Engineering vehicles

Abstract

An engineering vehicle includes a frame, at least one roller and a vibration system. The vibration system includes a first eccentric weight, a second eccentric weight and a shift assembly suitable for changing the amplitude of the vibration system. The shift assembly includes a shaft member, which is suitable for moving along a first axis to change the position of the first eccentric weight relative to the second eccentric weight. The shift assembly also includes an actuator and a fork assembly, wherein the fork assembly is suitable for moving the shaft member along the first axis. The fork assembly includes a fork fixedly connected to the actuator. The fork assembly also includes a housing member, which is concentrically arranged around the shaft member, wherein the fork is pivotally connected to the housing member at a pair of pivot points defined near the second end of the fork. The fork assembly also includes a bearing member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a construction vehicle, and more particularly, to a vibration system associated with the construction vehicle. Background Art

[0002] A construction vehicle, such as a compactor, is used to compact newly laid material, such as asphalt, soil, and / or other compactable materials. The construction vehicle includes a single drum or a pair of drums that contact the material to be compacted. The drum is equipped with a vibration system to vibrate the drum at a desired vibration frequency and amplitude. The vibration system includes an outer eccentric weight and an inner eccentric weight. The amplitude can be controlled by adjusting the direction of the outer eccentric weight relative to the inner eccentric weight. In some cases, a shift assembly is used to adjust the direction of the outer eccentric weight relative to the inner eccentric weight.

[0003] The shift assembly includes a spline shaft, a shift fork, a bearing, a bearing housing and a hydraulic actuator. The shift assembly moves the spline shaft in an axial direction to adjust the amplitude of the vibration system. The hydraulic actuator is actuated to move the spline shaft so that the amplitude of the vibration system can be adjusted as needed.

[0004] Typically, the translation of the spline shaft generates a large moment on the bearing and the bearing housing. Due to this induced moment, the outer race or other components of the bearing may fail during vehicle operation. To avoid such bearing failures, larger bearings need to be installed in the shift assembly, which in turn increases the overall cost of the vibration system. Such large bearings also require increased space for their installation.

[0005] DE patent application No. 102010048343 describes a shift fork for a vehicle gearbox. The shift fork comprises a shift fork sleeve and a plurality of shift fork seats. The shift fork having two sliding shift fork seats moves axially along the gearbox shaft at the shift fork end of the shift fork sleeve. The shift fork seats engage with the radial groove of the shift fork sleeve in a sliding manner. Summary of the invention

[0006] In one aspect of the present invention, a construction vehicle is provided. The construction vehicle includes a frame. The construction vehicle also includes at least one roller supported by the frame. The construction vehicle also includes a vibration system installed in at least one roller. The vibration system includes a first eccentric weight. The vibration system also includes a second eccentric weight concentric with the first eccentric weight. The vibration system also includes a shift assembly, which is suitable for changing the amplitude of the vibration system based on a change in the position of the first eccentric weight relative to the second eccentric weight. The shift assembly includes a shaft member, which is suitable for moving along a first axis to change the position of the first eccentric weight relative to the second eccentric weight. The shift assembly also includes an actuator arranged parallel to the shaft member. The shift assembly also includes a fork assembly, which is suitable for moving the shaft member along the first axis based on the actuation of the actuator. The fork assembly includes a fork defining a first end and a second end. The fork is fixedly connected to the actuator near the first end. The fork assembly also includes a housing member, which is concentrically arranged around the shaft member, wherein the fork is pivotally connected to the housing member at a pair of pivot points defined near the second end of the fork. The fork assembly also includes a bearing member disposed between the housing member and the shaft member.

