Idler adjustment assembly

Abstract

The idler adjustment assembly (116) includes a support block (200), a first wear component 302, a second wear component 304, a first set (306) of one or more adjustment components configured to move the first wear component 302 between a first plurality of positions adjacent to an outer surface of a first side (206) of the support block (200), a second set (308) of one or more adjustment components configured to move the second wear component 304 between a second plurality of positions adjacent to an outer surface of a second side (208) of the support block (200), a first set (310) of one or more alignment components configured to maintain a first alignment of the first wear component 302 relative to the outer surface of the first side (206) of the support block (200), and a second set (312) of one or more alignment components configured to maintain a second alignment of the second wear component 304 relative to the outer surface of the second side (208) of the support block (200).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to track systems for tracked machines, for example, to idler adjustment assemblies of track systems.

Background Art

[0002] Tracked machines, such as bulldozers, excavators, and skid steer loaders, are commonly used in applications where traction is important or where low ground pressure is important. Such machines may include a frame that supports an internal combustion engine and left and right tracks that transmit force from the engine to the ground. Each of the tracks typically includes an idler (also called a floating wheel).

[0003] The idler is a rolling element that rotates passively relative to the inside of the track and is configured to engage with other components of the track to facilitate the operation of the track (e.g., to enable movement of the machine along the ground). Depending on the level of the ground and / or the working application of the machine, the idler may need to be adjusted (e.g., the position of the idler within the track may need to be adjusted) to ensure that the track rotates smoothly across the ground (e.g., with minimal bounce), for example, by impacting the ground at an angle within a specific angular range of the "impact zone" of the track. Further, occasionally, during operation of the machine, the idler and other components of the track wear, and thus, it may be necessary to readjust the idler. Adjusting (and readjusting) the idler can be an error-prone (e.g., the idler may not be adjusted to the optimal position within the track), time-consuming, and labor-intensive task, which can affect the performance and operational life of the idler, other components of the track, the track, and the machine.

[0004] U.S. Patent No. 7,237,631 ('631 patent) discloses a vertical idler adjuster that includes at least one removable spacer for adjusting the vertical position of an idler shaft relative to a roller frame of a track-type machine. Although the '631 patent discloses several advantages, the idler adjustment assembly of the present disclosure does not require the use of a removable spacer.

[0005] The idler adjustment assembly of the present disclosure solves one or more of the above-described problems and / or other problems in the art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In some embodiments, the idler system includes an idler including an idler shaft, and the idler adjustment assembly includes a support block configured to hold an end of the idler shaft, a first wear component adjacent to an outer surface of a first side of the support block and configured to have a first alignment relative to the outer surface of the first side, a second wear component adjacent to an outer surface of a second side of the support block and configured to have a second alignment relative to the outer surface of the second side, a first set of one or more adjustment components configured to move the first wear component between a first plurality of positions adjacent to the outer surface of the first side of the support block, a second set of one or more adjustment components configured to move the second wear component between a second plurality of positions adjacent to the outer surface of the second side of the support block, a first set of one or more alignment components configured to maintain the first alignment of the first wear component relative to the outer surface of the first side of the support block, and a second set of one or more alignment components configured to maintain the second alignment of the second wear component relative to the outer surface of the second side of the support block.

[0007] In some embodiments, the idler adjustment assembly includes a support block, a first wear component, a second wear component, a first set of one or more adjustment components configured to move the first wear component between a first plurality of positions adjacent to an outer surface of a first side of the support block, a second set of one or more adjustment components configured to move the second wear component between a second plurality of positions adjacent to an outer surface of a second side of the support block, a first set of one or more alignment components configured to maintain a first alignment of the first wear component with respect to the outer surface of the first side of the support block, and a second set of one or more alignment components configured to maintain a second alignment of the second wear component with respect to the outer surface of the second side of the support block.

