BOZZI, Piero (Via delle Nazioni 65, Modena, I-41100, IT)
| CLAIMS 1. Rubber track (1) for vehicles, comprising; a rubber ring-shaped structure (2) comprising a tread side (3) and an opposite inner side (4) suitable for wrapping around at least one toothed wheel (5) and support rollers (6); said rubber ring-shaped structure (2) has a directionof longitudinal extension (L-L) , a transversal or axial lower extension (A-A) parallel to the rotation axis of the toothed wheel (5) and a radial direction (R-R) transversal to the longitudinal direction and to the axial direction if considered in the same point; a plurality of metal links (7), at least partially embedded in said rubber ring (2); said plurality of metal links (7) being arranged at regular intervals (P) along the longitudinal direction (L-L) and each extending in the axial direction (A-A) ; each metal link (7) comprising a base (8) with a central portion having a pin (9) suitable for being engaged by the teeth of the toothed wheel ( 5 ) ; a first (10) and a second (11) side element arranged according to the axial direction (A-A) at the opposite sides of said central portion having a pin (9) ; a first (12) and a second (13) plate-like element arranged at the sides of the central portion having a pin (9) that extend in the longitudinal direction (L- L) and also in the axial direction (A-A) on the inside of the rubber ring-shaped structure (2); said plate-like elements (12, 13) having a surface (14) facing the support rollers (6) suitable for them to roll on; each plate-like element (12, 13) comprising a first (15a, 15b) and a second (16a, 16b) rolling element that extends in the longitudinal direction and longitudinally (L-L) and axially (A-A) offset from one another to form a Z-shape according to a view in the radial direction (R-R) ; such a link (7) being arranged with respect to an adjacent link (7' ) on top in the axial direction (A-A) so that going along the track in the longitudinal direction (L-L) the plate-like element (12', 13') of the adjacent link (7') begins before the plate-like element (12, 13) of the link (7) ends; characterised in that said plate-like elements (12, 13) of each link (7) mirror one another with -respect to an axis parallel to said longitudinal direction (L-L) and said plate-like elements (12, 13) are offset by a predetermined offsetting amount (17) with respect to one another in the longitudinal direction (L-L) so that, going along the surface of the track facing the rollers (14), the first rolling element (15a) of a first plate-like element (12) begins and only after the predetermined offsetting amount (17) does the first rolling element (15b) of the second plate-like element (13) of the same link (7) begin. 2. Track according to claim 1, wherein, with reference to a first link (7) and an adjacent link (Ί ' ) and going along the surface of said track facing towards the rollers (14) of said link (7): the rolling element ' (15'a) of the first plate-like element (12') of an adjacent link (7') starts first; then the second rolling element (16a) of the first plate-like element (12) of the first link (7) ends; then the second rolling element (16b) of the second plate-like element (13) of the first link (7) ends; and finally the first rolling element (15' b) of the second plate-like element (13') of the adjacent link {!') begins. 3. Track according to any one of the previous claims, wherein each link (7), outside of the plate-like elements (12, 13) with respect to the central portion having a pin (9), has outer support portions for the rollers (18) that extend from said base (8) in the longitudinal direction (L-L) and in the radial direction (R-R) forming a further inner rolling surface for the rollers (19). 4. Track according to claim 3, wherein between the surface facing towards the rollers (14) of the platelike elements (12, 13) and the inner rolling surface for the rollers (19) there is a depression (20) substantially shaped like a "U" in a plane (R) parallel to the radial direction (R-R) . 5. Track according to any one of claims 3 to 4, wherein said outer support portions for the rollers (18) of the same link (7) are longitudinally offset with respect to one another. 6. Track according to the previous claim, wherein said outer support portions for the rollers (18) are offset so as to axially overlap an outer support portion for the rollers (18') of an adjacent metal link (7'). 7. Track according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said rubber ring-shaped structure (2) has metal wires embedded in it, preferably but not necessarily strands (23), shaped in a ring and suitable for creating a connection and longitudinal reinforcement according to the longitudinal direction (L-L) of the track. |
"RUBBER TRACK FOR VEHICLES"
[0001] . The subject of the present invention is a rubber track for vehicles.
[0002] . Preferably, the present invention refers to a track of the so-called anti-vibration type, especially intended for small diggers, and generally for all those tracked vehicles which normally operate off road, but also on asphalted roads .
[0003] . In fact it is known that vehicles provided with rubber tracks allow for preventing the road surface from being damaged.
