CN216194641U - Compacting machine - Google Patents

Abstract

A compactor machine, comprising: a frame; a plate coupled to the frame; a shaft rotatably supported on the plate; an eccentric mass arranged to rotate on the shaft and configured to cause the plate to vibrate relative to the frame in response to rotation of the eccentric mass, and further configured to move the compactor machine in a first linear direction and in a second linear direction opposite the first linear direction. The compactor further includes an elongated handle coupled to the frame and having a gripping portion; and a digital user interface coupled to the elongated handle and configured to control movement of the compactor between a first movement state and a second movement state. In a first motion state, the compactor is moved in a first linear direction. In a second motion state, the compactor is moved in a second linear direction.

Description

Compacting machine

Technical Field

The present invention relates to compactors, in particular plate compactors.

Background

A plate compactor includes a plate that is vibrated to compact soil or other loose material.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a compactor comprising: a frame; a plate coupled to the frame; a shaft rotatably supported on the plate; an eccentric mass arranged to rotate on the shaft and configured to cause the plate to vibrate relative to the frame in response to rotation of the eccentric mass, and further configured to move the compactor machine in a first linear direction and in a second linear direction opposite the first linear direction; an elongated handle coupled to the frame and having a gripping portion; and a digital user interface coupled to the elongated handle and configured to control movement of the compactor machine between a first state of motion in which the compactor machine moves in a first linear direction and a second state of motion in which the compactor machine moves in a second linear direction.

Optionally, the digital user interface is further configured to control movement of the compactor machine between a first or second movement state and a neutral state in which the compactor machine is not moving in the first or second movement state.

Optionally, the digital user interface includes a speed control panel. Optionally, the speed control panel is configured to selectively operate the compactor in a high speed mode and a low speed mode in either of the first motion state or the second motion state.

Optionally, the speed control panel comprises a high speed selector and a low speed selector for selecting the high speed mode and the low speed mode, respectively.

Optionally, the digital user interface comprises a directional control panel. Optionally, the directional control panel is configured to selectively operate the compactor in one of the first motion state or the second motion state.

Optionally, the directional control panel comprises a forward selector and a reverse selector for selecting the first motion state and the second motion state, respectively.

Optionally, the directional control panel includes a neutral selector configured to select a neutral state in which the compactor is not moving in either the first motion state or the second motion state.

Optionally, the frame is vibrationally isolated from the plate.

Optionally, the compactor further comprises a motor configured to rotate the shaft.

Optionally, the compactor further comprises a battery coupled to the frame, and the battery is configured to provide power to the motor.

In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a compactor machine comprising: a plate; a shaft rotatably supported on the plate; a motor configured to rotate a shaft; an eccentric mass arranged to rotate on the shaft and configured to vibrate the plate in response to rotation of the eccentric mass, and further configured to effect movement of the compactor in a first linear direction and in a second linear direction opposite the first linear direction; and a digital user interface. The digital user interface includes a directional control panel configured to select movement of the compactor machine in a first linear direction and in a second linear direction; and a speed control panel configured to select between a high speed mode and a low speed mode in either one of the first linear direction or the second linear direction.

Optionally, the direction control panel comprises: a forward direction selector configured to operate the compactor in a first motion state corresponding to a first linear direction; and a reverse selector configured to operate the compactor in a second motion state corresponding to the second linear direction.

Optionally, the direction control panel further comprises: a neutral selector configured to select a neutral state in which the compactor is not moving in either the first moving state or the second moving state.

Optionally, the neutral selector is located between the forward selector and the reverse selector.

Optionally, each of the forward selector, the reverse selector, and the neutral selector is a capacitive touch button.

Optionally, the speed control panel comprises a high speed selector and a low speed selector for selecting the high speed mode and the low speed mode, respectively.

Optionally, the compactor is configured to move in a first linear direction or in a second linear direction in a high speed mode or a low speed mode.

Optionally, the high speed selector and the low speed selector are capacitive touch buttons.

Optionally, the compactor further comprises: a frame vibrationally isolated from the plate; and an elongated handle coupled to the frame and having a gripping portion.