[0007] In another aspect of the present invention, a compactor is provided. The compactor includes a frame. The compactor also includes at least one roller supported by the frame. The compactor also includes a vibration system mounted within the at least one roller. The vibration system includes a first eccentric weight. The vibration system also includes a second eccentric weight concentric with the first eccentric weight. The vibration system also includes a shift assembly adapted to change the amplitude of the vibration system based on a change in the position of the first eccentric weight relative to the second eccentric weight. The shift assembly includes a shaft member adapted to move along a first axis for changing the position of the first eccentric weight relative to the second eccentric weight. The shift assembly also includes an actuator disposed parallel to the shaft member. The shift assembly also includes a fork assembly adapted to move the shaft member along the first axis based on actuation of the actuator. The fork assembly includes a fork defining a first end and a second end. The fork is fixedly coupled to the actuator near the first end. The fork assembly also includes a housing member disposed concentrically around the shaft member, wherein the fork is pivotally coupled to the housing member at a pair of pivot points defined near the second end of the fork. The fork assembly also includes a bearing member disposed between the housing member and the shaft member.

[0008] Other features and aspects of the present invention will be apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a side view of an engineering vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 2 According to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 1A cross-sectional view of a roller and vibratory system associated with an engineering vehicle;

[0011] Figure 3 The present invention is shown in the figure including a shift assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 Part of a vibrating system;

[0012] Figure 4 According to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 3 A perspective view of a fork assembly associated with the shift assembly; and

[0013] Figure 5 is shown with Figure 4 A perspective view of a housing member, a first pivot pin, and a second pivot pin associated with a fork assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. Figure 1 , an exemplary construction vehicle 100 is illustrated. The construction vehicle 100 is embodied herein as a compactor. The construction vehicle 100 is hereinafter interchangeably referred to as a compactor 100. Furthermore, the construction vehicle 100 is embodied herein as a soil compactor. Alternatively, the construction vehicle 100 may embody another type of compactor, such as a garbage compactor, an asphalt compactor, a pneumatic roller, a tandem vibratory roller, and the like.

[0015] In addition, the engineering vehicle 8604 may include a front end 102 and a rear end 104. The engineering vehicle 100 includes a frame 106. The frame 106 supports various components of the engineering vehicle 100 thereon. The frame 106 defines a housing 107 near the rear end 104. The engineering vehicle 100 also includes a power source (not shown) that is mounted within the housing 107. Various components of the engineering vehicle 100 are driven by the power source. The power source may be an engine such as an internal combustion engine, a power source such as a series of batteries, etc. The engineering vehicle 100 also includes an operator station 108. The operator station 108 may include various input devices and output devices to control vehicle operation.

[0016] In addition, the engineering vehicle 100 includes one or more rollers 110, which are supported by the frame 106. In the illustrated example, the engineering vehicle 100 includes a single roller 110. The roller 110 is arranged close to the front end 102 of the engineering vehicle 100. In an embodiment, the roller 110 may include a pad-type roller, and a plurality of segmented pads are arranged on the outer surface of the roller 110. In addition, the engineering vehicle 100 includes an axle (not shown) that drives a pair of wheels 112 arranged near the rear end 104 of the engineering vehicle 100. Generally, the rolling radius of the roller 110 and the rolling radius of the wheel 112 are equal. The roller 110 and the wheel 112 together act as a ground engaging member of the engineering vehicle 100. In other embodiments, the engineering vehicle 100 can omit the wheel 112 and include another roller adjacent to the rear end 104 of the engineering vehicle 100.

[0017] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a roller 110 is illustrated. The roller 110 includes a shell member 111. The shell member 111 contacts the ground during a compaction operation or movement of the engineering vehicle 100. The engineering vehicle 100 includes a vibration system 114, which is installed in one or more rollers 110. More specifically, the vibration system 114 is installed and supported in the shell member 111. The vibration system 114 includes a first eccentric weight 116, 118. In the illustrated example, the vibration system 114 includes two first eccentric weights 116, 118. The first eccentric weights 116, 118 define hollow portions 120, 122. Each of the first eccentric weights 116, 118 includes a two-piece structure bolted together.

