Material-reduced hydraulic excavator track pad
The track pad design addresses high material costs and manufacturing issues by optimizing structural features, resulting in a durable and cost-effective solution for heavy machinery.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2023525449
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2020-10-30
- Filing Date
- 2021-10-05
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-15
- Estimated Expiration
- 2041-10-05
AI Technical Summary
Existing track pads for heavy machinery require significant material quantities, leading to high manufacturing costs and potential issues like voids and porosity, which compromise their durability and maintenance requirements.
The track pad design includes a shoe member with specific lateral and vertical dimensions, upward extending link members, and strategically positioned cavities and voids that reduce material usage while maintaining structural integrity, allowing for easier manufacturing and improved load support.
The design results in a cost-effective track pad that is less prone to manufacturing defects and can withstand heavy loads, reducing maintenance needs and manufacturing complexity.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to track pads used to support heavy machinery such as hydraulic mining shovels. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to such track pads that are manufactured with less material without compromising the integrity of the track pads.
Background Art
[0002] In various mining applications, the track pads are subject to heavy loads and require the track pads to be robust. However, the amount of material required to make such track pads can increase costs and may require thick cross-sections that are difficult to manufacture without problems such as voids and porosity. This can lead to undesirable maintenance of the track pads at an early stage in their lifespan at a cost higher than desired.
[0003] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20190351958A1 discloses a multi-material track pad for a continuous track assembly. The track pad may include a body having a ground engagement surface formed of a metallic material having a first hardness, and a roller engagement surface formed of a ceramic material having a second hardness greater than the first hardness, and a sprocket engagement surface formed of a ceramic material.
[0004] However, this prior art does not disclose a track pad that avoids costly manufacturing and reduces the potential for manufacturing problems such as voids and porosity.
Summary of the Invention
[0005] The track pad according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a grounding engagement surface and a shoe member that defines a track chain running direction, a lateral direction perpendicular to the track chain running direction, and a vertical direction perpendicular to both the lateral direction and the track chain running direction. The shoe member may further define a first lateral end, a second lateral end, a front end along the track chain running direction, and a rear end along the track chain running direction, a lateral distance from the first lateral end to the second lateral end, and a width from the front end to the rear end along the track chain running direction that is greater than the lateral distance. The first link member may extend upward from the shoe member and include a first lug member extending from the first link member in a first direction parallel to the track chain running direction, and a second lug member and a third lug member both extending from the first link member in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The track pad may define a first lateral cavity that jogs both from the first lateral end toward the second lateral end and downward from the front end toward the rear end and toward the grounding engagement surface along the track chain running direction.
[0006] A track pad according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a ground engaging surface and a shoe member that defines a track chain travel direction, a lateral direction perpendicular to the track chain travel direction, and a vertical direction perpendicular to both the lateral direction and the track chain travel direction. The shoe member may further define a first lateral end, a second lateral end, a front end along the track chain travel direction, and a rear end along the track chain travel direction, a lateral distance from the first lateral end to the second lateral end, and a length from the front end to the rear end along the track chain travel direction that is greater than the lateral distance. The first link member may extend upward from the shoe member and include a first upper rail surface (which may be, for example, planar), a first lug member extending from the first link member in a first direction parallel to the track chain travel direction, and a second lug member and a third lug member both extending from the first link member in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The second link member may extend upward from the shoe member and include a second upper rail surface, a fourth lug member extending from the link member along a first direction parallel to the travel direction of the track chain, and a fifth lug member and a sixth lug member both extending from the second link member in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The track pad may define a first lateral cavity extending from the first lateral end to the second lateral end under the first upper rail surface, a second lateral cavity extending from the second lateral end to the first lateral end under the second upper rail surface, a bottom void extending upward from the ground engaging surface, and an upper slot disposed vertically above the bottom void, and may form an "H" cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the track chain travel direction.
