Suspension system for a work machine
AssigneeCaterpillar Inc.
InventorDewaine A. Kautsch
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Existing track laying work machines fail to provide adequate suspension for reducing shock loads transmitted to machine components and the operator. The present suspension system provides suspension members interposed the main frame of the work machine and an elongated beam supported by first and second track roller frames. Cushioning members separate the roller frame from the elongated beam and drive wheel hub, to provide further isolation from shock and torsional movement of the roller frame.
Claims21
A suspension system for connecting and supporting a work machine on first and second track roller assemblies, said suspension system comprising:
- an elongated beam having first and second end portions, and a middle portion;
- means for releasably axially movably connecting each of the track roller assemblies to a respective end portion of said elongated beam and a drive axle, wherein said track roller assemblies define a variable gage setting;
- and
- at least one suspension member supporting a main frame of said work machine and supported by said middle portion of said elongated beam, said suspension member allowing said main frame to float with respect to said elongated beam.
A work machine comprising:
- a main frame;
- a final drive operatively connected to the main frame, said final drive defining an axis;
- first and second track roller frames having first and second end portions, said first and second track roller frames being laterally spaced apart on opposite sides of the main frame and define a variable gage setting;
- drive wheels being drivingly axially movably connected with said final drive, each of said drive wheels having a hub assembly, said hub assemblies being connected with said first and second track roller frames;
- an elongated beam having first and second end portions, and a middle portion;
- a respective end portion of said elongated beam being slidably and releasably connected with each of said track roller frames;
- and
- at least one suspension member supporting said main frame of said work machine and supported by said middle portion of said elongated beam, said suspension member allowing said main frame to float with respect to said elongated beam.
A suspension system for a work machine having a main frame, and a final drive defining an axis, said final drive being connected to the main frame, said suspension system comprising:
- an undercarriage assembly having an elongated beam, first and second track roller frames slidably and releasably attached to the elongated beam on opposite sides of the main frame and define a variable gage setting, a pair of idler wheels and a pair of drive wheels being attached to said first and second track roller frames, said drive wheels being drivingly axially movably attached to the final drive;
- and
- first and second suspension members supporting said main frame of said work machine and supported by said elongated beam, said first and second suspension members cushioning pivotal movement of the main frame about the axis defined by the final drive relative to the undercarriage.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.