| JP2003276659A | 2003-10-02 | |||
| US7137675B1 | 2006-11-21 | |||
| EP0005937A1 | 1979-12-12 | |||
| US5210948A | 1993-05-18 |
| A RIM FOR IDLER AND BOGIE WHEELS OF A HEAVY DUTY TRACKED VEHICLE CLAIMS The invention claimed is; 1. A rim for idler and bogie wheels of a tracked vehicle, the rim comprising; a mid sleeve (001) having a peripheral rim (101), an inner wall (102), a center bore (103) configured to receive an axle hub, a flat wall (104) extending outwardly and circumferentially from the center bore, said flat wall having a plurality of holes (105) circularly positioned around the center bore, said holes configured to send through bolts, said flat wall positioned perpendicularly inside the peripheral rim, a plurality of bolt holes (106) positioned on the flat wall closer to the inner wall, said bolt holes are configured to send through bolts, and; a left ribbed portion (002) having an outer band (201), a first edge (202), a second edge (203), a center bore (204) configured to receive an axle hub, a flange ring (205) positioned at the second edge that extends outwardly and radially of said center bore wherein a plurality of holes (206) are circularly positioned, a plurality of ribs (207) extending outwardly and radially at right angles from the flange ring up to the outer band, said ribs are positioned on the second edge of the said left ribbed band, a dished wall (208) extending radially outwards from the flange ring up to the first edge, and; a right ribbed portion (003) having an outer band (301), a first edge (302), a second edge (303), a center bore (304) configured to receive an axle hub, a flange ring (305) positioned at the second edge that extends outwardly and radially of said center bore wherein a plurality of holes (306) are circularly positioned, a plurality of ribs (307) extending outwardly and radially at right angles from the flange ring up to the outer band, said ribs are positioned on the second edge of the said left ribbed band, a dished wall (308) extending radially outwards from the flange ring up to the first edge, and; a covering portion (004) configured to cover the combination of the mid sleeve, the left ribbed portion and the right ribbed portion, having a lock ring (401) on one side of the covering portion configured to guide the complete wheel on the track. 2. A rim for idler and bogie wheels of a tracked vehicle as per claim 01 wherein cylindrical protrusions (209 & 309) are positioned on the first edge through the second edge of the left ribbed portion and the right ribbed portion, said cylindrical protrusions are configured to send through bolts, said cylindrical protrusions are aligned to the bolt holes positioned on the flat wall of the mid sleeve so as to facilitate the tight fitting of the said elements. 3. A rim for idler and bogie wheels of a tracked vehicle as per claim 01 and 02 wherein the lock ring of the covering portion and the edge of other side of the covering portion having provisions to receive bolts (402), said provisions are aligned to the cylindrical protrusions positioned on the first edge through the second edge of the left ribbed portion and the right ribbed portion. 4. A rim for idler and bogie wheels of a tracked vehicle as per claim 01, 02 and 03 wherein the outer diameter of the left ribbed portion and the right portion is similar to the inner diameter of the mid sleeve so as to ensure the tight fitting of the said elements. 5. A rim for idler and bogie wheels of a tracked vehicle as per claim 01, 02, 03 and 04 wherein rigid thermoplastic resin is used to form the mid sleeve, the left ribbed portion, the right ribbed portion and the covering portion, said mid sleeve, left ribbed portion right ribbed portion and covering portion are injection molded. 6. A rim for idler and bogie wheels of a tracked vehicle as per claim 01, 02, 03, 04 and 05 wherein rigid thermoplastic resin is reinforced with glass fibers or with any other active fillers in sufficient quantities so as to optimize mold ability, strength, durability and weather resistance. 7. A rim for idler and bogie wheels of a tracked vehicle as per claim 01, 02, 03, 04, 05 and 06 wherein said mid sleeve, left ribbed portion, right ribbed portion and covering portion are fixed together using adhesives, mechanical fastening, welding and solvent applications. 8. A rim for idler and bogie wheels of a tracked vehicle as per claim 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06 and 07 having the characteristics of cost effectiveness, light-weight, low rolling resistance and favorable thermal and strength characteristics. 9. A rim for idler and bogie wheels of a tracked vehicle as per claim 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06 and 07 being 100% eco-friendly and recyclable. 10. A rim for idler and bogie wheels of a tracked vehicle as per claim 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06 and 07 wherein a solid tire portion is built on the outer surface of the covering portion of the complete rim so as to form a complete wheel. |
DESCRIPTION
1. BACKGROUND OF THE I VENTION
This invention relates to tracked vehicles, in particular to a rim for idler and/or bogie wheels of tracked vehicles.
This invention relates generally to vehicles having endless rubber track driving by means of a number of road wheels, or sets of wheels called bogies and more particularly relates to the construction of a rim for a wheel for supporting the rubber track and to the construction of a rim for a wheel for tension of rubber track.
In recent years, endless rubber tracked motor vehicles have become extremely popular because of their ability to drive through road-less areas and harsh terrain or to move over snow packed or icy roads at relatively high speeds regardless of the jobsite. These types of vehicles could be used in the fields of military operations, anti-terrorist, patrol, oil search, mine, water conservancy and rescue tender.
