Vibrating support

The vibrating support system with clamping elements and locking mechanisms enables easy and tool-free attachment of vibratory pads to both ends of the base plate, addressing movement and obstruction issues, improving operational efficiency and reducing installation time.

EP4715120A1Pending Publication Date: 2026-03-25HILTI AG
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
EP · EP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-09-19
Publication Date
2026-03-25

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing vibratory compaction devices face challenges in quickly and easily attaching vibratory pads to both the front and back of the base plate, leading to potential movement and obstruction issues, especially when tools are not available on construction sites, disrupting workflow.

Method used

A vibrating support system with front and rear clamping elements, featuring fastening elements and manually operable locking elements, allowing secure attachment without tools, and a clamping rail for even force distribution, ensuring stability during operation.

Benefits of technology

Facilitates quick and secure attachment of vibratory pads to both ends of the base plate, preventing movement and obstruction, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing installation time, even in confined spaces.

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Abstract

A vibratory base (100) for a base plate (200) of a compaction device (10) for processing a soil section (12), wherein the vibratory base (100) comprises: a cover plate (102); a front clamping means (108) which is arranged at a first end region of the cover plate (102), wherein the front clamping means (108) has two or more fastening elements (110, 112) which extend through the cover plate (102); locking elements (118, 120) which are detachably connectable to the fastening elements (110, 112) such that the cover plate (102) can be clamped between the clamping means (108) and the locking elements (118, 120), wherein the locking elements (118, 120) can be operated manually.
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Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a vibrating support for a base plate of a compaction device. Other aspects relate to a compaction device and a method for attaching the vibrating support to a base plate. Background of the invention:

[0002] When carrying out earthworks involving embankments or other earthmoving, there is a risk that the treated areas will subside over time. This can lead to damage to the floor coverings laid on top. Examples of such coverings include asphalt roads, paved sidewalks, and patios.

[0003] To minimize settling of the soil sections and thus prevent damage to the paving, the soil is compacted. Compaction equipment such as vibratory plates, also known as vibratory compactors, is used for this purpose. These devices consist of a base plate that is set in motion by a drive unit using eccentric weights. This movement compacts the soil.

[0004] The ground can be compacted both before and after laying the flooring. However, with paving stones, there is a risk of damage during compaction. To prevent this, a protective cover is placed on the underside of the base plate. Such covers are known, for example, as plate sliding devices or vibratory compaction pads. The compaction pad protects the paving stones from damage caused by the vibrations. The "base plate" of a vibratory compactor is the component that comes into direct contact with the soil to be compacted and transmits the forces generated by the machine. It is typically made of steel several millimeters thick.

[0005] The vibratory mat can be made of plastic or rubber and primarily serves to mitigate the forces acting on the substrate and prevent damage. In addition, the vibratory mat can function as a wear protection plate, protecting the base plate from direct impact. Besides this protective function, vibratory mats also improve the sliding properties of the compaction device on the surface. With conventional compaction devices, the vibratory mat is in the form of a uniformly thick plastic or rubber plate that is attached to the base plate.

[0006] Since vibrators can be used before and after laying the flooring, it is necessary that the vibratory pads can be attached to or detached from the base plate as required. Therefore, vibratory pads are known in the prior art that are attached exclusively to the front of the base plate. The problem with fixing them only to the front of the base plate lies in the movement of the rubber mat relative to the device, especially when rotating and turning the vibratory plate. It is also known that the transport wheels of the vibratory plate, located at the rear of the vibrator, are often obstructed by the rubber mat if the vibratory pad is only attached to the front.

[0007] Some vibratory pads are additionally attached to the back of the compaction device. The front and back are usually secured with nuts and bolts. However, this method is very time-consuming and requires the use of specialized tools. Since not all the necessary tools are always available on construction sites, this can lead to further delays. Without the required tools, it is impossible to securely attach the vibratory pads to the base plate, which can significantly disrupt the workflow.

[0008] Based on the problem described above, an object of the present invention is to provide a vibration support that can be easily and quickly connected to the front and back of the base plate of a vibrator. The vibration support should also be as cost-effective and durable as possible.

[0009] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments relating to the subject matter of the independent claims are found in the dependent claims.

[0010] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a vibrating support for a base plate of a compaction device for processing a section of soil, wherein the vibrating support comprises the following: a cover plate with a first surface which, when in use, rests on the base section, and a second surface which is opposite the first surface and, when installed, is in contact with a first surface of the base plate; a front clamping means which is arranged at a first end region of the first surface, wherein the front clamping means has two or more fastening elements which extend through the cover plate and project beyond the second surface; and locking elements which can be detachably connected to the fastening elements in such a way that the cover plate can be clamped between the clamping means and the locking elements, wherein the locking elements can be operated manually.