[0007] According to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, a track pad may include a ground engaging surface and a shoe member that defines a track chain running direction, a lateral direction perpendicular to the track chain running direction, and a vertical direction perpendicular to both the lateral direction and the track chain running direction. The shoe member may further define a first lateral end, a second lateral end, a front end along the track chain running direction, and a rear end along the track chain running direction, a lateral distance from the first lateral end to the second lateral end, and a length from the front end to the rear end along the track chain running direction that is greater than the lateral distance. The first link member may extend upward from the shoe member and include a first lug member extending from the first link member in a first direction parallel to the track chain running direction, and a second lug member and a third lug member both extending from the first link member in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The first lug member and the second lug member may define a first upper rail surface. Also, the track pad may define a first side cavity that jogs both along the track chain running direction from the front end to the rear end and downward toward the ground engaging surface, extending from the first lateral end to the second lateral end under the first upper rail surface. A first rib may extend from the first lateral end to the first link member, and a second rib may extend from the first lateral end to the first link member, bordering both sides of the first side cavity. A first blend may transition from the shoe member to the first rib, and a second blend may transition from the shoe member to the second rib. Further, the ground engaging surface may define a bottom void spaced laterally from the first side cavity and may form a support column therebetween. This support column may also be at least partially located under the first upper rail surface. The ground engaging surface may further define a first bottom lateral void extending laterally under the first side cavity and may form a first wing drawn out along the lateral direction therebetween. The track pad may further define a first opening disposed between the second lug member and the third lug member, below the first upper rail surface, above the ground engaging surface, and substantially vertically, laterally, and along the track chain running direction with respect to the jogging of the first side cavity.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0008] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate some embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. In the drawings,
[0009]
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7
Figure 8
Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention
[0010] Reference will be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. As far as possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts. In some cases, reference numbers are shown in this specification and the drawings will subsequently show reference numbers followed by letters, e.g., 100a, 100b. It should be understood that using letters immediately after the reference numbers indicates that these features have the same function as is often the case when these features have the same shape and the geometric shape is mirrored around a plane of symmetry. For ease of explanation in this specification, the letters are often not included in this specification, but may be shown in the drawings to indicate duplication of features described within this written specification.
[0011] The arrangement is illustrated in connection with a hydraulic mining shovel, but the arrangements disclosed herein have universal applicability in a variety of other types of machines that generally use a track system rather than wheels. The term "machine" can refer to any machine that performs some type of operation related to an industry, such as mining, earthmoving, construction, or any other industry known in the art. For example, the machine can be a shovel, wheel loader, cable shovel, or dragline, etc. Further, one or more implements can be connected to the machine. Such implements can be utilized for a variety of operations, including, for example, lifting and loading. Among other uses, a hydraulic mining shovel can be used to load overburden and ore into haul trucks during the mining process in a variety of surface mining applications.
[0012] Referring to FIG. 1, a machine 100 that can use a trackpad configured according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can be seen. The machine 100 can include a body 104 having a cab 106 for accommodating a machine operator. The machine can also include a boom system 108 pivotally connected at one end of the body 104 and supporting an implement 110 at an opposing distal end. In an embodiment, the implement 110 can be any suitable example, such as a bucket, a clam shell, a blade, or any other type of suitable device. The control system can be housed within the cab 106 and can be adapted to enable a machine operator to operate and connect the implement 110 for mining, excavation, or any other suitable application.
[0013] The body 104 can be supported on a main frame 112 that is supported on a lower running structure 114. The lower running structure 114 includes a support structure 118 that supports a track system 102 utilized for the movement of the machine 100. The track system 102 can be spaced apart from respective first and second sides of the lower running structure 114 and can include adjacent first and second track roller frame assemblies 116. It will be understood that only one of the track roller frame assemblies 116 is shown in FIG. 1.
