Elastic Crawler

Abstract

To provide an elastic crawler 10 excellent in flexibility.SOLUTION: A crawler 10 has a main portion 12, lugs 14, cores 16, and roller guides 18. This crawler 10 has lug zones ZL, transition zones ZT and guide zones ZG. The lug 14 exists in the lug zone ZL. The roller guide 18 exists in the guide zone ZG. In the transition zone ZT, neither lugs 14 nor roller guides 18 exist. The crawler 10 in the transition zone ZT is thin. Thus, stiffness of the crawler 10 in this transition zone ZT is small.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present specification discloses an elastic crawler. In particular, the present specification relates to an elastic crawler for a traveling device having main wheels and rollers. [Background technology]

[0002] A traveling device with elastic crawlers has main wheels and rollers. This traveling device has a driving wheel as the main wheel and one or two driven wheels. The main wheel usually has an outer diameter larger than that of the rollers. The rollers are located between the driving wheel and the driven wheel, or between the driven wheels themselves. The elastic crawler is wound between the main wheels.

[0003] This elastic crawler has a main portion made of rubber or the like and shaped like an endless belt, a roller guide protruding from the inner circumferential surface of the main portion, and lugs protruding from the outer circumferential surface of the main portion. An example of an elastic crawler is disclosed in JP 2007-320519 A. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2007-320519 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The total thickness of the wheel guide and the main section is greater than the thickness of the main section. The rigidity of the elastic crawler is high where the wheel guide is present. The total thickness of the lug and the main section is greater than the thickness of the main section. The rigidity of the elastic crawler is high where the lug is present. When the elastic crawler is wound around the main wheel, the high rigidity areas hinder the flexibility of the elastic crawler. An elastic crawler with poor flexibility causes a loss of driving force for the traveling device. An elastic crawler with poor flexibility hinders the fuel efficiency performance of the traveling device.

[0006] The inventors' intention is to provide an elastic crawler with excellent flexibility. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A preferred elastic crawler in a traveling device having rollers is: A: a main portion formed from an elastic material and having an endless belt shape including an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface; B: A plurality of lugs each protruding from the outer peripheral surface and arranged along the circumferential direction; and C: Multiple roller guides that protrude from this inner peripheral surface and are arranged along the circumferential direction In a cross section along the circumferential direction of the elastic crawler and passing through the wheel guide, the position of the wheel guide does not overlap the position of the lug. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] When the crawler is wound around the main wheel, the crawler can bend easily. The elastic crawler can contribute to reducing loss of driving force and improving fuel efficiency. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a traveling device including an elastic crawler according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing a part of the elastic crawler of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view showing a part of the elastic crawler of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view showing a part of the elastic crawler shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view showing a part of the elastic crawler shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of an elastic crawler according to another embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of an elastic crawler according to still another embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the elastic crawler of FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of an elastic crawler according to still another embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the elastic crawler of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Preferred embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings as appropriate.

[0011] FIG. 1 shows a traveling device 2. This traveling device 2 has an axle 4, a driving wheel 6, a plurality of rollers 8, and an elastic crawler 10. Although not shown, this device 2 also has a driving means (such as an engine) and a driven wheel. In this embodiment, the driving wheel 6 is a sprocket. In this specification, the driving wheel 6 and the driven wheel are also collectively referred to as a main wheel.

[0012] In this traveling device 2, the axle 4 is rotated by a drive means. The rotation of the axle 4 rotates the drive wheel 6, which in turn rotates the elastic crawler 10. As the crawler 10 rotates, the roller 8 guides the crawler 10. This guidance prevents the crawler 10 from meandering. The rotation of the roller 10 causes the device 2 to travel. Typical traveling devices 2 include civil engineering equipment, construction equipment, and agricultural equipment. The traveling device 2 may have multiple driven wheels. The traveling device 2 may have rollers 8 located between the driven wheels.

[0013] Fig. 2 is an enlarged view showing a portion of the elastic crawler 10 of Fig. 1, Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in Fig. 2, and Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Fig. 2. In these drawings, arrow X represents the width direction, arrow Y represents the circumferential direction, and arrow Z represents the thickness direction. As shown in Figs. 1-4, the crawler 10 has a main portion 12, multiple lugs 14, multiple cores 16, multiple roller guides 18, and a tension member 20.

