Reinforcement structure for drive wheel members of tracked vehicles

Abstract

This invention relates to a fastening structure for drive wheel members for the tracks of tracked vehicles. [Solution] The drive wheel member (DW) comprises a hub member (H) and drive sprocket members (S1, S2), the drive sprocket members comprising a pair of tooth members (10) arranged around the drive sprocket members (S1, S2). The drive sprocket members (S1, S2) further comprises an annular support member (20) for the tooth members (10) of the drive sprocket members. The clamping structure is configured to clamp one of the pair of tooth members (10) to the support member (20) so that the tooth member (10) is in an operating position for engaging with an endless track, the clamping structure comprising a mounting device configured to removably attach the tooth member (10) to the support member (20), so that the tooth member is removed from the operating position if the tooth member is subjected to a radial force (F) exceeding a certain threshold. The present invention also relates to tracked vehicles.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fastening structure of a drive wheel member for an endless track of a track laying vehicle. The present invention also relates to a drive wheel member having such a structure. The present invention also relates to a track laying vehicle including a drive wheel member having such a structure.

Background Art

[0002] A track laying vehicle may be equipped with opposing track assemblies. Each track assembly includes an endless track arranged to extend over a set of wheels including a drive wheel member, a tension wheel, and a set of road wheels therebetween.

[0003] The drive wheel member may be equipped with a hub member and inner and outer drive sprocket members connected to each face of the hub member.

[0004] Such track laying vehicles, such as combat vehicles, are intended to be operated on rough terrain. Problems associated with traveling on rough terrain, particularly with respect to reverse and turning, are that unwanted materials such as gravel and stones can be sucked into each track assembly and between the wheels, particularly between the drive wheel member and the endless track, which can ultimately cause damage to the track laying vehicle, including damage to the drive wheel member and the track, and in some cases, the endless track can be torn.

[0005] Also, wear of the drive wheel member can be relatively high. When using a rubber endless track, it is necessary to replace the drive wheel member at the workstation, and in that case, each drive sprocket member of the drive wheel member must be removed.

[0006] There is a need to provide a fastening structure for a drive wheel member for an endless track that makes it easier to reduce such damage and also makes maintenance easier.

[0007] Object of the Invention The object of the present invention is to provide a fastening structure for drive wheel members of tracked vehicles that facilitates the reduction / prevention of damage to the track and drive wheel members.

[0008] A further object of the present invention is to provide a fastening structure for drive wheel members for tracked vehicles that facilitates maintenance of drive wheel members.

[0009] A further object of the present invention is to provide a drive wheel member having such a structure.

[0010] A further object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle having such a structure. [Overview of the project]

[0011] These and other objectives, which are evident from the following description, are achieved by the fastening structure, drive wheel member, and vehicle described in the attached independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the fastening structure are defined in the attached dependent claims.

[0012] According to the present invention, the objective is achieved by a clamping structure for a drive wheel member for a tracked vehicle. The drive wheel member is rotatable about a central axis in order to rotate the track. The drive wheel member comprises a hub member and a drive sprocket member. The drive sprocket member comprises a pair of tooth members arranged around the drive sprocket member, the tooth members configured to engage with the track. The drive sprocket member further comprises an annular support member for the tooth members of the drive sprocket member. The tooth members are configured to be removablely attached to the support member. The clamping structure is configured to clamp one of the pair of tooth members to the support member so that the tooth member is in an operating position for engaging with the track. The clamping structure comprises a mounting device configured to remove the tooth member to the support member, so that the tooth member is removed from the operating position if the tooth member is subjected to a radial force exceeding a certain threshold. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the radial force is directed radially toward the central axis.

[0013] This effectively reduces damage to the track and teeth members caused by the ingestion of undesirable materials such as gravel and stones between the drive wheel member and the track. Thus, by detachably mounting the teeth members to the support member so that the teeth members are removed from the operating position when exposed to a radial force exceeding a certain threshold, the risk of damage to the track, including the risk of the track being torn, can be effectively reduced. This effectively reduces damage to wires extending longitudinally through, for example, rubber tracks, which in turn reduces the risk of the track being torn. Such wires may be, for example, steel wires or wires of other suitable materials. Furthermore, the simple and efficient maintenance of the drive wheel member is facilitated in that the teeth members can be easily and efficiently replaced and easily attached to the support member. Thus, such a clamping structure facilitates the replacement and reassembly of the teeth members of the drive sprocket member of the drive wheel member.

[0014] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the mounting device is configured to provide a radially positioned mounting between a tooth member and a support member in an operating position, wherein the mounting device is configured to removably mount the tooth member to the support member such that the tooth member is removed from the operating position if the tooth member is subjected to a radial force exceeding a certain threshold, and the radial force is directed toward the central axis.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the clamping structure, the annular support member has an outer surface configured to face the track of the tracked vehicle when the drive wheel member is mounted on the tracked vehicle, and an inner surface opposite to it. The tooth member comprises a connecting portion configured to be connected to and positioned on the inner surface of the support member, and an engaging portion configured to protrude from the annular support member and thereby engage with the track in the operating position. The track is configured to extend over the drive wheel member when the drive wheel member is mounted on the tracked vehicle. The track has an outer surface facing away from the drive wheel member when the track is engaged with the drive wheel member, i.e., when it is engaged with the tooth member, and an inner surface facing toward the drive wheel member when the track is engaged with the drive wheel member, and therefore the tooth member is engaged with the inner surface of the track. The outer surface of the support member is configured to face away from the central axis in the radial direction of the support member, and the inner surface of the support member is configured to face toward the central axis in the radial direction.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the clamping structure, the annular support member has a first end face and a second end face opposite to it, these end faces oriented parallel to the direction of the central axis, and the engaging portion is configured to project from the first end face in a direction essentially parallel to the direction of the central axis in order to engage with the track in the operating position. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the engaging portion is configured to project from the first end face in a direction essentially parallel to the direction of the central axis in order to facilitate the removal of the tooth member from the operating position when the tooth member is subjected to a radial force exceeding a certain threshold. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the engaging portion is configured to project radially away from the axial direction of the central axis relative to the annular support member, so that the radial outer surface of the engaging portion is at a radial distance greater than the radial distance from the central axis to the radial outer surface of the support member, thereby facilitating engagement with the track in the operating position.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the clamping structure includes a recess located on the inner surface of the annular support member and configured to extend between a first end face and a second end face opposite to it, and the connecting portion of the tooth member is configured to connect to the recess and be tightly housed in the operating position. This facilitates the efficient assembly of the tooth member. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the recess is located on the radial inner surface of the annular support member, which is oriented radially toward the central axis. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the recess located on the radial inner surface of the annular support member has a recess bottom that is oriented radially toward the central axis.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the clamping structure, the mounting device comprises a clamp configured to connect a toothed member to a support member in an operating position, the clamp configured to provide a resistance force such that the toothed member remains mounted in the operating position when exposed to a radial force not exceeding a certain threshold, and is released from the operating position when exposed to a radial force exceeding a certain threshold. This allows for efficient control of the desired resistance for holding the toothed member in the operating position, in that a predetermined threshold can be set at which the toothed member is released when the radial force exceeds the threshold. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the clamp is configured to have a radially extending portion connected to the support member, thereby providing a radially positioned mounting in the operating position. Such a radially positioned mounting facilitates controlled release based on a predetermined threshold. The clamp may be, for example, any suitable threaded joint member. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the fastener of the mounting device has a projection that is configured to protrude from the bottom of a recess through a radially extending opening, so that the tooth member can be disengaged from the projection when the tooth member is subjected to a radial force exceeding a certain threshold, and is configured to be housed in and connected to an opening in the connection portion of the tooth member when the tooth member is in the operating position.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the clamping structure, the tooth member is configured to be removable so that if the tooth member is subjected to a radial force exceeding a certain threshold and is removed from the operating position, the tooth member is removed and connected to the support member. As a result, when the tooth member is removed from the operating position, it does not fall off but remains connected to the support member and, consequently, to the drive wheel member. Thus, the tooth member removed in this manner can be reused and thus reassembled into the support member of the drive wheel member.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the clamping structure, the clamping structure further includes a retaining device configured to retain the tooth member if the tooth member is subjected to a radial force exceeding a certain threshold, leading to its removal from the operating position. This facilitates efficient retention that prevents the tooth member from detaching from the drive wheel member when subjected to such a radial force.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the clamping structure, the retention device is configured to movably connect the tooth member to a support member, so that when the tooth member is subjected to a radial force exceeding a certain threshold, the tooth member is moved in a radially tiltable manner. By enabling such tiltable movement of the tooth member by the retention device, it is facilitated the efficient removal of the tooth member from its operating position when it is subjected to a radial force exceeding a certain threshold, and the efficient retention of the tooth member in the support member associated with that removal.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the clamping structure, the clamping device of the mounting device is configured to attach the connecting portion of the tooth member to a recess of a support member connected to a first end face. The recess is connected to the first end face and at least a specific portion between the first and second end faces, and opens radially toward the central axis. Therefore, the tooth member can be disengaged from its operating position when subjected to a radial force exceeding a certain threshold. By utilizing the recess in this way, efficient assembly of the tooth member and efficient locking of the tooth member in its operating position are facilitated.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the clamping structure, the retention device is configured to retain the tooth member by connecting the connection portion to a second end face, so that when the tooth member is exposed to a radial force exceeding a certain threshold, the tooth member is moved radially inclined from the operating position so that the tooth member is positioned at a specific angle with respect to the direction of the central axis. This facilitates the efficient retention of the tooth member when exposed to such radial forces. This facilitates the efficient inclined movement of the tooth member, thereby further facilitating the combination of efficient removal of the tooth member from the operating position when the tooth member is exposed to a radial force exceeding a certain threshold, and efficient retention of the tooth member in the support member associated with such removal.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the clamping structure, the retaining device comprises a retaining member having a second end face opening connected to a second end face and a stopper provided by the opening, wherein the second end face opening is positioned connected to a recess and provides an extended portion of the recess, the second end face opening is positioned to accommodate the retaining portion of the connection, and the stopper prevents radial movement toward the central axis of the accommodated retaining portion. This facilitates the efficient inclined movement of the tooth member, thereby further facilitating the efficient removal of the tooth member from its operating position when the tooth member is exposed to a radial force exceeding a certain threshold, and the efficient retention of the tooth member in the support member associated with such removal.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the clamping structure, the retention device is configured to retain the tooth member by connecting the connection portion to a second end face, so that when the tooth member is exposed to a radial force exceeding a certain threshold, the tooth member is moved radially inclined from the operating position to a position in which the connection portion is at least partially housed in the recess, thereby essentially preventing the tooth member from moving in a direction perpendicular to the radial direction and perpendicular to the direction of the central axis. This further facilitates the efficient retention of the tooth member when exposed to such radial forces.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the fastening structure, the retaining device includes a connecting member having a protrusion configured to be connected to the second end face and protrude radially from the bottom of the recess. The retaining device further includes an opening disposed at the connecting portion of the tooth member. The protrusion is configured to be received within the opening when the tooth member is in the operating position. The opening is dimensioned and configured to engage with the protrusion. Thus, when the tooth member is exposed to a radial force exceeding a specific threshold value, the tooth member can move radially and pivotally about the opening from a position substantially parallel to the central axis to a position at a specific angle with respect to the direction of the central axis. This facilitates more efficient retention of the tooth member. This facilitates more efficient tilting of the tooth member when exposed to a radial force exceeding a specific threshold value.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the fastening structure, the protrusion is configured to substantially prevent movement of the tooth member in the direction of the central axis. This facilitates more efficient retention of the tooth member.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the fastening structure, the stopper has an inclined surface portion configured to face toward the connecting portion. Thus, when the tooth member is exposed to a radial force exceeding a specific threshold value, the tooth member can move radially and tiltably to an inclined position where the connecting portion is stopped against the inclined surface portion of the stopper. This facilitates more efficient retention of the tooth member when exposed to such a radial force. This facilitates efficient and controllable tiltable movement of the tooth member, thereby facilitating a combination of efficient removal of the tooth member from the operating position when the tooth member is exposed to a radial force exceeding a specific threshold value and efficient retention of the tooth member in the support member related to such removal.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the fastening structure, the drive wheel member includes an outer drive sprocket member disposed on the outer surface of the hub member and an inner drive sprocket member disposed on the inner surface of the hub member. The outer surface faces outward from the vehicle in the lateral direction of the vehicle, and the inner surface faces toward the vehicle in the lateral direction of the vehicle to which the drive wheel member is attached.

