Patent Publication Number: US-2022227437-A1

Title: Rim for a track roller

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to a track roller of an undercarriage and, for example, to a rim for the track roller. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In industries such as construction, mining, and forestry, a machine may utilize a track to distribute weight of the machine on a ground surface. As a result, the machine may be configured to traverse the ground surface with less likelihood of becoming stuck compared to wheel-driven machines. In such a machine, a plurality of track rollers are rotatably connected to an undercarriage frame to guide the track therearound. In order to support the weight of the machine and withstand forces associated with operation of the machine, the plurality of track rollers may have a robust structure that is expensive to manufacture. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,280,009 discloses a carrier roller assembly for guiding and supporting an endless track of a track-type machine. The roller includes a shell having first and second end portions and an intermediate portion. A plurality of bearings are positioned between the roller shell and a mounting shaft. A plurality of segments having first and second end portions and an intermediate portion are positioned around the roller shell to define a rim having substantially continuous track bearing surfaces thereon and positioned for the intermediate portion to contact the intermediate portion of the roller shell. A first resilient ring is positioned around the first end portion of the roller shell to support the first end portion of the rim member. A second resilient ring is positioned around the second end portion of the roller shell to support the second end portion of the rim member. 
     The rim of the present disclosure solves one or more of the problems set forth above and/or other problems in the art. 
     SUMMARY 
     In some implementations, a rim for a track roller includes a wall having a first end and a second end that is opposite to the first end, wherein the first end includes a first opening, and the second end includes a second opening that communicates with the first opening to define a bore for a shaft of the track roller; a first annular projection extending radially from the wall to engage a first edge of a track, the first annular projection including: a first exterior flange having a first plurality of exterior notches, wherein the first exterior flange is configured to constrain movement of the track in a first axial direction, and the first exterior flange is formed from a single, integral piece of material; and a second annular projection extending radially from the wall to engage a second edge of the track, the second annular projection including: a second exterior flange that is configured to constrain movement of the track in a second axial direction that is opposite to the first axial direction. 
     In some implementations, a rim segment for a track roller includes a wall having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end includes a first opening, and the second end includes a second opening that communicates with the first opening to define a bore for a shaft of the track roller; and an annular projection extending radially from the wall, the annular projection including: a base portion that is configured to contact an edge of a track, and an exterior flange that is configured to constrain axial movement of the track, wherein the exterior flange includes a plurality of notches, and the exterior flange has a diameter that is greater than a diameter of the base portion. 
     In some implementations, a rim segment for a track roller includes a substantially cylindrical wall having a first end and a second end; and an annular projection extending radially from the substantially cylindrical wall, the annular projection including: a base portion that is configured to contact an edge of a track, and an exterior flange that is configured to constrain axial movement of the track, wherein the exterior flange includes a plurality of notches, and the exterior flange has a diameter that is greater than a diameter of the base portion; wherein the rim segment is made of a single, integral piece of material. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of an exemplary machine having a plurality of track rollers engaging and guiding a track. 
         FIG. 2  is cross-sectional view of an exemplary rim of one of the plurality of track rollers engaging links of the track. 
         FIG. 3  is an isometric cross-sectional view of the rim engaging the links of the track. 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of the rim. 
         FIG. 5  is an isometric view of an exemplary rim segment of one of the plurality of track rollers. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     This disclosure relates to a rim for a track roller, which is applicable to any machine having a track. While a dozer is illustrated in  FIG. 1 , other types of machines are contemplated. For example, the machine may be a tractor, a loader, an excavator, a conveyor system, or another type of machine. 
     To simplify the explanation below, the same reference numbers may be used to denote like features. The drawings may not be to scale. 
       FIG. 1  depicts an exemplary machine  100 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the machine  100  includes a machine body  102  and an undercarriage  104  that supports and enables movement of the machine body  102 . The undercarriage  104  includes a frame  106 , a sprocket  108 , a front idler  110 , a rear idler  112 , a plurality of track rollers  114 , and a track  116  extending therearound. The frame  106  is a structure that supports the sprocket  108 , the front idler  110 , the rear idler  112 , the plurality of track rollers  114 , and the track  116 . In some implementations, the frame  106  may include a recoil mechanism (not shown) to adjust tension in the track  116 . The sprocket  108 , which is rotatably mounted to an upper end of the frame  106 , is configured to drive the track  116  around the frame  106 . The front idler  110  and the rear idler  112  are respectively mounted to a front end and a rear end of the frame  106  and are configured to guide the track  116  therearound. The plurality of track rollers  114  are rotatably mounted to a lower end of the frame  106  and are configured to engage and guide the track  116  therealong between the front idler  110  and the rear idler  112 . The track  116  is a ground-engaging device that encircles the frame  106  and propels the machine  100 . 