[0011] The front clamping device allows the vibrating pad of the present invention to be quickly and easily fixed to the front of the base plate, preventing it from moving independently relative to the base plate during operation. Advantageously, the fastening elements can be inserted directly into the base plate of a compaction device and then secured using the releasable locking elements. This significantly simplifies assembly and allows the vibrating pad to be used on the base plate even if other components of the compaction device, such as irrigation systems, cover the base plate. Since the locking elements can be operated by hand, no additional tools are required to secure the vibrating pad.

[0012] In another embodiment, the fastening elements each have a thread onto which the locking elements can be screwed. This allows the clamping force of the front clamping element to be easily and continuously adjusted. Alternatively, it is of course possible to connect the locking elements to the fastening elements in a detachable manner. For example, the fastening elements could have grooves that engage with snap hooks on the locking elements. This solution would create a particularly quick snap connection for attaching the vibration pad to the base plate.

[0013] In another embodiment, the locking elements are designed as wing nuts or clamping levers. The lever effect allows the required clamping force to be achieved with minimal effort using the clamping levers. The use of wing nuts enables the locking elements to be connected to the fasteners in confined spaces. This is particularly advantageous when using an irrigation system simultaneously, as this significantly reduces available installation space. The wing nuts are also easy to replace, as they are standard hardware items readily available in many hardware stores. Both variants (wing nuts and clamping levers) ensure that the vibrating base can be securely and easily attached to the base plate, even without tools and for inexperienced users.

[0014] In another embodiment, the front clamping element has a clamping rail that extends essentially between the side edges of the cover plate. The clamping rail distributes the clamping force over a larger surface area of ​​the cover plate. This effectively prevents the vibration pad from slipping. Furthermore, the clamping rail avoids concentrated forces acting on the cover plate. Especially when using thin rubber or plastic plates, high concentrated forces can damage the cover plate, thus reducing its service life.

[0015] According to a further embodiment, the vibrating base has a rear clamping element which is arranged on a second end region of the first surface opposite the first end region. In other words, the vibrating base of the present invention can preferably be attached to both ends of the base plate. This is particularly advantageous when compacting tight curves, since higher lateral forces occur here, which can cause the vibrating base to shift relative to the base plate. Furthermore, the compaction device may not be able to be retracted in tight curves, as the vibrating base could otherwise "invert" under the device. The transport wheels can also be blocked by the vibrating base if it is not fixed to the rear of the base plate.

[0016] According to another embodiment, the rear clamping means has a clamping rail which extends essentially between the side edges of the cover plate.

[0017] In a further embodiment, the rear clamping element comprises two or more fastening elements that extend through the cover plate and protrude beyond the second surface at a second end. Each fastening element can be permanently connected at its second end to a head, the head having a larger diameter than the corresponding fastening element. This permanent connection can be achieved, for example, by bonding the head to the fastening elements. In other words, the rear clamping element is designed such that it can be hooked / engaged at the rear end of the base plate. Here, the fastening elements and their heads act as anchors, designed to engage in corresponding notches / recesses.

[0018] In a further embodiment, the cover plate is made of an elastic material, in particular rubber or plastic. The advantages of the present invention are particularly pronounced with elastic cover plates. Here, the cover plate can be easily tensioned by hooking it at one rear end and inserting it at the front end of the base plate. Due to the elasticity of the cover plate, it can conform tightly to the underside of the base plate when tensioned.

[0019] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a compaction device, in particular a vibrator, with a drive unit and a base plate, wherein the drive unit is configured to move the base plate to compact a subsoil and wherein the base plate is connected to a vibrating support according to the invention.

[0020] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for attaching a vibrating support to a base plate of a compaction device, wherein the method comprises the following steps: Detachable fastening of the cover plate to a rear end area of ​​the base plate; insertion of the fastening elements of the front clamping device into through-holes of the base plate; attachment of the locking elements.

[0021] Further advantages arise from the following description of the figures. The figures, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. A person skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.