[0014] Each of the track roller frame assemblies 116 carries an idler wheel 120, a drive sprocket wheel 122, and a plurality of track guide rollers 124. The drive sprocket wheel 122 is powered in the forward and reverse directions by the machine 100 (via a motor such as an internal combustion engine). An endless track chain assembly 126 surrounds each drive sprocket wheel 122, idler wheel 120, and track guide roller 124. The track chain assembly 126 includes a plurality of interconnected track pads 200, also referred to herein as track chain members. The track guide rollers 124 guide the track pads 200 when the track chain assembly 126 is driven by the drive sprocket wheel 122. The track chain assembly 126 can have any track chain members, track pin retention devices, and / or track chain assemblies.
[0015] FIG. 2 shows a portion of the track chain assembly 126 including two pads 200 pivotally connected to each other. The track roller 124 is also shown riding on the rail surface 202 of the track pad 200. Thus, the weight of the machine 100 is transmitted through the track roller 124 to the track pad 200 and through the lower traveling body structure 114 (see FIG. 1), and that load is transmitted to the ground through its ground engaging surface 204.
[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates a pinned pivot connection of a track pad 200 to an adjacent track pad 200 that may be similarly or identically configured to each other. A pin 128 disposed within a hole 206 of a lug member of a link member of the track pad 200 (which will be discussed in more detail momentarily) is shown, allowing one track pad 200 to pivot relative to the other. A pin retaining bolt assembly 130 is also shown that serves to prevent the cartridge pin assembly 128 from "walking" laterally out of the hole.
[0017] Details of various embodiments of a track pad that can be used for constructing and / or repairing a track chain assembly, etc., will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2-8. Starting with FIGS. 2 and 3, the track pad 200 may include a shoe member 208 that includes a ground engaging surface 204 that defines a track chain travel direction 210, a lateral direction 212 perpendicular to the track chain travel direction 210, and a vertical direction 214 perpendicular to both the lateral direction 212 and the track chain travel direction 210. The track chain travel direction 210 is typically perpendicular to the axis of rotation 132 provided by the holes and cartridge pin assembly 130.
[0018] Referring to FIG. 5, the shoe member 208 (so called because this portion of the track pad contacts the ground) may further define a first lateral end 216, a second lateral end 218, a front end 220 disposed along the track chain travel direction 210, and a rear end 222 disposed along the track chain travel direction 210. The lateral distance 224 (or "lateral length") of the shoe member 208 may be measured along the lateral direction 212 from the first lateral end 216 to the second lateral end 218, and a width 226 measured from the front end 220 to the rear end 222 along the track chain travel direction 210 that is greater than the lateral distance 224 may also be measured.
[0019] Referring to FIG. 4, the first link member 228 (so called because this portion of the track pad is connected to another portion of the track pad) may extend upwardly from the shoe member 208. The first link member 228 may include a first lug member 230 extending from the first link member 228 in a first direction parallel to the track chain running direction 210 (e.g., toward the rear), while both the second lug member 232 and the third lug member 234 may extend from the first link member 228 in a second direction opposite to the first direction (e.g., toward the front). The first lateral cavity 240 may extend from the first lateral end 216 toward the second lateral end 218 (and may terminate in front of the lateral midplane 236 of the track pad 200 as best seen in FIG. 8), jogging both along the track chain running direction 210 (see FIG. 4) from the front end 220 toward the rear end 222 and downwardly toward the ground engaging surface 204 (see FIG. 8). Accordingly, the first lateral cavity may be asymmetric about another midplane 238 disposed along the track chain running direction 210 (FIG. 5).
[0020] Similarly, the track pad 200 may include a second link member 228a extending upwardly from the shoe member 208. The second link member 228a may include a fourth lug member 230a extending from the second link member 228a along a first direction parallel to the track chain running direction 210, and a fifth lug member 232a and a sixth lug member 234a both extending from the second link member 228a in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Also, the track pad may define a second lateral cavity 240a (see FIG. 5) (refer to reference number 250a) that extends from the second lateral end 218 toward the first lateral end 216, jogging both along the track chain running direction 210 from the front end 220 toward the rear end 222 and downwardly toward the ground engaging surface 204. These features may be symmetric with those of the previous paragraph with respect to the lateral midplane 236.