[0014] The main portion 12 has an endless belt shape. The main portion 12 has an inner peripheral surface 22 and an outer peripheral surface 24. The main portion 12 further has a pair of outer edges 26. The width of the main portion 12 is indicated by an arrow Wm in FIG. 2. The width Wm is the distance from the left outer edge 26 to the right outer edge 26. The width Wm of the main portion 12 is also the width of the crawler 10. The width Wm of a typical elastic crawler 10 is 100 mm or more and 600 mm or less. In this embodiment, the main portion 12 has a bilaterally symmetrical shape.

[0015] The main portion 12 has a plurality of recesses 28. Each recess 28 is recessed from the inner peripheral surface 22. When the crawler 10 moves, a pawl 30 (see FIG. 1 ) of the sprocket 6 fits into the recess 28. The pawl 30 transmits driving force from the sprocket 6 to the main portion 12. The main portion 12 may have a hole instead of the recess 28. The hole passes through the main portion 12. In a main portion 12 having a hole, the pawl 30 presses against the hole. The crawler 10 may have a protrusion instead of the recess 28. In a crawler 10 having a protrusion, the pawl 30 presses against the protrusion.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 2, the inner peripheral surface 22 has a first focusing wheel running zone 32a, a second focusing wheel running zone 32b, a first side zone 34a, and a second side zone 34b. The first focusing wheel running zone 32a is located on the left side of the focusing wheel guide 18. The second focusing wheel running zone 32b is located on the right side of the focusing wheel guide 18. In other words, each focusing wheel running zone 32 is located on the outer side of the focusing wheel guide 18 in the width direction. The first side zone 34a is located on the left side of the first focusing wheel running zone 32a. The second side zone 34b is located on the right side of the second focusing wheel running zone 32b. In other words, each side zone 34 is located on the outer side of the focusing wheel running zone 32 in the width direction. Each focusing wheel running zone 32 extends in the circumferential direction. Each side zone 34 extends in the circumferential direction. As shown in FIG. 4, when the running device 2 travels, the outer peripheral surface 36 of the focusing wheel 8 abuts against the focusing wheel running zone 32.

[0017] The main portion 12 is formed from an elastic material. Rubber, synthetic resin, elastomer, etc. can be used for the main portion 12. A typical material for the main portion 12 is a cross-linked rubber composition.

[0018] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, a plurality of lugs 14 are arranged along the circumferential direction. These lugs 14 are arranged at equal intervals. Each lug 14 protrudes from the outer peripheral surface 24 of the main portion 12. As shown in Figure 4, each lug 14 has a first protrusion 14a and a second protrusion 14b. In this embodiment, the second protrusion 14b is spaced apart from the first protrusion 14a in the width direction. The material of the lugs 14 is different from the material of the main portion 12. The material of the lugs 14 may be the same as the material of the main portion 12.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , multiple cores 16 are arranged along the circumferential direction. These cores 16 are arranged at equal intervals. These cores 16 are alternately arranged with the multiple lugs 14 along the circumferential direction. Each core 16 is located between a lug 14 and its adjacent lug 14 in the circumferential direction. Each core 16 is located at the center in the width direction. As shown in FIG. 4 , this core 16 has a center 38, a pair of wings 40, and a pair of protrusions 42. Each wing 40 extends outward from the center 38 in the width direction. Each protrusion 42 protrudes inward from the center 38. The center 38, wings 40, and protrusions 42 are integrally formed. In this embodiment, the core 16 has a bilaterally symmetrical shape. The core 16 may also have an asymmetrical shape. The core 16 is made of a hard material. A typical material for the core 16 is a metal such as steel or stainless steel. The traveling device may have an elastic crawler that does not include the core metal 16.

[0020] As is clear from Fig. 4, the core 16 is embedded in the main portion 12. A part of the core 16 may be exposed from the main portion 12. In this specification, the term "embedded" includes the case where a part of the core 16 is exposed from the main portion 12.

[0021] As shown in Figures 1-3, a plurality of wheel guides 18 are arranged in the circumferential direction. These wheel guides 18 are arranged at equal intervals. Each wheel guide 18 is located at the center in the width direction. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, this wheel guide 18 protrudes from the inner peripheral surface 22 of the main portion 12. This wheel guide 18 has a pair of knobs 44. A protrusion 42 of the core 16 is embedded in each knob 44.

