Mobile device for plate compactor

Abstract

The present invention provides a mobile device for a plate compactor that can be switched between a mobile state and a non-mobile state very easily and safely, and that has sufficient durability against vibration wear. [Solution] The arm is pivotally attached to the base 2 on the rear side of the plate compactor 9 and is configured to rotate from a position above the plate 91 to a position below it. The arm locking mechanism includes a stopper that restricts the upward rotation of the arm and a lock lever 6 having a hook that can engage with the stopper. When the hook of the lock lever 6 engages with the stopper, the arm can be locked so that it does not rotate at a position above the plate 91. When the lock on the arm is released, the tip of the arm and the wheel 5 rotate downward due to their own weight, and the wheel 5 touches the ground on the rear side of the plate compactor 9.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a moving device for a plate compactor used for compacting a paved surface or the ground surface. Relates to.

Background Art

[0002] A plate compactor used for compacting a paved surface or the ground surface (compaction work) has a large weight (for example, about 40 to 100 kg). Conventionally, when moving the machine body other than during the compaction work, the machine body is moved by placing it on a separately prepared dedicated moving cart, or a moving device with wheels that can be attached to the machine body is used.

[0003] When using a dedicated moving cart, each time, in addition to the need for loading and unloading the machine body, there is a problem that the moving cart itself needs to be transported to the site. Also, for a moving device of the type that can be attached to the machine body, each time, attachment work and removal work to the machine body are required, which is very cumbersome.

[0004] Therefore, a plate compactor with wheels for moving attached to the machine body from the beginning, a folding type moving device including wheels, and a plate compactor attached to the rear of the machine body have also been developed and supplied to the market.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, conventional plate compactors with wheels attached to the body for transport had the problem that the mounting position of the wheels was limited, which restricted compaction work and machine maneuverability. In addition, conventional plate compactors with a foldable transport device attached to the rear of the body had difficulties in operation when deploying and storing the foldable frame, and the movable parts (rotating parts, etc.) that make up the foldable structure were greatly affected by vibrations generated during compaction work, resulting in problems in terms of durability against vibration wear.

[0007] The present invention aims to solve the problems of the prior art described above, and to provide a moving device for a plate compactor that can switch between a moving state and a non-moving state very easily and safely, and has sufficient durability against vibration wear. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The plate compactor moving device according to the present invention is configured to be mounted on a plate compactor and comprises a base, an arm, wheels, an arm locking means, and an arm biasing means. The base is fixed to an upper position above the plate via a vibration damping means, the wheels are pivotally supported at the tip of the arm, the arm's base end is pivotally attached to the base on the rear side of the plate compactor's body, and the tip is configured to rotate from a position above the plate to a position below it, and the arm locking means comprises a stopper that restricts the upward rotation of the arm and a locking lever having a hook that can engage with the stopper. The lock lever's hook engages with a stopper, locking the arm so that it does not rotate in a position above the plate. When the arm is unlocked, the tip of the arm and the wheel rotate downward due to their own weight, and the wheel makes contact with the ground at the rear of the plate compactor. When the plate compactor is tilted forward from the state where the wheel is in contact with the ground at the rear of the plate compactor, the tip of the arm and the wheel are biased toward a position below the plate by the arm biasing means.

[0009] Furthermore, in this plate compactor moving device, it is preferable that the base has a support portion, the base end of the arm is pivotally attached to the support portion, the lock lever is pivotally attached to the arm, the stopper is fixed to the support portion, and a lock lever biasing means is positioned between the support portion and the lock lever to bias the lock lever in the direction in which the hook engages with the stopper when the arm is in a position close to the stopper.

