Track link and monitoring system

Abstract

A track link is provided with a track link body, a sensor unit, and a communication device. The track link body includes a shoe mounting surface, a tread surface, and an internal space. A shoe plate is mounted to the shoe mounting surface. The tread surface is on the opposite side from the shoe mounting surface. The internal space extends from a first opening formed in the shoe mounting surface toward the tread surface. The sensor unit is disposed in the internal space and generates wear data indicating the amount of wear of the tread surface. The communication device is disposed in the internal space and transmits the wear data.

Description

Track link and monitoring system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a track link and a monitoring system.

[0002] Some working machines such as bulldozers or excavators include a crawler-type traveling device. For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, the crawler-type traveling device includes a crawler belt, an idler, a road wheel, and a sprocket. The crawler belt is wound around the idler, the road wheel, and the sprocket, and the crawler belt is driven by the rotation of the sprocket.

[0003] The crawler belt includes a plurality of track shoes, a plurality of track links connecting each track shoe, and a track pin assembly connecting adjacent track links to each other. In Patent Document 1, a sensing device for detecting wear of the track link is provided.

[0004] U.S. Patent No. 9475526

[0005] It takes time and effort for an operator to measure the wear amount of a track link using a measuring instrument. Therefore, there is a need for a system that can detect the wear amount of a track link without requiring the operator to perform measurement using a measuring instrument.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a monitoring system and a track link that can detect changes in wear amount.

[0007] A track link according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a track link main body, a sensor unit, and a communication device. The track link main body includes a shoe mounting surface, a tread surface, and an internal space. A shoe plate is mounted to the shoe mounting surface. The tread surface is a surface opposite to the shoe mounting surface. The internal space extends from a first opening formed in the shoe mounting surface toward the tread surface. The sensor unit is disposed in the internal space and generates wear data indicating the wear amount of the tread surface. The communication device is disposed in the internal space and transmits the wear data.

[0008] A monitoring system according to another aspect of the present disclosure comprises a track link and a controller. The track link has a track link body, a sensor unit, and a communication device. The track link body includes a shoe mounting surface, a tread surface, and an internal space. The shoe mounting surface is to which the shoe plate is attached. The tread surface is the surface opposite to the shoe mounting surface. The internal space extends from a first opening formed in the shoe mounting surface toward the tread surface. The sensor unit is located in the internal space and generates wear data indicating the amount of wear on the tread surface. The controller receives the wear data and generates wear information indicating the amount of wear on the tread surface based on the wear data.

[0009] According to this disclosure, a monitoring system and track link capable of detecting changes in wear can be provided.

[0010] This is a side view of the work machine. This is a perspective view showing part of the track. This is a perspective view showing the shoe plate and part of the track link assembly. This is a side view of the track assembly. This is a perspective view showing part of the track link assembly. This is a perspective cross-sectional view between AA in Figure 5. This is a cross-sectional view between BB in Figure 5. This is a cross-sectional view between CC in Figure 5. This is a cross-sectional view of Figure 6 viewed along arrow D. This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the sensor assembly. This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the monitoring system. This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the monitoring system according to another embodiment.

[0011] The following description of an embodiment of a work machine will be made with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a side view of the work machine 1. The work machine 1 is, for example, a bulldozer. Alternatively, the work machine 1 may be another machine such as a shovel. As shown in Figure 1, the work machine 1 comprises a vehicle body 2, a work implement 3, and a tracked running gear 4. The work implement 3 is operably attached to the vehicle body 2. The vehicle body 2 is supported by the tracked running gear 4. In the following description, "right" and "left" refer to directions based on the view from the driver's seat looking forward. "Vehicle width direction" and "left-right direction" are synonymous.

[0012] The tracked running gear 4 includes a track frame 5, a sprocket 6, an idler 7, an upper road wheel 8, a lower road wheel 9, and a track 10, each positioned on the left and right sides. On both the left and right sides, the track frame 5 rotatably supports the sprocket 6, idler 7, upper road wheel 8, and lower road wheel 9. The track 10 is wrapped around the sprocket 6, idler 7, upper road wheel 8, and lower road wheel 9. The track 10 meshes with the sprocket 6, and the rotation of the sprocket 6 drives the track 10.

