Drum of Compactor

The present disclosure relates to a compactor, a drum of the compactor, and a method of manufacturing a vibratory system for the drum of the compactor.

A compactor is typically used for compacting materials like asphalt, soil, and/or other materials. The compactor includes one or more drums that contact the materials to be compacted. The drums are equipped with a vibratory system that vibrates the drums at a desired vibrating frequency and vibrating amplitude. The vibrating amplitude may be controlled by adjusting an orientation of first eccentric weights of the vibratory system with respect to second eccentric weights of the vibratory system. The vibratory system generally includes a shift assembly to adjust the first eccentric weights with respect to the second eccentric weights.

The shift assembly includes an actuator including a cylinder and a rod member. The shift assembly also includes a shift fork. The rod member may be coupled to the shift fork via one or more dowel pins. Extension and retraction of the cylinder may cause the rod member and/or the shift fork to wear that may result in a loose fit between the rod member and the shift fork and may reduce a service life of the rod member and/or the shift fork, which is not desirable. Further, the loose fit between the rod member and the shift fork may also impact a performance of the vibratory system.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,741,669 describes a roller of an earth compactor of the vibratory roller type is vibrated by revolving an eccentric mass about the roller axis. The eccentric mass is carried by a hollow shaft rotatable in bearings at end portions of the roller. A slender 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 portion of the drive shaft. The other end portion of the drive shaft is rigidly connected to an interior portion of the hollow shaft. The length and flexibility of the drive shaft permit it to twist and flex so as to accommodate the substantial deflections and torque variations which occur as the eccentric mass is revolved to vibrate the roller.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, a drum of a compactor is provided. The drum includes an outer shell. The drum also includes a vibratory system disposed within the outer shell. The vibratory system includes a first eccentric weight. The vibratory system also includes a second eccentric weight concentric with the first eccentric weight. The vibratory system further includes a shift assembly adapted to vary an amplitude of the vibratory system based on a change in a position of the first eccentric weight relative to the second eccentric weight. The shift assembly includes a shaft adapted to move along a first axis for changing the position of the first eccentric weight relative to the second eccentric weight. The shift assembly also 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 towards the first end of the rod member. The end portion has a first hardness value. The shift assembly further includes a shift fork assembly including a fork. The fork defines a through-aperture to receive the end portion of the rod member therein to couple the rod member with the fork. The fork further defines an engagement surface that faces the through-aperture. When the rod member is coupled with the fork, the engagement surface of the fork engages with the end portion of the rod member. The engagement surface of the fork has a second hardness value that is same as the first hardness value of the end portion of the rod member.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a compactor is provided. The compactor includes a frame. The compactor also includes at least one drum coupled to the frame. The at least one drum includes an outer shell. The at least one drum also includes a vibratory system disposed within the outer shell. The vibratory system includes a first eccentric weight. The vibratory system also includes a second eccentric weight concentric with the first eccentric weight. The vibratory system further includes a shift assembly adapted to vary an amplitude of the vibratory system based on a change in a position of the first eccentric weight relative to the second eccentric weight. The shift assembly includes a shaft adapted to move along a first axis for changing the position of the first eccentric weight relative to the second eccentric weight. The shift assembly also 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 towards the first end of the rod member. The end portion has a first hardness value. The shift assembly further includes a shift fork assembly including a fork. The fork defines a through-aperture to receive the end portion of the rod member therein to couple the rod member with the fork. The fork further defines an engagement surface that faces the through-aperture. When the rod member is coupled with the fork, the engagement surface of the fork engages with the end portion of the rod member. The engagement surface of the fork has a second hardness value that is same as the first hardness value of the end portion of the rod member.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of manufacturing a vibratory system for a drum of a compactor is provided. The method includes forming a rod member of an actuator of a shift assembly. The rod member defines a first end and a second end. The rod member includes an end portion that extends from the second end of the rod member towards the first end of the rod member. The shift assembly is associated with the vibratory system to vary an amplitude of the vibratory system. The method also includes forming a fork of the shift assembly. The fork defines a through-aperture and an engagement surface facing the through-aperture. The method further includes performing one or more of a first hardening operation on the end portion of the rod member to harden the end portion to a first hardness value and a second hardening operation on the engagement surface of the rod member to harden the engagement surface to a second hardness value, so that the engagement surface and the end portion have a same hardness value. The method includes receiving the end portion of the rod member within the through-aperture of the fork, such that the end portion engages with the engagement surface of the fork. The method also includes coupling, via a fastening member, the actuator with the fork based on receipt of the end portion of the rod member within the through-aperture of the fork.

