Vibrating plate with water sprinkling system

Abstract

The invention relates to a vibrating plate for soil compaction, with: an upper mass (1); a lower mass (2) that can be moved relative to the upper mass (1) and has a vibration exciter and a soil contact plate (3) for transferring a vibration generated by the vibration exciter to a soil to be compacted; a water tank (4) for storing water; a water tank holder for supporting the water tank (4); a sprinkler device (5) for discharging water such that the discharged water reaches the region under the soil contact plate (3); and a line connection (6) between the water tank (4) and the sprinkler device (5) for feeding water from the water tank (4) to the sprinkler device (5); wherein the water tank (4) is supported in a releasable manner by the water tank holder; and wherein the water tank (4) can be manually released from the water tank holder and can thus be disconnected from the line connection (6).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a vibratory plate compactor for soil compaction. In particular, the invention relates to a vibratory plate compactor with a water sprinkler system, with which water can be applied to the surface of a substrate to be compacted, e.g. an asphalt layer, during a soil compaction process.

[0002] Vibratory plates for soil compaction are well-known and often also referred to as vibratory plates. A vibratory plate has an upper mass and a lower mass that is movable relative to the upper mass. A vibrator and a ground contact plate are mounted on the lower mass to transmit the vibration generated by the vibrator to the soil being compacted. A drive, such as an internal combustion engine or an electric motor, can be mounted on the upper mass to drive the vibrator on the lower mass. In another design, the vibrator is driven by an electric motor mounted directly on the lower mass. The ground contact plate rests on the soil to be compacted and transmits the vibration generated by the vibrator into the soil.

[0003] Vibratory plates of this type are used, among other things, for compacting gravel, paving stones, etc. They can also be used for compacting and smoothing asphalt. To achieve a good asphalt surface, it is common practice to equip the vibratory plate with a water spray system. This system has a water tank mounted on a component of the machine that is decoupled from the vibrations, for example, on the upper body or on a protective frame attached to the upper body. Additionally, a spray bar can be provided in the area of ​​the bottom contact plate to distribute the water so that it reaches as close as possible to the underside of the contact plate. The spray bar can be mounted either directly on the lower body or on the water tank.

[0004] When the sprinkler bar is mounted on the base plate, it is connected to the water tank via a hose. The sprinkler bar can be attached close to or directly to the base plate to ensure targeted and economical water distribution within the area to be wetted. If the sprinkler system, consisting of the water tank and sprinkler bar, is not required, the water tank, sprinkler bar, and connecting hose are detached from the rest of the vibratory plate using a tool and removed. A hose, bucket, canister, or watering can, for example, can be used to fill the water tank attached to the vibratory plate. These items should be readily available at the work site.

[0005] Such an arrangement is known from EP 3 936 666 A1.

[0006] In another embodiment, the sprinkler bar can be attached directly to the water tank itself. This allows the water tank and sprinkler bar to be removed from the vibrating plate. However, in this embodiment, the openings on the sprinkler bar, through which the water can exit, are a considerable distance from the area to be wetted on the base contact plate. Targeted sprinkler application is then not possible, also due to the strong vibrations during operation.

[0007] From DE 10 2007 026 419 A1, a sprinkler system is known, comprising a water tank detachable from a vibrating plate, the outlet of which can be manually controlled via a valve. For this purpose, a knob is provided on the top of the water tank, which, when turned via a valve spindle extension, actuates the valve, thus blocking, opening, or controlling the release of water into a trough serving as a sprinkler bar.

[0008] The invention is based on the objective of providing a vibrating plate with a sprinkler system in which the disadvantages of the prior art can be avoided.

[0009] The problem is solved according to the invention by a vibration plate having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0010] A vibratory plate compactor is described, comprising an upper mass, a lower mass movable relative to the upper mass with at least one vibration exciter and a ground contact plate for transmitting a vibration generated by the vibration exciter to the soil to be compacted, a water tank for storing water, a water tank support for carrying the water tank, a sprinkler system for applying water such that the applied water reaches the area below the ground contact plate, and a pipe connection between the water tank and the sprinkler system for supplying water from the water tank to the sprinkler system, wherein the water tank is detachably supported by the water tank support and wherein the water tank can be manually detached from the water tank support and thus separated from the pipe connection.