[0013] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a part of the track 10. Figure 2 shows, for example, the left track 10. Since the left and right tracks 10 have similar configurations, the left track 10 will be used as an example for explanation. As shown in Figure 2, the track 10 includes a plurality of shoe plates 11 and a track link assembly 12. The track link assembly 12 is fixed to each of the plurality of shoe plates 11. In this way, the plurality of shoe plates are connected to each other.

[0014] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the shoe plate 11 and a portion of the track link assembly 12. In Figure 3, a portion of the track link assembly 12 is shown in cross-section. Figure 4 is a side view showing a portion of the track 10. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the track link assembly 12 includes a plurality of pairs of track links 13, 14, a plurality of track bushings 15, and a plurality of track pins 16. Also, as shown in Figure 2, the track link assembly 12 includes a track link 13A. Track link 13A is positioned as one of the plurality of track links 13 and is connected to the adjacent track links 13. As will be described in more detail later, unlike the other track links 13, track link 13A includes a wear detection sensor assembly 42.

[0015] In the following description, the direction perpendicular to the surface of the shoe plate 11 to which the track link assembly 12 is fixed is defined as the vertical direction. In the vertical direction, the direction in which the track link assembly 12 is positioned relative to the shoe plate 11 is defined as upward, and the opposite direction is defined as downward. Also in the following description, the axial direction means the axial direction of the track bush 15. The axial direction of the track bush 15 is oriented in the left-right direction of the tracked running gear 4.

[0016] As shown in Figure 2, a pair of track links 13 and 14 are each fixed to the shoe plate 11. Track link 13 is located to the left of track link 14. The pair of track links 13 and 14 are fixed to the shoe plate 11 by, for example, bolts 17. The pair of track links 13 and 14 include a first track link 13 and a second track link 14. The first track link 13 and the second track link 14 are positioned axially apart from each other.

[0017] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first track link 13 includes a first inner link portion 21 and a first outer link portion 22. Although Figure 3 shows the first track link 13A, the configuration of the first inner link portion 21 and the first outer link portion 22 of the first track link 13 is the same as that of the first track link 13A, so we will explain using Figure 3. As shown in Figure 3, the first inner link portion 21 includes a first inner link hole 23. The first inner link hole 23 extends axially through the first inner link portion 21. The first outer link portion 22 includes a first outer link hole 24. The first outer link hole 24 extends axially through the first outer link portion 22.

[0018] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the first track link 13 includes a first fixing portion 25. The first fixing portion 25 is fixed to the shoe plate 11. The first fixing portion 25 connects the first inner link portion 21 and the first outer link portion 22. The first fixing portion 25 includes two communication holes 26 and 27. The two communication holes 26 and 27 are formed to penetrate the first fixing portion 25 in the left-right direction. In a side view, the first inner link portion 21, communication hole 26, communication hole 27, and first outer link portion 22 are arranged in that order.

[0019] As shown in Figure 4, the first track link 13 includes a shoe mounting surface 28 and a tread surface 29. The shoe plate 11 is attached to the shoe mounting surface 28. The shoe plate 11 is in contact with the shoe mounting surface 28. The shoe mounting surface 28 is the lower surface of the first track link 13. The tread surface 29 is the surface opposite to the shoe mounting surface 28. The tread surface 29 is the upper surface of the first track link 13. The tread surface 29 is in contact with the idler 7, the upper wheel 8, and the lower wheel 9.

[0020] The first track link 13 and the shoe plate 11 are fastened together by two sets of bolts 17 and nuts 18. In one set, the bolt 17 passes through the shoe plate 11 from below and through the first fixing part 25 vertically from the shoe mounting surface 28 to the communication hole 26. The nut 18 is positioned in the communication hole 26 and engages with the thread shape around the bolt 17. In the other set, the bolt 17 passes through the shoe plate 11 from below and through the first fixing part 25 vertically from the shoe mounting surface 28 to the communication hole 27. The nut 18 is positioned in the communication hole 27 and engages with the thread shape around the bolt 17.

