Amplitude setting detection for vibratory surface compactor

Abstract

A vibratory compactor comprises a frame (16, 18), at least one drum (12, 13) and a control system. The at least one drum is rotatable about an axis facing in a Y-axis direction and is mounted to the frame to allow the drum to rotate on a working surface (31). At least one vibration mechanism is configured to generate vibrations which are transmitted by the at least one drum to the working surface as an impact directed in a Z-axis direction. The at least one vibration mechanism is provided with a plurality of different amplitude settings. The control system is configured to measure an acceleration force of the at least one drum in a direction substantially corresponding to an X-axis direction, wherein the acceleration force is generated by the vibration mechanism, and the X-axis direction extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of compactors, and more specifically, to vibratory compactors and related control systems and methods. Background Technology

[0002] A compactor may include a chassis and two vibrating rollers rotatably mounted to the chassis such that the rollers compact the working surface (e.g., asphalt pavement) as the compactor moves across it. The compactor may include eccentric blocks (also called eccentric shafts) located within the respective rollers, which rotate at a speed to generate vibrations that are transmitted as impacts to the working surface by the rollers. Various examples of compactors are discussed, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 3,871,788 entitled "Vibrating Roller," U.S. Patent No. 7,674,070 entitled "Vibratory System for Compactor Vehicles," and U.S. Publication No. 2003 / 0026657 entitled "Apparatus and Method for Controlling the Start-Up and Phase Relationship Between Eccentric Assemblies."

[0003] Despite the existence of known compactors, there remains a need in the art for compactors, methods, and / or controllers that provide improved operational efficiency and / or enhanced compaction. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A vibratory compactor according to one embodiment includes: a frame; at least one roller rotatable about an axis facing the Y-axis and mounted to the frame to allow the roller to rotate on a working surface; at least one vibration mechanism configured to generate vibrations that are transmitted to the working surface as impacts directed towards the Z-axis by the at least one roller, the at least one vibration mechanism having a plurality of different amplitude settings; and a control system configured to measure an acceleration force of the at least one roller in a direction substantially corresponding to the X-axis direction, wherein the acceleration force is generated by the vibration mechanism and the X-axis direction extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to the Y-axis and Z-axis directions, the control system determining, based on the measured acceleration force of the at least one roller in the direction substantially corresponding to the X-axis direction, which at which of the plurality of roller amplitude settings the vibration mechanism is operating.

[0005] According to another embodiment, a method for operating a vibratory compactor, the vibratory compactor comprising: a frame; at least one roller rotatable about an axis facing a Y-axis and mounted to the frame to allow the roller to rotate on a working surface; and at least one vibration mechanism having a plurality of different amplitude settings and configured to generate vibrations, the vibrations being transmitted to the working surface as impacts pointing in a Z-axis direction by the at least one roller, the method comprising the steps of: operating the vibration mechanism to generate an acceleration force in the roller in an X-axis direction, wherein the X-axis direction extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to the Y-axis and Z-axis directions; measuring the acceleration force of the at least one roller in a direction substantially corresponding to the X-axis direction using a control system arranged on the vibratory compactor, wherein the acceleration force is generated by the vibration mechanism; and determining, using the control system, which of the plurality of roller amplitude settings the vibration mechanism is operating at based on the measured acceleration force of the at least one roller in the direction substantially corresponding to the X-axis direction.

[0006] all aspects

[0007] According to one aspect of an embodiment, a vibratory compactor includes: a frame; at least one roller rotatable about an axis facing a Y-axis and mounted to the frame to allow the roller to rotate on a working surface; at least one vibration mechanism configured to generate vibrations, the vibrations being transmitted to the working surface as impacts pointing in a Z-axis direction by the at least one roller, the at least one vibration mechanism having a plurality of different amplitude settings; and a control system configured to measure an acceleration force of the at least one roller in a direction substantially corresponding to the X-axis direction, wherein the acceleration force is generated by the vibration mechanism and the X-axis direction extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to the Y-axis and Z-axis directions, the control system determining, based on the measured acceleration force of the at least one roller in the direction substantially corresponding to the X-axis direction, which of the plurality of roller amplitude settings the vibration mechanism is operating at.

