초록 ▼

A track-type vehicle having first and second endless track assemblies and first and second steerable wheels includes a weight management apparatus including a measuring assembly for measuring the angle of steer of the steerable wheels, a hydraulic cylinder connected between the frame of the vehicle

A track-type vehicle having first and second endless track assemblies and first and second steerable wheels includes a weight management apparatus including a measuring assembly for measuring the angle of steer of the steerable wheels, a hydraulic cylinder connected between the frame of the vehicle and the axles of the steerable wheels, and an actuating device for actuating control valves which control pressure of the pressurized fluid to the hydraulic cylinder. Controlling the pressure of the pressurized fluid supplied to the hydraulic cylinder, as a function of the angle of steer of the steerable wheels, changes the ground pressure applied by the steerable wheels and the track assemblies. The pressure of the fluid supplied to the hydraulic cylinder also determines the amount of contact the track assemblies have with the ground. Steering of track-type vehicles is more difficult than wheel-type vehicles due to the large contact area of the track assemblies with the ground. The subject weight management apparatus reduces the contact area of the track assemblies and provides easier steering of the vehicle.

대표청구항 ▼

A track-type vehicle having a main frame, an axle, and first and second steerable wheels connected to said axle, comprising: first and second endless track assemblies, one positioned on each lateral side of said frame; means for steering said steerable wheels: a source of pressurized fluid; a weight

A track-type vehicle having a main frame, an axle, and first and second steerable wheels connected to said axle, comprising: first and second endless track assemblies, one positioned on each lateral side of said frame; means for steering said steerable wheels: a source of pressurized fluid; a weight distributing cylinder connected between said frame and said axle; means for controlling the pressure of said pressurized fluid to said cylinder in response to receiving a control signal; means for measuring the angle of steer of said steerable wheels and producing a signal in response thereto; and means for receiving the angle of steer signal, generating a control signal, and delivering said control signal to said control means.