[0010] Furthermore, it is preferable that the device has a spring with one end locked to a support and the other end locked to a lock lever, and that this spring functions as both a lock lever biasing means and an arm biasing means. In addition, it is preferable that the stopper is fixed to the support via a vibration damping means. It is also preferable that the device has a handle locking device that can fix the operating handle in a position inclined toward the rear of the machine. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The plate compactor moving device according to the present invention is used when attached to a plate compactor, and can switch the attached plate compactor from a non-moving state (a state in which compaction work can be performed) to a moving state (a state in which the wheels are in contact with the ground and the plate compactor can be easily moved), and from the moving state to a non-moving state, very easily and safely.

[0012] Furthermore, the plate compactor moving device according to the present invention incorporates vibration countermeasures in key areas and employs a structure (a structure with movable parts) that can switch between a non-moving state and a moving state, yet it can be expected to have sufficient durability against vibration wear. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a side view of the plate compactor moving device 1 according to the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the support section 3, frame 4, and wheel 5 shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows the state in which the lock lever 6 is attached to the arm 41 shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a side view of the base end of the operating handle 93 shown in Figure 1, and the handle locking device 7. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the mobile device 1 shown in Figure 1. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the mobile device 1 shown in Figure 1. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the mobile device 1 shown in Figure 1. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the mobile device 1 shown in Figure 1. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the mobile device 1 shown in Figure 1.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the "moving device for a plate compactor" of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a side view of a moving device 1 for a plate compactor according to the present invention (hereinafter simply referred to as "moving device 1"). As shown in the figure, this moving device 1 is mounted on and used with a plate compactor 9. The plate compactor 9 shown in FIG. 1 has a general configuration, and includes a plate 91 (a compaction plate) for compacting a pavement surface, a ground surface, etc., a main unit 92 placed thereon (a vibration generating device for vibrating the plate 91, an engine and a fuel tank for supplying driving force to the vibration generating device, or an electric motor and a battery, etc.), an operation handle 93, and the like.

[0015] The moving device 1 according to the present invention is composed of a base 2, a frame 4 (arm 41), wheels 5, an arm locking means (such as a lock lever 6), an arm biasing means, a handle locking device 7, and the like. Among these, the base 2 is for fixing the moving device 1 to the plate compactor 9, and is fixed at an upper position of the plate 91 via vibration damping means (such as vibration damping rubber) so as to be able to attenuate the vibration transmitted from the vibration generating device and the plate 91. More specifically, it is fixed to the plate 91 via vibration damping means, or is fixed to a machine frame or the like mounted on the plate 91 via vibration damping means.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the base 2 has a support portion 3 on the rear side (the rear side of the machine body of the plate compactor 9 to which it is mounted). This support portion 3 is for supporting the frame 4 so as to be rotatable around a horizontal axis.

[0017] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the support part 3, the frame 4, and the wheel 5 shown in Figure 1. As shown in this figure, in this embodiment, two plate-shaped support parts 3 are arranged at intervals in the width direction (the width direction of the body of the plate compactor 9 to be mounted), and are respectively fixed (or integrally formed) to the rear part of the main body of the base 2 (see Figure 1), and are connected by a rod-shaped reinforcing material 31 extending horizontally in the width direction.

[0018] A frame 4 for pivotally supporting the wheel 5 is mounted on the support part 3. The frame 4 is composed of two arms 41 of the same shape and a single shaft 44. The two arms 41 are curved in a "C" shape as shown in the figure, and are connected by a shaft 44 arranged between the tip parts 42. The base ends 43 of the two arms 41 are respectively pivotally attached to the two support parts 3 (a part of the base 2), and the tip part 42 side is rotatably supported around the horizontal axis C1 shown in Figure 2 (a line passing through the center of the bolt 32 inserted into the through hole formed in the support part 3) on the rear side of the body of the plate compactor 9 (see Figure 1) from a position above the plate 91 (see Figure 1) to a position below the plate 91. Incidentally, one wheel 5 is mounted on each of the tip parts 42 (both ends of the shaft 44) of the arm 41.