[0008] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the at least one vibration mechanism is provided with a plurality of different frequency settings, and the control system selects one frequency setting from the plurality of different frequency settings according to a determined amplitude setting, whereby different determined amplitude settings result in the selection of different frequency settings, and the control system operates the vibration system at the selected frequency.

[0009] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the at least one vibration mechanism is provided with a plurality of frequency settings, wherein each of the plurality of frequency settings corresponds to one of the plurality of amplitude settings, such that each of the plurality of different frequency settings can be selectively applied according to a determined amplitude setting, and the control system selects one of the plurality of frequency settings according to the determined amplitude setting, and the control system operates the vibration system at the selected frequency.

[0010] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the at least one vibration mechanism is provided with a plurality of frequency settings, wherein each of the plurality of frequency settings corresponds to one of the plurality of amplitude settings, such that each of the plurality of different frequency settings can be selectively applied according to a determined amplitude setting; and the control system: selects one of the plurality of frequency settings according to the determined amplitude setting; operates the vibration system at the selected frequency; and selects a new frequency setting in response to a change in the determined amplitude, and operates the vibration system at the selected new frequency.

[0011] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the at least one vibration mechanism is provided with a plurality of frequency settings, each of the plurality of frequency settings corresponding to one of the plurality of amplitude settings, such that each of the plurality of different frequency settings can be selectively applied according to a determined amplitude setting; and the control system: selects one of the plurality of frequency settings according to the determined amplitude setting; operates the vibration system at the selected frequency; remeasures the acceleration force generated by the vibration mechanism in a direction substantially corresponding to the X-axis direction; re-determines which of the plurality of roller amplitude settings the vibration mechanism is operating under based on the re-measured acceleration force generated by the vibration mechanism in a direction substantially corresponding to the X-axis direction; when the re-determined amplitude setting is different from the previously determined amplitude setting and corresponds to a different selected frequency setting among the plurality of frequency settings, selects the different frequency setting among the plurality of frequency settings; and operates the vibration system at the selected different frequency.

[0012] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the at least one vibration mechanism is provided with a plurality of frequency settings, each of the plurality of frequency settings corresponding to one of the plurality of amplitude settings, such that each of the plurality of different frequency settings can be selectively applied according to a determined amplitude setting; and the control system: selects one of the plurality of frequency settings according to the determined amplitude setting; operates the vibration system at the selected frequency; remeasures the acceleration force of the at least one roller in a direction substantially corresponding to the X-axis direction; re-determines which of the plurality of roller amplitude settings the vibration mechanism is operating under based on the remeasured acceleration force; when the re-determined amplitude setting is less than the amplitude of the previously determined amplitude setting and corresponds to a different frequency setting selected among the plurality of frequency settings, selects the different frequency setting among the plurality of frequency settings with a frequency greater than the previously selected frequency setting; and operates the vibration system at the selected different frequency.

[0013] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the control system includes an accelerometer located on carrier plates that support a roller shaft rotation bearing of the at least one roller in a manner that allows the at least one roller to rotate relative to the carrier plates; and the carrier plates are located inside the at least one roller and axially inward from a vibration isolator located between the carrier plates and a frame, such that roller vibrations applied to the carrier plates by the roller shaft rotation bearings are damped and reduced after being measured by the accelerometers and before being transmitted to the frame of the vibratory compactor.

[0014] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the control system includes a controller and at least one accelerometer.