[0021] Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 8, the shoe member 208 defines a central bottom void 242 that extends upwardly from the ground engaging surface 204. Near this void 242, the track pad 200 can further define an upper central slot 244 (e.g., a through slot along the track chain travel direction 210 that allows the guide ridge 134 of the track roller to pass from one track pad to the next without obstruction, as seen in FIG. 2).
[0022] Both the upper central slot 244 and the central bottom void 242 may be centered between the first lateral end 216, the second lateral end 218, the first side cavity 240, and the second side cavity 240a, be parallel to the lateral direction 212, and form an "H" - shaped cross - section in a plane (e.g., refer to the cross - section of FIG. 8) that is perpendicular to the track chain travel direction 210.
[0023] As best seen in FIG. 8, the upper central slot 244 and the central bottom void 242 may be separated from each other by a web 246 that defines a web thickness 246t measured along the vertical direction 214 in the range of 60.0 mm to 80.0 mm (e.g., 70.0 mm). The central bottom void 242 may define a depth 242d measured along the vertical direction 214 in the range of 140.0 mm to 160.0 mm (e.g., 149.0 mm) in some embodiments. The lateral width of the central bottom void 242 of the radius (refer to 242w) may be in the range of 225.0 mm to 245.0 mm (e.g., 234.2 mm). The upper central slot 244 may define another lateral width at the top of its bottom radius (refer to 244w) that may be in the range of 172.0 mm to 192.0 mm (e.g., 182.6 mm). Any of the foregoing dimensions may be varied differently in other embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0024] Referring to FIGS. 4, 7, and 8, the track pad 200 may further define a first void 248 disposed between a second lug member 232 and a third lug member 234. The first void 248 may be disposed substantially vertically, laterally, and along the track chain running direction with respect to the jogging of the first lateral cavity 240 (refer to the position indicated by reference numeral 250). Similarly, a second void 248a may be disposed between a fifth lug member 232a and a sixth lug member 234a. This second void 248a may be disposed substantially vertically, laterally, and along the track chain running direction with respect to the jogging of the second lateral cavity 240a (refer to 250a). These features may be symmetric about the lateral midplane 236 in some embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown.
[0025] In FIGS. 7 and 8, the first void and the second void define an elliptical perimeter 252 in a plane perpendicular to the track chain running direction 210 (e.g., the plane shown in FIGS. 7 and 8). This can core out material that helps avoid sinkage, porosity, etc. during the casting process that may be used to manufacture the track pad. This perimeter may be of a different shape in other embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0026] As best seen in FIGS. 6 and 8, the shoe member 208 further defines a first bottom lateral void 254 that extends laterally from a first lateral end 216 below the first lateral cavity 240 and may form a first wing 256 that is drawn along the lateral direction 212 therebetween. Specifically, the first wing 256 may be angled vertically downward so that the core forming the first lateral cavity 240 is more easily removed during the casting process. In a similar manner, a second bottom lateral void 254a may extend from a second lateral end 218 below the second lateral cavity 240a and may form a second wing 256a that is drawn along the lateral direction 212 therebetween. These features may also be symmetric about the lateral midplane 236 in some embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown.
[0027] Next, the track pad 200 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.
[0028] As previously described herein, the track pad may include a shoe member, first and second link members, and a lug member. Focusing on FIGS. 4 and 8, the first link member 228 and the second link member 228a may each include both a first and a second upper rail surface 202, 202a. The first lateral cavity 240 may extend from the second transverse end 216 below the first upper rail surface 202 toward the first upper rail surface 218 to form an upper wall 260 (see FIG. 8), while the second lateral cavity 240a may extend from the second transverse end 218 below the second upper rail surface 258a toward the first transverse end 216 to form a second upper side wall 260a. A bottom void (e.g., bottom central void 242) may extend upward from the ground engagement surface 204, and an upper slot (e.g., upper central slot 244) may be vertically disposed above the bottom void and form an "H" cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the running direction of the track chain (e.g., the cross-section of FIG. 8).