[0018] The vibration system 114 further comprises a second eccentric weight 124, 126, which is concentric with the first eccentric weight 116, 118. In the illustrated example, the vibration system 114 comprises two second eccentric weights 124, 126. The second eccentric weights 124, 126 are accommodated in the hollows 120, 122 of the first eccentric weights 116, 118. The first eccentric weights 116, 118 and the second eccentric weights 124, 126 are enclosed in corresponding chamber housings 128, 129 provided in the drum 110. In addition, a first pair of bearings 130 is provided between the chamber housing 128 and the first eccentric weight 116. In addition, a second pair of bearings 132 is provided between the chamber housing 129 and the first eccentric weight 118.

[0019] In addition, the vibration system 114 includes a motor 134 to rotate the first eccentric weights 116, 118 and the second eccentric weights 124, 126. The motor 134 rotates one or more components of the vibration system 114. More specifically, the motor 134 rotates the shaft member 136 (at Figure 3 ), the first axis 138, the second axis 140 (shown in Figure 3 ) and the third shaft 142 rotate. The engine 134 can be a hydraulic motor that operates without restriction based on the power received from the power source. In addition, the output of the motor 134 can be changed to change the vibration frequency of the vibration system 114.

[0020] refer to Figure 3 As shown, the vibration system 114 includes a first shaft 138, which is rotatably coupled to the motor 134. The first shaft 138 includes a plurality of first external helical splines 144. The first external helical splines 144 extend along the outer surface of the first shaft 138. It should be noted that the first shaft 138 rotates and in turn causes the second shaft 140, the shaft member 136, and the third shaft 142 to rotate. In addition, the vibration system 114 includes a second shaft 140, which is driven by the motor 134 and is coupled to the first eccentric weights 116, 118. The second shaft 140 rotates the first eccentric weights 116, 118. The second shaft 140 includes a plurality of second external helical splines 145. The second external helical splines 145 extend along the outer surface of the second shaft 140. The vibration system 114 also includes a third shaft 142, which is driven by the motor 134 and is coupled to the second eccentric weights 124, 126. In addition, the third shaft 142 rotates the second eccentric weights 124, 126. More specifically, the third shaft 142 is coupled to the first shaft 138 so that the first shaft 138 rotates the third shaft 142, which in turn rotates the second eccentric weights 124, 126.

[0021] In addition, the vibration system 114 includes a shift assembly 146 to change the amplitude of the vibration system 114 based on the change in the position of the first eccentric weights 116, 118 relative to the second eccentric weights 124, 126. The shift assembly 146 is installed in the drum 110. More specifically, the shift assembly 146 is enclosed in a housing 148, which is disposed in the drum 110. In addition, a pair of tapered roller bearings 168 ( Figure 2 140) is positioned between the housing 148 and the nacelle housing 128. It should be noted that unless the shift assembly 146 is operated to change the amplitude of the vibration system 114, each of the first shaft 138, the second shaft 140, the third shaft 142 and the shaft member 136 rotates at the same speed.

[0022] In addition, the shift assembly 146 includes a shaft member 136 that moves along the first axis "A-A1" to change the position of the first eccentric weights 116, 118 relative to the second eccentric weights 124, 126. When the shift assembly 146 is actuated, the shaft member 136 moves in the first direction "D1". It should be noted that the movement of the shaft member 136 in the first direction "D1" causes the amplitude of the vibration system 114 to decrease. In addition, the movement of the shaft member 136 in the direction opposite to the first direction "D1" causes the amplitude of the vibration system 114 to increase.

[0023] The shaft member 136 includes a flange 152. The shaft member 136 is surrounded by a washer 154 and a bearing nut 156. The shaft member 136 includes a plurality of first internal helical splines 150 that engage with a number of first external helical splines 144 on the first shaft 138. The first internal helical splines 150 extend along a portion of the outer surface of the shaft member 136 near the flange 152 of the shaft member 136. In addition, the shaft member 136 includes a plurality of second internal helical splines 160 that engage with a number of second external helical splines 145 on the second shaft 140. The second internal helical splines 160 extend along a portion of the outer surface of the shaft member 136. The second internal helical splines 160 are disposed near an end opposite to the flange 152.

