U.S. patent application number 15/263404 was filed with the patent office on 2018-03-15 for suspension system for a pneumatic compactor.
This patent application is currently assigned to CATERPILLAR PAVING PRODUCTS INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is CATERPILLAR PAVING PRODUCTS INC.. Invention is credited to DAVID J. KNOPP, MICHAEL W. RIES.
Application Number | 20180072122 15/263404 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 61559520 |
Filed Date | 2018-03-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180072122 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
RIES; MICHAEL W. ; et
al. |
March 15, 2018 |
SUSPENSION SYSTEM FOR A PNEUMATIC COMPACTOR
Abstract
A suspension system for a pneumatic compactor is provided. The
suspension system includes a bolster frame. The suspension system
includes a steering input member coupled to the bolster frame. The
suspension system includes at least one support member coupled to
the bolster frame. The suspension system includes a support arm
coupled to the at least one support member. The suspension system
further includes a vibration absorber having a first end coupled to
the bolster frame and a second end coupled to the support arm.
Inventors: |
RIES; MICHAEL W.; (COON
RAPIDS, MN) ; KNOPP; DAVID J.; (HUDSON, WI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CATERPILLAR PAVING PRODUCTS INC. |
BROOKLYN PARK |
MN |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
CATERPILLAR PAVING PRODUCTS
INC.
BROOKLYN PARK
MN
|
Family ID: |
61559520 |
Appl. No.: |
15/263404 |
Filed: |
September 13, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60G 9/02 20130101; B60G
2300/09 20130101; E01C 19/27 20130101; B60G 9/003 20130101; B60C
9/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60G 9/02 20060101
B60G009/02; E01C 19/27 20060101 E01C019/27; B62D 7/04 20060101
B62D007/04 |
Claims
1. A suspension system for a pneumatic compactor, the suspension
system comprising: a bolster frame; a steering input member coupled
to the bolster frame; at least one support member coupled to the
bolster frame and including a first support member and a second
support member, the second support member having a first arm and a
second arm, the first arm connected to the second arm via a
connecting portion, wherein the second support member is connected
to the bolster frame via the connecting portion at a second
oscillation point; a support arm coupled to the at least one
support member; and a vibration absorber having a first end coupled
to the bolster frame and a second end coupled to the support
arm.
2. The suspension system of claim 1, wherein the steering input
member is coupled to the bolster frame at a first oscillation
point.
3. (canceled)
4. The suspension system of claim 1, wherein the first support
member has a first end coupled to the bolster frame and a second
end coupled to the support arm.
5-6. (canceled)
7. The suspension system of claim 1, wherein the vibration absorber
is a cylinder-piston assembly.
8. The suspension system of claim 7, wherein the vibration absorber
is actuated by at least one of a hydraulic means or a pneumatic
means.
9. The suspension system of claim 1, wherein the support arm is
coupled to the at least one support member by a pivot joint.
10. A suspension system, for a pneumatic compactor, the suspension
system comprising: a bolster frame; a steering input member coupled
to the bolster frame; at least one support member coupled to the
bolster frame; a support arm coupled to the at least one support
member, wherein the support arm includes a drive axle coupled to
the support arm; and a vibration absorber having a first end
coupled to the bolster frame and a second end coupled to the
support arm.
11. The suspension system of claim 1, wherein the second end of the
vibration absorber is coupled to the support arm through a pivot
joint.
12. A suspension system for a pneumatic compactor, the suspension
system comprising: a chain case having a first end and a second
end, the first end coupled to a frame of the pneumatic compactor;
and a vibration absorber having a first end and a second end, the
first end coupled to the frame of the pneumatic compactor and the
second end coupled to the second end of the chain case.
13. The suspension system of claim 12, wherein the chain case
includes means for mounting a motor and a drive axle.
14. The suspension system of claim 12, wherein the first end of the
chain case is coupled to the frame of the pneumatic compactor by a
pin joint.