[0008] In some embodiments, a track system for a tracked machine includes an idler and an idler adjustment assembly including a support block configured to hold an end of an idler shaft of the idler, a first set of one or more adjustment components configured to move a first wear component between a first plurality of positions adjacent to an outer surface of a first side of the support block, and a second set of one or more adjustment components configured to move a second wear component between a second plurality of positions adjacent to an outer surface of a second side of the support block. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3A

Figure 3B

Figure 3C

Figure 3D

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] The present disclosure generally relates to an idler adjustment assembly applicable to any track-type machine. For example, the machine can be a bulldozer, an excavator, a skid steer loader, or any other track-type machine (e.g., including a track system having an idler).

[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram (side view) of an exemplary machine 100 described herein. As shown in FIG. 1, the machine 100 may be a track-type machine and may include a track system 102 (e.g., a “left” track system 102) and another track system (e.g., a “right” track system not shown in FIG. 1 that is similar or identical to the track system 102). The track system 102 includes a plurality of track links 104 that are pivotally connected to each other to form a track chain 106. As shown in FIG. 1, the track chain 106 surrounds a drive sprocket 108, a plurality of guide rollers 110, and an idler system 112. The idler system 112 may include an idler 114 (e.g., including an idler shaft not shown) and an idler adjustment assembly 116, which is further described herein.

[0012] As described above, FIG. 1 is provided as an example. Other examples may be different from those described in relation to FIG. 1.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a diagram (e.g., an angled side view) of an exemplary support block 200 of the idler adjustment assembly 116 described herein. The support block 200 may be configured to hold an end of an idler shaft of the idler 114. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the support block 200 may include a retaining component 202 (e.g., a hole, recess, or another component) configured to hold an end of an idler shaft of the idler 114. FIG. 2 shows the retaining component 202 positioned at a particular end of the support block 200, but the retaining component may be positioned anywhere on the support block 200 (e.g., at the center of the support block 200 or at another end of the support block 200).

[0014] The support block 200 may be a metal block (e.g., a cast metal block). At least a portion of the support block 200 may have a C-shaped cross-section (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 3C-3D) that allows access to an interior portion 204 of the support block 200 (e.g., the support block 200 may be “broken away” to provide access to the interior portion 204 of the support block 200). Thus, as further shown in FIG. 2, the support block 200 may include a first side 206 (e.g., an upper side), a second side 208 (e.g., a lower side), and a third side 210 (e.g., a rear side). The first side 206 may include a first set 212 of one or more holes configured to engage respectively with a first set 306 of one or more adjustment components described herein. The second side 208 may include a second set 214 of one or more holes configured to engage respectively with a second set 308 of one or more adjustment components described herein. Additionally or alternatively, the first side 206 may include a first set 216 of one or more alignment mechanisms configured to engage respectively with a first set 310 of one or more alignment components described herein, and / or the second side 208 may include a second set 218 of one or more alignment mechanisms configured to engage respectively with a second set 312 of one or more alignment components described herein.

[0015] As described above, FIG. 2 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from those described in relation to FIG. 2.

[0016] FIGS. 3A-3D are views of the idler adjustment assembly 116. The idler adjustment assembly 116 may include a support block 200, a first wear component 302, a second wear component 304, a first set 306 of one or more adjustment components, a second set 308 of one or more adjustment components, a first set 310 of one or more alignment components, and a second set 312 of one or more alignment components. The first wear component 302 may include a first set 314 of one or more connection sub-components and / or a first set 316 of one or more alignment sub-components, and the second wear component 304 may include a second set 318 of one or more connection sub-components and / or a second set 320 of one or more alignment sub-components.

[0017] FIGS. 3A-3B show a first cross-sectional view of the idler adjustment assembly 116 (e.g., along a line associated with line A of the support block 200 shown in FIG. 2). FIGS. 3C-3D show a second cross-sectional view of the idler adjustment assembly 116 (e.g., along a line associated with line B of the support block 200 shown in FIG. 2). The relative positions of the components of the idler adjustment assembly 116 (e.g., relative to each other) are the same or similar as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3C, and the relative positions of the components of the idler adjustment assembly 116 (e.g., relative to each other) are the same or similar as shown in FIGS. 3B and 3D.

