapered configuration having a curvature adapted to obtain a desired elasticity and material tension, so as to promote deformation of the support portion of the tooth member when the tooth member, i.e. the engagement portion of the tooth member, is subjected to a radial force exceeding a certain threshold value. According to one aspect of the drive sprocket member, the curvature of the tapered configuration of the support portion of the tooth member has a linear and / or exponential and / or parabolic portion, for example according to the elastic curvature of a beam.

[0044] According to one aspect of the drive sprocket member, the support portion of the tooth member has a curved configuration from the ring-shaped support member towards the engagement portion adapted to obtain a desired elasticity and material tension, so as to promote deformation of the support portion of the tooth member when the tooth member is subjected to a radial force exceeding a certain threshold value. According to one aspect of the drive sprocket member, the curved configuration of the support portion of the tooth member has a linear and / or exponential and / or parabolic portion.

[0045] According to one aspect of the drive sprocket member, the support portion of the tooth member has a tapered configuration in a main direction from the ring-shaped support member to promote high stiffness of the tooth member in a tangential direction of the ring-shaped support member and resiliency for deformation of the tooth member in a radial direction.

[0046] According to one aspect of the drive sprocket member, the support portion of the tooth member has a tapered configuration from the ring-shaped support member to the engagement portion, the support portion having a first width at the support portion extending substantially perpendicular to the radial and axial directions and a corresponding second width at the engagement portion, the first width being greater than the second width at the support portion. Thus, the support portion of the tooth member has a funnel configuration that tapers from the ring-shaped support member to the engagement portion. This promotes both high stiffness of the tooth member in the tangential direction of the ring-shaped support member and resilience of the tooth member for elastic and plastic deformation. According to one aspect of the disclosure, the width of the support portion of the tooth member can be referred to as a tangential width or a circumferential width. According to one aspect of the disclosure, the support portion of the tooth member has a dovetail configuration. According to one aspect of the drive sprocket member, the support portion of the tooth member has a width dimensioned to withstand expected tangential forces. According to one aspect of the drive sprocket member, the tooth member support has a width that is configured to vary along the extension of the tooth member support and is connected to the ring-shaped support at a wide portion to provide tangential stiffness and promote resilience of the tooth member support. The wide portion of the tooth member support connected to the ring-shaped support facilitates high tangential stiffness. According to one aspect of the disclosure, the second width is in the range of 15% to 50% of the first width, and according to one aspect, in the range of 20% to 35% of the first width. According to one aspect of the disclosure, the first width is a radial distance in the range of 15% to 50% of the total radial distance between the main direction of extension of the tooth member and the central axis, and in one aspect, in the range of 20% to 35% of the radial distance between the main direction of extension of the tooth member and the central axis. The tangential stiffness thus provided facilitates controlled radial deformation when the tooth member is subjected to radial forces exceeding a certain threshold.

[0047] According to one aspect of the drive sprocket member, the support is configured such that the extension from the ring-shaped support member to the engagement portion is radially tapered, and the radial thickness of the support at the support member is greater than the radial thickness at the engagement portion. This promotes both high stiffness of the tooth member in the tangential direction of the ring-shaped support member and resilience of the tooth member for elastic and plastic deformation. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the support of the tooth member is configured such that the extension from the ring-shaped support member to the engagement portion is radially tapered at an average angle in the range of 2 degrees to 15 degrees, preferably in the range of 4 degrees to 10 degrees. According to one aspect, the support is configured to be arranged in connection with the ring-shaped support member such that there is a curved transition from the ring-shaped support member to the support of the tooth member. The curved transition is according to one aspect within the first 20% of the extension of the support toward the engagement portion of the tooth member. The transition from the ring-shaped support member to the support of the tooth member has an L-shaped configuration when viewed in the tangential direction, i.e., toward the longitudinal side of the tooth member. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a curved transition from the ring-shaped support member to the support portion of the tooth member is shaped and sized to provide a resilient contribution from the support portion of the tooth member.

[0048] According to one aspect of the drive sprocket member, the support portion has a radially outer side facing away from the central axis, an opposite radially inner side, a first long side, and an opposite second long side. The long sides extend from the ring-shaped support member to the engagement portion. The first and second long sides have an S-shaped configuration in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axial and radial extensions to form a tapered shape. This promotes both high stiffness of the tooth member in a tangential direction of the ring-shaped support member and resiliency for elastic and plastic deformation of the tooth member.

[0049] According to one aspect of the drive sprocket member, the support has a first portion disposed on the ring-shaped support member, the first portion extending radially from the radially outer side of the support member and extending along the outer periphery of the support member to provide stiffness of the tooth member in a tangential direction of the support member, thereby providing high stiffness of the tooth member in the tangential direction.

[0050] According to one aspect of the drive sprocket member, the support portion has a second portion disposed at and providing a transition to the engagement portion. The support portion further includes an intermediate portion disposed between the first portion and the second portion. In an operative position of the tooth members, the intermediate portion is configured such that the extension from the ring-shaped support member to the engagement portion is tapered in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axial and radial extensions of the tooth members, thereby promoting resiliency for elastic and plastic deformation of the tooth members.

[0051] According to one aspect of the drive sprocket member, the tooth member includes a topographical geometry disposed at the transition from the support member to the resilient support to equalize stiffness differences and / or optimize elastic properties of the tooth member. According to one aspect of the disclosure, the topographical geometry is configured to be provided by a relatively shallow recess extending from a substantially lateral terminal side of the support member centrally into a radially inward portion of the support of the tooth member. According to one aspect of the disclosure, the recess includes a first terminal side at the support member, an opposite second terminal side at the transition to the engagement portion, an opposed inner long side extending at least partially along an outer long side of the support, and a lower portion. By providing such a topographical geometry, e.g., a recess, stiffness differences of the tooth member connected to the transition from the support member to the support of the tooth member can be effectively equalized. By providing such a topographical geometry, e.g., a recess, elastic properties of the tooth member connected to the transition from the support member to the support of the tooth member can be effectively equalized.

[0052] According to one aspect of the drive sprocket member, the second portion of the support is configured to provide a transition to the engagement portion such that when the tooth members are in the operative position, the radially outer side of the engagement portion is radially farther away from the central axis than the radially outer side of the support portion. This provides a radially outward force component away from the central axis when the tooth members are subjected to an axial force toward the support member, which is desirable, for example, due to the track, i.e., the tension of the track and the weight of the tracked vehicle acting as a facilitating element and support surface when the tooth members are elastically moved in the outward radial direction.

[0053] According to one aspect of the drive sprocket member, the engagement portion has a radially outer side configured to connect to engage with the track and face the radially inner side of the track when the tooth members are in the operating position. The tooth members are configured such that, when one or more objects are drawn between the radially inner side of the track and the radially outer side of the engagement portion during operation of the tracked vehicle such that the tooth members experience a radial force toward the central axis that exceeds a certain threshold, the tooth members deform relative to the operating position to allow the at least one object to escape. This can efficiently reduce damage to the track and tooth members caused by undesirable objects, such as gravel or stones, being drawn between the drive wheel member and the track.

[0054] According to one aspect of the drive sprocket member, the engagement portion has a U-shaped configuration. The engagement portion has a wall portion configured to extend in a primary axial extent of the tooth member and a lower portion configured to project from the wall portion, the lower portion having a radially outer side facing away from the central axis. This facilitates reducing the weight of the tooth member and also facilitates efficient engagement with the track.

[0055] According to one aspect of the drive sprocket member, the inner surface of the U-shaped engagement portion is formed such that the thickness of the U-shaped engagement portion varies in order to increase the elastic properties of the engagement portion. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the formation of the inner surface of the U-shaped engagement portion is configured such that each wall and / or lower portion is tapered from the transition from the support portion toward the terminal side along the main extension direction. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the formation of the inner surface of the U-shaped engagement portion is such that the inner transition from each wall portion to the lower portion has an arc-shaped or inclined form, and the thickness at the transition portion is greater than the thickness at the center of the lower portion. By providing such a formation of the inner surface of the U-shaped engagement portion, an increase in the elastic properties of the U-shaped engagement portion can be efficiently obtained.

[0056] According to one aspect of the drive sprocket member, the wall of the U-shaped engagement part can be scored, according to one embodiment, in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal extension direction from the outside towards the bottom in a thin cut in order to locally reduce the stiffness of the engagement part. Such a scoring can be performed by laser cutting. By providing such a cut in the wall in this way, the stiffness of the engagement part can be effectively reduced.

[0057] According to one aspect of the drive sprocket member, one or more of the set of tooth members are configured to be an integral part of the ring-shaped support member. According to one aspect of the drive sprocket member, the tooth members of the sprocket member are configured to be an integral part of the ring-shaped support member. By providing the drive sprocket member in this manner in which the tooth members and the ring-shaped support member form an integral part, easy manufacture is promoted. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the drive sprocket member is configured to be manufactured as a single piece.

[0058] According to one aspect of the drive sprocket member, the resilient support is configured to be an integral part of the ring-shaped support member.

[0059] According to one aspect of the drive sprocket member, the engagement portion is configured to be an integral part of the resilient support portion.

[0060] According to one aspect of the drive sprocket member, the engagement portion is configured to be attached to the resilient support portion.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the drive sprocket member further includes one or more sheet metal elements configured to be connected to at least a laterally terminal portion of the support member from which the tooth members protrude and at least a radially inner portion of the tooth members and arranged to be arranged inside the drive sprocket member. The one or more sheet metal elements are arranged to increase the spring force. Thus, the one or more sheet metal elements are arranged to increase the spring force of the tooth members. Such sheet metal elements are, according to one embodiment, separate elements configured to be mounted in connection with the laterally terminal side of the support member and the radially inner side of the tooth members. The one or more sheet metal elements can be assembled to the laterally terminal side of the support member and the radially inner side of the tooth members in any suitable manner, for example by means of joining members and / or by folding the sheet metal elements connected to the tooth members and / or the support members. The mounting of the one or more sheet metal elements can be performed with or without pretensioning. Pretensioning can be utilized to increase the spring force of each tooth member without substantially losing the restoring force distance of each tooth member.

[0062] According to one aspect, the drive sprocket member further includes a support ring configured to be connected to the radially inward side of the tooth members at the transition from the support portion to the engagement portion and disposed around the set of tooth members to increase the radial stiffness of the set of tooth members according to one embodiment. This can effectively increase the radial stiffness of the set of tooth members to a desired stiffness, if desired. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the support ring can be resilient to deform when subjected to a radial force in a direction toward the central axis. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the support ring can be resilient to elastically deform when subjected to a radial force in a direction toward the central axis. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the support ring can be resilient to plastically deform when subjected to a radial force in a direction toward the central axis that exceeds a predetermined threshold. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the support ring can be of the same material as the tooth members. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the support ring can be a separate part of the sprocket member and thus can be attached to the radially inward side of the tooth members at the transition from the support portion to the engagement portion.