[0011] The water tank with the sprinkler system and the pipe connection are part of a sprinkler system for the vibratory plate, which is intended to supply water to the soil to be compacted.

[0012] The sprinkler system serves to pump water into the area below the ground contact plate in order to wet the soil to be compacted, particularly the asphalt, during operation of the vibratory plate. The water is stored and held in the water tank. The water tank is detachably held in the water tank bracket. The water tank bracket can be located, for example, on the upper body, the lower body, or on a protective frame, particularly on the upper body.

[0013] The water tank can be removed or lifted off manually, without the need for tools, essentially in one smooth motion, without requiring any additional action from the operator. This allows the operator to remove the water tank, fill it with water, and then replace it on the water tank bracket.

[0014] A coupling can be provided between the pipe connection and the water tank, allowing the water tank to be disconnected from the pipe connection. The coupling ensures a mechanically secure connection. It also enables a fluid connection, allowing water to flow from the water tank to the pipe connection and ultimately to the sprinkler system. Furthermore, it can provide the necessary seal between the water tank and the pipe connection, as will be explained later.

[0015] The coupling can have a tank-side coupling element and a pipe-side coupling element. The two coupling elements can be connected when the water tank is inserted into the water tank bracket. When the water tank is removed, the two coupling elements can be disconnected.

[0016] The coupling can be a plug-in coupling, where the tank-side coupling element and the line-side coupling element can be plugged together and unplugged. The two coupling elements thus form the plug-in coupling or a plug connection.

[0017] The coupling element on the pipe side can be located on the upper mass, the lower mass, or the protective frame. In particular, the coupling element on the pipe side can be held in place or fixed to ensure reliable coupling with the coupling element on the tank side when the water tank is installed.

[0018] The tank-side coupling element and / or the pipe-side coupling element can include a sealing element. The sealing element can, for example, have an annular or conical shape. Preferably, the sealing element can be elastic. For example, the sealing element can be designed as a rubber seal or a silicone seal.

[0019] In one embodiment, one of the sealing elements has a conical shape, while the other sealing element can have a corresponding complementary shape. For example, one sealing element can be elastic and made of rubber or silicone, while the other sealing element can be made of a harder, only slightly elastic or non-elastic plastic or metal.

[0020] The pipe connection can include a hose section to compensate for relative movement between the water tank and the sprinkler system. The hose can be flexible to allow for this compensatory movement. This effectively bridges the gap between the tank and the sprinkler system, even when the tank and sprinkler system are mounted on different components, such as the upper body or protective frame on the one hand and the lower body on the other. The sprinkler system can include a sprinkler bar. The sprinkler bar can extend across the width of the ground contact plate, particularly perpendicular to the main direction of travel of the vibratory plate. The sprinkler bar can be tubular in design and have openings on its underside through which the water can escape.

[0021] According to the invention, the water tank has a water outlet and a valve device for opening and closing the water outlet.

[0022] This allows the water outlet to be closed, for example, to remove the water tank from its mounting bracket and fill it with water at a remote location. The water then collects in the tank without any leakage through the outlet. The water outlet can be located near the tank-side coupling element.

[0023] According to the invention, the valve assembly can be opened and closed automatically. In an installed state, where the water tank is supported in the water tank holder, the valve assembly can be automatically open, while in a removed state, where the water tank has been detached from the water tank holder, the valve assembly can be automatically closed. In this case, it is not necessary for an operator to manually open and close the water outlet. Rather, it is sufficient to insert the water tank into the water tank holder to open the valve assembly, allowing water to escape. When the water tank is lifted from the holder, the valve assembly closes automatically.

[0024] In another embodiment, the valve device can be opened and closed manually. In this case, the operator must open and close the valve manually as needed.

[0025] Depending on its position, the valve allows for metering the water supply to the sprinkler system. Accordingly, the amount of water that can be directed to and discharged from the sprinkler system can be adjusted by changing the valve's position.