15. The suspension system of claim 12, wherein the first end of the
vibration absorber is coupled to the frame of the pneumatic
compactor by a pin joint.
16. The suspension system of claim 12, wherein the vibration
absorber is a cylinder-piston assembly.
17. The suspension system of claim 16, wherein the vibration
absorber is actuated by at least one of a hydraulic means or a
pneumatic means.
18. The suspension system of claim 12, wherein the chain case
encloses a chain assembly, the chain assembly adapted to transfer
driving power to rear wheels.
19. A pneumatic compactor comprising: a power source; a frame
having a front end and a rear end; a first suspension system
coupled to the frame towards the front end, the first suspension
system including: a bolster frame; a steering input member coupled
to the bolster frame; at least one support member coupled to the
bolster frame; a support arm coupled to the at least one support
member; and a first vibration absorber having a first end coupled
to the bolster frame and a second end coupled to the support arm;
and a second suspension system coupled to the frame towards the
rear end, the second suspension system including: a chain case
having a first end and a second end, the first end coupled to the
frame; a second vibration absorber having a first end and a second
end, the first end coupled to the frame and the second end coupled
to the second end of the chain case.
20. The pneumatic compactor of claim 19, wherein the first
vibration absorber and the second vibration absorber are
cylinder-piston assemblies.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a suspension system. More
particularly, the present disclosure relates to a suspension system
for a pneumatic compactor.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Compactor machines, also called as compactors and compaction
machines, are frequently employed for compacting dirt, gravel,
asphalt, and other compactable surfaces associated with roadbeds
and other land areas. One such type of compaction machine is a
pneumatic wheel roller-style of compactor, which is dependent upon
tire pressure for achieving effective compaction. For successful
operation of the pneumatic compactor, the ground contact pressures
should be managed in accordance with compaction surface type.
Typically, an operator estimates a contact pressure based upon
weight of the machine, air pressure of the tires, and compaction
conditions in accordance with a chart provided by the machine
manufacturer. Overall weight of the machine may be controlled by
adding ballast such as sand and/or water, according to a specific
ground compaction task.
[0003] Suspension and steering systems for pneumatic compactors
have been of generally two types. A first type of suspension system
includes a central shaft (or a king pin) providing a pivot point
for a front bolster. The pneumatic compactor may include 3 or 5
wheels which oscillate on pin joints. This arrangement is very cost
effective. However, a large area is required for steering and the
suspension system is not very efficient.
[0004] Another type of suspension system includes suspension
cylinders directly mounted to a frame structure. Multiple cylinders
are mounted and tied together to a single steering cylinder.
Individual wheels may be pinned to the cylinders providing
oscillation. This arrangement is very efficient and requires
relatively less area for steering. However, this arrangement is
very expensive.
[0005] Further, rear wheels on a pneumatic compactor are typically
fixed or provide only oscillation. Therefore, an improved
suspension system for pneumatic compactors is required which may be
effective as well as cost efficient.
SUMMARY
[0006] In an aspect of the present disclosure, a suspension system
for a pneumatic compactor is provided. The suspension system
includes a bolster frame. The suspension system includes a steering
input member coupled to the bolster frame. The suspension system
includes at least one support member coupled to the bolster frame.
The suspension system includes a support arm coupled to at least
one support member. The suspension system further includes a
vibration absorber having a first end coupled to the bolster frame
and a second end coupled to the support arm.
[0007] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a suspension
system for a pneumatic compactor is provided. The suspension system
includes a chain case having a first end and a second end. The
first end of the chain case is coupled to a frame of the pneumatic
compactor. The suspension system further includes a vibration
absorber having a first end and a second end. The first end of the
vibration absorber is coupled to the frame of the pneumatic
compactor and the second end of the vibration absorber is coupled
to the second end of the chain case.