[0015] According to one aspect of the embodiments, a method for operating a vibratory compactor, the vibratory compactor comprising: a frame; at least one roller rotatable about an axis facing a Y-axis and mounted to the frame to allow the roller to rotate on a working surface; and at least one vibration mechanism having a plurality of different amplitude settings and configured to generate vibrations, the vibrations being transmitted to the working surface as impacts pointing in a Z-axis direction by the at least one roller, the method comprising the steps of: operating the vibration mechanism to generate an acceleration force in the roller in an X-axis direction, wherein the X-axis direction extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to the Y-axis and Z-axis directions; using a control system including at least one accelerometer and a controller, and the control system being arranged on the vibratory compactor to measure the acceleration force of the at least one roller in a direction substantially corresponding to the X-axis direction, wherein the acceleration force is generated by the vibration mechanism; and using the control system to determine, based on the measured acceleration force of the at least one roller in the direction substantially corresponding to the X-axis direction, which of the plurality of roller amplitude settings the vibration mechanism is operating at.

[0016] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the at least one vibration mechanism is provided with a plurality of different frequency settings, and the method further includes the steps of: selecting a frequency setting from the plurality of different frequency settings using the control system according to a determined amplitude setting, whereby different determined amplitude settings would result in the selection of different frequency settings; and operating the vibration system at the selected frequency using the control system.

[0017] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the at least one vibration mechanism is provided with a plurality of different frequency settings, each of the plurality of frequency settings corresponding to one of the plurality of amplitude settings, such that each of the plurality of different frequency settings can be selectively applied according to a determined amplitude setting, and the method further includes the steps of: using the control system to select one of the plurality of frequency settings according to the determined amplitude setting; and using the control system to operate the vibration system at the selected frequency.

[0018] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the at least one vibration mechanism is provided with a plurality of frequency settings, each of the plurality of frequency settings corresponding to one of the plurality of amplitude settings, such that each of the plurality of different frequency settings can be selectively applied according to a determined amplitude setting, and the method further includes the steps of: using the control system to select one of the plurality of frequency settings according to the determined amplitude setting; operating the vibration system at the selected frequency; selecting a new frequency setting in response to a determined change in amplitude, and operating the vibration system at the selected new frequency. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of this disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application. The drawings illustrate certain non-limiting embodiments of the inventive concept.

[0020] In these diagrams:

[0021] Figure 1 This is a side view of a compactor according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 These are some embodiments of the concept of the present invention. Figure 1 A perspective view of the roller of a compactor, which includes a vibratory motor and an eccentric assembly;

[0023] Figure 3A yes Figure 2 A perspective view of the eccentric component shown.

[0024] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A The perspective view of the eccentric component shown illustrates the... Figure 3A The relative adjustment of the eccentricity of the eccentric block in the middle.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a forward perspective view facing the X-axis according to one embodiment, showing the rollers, eccentric system, and frame.

[0026] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a control system according to one embodiment is shown.

[0027] Figure 6 A side view of a roller and eccentric system according to one embodiment is shown, along with the relative orientation in the X, Y, and Z axis directions.

[0028] Figure 7 The relative orientation of the X, Y, and Z axes according to one embodiment is shown.

[0029] Figure 8An example of the sinusoidal roller displacement in the X-axis direction is shown, derived from acceleration data measured in a direction substantially corresponding to the X-axis direction.

[0030] Figure 9 An example of sinusoidal roller displacement data in the Z-axis direction, derived from acceleration data measured in a direction substantially corresponding to the Z-axis direction, is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The inventive concept will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which examples of embodiments of the inventive concept are illustrated. However, the inventive concept can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the inventive concept to those skilled in the art. It should also be noted that these embodiments are not mutually exclusive. It may be assumed by default that a component from one embodiment is present in / used in another embodiment. Any two or more embodiments described below can be combined with each other in any way. Furthermore, certain details of the described embodiments may be modified, omitted, or expanded without departing from the scope of the described subject matter.

[0032] Figure 1 A self-propelled compactor according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown. Figure 1 The compactor may include: frames 16, 18; first (e.g., front) and second (e.g., rear) rotatable rollers 12 and 13 located at the front and rear of frames 16, 18; and an operator's seat including a seat 14 and a steering mechanism 15 (e.g., a steering wheel) to provide operator control of the compactor. Furthermore, each roller may be coupled to frames 16, 18 using corresponding frames (also called yokes) as at 17, 19. One or both of rollers 12, 13 may be driven on the working surface 31 by a drive motor. Although... Figure 1 A two-roller compactor is shown, but in an alternative embodiment, a single compaction roller may be provided.