Other features and aspects of this disclosure will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.

Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

is a schematic side view of an exemplary compactor. The compactoris embodied as a soil compactor herein. Alternatively, the compactormay embody another type of compactor, such as, a landfill compactor, an asphalt compactor, a pneumatic roller, a tandem vibratory roller, and the like. Further, the disclosure is not limited to a type of the compactorand may include any other machine that includes a drum. The compactorincludes a frame, a front end, and a rear endopposite the front end. The framesupports various components of the compactorthereon. The framedefines an enclosureproximate to the rear end. The compactoralso includes a power source (not shown) disposed within the enclosure. Various components of the compactorare operated by the power source. The power source may be an engine, such as, an internal combustion engine, a fuel cell, a battery system, without any limitations.

The compactorfurther includes one or more drums,coupled to the frame. Particularly, the drumis a forward drum disposed at the front endof the compactor. The drumis a rearward drum disposed at the rear endof the compactor. The drums,are similar to each other in terms of design and functionality. Alternatively, the compactormay include wheels instead of any one of the drums,. Each of the drums,supports the frameof the compactorand allows the compactorto travel over a ground surface. Further, the drums,contact a work surface to perform a compaction operation for compacting materials, such as, asphalt, soil, gravel, and the like. In some examples, each drum,may include a pad-foot type drum having a number of segmented pads disposed on the drums,to allow the compactorto perform compaction operations. The compactorincludes an operator cabin. An operator may be seated within the operator cabinto perform and/or observe compaction operations.

illustrates a cross-sectional view of the drum,, according to an example of the present disclosure. The drums,includes an outer shell. The outer shellcontacts various surfaces during compaction operation or during mobility of the compactor(see).

The drums,also include a vibratory systemdisposed within the outer shell. The vibratory systemincludes a first eccentric weight,. In the illustrated example of, the vibratory systemincludes two first eccentric weights,. Each first eccentric weight,defines a hollow portion,. Each first eccentric weight,includes a two-piece structure that is bolted together.

The vibratory systemalso includes a second eccentric weight,concentric with the first eccentric weight,. In the illustrated example of, the vibratory systemincludes two second eccentric weights,. The second eccentric weight,is received within the hollow portion,of the first eccentric weights,, respectively. The first eccentric weights,and the second eccentric weights,are enclosed in a corresponding pod housing,disposed in the drums,.

The vibratory systemfurther includes a motorto spin the first eccentric weight,and the second eccentric weight,. In an example, the motorspins a first shaftand a second shaft. In some examples, the motormay be a hydraulic motor or an electric motor that operates based on power received from the power source, without any limitations.

The vibratory systemincludes a shift assemblyto vary an amplitude of the vibratory systembased on a change in a position of the first eccentric weight,relative to the second eccentric weight,. The shift assemblyis enclosed in a housingdisposed in the drums,.

The shift assemblyincludes a shaftthat moves along a first axis Afor changing the position of the first eccentric weight,relative to the second eccentric weight,. When the shift assemblyis activated, the shaftmoves in a direction D. The movement of the shaftin the direction Dmay cause the amplitude of the vibratory systemto reduce. Further, the movement of the shaftin a direction opposite to the direction Dmay cause the amplitude of the vibratory systemto increase. The shift assemblyalso includes an actuatordisposed parallel to the shaft. In some examples, the actuatormay be hydraulically actuated, pneumatically operated, or electrically actuated.

is a schematic perspective view illustrating the actuatorand a shift fork assemblyof the shift assembly.is a cross-sectional view illustrating the actuatorand the shift fork assembly. With reference to, the actuatorincludes a cylinderand a rod member. The rod memberdefines a first endreceived within the cylinderand a second endopposite the first end. The second endis disposed outside the cylinder.