[0019] As shown in Figure 2, a stopper 33 (arm locking means) for restricting the upward rotation of the arm 41 at a predetermined position is fixed to the support part 3. This stopper 33 is located on the front side (the front side of the body of the plate compactor 9 to be mounted) and the upper side of the pivotal attachment point (the center of the bolt 32) of the arm 41, and is arranged at a position where it abuts against the arm 41 before they contact the operation handle 93 (at a non-contact position) when the arm 41 and the wheel 5 are rotated upward, and is configured to protrude laterally from the side surface of the support part 3. Incidentally, the stopper 33 is attached to the support part 3 via anti-vibration means (such as anti-vibration rubber).

[0020] Furthermore, a pin (first locking pin 34) is fixed to the support portion 3, which locks one end of a spring that biases the lock lever 6 (arm locking means) shown in Figure 1. This first locking pin 34 is configured to protrude from the side of the support portion 3 in the same direction as the stopper 33. Of the two arms 41, one arm 41 has a hole 45 for rotatably supporting the lock lever 6 shown in Figure 1, and a groove 46 for restricting the rotation range (angle range) of the lock lever 6.

[0021] Figure 3 shows the state in which the lock lever 6 is attached to the arm 41 shown in Figure 2. As shown, the lock lever 6 is pivotally attached to the arm 41 by a bolt 61 and is supported so as to be rotatable around the horizontal axis C2 (a line passing through the center of the bolt 61 inserted through the hole 45 (see Figure 2) formed in the arm 41).

[0022] The lock lever 6 has a hook 62 formed on one side and a gripping portion 63 formed on the opposite side, with the pivot point (bolt 61) as the starting point. The hook 62 is sized to engage with the stopper 33 and is positioned to engage with the stopper 33 when the arm 41 is in contact with (or close to) the stopper 33. A second locking pin 64 is formed between the pivot point (bolt 61) and the hook 62 of the lock lever 6. This second locking pin 64 is configured to protrude from the side of the lock lever 6 in the same direction as the first locking pin 34.

[0023] Furthermore, a projection 65 is formed on the opposite side of the second locking pin 64 (the side of the lock lever 6 opposite to the side from which the second locking pin 64 protrudes). This projection 65 enters into a groove 46 formed in the arm 41 and, together with the groove 46, restricts the range of rotation (angle range) of the lock lever 6. In other words, the lock lever 6 is configured to allow rotation within a range from the position where the projection 65 that has entered into the groove 46 contacts the upper edge of the groove 46 to the position where it contacts the lower edge of the groove 46.

[0024] As shown in Figure 3, a spring 8 (tension coil spring) is stretched between the support part 3 and the lock lever 6. More specifically, one end of the spring 8 is locked to the first locking pin 34 of the support part 3, and the other end of the spring 8 is locked to the second locking pin 64 of the lock lever 6. The lock lever 6 is biased by this spring 8 (lock lever biasing means) in a direction that causes the hook 62 to engage with the stopper 33 when the arm 41 is in a position close to the stopper 33.

[0025] Figure 4 is a side view of the base end of the operating handle 93 shown in Figure 1, and the handle lock device 7. The operating handle 93 is mounted so as to be rotatable on the body frame of the plate compactor 9 (see Figure 1), and is configured to change its attitude from a position tilted towards the rear of the body (shown by a solid line in Figure 4) to a position tilted towards the front of the body (shown by a dashed line in Figure 4) (or a position perpendicular to the upward direction from the body) with the hinge 94 as the pivot point. However, by operating the handle lock device 7, it is possible to maintain the position tilted towards the rear of the body (shown by a solid line in Figure 4).

[0026] More specifically, the handle lock device 7 consists of a cylinder 71, a rod 72 held within the cylinder 71 so as to be axially slidable, and a knob 73, and is mounted near the base end of the operating handle 93. By operating the knob 73, the tip of the rod 72 can be switched between a state in which it is housed inside the cylinder 71 (indicated by the dashed line in Figure 4) and a state in which it protrudes outward from the end of the cylinder 71 (indicated by the solid line in Figure 4). Also, as shown in Figure 4, a fan-shaped guard 21 is fixed to the base 2 so as to cover the outside near the base end of the operating handle 93.