[0030] According to the present invention, the object is achieved by a drive wheel member having a fastening structure described herein.

[0031] According to the present invention, the object is achieved by a track laying vehicle having a fastening structure described herein.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0032] For a better understanding of the present disclosure, reference is made to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout several views.

[0033] [Figure 1] A side view of a track laying vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically illustrated. [Figure 2] A perspective view of a part of a track laying vehicle including a drive wheel member and a part of an endless track of a track assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically illustrated. [[ID=2…]] [Figure 3] A side view of the drive wheel member of FIG. 2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically illustrated. [Figure 4] A perspective view of a drive sprocket member of an endless track drive wheel member of a track laying vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as seen from the rear of an annular support member, is schematically illustrated, and one tooth member is attached to the support member. [Figure 5a] A perspective view of the support member of FIG. 4 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as seen from the front, is schematically illustrated. [Figure 5b] A perspective view of a part of the support member of FIG. 5a is schematically illustrated, and a recess according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. [Figure 5c] A perspective view of a part of the support member of FIG. 9 is schematically illustrated, and a cross section of a recess according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. [Figure 6] A front view of the support member of FIG. 4 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically illustrated. [Figure 7] A front view of the support member of FIG. 4 without a tooth member attached thereto, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is schematically illustrated. [Figure 8]Figure 6 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of the support member according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and also illustrates a cross-section of the attached tooth member. [Figure 9] A schematic cross-sectional view of the support member shown in Figure 7, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown, illustrating the cross-section of a recess in which a tooth member is intended to be housed. [Figure 10a] A portion of the support member shown in Figure 8, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, is schematically illustrated along with a cross-section of the attached tooth member. [Figure 10b] Figure 10a schematically illustrates a cross-section of the tooth member in a removed and retained state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11a] A schematic diagram of the outer plan view of a tooth member according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 11b] A schematic diagram of the inner plan view of the tooth member shown in Figure 11a according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 11c] A schematic side view of the tooth member shown in Figure 11a according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 12a] A schematic front view of the tooth member shown in Figure 11a according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 12b] A schematic rear view of the tooth member shown in Figure 11a according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 12c] A schematic side cross-sectional view of the tooth member shown in Figure 12b according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0034] In this specification, the term "rubber" in relation to "rubber track" refers to any elastic material, such as rubber, elastomer, or a combination of rubber and elastomer.

[0035] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a fastening structure for a drive wheel member of a tracked vehicle is provided. The fastening structure is for facilitating the prevention of damage to the track and the drive wheel member. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the fastening structure is for facilitating the maintenance of the drive wheel member. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the fastening structure is for facilitating the replacement and reassembly of the teeth of the drive sprocket member of the drive wheel member.

[0036] Such a tracked vehicle may comprise a right track assembly and a left track assembly for driving the vehicle. Each track assembly may comprise a drive wheel member, a tension wheel, a pair of road wheels, and an endless track arranged to extend over, i.e., surround, these wheels. The endless track of each track assembly may be arranged to be driven and consequently rotated by the drive wheel member. The tracked vehicle may comprise a drive means for driving the drive wheel member. The drive means may be any suitable drive means, such as one or more internal combustion engines and / or one or more electromachines.

[0037] The endless tracks of each track assembly may have any suitable configuration and may be made of any suitable material. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the endless tracks of each track assembly may be rubber tracks. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the endless tracks of each track assembly may be steel tracks.

[0038] The drive wheel component comprises a hub component and a drive sprocket component. The drive sprocket component is attached to the hub component.

[0039] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the drive wheel member comprises an outer drive sprocket member disposed on the outer surface of a hub member and an inner drive sprocket member disposed on the inner surface of the hub member. The outer surface of the hub member faces outward from the vehicle in the lateral direction of the vehicle, and the inner surface of the hub member faces towards the vehicle in the lateral direction of the vehicle on which the drive wheel member is mounted.

[0040] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the hub member has a front or outer surface configured to face outward from the side of the vehicle, and an opposite rear or inner surface configured to face toward the side of the vehicle when the drive wheel member is mounted on the vehicle, i.e., when it is mounted on the track assembly of a tracked vehicle.

[0041] The drive sprocket member comprises a pair of tooth members arranged around the drive sprocket member. The tooth members are configured to engage with an endless track. The drive sprocket member further comprises an annular support member for the tooth members of the drive sprocket member. The tooth members are configured to be removably attached to the annular support member.

[0042] When the drive wheel member is positioned on a tracked vehicle, one set of teeth of the drive sprocket member may be engaged with the track, and another set of teeth of the drive sprocket member may be in a rotational position of the drive wheel member such that they are not engaged with the track and can therefore be removed and replaced. The drive wheel member may then be rotated to another rotational position of the drive wheel member such that the other set of teeth of the drive sprocket member is not engaged with the track and can therefore be removed and replaced.

[0043] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a side view of a tracked vehicle V according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] According to the disclosure in Figure 1, tracked vehicle V is a military vehicle. According to the disclosure in Figure 1, tracked vehicle V is a combat vehicle.

[0045] The tracked vehicle V comprises a vehicle body B, which, according to one aspect of this disclosure, comprises a chassis and a body structure of the vehicle V.

[0046] The tracked vehicle V comprises a right track assembly T1 and a left track assembly for driving the vehicle V, the left track assembly being shown in Figure 1. Each track assembly has a longitudinal extension, the right track assembly is configured to connect and extend to the right along the longitudinal extension of the vehicle body B of the vehicle V, and the left track assembly is configured to connect and extend to the left along the longitudinal extension of the vehicle body B of the vehicle V. Each track assembly comprises a drive wheel member DW, a tension wheel TW, a pair of road wheels RW, and an endless track E arranged to extend over these wheels. Here, the drive wheel member DW is positioned forward, the tension wheel TW is positioned rearward, and the road wheel RW is positioned between the drive wheel member DW and the tension wheel TW. However, the tracked vehicle according to the present disclosure may have a track assembly with any suitable arrangement of the drive wheel member, tension wheel, and road wheel. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the tension wheel may be positioned forward, the drive wheel member may be positioned rearward, and the road wheel may be positioned between them. In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a clamping structure for a drive wheel DW for a track assembly.

[0047] The tracks E of each track assembly are arranged to be driven and, consequently, rotated by the drive wheel members DW. The tracked vehicle V is provided with a drive mechanism (not shown) for driving the drive wheel members DW. The drive mechanism may be any suitable drive mechanism, such as an internal combustion engine and / or an electromechanical device.

[0048] The endless track of each track assembly may have any suitable configuration and may be made of any suitable material. The endless track E of each track assembly may be a rubber track according to one aspect of this disclosure. The endless track of each track assembly may be a steel track according to one aspect of this disclosure.

[0049] Figure 2 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a part of a tracked vehicle V, including a drive wheel member DW and a part of the track E of a track assembly T1 according to one aspect of the present disclosure. Figure 3 schematically illustrates a side view of the drive wheel member DW of Figure 2 according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0050] The drive wheel member DW has a central axis Z. The central axis Z extends laterally from the tracked vehicle V. The central axis Z extends laterally from 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 operably engage with the drive axle of the drive means of the tracked vehicle and to be rotated by the drive means. Thus, the hub member H is positioned to rotate about the central axis Z. See Figure 3.

[0051] According to this embodiment, the hub member H has spokes SP. The hub member according to this disclosure may have any suitable configuration. According to one aspect of this disclosure (not shown), the drive means may be arranged in connection with the drive wheel member, so that the drive means, e.g., an electromechanism, is at least partially housed around the drive wheel member, and the drive means axle is essentially coaxial with the central axis Z of the drive wheel member.

[0052] The hub member H has a front surface H1 and an opposite rear surface H2. See Figure 3. When the drive wheel member DW is mounted on the vehicle, the front surface H1 is configured to face outward from the vehicle, and the rear surface H2 is configured to face towards the vehicle. Therefore, when the drive wheel member DW is mounted on the vehicle, the front surface H1 faces outward from the side of the vehicle, i.e., in the lateral direction of the vehicle. Therefore, the front surface H1 is the lateral front surface H1. Therefore, when the drive wheel member DW is mounted on the vehicle, the rear surface H2 faces towards the vehicle in the lateral direction of the vehicle. Therefore, the rear surface H2 is the lateral rear surface H2. The front surface H1 of the hub member faces outward from the vehicle in the short direction of the vehicle, so it can be called the outer surface H1 or lateral outer surface H1 of the hub member H. The rear surface H2 of the hub member faces inward in the short direction of the vehicle, so it can be called the inner surface H2 or lateral inner surface H2 of the hub member H. Therefore, the outer surface H1 of the hub member H faces outward from the vehicle in the lateral direction of the vehicle, and the inner surface H2 of the hub member H faces towards the vehicle in the lateral direction of the vehicle to which the drive wheel member DW is mounted.