[0029] As suggested earlier in this specification, the track pad 200 may define a symmetry plane (e.g., transverse midplane 236) perpendicular to the transverse direction 212. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the symmetry plane is disposed at half of the transverse distance 224 shown in FIG. 5 from either the first transverse end 216 or the second transverse end 218 (i.e., the transverse midplane 236).
[0030] Looking at FIGS. 4 and 5, the first lateral cavity 240 may be bounded by a first rib pair 262 that extends transversely and vertically from the first transverse end 216 to the first link member 228, and the second lateral cavity 240a is bounded by a second rib pair 262a that extends transversely and vertically from the second transverse end 218 to the second link member 228a. The upper edges of these ribs may extend and be angled in the transverse and longitudinal directions.
[0031] At least one of the first rib pairs 262 includes a first bolt receiving pad 264, and at least one of the second rib pairs 262a includes a second bolt receiving pad 264a. That is, any of these bolt receiving pads may define an opening through which the bolts of the pin retaining bolt assembly 130 pass to prevent the pin 128 (see FIG. 3) from walking. This feature may be omitted in other embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0032] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the shoe member 208 may include at least a rectangular perimeter 266 in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction 214 (e.g., the upper or bottom view of FIGS. 5 and 6) having a rounded corner 268 that is not tangential to the first or second lateral end. That is, these rounded corners may define a radius of curvature 270 that is large enough to be tangential to the leading or trailing edge of the shoe member (e.g., see 220 or 222).
[0033] Referring again to FIGS. 7 and 8, the track pad 200 may further define a first elongated void (e.g., see 248) disposed between the second lug member 232 and the third lug member 234. This void may be located substantially vertically, laterally, and along the track chain travel direction with respect to the jogging of the first lateral cavity 240 (see also FIG. 4), and a second elongated void (e.g., see 248a) is disposed between the fifth lug member 232a and the sixth lug member 234a. This void may also be positioned substantially vertically, laterally, and along the track chain travel direction with respect to the jogging of the second lateral cavity 240a (see 250a).
[0034] The track shoe may be a single body as shown, or may be an assembly of different parts. In many cases, the shoe member, the first rail member, and the second rail member are essentially made of a metal material such as cast iron, steel, gray cast iron, etc.
[0035] Any of the foregoing features and the dimensions associated therewith may be varied so as to be different from those shown or referred to herein in other embodiments of the present disclosure.
Industrial Applicability
[0036] In practice, the track chain assembly, track pad, or a portion thereof may be sold, manufactured, purchased, etc. and attached to a machine in an aftermarket or original equipment scenario according to any of the embodiments discussed herein. That is, the machine may be sold with a track chain assembly, track pad and / or a portion thereof according to the embodiments described herein, or the machine may be modified, repaired, or restored to use any of the embodiments discussed herein. Various components including, but not limited to, the track pad may be used from any suitable material such as cast iron, gray cast iron, steel, etc.
[0037] In one particular application, the track pad 200 may include many or all of the features previously discussed, as seen in FIGS. 4 - 8. Such a track pad 200 may include a shoe member 208 and a first link member 228 extending upwardly from the shoe member 208, including the lug members previously described herein. The track pad 200 may also define a first lateral cavity 240 that extends from a first lateral end 216 under the first upper rail surface 258 toward a first second lateral end 218 and jogs (e.g., see 250) as described above.
[0038] The first rib and the second rib (e.g., see 262) extend from the first lateral end to the first link member 228 and are bordered at either lateral side of the first lateral cavity 240. Also, a first blend 272 is provided that transitions from the shoe member 208 to the first rib, and a second blend 274 transitions from the shoe member 208 to the second rib.
[0039] As best seen in FIG. 8, the ground engaging surface 204 defines a bottom void (see, e.g., 242) that is laterally spaced from the first lateral cavity 204 (and the upper slot), and forms a support column 276 therebetween. This support column 276 can be at least partially disposed under the first upper rail surface 258 such that the weight exerted on the rail surface can be transmitted through the support column 276 under compression to the ground.