[0026] In one embodiment, the valve assembly can have a cylindrical valve body, wherein the cylindrical valve body, in an installed state where the water tank is supported in the water tank bracket, has a vertical longitudinal extent and can be rotatably mounted in the water tank about a vertical axis, and wherein the valve body can be rotatably mounted between an open position, in which the water outlet is open, and a closed position, in which the water outlet is closed. "Vertical" or "vertical axis" in this case does not necessarily mean a perfectly perpendicular orientation, but merely a substantially perpendicular orientation. The vertical axis can therefore also be inclined relative to a perfectly perpendicular axis, with the vertical extent being the principal direction of extension of the valve body.

[0027] The valve body can extend from the bottom to the top of the water tank, and may have a handle at the top of the tank accessible to an operator for manually rotating the valve body. This makes it easy for the operator to turn the valve body using the handle and open or close the valve. The top of the water tank can be conveniently reached by the operator to turn the handle and thus the valve body.

[0028] These and other advantages and features will be explained in more detail below using an example and the accompanying figures. They illustrate: Fig. 1 a partial sectional view of a vibrating plate with a sprinkler system and attached water tank; Fig. 2 a close-up of a section Fig. 1 ; Fig. 3the arrangement of Fig. 1 , however with a detached water tank; Fig. 4 a close-up of a section Fig. 3 ; Fig. 5 a front view of the arrangement of Fig. 1 with attached water tank; and Fig. 6 a front view of the arrangement of Fig. 3 with a detached water tank.

[0029] The Figures 1 to 6 They essentially show the same vibrating plate with a sprinkler system, but in different states.

[0030] Fig. 1 The figure shows a partial section of a vibratory plate, with part of an upper mass 1 and part of a lower mass 2 with a base contact plate 3. Not shown in the figure is a drive, which can be provided on the upper mass 1 or on the lower mass 2, e.g., an internal combustion engine or an electric motor. Particularly with an electric motor, it can be advantageous to arrange it directly on the lower mass 2.

[0031] Also not shown is a vibration exciter provided on the submass 2, with which the vibrations usable for soil compaction are generated in a known manner and introduced into the soil to be compacted via the soil contact plate 3.

[0032] Furthermore, a sprinkler system is provided, with a water tank 4, a sprinkler bar 5 serving as a sprinkler device and a pipe connection 6, which is partially formed by a hose 7.

[0033] The water tank 4 has a filling opening 4a on its top, through which water can be let into the interior of the water tank 4. The filling opening 4a can be closed by a lid, e.g. a screw cap.

[0034] The water tank 4 is supported in a water tank bracket (not shown) which is provided on the upper structure 1. A protective frame or cover can also serve as part of the upper structure 1, to which the water tank bracket, and thus the water tank 4, is attached. The water tank bracket ensures that the water tank 4 is securely and reliably attached to the upper structure, even when full and therefore heavy.

[0035] For example, the water tank bracket can have elements that correspond to or interact with elements on the water tank 4, thereby securing the water tank 4 within the bracket. These elements can be designed so that an operator can attach and detach the water tank from the bracket without tools. For example, the water tank 4 can be inserted into the bracket from above and placed onto corresponding fastening elements that interact with complementary elements on the water tank 4. These elements can include components for creating a frictional and / or positive locking connection between the water tank 4 and the bracket, clamping elements, hooks, pins, latches, spring elements, or similar devices.

[0036] The sprinkler bar 5 is located in a forward region of the ground contact plate 3 when viewed in one of the main directions of movement of the vibrating plate. Sprinkler openings (not shown) are provided through which water can exit the sprinkler bar 5, particularly downwards. The ground contact plate 3 may also have openings, allowing the water from the sprinkler bar 5 to reach the underside of the ground contact plate 3 and thus the area to be wetted.

[0037] The sprinkler bar 5 can extend across the entire width of the base contact plate 3 in order to distribute the water evenly over the surface of the underside of the base contact plate 3.