[0021] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the second track link 14 has a shape symmetrical to the first track link 13. The second track link 14 includes a second inner link portion 31 and a second outer link portion 32. As shown in Figure 3, the second inner link portion 31 includes a second inner link hole 33. The second outer link portion 32 includes a second outer link hole 34. The configuration of the second inner link portion 31 and the second outer link portion 32 is the same as that of the first inner link portion 21 and the first outer link portion 22 described above.

[0022] The first inner link portion 21 is positioned inside the first outer link portion 22 of an adjacent pair of track links 13 and 14. The second inner link portion 31 is positioned inside the second outer link portion 32 of an adjacent pair of track links 13 and 14.

[0023] The second track link 14 includes a second fixing portion 35. The second fixing portion 35 of the second track link 14 has the same configuration as the first fixing portion 25 of the first track link 13 and includes communication holes 36 and 37. The shoe mounting surface 38 and tread surface 39 of the second track link 14 have the same configuration as the shoe mounting surface 28 and tread surface 29 of the first track link 13. The second track link 14 is attached to the shoe plate 11 by bolts 17 and nuts 18, similar to the first track link 13.

[0024] As shown in Figure 3, the track bush 15 is fixed to the first inner link portion 21 and the second inner link portion 31. For example, the track bush 15 is press-fitted into the first inner link hole 23 and the second inner link hole 33. The track bush 15 includes a hole 15a that extends in the axial direction. The hole 15a of the track bush 15 extends linearly in the left-right direction.

[0025] As shown in Figure 3, the track pin 16 is fixed to the first outer link portion 22 and the second outer link portion 32. For example, the track pin 16 is press-fitted into the first outer link hole 24 and the second outer link hole 34. The track pin 16 is positioned through the hole 15a of the track bush 15, which is fixed to an adjacent pair of track links 13 and 14.

[0026] Next, the first track link 13A will be described. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a part of the track link assembly 12. Figure 5 is a perspective view taken from the opposite side to Figure 3. Figure 6 is a perspective cross-sectional view between AA in Figure 5. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view between BB in Figures 5 and 8. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view between CC in Figure 5. Note that the position of CC is also shown in Figure 7. In Figure 8, the shoe plate 11 is omitted. Figure 9 is a view of the configuration shown in Figure 6 along the direction of arrow D. As shown in Figures 6 to 9, the first track link 13A includes a track link body 41 and a sensor assembly 42.

[0027] As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the track link body 41 includes a first inner link portion 21 and a first outer link portion 22, similar to the first track link 13. The first inner link portion 21 includes a first inner link hole 23. The first outer link portion 22 includes a first outer link hole 24. As shown in Figure 5, the track link body 41 includes a first fixing portion 25A. The first fixing portion 25A connects the first inner link portion 21 and the first outer link portion 22. Unlike the first fixing portion 25, the first fixing portion 25A does not have communication holes 26 and 27 formed therein.

[0028] As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the first track link 13A includes a shoe mounting surface 28 and a tread surface 29. As shown in Figure 4, bolt holes 26A and 27A are formed in the first fixing portion 25A, extending upward from the shoe mounting surface 28. A threaded shape is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the bolt holes 26A and 27A. Bolts 19 are inserted from below into each of the bolt holes 26A and 27A via the shoe plate 11. In this way, the first track link 13A is fastened to the shoe plate 11 by two bolts 19.

[0029] The sensor assembly 42 generates wear data indicating the amount of wear on the tread surface 29 of the track link body 41 and transmits it to the outside of the track link body 41.