[0033] Each of rollers 12 and 13 also includes a vibration mechanism 29. Within the scope of this embodiment, the vibration mechanism 29 can be any one or more devices capable of generating vibrations (which are transmitted as impacts to the working surface 31 by the first and second rollers 12, 13), such as various eccentric rotating mass systems. For example, the vibration mechanism 29 can be provided as: an eccentric assembly including a single eccentric shaft (single-amplitude machine); an eccentric assembly including two eccentric shafts; or multiple eccentric assemblies including a single and / or dual eccentric shaft system (oscillating machine). Those skilled in the art will understand that many vibration mechanisms are known, and the scope of this embodiment is not limited to the specific vibration system 29 shown. While less complex or more complex eccentric systems can be employed within the scope of this embodiment, for simplicity and brevity, Figure 2 A relatively simple vibration mechanism 29 is shown, comprising a single rotatable eccentric block 23, which may be driven, for example, by an eccentric motor 21 and supported by a bearing 22. Those skilled in the art will understand that the center of mass of the eccentric block 23 is unbalanced and not located on the axis of rotation 27 around which the eccentric block 23 rotates. Those skilled in the art will also understand that, to improve compaction efficiency, the unbalanced nature of the eccentric blocks 23 of each roller 12, 13 applies vibration to the rollers 12, 13 as the eccentric blocks rotate about the axis of rotation 27. Those skilled in the art will also understand that, as the eccentric blocks 23 rotate, they generate a downward force that is transmitted as an impact to the working surface 31 by the rollers 12, 13. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that, as the eccentric blocks 23 rotate, they also generate an upward force that, relative to the downward impact force, pushes the rollers 12, 13 upward. The eccentric system 29 is preferably driven by a hydraulic motor 21; however, the use of an electric motor 21 is also within the scope of this embodiment.

[0034] During operation, the eccentric block 23 can rotate to generate vibration, which is transmitted as an impact to the working surface 31 by the first and second rollers 12, 13. Those skilled in the art will understand that, as by... Figure 3A and Figure 3BThe comparison shows that the amplitude of the vibration system 29 and the impact described in this embodiment can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the eccentricity of the center of mass of the eccentric block 23 relative to the rotation axis 27, thereby allowing multiple amplitude settings to be used for the vibration system 29. Those skilled in the art will understand that the frequency of the impact can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the rotational speed of the eccentric block 23 about the rotation axis 27, thereby allowing multiple frequency settings to be used for the vibration system 29. Those skilled in the art will understand that the optimal frequency of the impact varies depending on the amplitude setting of the vibration system 29. For example, those skilled in the art will understand that as the amplitude increases, it may be desirable to reduce the frequency to prevent excessive wear and tear on the eccentric component bearings and other components of the machine.

[0035] According to one aspect of this embodiment, a control system 100 is provided for automatically detecting the amplitude setting of a vibration system 29. According to another aspect of this embodiment, the control system 100 automatically determines and selects an appropriate corresponding frequency setting for the vibration system 29 based on the detected amplitude setting. According to another aspect of this embodiment, the control system 100 preferably operates the vibration system at the selected frequency setting. According to yet another aspect of this embodiment, the control system 100 can operate the vibration system 29 at the fastest frequency setting for the vibration system 29 based on the detected amplitude setting.

[0036] Now go to Figure 5 The control system 100 may include a controller 400 configured to automatically control the rotational speed / frequency of the vibration mechanism 29 in response to the detected amplitude settings of the vibration mechanism 29 of the first and second rollers 12, 13. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The diagram also shows that the control system 100 may further include first and second accelerometers 405 and 406, which measure the acceleration force F of the rollers 12 and 13 in the X-axis direction. x The X-axis direction is substantially orthogonal to the Z-axis direction (the downward impact force points in this Z-axis direction) and substantially orthogonal to the Y-axis direction of the rotation axis 27. Those skilled in the art will understand that the accelerating force F... x The vibration is applied to rollers 12 and 13 by the vibration system 29.

