Method for manufacturing a track chain link connecting element with bushings

Abstract

The invention relates to a track chain link connecting element with a bushing, a method for manufacturing same, a bushing construction and a track chain construction. A connecting element comprises a bracket-shaped element formed by bending the first and second ends of an elongate sheet metal blank around bushings. The bracket-shaped element has holes at the ends thereof, into which tongues of the bushings are inserted. The result is that of increasing the service life of a track chain, simplifying the processes of track chain manufacture and repair, and reducing the material content and weight of a track chain without reducing the service life thereof.

Description

METHOD OF MANUFACTURING A CONNECTING ELEMENT OF A TRACK LINK WITH INSERTS

[0001] The invention relates to transport engineering, primarily to wheeled vehicles, namely to articulated joints of links of flexible track chains intended for installation around the outer periphery of vehicle tires. More specifically, the invention relates, according to the indicative part of claim 1, to methods for manufacturing connecting elements of a track chain link. The invention also relates to a device for a connecting element of a track chain link, to the design of an insert used in the device of a connecting element, a track chain link including said connecting elements, as well as a track chain formed by several such links.

[0002] Track chains that can be installed around vehicle tires with the possibility of removal are known in several different designs. For example, a track chain is known, which is essentially the closest analogue of the claimed technical solutions, including tracks with side stops, hingedly fastened with connecting links [Patent RU 2530947 "Track chain link with two side support elements and a method for manufacturing a support element for such a track chain link", declared on 12.05.2010]. Tracks with side stops contain connecting elements, each of which is a metal strip with bent ends (bracket).

[0003] Such a track chain can be used to provide better traction between the vehicle wheels and the road surface, especially on wet, slippery or muddy ground. In logging, such track chains also help reduce rutting and thus reduce the negative impact on the forest environment. Severe operating conditions lead to gradual wear of the track chain elements, especially the connecting elements. This requires replacement of the track chain and / or its repair.

[0004] The clamps (connecting element) are a responsible part of the track chain, the wear of which directly affects the service life of the track. They are made of wear-resistant structural steels. A rectangular strip of sheet metal is used as a blank, which is bent at the ends. In order to increase the service life of the tracks, manufacturers increase the thickness of the strip used.

[0005] The contact patch of the bracket with the connecting link is predominantly subject to wear. Thus, manufacturing the connecting element (bracket) entirely from wear-resistant steel is not rational and leads to an increase in the weight of the final product and its material consumption. The increase in weight also contributes to an increase in fuel consumption and an increase in greenhouse gas emissions.

[0006] It should be noted that wear-resistant steels, from which strips for the production of connecting elements (brackets) are made, are poorly weldable and require preheating of the welded edges to 200-400°C during welding. This complicates both the production process and the repair process.

[0007] One of the ways to increase the service life of the connecting element (bracket) and the track as a whole is to thicken the places where the bracket contacts the connecting link. An example of this approach is the track chain distributed under the designation "BERG" [TRACK UHI HD, http: / kluch-td.ru / catalog / track-tire / track-tire2_1653.html]. The connecting element of such a track is made by casting. However, this complicates the manufacturing process and requires additional mechanical processing after casting the blank.

[0008] The objective of the invention is to develop a new method for manufacturing a connecting element of a track link and its more preferable design.

[0009] The technical result that the invention is aimed at achieving is:

[0010] - increasing the service life of the track chain by thickening the material of the connecting element of the track chain link at the point of contact with the connecting link by reliably fixing the inserts in the bends of the bracket-shaped element;

[0011] - ensuring simplification of the process of manufacturing and repairing the track chain due to the possibility of using well-welded steels for blanks from which the bracket-shaped element is formed, as well as simplification of the repair process due to the possibility of restoring the connecting element by replacing the worn insert;

[0012] - reduction of material consumption and weight of the track chain without reducing its service life due to thickening only the contact area of ​​the connecting element with the connecting link, as well as the possibility of using thinner blanks used to form a bracket-shaped element.

