Track support rail for supporting track assembly of machine, track support assembly, and method of using same

A track support rail for slidably supporting a track assembly of a machine includes a body having a first body end, a second body end, a crown portion, and an upper support surface. The body extends along a longitudinal axis between the first and second body ends. The crown portion is disposed between the first and second body ends along the longitudinal axis. The upper support surface extends along the longitudinal axis between the first and second body ends. The upper support surface includes first and second curved segments. The first curved segment has a first curved shape and extends from the first body end toward the crown portion of the body. The second curved segment has a second curved shape and extends from the second body end toward the crown portion of the body. The first curved shape is different from the second curved shape.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This patent disclosure relates generally to a track assembly for a track-type machine and, more particularly, to a track support rail, or slider, for use in a track support assembly of the machine.

BACKGROUND

Track-type machines are in widespread use in construction, mining, forestry, and other similar industries. The undercarriage of such track-type machines utilizes track assemblies, rather than wheels, to provide ground-engaging propulsion. Such track assemblies may be preferred in environments where creating sufficient traction is problematic, such as those frequently found in the industries identified above. Specifically, rather than rolling across a work surface on wheels, track-type machines utilize one or more track assemblies that include an endless loop of coupled track links defining outer surfaces, which support ground-engaging track shoes, and inner surfaces that travel about one or more track-engaging elements, such as, drive sprockets, idlers, tensioners, and rollers, for example.

Excavating equipment, including rope shovels, excavators, and the like, can include a plurality of track support rails, often called “sliders,” that support the track assembly along an upper portion of the track assembly's loop around a drive sprocket, or tumbler, and an idler. In its movement along a substantially horizontal path above the ground, the track assembly slides over the supporting track support rails or “sliders” as the track is driven in a loop about the drive sprocket. The components of the track assembly, along with rock and soil that become entrained in the moving track assembly, can subject the sliders to relatively high abrasive wear rates.

Conventionally, the sliders are welded to the track support frame. Accordingly, when a slider is replaced after experiencing excessive wear, the worn slider is cut away from a support frame (such as, by using an arc cutter, for example) and a replacement slider is welded to the frame in its place. The original fabrication of the support frame with integral sliders can be complicated and costly. Furthermore, the replacement of a worn slider that is integral with the support frame is a labor-intensive process.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,941,326 is entitled, “Guide Rail for a Crawler Track,” and is directed to a crawler track guide rail having an upper elongated surface engageable with the shoes of a crawler track, a lower surface engageable with a crawler track support frame, and a foot which extends downward into the frame to transfer load resulting from the engagement of the shoes with the guide rail to the frame. The guide rail has at least one elongated lower surface and may have two elongated lower surfaces which are engageable with the frame. Where there are two elongated surfaces of the guide rail in engagement with the frame, the foot of the guide rail is positioned between the two elongated surfaces. The guide rail has a plurality of fasteners for retaining it on the crawler frame extending through the guide rail and the frame. The fasteners have a selected tolerance fit with the frame, and the foot of the guide rail has a smaller tolerance fit with the frame than that of the fasteners. Thus, the foot fits relatively snugly with the frame to thereby assist with transfer of the load on the guide rail to the frame through the foot rather than through the fastener members.

There is a continued need in the art to provide additional solutions for undercarriages with a track assembly. For example, there is a continued need for a slider for supporting a track assembly which is not only sufficiently strong to support the service loads for which it is intended, but also extremely durable to provide a slider with an extended useful life. Furthermore, there is a continued need for a slider for supporting a track assembly which is easy to replace when its service life has expired.

It will be appreciated that this background description has been created by the inventors to aid the reader, and is not to be taken as an indication that any of the indicated problems were themselves appreciated in the art. While the described principles can, in some respects and embodiments, alleviate the problems inherent in other systems, it will be appreciated that the scope of the protected innovation is defined by the attached claims, and not by the ability of any disclosed feature to solve any specific problem noted herein.

SUMMARY

In an embodiment, the present disclosure describes a track support rail for supporting a track assembly of a machine. The track assembly is slidably movable over the track support rail.

The track support includes a body having a first body end, a second body end, a crown portion, and an upper support surface. The body extends along a longitudinal axis between the first body end and the second body end. The crown portion is disposed between the first body end and the second body end along the longitudinal axis. The upper support surface extends along the longitudinal axis between the first body end and the second body end.

