Joint assembly to resist galling
AssigneeCaterpillar Inc.
InventorThomas E. Oertley
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Joint assemblies are useful for connecting one structure to another structure. When the various components deflect or bend edge loading occurs between the various components. The subject joint assembly includes a bushing positioned in one structure and a pin positioned in a second structure. An insert has an inner diameter positioned around the pin and an outer surface diameter positioned to interact with the bushing. The outer surface being a crowned surface. The joint assembly having the crowned insert directs forces to the center of the insert to reduce edge loading and deflection of the pin will be followed by the insert.
Claims20
A joint assembly adapted to connect a first structure to a second structure, the joint assembly comprising:
- a sleeve positioned within the first structure, the sleeve having a first end portion, a second end portion, an intermediate portion and a bore extending therethrough;
- an insert being positioned within the bore of the end portion of the sleeve, the insert having an inner diameter and an outer diameter;
- and
- a pin positioned within the second structure and being disposed within the intermediate portion of the sleeve and the insert.
A joint assembly adapted to connect a first structure to a second structure, the joint assembly comprising:
- a sleeve positioned in the first structure, the sleeve having a first end portion, a second end portion, an intermediate portion and a stepped bore extending therethrough, the bore in the first and second end portions having a first predetermined inner diameter and the bore in the intermediate portion having a second predetermined inner diameter being smaller in magnitude than the first predetermined diameter of the first and second end portions;
- an insert positioned within the bore of the end portion of the sleeve, the insert having a predetermined inner diameter smaller in magnitude than the first and second predetermined inner diameters of the sleeve, the insert having an outer diameter, a first side surface, a second side surface and being positioned within the bore of the end portion of the sleeve;
- and
- a pin disposed within the intermediate portion of the sleeve and the insert, the pin being positioned within the second structure.
A track joint assembly adapted to connect a track chain together, the track chain having a first pair of spaced track links and a second pair of spaced track links, the track joint comprising:
- a track bushing extending between the first pair of spaced links, the track bushing having a first end portion, a second end portion, an intermediate portion and a stepped bore extending axially therethrough;
- a track pin extending between the second pair of spaced links, and
- an insert around the track pin being positioned between the track pin and the track bushing.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.