[0063] Specifically, the objects of the present invention are achieved by a drive wheel member including at least one drive sprocket member as described herein.

[0064] According to one aspect of the drive wheel member, the drive wheel member includes a hub member for facilitating rotation of the drive wheel member, the drive wheel member including a laterally outer drive sprocket member disposed in connection with a laterally outer side of the hub member and a laterally inner drive sprocket member disposed in connection with a laterally inner side of the hub member, the laterally outer side facing outwardly from the vehicle in a lateral direction of the tracked vehicle and the laterally inner side facing in a lateral direction opposite the tracked vehicle on which the drive wheel member is mounted.

[0065] In particular, the objects of the present invention are achieved by a tracked vehicle including a drive sprocket member as described herein. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0066] For a better understanding of the present disclosure, reference is made to the following detailed description read in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters represent like parts throughout the several drawings, and in which:

[0067] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a schematic side view of a tracked vehicle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 1 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a portion of a tracked vehicle including a drive wheel member of a track assembly and a portion of a track, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] 3 illustrates a schematic side view of the drive wheel member of FIG. 2 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 2A and 2B are schematic diagrams illustrating a perspective view of a drive sprocket member of a drive wheel member for the endless tracks of a tracked vehicle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a portion of the drive sprocket member of FIG. 4, focusing on the tooth member, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic front view of the drive sprocket member of FIG. 4 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7a] 7 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional side view of a tooth member of the drive sprocket member of FIG. 6 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7b] 7b shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of the tooth member of FIG. 7a subjected to a radial force causing deformation of the tooth member, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. [Figure 8] 2A and 2B are schematic diagrams illustrating a perspective view of a portion of a drive sprocket member focusing on a tooth member according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 9a] 2A and 2B are schematic diagrams illustrating a side view of a portion of a drive sprocket member according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 9b] FIG. 9b shows a schematic front view of the drive sprocket member of FIG. 9a according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 2A and 2B illustrate generally perspective and plan views of an engagement portion of a tooth member according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 11]2A and 2B illustrate generally perspective and plan views of an engagement portion of a tooth member according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0068] As used herein, the term "elastic deformation" corresponds to deformation of a part such that the deformed part returns to its pre-deformed position.

[0069] As used herein, the term "plastic deformation" corresponds to deformation of a part in which the deformed part remains substantially in its deformed position, which in one embodiment is retained, but which may also return to its original pre-deformed position.

[0070] In this specification, the term "threshold" may be referred to as "threshold value."

[0071] As used herein, the term "rubber" in reference to a "rubber track" refers to any elastic material, such as rubber, elastomer, or a combination of rubber and elastomer.

[0072] In this specification, the term "central axis", when referring to the axis about which the drive wheel member of a tracked vehicle is configured to be rotatable, refers to an imaginary axis that may have an imaginary axial extension relative to the drive wheel member.

[0073] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a drive sprocket member for a drive wheel member for a track of a tracked vehicle is provided. The drive sprocket member is configured to facilitate prevention of damage to the track and the drive wheel member. The drive sprocket member is configured, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, to facilitate maintenance of the drive wheel member. The drive sprocket member is configured, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, to facilitate repair of a tooth member of the drive sprocket member of the drive wheel member.

[0074] Such a tracked vehicle has a longitudinal extension and a lateral extension. The longitudinal extension of the tracked vehicle corresponds to the length of the tracked vehicle, and the lateral extension of the tracked vehicle corresponds to the width of the tracked vehicle. Such a tracked vehicle further has a certain height extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal and lateral extensions of the tracked vehicle. The longitudinal extension of the tracked vehicle usually corresponds to the direction of travel of the vehicle, i.e., forward or backward.

[0075] Such a tracked vehicle may include a right track assembly and a left track assembly for driving the vehicle. Each track assembly includes a drive wheel member, a tension wheel, a set of road wheels, and a track arranged to extend above or surround the wheels. The track of each track assembly may be arranged to be driven and rotated by the drive wheel member. The track of each track assembly may be arranged to be driven and rotated by one or more drive sprocket members of the drive wheel member. The drive wheel member, and thus the one or more drive sprocket members, are configured to be rotatable about a central axis to rotate the track. Such central axis represents an imaginary axis at the center of each drive wheel member, and thus the drive sprocket member, of the tracked vehicle. This central axis extends laterally of the tracked vehicle when the drive wheel members are attached to the tracked vehicle. The tracked vehicle may include drive means for driving the drive wheel members. The drive means may be any suitable drive means, such as one or more internal combustion engines and / or one or more electric machines.

[0076] The tracks of each track assembly may have any suitable configuration and be of any suitable material. The tracks of each track assembly may be rubber tracks according to one aspect of the disclosure. The tracks of each track assembly may be steel tracks according to one aspect of the disclosure.

[0077] The drive wheel member includes a centrally disposed hub member and a drive sprocket member configured for attachment to the hub member.

[0078] According to one aspect of the disclosure, the drive wheel member includes a laterally outer drive sprocket member disposed laterally outboard of the hub member and a laterally inner drive sprocket member disposed laterally inboard of the hub member, the laterally outer of the hub member being a direction lateral to the vehicle away from the vehicle, i.e., away from the body / laterally opposed drive wheel member, and the inner of the hub member being a direction lateral to the vehicle, i.e., toward the body / laterally opposed drive wheel member, of the tracked vehicle on which the drive wheel member is mounted.

[0079] According to one aspect of the disclosure, the hub member has a front or laterally outer side configured to face laterally outward from the side of the vehicle when the drive wheel member is mounted to a tracked vehicle, i.e., mounted to a track assembly of the tracked vehicle, and an opposing rear or laterally inner side configured to face laterally to the side and opposite side of the vehicle.

[0080] The drive sprocket member includes a set of tooth members disposed on an outer periphery of the drive sprocket member. The tooth members are configured to engage the tracks. The drive sprocket member further includes a ring-shaped support member for the tooth members of the drive sprocket member. The tooth members are configured to project from the ring-shaped support member in a primary direction substantially parallel to an axial direction of the central axis to place the tooth members in an operative position for engagement with the tracks. The tooth members are disposed in connection with the ring-shaped support member and are shaped to provide radial resilience. The drive sprocket member is thus shaped to include deformation characteristics including resilience of the tooth members.

[0081] The tooth members are configured such that a tooth member of the set of tooth members is configured to deform when the tooth member is subjected to a radial force exceeding a particular threshold in a direction toward the central axis, such a radial force may be caused by one or more objects being drawn between the radially inner side of the track and the radially outer side of the tooth members.

[0082] If the radial force is greater than a particular threshold but less than or equal to a predetermined threshold, the tooth members are configured to elastically deform to the operating position, so that when the radial force is no longer applied to the tooth members, the tooth members return to the operating position by elastic deformation.

[0083] If the radial force exceeds a predetermined threshold, the tooth members are configured to plastically deform to an operating position such that when the tooth members are no longer subjected to the radial force, they remain in a substantially plastically deformed position.

[0084] When the drive wheel members are disposed on a tracked vehicle, a set of the tooth members of the drive sprocket member are engaged with the track and another set of the tooth members of the drive sprocket member are in a rotated position of the drive wheel member and are not engaged with the track, and if one or more of the tooth members are subjected to a radial force causing such plastic deformation, they can be repaired by returning one or more of the tooth members to an operative position, and then the drive wheel member can be rotated to another rotational position of the drive wheel member where another set of the tooth members of the drive sprocket member are not engaged with the track, and repaired accordingly, if necessary, i.e., plastically deformed.

[0085] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the tooth members can be made of any suitable material to facilitate such deformation. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the tooth members can be made of any suitable steel material to facilitate such deformation. The material of the sprocket member tooth members can be any suitable material to facilitate the above properties including resilience. The material can be, for example, any of conventional metals including steel, superelastic alloys, metal matrix composites, amorphous metals, polymer-based composites, shape memory alloy (SMA) metals, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), or other nanotechnology based materials. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the tooth members can be made of any suitable spring steel material to facilitate such deformation. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the tooth members can be made of a steel material that facilitates welding to facilitate such deformation. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the tooth members can be made of a press hardened boron alloy steel material to facilitate such deformation.

[0086] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, at least a portion of the tooth members disposed in connection with the ring-shaped support member are configured to be an integral part of the ring-shaped support member of the drive sprocket member.

[0087] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the tooth members are configured to be an integral part of a ring-shaped support member of the drive sprocket member. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the tooth members are configured to be interconnected at the support member to facilitate elastic transfer between adjacent tooth members. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the tooth members are configured to be interconnected to form a ring-shaped member at / of the ring-shaped support member. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the tooth members are configured to protrude radially at a radially outer portion of the support member and such that recesses are created between adjacent tooth members at the support member.

[0088] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the drive sprocket member can be made of any suitable material to facilitate such deformation of the tooth members. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the drive sprocket member can be made of any suitable steel material to facilitate such deformation of the tooth members. The material of the ring-shaped sprocket member can be any suitable material to facilitate the above properties including resilience. The material can be, for example, any of conventional metals including steel, superelastic alloys, metal matrix composites, amorphous metals, polymer-based composites, shape memory alloy (SMA) metals, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), or other nanotechnology-based materials. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the drive sprocket member can be made of any suitable spring steel material to facilitate such deformation of the tooth members. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the drive sprocket member can be made of a steel material that facilitates welding to facilitate such deformation of the tooth members. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the drive sprocket member can be made of a press-hardened boron alloy steel material to facilitate such deformation of the tooth members.

[0089] According to one aspect of the disclosure, the tooth members may be manufactured by any suitable manufacturing process that facilitates such deformation of the tooth members. The manufacturing method of the sprocket member tooth members may be any suitable manufacturing method that facilitates providing the above-mentioned properties. The manufacturing method may be, for example, any of the following: machining, casting, laminating, sintering, injection molding, hot isostatic pressing, conventional forging, flow forming, and additive manufacturing. According to one aspect of the disclosure, the sprocket member tooth members may be manufactured by so-called flow forming, i.e., a sequential rotary forging process, in which a material is stretched over a cylindrical tool by means of a roll-shaped tool and high pressure. This allows the deformation-hardened material to directly obtain the appropriate properties. In alternative processes, a subsequent heat treatment may be required. The drive sprocket member according to the disclosure may be advantageously manufactured as a single unit.

[0090] According to one aspect of the disclosure, the drive sprocket member can be manufactured by any suitable manufacturing process that facilitates such deformation of the tooth members. The manufacturing method of the ring-shaped sprocket member can be any suitable manufacturing method that facilitates providing the above-mentioned characteristics. The manufacturing method can be, for example, any of the following: machining, casting, laminating, sintering, injection molding, hot isostatic pressing, conventional forging, flow forming, and additive manufacturing. According to one aspect of the disclosure, the ring-shaped sprocket member can be manufactured by so-called flow forming, i.e. a sequential rotary forging process in which the material is rolled over a cylindrical tool by means of a roll-shaped tool and high pressure. This allows the deformation-hardened material to directly obtain the appropriate characteristics. In alternative processes, a subsequent heat treatment may be required. The drive sprocket member according to the disclosure can be advantageously manufactured as a single unit.