[0013] The technical result is achieved by developing a method for manufacturing a connecting element of a track chain link, which includes the following stages: providing an elongated blank made of sheet metal having a first and second end, forming a staple-shaped element by bending the first and second ends of the blank, wherein before forming the staple-shaped element, at least one first opening is made in the blank at its first end, and at least one second opening at the second end, and bending the first end of the blank is carried out around the first insert, previously placed with its shank at least in the first opening, and bending the second end of the blank is carried out around the second insert, previously placed with its shank at least in the second opening.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the invention, the technical result is also achieved by additionally pressing the surface of the staple-shaped element into the inserts in such a way that the surface of the upper part of the staple-shaped element facing the insert repeats at least partially the shape of the surface of the upper part of the insert, and the surface of the lower part of the staple-shaped element facing the insert repeats at least partially the shape of the surface of the lower part of the insert.

[0015] According to another variant, the technical result is achieved by pressing the surface of the staple-shaped element into the inserts simultaneously with bending the first and second ends of the workpiece.

[0016] According to another variant, the technical result is also ensured by heating the workpiece before forming the staple-shaped element.

[0017] The invention also relates to an insert intended for use in the above-described method for manufacturing a connecting element of a track link, made in the form of a main body and a tailpiece, wherein the main body has a concave surface on one side and a convex surface on the opposite side, wherein the tailpiece is located on the side of the convex surface.

[0018] According to a variant of the invention, the shank is made in the form of a single element protruding from the side of the convex surface. In other variants, the shank is made in the form of several elements protruding from the side of the convex surface.

[0019] According to another embodiment, the surface of the upper part and / or the surface of the lower part of the liner has at least one opening.

[0020] In addition, the liner can be made of wear-resistant material.

[0021] The invention also relates to the design of a connecting element of a track link manufactured according to the method described above, comprising a staple-shaped element formed by bending the first and second ends of an oblong blank made of sheet metal, wherein the staple-shaped element has at least a first and second opening at the edges, wherein the first opening contains the tail of the first insert, and the second opening contains the tail of the second insert, wherein the first end of said blank is bent around the first insert, and the second end of the blank is bent around the second insert.

[0022] The invention also relates to a track link structure configured to be connected to a plurality of track links to form a flexible track chain intended for installation around the outer periphery of vehicle tires, comprising a transverse member extending across the spanned surface of the tire, two lateral support elements and two connecting elements, wherein the lateral support elements are located at opposite ends of the transverse member and protrude from the same side thereof, and are spaced apart to ensure the possibility of placing the tire between them, wherein the connecting elements are made in the form of a bracket-shaped element formed by bending the first and second ends of an oblong blank made of sheet metal, wherein the bracket-shaped element has at least a first and second opening at the edges, wherein the first opening houses the shank of the first insert, and the second opening houses the shank of the second insert,wherein the first end of the said blank is bent around the first insert, and the second end of the blank is bent around the second insert.

[0023] The invention also relates to a track chain intended for installation around the outer periphery of vehicle tires, formed by means of several track chain links having the features defined in claim 11 of the invention formula and fastened in series to each other by connecting links.

[0024] The invention is explained in the drawings, where

[0025] - general view of a preferred embodiment of a connecting element of a track link;

[0026] - top view of the connecting element of the track link on;

[0027] - an insert according to a preferred embodiment of the invention (general view);

[0028] - insert (top view of the embodiment of the invention shown in).

[0029] - preferred version of a blank with holes for the manufacture of a connecting element of a track link (general view);

[0030] - track link assembly (liners and holes in bracket-shaped elements are not shown).

[0031] A method for manufacturing a connecting element of a track link according to an embodiment of the invention includes the steps of: providing a blank 1 of an elongated shape made of sheet metal (see), having a first 2 and a second 3 end, forming a staple-shaped element 4 by bending the first 2 and second 3 end of the blank 1 (see), wherein before forming the staple-shaped element 4 in the blank 1, at least one first opening 5 is made on its first end 2, and at least one second opening 6 (see) on its second end 3, and bending the first end 2 of the blank 1 is carried out around the first insert 7, previously placed with its shank 8 (see) at least in the first opening 5, and bending the second end 3 of the blank 1 is carried out around the second insert 9 (see), previously placed with its shank at least in the second opening 6.

[0032] In the preferred embodiment, the blank 1 has a rectangular shape, but can be made, for example, rectangular with rounded corners, oval or other known oblong shape. The blank 1 can be obtained from a sheet of metal or strip by laser or plasma cutting, on a punching die and other known methods.