Optionally, the elongated handle is movably coupled to the frame between a first position corresponding to the first linear direction and a second position corresponding to the second linear direction.

Optionally, a digital user interface is coupled to the elongate handle.

Optionally, the compactor further comprises a battery coupled to the frame and configured to provide power to the motor.

Other features and aspects of the present invention will become apparent by consideration of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. Any feature described herein with respect to one aspect or embodiment may be combined with any other feature described herein with respect to any other aspect or embodiment, where appropriate and applicable.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a plate compactor.

FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of the plate compactor of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic top view of a plate compactor according to one embodiment of the utility model with an eccentric mass in an intermediate position.

FIG. 4 is a schematic top view of the plate compactor of FIG. 3 with the eccentric mass in a right position.

FIG. 5 is a schematic top view of the plate compactor of FIG. 3 with the eccentric mass in a left position.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a rotating shaft and eccentric mass of the plate compactor of FIG. 3, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 7 is a sectional view of the rotating shaft of fig. 6.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the eccentric mass of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a schematic top view of a plate compactor according to another embodiment of the utility model.

FIG. 10 is a schematic top view of a plate compactor according to another embodiment of the utility model.

FIG. 11A is a schematic side view of a plate compactor according to another embodiment of the disclosure, wherein the plate compactor is traveling in a first linear direction.

FIG. 11B is a schematic side view of the plate compactor of FIG. 11A, with the plate compactor traveling in a second linear direction.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the plate compactor of FIG. 11A.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged schematic top view of a plate compactor according to another embodiment of the utility model, wherein the eccentric mass is in the neutral position and the exciter shaft rotates in a first direction of rotation.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged schematic top view of the plate compactor of FIG. 13, with the eccentric mass in a right position and the exciter shaft rotated in a first rotational direction.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged schematic top view of the plate compactor of FIG. 13, with the eccentric mass in a left position and the exciter shaft rotated in a first rotational direction.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged schematic top view of the plate compactor of FIG. 13 with the eccentric mass in the intermediate position and the exciter shaft rotating in a second direction of rotation.

FIG. 17 is an enlarged schematic top view of the plate compactor of FIG. 13, with the eccentric mass in a left position and the exciter shaft rotated in a second rotational direction.

FIG. 18 is an enlarged schematic top view of the plate compactor of FIG. 13, with the eccentric mass in a right position and the exciter shaft rotated in a second direction of rotation.

FIG. 19 is a schematic side view of a plate compactor according to another embodiment of the disclosure, wherein the plate compactor is traveling in a first linear direction.

FIG. 20 is a schematic side view of the plate compactor of FIG. 19, with the plate compactor traveling in a second linear direction.

FIG. 21 is a side view of a control unit assembly of the plate compactor of FIG. 19.

Fig. 22 is a perspective view of the control unit assembly of fig. 21 (with portions removed).

Fig. 23 is a partially exploded perspective view of the control unit assembly of fig. 21 (with portions removed).

Fig. 24 is a partial cross-sectional view of the control unit assembly of fig. 21.

Fig. 25 is a perspective view of the control unit assembly of fig. 21 (with portions removed) showing the lever actuated in a first direction.

Fig. 26 is a perspective view of the control unit assembly of fig. 21 (with portions removed) showing the lever actuated in a second direction.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a digital user interface suitable for use with the plate compactor of FIG. 19.

FIG. 28 is a flow chart describing the operation of the digital user interface of FIG. 27.

Detailed Description

Before any embodiments of the utility model are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the utility model is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The utility model is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As shown in fig. 1 and 2, a typical pneumatic one-way plate compactor 10 includes a plate 14, an exciter (exciter)18 having an eccentric mass 22 to vibrate the plate 14, and a gas engine 26 to drive the exciter 18 via an output pulley 30 and a belt 34. The gas engine 26 is mounted on a platform 36 that is vibration isolated (damped isolated) from the exciter 18 by vibration isolators 38 or dampers to protect the gas engine 26 from excessive vibration. The handle 40 is coupled to the platform 36 by another vibration isolator 41 or damper.

