DRUM OF COMPACTOR

Abstract

A drum of a compactor includes a vibratory system having a shift assembly. The shift assembly includes an actuator and a shift fork assembly. The actuator includes a cylinder and a rod member defining a first end and a second end. The rod member includes an end portion extending from the second end towards the first end. The end portion has a first hardness value. The shift fork assembly includes a fork defining a through-aperture to receive the end portion therein to couple the rod member with the fork. The fork 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.

Claims

1. A drum of a compactor, the drum comprising: an outer shell; and a vibratory system disposed within the outer shell, wherein the vibratory system includes: a first eccentric weight; a second eccentric weight concentric with the first eccentric weight; and 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, wherein 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; an actuator disposed parallel to the shaft, the actuator including a cylinder and a rod member, the rod member defining a first end received within the cylinder and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the rod member includes an end portion extending from the second end of the rod member towards the first end of the rod member, and wherein the end portion has a first hardness value; and a shift fork assembly including a fork, the fork defining a through-aperture to receive the end portion of the rod member therein to couple the rod member with the fork, the fork further defining an engagement surface that faces the through-aperture, wherein when the rod member is coupled with the fork, the engagement surface of the fork engages with the end portion of the rod member, and wherein 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.

2. The drum of claim 1, wherein the rod member includes a core material having a first core hardness value, and wherein the end portion of the rod member is hardened to the first hardness value that is different than the first core hardness value of the core material.

3. The drum of claim 2, wherein the end portion of the rod member is hardened by at least one of induction hardening, nitride hardening, or direct hardening.

4. The drum of claim 1, wherein the fork includes a core material having a second core hardness value, and wherein the engagement surface of the fork is hardened to the second hardness value that is different than the second core hardness value of the core material.

5. The drum of claim 4, wherein the engagement surface of the fork is hardened by at least one of induction hardening, nitride hardening, or direct hardening.

6. The drum of claim 1, wherein the end portion of the rod member includes a first hardened layer having the first hardness value.

7. The drum of claim 6, wherein the first hardened layer is a chrome plated layer.

8. The drum of claim 1, wherein the engagement surface of the fork includes a second hardened layer having the second hardness value.

9. The drum of claim 8, wherein the second hardened layer is a chrome plated layer.

10. A compactor comprising: a frame; and at least one drum coupled to the frame, wherein the at least one drum includes: an outer shell; and a vibratory system disposed within the outer shell, wherein the vibratory system includes: a first eccentric weight; a second eccentric weight concentric with the first eccentric weight; and 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, wherein 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; an actuator disposed parallel to the shaft, the actuator including a cylinder and a rod member, the rod member defining a first end received within the cylinder and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the rod member includes an end portion extending from the second end of the rod member towards the first end of the rod member, and wherein the end portion has a first hardness value; and a shift fork assembly including a fork, the fork defining a through-aperture to receive the end portion of the rod member therein to couple the rod member with the fork, the fork further defining an engagement surface that faces the through-aperture, wherein, when the rod member is coupled with the fork, the engagement surface of the fork engages with the end portion of the rod member, and wherein 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.

11. The compactor of claim 10, wherein the rod member includes a core material having a first core hardness value, and wherein the end portion of the rod member is hardened to the first hardness value that is different than the first core hardness value of the core material.

12. The compactor of claim 11, wherein the end portion of the rod member is hardened by at least one of induction hardening, nitride hardening, or direct hardening.

13. The compactor of claim 10, wherein the fork includes a core material having a second core hardness value, and wherein the engagement surface of the fork is hardened to the second hardness value that is different than the second core hardness value of the core material.

14. The compactor of claim 13, wherein the engagement surface of the fork is hardened by at least one of induction hardening, nitride hardening, or direct hardening.

15. The compactor of claim 10, wherein the end portion of the rod member includes a first hardened layer having the first hardness value.

16. The compactor of claim 15, wherein the first hardened layer is a chrome plated layer.

17. The compactor of claim 10, wherein the engagement surface of the fork includes a second hardened layer having the second hardness value.