[0091] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic side view of a tracked vehicle V according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0092] The tracked vehicle V is a military vehicle according to the disclosure of Fig. 1. The tracked vehicle V is a combat vehicle according to the disclosure of Fig. 1.

[0093] The tracked vehicle V includes a vehicle body B, which according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a chassis and a body of the vehicle V.

[0094] The tracked vehicle V includes a right track assembly and a left track assembly T1 for running the vehicle V. The left track assembly is shown in FIG. 1. Each track assembly has a longitudinal extension, with the right track assembly being configured to connect and extend to the right side along the longitudinal extension of the body B of the vehicle V, and the left track assembly being configured to connect and extend to the left side along the longitudinal extension of the body B of the vehicle V. Each track assembly includes a drive wheel member DW, a tension wheel TW, a set of road wheels RW, and an endless track E arranged to extend over the wheels. Here, the drive wheel member DW is disposed at the front, the tension wheel TW is disposed at the rear, and the road wheel RW is disposed between the drive wheel member DW and the tension wheel TW. However, a tracked vehicle according to the present disclosure may have a track assembly with drive wheel members, tension wheels, and road wheels in any suitable arrangement. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is also possible to arrange the tension wheel at the front, the drive wheel member at the rear, and the road wheel between them.

[0095] The tracks E of each track assembly are arranged to be driven and rotated by the drive wheel members DW. The tracked vehicle V includes drive means, not shown, for driving the drive wheel members DW. The drive means may be any suitable drive means, such as an internal combustion engine and / or an electric machine.

[0096] The tracks of each track assembly may have any suitable configuration and be of any suitable material. The tracks E of each track assembly may be rubber tracks according to one aspect of the present disclosure. The tracks E of each track assembly may be steel tracks according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0097] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a tracked vehicle V including a drive wheel member DW of a track assembly T1 and a portion of a track E, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 illustrates a side view of the drive wheel member DW of Figure 2, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The side view of Figure 3 is a view near the radially outer side of the drive wheel member DW.

[0098] The drive wheel member DW has a central axis Z. The central axis Z extends laterally of the tracked vehicle V. The central axis Z extends laterally of the track assembly T1. The drive wheel member DW is configured to rotate about the central axis Z. The drive wheel member DW includes a hub member H. The hub member H is configured to operatively engage a drive shaft of a drive means of the tracked vehicle and is configured to be rotated by the drive means. The hub member H is thus arranged to rotate about the central axis Z. See FIG. 3.

[0099] The hub member H, according to this embodiment, has spokes SP. Hub members according to the present disclosure may have any suitable configuration. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, not shown, a drive means is arranged in connection with the drive wheel member, such as an electric machine, which may be at least partially housed within the outer edge of the drive wheel member, with the axis of the drive means being substantially coaxial with the central axis Z of the drive wheel member.

[0100] The hub member H has a lateral front side H1 and an opposite lateral rear side H2, see FIG. 3. When the drive wheel member DW is mounted on a tracked vehicle V, the lateral front side H1 is configured to face away from the vehicle in the lateral direction of the vehicle, and the lateral rear side H2 is configured to face away from the vehicle in the lateral direction of the vehicle. The lateral front side H1 of the hub member faces away from the vehicle in the lateral direction of the vehicle, and therefore can be referred to as the lateral outer side H1 of the hub member H. The hub member rear side H2 faces inward in the lateral direction of the vehicle, and therefore can be referred to as the lateral inner side H2 of the hub member H.

[0101] According to one aspect of the disclosure, the drive wheel member DW includes a lateral outer ring-shaped drive sprocket member S1 disposed in connection with a front side H1 of the hub member H, and a lateral inner ring-shaped drive sprocket member S2 disposed in connection with a rear side H2 of the hub member H. Each drive sprocket member S1 is provided with a set of teeth members 10 configured to be disposed on the outer periphery of the ring-shaped drive sprocket members S1, S2.

[0102] According to one aspect of the disclosure, the lateral outer drive sprocket member S1 faces away from the vehicle in the lateral direction of the vehicle and the inner drive sprocket member S2 faces towards the vehicle in the lateral direction of the vehicle on which the drive wheel member DW is mounted.

[0103] The driving sprocket members S1, S2 may be referred to as driving wheels or driving wheel units according to one aspect of the present disclosure. The outer driving sprocket member S1 may be referred to as an outer driving wheel or an outer driving wheel unit according to one aspect of the present disclosure. The inner driving sprocket member S2 may be referred to as an inner driving wheel or an inner driving wheel unit according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0104] Each drive sprocket member S1, S2 includes a set of teeth members 10 disposed about the outer periphery of the drive sprocket member S1, S2.

[0105] 2, the laterally outer driving sprocket member S1 includes a set of tooth members 10 disposed about the outer periphery of the outer driving sprocket member S1. The tooth members 10 of the outer driving sprocket member S1 are configured to project laterally outward in a primary direction substantially parallel to an axial direction of the central axis Z such that the tooth members 10 are in an operative position for engagement with the track E.

[0106] 2, the laterally inner driving sprocket member S2 includes a set of tooth members 10 disposed about an outer periphery of the laterally inner driving sprocket member S2. The tooth members 10 of the inner driving sprocket member S2 are configured to project laterally inwardly in a primary direction substantially parallel to an axial direction of the central axis Z such that the tooth members 10 are in an operative position for engagement with the track E.

[0107] The tracks E of each track assembly T1 of the tracked vehicle V have a lateral outer side E1 facing away from the vehicle in the lateral direction of the vehicle and a lateral inner side E2 facing towards the vehicle in the lateral direction of the vehicle on which the track assembly is mounted, see Figure 2. The lateral outer side E1 and the lateral inner side E2 face in a direction corresponding to the direction of the central axis Z.

[0108] The tracks E of each track assembly T1 of the tracked vehicle V include an outer side E3 facing away from the drive wheel member DW when the track is engaged with the drive wheel member DW, and an inner side E4 facing towards the drive wheel member DW when the track is engaged with the drive wheel member DW. See FIG. 2. The outer side E3 is the ground-engaging outer side E3, a portion of the ground-engaging outer side E3 is configured to engage with the ground, and this portion changes during the travel and thus rotation of the track E. The inner side E4 is the drive wheel-engaging inner side E4, a portion of the drive wheel-engaging inner side E4 is configured to engage with the drive wheel member DW, and this portion changes during the travel and thus rotation of the track E. Thus, the drive wheel-engaging inner side E4 opposite the ground-engaging outer side E3 of the track E faces in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the lateral outer side E1 and the lateral inner side E2 of the track E. The track E is configured to surround the wheels of the vehicle, including the drive wheel member DW (see, for example, FIG. 1), and the inner side E4 faces the wheels.

[0109] The tooth member 10 is configured to engage with the tracks of a tracked vehicle. The track E shown in FIG.

[0110] Each driving sprocket member S1, S2 includes a ring-shaped support member 20 for the tooth members of the driving sprocket members S1, S2. According to this embodiment, the laterally outer driving sprocket member S1 includes a support member 20 for the tooth members 10 of the laterally outer driving sprocket member S1. According to this embodiment, the laterally inner driving sprocket member S2 includes a support member 20 for the tooth members 10 of the laterally inner driving sprocket member S2.

[0111] The support member 20 of each driving sprocket member S1, S2 has a ring-like configuration according to one aspect of the disclosure. The support member 20 of each driving sprocket member S1, S2 has a radially outer side 20a facing outward away from the central axis Z and an opposite radially inner side 20b facing inward toward the central axis Z. According to one aspect of the disclosure, the ring-like support member 20 has an outer diameter by the outside and an inner diameter by the inside. The radially outer side 20a of the support member 20 is configured to face the drive wheel-engaging inner side E4 of the track E when the driving wheel member DW is engaged with the track E.

[0112] The support member 20 of each drive sprocket member S1, S2 has a first lateral end side 20c and an opposite second lateral end side 20d. The first end side 20c and the opposite second lateral end side 20d are arranged to face in a direction parallel to the direction of the central axis Z. When the drive wheel member DW, and thus the track assembly, is mounted on the tracked vehicle, the first lateral end side 20c and the opposite lateral second end side 20d of the support member 20 are arranged to face in a lateral direction of the tracked vehicle.

[0113] A first lateral end side 20c of the ring-shaped support member 20 of the lateral outer driving sprocket S1 is configured to face away from a lateral front side H1 of the hub member H when mounted on the hub member H. A first lateral end side 20c of the support member 20 of the lateral inner driving sprocket S2 is configured to face away from a lateral rear side H2 of the hub member H when mounted on the hub member H.

[0114] When the drive wheel members are connected to the track E, the first lateral end side 20c of the support member 20 of the outer lateral drive sprocket S1 is configured to face in the same direction as the outer lateral direction E1 of the track E. When the drive wheel members are connected to the track E, the first lateral end side 20c of the support member 20 of the inner lateral drive sprocket S2 is configured to face in the same direction as the inner lateral direction E2 of the track. Thus, the first lateral end side 20c of the ring shape of each drive sprocket S1, S2 is configured to face away from the track in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of the central axis Z.

[0115] Thus, the first lateral terminal sides 20c of the ring-shaped support member 20 of each driving sprocket S1, S2 are configured to face away from each other. Thus, the first lateral terminal side 20c of the ring-shaped support member 20 of the outer driving sprocket S1 is configured to face away from the first terminal side 20c of the ring-shaped support member 20 of the inner driving sprocket member S2.

[0116] When mounted to the hub member H, the lateral second side 20d of the support member 20 of the lateral outer driving sprocket S1 is configured to face toward the lateral front side H1 of the hub member H. When mounted to the hub member H, the lateral second side 20d of the support member 20 of the lateral inner driving sprocket S2 is configured to face toward the lateral rear side H2 of the hub member H.

[0117] When the drive wheel members are connected to the endless track E, the second lateral end side 20d of the support member 20 of the outer lateral drive sprocket S1 is configured to face away from the outer lateral side E1 of the endless track E. When the drive wheel members are connected to the endless track, the second lateral end side 20d of the support member 20 of the inner lateral drive sprocket S2 is configured to face away from the inner lateral side E2 of the endless track. Thus, the second lateral end side 20d of the ring-shaped support member 20 of each drive sprocket S1, S2 is configured to face towards the endless track in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of the central axis Z.

[0118] Therefore, the second lateral end sides 20d of the ring-shaped support members 20 of the driving sprockets S1, S2 are arranged to face each other, and the second lateral end side 20d of the ring-shaped support member 20 of the laterally outer driving sprocket S1 is arranged to face the second lateral end side 20d of the ring-shaped support member 20 of the laterally inner driving sprocket member S2.