[0038] The water tank 4 can be lifted off the water tank bracket (not shown) and thus off the upper mass 1, as shown in the Figures 3 and 4show. A coupling 8 is provided between the water tank 4 and the pipe connection 6, at which the water tank 4 can be separated from the pipe connection 6.

[0039] The coupling 8 has a tank-side coupling element 9 and a line-side coupling element 10, as also shown in the enlarged illustration of Fig. 2 is clearly visible.

[0040] The water tank 4 can therefore be easily removed or lifted off the rest of the vibratory plate manually without tools in a single operation, in order to fill it with water elsewhere. After filling, the water tank 4 can be placed onto the line-side coupling element 10 using its tank-side coupling element 9, thereby restoring the fluid connection between the water tank 4 and the sprinkler bar 5.

[0041] Fig. 3 shows how the two coupling elements 9, 10 can be separated from each other. This state is in Fig. 4 shown in an enlarged view.

[0042] The coupling 8 is therefore a plug-in coupling, in which the tank-side coupling element 9 and the line-side coupling element 10 can be plugged together (as in the Figure 1 and 2 shown) and soluble or separable (as in the Figures 3 and 4 shown).

[0043] The tank-side coupling element 9 is attached to the water tank 4 by means of a corresponding tank-side coupling bracket 11.

[0044] The line-side coupling element 10 is attached to the upper mass 1 of the vibration plate by means of a line-side coupling bracket 12.

[0045] The tank-side coupling element 9 has an outer cone that can be inserted into a correspondingly complementary shaped inner cone of the line-side coupling element 10, as well as shown in Fig. 2 recognizable.

[0046] The coupling element 10 on the pipe side is elastic and made of, for example, rubber or silicone. The coupling element 9 on the tank side, however, is made of a rigid plastic. In an alternative embodiment, the elements can also be reversed, so that the tank-side coupling element 9 has an inner cone made of a rubber or silicone material, while the pipe-side coupling element 10 is made of a rigid plastic. Of course, the coupling elements 9 and 10 can also be designed in reverse, with an inner cone on the tank-side coupling element 9 and an outer cone on the pipe-side coupling element 10. Other solutions and combinations are also possible to create a mechanically reliable and leak-proof connection.

[0047] The figures show that the tank-side coupling element 9 and the tank-side coupling bracket 11 protrude from the underside of the water tank 4. However, it is also possible to form a corresponding hollow recess on the underside of the water tank 4 to accommodate and protect the tank-side coupling element 9 and the tank-side coupling bracket 11. The tank 4 can then, for example, be placed on the ground with its underside facing down, without the tank-side coupling element 9 or the tank-side coupling bracket 11 protruding.

[0048] The coupling bracket 12 on the pipe side has a corresponding opening 13 to establish a fluidic connection between the coupling element 10 on the pipe side and the pipe connection 6. The opening 13 can be part of the pipe connection 6. In this way, water exiting via a water outlet 9a provided on the coupling element 9 on the tank side can be guided via the coupling element 10 on the pipe side and the coupling bracket 12 on the pipe side, as well as via the pipe connection 6, to the sprinkler bar 5.

[0049] The water tank 4 has a valve assembly 14 with a valve body 15 rotatable about its longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis of the valve body 15 is essentially vertically oriented, but can also be slightly inclined with respect to a vertical axis, as shown in the figures. In any case, the majority of the longitudinal axis extends upwards.

[0050] The valve body 15 can be rotated about the vertical axis by an operator using a handle 15a provided on the top or upper end of the valve body 15.

[0051] The valve body 15 is mounted in a sleeve 16, which has openings in the form of perforations 17 in one area. These openings or perforations 17 serve to regulate the water supply to the water outlet 9 and to filter the outgoing water, in particular to prevent clogging of the downstream pipe elements and the sprinkler bar 5. Accordingly, the valve body 15 has an elongated slot 18. The valve body 15 is rotatable between a position in which the slot 18 is positioned above the perforation 17 or the openings located therein. This creates a fluid connection between the interior of the water tank 4 and the water outlet 9a on the tank-side coupling element 9, allowing water to escape.

