Track tensioning apparatus and method for track-type vehicles
AssigneeCON-TECHNIK GmbH
InventorHans G. Hesse
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Track tensioning apparatus for track-type vehicles having a track, a track frame and an idler wheel engageable with the track. The track tensioning apparatus comprises a bearing rotatably mounting the idler wheel so as to rotate about an idler wheel axis and a support for supporting the bearing to selectively pivot about a support axis parallel to and spaced from the idler wheel axis. A locking device is provided for adjustably locking the bearing with the support so that the idler wheel axis is in a predetermined angular position with respect to the support axis. In a preferred embodiment, the locking device is continuously adjustable to infinitely vary the predetermined angular position. Other locking devices are also disclosed, as well as a method for adjusting the tension of the track.
Claims11
Track tensioning apparatus for track type vehicles having a track, a track frame, and an idler wheel engageable with said track, said track tensioning apparatus comprising:
- bearing means rotatably mounting said idler wheel to rotate about an idler wheel axis, said bearing means comprising a bearing pin having an eccentric bore whose axis is spaced from and parallel to said idler wheel axis;
- support means including a support journal received by said eccentric bore of said bearing pin for supporting said bearing pin to selectively pivot about the axis of said support journal;
- and
- adjustable lock means for adjustably locking said bearing pin with said support journal so that said idler wheel axis is in a predetermined angular position with respect to the axis of said support journal.
Track tensioning apparatus for track type vehicles having a track, a track frame, and an idler wheel engageable with said track, said track tensioning apparatus comprising bearing means rotatably mounting said idler wheel to rotate about an idler wheel axis;
- support means for supporting said bearing means to selectively pivot about a support axis parallel to and spaced from said idler wheel axis, said bearing means and said support means including opposed end surfaces facing one another;
- and adjustable lock means for adjustably locking said bearing means with said support means so that said idler wheel axis is in a predetermined angular position with respect to said support axis, said lock means comprising blind holes, and means for holding said end surfaces of said bearing means and said support means together to maintain said detent balls in said blind holes to lock said bearing means in a predetermined position relative to said support means.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.