[0022] They show: Fig. 1 Schematic view of a compaction device; Fig. 2A Perspective view of a vibrating platform according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2B Side view of the vibrating platform according to Fig. 2A Fig. 3: Perspective top view of a base plate with a vibrating support according to Fig. 2A ; Fig. 4 schematic flow diagram of a method according to the invention. Detailed description

[0023] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the proposed vibratory plate compactor 10. The vibratory plate compactor 10 can be placed on a substrate 12, which is to be smoothed by a base plate 24 of the vibratory plate compactor 10. The base plate 24 of the vibratory plate compactor 10 can be set into vibration, which compacts the substrate 12. The vibrations are generated by an electric motor 14 and transmitted to the base plate 24 by means of a transmission device 16. The transmission device 16 can, for example, be a spur gear transmission. The transmission device 16 and the electric motor 14 together form the drive train 18 of the vibratory plate compactor 10. The motion of the electric motor 14 can preferably be transmitted to a shaft (not shown), which in turn transmits the motion to the base plate 24. The shaft can include or be connected to an eccentric mass 30.The vibratory plate 10 can be connected to at least one power supply unit 20 in order to obtain electrical energy from the power supply device 20. In the case of the... Fig. 1 In the illustrated example, the vibratory plate compactor 10 has a power supply device 20 in the form of a single accumulator 40. Of course, it is also possible for the power supply device to have two or more accumulators. The power supply device 20, the electric motor 14, and control electronics 22 together form a drive unit 26 for the vibratory plate compactor 10.

[0024] Damping elements 28 can be provided between a number of components of the vibratory plate compactor 10. For example, damping elements 28 can be provided between the base plate 24 and the drive unit 26. Furthermore, damping elements 28 can be provided between the at least one power supply unit 20 and / or the control electronics 22. The drive unit 26 can be connected to a handle or a push bar 32, which can be used to hold or move the vibratory plate compactor 10. Damping elements 28 can also be provided between the drive unit 26 on one side and the handle or push bar 32 on the other. These damping elements 28 prevent, for example, the vibrations of the vibratory plate compactor 10 or its base plate 24 from being transmitted to the user or their hands and joints.Another function of the damping elements 28 can be to protect individual sensitive elements of the vibratory plate 10, such as the control electronics 22, from vibrations and possible damage.

[0025] The Figure 2A Figure 1 shows a schematic, perspective view of a vibration pad 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2B Is the vibrating base 100 according to Figure 2A shown in a side view. The vibrating base 100 has a cover plate 102. The cover plate 102 comprises a first surface 104, which is in contact with the substrate to be compacted, such as paving stones, during operation. A second, opposing surface 106 is connected to the base plate (200, Figure 3 ) connected to the compression device.

[0026] The cover plate 102 has a front, first end section 107, a middle section 109, and a rear, second end section 111. The middle section 109 is essentially flat and is in contact with the substrate being worked during operation. The first and second end sections 107 and 111 are designed to be bent relative to the middle section. During operation, the first and second end sections 107 and 111 are bent upwards towards the base plate of the compaction device. The cover plate 102 is designed to conform to the typically curved shape of the base plate.

[0027] A first, front clamping element 108 is provided at the first end region 107 of the cover plate 102. The clamping element 108 is detachably connected to the cover plate 102. In this embodiment, the front clamping element has a clamping rail which is attached to the first surface 104 of the cover plate 102. The clamping rail can, for example, be made of sheet steel. In the embodiment shown here, the clamping rail extends between the side edges of the cover plate 102. In other words, the clamping rail of the front clamping element 108 covers essentially the entire lateral extent of the cover plate 102. This allows the vibrating base 100 to be connected to the base plate over its entire lateral extent.

[0028] The clamping device 108 further comprises two fastening elements 110, 112. The fastening elements 110, 112 can, for example, be designed as threaded rods. The fastening elements are each permanently connected to the clamping rail at one first end. For this purpose, the clamping rail can be connected to the Fig. 2A The openings 114, 116 shown are used to connect the fastening elements 110, 112 at their first ends, e.g., by welding. The fastening elements 110, 112 extend from the clamping rail through the front end region 107 of the cover plate 102. The cover plate may have through-openings (not shown) for this purpose, which serve to accommodate the fastening elements 110, 112.

[0029] The fastening elements 110, 112 extend through the through-openings and project beyond the second surface 106 of the cover plate 102. The portion of the fastening elements 110, 112 projecting beyond the second surface 106 is, in particular, longer than the thickness of the corresponding base plate, as can also be seen from Figure 3 as is evident.

[0030] At a second end, the fastening elements 110, 112 are detachably connected or connectable to locking elements 118, 120. In the embodiment shown here, the locking elements are designed as clamping levers which can be screwed onto a thread of the fastening elements 110, 112 in order to clamp the vibratory plate between the front clamping element 108 and the base plate, as shown in Figure 3 will be explained in more detail.