[0004] . It is also known that rubber tracks are. internally provided with a series of metal inserts T partially embedded in the rubber of the track C and longitudinally aligned, vertically protruding .
[0005] . These inserts T serve as a rigid support for rollers bearing the vehicle weight and also allow for the dragging carried out by a toothed driving wheel of the vehicle itself (figure 3).
[0006] . According to the prior art, the metal inserts T are spaced from each other in a longitudinal direction, and this is aimed to allow the track to wrap again around the driving wheel preventing the interference therebetween.
[0007] . These solutions, although advantageous from many points of view, do not allow for preventing vehicle's jerks due to the fact that, when the rollers bearing the vehicle run on the inserts, because of the discontinuities present therebetween, an irregular translation movement of the vehicles occurs, which is subjected to small jerks.
[0008] . This irregular advancement movement of the vehicle results in the occurrence of constant frequency vibrations which influence the whole superstructure of the vehicle itself, generating irritating noise and poor running comfort which in turn result in drivers who are forced to pay great attention to the operations to be carried out with the vehicle and who are consequently tired in an unacceptable way.
[0009] . In order to overcome such drawback, rubber tracks have been made having metal inserts provided with sliding elements for the rollers shaped with extensions longitudinally offset between a first facing side adjacent to the insert, for example the right side, and a longitudinal extension offset and facing the adjacent left insert. [0010] . These kind of solutions are for example known from the documents IT 01247668, EP 1 013 542, EP 1 925 539 and CN 2835035 as well.
[0011] . However, these known solutions, although satisfactory from many points of view, do not allow for completely eliminating the jerks caused by the passage of the roller which starts to transit on the adjacent insert, which, due to manufacturing tolerances, will never be placed on the same longitudinal plan, thus creating a difference in height between one insert and the adjacent one. Because of the difference in height between the adjacent inserts, also in these known solutions which provide for axially superimposed portions, at the end of an insert, the support roller of the vehicle will jerk.
[0012] . The purpose of the present invention is that of devising and providing a rubber track which allows for meeting the above-mentioned need, while allowing for overcoming the above-mentioned drawbacks.
[0013] . These and other purposes are attained with a rubber track manufactured in accordance with claim 1.
[0014] . Further embodiments of the track according to the invention are described in the dependent claims.
[0015] . In accordance with a general embodiment, a rubber track for vehicle comprises a rubber ring-shaped structure. This rubber ring-shaped structure comprises a tread side and an opposite inner side, suitable for wrapping around at least one toothed wheel and support rollers.
[0016] . Said rubber ring-shaped structure has a direction of longitudinal extension (L-L) and an axial lower extension parallel to the rotational axis of the toothed wheel and a radially directed extension transversal to the longitudinal direction and to the axial direction, if considered in the same point.
[0017] . The track comprises a plurality of metal links at least partially embedded in said rubber ring. Said plurality of rubber rings is arranged at regular intervals along the longitudinal direction of the track. Each one of these extends in axial direction and comprises a base with a central portion having a pin suitable for being engaged by the teeth of the toothed wheel. Each link further comprises a first and a second side element arranged according to the axial direction at the opposite sides of said central portion having a pin. Each link also comprises a first and a second plate-link element arranged at the sides of the central portion having a pin that extend in the longitudinal direction and also in the axial direction on the inside of the rubber ring- shaped structure. Said plate-like elements have a surface facing the support rollers suitable for them to roll on. Each plate-like element comprises a first and a second rolling element that extends in the longitudinal direction, and longitudinally and axially offset from one another to form, according to a view in the radial direction, a "Z" shape.
[0018] . Such link ' is advantageously arranged on top in the axial direction with respect to an adjacent link so that the plate-like element of the adjacent link begins before the plate-like element of such link ends.
[0019] . Preferably, said plate-like elements of each link mirror one another with respect to an axis of said second longitudinal direction. Said plate-like elements are offset by a predetermined offsetting amount with respect to one another in the longitudinal direction so that, going along the surface of the track facing the rollers, the first rolling element of a first plate-like element begins and only after the predetermined offsetting amount does the first rolling element of the second plate- like element of the same link begin.
[0020] . Thanks to providing an offset predetermined by the first plate-like element and the second plate-like element of the same metal link it is possible to provide for the roller passing from a first link to an adjacent link and leaving the first link not at the same time for both the first and the second plate-like elements.