[0008] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a pneumatic
compactor is provided. The pneumatic compactor includes a power
source. The pneumatic compactor includes a frame having a front end
and a rear end. The pneumatic compactor includes a first suspension
system coupled to the frame towards the front end. The first
suspension system includes a bolster frame. The first suspension
system includes a steering input member coupled to the bolster
frame. The first suspension system includes at least one support
member coupled to the bolster frame. The first suspension system
includes a support arm coupled to at least one support member. The
first suspension system further includes a first vibration absorber
having a first end coupled to the bolster frame and a second end
coupled to the support arm. The pneumatic compactor further
includes a second suspension system coupled to the frame towards
the rear end. The second suspension system includes a chain case
having a first end and a second end. The first end of the chain
case is coupled to the frame. The second suspension system further
includes a second vibration absorber having a first end and a
second end. The first end of the second vibration absorber is
coupled to the frame and the second end of the second vibration
absorber is coupled to the second end of the chain case.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a pneumatic compactor, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a suspension system for
the pneumatic compactor of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment
of the present disclosure;
[0011] FIG. 3 shows a side view of the suspension system of FIG. 2,
in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0012] FIG. 4 shows a side view of a suspension system for the
pneumatic compactor of FIG. 1, in accordance with another
embodiment of the present disclosure;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used
throughout the drawings to refer to same or like parts. FIG. 1
represents an exemplary machine, according to one embodiment of the
present disclosure. The machine is illustrated as a pneumatic
compactor 100. The pneumatic compactor 100 may be useful for
compacting and/or increasing density of a compaction surface, such
as dirt, gravel, and/or bituminous mixtures. The pneumatic
compactor 100 has sets of compacting wheels containing
pneumatically inflated front tires 102 and rear tires 104. The
front tires 102 and the rear tires 104 are rotatably mounted on a
frame 106 of the pneumatic compactor 100.
[0014] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
actual performance of the pneumatic compactor 100 may vary as a
function of tire inflation pressure and softness or hardness of the
surface being compacted. Thus, low tire inflation pressures will
generally improve traction and durability of the pneumatic
compactor 100 on softer ground. On the other hand, higher tire
inflation pressures may be known to provide more efficient results
on firmer surfaces. It should be noted that to the extent that the
compaction surface may be softer and of lower density in early
stages of the compaction process, the compaction surface may become
increasingly denser. Accordingly, this may make the compaction
surface relatively more firm after several passes of the pneumatic
compactor 100 over the compaction surface.
[0015] The pneumatic compactor 100 includes an operator platform
108 having a canopy 110. An operator may sit or stand over the
operator platform 108 to maneuver the pneumatic compactor 100. The
operator platform 108 includes a steering wheel 112 which is used
by the operator to steer the pneumatic compactor 100. The pneumatic
compactor 100 further includes a power source 114 to provide power
for various subsystems of the pneumatic compactor 100. The power
source 114 may be an internal combustion engine, a fuel cell or any
other power source capable of providing power to the various
subsystems of the pneumatic compactor 100.
[0016] The frame 106 has a front end 116 and a rear end 118. A
first suspension system 120 is coupled towards the front end 116 of
the frame 106 and a second suspension system 122 is coupled towards
the rear end 118 of the frame 106. Details of the first and second
suspension systems 120, 122 are described with reference to FIGS.
2-4. With combined reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the first suspension
system 120 includes a bolster frame 200. A steering input member
202 is attached to the bolster frame 200 to provide steering input
to the pneumatic compactor 100. The steering input member 202 may
be attached to the bolster frame 200 by a first pin joint 204. The
steering input member 202 may also be attached to the bolster frame
200 through any other type of joining mechanism as well which may
suit the need of the present disclosure. The first suspension
system 120 further includes at least one support member 206.