Referring to FIG. 2, the eccentric mass 22 is located at the front 42 of the plate 14 to provide compaction force and drive the compactor 10 in the forward direction of travel. Compactor 10 does not include wheels and the entire bottom 46 of the plate remains in contact with the ground during operation. Since the exciter 18 and the eccentric mass 22 are laterally centered on the plate 14, the compactor 10 can only move in a straight line under its own power during operation. To turn compactor 10, an operator must drag plate 14 around while exciter 18 is still attempting to pull plate 14 forward. Thus, one-way plate compactor 10 is heavier and more difficult to maneuver.

Fig. 3-5 illustrate one embodiment of a plate compactor 50 including a plate 54, an exciter 58 having an eccentric mass 62, the eccentric mass 62 rotatable on an exciter shaft 66 to vibrate the plate 54, and a motor 70 for driving the exciter 58. In some embodiments, the motor 70 drives the exciter 58 directly, or as shown in the embodiments of fig. 3-5, the exciter 58 is driven by an intermediate drive 74 (e.g., a belt, chain, or gearbox that rotates one end of the exciter shaft 66). A battery (e.g., battery pack 78) provides power to the motor 70. The battery pack 78 is mounted on a platform 82 that is vibration isolated from the motor 70. Likewise, the handle 86 is coupled to the platform 82 and vibrationally isolated from the platform 82 by additional vibration isolators 90 or dampers.

As shown in fig. 3, the eccentric mass 62 is coupled to the exciter shaft 66 in a manner that allows the eccentric mass 62 to translate along the exciter shaft 66 as it rotates with the exciter shaft 66. When the eccentric mass 62 is aligned with a central plane 94 bisecting the plate 54 as the eccentric mass 62 rotates with the exciter shaft 66, the eccentric mass 62 moves the plate compactor 50 in a straight forward direction of travel, as indicated by arrow 98 in FIG. 3. As the rotating eccentric mass 62 moves to the right of the center plane 94 when rotating with the exciter shaft 66, the plate compactor 50 will move forward and to the left as indicated by arrow 102 in FIG. 4. As the rotating eccentric mass 62 moves to the left of the center plane 94 as it rotates with the exciter shaft 66, the plate compactor 50 will move forward and rightward, as indicated by arrow 104 in FIG. 5.

Fig. 6 and 7 illustrate an embodiment in which the eccentric mass 62 of the plate compactor 50 of fig. 3-5 is translatable along an exciter shaft 66. Specifically, in the embodiment of fig. 6 and 7, the exciter shaft 66 includes a longitudinal bore 106 and includes a slot 110 extending from the bore 106 and through an outer surface 114 of the exciter shaft 66. As shown in FIG. 8, the sliding key 118 includes a base 122 disposed in the bore 106 and a tab 126 extending radially outward through the slot 110 to engage a groove 130 or keyway in the eccentric mass 62. A cable or linkage 134 is disposed at one end of the exciter shaft 66 to allow an operator to control the transverse position of the sliding key 118 and eccentric mass 62 on the exciter shaft 66 to allow the operator to turn the plate compactor 50 as desired, as shown in fig. 4 and 5.

FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of a plate compactor 1050, which is identical to the embodiment of FIGS. 3-5, wherein features identical to those of plate compactor 50 are identified with the same reference numerals, plus "1000". However, instead of a single translatable eccentric mass 62, in the embodiment of fig. 9, the first and second eccentric masses 138, 142 are coupled for rotation with first and second axial ends 146, 150, respectively, disposed at opposite ends of the exciter shaft 1066, and selectively coupled for rotation with the exciter shaft 1066. In particular, first and second clutches 154, 158, which may be controlled mechanically or electronically by an operator, are arranged between the exciter shaft 1066 and the first and second shaft ends 146, 150, respectively.