These vehicles have become extremely versatile pieces of equipment for lifting and moving heavy materials such as rock and soil, construction, excavation, unloading/loading, transporting loads, site preparation, digging and drilling and have come to market in a wide variety of sizes.
The typical track driving vehicle has an endless drive rubber track that is driven at its front end by one or more sprocket wheels that engage suitable openings in the track. The front and rear ends of the track are also normally provided with a pair of idler wheels around which the track rotates. The upper return run of the track normally runs free since it has no load to support. The lower ground-engaging run of the track, however, must be supported since it carries a large portion of the vehicle's weight and since it must provide sufficient traction for driving purposes. A so called bogie assembly is normally used to support the lower run of the track. In typical bogie assemblies, one or more main support shafts are secured to the frame. Each axle is spring loaded with respect to the support shaft so that it is biased downwardly toward the lower run of the track. Each axle carries a pair of rotatable bogie wheels that engage the upper surface of the bottom run of the track. Under normal conditions, on flat ground, the lower run of the track will lie flat on the ground and each of the bogie wheels will firmly engage the upper surface thereof. Since each axle, which carries a pair of bogie wheels is spring loaded, the bogie wheels yield in response to upwardly directed forces as the vehicle moves over rough ground. When used in this application, the bogie wheels are spaced evenly on axles that run the length of the track between the drive axles. When used on a steel track such as a crawler tractor, the bogie wheels are typically arranged in a single line along the top and bottom of the track.
The present invention discloses a light weight rim for said idler and bogie wheels and thereby contributes to substantial weight reduction of the vehicle and increases the driver comfortability and vehicle speed. The invention disclosed herein is weather resistant and corrosion resistant compared to the conventional rims used in idler and bogie wheels of heavy duty tracked vehicles.
2. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention disclosed herein relates to a rim for idler and bogie wheels of a tracked vehicle.
The present invention discloses a rim for an idler and/or bogie wheel of a tracked vehicle which consists of four elements namely, a mid sleeve, a right ribbed portion, a left ribbed portion and a covering portion. These elements are formed of rigid thermoplastic resins. Each of the said elements is injection molded in a single piece.
The mid sleeve (001) has a peripheral rim (101), an inner wall (102), a center bore (103) and a flat wall (104). The center bore is configured to receive an axle hub. The flat wall is positioned perpendicularly inside the peripheral rim which extends from the center bore outwardly and circumferentially. The flat wall has plurality of holes (105) circularly positioned around the center bore. These holes are configured to send through bolts. A plurality of bolt holes (106) are positioned on the flat wall closer to the inner wall of the mid sleeve and said bolt holes are configured to send through bolts. The left ribbed portion (002) has an outer band (201), a first edge (202), a second edge (203), a center bore (204), a flange ring (205) and a dished wall (208).The center bore is configured to receive an axle hub. The flange ring is positioned at the second edge and it extends outwardly and radially of said center bore. A plurality of holes (206) is circularly positioned around the center bore on the flange ring. A plurality of ribs (207) is positioned on the second edge of the said left ribbed band. These ribs extend outwardly and radially at right angles from the flange ring up to the outer band. The dished wall (208) extends radially outwards from the flange ring up to the first edge.
The right ribbed portion is similar to the left ribbed portion and has all the elements as in the left ribbed portion.
The right ribbed portion (003) has an outer band (301), a first edge (302), a second edge (303), a center bore (304), a flange ring (305) and a dished wall (308).The center bore is configured to receive an axle hub. The flange ring is positioned at the second edge and it extends outwardly and radially of said center bore. A plurality of holes (306) is circularly positioned around the center bore on the flange ring. A plurality of ribs (307) is positioned on the second edge of the said left ribbed band. These ribs extend outwardly and radially at right angles from the flange ring up to the outer band. The dished wall (308) extends radially outwards from the flange ring up to the first edge.
The covering portion (004) is configured to cover the combination of the mid sleeve, the left ribbed portion and the right ribbed portion. The covering portion has a lock ring (401) on one side of the covering portion. The lock ring is configured to guide the complete wheel on the track.
In the ribbed portions, cylindrical protrusions (209 & 309) are positioned on the first edge through the second edge. These cylindrical protrusions are configured to send through bolts and are aligned to the bolt holes positioned on the flat wall of the mid sleeve. When the ribbed portions are inserted to the mid sleeve, these elements are fitted using bolts that send through said cylindrical protrusions and bolt holes. The outer diameter of the left ribbed portion and the right ribbed portion is similar to the inner diameter of the mid sleeve so as to ensure the tight fitting of the said elements.
There are provisions at the lock ring of the covering portion and at the edge of other side of the covering portion to receive bolts (402). These provisions are aligned to the cylindrical protrusions positioned on the first edge through the second edge of the left ribbed portion and the right ribbed portion. The rigid thermoplastic resin that is used to form the elements of the rim is reinforced with glass fibers or with any other active fillers in sufficient quantities so as to optimize mold ability, strength, durability and weather resistance.