[0018] Each of the first wear component 302 and the second wear component 304 can be a wear shoe, a wear block, or a similar component including a metallic material, a rubber material, a rubber / metal composite material, or a similar material. Each of the first wear component 302 and the second wear component 304 can be configured to contact an idler frame (not shown) of the idler system 112 (for example, the idler frame can be configured to hold the idler 114 and the idler adjustment assembly 116 within the track system 102). Thus, each of the first wear component 302 and the second wear component 304 can be configured to maintain the idler 114 and / or the idler adjustment assembly 116 in a specific position (for example, a specific vertical position within the track system 102) within the track system 102 (for example, by contacting the idler frame).

[0019] The first wear component 302 can be configured adjacent to an outer surface of the first side surface 206 of the support block 200. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3A - 3D, the first wear component 302 can be configured to be disposed on the outer surface of the first side surface 206 of the support block 200. As further described herein, the first wear component 302 can be configured to move between a first plurality of positions adjacent to the outer surface of the first side surface 206 of the support block 200 (for example, between a plurality of positions disposed on the outer surface of the first side surface 206 of the support block 200) by a first set 306 of one or more adjustment components. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3C, the first wear component 302 can be positioned at a first position of the first plurality of positions such that the first wear component 302 contacts the outer surface of the first side surface 206 of the support block 200, and as shown in FIGS. 3B and 3D, the first wear component 302 can be positioned at a second position of the first plurality of positions such that the first wear component 302 does not contact the outer surface of the first side surface 206 of the support block 200.

[0020] In some embodiments, each of the first plurality of positions may be at a different distance from the outer surface of the first side 206 of the support block 200. Thus, the first wear component 302 may be positioned at a particular one of the first plurality of positions such that the first wear component 302 is at a particular distance from the outer surface of the first side 206 of the support block 200, the particular distance satisfying (e.g., being greater than or equal to) a distance threshold. The distance threshold may be, for example, 10 millimeters (mm), 25 mm, or 50 mm or more.

[0021] The second wear component 304 may be configured adjacent to the outer surface of the second side 208 of the support block 200. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3A - 3B, the second wear component 304 may be configured to be disposed under the outer surface of the second side 208 of the support block 200. As further described herein, the second wear component 304 may be moved by a second set 308 of one or more adjustment components between a second plurality of positions adjacent to the outer surface of the second side 208 of the support block 200 (e.g., between a plurality of positions disposed under the outer surface of the second side 208 of the support block 200). For example, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3C, the second wear component 304 may be positioned at a first one of the second plurality of positions such that the second wear component 304 contacts the outer surface of the second side 208 of the support block 200, and as shown in FIGS. 3B and 3D, the second wear component 304 may be positioned at a second one of the second plurality of positions such that the second wear component 304 does not contact the outer surface of the second side 208 of the support block 200.

[0022] In some embodiments, each of the second plurality of positions may be at a different distance from the outer surface of the second side 208 of the support block 200. Thus, the second wear component 304 may be positioned at a particular position of the second plurality of positions such that the second wear component 304 is at a particular distance from the outer surface of the second side 208 of the support block 200, the particular distance satisfying a distance threshold (e.g., being greater than or equal to). The distance threshold may be, for example, 10 mm, 25 mm, or 50 mm or more.

[0023] Additionally or alternatively, when positioned at the first position of the first plurality of positions, the first wear component 302 may be at a first distance from the outer surface of the first side 206 of the support block 200, and when positioned at the second position of the second plurality of positions, the second wear component 304 may be at a second distance from the outer surface of the second side 208 of the support block 200. The first distance may be the same as the second distance (e.g., the first distance may be equal to the second distance), or the first distance may be different from the second distance (e.g., the first distance may not be equal to the second distance).

