Roller of compactor

Abstract

A drum of a compactor includes a vibration system having a gear engaging assembly. The gear engaging assembly comprises an actuator and a gear engaging shifting fork assembly. The actuator includes a cylinder and a rod member defining a first end and a second end. The rod member includes an end portion extending from a second end toward a first end. The end portion has a first hardness value. The shift fork assembly includes a fork defining a through hole to receive the end therein to couple the rod member with the fork. The fork defines an engagement surface facing the through hole. The engagement surface of the fork engages the end of the rod member when the rod member is coupled with the fork. The engagement surface of the fork has a second hardness value that is the same as the first hardness value of the end portion of the lever member.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a compactor, a drum of the compactor, and a method of manufacturing a vibration system for a drum of the compactor. BACKGROUND

[0002] Compactors are commonly used to compact materials, such as asphalt, soil, and / or other materials. Compactors include one or more drums that contact the material to be compacted. The drums are equipped with a vibration system that vibrates the drums at a desired vibration frequency and vibration amplitude. The vibration amplitude can be controlled by adjusting an orientation of a first eccentric weight of the vibration system relative to a second eccentric weight of the vibration system. The vibration system typically includes a blocking assembly that adjusts the first eccentric weight relative to the second eccentric weight.

[0003] The blocking assembly includes an actuator that includes a cylinder and a rod member. The blocking assembly also includes a blocking yoke. The rod member can be coupled to the blocking yoke via one or more dowel pins. Extension and retraction of the cylinder can cause the rod member and / or the blocking yoke to wear, which can cause a loose fit between the rod member and the blocking yoke and can reduce a useful life of the rod member and / or the blocking yoke, which is undesirable. Moreover, the loose fit between the rod member and the blocking yoke can also affect performance of the vibration system.

[0004] U.S. Patent No. 3,741,669 describes a roller of the type used in soil compactors of the vibratory roller type that is vibrated by rotating an eccentric mass about the axis of the roller. The eccentric mass is carried by a hollow shaft that is rotatable in bearings at the ends of the roller. An elongated steel drive shaft extends into one end of the hollow shaft. A hydraulic motor is detachably mounted for vibration with the roller and is connected by a spline connection to one end of the drive shaft. The other end of the drive shaft is rigidly connected to the interior of the hollow shaft. The length and flexibility of the drive shaft permit it to twist and bend in order to accommodate the large deflection and torque changes that occur as the eccentric mass rotates to vibrate the roller. SUMMARY

[0005] In one aspect of the disclosure, a drum for a compactor is provided. The drum includes a housing. The drum further includes a vibration system disposed within the housing. The vibration system includes a first eccentric weight. The vibration system further includes a second eccentric weight concentric with the first eccentric weight. The vibration system further includes a blocking assembly adapted to vary an amplitude of the vibration system based on a change in a position of the first eccentric weight relative to the second eccentric weight. The blocking assembly includes a shaft adapted to move along a first axis for varying the position of the first eccentric weight relative to the second eccentric weight. The blocking assembly further includes an actuator disposed parallel to the shaft. The actuator includes a cylinder and a rod member. The rod member defines a first end received within the cylinder and a second end opposite the first end. The rod member includes an end portion extending from the second end of the rod member toward the first end of the rod member. The end portion has a first durometer value. The blocking assembly further includes a blocking yoke assembly including a yoke. The yoke defines a through hole to receive the end portion of the rod member therein to couple the rod member with the yoke. The yoke further defines an engagement surface facing the through hole. The engagement surface of the yoke engages the end portion of the rod member when the rod member is coupled with the yoke. The engagement surface of the yoke has a second durometer value that is the same as the first durometer value of the end portion of the rod member.

