Master Link Over-Rotation Prevention Plug

Abstract

To provide a master link anti-over rotation plug.SOLUTION: A link assembly for a machine includes a first master link portion 321, a full track link 128, and a plug. The full track link is coupled to the first master link portion. The plug 400 is positioned within the full track link and adjacent to the first master link portion. The plug is positioned and shaped to prevent rotational movement of the first master link portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to machines. More specifically, this disclosure is directed to a link assembly for a machine.

Background Art

[0002] Crawler work machines typically have sprockets, idlers, and a crawler link assembly. During use of the work machine, the sprocket rotates and engages with the crawler link assembly, causing the crawler link assembly to rotate around a path defined by the sprocket and idler. The rotation of the crawler link assembly propels the work machine across the ground to perform various work functions.

[0003] The crawler link assembly generally includes a pair of parallel chains, each parallel chain being composed of a series of carrying crawler links or link assemblies. The crawler link assembly further includes a series of bushes and crawler pins interposed between and coupled to the parallel chains. The bushes and carrying crawler links cooperate to form a number of crawler joints, thereby enabling the necessary movement of the bushes relative to the crawler links during use of the crawler link assembly, for example when the crawler link assembly rotates around the sprocket and idler.

[0004] Sometimes, the link assembly is packaged and transported. Sometimes, components of the link assembly, such as the master link portion, may become deformed or damaged during handling or transportation.

[0005] U.S. Patent No. 6,386,651 issued to Gerardin et al. describes an insert arrangement including a ring member having a first side wall and a second side wall, a lumen defined therethrough, a first seal groove defined in the first side wall, and a second seal groove defined in the second side wall. The insert arrangement can include a bushing having a passage defined therethrough and a bushing end face. The bushing is positioned relative to the ring member such that the passage is linearly aligned with the lumen and the first seal groove is positioned in a relation opposing the bushing end face. The insert arrangement further includes a link having an opening defined therein. The link is positioned relative to the ring member such that the ring member is positioned within the opening. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0006] The present disclosure aims at improvements in the relevant art. MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0007] A link assembly for a machine is disclosed herein. The link assembly includes a first master link portion and a full track link. The full track link is coupled to the first master link portion. The full track link includes a fastening opening extending therethrough and is positioned adjacent to the first master link portion. The link assembly further includes a plug that is positioned within the fastening opening, extends beyond the fastening opening, and is adjacent to the first master link portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Details of embodiments of the present disclosure can be gathered in part by consideration of the accompanying drawings with respect to both their structure and operation, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The detailed description set forth below in connection with the accompanying drawings is intended as a description of various embodiments and is not intended to represent the only embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the disclosure may be understood without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in simplified form for the sake of brevity. Further, some features and aspects are omitted or exaggerated for clarity and ease of explanation.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a view of an exemplary machine having a link assembly. When the drawings include multiple instances of the same feature, for example, roller assembly 25, reference numerals are shown only in connection with one instance of the feature to improve clarity and readability of the drawings. This also applies to other drawings that include multiple instances of the same feature.

[0011] Machine 10 (which may also be referred to as a crawler vehicle) can include a frame 11, an engine assembly 13, and a cab assembly 15, all of which can be mounted on frame 11. Machine 10 can include a work implement 17, such as a blade, mechanically coupled to frame 11. Machine 10 can further include a lower running body assembly, generally shown as 12, mechanically coupled to frame 11.

[0012] The lower traveling body assembly 12 can include a drive sprocket 19, a pair of idler wheels 21, 23, and a number of roller assemblies 25 interposed between the idler wheels 21 and 23. (Note that the present invention can also be utilized in an elliptical system.) The lower traveling body assembly 12 can include a crawler assembly 14. The crawler assembly 14 can include a number of link assemblies 114 having a crawler shoe 214 attached to a link assembly 114. During use of the machine 10, the drive sprocket 19 rotates and engages the crawler assembly 14, whereby the crawler assembly 14 rotates around a path defined by the drive sprocket 19 and the idler wheels 21, 23. Due to the rotation of the crawler assembly 14, the machine 10 is propelled on the ground to perform various work functions.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a detailed perspective view of an exemplary link assembly from FIG. 1. The link assembly 114 can include a plurality of full track links 128 and a master link 320.

[0014] The full track link 128 can include a body member 130. The body member 130 can include a first side surface 132, a second side surface 134, a first bearing opening 136 extending therethrough, a first fastening opening 154 (which may also be referred to as a fastening opening) defined therethrough, and a second fastening opening 156 defined therethrough. In one example, the full track link 128 can include only one fastening opening, such as a strut-less link design. The first fastening opening 154 can be positioned adjacent to the master link 320.

[0015] The first side surface 132 of the body member 130 can include a first upper edge 162 and a first lower edge 164.

