Mining truck debris path using sealed joints

Abstract

The track chain assembly (126) includes a first track pad (200, 200a) including a first pair of lugs (232, 234) defining a gap (236) therebetween, and a second track pad (200, 200a) including a middle lug (230) disposed within the gap (236). The first pair of lugs (232, 234) and the middle lug (230) each define a concentric hole (206, 206a) that defines an axis of rotation (132) of the pinned joint (138) of the track chain assembly (126), with one concentric hole (206, 206a) of the first pair of lugs (232, 234) communicating with the gap (236) at a first blend (238) axially disposed between the gap (236) and the concentric hole.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to track pads used to support heavy equipment such as hydraulic mining shovels. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to such track pads that allow debris or other contaminants to migrate from seals used at pinned joints joining pairs of such track pads. [Background technology]

[0002] In various mining applications, track pads are subject to significant loads, requiring them to be robust. Furthermore, dirt, rocks, debris, and other contaminants can use such track pads to penetrate various components of the track chain. More specifically, track chains using such track pads may have pinned joints with seals to prevent unwanted loss of lubrication. Contaminants can penetrate these seals and eventually damage them or interfere with their function, causing lubrication to leak from the joints. Ultimately, a lack of lubrication can cause wear, binding, or other mechanical problems in the track chain, requiring track chain maintenance and machine downtime. This is undesirable because it negatively impacts the profitability of the economic endeavor using the machine.

[0003] Chinese Patent No. CN2702902Y discloses a track-driven machine including a track chain having two chain links forming a pinned joint. More specifically, a pin and a bushing with a seal are provided. The bushing has a chamfer at the axial end on the outer circumferential surface of the bushing. A similar chamfer is provided at the axial end on the inner circumferential surface of the bushing. The inner chamfer extends axially further than the outer chamfer. The purpose of these chamfers is to facilitate assembly of the pinned joint, provide a long service life, and reduce the amount of noise generated by the pinned joint as the track chain moves.

[0004] However, this prior art does not disclose a track pad or track chain that helps reduce the likelihood of contaminants entering the seal assemblies, etc., at the pinned joints of the track chain. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A track pad according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a shoe member including a ground-engaging surface, the shoe member defining a direction of track chain travel, a lateral direction perpendicular to the direction of track chain travel, and a vertical direction perpendicular to both the lateral direction and the direction of track chain travel. The shoe member may further define a first lateral end, a second lateral end, a forward end along the direction of track chain travel, and a rearward end along the direction of track chain travel, a lateral distance from the first lateral end to the second lateral end, and a width from the forward end to the rearward end along the direction of track chain travel that is less than the lateral distance. The first link member may extend upward from the shoe member, and the shoe member may include a first lug member extending from the first link member in a first direction parallel to the direction of track chain travel, and second and third lug members, both extending from the first link member in a second direction opposite the first direction and forming a first fork portion including a first laterally outer side, a second laterally outer side, a first laterally outer side, a second laterally outer side, a first laterally inner side, and a second laterally inner side. The second lug member defines a first opening extending laterally through the first laterally outer side and the first laterally inner side and forms a first intersection with the first laterally inner side including a first blend extending from the first laterally inner side to the first opening.

[0006] A track pad according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a shoe member including a ground-engaging surface, the shoe member defining 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 less than the lateral distance. A first link member may extend upward from the shoe member, the shoe member including a first upper rail surface (which may be flat, for example), a first lug member extending from the first link member in a first direction parallel to the track chain travel direction, and second and third lug members both extending from the first link member in a second direction opposite the first direction. The second and third lug members may be laterally opposed to one another and define a first pair of mutually facing chamfered surfaces.

[0007] A track chain assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first track pad including a first pair of lugs defining a gap therebetween, and a second track pad including an intermediate lug disposed within the gap. The first pair of lugs and the intermediate lug may each define a concentric hole defining an axis of rotation of the pinned joint of the track chain assembly, with the one concentric hole of the first pair of lugs communicating with the gap with a first blend axially disposed between the gap and the one concentric hole of the first pair of lugs. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

[0009] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 illustrates a machine in the form of a hydraulic mining shovel having an undercarriage that may use a track chain assembly having track pads configured in accordance with various embodiments disclosed herein. [Figure 2] 2 is a perspective view of the undercarriage, track chain assembly, and a portion of the track pad of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a track chain assembly including two track pads taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2, depicting a pinned joint that allows the track pads to rotate freely relative to each other along a debris path that allows contaminants to exit the seal assembly at the pinned joint, thereby allowing the track chain assembly to be flexible. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged detail view of a single example of the debris path of FIG. 3, showing the debris path more clearly. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of a single example of the track pad of FIG. 2 taken along line 5-5. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an enlarged detail view of the track pad of FIG. 2 showing a chamfer that may provide one boundary for the debris path of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts. In some instances, where a reference number is shown herein, the drawings will show the reference number followed by a letter, e.g., 100a, 100b. It should be understood that the use of a letter immediately following a reference number indicates that these features are similarly shaped and have similar functions, as is often the case when geometric shapes are mirrored about a plane of symmetry. For ease of description herein, letters are often not included herein but may be shown in the drawings to indicate duplication of features described within this written specification.

