Patent ID: 11919585
Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
Field: Transport (Mechanical engineering)
Classification: CPC B | IPC B

Claim 0:
1. A track tension system for a vehicle with a track system that includes a drive frame, first and second idlers and a track that moves about the first and second idlers, the track tension system comprising:
a hydraulic cylinder mechanically coupled between the drive frame and the first idler;
an accumulator;
a hydraulic valve positioned between the hydraulic cylinder and the accumulator, the hydraulic valve having an open position and a closed position, the hydraulic valve configured to control hydraulic flow between the hydraulic cylinder and the accumulator;
a controller that monitors brake system pressure and controls the position of the hydraulic valve based on the monitored brake system pressure;
an orifice positioned in a continuously open flow path between the accumulator and the hydraulic cylinder, the orifice being configured to allow constricted hydraulic flow between the hydraulic cylinder and the accumulator independent of the hydraulic valve being in either of the open position and the closed position;
wherein the hydraulic cylinder is configured to extend and retract to change the distance between the drive frame and the first idler which increases and decreases, respectively, tension on the track of the track system;
wherein the controller commands the hydraulic valve to move to the closed position when the brake system pressure exceeds a first brake pressure threshold, and commands the hydraulic valve to move to the open position when the brake system pressure goes back below a second brake pressure threshold.