[0033] Wear-resistant steel can be used as the material for blank 1, but in the preferred embodiment, it is advisable to use steel used for welded structures without the need for additional heat treatment, for example, steel 09G2S. This allows not only to reduce the cost of production of the finished product, but also ensures ease of assembly and future repair of the track links.

[0034] The holes 5 and 6 in the blank 1 (see) can be made using laser cutting, punching in a die, drilling or another known method. In the preferred embodiment, the shape of the holes 5 and 6 is rectangular, but can also be made in another shape, in particular round, square, oval or other. The number of holes at the ends of the blank 1 can be different (two or more), but in the preferred embodiment - one hole at each end. In the preferred embodiment, the holes 5 and 6 at the ends of the blank 1 are formed in the places of the future bend.

[0035] Inserts 7, 9 can be manufactured by forging, stamping, casting, powder metallurgy with subsequent hardening or any other known method.

[0036] When bending the ends of the workpiece 1, due to the deformation of the metal caused by the bend, the shank 8 of the insert 7 (similarly for the insert 9) is securely clamped and the insert is fixed in the place of future contact with the connecting link in the track chain. The workpiece 1 at the bending points repeats the convex surface 10 (see and) of the insert 7. The bending of ends 2 and 3 of the workpiece 1 can be carried out either sequentially (for example, first bend end 2, then 3), or simultaneously. This technological operation can be carried out, for example, using a hydraulic or crank press.

[0037] Additionally, welding of inserts 7, 9 and the bracket-shaped element 4 can be performed in order to increase the reliability of the track chain connecting element design. The weld can be formed both between the main body (e.g., 17) of the insert and the surface of the bracket-shaped element, and tack welded to the shanks (e.g., 8) of inserts 7, 9 in openings 22, 21.

[0038] The placement of inserts 7 and 9 in the contact areas with the connecting links in the track chain allows the use of thinner metal for the blank 1, reducing the overall material consumption and weight of the track chain without reducing its service life, and, consequently, during operation, fuel consumption and other interrelated effects will be reduced, in particular, a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and increased ease of transportation.

[0039] Inserts 7 and 9 increase the service life of the track chain by thickening the material at the point of contact of the connecting element with the connecting link, which is most susceptible to wear during vehicle movement.

[0040] In addition, the mentioned inserts allow to simplify the process of repair (restoration) of the track chain, which consists of removing the worn insert and installing a new one in its place.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the surface of the staple-shaped element 4 is additionally pressed into the inserts 8, 9 in such a way that the surface 11 of the upper part of the staple-shaped element 4 facing the insert 7 (see) at least partially repeats the shape of the surface 12 of the upper part of the insert 7 (see), and the surface 13 of the lower part of the staple-shaped element 4 facing the insert 7 (see) at least partially repeats the shape of the surface 14 of the lower part of the insert 7 (see or 4). In this case, indentations from below 15 and 16 (see) and from above 23 (the second recess is not shown in the figure) can be formed on the outer surface of the staple-shaped element 4. This operation allows for more reliable fixation of the inserts 7, 9 in the staple-shaped element 4.

[0042] The pressing operation can be carried out by pressing, stamping or any other known method of metal pressure processing.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, pressing the surface of the element 4 of a staple shape into the inserts is carried out simultaneously with bending the first 2 and second 3 ends of the blank 1, i.e. simultaneously with the formation of the element 4 of a staple shape. The operation can be implemented using a stamp or any other known method.

[0044] However, it is permissible to carry out pressing operations after forming the element 4 of a staple shape or alternately: first bending one end, then pressing on the said end, after which repeating in the same sequence on the opposite end of the workpiece 1.

[0045] In another embodiment of the invention, before forming the element 4 of the bracket shape, the blank 1 is heated. This will increase the plastic properties of the metal and reduce the resistance to deformation. In addition, heating the blank allows for an additional increase in the fixation force of the inserts 7, 9 in the element 4 of the bracket shape, since when cooling, the element 4 compresses the inserts due to thermal shrinkage.

[0046] In some embodiments of the invention, after forming the bracket-shaped element 4 with inserts 7, 9, the resulting structure is hardened, which helps to increase the wear resistance of the connecting element of the track chain link.

[0047] To implement the above-described embodiments of the method, an insert 7 is proposed, made in the form of a main body 17 (see) and a tail 8, wherein the main body 17 has a concave surface 18 on one side and a convex surface 10 on the opposite side, while the tail 8 is located on the side of the convex surface 10 (similarly for insert 9).