[0052] When the valve body 15 is rotated, a position can be reached in which the slot 18 is not above the perforation 17. In this case, the openings at the perforation 17 are closed, so that no water can escape.

[0053] The valve body 15 can therefore be rotated between an open position and a closed position, e.g. over an angle of 90°, whereby other angles are also possible.

[0054] As in Fig. 1 As can be seen, the number of openings in the perforation 17 can vary, so that depending on the rotational position of the valve body 15, a different number of openings are exposed above the slot 18. Accordingly, the amount of water that can escape via the tank-side coupling element 9 and the water outlet 9a located therein can be regulated.

[0055] Fig. 5 shows the in Fig. 1 The depicted installation state of the water tank 4 in a front view.

[0056] Fig. 6 shows the in Fig. 3 depicted state with water tank lifted off 4.

[0057] The in the Figures 5 and 6 The cuts marked "A" correspond to those in the Figure 1 and 3 shown sections.

Claims

1. Vibrating plate for ground compaction, comprising - an upper mass (1); - a lower mass (2) which is movable relative to the upper mass (1) and has at least one vibration exciter and a ground contacting plate (3) for transmitting a vibration generated by the vibration exciter to ground to be compacted; - a water tank (4) for storing water; - a water tank holder for supporting the water tank (4); - a sprinkling device (5) for discharging water such that the discharged water passes into the region below the ground contacting plate (3); and comprising - a line connection (6) between the water tank (4) and the sprinkling device (5) for supplying water from the water tank (4) to the sprinkling device (5); wherein - the water tank (4) is detachably supported by the water tank holder; - the water tank (4) is manually detachable from the water tank holder and thus separable from the line connection (6); and wherein - the water tank (4) has a water outlet (9a) and a valve device (14) for opening and closing the water outlet (9a); characterised in that - the valve device (14) can be automatically opened and closed; - the valve device (14) is automatically opened when in an installed state, in which the water tank (4) is supported in the water tank holder; and in that - the valve device (14) is automatically closed when in a removed state, in which the water tank (4) is removed from the water tank holder.

2. Vibrating plate as claimed in claim 1, wherein a coupling (8), at which the water tank (4) can be separated from the line connection (6), is provided between the line connection (6) and the water tank (4).

3. Vibrating plate as claimed in claim 2, wherein the coupling (8) has a tank-side coupling element (9) and a line-side coupling element (10).

4. Vibrating plate as claimed in claim 3, wherein - the coupling (8) is a plug-in coupling; and wherein - the tank-side coupling element (9) and the line-side coupling element (10) can be plugged together and detached.

5. Vibrating plate as claimed in claim 3 or 4, wherein the line-side coupling element (10) is provided on the upper mass (1), on the lower mass (2) or on a protective frame present on the upper mass (1).

6. Vibrating plate as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the tank-side coupling element (9) and / or the line-side coupling element (10) has a sealing element.

7. Vibrating plate as claimed in claim 6, wherein at least one of the sealing elements has a conical shape.

8. Vibrating plate as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the line connection (6) has a hose portion for compensating for a relative movement between the water tank (4) and the sprinkling device (5).

9. Vibrating plate as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sprinkling device (5) has a sprinkling strip.

10. Vibrating plate as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve device (14) can be manually opened and closed.

11. Vibrating plate as claimed in claim 10, wherein, depending on position, the valve device (14) enables metering of the water supply to the sprinkling device (5).

12. Vibrating plate as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein - the valve device (14) has a cylindrical valve body (15); - the cylindrical valve body (15), when in an installed state in which the water tank (4) is supported in the water tank holder, has a vertical longitudinal extension and is mounted in the water tank (4) so as to be rotatable about a vertical axis; and wherein - the valve body (15) is rotatable between an open position, in which the water outlet (9a) is opened, and a closed position, in which the water outlet (9a) is closed.

13. Vibrating plate as claimed in claim 12, wherein - the valve body (15) extends from a bottom side of the water tank (4) to a top side of the water tank (4); and wherein - the valve body (15) has, on the top side of the water tank, a gripping device (15a) for manual rotation of the valve body (15) by an operator.

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