[0119] FIG. 4 shows a schematic perspective view of a drive sprocket member S1 of a drive wheel member for a track of a tracked vehicle according to one aspect of the present disclosure. The drive sprocket member S1 includes a ring-shaped support member 20. FIG. 5 shows a schematic perspective view of a portion of the drive sprocket member S1 of FIG. 4 focusing on the tooth member 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 shows a schematic front view of the drive sprocket member S1 of FIG. 4 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. A drive wheel member including such a sprocket member S1 may be a drive wheel member according to the drive wheel member DW of FIG. 1. A drive wheel member including such a sprocket member S1 may be a drive wheel member according to the drive wheel member DW of FIG. 2.

[0120] Fig. 7a illustrates, in schematic form, a cross-sectional side view of the tooth member 10 of the drive sprocket member S1 of Fig. 6 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 7b illustrates, in schematic form, a cross-sectional side view of the tooth member 10 of Fig. 7a subjected to a radial force F causing deformation of the tooth member 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0121] The tooth member 10 is configured to protrude from the ring-shaped support member 20 in a main direction M substantially parallel to the axial direction of the central axis Z such that the tooth member 10 is in an operative position for engaging the track E to facilitate rotation of the track E. See, for example, FIGS. 3 and 7a. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 7a, the tooth member has a radially outer side 10a configured to face the radially inner side E4 of the track E when the tooth member 10 engages the track E. As shown, for example, in FIGS. 2 and 7a, the tooth member has a radially inner side 10b configured to face inwardly toward the central axis Z. According to the embodiment shown, for example, in FIGS. 3 to 6 and 7a to 7b, the tooth member 10 is an integral part of the ring-shaped support member 20.

[0122] As shown in FIG. 3, the tooth members 10 distributed on and around the support member 20 of each driving sprocket member S1, S2 are configured to protrude in a main direction from a first terminal side 20c of the support member 20 when in an operating position.

[0123] The tooth members 10 are connected to the radially outer side 20a of the ring-shaped support member 20 (see, for example, FIG. 4), project from the ring-shaped support member 20 in a main direction M substantially parallel to the axial direction of the central axis Z, and are configured to terminate at a predetermined distance away from the ring-shaped support member. The tooth members 10 have a terminal side 10c that is furthest from the ring-shaped support member. See, for example, FIG. 7a. The length L10 of each tooth member 10, i.e. the distance in the main direction of extension, corresponds to the distance from the ring-shaped support member 20 from which the tooth member 10 projects to the terminal side 10c of the tooth member 10.

[0124] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the length of the tooth member is within a range of 30% to 100% of the radial distance R10 between the main direction of extension M of the tooth member 10 and the central axis Z, and according to one embodiment, within a range of 60% to 80% of the radial distance R10 between the main direction of extension M of the tooth member 10 and the central axis Z. See, for example, FIG.

[0125] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the ring-shaped support member 20 has an average axial thickness T20, i.e., a thickness in a direction substantially parallel to the axial direction of the central axis Z. See, for example, Figures 4, 5, and 7a. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the average axial thickness T20 of the ring-shaped support member 20 is in the range of 5% to 20% of the length L10 of the tooth member 10, and according to one embodiment, in the range of about 7% to 15%.

[0126] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the tooth members 10 have an average radial thickness T10, i.e., a radial thickness when disposed at the outer circumference of the drive sprocket member. This thickness is in the range of 5%-15% of the length of the tooth members, and in one aspect, in the range of about 7%-12%. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the average radial thickness T10 of each tooth member 10 corresponds substantially to the axial thickness T20 of the ring-like support member 20. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the tooth members 10 have a variable radial thickness, which is configured to vary linearly or non-linearly along the main extension M of the tooth members 10 to provide the desired elasticity and uniform material tension.

[0127] According to one aspect of the disclosure, each driving sprocket member S1, S2 includes a set of fastening members 24 arranged around the inner side 20b of each ring-like support member 20. See, for example, FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, which show the set of fastening members 24 of the radially outer driving sprocket member S1. Each fastening member 24 includes or is arranged to receive a bolted joint member (not shown) for attaching each driving sprocket member S1, S2 to the hub member H of the driving wheel member DW. Each fastening member 24 includes a through hole 24O for receiving the bolted joint member to facilitate this attachment. According to one aspect of the disclosure, the fastening members 24 are configured to be attached to the spokes SP of the hub member H.

[0128] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the fastening member 24 is included in the ring-shaped support member 20. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the fastening member 24 forms an integral part of the ring-shaped support member 20.

[0129] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, ring-shaped support member 20 has an intermediate ring portion 22 radially disposed between axially inner portion 12-1 of tooth member 10 (see, e.g., Figures 5 and 7a-7b) and fastening member 24. For example, according to the embodiment shown in Figure 4, tooth member 10, intermediate portion 22 and fastening member 24 form an integral part of sprocket member S1.

[0130] According to one aspect of the disclosure, as shown, for example, in FIG. 7 a, each tooth member 10 is disposed in connection with a ring-shaped support member 20 such that there is a transition between the ring-shaped support member 20 and the tooth member 10 from the substantially radial extension of the ring-shaped support member 20 to the main axial extension M of the tooth member 10.

[0131] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, as shown, for example, in FIG. 7a, the transition from the radial extension of the ring-shaped support member 20 to the primary axial direction of extension of the tooth member 10 has a slightly curved L-shape.

[0132] According to one aspect of the disclosure, as shown, for example, in FIG. 7 a, the transition from the radial extension of the ring-shaped support member 20 to the main axial direction of extension of the tooth member 10 has an inwardly curved, e.g., substantially arcuate, curved configuration from the lateral terminal side 20 c of the ring-shaped support member 20 to the radially inner side 10 b of the tooth member.

[0133] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the transition region TR extends such that a majority, e.g., at least 80%, of the length L10 of the tooth member 10 has a main axial direction of extension substantially parallel to the axial extension of the central axis Z. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the transition region TR extends such that a majority, e.g., at least 80%, of the length L of the tooth member 10 relative to the terminal side 20d has a main axial direction of extension substantially parallel to the axial extension of the central axis Z.

[0134] The transition region TR, according to one embodiment, has an axial extension D1 from the terminal side 20d to an outer axial transition end. The transition region TR, according to one embodiment, has a radial extension D2 from the radially outer side 10a of the tooth member 10 to an inner radial transition end.

[0135] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the axial extension D1 of the transition portion TR from the terminal side 20d to the outer axial transition end is in the range of 10% to 30% of the length L of the tooth member 10 to the terminal side 20d, and according to one embodiment, in the range of 15% to 25%.

[0136] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the average radial thickness T10 of the tooth member 10 is in the range of 20% to 50% of the radial extension D2 of the transition region TR from the radially outer side 10a of the tooth member 10 to the inner radial transition end, and according to one embodiment may be in the range of 30% to 40%.

[0137] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the radial extension D2 of the transition TR from the radially outer side 10a of the tooth member 10 to the inner radial transition end is in the range of 10% to 30% of the radial distance R10 between the main axial direction of extension M of the tooth member 10 and the central axis Z, and according to one embodiment may be in the range of 15% to 25%.

[0138] A drive wheel member according to the present disclosure may comprise a single drive sprocket member according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure, not shown. A drive wheel member according to the present disclosure may comprise a single drive sprocket member according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, not shown, having tooth members arranged on the outer periphery of the drive sprocket and one support member for these tooth members. The tooth members are configured to be arranged in connection with such a single ring-shaped support member and have a shape that provides radial elasticity such that when one of the set of tooth members is subjected to a radial force exceeding a certain threshold in a direction toward the central axis of such drive wheel member, the tooth members are configured to deform relative to an operating position.

[0139] 4, 5, and 7a-7b, tooth member 10 of the set of tooth members 10 includes a resilient support portion 12. Tooth member 10 further includes an engagement portion 14 for engaging with a track E.

[0140] The elastic support portion 12 is arranged to be connected to the ring-shaped support member 20 and is configured to protrude from the support member 20 in a main direction substantially parallel to the axial direction of the central axis Z in the operating position of the tooth member 10.

[0141] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, as shown, for example, in FIG. 7 a, each tooth member 10 is configured to be disposed in connection with a ring-shaped support member 20 such that there is a transition TR between the ring-shaped support member 20 and the elastic support portion 12 of the tooth member 10 from a substantially radial extension of the ring-shaped support member 20 to a primary axial extension M of the tooth member 10.

[0142] The engagement portion 14 is configured to be supported by the support portion 12 and to protrude from the support portion 12 for engaging the endless track E in the operating position. The engagement portion 14 is configured to protrude from the support portion 12 away from the support member 20. The resilient support portion 12 of the tooth member 10 may be referred to as the support portion 12. The resilient support portion 12 of the tooth member 10 may be referred to as the engagement portion support portion 12.

[0143] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the tooth member 10 is in the operating position, the engagement portion 14 is configured to protrude from the elastic support portion 12 in a main direction substantially parallel to the axial direction of the central axis Z. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the length L12 of the elastic support portion 12 of the tooth member 10, i.e., the distance in the main direction of extension, is in the range of 25% to 75% of the length L10 of the tooth member 10, and according to one embodiment, in the range of 40% to 60%. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the length L14 of the engagement portion 14 of the tooth member 10, i.e., the distance in the main direction of extension, is in the range of 25% to 75% of the length of the tooth member 10, and according to one embodiment, in the range of 40% to 60%. According to one embodiment, the length L12 of the elastic support portion 12 and the length of the engagement portion 14 correspond to the length L10 of the tooth member 10.

[0144] For example, according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, the engagement portion 14 is configured to be an integral part of the resilient support portion 12. According to an alternative embodiment not shown, the engagement portion can be configured to be attached to the resilient support portion, i.e., the engagement portion can be a separate part configured to be attachable to the resilient support portion.

[0145] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, as shown, for example, in FIG. 5, the resilient support portion 12 of the tooth member 10 has a tapered configuration from the ring-like support member 20 to the engagement portion 14 .

[0146] As shown in FIG. 5, the support portion 12 has a first width W1 at the support member 20. The first width W1 extends substantially perpendicular to the radial direction and perpendicular to the axial direction of the support portion 12. The first width W1 extends substantially corresponding to the circumferential extension of the support member 20. As shown in FIG. 5, the support portion 12 has a second width W2 at the engagement portion 14. The second width W2 extends substantially perpendicular to the radial direction and perpendicular to the axial direction of the support portion 12. The first width W1 is wider than the second width W2 of the support portion 12.

[0147] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second width W2 is within a range of 15% to 50% of the first width W1, and according to one embodiment, within a range of 20% to 35% of the first width W1. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first width W1 is within a range of 15% to 50% of a radial distance R10 relative to the total radial distance between the main direction of elongation of the tooth member and the central axis, and according to one embodiment, within a range of 20% to 35% of the radial distance between the main direction of elongation of the tooth member and the central axis.