[0021] . In this way, although the manufacturing tolerance results in the metal links embedded in the rubber ring-shaped structure being on a different plan, while the roller rests on at least one of the plate-like elements of a first link, it already rests on a second plate-like element of the second link, and when the roller leaves a first plate ¬ like element of the first link, it is still supported by the second plate-like element of the first link, while it already firmly rests on at least a first plate-like element of the adjacent link.
[0022] . Therefore, the roller, going along the rubber track, leaves a first plate-like element of the link and the second plate like-element of the same link on different times, allowing for the possible radial misalignment of adjacent links to be counterbalanced by the deformation of the rubber ring- shaped structure, substantially eliminating even small jerks which currently occur in the known art, which, although providing for the axial superimposition of the plate-like elements of adjacent links, provide for the roller to leave simultaneously the plate-like elements of the same link, causing, in case of radial misalignment between the links, the roller to immediately rest on the plate-like elements of the adjacent link.
[ 0023 ] . Further characteristics and advantages of the track according to the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments thereof, given as an illustrating and non limiting example, with reference to the annexed figures, in which:
[ 0024 ] . Figure 1 shows a platform carrier structure with a track according to the prior art;
[ 0025 ] . Figure 2 represents a detail of a toothed wheel and a support roller resting on a track according to the prior art;
[ 0026 ] . Figure 3 shows an axonometric and partially sectioned view of a rubber track according to the prior art;
[0027 ] . Figure 4 shows a plan sectioned view of a portion of a rubber track according to the invention;
[0028] . Figure 5 shows a plan sectioned view both transversally with respect to the longitudinal axis and along the longitudinal axis (L-L) of a track according to a further embodiment;
[0029] . Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a track according to a further embodiment;
[0030] . Figure 7 shows a plan view from the tread side opposite to that of Figures 4 and 5 of a portion of a track according to yet another embodiment ;
[0031] . Figure 8 shows a longitudinal section of a track section according to yet another embodiment ;
[0032] . Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a track according to the invention from its inner side or facing the toothed wheel and the support rollers;
[0033] . Figure 10 shows a perspective view of the track of Figure 9 on its outer side or tread side.
[0034] . As it can be observed from the attached figures, in accordance with an embodiment, a rubber track 1 for vehicles comprises a rubber ring- shaped structure 2.
[0035] . In accordance with an embodiment, the rubber ring-shaped structure 2 comprises a tread side 3 and an opposite inner side 4, suitable for wrapping around at least one toothed wheel 5 and for cooperating with support rollers 6, suitable for supporting the vehicle on said track.
[ 0036] . In accordance with one embodiment, said rubber ring-shaped structure 2 has a direction of longitudinal extension L-L a transversal or axial lower extension A-A, parallel to the rotational axis of the toothed wheel 5, and a radial direction (R-R) transversal to the longitudinal direction and to the axial direction if considered in the same point;
[ 0037 ] . In accordance with one embodiment, said track comprises a plurality of metal links 7, at least partially embedded in said rubber ring 2.
[ 0038 ] . In accordance with one embodiment, said plurality of metal links 7 is arranged at regular intervals P along the longitudinal direction L-L and each extends in the axial direction A-A.
[ 0039 ] . In accordance with one embodiment, each metal link 7 comprises a base 8 with a central portion having a pin 9 suitable for being engaged by the teeth of the toothed wheel 5.
[ 0040 ] . In accordance with one embodiment, each metal link 7 comprises a first 10 and a second 11 side element arranged according to the axial direction A-A at the opposite sides of said central portion having a pin 9.
[0041] . In accordance with one embodiment, each metal link 7 comprises a first 12 and a second 13 plate-like element arranged at the sides of the central portion having a pin 9 that extend in the longitudinal direction L-L and. also in the axial direction A-A on the inside of the rubber ring-shaped structure 2.
[0042]. In accordance with one embodiment, each metal link 7 comprises plate-like elements 12, 13 having a surface 14 facing the support rollers 6 suitable for them to roll on.
[0043]. In accordance with one embodiment, each plate-like element 12, 13 comprises a first 15a, 15b and a second 16a, 16b rolling element that extends in the longitudinal direction and longitudinally L-L and axially A-A offset from, one another to form a Z- shape according to a view in the radial direction R-R.
