AU2016201595A1 - Earth compacting hub arrangement - Google Patents

Abstract

An earth compacting device in which the ground engaging cylindrical roller has a braking assembly and is mounted to a main chassis so as to allow for easy or removal of the roller from the main chassis without the need to raise the roller. --------

Description

GRID ROLLER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] This present invention relates to improvements in wheels or rollers for compaction rollers. More particularly, the present invention relates to a compaction roller/wheel hub arrangement that allows for the easy removal and reattachment of the roller/wheel to the compaction apparatus, as well as providing the ability for greater control over the roller/wheel.

[002] When a plot of ground has to be prepared for compaction, a number of different earthworking devices are used to ensure that the rock/soil is put in the best condition to ensure satisfactory compaction. Steel compaction rollers/wheels are commonly used in which the weight of the roller/wheel can be used to crush and/or compact the ground upon which the roller is being operated. Non-vibrating compaction devices such as smooth steel rollers, grid rollers, sheepsfoot or padfoot rollers apply pressure to the ground surface breaking rocks and compacting soil by virtue of their weight. Depending upon usage, ballast is often added to the chassis that houses the roller, the weight of such rollers may vary from 5 ton and upwards with additional ballast as required.

[003] When towing a compaction roller with ballast there is a need to have a towing vehicle that has appropriate power as well as sufficient braking power to ensure that there is safe operation of the earth compacting apparatus. Known earth compacting devices, such as those shown in Figure 1, where there is a tractor (1) towing a frame (2) with a pair of co-axial rollers (3) and (4), each of which has a frusto-conical core (5) that rotates about a shaft (6). The shaft (6) has an outer end that is inserted into an outer block (7) and an inner end inserted into a central block (8). Both the outer block (7) and the central block (8) are positioned on top of their respective support members which is seen as being the most practical location in order to ensure that the heavy load of the rollers (3) and (4) is carried by the shaft (6) and thus the outer and central blocks.

[004] This positioning and location of the shaft (6) above the mainframe support members (9) places a great deal of stress directly upon the bolts holding the blocks (7) and (8) as well as the blocks themselves. In order to avoid the bolts from shearing off or the blocks from fracturing additional strengthening of both the bolts and the blocks is required.

[005] The arrangement shown in Figure 1 makes it very difficult to replace and maintain the rollers themselves, specifically the axles and therefore they are typically manufactures as simply as possible to avoid the need to remove them from the frame. Heavy lifting equipment is required to lift the rollers from out of the frame and therefore it is not uncommon for very irregular maintenance to be carried out on the shafts (6).

[006] Moreover, this configuration of roller shafts is not compatible with the addition of brake units directly onto the roller’s shaft. Disc-brake units, for example, require regular maintenance, which then requires wheels/rollers to be removed in order to gain access to the brake calliper unit and disc assembly. As such, rollers of these type are restricted in terms of additional ballast weights that might need be applied in order to complete a particular earth compacting task, unless the frame and axle restraining blocks have been heavily modified. Even if such modifications are made in order to handle additional ballast weights, the breaking power of the operating vehicle has to be adequate to handle the extra weight, thus requiring the use of larger towing vehicles.

[007] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[008] It is an object of the present invention to overcome, or at least substantially ameliorate, the disadvantages and shortcomings of the prior art.

[009] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, taking in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

[010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[011] According to the present invention, although this should not be seen as limiting the invention in any way, there is a wheel or roller for a compacting machine having an outer ground-engaging cylindrical portion and a frusto-conical core fixed therein, the cone having a substantially cylindrical passage extending there through and an inwardly projecting rim positioned between an outer opening and an inner opening of the passage, the inwardly projecting rim adapted to removably attach to a hub or axle of an earth-compacting device.

[012] In preference, the inwardly projecting rim has a plurality of openings to enable it to be attached to a hub or axle of an earth-compacting device.

[013] In preference, the inner opening of the cylinder is larger than the outer opening.

[014] In preference, the ground-engaging cylindrical portion is attached or connected to the base of the frusto-conical core.