[0024] The first set 306 of one or more adjustment components may be configured to move the first wear component 302 between a first plurality of positions adjacent to an outer surface of the first side surface 206 of the support block 200. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3A-3D, the first set 306 of one or more adjustment components may be configured to move the first wear component 302 along a first axis (e.g., the y-axis) of the idler adjustment assembly 116. The second set 308 of one or more adjustment components may be configured to move the second wear component 304 between a second plurality of positions adjacent to an outer surface of the second side surface 208 of the support block 200. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3A-3D, the second set 308 of one or more adjustment components may be configured to move the second wear component 304 along the first axis of the idler adjustment assembly 116. The first axis may be orthogonal to the outer surface of the first side surface 206 of the support block 200 and / or the outer surface of the second side surface 208 of the support block 200.

[0025] Each adjustment component 306 of the first set 306 of one or more adjustment components may be an adjustment fastener. Thus, each adjustment component 306 may be arranged within a corresponding hole 212 of the first set 212 of one or more holes of the first side surface 206 of the support block 200 and configured to be connected to a corresponding connection sub-component 314 of the first set 314 of one or more connection sub-components of the first wear component 302. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3A - 3D, each adjustment component 306 may be a threaded fastener including a first end configured to connect to a corresponding connection sub-component 314, a threaded shank configured to be arranged within and engage with a corresponding hole 212, and a second end configured to extend within an internal portion 204 of the support block 200. The corresponding connection sub-component 314 may include a nut (e.g., a lock nut), a washer (e.g., a lock washer), and / or a similar structure configured to maintain the connection of the adjustment component 306 to the first wear component 302. The corresponding hole 212 may be a threaded hole (e.g., a threaded insert, a threaded bushing, and / or a hole including a similar structure) configured to engage with the threaded shank of the adjustment component 306. The second end of the adjustment component 306 may include an engagement head (e.g., a hexagonal head or a similar structure) configured to engage with a tool (e.g., a wrench).

[0026] Accordingly, an operator of the machine 100 may use a tool to rotate the adjustment component 306 (e.g., counterclockwise or clockwise along the axis of rotation of the adjustment component 306), thereby moving the first wear component 302 (or a portion of the first wear component 302 associated with the corresponding connection sub-component 314) along the first axis of the idler adjustment assembly 116 (e.g., vertically along the y-axis). In this way, the operator may use the tool to engage each of the first set 306 of one or more adjustment components and move the first wear component 302 between a first plurality of positions adjacent to the outer surface of the first side surface 206 of the support block 200 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 3A - 3D).

[0027] Each adjustment component 308 of the second set 308 of one or more adjustment components may be an adjustment fastener. Thus, each adjustment component 308 may be arranged within a corresponding hole 214 of a second set 214 of one or more holes of the second side surface 208 of the support block 200 and configured to be connected to a corresponding connection sub-component 318 of a second set 318 of one or more connection sub-components of the second wear component 304. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3A-3D, each adjustment component 308 may include a first end configured to connect to a corresponding connection sub-component 318, a threaded shank configured to be disposed within and engage a corresponding hole 214, and a second end configured to extend within an interior portion 204 of the support block 200, and may be a threaded fastener. The corresponding connection sub-component 318 may include a nut (e.g., a lock nut), a washer (e.g., a lock washer), and / or a similar structure configured to maintain the connection of the adjustment component 308 to the second wear component 304. The corresponding hole 214 may be a threaded hole (e.g., a threaded insert, a threaded bushing, and / or a hole including a similar structure) configured to engage the threaded shank of the adjustment component 308. The second end of the adjustment component 308 may include an engagement head (e.g., a hexagonal head or a similar structure) configured to engage a tool (e.g., a wrench).

[0028] Thus, an operator of the machine 100 may use a tool to rotate the adjustment component 308 (e.g., counterclockwise or clockwise along the axis of rotation of the adjustment component 308), thereby moving the second wear component 304 (or a portion of the second wear component 304 associated with the corresponding connection sub-component 318) along the first axis of the idler adjustment assembly 116 (e.g., up and down along the y-axis). In this way, the operator may use a tool to engage each of the second set 308 of one or more adjustment components and move the second wear component 304 between a second plurality of positions adjacent to the outer surface of the second side surface 208 of the support block 200 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 3A-3D).