18. The compactor of claim 17, wherein the second hardened layer is a chrome plated layer.

19. A method of manufacturing a vibratory system for a drum of a compactor, the method comprising: forming a rod member of an actuator of a shift assembly, the rod member defining a first end and a second end, wherein 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; and wherein the shift assembly is associated with the vibratory system to vary an amplitude of the vibratory system; forming a fork of the shift assembly, the fork defining a through-aperture and an engagement surface facing the through-aperture; 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; 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; and 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.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the first hardening operation and the second hardening operation includes at least one of an induction hardening operation, a nitride hardening operation, a direct hardening operation, or a chrome plating operation.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of an exemplary compactor including one or more drums;

[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the drum of FIG. 1 including a vibratory system, according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0011] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of a shift assembly associated with the vibratory system of FIG. 2, according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0012] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the shift assembly illustrated in FIG. 3, according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a shift assembly associated with the vibratory system of FIG. 2, according to another example of the present disclosure; and

[0014] FIG. 6 is a method of manufacturing the vibratory system for the drum of the compactor of FIG. 1, according to an example of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of an exemplary compactor 100. The compactor 100 is embodied as a soil compactor herein. Alternatively, the compactor 100 may 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 compactor 100 and may include any other machine that includes a drum. The compactor 100 includes a frame 102, a front end 104, and a rear end 106 opposite the front end 104. The frame 102 supports various components of the compactor 100 thereon. The frame 102 defines an enclosure 108 proximate to the rear end 106. The compactor 100 also includes a power source (not shown) disposed within the enclosure 108. Various components of the compactor 100 are 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.

[0017] The compactor 100 further includes one or more drums 114, 116 coupled to the frame 102. Particularly, the drum 114 is a forward drum disposed at the front end 104 of the compactor 100. The drum 116 is a rearward drum disposed at the rear end 106 of the compactor 100. The drums 114, 116 are similar to each other in terms of design and functionality. Alternatively, the compactor 100 may include wheels instead of any one of the drums 114, 116. Each of the drums 114, 116 supports the frame 102 of the compactor 100 and allows the compactor 100 to travel over a ground surface 119. Further, the drums 114, 116 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 114, 116 may include a pad-foot type drum having a number of segmented pads disposed on the drums 114, 116 to allow the compactor 100 to perform compaction operations. The compactor 100 includes an operator cabin 110. An operator may be seated within the operator cabin 110 to perform and/or observe compaction operations.

[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the drum 114, 116, according to an example of the present disclosure. The drums 114, 116 includes an outer shell 112. The outer shell 112 contacts various surfaces during compaction operation or during mobility of the compactor 100 (see FIG. 1).

[0019] The drums 114, 116 also include a vibratory system 118 disposed within the outer shell 112. The vibratory system 118 includes a first eccentric weight 120, 122. In the illustrated example of FIG. 2, the vibratory system 118 includes two first eccentric weights 120, 122. Each first eccentric weight 120, 122 defines a hollow portion 124, 126. Each first eccentric weight 120, 122 includes a two-piece structure that is bolted together.

[0020] The vibratory system 118 also includes a second eccentric weight 128, 130 concentric with the first eccentric weight 120, 122. In the illustrated example of FIG. 1, the vibratory system 118 includes two second eccentric weights 128, 130. The second eccentric weight 128, 130 is received within the hollow portion 124, 126 of the first eccentric weights 120, 122, respectively. The first eccentric weights 120, 122 and the second eccentric weights 128, 130 are enclosed in a corresponding pod housing 133, 134 disposed in the drums 114, 116.

[0021] The vibratory system 118 further includes a motor 132 to spin the first eccentric weight 120, 122 and the second eccentric weight 128, 130. In an example, the motor 132 spins a first shaft 136 and a second shaft 137. In some examples, the motor 132 may be a hydraulic motor or an electric motor that operates based on power received from the power source, without any limitations.

[0022] The vibratory system 118 includes a shift assembly 138 to vary an amplitude of the vibratory system 118 based on a change in a position of the first eccentric weight 120, 122 relative to the second eccentric weight 128, 130. The shift assembly 138 is enclosed in a housing 140 disposed in the drums 114, 116.

[0023] The shift assembly 138 includes a shaft 142 that moves along a first axis A1 for changing the position of the first eccentric weight 120, 122 relative to the second eccentric weight 128, 130. When the shift assembly 138 is activated, the shaft 142 moves in a direction D1. The movement of the shaft 142 in the direction D1 may cause the amplitude of the vibratory system 118 to reduce. Further, the movement of the shaft 142 in a direction opposite to the direction D1 may cause the amplitude of the vibratory system 118 to increase. The shift assembly 138 also includes an actuator 144 disposed parallel to the shaft 142. In some examples, the actuator 144 may be hydraulically actuated, pneumatically operated, or electrically actuated.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the actuator 144 and a shift fork assembly 156 of the shift assembly 138. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the actuator 144 and the shift fork assembly 156. With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the actuator 144 includes a cylinder 146 and a rod member 148. The rod member 148 defines a first end 150 received within the cylinder 146 and a second end 152 opposite the first end 150. The second end 152 is disposed outside the cylinder 146.