[015] In preference, the outer ground-engaging cylindrical portion further includes an annular ring fixed to an interior surface.

[016] In preference, the outer ground-engaging cylindrical portion is solid.

[017] In preference, the outer ground-engaging cylindrical portion has a plurality of openings thereon.

[018] In preference, the outer ground-engaging cylindrical portion is provided with openings there through.

[019] In a further form of the invention there is described an earth compacting device having a main chassis assembly having a front end and a rear end, a central longitudinal support member at least one ground engaging cylindrical roller, an axle with a connected braking assembly, the axle cooperatively connected to the at least one ground engaging cylindrical roller the central longitudinal support member characterized in that it has axle receiving opening located between the front and rear end of the main chassis assembly, the axle receiving opening adapted to removably secure an axle therein wherein the axle receiving opening is shaped to receive an clamping assembly to capture a shaft of an axle.

[020] In preference, the axle receiving opening is “T”-shaped.

[021] In preference, the axle receiving opening includes an first opening that extends from an underside of the central longitudinal support member to a second opening, wherein the second opening is longer than the first opening [022] In preference, the first opening and second opening are substantially rectangular.

[023] In preference, the axle clamping assembly include a first clamping block.

[024] In preference, the first clamping block has a channel on a first face to partially surround an axle shaft placed therein.

[025] In preference, the channel is transverse on the first face of the first clamping block.

[026] In preference, the second clamping block has a channel on a first face to partially surround an axle shaft placed therein.

[027] In preference, the first and second clamping block have at least one fastening hole passing through, the at least one fastening hole of the first and second clamping blocks being substantially aligned to allow the insertion of a fastener, the fastener being operated draw the first and second clamping blocks together to clamp an axle placed within.

[028] In preference, the first clamping block and a second clamping block are of a different size.

[029] In preference, the first clamping block is smaller than the second clamping block.

[030] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[031] By way of example, an embodiment of the invention is described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [032] Figure 1 is perspective view of a prior art earth compacting device; [033] Figure 2 is a cross section of the prior art earth compacting device; [034] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the present invention; [035] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a ground engaging roller from the present invention with the chassis removed; [036] Figure 4a is a perspective cross section though A-A from figure 3; [037] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the present invention with a ground engaging roller removed and no ballast weights; [038] Figure 6 is the same view as Figure 5 but with the braking assembly and axle removed; [039] Figure 7 is a cross section view through B-B from Figure 5; [040] Figure 8 is a side view of the present invention showing the chassis without the ground engaging rollers or ballast weights; [041] Figure 9 is an underside perspective view of section C from Figure 8; [042] Figure 10 is a close up view of Section A from Figure M without the axle clamping blocks in place; [043] Figure 11 is the view of Figure 10 showing the upper clamping block in place; [044] Figure 12 shows the upper and lower axle clamping blocks in place securing an axle; [045] Figure 13 is a underside perspective view of Figure Q; [046] Figure 14 is a view of the present invention with additional side ground engaging roller units attached.

[047] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[048] Referring to Figure A there is an earth-compacting device (30) having a pair of ground engaging rollers (32) and (33) that are of identical construction. Each roller in this particular arrangement is substantially identical in terms of construction and therefore the following details of construction relating to roller (32) are given.

[049] Roller (32) includes an outer ground-engaging cylindrical portion (35), which comprises a plurality of mesh segments (38) welded to one another. Although mesh segments having substantial uniform openings are shown other suitably shaped segments are considered to fall within the scope of the invention, which can include solid segments without apertures. Roller (32) has an open outer end (40) and a base end (42). An annular ring (44) is located close to the open outer end (40) to provide additional strength to the outer ground-engaging cylindrical portion (35) and is welded in place. At the opposite end of the open outer end (40) is the base end (42), which is also welded to an end of the outer ground-engaging cylindrical portion (35).

