Patent ID: 12240542

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure relates to a slider for supporting a track, which is applicable to a machine having a track-type undercarriage. For example, the machine may be a rope shovel, a hydraulic mining shovel, an excavator, a forest machine, 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.1depicts an exemplary undercarriage100. As indicated above, the undercarriage100is configured to support a machine (not shown), such as a rope shovel, a hydraulic mining shovel, an excavator, a forest machine, or another type of machine. The undercarriage100includes a frame102, a track104, a sprocket106, an idler108, a plurality of rollers110, and an arrangement of slider assemblies112. The frame102is a structure that supports the track104, the sprocket106, the idler108, the plurality of rollers110, and the arrangement of slider assemblies112. The frame102includes a rear end114, a front end116, a lower end118, and an upper end120. The rear end114is opposite to the front end116. The lower end118connects the rear end114to the front end116and is opposite to the upper end120. In some implementations, the frame102may include a recoil mechanism (not shown) to adjust tension in the track104. The track104, which may be formed of a plurality of shoes122, is a ground-engaging device that encircles the frame102and propels the machine.

The sprocket106, which is rotatably mounted to the rear end114of the frame102, is configured to drive the track104around the frame102. The idler108is mounted to the front end116of the frame102and is configured to guide the track104therearound. The plurality of rollers110are rotatably mounted to the lower end118of the frame102to guide the track104between the sprocket106and the idler108. The arrangement of slider assemblies112, which will be described in detail below, includes a pair of end slider assemblies124and a plurality of central slider assemblies126mounted to the upper end120of the frame102to support and guide the track104between the sprocket106and the idler108. An end slider assembly124of the pair of end slider assemblies124is mounted to the upper end120of the frame102at a location that is adjacent to the idler108. Another end slider assembly124of the pair of end slider assemblies124is mounted to the upper end120of the frame102at a location that is adjacent to the sprocket106. The end slider assembly124is substantially identical to the other end slider assembly124. The plurality of central slider assemblies126are spacedly mounted to the upper end120of the frame102between the end slider assembly124and the other end slider assembly124. For example, a space between the end slider assembly124and an adjacent central slider assembly126of the plurality of central slider assemblies126has a length in a range of approximately 350 millimeters (mm) to approximately 500 mm. The same spacing may occur between remaining slider assemblies of the arrangement of slider assemblies112. As structured and configured, the arrangement of slider assemblies112forms a mirrored arrangement.

As indicated above,FIG.1is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with regard toFIG.1. For example, the number and arrangement of components may differ from those shown inFIG.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 inFIG.1. For example, the plurality of rollers110may include a different quantity of rollers110(e.g., eight, ten, and/or the like). As a further example, the arrangement of slider assemblies112may include a different quantity of central slider assemblies126(e.g., two, four, and/or the like).

FIG.2depicts the undercarriage100in alignment with a shoe122of the plurality of shoes122. The shoe122, which has substantially the same structure as remaining shoes122of the plurality of shoes122, includes an inner contact surface202and an outer contact surface204that is opposite to the inner contact surface202. As will be described below, the inner contact surface202is configured to slidably contact the idler108, the plurality of rollers110, the sprocket106, and the arrangement of slider assemblies112as the shoe122travels along an oblong path206around the frame102. The outer contact surface204is configured to slidably engage a ground surface in the meantime.

To simplify explanation of the arrangement of slider assemblies112, the structure of the end slider assembly124and a single central slider assembly126(hereinafter referred to as the central slider assembly126) will be described below. It should be understood that the described structure is respectively applicable to the other end slider assembly124and remaining central slider assemblies126of the arrangement of central slider assemblies126.