[0031] According to the present invention, the locking elements are manually operable. In other words, no tools are required to connect the locking elements 118, 120 to the second ends of the fastening elements 110, 112. In alternative embodiments, the locking elements can have any other shape that allows the front clamping means 108 to be clamped against the cover plate and the base plate. For example, the locking elements can also be designed as star knobs. According to the present invention, the locking elements are detachably connected to the fastening elements 110, 112, or can be connected in such a way that the locking elements are only connected to the fastening elements 110, 112 after the cover plate 102 has been attached to the base plate.

[0032] A second, rear clamping element 130 is provided at the second, rear end region 109 of the cover plate 102. The rear clamping element 130 is, in particular, permanently connected to the cover plate 102. In this embodiment, the rear clamping element has a clamping rail which is attached to the first surface 104 of the cover plate 102. The clamping rail can, for example, be made of sheet steel. In the embodiment shown here, the clamping rail of the rear clamping element 130 extends, for example, between the side edges of the cover plate 102. In other words, the clamping rail of the rear clamping element 130 covers essentially the entire lateral extent of the cover plate 102. This allows the vibrating base 100 to be connected to the base plate over its entire lateral extent.

[0033] The rear clamping element 130 has two locking bolts 122, 124, which serve to positively connect the rear end region 111 of the cover plate 102 to a rear end of the base plate. How this relates to Figure 3 As will be explained in more detail, the locking bolts can, for example, be hooked onto the rear end of the base plate.

[0034] The locking bolts 122 each have a fastening element 132. The fastening elements 132 can be, for example, threaded rods or pins. The fastening elements 132 are each permanently connected at one end to the rear clamping rail. For this purpose, the rear clamping rail (similar to the front clamping rail) can have openings (not shown) to which the fastening elements 132 are connected at their ends, e.g., welded. The fastening elements 132 extend from the clamping rail through the rear end region 111 of the cover plate 102. For this purpose, the cover plate can have through-openings 126, 128, which serve to accommodate the fastening elements 132.

[0035] The fastening elements 132 extend through the through-openings 126, 128 and project beyond the second surface 106 of the cover plate 102. The portion of the fastening elements 132 projecting beyond the second surface 106 is, in particular, longer than the thickness of the corresponding base plate, as can also be seen from Figure 3 as is evident.

[0036] At a second end, the fastening elements 132 are connected to head parts 134. The head parts have a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the fastening elements 132 and larger than the diameter of the openings 126, 128. In the embodiment shown here, the head parts are cylindrical, similar to the head of a socket head cap screw. The head parts 134 can have an internal thread that can be screwed onto an external thread of the fastening elements 132. In the embodiment shown here, the head parts 134 are permanently connected to the fastening elements 132.

[0037] For example, during the manufacture of the vibration pad 100, the fastening elements 132 can first be inserted (without the end pieces) through the openings 126, 128 and then connected to the end pieces 134. For this purpose, the end pieces 134 are screwed onto the fastening elements 132 and then glued or welded to them. Gluing, in particular, allows for a simple and permanent connection without damaging the material (e.g., rubber) of the cover plate 102. Alternatively, the end pieces can also be connected to the fastening elements in a non-permanent manner. For example, the end pieces can be screwed onto the second ends of the fastening elements 132 and fixed to the fastening element using set screws that extend radially through the end piece.

[0038] Figure 3 shows the in the Figures 2A and 2B Shown is a vibrating base 100 in its mounted state on a base plate 200.

[0039] The base plate 200 has first and second notches 202, 204 at a front end, which are designed to receive the fastening elements 110, 112 of the front clamping means 108. In an alternative embodiment, it is also conceivable that the base plate has through-openings (e.g., bores) instead of the first and second notches, through which the fastening elements 110, 112 can be inserted before the locking elements 118, 120 are applied.

[0040] The indentations 202, 204 of the embodiment according to Figure 3 are wider than the diameter of the fastening elements 110, 112. The locking elements 118, 120 have a diameter that is larger than the width of the notches 202, 204.

[0041] Around the front notches 202, 204, the base plate 200 has a thickened area, i.e., the thickness of the base plate 200 is increased in the edge region of the notches 202, 204. This makes it possible to connect the front clamping device particularly firmly to the base plate 200 and to attach the cover plate particularly securely to the front end of the base plate.

[0042] The base plate 200 has third and fourth notches 206, 208 at a rear end, which are designed to receive the locking bolts 122, 124 of the rear clamping element 130. For this purpose, the notches 206, 208 are wider than the diameter of the fastening elements 130 of the locking bolts 122, 124. The head parts 132 have a diameter that is larger than the width of the notches 206, 208. Since the head parts are permanently connected to the fastening elements 130 of the rear clamping element 130, the locking bolts 122, 124 are inserted into the third and fourth (rear) notches 206, 208 of the base plate 200 via their open ends when the vibration pad 100 is mounted.

