CA2864246C - Endless belt tensioner system and method of use thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

An endless belt tensioner system adapted to apply a tensioning force on a ground-contacting endless belt of a vehicle is provided, the tensioning force being substantially proportional to an endless belt drive force applied to the endless belt to move the vehicle. A vehicle and a method about the same are also provided.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION
ENDLESS BELT TENSIONER SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
10002] The present application generally relates to an endless belt tensioner. More precisely, the present application relates to an endless belt tensioner adapted to change the tension in the endless belt.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Vehicles equipped with endless belt drives are adapted to be used on various types of grounds. Endless belt drives, or caterpillars, are replacing, or complementing, weight supporting wheels to reduce ground contacting pressure and improve floatation and traction on soft grounds.
10004] Each endless belt is generally installed on a set of wheels and/or bearing members supporting and positioning the endless belt on the vehicle. At least one driven tooted wheel, commonly called a sprocket, engages the endless belt to transmit movement to the endless belt and propel the vehicle. Other optional endless belt supports can also be used to ensure proper operation of the endless belt drive,

2 [0005] The weight-supporting wheels are affixed to a suspension system

3 adapted to absorb ground imperfections of rugged terrains and provide a smoother

4 ride to occupants of the vehicle. A wide-travel suspension system generally allows the passage of significant ground obstacles. However, wide travel suspensions 6 significantly affect the tension of the endless belt and increase the risk of 7 disengaging the endless belt from its drive sprocket and/or coming off its weight 8 supporting wheels. Significant tension in the endless belt also has an effect on the 9 useful life of the endless belt.
11 [0006] A need, therefore, exists for an improved tensioner system for the 12 endless belts of all-terrain vehicles.

16 [0007] The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order 17 to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is 18 not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key/critical 19 elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention.
Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the 21 more detailed description of exemplary embodiments, which is presented later.

23 [0008] An endless belt tensioner system, and method of use thereof, of the 24 present invention (including a kit therefor) may, by way of example, be exploited in relation to an all-terrain vehicle. However, the tensioner system of the present 26 invention may be used in relation to other vehicles adapted to serve in contexts that 27 differ from the embodiments described and illustrated hereinafter.

29 [0009] It is to be understood herein that the term all-terrain vehicle generally refers to an off-road vehicle although the vehicle could alternatively be used on the 31 road. It is further understood that the term endless belt generally refers to a 1 caterpillar-type drive adapted to impart motive power from the vehicle to the ground 2 by a means that provides a wider ground footprint than a wheel. An endless belt, or 3 a caterpillar, can be made of articulated steel parts, rubber, composite materials 4 (woven material and rubber) or other material suitable to this end.
6 [0010] Therefore, one object of the present invention improves at least some 7 of the deficiencies associated with an endless belt tensioner intended to be adapted 8 to an all-terrain vehicle.

[0011] Another object of the present invention provides an endless belt 11 tensioner system that offers a wide travel suspension while assisting in preventing 12 the endless belt from coming off its proper operating position.

14 [0012] An object of the present invention provides an endless belt tensioner system that offers a wide travel suspension while preventing the endless belt from 16 wearing out prematurely.

18 [0013] One object of the present invention provides an endless belt tensioner 19 system that is hydraulically actuated.
21 [0014] An additional object of the present invention provides an endless belt 22 tensioner system that allows high suspension travel thereof.

24 [0015] One additional object of the present invention provides an endless belt tensioner system that requires low maintenance and assists in preventing debris 26 from influencing its useful life.

28 [0016] An additional object of the present invention provides an endless belt 29 tensioner system that applies tension to the endless belt proportional to the traction effort applied to the endless belt.

1 [0017] Another additional object of the present invention provides an endless 2 belt tensioner system that applies distinct tension to each of the endless belts in 3 proportion with their respective traction effort.

[0018] An additional object of the present invention provides an endless belt 6 tensioner system that applies tension to the endless belts when the vehicle moves 7 forward and rearward.

9 [0019] One other additional object of the present invention provides a method of adjusting tension in endless belts in accordance with behaviors of the vehicle.