[0024] In addition, the shift assembly 146 includes an actuator 162, which is arranged parallel to the shaft member 136. The actuator 162 includes a cylinder 164 and a rod member 166. The actuator 162 can be hydraulically actuated, pneumatically operated, or electrically actuated. The shaft member 136 can move along the first axis "A-A1" based on the actuation of the actuator 162. The actuator 162 can be actuated based on input from a control module (not shown) to change the amplitude of the vibration system 114.

[0025] In addition, the shift assembly 146 includes a fork assembly 158 that moves the shaft member 136 along the first axis “A-A1” based on actuation of the actuator 162. Figure 4 As shown, the fork assembly 158 includes a fork 170 that defines a first end 172 and a second end 174. The fork 170 is fixedly coupled to the actuator 162 near the first end 172. The fork 170 defines a first through hole 176 to receive a portion of the actuator 162 for fixedly coupling the fork assembly 158 with the actuator 162. More specifically, the first through hole 176 is defined near the first end 172 and receives a portion of the rod member 166. In one example, the rod member 166 can be welded to the fork 170.

[0026] The fork 170 is pivotally coupled to the housing member 184 at a pair of pivot points 178, 180 defined proximate the second end 174 of the fork 170. More specifically, the fork 170 includes a first fork arm 182 pivotally coupled to the housing member 184 at the first pivot point 178 and a second fork arm 186 pivotally coupled to the housing member 184 at the second pivot point 180. The first pivot point 178 and the second pivot point 180 allow for relative movement between the fork 170 and the housing member 184 during movement of the shaft member 136. More specifically, a first pivot pin 188 pivotally couples the first fork arm 182 to the housing member 184, and a second pivot pin 189 pivotally couples the second fork arm 186 to the housing member 184.

[0027] In addition, the design of the first fork arm 182 and the second fork arm 186 defines the first through hole 176 when the first fork arm 182 is coupled to the second fork arm 186. The first fork arm 182 and the second fork arm 186 are removably coupled using a plurality of mechanical fasteners 190. The mechanical fasteners 190 may include bolts, screws, pins, rivets, etc. In the illustrated example, the first fork arm 182 and the second fork arm 186 are removably coupled using four mechanical fasteners 190. However, the total number of mechanical fasteners 190 may vary depending on application requirements. In addition, the first fork arm 182 includes a first through hole (not shown), and the second fork arm 186 includes a second through hole (not shown). The first through hole and the second through hole are aligned with each other.

[0028] The fork assembly 158 also includes a housing member 184 (see Figure 4 ), the housing member 184 is concentrically disposed around the shaft member 136. The housing member 184 is circular. In addition, the housing member 184 defines a first groove 192 and an opening 185. The opening 185 accommodates the bearing member 194, the shaft member 136, and the first shaft 138 therethrough. Now, referring again to Figure 5 , the first pivot pin 188 and the second pivot pin 189 are embodied as extrusions that protrude from the outer surface 191 of the housing member 184. The first pivot pin 188 and the second pivot pin 189 can be integrally coupled to the housing member 184. The first pivot pin 188 and the second pivot pin 189 are generally circular. In addition, the first pivot pin 188 is aligned with the first through hole in the first fork arm 182 (see Figure 4 ), the second pivot pin 189 is aligned with the second through hole in the second fork arm 186 (see Figure 4 ) for pivotally coupling the fork 170 to the housing member 184.

[0029] Now refer to it again Figure 3, the fork assembly 158 also includes a bearing member 194, which is disposed between the housing member 184 and the shaft member 136. The shaft member 136 is rotatably mounted in the bearing member 194. In the illustrated example, the bearing member 194 includes a ball bearing. In addition, a portion of the outer race 196 of the bearing member 194 is received in the first groove 192 (see Figure 4 ). In addition, a portion of the inner race 198 of the bearing member 194 is received in a second groove (not shown) formed by the flange 152, the shaft member 136 and the washer 154. Therefore, the bearing member 194 is held between the shaft member 136 and the housing member 184.