The end slider assembly124includes an end slider208and an end support member210. The end slider208includes an upper surface212that is configured to slidably contact and support the inner contact surface202of the shoe122. To support the shoe122, the end slider208of the end slider assembly124may have a height that is greater than a height of the end support member210, a width that is greater than a width of the end support member210, and a length that is greater than a length of the end support member210. For example, with respect to the end slider208of the end slider assembly124, the height may be in a range of approximately 400 mm to approximately 500 mm, the width may be in a range of approximately 200 mm to approximately 300 mm, and the length may be in a range of approximately 1700 mm to approximately 1800 mm. A ratio of the height of the end slider208of the end slider assembly124to an overall height of the end slider assembly124may be in a range of approximately 0.75 to approximately 0.95. Other dimensions and/or ratios are contemplated.

The end support member210of the end slider assembly124is configured to support the end slider208. The end support member210includes a lower surface214that is opposite to the upper surface212and configured to contact the upper end120of the frame102when the end support member210is mounted to the frame102. In some implementations, to ensure that the end slider assembly124is fixedly attached to the frame102, the end support member210may be secured to the frame102via one or more fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, latches, clips, clasps, welding, and/or other types of fasteners).

The central slider assembly126includes a central slider216and a central support member218. The central slider216includes an upper surface220that is configured to slidably contact and support the inner contact surface202of the shoe122. To support the shoe122, the central slider216of the central slider assembly126may have a width that is greater than a width of the central support member218and a length that is greater than a length of the central support member218. For example, with respect to the central slider216of the central slider assembly126, the width may be in a range of approximately 200 mm to approximately 300 mm and the length may be in a range of approximately 1100 to approximately 1200 mm. A height of the central slider216of the central slider assembly126may be in a range of approximately 200 mm to approximately 300 mm. A ratio of the height of the central slider216of the central slider assembly126to an overall height of the central slider assembly126may be in a range of approximately 0.35 to approximately 0.55. Other dimensions and/or ratios are contemplated.

The central support member218of the central slider assembly126is configured to support the central slider216. The central support member218includes a lower surface222that is opposite to the upper surface220and configured to contact the upper end120of the frame102when the central support member218is mounted to the frame102. In some implementations, to ensure that the central slider assembly126is fixedly attached to the frame102, the central support member218may be secured to the frame102via one or more fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, latches, clips, clasps, welding, and/or another type of fastener).

To guide the shoe122along the oblong path206, the upper surface212of the end slider assembly124and the upper surface220of the central slider assembly126are sized and shaped in a complementary manner to the inner contact surface202of the shoe122. Thus, widths of the upper surfaces212,220, which are respectively the same as the widths of the end slider208and the central slider216, are substantially equal to a width of the inner contact surface202. Furthermore, the upper surfaces212,220may be convex in a lateral direction that is perpendicular to the oblong path206, and the inner contact surface202may be correspondingly concave in the lateral direction.

Because the end slider208is positioned at a junction between a curved section224and a linear section226of the oblong path206, the end slider208experiences impact from the shoe122along multiple directions. The central slider216, in contrast, is positioned along the linear section226of the oblong path206, and thus experiences less impact from the shoe122. In order to have a service life that is substantially equal to a service life of the central slider216(e.g., in a range of approximately 2,000 hours to approximately 5,000 hours), the end slider208may be heavier and more robust than the central slider216. For example, a weight of the end slider208may be in a range of approximately 1000 kilograms (kg) to approximately 1100 kilograms. A weight of the central slider216may be in a range of approximately 400 kg to approximately 500 kg. In order to withstand forces in a variety of environmental conditions, the end slider208and the central slider216may be made of manganese steel or another type of metal having a high impact strength and/or resistance to abrasion. Other weights and/or materials are contemplated.

To smoothly transition the oblong path206between the curved section224and the linear section226(e.g., as the shoe moves around the idler108or the sprocket106), the upper surface212of the end slider208has an asymmetric shape along the length of the end slider208. In particular, the upper surface212has, along the length of the end slider208, a first radius of curvature that is proximate to the curved section224of the oblong path206and a second radius of curvature that is proximate to the linear section226of the oblong path206. The second radius of curvature is greater than the first radius of curvature. Due to the central slider216being positioned along the linear section226of the oblong path206, the upper surface220of the central slider216is substantially linear.