[0016] The first fastening opening 154 can be interposed between the first bearing opening 136 and the second fastening opening 156. The full track link 128 can also include bolt holes defined in the body member 130. These bolt holes can be positioned within the first fastening opening 154 and the second fastening opening 156. The full track link 128 can include a first top extension member 140 that extends outwardly from the first upper edge 162 of the first side surface 132 of the body member 130. The full track link 128 can include a bearing extension member 135 that extends outwardly from the first side surface 132 of the body member 130. The first bearing opening 136 can extend through the bearing extension member 135. The bearing extension member 135 can be spaced apart from the top extension member 140.

[0017] The body member 130 can have a rail surface 148 and a shoe surface 150. In one embodiment, the first side surface 132 is offset from the second side surface 134 such that the first side surface 132 is not in the same plane as the second side surface 134. By offsetting the side surfaces 132 and 134, a gap is obtained between adjacent full track links 128 when utilized within the track assembly 14. In one embodiment, the first fastening opening 154 is offset from the second fastening opening 156 such that the first fastening opening 154 is not in the same plane as the second fastening opening 156.

[0018] The master link 320 can include a first master link portion 321 (which may also be referred to as a part of the master link or a master link portion) and a second master link portion 322. The first master link portion 321 can be positioned adjacent to the first bearing opening 136 of the full track link 128. The link assembly 114 can include a bearing 180. The bearing 180 can extend through the first bearing opening 136. The bearing 180 can couple the first master link portion 321 to the full track link 128.

[0019] The track assembly 14 can include a fastener assembly 170. The fastener assembly 170 can be positioned within the first fastening opening 154 and can extend through the full track link 128 via the bolt holes. The fastening assembly 170 can couple the full track link 128 to the track shoe 214.

[0020] The link assembly 114 can include a plug 400 (which may also be referred to as an anti-rotation plug). The plug 400 is positioned within the first fastening opening 154 and can extend beyond the first fastening opening 154. The plug can be made of various materials. For example, the plug 400 can be made of a polymeric material such as plastic or rubber.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a side view of the full track link and the plug from FIG. 2. The plug 400 can have an outer surface 410, a first side surface 420, a second side surface 430, a bottom surface 440, and a top surface 450. The first side surface 420 can be located on the opposite side of the second side surface 430. The bottom surface 440 can be located on the opposite side of the top surface 450. The first side surface 420 can extend between the top surface 450 and the bottom surface 440. The second side surface 430 can extend between the top surface 450 and the bottom surface 440.

[0022] The outer surface 410 can contact the first master link portion 321 at the first side surface 420. The first side surface 420 can have a contoured portion so as to abut against the arcuate portion of the first master link portion 321. The first side surface 420 can be positioned adjacent to the first master link portion 321.

[0023] The outer surface 410 can contact the full track link 128 at the second side surface 430. The second side surface 430 can have a contoured portion so as to abut against the arcuate portion of the first fastening opening 154. The second side surface 430 can be positioned adjacent to the body member 130. The outer surface 410 can contact the first master link portion 321 and the body member 130 simultaneously.

[0024] The outer surface 410 can contact the fastening assembly 170 at the bottom surface 440. The bottom surface 440 can have a contoured portion so as to abut against a part of the fastening assembly 170. The bottom surface 440 can be positioned adjacent to the fastening assembly 170.

[0025] The outer surface 410 can contact the full track link 128 at the upper surface 450. The upper surface 450 can have a contoured portion so as to abut against the arcuate portion of the first fastening opening 154. The upper surface 450 can be positioned adjacent to the body member 130.

[0026] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the opposite side of the link assembly from Figure 2. The full track link 128 can include a second top extension member 144 that extends outwardly from the second side surface 134 of the body member 130. The first master link portion 321 can include a master link bearing opening 330 and a shoe pad portion 325. The bearing 180 can extend through the first bearing opening 136 (shown in Figure 2) and the master link bearing opening 330. The shoe pad portion 325 can be positioned adjacent to the bearing opening 330. The shoe pad portion 325 can extend away from the bearing opening 330 as a protrusion.

[0027] The plug 400 can be positioned within the first fastening opening 154. The plug 400 can extend from the first fastening opening 154 to adjacent to the first master link portion 321.

[0028] Figure 5 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the full track link 128, the master link portion 321, and the plug from Figure 2. The plug 500 can have an outer surface 510, a first side surface 520, a second side surface 530, a bottom surface 540, and an upper surface 550. The first side surface 520 can be positioned opposite the second side surface 530. The bottom surface 540 can be positioned opposite the upper surface 550. The first side surface 520 can extend between the upper surface 550 and the bottom surface 540. The second side surface 530 can extend between the upper surface 550 and the bottom surface 540.

[0029] The outer surface 510 can contact the first master link portion 321 on the first side surface 520. The first side surface 520 can have a contour portion so as to abut against the arcuate portion of the first master link portion 321. The first side surface 520 can be positioned adjacent to the first master link portion 321.