[050] The ground-engaging cylindrical portion (roller or rim) (35) has a cylindrical core section (48) with an outer opening (50) and an inner opening (52) surrounding the core section (48) is a hollow frusto-conical member (54), at one end (56) welded to the base end (42) and the opposite end (58) welded to the outer surface (60) of the cylinder (62). The inner periphery (43) of the base end (42) is welded to an outer surface of the inner cylinder (61). In turn, the inner cylinder (61) is welded to edge (64) of the cone hub section (65) having the inwardly projecting rim (68). Cylinder (62) is welded to the face (71) of the inwardly projecting rim (68) thus creating the cylindrical cone core section (48). In the figures shown the outer opening (50) and inner opening (52) of the cylindrical core section (48) are of a different size however they may be of the same size and created from the same unitary cylinder or as a casting without departing from the scope of the invention.

[051] The cone hub (65) has an opening (70) (an axle receiving opening) through which an axle (72) passes through. Bolts (74) are used to secure the inwardly projecting rim (68) to the axle hub (78) so as to allow rotation of the ground-engaging cylindrical portion (rim) (35) axially around the axle shaft (72).

[052] A brake disc assembly (80) is operatively secured to the axle (72) such that a clamping force applied by the disc caliper (84) to the disc rotor (85) affects rotation of the ground-engaging cylindrical roller (35).

[053] The main chassis assembly (90) of the earth-compacting device (30) has a front end (92) and a rear end (93). A drawbar assembly (94) is positioned on the front end (92) so as to allow the earth-compacting device (30) to be attached to a tractor or similar for operation.

[054] The main chassis assembly (90) includes a central longitudinal support member (96) to which can be attached ballast weights. The central longitudinal support member (96) is constructed from two section (97) and (98) that are substantially identical in shape and are then welded to form a box shape.

[055] The central longitudinal support member (96) has an axle-receiving opening (100) located on its underside (102), below the apex (103). The axle-receiving opening (100) is adapted to removably secure an axle within the opening by way of a clamping means such that an axle (72) is substantially surrounded by the axle-receiving opening (100).

[056] Holding the axle (72) in place is a pair of clamping blocks, a first or lower clamping block (108) and a second or upper clamping block (106) each of which have a channel (105 and 107) within which to at least partially receive a shaft of an axle (72). The two clamping blocks (106) and (108) are held securely together by bolts passing through openings (109), which then securely thread into the upper clamping block (106).

[057] The axle-receiving opening (100) is “T” shaped having edges (110) and (112) upon which the upper clamping block (106) abut so as to prevent the upper clamping block from passing through the opening (115) of the axle-receiving opening (100). The lower clamping block (108) fits within the opening (115).

[058] When ballast weight is applied to the front end (92) and/or rear end (93) of the main chassis assembly (90), the force of that extra applied weight is thus applied through the main chassis assembly (90) and onto the upper clamping block (106) and thus the axle (72). Due to the interfacing of the upper clamping block (106) with the upper surface (117) of the axlereceiving opening (100), this creates an especially strong interface with the weight of the ballast attached to the main chassis assembly (90) bearing directly upon the axle and therefore the ground-engaging cylindrical portions (rims) (35) thus imparting force on the ground that the device (30) is being drawn over.

[059] Moreover, due to the clamping blocks (106) and (108) being surrounded on at least three sides by the central longitudinal support member (96), the forces applied by the towing tractor/vehicle directly upon the device (30) are effectively borne over a large surface area provided by the clamping blocks (106) and (108) securely holding the axle (72).

[060] In this manner, the axles of the ground-engaging cylindrical portions (35) are securely held in place regardless of the weight/ballast being applied to the main chassis assembly (90). Contrast this with the prior art example in which ballast applied to the main chassis member is then also being applied directly through the bolts that are retaining the axle-clamping blocks as well as the axle-clamping member itself.

[061] In addition, in order to attend to maintenance of the disc assembly (80) of the present invention, all that is required is for the ballast to be removed from the main chassis assembly (90) so that it can then be lifted up at one end over the ground-engaging cylindrical portion (35) which can then be removed from the axle by release of the appropriate bolts to expose the disc assembly (80).