[0011] Although the arrangement is illustrated in connection with a hydraulic mining shovel, the arrangements disclosed herein have universal applicability in various other types of machines that typically use track systems rather than wheels. The term "machine" may refer to any machine that performs some type of operation associated with an industry, such as mining, earthmoving, construction, or any other industry known in the art. For example, the machine may be a shovel, wheel loader, cable shovel, dragline, or the like. Additionally, one or more implements may be connected to the machine. Such implements may be utilized for various operations, including, for example, lifting and loading. Among other uses, hydraulic mining shovels can be used in various surface mining applications to load overburden and ore onto haul trucks during the mining process.

[0012] 1 , a machine 100 that may use a track pad configured in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure can be seen. Machine 100 may include a body 104 having a cab 106 for accommodating a machine operator. The machine also includes a boom system 108 pivotally connected at one end to body 104 and supporting an implement 110 at an opposing distal end. In embodiments, implement 110 may be any suitable implement, such as a bucket, clamshell, blade, or any other type of suitable device. A control system may be housed within cab 106, which may be adapted to enable a machine operator to operate and interface with implement 110 for mining, excavation, or any other suitable application.

[0013] Body 104 may be supported on a main frame 112 that is supported on an undercarriage structure 114. Undercarriage structure 114 includes a support structure 118 that supports a track system 102 utilized for movement of machine 100. Track system 102 may include first and second track roller frame assemblies 116 spaced from and adjacent respective first and second sides of undercarriage structure 114. It will be understood that only one of track roller frame assemblies 116 is visible in FIG. 1 .

[0014] Each track roller frame assembly 116 carries an idler wheel 120, a drive sprocket wheel 122, and a plurality of track guide rollers 124. The drive sprocket wheels 122 are powered in the forward and reverse directions by the machine 100 (via a motor, such as an internal combustion engine). A looped 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 as track chain members. The track guide rollers 124 guide the track pads 200 as the track chain assembly 126 is driven by the drive sprocket wheels 122.

[0015] 2 shows a portion of track chain assembly 126, including two pads 200 pivotally connected to one another. Also shown is track roller 124 riding on rail surfaces 202, 202a of track pad 200. Thus, the weight of machine 100 is transferred from track roller 124 through track pad 200 through undercarriage structure 114 (see FIG. 1), which transfers the load to the ground through its ground-engaging surface 204. Through slots 136 extend along track chain travel direction 210 and allow track roller guide ridges 134 to pass unimpeded from one track pad to the next, while providing lateral guidance for track chain assembly 126.

[0016] 3 illustrates the pinned pivot connection of track pads 200 to adjacent track pads 200, which may be similarly or identically configured to one another to form track chain assembly 126. Pins 152 (which may be part of cartridge pin assemblies 128, for example) are shown positioned within holes 206 in lug members of link members of track pads 200 (which will be discussed in more detail shortly), allowing one track pad 200 to pivot relative to the other. Also shown is pin retaining bolt assembly 130, which helps prevent cartridge pin assembly 128 from "walking" laterally out of the hole.

[0017] 3 and 4, the track chain assembly 126 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be further characterized as follows: The track chain assembly 126 may include a first track pad 200 including a first pair of lugs (hereinafter referred to herein as second lug 232 and third lug member 234) defining a gap 236 laterally between the second and third lugs. A second track pad 200a may also be provided including an intermediate lug (hereinafter referred to herein as first lug 230) disposed within the gap 236. The first lug pair and the intermediate lug each define a concentric hole (e.g., see 206, 206a, 206b) that defines the rotation axis 132 of the pinned joint 138 of the track chain assembly 126, and one concentric hole (e.g., 206) of the first lug pair communicates with gap 236 at a first blend 238 axially disposed between gap 236 and one concentric hole 206 of the first lug pair of lugs.