[0037] Typically, in a compactor, the Z-axis of the rollers is used to collect acceleration data on the compactor rollers (this acceleration data can be used to calculate the density of the compacted material). In contrast, this embodiment orients accelerometers 405 and 406 to collect acceleration data along the X-axis of rollers 12 and 13, allowing the calculation of the X-axis displacement of rollers 12 and 13. Based on the measured acceleration data and the calculated displacement, the amplitude setting of the vibration system 29 can be determined, and an appropriate vibration setting can be applied. Therefore, the control logic of controller 400 can monitor the amplitude and adjust the frequency to achieve the desired performance. For example, in certain operating settings, the fastest frequency setting for the vibration system 29 at the detected amplitude setting can be applied by control system 100. Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the controller 400 can adjust the rotational speed of the eccentric block 23 by sending a signal to control the flow of hydraulic fluid from the pump 401 to the hydraulic motor 21 (which drives the eccentric block 23). For example, when the detected amplitude is constant, the signal can command the same hydraulic flow to substantially maintain the existing rotational frequency, and in response to a sensed change in amplitude, the signal can increase or decrease the hydraulic flow to increase or decrease the rotational frequency of the eccentric block 23 of the rollers 12, 13 in response to changes in amplitude sensed by accelerometers 405, 406.

[0038] Now go to Figure 4 Accelerometers 405 and 406 are preferably located on a carrier plate 500, which supports the roller shaft rotation bearings 451 of rollers 12 and 13 in such a way that rollers 12 and 13 are allowed to rotate relative to the carrier plate 500 and the frame or yoke, and in response to the rotation of the vibration system 29, the carrier plate 500 is accelerated together with rollers 12 and 13. Figure 4 As shown, bearing 451 can be located opposite the drive motor 450 used to propel rollers 12, 13. Also as shown, accelerometers 405, 406 are located inside the rollers and are positioned to measure the forward and backward acceleration forces of rollers 12, 13 in the X-axis direction as the eccentric block 23 rotates. Figure 4The diagram also shows that these carrier plates are located inside the rollers 12, 13 and axially inward from the vibration isolator 501, which is positioned between the carrier plate 500 and the frame or yoke 17, such that the roller acceleration applied to the carrier plate 500 by the roller shaft rotary bearing 451 of the roller propulsion system is damped and reduced before being transmitted to the frame or yoke 17. Therefore, accelerometers 405, 406 are preferably positioned inside the rollers 12, 13 to directly measure the forward and backward acceleration forces of the rollers 12, 13 in the X-axis direction before they are damped by any vibration isolator or damper (such as at 501). Within the scope of this embodiment, accelerometers 405 and 406 may be positioned to measure acceleration in a fixed direction substantially corresponding to the X-axis direction, or accelerometers 405 and 406 may be combined in an inertial measurement unit (“IMU”) to more accurately determine the acceleration of rollers 12 and 13 in the X-axis direction, the inertial measurement unit being a device that uses a combination of accelerometers, gyroscopes, and (sometimes) magnetometers.

[0039] Now go to Figure 8 and Figure 9 For calculations, using the X-axis provides better data than using the Z-axis. X-axis data allows for the full range of roller displacements unaffected by sudden impacts to the ground that the Z-axis would capture. The benefit of collecting X-axis data is that more data is available for displacement calculations, rather than having to wait for a full eccentric rotation to obtain the next set of usable data from the Z-axis. This also reduces the time required for the roller to reach its operating vibration speed.