12 [0020] An aspect of the present invention provides an endless belt tensioner 13 system that uses a hydraulically actuated tensioner to adjust the tension of the 14 endless belt.
16 [0021] Another aspect of the present invention provides an endless belt 17 tensioner system that uses a hydraulic shuttle valve to distribute hydraulic pressure 18 to the tensioner system.

[0022] One aspect of the present invention provides an endless belt tensioner 21 system that is, at least in part, disposed on the vehicle in a fashion that prevents the 22 tensioning system from being contaminated by foreign materials.

24 [0023] One other aspect of the present invention provides an endless belt tensioner system of which the hydraulic portion is disposed inside the frame and the 26 endless belt contacting wheels are disposed outside the frame and subjected to 27 foreign material.

29 [0024] Another aspect of the present invention provides an endless belt tensioner system adapted to be dynamically powered by hydraulic pressure.

1 [0025] One another aspect of the present invention provides an endless belt 2 tensioner system provided with a shuttle valve that hydraulically actuates the 3 tensioner system when the vehicle moves forward and rearward.

[0026] An aspect of the present invention provides a hydraulic endless belt 6 tensioner system that uses a drive hydraulic pressure to tense the endless belt.

8 [0027] An aspect of the present invention provides a hydraulic endless belt 9 tensioner system for each side of a vehicle, each hydraulic endless belt tensioner system being hydraulically coupled with its respective hydraulic drive system.

12 [0028] One another aspect of the present invention provides a hydraulic 13 endless belt tensioner system for each side of a vehicle, each hydraulic endless belt 14 tensioner system being hydraulically coupled with the hydraulic drive system providing the higher pressure therein.

17 [0029] Another aspect of the present invention provides a manually actuated 18 hydraulic endless belt tensioner system.

[0030] One aspect of the present invention provides an automatically 21 pressure regulated hydraulic endless belt tensioner system based, at least in part, 22 on the traction force, the speed of the vehicle, the steering angle, the longitudinal 23 inclination of the vehicle and/or the transversal inclination of the vehicle.

[0031] An aspect of the present invention provides a hydraulic endless belt 26 tensioner system coupled with a preloading spring providing a non-hydraulic tension 27 preload to the endless belt.

29 [0032] Yet another aspect of the present invention provides, for a substantially constant hydraulic pressure, a substantially constant endless belt 31 contacting wheels pressure over the endless belt contacting wheels displacement.

5 2 [0033] One additional aspect of the present invention provides an endless 3 belt tensioner system adapted to apply a tensioning force on a ground-contacting 4 endless belt of a vehicle, the tensioning force being substantially proportional to an endless belt drive force applied to the endless belt to move the vehicle.

6

7 [0034] One aspect of the present invention provides an endless belt tensioner

8 system comprising a tensioner module adapted to physically apply tension on an

9 endless belt of a vehicle; a vehicle behavior module adapted to determine the behaviors of the vehicle; and a tensioner management module adapted to position 11 the tensioner module based, at least in part, on outputs provided by the vehicle 12 behavior module.

14 [0035] Another aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle comprising at least a pair of ground-contacting endless belts each cooperating with a tensioning 16 mechanism adapted to determine a tension in the ground-contacting endless belt, 17 the tensioning mechanism increasing the tension in the ground-contacting endless 18 belt in function of a speed of the vehicle.

[0036] Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for 21 managing a tension of a ground-contacting endless belt on a vehicle, the method 22 comprising sensing the hydraulic pressure in a drive hydraulic system adapted to 23 propel the vehicle; adjusting the tension in the ground-contacting endless belt based 24 at least in part on the sensed hydraulic pressure.
26 [0037] A further aspect of the present specification provides a spring 27 mechanism that insures a minimum tension in the endless belt during vehicle 28 operation and non-operation.

[0038] Therefore, in accordance with the present invention, there is provided 31 an endless belt tensioner system adapted to apply a tensioning force on a ground-1 contacting endless belt of a vehicle, the tensioning force being substantially 2 proportional to an endless belt drive force applied to the endless belt to move the 3 vehicle.

[0039] Also in accordance with the present invention, there is provided an 6 endless belt tensioner system comprising: a tensioner module adapted to physically 7 apply tension on an endless belt of a vehicle; a vehicle behavior module adapted to 8 determine the behaviors of the vehicle; and a tensioner management module 9 adapted to position the tensioner module based, at least in part, on outputs provided by the vehicle behavior module.