     Although only one undercarriage  104  is depicted in  FIG. 1 , it should be understood that the machine  100  includes a second undercarriage arranged on an opposite side of the machine body  102 . The second undercarriage substantially mirrors the undercarriage  104 . 
     As indicated above,  FIG. 1  is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with regard to  FIG. 1 . For example, the number and arrangement of components may differ from that shown in  FIG. 1 . Thus, there may be additional components, fewer components, different components, differently shaped components, differently sized components, and/or differently arranged components than those shown in  FIG. 1 . For example, in some implementations, an undercarriage of a machine may not include a rear idler. In such an example, the undercarriage may include a front idler, a sprocket in place of the rear idler, and a plurality of track rollers arranged between the sprocket and the front idler. 
     An exemplary rim  200  (shown in  FIGS. 2-4 ) and an exemplary rim segment  500  (shown in  FIG. 5 ), which constitute alternative components of a track roller  114  of the plurality of track rollers  114 , will be described below. While not expressly shown, it should be understood that the track roller  114  further includes a shaft, which connects the track roller  114  to the frame  106 , and one or more additional components that allow the rim  200  or the rim segment  500  to rotate relative to the shaft (e.g., one or more bearings, one or more bushings, and/or lubricant). 
       FIGS. 2-3  depict the rim  200  in engagement with the track  116 . The track  116  includes a first plurality of links  202 , a second plurality of links  204 , and a plurality of pins  206  that connect the first plurality of links  202  and the second plurality of links  204 . The first plurality of links  202  define a first edge  208  of the track  116 , and the second plurality of links  204  define a second edge  210  of the track  116  that is opposite to the first edge  208 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2-3 , the rim  200  includes a first rim segment  212  and a second rim segment  214 . The first rim segment  212  includes a first wall portion  216  and a first annular projection  218 . The first wall portion  216 , which is substantially cylindrical, includes a first outer end  220  and a first inner end  222  that is opposite to the first outer end  220 . The first outer end  220  includes a first outer opening  224  within a first plane  226 . The first inner end  222  includes a first inner opening  228  that communicates with the first outer opening  224  to define a first bore  230  that is configured to receive the shaft. 
     The first annular projection  218  radially extends from the first wall portion  216  and is configured to engage the first edge  208  of the track  116 . The first annular projection  218  includes a first base portion  232 , a first exterior flange  234 , and a first interior flange  236 , which together are configured to cradle the first edge  208  of the track  116  and constrain axial movement thereof. The first base portion  232  includes a first exterior surface  238 , a first interior surface  240 , and a first lateral surface  242  that connects the first exterior surface  238  to the first interior surface  240 . The first exterior surface  238  is substantially adjacent to the first outer end  220  of the first wall portion  216 , and the first interior surface  240  is spaced from the first inner end  222  of the first wall portion  216 . To reduce the weight of the first rim segment  212 , the first exterior surface  238  and the first interior surface  240  respectively include a first exterior groove  244  and a first interior groove  246 , which are annular and substantially concentric with the first wall portion  216 . The first lateral surface  242  is configured to contact and guide a first upper surface  248  of the first edge  208  of the track  116 . In other words, the first lateral surface  242  has a shape and size that substantially matches a shape and size of the first upper surface  248 . 