[0030] When it is desired to reduce the amplitude of the vibration system 114, the fork 170 is translated so that the first eccentric weights 116, 118 are gradually deactivated relative to the second eccentric weights 124, 126. More specifically, the actuator 162 is actuated and the lever member 166 moves, causing the fork 170 to move and pivot relative to the housing member 184 at the first pivot point 178 and the second pivot point 180. In addition, the movement of the fork 170 causes the shaft member 136 to move along the first axis "A-A1".

[0031] Such movement of the shaft member 136 causes the first internal helical splines 150 and the second internal helical splines 160 of the shaft member 136 to engage with the first external helical splines 144 and the second external helical splines 145 of the other set of the first shaft 138 and the second shaft 140, respectively. More specifically, the displacement of the shaft member 136 causes the second shaft 140 to rotate relative to the third shaft 142. When the first eccentric weight 116, 118 is coupled to the second shaft 140 and the second eccentric weight 124, 126 is coupled to the third shaft 142, the rotation of the second shaft 140 relative to the third shaft 142 causes the first eccentric weight 116, 118 to rotate relative to the second eccentric weight 124, 126. In addition, the relative movement between the first eccentric weight 116, 118 and the second eccentric weight 124, 126 changes the combined center of gravity of the first eccentric weight 116, 118 and the second eccentric weight 124, 126. The change in the combined center of gravity of the first eccentric weights 116, 118 and the second eccentric weights 124, 126 changes the amplitude of the vibration system 114. When the shaft member 136 stops moving further along the first axis "A-A1", the first shaft 138, the second shaft 140, the third shaft 142 and the shaft member 136 begin to rotate at the same speed. In addition, when the amplitude of the vibration system 114 is to be increased, the rod member 166 is retracted and the shaft member 136 is moved in a direction opposite to the first direction "D1" to gradually adopt the first eccentric weights 116, 118 relative to the second eccentric weights 124, 126.

[0032] It should be understood that a single feature shown or described for one embodiment may be combined with a single feature shown or described for another embodiment. The embodiments described above in no way limit the scope of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that although some features are shown or described to illustrate the use of the present invention in the context of functional segments, these features may be omitted from the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

[0033] Industrial Applicability

[0034] The present invention is directed to a fork assembly 158 associated with a shift assembly 146. The fork assembly 158 includes a shift fork 170 pivotally coupled to a housing member 184 at a first pivot point 178 and a second pivot point 180. During operation, when the fork 170 is translated by the actuator 162, the first pivot point 178 and the second pivot point 180 are subject to moment loads during displacement of the fork 170. When the first pivot point 178 and the second pivot point 180 are subject to moment loads rather than the bearing member 194 or the housing member 184, the likelihood of failure of the bearing member 194 or the housing member 184 during shifting of the fork 170 and the shaft member 136 is reduced.

[0035] When the moment load is borne by the first pivot point 178 and the second pivot point 180 instead of the bearing member 194, a compact and cost-effective bearing member 194 can be installed in the shift assembly 146. More specifically, incorporating the first pivot point 178 and the second pivot point 180 into the fork assembly 158 eliminates the need for large bearings, thereby reducing the costs associated with the vibration system 114.