The upper support surface includes a first curved segment and a second curved segment. The first curved segment has a first curved shape and extends from the first body end toward the crown portion of the body. The second curved segment has a second curved shape and extends from the second body end toward the crown portion of the body. The first curved shape is different from the second curved shape.

In another embodiment, a track support assembly for supporting a track assembly of a machine includes a support frame and a track support rail. The support frame includes a drive end and an idler end. The support frame extends along a longitudinal axis between the drive end and the idler end. The support frame includes a mounting fin projecting therefrom along a vertical axis. The vertical axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

The track support rail is for contactingly engaging the track assembly such that the track assembly is slidably movable over the track support rail. The track support rail includes a body. The body of the track support rail is mounted to the mounting fin of the support frame. The body includes a first body end, a second body end, a crown portion, and an upper support surface. The body extends along the longitudinal axis between the first body end and the second body end. The crown portion is disposed between the first body end and the second body end along the longitudinal axis. The upper support surface extends along the longitudinal axis between the first body end and the second body end. The upper support surface is curved from the first body end toward the crown portion and from the second body end toward the crown portion. The first body end and the second body end are asymmetric with respect to each other.

In yet another embodiment, a method of using a track support assembly of a machine is described. The method includes removing a track support rail mounted in a first mounting position to a support frame. The support frame includes a drive end and an idler end. The support frame extends along a longitudinal axis between the drive end and the idler end. The track support rail includes a first body end and a second body end. The first body end of the track support rail is closer to the idler end than the second body end is when the track support rail is in the first mounting position.

The track support rail is remounted in a second mounting position to the support frame. The second body end of the track support rail is closer to the idler end than the first body end is when the track support rail is in the second mounting position.

Further and alternative aspects and features of the disclosed principles will be appreciated from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. As will be appreciated, the principles related to track support rails, track support assemblies for supporting a track assembly of a machine, and methods of using a track support assembly of a machine disclosed herein are capable of being carried out in other and different embodiments, and capable of being modified in various respects. Accordingly, it is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and do not restrict the scope of the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure provides various embodiments of a track support rail for supporting a track assembly of a track-type machine. Examples of track-type machines include machines used for construction, mining, forestry, and other similar industries, such as a dozer, loader, or any other on-highway or off-highway vehicle having a track-type undercarriage. The undercarriage can include track chain assemblies adapted to engage the ground, or other surface, to propel the track-type machine. In some embodiments, the machine can be an excavator, such as the type commonly referred to as a rope shovel.

Embodiments of a track support rail constructed according to principles of the present disclosure can include a curved support surface. In embodiments, the curved support surface of a track support rail constructed according to principles of the present disclosure can have an asymmetric configuration along its longitudinal axis. In embodiments, the asymmetric shape of the curved support surface can be configured to place more wear material at one or more specific locations along the body of the track support rail at which increased wear (relative to at least one other location along the slider) is expected to occur based upon its intended use. In embodiments, a track support rail constructed according to principles of the present disclosure can have a body with a curved support surface having a configuration that is adapted to reduce contact pressure between the support surface and the track assembly it is supporting to help reduce wear and increase the useful life of the track support rail.

Embodiments of a track support assembly for supporting a track assembly of a machine following principles of the present disclosure can include an embodiment of a track support rail constructed according to principles of the present disclosure and a support frame. In embodiments, the track support rail can be mounted to the support frame via a connection that does not include a weldment. In embodiments, having a no-weld installation for the track support rail can help facilitate assembling and maintaining the track support assembly.

In embodiments, the track support rail can have a mounting configuration that is adapted to place the track support rail in direct contacting engagement with the support frame (such as a mounting fin of the support frame). In embodiments, the track support rail rests upon the support frame such that mounting bolts extending through both the track support rail and the support frame to help retain the track support rail in place on the support frame are not subjected to a significant shear load.