[0148] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the tooth member 10 has a varying shape along a main extension M. The varying shape includes a varying shape of the support portion 12. The varying shape of the support portion 12 includes a tapered portion in the main direction M from the ring-shaped support member 20 to promote high stiffness of the tooth member 10 in a tangential direction of the ring-shaped support member 20, and resiliency to facilitate radial deformation of the tooth member 10 when subjected to a radial force F above a certain threshold.

[0149] According to one embodiment of the drive sprocket member, the support portion 12 of the tooth member 10 has a tapered configuration from the ring-shaped support member 20 towards the engagement portion 14, the tapered configuration having a curvature adapted to obtain a desired elasticity and material tension, so as to promote deformation of the support portion 12 of the tooth member 10 when the tooth member 10, i.e. the engagement portion 14 of the tooth member 10, is subjected to a radial force exceeding a certain threshold value. According to one embodiment of the drive sprocket member, the curvature of the tapered configuration of the support portion 12 of the tooth member 10 has a linear and / or exponential and / or parabolic portion, for example according to the elastic curvature of a beam.

[0150] According to one embodiment of the drive sprocket member, the support portion 12 of the tooth member 10 has a curved configuration from the ring-shaped support member 20 toward the engagement portion 14, which is adapted to obtain a desired elasticity and material tension so as to promote deformation of the support portion 12 of the tooth member 10 when the tooth member 10 is subjected to a radial force exceeding a certain threshold value. According to one embodiment of the drive sprocket member, the curved configuration of the support portion 12 of the tooth member 10 has a linear portion and / or an exponential portion and / or a parabolic portion.

[0151] According to one aspect of the disclosure, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 5 and 7a, the support portion 12 is configured to be radially tapered extending from the ring-shaped support member 20 to the engagement portion 14, such that the radial thickness T-1 of the support portion 12 at the support member 20 is greater than the radial thickness T-2 at the engagement portion 14.

[0152] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the tooth member support portion 12 has a variable radial thickness that is configured to vary linearly and / or non-linearly along a primary extension of the tooth member support portion to provide a desired resiliency and uniform material tension.

[0153] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the elastic support portion 12 of the tooth member 10 has an average radial thickness T12, i.e., a radial thickness when arranged in connection with the ring-shaped support member 20 and projecting in a main direction substantially parallel to the central axis Z. This thickness is in the range of 5% to 15% of the length of the tooth member, and according to one embodiment, in the range of about 7% to 12%. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the average radial thickness T12 of the support portion 12 of the tooth member 10 corresponds substantially to the axial thickness of the ring-shaped support member 20. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the support portion 12 of the tooth member 10 is configured such that the extension from the ring-shaped support member towards the engagement portion 14 is radially tapered with an average angle β in the range of 2 degrees to 15 degrees, and according to one embodiment, in the range of 4 degrees to 10 degrees. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the support portion 12 of the tooth member 10 is configured to radially tapered from the end of the curved transition portion TR toward the engagement portion 14 at an average angle β that is in the range of 2 degrees to 15 degrees, and in one embodiment, in the range of 4 degrees to 10 degrees.

[0154] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the curved transition TR from the ring-shaped support member 20 to the support portion 12 of the tooth member 10 is shaped and sized to provide a resilient contribution from the support portion 12 of the tooth member 10 .

[0155] According to one embodiment of the drive sprocket member, the resilient support portion 12 of the tooth member 10 has a tapered configuration from the ring-shaped support member 20 to the engagement portion 14, thereby promoting radial resiliency to promote deformation of the tooth member 10 when the tooth member 10, i.e., the engagement portion 14 of the tooth member, is subjected to a radial force F exceeding a certain threshold.

[0156] According to one aspect of the drive sprocket member, the elastic support portion 12 of the tooth member 10 has a tapered configuration in its main direction from the ring-shaped support member 20, thereby promoting high stiffness of the tooth member 10 in the tangential direction of the ring-shaped support member 20 and elasticity for radial deformation of the tooth member 10.

[0157] According to one aspect of the disclosure, as shown, for example, in FIG. 5, the support 12 has a radially outer side 12a facing away from the central axis Z and an opposing radially inner side 12b.

[0158] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the support portion 12 further includes a first long side 12e and an opposing second long side 12f, as shown in FIG. 5. The long sides 12e, 12f extend from the ring-shaped support member 20 to the engagement portion 14.

[0159] According to one aspect of the disclosure, the first and second long sides 12e, 12f have an S-shaped configuration in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axial and radial extension of the support to form a tapered shape, as shown, for example, in Figure 5. According to one aspect of the disclosure, the support 12 can be said to have a funnel-like configuration.

[0160] According to one aspect of the disclosure, as shown, for example, in Figures 5 and 7a-7b, the support 12 has a first portion 12-1 disposed on the ring-shaped support member 20. The first portion 12-1 is configured to extend radially from the radially outer portion 20a of the support member 20. The first portion 12-1 is further configured to extend along the outer periphery of the support member 20 to provide stiffness to the tooth member 10 in a tangential direction of the support member 20. According to one aspect of the disclosure, the first portion 12-1 is further configured to extend along the outer periphery of the support member 20 such that the arcuate extension extends substantially along and thus corresponds to the arcuate extension of the ring-shaped support member 20.

[0161] According to one aspect of the disclosure, as shown, for example, in Figures 5 and 7a-7b, the support portion 12 has a second portion 12-2 disposed at the engagement portion 14. The second portion 12-2 is disposed to provide a transition to the engagement portion 14.

[0162] According to one aspect of the disclosure, as shown, for example, in Figures 5 and 7a-7b, second portion 12-2 of support portion 12 is configured to provide a transition to engagement portion 14 such that, when tooth member 10 is in the operative position, radially outer portion 14a of engagement portion 14 is radially farther from central axis Z than radially outer portion 12a of support portion 12. Radial outer portion 14a of engagement portion 14 is a portion of radially outer portion 10a of tooth member 10.

[0163] According to one aspect of the disclosure, as shown in Fig. 7a, the second portion 12-2 of the support portion 12 has a curved cross-section to provide a height change in the radially outer portion 10a of the tooth member from the radially outer portion 12a of the support portion 12 to the radially outer portion 14a of the engagement portion 14 such that the radially outer portion 14a is radially farther from the central axis than the radially outer portion 12a. According to one aspect of the disclosure, as shown in Fig. 7a, the second portion 12-2 of the support portion has a shape to provide resiliency to facilitate deformation of the tooth member 10.

[0164] According to one aspect of the disclosure, as shown, for example, in FIG. 5, the support portion 12 further includes an intermediate portion 12-3 disposed between the first portion 12-1 and the second portion 12-2. The intermediate portion 12-3 is configured to extend in the main direction of the tooth member 10, i.e., in an axial direction substantially parallel to the extension of the central axis, in the operative position of the tooth member 10. In the operative position of the tooth member 10, the intermediate portion 12-3 is configured to be tapered in extension from the ring-shaped support member 20 to the engagement portion 14 in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axial and radial extensions. According to one aspect of the disclosure, the intermediate portion 12-3 is configured to extend in the main direction M of the tooth member 10 from the first portion 12-1 to the second portion 12-2, which is an extension of the intermediate portion 12-3, in the operative position of the tooth member 10.

[0165] 2, 5, and 7a-7b, the engagement portion 14 has a radially outer side 14a. When the tooth member 10 is in an operating position, the radially outer side 14a, which is connected to engage with the track E, is configured to face a radially inner side E4 of the track E. See FIG. 2.

[0166] For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the engagement portion 14 has a lateral terminal side 14c that is furthest from the support member 12 and an opposite terminal side 14d that connects to the transition to the support portion 12.

[0167] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the engagement portion 14 has a U-shaped configuration, for example as shown in FIG. 5. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 5, the engagement portion 14 has a first wall portion 14-1 and a second wall portion 14-2 configured to extend parallel to each other at a distance from each other and to extend in a main axial extension of the tooth member 10, and a lower portion 14-3 configured to project from the walls 14-1, 14-2. The projection of the walls 14-1, 14-2 from the lower portion 14-3 is in a direction slightly outward from the orthogonal direction, according to one embodiment, so that the opposing walls 14-1, 14-2 move away from each other from the lower portion 14-3 to each end. The U-shaped engagement portion 14 is configured to engage between the inner protrusions of the endless track E. According to one embodiment, the inner portion E4 is between the protrusions. See FIG. 2.

[0168] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the engagement portion 14 has a radially inner side 14b configured to face inwardly with the central axis Z. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the first wall portion 14-1 has a radial end portion 14-2b and the second wall portion 14-2 has a radial end portion 14-2b, the radial ends 14-1b, 14-2b being configured to face inwardly and substantially opposite to the radially outer side 14a of the engagement portion 14. According to an embodiment having a U-shaped engagement portion 14, the radial ends 14-1b, 14-2b correspond to the radially inner side 14b.

[0169] According to one aspect of the disclosure, the engagement portion 14 has a first outer side 14e and an opposing second outer side 14f oriented in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial and radial extension of the engagement portion 14. The first outer side 14e is an outer side of the first wall portion 14-1, and the second outer side 14f is an outer side of the second wall portion 14-2.

[0170] The lower portion 14-3 of the U-shaped engagement portion 14 has a radially outer side 14-3a facing away from the central axis Z. According to an embodiment having a U-shaped engagement portion 14, the radially outer side 14-3a of the lower portion 14-3 corresponds to the radially outer side 14a of the engagement portion 14. The lower portion 14-3 of the U-shaped engagement portion 14 has a radially inner side 14-3b substantially opposite to the radially outer side 14-3a.

[0171] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 5, the driving sprocket member S1 may further include one or more sheet metal elements 30 configured to be connected to at least a portion of the lateral end side 20c of the support member 20 from which the tooth member 10 protrudes and at least a portion of the radial inner side 10b of the tooth member 10 and arranged inside the driving sprocket member S1. The one or more sheet metal elements 30 are configured to be arranged to increase the spring force of the tooth member 10. According to one embodiment, such one or more sheet metal elements 30 are one or more separate elements 30 configured to be connected to and mounted on the lateral end side 20c of the support member 20 and the radial inner side 10b of the tooth member 10. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the mounting of the one or more sheet metal elements 30 may be performed with pretension. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the mounting of the one or more sheet metal elements 30 may be performed with pretension. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the mounting of the one or more sheet metal elements 30 may be performed without pretension.

[0172] One or more sheet metal elements 30 may be assembled to the lateral terminal side 20c of the support member 20 and the radially inner side 10b of the tooth member 10 in any suitable manner, for example by joining members and / or by folding the sheet metal elements 30 connected to the tooth member 10 and / or the support member 20.