12 [0040] Further in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a 13 vehicle comprising at least a pair of ground-contacting endless belt cooperating with 14 a tensioning mechanism adapted to determine a tension in the ground-contacting endless belt, the tensioning mechanism increasing the tension in the ground-16 contacting endless belt in function of a speed of the vehicle.

18 [0041] Still further in accordance with the present invention, there is provided 19 a method for managing a tension of a ground-contacting endless belt on a vehicle, the method comprising:

22 [0042] sensing the hydraulic pressure in a drive hydraulic system adapted to 23 propel the vehicle; and [0043] adjusting the tension in the ground-contacting endless belt based at 26 least in part on the sensed hydraulic pressure.

28 [0044] Other objects, aspects, advantages and features of the present 29 invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to 31 the accompanying drawings.

3 [0045] Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, showing 4 by way of illustration an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, and in which:

7 [0046] FIG. 1 is a front-right isometric view of an all-terrain vehicle;

9 [0047] FIG. 2 is a right side elevation view of the all-terrain vehicle of FIG. 1;
11 [0048] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a tensioner system of the all-terrain 12 vehicle of FIG. 1;

14 [0049] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the tensioner system of FIG. 3;
16 [0050] FIG. 5 is a rear elevation view of the tensioner system of FIG. 3;

18 [0051] FIG. 6 is an exploded isometric view of the tensioner system of FIG. 3;

[0052] FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the tensioner system of FIG. 3;

22 [0053] FIG. 8 is a transversal cross-sectional view of the tensioner system of 23 FIG. 7;

[0054] FIG. 9 is a schematic side elevation view of the tensioner system of 26 FIG. 3 and its effect on the endless belt of FIG. 1;

28 [0055] FIG. 10 is a schematic hydraulic circuit illustrating an embodiment of 29 the present invention;

1 [0056] FIG. 11 is a schematic hydraulic circuit illustrating an embodiment of 2 the present invention;

4 [0057] FIG. 12 is a schematic hydraulic circuit illustrating an embodiment of the present invention;

7 [0058] FIG. 13 is an angled view of part of a variant all-terrain vehicle, 8 showing the tensioner system of FIG. 3 provided with a spring mechanism;
and DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE INVENTION

12 [0059] The present invention will now be described with reference to the 13 drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements 14 throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the 16 present invention. It may be evident, however, that the present invention may be 17 practiced without these specific details.

19 [0060] Thus, an embodiment of the invention is shown on FIGS. 1 and 2 embodied on an all-terrain vehicle 10. The all-terrain vehicle 10 is constituted, inter 21 alia, of a passenger compartment 20, a frame 30, a drive system 40, a power pack 22 50, a hydraulic system 60, a suspension system 70 and a tensioner system 80. The 23 passenger compartment 20 is provided with doors 202 pivotally secured on each 24 side of a roof portion 204 via hinges 206, windows 208 disposed on the periphery of the vehicle 10, a back door 212 and a plurality of lights 210.

27 [0061] Manufacturing of the passenger compartment 20 of the illustrated 28 embodiment is generally made in aluminium material for reasons of strength and 29 weight. Other materials, like steel, plastic or composite materials, could be used within the scope of the present invention.

1 [0062] The passenger compartment 20 is mounted to the frame 30 thus 2 forming a monocoque construction that enhances the rigidity and the strength of the 3 overall vehicle assembly. Most parts of the vehicle assembly can be fastened, 4 glued, welded, riveted or secured by other suitable means known in the art of vehicle manufacturing.

7 [0063] The power pack 50 is housed in and secured to the frame 30. The 8 power pack 50 is preferably located low in the frame 30 to keep the center of gravity 9 of the vehicle 10 as low as possible. Preferably, the power pack 50 is transversally centered in the vehicle 10 for reasons of lateral weight distribution. The longitudinal 11 position of the power pack 50 can vary in accordance with the desired mass 12 distribution and volume allocation. In this respect, the power pack 50 can be 13 disposed in the center of the vehicle 10 to advantage mass distribution.
14 Alternatively, the power pack 50 can be positioned toward the rear of the frame 30 to allow maximum room therein for passengers.