[0027] Then, when the operating handle 93 is in a position tilted toward the rear of the machine, as shown by the solid line in Figure 4, operating the knob 73 so that the tip of the rod 72 protrudes outward from the end of the cylinder 71 causes the tip of the rod 72 to come into contact with the rear end of the guard 21, restricting the forward rotation of the operating handle 93. In other words, the operating handle 93 can be locked in a position tilted toward the rear of the machine.

[0028] Furthermore, by operating the knob 73 so that the tip of the rod 72 is retracted inside the cylinder 71, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 4, the lock on the operating handle 93 is released, allowing the operating handle 93 to be freely rotated to the position shown by the dashed line in Figure 4.

[0029] Here, the operation of the mobile device 1 according to this embodiment will be described. The mobile device 1 shown in Figure 1 is in the non-moving state of the plate compactor 9 (a state in which compaction work can be performed), and the arm 41 and wheels 5 are held in a position that does not interfere with compaction work using the plate compactor 9 (a position on the rear side of the machine and above the plate 91). More specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the arm 41 is in a position in contact with the stopper 33, and the hook 62 of the lock lever 6 is engaged with the stopper 33 to hold the arm 41 in place so that it does not rotate. From this state, it is possible to switch to the moving state (a state in which the wheels 5 are on the ground and the plate compactor 9 can be easily moved) with a simple operation.

[0030] First, the handle lock device 7 is operated to lock the operating handle 93 in a tilted position towards the rear of the machine, as shown by the solid line in Figure 4. Next, the lock lever 6 is operated to release the engagement of the hook 62 with the stopper 33. Specifically, the gripping portion 63 of the lock lever 6 is pushed down to rotate the lock lever 6 from the position shown by the solid line in Figure 3 to the position shown by the dashed line (the position where the hook 62 does not engage with the stopper 33).

[0031] This releases the lock on the arm 41, allowing it to rotate. As shown in Figure 5, the arm 41 and wheel 5 rotate primarily by their own weight until the wheel 5 contacts the ground surface G of the plate compactor 9. From this position, by grasping the upper part of the operating handle 93 and pushing the plate compactor 9 forward (diagonally upward), the plate compactor 9 is tilted forward (the rear of the plate 91 is raised above the ground surface G), as shown in Figure 6.

[0032] At this time, as the rear of the plate 91 rises above the ground surface G, the wheel 5 and the tip of the arm 41 rotate to a position below the rear of the plate 91 due to their own weight and the biasing force of the spring 8 (arm biasing means), and the stepped portion 47 formed on the arm 41 (a part of the arm 41 that bulges outward beyond the radius of the wheel 5 so that the wheel 5 does not come into contact with the plate 91) stabilizes in contact with the plate 91.

[0033] To explain this point in more detail, as shown in Figure 5, when the wheel 5 is in contact with the ground surface G before the plate compactor 9 is tilted forward, the center line of the spring 8 (the line connecting the first locking pin 34 and the second locking pin 64) is located above the pivot point of the arm 41 (the center of the bolt 32). However, when the rear of the plate 91 is lifted upward from this state, once the angle of the plate 91 with respect to the ground surface G exceeds a predetermined angle, as shown in Figure 7, the center line of the spring 8 (the line connecting the first locking pin 34 and the second locking pin 64) moves below the pivot point of the arm 41 (the center of the bolt 32).

[0034] As the rear of the plate 91 is further lifted upward, the wheel 5 and the tip of the arm 41 are pulled by the spring 8 toward the lower rear of the plate 91, and as shown in Figure 6, the stepped portion 47 formed on the arm 41 comes into contact with the plate 91, and this state is stably maintained by the biasing force (tensile force) of the spring 8.