[0022] As shown in Figure 4, the tension member 20 has a plurality of cords 46. Each cord 46 extends in the circumferential direction. The cords 46 can restrain the main portion 12 from excessive stretching. A typical material for the cords 46 is a metal such as steel or stainless steel. The cords 46 may also be made of organic fibers.

[0023] Figure 5 shows a cross section along the circumferential direction of the elastic crawler 10 and passing through the wheel guide 18. The left-right direction in Figure 5 is the circumferential direction. The traveling device 2 moves leftward in Figure 5. In other words, the left side is the front side and the right side is the rear side. Figure 5 shows the top surface 48 of the knob 44 of the wheel guide 18. In this embodiment, the top surface 48 is flat. The top surface 48 may also be curved.

[0024] In FIG. 5, symbol S1 denotes a normal to the main portion 12 that passes through the leading end E1 of the lug 14, and symbol S2 denotes a normal to the main portion 12 that passes through the trailing end E2 of the lug 14. The leading end E1 is the leading intersection of the outer peripheral surface 24 of the main portion 12 and the surface of the lug 14, assuming that there is no rounding (filleting) at the boundary between the main portion 12 and the lug 14. The trailing end E2 is the trailing intersection of the outer peripheral surface 24 of the main portion 12 and the surface of the lug 14, assuming that there is no rounding (filleting) at the boundary between the main portion 12 and the lug 14. The zone between the normal S1 and the normal S2 located rearward thereof is the lug zone ZL. The lug 14 is located in the lug zone ZL in the circumferential direction. The lug 14 does not extend beyond the lug zone ZL. The arrow Ll denotes the circumferential length of the lug zone ZL.

[0025] In FIG. 5, symbol S3 denotes a normal to the main portion 12 that passes through the front end E3 of the focusing wheel guide 18, and symbol S4 denotes a normal to the main portion 12 that passes through the rear end E4 of the focusing wheel guide 18. The front end E3 is the front intersection of the inner circumferential surface 22 of the main portion 12 and the surface of the focusing wheel guide 18, assuming that there is no rounding (filleting) at the boundary between the main portion 12 and the focusing wheel guide 18. The rear end E4 is the rear intersection of the inner circumferential surface 22 of the main portion 12 and the surface of the focusing wheel guide 18, assuming that there is no rounding (filleting) at the boundary between the main portion 12 and the focusing wheel guide 18. The zone sandwiched between the normal S3 and the normal S4 located behind it is the guide zone ZG. In the circumferential direction, the focusing wheel guide 18 is located within the guide zone ZG. The focusing wheel guide 18 does not extend beyond the guide zone ZG. The arrow Lg indicates the circumferential length of the guide zone ZG.

[0026] In FIG. 5, the symbol ZT denotes the transition zone. The transition zone ZT is sandwiched between the lug zone ZL and the guide zone ZG. In FIG. 5, the symbol Lt denotes the circumferential length of the transition zone ZT. In the circumferential direction, the guide zone ZG does not overlap with the lug zone ZL. In other words, the circumferential position of the wheel guide 18 does not overlap with the circumferential position of the lug 14. Therefore, the length Lt is equal to or greater than zero.

[0027] Because lugs 14 are present in the lug zone ZL, the total thickness of the crawler 10 in this lug zone ZL is large. Therefore, the rigidity of the crawler 10 in this lug zone ZL is large. Because roller guides 18 are present in the guide zone ZG, the total thickness of the crawler 10 in this guide zone ZG is large. Therefore, the rigidity of the crawler 10 in this guide zone ZG is large. On the other hand, in the transition zone ZT, there are no lugs 14 and no roller guides 18. The thickness of the crawler 10 in the transition zone ZT is small. Therefore, the rigidity of the crawler 10 in this transition zone ZT is small.

[0028] When the traveling device 2 travels, a lug zone ZL, a transition zone ZT, a guide zone ZG, and a transition zone ZT appear sequentially on the main wheels 6. After the lug zone ZL appears, the transition zone ZT appears before the guide zone ZG. After the guide zone ZG appears, the transition zone ZT appears before the lug zone ZL. Because the rigidity of the transition zone ZT is low, when the crawler 10 is wound around the main wheels 6, the crawler 10 bends easily in this transition zone ZT. In this traveling device 2, loss of driving force is suppressed. Furthermore, this traveling device 2 has excellent fuel efficiency.