Embodiments of a method of using a track support assembly of a machine following principles of the present disclosure can include constructing a track support rail according to principles of the present disclosure such that the track support rail has a reversible mounting configuration. The track support rail can experience uneven wear during its operation. In embodiments, after a periodic inspection of the track support rail reveals that a portion of the slider has experienced wear that is considered to be excessive, the slider can be removed from the support rail to which it is mounted in a first mounting position to a support frame, flipped end-for-end, and remounted in a second mounting position to the support frame. In embodiments, the reversible mounting configuration of the track support rail can provide an extended wear life for the slider relative to a slider that can only be mounted to the support frame in one orientation but is otherwise the same.

Turning now to the Figures, there is shown inFIG. 1an exemplary embodiment of a machine20with a track-type undercarriage22. The machine20may also be referenced herein as a track-type machine. In other embodiments, the machine20may be any suitable machine with a track-type undercarriage, such as, any suitable excavator, for example.

In the illustrated embodiment, the machine20is in the form of a power shovel known as a rope shovel which can be used to remove large amounts of material during a mining operation. The machine20includes the track-type undercarriage22, a frame23operatively connected to the undercarriage22, a gantry25(also referred to as an A-frame) connected to a top side of the frame23in opposing relationship to the undercarriage22, a boom27pivotally connected to a front end of the frame23, a dipper handle29pivotally connected to an intermediate point of the boom27, and an implement30(such as, a dipper or shovel bucket, for example) pivotally connected to a distal end of the dipper handle29.

Suitable cabling, or boom ropes32, span between the gantry25and the boom27. The boom ropes32can be manipulated to vary the angle at which the boom27is disposed relative to a work surface34, or ground.

Cables, or tool ropes35, extend from a hoist drum37housed within the frame23over a pulley38at a distal end of the boom27to a connection point upon the implement30. The tool ropes35are reeled in or spooled out by a suitable motor assembly (not shown) connected to the hoist drum37to selectively raise and lower the implement30. The motor assembly of the hoist drum37can be operated via a power source40(e.g., a combustion engine) housed within the frame23. In embodiments, the dipper handle29can have a telescoping configuration that can be used to selectively extend or retract the length of the dipper handle29to provide further controllability of the manipulation of the implement30.

The frame23is mounted for rotatable movement about a vertical axis VA with respect to the undercarriage22. As the frame23pivots about the vertical axis VA, the implement30correspondingly changes its radial position about the vertical axis VA via its connection to the dipper handle29which is mounted to the frame23via the boom27.

The frame23can house, among other things, the power source40and the hoist drum37. The power source40can be used to selectively: operate the hoist drum37to manipulate the implement30, pivot the frame23with respect to the undercarriage22about the vertical axis VA, and operate the undercarriage22to move the machine20along the work surface34.

In the illustrated embodiment, an operator cab43is mounted on top of the frame23. A suitable operator station can be housed within the operator cab43that can be adapted to manipulate the implement30and to selectively move the machine20about the vertical axis VA and/or along the work surface34via the undercarriage22.

The track-type undercarriage22supports the machine20on the work surface34, and includes a first track assembly45disposed on a first side47thereof, and a second track assembly (not shown) disposed on a second side thereof which is in opposing relationship to the first side. Together, the track assemblies are adapted to engage the ground, or other surface, to propel the machine20.

It should be appreciated that the track assemblies of the machine20may be similar and, further, may represent mirror images of one another. As such, only the first track assembly45will be described herein. It should be understood that the description of the first track assembly45is applicable to the second track assembly, as well.

The track assembly45comprises an endless loop formed from a plurality of ground-engaging track shoes48for engaging the ground, or other surface, and propelling the machine20. The first track assembly45extends about a plurality of rolling elements such as a series of idler rollers49supported at the bottom of a track support assembly50that can also include an idler sprocket52, or tumbler, rotatably mounted thereto above the ground34at a front end of the undercarriage22, and a drive sprocket54, or tumbler, rotatably mounted thereto above the ground34at a rear end of the undercarriage22. The track support assembly50can include a series of track support rails55,70, or sliders, supported at the top of the track support assembly50over which the track assembly45passes to move the machine20over the ground34, including at least one track support rail constructed according to principles of the present disclosure (seeFIG. 2).

The drive sprocket54is operatively connected to the power source40via a suitable transmission assembly (not shown) of the machine20. The transmission assembly is adapted to selectively engage and drive the drive sprockets54respectively associated with the first and second track assemblies45to move the machine20forward and backward as necessary to perform operations at the work site.

