Trenching Chain

Abstract

A link for a cutting chain comprises a reduced number of parts including a body section and a journal pin. A plurality of links can be joined to form the cutting chain. The cutting chain can be used on a trenching machine having a boom encircled by an endless chain. The link includes a top surface for the placement of cutting teeth. The link increases the freedom of cutting teeth placement, can extend the useful life of the cutting chain and the drive sprocket, can reduce thermal cracking and failure, and can resist lateral forces that would force the cutting chain from the boom.

1 . A link for use in a cutting chain comprising a unitary body section comprising a top surface adapted to receive a cutting tooth and a bottom surface, and defining an entry journal at a forward end and an exit journal at a posterior end. 
   
   
       2 . The link of  claim 1 , wherein the top surface includes a bit block for securing the cutting tooth. 
   
   
       3 . The link of  claim 2 , wherein the bit block is secured to the top surface by a method selected from a group consisting of welding, adhesive, mechanical fastener, and combinations thereof. 
   
   
       4 . The link of  claim 1 , wherein a plurality of cutting teeth are placed on the top surface in a pattern. 
   
   
       5 . The link of  claim 1 , wherein the top surface defines a detail that permits foreign matter to pass through the link. 
   
   
       6 . The link of  claim 1 , wherein the top surface defines a location hole for placement of the cutting tooth. 
   
   
       7 . The link of  claim 6 , wherein a dowel connects the location hole and the cutting tooth. 
   
   
       8 . The link of  claim 1 , wherein the bottom surface includes a continuous surface. 
   
   
       9 . The link of  claim 1 , wherein the bottom surface includes a wear plate. 
   
   
       10 . The link of  claim 1 , wherein at least one journal has a centerline and the bottom surface is offset from the centerline. 
   
   
       11 . A cutting chain comprising an endless loop of a plurality of links, each link comprising a unitary body section defining an entry journal at a forward end and an exit journal at a posterior end, the unitary body section comprising a top surface adapted for receiving a cutting tooth and a bottom surface, the exit journal of a preceding link aligning with the entry journal of a following link to form an aligned journal, a journal pin extending at least partially through the aligned journal forming a connection between the following link and the preceding link, whereby a plurality of connections between a plurality of links forms the endless loop. 
   
   
       12 . The cutting chain of  claim 11 , wherein a lock pin prevents removal of the journal pin. 
   
   
       13 . The cutting chain of  claim 11 , wherein the journal pin includes a head that is larger than at least one journal. 
   
   
       14 . The cutting chain of  claim 11 , wherein at least one journal defines a blind hole having an open end, and the journal pin extends into the blind hole and a lock pin secures the journal pin at the open end of the aligned journal. 
   
   
       15 . The cutting chain of  claim 11 , wherein the journal pin is press fit into the entry journal and the exit journal. 
   
   
       16 . The cutting chain of  claim 11 , wherein a plug seals the journal pin inside the entry journal and the exit journal. 
   
   
       17 . A cutting device comprising:
 a. a boom assembly comprising a drive sprocket and having a periphery; and   b. a cutting chain defining an endless loop around the periphery of the boom assembly, the cutting chain comprising a plurality of links, each link comprising a unitary body section defining an entry journal at a forward end and an exit journal at a posterior end, the unitary body section comprising a top surface adapted for receiving a cutting tooth, a bottom surface, and a lateral edge engaging the drive sprocket, the exit journal of a preceding link aligning with the entry journal of a following link to form an aligned journal, a journal pin extending at least partially through the aligned journal forming a connection between the following link and the preceding link, whereby a plurality of connections forms the endless loop.   
   
   
       18 . The cutting device of  claim 17 , wherein the lateral edge includes an entering face and an exiting face, and the drive sprocket engages the entering face and the exiting face. 
   
   
       19 . The cutting device of  claim 17 , wherein the cutting device includes a cutting region and a return region, and the cutting region includes a boom wear plate that contacts the bottom surface of the unitary body sections of the cutting chain. 
   
   
       20 . The cutting device of  claim 17 , wherein the bottom surface of the unitary body section includes a lug that engages the boom assembly.