[0053] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the drive wheel member DW comprises an outer drive sprocket member S1 positioned on the front surface H1 of the hub member H and an inner drive sprocket member S2 positioned on the rear surface H2 of the hub member H. In Figures 2 and 3, each drive sprocket member S1 comprises only one tooth member 10. Each drive sprocket member S1 is configured to have a pair of tooth members 10 arranged around the drive sprocket members S1 and S2 during operation.

[0054] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the outer drive sprocket member S1 is arranged connected to the outer surface H1 of the hub member H and faces outward from the vehicle in the lateral direction of the vehicle, and the inner drive sprocket member S2 is arranged connected to the inner surface H2 of the hub member H and therefore faces toward the vehicle in the lateral direction of the vehicle on which the drive wheel member DW is mounted. Thus, the outer drive sprocket member S1 is a lateral outer drive sprocket member S1, and the inner drive sprocket member S2 is a lateral inner drive sprocket member S2.

[0055] The drive sprocket members S1 and S2 may be referred to as drive wheels or drive wheel units according to one aspect of this disclosure. The outer drive sprocket member S1 may be referred to as an outer drive wheel or outer drive wheel unit according to one aspect of this disclosure. The inner drive sprocket member S2 may be referred to as an inner drive wheel or inner drive wheel unit according to one aspect of this disclosure.

[0056] Each drive sprocket member S1, S2 includes a pair of tooth members 10 arranged around the drive sprocket members S1, S2. According to this embodiment, the outer drive sprocket member S1 includes a pair of tooth members 10 arranged around the outer drive sprocket member S1, but only one tooth member 10 is shown. According to this embodiment, the inner drive sprocket member S2 includes a pair of tooth members 10 arranged around the inner drive sprocket member S2, but only one tooth member 10 is shown.

[0057] Each track assembly T1 of a tracked vehicle V has an outer surface E1 that faces outward from the vehicle in the lateral direction and an inner surface E2 that faces towards the vehicle in the lateral direction to which the track assembly is mounted. See Figure 2. Therefore, the outer surface E1 that faces outward from the vehicle in the lateral direction is the lateral outer surface E1. Therefore, the inner surface E1 that faces towards the vehicle in the lateral direction is the lateral inner surface E2. The lateral outer surface E1 and the lateral inner surface E2 are oriented in a direction corresponding to the direction of the central axis Z.

[0058] Each track assembly T1 of the tracked vehicle V has an outer surface E3 facing away from the drive wheel member DW when the track is engaged with the drive wheel member DW, and an inner surface E4 facing towards the drive wheel member DW when the track is engaged with the drive wheel member DW. See Figure 2. The outer surface E3 is the ground-engaging outer surface E3, and a portion of the ground-engaging outer surface E3 is configured to engage with the ground, and this portion changes during driving, and therefore during rotation of the track E. The outer surface E4 is the drive wheel-engaging inner surface E4, and a portion of the drive wheel-engaging inner surface E4 is configured to engage with the drive wheel member DW, and this portion changes during driving, and therefore during rotation of the track E. Thus, the ground-engaging outer surface E3 and the opposite drive wheel-engaging inner surface E4 of the track E are oriented in directions perpendicular to the directions of the lateral outer surface E1 and lateral inner surface E2 of the track E. The continuous track E is configured to surround the wheels of the vehicle, including the drive wheel members DW, as shown in Figure 1, for example, and therefore the inner surface E4 faces these wheels.

[0059] The toothed member 10 is configured to engage with the track of the tracked vehicle. The track E is schematically shown in Figure 2 and does not have a recess on its inner surface for engagement with the toothed member.

[0060] Each drive sprocket member S1, S2 is provided with an annular support member 20 for the tooth members of the drive sprocket members S1, S2. According to this embodiment, the outer drive sprocket member S1 is provided with a support member 20 for the tooth members 10 of the outer drive sprocket member S1. According to this embodiment, the inner drive sprocket member S2 is provided with a support member 20 for the tooth members 10 of the inner drive sprocket member S2.

[0061] The tooth member 10 is configured to be removably attached to the support member 20.

[0062] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the support members 20 for each drive sprocket member S1, S2 have an annular structure. Each support member 20 for each drive sprocket member S1, S2 has an outer surface 20a and an opposite inner surface 20b. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the outer surface 20a is a radial outer surface 20a facing outward in the radial direction of the annular support member 20, and the opposite inner surface 20b is a radial inner surface facing inward in the radial direction of the annular support member 20. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the annular support member 20 has an outer diameter with an outer surface and an inner diameter with an inner surface. The radial outer surface 20a of the support member 20 is configured to face the drive wheel engagement inner surface E4 of the track E when the drive wheel member DW is engaged with the track E.

[0063] Each drive sprocket member S1, S2's support member 20 has a first end face 20c and an opposite second end face 20d. The first end face 20c and the opposite second end face 20d are configured to face in the direction of the central axis Z. The first end face 20c and the opposite second end face 20d of the support member 20 are configured to face laterally to the tracked vehicle when the drive wheel member DW and, consequently, the track assembly are mounted on the tracked vehicle. Therefore, the first end face 20c is the first lateral end face 20c, and the opposite second end face 20d is the lateral end face 20d.

[0064] The first end face 20c of the annular support member 20 of the outer drive sprocket S1 is configured to face away from the front surface H1 of the hub member H when it is attached to the hub member H. The first end face 20c of the support member 20 of the inner drive sprocket S2 is configured to face away from the rear surface H2 of the hub member H when it is attached to the hub member H.

[0065] The first end face 20c of the support member 20 of the outer drive sprocket S1 is configured to face in the same direction as the outer surface E1 of the track when the drive wheel member is connected to the track. The first end face 20c of the support member 20 of the inner drive sprocket S2 is configured to face in the same direction as the inner surface E2 of the track when the drive wheel member is connected to the track. Therefore, the first end faces 20c of the annular portions of each drive sprocket S1 and S2 are configured to face away from the track in the direction of the central axis Z.

[0066] Therefore, the first end faces 20c of the annular support members 20 of each drive sprocket S1 and S2 are configured to face away from each other. Thus, the first end face 20c of the annular support member 20 of the outer drive sprocket S1 is configured to face away from the first end face 20c of the annular support member 20 of the inner drive sprocket S2.

[0067] The second surface 20d of the support member 20 of the outer drive sprocket S1 is configured to face the front surface H1 of the hub member H when it is attached to the hub member H. The second surface 20d of the support member 20 of the inner drive sprocket S2 is configured to face the rear surface H2 of the hub member H when it is attached to the hub member H.

[0068] The second end face 20d of the support member 20 of the outer drive sprocket S1 is configured to face away from the outer surface E1 of the endless track when the drive wheel member is connected to the endless track. The second end face 20d of the support member 20 of the inner drive sprocket S2 is configured to face away from the inner surface E2 of the endless track when the drive wheel member is connected to the endless track. Therefore, the second end faces 20d of the annular support members 20 of each drive sprocket S1 and S2 are configured to face toward the endless track in the direction of the central axis.

[0069] Therefore, the second end faces 20d of the annular support members 20 of each drive sprocket S1 and S2 are configured to face each other. Thus, the second end face 20d of the annular support member 20 of the outer drive sprocket S1 is configured to face the second end face 20d of the annular support member 20 of the inner drive sprocket S2.

[0070] Figure 4 schematically illustrates a rear perspective view of a drive sprocket member S1 of a tracked vehicle drive wheel member according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The drive sprocket member S1 includes an annular support member 20. Only one tooth member 10 is attached to the support member 20. Figure 5a schematically illustrates a front perspective view of a drive sprocket member S1 having the support member 20 of Figure 4 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. A drive wheel member having such a sprocket member S1 may be a drive wheel member with the drive wheel member DW of Figure 1. A drive wheel member having such a sprocket member S1 may be a drive wheel member with the drive wheel member DW of Figures 2 and 3.

[0071] Figure 6 schematically illustrates a front view of a drive sprocket member S1 having the support member 20 of Figure 4 according to one aspect of the present disclosure. Figure 8 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of the drive sprocket member S1 having the support member 20 of Figure 6 according to one aspect of the present disclosure, and shows a cross-section of the attached tooth member 10.

[0072] Figure 7 schematically illustrates a front view of the support member 20 of Figure 4 without the tooth member attached, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. Figure 9 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of the support member 20 of Figure 7, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, illustrating a cross-section of a recess 22 in which a tooth member is intended to be housed. Thus, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the support member 20 comprises a set of recesses 22 distributed around the support member 20. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, each recess 22 is configured to house one tooth member 10 of a set of tooth members. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, each recess 22 is located on the inner surface 20b of the annular support member 20. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, each recess 22 is located on the radial inner surface 20b of the annular support member 20 and is configured to face radially toward the central axis Z. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, each recess 22 is configured to extend between a first end face 20c and a second end face 20d opposite to the annular support member 20. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, each recess 22 is configured to extend axially, i.e., essentially parallel to the axial direction of the central axis, between the first end face 20c and the opposite second end face 20d of the annular support member 20. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, each recess 22 is configured to extend laterally along the vehicle between the first end face 20c and the opposite second end face 20d of the annular support member 20 when the drive wheel member is mounted on a tracked vehicle. One embodiment of the recess 22 is described further below with reference to Figures 5b to 5c and Figures 10a to 10b.

[0073] When the tooth members 10 are arranged on the support members 20 of each drive sprocket member S1, S2 and distributed around them, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, they are configured to protrude from the outer surface 20a and thereby engage with the endless track.

[0074] The tooth members 10 are configured to protrude from the first end face 20c when they are positioned on and distributed around the support members 20 of each drive sprocket member S1, S2. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the engaging portion of each tooth member 10 is configured to protrude from the first end face 20c in a direction essentially parallel to the direction of the central axis Z, thereby engaging with the track when the tooth member is in the operating position.

[0075] According to one aspect of this disclosure, each drive sprocket member S1, S2 includes a pair of clamping members 24 arranged around the inner surface 20b of each annular support member 20. See Figures 4, 5a, 6, and 7, which show a pair of clamping members 24 of the outer drive sprocket member S1. Each clamping member 24 includes or is arranged to accommodate a bolt coupling member (not shown) for attaching each drive sprocket member S1, S2 to the hub member H of the drive wheel member DW. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the clamping member 24 is configured to be attached to the spokes of the hub member H.