[0029] In some embodiments, the first wear component 302 may be configured to have a first alignment with respect to the outer surface of the first side 206 of the support block 200. For example, each of the upper side of the first wear component 302 and the outer side of the first side 206 may have a rectangular shape (e.g., from a top-down perspective). Thus, the first wear component 302 may have a first alignment with respect to the outer side of the first side 206 (e.g., when the first wear component 302 is adjacent to the outer surface of the first side 206) such that the upper edges of the first wear component 302 are each parallel to the corresponding edges of the outer surface of the first side 206.

[0030] The first set 310 of one or more alignment components may be configured to maintain the first alignment of the first wear component 302 with respect to the outer surface of the first side 206 of the support block 200. For example, the first set 310 of one or more alignment components may be configured to resist movement of the first wear component 302 along the second axis (e.g., the x-axis) and / or the third axis (e.g., the z-axis) of the idler adjustment assembly 116 (e.g., the second and third axes of the idler adjustment assembly 116 are perpendicular to the first axis). That is, the first set 310 of one or more alignment components may be configured to allow movement of the first wear component 302 along the first axis (e.g., the y-axis) of the idler adjustment assembly 116, but not movement in other directions. Thus, with respect to the above embodiments, the first set 310 of one or more alignment components may be configured to maintain the first alignment of the first wear component 302 such that the upper edges of the first wear component 302 remain parallel to the corresponding edges of the outer surface of the first side 206, respectively.

[0031] In some embodiments, each alignment component 310 of the first set 310 of one or more alignment components can be a part of the outer surface of the first side 206 of the support block 200. For example, each alignment component 310 may be incorporated into the outer surface of the first side 206 (e.g., as a protrusion or a similar structure) and may be configured to engage with a corresponding alignment sub-component 316 (e.g., a recess or a similar structure) of the first set 316 of one or more alignment sub-components of the first wear component 302. Alternatively, each alignment component 310 of the first set 310 of one or more alignment components may be a dowel, a peg, or a similar structure. For example, each alignment component 310 may be a dowel that fits and engages both an alignment mechanism 216 (e.g., a recess or a similar structure) of the first set 216 of one or more alignment mechanisms on the outer surface of the first side 206 and a corresponding alignment sub-component 316 (e.g., a recess or a similar structure) of the first set 316 of one or more alignment sub-components of the first wear component 302.

[0032] In some embodiments, the second wear component 304 can be configured to have a second alignment with respect to the outer surface of the second side 208 of the support block 200. For example, each of the bottom side of the second wear component 304 and the outer side of the second side 208 can have a rectangular shape (e.g., from a perspective looking up from the bottom). Thus, the second wear component 304 can have a second alignment with respect to the outer side surface of the second side 208 (e.g., when the second wear component 304 is adjacent to the outer surface of the second side 208) such that the edges of the bottom side of the second wear component 304 are respectively parallel to the corresponding edges of the outer surface of the second side 208.

[0033] A second set 312 of one or more alignment components may be configured to maintain a second alignment of the second wear component 304 relative to the outer surface of the second side surface 208 of the support block 200. For example, the second set 312 of one or more alignment components may be configured to resist movement of the second wear component 304 along a second axis (e.g., the x-axis) and / or a third axis (e.g., the z-axis) of the idler adjustment assembly 116. That is, the second set 312 of one or more alignment components may be configured to allow movement of the second wear component 304 along a first axis (e.g., the y-axis) of the idler adjustment assembly 116, but not movement in other directions. Thus, with respect to the above embodiments, the second set 312 of one or more alignment components may be configured to maintain a second alignment of the second wear component 304 such that the bottom-side edge of the second wear component 304 remains parallel to the corresponding edge of the outer surface of the second side surface 208, respectively.

[0034] In some embodiments, each alignment component 312 of the second set 310 of one or more alignment components may be part of the outer surface of the second side surface 208 of the support block 200. For example, each alignment component 312 may be incorporated into the outer surface of the second side surface 208 (e.g., as a protrusion or similar structure) and may be configured to engage a corresponding alignment sub-component 320 (e.g., a recess or similar structure) of a second set 320 of one or more alignment sub-components of the second wear component 304. Alternatively, each alignment component 312 of the second set 312 of one or more alignment components may be a dowel, peg, or similar structure. For example, each alignment component 312 may fit into and engage both an alignment mechanism 218 (e.g., a recess or similar structure) of a second set 218 of one or more alignment mechanisms of the outer surface of the second side surface 208, and a corresponding alignment sub-component 320 (e.g., a recess or similar structure) of a second set 320 of one or more alignment sub-components of the second wear component 304.