[0029] In this embodiment, the pattern of "lug zone ZL - transition zone ZT - guide zone ZG - transition zone ZT" is repeated along the circumferential direction. The crawler 10 may have the pattern of "lug zone ZL - transition zone ZT - guide zone ZG". The crawler 10 may have the pattern of "lug zone ZL - guide zone ZG - transition zone ZT".

[0030] In respect of flexibility, the ratio (Lt / (Ll+Lg)) is preferably equal to or greater than 0.01, more preferably equal to or greater than 0.02, and particularly preferably equal to or greater than 0.03. The ratio (Lt / (Ll+Lg)) is preferably equal to or less than 0.15.

[0031] In Figure 5, symbol S5 represents a normal to the main portion 12 that passes through the front end E5 of the core 16, and symbol S6 represents a normal to the main portion 12 that passes through the rear end E6 of the core 16. The zone sandwiched between the normals S5 and S6 is the core zone ZC. In the circumferential direction, the core 16 is located in the core zone ZC. The core 16 does not protrude from the core zone ZC.

[0032] 5, symbol S7 denotes a normal to the main portion 12 that passes through the front end E7 of the top surface 48, and symbol S8 denotes a normal to the main portion 12 that passes through the rear end E8 of the top surface 48. The zone sandwiched between the normals S7 and S8 is the top surface zone ZP. In the circumferential direction, the top surface 48 is located in the top surface zone ZP. The top surface 48 does not protrude from the top surface zone ZP.

[0033] 5, the entire top surface zone ZP is included in the core zone ZC in the circumferential direction. In other words, the entire circumferential position of the top surface 48 overlaps with the circumferential position of the core 16.

[0034] FIG. 6 shows a further enlarged view of the elastic crawler 10. As shown in FIG. 6, each knob 44 of the wheel guide 18 has a pair of slopes 50 along with the top surface 48. One slope 50 is located in front of the top surface 48. The other slope 50 is located behind the top surface 48. Each slope 50 extends from the top surface 48 toward the main portion 12. The slope 50 has a first surface 52 and a second surface 54. The first surface 52 is continuous with the top surface 48. The second surface 54 is continuous with the first surface 52 and extends toward the main portion 12. The symbol Pb in FIG. 6 indicates the boundary between the first surface 52 and the second surface 54. The slope 50 has two surfaces. The slope 50 may also be formed from a single surface.

[0035] In FIG. 6, symbol θ1 represents the angle of the first surface 52 relative to the normal direction of the main portion 12, and symbol θ2 represents the angle of the second surface 54 relative to the normal direction of the main portion 12. The angle θ2 is smaller than the angle θ1. This wheel guide 18 can achieve both sufficient volume near the top surface 48 and a small distance Lg of the guide zone ZG. This elastic crawler 10 is less likely to meander and is more likely to wrap around the main wheel 6. From this perspective, the difference (θ1 - θ2) is preferably 3° or greater, more preferably 8° or greater, and particularly preferably 10° or greater. The difference (θ1 - θ2) is preferably 30° or less.

[0036] In FIG. 6 , symbol Hg denotes the height of the wheel guide 18 from the main portion 12, and symbol Hb denotes the height of the boundary point Pb from the main portion 12. The ratio (Hb / Hg) of the height Hb to the height Hg is preferably 0.50 or more and 0.85 or less. A sufficient force can be transmitted from the drive wheel 6 to the elastic crawler 10 having a ratio (Hb / Hg) of 0.50 or more. Furthermore, this crawler 10 is less likely to meander. From these viewpoints, the ratio (Hb / Hg) is more preferably 0.55 or more, and particularly preferably 0.60 or more. A crawler 10 having a ratio (Hb / Hg) of 0.85 or less has excellent flexibility. Furthermore, in a crawler 10 having a ratio (Hb / Hg) of 0.85 or less, the claws 30 are more likely to come out of the recesses 28 immediately after passing the main wheel 6. From these viewpoints, the ratio (Hb / Hg) is more preferably 0.83 or less, and particularly preferably 0.80 or less.