[0076] The drive wheel member according to this disclosure may comprise a single drive sprocket member according to an alternative embodiment of the disclosure not shown. The drive wheel member according to this disclosure may comprise a single drive sprocket member, not shown, which comprises a toothed member arranged around a single drive sprocket and a support member for the toothed member. The toothed member is configured to be removably attached to the single support member of the drive sprocket member not shown.

[0077] This disclosure provides a fastening structure for a drive wheel member DW that facilitates fastening one tooth member 10 of a set of tooth members 10 to a support member 20 of the drive wheel member. This disclosure provides a fastening structure that facilitates fastening one tooth member 10 of a set of tooth members 10 to each support member 20 of the drive wheel member DW. This disclosure provides a fastening structure that facilitates fastening a tooth member 10 of a set of tooth members 10 to each support member 20. This disclosure may provide a set of fastening structures that facilitate fastening each tooth member 10 of a set of tooth members 10 to each support member 20. This disclosure provides a fastening structure for a drive wheel member DW that facilitates removably fastening one tooth member 10 of a set of tooth members 10 to a support member 20 of the drive wheel member. This disclosure provides a fastening structure for a drive wheel member DW that facilitates the removal and retention of one tooth member 10 from a set of tooth members 10 to a support member 20 of the drive wheel member.

[0078] The drive wheel member DW is provided with a fastening structure to facilitate fastening one tooth member 10 of a pair of tooth members 10 to the support member 20. The drive wheel member DW is provided with a fastening structure to facilitate fastening one tooth member 10 of a pair of tooth members 10 to each support member 20. The drive wheel member may be provided with a fastening structure to facilitate fastening the tooth members 10 of a pair of tooth members 10 to each support member 20. The drive wheel member DW may be provided with a set of fastening structures to facilitate fastening each tooth member 10 of a pair of tooth members 10 to each support member 20.

[0079] Figure 10a schematically illustrates a portion P2 of the support member 20 in Figure 8, along with a cross-section of the attached tooth member 10, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. Figure 10b schematically illustrates a cross-section of the tooth member in Figure 10a in a removed and retained state, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. Figures 10a to 10b illustrate a drive wheel fastening structure, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, for facilitating the removal and retention of one tooth member 10 of a set of tooth members 10 to the support member 20 of the drive wheel member.

[0080] Therefore, Figures 10a to 10b illustrate a part of the drive wheel member for the track of the tracked vehicle of the present disclosure, for example, a drive wheel member DW for the track of the tracked vehicle V shown in Figure 2. Such a drive wheel member DW is configured to be rotatable about a central axis Z in order to rotate the track. Such a drive wheel member DW comprises a hub member H and drive sprocket members S1 and S2.

[0081] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the drive wheel member DW comprises an outer drive sprocket member S1 disposed on the outer surface H1 of the hub member H and an inner drive sprocket member S2 disposed on the inner surface H2 of the hub member H, wherein the outer surface H1 faces outward from the vehicle in the lateral direction of the vehicle, and the inner surface H2 faces toward the vehicle in the lateral direction of the vehicle on which the drive wheel member DW is mounted. See Figure 2.

[0082] The drive sprocket members comprise a pair of tooth members 10 arranged around the drive sprocket members S1 and S2, and the tooth members 10 are configured to engage with the track E. The drive sprocket members S1 and S2 further comprise an annular support member 20 for the tooth members 10 of the drive sprocket members. Figure 10a shows a cross-section of one tooth member 10 attached to the support member 20. The tooth member 10 is configured to be removablely attached to the support member 20.

[0083] The clamping structure is configured to clamp one of a pair of tooth members 10 to the support member 20 so that the tooth member 10 is in an operating position for engaging with the endless track. See Figure 10a.

[0084] The operating position of the tooth member 10 according to one aspect of the present disclosure is shown in Figure 10a, where the tooth member 10 is attached to the support member such that the connecting portion is attached to the inner surface 20b of the support member.

[0085] According to one aspect of this disclosure, in the operating position of the tooth member 10 shown in Figure 10a, the connecting portion 12 of the tooth member 10 is fixedly connected to the bottom 22c of the recess 22 of the inner surface 20b. According to one aspect of this disclosure, in the operating position of the tooth member 10 shown in Figure 10a, the engaging portion 14 of the tooth member protrudes from the first end face 20c of the support member 20 in a direction essentially parallel to the central axis Z of the support member 20 and, consequently, the drive wheel member. See, for example, Figure 8.

[0086] The clamping structure includes a mounting device configured to removably attach the tooth member 10 to the support member 20, so that the tooth member is removed from the operating position if the tooth member 10 is subjected to a radial force F exceeding a certain threshold. See Figure 10b. The radial force F may be caused by material appearing between a portion of the tooth member 10, which is configured to engage with a drive wheel member, such as a track, and the track, such as a stone. The radial force F may be a predetermined force.

[0087] One embodiment of the configuration of the tooth member 10 will be described in further detail below, with particular reference to Figures 11a to 11c and Figures 12a to 12c. One embodiment of the configuration of the recess 22 will be described in further detail below, with particular reference to Figures 5b to 5c.

[0088] The mounting device includes a fastener J1, such as a screw coupling member, configured to connect the tooth member 10 to the support member 20 in the operating position. The fastener J1 is configured to provide resistance, so that the tooth member 10 remains attached to the operating position during normal operation when the tooth member 10 is subjected to radial forces that do not exceed a certain threshold. The fastener J1 is configured to provide attachment of the tooth member 10 to the support member 20, thereby holding the tooth member 10 in the operating position when the tooth member 10 is subjected to radial forces that do not exceed a certain threshold. The fastener J1 is further configured to provide resistance, so that the tooth member 10 is removed from the operating position when subjected to radial forces that exceed a certain threshold.

[0089] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the joint member J1 is configured to be introduced from the outer surface 20a of the support member 20 in order to connect the tooth member 10 to the support member 20.

[0090] Therefore, the annular support member 20 has an outer surface 20a configured to face the track of the tracked vehicle when the drive wheel member is mounted on the tracked vehicle, and an inner surface 20b on the opposite side. The tooth member 10 includes a connecting portion 12 configured to be connected to and positioned on the inner surface 20b of the support member 20, and an engaging portion 14 configured to protrude from the annular support member and thereby engage with the track in the operating position.

[0091] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the connecting portion 12 is configured to be connected to the radial inner surface 20b of the support member 20 and is therefore oriented radially toward the central axis Z.

[0092] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the engaging portion 14 is configured to protrude outward from the lateral outer surface 20c of the support member 20 and from the annular support member 20 in a direction essentially parallel to the axial direction of the central axis Z. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, when the drive wheel member is attached to the vehicle, the engaging portion 14 is configured to protrude outward from the outer surface 20c of the support member 20 and from the annular support member 20 in a direction lateral to the vehicle.

[0093] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the engaging portion 14 is configured to protrude radially from the annular support member 20 away from the axial direction of the central axis Z, and therefore the radial outer surface 14a of the engaging portion 14 is at a radial distance greater than the radial distance from the central axis Z to the radial outer surface 20a of the support member 20, thereby facilitating engagement with the endless track in the operating position.

[0094] As described above, the annular support member 20 has a first end face 20c and a second end face 20d opposite to it, and these end faces are oriented parallel to the direction of the central axis Z. The engaging portion 14 is configured to protrude from the first end face 20c in a direction essentially parallel to the direction of the central axis Z, thereby engaging with the endless track when the tooth member 10 is in the operating position with the connecting portion connected to the inner surface 20b of the support member 20.

[0095] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the clamping structure includes a recess 22 located on the inner surface 20b of the annular support member 20. As shown in and described in more detail with reference to Figures 5b to 5c, the recess 22 is configured to extend between a first end face 20c and a second end face 20d opposite to it. The connecting portion 12 of the tooth member 10 is configured to fit snugly into the recess 22 when in operation. Thus, the recess 22 is configured to accommodate the connecting portion 12. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, when the tooth member is in operation, the surface portion of the outer surface 12a of the connecting portion 12 is configured to face and lie in contact with the bottom of the recess. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, when the tooth member 10 is in operation, the surface portion of the outer surface 12a of the connecting portion 12 is configured to face radially away from the central axis Z.

[0096] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the fastener J1 of the mounting device is configured to attach the connecting portion 12 of the toothed member 10 to a recess 22 of the support member 20 which is connected to the first end face 20c. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the recess 22 is configured to connect to the first end face 20c and at least a specific portion on the way from the first end face 20c to the second end face 20d, and to open radially toward the central axis Z, so that the toothed member 10 can be disengaged from the operating position when exposed to a radial force F exceeding a certain threshold. See Figures 10b and 5b.

[0097] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the fastener J1 includes a mounting portion J1a configured to facilitate the fixed attachment of the fastener J1 to the support member 20. Please refer to Figures 10a to 10b.

[0098] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the fastener J1 of the mounting device has a projection J1b ​​configured to connect to a first end face 20c and project radially from the bottom 22c of a recess 22. The mounting device further includes an opening O1B located at the connection portion 12 of the tooth member 10, and the projection J1b ​​is configured to be accommodated in the opening O1B when the tooth member 10 is in the operating position. The opening O1B is sized and configured to engage with the projection J1b, so that if the tooth member 10 is subjected to a radial force F exceeding a certain threshold, the tooth member 10 can be disengaged from the projection.

[0099] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the clamping structure is configured such that the tooth member 10 is positioned to be removable by connecting to the support member 20, and therefore, if the tooth member 10 is subjected to a radial force F exceeding a certain threshold and is removed from the operating position, the tooth member 10 remains removable by connecting to the support member 20. See, for example, Figure 10b.

[0100] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the clamping structure further includes retention devices J2, 22O, 22S configured to retain the tooth member 10 when the tooth member 10 is subjected to a radial force F exceeding a certain threshold, resulting in its removal from the operating position.

[0101] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the implantation devices J2, 22O, 22S are configured to movably connect the tooth member 10 to the support member 20, so that when the tooth member 10 is exposed to a radial force F exceeding a certain threshold, the tooth member 10 is moved so as to be able to tilt radially. As shown in Figure 10b, the radial force F is provided radially toward the outer surface 14a and toward the central axis of the annular support member 20. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the tooth member 10 is moved so as to be able to tilt radially by a rotational movement D such that the engaging portion 14 moves toward the first end face 20c of the support member 20.