The four elements of the rim are fixed together by means of adhesives, mechanical fastening, welding and solvent applications.
The present invention has the characteristics of cost effectiveness, light-weight, low rolling resistance and favorable thermal and strength characteristics. And the present invention is 100% eco-friendly and recyclable.
A tire portion is built on the rim disclosed herein so as to form a complete wheel.
3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
As required, a detailed embodiment of the present invention is disclosed herein. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure is merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms.
The object of the present invention is to provide a light weight rim for idler and bogie wheels of a tracked vehicle considering the usage of the same in such types of vehicles. Also the present invention is more eco-friendly and can be 100% recyclable.
The problem domain is addressed by the present invention by introducing a rim comprised of four main elements made of rigid thermoplastic material. Thermoplastic resin can be reinforced with glass fibers or with any other active fillers in sufficient quantities. Additionally to that Thermoplastic resin may consist of mineral fillers like talk, kaolin, calcium carbonate or any other non-active fillers with other chemicals taken in the quantity sufficient for optimization of processing and performance characteristics .
The present invention consists of four elements namely, a mid sleeve, a right ribbed portion, a left ribbed portion and a covering portion. These elements are formed of rigid thermoplastic resins. Each of the said elements is injection molded in a single piece.
Figure 1 shows a complete assembled rim. Figure 2 shows a mid-sleeve. The mid sleeve (001) has a peripheral rim (101), an inner wall (102), a center bore (103) and a flat wall (104). The center bore is configured to receive an axle hub. The flat wall is positioned perpendicularly inside the peripheral rim which extends from the center bore outwardly and circumferentially. The flat wall has plurality of holes (105) circularly positioned around the center bore. These holes are configured to send through bolts. A plurality of bolt holes (106) are positioned on the flat wall closer to the inner wall of the mid sleeve and said bolt holes are configured to send through bolts.
Figure 3 shows a left ribbed portion. The left ribbed portion (002) has an outer band (201), a first edge (202), a second edge (203), a center bore (204), a flange ring (205) and a dished wall (208).The center bore is configured to receive an axle hub. The flange ring is positioned at the second edge and it extends outwardly and radially of said center bore. A plurality of holes (206) is circularly positioned around the center bore on the flange ring. A plurality of ribs (207) is positioned on the second edge of the said left ribbed band. These ribs extend outwardly and radially at right angles from the flange ring up to the outer band. The dished wall (208) extends radially outwards from the flange ring up to the first edge.
The right ribbed portion is similar to the left ribbed portion and has all the elements as in the left ribbed portion.
Figure 4 shows a left ribbed portion. The right ribbed portion (003) has an outer band (301), a first edge (302), a second edge (303), a center bore (304), a flange ring (305) and a dished wall (308).The center bore is configured to receive an axle hub. The flange ring is positioned at the second edge and it extends outwardly and radially of said center bore. A plurality of holes (306) is circularly positioned around the center bore on the flange ring. A plurality of ribs (307) is positioned on the second edge of the said left ribbed band. These ribs extend outwardly and radially at right angles from the flange ring up to the outer band. The dished wall (308) extends radially outwards from the flange ring up to the first edge.
Figure 5 shows a covering portion. The covering portion (004) is configured to cover the combination of the mid sleeve, the left ribbed portion and the right ribbed portion. The covering portion has a lock ring (401) on one side of the covering portion. The lock ring is configured to guide the complete wheel on the track. In the ribbed portions cylindrical protrusions (209 & 309) are positioned on the first edge through the second edge. These said cylindrical protrusions are configured to send through bolts and are aligned to the bolt holes positioned on the flat wall of the mid sleeve. When the ribbed portions are inserted to the mid sleeve, these elements are fitted using bolts that send through said cylindrical protrusions and bolt holes. The outer diameter of the left ribbed portion and the right portion is similar to the inner diameter of the mid sleeve so as to ensure the tight fitting of the said elements.
There are provisions at the lock ring of the covering portion and at the edge of other side of the covering portion to receive bolts (402). These provisions are aligned to the cylindrical protrusions positioned on the first edge through the second edge of the left ribbed portion and the right ribbed portion.
The rigid thermoplastic resin that is used to form the elements of the rim is reinforced with glass fibers or with any other active fillers in sufficient quantities so as to optimize mold ability, strength, durability and weather resistance.
The four elements of the rim are fixed together by means of adhesives, mechanical fastening, welding and solvent applications.
The present invention has the characteristics of cost effectiveness, light-weight, low rolling resistance and favorable thermal and strength characteristics. And the present invention is 100% eco-friendly and recyclable.
A tire portion is built on the rim disclosed herein so as to form a complete wheel.
4. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGURE 01 - shows a complete assembled rim. FIGURE 02 -shows a mid-sleeve FIGURE 03 -shows a left ribbed portion. FIGURE 04 -shows a right ribbed portion. FIGURE 05 -shows a covering portion. FIGURE 06 - shows rim assembly.