[0018] As used herein, "blend" means any transition surface that connects two adjacent surfaces, and may include arcuate surfaces (e.g., radius, ellipse, polynomial spline, etc.), or chamfers (e.g., conical surfaces), etc.

[0019] Similarly, the other concentric hole 206a of the first lug pair may communicate with gap 236 at a second blend 238a axially disposed between gap 236 and the other concentric hole 206a of the first lug pair.

[0020] More specifically, first blend 238 can take the form of a first internal chamfer 240 (so named because it faces laterally toward gap 236), and second blend 238a can take the form of a second internal chamfer 240a. This may not be the case in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] Each of the concentric holes 206, 206a, 206b may, but need not, define the same diameter D206 (i.e., within 0.005 inches of each other). If so, the track chain assembly 126 may further include a cartridge pin assembly 128 disposed within each concentric hole 206, 206a, 206b to help provide a pivoting function for the pinned joint 138.

[0022] To that end, cartridge pin assembly 128 may include a bushing 140 defining a first bushing chamfer 142 at one of its lateral ends and a second bushing chamfer 142a at the other of its lateral ends that communicates with gap 236. First bushing chamfer 142 may be parallel to first internal chamfer 240, and second bushing chamfer 142a may be parallel to second internal chamfer 240. In such a case, these chamfers may be symmetrical with respect to one another about a midplane disposed laterally therebetween. This may not be the case in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] 4, a funnel angle 266 may be formed between the first bushing chamfer 142 and the first internal chamfer 240 that diverges toward the gap 236 to help direct contaminants away from the seal assembly 150. A similar arrangement may exist for the second bushing chamfer 142a and the second internal chamfer 142a. This funnel angle 266 may be 10 degrees or greater. As shown, this angle may range from 15.0 degrees to 25.0 degrees (e.g., 20.0 degrees).

[0024] More specifically, the first bushing chamfer 142 is a first internal chamfer 240 The second internal chamfer 146a may be spaced a minimum distance 144 (see FIG. 4) from the first internal chamfer 146a to form a first debris path 146. 240a and second bushing chamfer 142a (see FIG. 3). These paths may allow dirt, debris, or other contaminants to exit the pinned joint seal.

[0025] 4, cartridge pin assembly 128 can define a seal-receiving cavity 148 in communication with one of the concentric holes (see, e.g., 206) and first debris passageway 146. Seal assembly 150 can be disposed therein.

[0026] 3 and 4, the ratio of the same diameter D206 of each concentric hole to the minimum distance 144 can range from 15.0 to 30.0 (e.g., 18.0 to 22.0) in some embodiments of the present disclosure. In such cases, the minimum distance 144 can range from 3.0 mm to 7.0 mm (e.g., 5.0 mm). Other ratios and dimensions are possible in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] As best seen in FIG. 3, one of the first pair of lugs (see, e.g., 234) may include a shoulder stop surface 242, and the cartridge pin assembly 128 may be disposed axially adjacent to (e.g., adjacent to) the shoulder stop surface 242.

[0028] Other components of the cartridge pin assembly 128 include a pin 152 or shaft, a first end collar 154 attached to the pin, a second end collar 156 attached to the pin, a first bearing 158 disposed radially and axially between the bushing 140, the pin 152 and the first end collar 154, and a second bearing 158a disposed radially and axially between the bushing 140, the pin 152, and the second end collar 156.

[0029] The bearings may help prevent the seal assembly 150 from being crushed by axial loads (which is why they may also be called thrust bearings), while the bushings provide a lubricated gap 160 to facilitate rotation of the bushing, and therefore of one track pad 200 and the other track pad 200a, relative to the pin and end collar.

[0030] Details of various embodiments of track pads that may be used, such as for building and / or repairing track chain assemblies, are described in detail below with reference to FIGS.

[0031] Such a track pad 200 may include a ground-engaging surface 204 and a shoe member 208 defining a track chain direction of travel 210, a lateral direction 212 perpendicular to the track chain direction of travel 210, and a vertical direction 214 perpendicular to both the lateral direction 212 and the track chain direction of travel 210. The shoe member 208 further defines a first lateral end 216, a second lateral end 218, a forward end 220 along the track chain direction of travel 210, and a rearward end 222 along the track chain direction of travel 210. A lateral distance 224 may be measured from the first lateral end 216 to the second lateral end 218 (see FIG. 5), and a width 226, which is less than the lateral distance 224, may also be measured from the forward end 220 to the rearward end 222 along the track chain direction of travel 210 (see FIG. 2).

[0032] 2, a first link member 228 may extend upwardly from the shoe member 208, the shoe member including a first lug member 230 extending from the first link member 228 in a first direction parallel to the track chain travel 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 the first direction, and forming a first fork portion 244.