17 [0064] An internal combustion engine 502, e.g. a diesel or gas engine, 18 powers a hydraulic system 60 via a rotating or reciprocating hydraulic pump 602.
19 The internal combustion engine 502 could alternatively power more than one hydraulic system 60 and/or hydraulic pump 602. A plurality of hydraulic pumps 21 and/or hydraulic system 60 might be desirable for reasons of reliability if the vehicle 22 10 is expected to be used in extreme conditions by offering redundant systems.
23 More than one hydraulic pump 602 also allows driving independently each endless 24 belt 404. The pressurized hydraulic system 60 powers hydraulic motors 406 that, in turn, mechanically power the drive system 40 with drive sprockets 402.
Intermediate 26 planetary gearboxes (not shown) reduce the ratio between each hydraulic motor 406 27 and its associated sprocket 402. Sprockets 402 of the drive system 40 propel the 28 vehicle 10 by engaging and turning the endless belts 404. Two hydraulic motors 406 29 are installed in the vehicle 10, each moving one of the two endless belts 404. The vehicle 10 is steered by a difference in rotation of the two hydraulic motors 406.

1 [0065] Still referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the suspension system 70 2 comprises a plurality of suspension units 702. Each suspension unit 702 uses a 3 double wishbone configuration 704 coupled on a proximal side to the frame 30 of 4 the vehicle 10 and, on a distal side, to a hub 706. The hub 706 pivotally accommodates a tandem 708 to which are rotatably secured suspension wheels 6 710. Support wheels 712 are provided on an endless belt upper support 714 to 7 maintain the upper side of the endless belt 404 on its way toward the front of the 8 vehicle 10.

[0066] Tension in each endless belt 404 is independently managed by the 11 tensioner system 80. Endless belt contacting wheels 802 are adapted to move along 12 the radius generated by tension lever 804 about pivot axis 816 to extend or retract 13 the circumference of its associated endless belt 404. The tensioner system 80 is 14 adapted to provide proper tension in the endless belt 404 by dynamically adapting to operating conditions of the vehicle 10. This aspect of the tensioner mechanism 16 will be discussed later in more details.

18 [0067] As better seen on FIGS. 3 through 8, it can be appreciated that the 19 tensioner system 80 is actuated by a hydraulic cylinder 806 attached on one side to the frame 30 via an intervening cylinder support 808. The actuation of the hydraulic 21 cylinder 806 by the hydraulic system 60 procures a desired tension to the endless 22 belt 404 (illustrated on FIGS. 1 and 2). The hydraulic cylinder 806 is pivotally 23 coupled on the other side (i.e. piston side), with a rod end 822, to a primary lever 24 810 that extends from a pivot member 812. The pivot member 812 is pivotally secured to the frame 30 by an intervening bearing support 814 adapted to receive a 26 plurality of ball bearings 824 therein. The two levers 804 are selectively positioned 27 and pivotally secured to the pivot member 812 at a predetermined angle thereto with 28 splines 828 (better seen on FIG. 5) or other means to join both parts while offering 29 angular adjustment thereof. The angular position of the levers 804 can be changed by removing the fasteners 826 securing the levers 804 and angularly repositioning 31 the levers 804 in the splines 828. Two endless belts contacting wheels 802 are 1 rotatably secured to a wheel support 818 (axle), defining a wheel axis 2 thereabout, abutting the levers 804 on each end thereof. Each endless belt 3 contacting wheel 802 is provided with a ball bearing 830 arrangement to facilitate 4 rotational movements of the endless contacting wheels 802 when the endless belt 404 rotates.