[0036] Although various aspects of the present invention have been specifically shown and described with reference to the above embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be conceived by modifying the disclosed machines, systems, and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present invention as determined based on the claims and any equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. An engineering vehicle, comprising: frame; at least one roller, the at least one roller supported by the frame; and A vibration system, the vibration system being installed in the at least one drum, the vibration system comprising: First eccentric hammer; a second eccentric weight, the second eccentric weight being concentric with the first eccentric weight; and A shift assembly, the shift assembly being adapted to change the amplitude of the vibration system based on a change in the position of the first eccentric weight relative to the second eccentric weight, wherein the shift assembly comprises: a shaft member adapted to move along a first axis for changing a position of the first eccentric weight relative to the second eccentric weight; an actuator disposed parallel to the shaft member; and a fork assembly adapted to move the shaft member along the first axis upon actuation of the actuator, wherein the fork assembly comprises: a fork defining a first end and a second end, wherein the fork is fixedly coupled to the actuator adjacent the first end; a housing member concentrically disposed about the shaft member, wherein the fork is pivotally coupled to the housing member at a pair of pivot points defined proximate the second end of the fork; and A bearing member is provided between the housing member and the shaft member. 2 . The engineering vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the vibration system further comprises a motor adapted to rotate each of the first eccentric weight and the second eccentric weight. 3 . The engineering vehicle of claim 2 , wherein the vibration system further comprises a first shaft driven by the motor, wherein the first shaft comprises a first plurality of external helical splines. 4 . The engineering vehicle of claim 3 , wherein the shaft member includes a first plurality of internal helical splines adapted to engage with the first plurality of external helical splines on the first shaft. 5 . The engineering vehicle of claim 2 , wherein the vibration system further comprises a second shaft driven by the motor and coupled to the first eccentric weight, wherein the second shaft comprises a plurality of second external helical splines. 6 . The engineering vehicle of claim 5 , wherein the shaft member includes a plurality of second internal helical splines adapted to engage with the plurality of second external helical splines on the second shaft. 7 . The engineering vehicle according to claim 2 , wherein the vibration system further comprises a third shaft driven by the motor and coupled to the second eccentric weight.

8. The construction vehicle of claim 1, wherein the fork includes a first fork arm pivotally coupled to the housing member at a first pivot point and a second fork arm pivotally coupled to the housing member at a second pivot point.

9. The engineering vehicle of claim 8, wherein the first yoke is removably coupled to the second yoke using a plurality of mechanical fasteners.

10. The engineering vehicle of claim 1, wherein the fork defines a first through-hole adapted to receive a portion of the actuator for fixedly coupling the fork assembly with the actuator.

11. A compacting machine comprising: frame; at least one roller, the at least one roller supported by the frame; and A vibration system, the vibration system being installed in the at least one drum, the vibration system comprising: First eccentric hammer; a second eccentric weight, the second eccentric weight being concentric with the first eccentric weight; and A shift assembly, the shift assembly being adapted to change the amplitude of the vibration system based on a change in the position of the first eccentric weight relative to the second eccentric weight, wherein the shift assembly comprises: a shaft member adapted to move along a first axis for changing a position of the first eccentric weight relative to the second eccentric weight; an actuator disposed parallel to the shaft member; and a fork assembly adapted to move the shaft member along the first axis upon actuation of the actuator, wherein the fork assembly comprises: a fork defining a first end and a second end, wherein the fork is fixedly coupled to the actuator adjacent the first end; a housing member concentrically disposed about the shaft member, wherein the fork is pivotally coupled to the housing member at a pair of pivot points defined proximate the second end of the fork; and A bearing member is provided between the housing member and the shaft member.

12. The compactor of claim 11, wherein the vibration system further comprises a motor adapted to rotate the first eccentric weight and the second eccentric weight.

13. The compactor of claim 12, wherein the vibratory system further comprises a first shaft, the first shaft being driven by the motor, wherein the first shaft comprises a first plurality of external helical splines.

14. The compactor of claim 13, wherein the shaft member includes a first plurality of internal helical splines adapted to engage with the first plurality of external helical splines on the first shaft.

15. The compactor of claim 12, wherein the vibratory system further comprises a second shaft driven by the motor and coupled to the first eccentric weight, wherein the second shaft comprises a second plurality of external helical splines.

16. The compactor of claim 15, wherein the shaft member includes a second plurality of internal helical splines adapted to engage with the second plurality of external helical splines on the second shaft.

17. The compactor of claim 12, wherein the vibration system further comprises a third shaft driven by the motor and coupled to the second eccentric weight.

18. The compactor of claim 11, wherein the fork includes a first fork arm pivotally coupled to the housing member at a first pivot point and a second fork arm pivotally coupled to the housing member at a second pivot point.

19. The compactor of claim 18, wherein the first yoke is coupled to the second yoke using a plurality of mechanical fasteners.

20. The compactor of claim 11, wherein the fork defines a first throughbore adapted to receive a portion of the actuator for fixedly coupling the fork assembly with the actuator.

Images