[0037] The imaginary line S9 in FIG. 6 represents an imaginary plane having the same height as the height Hb of the boundary point Pb. The symbol Lb represents the length of the space sandwiched between the two wheel guides 18 on this imaginary plane S9. The symbol Lp represents the pitch of the wheel guides 18. The ratio (Lb / Lp) of the length Lb to the pitch Lp is preferably 0.45 or greater and 0.80 or less. A crawler 10 having a ratio (Lb / LP) of 0.45 or greater has excellent flexibility. From this perspective, the ratio (Lb / LP) is more preferably 0.50 or greater, and particularly preferably 0.60 or greater. A crawler 10 having a ratio (Lb / LP) of 0.80 or less can transmit sufficient force from the drive wheels 6. From this perspective, the ratio (Lb / LP) is more preferably 0.75 or less, and particularly preferably 0.70 or less.

[0038] The elastic crawler 10 is also shown in Figure 7. In Figure 7, symbol S5 represents a normal to the main portion 12 that passes through the front end E5 of the core metal 16, and symbol S6 represents a normal to the main portion 12 that passes through the rear end E6 of the core metal 16 (see also Figure 5). Symbol Pi represents the intersection of the normal line S5 or normal line S6 with the slope 50. As is clear from a comparison between Figures 6 and 7, the position of the intersection point Pi is different from the position of the boundary point Pb. The position of the intersection point Pi may also coincide with the position of the boundary point Pb.

[0039] In FIG. 7, the symbol Hi represents the height of the intersection point Pi from the main portion 12. The ratio (Hi / Hg) of the height Hi to the height Hg is preferably 0.50 or greater and 0.85 or less. A sufficient force can be transmitted from the drive wheels 6 to an elastic crawler 10 having a ratio (Hi / Hg) of 0.50 or greater. Furthermore, this crawler 10 is less likely to meander. From these perspectives, the ratio (Hi / Hg) is more preferably 0.55 or greater, and particularly preferably 0.60 or greater. A crawler 10 having a ratio (Hi / Hg) of 0.85 or less has excellent flexibility. Furthermore, in a crawler 10 having a ratio (Hi / Hg) of 0.85 or less, the claws 30 are more likely to come out of the recesses 28 immediately after passing the main wheels 6. From these perspectives, the ratio (Hi / Hg) is more preferably 0.83 or less, and particularly preferably 0.80 or less.

[0040] The imaginary line S10 in FIG. 7 represents an imaginary plane having the same height as the height Hi of the intersection point Pi. The symbol Li represents the length of the space sandwiched between the two roller guides 18 on this imaginary plane S10. The ratio (Li / Lp) of the length Li to the pitch Lp is preferably 0.45 or greater and 0.80 or less. A crawler 10 having a ratio (Li / LP) of 0.45 or greater has excellent flexibility. From this perspective, the ratio (Li / LP) is more preferably 0.50 or greater, and particularly preferably 0.60 or greater. A crawler 10 having a ratio (Li / LP) of 0.80 or less can transmit a sufficient force from the drive wheel 6. From this perspective, the ratio (Li / LP) is more preferably 0.75 or less, and particularly preferably 0.70 or less.

[0041] Figure 8 shows an elastic crawler 56 according to another embodiment. Similar to the crawler 10 shown in Figures 1-7, this crawler 56 has a main portion 58, a plurality of lugs 60, a plurality of cores 62, a plurality of roller guides 64, and a tension member (not shown). Figure 8 shows a cross section along the circumferential direction of the crawler 56 and passing through the roller guide 64. The left-right direction in Figure 8 is the circumferential direction. The traveling device moves leftward in Figure 8. In other words, the left side is the front side, and the right side is the rear side.

[0042] The wheel guide 64 has a top surface 66 and a pair of slopes 68. One slope 68 is located in front of the top surface 66. The other slope 68 is located behind the top surface 66. Each slope 68 extends from the top surface 66 toward the main portion 58. The slope 68 has a first surface 70 and a second surface 72. The first surface 70 is continuous with the top surface 66. The second surface 72 is continuous with the first surface 70 and extends toward the main portion 58. The reference symbol Pb in FIG. 6 indicates the boundary between the first surface 70 and the second surface 72. The second surface 72 is perpendicular to the main portion 58. In other words, the angle θ2 (see also FIG. 6) of the second surface 72 with respect to the normal to the main portion 58 is substantially 0°.