[0030] The outer surface 410 can contact the full track link 128 on the second side surface 530. The second side surface 530 can have a contour portion so as to abut against the arcuate portion of the first fastening opening 154. The second side surface 530 can be positioned adjacent to the body member 130. The outer surface 510 can contact the first master link portion 321 and the body member 130 simultaneously.

[0031] The outer surface 510 can contact the full track link 128 on the bottom surface 540. The bottom surface 540 can have a contour portion so as to abut against the arcuate portion of the first fastening opening 154. The bottom surface 540 can be positioned adjacent to the body member 130.

[0032] The outer surface 510 can contact the full track link 128 on the top surface 550. In one embodiment, the top surface 550 can contact the shoe pad portion 325 and can prevent further rotation of the first master link portion 321. The top surface 550 can have a contour portion so as to abut against the arcuate portions of the first fastening opening 154 and the shoe pad portion 325. The top surface 550 can be positioned adjacent to the body member 130 and the shoe pad portion 325.

Industrial Applicability

[0033] The present disclosure is generally applicable to a link assembly 114 for a machine 10 such as a tracked vehicle. It is understood that the link assembly 114 can be used in any stationary or mobile machine known in the art. Such machines can be used in construction, agriculture, mining, power generation, and / or other similar applications. Thus, such machines can include, for example, an excavator, a tracked tractor, a wheel loader, an on-road vehicle, an off-road vehicle, a generator set, a motor grader, or other similar machines.

[0034] The link assembly 114 can be wound up prior to transportation. During the packing, transportation, and unwinding of the link assembly 114, the master link 320 inside the coil can over-rotate and collide with the adjacent full track link 128, which can create non-conforming features on the machined master link surface. This non-conformance can adversely affect the assembly of the mating master links. The "rise" or "bump" on the master link may not allow a flush mating and assembly of the master links.

[0035] The link assembly 114 can include a full track link 128 and a master link 320 disposed adjacent to the full track link 128. The full track link 128 can include a body member 130 with plugs 400, 500 positioned within a first fastening opening 154. The plugs 400, 500 can prevent rotation of a first master link portion 321. The plugs 400, 500 can be positioned to prevent rotation of the first master link portion 321 by contacting a shoe pad portion 325. The plugs 400, 500 can be made of plastic or rubber. The plugs 400, 500 can be configured to prevent over-rotation of the first master link portion 321 during the assembly, winding, transportation, and unwinding processes, and thus prevent non-conformance to the machined surface 328 of the first master link portion 321.

[0036] Although the present disclosure has been shown and described with respect to its detailed embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed disclosure. Accordingly, the foregoing detailed description is to be considered as illustrative only and not as limiting the disclosure or the application and use of the disclosure. In particular, the described embodiments are not limited to use in conjunction with a particular type of machine 10. For example, the described embodiments may be applied to machines used in mining, construction, agriculture, and power generation applications, or any variations thereof. Further, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the previous section. It is also understood that the figures may include exaggerated dimensions and graphic representations to better illustrate the reference items shown and are not to be considered limiting unless explicitly stated as such.

[0037] It will be understood that the above advantages and benefits may be associated with one embodiment or may be associated with several embodiments. Aspects described in relation to one embodiment are intended to be usable in other embodiments. Any description associated with one embodiment applies to similar features of other embodiments, and elements of multiple embodiments may be combined to form other embodiments. Embodiments are not limited to solving any or all of the problems described or having any or all of the advantages and benefits described.

Claims

1. A link assembly for a machine, wherein the link assembly comprises a first master link portion, a full track link coupled to the first master link portion, the full track link including a fastening opening through which it extends and which is positioned adjacent to the first master link portion, a plug positioned within the fastening opening, extending beyond the fastening opening, and adjacent to the first master link portion so as to prevent rotational movement of the first master link portion, the plug abutting against the fastening opening, the link assembly.

2. The first master link portion further includes a master link bearing opening, the full track link further includes a bearing opening, the link assembly further comprises a bearing extending through the master link bearing opening and the bearing opening of the full track link, the bearing coupling the first master link portion to the full track link, the link assembly according to claim 1.

3. The plug is substantially non-rotatable within the fastening opening, the link assembly according to claim 1.

4. The plug has an outer surface that contacts the first master link portion and the full track link simultaneously, the link assembly according to claim 3.

5. The plug comprises a first side surface, a second side surface opposite the first side surface, a bottom surface extending from the first side surface to the second side surface, a top surface extending from the first side surface to the second side surface on the opposite side of the bottom surface, the link assembly according to claim 1.

6. A part of the first side surface contacts the first master link portion, and a part of the top surface and a part of the second side surface contact the full track link, the link assembly according to claim 5.

7. The first side surface is positioned adjacent to the first master link portion, and the top surface and the second side surface are positioned adjacent to the full track link, the link assembly according to claim 5.

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