While the machine20is illustrated in the context of a track-type machine shown as a rope shovel, it should be appreciated that the present disclosure is not thereby limited, and that a wide variety of other machines having tracks are also contemplated within the present context. In other embodiments, the slider guide rail can be included in any suitable track system, including one employed in a stationary machine or in any other application known to those skilled in the art.

Referring now toFIG. 2, the track support assembly50is adapted for supporting the track assembly45of the machine20. In embodiments, the track support assembly50includes a support frame75and at least one track support rail70constructed according to principles of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the track support assembly50includes the support frame75; a pair of track support rails70constructed according to principles of the present disclosure, or end sliders70; and three center track support rails55, or center sliders, which are interposed between the end sliders70. The track support rails55,70are removably mounted to the support frame75(via a weld-free connection in at least some embodiments) to slidably support the track assembly45as it moves about the support frame75in response to the driving force of the drive sprocket54.

In the illustrated embodiment, the three center sliders55are substantially the same, and the two end sliders70are substantially the same. In other embodiments, at least one of the center sliders55can be different from at least one other of the center sliders55. In other embodiments, the end sliders70can be different from each other.

The support frame75includes a drive end82and an idler end84. The support frame75extends along a longitudinal axis LA between the drive end82and the idler end84. The drive sprocket54can be mounted within a first tumbler opening85defined in the drive end82of the support frame75. The idler sprocket52can be mounted within a second tumbler opening87defined in the idler end84of the support frame75. Along a lower edge89thereof, the support frame75also defines a plurality of roller openings90for housing a respective one of the idler rollers49therein.

In embodiments, the support frame75can be formed by a pair of frame side plates92,93in lateral spaced relationship to each other along a transverse axis TA. The transverse axis TA is perpendicular to both the longitudinal axis LA and the vertical axis VA. In embodiments, the frame side plates92,93can be connected together via a frame top plate95and a bottom plate (not shown) and/or other transverse structural member(s) extending along the transverse axis TA between the frame side plates92,93.

The support frame75includes a plurality of mounting fins97,98,99projecting from a top of the support frame75, which is formed by the frame top plate95in the illustrated embodiment, along the vertical axis VA. The vertical axis VA is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA. The mounting fins97are configured to serve as the mounts for the track support rails55,70which can be removably connected thereto. Each of the mounting fins97,98,99includes a first fin portion101and a second fin portion102in spaced relationship to the first fin portion101along the longitudinal axis LA which serves as connection points for a respective one of the sliders55,70. In embodiments, any suitable technique for removably mounting the track support rails55,70to the mounting fins97,99,98can be used. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, each track support rail55,70is removably attached to one of the mounting fins98,97,99via a pair of fasteners104(seeFIG. 3).

Referring toFIG. 3, each of the first and second fin portions101,102of the illustrated embodiment is in the form of a mounting tab which defines a fin opening105therethrough. In embodiments, each fin opening105is configured to receive the fastener104therethrough for connecting a respective one of the track support rails70to the particular mounting fin99. The illustrated fin opening105is in the form of an elongated slot. In other embodiments, a different shape can be used. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second fin mounting tabs101,102are configured such that a central notch107is defined therebetween along the longitudinal axis LA. Each of the track support rails70is adapted to contactingly engaging the track assembly45such that the track assembly45is slidably movable over the respective track support rail70.). In embodiments, at least one of the track support rails70can be configured to be mounted to one of the mounting fins97,99in one of at least two mounting positions such that the ends of the track support rail70can be reversed in relation to its position on the associated mounting fin97,99.

Referring toFIG. 2, in the illustrated embodiment, each of the center sliders55includes a planar support surface110for slidably supporting the track assembly45that is substantially planar. The planar support surfaces110of the center sliders55are substantially aligned with each other along the vertical axis VA. In other embodiments, the upper support surface of the center sliders55can each have a convex curved shape, and, in embodiments, be arranged along the vertical axis VA such that the center slider55disposed in the middle of the three is vertically higher than the other two.

Referring toFIGS. 4-10, one of the end sliders70of the track support assembly50ofFIG. 2is shown removed from the support frame75ofFIG. 2. The track support rail70is constructed according to one of several possible embodiments following principles of the present disclosure. The track support rail70is adapted to support the track assembly45of the machine20such that the track assembly45is slidably movable over the track support rail70. It should be understood that the description of the track support rail70shown inFIGS. 4-10is applicable to the other end slider70, as well.