[0102] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the implantation device is configured to implant the tooth member 10 by connecting the connecting portion 12 of the tooth member 10 to the second end face 20d, so that when the tooth member 10 is exposed to a radial force F exceeding a certain threshold, the tooth member 10 is moved radially inclined from the operating position so that the tooth member 10 is positioned at a specific angle α with respect to the direction of the central axis Z. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, when the tooth member 10 is exposed to a radial force F exceeding a certain threshold, the tooth member 10 is moved radially inclined toward the removal position so that the tooth member 10 is positioned at a specific angle α with respect to the direction of the central axis Z.

[0103] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, when the tooth member 10 is subjected to a radial force F exceeding a certain threshold, it is moved radially inclined from an operating position to a position in which the connecting portion 12 is at least partially housed within the recess 22, thereby essentially preventing the tooth member 10 from moving in a direction perpendicular to the radial direction and perpendicular to the direction of the central axis Z. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the recess comprises opposing inner walls 22a, 22b and a recess bottom 22c, and the connecting portion 12 is at least partially housed within the recess 22 such that the inner walls prevent movement of the connecting portion 12 when the tooth member 10 is moved radially inclined. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the recess bottom 22c is configured to face radially toward the central axis Z.

[0104] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the implantation device includes a recess 22. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the implantation device is configured to implant a tooth member 10 by connecting a connecting portion 12 to a second end face 20d, so that when the tooth member 10 is exposed to a radial force F exceeding a certain threshold, the tooth member 10 is moved radially inclined from the operating position to a position in which the connecting portion 12 is at least partially housed in the recess 22, thereby essentially preventing the tooth member 10 from moving in a direction perpendicular to the radial direction and perpendicular to the direction of the central axis Z.

[0105] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the retaining device comprises retaining members 22O, 22S having a second end face opening 22O connected to a second end face 20d and a stopper 22S provided by the opening 22O. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the second end face opening 22O is positioned to connect to a recess 22 and provides an extended portion of the recess 22. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the second end face opening 22O is positioned to accommodate the retaining portion 12-2 of the connecting portion 12. Thus, the retaining portion 12-2 is configured to be accommodated in the end face opening 22O. The stopper 22S is configured to prevent the accommodated retaining portion 12-2 from moving radially toward the central axis Z. See, for example, Figure 10b.

[0106] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the retaining device includes a connecting member J2 having a projection configured to connect to a second end face 20d and protrude radially from the bottom 22c of the recess 22. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the connecting member J2 includes a mounting portion J2a configured to facilitate the fixed attachment of the connecting member J2 to the support member 20. Please refer to Figures 10a to 10b.

[0107] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the implantation device further comprises an opening O2B located at the connection portion 12 of the tooth member 10. See Figure 12c. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the projection J2b is configured to be accommodated in the opening O2B when the tooth member 10 is in the operating position. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the projection J2b is configured to be accommodated in at least partially in the opening O2B when the tooth member 10 is removed from the operating position in a removable manner.

[0108] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the opening O2B is sized and configured to engage with the projection J2B, so that when the tooth member 10 is subjected to a radial force F exceeding a certain threshold, the tooth member 10 can be moved radially toward the central axis Z, rotatably connected to the opening O2B, from a position essentially parallel to the central axis Z to a position at a specific angle α with respect to the direction of the central axis Z. See Figure 10b.

[0109] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the protrusion J2b is configured to essentially prevent movement of the tooth member in the direction of the central axis Z.

[0110] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the stopper portion 22S has an inclined surface portion 22Sa configured to face the connecting portion 12, and therefore, when the tooth member 10 is subjected to a radial force F exceeding a certain threshold, the tooth member 10 can move radially inclined to an inclined position in which the connecting portion 12 is stopped toward the inclined surface portion 22Sa of the stopper portion 22S.

[0111] Figure 5b schematically illustrates a perspective view of a part of the support member 20 in Figure 5a, illustrating a recess 22 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5c schematically illustrates a perspective view of a part of the support member 20 in Figure 9, illustrating a cross-section of the recess 22 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0112] As described above, the annular support member 20 includes a set of recesses 22 distributed around the support member 22. Each recess is configured to accommodate a connecting portion 12 of one of the set of tooth members 10. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the connecting portion 12 of the tooth member 10 is configured to fit snugly into the recess 22. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the recesses 22 are configured to accommodate the connecting portion 12 of the tooth member 10. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the connecting portion 12 of each tooth member 10 is configured to lock into its respective recess 22.

[0113] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the clamping structure includes such a recess 22.

[0114] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the recess 22 is located on the inner surface 20b of the annular support member 20. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the recess 22 is configured to extend between a first end face 20c and a second end face 20d opposite to the annular support member 20. See, for example, Figure 5c.

[0115] The connecting portion 12 of the tooth member 10 is configured to connect to and fit snugly into the recess 22 when the tooth member 10 is in its operating position. See, for example, Figure 10a.

[0116] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the recess 22 has an essentially U-shaped outline when viewed from the first end face 20c of the annular support member 20. See, for example, Figure 5b. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the recess 22 has an essentially U-shaped configuration extending from the first end face 20c to the second end face 20d of the annular support member 20. See, for example, Figure 5b.

[0117] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the recess 22 has opposing inner walls 22a and 22b. The opposing inner walls 22a and 22b are spaced apart from each other to accommodate the connecting portion 12 of the tooth member 10. The opposing inner walls 22a and 22b constitute a first inner wall 22a and an opposing second inner wall 22b. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the inner walls 22a and 22b are configured to extend over a certain distance from the inner surface 20b of the support member 20 toward the outer surface 20a. The inner walls 22a and 22b are configured to extend from a first end face 20c toward a second end face 20d.

[0118] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the inner walls 22a and 22b are configured to extend from the inner surface 20b toward the bottom of the recess 22c. Thus, the bottom of the recess 22c is configured to extend from the first end face 20c toward the second end face 20d. Thus, the recess 22 has inner walls 22a and 22b and a bottom of the recess 22c.

[0119] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the recess 22 has an inner end 22d connected to a second end face 20d of the support member 20. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the inner surface 22d provides a connection to the inner walls 22a, 22b and extends essentially perpendicular to the inner walls 22a, 22b.

[0120] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, as shown in Figure 5b, for example, each inner wall 22a, 22b of the recess 22 is inclined with respect to a direction perpendicular to the radial direction of the support member 20. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, each inner wall 22a, 22b of the recess 22 is inclined, and therefore the distance between the inner walls 22a, 22b connected to the inner surface 20b of the support member 20 is greater than the distance between the inner walls 22a, 22b connected to the bottom 22c of the recess.

[0121] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, as shown in Figures 5a and 5b, for example, the recess is connected to a first end face 20c and a specific portion midway from the first end face 20c to the second end face 20d, and opens radially toward the central axis Z of the support member 20. This allows the tooth member 10, i.e., the connecting portion 12 of the tooth member 10, to be disengaged from its operating position, which is tightly housed within the recess 22, when subjected to a radial force exceeding a certain threshold.

[0122] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the recess 22 comprises a second end face opening 22O connected to a second end face 20d, or is arranged connected to the second end face opening 22O. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the second end face opening 22O constitutes an opening 22O connected to the inner end 22d of the recess 22, and the end face opening 22O is arranged connected to the bottom 22c of the recess, providing an extended portion of the recess 22 that penetrates the second end face 20d.

[0123] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the end face opening 22O is configured to provide a stopper portion 22S, the stopper portion 22S having an inner surface 22d facing toward the first end face 20c.

[0124] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the second end face opening 22O is configured to accommodate the retaining portion 12-2 of the connecting portion 12 of the tooth member 10, and the retaining portion 22S is configured to prevent the accommodated retaining portion 12-2 from moving radially toward the central axis. See, for example, Figures 10a and 10b.

[0125] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the support member 20, i.e., the recess 22 of the support member 20, has a first opening O1A configured to extend from the outer surface 20a toward the bottom 22c of the recess 22c and through the bottom 22c of the recess. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the first opening O1A is configured to extend radially from the outer surface 20a toward the bottom 22c of the recess 22c of the support member 20. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the first opening O1A is configured to be coaxial with an opening O1B extending from the outer surface 12a toward the inner surface 12b of the connecting portion 12 when the tooth member 10 is positioned in the recess 22 in the operating position. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the first opening O1A is configured to accommodate a fastener J1, which, according to one aspect, is a joint member J1, such as a screw joint member, for attaching the tooth member 10 to the support member 20. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a first opening O1A is located relatively close to a first end face 20c of the support member 20. A joint member is configured to extend through openings O1A, O1B and to attach a toothed member 10, providing a specific resistance that requires a radial force exceeding a certain threshold to overcome. The first opening O1A is a clamping opening O1A of the support member 20.

[0126] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the support member 20, i.e., the recess 22 of the support member 20, has a second opening O2A configured to extend from the outer surface 20a toward the recess bottom 22c and through the recess bottom 22c. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the second opening O2A is configured to extend radially from the outer surface 20a toward the recess bottom 22c of the support member 20. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, when the tooth member 10 is positioned in the recess 22 in the operating position, the second opening O2A is configured to be coaxial with an opening O2B extending from the outer surface 12a toward the inner surface 12b of the connecting portion 12 and through the inner surface 12b. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, when the tooth member 10 is positioned in the recess 22 in the operating position, the second opening O2A is positioned relatively close to the second end face 20d of the support member 20. The second opening O2A is a clamping opening O2A of the support member 20.

[0127] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the second opening O2A is configured to accommodate the connecting member J2. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the connecting member J2 includes a mounting portion J2a configured to facilitate the fixed attachment of the connecting member J2 to the clamping opening O2A of the support member 20. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the connecting member J2 includes a projection J2b configured to connect to the second end face 20d and project radially from the bottom 22c of the recess 22 when the toothed member 10 is positioned connected to the recess 22.

[0128] Figure 11a schematically illustrates an external plan view of the tooth member 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 11b schematically illustrates an internal plan view of the tooth member 10 of Figure 11a according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 11c schematically illustrates a side view of the tooth member 10 of Figure 11a according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 12a schematically illustrates a front view of the tooth member 10 of Figure 11a according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 12b schematically illustrates a rear view of the tooth member 10 of Figure 11a according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. And Figure 12c schematically illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the tooth member 10 of Figure 12b according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0129] The tooth member 10 includes a connecting portion 12 configured to connect to the support member 20. The tooth member 10 further includes an engaging portion 14 configured to protrude from the annular support member 20 to engage with the endless track in the operating position.