[0035] Next, by returning the operating handle 93 to the rear of the machine and bringing the wheels 5 into contact with the ground surface G, and then pulling the operating handle 93 further to the rear, as shown in Figure 8, the front part of the plate 91 will be separated from the ground surface G, and the entire load of the plate compactor 9 will be supported by the wheels 5. By gripping and operating the operating handle 93, the plate compactor 9 can be freely moved forward, backward, and diagonally.

[0036] Furthermore, if there is no spring 8 to pull the tip of the wheel 5 and arm 41 toward the lower rear side of the plate 91, when the rear of the plate 91 is lifted upward from the state shown in Figure 5, the tip of the wheel 5 and arm 41 will swing for a while below the pivot point of the arm 41 (center of the bolt 32). If the wheel 5 is brought into contact with the ground surface G before this swing subsides, the wheel 5 may not settle into the correct position below the plate 91 and may escape toward the rear side of the plate 91 (returning to the state shown in Figure 5), which is extremely dangerous.

[0037] In the mobile device 1 of this embodiment, as described above, when the rear of the plate 91 is lifted upward, the wheels 5 and the tips of the arms 41 are pulled by the spring 8 and settle into the correct position on the lower side of the plate 91. This state is stably maintained, thus effectively avoiding the risk of the wheels 5 moving away from the rear side of the plate 91.

[0038] To switch from the moving state shown in Figure 8 (a state in which the plate compactor 9 can be easily moved) to the non-moving state shown in Figure 1 (a state in which compaction work can be performed), first, as shown in Figure 6, the plate compactor 9 is tilted forward so that the wheels 5 are lifted off the ground surface G. The arms 41 and wheels 5 are then rotated from the position below the plate 91 towards the rear of the machine, and further lifted upward to the position shown in Figure 1, or more specifically, to the position in which the arms 41 contact the stopper 33 as shown in Figure 3.

[0039] Furthermore, when lifting the arm 41 and wheel 5 from the rear of the machine upwards, the center line of the spring 8 (the line connecting the first locking pin 34 and the second locking pin 64) is located above the pivot point of the arm 41 (the center of the bolt 32). As the rotation of the arm 41 and other components progresses, the tensile force of the spring 8 gradually increases, assisting the rotational movement and enabling a smooth transition to the non-moving state.

[0040] Furthermore, since a latch structure is employed in the lock lever 6, stopper 33, and spring 8 attached to the arm 41, the hook 62 of the lock lever 6 automatically engages with the stopper 33 the moment the arm 41 comes into contact with the stopper 33. More specifically, as shown in Figure 9, a tapered portion 66 is formed at the tip of the lock lever 6. This tapered portion 66 is formed at the position where the arm 41 first comes into contact with the stopper 33 when it rotates toward the stopper 33. After contact, as the arm 41 rotates further, it slides against the outer surface of the stopper 33 and is inclined at an angle that causes the tip of the lock lever 6 to rotate upward.

[0041] As described above, the hook 62 of the lock lever 6 is formed in a position that allows it to engage with the stopper 33 when the arm 41 is in contact with the stopper 33. Furthermore, the lock lever 6 is biased by the spring 8 in the direction that the hook 62 engages with the stopper 33. Therefore, when the arm 41 comes into contact with the stopper 33, the hook 62 automatically engages with the stopper 33.

[0042] Furthermore, the operation to switch from the moving state shown in Figure 8 to the non-moving state shown in Figure 1 can be performed, for example, by an operator gripping the operating handle 93 to keep the plate compactor 9 tilted forward, inserting the toes of one foot under the shaft 44 shown in Figure 2, hooking the shaft 44 as if scooping it up, pulling it towards the rear of the machine, and then slowly lifting it upwards with a kicking motion. Alternatively, another person, other than the operator gripping the operating handle 93, can perform the operation by grasping the shaft 44 with their hand.