The first and second clutches 154, 158 allow one of the first and second shaft ends 146, 150, and thus one of the eccentric masses 138, 142, to rotate with the exciter shaft 1066, while the other of the first and second shaft ends 146, 150, and thus the other of the first and second eccentric masses 138, 142, remains stationary and does not rotate with the exciter shaft 1066. If the first and second clutches 154, 158 are engaged simultaneously, both the first and second shaft ends 146, 150 and both the eccentric masses 138, 142 will rotate with the exciter shaft 1066, and the compactor 1050 will move in a straight forward direction of travel, as indicated by arrow 1098. If only the first clutch 154 is engaged, only the first shaft end 146, and therefore only the first eccentric mass 138, will rotate with the exciter shaft 1066, and the compactor 1050 will move forward and also turn in the opposite direction from the first shaft end 146, as indicated by arrow 1102. If only the second clutch 158 is engaged, only the second shaft end 150, and therefore only the second eccentric mass 142, will rotate with the exciter shaft 1066, and the plate compactor 1050 will move forward and also rotate in a direction opposite the second shaft end 150, as indicated by arrow 1104. The embodiment of FIG. 9 also allows the first and second eccentric masses 138, 142 to rotate in or out of phase with each other, which allows compactor 50 to perform "spot compaction," i.e., compaction while plate compactor 1050 is parked in one place.

Unlike the embodiment of fig. 9, the reversible plate compactor comprises two eccentric masses which are not located on the same axis or on the same exciter shaft. In a reversible plate compactor, one eccentric mass is located at the front of the plate and the other at the rear of the plate. The eccentric masses of a reversible plate compactor rotate in opposite directions and the phase between them may be varied to change the direction of the net force they generate. This allows the reversible plate compactor to move forward, backward, or stay in one place, but does not allow any rotation as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 9.

Fig. 10 illustrates another embodiment of a plate compactor 2050 that is identical to the embodiment of fig. 3-5, wherein features that are identical to those of plate compactor 50 are identified with the same reference numerals, plus "2000". In the embodiment of fig. 10, two separate first and second motors 166, 170 are disposed on the first and second sides 174, 178 of the plate 2054 and drive separate first and second eccentric masses 182, 186, respectively. If both the first and second motors 166, 170 are activated, both the first and second eccentric masses 182, 186 will rotate and the compactor 2050 will move in a straight line, as indicated by arrow 2098.

If only the first motor 166 is activated, only the first eccentric mass 182 will rotate and the compactor 2050 will move forward and rotate in a direction opposite the first side 174 of the plate 2054, as indicated by arrow 2102. If only the second motor 170 is activated, only the second eccentric mass 186 will rotate and the plate compactor 2050 will move forward and turn in a direction opposite the second side 178 of the plate 2054, as indicated by arrow 2104. In the embodiment of FIG. 10, the first and second eccentric masses 182, 186 may be rotated out of phase with one another to perform "point compaction," i.e., compaction while the compactor 2050 remains in one place. The first and second eccentric blocks 182, 186 may also rotate in different directions, allowing the plate compactor 2050 to turn in one place without moving forward, thereby providing a higher level of maneuverability.

By using exciter 58, 1058, 2058 to impart vibration to plates 54, 1054, 2054 and to assist in turning plate compactor 50, 1050, 2050, plate compactor 50, 1050, 2050 of the embodiment shown in fig. 3-10 improves maneuverability as compared to unidirectional plate compactor 10 without requiring any additional components to achieve this additional performance.

11A, 11B, and 12 illustrate another embodiment of a plate compactor 190 including a plate 194 and an exciter 198 mounted to the plate 194. Although plate 194 is shown schematically as a single body, plate 194 may include a combination of multiple rigidly connected components that facilitate sliding compactor 190 over a work surface to be compacted.

The exciter 198 includes an exciter shaft 202 having an exciter pulley and an eccentric mass 210. Plate compactor 190 also includes a frame 214 vibrationally isolated from baseplate 194 by vibration isolators or dampers, such as springs 218. The drive assembly 222 is mounted to the frame 214 and includes a motor 226, an optional gearbox, an output shaft of the motor or gearbox, and a drive pulley coupled for rotation with the output shaft. A battery pack 234 is also mounted to the frame 214 and is configured to provide power to the motor 226 and a set of control electronics 238 (shown schematically) configured to control operation of the motor 226.