7 [0068] The tensioner system 80 is separated in two portions, the internal 8 portion 840 and the external portion 842. The internal portion 840 is disposed inside 9 the frame 30 of the vehicle 10 to protect a portion of the elements of the tensioner system 80 against dirt, sand, water and other contaminants. In contrast, the external 11 portion 842 extends outside the frame 30 of the vehicle 10 and is therefore not 12 protected against contaminants. The junction between the two portions 840 and 842 13 is made with the levers 804 that are extending outside the frame 30 by extending 14 out of the bearing support 814. Levers 804 pivot about the pivot axis 816 to apply tension to the endless belt 404. Sealing of the interface between the internal portion 16 840 and the external portion 842 is performed with seals 844, which are best seen 17 on FIGS. 6 and 7, disposed on the circular section of the levers 804. In so doing, 18 only a portion of the levers 804 and the endless belt contacting wheels 802 are 19 vulnerable to the environment.
21 [0069] It can be appreciated that the bearing support 814 is sealed to the 22 frame 30 with a series of 0-rings 832 installed on each bolt 834 securing the bearing 23 support 814 to the frame. A gasket 836 is disposed on the periphery of the bearing 24 support 814 to further seal the bearing support 814 to the frame 30.
26 [0070] Alternatively, the internal portion 840 could be defined by a casing (not 27 illustrated) adapted to cover components assembled outside the frame 30.
Such an 28 internal portion, despite not being disposed inside the frame 30 of the vehicle 10 in 29 this alternate embodiment, would be sealed from the environment by the casing.
Seals 844 could be similarly installed on the levers 804 through the casing thus 31 allowing pivotal movements of the pivot member 812.

2 [0071] Focusing now on FIG. 7 illustrating the limit positions 850 and 852 of 3 the endless belt contacting wheels 802, the tensioner system 80 tenses the endless 4 belt 404 to the maximum in its extended limit position 850. In contrast, the tensioner system 80, in the retracted limit position 852, removes tension in the endless belt 6 404. A schematic illustration of an exemplary displacement of the endless belt 404 7 in accordance with the limit positions 850 and 852 of the endless belt contacting 8 wheels 802 is provided in FIG. 9. It has to be noted that, with the embodied 9 geometry, for a constant hydraulic pressure, the force applied by the endless belt contacting wheels 802 on the endless belt 404 remains substantially constant over 11 the entire course of the levers 804. This is that the effective lever of the primary 12 lever 810 and the effective lever of the levers 804 remains substantially proportional 13 over the entire course of the levers 804.

[0072] As mentioned above, one of the objects of the present invention is to 16 provide sufficient tension in the endless belt 404 to avoid the endless belt 404 from 17 any slipperage or coming off with respect to the sprocket 402. It also prevents the 18 endless belt 404 from coming off the weight supporting wheels 710 and the support 19 wheels 712. Significant tension in the endless belt 404 could be maintained so that no slipperage of the endless belt 404 occurs when driven by the sprocket 402.
21 However, the down side is that unnecessary tension in the endless belt 22 prevents the suspension system 70 of the vehicle from working in an optimal 23 fashion. In other words, maximum suspension travel can occur if there is sufficient 24 slack in the endless belt 404 to allow the suspension system 70 to move.
Unnecessary tension in the endless belt 404 restricts movements of the suspension 26 system 70 required to provide a smooth ride.

28 [0073] A strategy to avoid any slipperage of the sprocket 402 with the endless 29 belt 404 while allowing maximum suspension travel suggests that tension in the endless belt 404 should be adapted to specific conditions of use of the vehicle 10, 31 namely, inter alia, the drive effort to propel the vehicle 10, the speed of the vehicle 1 10, the centrifugal force of the turning endless belt 404, vehicle self-pivoting (aka 2 autogiration when each endless belt 404 counter-rotate), the steering angle, the 3 longitudinal angle of the vehicle 10 and the transversal angle of the vehicle 10.

[0074] The drive effort to propel the vehicle 10 is provided by the hydraulic 6 system 60. By using corresponding hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic system 60 7 used to drive the sprocket 402 tensioner system 80 it is possible to obtain a 8 correlation between the drive effort provided by the sprocket 402 and tension of the 9 endless belt 404. Increased hydraulic pressure in the drive system caused by increased drive effort increases the tension in the endless belt 404 therefore 11 preventing slipperage of the sprocket 402. In contrast, reduction of the drive effort 12 reduces the hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic system 60, which also reduces the 13 tension in the endless belt 404. The correlation is dynamic and provides 14 corresponding tension in the endless belt 404 at all time. A spring (as seen in FIG.
13, described hereinbelow) is alternatively added to the tensioner system 80 to 16 preload the endless belt 404 and provide minimum tension when the hydraulic 17 pressure in the hydraulic system 60 is under a predetermined threshold.