[0130] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the connecting portion 12 is configured to be connected to and positioned on the inner surface 20b of the support member 20. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the connecting portion 12 is configured to be connected to and positioned on the inner surface 20b of the support member 20. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the connecting portion 12 is configured to be connected to and positioned on the recess 22 of the support member so as to fit snugly when the toothed member is in an operating position for engaging with the track when the drive wheel member of the track assembly of a tracked vehicle is connected to the track.

[0131] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the connecting portion 12 of the tooth member 10 has an outer surface 12a that is configured to face the inner surface 20b of the support member 20 when the tooth member 10 is attached to the support member 20. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the connecting portion 12 of the tooth member 10 has an outer surface 12a that is configured to face the bottom surface 22c of a recess 22 provided in the inner surface 20b of the support member 20 when the tooth member 10 is attached to the support member 20. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the connecting portion 12 has an inner surface 10b opposite to the outer surface 10a.

[0132] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the connecting portion 12 of the tooth member 10 has a rear surface 12d configured to be connected to the second end face 20d of the support member 20 when the tooth member 10 is attached to the support member 20. See Figure 8. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the rear surface 12d of the connecting portion 12 constitutes the rear surface of the tooth member 10.

[0133] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the connecting portion 12 of the tooth member 10 has a first long side surface 12e configured to extend from the rear surface 12d toward the front surface of the tooth member 10. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the first long side surface 12e of the connecting portion 12 is configured to be connected to the first inner wall 22a of the recess 22 when the tooth member 10 is attached to the support member 20. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the first long side surface 12e of the connecting portion 12 is configured to extend along and face the first inner wall 22a of the recess 22 when the tooth member 10 is attached to the support member 20 and in the operating position.

[0134] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the connecting portion 12 of the tooth member 10 has a second long side surface 12f facing a first long side surface 12e. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the second long side surface 12f is configured to extend from the rear surface 12d toward the front surface of the tooth member 10. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the second long side surface 12f of the connecting portion 12 is configured to be connected to the second inner wall 22b of the recess 22 when the tooth member 10 is attached to the support member 20, the second wall 22b facing the first wall 22a. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the second long side surface 12f of the connecting portion 12 is configured to extend along and face the second inner wall 22b of the recess 22 when the tooth member 10 is attached to the support member 20 and in the operating position.

[0135] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the connecting portion 12 of the tooth member 10 has a first opening O1B configured to extend from the outer surface 12a toward the inner surface 12b. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the first opening O1B is configured to extend radially from the outer surface 12a toward the inner surface 12b of the drive wheel member when the tooth member 10 is positioned in the recess 22 in the operating position. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the first opening O1B is configured to extend from the outer surface 12a toward the inner surface 12b and through the inner surface 12b. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the first opening O1B is configured to be coaxial with an opening O1A extending from the outer surface 20a of the support member 20 through the bottom 22c of the recess 22 when the tooth member 10 is positioned in the recess 22 in the operating position. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the first opening O1B is configured to accommodate a fastener J1, which, according to one aspect, is a joint member J1, such as a threaded joint member, for attaching the toothed member 10 to the support member 20. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, when the toothed member 10 is positioned in the recess 22 in the operating position, the first opening O1B is positioned relatively close to the first end face 20c of the support member 20. The joint member is configured to extend through openings O1A, O1B and to attach the toothed member 10, providing a specific resistance that requires a radial force exceeding a certain threshold to overcome. The first opening O1B is a fastening opening O1B of the connection portion 12 of the toothed member 10.

[0136] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the connecting portion 12 of the tooth member 10 has a second opening O2B configured to extend from the outer surface 12a toward the inner surface 12b. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the second opening O2B is configured to extend radially from the outer surface 12a toward the inner surface 12b of the drive wheel member when the tooth member 10 is positioned in the recess 22 in the operating position. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the second opening O2B is configured to extend from the outer surface 12a toward the inner surface 12b and through the inner surface 12b. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the second opening O2B is configured to be coaxial with respect to a clamping opening O2A that extends from the outer surface 20a of the support member 20 and through the bottom 22c of the recess 22 when the tooth member 10 is positioned in the recess 22 in the operating position. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, when the tooth member 10 is positioned within the recess 22 in the operating position, the second opening O2B is positioned relatively close to the second end face 20d of the support member 20.

[0137] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the second opening O2B is configured to accommodate a connecting member J2 configured to movably connect the tooth member 10 to the support member 20. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the connecting member J2 includes a mounting portion J2a configured to facilitate the fixed attachment of the connecting member J2 to the clamping opening O2A of the support member 20. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the connecting member J2 includes a projection J2b configured to connect to a second end face 20d and project radially from the bottom 22c of the recess 22 when the tooth member 10 is positioned in the recess 22 in the operating position.

[0138] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the projection J2b is configured to be accommodated in a second opening O2B when the tooth member 10 is in an operating position. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the second opening O2B is dimensioned and configured to engage with the projection J2B, so that the tooth member 10 can move radially rotatably in connection with the second opening O2B from a position essentially parallel to the central axis to a position at a specific angle with respect to the direction of the central axis. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the second opening O2B is dimensioned and configured to engage with the projection J2B, so that the tooth member 10 is essentially prevented from moving in the direction of the central axis Z. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the second opening O2B is dimensioned and configured to engage with the projection J2B, so that the tooth member 10 is essentially prevented from moving in the direction of the longitudinally extending portion of the recess 22. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the second opening O2B is sized and configured to engage with the projection J2B, so that the tooth member 10 is essentially prevented from moving away from the first end face 20c of the support member 20.

[0139] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the second opening O2B has a first inclined portion O2B-1 connected to the outer surface 12a and facing toward the rear surface 12d. The first inclined portion O2B-1 has an inclination that extends from the outer surface 12a toward the inner surface 12b toward the rear surface 12d.

[0140] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the second opening O2B has a second inclined portion O2B-2 connected to the inner surface 12b and facing away from the rear surface 12d. The second inclined portion O2B-2 has an inclination that extends from the inner surface 12b toward the outer surface 12a toward the rear surface 12d.

[0141] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the second opening O2B is a retaining opening O2B of the connecting portion 12 of the tooth member 10.

[0142] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the connecting portion 12 of the tooth member 10 has an inclined portion 12-1 that provides an inclined surface portion on the inner surface 12b, thereby facilitating the provision of a stop for the tooth member at a specific inclination angle when the tooth member is subjected to a radial force exceeding a certain threshold. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the inclined portion 12-1 is configured to extend essentially from the first opening O1B toward the rear surface 12d, so that the connecting portion 12 is tapered, i.e., narrows toward the rear surface 12d from the position where it is connected to the first opening O1B. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the inclined portion has an angle β2 with respect to the surface of the outer surface 12a.

[0143] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the connecting portion 12 of the tooth member 10 includes a retaining portion 12-2 connected to the rear surface 12d. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the retaining portion 12-2 is configured to be housed in a second end face opening 22O connected to a second end face 20d of the support member 20, and thus radial movement of the housed retaining portion 12-2 is essentially prevented by a stopper 22S provided by the end face opening 22O.

[0144] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the engaging portion 14 is configured to protrude from the first end face 20c of the support member in a direction essentially parallel to the direction of the central axis Z, thereby engaging with the endless track when the tooth member 10, i.e., the connecting portion 12 of the tooth member 10, is attached to the support member 20 and is in the operating position.

[0145] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the engaging portion 14 of the tooth member 10 has an outer surface 14a that provides an outer surface configured to engage with the inner surface of the track when the tooth member 10 is attached to the support member 20 and the drive wheel member is mounted on a tracked vehicle. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the engaging portion 14 has an inner surface 10b opposite to the outer surface 10a.

[0146] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the engaging portion 14 of the tooth member 10 has a front surface 14c that faces away from the first end surface 20c when the tooth member 10 is attached to the support member 20, and is configured to be positioned furthest from the first end surface 20c. See Figure 8. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the front surface 14c of the engaging portion 14 constitutes the front surface of the tooth member 10.

[0147] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the engaging portion 14 of the tooth member 10 has a first long side surface 14e configured to extend from the front surface 14c toward the rear surface of the tooth member 10. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the first long side surface 14e is configured to extend from the front surface 14c toward the first end surface 20c when the tooth member 10 is attached to the support member 20.

[0148] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the engaging portion 14 of the tooth member 10 has a second long side surface 14f opposite to a first long side surface 14e. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the second long side surface 14f is configured to extend from the front surface 14c toward the rear surface of the tooth member 10. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the second long side surface 14f is configured to extend from the front surface 14c toward the first end surface 20c when the tooth member 10 is attached to the support member 20.

[0149] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, each tooth member 10 of a set of tooth members has one or more weight-reducing recesses.

[0150] In this specification, the tooth members described and illustrated comprise a connecting portion for connection to a support member and an engaging portion configured to protrude from an annular support member to engage with a track, wherein the engaging portion comprises a single tooth or tooth unit. According to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure, the tooth member may comprise a connecting portion for connection to a support member and an engaging portion configured to protrude from an annular support member to engage with a track, wherein the engaging portion comprises more than one tooth / tooth unit, for example, two or three tooth / tooth units.

[0151] The following lists several embodiments of the fastening structure for drive wheel members for tracked vehicles according to this disclosure.

[0152] Embodiment 1A. A fastening structure for a drive wheel member DW for a track E of a tracked vehicle V, wherein the drive wheel member DW is rotatable about a central axis Z to rotate the track, the drive wheel member DW comprises a hub member H and drive sprocket members S1, S2, the drive sprocket members comprises a pair of tooth members 10 arranged around the drive sprocket members S1, S2, the tooth members 10 are configured to engage with the track E, the drive sprocket members S1, S2 further comprises an annular support member 20 for the tooth members 10 of the drive sprocket members, the tooth members 10 are configured to be removablely attached to the support member 20, and the fastening structure comprises one tooth of the pair of tooth members 10 A clamping structure is configured such that a material 10 is clamped to a support member 20, thereby placing the tooth member 10 in an operating position that engages with an endless track, and the clamping structure includes a mounting device configured to removably attach the tooth member 10 to the support member 20, so that the tooth member is removed from the operating position when the tooth member is exposed to a radial force F exceeding a certain threshold, the radial force F is directed toward the central axis Z, and in a manner, the tooth member 10 is configured to be removably positioned, so that when the tooth member 10 is exposed to a radial force exceeding a certain threshold and is removed from the operating position, the tooth member 10 is connected to and retained on the support member 20.