[0173] Fig. 7a shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of the tooth member 10. The tooth member is in an operating position and protrudes from the lateral first end side 20c of the ring-shaped support member 20 in a main direction substantially parallel to the axial direction of the central axis, not shown in Fig. 7a. Fig. 7b shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of the tooth member. The tooth member 10 is already subjected to a radial force F which causes deformation of the tooth member 10.

[0174] The tooth member 10 shown in Figures 7a-7b is arranged in connection with a ring-shaped support member 20 and has a shape that renders it radially resilient, such that the tooth member 10 is configured to deform towards its operating position when it is subjected to an inward radial force F exceeding a certain threshold, as shown in Figure 7b.

[0175] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the tooth member 10 thus arranged and configured may be configured to deform under a radial force and protrude from the ring-shaped support member 20 in a main direction M1 at an angle relative to the axial direction of the central axis Z. This angle is at least up to 20 degrees, according to one embodiment at least up to 30 degrees, according to one embodiment at least up to 40 degrees, according to one embodiment at least up to 50 degrees, according to one embodiment at least up to 60 degrees, according to one embodiment at least up to 70 degrees, according to one embodiment at least up to 80 degrees. The angle at which the tooth member 10 can deform depends on the arrangement and configuration of the tooth member, including radial, axial, and tangential extensions, as well as the elastic modulus of the tooth member and, if applicable, may also depend on the elastic modulus of the ring-shaped support member 20 connected to the tooth member. When the tooth member 10 is deformed in this manner, the tooth member remains connected to the ring-shaped support member.

[0176] According to one embodiment, the tooth member 10 shown in FIG. 7b is elastically deformed to the operating position shown in FIG. 7a upon receiving an inward radial force F that exceeds a first threshold and is less than or equal to a second threshold, and returns from the deformed position of FIG. 7b to the operating position of FIG. 7a when it is no longer subjected to the radial force F1.

[0177] The deformation shown in Fig. 7b corresponds to the tooth member 10 protruding in a main direction from the ring-shaped support member 20 at an angle α directed toward this axial direction with respect to the axial direction of the central axis, not shown in Fig. 7b. The deformation shown in Fig. 7b corresponds to the tooth member 10 protruding in a main direction M1 from the ring-shaped support member 20 at an inner angle α with respect to its main extension, i.e. with respect to the substantially axial or transverse extension shown in Fig. 7a. The deformation shown in Fig. 7b corresponds to the tooth member 10 protruding in a main direction from the ring-shaped support member 20 at an inner angle α with respect to its main extension, i.e. with respect to the substantially axial or transverse extension shown in Fig. 7a, by moving from the operating position in the direction D. The angle α depends, inter alia, on the inward radial force F acting on the tooth member 10. According to one embodiment, the force F1 corresponds to a force with which the tooth member 10 is elastically deformed.

[0178] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the radial force F1 at which the tooth member 10 elastically deforms may depend on the tooth member's arrangement and configuration, including radial, axial, and tangential stretches, as well as the tooth member's elastic modulus. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, in a tracked vehicle, such as a combat vehicle, the radial force F1 at which the tooth member 10 elastically deforms may be in the range of 40 kN to 140 kN, and according to one aspect, in the range of 70 kN to 120 kN. According to one aspect, the tooth member 10 may be configured to elastically deform when subjected to radial forces below these exemplified forces, but a radial force above a certain threshold is required to obtain elastic deformation that causes a clearly visible radial movement of the tooth member 10.

[0179] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, during standstill and normal operation of a tracked vehicle such as a combat vehicle, in the absence of specific forces acting on a single tooth member (or pair of tooth members, etc.) due to, for example, stones or gravel between the tooth members and the tracks, there is substantially no or only very little elastic radial deformation of a set of distributed tooth members of a drive wheel member of a track assembly of the tracked vehicle, because the weight of the tracked vehicle is distributed over a large surface and the drive wheel members are usually not in contact with the ground, at least when at standstill. During travel of such a tracked vehicle, the tangential driving forces transmitted from the tooth members to the tracks are distributed over a large number of tooth members.

[0180] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the tooth member 10 thus arranged and configured can be configured to elastically deform under such radial force F1 and protrude from the ring-shaped support member 20 in the main direction M1 at an angle toward the axial direction of the central axis Z. This angle is within a range of 10 degrees to 50 degrees, and according to one embodiment, within a range of 15 degrees to 35 degrees.

[0181] According to one embodiment, when the tooth member 10 of FIG. 7b is subjected to an inward radial force F2 exceeding a second threshold causing elastic deformation, e.g., exceeding force F1, the tooth member 10 is plastically deformed relative to its operating position such that when the tooth member 10 is no longer subjected to radial force F2, the tooth member 10 substantially maintains its deformed position and is held relative to the support member.

[0182] Such plastically deformed tooth member 10 may then be repaired with an appropriate tool that facilitates returning the plastically deformed tooth member to an operative position. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, if the deformed tooth member 10 of FIG. 7b represents an elastically deformed tooth member 10, the angle of the tooth member 10 when subjected to the larger force F2 is greater than the angle α shown in FIG.

[0183] During operation or travel of a tracked vehicle V according to the present disclosure, objects in the form of undesirable material such as gravel, stones, etc. may become sucked into each track assembly and between the tooth members 10 of the drive sprocket members of the drive wheel members DW1, DW2 and the tracks E.

[0184] In accordance with the present disclosure, the tooth members 10 of the set of tooth members 10 have a radially outer side 10a that is configured to connect for engagement with the track E and face a radially inner side E4 of the track E when the tooth members 10 are in an operating position. Each tooth member 10 of the set of tooth members 10 is configured such that, during operation of the tracked vehicle V, if one or more objects, such as gravel or stones, are sucked between the radially inner side E4 of the track E and the radially outer side 14a of the tooth member 10 such that the tooth member 10 is subjected to an inward radial force F that exceeds a certain threshold, the tooth member 10 deforms relative to the operating position to allow the one or more objects to escape.

[0185] When the tooth member 10 is subjected to an inward radial force F1 exceeding a first threshold value and less than or equal to a second threshold value, the tooth member 10 is configured to elastically deform to an operating position to allow the object to escape, and when the tooth member 10 is subjected to an inward radial force F2 exceeding the second threshold value, the tooth member 10 is configured to plastically deform to an operating position to allow the object to escape. The arrangement of the tooth member 10 connected to the drive sprocket member S1, and in particular the resiliency of the tooth member 10 in connection with the ring-like support member 20, facilitates retention of the tooth member when subjected to such radial forces.

[0186] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the angle or angles to which the tooth member 10 can be deformed to an operating position are set to one or more desired angles based on the resiliency provided by the arrangement and shape of the tooth member 10 to facilitate the escape of such objects.

[0187] More specifically, each tooth member 10 of the set of tooth members 10 is configured such that when, during operation of the tracked vehicle V, one or more objects such as gravel or stones are drawn between the radially inner side E4 of the track E and the radially outer side 14a of the engagement portion 14 of the tooth member 10, the tooth member 10 is subjected to a radial force F toward the central axis Z that exceeds a certain threshold, causing the tooth member 10 to deform relative to its operating position to allow the at least one object to escape.

[0188] In Fig. 7b, a portion of the radially inner side E4 of the track is shown. According to one aspect of the disclosure, the tooth member 10 is configured and arranged in connection with the ring-shaped support member 20 and has a shape that renders it radially resilient, so that during operation of the tracked vehicle, if one or more objects, shown generally as object O in Fig. 7b, are pulled between the radially inner side E4 of the track E and the radially outer side 10a of the tooth member 10, causing the tooth member 10 to experience a radial force F in a direction toward the central axis that exceeds a certain threshold, the tooth member 10 is configured to deform relative to the operating position such that the one or more objects O experience an outward lateral axial force F3 and escape from the track assembly, and thus from the tracked vehicle. The axial force F3 is directed in a lateral direction away from the ring-shaped support member 20. The dashed line tangent to the radially upper side of the object O indicates a portion of the tooth member 10 that was in a previous position in the change of direction D.

[0189] Thus, as shown in Fig. 7b, according to one embodiment, the tooth member 10 is configured and arranged in connection with the ring-shaped support member 20 and has a shape that renders it radially resilient, so that if during operation of the tracked vehicle one or more objects O are pulled between the radially inner side E4 of the track and the radially outer side 10a of the tooth member 10, such that the tooth member 10 is subjected to a radial force F in a direction toward the central axis that exceeds a certain threshold value, the tooth member 10 is configured to deform relative to the operating position and protrude from the ring-shaped support member in a main direction at an angle α toward the axial direction of the central axis with respect to the axial direction of the central axis. Thus, as the one or more objects O are subjected to an outward transverse axial force F3 due to the shape and resilience of the tooth member 10 and the deformation inclined relative to the radially inner side E4 of the track E, the one or more objects O are configured to escape from the track assembly to which the drive sprocket member is connected and therefore from the tracked vehicle, efficiently avoiding damage to the track E and permanent damage to the drive sprocket member.

[0190] FIG. 8 generally illustrates a perspective view of a portion of drive sprocket member S1 focusing on tooth member 110, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0191] The drive sprocket member S1 of FIG. 8 has a tooth member 110 that substantially corresponds to the tooth member 10 of, for example, FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, and differs from the tooth member 10 of, for example, FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 only in part of the configuration of the support portion 112 of the tooth member 110 and part of the support member 120 connected to the support portion 112.

[0192] Similar to tooth member 10, tooth member 110 includes a support portion 112 and an engagement portion 14 that are disposed at substantially the same primary extension from support member 120 in the operative position, with support portion 112 configured such that its extension from ring-shaped support member 120 is radially tapered, both in width and thickness.

[0193] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the support 112 has a radial outer side 112 a that substantially corresponds to the radial outer side 12 a of the support 12 .

[0194] According to one aspect of the disclosure, as shown in FIG. 8, the support portion 112 has a first portion 112-1 disposed on the ring-shaped support member 120, the first portion 112-1 extending from a radially outer portion of the support member 120 and extending along the outer periphery of the support member 120 to provide stiffness to the tooth member 110 in a tangential direction to the support member 120. The support portion 112 has a second portion 112-2 disposed on the engagement portion 14. The second portion 112-2 is disposed to provide a transition to the engagement portion 14.

[0195] According to one aspect of the disclosure, as shown, for example, in FIG. 8, the support portion 112 further includes an intermediate portion 112-3 disposed between the first portion 112-1 and the second portion 112-2. In the operative position of the tooth member 110, the intermediate portion 112-3 is configured to extend in a main direction of the tooth member 110, i.e., in an axial direction substantially parallel to the extension of the central axis. In the operative position of the tooth member 110, the intermediate portion 112-3 is configured to taper in extension from the ring-shaped support member 120 to the engagement portion 14 in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axial and radial extension.