[0043] As described above, the mobile device 1 according to this embodiment can switch the mounted plate compactor 9 from a non-moving state (a state in which compaction work can be performed) to a moving state (a state in which the wheels are in contact with the ground and the plate compactor can be easily moved), and from the moving state back to a non-moving state, very easily and safely.

[0044] Furthermore, vibration countermeasures are implemented in key areas, ensuring sufficient durability against vibration-induced wear. More specifically, the base 2 is fixed above the plate 91 via vibration damping means to dampen vibrations transmitted from the vibration generator and plate 91. Additionally, stoppers 33 for holding the arm 41 and wheel 5 at the rear of the machine when not in motion are attached via vibration damping means. This effectively suppresses the transmission of vibrations to movable parts (such as the arm 41 and wheel 5) that are susceptible to vibration, thus ensuring sufficient durability.

[0045] In the above embodiment, the stopper 33 is attached to the support part 3 via a vibration damping means, but the lock lever 6 may be attached to the arm 41 via a vibration damping means, or vibration damping means may be placed on both. Also, in the above embodiment, the stopper 33 is attached to the base 2 side (support part 3) and the lock lever 6 is attached to the arm 41, but it is also possible to configure the system so that the lock lever 6 is attached to the base 2 side (support part 3, etc.) and the stopper 33 is attached to the arm 41. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0046] 1: Mobile device, 2: Bass, 21: Guard, 3: Support part, 31: Reinforcement material, 32: Bolt, 33: Stopper, 34: First locking pin, 4: Frame, 41: Arm, 42:Tip, 43: proximal end, 44: Shaft, 45: Hole, 46:Groove, 47:Danbe, 5: Wheels, 6: Lock lever, 61: Bolt, 62: Hook, 63:Gripping part, 64: Second locking pin, 65:Protrusion, 66: Tapered section, 7: Steering wheel locking device, 71: Cylinder, 72: Rod, 73: Snacks, 8: Spring, 9: Plate compactor, 91: Plate, 92: Main part, 93: Operating handle, 94: Hinge,

Claims

1. A mobile device for a plate compactor that can be attached to a plate compactor, It comprises a base, an arm, wheels, an arm locking mechanism, and an arm biasing mechanism. The base is fixed to the upper position of the plate via vibration damping means. The wheels are pivotally supported at the end of the arms. The arm is configured such that its base is pivotally attached to the base on the rear side of the plate compactor's body, and its tip can rotate from a position above the plate to a position below it. The arm locking mechanism includes a stopper that restricts the upward rotation of the arm, and a locking lever having a hook that can engage with the stopper. The locking lever's hook engages with the stopper, locking the arm to prevent rotation at a position above the plate. When the arm is released, the arm's tip and wheels rotate downward due to their own weight, causing the wheels to make contact with the ground at the rear of the plate compactor. A plate compactor moving device characterized in that, when the plate compactor is tilted forward from a state in which the wheels are in contact with the ground at the rear of the plate compactor, the tip of the arm and the wheels are biased toward a position below the plate by an arm biasing means.

2. The base has a support section, The base end of the arm is pivotally attached to the support part. The lock lever is pivotally attached to the arm. The stopper is fixed to the support part. The movable device for a plate compactor according to claim 1, characterized in that a lock lever biasing means, which biases the lock lever in a direction in which the hook engages with the stopper when the arm is in a position close to the stopper, is disposed between the support and the lock lever.

3. It has a spring with one end locked to a support and the other end locked to a locking lever, The plate compactor moving device according to claim 2, characterized in that the spring is configured to function as a lock lever biasing means and also as an arm biasing means.

4. The movable device for a plate compactor according to claim 2, characterized in that the stopper is fixed to the support portion via a vibration damping means.

5. A moving device for a plate compactor, which is attached to a plate compactor configured such that the operating handle can rotate from a position tilted towards the rear of the machine to a position towards the front, A mobile device for a plate compactor according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it has a handle locking device that can fix the operating handle in a position tilted toward the rear of the machine.

Images