[0044] . In accordance with one embodiment, said link 7 is arranged with respect to an adjacent link T on top in the axial direction A-A so that going along the track in the longitudinal direction (L-L) the plate-like element 12', 13' of the adjacent link 7' begins before the plate-like element (12, 13) of the link (7) ends.
[0045]. In accordance with one embodiment, the plate-like elements 12, 13 of each link 7 mirror one another with respect to an axis parallel to said longitudinal direction L-L.
[0046]. In accordance with one embodiment, said plate-like elements 12, 13 are offset by a predetermined offsetting amount 17 with respect to one another in the longitudinal direction L-L so that, going along the surface of the track facing the rollers 14, the first rolling element 15a of a first plate-like element 12 begins and only after the predetermined offsetting amount 17 does the first rolling element 15b of the second plate-like element 13 of the same link 7 begin.
[0047]. In accordance with an embodiment, referring to a first link 7 and to an adjacent link thereof 7' and going along said track along ' the surface facing the rollers 14 of said link 7:
[0048]. the rolling element 15' a of the first plate-like element 12' of an adjacent link 7' starts first ;
[0049] . then the second rolling element 16a of the first plate-like element 12 of the first link 7 ends ; [ 0050 ] . then the second rolling element 16b of the second plate-like element 13 of the first link 7 ends ;
[ 0051 ] . and finally the first rolling element 15' b of the second plate-like element 13' of the adjacent link 7' begins.
[ 0052 ] . In accordance with one embodiment, each link 7 outside of the plate-like elements 12, 13 with respect to the central portion having a pin 9, has outer support portions for the rollers 18 that extend from said base 8 in the longitudinal direction L-L and in the radial direction R-R forming a further inner rolling surface for the rollers 19.
[ 0053 ] . In accordance with one embodiment, between the surface facing towards the rollers 14 of the plate-like elements 12, 13 and the inner rolling surface for the rollers 19 there is a depression 20 substantially shaped like a "U" in a plane R parallel to the radial direction R-R.
[ 0054 ] . In accordance with one embodiment, said rubber ring-shaped structure 2 has metal wires embedded in it, preferably but not necessarily strands 23, shaped in a ring and suitable for creating a connection and longitudinal reinforcement according to the longitudinal direction (L-L) of the track itself. [ 0055] . In accordance with a further embodiment, a rubber track 1 has a ring-shaped structure 2, having a body substantially made of rubber or vulcanized synthetic material and suitable for forming a tread. In said rubber body metal inserts or metal links 7 are embedded, preferably in its surface facing the toothed wheel 5 and the support rollers of the vehicle 6.
[ 0056 ] . In accordance with one embodiment, said metal links 7 have a prevailing axial extension A-A forming, with one central portion thereof on the side facing the toothed wheel 5 an element having a pin or a pin 9 having a cylindrical shape or, in accordance with one embodiment, with a cylindrical upper surface and a flat lower surface.
[ 0057 ] . In accordance with one embodiment, said central portion having a pin 9 is embedded in the rubber body of the ring-shaped structure 2, leaving seats between a link 7 and the adjacent link 1' suitable for housing the teeth of the toothed wheel 5.
[ 0058 ] . In accordance with one embodiment, at the axial ends of said pin 9 there are a .first and a second plate-like elements 12, 13.
[ 0059 ] . In accordance with one embodiment, said plate-like elements 12, 13 extend in a radial direction R-R creating a sort of radial walls separating the area of the track defining the pin and suitable for housing the toothed wheel from the outer areas of the track defining the width thereof.
[0060] . In accordance with one embodiment, said first and second plate-like elements 12, 13, extend in a longitudinal direction forming two portions offset with respect to one another in an axial direction and defining a first and a second rolling elements 15a, 15b, and 16a, 16b.
[0061] . In accordance with one embodiment, said plate-like elements 12, 13 are specular v/ith respect to the middle of the track and therefore form two due receding wings or first rolling elements 15a and 15b longitudinally extending beyond the pin 2 and protruding wings or second rolling elements 16a, 16b axially offset so as to be suitable for internally housing the two wings or first rolling elements 15' a and 15'b of an adjacent metal link 7'.
[0062] . Advantageously, in accordance with one embodiment, between the plate-like elements 12, 13 of a first link embedded in the rubber ring-shaped structure 2, and the plate-like elements 12' and 13' of an adjacent link 7' embedded in the rubber ring- shaped structure 2 an S or Z shaped opening is present, suitable for the side exit of water or mud internally compressed by the teeth of the toothed wheel 5 which engages the element having a pin 9.