[0040] The ground engaging surface 204 further defines a first bottom lateral void 254 that extends laterally under the first lateral cavity 240 and forms a first wing 256 therebetween that is drawn out along the lateral 212 to assist in the removal of the core during the casting process.
[0041] This opening may be a through opening and may be disposed substantially vertically, laterally, and along the track chain travel direction with respect to the jogging (see 250) of the first lateral cavity 240. Any of these features may be mirror-imaged about the plane of symmetry, as previously suggested herein.
[0042] For any of the embodiments discussed herein, the track chain assembly may similarly or identically include a plurality of track chain members (e.g., track pads). It is understood that at least one or two additional track chain members having different or dissimilar shapes may also be provided, such as in the case of two master links coupled to a plurality of track chain members of similar or identical configuration.
[0043] As can be seen, the various embodiments of the track pads disclosed herein can provide a less expensive track pad that is easy to manufacture, less prone to manufacturing problems, and still capable of supporting heavy loads during use.
[0044] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the embodiments of the apparatus and assembly methods as discussed herein without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Other embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specifications and practices of the various embodiments disclosed herein. For example, some devices may have a different structure and function than those described herein, certain steps of any method may be omitted, performed in a different order than specifically recited, or in some cases simultaneously or in sub-steps. Further, modifications or variations can be made to specific aspects or features of the various embodiments to create additional embodiments, and features and aspects of the various embodiments can be added to or substituted for other features or aspects of other embodiments to provide still further embodiments.
[0045] Accordingly, this specification and examples are intended to be regarded as merely illustrative of the true scope and spirit of the invention, which is shown by the following claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A track pad (200) comprising a grounding engagement surface (204), and a shoe member (208) defining a track chain running direction (210), a lateral direction (212) perpendicular to the track chain running direction (210), and a vertical direction (214) perpendicular to both the lateral direction (212) and the track chain running direction (210), the shoe member (208) further defining a first lateral end (216), a second lateral end (218), a front end (220) along the track chain running direction (210), a rear end (222) along the track chain running direction (210), a lateral distance (224) from the first lateral end (216) to the second lateral end (218), and a width (226) from the front end (220) to the rear end (222) along the track chain running direction (210) that is smaller than the lateral distance (224); a first link member (288) including a first lug member (230) extending from the first link member (228) in a first direction parallel to the track chain running direction (210), and a second lug member (232) and a third lug member (234) both extending from the first link member (228) in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the first link member (228) extending upward from the shoe member (208); the track pad (200) defining a first lateral cavity (240) that oscillates (250) both from the first lateral end (216) toward the second lateral end (218) and from the front end (220) toward the rear end (222) along the track chain running direction (210) and downward toward the grounding engagement surface (204). The track pad (200) has a first gap (248) disposed between the second lug member (232) and the third lug member (234), substantially vertically, laterally, and along the running direction (210) of the track chain, with respect to the fine movement portion (250) of the first lateral cavity (240), and a second gap (248a) disposed between the fifth lug member (232a) and the sixth lug member (234a), substantially vertically, laterally, and along the running direction (210) of the track chain, with respect to the fine movement portion (250a) for advancing the machine when driven, of the second lateral cavity (240a), further defining the track pad (200). **Claim 2** A second link member (228a) further including a fourth lug member (230a) extending parallel to the track chain running direction (210) along the first direction from the second link member (228a), and the fifth lug member (232a) and the sixth lug member (234a) both extending from the second link member (228a) in the second direction opposite to the first direction, extending upward from the shoe member (208). The track pad (200) according to claim 1, wherein the track pad (200) extends from the second lateral end (218) toward the first lateral end (216), and defines a second lateral cavity (240a) that moves slightly both along the track chain running direction (210) from the front end (220) toward the rear end (222) and downward toward the ground engagement surface (204). **Claim 3** The shoe member (208) defines a bottom central gap (242) extending upward from the ground engagement surface (204), and the track pad (200) further defines an upper central slot (244), and the upper central slot (244) and the bottom central gap (242) are centrally disposed between the first lateral end (216), the second lateral end (218), the first lateral cavity (240), and the second lateral cavity (240a), and form an "H" - shaped cross - section in a plane parallel to the lateral direction (212) and perpendicular to the track chain running direction (210). The track pad (200) according to claim 2. **Claim 4** The upper central slot (244) and the bottom central void (242) are separated from each other by a web (246) defining a web thickness (246t) measured along the vertical direction (214) in the range of 60.0 mm to 80.0 mm, and the bottom central void (242) defines a depth (242d) measured along the vertical direction (214) in the range of 140.0 mm to 160.0 mm. The track pad (200) according to claim 3.