In embodiments, the track support rail70can be made from any suitable material, such as metal, for example, and can be made using any suitable technique, such as by being cast and machined to final dimensional tolerance, for example. In embodiments, the track support rail70can be made from a suitable steel, such as a manganese steel, for example.

Referring toFIGS. 4-7, the track support rail70includes a body120having a first body end121, a second body end122, a crown portion124, an upper support surface125, a bottom portion127, and a mounting surface129. Referring toFIG. 4, in embodiments, the body120has an asymmetric configuration such that there is an increased amount of wear material at one or more specific locations along the body120of the track support rail70at which increased wear (relative to at least one other location along the slider) is expected to occur based upon its intended use. For example, in embodiments, more wear of the end slider70is expected to occur at the end of the slider located closer to the idler end84of the support frame75. As such, in embodiments, the second body end122of the end slider70can have a larger volume than the volume of the first body end121such that there is more wear material at the second body end122relative to the first body end121. In the illustrated embodiment, the first body end121and the second body end122are asymmetric with respect to each other.

Referring toFIGS. 5 and 6, the body120extends along the longitudinal axis between the first body end121and the second body end122. The body120extends laterally along a transverse axis TA which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA, and has a height measured along a vertical axis VA, which is perpendicular to both the longitudinal axis LA and the transverse axis TA. The crown portion124is disposed between the first body end121and the second body end122along the longitudinal axis LA. The upper support surface125extends along the longitudinal axis between the first body end121and the second body end122. The upper support surface125is curved from the first body end121toward the crown portion124and from the second body end122toward the crown portion124. The bottom portion127is in opposing relationship to the upper support surface125. The mounting surface129extends inwardly from the bottom portion127of the body120and defines a mounting pocket140(seeFIGS. 7 and 8).

Referring toFIG. 6, the crown portion124of the track support rail70comprises an intermediate portion of the body120including the maximum height of the body, which is measured along the vertical axis VA. In the illustrated embodiment, the crown portion124has a greater height than both the first body end121and the second body end122.

In embodiments, the upper support surface125has a convex curved configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper support surface125includes a first curved segment142and a second curved segment143. The first curved segment142has a first curved shape and extends from the first body end121toward the crown portion124of the body120. The second curved segment143has a second curved shape and extends from the second body end122toward the crown portion124of the body120. The first curved shape of the first curved segment142is different from the second curved shape of the second curved segment143. In the illustrated embodiment, the first curved segment142generally increases in height (measured along the vertical axis VA), moving along the longitudinal axis LA from the first body end121to the crown portion124, and the second curved segment143generally increases in height (measured along the vertical axis VA), moving along the longitudinal axis LA from the second body end122to the crown portion124.

The first curved segment142includes a first rounded corner145, and the second curved segment143includes a second rounded corner147. The first rounded corner145has a first corner shape, and the second rounded corner147has a second corner shape which is different from the first corner shape (see also,FIG. 5).

Referring toFIG. 9, the track support rail70is shown in section long a longitudinal plane PLextending through a lateral midpoint MLof the body120taken along the transverse axis TA (see also,FIG. 5). The longitudinal plane PLis defined by the longitudinal axis LA and the vertical axis VA. The upper support surface125includes a crown segment150disposed in overlying relationship with the crown portion124of the body120. The first rounded corner145has a first radius of longitudinal curvature R1Lin the longitudinal plane PL. The second rounded corner147has a second radius of longitudinal curvature R2Lin the longitudinal plane PL. The crown segment150has a third radius of longitudinal curvature R3Lin the longitudinal plane PL. In embodiments, the third radius of longitudinal curvature R3Lis different from both the first radius of longitudinal curvature R1Land the second radius of longitudinal curvature R2L. In the illustrated embodiment, the third radius of longitudinal curvature R3Lis greater than both the first radius of longitudinal curvature R1Land the second radius of longitudinal curvature R2L.