[ 0063 ] . In accordance with one embodiment, the tread side 3 of the rubber ring-shaped structure 2 has inserts 23 according to a design suitable for making the track roll on asphalted surfaces but also for allowing a firm grip of the track when the vehicle goes off road and has to remain firmly anchored to slippery grounds.
[ 0064 ] . With reference to the attached drawings and in accordance with a further embodiment, some embodiments of rubber tracks comprising a ring- shaped structure 2 have been designated with 1.
[0065 ] . These have, externally, on the tread side, a series of shaped reliefs 23 and internally, on the side opposite to the tread, a series of protuberances due to the presence of links 7, preferably, but. non necessarily made of metal, internally embedded in the rubber ring 2.
[ 0066 ] . The metal links .7 are longitudinally aligned along the extension of the track and protrude with respect to the lying surface of the rubber structure 2.
[ 0067 ] . Such metal links 7 serve as a rigid support for the support rollers 6 bearing the weight of the vehicle and allow for the dragging carried out by the toothed driving wheel 5 of the vehicle itself.
[0068]. In accordance with one embodiment, each metal link 7 consists of a body comprising two si.de elements 10, 11 substantially plate-like shaped and arranged along the axial direction, so as to shift the weight of the vehicle transmitted through the support rollers 6 on the entire width of the rubber ring-shaped structure 2.
[0069]. In accordance with one embodiment, each metal link 7 consists of a body comprising two plate-like elements 12, 13 longitudinally arranged with respect to the track extension and perpendicularly arranged to the lying surface of the rubber ring-shaped structure 2.
[0070] . In accordance with one embodiment, such plate-like elements 12, 13 are parallel with each other, arranged one next to the other and joined by a connecting element having a pin 9, substantially perpendicular thereto.
[0071] . The metal links 7 are provided with rolling elements 15a, 15b and 16a, 16b, which have first rolling elements 15a, 15b close and parallel to each other and longitudinally extending on a side of the central element having a pin 9, as well as two second rolling elements 16a, 16b spaced apart from each other with respect to the first rolling elements 15a and 15b parallel to each other and extending in a longitudinal direction on the side opposite to the central element ' having a pin 9.
[ 0072 ] . The two first rolling elements 15a, 15b close to one another by a first link 7 are arranged as outlined in the figures, between the two second rolling elements 16' a, 16' b spaced apart from one another by the adjacent metal link 7' so as to form a continuous support surface for support rollers 6.
[ 0073 ] . Due to the fact that the links 7 are thus embedded in the rubber ring-shaped structure 2 it is possible to wrap, without any mutual interference, the ring-shaped structure around the toothed driving wheel 5.
[ 0074 ] . In accordance with one embodiment, externally to the plate-like elements 12, 13 with respect to the element having a pin 9 further protuberances are provided · which extend in a longitudinal and radial direction forming a resting portion 18 for the support rollers 6 arranged outside.
[ 0075] . Thanks to these solutions, with the same track it is possible to use support rollers provided with a flat band suitable for forming rolling cylindrical surfaces which will operate on the further inner rolling surfaces 19 defined by the outer resting portions for the rollers 18, as well as support rollers 6 provided with lowered flat bands and suitable for operating, with their cylindrical central portion between the flat bands, on the surfaces facing the support, rollers 14 of the plate-like elements 12, 13.
[0076] . Therefore, thanks to the above described solutions, it is possible to make a rubber track that is particularly noiseless as well as vibration-free. Due to the fact that the plate-like elements 12, 13 of the same link are offset in a longitudinal direction by a predetermined offsetting amount 17 with respect to one another, the first 15a, 15b and the second 16a, 16b rolling elements are allowed to axially superimpose by axially different portions of adjacent metal links thus creating a gradual passage of the roller from a link to the next one .
[0077] . In accordance with one embodiment, each link 7 has, externally to the plate-like elements 12, 13 and with respect to the central portion having a pin 9, outer resting portions for the rollers 18 extending from said base 8 in a longitudinal direction L-L and radial direction R-R forming further inner rolling surfaces for the rollers 19 and in which said outer resting portions for the rollers 18 are offset with respect to one another in a longitudinal direction .
[0078] . In order to meet specific current needs, a man skilled in the art will be able to make many changes, adjustments and replacements of elements by functionally equivalents to the above described machine tool, without however departing from the scope of the following claims.
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