[0153] Embodiment 2A. A fastening structure according to Embodiment 1, wherein the track (E) is configured to extend over the drive wheel member when the drive wheel member is mounted on the tracked vehicle, the annular support member 20 has an outer surface 20a configured to face the track of the tracked vehicle when the drive wheel member is mounted on the tracked vehicle, and an inner surface 20b opposite to it, and the tooth member comprises a connecting portion 12 configured to be connected to and positioned on the inner surface 20b of the support member 20, and an engaging portion 14 configured to protrude from the annular support member and thereby engage with the track in the operating position.

[0154] Embodiment 3A. A clamping structure according to Embodiment 2A, wherein the engaging portion is configured to protrude from the first end face in a direction essentially parallel to the direction of the central axis in order to facilitate the removal of the tooth member from the operating position when the tooth member is subjected to a radial force exceeding a certain threshold.

[0155] Embodiment 4A. A clamping structure according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the clamping structure further comprises retaining devices J2, 22O, 22S configured to retain the tooth member 10 when the tooth member 10 is subjected to a radial force F exceeding a specific threshold and becomes detached from the operating position.

[0156] Embodiment 5A. A clamping structure according to Embodiment 4A, wherein the implantation devices J2, 22O, 22S are configured to movably connect the tooth member 10 to the support member 20, so that when the tooth member 10 is exposed to a radial force F exceeding a certain threshold, the tooth member 10 is moved so as to be able to tilt radially.

[0157] Embodiment 6A. A clamping structure according to Embodiment 4A or 5A, wherein the retaining device is configured to retain the tooth member 10 by connecting the connecting portion 12 of the tooth member 10 to the second end face 20d, and therefore, when the tooth member 10 is exposed to a radial force F exceeding a certain threshold, the tooth member 10 is moved radially inclined from the operating position so that the tooth member 10 is positioned at a specific angle α with respect to the direction of the central axis Z.

[0158] Embodiment 7A. A fastening structure according to any one of Embodiments 4A to 6A, wherein the fastening device comprises fastening members 22O, 22S having a second end face opening 22O connected to a second end face 20d and a stopper 22S provided by the opening 22O, the second end face opening 22O being arranged to connect to a recess 22 and providing an extended portion of the recess 22, the second end face opening 22O being arranged to accommodate the fastening portion 12-2 of the connecting portion 12, and the stopper 22S preventing radial movement of the accommodated fastening portion 12-2 toward the central axis Z, the fastening structure.

[0159] Embodiment 8A. A clamping structure according to Embodiment 7A, wherein the retaining device comprises a connecting member J2 having a projection J2b configured to connect to a second end face 20d and project radially from the bottom 22c of a recess 22, the retaining device further comprises an opening O2B positioned at the connecting portion 12 of the tooth member 10, the projection J2b being configured to be housed within the opening O2B when the tooth member 10 is in an operating position, the opening O2B being sized and configured to engage with the projection J2b, and so, when the tooth member 10 is subjected to a radial force F exceeding a certain threshold, the tooth member 10 can be moved radially rotatably connected to the opening O2B from a position essentially parallel to the central axis Z to a position at a specific angle with respect to the direction of the central axis Z, the clamping structure.

[0160] Appearance 9A. A clamping structure according to Appearance 8A, wherein the protruding portion J2b is configured to essentially prevent movement of the tooth member in the direction of the central axis Z.

[0161] Embodiment 10A. A clamping structure according to any one of Embodiments 7A to 9A, wherein the stopper portion 22S has an inclined surface portion 22Sa configured to face the connecting portion 12, and therefore, when the tooth member 10 is subjected to a radial force F exceeding a certain threshold, the tooth member 10 can move radially inclined to an inclined position where the connecting portion 12 is stopped toward the inclined surface portion 22Sa of the stopper portion 22S.

[0162] Embodiment 11A. A clamping structure according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the annular support member 20 has a first end face 20c and a second end face 20d opposite to it, and these end faces are oriented in a direction parallel to the direction of the central axis Z, and the engaging portion is configured to protrude from the first end face 20c in a direction essentially parallel to the direction of the central axis Z in order to engage with the endless track in the operating position.

[0163] Embodiment 12A. A clamping structure according to Embodiment 11A, wherein the clamping structure includes a recess 22 located on the inner surface 20b of the annular support member 20 and configured to extend between a first end face 20c and a second end face 20d opposite to it, and the connecting portion 12 of the tooth member 10 is configured to connect to and fit snugly into the recess 22 in the operating position.

[0164] Embodiment 13A. A clamping structure according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the mounting device comprises a clamping device J1 configured to connect a toothed member 10 to a support member 20 in an operating position, the clamping device J1 is configured to provide a resistance force such that the toothed member 10 remains attached in the operating position when the toothed member 10 is subjected to a radial force not exceeding a specific threshold, and the toothed member is removed from the operating position when subjected to a radial force exceeding a specific threshold.

[0165] Embodiment 14A. A clamping structure according to Embodiment 13A, wherein the clamping device J1 of the mounting device is configured to attach the connecting portion 12 of the toothed member 10 to a recess 22 of a support member 20 connected to a first end face 20c, the recess 22 connecting to the first end face 20c and at least a specific portion on the way from the first end face to the second end face 20d, and opening radially toward the central axis Z, so that the toothed member 10 can be disengaged from the operating position when exposed to a radial force F exceeding a specific threshold.

[0166] Embodiment 15A. A fastening structure according to any one of Embodiments 1A to 14A, wherein the drive wheel member DW comprises an outer drive sprocket member S1 disposed on the outer surface H1 of the hub member H and an inner drive sprocket member S2 disposed on the inner surface H2 of the hub member H, wherein the outer surface H1 faces outward from the vehicle in the lateral direction of the vehicle, and the inner surface H2 faces toward the vehicle in the lateral direction of the vehicle to which the drive wheel member DW is mounted.

[0167] Embodiment 16A. A drive wheel member DW having the fastening structure described in any of Embodiments 1A to 15A.

[0168] Embodiment 17A. A tracked vehicle V having a fastening structure as described in any of Embodiments 1A to 15A.

[0169] The following lists some further embodiments of the fastening structure for tracked drive wheel members of tracked vehicles according to this disclosure.

[0170] Embodiment 1B. A fastening structure for a drive wheel member DW for a track E of a tracked vehicle V, wherein the drive wheel member DW is rotatable about a central axis Z to rotate the track, and the drive wheel member DW comprises a hub member H and drive sprocket members S1, S2, the drive sprocket members comprises a pair of tooth members 10 arranged around the drive sprocket members S1, S2, the tooth members 10 are configured to engage with the track E, the drive sprocket members S1, S2 further comprises an annular support member 20 for the tooth members 10 of the drive sprocket members, the tooth members 10 are configured to be detachably attached to the support member 20, and The clamping structure is configured to clamp one of a pair of tooth members 10 to a support member 20 so that the tooth member 10 is in an operating position for engaging with an endless track, and the clamping structure includes a mounting device configured to provide a radially positioned mounting between the tooth member 10 and the support member in the operating position, the mounting device configured to removably mount the tooth member 10 to the support member 20, so that the tooth member is removed from the operating position if the tooth member is subjected to a radial force F exceeding a certain threshold, and the radial force F is directed toward the central axis Z, the clamping structure.

[0171] Embodiment 2B. A clamping structure according to Embodiment 1B, wherein the track is configured to extend over the drive wheel member when the drive wheel member is mounted on the tracked vehicle, the annular support member 20 has an outer surface 20a configured to face away from the central axis in the radial direction of the support member and facing the inner surface E4 of the track E of the tracked vehicle when the drive wheel member is mounted on the tracked vehicle, and an opposite inner surface 20b configured to face toward the central axis Z in the radial direction, and the tooth member 10 comprises a connecting portion 12 configured to be connected to and positioned on the inner surface 20b of the support member 20, and an engaging portion 14 configured to protrude from the annular support member and thereby engage with the track in the operating position.

[0172] Embodiment 3B. A clamping structure according to Embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the annular support member 20 has a first end face 20c and a second end face 20d opposite to it, and these end faces are oriented in a direction parallel to the direction of the central axis Z, and the engaging portion is configured to protrude from the first end face 20c in a direction essentially parallel to the direction of the central axis Z in order to engage with the endless track in the operating position.

[0173] Embodiment 4B. A clamping structure according to Embodiment 3B, wherein the engaging portion 14 is configured to protrude from the first end face 20c in a direction essentially parallel to the direction of the central axis Z in order to facilitate the removal of the tooth member 10 from the operating position when the tooth member is subjected to a radial force exceeding a certain threshold.

[0174] Embodiment 5B. A clamping structure according to Embodiment 3B or 4B, wherein the clamping structure includes a recess 22 located on the inner surface 20b of the annular support member 20, oriented radially toward the central axis Z, and extending between a first end face 20c and a second end face 20d opposite to it, the connecting portion 12 of the tooth member 10 is configured to connect to and fit snugly into the recess 22 in the operating position, and the mounting device is configured to provide a radially positioned mounting between the tooth member 10 and the support member 20 by radial connection of the connecting portion 12 in the recess 22 to the support member 20, the clamping structure.

[0175] Embodiment 6B. A clamping structure according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the mounting device comprises a clamping device J1 configured to connect a toothed member 10 to a support member 20 in an operating position, the clamping device being configured to have a radially extending portion connected to the support member, thereby providing a radially positioned mounting in the operating position, and the clamping device J1 being configured to provide a resistance force such that the toothed member 10 remains mounted in the operating position when exposed to a radial force not exceeding a certain threshold, and the toothed member is removed from the operating position when exposed to a radial force exceeding a certain threshold.

[0176] Appearance 7B. A clamping structure according to Appearance 6B, wherein the clamping device J1 of the mounting device is configured to attach the connecting portion 12 of the toothed member 10 to a recess 22 of the support member 20 connected to a first end face 20c, the recess 22 connecting to the first end face 20c and at least a specific portion on the way from the first end face to the second end face 20d, and opening radially toward the central axis Z, so that the toothed member 10 can be disengaged from the operating position when exposed to a radial force F exceeding a specific threshold.

[0177] Embodiment 8B. A clamping structure according to Embodiment 6B or 7B, wherein the clamping device J1 of the mounting device has a projection configured to connect to a first end face 20c and project radially from the bottom 22c of a recess 22, the mounting device further comprises an opening O1B located at the connection 12 of the tooth member 10, the projection being configured to be housed within the opening O1B when the tooth member 10 is in an operating position, the opening O1B being sized and configured to engage with the projection, so that the tooth member 10 can be disengaged from the projection if the tooth member 10 is subjected to a radial force F exceeding a certain threshold.