[0040] Now back Figure 5 Accelerometers 405 and 406 measure acceleration data and send it to controller 400, which determines the amplitude based on the acceleration data. The amplitude can be determined based on an algorithm or by referencing the collected acceleration data with corresponding amplitudes, which can be stored, for example, in one or more lookup tables.

[0041] The controller 400 may include a processor coupled to memory and interface circuitry, the interface circuitry providing communication between components of the control system 100. Therefore, the processor may be configured to execute computer program code in the memory (hereinafter described as a non-transitory computer-readable medium) to perform the above-described... Figures 4 to 6 At least some operations are discussed. Therefore, Figure 5The control system 100 can control the rotation frequency of the eccentric blocks 23 in the rollers 12 and 13. The control logic of the controller 400 can monitor the amplitude setting of the eccentric blocks 23 in the rollers 12 and 13, and maintain or adjust the frequency of the eccentric blocks 23 in the subsequent rollers to time the impact accordingly. In addition to operating the eccentric blocks 23 at the fastest rotation speed or frequency for the detected amplitude setting, other frequency settings can also be applied based on the detected amplitude setting. For example, the eccentric blocks 23 can rotate at the speed that provides the most effective compaction for a particular material makeup being compacted.

[0042] In the above description of the various embodiments of this disclosure, it should be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It will be further understood that terms (e.g., those defined in common dictionaries) should be interpreted as having meanings consistent with their meanings in the context of this specification and related art, and will not be interpreted as having idealized or overly formal meanings unless expressly defined herein.

[0043] When an element is referred to as “connected,” “linked,” “responding,” “mounted” (or variations thereof) to another element, the element may be directly connected, linked, responded to, or mounted to the other element, or there may be intermediate elements. In contrast, when an element is referred to as “directly connected,” “directly linked,” “directly responded to,” “directly mounted” (or variations thereof) to another element, there are no intermediate elements. The same reference numerals always refer to the same element. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For brevity and / or clarity, well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail. The term “and / or” and its abbreviation “ / ” include any and all combinations of one or more of the related items listed.

[0044] It will be understood that while the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., may be used herein to describe various elements / operations, these elements / operations should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element / operation from another. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the inventive concept, a first element / operation in some embodiments may be referred to as a second element / operation in other embodiments. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals or the same reference numerals denote the same or similar elements.

[0045] As used herein, the terms “comprise,” “comprising,” “comprises,” “include,” “including,” “have,” “has,” “having,” or variations thereof are open-ended and include one or more of the stated features, integers, elements, steps, components, or functions, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, elements, steps, components, functions, or groups thereof. Furthermore, as used herein, the common abbreviation “eg,” derived from the Latin phrase “examplegratia,” may be used to introduce or specify one or more general examples of previously mentioned items, rather than to limit such items. The common abbreviation “ie,” derived from the Latin phrase “idest,” may be used to specify specific items in a more general description.

[0046] This document describes exemplary embodiments with reference to block diagrams and / or flowcharts of computer-implemented methods, apparatus (systems and / or devices), and / or computer program products. It should be understood that the blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, can be implemented by computer program instructions executed by one or more computer circuits. These computer program instructions can be provided to processor circuitry of general-purpose computer circuitry, special-purpose computer circuitry, and / or other programmable data processing circuitry to produce a machine such that the instructions, executed by the processor of a computer and / or other programmable data processing device, convert and control transistors, values ​​stored in memory locations, and other hardware components within such circuitry to implement the functions / actions specified in the block diagrams and / or one or more flowcharts, thereby creating means (functions) and / or structures for implementing the functions / actions specified in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts.

[0047] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a tangible computer-readable medium that can instruct a computer or other programmable data processing device to operate in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable medium produce an article of manufacture comprising instructions that implement the functions / actions specified in the block diagram and / or one or more flowcharts. Therefore, embodiments of the inventive concept can be implemented in hardware and / or in software (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.) running on a processor (e.g., a digital signal processor), which may be collectively referred to as a "circuit," a "module," or a variation thereof.