[0033] 3-6, the fork portion may include a first laterally outer side surface 246, a second laterally outer side surface 248, a first laterally inner side surface 250, and a second laterally inner side surface 252. The second lug member 232 defines a first opening (see, e.g., 206) extending laterally through the first laterally outer side surface 246 and the first laterally inner side surface 250 and forms a first intersection with the first laterally inner side surface 250 that includes a first blend 238 extending from the first laterally inner side surface 250 to the first opening.

[0034] The third lug member 234 may define a third opening (see, e.g., 206b) extending from the second laterally inner surface 252 toward the second laterally outer surface 248 and forms a second intersection with the second laterally inner surface 252 including a second blend (see, e.g., 238a) extending from the second laterally inner surface 252 to the third opening.

[0035] As previously described herein, the first blend and the second blend may take the form of a plurality of chamfers (see, e.g., 240, 240a). At least one of the plurality of chamfers may define an acute angle 256 with a lateral direction 212 ranging from 30.0 degrees to 60.0 degrees (e.g., 45.0 degrees; see FIG. 4) in some embodiments of the present disclosure. This angle range may vary in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0036] Additionally, the first opening may define a first diameter (see, e.g., D206 in FIG. 6 ), and the first blend may define a first lateral chamfer distance 258. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the ratio of the first diameter to the first lateral chamfer distance may be in the range of 15.0 to 30.0. In such cases, the first lateral chamfer distance 258 may be in the range of 3.0 mm to 7.0 mm (e.g., 5.0 mm). This may not be the case in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] 3, the third lug member 234 may define a first inner shoulder surface (see, e.g., 242) and a third opening (see, e.g., 206a) may extend laterally relative to the first inner shoulder surface, while the first reduced diameter opening 262 may extend laterally from the second laterally outer surface 248 to the third opening. The reduced diameter opening may be used to eject a cartridge pin assembly when repair is necessary.

[0038] A track pad 200 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may also be described as follows with reference to Figures 2 to 6. A first link member 228 may extend upward from the shoe member 208, which includes the first upper rail surface 202.

[0039] The second and third lug members 232, 234 may laterally oppose one another and define a first pair of chamfered surfaces (see, eg, 240, 240a) facing one another.

[0040] Additionally, each of the first and second pairs of chamfered surfaces may form an acute angle 256 with a lateral direction 212 in the range of 30.0 degrees to 60.0 degrees, as previously described herein.

[0041] In such a case, at least one of the plurality of holes defines a first diameter (e.g., D206) and at least one of the first pair of chamfered surfaces defines a first radial chamfer distance 264. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the ratio of the first diameter to the first radial chamfer distance may be in the range of 15.0 to 30.0 (e.g., 18.0 to 22.0). If present, the first radial chamfer distance 264 may be in the range of 3.0 mm to 7.0 mm (e.g., 5.0 mm).

[0042] The track pad may be a unitary body as shown, or may be an assembly of different parts. In many cases, the shoe member and the first rail member, as well as the second rail member, are essentially made of a metallic material such as cast iron, steel, gray cast iron, or the like.

[0043] Any of the foregoing features and their associated dimensions and / or ratios may be varied in other embodiments of the present disclosure differently from those shown or mentioned herein. [Industrial Applicability]

[0044] In practice, the track chain assembly, track pad, or portions thereof may be sold, manufactured, purchased, etc., and installed on a machine in an aftermarket or original equipment scenario in accordance with any of the embodiments discussed herein. That is, the machine may be sold with the track chain assembly, track pad, and / or portions thereof in accordance with the embodiments described herein, or the machine may be modified, repaired, or restored to use any of the embodiments discussed herein. The 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.

[0045] As can be seen, various embodiments of the track pads disclosed herein may reduce the likelihood of contaminants fouling the seal assembly and / or cartridge pin assembly by providing a debris path for the evacuation of such contaminants away from the seal assembly, which may increase the useful life of a track chain assembly using such track pads before maintenance is required, thereby increasing the return on the economic endeavor of using the track pads.

[0046] As used herein, the articles "a" and "an" are intended to include one or more items and may be used interchangeably with "one or more." Where only one item is intended, "one" or similar language is used. Also, as used herein, the terms "has," "have," "having," "with," or similar terms are intended to be open-ended. Furthermore, the phrase "based on" is intended to mean "based at least in part on," unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0047] 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 from consideration of the specification and practice of the various embodiments disclosed herein. For example, some devices may have a different structure and function than those described herein, and certain steps of any method may be omitted, performed in a different order than specifically mentioned, or sometimes performed simultaneously or in sub-steps. Furthermore, variations or modifications to specific aspects or features of the various embodiments may be made to create further embodiments, and features and aspects of the various embodiments may be added to or substituted for other features or aspects of other embodiments to provide still further embodiments.