In embodiments, the longitudinal curvature of the upper support surface125can be configured to generally approximate a projected arc that is tangent to the circumference of the idler sprocket52. In embodiments, the longitudinal curvature of the upper support surface125can be configured to have the largest radius within the available space for the end slider70in its intended application, while still: allowing for sliding movement of the track assembly45along the top of the track support assembly50defined by the sliders55,70and allowing sufficient slack in the track assembly45to prevent over tensioning when propelling the machine20over large obstacles.

Referring toFIG. 10, the upper support surface125can be configured to support the weight of the track assembly45with reduced wear. In embodiments, the curved configuration of the upper support surface125can be adapted to lower contact pressure exerted by the track assembly45over the width of the track support rail70(taken along the transverse axis TA). Referring toFIGS. 5 and 10, the upper support surface125can include a central strip152, a pair of intermediate strips153flanking the central strip152, and a pair of outer strips155disposed laterally outward of the intermediate strips153. The strips152,153,155extend along the longitudinal axis LA between the first body end121and the second body end122. In embodiments, the strips152,153,155are configured to blend together such that a significant discontinuity between adjacent strips152,153,155is avoided.

Referring toFIG. 10, in embodiments, the outer strips155can have a first radius of transverse curvature R1Tin a transverse plane PT(seeFIG. 6) defined by the transverse axis TA and the vertical axis VA, the intermediate strips153can have a second radius of transverse curvature R2Tin the transverse plane PT, and the central strip152can have a third radius of transverse curvature R3Tin the transverse plane PT. In embodiments, the third radius of transverse curvature R3Tcan be greater than both the second radius of transverse curvature R2Tand the first radius of transverse curvature R1T. In embodiments, the second radius of transverse curvature R2Tcan be greater than the first radius of transverse curvature R1T. In the illustrated embodiment, the second radius of transverse curvature R2Tis about four times greater than the first radius of transverse curvature R1T, and the third radius of transverse curvature R3Tis about three times greater than the second radius of transverse curvature R2T.

Referring toFIG. 3, the body120of the track support rail70is mounted to the mounting fin99of the support frame75. In embodiments, the body120of the track support rail70is mounted to the mounting fin99of the support frame such that at least a portion of the mounting fin99is disposed within the mounting pocket140of the track support rail. In the illustrated embodiment, portions of both the first mounting tab101and the second mounting tab102of the mounting fin99are disposed within the mounting pocket140. The mounting surface129of the body120is configured to seat directly upon the mounting fin99to transfer the load that the track support rail70is bearing (as a result of the track assembly45slidingly moving over it) directly to the mounting fin99without subjecting the fasteners104to an excessive shear load.

Referring toFIGS. 7 and 8, in embodiments, the mounting surface129defines the mounting pocket140with a close fit such that the mounting fin to which the track support rail70is mounted is locked against the mounting surface129both longitudinally along the longitudinal axis LA and laterally along the transverse axis TA. In embodiments, the mounting surface129defines the mounting pocket140such that each of the fin portions101,102(in the form of mounting tabs in the illustrated embodiment) positively contact the mounting surface129such that the load born by the track support rail70is transferred directly to the mounting fin to which the track support rail70is mounted.

The mounting surface129includes a pair of sidewalls170and a pair of end walls172. The sidewalls170extend along the longitudinal axis LA and are in lateral spaced relationship to each other along the transverse axis TA. The end walls172extend along the transverse axis TA between the pair of sidewalls170and are in spaced relationship to each other along the longitudinal axis LA.

In embodiments, at least one of the pair of sidewalls170includes a sidewall rib174projecting therefrom. In embodiments, each sidewall rib174projects along the transverse axis TA toward the other of the pair of sidewalls170. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the sidewalls170includes a plurality of sidewall ribs174projecting therefrom toward the other sidewall170. In embodiments, at least one of the pair of end walls172includes an end wall rib175projecting therefrom toward the other of the pair of end walls172. In the illustrated embodiment, both of the end walls172include an end wall rib175projecting therefrom. The end wall ribs175project toward each other along the longitudinal axis LA.