The rod memberincludes an end portionextending from the second endof the rod membertowards the first endof the rod member. The end portiondefines a length L. The end portionhas a first hardness value H. Further, the rod memberincludes a core material having a first core hardness value H. The core material may include, for example, a metallic material or an alloy. In an example, the core material may include cast iron or steel. The end portionof the rod memberis hardened to the first hardness value Hthat is different than the first core hardness value Hof the core material. The first hardness value Hmay be greater than the first core hardness value H. However, in some examples, the first hardness value Hmay be same as the first core hardness value H. In some examples, the end portionof the rod membermay be hardened by induction hardening, nitride hardening, or direct hardening. It should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited by the process that is used to harden the end portionof the rod member. Accordingly, any other hardening process may be used to increase the first hardness value Hof the end portion.

Further, the rod memberof the actuatordefines one or more first holesproximate to the second end. Specifically, the rod memberdefines two first holesin alignment with each other and disposed diametrically opposite to each other. The first holesare defined in the end portion.

The shift assemblyfurther includes the shift fork assembly. The shift fork assemblyincludes a fork. The forkincludes a core material having a second core hardness value H. The core material may include, for example, a metallic material or an alloy. In an example, the core material may include cast iron or steel. The forkincludes a housing member, a first fork arm, and a second fork arm. Each of the first fork armand the second fork armis coupled to the housing member. Further, the first fork armand the second fork armtogether define a central opening. The central openingmay receive the shaft(see).

Further, the forkdefines one or more second holes. Specifically, the forkdefines two second holesthat are in alignment with each other. One of the second holeis provided in the first fork armand the other second holeis provided in the second fork arm.

The forkfurther defines a through-apertureto receive the end portionof the rod membertherein to couple the rod memberwith the fork. The forkfurther defines an engagement surfacethat faces the through-aperture. The engagement surfacedefines a length L. It should be noted that the length Lof the end portionis same as the length Lof the engagement surface.

When the rod memberis coupled with the fork, the engagement surfaceof the forkengages with the end portionof the rod member. The engagement surfaceof the forkhas a second hardness value Hthat is same as the first hardness value Hof the end portionof the rod member. Specifically, the engagement surfaceof the forkis hardened to the second hardness value Hthat is different than the second core hardness value Hof the core material. The second hardness value Hmay be greater than the second core hardness value H. However, in some examples, the second hardness value Hmay be same as the second core hardness value H. In some examples, the engagement surfaceof the forkis hardened by induction hardening, nitride hardening, and direct hardening. It should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited by the process that is used to harden the engagement surfaceof the fork. Accordingly, any other hardening process may be used to increase the second hardness value Hof the engagement surface.

It should be noted that the present disclosure teaches to have the same hardness values H, Hfor the end portionand the engagement surface, respectively, so as to prevent wear at an interface of the end portionand the engagement surface. In some examples, it may be possible that only one of the end portionand the engagement surfacemay have to be subjected to a hardening operation, based on the first and second core hardness values H, H, so as to have the same hardness values H, Hfor the end portionand the engagement surface, respectively. Accordingly, in one example, only the end portionmay be subjected to the hardening operation to match the first hardness value Hwith the second hardness value H. In another example, only the engagement surfacemay be subjected to the hardening operation to match the second hardness value Hwith the first hardness value H.

Furthermore, the shift assemblyincludes a fastening member. Specifically, the shift assemblyincludes two fastening members. Alternatively, the shift assemblymay include a single fastening memberor any number of fastening members. When the end portionis received within the fork, the second holealigns with a corresponding first holein the rod memberto receive a corresponding fastening membertherein, thereby allow coupling of the actuatorwith the shift fork assembly. In some examples, the fastening membermay include a dowel pin. Alternatively, the fastening membermay include a screw, a bolt, a rivet, or the like.

Referring to, a cross-sectional view of a shift assemblyassociated with the vibratory system(see) is illustrated. The shift assemblyis similar to the shift assembly(see) with common components being referred to by the same numerals. The end portionof the rod memberincludes a first hardened layerhaving the first hardness value H. The first hardened layermay include a chrome plated layer, without any limitations. The first hardened layermay be disposed on the end portionusing any conventional plating operation known in the art. The first hardened layermay include a thin layer of chrome plated on an outer surface of the end portion.

Further, the engagement surfaceof the forkincludes a second hardened layerhaving the second hardness value H. The second hardened layermay include a chrome plated layer, without any limitations. The second hardened layermay be disposed on the engagement surfaceusing any conventional plating operation known in the art. The second hardened layermay include a thin layer of chrome plated on the engagement surface.