[0017] The support member 206 includes a first support member 208
and a second support member 210. The first and second support
members 208, 210 may be structurally similar or different as per
the need of the current application. In the illustrated embodiment,
the first and second support members 208, 210 are having different
structural constructions. The first support member 208 is a single
longitudinal beam type member having a first end 212 and a second
end 214. The first support member 208 is partially bent towards the
second end 214. The first end 212 of the first support member 208
is coupled to the bolster frame 200. The first end 212 of the first
support member 208 may be connected to the bolster frame 200
through any suitable means of connection such as a pivot joint, a
pin joint, or any other type of joining mechanism as well. The
second end 214 of the first support member 208 is coupled to a
first support arm 216.
[0018] The second end 214 of the first support member 208 is
coupled to the first support arm 216 by a first pivot joint 218.
The second end 214 of the first support member 208 may be coupled
to the first support arm 216 through any other suitable means of
connection such as a pin joint, or any other type of joining
mechanism as well. The first support member 208 may rotate about
the first end 212 and the second end 214 as per the constraints of
the joining mechanisms on the first and second ends 212, 214. The
second support member 210 has a first arm 220 and a second arm 222.
The first and second arms 220, 222 are connected to each other by a
connecting portion 224. The first arm 220 and the second arm 222
are structurally similar in construction to each other. Further,
the first arm 220 and the second arm 222 are also structurally
similar in construction to the first support member 208. The second
support member 210 is coupled to the bolster frame 200 through the
connecting portion 224.
[0019] The connecting portion 224 may be coupled to the bolster
frame 200 through any suitable means of connection such as a pivot
joint, a pin joint, or any other type of joining mechanism as well.
In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting portion 224 is
coupled to the bolster frame 200 through a second pin joint 226.
The second support member 210 is further coupled to a second
support arm 228 and a third support arm 230. The first arm 220 of
the second support member 210 is coupled to the second support arm
228 and the second arm 222 of the second support member 210 is
coupled to the third support arm 230. The first and second arms
220, 222 of the second support member 210 are coupled to the second
and third support arms 228, 230 respectively via second pivot
joints 232. The first and second arms 220, 222 of the second
support member 210 may be coupled to the second and third support
arms 228, 230 through any other suitable means of connection as
well.
[0020] The first, second and third support arms 216, 228, 230 are
structurally similar to each other. The first, second and third
support arms 216, 228, 230 are generally straight members having
means to be coupled through other components of the first
suspension system 120 at ends. A first drive axle 234 is coupled to
the first support arm 216 to support the front tires 102 of the
pneumatic compactor 100. The first support arm 216 may include a
hole so as to accommodate the first drive axle 234. In one
embodiment, the first drive axle 234 may be an integral part of the
first support arm 216. The first drive axle 234 passes through the
first support arm 216 and supports two front tires 102 of the
pneumatic compactor 100 on either side of the first support arm
216. Similarly, the second support arm 228 includes a second drive
axle 236 supporting one front tire 102 of the pneumatic compactor
100 and the third support arm 230 includes a third drive axle 238
supporting two front tires 102 of the pneumatic compactor 100. The
arrangement of the first, second and third drive axles 234, 236,
238 with the first, second, and third support arms 216, 228, 230 is
purely exemplary. Any combination of the drive axles with the
support arms may be provided to suit the need of the current
application. The first suspension system 120 further includes a
first vibration absorber 240.
[0021] Although, the first vibration absorber 240 is illustrated as
a cylinder-piston assembly, the first vibration absorber 240 may be
any other type of vibration absorbing mechanism as well in
accordance with the need of the present disclosure. The first
vibration absorber 240 may be actuated by hydraulic means or
pneumatic means. The first vibration absorber 240 has a first end
242 and a second end 244. The first and second ends 242, 244 of the
first vibration absorber 240 may interchangeably be a piston end
and a rod end of the cylinder-piston assembly. The first end 242 of
the first vibration absorber 240 is coupled to the bolster frame
200.