[0030] The sensor assembly 42 is located in the internal space 50 of the first track link 13A, as shown in Figures 6 to 9. The internal space 50 is formed in the first fixing portion 25A of the first track link 13A. The internal space 50 is formed between the bolt holes 26A and 27A of the track link 13A, as shown in Figures 4 and 8. The internal space 50 includes a first portion 51 and a second portion 52, as shown in Figures 6, 8, and 9. The first portion 51 is formed from the shoe mounting surface 28 toward the tread surface 29. The first portion 51 is arranged vertically, as shown in Figures 6, 7, and 9. The first portion 51 includes a first opening 51a and a surface 51b. The first opening 51a is an opening of the first portion 51 toward the shoe mounting surface 28. The surface 51b is located toward the tread surface 29 side of the first portion 51. The surface 51b is the upper surface of the first portion 51. The first opening 51a is closed by a closing member 53, as shown in Figures 7 and 9. The closing member 53 is not particularly limited, but may be a cushioning material such as an elastic member. If the closing member 53 is a cushioning material, it can mitigate shocks or vibrations transmitted to the sensor assembly 42 located in the first portion 51. As an elastic member, for example, a plug or cushioning rubber can be used.

[0031] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the second portion 52 is formed from the first portion 51 to the side surface 13As of the first track link 13A. The side surface 13As is the side of the first track link 13A opposite to the second track link 14 in the left-right direction. The second portion 52 includes a second opening 52a that opens into the side surface 13As. The second opening 52a is formed on the side surface 13As of the first track link 13A opposite to the second track link 14 in the left-right direction. The second opening 52a is sealed with resin 54. The second portion 52, including the second opening 52a, functions as a communication window for transmitting wear data to the outside from a communication device 63, which will be described later. Note that the first track link 13A may be equipped with a wireless charging device instead of a power generation element 67. In this case, the second portion 52, including the second opening 52a, also functions as a communication window for charging.

[0032] As shown in Figure 9, the sensor assembly 42 is located in the first portion 51 of the internal space 50. Figure 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the sensor assembly 42. The sensor assembly 42 includes a sensor unit 60 and a communication device 63. The sensor unit 60 measures and stores wear data. The communication device 63 transmits the stored wear data to the outside.

[0033] As shown in Figure 6, the sensor unit 60 includes a sensor 61 and a sensor controller 62. As shown in Figure 9, the sensor 61 is positioned opposite the surface 51b. The sensor 61 is, for example, an ultrasonic sensor. The sensor 61 measures the thickness d between the surface 51b of the internal space 50 and the tread surface 29. When the tread surface 29 wears down, the thickness d decreases.

[0034] The sensor controller 62 includes a processor 64, a memory 65, a battery 66, and a power generation element 67. The processor 64 drives the sensor 61 at predetermined intervals to measure wear data of thickness d. The processor 64 stores the wear data received from the sensor 61 in the memory 65. The battery 66 supplies power to the processor 64 and the sensor 61. The battery 66 is arranged along the first portion 51 as shown in Figures 6 to 9. The power generation element 67 generates electricity, for example, by vibration. The battery 66 may be charged by the power generated by the power generation element 67. The communication device 63 is not shown in Figures 6 to 9, but it is preferable to position it opposite the second opening 52a in order to transmit wear data to the outside.

[0035] The structure of the track link 13A described above is provided on each of the left and right tracks 10. Alternatively, the structure of the track link 13A described above may be provided on only one of the left or right tracks 10. In addition, similar to the left track 10, on the right track 10, the track links 13 and 13A are positioned to the left of the track link 14.

[0036] Next, a monitoring system for monitoring wear of the track link 13 will be described. Figure 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the monitoring system 100 according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 11, the monitoring system 100 comprises a machine receiver 70, a machine controller 71, a display 72, and a machine communication device 73. The machine receiver 70, machine controller 71, display 72, and machine communication device 73 are mounted on the work machine 1.

[0037] The machine receiver 70 receives wear data wirelessly from the communication device 63 of the track link 13A. For communication between the machine receiver 70 and the communication device 63, for example, Bluetooth® may be used, but is not limited to this; RFID tags or the like may also be used. However, the machine receiver 70 and the communication device 63 may use a communication method other than RFID.