A handle 242 for maneuvering plate compactor 190 is movably coupled to frame 214 between a first position (FIG. 11A) and a second position (FIG. 11B) to allow a user to walk behind plate compactor 190 while holding handle 242 regardless of the direction of movement 190 of the plate compactor. The driver assembly 222 drives the exciter 198 via a belt 246 disposed between the driver and exciter pulleys. In other embodiments, the motor 226 is directly coupled to the plate 194 and the exciter 198, and directly drives the exciter 198 (without any intermediate gearbox or belt). The drive assembly 222 is configured to rotate the exciter shaft 202 in a first rotational direction 250 (fig. 11A) and a second rotational direction 254 (fig. 11B) opposite the first rotational direction 250.

In operation, the direction of movement of plate compactor 190 is determined by the direction of rotation of exciter shaft 202. As shown in fig. 11A, when handle 242 is held in the first position, control electronics 238 are operable to rotate drive assembly 222 in a direction to rotate exciter shaft 202 in a first rotational direction 250, thereby vibrating baseplate 194 and moving plate compactor 190 in a first linear direction 258 while compacting the ground beneath baseplate 194. After moving in the first linear direction for a period of time, it may be desirable to reverse the orientation of plate compactor 190. Thus, the handle 242 is moved to the second position (fig. 11B) and is held, and the control electronics 238 are used to rotate the drive assembly 222 in a direction that causes the exciter shaft 202 to rotate in the second rotational direction 254. Rotation of the exciter shaft 202 in the second rotational direction 254 vibrates the base plate 194 and moves the plate compactor 190 in a second linear direction 262 opposite the first linear direction 258, while compacting the ground below the base plate 194.

Advantageously, the compactor plate 190 includes only a single vibration exciter 198 to facilitate movement of the compactor plate 190 in both the first linear direction 258 and the second linear direction 262, thereby making the compactor plate 190 a bi-directional compactor plate having only a single vibration exciter 198. Unlike the embodiment of fig. 11A, 11B, and 12, some prior art reversible plate compactors require two eccentric masses to effect bi-directional movement. For example, in some prior art reversible plate compactors, one eccentric mass is located at the front of the plate and the other eccentric mass is located at the rear of the plate.

Fig. 13-18 illustrate another embodiment of a plate compactor 190' that is similar to plate compactor 190 (where like components are indicated with like reference numbers with an apostrophe), and which has the differences explained below. In the embodiment of fig. 13-18, the eccentric mass 210' is coupled to the exciter shaft 202' in a manner that allows the eccentric mass 210' to translate along the exciter shaft 202' as it rotates with the exciter shaft 202' (in the same manner as the eccentric mass 62 may translate along the exciter shaft 66 of the plate compactor 50).

Thus, when eccentric mass 210' is aligned with central plane 266 bisecting plate 194' as eccentric mass 210' rotates with exciter shaft 202' in a first rotational direction, eccentric mass 210' moves plate compactor 190' in a first linear direction 258' (i.e., a forward direction), as shown in fig. 13. When the rotating eccentric mass 210' moves to the right of the center plane 266 (to stand in the reference frame on the right side of fig. 14) when rotating in the first rotational direction with the exciter shaft 202', the plate compactor 190' will move forward and to the left, as indicated by arrow 270 in fig. 14. When the rotating eccentric mass 210' moves to the left of the center plane 266 (in the frame of reference standing to the right in fig. 15) as it rotates with the exciter shaft 202' in the first rotational direction, the plate compactor 190' will move forward and to the right, as indicated by arrow 274 in fig. 15.

Further, when eccentric mass 210 'is aligned with central plane 266 as eccentric mass 210' is rotated with exciter shaft 202 'in a second rotational direction, eccentric mass 210' causes plate compactor 190 'to move in a second linear direction 262' (i.e., a reverse or rearward direction), as shown in FIG. 16. When the rotating eccentric mass 210' moves to the left of the center plane 266 (to stand in the reference frame to the left of fig. 17) when rotating with the exciter shaft 202' in the second rotational direction, the plate compactor 190' will move rearward and rightward, as indicated by arrow 278 in fig. 17. When the rotating eccentric mass 210' moves to the right of the center plane 266 (to stand in the reference frame on the left side of fig. 18) when rotating with the exciter shaft 202' in the second rotational direction, the plate compactor 190' will move rearward and leftward, as indicated by arrow 282 in fig. 18.