[0048] The insert can be manufactured by forging, stamping, precision casting, powder metallurgy followed by hardening, or any other known method. Hardening can be performed after stamping or forging to increase the wear resistance of the insert material.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the concave surface 18 and the convex surface 10 represent part of the lateral surface of the cylinder.

[0050] In the preferred embodiment, the shank 8 is made in the form of a single element protruding from the side of the convex surface 10, and, in essence, is a rectilinear element with a rectangular cross-section. However, the invention is not limited to this embodiment of the shank. For example, the shank 8 may have a different cross-section (round, square, trapezoidal, or other). In addition, the dimensions of the cross-section along the length of the shank may change, for example, increase or, conversely, narrow. The shape may also be curvilinear, for example, zigzag or arcuate, or rectilinear, or located at an angle to the axis of the insert.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the cross-section of the shank 8 corresponds to the shape of the holes 5 and / or 6 of the workpiece 1. The rectangular shape of the hole 5 or 6, as well as the execution of the shank 8 with a rectangular cross-section, wherein the largest axis of symmetry of the cross-section is oriented along the largest axis of symmetry of the workpiece 1, allows, when bending the ends of the workpiece 1, to best clamp the shank 8 in the hole 5 or 6 due to the deformation of the material.

[0052] In some embodiments of the invention, the insert 7 is made with a shank in the form of several elements protruding from the side of the convex surface 10 (similarly for the insert 9). In this case, it is advisable to make holes for each shank at the ends of the blank 1. However, in some embodiments of the invention, several elements of the shank can be placed in one hole of the blank. Due to this solution, after bending the ends of the blank 1 around the inserts 7 and 9, the shanks of the inserts are clamped not only due to the deformation of the shape of the holes 5 and 6 of the blank 1, but also additionally due to the residual elastic (unclamping) deformation of the shanks. During operation of the track chain, this allows to somewhat compensate for the weakening of the fixation of the liners in the bracket-shaped element due to metal fatigue.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the surface 12 of the upper part of the insert 7 and / or the surface 14 of the lower part of the insert have at least one recess 19 and 20, respectively (see and). Other embodiments of the invention involve the implementation of two or more recesses. The said recesses are intended to form a space that is filled with the material of the blank 1 during the pressing operation. Due to this, additional engagement is formed between the inserts 7, 9 and the bracket-shaped element 4, counteracting the displacement of the inserts at the point of contact of the connecting element of the track link with the surface of the connecting link.

[0054] In the preferred embodiment, the inserts are made of wear-resistant material, for example, 65G steel, which allows for an additional increase in the service life of the connecting element.

[0055] The invention also concerns a connecting element of a track link manufactured according to the method described above, comprising a staple-shaped element 4 formed by bending the first 2 and second 3 ends of a blank 1 of an elongated shape made of sheet metal, wherein the staple-shaped element 4 has at least a first 21 and a second 22 opening (see) along the edges, wherein the shank 8 of the first insert 7 is placed in the first opening 21, and the shank of the second insert 9 is placed in the second opening 22, wherein the first end 2 of the blank 1 is bent around the first insert 7, and the second end 3 of the blank 1 around the second insert 9. Inserts 7 and 9 are made according to the examples described above.

[0056] Using the above-described connecting element, a track link can be produced that is capable of being connected to a plurality of track links to form a flexible track intended for installation around the outer periphery of vehicle tires, comprising a transverse member 24 (see), extending across the covered surface of the tire, two lateral support elements 25, 26 and two connecting elements 27, 28, wherein the lateral support elements 25, 26 are located at opposite ends of the transverse element 34 and protrude from the same side thereof, and are spaced apart to ensure the possibility of placing the tire between them, wherein the connecting elements 27, 28 of such a link contain a staple-shaped element 4 formed by bending the first 2 and second 3 ends of a blank 1 of an elongated shape made of sheet metal, wherein the staple-shaped element 4 has at least a first 21 and a second 22 opening at the edges, wherein the first opening 21 contains the tail 8 of the first insert 7, and in the second opening 22 the tail of the second insert 9, wherein the first end 2 of the blank 1 is bent around the first insert 7, and the second end 3 of the blank 1 around the second insert 9.