19 [0075] FIG. 10 schematically illustrates a possible embodiment that provides a correlation between the drive hydraulic pressure and the tension in the endless 21 belt 404. The hydraulic layout of FIG. 10 illustrates a power pack 50 that actuates 22 the hydraulic pump 602 to hydraulically power the hydraulic motor 406 which, in 23 turn, rotates the sprocket 402 that is engaged to the endless belt 404 to propel the 24 vehicle 10. The hydraulic cylinder 806 of the tensioner mechanism 80 is hydraulically connected to the hydraulic circuit powering the hydraulic motor 406.
26 This way, the hydraulic cylinder 806 and the hydraulic motor 406 are subjected to 27 identical hydraulic pressure. This means the hydraulic cylinder 806 applies more 28 tension to the endless belt 404 when more drive efforts are provided to the sprocket 29 402.

[0076] Still on FIG, 10, the forward path 604 of hydraulic oil brings hydraulic power to the hydraulic motor 406 when the vehicle 10 is propelled forward. Conversely, a rearward path 606 of hydraulic oil brings hydraulic power to the hydraulic motor 406 when the vehicle 10 is propelled rearward. The hydraulic cylinder 806 is hydraulically powered from both paths 604, 606 of hydraulic oil to tense the endless belt 404 when the vehicle 10 is driven in both forward and rearward directions. A shuttle valve 610 is provided between both paths 604 and 606 of hydraulic oil to ensure that the hydraulic cylinder 806 is pressurized by the path 604, 606 providing the highest hydraulic pressure whether the vehicle 10 is driven forward or rearward.
[0077] FIG. 11 illustrates a hydraulic layout having two distinct hydraulic circuits, i.e. one hydraulic circuit 612 for driving the endless belt 404 disposed on the left side of the vehicle 10 and another 614 for the endless belt 404 disposed on the right side of the vehicle 10. Each hydraulic circuit 612, 614 is pressurized by the same power source 50 (although more than one power source 50 could be used without departing from the scope of the present invention) activating distinct hydraulic pumps 602.1 and 602.2. One hydraulic pump for each hydraulic circuit 612, 614 ensures that enough hydraulic pressure is provided to each hydraulic motor 406.1, 406.2. The quantity and the pressure of hydraulic fluid in each hydraulic circuit 612, 614 varies in accordance with the drive effort (hydraulic fluid pressure), the speed of the vehicle 10 (hydraulic fluid velocity), the load of the vehicle 10 and, inter alia, the steering angle if the vehicle

10 turns.
Shuttle valves 610.1 and 610.2 are provided in each hydraulic circuit 612 and 614 between the hydraulic lines 604, 606 to achieve the same purpose as described above in respect to FIG. 10. Therefore, each hydraulic cylinder 806 will be respectively actuated by the hydraulic circuit 612 or 614 that drives its associated endless belt 404. Moreover, the highest hydraulic pressure will still be used by each hydraulic path 604, 606 when the endless belts 404 moves either forwardly or rearwardly.

, .
, [0078] Referring now to FIG. 12 illustrating the hydraulic system of FIG. 11 with an additional shuttle valve 610.3. The shuttle valve 610.3 is provided between both hydraulic circuits 612, 614 to equally use the absolute highest hydraulic pressure simultaneously on both hydraulic cylinders 806.1, 806.2.
[0079] The proportional valve can alternately be used to replace the shuttle valve 610 and provide only the desired amount of pressure to each hydraulic cylinder 806. The proportional valve is adapted to receive an electric signal about a desired output pressure, if the output pressure is different than the electric signal the proportional valve adjusts the output pressure until it reaches the desired output pressure. Alternatively, a pilot pressure could be used by the proportional valve to determine the amount of pressure that reaches each hydraulic cylinder 806 through the hydraulic proportional valve. The pilot pressure can be managed by controllers adapted to manage hydraulic systems by controllers adapted to manage hydraulic systems.
[0080] With reference to FIG. 13, a spring mechanism 90 has been added to each above-described tensioner system 80 to ensure a minimum tension on the endless belt 404 during operation and non operation. The spring mechanism 90 herein includes a pair pneumatic springs 902, which are compressed between the frame 30 and a component 904 (for instance, the piston end of the hydraulic cylinder 806) that is connected to the mechanism that cause the tension levers 804 to pivot. Therefore, the springs 902 exert pressure in direction 906 onto the component 904, which in turn forces the tension levers 804 along direction 908 thereby biasing the contacting wheels 802 against the endless belt 404. The spring mechanism 90 is thus exemplarily herein coupled with the hydraulic cylinder 806 through the rod end 822 secured to the primary lever 810. Other types of springs can be used instead of the present pneumatic springs 902.