[0022] The first end 242 of the first vibration absorber 240 may be
coupled to the bolster frame 200 through a pivot joint, a pin joint
or any other suitable means of connection which may suit the need
of the present disclosure. The second end 244 of the first
vibration absorber 240 is coupled to the third support arm 230
through a third pivot joint 246. The second end 244 of the first
vibration absorber 240 may be coupled to the third support arm 230
through any other suitable means of connection as well as per the
need of the present disclosure.
[0023] The first vibration absorber 240 absorbs shocks and
vibrations which may arise from external factors such as conditions
of a ground surface on which the pneumatic compactor 100 is
travelling, any obstacles etc. present on the ground surface or any
other similar conditions. The first vibration absorber 240 also
safeguards the pneumatic compactor 100 against internal shocks and
vibrations which may arise due to operation of the various
components and subsystems of the pneumatic compactor 100. The first
suspension system 120 further includes additional cylinder-piston
assemblies (partially shown) acting as vibration absorbers coupled
to the bolster frame 200 at one end and the first and second
support arms 216, 228 at the other ends respectively. It should be
understood that the additional cylinder-piston assemblies are
similar to the first vibration absorber 240 in construction and
functionality.
[0024] The first suspension system 120 further defines a first
oscillation point 248 and a second oscillation point 250. The first
oscillation point 248 is defined as a point where the steering
input member 202 is coupled to the bolster frame 200 by the first
pin joint 204. The steering input member 202 provides a steering
input for the pneumatic compactor 100. The steering input member
202 may be connected to the steering wheel 112 through mechanical
linkages or any other suitable means such that the operator can
provide steering instructions through the steering wheel 112 to the
steering input member 202. The first suspension system 120
oscillates about the first oscillation point 248 according to the
steering input provided by the steering input member 202. As the
steering input member 202 is coupled with the bolster frame 200,
the bolster frame 200 also oscillates about the first oscillation
point 248. The first support member 208, being connected to the
bolster frame 200, in turn, guides the front tires 102 of the
pneumatic compactor 100 coupled to the first drive axle 234 of the
first support arm 216.
[0025] The second oscillation point 250 is defined as a point where
the connecting portion 224 of the second support member 210 is
coupled with the bolster frame 200 by the second pin joint 226. As
the steering input member 202 provides steering input to the
bolster frame 200, the first suspension system 120 oscillates about
the first oscillation point 248. Further, the first suspension
system 120 oscillates about the second oscillation point 250.
Thereafter, the second support member 210 guides the front tires
102 of the pneumatic compactor 100 attached to the second and third
drive axles 236, 238 of the second and third support arms 228, 230
respectively to steer the pneumatic compactor 100 accordingly.
[0026] FIG. 4 illustrates the second suspension system 122 of the
pneumatic compactor 100. The second suspension system 122 includes
a chain case 400. The chain case 400 includes a motor mounting slot
402 and a drive axle mounting slot 404 to mount a motor (not shown)
and a rear drive axle (not shown) respectively. The motor provides
motive power for the rear tires 104 of the pneumatic compactor 100.
The rear drive axle supports the rear tires 104 of the pneumatic
compactor 100. The chain case 400 houses a chain assembly (not
shown) which transfers the motive power to the rear tires 104 from
the motor through the rear drive axle. The chain case 400 has a
first end 406 and a second end 408.
[0027] The first end 406 of the chain case 400 is coupled with the
frame 106 of the pneumatic compactor 100 by a third pin joint 410.
Any other joining mechanism may also be used which may suit the
need of the present disclosure. The second end 408 of the chain
case 400 is attached to a second vibration absorber 412 through a
fourth pin joint 414. The second end 408 of the chain case 400 may
also be attached to the second vibration absorber 412 through any
other suitable joining mechanism in accordance with the scope of
the present disclosure. Although, the second vibration absorber 412
is illustrated as a cylinder-piston assembly, the second vibration
absorber 412 may be any other type of vibration absorbing mechanism
as well which may be suitable for the need of the present
disclosure. The second vibration absorber 412 may be actuated by
hydraulic means or pneumatic means. The second vibration absorber
412 has a first end 416 and a second end 418. The first and second
ends 416, 418 of the second vibration absorber 412 may
interchangeably be a piston end and a rod end of the
cylinder-piston assembly.