[0035] As described above, FIGS. 3A-3D are provided as examples. Other examples may be different from those described in relation to FIGS. 3A-3D.

Industrial Applicability

[0036] The disclosed idler adjustment assembly can be used in any track-type machine that utilizes a track system having an idler. Often, the idler needs to be adjusted to facilitate smooth operation of the track system across the ground and / or to account for wear of the idler and / or other components of the track system (e.g., it may be necessary to adjust the position of the idler within the track system). Typically, a human operator performs a time-consuming and labor-intensive process to adjust the idler. For example, a human operator loosens the fastening components associated with the idler and the idler adjuster (e.g., including a frame and at least one wear component); determines a specific distance by which the idler is to be adjusted; identifies based on a specific thickness of shims, a specific length of one or more springs, or other block material to be inserted between the frame and at least one wear component; inserts a specific number of shims, a specific length of one or more springs, or other block material between the frame and at least one wear component; and tightens the fastening components associated with the idler and the idler adjuster. However, this process can be inaccurate based on, for example, the limited availability of shims of a specific thickness, springs of a specific length, and / or other block material of a specific thickness (e.g., the idler may not be adjusted by a specific distance). For example, a human operator may only be able to adjust the idler by discrete distance increments and thus may adjust the idler to a non-optimal position within the track system (e.g., may over-adjust or hardly adjust the idler).

[0037] This can affect the performance and / or operable life of an idler, an idler adjuster, a track system, and / or a tracked machine. For example, an inaccurately adjusted idler is likely to cause the “impact area” of the track system to strike the ground at a non-optimal angle, whereby the track system does not smoothly rotate across the ground (e.g., with excessive bounce beyond an optimal amount). This increases the amount of stress and / or wear over time on the idler, the idler adjuster, the track system, and / or the tracked machine, thereby affecting life and performance.

[0038] The idler adjustment assembly described herein includes a support block, a first wear component, a second wear component, a first set of one or more adjustment components configured to move the first wear component between a first plurality of positions adjacent to an outer surface of a first side of the support block, and a second set of one or more adjustment components configured to move the second wear component between a second plurality of positions adjacent to an outer surface of a second side of the support block. Thus, to adjust the first wear component, a human operator engages (e.g., using a tool such as a wrench) the first set of one or more adjustment components to adjust the second wear component, and the human operator engages the second set of one or more adjustment components. In this way, the human operator can adjust the idler (e.g., associated with the idler adjustment assembly) by moving at least one of the first set of one or more adjustment components or the second set of one or more adjustment components. To adjust the idler, no other shims, springs, and / or block materials are required.

[0039] Furthermore, a human operator can move the first wear component and the second wear component by any amount (e.g., not just an individual, incremental amount), thereby increasing the likelihood that the idler is adjusted to an optimal position within the track system of the track-type machine. This improves the performance and / or operable life of the idler, the idler adjustment assembly, the track system, and / or the track-type machine (e.g., as compared to the use of a typical idler adjuster). For example, a properly adjusted idler is likely to impact the ground in the impact area of the track system at an optimal angle, thereby causing the track system to rotate smoothly across the ground (e.g., with minimal bounce). Accordingly, the amount of stress and / or wear on the idler, the idler adjustment assembly, the track system, and / or the track-type machine is reduced over time, thereby improving life and performance.