     The first exterior flange  234  extends radially from the first lateral surface  242 . To further reduce the weight of the first rim segment  212 , the first exterior flange includes a first plurality of exterior notches  250  (shown more clearly in  FIGS. 3-4 ). The first plurality of exterior notches  250  extend axially to form a first exterior undulating surface  252  of the first exterior flange  234  that is adjacent to the first exterior surface  238  of the first base portion  232 . In order to constrain movement of the first edge  208  of the track  116  in a first axial direction, the first exterior flange  234  further includes a first exterior angled surface  254  that is opposite to the first exterior undulating surface  252 . In some implementations, to minimize wear resulting from repeated contact with the first edge  208  of the track  116 , an angle of the first exterior angled surface  254  may be substantially equal to an angle of a first outer side surface  256  of the first edge  208  of the track  116 . For example, the angle may be in a range of approximately 10 degrees to approximately 25 degrees relative to the first plane  226 . 
     The first interior flange  236  is axially spaced from the first exterior flange  234 . Similar to the first exterior flange  234 , the first interior flange  236  extends radially from the first lateral surface  242 . To further reduce the weight of the first rim segment  212 , the first interior flange  236  likewise includes a first plurality of interior notches  258  (shown more clearly in  FIG. 3 ). The first plurality of interior notches  258  extend axially to form a first interior undulating surface  260  of the first interior flange  236  that is adjacent to the first interior surface  240  of the first base portion  232 . In order to constrain movement of the first edge  208  of the track  116  in a second axial direction that is opposite to the first axial direction, the first interior flange  236  further includes a first interior angled surface  262  that is opposite to the first interior undulating surface  260 . In some implementations, to minimize wear resulting from repeated contact with the first edge  208  of the track  116 , an angle of the first interior angled surface  262  may substantially equal an angle of a first inner side surface  264  of the first edge  208  of the track  116 . For example, the angle may be in a range of approximately 10 degrees to approximately 25 degrees relative to the first plane  226 . In some implementations, depending on the shape of the track  116 , the angle of the first interior angled surface  262  may differ from the angle of the first exterior angled surface  254 . 
     To provide clearance between the first wall portion  216  and the track  116 , the first base portion  232  has a diameter that is greater than a diameter of the first wall portion  216 . For example, the diameter of the first base portion  232  may be in a range of approximately 164 millimeters (mm) to approximately 330 mm. To constrain movement of the first edge  208  of the track  116  in the first axial direction, the first exterior flange  234  has a diameter that is greater than a diameter of the first base portion  232 . For example, the diameter of the first exterior flange  234  may be in a range of approximately 199 mm to approximately 395 mm. As an example, a ratio of the diameter of the first base portion  232  to the diameter of the first exterior flange  234  may be in a range of approximately 0.8 to approximately 0.94. To constrain movement of the first edge  208  of the track  116  in the second axial direction, the first interior flange  236  has a diameter that is greater than the diameter of the first base portion  232 . In some implementations, the diameter of the first interior flange  236  may be between the diameter of the first base portion  232  and the diameter of the first exterior flange  234 . 
     The second rim segment  214  substantially mirrors the first rim segment  212 . Thus, while the description to follow is simplified, it should be understood that the above description of the first rim segment  212  equally applies to the description below of the second rim segment  214 . The second rim segment  214  includes a second wall portion  266  and a second annular projection  268 . The second wall portion  266 , which is substantially cylindrical, includes a second outer end  270  and a second inner end  272  that is opposite to the second outer end  270 . The second outer end  270  includes a second outer opening  274 . The second inner end  272  includes a second inner opening  276  that communicates with the second outer opening  274  to define a second bore  278  that is configured to align with the first bore  230  to receive the shaft. 
     The second annular projection  268  radially extends from the second wall portion  266  and is configured to engage the second edge  210  of the track  116 . The second annular projection  268  includes a second base portion  280 , a second exterior flange  282 , and a second interior flange  284 , which together are configured to cradle the second edge  210  of the track  116  and constrain axial movement thereof. To reduce the weight of the second rim segment  214 , the second base portion  280  includes a second exterior groove  286  and a second interior groove  288 , which are annular and substantially concentric with the second wall portion  266 . 
     The second exterior flange  282  extends radially from the second base portion  280 . To further reduce the weight of the second rim segment  214 , the second exterior flange includes a second plurality of exterior notches  290  (shown more clearly in  FIG. 3 ). The second interior flange  284  is axially spaced from the second exterior flange  282 . Similar to the second exterior flange  282 , the second interior flange  284  extends radially from the second base portion  280 . To further reduce the weight of the second rim segment  214 , the second interior flange  284  likewise includes a second plurality of interior notches  292  (shown more clearly in  FIG. 3 ). 