It should be noted that this disclosure teaches to have the same hardness values H, Hfor the end portionand the engagement surface, respectively, so as to prevent wear at the interface of the end portionand the engagement surface. In some examples, it may be possible that only one of the end portionand the engagement surfacemay have to be subjected to the plating operation, based on the first and second core hardness values H, H, so as to have the same hardness values H, Hfor the end portionand the engagement surface, respectively. Accordingly, in one example, only the end portionmay be subjected to the plating operation to match the first hardness value Hwith the second hardness value H. In another example, only the engagement surfacemay be subjected to the plating operation to match the second hardness value Hwith the first hardness value H.

It is to be understood that individual features shown or described for one embodiment may be combined with individual features shown or described for another embodiment. The above described implementation does not in any way limit the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, it is to be understood although some features are shown or described to illustrate the use of the present disclosure in the context of functional segments, such features may be omitted from the scope of the present disclosure without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims.

The present disclosure describes the shift assembly,having the actuator. The actuatorincludes the cylinderand the rod member. The rod memberincludes the end portionthat has the first hardness value H. The shift assembly,also includes the shift fork assemblyincluding the fork. The forkdefines the engagement surfacethat has the second hardness value Hthat is same as the first hardness value Hof the end portionof the rod member. The present disclosure explains having the similar hardness values H, Hfor the end portionand the engagement surfacerespectively, to mitigate wear at the interface of the end portionand the engagement surface. It should be noted that any conventional hardening process may be employed to match the first hardness value Hwith the second hardness value H.

Further, incorporation of the end portionand the engagement surfacehaving the same hardness values H, Hmay retain a desired fit between the end portionof the rod memberand the engagement surfaceof the fork, thereby maintaining a performance of the shift assembly,. Further, having the similar hardness values H, Hfor the end portionand the engagement surfacemay present wear of the end portionand the engagement surface, which may improve a service life of the actuatorand the shift fork assembly. Moreover, the actuatorand the shift fork assemblyof the present disclosure may reduce frequent service and maintenance costs that may be otherwise associated with servicing/replacement of the rod memberand/or the fork.

Further, the actuatorand the shift fork assemblyof the present disclosure may improve reliability and efficiency of the compactor. Moreover, the hardening operation that may have to be performed on the end portionor the engagement surfacedoes not involve complex process or high operational skill and may be cost-effective.

is a flowchart of a methodof manufacturing the vibratory systemfor the drum,of the compactor. With reference to, at step, the rod memberof the actuatorof the shift assembly,is formed. The rod memberdefines the first endand the second end. The rod memberincludes the end portionthat extends from the second endof the rod membertowards the first endof the rod member. The shift assembly,is associated with the vibratory systemto vary the amplitude of the vibratory system.

At step, the forkof the shift assembly,is formed. The forkdefines the through-apertureand the engagement surfacefacing the through-aperture.

At step, one or more of a first hardening operation is performed on the end portionof the rod memberto harden the end portionto the first hardness value Hand a second hardening operation is performed on the engagement surfaceof the rod memberto harden the engagement surfaceto the second hardness value H, so that the engagement surfaceand the end portionhave the same hardness value H, H. The first hardening operation and the second hardening operation includes an induction hardening operation, a nitride hardening operation, a direct hardening operation, or a chrome plating operation.

In some examples, each of the first hardening operation and the second hardening operation may be performed to match the first hardness value Hof the end portionwith the second hardness value Hof the engagement surface. Alternatively, only one of the first hardening operation and the second hardening operation may be performed to match the first hardness value Hof the end portionwith the second hardness value Hof the engagement surface. It should be noted that the first hardening operation and the second hardening operation may be performed as per the first and second core hardness values H, H.

At step, the end portionof the rod memberis received within the through-apertureof the fork, such that the end portionengages with the engagement surfaceof the fork.

At step, the actuatoris coupled with the forkvia the fastening memberbased on receipt of the end portionof the rod memberwithin the through-apertureof the fork.

While aspects of the present disclosure have been particularly shown and described with reference to the embodiments above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be contemplated by the modification of the disclosed work machine, systems and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present disclosure as determined based upon the claims and any equivalents thereof.