5. The first void (248) and the second void (248a) define an elliptical perimeter (252) in a plane perpendicular to the track chain running direction (210). The track pad (200) according to claim 1.
6. The shoe member (208) extends from the first lateral end (216) under the first lateral cavity (240) and forms a first bottom lateral void (254) with a first wing (256) drawn along the lateral direction (212) therebetween, and extends from the second lateral end (218) under the second lateral cavity (240a) and forms a second bottom lateral void (254a) with a second wing (256a) drawn along the lateral direction (212) therebetween. The track pad (200) according to claim 3.
7. A track pad (200), including a ground engaging surface (204), a shoe member (208) defining a track chain running direction (210), a lateral direction (212) perpendicular to the track chain running direction (210), and a vertical direction (214) perpendicular to both the lateral direction (212) and the track chain running direction (210). The shoe member (208) further defines a first lateral end (216), a second lateral end (218), a front end (220) along the track chain running direction (210), a rear end (222) along the track chain running direction (210), a lateral distance (224) from the first lateral end (216) to the second lateral end (218), and a length from the front end (220) to the rear end (222) along the track chain running direction (210) that is smaller than the lateral distance (224). The shoe member (208), a first upper rail surface (202), A first link member (228), from which a first lug member (230) extending in a first direction parallel to the track chain running direction (210), and both a second lug member (232) and a third lug member (234) extending in a second direction opposite to the first direction from the first link member (228), the first link member (228) extending upward from the shoe member (208). A second upper rail surface (202a). A second link member (228a), from which a fourth lug member (230a) extending parallel to the track chain running direction (210) along the first direction, and both a fifth lug member (232a) and a sixth lug member (234a) extending from the second link member (228a) in the second direction opposite to the first direction, the second link member (228a) extending upward from the shoe member (208). The track pad (200) defines a first lateral cavity (240) extending from the first lateral end (216) towards the second lateral end (218) under the first upper rail surface (202), a second lateral cavity (240a) extending from the second lateral end (218) towards the first lateral end (216) under the second upper rail surface (202a), a bottom void (242) extending upward from the ground engaging surface (204), and an upper slot (244) vertically disposed above the bottom void (242), forming an "H" cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the track chain running direction (210). [
8. ] The first lateral cavity (240) jitters (250) both along the track chain running direction (210) from the front end (220) towards the rear end (222) and downward towards the ground engaging surface (204), and the second lateral cavity jitters (250a) both along the track chain running direction (210) from the front end (220) towards the rear end (222) and downward towards the ground engaging surface (204). The track pad (200) according to Claim 7. [
9. ] The first side cavity (240) is bounded by a first rib pair (262) extending in the transverse and vertical directions from the first lateral end (216) to the first link member (228), and the second side cavity (240a) is bounded by a second rib pair (262a) extending in the transverse and vertical directions from the second lateral end (218) to the second link member (228a), and at least one of the first rib pair includes a first bolt receiving pad (264), and at least one of the second rib pair includes a second bolt receiving pad (264a), the track pad (200) according to claim 8.
Citation Information
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