     To assemble the rim  200 , a manufacturer may independently forge the first rim segment  212  and the second rim segment  214  out of a hardenable metal (e.g., boron steel). After forging the first rim segment  212  and the second rim segment  214 , the manufacturer may weld the first inner end  222  of the first rim segment  212  to the second inner end  272  of the second rim segment  214  to form the rim  200 . To extend a wear life of the rim  200  (e.g., in a range of approximately 2,000 hours to approximately 6,000 hours, depending on usage), the manufacturer may harden the rim  200  via heat treatment. Once so assembled, the first wall portion  216  and second wall portion  266  together define a wall  294  of the rim  200 , and the first bore  230  and the second bore  278  together define a bore  296  of the rim  200 . In some implementations, the first rim segment  212  and the second rim segment  214  may be integrally formed (e.g., by casting) or combined via one or more different types of attachment mechanisms (e.g., threaded fasteners, annular clamps, and/or the like). 
     As indicated above,  FIGS. 2-3  are provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with regard to  FIGS. 2-3 . For example, the number and arrangement of components may differ from that shown in  FIGS. 2-3 . Thus, there may be additional components, fewer components, different components, differently shaped components, differently sized components, and/or differently arranged components than those shown in  FIGS. 2-3 . For example, to simplify manufacturing of the rim  200 , at least one of the first exterior groove  244 , the first interior groove  246 , the first plurality of interior notches  258 , the first interior flange  236 , the second exterior groove  286 , the second interior groove  288 , the second plurality of interior notches  292 , or the second interior flange  284  may be eliminated from the rim  200 . 
       FIG. 4  depicts the first plurality of exterior notches  250  and the first exterior groove  244  of the rim  200 . As indicated above, the first plurality of interior notches  258 , the second plurality of exterior notches  290 , and the second plurality of interior notches  292  may have substantially the same structure and arrangement as the first plurality of exterior notches  250 . Likewise, the first interior groove  246 , the second exterior groove  286 , and the second interior groove  288  may have substantially the same structure and arrangement as the first exterior groove  244 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the first plurality of exterior notches  250  are circumferentially and evenly arranged around the first exterior groove  244 . The first plurality of exterior notches  250  may include chamfered surfaces  402  to minimize a potential of damage to the first plurality of exterior notches  250  and/or limit accumulation of dirt or debris within the first plurality of exterior notches  250 . Each of the first plurality of exterior notches  250  may have a substantially trapezoidal shape, with a width in a circumferential direction that is greater than a height in a radial direction. Other shapes and/or arrangements of the first plurality of exterior notches  250  and the first exterior groove  244  are contemplated. For example, in some implementations, the height in the radial direction of one or more of the first plurality of exterior notches  250  may extend from an outer edge of the first exterior flange  234  to the first outer end  220  of the first wall portion  216 . In such an example, the height may be substantially equal to a width in the circumferential direction of the one or more of the first plurality of exterior notches  250 . 
     As indicated above,  FIG. 4  is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with regard to  FIG. 4 . For example, the number and arrangement of components may differ from that shown in  FIG. 4 . Thus, there may be additional components, fewer components, different components, differently shaped components, differently sized components, and/or differently arranged components than those shown in  FIG. 4 . For example, the first plurality of exterior notches  250  may include a quantity of notches that is greater than or less than the six notches shown. 
       FIG. 5  depicts the rim segment  500 . It should be understood that the rim segment  500  may be attached or integrally formed with another rim segment to form a rim, as described above with respect to the rim  200 . Furthermore, the rim segment  500  may have substantially the same dimensions and be made of the same material as the rim  200 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the rim segment  500  includes a wall portion  502  and an annular projection  504 . The wall portion  502 , which has substantially the same structure as the first wall portion  216 , includes a bore  506  extending therethrough to receive the shaft. The annular projection  504  includes a base portion  508 , which has substantially the same structure as the first base portion  232 , and an exterior flange  510 . Together, the base portion  508  and the exterior flange  510  are configured to engage and guide the first edge  208  of the track  116 . The exterior flange  510 , which extends radially from the base portion  508 , includes a plurality of notches  512  to reduce the weight of the rim segment  500 . The plurality of notches  512  extend radially to form an undulating perimeter  514  of the exterior flange  510 . The plurality of notches  512  may include chamfered surfaces  516  to minimize a potential of damage to the plurality of notches  512  and/or limit accumulation of dirt or debris within the plurality of notches  512 . Each of the first plurality of notches  512  may have a substantially trapezoidal shape, with a width in a circumferential direction that is greater than a height in a radial direction. Other shapes and/or arrangements of the plurality of notches  512  are contemplated. 