[0028] The first end 416 of the second vibration absorber 412 is
coupled to the frame 106 of the pneumatic compactor 100 through a
fifth pin joint 420. The second end 418 of the second vibration
absorber 412 is coupled to the second end 408 of the chain case 400
through the fourth pin joint 414. The second suspension system 122
provides support to the frame 106 of the pneumatic compactor 100
towards the rear end 118 of the frame 106. It should be
contemplated that multiple cylinder-piston assemblies are used in
combination as the second vibration absorber 412 instead of a
single cylinder-piston assembly as illustrated in the side view.
The second suspension system 122 absorbs vibrations arising from
external as well as the internal factors towards the rear end 118
of the frame 106 of the pneumatic compactor 100.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0029] The present disclosure provides an improved suspension and
steering system for the pneumatic compactor 100. The pneumatic
compactor 100 includes the frame 106 having the front end 116 and
the rear end 118. The first suspension system 120 is coupled
towards the front end 116 of the frame 106 and the second
suspension system 122 is coupled towards the rear end 118 of the
frame 106. The first suspension system 120 includes the bolster
frame 200 and the steering input member 202 coupled to the bolster
frame 200 at the first oscillation point 248. The first suspension
system 120 includes the first support member 208 coupled to the
bolster frame 200 at the first end 212 and the first support arm
216 at the second end 214. The first suspension system 120 includes
the second support member 210 having the first arm 220 connected to
the second arm 222 by the connecting portion 224. The connecting
portion 224 is coupled to the bolster frame 200 at the second
oscillation point 250. The first arm 220 of the second support
member 210 is pivotally coupled with the second support arm 228 and
the second arm 222 of the second support member 210 is coupled with
the third support arm 230.
[0030] The first end 242 of the first vibration absorber 240 is
coupled to the bolster frame 200 and the second end 244 of the
first vibration absorber 240 is pivotally coupled to the third
support arm 230. The second suspension system 122 includes the
chain case 400 housing the chain assembly and mounts the motor and
the rear drive axle through the motor mounting slot 402 and the
drive axle mounting slot 404 respectively. The first end 406 of the
chain case 400 is coupled with the frame 106 and the second end 408
of the chain case 400 is coupled with the second end 418 of the
second vibration absorber 412. The second vibration absorber 412 is
also attached to the frame 106 of the pneumatic compactor 100 at
the first end 416 of the second vibration absorber 412.
[0031] The first suspension system 120 provides an efficient
steering arrangement for the pneumatic compactor 100. As the first
suspension system 120 can oscillate about the first oscillation
point 248 and further oscillate about the second oscillation point
250, the pneumatic compactor 100 can be steered more efficiently
and quickly taking lesser area for steering. The first and second
suspension systems 120, 122 use cylinder-piston assemblies as
vibration absorbers providing efficient dampening of shocks and
vibrations arising due to external factors such as the ground
surface conditions as well as internal factors due to the operation
of the pneumatic compactor 100. This improves efficiency of the
pneumatic compactor 100 and enhances productivity of the pneumatic
compactor 100 by improving quality of the ground surface being
prepared by the pneumatic compactor 100.
[0032] The first and second suspension systems 120, 122 are
designed in a very simple manner making the maintenance and service
procedures very easy. All the components of the first and second
suspension systems 120, 122 can be easily accessed and taken care
of accordingly. Further, a simple design also provides an added
advantage of quick diagnostics in case of a fault etc. Overall, the
present disclosure provides with an efficient and cost effective
suspension system for the pneumatic compactor 100.
[0033] 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 machines, systems and methods without
departing from the spirit and scope of what is disclosed. Such
embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the
present disclosure as determined based upon the claims and any
equivalents thereof.
* * * * *