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.

GB1191706A describes a road roller having a vibratory cylinder mounted in side members of the roller frame by means of resilient damping elements which extend through apertures in the side members and are each in contact with the edge of the respective aperture. Removal of the cylinder from the frame in a direction perpendicular to the cylinder axis is permitted by openings formed in the side members and extending either vertically as shown, obliquely or horizontally. The damping elements are seated in support members carrying bearings for the cylinder end plates and are pre-compressed by pressure plates which are detachable to allow removal of the damping elements axially of the cylinder. A vibrator shaft carrying eccentric masses is journalled by ball bearings in the end plates and driven through a pulley. A shaft on one end plate carries a drive sprocket. In other embodiments, no opening is provided in one or both side members and the pulley and/or sprocket is secured to a taper on the vibrator shaft or end plate respectively by an axial bolt.

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 includes a first end received within the cylinder. The rod member also includes a second end opposite the first end. The rod member further includes a first end portion, disposed between the first end and the second end and proximal to the second end of the rod member, that includes a first tapering section which tapers towards the second end. The shift assembly further includes a shift fork assembly including a fork. The fork includes a first side surface. The fork also includes a second side surface. The fork further includes a through-aperture extending from the first side surface to the second side surface. The through-aperture receives the first end portion of the rod member therein to couple the rod member with the fork. The through-aperture has a second tapering section which tapers towards the second side surface of the fork. The fork includes an engagement surface that faces the through-aperture, such that, when the rod member is coupled with the fork, the engagement surface of the fork engages with the first end portion of the rod member.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a compactor is provided. The compactor includes a frame. The compactor 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 includes a first end received within the cylinder. The rod member also includes a second end opposite the first end. The rod member further includes a first end portion, disposed between the first end and the second end and proximal to the second end of the rod member, that includes a first tapering section which tapers towards the second end. The shift assembly further includes a shift fork assembly including a fork. The fork includes a first side surface. The fork also includes a second side surface. The fork further includes a through-aperture extending from the first side surface to the second side surface. The through-aperture receives the first end portion of the rod member therein to couple the rod member with the fork. The through-aperture has a second tapering section which tapers towards the second side surface of the fork. The fork includes an engagement surface that faces the through-aperture, such that, when the rod member is coupled with the fork, the engagement surface of the fork engages with the first 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 includes a first end and a second end. The shift assembly is associated with the vibratory system to vary an amplitude of the vibratory system. The rod member includes a first end portion, disposed between the first end and the second end and proximal to the second end of the rod member, that includes a first tapering section which tapers towards the second end. The method also includes forming a fork of the shift assembly. The fork includes a first side surface, a second side surface, a through-aperture extending from the first side surface to the second side surface, and an engagement surface that faces the through-aperture. The through-aperture has a second tapering section which tapers towards the second side surface of the fork. The method further includes receiving the first end portion of the rod member within the through-aperture of the fork, such that the first end portion engages with the engagement surface of the fork. The method includes coupling, via a retaining member, the actuator with the fork based on receipt of the first 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 operations 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 memberincludes a first endreceived within the cylinder. The rod memberalso includes a second endopposite the first end. The second endis disposed outside the cylinder.

The rod memberfurther includes a first end portion, disposed between the first endand the second endand proximal to the second endof the rod member. The first end portiondefines a length L. The first end portionincludes a first tapering sectionwhich tapers towards the second end. Further, the first end portionof the rod memberdefines a taper surfaceextending circumferentially about a central axis Aextending through the actuatorand a forkof the shift fork assembly. The taper surfaceis disposed at a first inclination angle Irelative to the central axis A. The first inclination angle Imay lie in a range of 5 degrees to 85 degrees. In an example, the first inclination angle Iis 45 degrees.

The rod memberfurther includes a second end portionextending from the second endof the rod memberto the first end portion. The second end portionis disposed adjacent to the first end portion. The second end portionhas a uniform cross-section. The second end portionof the rod memberincludes a number of external threads.

The shift assemblyfurther includes the shift fork assembly. The shift fork assemblyincludes the fork. The forkincludes a first side surface. The forkalso includes a second side surface. When the rod memberis coupled with the fork, the second end portionaxially extends from the second side surfaceof the fork.

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).

The forkfurther includes a through-apertureextending from the first side surfaceto the second side surface. The through-aperturereceives the first end portionof the rod membertherein to couple the rod memberwith the fork. The through-aperturehas a second tapering sectionwhich tapers towards the second side surfaceof the fork.

