Track-idler recoil suspension mechanism
AssigneeCaterpillar Tractor Co.
InventorJohn W. Yancey
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A combination track-idler and roller recoil suspension system is afforded through use of a crank member pivotally fixed to a track frame, and a link member pivotally fixed to an end of the crank member, and to which the idler is rotatably mounted. The other end of the crank member is associated with a resilient pad utilized as a mounting pad for a track roller, so that the resilient pad serves both as a suspension member for the roller, and as idler recoil means upon movement of the crank member. The link member accommodates generally vertical idler movement, through pivoting of the link member relative to the crank member.
Claims11
In a vehicle having frame means, a rotatable member, a crank member pivotally mounted to said frame means, a link member pivotally mounted to said crank member, and to which the rotatable member is rotatably mounted, said link member being positioned relative to the vehicle to allow a degree of upward and downward motion of the rotatable member through pivotal movement of the link member relative to the crank member, wherein one portion of the crank member extends on one side of the crank member-frame means pivot axis beyond the axis of rotation of the rotatable member, and the link member is pivotally mounted to said one portion of the crank member beyond the axis of rotation of the rotatable member in said extended direction, and comprising track means in contact with a portion of the rotatable member, the link member having its longitudinal axis aligned generally parallel with a resultant force placed on the rotatable member by said track means.
In a vehicle having frame means, a rotatable member, a body member mounted to said frame means, a link member pivotally mounted to said body member, and to which the rotatable member is rotatably mounted, wherein a portion of the body member extends from the frame means beyond the axis of rotation of the rotatable member, and the link member is pivotally mounted to said portion of the body member beyond the axis of rotation of the rotatable member in said extended direction, said link member being positioned relative to the vehicle to allow a degree of upward and downward motion of the rotatable member through pivotal movement of the link member relative to the body member, and comprising track means in contact with a portion of the rotatable member, the link member having its longitudinal axis aligned generally parallel with a resultant force placed on the rotatable member by said track means.
In a vehicle having frame means, a rotatable member, a crank member pivotally mounted to said frame means and having one portion extending on one side of the crank member-frame means pivot axis, said rotatable member being associated with said one portion, a roller, roller mounting means, resilient means interconnecting the frame means and the roller mounting means so that the roller supports a portion of the frame means through the resilient means, wherein said crank member includes another portion extending on the other side of the crank member-frame means pivot axis, and means associating the resilient means and said another portion of the crank member so that said resilient means resiliently resist pivoting of the crank member upon application of force thereto tending to pivot said crank member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.