     As indicated above,  FIG. 5  is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with regard to  FIG. 5 . For example, the number and arrangement of components may differ from that shown in  FIG. 5 . Thus, there may be additional components, fewer components, different components, differently shaped components, differently sized components, and/or differently arranged components than those shown in  FIG. 5 . For example, to further reduce the weight of the rim segment  500  and/or improve guidance of the track  116 , the rim segment  500  may include one or more of an exterior groove, an interior flange, a plurality of interior notches, or an interior groove (e.g., as structured and arranged within the rim  200 ). As a further example, the plurality of notches  512  may include a quantity greater than or less than the nine notches shown. 
     While the rim  200  and the rim segment  500  have been discretely described above as alternative components of the track roller  114 , it should be understood that features of the rim  200  and features of the rim segment  500  may be combined to form a hybrid rim. For example, the hybrid rim may include one or more axially-extending notches and one or more radially-extending notches. In practice, the machine  100  may include one or more of the rim  200 , one or more of the rim segment  500 , one or more of the hybrid rim, and/or a combination thereof. 
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
     The rim of the present disclosure, which may constitute a component of a track roller (e.g., the track roller  114 ) or a carrier roller, is particularly applicable in a track-type machine, such as the machine  100 . For example, the track-type machine may be a tractor, a dozer, a loader, an excavator, a conveyor system, or another type of machine. 
     By including one or more weight-reduction features in the rim (e.g., the first exterior groove  244 , the first interior groove  246 , the first plurality of exterior notches  250 , the first plurality of interior notches  258 , the second exterior groove  286 , the second interior groove  288 , the second plurality of exterior notches  290 , the second plurality of interior notches  292 , the plurality of notches  512 , and/or the like), a manufacturer of the rim reduces an amount of material needed to form the rim. As a result, the manufacturer may reduce material-related costs while maintaining the track-guiding functionality of the rim. Additionally, by shaping the weight-reduction features with smooth, chamfered surfaces, the manufacturer may minimize a potential of damage to the rim and/or limit accumulation of dirt or debris within the rim. Furthermore, by shaping track-engaging surfaces (e.g., of the first annular projection  218 , the second annular projection  268 , and/or the annular projection  504 ) to substantially match upper surfaces of the track  116 , the manufacturer may minimize wear resulting from repeated contact with the track  116  and therefore extend the wear life of the rim. 
     The foregoing disclosure provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the implementations to the precise forms disclosed. Modifications and variations may be made in light of the above disclosure or may be acquired from practice of the implementations. Furthermore, any of the implementations described herein may be combined unless the foregoing disclosure expressly provides a reason that one or more implementations cannot be combined. Even though particular combinations of features are recited in the claims and/or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of various implementations. Although each dependent claim listed below may directly depend on only one claim, the disclosure of various implementations includes each dependent claim in combination with every other claim in the claim set. 
     As used herein, “a,” “an,” and “set” are intended to include one or more items, and may be used interchangeably with “one or more.” Further, as used herein, the article “the” is intended to include one or more items referenced in connection with the article “the” and may be used interchangeably with “the one or more.” Further, as used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “having,” “including,” or other variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed. In addition, in this disclosure, relative terms, such as, for example, “about,” “generally,” “substantially,” and “approximately” are used to indicate a possible variation of ±10% of the stated value, except where otherwise apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from the context. Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based, at least in part, on” unless explicitly stated otherwise. Also, as used herein, the term “or” is intended to be inclusive when used in a series and may be used interchangeably with “and/or,” unless explicitly stated otherwise (e.g., if used in combination with “either” or “only one of”). Further, spatially relative terms, such as “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature&#39;s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. The spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the apparatus, device, and/or element in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. The apparatus may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein may likewise be interpreted accordingly.