[0006] In another aspect of the disclosure, a compactor is provided. The compactor includes a frame. The compactor further includes at least one drum coupled to the frame. The at least one drum includes a housing. The at least one drum further includes a vibration system disposed within the housing. The vibration system includes a first eccentric weight. The vibration system further includes a second eccentric weight concentric with the first eccentric weight. The vibration system further includes a blocking assembly adapted to vary an amplitude of the vibration system based on a change in a position of the first eccentric weight relative to the second eccentric weight. The blocking assembly includes a shaft adapted to move along a first axis for varying the position of the first eccentric weight relative to the second eccentric weight. The blocking assembly further includes an actuator disposed parallel to the shaft. The actuator includes a cylinder and a rod member. The rod member defines a first end received within the cylinder and a second end opposite the first end. The rod member includes an end portion extending from the second end of the rod member toward the first end of the rod member. The end portion has a first durometer value. The blocking assembly further includes a blocking yoke assembly including a yoke. The yoke defines a through hole to receive the end portion of the rod member therein to couple the rod member with the yoke. The yoke further defines an engagement surface facing the through hole. The engagement surface of the yoke engages the end portion of the rod member when the rod member is coupled with the yoke. The engagement surface of the yoke has a second durometer value that is the same as the first durometer value of the end portion of the rod member.

[0007] In another aspect of the invention, a method of manufacturing a vibration system for a roller of a compactor is provided. The method includes a rod member forming an actuator of a stop assembly. The rod member defines a first end and a second end. The rod member includes an end portion extending from the second end of the rod member toward the first end of the rod member. The stop assembly is associated with a vibration system to change the amplitude of the vibration system. The method also includes a fork forming the stop assembly. The fork defines a through-hole and a mating surface facing the through-hole. The method further includes performing one or more first hardening operations on the end portion of the rod member to harden the end portion to a first hardness value, and performing a second hardening operation on the mating surface of the rod member to harden the mating surface to a second hardness value, such that the mating surface has the same hardness value as the end portion. The method includes receiving the end portion of the rod member within the through-hole of the fork such that the end portion engages with the mating surface of the fork. The method further includes coupling an actuator to the fork via a fastening member based on receiving the end portion of the rod member within the through-hole of the fork.

[0008] Other features and aspects of the invention will become clear from the following description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic side view of an exemplary compactor including one or more rollers;

[0010] Figure 2 An example of a vibration system according to the present invention is shown. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the roller;

[0011] Figure 3 This is an example of the invention. Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of a portion of the gear shift assembly associated with the vibration system;

[0012] Figure 4 This is an example according to the invention. Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the gear shift assembly shown;

[0013] Figure 5 It is according to another embodiment of the present invention and Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the gear engagement assembly associated with the vibration system; and

[0014] Figure 6 Manufacturing according to an example of the invention for use Figure 1 Methods for the vibration system of the rollers of a compactor. Detailed Implementation

[0015] Where possible, the same reference numerals are used in all accompanying drawings to denote the same or similar parts.

[0016] Figure 1This is a schematic side view of an exemplary compactor 100. The compactor 100 is embodied herein as a soil compactor. Alternatively, the compactor 100 may be embodied as another type of compactor, such as a landfill compactor, an asphalt compactor, a pneumatic roller, a tandem vibrating roller, etc. Furthermore, the invention is not limited to the type of compactor 100 and may include any other machine including rollers. The compactor 100 includes a frame 102, a front end 104, and a rear end 106 opposite the front end 104. The frame 102 supports various components of the compactor 100 thereon. The frame 102 defines an enclosure 108 near the rear end 106. The compactor 100 also includes a power source (not shown) disposed within the enclosure 108. The various components of the compactor 100 are operated by the power source. The power source may be an engine, such as an internal combustion engine, a fuel cell, a battery system, and is not limited thereto.