In use, teeth228of the sprocket106may engage the shoe122to push the shoe122in either direction along the oblong path206. For example, in a clockwise direction along the oblong path206, the sprocket106pushes the shoe122toward the plurality of rollers110. Outer surfaces230of the plurality of rollers110, which have substantially the same widths and convex curvatures as those of the upper surfaces212,220of the end slider208and the central slider216, contact the inner contact surface202of the shoe122to guide the shoe122along the ground surface. When the shoe122reaches the idler108, an outer surface232of the idler108, which likewise has substantially the same width and convex curvature as that of the upper surfaces212,220of the end slider208and the central slider216, contacts the inner contact surface202of the shoe122to guide the shoe122around the curved section224of the oblong path206. Due to the increasing radius of curvature of the upper surface212of the end slider208, the shoe122smoothly slides along the upper surface212of the end slider208. The shoe122then slides along the upper surfaces220of the plurality of central sliders216and along the decreasing radius of curvature of the other end slider208before returning to the sprocket106. It should be understood that these steps occur in reverse order when the sprocket106drives the shoe122in the counterclockwise direction.

As indicated above,FIG.2is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with regard toFIG.2. For example, the number and arrangement of components may differ from those shown inFIG.2. Thus, there may be additional components, fewer components, different components, differently shaped components, differently sized components, and/or differently arranged components than those shown inFIG.2.

As will be described below in connection withFIGS.3-9, in some implementations, at least one slider of the pair of end slider assemblies124and/or the plurality of central slider assemblies126may be formed of multiple, removably attached components to facilitate installation and/or removal of the at least one slider.

FIG.3depicts the end slider assembly124and the central slider assembly126. As indicated above, it should be understood that the following description equally applies to remaining slider assemblies of the arrangement of slider assemblies112. The end slider208of the end slider assembly124has a first segment302and a second segment304. The first segment302includes a first upper surface306, a first lower surface308, and a first interior surface310that connects the first upper surface306to the first lower surface308. The first interior surface310of the end slider assembly124may be substantially planar. The second segment304, which may be substantially identical to the first segment302, includes a second upper surface312, a second lower surface314, and a second interior surface316that connects the second upper surface312to the second lower surface314. The second interior surface, which may be substantially planar, is configured to be removably attached to the first interior surface310. The first upper surface306and the second upper surface312together define the upper surface212of the end slider208. The first lower surface308and the second lower surface314together define a lower surface318of the end slider208that is spaced a distance from the lower surface214of the end support member210when the end slider208is attached to the end support member210. In order to attach the end slider208to the end support member210, the lower surface318of the end slider208may include an opening320that is configured to receive a portion of the end support member210. Once the end slider208and the end support member210are so engaged, the end slider208may be removably secured to the end support member210via one or more fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, latches, clips, clasps, and/or another type of fastener).

The central slider216of the central slider assembly126likewise has a first segment322and a second segment324. The first segment322includes a first upper surface326, a first lower surface328, and a first interior surface330that connects the first upper surface326to the first lower surface328. The first interior surface330may be substantially planar. The second segment324, which may be substantially identical to the first segment322, includes a second upper surface332, a second lower surface334, and a second interior surface336that connects the second upper surface332to the second lower surface334. The second interior surface336, which may be substantially planar, is configured to be removably attached to the first interior surface330. The first upper surface326and the second upper surface332together define the upper surface220of the central slider216. The first lower surface328and the second lower surface334together define a lower surface338of the central slider216that is spaced a distance from the lower surface222of the central support member218when the central slider216is attached to the central support member218. In order to attach the central slider216to the central support member218, the lower surface338of the central slider216may include an opening340that is configured to receive a portion of the central support member218. Once the central slider216and the central support member218are so engaged, the central slider216may be removably secured to the central support member218via one or more fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, latches, clips, clasps, and/or another type of fastener).

