Dynamic track tensioning system for tracked vehicles
First Claim
1. In tracked vehicle having tracks subject to variable tension, a dynamic track tension system comprising:
- a source of hydraulic pressure;
condition detecting means for detecting vehicle conditions for and producing control signals in accordance with the vehicle conditions;
hydraulic control means including pilot valve means selectively operable to allow bidirectional flow or unidirectional flow with respect to said source, said hydraulic control means producing a control pressure; and
a pressurizable hydraulic track adjuster means for controlling the tension in each track, said pressurizable hydraulic track adjuster means coupled to the hydraulic pressure source by said hydraulic control means and having pressure therein established by said hydraulic control means in response to said control signals for conditioning said hydraulic control means to vary the pressure in said hydraulic track adjuster means for applying a variable tension to each track according to the detected vehicle conditions.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The tracks of a tracked vehicle are subject to a tension control system which includes a movable idler wheel for applying force to each track, a hydraulic actuator for dynamically applying force to each track at a zero spring rate, a pilot controlled check valve for selectively locking the actuator against tension relieving return movement, and a control sensitive to vehicle steering, direction of movement, acceleration and deceleration for deciding according to a preset program whether each actuator should be locked or free to move. An operator controlled switch modifies system hydraulic pressure to permit an optional low pressure operation.
57 Citations
11 Claims
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1. In tracked vehicle having tracks subject to variable tension, a dynamic track tension system comprising:
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a source of hydraulic pressure; condition detecting means for detecting vehicle conditions for and producing control signals in accordance with the vehicle conditions; hydraulic control means including pilot valve means selectively operable to allow bidirectional flow or unidirectional flow with respect to said source, said hydraulic control means producing a control pressure; and a pressurizable hydraulic track adjuster means for controlling the tension in each track, said pressurizable hydraulic track adjuster means coupled to the hydraulic pressure source by said hydraulic control means and having pressure therein established by said hydraulic control means in response to said control signals for conditioning said hydraulic control means to vary the pressure in said hydraulic track adjuster means for applying a variable tension to each track according to the detected vehicle conditions. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. In a tracked vehicle having tracks subject to varying tension under various operating conditions, a system adaptive to the operating conditions for adjusting the track system tension comprising:
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a source of hydraulic pressure; an idler tension wheel for each track supported on the vehicle at a first pivot point, means including an idler arm having one end thereof supported on the vehicle at a second pivot point and having an opposite end thereon located below each of said first and second pivot points and movable to position said idler tension wheel against the track to impose a tension on the track; a hydraulic actuator coupled to the source of hydraulic pressure and connected between the vehicle and said opposite end for positioning the wheel to control the tension in the track; means for sensing a plurality of vehicle conditions and for producing a control signal; and control means responsive to the control signal for supplying hydraulic pressure to said hydraulic actuator and controlling the actuator operation so that the wheel position for each track is dependent on the vehicle conditions and varies as the conditions vary. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11)
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Specification