[0043] In Figure 8, symbol S1 denotes a normal to the main portion 58 that passes through the leading end E1 of the lug 60, and symbol S2 denotes a normal to the main portion 58 that passes through the trailing end E2 of the lug 60. The zone sandwiched between normal line S1 and normal line S2 located rearward thereof is the lug zone ZL. In the circumferential direction, the lug 60 is located within the lug zone ZL. The lug 60 does not extend beyond the lug zone ZL. The arrow Ll indicates the circumferential length of the lug zone ZL.

[0044] In Figure 8, symbol S3 represents a normal to the main portion 58 that passes through the front end E3 of the focusing wheel guide 64, and symbol S4 represents a normal to the main portion 58 that passes through the rear end E4 of the focusing wheel guide 64. The zone sandwiched between normal S3 and the normal S4 located behind it is the guide zone ZG. In the circumferential direction, the focusing wheel guide 64 is located in the guide zone ZG. The focusing wheel guide 64 does not extend beyond the guide zone ZG. The arrow Lg represents the circumferential length of the guide zone ZG. Since the angle θ2 of the second surface 72 is zero, the length Lg is small.

[0045] In FIG. 8, the symbol ZT represents the transition zone. The transition zone ZT is sandwiched between the lug zone ZL and the guide zone ZG. In this embodiment, the pattern of "lug zone ZL - transition zone ZT - guide zone ZG - transition zone ZT" is repeated along the circumferential direction. In FIG. 8, the symbol Lt represents the circumferential length of the transition zone ZT. In the circumferential direction, the guide zone ZG does not overlap with the lug zone ZL. In other words, the circumferential position of the wheel guide 64 does not overlap with the circumferential position of the lug 60. Therefore, the length Lt is equal to or greater than zero.

[0046] This transition zone ZT contributes to the flexibility of the elastic crawler 56. In this respect, the ratio (Lt / (Ll+Lg)) is preferably equal to or greater than 0.01, more preferably equal to or greater than 0.02, and particularly preferably equal to or greater than 0.03. The ratio (Lt / (Ll+Lg)) is preferably equal to or less than 0.15.

[0047] 8, the normal line S3 passes through the front end E5 of the core 62, and the normal line S4 passes through the rear end E6 of the core 62. In other words, the position of the circumferential end of the slope 68 and the position of the circumferential end of the core 62 coincide with each other.

[0048] The zone between the normals S3 and S4 is the guide zone ZG and the core zone ZC. The core 62 has extremely high rigidity, so the core zone ZC hardly bends. The top surface 66 and the slope 68 overlap with the core zone ZC in the circumferential direction. The top surface 66 and the slope 68 do not protrude from the core zone ZC. Therefore, the top surface 66 and the slope 68 hardly hinder the flexibility of zones other than the core zone ZC. The entire position of the wheel guide 64, including the chamfer at the boundary with the main portion 58, may overlap with the core zone ZC.

[0049] Figures 9 and 10 show an elastic crawler 74 according to yet another embodiment. Similar to the crawler 10 shown in Figures 1-7, this crawler 74 has a main portion 76, multiple lugs 78, multiple cores 80, multiple roller guides 82, and a tension member 83. Figure 9 shows a cross section along the circumferential direction of the crawler 74 and passing through the roller guide 82. The lugs 78 and cores 80 are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction. The lugs 78 and roller guides 82 are also arranged alternately in the circumferential direction.

[0050] As shown in Figure 10, each core metal 80 has a center 84, a pair of wings 86, and a pair of protrusions 88. Each wheel guide 82 has one knob 90. Two protrusions 88 are embedded in this knob 90. The space between the two protrusions 88 is filled with the material of the wheel guide 82 (usually cross-linked rubber).

[0051] As shown in Figure 9, this elastic crawler 74 has a lug zone ZL, a guide zone ZG, and a transition zone ZT. There are no lugs 78 and no roller guides 82 in the transition zone ZT. The rigidity of the crawler 74 in this transition zone ZT is low. This crawler 74 has excellent flexibility. Rubber or the like filling the gap between the two protrusions 88 tends to impede flexibility. The transition zone ZT is particularly effective for this crawler 74.