[0017] The compactor 100 also includes one or more rollers 114, 116 coupled to the frame 102. Specifically, roller 114 is a front roller disposed at the front end 104 of the compactor 100. Roller 116 is a rear roller disposed at the rear end 106 of the compactor 100. Rollers 114, 116 are similar to each other in design and function. Alternatively, the compactor 100 may include wheels instead of any of the rollers 114, 116. Each of the rollers 114, 116 supports the frame 102 of the compactor 100 and allows the compactor 100 to travel on the ground 119. Furthermore, rollers 114, 116 contact a working surface to perform a compaction operation for compacting materials such as asphalt, soil, gravel, etc. In some examples, each roller 114, 116 may include a pad-type roller having multiple segmented pads disposed on the roller 114, 116 to allow the compactor 100 to perform a compaction operation. The compactor 100 includes a cab 110. The operator can sit inside the cab 110 to perform and / or observe the compaction operation.

[0018] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of rollers 114, 116 according to an example of the invention is shown. Rollers 114, 116 include a housing 112. In a compactor 100 (see...) Figure 1 During compaction or movement, the housing 112 comes into contact with various surfaces.

[0019] The rollers 114 and 116 also include a vibration system 118 disposed within the housing 112. The vibration system 118 includes first eccentric weights 120 and 122. Figure 2 In the example shown, the vibration system 118 includes two first eccentric weights 120, 122. Each first eccentric weight 120, 122 defines a hollow portion 124, 126. Each first eccentric weight 120, 122 includes a two-piece structure bolted together.

[0020] The vibration system 118 also includes second eccentric weights 128, 130 that are concentric with the first eccentric weights 120, 122. In Figure 1 In the illustrated example, the vibration system 118 includes two second eccentric weights 128, 130. The second eccentric weights 128, 130 are received within the hollow portions 124, 126 of the first eccentric weights 120, 122, respectively. The first eccentric weights 120, 122 and the second eccentric weights 128, 130 are enclosed in corresponding pod housings 133, 134 disposed in the drums 114, 116.

[0021] The vibration system 118 also includes a motor 132 to rotate the first eccentric weights 120, 122 and the second eccentric weights 128, 130. In one example, the motor 132 rotates a first shaft 136 and a second shaft 137. In some examples, the motor 132 can be a hydraulic motor or an electric motor that operates based on power received from a power source, without any limitation.

[0022] The vibration system 118 includes a shift assembly 138 that changes an amplitude of the vibration system 118 based on a change in a position of the first eccentric weights 120, 122 relative to the second eccentric weights 128, 130. The shift assembly 138 is enclosed in a housing 140 disposed in the drums 114, 116.

[0023] The shift assembly 138 includes a shaft 142 that moves along a first axis Al for changing the position of the first eccentric weights 120, 122 relative to the second eccentric weights 128, 130. The shaft 142 moves in a direction Dl when the shift assembly 138 is actuated. The movement of the shaft 142 in the direction Dl can cause the amplitude of the vibration system 118 to decrease. Further, the movement of the shaft 142 in a direction opposite to the direction Dl can cause the amplitude of the vibration system 118 to increase. The shift assembly 138 also includes an actuator 144 disposed parallel to the shaft 142. In some examples, the actuator 144 can be hydraulically actuated, pneumatically operated, or electrically actuated.

[0024] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the actuator 144 and a shift fork assembly 156 of the shift assembly 138. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the actuator 144 and the shift fork assembly 156. Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The actuator 144 includes a cylinder 146 and a rod member 148. The rod member 148 defines a first end 150 received within the cylinder 146 and a second end 152 opposite the first end 150. The second end 152 is disposed outside of the cylinder 146.

[0025] The rod member 148 includes an end portion 154 extending from the second end 152 of the rod member 148 toward the first end 150 of the rod member 148. The end portion 154 defines a length LI. The end portion 154 has a first hardness value HI. Further, the rod member 148 includes a core material having a first core hardness value H2. The core material can include, for example, a metallic material or an alloy. In one example, the core material can include cast iron or steel. The end portion 154 of the rod member 148 is hardened to the first hardness value HI, which is different than the first core hardness value H2 of the core material. The first hardness value HI can be greater than the first core hardness value H2. However, in some examples, the first hardness value HI can be the same as the first core hardness value H2. In some examples, the end portion 154 of the rod member 148 can be hardened by induction hardening, nitriding hardening, or direct hardening. It should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to the process used to harden the end portion 154 of the rod member 148. Thus, any other hardening process can be used to increase the first hardness value HI of the end portion 154.