[0196] The difference between the drive sprocket member S1 shown in FIG. 8 and the drive sprocket member shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, for example, is that the tooth member 110 includes a topographical geometric configuration 112-4 arranged at the transition from the support member 120 to the elastic support portion 112 to equalize the stiffness difference of the tooth member 110 and optimize the elastic properties. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the topographical geometric configuration 112-4 is configured to be provided by a relatively shallow recess 112-4 extending from a substantially lateral terminal side 120c of the support member 120 centrally into the radially inner side 112b of the support portion 112 of the tooth member 110. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the recess 112-4 has a first terminal side 120c at the support member 120 and an opposite second terminal side 112-4d at the transition to the engagement portion 14. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the recess 112-4 further includes opposing inner long sides 112-4e, 112-4f that extend at least partially along the outer long side of the support 112, and a lower portion. The lower portion includes a lower side 112-4b bounded by first and second terminal sides 112-4c, 112-4d and opposing long sides 112-4e, 112-4f.

[0197] Figure 9a and 9b are schematic side and front views of a portion of the drive sprocket member S1 of Figure 9a according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0198] The driving sprocket member S1 shown in Figures 9a-9b substantially corresponds to, for example, the driving sprocket member of Figures 3 and 6. The driving sprocket member S1 shown in Figures 9a-9b further includes a support ring 40 configured to be connected to the radially inner side 10b of the tooth members 10 at the transition from the support portion 12 to the engagement portion 14 and disposed around the set of tooth members 10 to increase the radial stiffness of the set of tooth members 10.

[0199] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the support ring 40 may be resilient to deform when subjected to a radial force directed toward the central axis. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the support ring 40 may be resilient to deform elastically when subjected to a radial force directed toward the central axis. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the support ring 40 may be resilient to deform plastically when subjected to a radial force directed toward the central axis that exceeds a certain threshold. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the support ring 40 may be of the same material as the tooth member 10. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the support ring 40 may be a separate part of the sprocket member and thus may be connectable and attachable to the radially inner side of the tooth member 10 at the transition from the support portion to the engagement portion.

[0200] FIG. 10 generally illustrates a perspective view of engagement portion 214 of tooth member 210 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0201] The tooth member 210 of FIG. 10 differs substantially from, for example, the tooth member 10 of FIG.

[0202] The engagement portion 214 has a radial outer side 214a that is configured to connect to engage with the endless track E and face the radial inner side E4 of the endless track E when the tooth member 10 is in the operating position.

[0203] For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the engagement portion 214 has a lateral terminal side 214c that is furthest from the support member 12 and an opposite terminal side 214d that connects to the transition portion to the support portion 12.

[0204] Engagement portion 214 has a U-shaped configuration, similar to engagement portion 14 described above with reference to, for example, Figure 5. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, as shown in Figure 10, engagement portion 214 has first and second wall portions 214-1, 214-2 configured to extend in a primary axial extension of tooth member 210, and a lower portion 214-3 configured from which walls 214-1, 214-2 protrude.

[0205] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the engagement portion 214 has a radially inner terminal side 214b configured to face the central axis Z on the inside.

[0206] According to one aspect of the disclosure, the engagement portion 214 has a first outer side 214e oriented substantially perpendicular to the axial and radial extension of the engagement portion 214, and an opposite second outer side 214f. The first outer side 214e is the outer side of the first wall portion 214-1, and the second outer side 214f ​​is the outer side of the second wall portion 214-2. The transition from the terminal side 214b of each wall portion 214-1, 214-2 to each outer side 214e, 214f ​​is curved, for example, can be a substantially arcuate transition.

[0207] The lower portion 214-3 of the U-shaped engagement portion 214 has a radially outer side 214-3a facing away from the central axis Z. According to an embodiment having a U-shaped engagement portion 214, the radially outer side 214-3a of the lower portion 214-3 corresponds to the radially outer side 214a of the engagement portion 214. The lower portion 214-3 of the U-shaped engagement portion 214 has a radially inner side 214-3b substantially opposite to the radially outer side 214-3a.

[0208] According to the embodiment of the tooth member 214 shown in FIG. 10, the inner surface of the U-shaped engagement portion 214 is formed such that the thickness of the U-shaped engagement portion 214 varies to increase the elastic properties of the engagement portion 214.

[0209] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the inner surface of the U-shaped engagement portion 214 is configured such that each wall portion 214-1, 214-2 tapers from the transition from the support portion 12 along the main extension to a terminal side 214c.

[0210] As shown in FIG. 10, the first wall 214-1 has a first width W14-1a at the transition from the support 12. The first width W14-1a has an extension substantially perpendicular to the radial direction and perpendicular to the axial direction of the engagement part 14. As shown in FIG. 10, the first wall 214-1 has a second width W14-1b close to the lateral end side 214c. The second width W14-1b has an extension substantially perpendicular to the radial direction and perpendicular to the axial direction of the engagement part 214. The first width W14-1a is wider than the second width W14-1b of the first wall 214-1.

[0211] As shown in FIG. 10, the second wall 214-2 has a first width W14-2a at the transition from the support 12. The first width W14-2a has an extension substantially perpendicular to the radial direction and perpendicular to the axial direction of the engagement portion 14. As shown in FIG. 10, the second wall 214-2 has a second width W14-2b close to the lateral end side 214c. The second width W14-2b has an extension substantially perpendicular to the radial direction and perpendicular to the axial direction of the engagement portion 14. The first width W14-2a is wider than the second width W14-2b of the second wall 214-2.

[0212] The first wall portion 214-1 and the second wall portion 214-2 have a main extension and are tapered such that the distance D1 between the inner sides of the walls 214-1, 214-2 facing each other at the terminal side 214d is shorter than the distance between the inner sides of the walls 214-1, 214-2 closer to the lateral terminal side 214c.

[0213] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the inner surface of the U-shaped engagement portion 214 is configured such that the lower portion 214-3 tapers from the transition from the support portion 12 to the lateral end side 214c along the main extension.

[0214] The first wall portion 214-1 has an outer transition portion 214-13a from the outer side 214e to the radially outer side 214a of the lower portion 214-3 and an opposite inner transition portion 214-13b from the inner side to the radially inner side 214b of the lower portion 214-3. The second wall portion 214-2 has an outer transition portion 214-23a from the outer side 214f ​​to the radially outer side 214a of the lower portion 214-3 and an opposite inner transition portion 214-23b from the inner side to the radially inner side 214b of the lower portion 214-3. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the inner surface of the U-shaped engagement portion 214 is formed such that the inner transition portions 214-13b, 214-23b from each wall portion 214-1, 214-2 to the inner side 214b of the lower portion 214-3 have an arcuate or sloped form, and the thickness T14-1 adjacent to the transition portions is greater than the thickness T14-2 of the central portion of the lower portion 214-3.

[0215] FIG. 11 generally illustrates a perspective view of engagement portion 314 of tooth member 310 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0216] The tooth member 310 of FIG. 10 differs substantially from, for example, the tooth member 10 of FIG.

[0217] The engagement portion 314 has a radial outer side 314a that is configured to connect to engage with the endless track E and face the radial inner side E4 of the endless track E when the tooth member 10 is in the operating position.

[0218] For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the engagement portion 314 has a lateral terminal side 314c that is furthest from the support portion 12 and an opposite terminal side 314d that connects to the transition portion to the support portion 12.

[0219] Engagement portion 314 has a U-shaped configuration, similar to engagement portion 14. According to one aspect of the disclosure, as shown in FIG. 11, engagement portion 314 has first and second wall portions 314-1, 314-2 configured to extend in a primary axial extension of tooth member 310, and a lower portion 314-3 configured from which walls 314-1, 314-2 protrude.

[0220] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the engagement portion 314 has a radially inner terminal side 314b configured to face the central axis Z on the inside.

[0221] According to one aspect of the disclosure, the engagement portion 314 has a first outer side 314e oriented substantially perpendicular to the axial and radial extension of the engagement portion 314, and an opposite second outer side 314f. The first outer side 314e is the outer side of the first wall portion 314-1, and the second outer side 314f is the outer side of the second wall portion 314-2. The transition from the terminal side 314b of each wall portion 314-1, 314-2 to each outer side 314e, 314f is curved, for example a substantially arcuate transition.

[0222] The lower portion 314-3 of the U-shaped engagement portion 314 has a radially outer side 314-3a facing away from the central axis Z. According to an embodiment having a U-shaped engagement portion 314, the radially outer side 314-3a of the lower portion 314-3 corresponds to the radially outer side 314a of the engagement portion 314. The lower portion 314-3 of the U-shaped engagement portion 314 has a radially inner side 314-3b substantially opposite to the radially outer side 314-3a.

[0223] According to the embodiment of the tooth member 314 shown in FIG. 11, each wall portion 314-1, 314-2 of the U-shaped engagement portion 314 is cut with thin cuts 314-C1, 314C2 from the radial end side 314b towards the lower portion 314-3 in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal extension in order to locally reduce the stiffness of the engagement portion 314.

[0224] According to one embodiment, the cuts 314-C1, 314C2 in each wall 314-1, 314-2 terminate in through openings 314C1a, 314C2a that are wider than the cuts and are configured to extend from the lower outer side 314e, 314f of each wall 314-1, 314-2 to the respective inner side or from the respective inner side to the inner side 314-3b of the lower part 314-3.

[0225] The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obviously, many modifications and variations will become apparent to those skilled in the art. The embodiments have been chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to understand the various embodiments and various modifications suitable for contemplated practical use.

Claims

1. Drive sprocket members (S1, S2) for drive wheel members (DW) for the track (E) of a tracked vehicle (V), The drive wheel member (DW) is rotatable about a central axis (Z) in order to rotate the endless track (E), The drive wheel member (DW) includes the drive sprocket members (S1, S2), The drive sprocket member comprises a set of tooth members (10; 110; 210, 310) arranged on the outer circumference of the drive sprocket members (S1, S2), and ring-shaped support members (20; 120) for the tooth members (10; 110; 210, 310). The tooth members (10; 110; 210, 310) protrude from the ring-shaped support member (20; 120) in a principal direction (M) substantially parallel to the axial direction of the central axis (Z), and are configured to be in an operating position for engaging with the endless track (E) to facilitate the rotation of the endless track (E). The tooth members (10; 110; 210, 310) are arranged connected to the ring-shaped support members (20; 120) and have a shape that provides elasticity in the radial direction, so that when one of the tooth members (10; 110; 210, 310) in the set of tooth members (10; 110; 210, 310) receives a radial force (F) in the direction toward the central axis (Z) that exceeds a certain threshold, the deformation of the tooth member (10; 110; 210, 310) with respect to its operating position is promoted, in the drive sprocket members (S1, S2).

2. The tooth members (10; 110; 210, 310) include a material having a predetermined elastic modulus. The shape of the tooth member, including radial, axial, and tangential extension and configuration, is combined with the predetermined elastic modulus of the material of the tooth member (10; 110; 210, 310) to provide the elasticity, so that when the tooth member is subjected to a radial force (F), the deformation of the tooth member in the direction toward the central axis (Z) is promoted, according to claim 1.