[0038] The machine controller 71 includes a processor 74 and a memory 75. The machine controller 71 stores wear data received from each communication device 63. Based on the wear data, the machine controller 71 generates wear information indicating the amount of wear on the track link 13A. The wear information includes, for example, an identifier for the track link 13A corresponding to the communication device 63 and the amount of wear.

[0039] The machine controller 71 displays wear information on the display 72. Alternatively, the machine controller 71 may control the work machine 1 based on the wear information. For example, the machine controller 71 may stop the work machine 1 when the wear amount of at least one track link 13A exceeds a threshold. Alternatively, the machine controller 71 may restrict the operation of the work machine 1 when the wear amount of at least one track link 13A exceeds a threshold.

[0040] The machine controller 71 may display recommendation information to the operator on the display 72 based on wear information. For example, the machine controller 71 may display information on the display 72 recommending inspection of track links 13 and 14 when the wear amount of at least one track link 13A exceeds a threshold. Alternatively, the machine controller 71 may display information on the display 72 recommending limiting the operation of the work machine 1 when the wear amount of at least one track link 13A exceeds a threshold.

[0041] The machine controller 71 can communicate with an external server 76 via the machine communication device 73. The machine controller 71 communicates with the server 76 via a communication network such as the Internet or an intranet. The machine controller 71 may transmit wear information to the server 76. The server 76 may transmit the wear information to the computer 77 of the administrator of the work machine 1. For example, the server 76 may display the wear information on the display of the computer 77 of the administrator of the work machine 1. Based on the wear information, the server 76 may determine whether the track links 13 and 14 need to be replaced. If the server 76 determines that the track links 13 and 14 need to be replaced, it may notify the administrator's computer 77 that the track links 13 and 14 need to be replaced. Alternatively, the administrator's computer 77 may transmit a wear information request signal to the machine controller 71 via the server 76 and the machine communication device 73, and the machine controller 71 may transmit the wear information to the administrator's computer 77 via the server 76 and the machine communication device 73.

[0042] In the monitoring system 100 according to the present embodiment described above, the sensor assembly 42 generates wear data indicating the wear amount of the track link 13A. The wear data is transmitted to the outside via the communication device 63. This makes it possible to measure changes in the wear amount of the track link 13A over time. Further, the sensor assembly 42 is arranged in the internal space 50 of the track link 13A, and a closing member 53 is arranged in the first opening 51a of the internal space 50. With such a configuration, the sensor assembly 42 can be removed from the track link 13A by removing the track link 13A from the shoe plate 11 and removing the closing member 53 from the first opening 51a.

[0043] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention.

[0044] The configuration of the track link 13A is not limited to that of the above embodiment, and may be modified. Although the sensor assembly 42 includes a power generating element 67, the power generating element 67 may not be provided if the capacity of the battery 66 is sufficient for the wear life of the track links 13 and 14.

[0045] In the above embodiment, the communication device 63 of the sensor assembly 42 is arranged in the first portion 51 of the internal space 50, but the arrangement is not limited thereto, and the communication device 63 may be arranged in the second portion 52.

[0046] In the above embodiment, the closing member 53 is arranged in the first opening 51a. However, since the sensor assembly 42 is supported from below by the shoe plate 11, the closing member 53 does not have to be provided.

[0047] In the above embodiment, the internal space 50 is formed between the bolt hole 26A and the bolt hole 27A of the first track link 13A, but the formation position is not limited to between the bolt hole 26A and the bolt hole 27A of the first track link 13A, and the internal space 50 may be formed in the vicinity of the bolt hole 26A or the bolt hole 27A.

[0048] In the above embodiment, the second portion 52 of the internal space 50 is formed from the first portion 51 to the side surface 13As of the first track link 13A on the opposite side to the second track link 14 in the left-right direction, but may be formed from the first portion 51 to the side surface of the first track link 13A on the second track link 14 side in the left-right direction. In this case, the second opening 52a is formed on the side surface of the first track link 13A on the second track link 14 side in the left-right direction.

