APPARATUS FOR CONVERTING A WHEELED VEHICLE TO A TRACKED VEHICLE

摘要

The invention relates to track systems that may be used to convert steerable, all-wheel drive construction equipment to steerable, multi-track construction vehicles. The track system may include a frame having a reinforcing enclosure, a plurality of track engaging rollers, a sprocket, and an endless track operatively connected to the frame. Tension on the endless track is maintained with two tensioning members operatively connected to the forwardmost roller. The track system preferably includes a limiting apparatus that is configured to restrict the rotational movement “r” of the frame relative to a vehicle axle to which it is attached. The limiting apparatus has a first component, which is associated with the vehicle axle, is configured and arranged to interact with a second component, which is associated with the frame of the track system. Preferably, the limiting apparatus is adjustable such that the range of rotational movement “r” can be varied.

主权项

1. A track system comprising:
a frame having a first end and a second end, the frame having first and second frame assemblies that extend between the first and second ends of the frame; a drive sprocket mounted between the first and second frame assemblies, the drive sprocket being rotatable relative to the frame about an axis of rotation, the first frame assembly being inboard of the drive sprocket and the second frame assembly being outboard of the drive sprocket, the second frame assembly including two spaced-apart generally vertical plates; a first end roller mounted at the first end of the frame; a second end roller mounted at the second end of the frame; a track routed in a generally triangular path about the drive sprocket and the first and second end rollers, the track being driven by the drive sprocket about the generally triangular path when the drive sprocket is rotated about the axis of rotation; first and second tensioning members for moving the first end roller relative to the frame to tighten the track, the first tensioning member being operatively connected to the first frame assembly and the second tensioning member being operatively connected to the second frame assembly, at least a portion of the second tensioning member positioned between the spaced-apart plates; the generally triangular path of the track having an apex, and the drive sprocket engaging the track adjacent the apex to drive the track about the generally triangular path; the track defining a bottom side of the generally triangular path that extends between the first and second end rollers, the generally triangular path defining a height that extends from the bottom side of the generally triangular path to the apex of the generally triangular path, the drive sprocket having a diameter that extends a majority of the height defined by the generally triangular path; a track hub connected to the frame, the track hub being configured to allow the drive sprocket to rotate relative to the frame, the track hub including a sprocket mounting flange.