[0026] Further, the rod member 148 of the actuator 144 defines one or more first holes 166 proximate the second end 152. Specifically, the rod member 148 defines two first holes 166 that are aligned with one another and diametrically opposed to one another. The first holes 166 are defined in the end portion 154.

[0027] The shift group 138 further includes a shift fork assembly 156. The shift fork assembly 156 includes a fork 158. The fork 158 includes a core material having a second core hardness value H4. The core material can include, for example, a metallic material or an alloy. In one example, the core material can include cast iron or steel. The fork 158 includes a housing member 170, a first fork arm 172, and a second fork arm 174. Each of the first fork arm 172 and the second fork arm 174 are coupled to the housing member 170. Further, the first fork arm 172 and the second fork arm 174 together define a central opening 176. The central opening 176 can receive the shaft 142 (see FIG. 1). Figure 2 ).

[0028] Further, the fork 158 defines one or more second holes 168. Specifically, the fork 158 defines two second holes 168 that are aligned with one another. One of the second holes 168 is disposed in the first fork arm 172, and the other of the second holes 168 is disposed in the second fork arm 174.

[0029] The fork 158 further defines a through hole 160 to receive the end portion 154 of the rod member 148 therein to couple the rod member 148 with the fork 158. The fork 158 further defines an engagement surface 162 facing the through hole 160. The engagement surface 162 defines a length L2. It should be noted that the length LI of the end portion 154 is the same as the length L2 of the engagement surface 162.

[0030] When the rod member 148 is coupled with the fork 158, the engagement surface 162 of the fork 158 engages the end 154 of the rod member 148. The engagement surface 162 of the fork 158 has a second hardness value H3 that is the same as the first hardness value Hl of the end 154 of the rod member 148. Specifically, the engagement surface 162 of the fork 158 is hardened to a second hardness value H3 that is different than the second core hardness value H4 of the core material. The second hardness value H3 can be greater than the second core hardness value H4. However, in some examples, the second hardness value H3 can be the same as the second core hardness value H4. In some examples, the engagement surface 162 of the fork 158 is hardened by induction hardening, nitriding hardening, and direct hardening. It should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to the process for hardening the engagement surface 162 of the fork 158. Thus, any other hardening process can be used to increase the second hardness value H2 of the engagement surface 162.

[0031] It should be noted that the present disclosure teaches having the same hardness values Hl, H3 for the end 154 and the engagement surface 162, respectively, in order to prevent wear at the interface of the end 154 and the engagement surface 162. In some examples, based on the first core hardness value H2 and the second core hardness value H4, only one of the end 154 and the engagement surface 162 can have to undergo a hardening operation in order to have the same hardness values Hl, H3 for the end 154 and the engagement surface 162, respectively. Thus, in one example, only the end 154 can be subjected to a hardening operation to match the first hardness value Hl with the second hardness value H3. In another example, only the engagement surface 162 can be subjected to a hardening operation to match the second hardness value H3 with the first hardness value Hl.

[0032] Further, the shift group 138 includes fastening members 164. Specifically, the shift group 138 includes two fastening members 164. Alternatively, the shift group 138 can include a single fastening member 164 or any number of fastening members 164. When the end 154 is received within the fork 158, the second holes 168 align with the corresponding first holes 166 in the rod member 148 to receive the corresponding fastening members 164 therein, thereby allowing the coupling of the actuator 144 with the shift fork assembly 156. In some examples, the fastening members 164 can include dowel pins. Alternatively, the fastening members 164 can include screws, bolts, rivets, etc.