The forkfurther includes an engagement surfacethat faces the through-aperture, such that, when the rod memberis coupled with the fork, the engagement surfaceof the forkengages with the first end portionof the rod member. Specifically, the engagement surfaceis disposed at a second inclination anglerelative to the central axis A. The second inclination anglemay lie in a range of 5 degrees to 85 degrees. In an example, the second inclination angleis 45 degrees. The second inclination angleof the engagement surfaceis same as the first inclination angle Iof the taper surfaceof the first end portion.

The engagement surfacedefines a length L. It should be noted that the length Lof the first end portionis same as the length Lof the engagement surface.

Moreover, the shift assemblyincludes a retaining memberthat couples the rod memberwith the fork. The retaining memberincludes a number of internal threadsthat engage with the number of external threadsof the second end portionof the rod memberto couple the rod memberwith the fork. In an example, the retaining memberincludes a nut. It should be noted that the rod membermay be coupled with the forkusing any other technique, or coupling arrangement, without any limitations.

For example,depict different techniques of coupling the rod memberof the shift assemblywith the forkof the shift assembly. In such techniques, the rod membermay omit the second end portion(see). As shown in, the shift assemblyincludes a flangethat is disposed around the rod member. In an assembled condition of the shift assembly, the flangeis disposed adjacent to the first side surfaceof the fork. The flangemay be embodied as an annular ring surrounding the rod member. Further, the shift assemblyincludes two retaining members. In an example, each retaining memberincludes a mechanical fastener. The retaining membermay be a bolt, a screw, a pin, and the like. Further, the flangeincludes a pair of through-openings. Furthermore, the fork includes a pair of through-openings that align with a corresponding through-opening in the flangeto receive a corresponding retaining member. This way, the retaining memberscouple the forkwith the rod member, via the flange. Although only two retaining membersare illustrated herein, the shift assemblymay include more than two retaining members as per requirements.

As shown in, the shift assemblyincludes a flangethat is disposed around the rod member. In an assembled condition of the shift assembly, the flangeis disposed adjacent to the second side surfaceof the fork. The flangemay be embodied as a plate disposed adjacent to the second side surfaceof the fork. Further, the shift assemblyincludes two retaining members. In an example, each retaining memberincludes a mechanical fastener. The retaining membermay be a bolt, a screw, a pin, and the like. Further, the flangeincludes a pair of through-openings. Furthermore, the forkincludes a pair of openings that align with a corresponding through-opening in the flangeto receive a corresponding retaining member. This way, the retaining memberscouple the forkwith the rod member, via the flange. Although only two retaining membersare illustrated herein, the shift assemblymay include more than two retaining members as per requirements.

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 assemblyhaving the actuator. The actuatorincludes the cylinderand the rod member. The rod memberincludes the first end portion. The first end portionincludes the first tapering sectionwhich tapers towards the second endof the rod member. The first end portiondefines the taper surfacethat extends circumferentially about the central axis A. The taper surfaceis disposed at the first inclination angle Irelative to the central axis A. The shift assemblyalso includes the shift fork assembly. The shift fork assemblyincludes the fork. The forkincludes the through-aperturehaving the second tapering sectionwhich tapers towards the second side surfaceof the fork. Further, the forkincludes the engagement surfacethat is disposed at the second inclination anglerelative to the central axis A.

The present disclosure describes a tapered connection between the first end portionand the engagement surface. The tapered connection is provided by the first and second tapering sections,. The tapered connection may retain a desired fit between the rod memberand the forkand maintain a performance of the shift assembly. The tapered connection may also mitigate wear at the interface of the first end portionand the engagement surface.

Furthermore, the actuatorand the shift fork assemblyof the present disclosure may improve reliability and efficiency of the compactor. Further, 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. Moreover, the actuatorand the forkare simple in construction, may be easy to manufacture, 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 assemblyis formed. The rod memberincludes the first endand the second end. The shift assemblyis associated with the vibratory systemto vary the amplitude of the vibratory system. The rod memberincludes the first end portiondisposed between the first endand the second endand proximal to the second endof the rod member, that includes the first tapering sectionwhich tapers towards the second end. The rod memberfurther includes the second end portionextending from the second endof the rod memberto the first end portion. The second end portionhas the uniform cross-section.

At step, the forkof the shift assemblyis formed. The forkincludes the first side surface, the second side surface, the through-apertureextending from the first side surfaceto the second side surface, and the engagement surfacethat faces the through-aperture. The through-aperturehas the second tapering sectionwhich tapers towards the second side surfaceof the fork.

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

At step, the actuatoris coupled with the forkvia the retaining memberbased on receipt of the first end portionof the rod memberwithin the through-apertureof the fork. The stepof coupling the actuatorwith the forkfurther includes engaging the number of internal threadsof the retaining memberwith the number of external threadsof the second end portionof the rod member.

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.