1 [0081] The description and the drawings that are presented herein are meant 2 to be illustrative of the present invention. They are not meant to be limiting of the 3 scope of the present invention. Modifications to the embodiments described may be 4 made without departing from the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the following claims:

Claims (20)

What is claimed is:

1. An endless belt tensioner system comprising: a tensioner adapted to physically apply tension to an endless belt of a vehicle, the tensioner comprising an intervening mechanism adapted to ensure minimum tension in the endless belt of the vehicle, wherein the endless belt tensioner system is adapted to dynamically manage the tension in the endless belt to allow appropriate suspension movement and to prevent the endless belt to disengage from an operating configuration when the suspension is actuated.

2. The endless belt of claim 1, wherein the tensioner includes a hydraulic cylinder adapted to manage the tension in the endless belt, the hydraulic cylinder being adapted to be actuated in conjunction with the intervening mechanism to apply tension to the endless belt.

3. The endless belt of any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the intervening mechanism applies tension in the endless belt when the vehicle is not in operation.

4. The endless belt of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the tensioner includes at least one lever operatively connected between the intervening mechanism and at least one endless belt-contacting wheel adapted to be operatively disposed within the periphery of the endless belt.

5. The endless belt of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the tensioner is adapted to individually manage tension in two separate endless belts operatively suspending the vehicle.

6. The endless belt of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the intervening mechanism is a spring.

7. The endless belt of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the intervening mechanism is a pneumatic spring.

8. A vehicle including an endless belt tensioner system, the endless belt tensioner system comprising: a tensioner adapted to physically apply tension to an endless belt of a vehicle, the tensioner comprising an intervening mechanism adapted to ensure minimum tension in the endless belt of the vehicle, wherein the endless belt tensioner system is adapted to dynamically manage the tension in the endless belt to allow appropriate suspension movement and to prevent the endless belt to disengage from an operating configuration when the suspension is actuated.

9. The vehicle of claim 8, wherein the tensioner includes a hydraulic cylinder adapted to manage the tension in the endless belt, the hydraulic cylinder being adapted to be actuated in conjunction with the intervening mechanism to apply tension to the endless belt.

10. The vehicle of any one of claims 8 or 9, wherein the intervening mechanism applies tension in the endless belt when the vehicle is not in operation.

11. The vehicle of any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the tensioner includes at least one lever operatively connected between the intervening mechanism and at least one endless belt-contacting wheel adapted to be operatively disposed within the periphery of the endless belt.

12. The vehicle of any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the tensioner is adapted to individually manage tension in two separate endless belts operatively suspending the vehicle.

13. The vehicle of any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the intervening mechanism is a spring.

14. The vehicle of any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the intervening mechanism is a pneumatic spring.

15. A method of managing a ground-contacting endless belt tension installed on a vehicle, the method comprising: sensing a vehicle behavior; dynamically adjusting the tension in the ground-contacting endless belt based, at least in part, on the sensed vehicle behavior while allowing sufficient slack in the endless belt so as to allow appropriate suspension movement and to prevent disengagement of the endless belt from its operating configuration on the vehicle; and ensuring minimum tension in the endless belt.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the minimum tension in the endless belt is provided by a biasing mechanism.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein adjusting tension in the ground-contacting endless belt is made on a basis of an actuation of a hydraulic cylinder.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the biasing mechanism is operatively connected with the hydraulic cylinder.

19. The method of any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the intervening mechanism is a spring.

20. The method of any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the intervening mechanism is a pneumatic spring.