[0048] It should also be noted that in some alternative embodiments, the functions / actions indicated in the boxes may not occur in the order shown in the flowchart. For example, two boxes shown successively may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or these boxes may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions / actions involved. Furthermore, the function of a given box in a flowchart and / or block diagram may be divided into multiple boxes, and / or the functions of two or more boxes in a flowchart and / or block diagram may be at least partially integrated. Finally, without departing from the scope of the inventive concept, other boxes may be added / inserted between the shown boxes, and / or some boxes / actions may be omitted. Additionally, although some figures include arrows on communication paths to indicate the primary communication direction, it should be understood that communication may occur in the direction opposite to the depicted arrows.

[0049] Those skilled in the art will recognize that certain elements of the above embodiments can be combined or removed in different ways to create further embodiments, and such further embodiments fall within the scope and teachings of the inventive concept. Those skilled in the art will also understand that the above embodiments can be combined in whole or in part to create other embodiments within the scope and teachings of the inventive concept. Therefore, although specific embodiments and examples of the inventive concept have been described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the inventive concept, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art. Therefore, the scope of the inventive concept is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A vibratory compactor, comprising: frame; At least one roller, the at least one roller being rotatable about an axis facing the Y-axis and being mounted to the frame to allow the roller to rotate on the working surface; At least one vibration mechanism is configured to generate vibration, which is transmitted to the working surface as an impact pointing in the Z-axis direction by the at least one roller, and the at least one vibration mechanism is provided with multiple different amplitude settings; as well as A control system configured to measure the acceleration force of the at least one roller in a direction substantially corresponding to the X-axis direction, wherein the acceleration force is generated by the vibration mechanism, and the X-axis direction extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to the Y-axis and Z-axis directions, characterized in that the control system determines, based on the measured acceleration force of the at least one roller in the direction substantially corresponding to the X-axis direction, which of the plurality of different amplitude settings the vibration mechanism is operating at.

2. The vibratory compactor according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one vibration mechanism is provided with multiple different frequency settings; The control system selects a frequency setting from a plurality of different frequency settings based on a determined amplitude setting, thus different determined amplitude settings will result in the selection of different frequency settings; and The control system operates the vibration mechanism at a selected frequency.

3. The vibratory compactor according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one vibration mechanism is provided with a plurality of different frequency settings, wherein each of the plurality of different frequency settings corresponds to one of the plurality of different amplitude settings, such that each of the plurality of different frequency settings can be selectively applied according to the determined amplitude setting. The control system selects one of the multiple different frequency settings based on the determined amplitude setting; and The control system operates the vibration mechanism at a selected frequency.

4. The vibratory compactor according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one vibration mechanism is provided with a plurality of different frequency settings, wherein each of the plurality of different frequency settings corresponds to one of the plurality of different amplitude settings, such that each of the plurality of different frequency settings can be selectively applied according to the determined amplitude setting. The control system: Select one of the multiple different frequency settings based on the determined amplitude setting; Operate the vibration mechanism at the selected frequency; A new frequency setting is selected in response to a determined change in amplitude, and the vibration mechanism is operated at the selected new frequency.

5. The vibratory compactor according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one vibration mechanism is provided with a plurality of different frequency settings, wherein each of the plurality of different frequency settings corresponds to one of the plurality of different amplitude settings, such that each of the plurality of different frequency settings can be selectively applied according to the determined amplitude setting. The control system: Select one of the multiple different frequency settings based on the determined amplitude setting; Operate the vibration mechanism at the selected frequency; The acceleration force generated by the vibration mechanism in a direction substantially corresponding to the X-axis direction is remeasured; The vibration mechanism is re-determined at which of the plurality of different amplitude settings it is operating based on the re-measured acceleration force generated by the vibration mechanism in a direction substantially corresponding to the X-axis direction; When the redefined amplitude setting differs from the previously defined amplitude setting and corresponds to one of the selected frequency settings among the plurality of different frequency settings, the selected frequency setting among the plurality of different frequency settings is chosen; and The vibration mechanism is operated at different selected frequencies.