[0049] In the above embodiment, the sensor assembly 42 is disposed on the first track link 13, but may be disposed on the second track link 14. In this case, in the internal space formed in the second track link 14, the second portion may be formed from the first portion to the side surface of the second track link 14 on the first track link 13 side in the left-right direction, and the second opening may be formed on the side surface of the second track link 14 on the first track link 13 side in the left-right direction. Alternatively, the second portion may be formed from the first portion to the side surface of the second track link 14 on the opposite side to the first track link 13, and the second opening may be formed on the side surface of the second track link 14 on the opposite side to the first track link 13.

[0050] In the above embodiment, the sensor assembly 42 is disposed in the first portion 51, but a part of the sensor assembly 42 may be disposed in the second portion 52. For example, any one of the processor 64, the memory 65, the battery 66, and the power generating element 67 may be disposed in the second portion 52.

[0051] In the above embodiment, the first opening 51a has a quadrangular shape, but is not limited thereto, and may have a circular shape, for example.

[0052] The configuration of the monitoring system 100 is not limited to that of the embodiment described above and may be modified. Figure 12 shows the configuration of the monitoring system 100 according to another embodiment. As shown in Figure 12, the external device 80 may receive wear data wirelessly from the communication device 63 of the track link 13A. The external device 80 is an external device of the work machine 1 and may be a mobile computer such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop computer. The wear data may be transmitted to the server 76 via the external device 80. In this case, the external device 80 may generate wear information and display the wear information on the external device 80 or the administrator's computer 77.

[0053] This disclosure provides a monitoring system and track link that are easy to maintain or repair and capable of detecting changes in wear over time.

[0054] 7: Idler, 11: Shoe plate, 13A: Track link, 71: Machine controller, 41: Link body, 42: Sensor assembly, 28: Shoe mounting surface, 29: Tread surface, 50: Internal space, 51a: First opening, 60: Sensor unit, 63: Communication device

Claims

1. A track link comprising: a track link body including a shoe mounting surface to which a shoe plate is attached, a tread surface which is the surface opposite to the shoe mounting surface, and an internal space extending from a first opening formed in the shoe mounting surface toward the tread surface; a sensor unit disposed in the internal space and generating wear data indicating the amount of wear on the tread surface; and a communication device disposed in the internal space and transmitting the wear data.

2. The track link according to claim 1, wherein the sensor unit measures the thickness between the tread surface and the surface of the internal space on the tread surface side.

3. The track link according to claim 1, wherein a second opening is formed on the side surface of the track link body, and the internal space further has a space extending to the second opening.

4. The track link according to claim 2, wherein the sensor unit includes an ultrasonic sensor for detecting the thickness.

5. The track link according to claim 3, wherein the second opening is sealed with resin.

6. The track link according to claim 1, wherein the first opening is closed by an elastic member.

7. A track link having a track link body including a shoe mounting surface to which a shoe plate is attached, a tread surface which is the surface opposite to the shoe mounting surface, and an internal space extending from a first opening formed in the shoe mounting surface toward the tread surface; a sensor unit disposed in the internal space and generating wear data indicating the amount of wear on the tread surface; a communication device disposed in the internal space and transmitting the wear data; and a controller that receives the wear data and generates wear information indicating the amount of wear on the tread surface based on the wear data.

8. The monitoring system according to claim 7, wherein the sensor unit measures the thickness between the tread surface and the surface of the internal space on the tread surface side.

9. The monitoring system according to claim 7, wherein a second opening is formed on the side surface of the track link body, and the internal space further has a space extending to the second opening.

10. The monitoring system according to claim 8, wherein the sensor unit includes an ultrasonic sensor for detecting the thickness.

11. The monitoring system according to claim 9, wherein the second opening is sealed with resin.

12. The monitoring system according to claim 7, wherein the first opening is closed by an elastic member.

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