As indicated above,FIG.3is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with regard toFIG.3. For example, the number and arrangement of components may differ from that shown inFIG.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 inFIG.3. For example, at least one of the end slider assembly124and the central slider assembly126may include a slider having more than two segments (e.g., four segments, six segments, and/or the like). As a further example, the interior surfaces may be non-planar and instead have complementarily-shaped serrations, curvatures, or other shapes.

FIGS.4-9depict an exemplary dovetail attachment mechanism400of the end slider208. It should be understood that the central slider216may also utilize the dovetail attachment mechanism400as described below. As shown inFIGS.4-5, the first interior surface310of the first segment302of the end slider208includes a pair of dovetail recesses402, which together form a component of the dovetail attachment mechanism400. Each recess402of the pair of dovetail recesses402includes an insertion portion404, which has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape, and a securement portion406, which has a substantially trapezoidal shape. As shown inFIGS.6-7, the second interior surface316of the second segment304of the end slider208includes a pair of dovetail projections408, which together form a complementary component of the dovetail attachment mechanism400. Each projection408of the pair of dovetail projections408has a substantially trapezoidal cross-sectional shape that is substantially the same as the substantially trapezoidal shape of the insertion portions404of the pair dovetail recesses402.

Thus, in use, the pair of dovetail projections408may be respectively inserted into the insertion portions404of the pair of dovetail recesses402. Once the pair of dovetail recesses402receive the pair of dovetail projections408, the first segment302and the second segment304of the end slider208may be slid relative to one another to cause the pair of dovetail projections408to slide into the securement portions406of the pair of dovetail recesses402. Once the dovetail attachment mechanism400is so engaged, the first segment302and the second segment304form the attached state, as shown inFIGS.8-9.

As indicated above,FIGS.4-9are provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with regard toFIGS.4-9. For example, the number and arrangement of components may differ from those shown inFIGS.4-9. Thus, there may be additional components, fewer components, different components, differently shaped components, differently sized components, and/or differently arranged components than those shown inFIGS.4-9. As an example, the dovetail attachment mechanism400may include a different number of dovetail projections and dovetail recesses (e.g., one, three, four, and/or the like). As another example, the first segment302(and correspondingly, the second segment304) may include a combination of at least one dovetail projection and at least one dovetail recess. As a further example, the end slider208and/or the central slider216may utilize a different type of attachment mechanism, such as one or more magnets, a snap-type fastener (e.g., a trim molding fastener), a clip, or another type of fastener. Additionally or alternatively, the end slider208and/or the central slider216may include a locking mechanism (e.g., a quarter-turn latch or another type of locking mechanism) to prevent relative movement between the first segment302and the second segment304until the locking mechanism is disengaged.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The end slider208and the central slider216of the present disclosure are particularly applicable in a machine having a track-type undercarriage, such as the undercarriage100. The machine may be a rope shovel, a hydraulic mining shovel, an excavator, a forest machine, or another type of machine.

Because the end slider208and the central slider216of the present disclosure have been designed cohesively as part of the arrangement of slider assemblies112, the end slider208and the central slider216have substantially equal service lives, which streamlines replacement and minimizes machine downtime. Additionally, because of the robust design and variable curvature of the end slider208, the end slider208has improved wear resistance relative to other types of end sliders. Because the arrangement of slider assemblies112includes only two types of sliders (the end slider208and the central slider216), the arrangement of slider assemblies112also has the benefit of reducing inventory costs and simplifying installation and/or replacement of the sliders. In implementations in which the end slider208and/or the central slider216are made to be separable (e.g., by including the dovetail attachment mechanism400or another type of attachment mechanism), the end slider208and the central slider216further facilitate installation and/or replacement, particularly in heavy duty applications where the weights of the components may pose challenges.

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 a “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'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.