6. The vibratory compactor according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one vibration mechanism is provided with a plurality of different frequency settings, wherein each of the plurality of different frequency settings corresponds to one of the plurality of different amplitude settings, such that each of the plurality of different frequency settings can be selectively applied according to the determined amplitude setting. The control system: Select one of the multiple different frequency settings based on the determined amplitude setting; Operate the vibration mechanism at the selected frequency; The acceleration force of the at least one roller in the direction substantially corresponding to the X-axis direction is remeasured; The vibration mechanism is re-determined at which of the multiple different amplitude settings it is operating based on the re-measured acceleration force. When the redefined amplitude setting is smaller than the amplitude of the previously defined amplitude setting and corresponds to one of the selected different frequency settings among the plurality of different frequency settings, the selected different frequency setting with a frequency greater than the previously selected frequency setting is chosen; and The vibration mechanism is operated at different selected frequencies.

7. The vibratory compactor according to claim 1, wherein: The control system includes an accelerometer located on a carrier plate, the carrier plate supporting a roller shaft rotation bearing of the at least one roller in a manner that allows the at least one roller to rotate relative to the carrier plate; and The carrier plate is located inside the at least one roller and axially inward from the vibration isolator, which is located between the carrier plate and the frame connecting the at least one roller to the machine frame, such that the roller vibration applied to the carrier plate by the roller shaft rotary bearing is damped and reduced after being measured by the accelerometer and before being transmitted to the frame of the vibratory compactor.

8. The vibratory compactor according to claim 1, wherein, The control system includes a controller and at least one accelerometer.

9. A method for operating a vibratory compactor, the vibratory compactor comprising: a frame; at least one roller, the at least one roller being rotatable about an axis facing a Y-axis and mounted to the frame to allow the roller to rotate on a working surface; and at least one vibration mechanism, the at least one vibration mechanism having a plurality of different amplitude settings and configured to generate vibration, the vibration being transmitted as an impact pointing in the Z-axis direction to the working surface by the at least one roller, and the method comprising the steps of: The vibration mechanism is operated to generate an accelerating force in the X-axis direction in the drum, wherein the X-axis direction extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction; The acceleration force of the at least one roller in a direction substantially corresponding to the X-axis direction is measured using a control system arranged on the vibratory compactor, wherein the acceleration force is generated by the vibration mechanism. as well as The control system uses the measured acceleration force of the at least one roller in a direction substantially corresponding to the X-axis direction to determine which of the plurality of different amplitude settings the vibration mechanism is operating at.

10. The method for operating a vibratory compactor according to claim 9, wherein, The at least one vibration mechanism is provided with a plurality of different frequency settings, and the method further includes the steps of: using the control system to select a frequency setting from the plurality of different frequency settings according to a determined amplitude setting, whereby different determined amplitude settings would result in the selection of different frequency settings; and using the control system to operate the vibration mechanism at the selected frequency.

11. The method for operating a vibratory compactor according to claim 9, wherein, The at least one vibration mechanism is provided with a plurality of different frequency settings, each of the plurality of different frequency settings corresponding to one of the plurality of different amplitude settings, such that each of the plurality of different frequency settings can be selectively applied according to a determined amplitude setting, and the method further includes the steps of: using the control system to select one of the plurality of different frequency settings according to the determined amplitude setting; and using the control system to operate the vibration mechanism at the selected frequency.

12. The method for operating a vibratory compactor according to claim 9, wherein, The at least one vibration mechanism is provided with a plurality of different frequency settings, each of the plurality of different frequency settings corresponding to one of the plurality of different amplitude settings, such that each of the plurality of different frequency settings can be selectively applied according to a determined amplitude setting, and the method further includes the following steps: using the control system to select one of the plurality of different frequency settings according to the determined amplitude setting; operating the vibration mechanism at the selected frequency; selecting a new frequency setting in response to a change in the determined amplitude, and operating the vibration mechanism at the selected new frequency.

Images