[0025] The rod member 148 includes an end portion 154 extending from the second end 152 of the rod member 148 towards the first end 150 of the rod member 148. The end portion 154 defines a length L1. The end portion 154 has a first hardness value H1. Further, the rod member 148 includes a core material having a first core hardness value H2. 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 portion 154 of the rod member 148 is hardened to the first hardness value H1 that is different than the first core hardness value H2 of the core material. The first hardness value H1 may be greater than the first core hardness value H2. However, in some examples, the first hardness value H1 may be same as the first core hardness value H2. In some examples, the end portion 154 of the rod member 148 may 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 portion 154 of the rod member 148. Accordingly, any other hardening process may be used to increase the first hardness value H1 of the end portion 154.

[0026] Further, the rod member 148 of the actuator 144 defines one or more first holes 166 proximate to the second end 152. Specifically, the rod member 148 defines two first holes 166 in alignment with each other and disposed diametrically opposite to each other. The first holes 166 are defined in the end portion 154.

[0027] The shift assembly 138 further includes the shift fork assembly 156. The shift fork assembly 156 includes a fork 158. The fork 158 includes a core material having a second core hardness value H4. 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 fork 158 includes a housing member 170, a first fork arm 172, and a second fork arm 174. Each of the first fork arm 172 and the second fork arm 174 is coupled to the housing member 170. Further, the first fork arm 172 and the second fork arm 174 together define a central opening 176. The central opening 176 may receive the shaft 142 (see FIG. 2).

[0028] Further, the fork 158 defines one or more second holes 168. Specifically, the fork 158 defines two second holes 168 that are in alignment with each other. One of the second hole 168 is provided in the first fork arm 172 and the other second hole 168 is provided in the second fork arm 174.

[0029] The fork 158 further defines a through-aperture 160 to receive the end portion 154 of the rod member 148 therein to couple the rod member 148 with the fork 158. The fork 158 further defines an engagement surface 162 that faces the through-aperture 160. The engagement surface 162 defines a length L2. It should be noted that the length L1 of the end portion 154 is same as the length L2 of the engagement surface 162.

[0030] When the rod member 148 is coupled with the fork 158, the engagement surface 162 of the fork 158 engages with the end portion 154 of the rod member 148. The engagement surface 162 of the fork 158 has a second hardness value H3 that is same as the first hardness value H1 of the end portion 154 of the rod member 148. Specifically, the engagement surface 162 of the fork 158 is hardened to the second hardness value H3 that is different than the second core hardness value H4 of the core material. The second hardness value H3 may be greater than the second core hardness value H4. However, in some examples, the second hardness value H3 may be same as the second core hardness value H4. In some examples, the engagement surface 162 of the fork 158 is 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 surface 162 of the fork 158. Accordingly, any other hardening process may be used to increase the second hardness value H2 of the engagement surface 162.

[0031] It should be noted that the present disclosure teaches to have the same hardness values H1, H3 for the end portion 154 and the engagement surface 162, respectively, so as to prevent wear at an interface of the end portion 154 and the engagement surface 162. In some examples, it may be possible that only one of the end portion 154 and the engagement surface 162 may have to be subjected to a hardening operation, based on the first and second core hardness values H2, H4, so as to have the same hardness values H1, H3 for the end portion 154 and the engagement surface 162, respectively. Accordingly, in one example, only the end portion 154 may be subjected to the hardening operation to match the first hardness value H1 with the second hardness value H3. In another example, only the engagement surface 162 may be subjected to the hardening operation to match the second hardness value H3 with the first hardness value H1.

[0032] Furthermore, the shift assembly 138 includes a fastening member 164. Specifically, the shift assembly 138 includes two fastening members 164. Alternatively, the shift assembly 138 may include a single fastening member 164 or any number of fastening members 164. When the end portion 154 is received within the fork 158, the second hole 168 aligns with a corresponding first hole 166 in the rod member 148 to receive a corresponding fastening member 164 therein, thereby allow coupling of the actuator 144 with the shift fork assembly 156. In some examples, the fastening member 164 may include a dowel pin. Alternatively, the fastening member 164 may include a screw, a bolt, a rivet, or the like.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 5, a cross-sectional view of a shift assembly 238 associated with the vibratory system 118 (see FIG. 2) is illustrated. The shift assembly 238 is similar to the shift assembly 138 (see FIG. 3) with common components being referred to by the same numerals. The end portion 154 of the rod member 148 includes a first hardened layer 202 having the first hardness value H1. The first hardened layer 202 may include a chrome plated layer, without any limitations. The first hardened layer 202 may be disposed on the end portion 154 using any conventional plating operation known in the art. The first hardened layer 202 may include a thin layer of chrome plated on an outer surface of the end portion 154.

