Patent ID: 8596666
Filing Date: 2013-12-03
Classification: F16C,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A ground engaging machine comprising: a frame including a first frame unit having a first and a second hitch plate defining a first and a second bore, respectively, and a second frame unit having a middle hitch plate positioned between the first and second hitch plates and defining a third bore in register with the first and second bores, and including an annular protrusion extending inwardly into the third bore; an articulation hitch coupling the first and second frame units together, and including a pin defining an articulation axis, and a first and a second bearing, the first and second bearings each including a tapered roller bearing having an inner race, an outer race and a plurality of rollers between the inner and outer races, and being positioned about the pin and abutting a first and a second axial side of the annular protrusion, respectively; the pin having a first end coupled to the first hitch plate, a second end coupled to the second hitch plate, and a first thread; the articulation hitch further including a clamping mechanism having a first clamping component positioned axially outward of the first bearing, and a second clamping component positioned axially outward of the second bearing and including a shoulder formed on the pin, and a spacer positioned about the pin and located axially between the first clamping component and the first bearing; and the first clamping component including a complementary thread rotated into engagement with the first thread to reduce an axial distance between the first and second clamping components such that the first and second bearings are clamped between the shoulder and the spacer and preloaded against the annular protrusion via a preload applied by the clamping to both the inner and outer races and the rollers in each of the first and second bearings.