[062] Although the axle (72) shown in the figures is a double sided axle, allowing for rollers or ground-engaging cylindrical portions (35) to be positioned either side of the central longitudinal support member (96) a single sided axle can also be used. This is particularly useful in that it allows for the addition of single roller units (120) to either side of the earthcompacting device (30) to increase the width of operation of the device, which can also have their own braking assembly also.

[063] As can be seen the present invention provides for a convenient way to allow for the inclusion of axle brakes to a compaction roller that to date has not been possible.

[064] Although the invention has been herein shown and described in what is conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is recognized that departures can be made within the scope of the invention, which is not to be limited to the details described herein but it is to be accorded the full scope of the appended claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent devices and apparatus.

[065] Various modifications may be made in details of design and construction [and process steps, parameters of operation etc] without departing from the scope and ambit of the invention.

Claims (19)

1. THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

   1. A wheel or roller for a compacting machine having an outer ground-engaging cylindrical portion and a frusto-conical core fixed therein, the cone having a substantially cylindrical passage extending there through and an inwardly projecting rim positioned between an outer opening and an inner opening of the passage, the inwardly projecting rim adapted to removably attach to a hub or axle of an earth-compacting device.
2. 2. The earth compacting device of claim 1, wherein the inwardly projecting rim has a plurality of openings to enable it to be attached to a hub or axle of an earth-compacting device.
3. 3. The earth compacting device of claim 2, wherein the inner opening of the cylinder is larger than the outer opening.
4. 4. The earth compacting device of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the, the ground-engaging cylindrical portion is attached or connected to the base of the frusto-conical core.
5. 5. The earth compacting device of claim 4, wherein the outer ground-engaging cylindrical portion further includes an annular ring fixed to an interior surface.
6. 6. The earth compacting device of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the outer ground-engaging cylindrical portion is solid.
7. 7. The earth compacting device of claim 6, wherein the outer ground-engaging cylindrical portion has a plurality of openings thereon.
8. 8. The earth compacting device of claim 5, wherein the outer ground-engaging cylindrical portion is provided with openings there through.
9. 9. An earth compacting device having a main chassis assembly having a front end and a rear end, a central longitudinal support member at least one ground engaging cylindrical roller, an axle with a connected braking assembly, the axle cooperatively connected to the at least one ground engaging cylindrical roller the central longitudinal support member characterized in that it has axle receiving opening located between the front and rear end of the main chassis assembly, the axle receiving opening adapted to removably secure an axle therein wherein the axle receiving opening is shaped to receive an clamping assembly to capture a shaft of an axle.
10. 10. The earth compacting device of claim 9, wherein the axle receiving opening is “T”-shaped.
11. 11. The earth compacting device of any one of claims 9 or 10, wherein the axle receiving opening includes an first opening that extends from an underside of the central longitudinal support member to a second opening, wherein the second opening is longer than the first opening
12. 12. The earth compacting device of claim 10, wherein the first opening and second opening are substantially rectangular.
13. 13. The earth compacting device of claim 9, wherein the axle clamping assembly includes a first clamping block.
14. 14. The earth compacting device of claim 13, wherein the first clamping block has a channel on a first face to partially surround an axle shaft placed therein.
15. 15. The earth compacting device of claim 14, wherein the channel is transverse on the first face of the first clamping block.
16. 16. The earth compacting device of any one of claims 13-15, further including a second clamping block, wherein the second clamping block has a channel on a first face to partially surround an axle shaft placed therein.
17. 17. The earth compacting device of claim 16, wherein the first and second clamping block have at least one fastening hole passing through, the at least one fastening hole of the first and second clamping blocks being substantially aligned to allow the insertion of a fastener, the fastener being operated draw the first and second clamping blocks together to clamp an axle placed within.
18. 18. The earth compacting device of any one of claims 13 - 17, wherein the first clamping block and a second clamping block are of a different size.
19. 19. The earth compacting device of claim 18, wherein the first clamping block is smaller than the second clamping block