[0178] Embodiment 9B. A clamping structure according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the tooth member 10 is configured to be removably positioned, and therefore, if the tooth member 10 is subjected to a radial force exceeding a certain threshold and comes off from its operating position, the tooth member 10 is connected to and retained on the support member 20.

[0179] Embodiment 10B. A clamping structure according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the clamping structure further comprises retaining devices J2, 22O, 22S configured to retain the tooth member 10 when the tooth member 10 is exposed to a radial force F exceeding a specific threshold and becomes detached from the operating position.

[0180] Embodiment 11B. A clamping structure according to Embodiment 10B, wherein the implantation devices J2, 22O, 22S are configured to movably connect the tooth member 10 to the support member 20, so that when the tooth member 10 is exposed to a radial force F exceeding a certain threshold, the tooth member 10 is moved so as to be able to tilt radially.

[0181] Embodiment 12B. A clamping structure according to Embodiment 10B or 11B, wherein the retaining device is configured to retain the tooth member 10 by connecting the connecting portion 12 of the tooth member 10 to the second end face 20d such that when the tooth member 10 is exposed to a radial force F exceeding a specific threshold, the tooth member 10 is moved radially from an operating position so as to be tiltable, thereby positioning the tooth member 10 at a specific angle with respect to the direction of the central axis Z.

[0182] Embodiment 13B. A fastening structure according to any one of Embodiments 10B to 12B, wherein the fastening device comprises fastening members 22O, 22S having a second end face opening 22O connected to a second end face 20d and a stopper 22S provided by the opening 22O, the second end face opening 22O being arranged to connect to a recess 22 and providing an extended portion of the recess 22, the second end face opening 22O being arranged to accommodate the fastening portion 12-2 of the connecting portion 12, and the stopper 22S preventing radial movement of the accommodated fastening portion 12-2 toward the central axis Z, the fastening structure.

[0183] Embodiment 14B. A clamping structure according to Embodiment 13B, wherein the retaining device comprises a connecting member J2 having a projection J2b configured to connect to a second end face 20d and project radially from the bottom 22c of a recess 22, the retaining device further comprises an opening O2B positioned at the connecting portion 12 of the tooth member 10, the projection J2b being configured to be housed within the opening O2B when the tooth member 10 is in an operating position, the opening O2B being sized and configured to engage with the projection J2b, and so, when the tooth member 10 is subjected to a radial force F exceeding a certain threshold, the tooth member 10 can be moved radially rotatably connected to the opening O2B from a position essentially parallel to the central axis Z to a position at a specific angle with respect to the direction of the central axis Z, the clamping structure.

[0184] Embodiment 15B. A clamping structure according to Embodiment 14B, wherein the protruding portion J2b is configured to essentially prevent movement of the tooth member in the direction of the central axis Z.

[0185] Embodiment 16B. A clamping structure according to any one of Embodiments 13B to 15B, wherein the stopper portion 22S has an inclined surface portion 22Sa configured to face the connecting portion 12, and therefore, when the tooth member 10 is subjected to a radial force F exceeding a certain threshold, the tooth member 10 can move radially inclined to an inclined position where the connecting portion 12 is stopped toward the inclined surface portion 22Sa of the stopper portion 22S.

[0186] Embodiment 17B. A fastening structure according to any one of Embodiments 1B to 16B, wherein the drive wheel member DW comprises an outer drive sprocket member S1 disposed on the outer surface H1 of the hub member H and an inner drive sprocket member S2 disposed on the inner surface H2 of the hub member H, wherein the outer surface H1 faces outward from the vehicle in the lateral direction of the vehicle, and the inner surface H2 faces toward the vehicle in the lateral direction of the vehicle to which the drive wheel member DW is mounted.

[0187] Embodiment 18B. A drive wheel member DW having the fastening structure described in any one of Embodiments 1B to 17B.

[0188] Embodiment 19B. A tracked vehicle V having a fastening structure as described in any one of Embodiments 1B to 17B.

[0189] The above description of preferred embodiments of the present invention is provided for explanatory and descriptive purposes. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the disclosed form. Many modifications and variations will be obvious to practitioners of the art. The embodiments are selected and described to best illustrate the principles of the invention and their practical application, thereby enabling other persons skilled in the art to understand the invention with respect to various embodiments and with various modifications suitable for specific conceivable uses.

Claims

1. A fastening structure for a drive wheel member (DW) for the track (E) of a tracked vehicle (V), The drive wheel member (DW) is rotatable about the central axis (Z) in order to rotate the endless track, The drive wheel member (DW) comprises a hub member (H) and drive sprocket members (S1, S2), The drive sprocket member comprises a set of tooth members (10) arranged around the drive sprocket members (S1, S2), The tooth member (10) is configured to engage with the endless track (E), The drive sprocket members (S1, S2) further include an annular support member (20) for the tooth member (10) of the drive sprocket member, The tooth member (10) is configured to be detachably attached to the support member (20), The fastening structure is configured to fasten one of the set of tooth members (10) to the support member (20) such that the tooth member (10) is in an operating position for engaging with the endless track. The clamping structure comprises a mounting device configured to removably attach the tooth member (10) to the support member (20), and the tooth member is thus removed from the operating position when the tooth member is subjected to a radial force (F) exceeding a specific threshold.

2. The annular support member (20) has an outer surface (20a) that faces the track of the tracked vehicle when the drive wheel member is mounted on the tracked vehicle, and an inner surface (20b) opposite to it. The clamping structure according to claim 1, wherein the tooth member has a connecting portion (12) configured to be connected to the inner surface (20b) of the support member (20), and an engaging portion (14) configured to protrude from the annular support member and thereby engage with the endless track in the operating position.

3. The annular support member (20) has a first end face (20c) and a second end face (20d) opposite to it. The end face is oriented in a direction parallel to the direction of the central axis (Z), The clamping structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the engaging portion is configured to protrude from the first end face (20c) in a direction essentially parallel to the direction of the central axis (Z) in order to engage with the endless track in the operating position.

4. The clamping structure includes a recess (22) that is positioned on the inner surface (20b) of the annular support member (20) and is configured to extend between the first end face (20c) and the opposite second end face (20d), The fastening structure according to claim 3, wherein the connecting portion (12) of the tooth member (10) is configured to connect to and fit snugly into the recess (22) in the operating position.

5. The mounting device includes a fastener (J1) configured to connect the tooth member (10) to the support member (20) in the operating position, The fastening device (J1) is configured to provide a resistance force such that the tooth member (10) remains attached in the operating position when the tooth member (10) is subjected to a radial force that does not exceed the specific threshold, and the tooth member is removed from the operating position when the tooth member is subjected to a radial force that exceeds the specific threshold, according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The clamping structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the tooth member (10) is configured to be removable, and therefore, if the tooth member (10) is subjected to a radial force exceeding a certain threshold and is removed from the operating position, the tooth member (10) is connected to and retained by the support member (20).

7. The clamping structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a retaining device (J2, 22O, 22S) configured to retain the tooth member (10) when the tooth member (10) is exposed to the radial force (F) exceeding a specific threshold and is removed from the operating position.

8. The clamping structure according to claim 7, wherein the retaining device (J2, 22O, 22S) is configured to movably connect the tooth member (10) to the support member (20), and so when the tooth member (10) is exposed to the radial force (F) exceeding a certain threshold, the tooth member (10) is moved so as to be tiltable in the radial direction.

9. The fastening device (J1) of the mounting device is configured to attach the connecting portion (12) of the toothed member (10) to the recess (22) of the support member (20) which is connected to the first end face (20c), The clamping structure according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the recess (22) is connected to the first end face (20c) and at least a specific portion on the way from the first end face to the second end face (20d) and opens radially toward the central axis (Z), so that the tooth member (10) can be disengaged from the operating position when exposed to the radial force (F) exceeding a specific threshold.

10. The fastening structure according to any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein the fastening device is configured such that when the tooth member (10) is subjected to a radial force (F) exceeding a specific threshold, the tooth member (10) is moved radially from the operating position so as to be tiltable, thereby positioning the tooth member (10) at a specific angle (α) with respect to the direction of the central axis (Z), by connecting the connecting portion (12) of the tooth member (10) to the second end face (20d) for fastening.

11. The retention device comprises a retention member (22O, 22S) having a second end face opening (22O) connected to the second end face (20d) and a stopper (22S) provided by the opening (22O), The second end face opening (22O) is positioned in connection with the recess (22) and provides an extended portion of the recess (22). The second end face opening (22O) is positioned to accommodate the retaining portion (12-2) of the connecting portion (12), The fastening portion (22S) prevents the housing portion (12-2) from moving in the radial direction toward the central axis (Z), according to any one of claims 4 to 10.

12. The retaining device includes a connecting member (J2) having a protruding portion (J2b) that is connected to the second end face (20d) and is configured to protrude radially from the bottom (22c) of the recess (22), The implantation device further includes an opening (O2B) located at the connection portion (12) of the tooth member (10), The protruding portion (J2b) is configured to be housed within the opening (O2B) when the tooth member (10) is in the operating position. The clamping structure according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the opening (O2B) is sized and configured to engage with the projection (J2b), and therefore, when the tooth member (10) is subjected to the radial force (F) exceeding a certain threshold, the tooth member (10) can be moved radially rotatably connected to the opening (O2B) from a position essentially parallel to the central axis (Z) to a position at a specific angle with respect to the direction of the central axis (Z).

13. The clamping structure according to claim 12, wherein the protruding portion (J2b) is configured to essentially prevent movement of the tooth member in the direction of the central axis (Z).

14. The fastening structure according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the stopper (22S) has an inclined surface portion (22Sa) configured to face the connecting portion (12), and therefore, when the tooth member (10) is subjected to the radial force (F) exceeding a certain threshold, the tooth member (10) can move radially inclined to an inclined position in which the connecting portion (12) is stopped toward the inclined surface portion (22Sa) of the stopper (22S).

15. The drive wheel member (DW) comprises an outer drive sprocket member (S1) disposed on the outer surface (H1) of the hub member (H), and an inner drive sprocket member (S2) disposed on the inner surface (H2) of the hub member (H), The aforementioned outer surface (H1) is facing outward from the vehicle in the aforementioned lateral direction of the vehicle, The fastening structure according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the inner surface (H2) is oriented toward the vehicle in the lateral direction of the vehicle to which the drive wheel member (DW) is mounted.

16. A drive wheel member (DW) comprising the fastening structure described in any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. A tracked vehicle (V) having the fastening structure described in any one of claims 1 to 15.

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