[0052] 11 and 12 show an elastic crawler 92 according to yet another embodiment. Similar to the crawler 10 shown in FIGS. 1-7, this crawler 92 has a main portion 94, a plurality of lugs 96, a plurality of roller guides 98, and a tension member 100. FIG. 11 shows a cross section along the circumferential direction of the crawler 92 and passing through the roller guide 98. The lugs 96 and the roller guides 98 are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction. This crawler 92 does not have a core metal. As shown in FIG. 12, each roller guide 98 has one knob 102.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 11, this elastic crawler 92 has a lug zone ZL, a guide zone ZG, and a transition zone ZT. There are no lugs 96 and no wheel guides 98 in the transition zone ZT. The rigidity of the crawler 92 in this transition zone ZT is low. This crawler 92 has excellent flexibility. A wheel guide 98 with only one knob 102 tends to hinder flexibility. The transition zone ZT is particularly effective for this crawler 92. [Example]

[0054] The effects of the elastic crawler according to the embodiment will be clarified below, but the scope of the disclosure in this specification should not be construed as being limited based on the description of this embodiment.

[0055] [Example 1] An elastic crawler was manufactured with the structure shown in Figure 1-7. This crawler had the following specifications: Pitch Lp: 90mm Lug zone length Ll: 44mm Guide zone length Lg: 44mm Length of transition zone Lt: 1mm Hb / Hg: 0.60 Hi / Hg:0.60 Lb / Lp:0.60 Li / Lp:0.60

[0056] [Examples 2-5 and Comparative Example 1] Elastic crawlers of Examples 2-5 and Comparative Example 1 were obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the sizes were as shown in Table 1 below.

[0057] [Flexibility] The elastic crawler was cut to obtain a test piece of a predetermined length. This test piece was bent to a predetermined radius of curvature, and the load required for this was measured. The reciprocal of this load is shown as an index in Table 1 below.

[0058] [Table 1]

[0059] As shown in Table 1, the elastic crawlers of each example have excellent flexibility. The evaluation results clearly show the superiority of these elastic crawlers.

[0060] [Disclosure items] Each of the following sections is a disclosure of a preferred embodiment.

[0061] [Item 1] An elastic crawler of a traveling device having rollers, The elastic crawler is A: a main portion formed from an elastic material and having an endless belt shape including an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface; B: A plurality of lugs each protruding from the outer peripheral surface and arranged along the circumferential direction; and C: A plurality of roller guides each protruding from the inner peripheral surface and arranged along the circumferential direction It is equipped with An elastic crawler, wherein the position of the wheel guide does not overlap the position of the lug in a cross section along the circumferential direction of the elastic crawler and passing through the wheel guide.

[0062] [Item 2] Item 2. The elastic crawler according to item 1, wherein the surface of the roller guide has a top surface and a slope located in front of or behind the top surface and extending from the top surface toward the main portion.

[0063] [Item 3] The elastic crawler is D: A plurality of core metals each embedded in the main portion and arranged along the circumferential direction It also has The core metals and the plurality of lugs are alternately arranged along the circumferential direction, 3. The elastic crawler according to item 2, wherein the entire position of the top surface overlaps the position of the core metal in the circumferential direction.

[0064] [Item 4] Item 4. An elastic crawler according to item 3, wherein the ratio (Hi / Hg) of the height Hi of the intersection point between the normal line of the main part passing through the circumferential end of the core and the slope to the height Hg of the roller guide is 0.50 or more and 0.85 or less.

[0065] [Item 5] 5. An elastic crawler according to item 3 or 4, wherein the ratio (Li / Lp) of the length Li of the space sandwiched between the two roller guides to the pitch Lp of these roller guides in an imaginary plane having the same height as the height Hi of the intersection point between the normal to the main part passing through the circumferential end of the core and the slope is 0.45 or more and 0.80 or less.

[0066] [Item 6] 6. The elastic crawler according to any one of items 3 to 5, wherein the position of a circumferential end of the slope coincides with the position of a circumferential end of the core metal.

[0067] [Item 7] 7. The elastic crawler according to any one of items 3 to 6, wherein the entire position of the roller guide overlaps the position of the core metal in the circumferential direction.

[0068] [Item 8] 8. The elastic crawler according to any one of items 2 to 7, wherein the slope has a first surface and a second surface, and the second surface is located between the first surface and the main portion.

[0069] [Item 9] Item 9. The elastic crawler according to item 8, wherein an angle θ2 of the second surface relative to the normal direction of the main portion is smaller than an angle θ1 of the first surface relative to the normal direction of the main portion.

