A drive track for tracked vehicles

摘要

The present invention relates to a drive track for tracked vehicles intended primarily for use in all types of terrain, both hilly terrain and in wetlands, and on different types of ground surfaces, such as on asphalt, concrete, gravel, sand, stone, snow and ice. The drive track (10) includes one or more endless traction elements (12) made of a cord-reinforced elastomeric material and cross-ribs (11) which are spaced apart generally equidistantly and extend transversely and outwardly of the traction elements (12), said cross-ribs being intended for contact with the ground as the vehicle moves. The drive track also includes between the cross-ribs (11) openings (13) which are intended for engagement the teeth of the toothed wheels that drive the drive track. The drive track also includes guide elements (16) for support wheels (17). The cross-ribs (11) comprise a support element in the form of a profiled construction (18) which is also closed at its ends, and a polymeric material (19) arranged on the profiled construction (18) and supported thereby. The profiled construction (18) is made of a flexurally rigid composite material that includes a polymer matrix and a fibre reinforcement that extends in the longitudinal direction of the profiled construction throughout. Seen in cross-section, the fibre reinforcement has a predetermined geometry and is entirely encapsulated by the polymeric material (19), with the exception of regions nearest the openings (13). The polymeric material (19) is a material that is compatible with the rubber in the traction element and which has been moulded together with said rubber in the manufacture of the drive track, such that the cross-rib (11) is joined to the traction element (12) in the absence of any mechanical fastener devices.