In embodiments, the sidewall ribs174and the end wall ribs175provide the contacting surfaces that contactingly engage the mounting fin to which the track support rail70is mounted. The sidewall ribs174can be provided to help facilitate the lateral engagement of the slider70with the mounting fin. The end wall ribs175can be provided to help provide an even more positive contacting engagement between the slider70and the mounting fin along the longitudinal axis LA. The sidewall ribs174and the end wall ribs175can be more readily machined to close tolerance than would be the case if the sidewalls170were planar. For example, in embodiments where the body120is made from manganese steel, the body can be difficult to machine. Providing the sidewall ribs174and/or the end wall ribs175can help achieve a close fit up between the track support rail70and the mounting fin to which it is mounted with a reduced amount of machining time.

In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting pocket includes a first pocket end segment181and a second pocket end segment182. Each pocket end segment181,182of the mounting pocket140is configured to contactingly engage one of the mounting tabs101,102of a mounting fin of the support frame75. In embodiments, the pocket end segments181,182are configured such that they can be respectively mounted to either of the mounting tabs101,102of a mounting fin such that the track support rail70can be mounted in one of two mounting positions upon the mounting fin.

The mounting pocket includes a pocket central segment185which is interposed between the first pocket end segment181and the second pocket end segment182along the longitudinal axis LA. In the illustrated embodiment, the pocket central segment185is configured such that the portion of the mounting surface129that defines the pocket central segment185is in non-contacting relationship with the mounting fin99when the mounting fin99is fully seated within the first and second pocket end segments (see also,FIG. 3).

Referring toFIG. 8, the second pocket end segment182is shown. The first pocket end segment181and the second pocket end segment182are mirror images of each other. Accordingly, it should be understood that the description of the second pocket end segment182is applicable to the first pocket end segment181, as well.

The bottom portion127of the track support rail70defines a mounting pocket opening188. The mounting pocket140extends inwardly from the mounting pocket opening188of the bottom portion127. The mounting surface129of the track support rail70includes a seating surface190. The seating surface190is in spaced relationship to the mounting pocket opening188along the vertical axis VA. The seating surface190extends laterally between the sidewalls170and forms a closed end of the mounting pocket140. In embodiments, the mounting pocket is configured such that the mounting tabs101,102of the mounting fin upon which the track support rail70is mounted is in contacting relationship with the seating surface190.

In embodiments, the body120defines a pair of mounting holes192. The pair of mounting holes192are aligned with each other to receive a fastener104therethrough. In embodiments, the pair of mounting holes192is in communication with the mounting pocket140via the pair of sidewalls170, respectively. In embodiment, at least one of the pair of sidewalls170includes a pair of sidewall ribs174projecting therefrom and in flanking relationship to the one of the pair of mounting holes192associated therewith. In the illustrated embodiment, both of the mounting holes192are flanked by sidewall ribs174.

In the illustrated embodiment, the pair of sidewalls170each includes a side base surface194, and the sidewall ribs174project from the side base surface194. The sidewall ribs174can be configured to project toward each other along the transverse axis TA such that the sidewall ribs174are in contacting relationship with the mounting fin of the support frame to constrain the mounting fin laterally along the transverse axis TA between the sidewall ribs174, and the side base surfaces194are in non-contacting relationship with the mounting fin (see also,FIG. 7).

In the illustrated embodiment, each one of the pair of end walls172includes an end base surface197, and the end wall rib175projects from the end base surface191. Each end wall rib175is configured to project along the longitudinal axis LA toward the other of the pair of end walls172such that the end wall ribs175are in contacting relationship with the mounting fin of the support frame and the end base surfaces197are in non-contacting relationship with the mounting fin (see also,FIG. 7).

Referring toFIGS. 11 and 12, the body120of the track support rail70is mounted to the mounting fin99of the support frame such that the seating surface190of the mounting surface129is in contacting relationship with a top portion198of the mounting fin99. The body120of the track support rail70is mounted to the mounting fin99of the support frame75such that the fin opening105is aligned with the pair of body mounting holes192of the track support rail.

Referring toFIG. 12, the fastener104extends through the pair of body mounting holes192and the fin opening105to connect the track support rail70to the mounting fin99. The pair of body mounting holes192and the fin opening105are configured and arranged with respect to each other such that the fastener104is in non-contacting relationship with the mounting fin99. Accordingly, the fastener104does not experience a significant shear load when the track support rail70is supporting the track assembly45as a result of the positional tolerance and size of the body mounting holes192and the fin opening105.