[0033] Referring to Figure 5 , a cross-sectional view of a shift group 238 associated with the vibration system 118 (see Figure 2 ) is shown. The shift group 238 is similar to the shift group 138 (see Figure 3), where like components are denoted by like reference numerals. The end 154 of the rod member 148 includes a first hardening layer 202 having a first hardness value H1. The first hardening layer 202 can include a chrome plating layer without any limitation. The first hardening layer 202 can be provided on the end 154 using any conventional plating operation known in the art. The first hardening layer 202 can include a thin chrome layer plated on the outer surface of the end 154.

[0034] Further, the engagement surface 162 of the fork 158 includes a second hardening layer 204 having a second hardness value H3. The second hardening layer 204 can include a chrome plating layer without any limitation. The second hardening layer 204 can be provided on the engagement surface 162 using any conventional plating operation known in the art. The second hardening layer 204 can include a thin chrome layer plated on the engagement surface 162.

[0035] It should be noted that the present disclosure teaches having the same hardness values H1, H3 for the end 154 and the engagement surface 162, respectively, in order to prevent wear at the interface of the end 154 and the engagement surface 162. In some examples, based on the first core hardness value H2 and the second core hardness value H4, it can be that only one of the end 154 and the engagement surface 162 must be subjected to a plating operation in order to have the same hardness values H1, H3 for the end 154 and the engagement surface 162, respectively. Thus, in one example, the end 154 can be subjected to a plating operation only to match the first hardness value H1 with the second hardness value H3. In another example, the engagement surface 162 can be subjected to a plating operation only to match the second hardness value H3 with the first hardness value H1.

[0036] It should be appreciated that individual features shown or described for one embodiment can be combined with individual features shown or described for another embodiment. The above implementations are not limiting in any way the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, it should be understood that although some features are exhibited or described in the context of functional sections to illustrate the use of the present disclosure, such features can be omitted from the scope of the present disclosure without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims.

[0037] Industrial Applicability

[0038] The present invention describes a shift group assembly 138, 238 having an actuator 144. The actuator 144 includes a cylinder 146 and a rod member 148. The rod member 148 includes an end portion 154 having a first hardness value H1. The shift group assembly 138, 238 also includes a shift fork assembly 156 including a shift fork 158. The shift fork 158 defines an engagement surface 162 having a second hardness value H3 that is the same as the first hardness value H1 of the end portion 154 of the rod member 148. The present invention explains that having similar hardness values H1, H3 for the end portion 154 and the engagement surface 162, respectively, in order to mitigate wear at the interface of the end portion 154 and the engagement surface 162. It should be noted that any conventional hardening process can be employed to match the first hardness value H1 with the second hardness value H3.

[0039] Furthermore, the combination of the end portion 154 and the engagement surface 162 having the same hardness values H1, H3 can maintain a desired fit between the end portion 154 of the rod member 148 and the engagement surface 162 of the shift fork 158, thereby maintaining the performance of the shift group assembly 138, 238. Moreover, having similar hardness values H1, H3 for the end portion 154 and the engagement surface 162 can present wear of the end portion 154 and the engagement surface 162, which can improve the service life of the actuator 144 and the shift fork assembly 156. Furthermore, the actuator 144 and the shift fork assembly 156 of the present invention can reduce frequent repair and maintenance costs that can otherwise be associated with repair / replacement of the rod member 148 and / or the shift fork 158.

[0040] Furthermore, the actuator 144 and the shift fork assembly 156 of the present invention can improve the reliability and efficiency of the compactor 100. Moreover, the hardening operation that can have to be performed on the end portion 154 or the engagement surface 162 does not involve a complex process or high operating skills and can be cost effective.

[0041] Figure 6 is a flowchart of a method 600 of manufacturing a vibration system 118 of a drum 114, 116 for a compactor 100. Referring to Figures 1 to 6 In step 602, a rod member 148 of an actuator 144 of a shift group assembly 138, 238 is formed. The rod member 148 defines a first end 150 and a second end 152. The rod member 148 includes an end portion 154 extending from the second end 152 of the rod member 148 toward the first end 150 of the rod member 148. The shift group assembly 138, 238 is associated with the vibration system 118 to vary an amplitude of the vibration system 118.