Claims

1. An idler system (112), Idler (114) including idler shaft, An idler (114) adjustment assembly (116), A support block (200) configured to hold the end of the idler shaft, A first wear component (302) is configured to be adjacent to the outer surface of the first side surface (206) of the support block (200) and to have a first alignment with respect to the outer surface of the first side surface (206), A second wear component (304) is configured to be adjacent to the outer surface of the second side surface (208) of the support block (200) and to have a second alignment with respect to the outer surface of the second side surface (208), A first set (306) of one or more adjustment components configured to move the first wear component (302) between a first plurality of positions adjacent to the outer surface of the first side surface (206) of the support block (200), A second set (308) of one or more adjustment components configured to move the second wear component (304) between a second plurality of positions adjacent to the outer surface of the second side surface (208) of the support block (200), A first set (310) of one or more alignment components configured to maintain the first alignment of the first wear component (302) with respect to the outer surface of the first side surface (206) of the support block (200), An idler system (112) including an idler adjustment assembly, which includes an idler adjustment assembly, which includes one or more alignment components (312) configured to maintain the second alignment of the second wear component (304) with respect to the outer surface of the second side surface (208) of the support block (200).

2. Each of the first set (306) of the one or more adjustment components is a screw fastener, and the screw fastener is The end of the first wear component (302) connected to the corresponding connecting subcomponent, The idler system (112) according to claim 1, comprising: a screw shank disposed in a corresponding screw hole in the first side surface (206) of the support block (200).

3. Each of the first set (310) of the one or more alignment components is a part of the outer surface of the first side (206) of the support block (200), The idler system (112) according to claim 1, wherein each alignment component is a projection configured to engage with a corresponding recess of the first wear component (302).

4. A first set (306) of the one or more adjustment components is configured to move the first wear component (302) along the first axis of the idler adjustment assembly (116), and a second set (308) of the one or more adjustment components is configured to move the second wear component (304) along the first axis of the idler adjustment assembly (116), The idler system (112) according to claim 1, wherein the first axis is perpendicular to both the outer surface of the first side surface (206) of the support block (200) and the outer surface of the second side surface (208) of the support block (200).

5. A first set (310) of the one or more alignment components is configured to resist the movement of the first wear component (302) along the second axis of the idler adjustment assembly (116), and a second set (312) of the one or more alignment components is configured to resist the movement of the second wear component (304) along the second axis of the idler adjustment assembly (116), The idler system (112) according to claim 4, wherein the second axis is perpendicular to the first axis.

6. Idler adjustment assembly (116), Support block (200) and The first wear component (302) and The second wear component (304) and A first set (306) of one or more adjustment components configured to move the first wear component (302) between a first plurality of positions adjacent to the outer surface of the first side surface (206) of the support block (200), A second set (308) of one or more adjustment components configured to move the second wear component (304) between a second plurality of positions adjacent to the outer surface of the second side surface (208) of the support block (200), A first set (310) of one or more alignment components configured to maintain the first alignment of the first wear component (302) with respect to the outer surface of the first side surface (206) of the support block (200), An idler adjustment assembly (116) comprising: a second set (312) of one or more alignment components configured to maintain a second alignment of the second wear component (304) with respect to the outer surface of the second side surface (208) of the support block (200);

7. The idler adjustment assembly (116) according to claim 6, wherein a first set (306) of the one or more adjustment components is configured to move the first wear component (302) along the first axis of the idler adjustment assembly (116).

8. The idler adjustment assembly (116) according to claim 6, wherein a first set (310) of one or more alignment components is configured to resist the movement of the first wear component (302) along a second axis of the idler adjustment assembly (116).

9. When the first wear component (302) is positioned at the first of the first plurality of positions, it is at a first distance from the outer surface of the first side surface (206) of the support block (200), When the second wear component (304) is positioned at the second of the second plurality of positions, it is at a second distance from the outer surface of the second side surface (208) of the support block (200), The idler adjustment assembly (116) according to claim 6, wherein the second distance is different from the first distance.

10. When the first wear component (302) is positioned at the first of the first plurality of positions, it is at a first distance from the outer surface of the first side surface (206) of the support block (200), When the second wear component (304) is positioned at the second of the second plurality of positions, it is at a second distance from the outer surface of the second side surface (208) of the support block (200), The idler adjustment assembly (116) according to claim 6, wherein the second distance is the same as the first distance.

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