In embodiments, the fastener104can include a threaded external surface and can be secured in place via a suitable nut199, such as a jam nut, for example, having a mating internal threaded surface. In embodiments, once the nut199is secured to the fastener104, it can be welded in place to enhance the secure retention of the track support rail70to the mounting fin99.

Referring toFIGS. 13 and 14, the mounting surface129of the body120of the track support rail70is configured such that the body120is mountable to the mounting fin99in one of a first mounting position and a second mounting position. Referring toFIG. 13, the track support rail70is in the first mounting position. The first body end121being closer to the first fin portion101than the second body end122is when the body120is in the first mounting position. Referring toFIG. 14, the track support rail70is in the second mounting position. The second body end122is closer to the first fin portion101than the first body end121is when the body120is in the second mounting position. In embodiments, the mounting surface of the track support rail70can be configured such that its seating surfaces190can be placed in contacting engagement with either the first fin portion101or the second fin portion102, depending upon in which mounting position the track support rail70is.

In embodiments of a method of using a track support assembly of a machine following principles of the present disclosure, a track support rail constructed according to principles of the present disclosure can have a reversible configuration to help extend its useful life. In at least some applications, the track support rail can experience more wear at either its leading end or trailing end (relative to the direction of sliding movement of the track assembly over the track support rail. In embodiments, during maintenance of the undercarriage, the mounting arrangement of the track support rail upon the support frame can be reversed in order to have the body end of the rail that has more material remaining placed in the location where the greater wear occurred. In embodiments, a method of using a track support assembly of a machine following principles of the present disclosure can be used with any embodiment of a track support rail constructed according to principles discussed herein.

Referring toFIG. 15, in one embodiment of a method300of using a track support assembly of a machine following principles of the present disclosure, a track support rail mounted in a first mounting position to a support frame is removed (step310). The support frame includes a drive end and an idler end. The support frame extends along a longitudinal axis between the drive end and the idler end. The track support rail includes a first body end and a second body end. The first body end of the track support rail is closer to the idler end than the second body end is when the track support rail is in the first mounting position.

The track support rail is remounted in a second mounting position to the support frame (step320). The second body end of the track support rail is closer to the idler end than the first body end is when the track support rail is in the second mounting position.

In embodiments, the support frame includes a mounting fin projecting therefrom along a vertical axis which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The mounting fin has a first fin portion and a second fin portion that is in spaced relationship to the first fin portion along the longitudinal axis. The track support rail is mounted to the mounting fin such that the first body end of the track support rail is closer to the first fin portion than the second body end is when the track support rail is in the first mounting position and such that the second body end of the track support rail is closer to the first fin portion than the first body end is when the track support rail is in the second mounting position.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The industrial applicability of the embodiments of a track support assembly and a track support rail described herein will be readily appreciated from the foregoing discussion. At least one embodiment of the disclosed track support rail may be used for a track support assembly. At least one embodiment of the disclosed track support rail can be used in an undercarriage of a track-type machine.

Embodiments of a track support rail constructed according to principles of the present disclosure can have an upper support surface that has a curved, asymmetric configuration. The track support rail can be readily mounted to a support frame without either constructing the track support rail as a unitary part of the support frame or welding the track support rail to the support frame.

In embodiments, a track support rail constructed according to principles of the present disclosure has a reversible mounting configuration that permits the track support rail to be mounted to a support frame in one of at least two different mounting positions. Reversing the track support rail after it has been subjected to a first wear period can help obtain an extended lifespan for the slider.

Embodiments of a track support rail and a track support assembly according to principles of the present disclosure may find potential application in any machine. Yet further, the present disclosure may be applicable to track-type undercarriages in which the components are subject to significant wear. Such machines may include, but are not limited to, excavators, which utilize a track-type undercarriage, or other mobile or stationary machines that utilize a track assembly, as described herein.

It will be appreciated that the foregoing description provides examples of the disclosed system and technique. However, it is contemplated that other implementations of the disclosure may differ in detail from the foregoing examples. All references to the disclosure or examples thereof are intended to reference the particular example being discussed at that point and are not intended to imply any limitation as to the scope of the disclosure more generally. All language of distinction and disparagement with respect to certain features is intended to indicate a lack of preference for the features of interest, but not to exclude such from the scope of the disclosure entirely unless otherwise specifically indicated.