Thus, plate compactor 190 'of fig. 13-18 advantageously allows bi-directional travel with only a single exciter 198' and steering capability in both forward and rearward directions.

Fig. 19 and 20 illustrate a plate compactor 190, which further includes a User Interface (UI)300 for controlling the operation of plate compactor 190. The UI 300 is arranged to: as the handle 242 is moved between the first and second positions shown in fig. 19 and 20, it is intuitively actuated by the operator according to the operator's frame of reference. Fig. 19 shows the handle 242 in a first position and the lever 304 of the UI 300 pivoted in a first or forward direction 308. Forward direction 308 corresponds to rotation of exciter shaft 202 in first rotational direction 250, and movement of plate compactor 190 in first linear direction 258. With the operator's frame of reference standing behind handle 242, forward direction 308 of lever 304 is perceived as forward, i.e., as movement of lever 304 away from the operator and corresponding movement of plate compactor 190 away from the operator. Fig. 20 shows the lever 304 of the UI 300 moved to the handle 242 in the second position and pivoted in the second or reverse direction 312. The reverse direction 312 corresponds to rotation of the exciter shaft 202 in the second rotational direction 254 and movement of the plate compactor 190 in the second linear direction 262. With handle 242 in the second position, reverse direction 312 is still perceived as forward, i.e., as movement of lever 304 away from the operator and corresponding movement of plate compactor 190 away from the operator, in the operator's frame of reference standing behind handle 242.

The handle 242 also includes a grip portion 313 at a distal end of the handle 242 opposite the frame 214. When handle 242 is in the first position (fig. 19) and plate compactor 190 is moved in first linear direction 258, gripping portion 313 follows behind plate 194. That is, when handle 242 is in the first position and compactor 190 is moved in first linear direction 258, gripping portion 313 is behind plate 194. When handle 242 is in the second position (fig. 20) and plate compactor 190 is moved in second linear direction 262, gripping portion 313 likewise follows behind plate 194. That is, when handle 242 is in the second position and compactor 190 is moved in second linear direction 262, grip portion 313 is behind plate 194.

With continued reference to fig. 19 and 20, UI 300 controls movement of compactor 190 between a resting state, a first moving state, and a second moving state. In the resting state, plate compactor 190 is not moving in first or second linear directions 258, 262. In a first motion state, compactor 190 is moved in a first linear direction 258. In a second motion state, compactor 190 is moved in a second linear direction 262.

The handle 242 defines a longitudinal handle axis 314. The lever 304 defines a longitudinal lever axis 315 and is pivotable about a pivot axis 324 extending perpendicular to the longitudinal handle axis 314. As lever 304 pivots about pivot axis 324, UI 300 switches the state of compactor 190 between a resting state, a first moving state, and a second moving state. In closed position 328 (fig. 21) of lever 304, plate compactor 190 is in a resting state and longitudinal lever axis 315 extends parallel to longitudinal axis 314. When lever 304 is pivoted in forward direction 308 (fig. 19) from closed position 328, UI 300 switches plate compactor 190 to the first state of motion. When lever 304 is pivoted in reverse direction 312 (fig. 20) from closed position 328, UI 300 switches plate compactor 190 to the second state of motion.

21-26 illustrate a UI 300 embodied as a control unit assembly 316 that includes a lever 304, lever 304 being pivotable to control activation of compactor 190, movement of compactor 190 in first and second linear directions 258, 262, and speed of movement. Referring to fig. 21, the lever 304 is pivotable relative to the housing 320 of the control unit assembly 316 about a pivot axis 324. In fig. 21, the lever 304 is shown in a closed position 328, in which the motor 226 is deactivated and the exciter shaft 202 does not rotate. The lever 304 may be pivoted from the closed position 328 in the first or forward direction 308 to activate the motor 226. Pivoting lever 304 in forward direction 308 from closed position 328 will rotate exciter shaft 202 in first rotational direction 250 causing plate compactor 190 to move in first linear direction 258. The lever 304 may also be pivoted in a second or reverse direction 312 from the closed position 328 to activate the motor 226. Pivoting the lever 304 in the reverse direction 312 from the closed position 328 will rotate the exciter shaft 202 in the second rotational direction 254 such that the plate compactor 190 moves in the second linear direction 262. In some embodiments, switching the lever 304 between the forward and reverse directions 308, 312 reverses the direction of rotation of the motor 226 itself.