[0048] Therefore, it is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims and equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A track pad (200, 200a), a shoe member (208) including a ground-engaging surface (204) and defining a track chain direction of travel (210), a lateral direction (212) perpendicular to the track chain direction of travel (210), and a vertical direction (214) perpendicular to both the lateral direction (212) and the track chain direction of travel (210), the shoe member (208) further defining a first lateral end (216), a second lateral end (218), a forward end (220) along the track chain direction of travel (210), a rearward end (222) along the track chain direction of travel (210), a lateral distance (224) from the first lateral end (216) to the second lateral end (218), and a width (226) from the forward end (220) to the rearward end (222) along the track chain direction of travel (210) that is less than the lateral distance (224); a first link member (228) extending upward from the shoe member (208), the shoe member includes a first link member including a first lug member (230) extending from the first link member (228) in a first direction parallel to the track chain travel 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 and forming a first fork portion (244) including a first lateral outer side surface (246), a second lateral outer side surface (248), a first lateral inner side surface (250), and a second lateral inner side surface (252); the second lug member (232) defines a first opening (206) extending laterally through the first laterally outer side surface (246) and the first laterally inner side surface (250), forming a first intersection with the first laterally inner side surface (250) including a first blend (238) extending from the first laterally inner side surface (250) to the first opening (206); the third lug member (234) defines a third opening (206a) extending from the second laterally inner side surface (252) toward the second laterally outer side surface (248) and forms a second intersection with the second laterally inner side surface (252) including a second blend (238a) extending from the second laterally inner side surface (252) to the third opening (206a); the first blend (238) and the second blend (238a) are a plurality of chamfers (240, 240a); At least one of the plurality of chamfers (240, 240a) defines an angle (256) with the lateral direction (212) in the range of 30.0 degrees to 60.0 degrees.

2. The track pad (200, 200a) of claim 1, wherein the angle is 45.0 degrees.

3. 2. The track pad (200, 200a) of claim 1, wherein the first opening (206) defines a first diameter (D206), the first blend (238) defines a first lateral chamfer distance (258), and a ratio of the first diameter (D206) to the first lateral chamfer distance (258) is in a range of 15.0 to 30.

0.

4. The track pad (200, 200a) of claim 3, wherein the ratio is in the range of 18.0 to 22.

0.

5. 4. The track pad of claim 3, wherein the first lateral chamfer distance is in the range of 3.0 mm to 7.0 mm, the third lug member defines a first inner shoulder surface, the third opening extends laterally to the first inner shoulder surface, and a first reduced diameter opening extends laterally from the second lateral outer side to the third opening.

6. A track pad (200, 200a), a shoe member (208) including a ground-engaging surface (204) and defining a track chain direction of travel (210), a lateral direction (212) perpendicular to the track chain direction of travel (210), and a vertical direction (214) perpendicular to both the lateral direction (212) and the track chain direction of travel (210), the shoe member (208) further defining a first lateral end (216), a second lateral end (218), a forward end (220) along the track chain direction of travel (210), a rearward end (222) along the track chain direction of travel (210), a lateral distance (224) from the first lateral end (216) to the second lateral end (218), and a width (226) from the forward end (220) to the rearward end (222) along the track chain direction of travel (210) that is less than the lateral distance (224); a first link member (228) extending upward from the shoe member (208), The shoe member includes a first upper rail surface (202); a first link member including a first lug member (230) extending from said first link member (228) in a first direction parallel to said track chain travel direction (210), and a second lug member (232) and a third lug member (234) both extending from said first link member (228) in a second direction opposite to said first direction; the second and third lug members (232, 234) define a first pair of laterally opposed and facing chamfered surfaces (240, 240a); At least one of the first pair of chamfered surfaces (240, 240a) defines an angle (256) with the lateral direction (212) in the range of 30.0 degrees to 60.0 degrees.

7. 7. The track pad of claim 6, wherein the second lug member and the third lug member define a plurality of concentric holes, at least one of the plurality of concentric holes communicating with at least one of a second pair of chamfered surfaces, at least one of the plurality of holes defining a first diameter, at least one of the first pair of chamfered surfaces defining a first radial chamfer distance, and a ratio of the first diameter to the first radial chamfer distance ranging from 15.0 to 30.0.

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