[0057] And finally, by means of several track links described above, connected successively to each other by means of connecting links, a track chain can be formed, intended for installation around the outer periphery of the tires of vehicles.

[0058] The above-described track chain operates as follows. The track chain is installed around the outer periphery of the vehicle tires and is given the necessary tension. When the track chain goes around the vehicle wheels, the track chain links and connecting links rotate relative to each other. The surface of the connecting links rubs against the concave surfaces of the liners of the connecting elements of the track chain links. During operation, the liners wear out and are then replaced with new ones.

[0059] Thus, the disclosed technical solutions ensure: an increase in the service life of the track chain due to thickening the material of the connecting element of the track chain link at the point of contact with the connecting link; simplification of the track chain repair process due to the possibility of using well-welded steels to form connecting elements, as well as due to the possibility of restoring connecting elements by replacing worn out inserts; a decrease in the material consumption and weight of the track chain without reducing its service life due to thickening only the contact point of the connecting element with the connecting link, and the possibility of using comparatively thinner material for the production of blanks.

[0060] The invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described above. On the contrary, there are many modification possibilities that will be obvious to an average person skilled in the art without departing from the basic idea of ​​the technical solution described in the claims.

[0061] The invention can find application in the manufacture of track links intended for installation around the outer periphery of vehicle tires. Patent literature

[0062] RU 2530947 "Track link with two lateral support elements and a method for manufacturing a support element for such a track link", declared 12.05.2010. Non-patent literature

[0063] CATERPILLAR UHI HD, http: / kluch-td.ru / catalog / track-tire / track-tire2_1653.html

Claims

A method for manufacturing a connecting element of a track link, comprising the steps of: providing a blank of an elongated shape from sheet metal, having a first and second ends, forming a staple-shaped element by bending the first and second ends of the blank, characterized in that before forming the staple-shaped element in the blank, at least one first opening is made at its first end, and at least one second opening at its second end, and the bending of the first end of the blank is carried out around a first insert, previously placed with its shank at least in the first opening, and the bending of the second end of the blank is carried out around a second insert, previously placed with its shank at least in the second opening. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally involves pressing the surface of the staple-shaped element into the inserts in such a way that the surface of the upper part of the staple-shaped element facing the insert repeats at least partially the shape of the surface of the upper part of the insert, and the surface of the lower part of the staple-shaped element facing the insert repeats at least partially the shape of the surface of the lower part of the insert. The method according to paragraph 2, characterized in that the pressing of the surface of the staple-shaped element into the inserts is carried out simultaneously with the bending of the first and second ends of the workpiece. A method according to any of paragraphs 1-3, characterized in that before forming the staple-shaped element, the workpiece is heated. An insert intended for use in a method for manufacturing a connecting element of a track link according to any of paragraphs 1-4, made in the form of a main body and a tailpiece, wherein the main body has a concave surface on one side and a convex surface on the opposite side, while the tailpiece is located on the side of the convex surface. The insert according to item 5, characterized in that the shank is made in the form of a single element protruding from the side of the convex surface. The insert according to item 5, characterized in that the shank is made in the form of several elements protruding from the side of the convex surface. An insert according to any of paragraphs 5-7, characterized in that the surface of the upper part and / or the surface of the lower part of the insert has at least one opening. An insert according to any of paragraphs 5-8, characterized in that it is made of wear-resistant material. A connecting element of a track link manufactured according to any one of paragraphs 1-4, comprising a staple-shaped element formed by bending the first and second ends of an oblong blank made of sheet metal, characterized in that the staple-shaped element has at least a first and second opening at the edges, wherein the first opening contains the shank of the first insert, and the second opening contains the shank of the second insert, wherein the first end of said blank is bent around the first insert, and the second end of the blank is bent around the second insert. A track link capable of being connected to a plurality of track links to form a flexible track intended for installation around the outer periphery of vehicle tires, comprising a transverse member extending across the spanned surface of the tire, two lateral support members, and two connecting members, wherein the lateral support members are located at opposite ends of the transverse member and project from the same side thereof, and are spaced apart to allow placement of the tire between them, characterized in that the connecting members are made according to claim 10. A track chain intended for installation around the outer periphery of vehicle tires, characterized in that it is formed by means of several track chain links according to item 11, fastened in series to each other by means of connecting links.

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