[0070] [Item 10] 10. The elastic crawler according to item 9, wherein the angle θ2 is substantially 0°.

[0071] [Item 11] 11. The elastic crawler according to any one of items 8 to 10, wherein a ratio (Hb / Hg) of a height Hb of a boundary point between the first surface and the second surface to a height Hg of the roller guide is 0.50 or more and 0.85 or less.

[0072] [Item 12] 12. The elastic crawler according to any one of items 8 to 11, wherein the ratio (Lb / Lp) of the length Lb of the space sandwiched between the two roller guides to the pitch Lp of these roller guides in an imaginary plane having the same height as the height Hb of the boundary point between the first surface and the second surface is 0.45 or more and 0.80 or less.

[0073] [Item 13] 13. The elastic crawler according to any one of items 1 to 12, wherein the roller guide has a knob protruding from the inner peripheral surface, and the number of knobs on the roller guide is one. [Industrial Applicability]

[0074] The elastic crawler described above is suitable for various running devices, and is particularly suitable for tractors and combine harvesters. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 2. Running gear 10. Elastic crawler 12. Main part 14. Rug 16 Core 18···Roller guide 22...Inner surface 24...outer surface 28. Recess 42...protrusion 44···Knob 48...Top surface 50···Slope 52...Front page 54...Second side 56 Elastic Crawler 58...Main part 60... Rug 62 Core 64···Roller guide 66...Top surface 68···Slope 70...Front page 72...Second side 74 Elastic Crawler 76 Main part 78···Rag 80···Core wire 82 Roller guide 88...protrusion 90···Knob 92 Elastic Crawler 94...Main part 96···Rug 98···Roller guide 102···Knob

Claims

1. An elastic crawler of a traveling device having rollers, The elastic crawler is A: A main portion formed from an elastic material and having an endless belt shape including an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface; B: A plurality of lugs each protruding from the outer circumferential surface and arranged along the circumferential direction; and C: A plurality of roller guides each protruding from the inner peripheral surface and arranged along the circumferential direction It is equipped with the surface of the wheel guide has a top surface and a slope located on the front or rear side of the top surface and extending from the top surface toward the main portion, the slope has a first surface and a second surface, the second surface being located between the first surface and the main portion; an angle θ2 of the second surface with respect to a normal direction of the main portion is smaller than an angle θ1 of the first surface with respect to a normal direction of the main portion; the second surface is perpendicular to the main portion; An elastic crawler, wherein the position of the wheel guide does not overlap the position of the lug in a cross section along the circumferential direction of the elastic crawler and passing through the wheel guide.

2. The elastic crawler is D: A plurality of core metals each embedded in the main portion and arranged along the circumferential direction It also has The core metals and the plurality of lugs are alternately arranged along the circumferential direction, The elastic crawler according to claim 1 , wherein the top surface entirely overlaps the core metal in the circumferential direction.

3. 3. The elastic crawler of claim 2, wherein the ratio (Hi / Hg) of the height Hi of the intersection point between the normal to the main portion passing through the circumferential end of the core and the slope to the height Hg of the roller guide is 0.50 or more and 0.85 or less.

4. An elastic crawler as described in claim 2 or 3, wherein the ratio (Li / Lp) of the length Li of the space sandwiched between two roller guides to the pitch Lp of these roller guides in an imaginary plane having the same height as the height Hi of the intersection of the normal to the main part passing through the circumferential end of the core wire and the slope is 0.45 or more and 0.80 or less.

5. 5. The elastic crawler according to claim 2, wherein a circumferential end of the slope coincides with a circumferential end of the core metal.

6. 6. The elastic crawler according to claim 2, wherein the entire position of the roller guide overlaps the position of the core metal in the circumferential direction.

7. An elastic crawler as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the ratio (Hb / Hg) of the height Hb of the boundary point between the first surface and the second surface to the height Hg of the roller guide is 0.50 or more and 0.85 or less.

8. An elastic crawler as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the ratio (Lb / Lp) of the length Lb of the space sandwiched between two roller guides to the pitch Lp of these roller guides in an imaginary plane having the same height as the height Hb of the boundary point between the first surface and the second surface is 0.45 or more and 0.80 or less.

9. 9. The elastic crawler according to claim 1, wherein the wheel guide has a knob protruding from the inner peripheral surface, and the number of the knobs on the wheel guide is one.

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