3. Each of the aforementioned tooth members (10; 110; 210, 310) has a shape that changes along the main extension (M), The drive sprocket member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the variable shape includes a tapered portion in the main direction (M) from the ring-shaped support member (20; 120), and is configured to promote high rigidity of each tooth member (10; 110; 210, 310) in the tangential direction of the ring-shaped support member, and elasticity to promote deformation of the radial tooth member (10; 110; 210, 310) when subjected to a radial force (F) exceeding a specific threshold.

4. The drive sprocket member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the tooth members (10; 110; 210, 310) are arranged connected to the ring-shaped support member (20; 120) and have a shape that provides elasticity in the radial direction, such that when one of the set of tooth members (10; 110; 210, 310) receives a radial force (F1) toward the central axis (Z) that exceeds a first threshold and is less than or equal to a second threshold, the tooth members (10; 110; 210, 310) are configured to elastically deform relative to their operating position, so that when the tooth members (10; 110; 210, 310) are no longer subjected to the radial force (F1), the tooth members (10; 110; 210, 310) return to their operating position.

5. The drive sprocket member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the tooth members (10; 110; 210, 310) are arranged connected to the ring-shaped support member (20; 120) and have a shape that provides elasticity in the radial direction, such that when one of the set of tooth members (10; 110; 210, 310) receives a radial force (F2) in the direction toward the central axis (Z) that exceeds a second threshold, the tooth members (10; 110; 210, 310) are configured to plastically deform relative to their operating position, so that when the tooth members (10; 110; 210, 310) are no longer subjected to the radial force (F2), the tooth members (10; 110; 210, 310) substantially remain in their deformed position.

6. The tooth members (10; 110; 210, 310) are arranged connected to the ring-shaped support members (20; 120) and have a shape that provides elasticity in the radial direction, so that when one of the tooth members (10; 110; 210, 310) in the set of tooth members (10; 110; 210, 310) is subjected to radial forces (F1, F2) in the direction toward the central axis (Z), the tooth member (10; 110; 210, 310) deforms relative to its operating position. The drive sprocket member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the deformation corresponds to the tooth members (10; 110; 210, 310) protruding from the ring-shaped support member (20; 120) in the main direction at an angle (α) toward the axial direction of the central axis (Z).

7. The tooth members (10; 110; 210, 310) are configured to engage with the track (E) when the tooth members (10; 110; 210, 310) are in the operating position, and have a radially outward portion (10a) that faces the radially inward portion (E4) of the track (E), The drive sprocket member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the tooth members (10; 110; 210, 310) are configured such that, during the operation of the tracked vehicle (V), one or more objects are pulled between the radially inward (E4) of the track (E) and the radially outward (10a) of the tooth members (10; 110; 210, 310), and the tooth members (10; 110; 210, 310) receive a radial force (F) in the direction toward the central axis (Z) that exceeds a certain threshold, the tooth members (10; 110; 210, 310) deform relative to the operating position to allow the one or more objects to escape.

8. At least one of the set of tooth members (10;110;210,310) includes the elastic support portion (12;112) and the engaging portion (14;214;314) for engaging with the endless track (E), The elastic support portion (12; 112) is arranged in connection with the ring-shaped support member (20; 120) and is configured to protrude from the ring-shaped support member (20; 120) in the principal direction substantially parallel to the axial direction of the central axis (Z) at the operating position of the tooth member (10; 110; 210, 310). The drive sprocket member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the engaging portion (14; 214; 314) is supported by the support portion (12; 112) and is configured to protrude from the support portion (12; 112) so as to engage with the endless track (E) in the operating position.

9. The support portion (12; 112) of the tooth member (10; 110; 210, 310) has a tapered structure from the ring-shaped support member (20; 120) to the engaging portion (14; 214; 314), The support portion (12; 112) has a first width (W1) in the support portion (20; 120) that extends substantially perpendicular to the radial and axial directions, and a second width (W2) in the engaging portion (14; 214; 314) that extends correspondingly thereto. The drive sprocket member according to claim 8, wherein the first width (W1) is wider than the second width (W2) of the support portion.

10. The drive sprocket member according to claim 8, wherein the support portion (12; 112) is tapered radially from the ring-shaped support member (20; 120) to the engaging portion (14; 214; 314), and the radial thickness (T-1) of the support portion (12; 112) in the support member (20; 120) is greater than the radial thickness (T-2) of the engaging portion (14; 214; 314).

11. The support portion (12; 112) has a radially outward side (12a; 112a) facing away from the central axis (Z), a radially inward side (12b; 112b; 112-4b) on the opposite side, a first long side (12e), and a second long side (12f) on the opposite side. The longer sides (12e, 12f) extend from the ring-shaped support member (20; 120) to the engaging portion (14; 214; 314), The drive sprocket member according to claim 9, wherein the first and second longer sides (12e, 12f) have an S-shaped configuration in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axial and radial extensions so as to form the tapered shape.

12. The support portion (12; 112) has a first portion (12-1; 112-1) positioned on the ring-shaped support member (20; 120), The drive sprocket member according to claim 8, wherein the first portion (12-1; 112-1) extends radially from the radially outer portion (20a) of the ring-shaped support member (20; 120) and extends along the outer circumference of the support member (20; 120) to provide rigidity to the tooth member (10; 110; 210, 310) in the tangential direction of the support member (20; 120).

13. The support portion (12; 112) has a second portion (12-2; 112-2) which is positioned in the transition portion up to the engagement portion (14; 214; 314) and provides this transition portion. The support portion (12; 112) further includes an intermediate portion (12-3; 112-3) positioned between the first portion (12-1; 112-1) and the second portion (12-2; 112-2), The drive sprocket member according to claim 12, wherein, in the operating position of the tooth members (10; 110; 210, 310), the intermediate portion (12-3; 112-3) is configured such that the extension from the ring-shaped support member (20; 120) to the engaging portion (14; 214; 314) is tapered in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axial and radial extension.

14. The tooth member (110) includes a topographic geometric configuration (112-4) arranged in connection with the transition section from the support member (120) to the elastic support section (112) in order to make the difference in rigidity of the tooth member (110) uniform and / or to optimize the elastic properties, The drive sprocket member according to claim 8, wherein the topographic geometric configuration (112-4) is provided by a relatively shallow recess that extends centrally from the substantially lateral end side (120c) of the support member (120) into the radially inward side (112b) of the support portion (112) of the tooth member (110).

15. The drive sprocket member according to claim 14, wherein the second portion (12-2; 112-2) of the support portion (12; 112) is configured to provide the transition portion to the engaging portion (14; 214; 314), and when the tooth member (10; 110; 210, 310) is in the operating position, the radially outer portion (14a; 214a; 314a) of the engaging portion (14) is radially further away from the central axis (Z) than the radially outer portion (12a; 112a) of the support portion (12; 112).

16. The engaging portion (14; 214; 314) is connected to engage with the endless track (E) when the tooth member (10; 110; 210, 310) is in the operating position, and has radially outward portions (14a; 214a; 314a) configured to face the radially inward (E4) of the endless track (E), The drive sprocket member according to claim 8, wherein the tooth members (10; 110; 210, 310) are configured such that when one or more objects are pulled between the radially inward (E4) of the track (E) and the radially outward (14a; 214a; 314a) of the engagement portion (14; 214; 314) during the operation of the tracked vehicle (V), and the tooth members (10) are subjected to a radial force (F) in the direction toward the central axis (Z) that exceeds a certain threshold, the tooth members (10; 110; 210, 310) deform relative to the operating position to allow at least one or more objects to escape.

17. The engagement portion (14; 214; 314) has a U-shaped configuration. The engaging portion (14; 214; 314) has wall portions (14-1, 14-2; 214-1, 214-2; 314-1, 314-2) configured to extend in the main axial extension of the tooth members (10; 110; 210, 310), and a lower portion (14-3; 214-3; 314-3) configured to protrude from the wall portions (14-1, 14-2; 214-1, 214-2; 314-1, 314-2), The drive sprocket member according to claim 8, wherein the lower part (14-3; 214-3; 314-3) has radially outward portions (14a; 214a; 314a) that are oriented away from the central axis (Z).

18. The drive sprocket member according to claim 17, wherein the inner surface of the U-shaped engaging portion (214) is formed such that the thickness of the U-shaped engaging portion (214) varies in order to increase the elastic properties of the engaging portion (214).

19. The drive sprocket member according to claim 17, wherein the wall portions (314-1, 314-2) of the U-shaped engaging portion (314) have thin cuts carved into them in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal extension, extending from the radial end side (314b) toward the lower part (314-3).

20. The drive sprocket member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein one or more of the set of tooth members (10; 110; 210, 310) are configured to be an integral part of the ring-shaped support member (20; 120).

21. The drive sprocket member according to claim 8, wherein the elastic support portion (12; 112) is configured to be an integral part of the ring-shaped support member (20; 120).

22. The drive sprocket member according to claim 8, wherein the engaging portion (14; 214; 314) is configured to be an integral part of the elastic support portion (12; 112).

23. The drive sprocket member according to claim 8, wherein the engaging portion (14; 214; 314) is configured to be attached to the elastic support portion (12; 112).

24. The present invention further includes one or more sheet metal elements (30) configured to be positioned inside the drive sprocket member, connected to at least the lateral end (20c) portion of the support member (20; 120) from which the tooth members (10; 110; 210, 310) protrude, and to at least the radially inward (10b) portion of the tooth member (10), The drive sprocket member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein one or more sheet metal elements (30) are arranged to increase the spring force.

25. The drive sprocket member according to claim 8, further comprising a support ring (40) configured to be connected to the radially inward side (10b) of the tooth members (10;110;210;310) in the transition portion from the support portion (12;112) to the engagement portion (14;214;314) and positioned around the set of tooth members (10;110;210;310), in order to increase the radial rigidity of the set of tooth members (10;110;210;310).

26. A drive wheel member (DW) comprising at least one drive sprocket member (S1, S2) as described in claim 1 or 2.

27. The drive wheel member (DW) includes a hub member (H) for facilitating the rotation of the drive wheel member (DW), The drive wheel member (DW) includes a lateral outer drive sprocket member (S1) connected to the lateral outer side (H1) of the hub member (H), and a lateral inner drive sprocket member (S2) connected to the lateral inner side (H2) of the hub member (H). The aforementioned lateral outward (H1) is the direction that faces outward from the vehicle in the lateral direction of the tracked vehicle. The drive wheel member according to claim 26, wherein the lateral inward side (H2) is oriented in the lateral direction opposite to the tracked vehicle (V) on which the drive wheel member (DW) is mounted.

28. A tracked vehicle (V) comprising the drive sprocket member according to claim 1 or 2.

Images