[0043] Around the rear indentations 206, 208, the base plate 200 has a thickening area, i.e. the thickness of the base plate 200 is increased in the edge area of ​​the indentations 206, 208.

[0044] Figure 4Figure 302 shows a schematic flowchart of a method for attaching the vibration pad according to the invention to a base plate. In a first step, the rear clamping means 130 is connected to a rear end of the base plate 200. In particular, the locking bolts 122, 124 are first inserted into the third and fourth notches 206, 208.

[0045] In a second step S304, the front fastening elements 110, 112 are inserted into the front notches 202, 204. Since the fastening elements 110, 112 are preferably not yet connected to the locking elements at this point, it is possible to insert the fastening elements 110, 112 through the notches instead of inserting / hooking them over the open end of the notches 202, 204. This is particularly advantageous if the compaction device has an irrigation rail which is arranged at the front end of the base plate and covers the open end of the notches 202, 204.

[0046] After the fastening elements 110, 112 have been inserted into the notches 202, 204, the locking elements 118, 120 are applied in a third step S306 to the second, protruding ends of the fastening elements 110, 112. In particular, the locking elements designed as clamping levers are, according to the embodiment shown, Figures 2A and 2B In this step, the fasteners (e.g., threaded rods) are screwed onto the threads. Screwing them on clamps the cover plate between the clamping rail and the base plate 200. Reference symbol list

[0047] 10 Compaction device 12 Soil, earth, subsoil 14 Electric motor 16 Gear unit, for example spur gear 18 Power train 20 Power supply unit 22 Control electronics 24 Base plate 26 Drive unit 28 Damping elements 30 Eccentric mass 32 Handle or push bar 100 Vibratory base 102 Cover plate 104 First surface 106 Second surface 107 Front end area 108 Front clamping device 109 Middle area 110 First fastening element 111 Rear end area 112 Second fastening element 114 First opening 116 Second opening 118 First locking element 120 Second locking element 122 First locking bolt 124 Second locking bolt 126 First opening 128 Second opening 130 Rear clamping device 132 Fastening element 134 Head 200 Base plate 202 First notch 204 Second notch 206 Third notch 208 Fourth notch 210 Eccentric mass

Claims

1. A vibratory base (100) for a base plate (200) of a compaction device (10) for processing a soil section (12), wherein the vibratory base (100) comprises: - a cover plate (102) with a first surface (104) which rests on the soil section when in use, and a second surface (106) which is opposite the first surface (104) and, when installed, is in contact with a first surface of the base plate (200); - a front clamping means (108) which is arranged at a first end region of the first surface (104), wherein the front clamping means (108) comprises two or more fastening elements (110, 112) which extend through the cover plate (102) and project beyond the second surface (106);and - locking elements (118, 120) which can be detachably connected to the fastening elements (110, 112) in such a way that the cover plate (102) can be clamped between the clamping means (108) and the locking elements (118, 120), wherein the locking elements (118, 120) can be operated manually.

2. Vibration support according to claim 1, wherein the fastening elements (110, 112) each have a thread onto which the locking elements (118, 120) can be screwed.

3. Vibration support according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the locking elements (118, 120) are designed as clamping levers or wing nuts.

4. Vibration support according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the front clamping means (108) has a clamping rail which extends substantially between side edges of the cover plate (102).

5. Vibration support according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the vibration support has a rear clamping means (130) which is arranged on a second end region of the first surface (104) opposite the first end region.

6. Vibration support according to claim 5, wherein the rear clamping means (130) has a clamping rail which extends substantially between side edges of the cover plate (102).

7. Vibration support according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the rear clamping means (130) has two or more fastening elements (132) which extend through the cover plate (102) and protrude with a second end over the second surface (106).

8. Vibration support according to claim 7, wherein the fastening elements (132) are each permanently connected at the second end to a head part (134), wherein the head part (134) has a larger diameter than the corresponding fastening element.

9. Vibration pad according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the cover plate (102) is made of an elastic material, in particular rubber or plastic.

10. Compaction device (10), in particular a vibrator, comprising a drive unit (26) and a base plate (200), wherein the drive unit (26) is configured to move the base plate (200) to compact a subsoil, wherein the base plate (200) is connected to a vibrating support (100) according to one of claims 1 to 9.

11. Method for attaching a vibrating base (100) according to one of claims 1 to 9 to a base plate (200) of a compaction device, wherein the method comprises the following steps: - releasably fastening the cover plate (102) to a rear end region of the base plate; - inserting the fastening elements of the front clamping means into through-openings of the base plate; - attaching the closing elements.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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