[0034] Further, the engagement surface 162 of the fork 158 includes a second hardened layer 204 having the second hardness value H3. The second hardened layer 204 may include a chrome plated layer, without any limitations. The second hardened layer 204 may be disposed on the engagement surface 162 using any conventional plating operation known in the art. The second hardened layer 204 may include a thin layer of chrome plated on the engagement surface 162.

[0035] It should be noted that this disclosure teaches to have the same hardness values H1, H3 for the end portion 154 and the engagement surface 162, respectively, so as to prevent wear at the interface of the end portion 154 and the engagement surface 162. In some examples, it may be possible that only one of the end portion 154 and the engagement surface 162 may have to be subjected to the plating operation, based on the first and second core hardness values H2, H4, so as to have the same hardness values H1, H3 for the end portion 154 and the engagement surface 162, respectively. Accordingly, in one example, only the end portion 154 may be subjected to the plating operation to match the first hardness value H1 with the second hardness value H3. In another example, only the engagement surface 162 may be subjected to the plating operation to match the second hardness value H3 with the first hardness value H1.

[0036] 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.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0037] The present disclosure describes the shift assembly 138, 238 having the actuator 144. The actuator 144 includes the cylinder 146 and the rod member 148. The rod member 148 includes the end portion 154 that has the first hardness value H1. The shift assembly 138, 238 also includes the shift fork assembly 156 including the fork 158. The fork 158 defines the engagement surface 162 that has the second hardness value H3 that is same as the first hardness value H1 of the end portion 154 of the rod member 148. The present disclosure explains having the similar hardness values H1, H3 for the end portion 154 and the engagement surface 162 respectively, to mitigate wear at the interface of the end portion 154 and the engagement surface 162. It should be noted that any conventional hardening process may be employed to match the first hardness value H1 with the second hardness value H3.

[0038] Further, incorporation of the end portion 154 and the engagement surface 162 having the same hardness values H1, H3 may retain a desired fit between the end portion 154 of the rod member 148 and the engagement surface 162 of the fork 158, thereby maintaining a performance of the shift assembly 138, 238. Further, having the similar hardness values H1, H3 for the end portion 154 and the engagement surface 162 may present wear of the end portion 154 and the engagement surface 162, which may improve a service life of the actuator 144 and the shift fork assembly 156. Moreover, the actuator 144 and the shift fork assembly 156 of the present disclosure may reduce frequent service and maintenance costs that may be otherwise associated with servicing/replacement of the rod member 148 and/or the fork 158.

[0039] Further, the actuator 144 and the shift fork assembly 156 of the present disclosure may improve reliability and efficiency of the compactor 100. Moreover, the hardening operation that may have to be performed on the end portion 154 or the engagement surface 162 does not involve complex process or high operational skill and may be cost-effective.

[0040] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method 600 of manufacturing the vibratory system 118 for the drum 114, 116 of the compactor 100. With reference to FIGS. 1 to 6, at step 602, the rod member 148 of the actuator 144 of the shift assembly 138, 238 is formed. The rod member 148 defines the first end 150 and the second end 152. The rod member 148 includes the end portion 154 that extends from the second end 152 of the rod member 148 towards the first end 150 of the rod member 148. The shift assembly 138, 238 is associated with the vibratory system 118 to vary the amplitude of the vibratory system 118.

[0041] At step 604, the fork 158 of the shift assembly 138, 238 is formed. The fork 158 defines the through-aperture 160 and the engagement surface 162 facing the through-aperture 160.

[0042] At step 606, one or more of a first hardening operation is performed on the end portion 154 of the rod member 148 to harden the end portion 154 to the first hardness value H1 and a second hardening operation is performed on the engagement surface 162 of the rod member 148 to harden the engagement surface 162 to the second hardness value H3, so that the engagement surface 162 and the end portion 154 have the same hardness value H1, H3. 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.

[0043] In some examples, each of the first hardening operation and the second hardening operation may be performed to match the first hardness value H1 of the end portion 154 with the second hardness value H3 of the engagement surface 162. Alternatively, only one of the first hardening operation and the second hardening operation may be performed to match the first hardness value H1 of the end portion 154 with the second hardness value H3 of the engagement surface 162. 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 H3, H4.

[0044] At step 608, the end portion 154 of the rod member 148 is received within the through-aperture 160 of the fork 158, such that the end portion 154 engages with the engagement surface 162 of the fork 158.

[0045] At step 610, the actuator 144 is coupled with the fork 158 via the fastening member 164 based on receipt of the end portion 154 of the rod member 148 within the through-aperture 160 of the fork 158.

[0046] 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.