[0042] In step 604, a shift fork 158 of the shift group assembly 138, 238 is formed. The shift fork 158 defines a through hole 160 and an engagement surface 162 facing the through hole 160.

[0043] In step 606, one or more first hardening operations are performed on the end 154 of the rod member 148 to harden the end 154 to a first hardness value H1 and a second hardening operation is performed on the engagement surface of the rod member to harden the engagement surface 162 to a second hardness value H3 such that the engagement surface 162 has the same hardness value H1, H3 as the end 154. The first and second hardening operations include an induction hardening operation, a nitride hardening operation, a direct hardening operation, or a chrome plating operation.

[0044] In some examples, each of the first and second hardening operations can be performed to match the first hardness value H1 of the end 154 to the second hardness value H3 of the engagement surface 162. Alternatively, only one of the first and second hardening operations can be performed to match the first hardness value H1 of the end 154 to the second hardness value H3 of the engagement surface 162. It should be noted that the first and second hardening operations can be performed to the first core hardness value H3 and the second core hardness value H4.

[0045] In step 608, the end 154 of the rod member 148 is received within the through-hole 160 of the fork 158 such that the end 154 engages the engagement surface 162 of the fork 158.

[0046] In step 610, based on receiving the end 154 of the rod member 148 within the through-hole 160 of the fork 158, the actuator 144 is coupled with the fork 158 via the fastening member 164.

[0047] While various aspects of the present application have been made and described herein with particular references to the embodiments discussed, one skilled in the art will understand that various modifications can be made to the disclosed work machines, systems, and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application. Such modifications are understood to be within the scope of the present application as determined based upon the claims and any equivalents thereto.

Claims

1. A drum of a compactor, the drum comprising: a shell; and a vibration system disposed within the shell, wherein the vibration system comprises: a first eccentric weight; a second eccentric weight concentric with the first eccentric weight; and a range stop assembly adapted to vary an amplitude of the vibration system based on a change in a position of the first eccentric weight relative to the second eccentric weight, wherein the range stop assembly comprises: a shaft adapted to move along a first axis for varying the position of the first eccentric weight relative to the second eccentric weight; an actuator disposed parallel to the shaft, the actuator comprising a cylinder and a rod member, the rod member defining a first end received within the cylinder and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the rod member comprises an end portion extending from the second end of the rod member toward the first end of the rod member, and wherein the end portion has a first hardness value; and a range stop fork assembly comprising a fork, the fork defining a through hole to receive the end portion of the rod member therein to couple the rod member with the fork, the fork further defining an engagement surface facing the through hole, wherein the engagement surface of the fork engages the end portion of the rod member when the rod member is coupled with the fork, and wherein the engagement surface of the fork has a second hardness value that is the same as the first hardness value of the end portion of the rod member.

2. The drum of claim 1, wherein the rod member comprises a core material having a first core hardness value, and wherein the end portion of the rod member is hardened to the first hardness value that is different from the first core hardness value of the core material.

3. The drum of claim 2, wherein the end portion of the rod member is hardened by at least one of induction hardening, nitriding hardening, or direct hardening.

4. The drum of claim 1, wherein the fork comprises a core material having a second core hardness value, and wherein the engagement surface of the fork is hardened to the second hardness value that is different from the second core hardness value of the core material.

5. The drum of claim 4, wherein the engagement surface of the fork is hardened by at least one of induction hardening, nitriding hardening, or direct hardening.

6. The drum of claim 1, wherein the end portion of the rod member comprises a first hardened layer having the first hardness value.

7. The drum of claim 6, wherein the first hardened layer is a chrome plating layer.

8. The drum of claim 1, wherein the engagement surface of the fork comprises a second hardened layer having the second hardness value.

9. The drum of claim 8, wherein the second hardened layer is a chrome plating layer.

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