FIG. 21 also illustrates a plurality of forward and reverse positions in which lever 304 may be disposed to move compactor plate 190 in first linear direction 258 and second linear direction 262 at different speeds. Specifically, lever 304 may pivot to a first forward position or forward slow position 332, which moves plate compactor 190 in first linear direction 258 at a first speed. Lever 304 may also pivot to a second forward position or forward quick position 336, which moves plate compactor 190 in first linear direction 258 at a second speed greater than the first speed. Similarly, lever 304 may pivot to a first reverse position or reverse slow position 340, which moves plate compactor 190 in second linear direction 262 at a third speed. Lever 304 may also pivot to a second reverse position or reverse speed position 344, which moves plate compactor 190 in second linear direction 262 at a fourth speed greater than the third speed. Although only two forward positions 332, 336 and two reverse positions 340, 344 are depicted, lever 304 can have additional forward and reverse positions to provide further adjustment of the speed at which compactor 190 operates. In other embodiments, the lever 304 is able to smoothly adjust in the forward and rearward directions 308, 312 without any discrete forward and reverse positions. In a further embodiment, the lever 304 may be in only the closed position 328, the forward fast position 336, and the reverse fast position 344, with the forward slow position 332 and the reverse slow position 340 omitted.

Referring to fig. 22, the control unit assembly 316 further includes a first or on/off microswitch 348, a second or forward/reverse microswitch 352 and a potentiometer 356. The on/off microswitch 348 is operable to control the activation of the motor 226. The on/off microswitch 348 includes a first arm 360, the first arm 360 being movable between an extended position (fig. 22) in which the on/off microswitch 348 is open and the motor 226 is deactivated, and a retracted position (fig. 25 and 26) in which the on/off microswitch 348 is closed and the motor 226 is allowed to be activated. The forward/reverse microswitch 352 is operable to control the direction of rotation of the exciter shaft 202 such that the plate compactor 190 changes direction of motion between along the first linear direction 258 and along the second linear direction 262. The forward/reverse microswitch 352 comprises a second arm 364, which second arm 364 is movable between an extended position (fig. 25) in which the forward/reverse microswitch 352 is open and the exciter shaft 202 rotates in the first rotational direction 250 (fig. 19), and a retracted position (fig. 26) in which the forward/reverse microswitch 352 is closed and the exciter shaft 202 rotates in the second rotational direction 250 (fig. 20). Potentiometer 356 is operable to control the rotational speed of exciter shaft 202, which corresponds to the speed at which plate compactor 190 is moved in either first linear direction 258 or second linear direction 262. In some embodiments, the potentiometer 356 generates a speed signal that controls the rotational speed of the motor 226 itself.

Referring to fig. 22 and 23, lever 304 includes a generally cylindrical hub portion 368 supported within housing 320, a handle portion 372, and an elongated connecting portion 376 extending between hub portion 368 and handle portion 372. First and second shaft portions 380, 384 extend laterally outward from hub portion 368 and define a pivot axis 324 about which lever 304 rotates relative to housing 320. The first shaft portion 380 is supported within a keyed aperture 388 defined by the potentiometer 356. As the lever 304 pivots about the pivot axis 324, the first shaft portion 380 actuates the potentiometer 356 to adjust the rotational speed of the exciter shaft 202.

The hub portion 368 defines a cylindrical outer surface 392, a first groove or first cam profile 396 formed in the outer surface 392, and a second groove or second cam profile 400 formed in the outer surface 392. As shown in fig. 22, when the lever 304 is in the closed position 328, the first cam profile 396 is positioned 180 degrees opposite the connecting portion 376 and engages the first arm 360 of the on/off microswitch 348. The second cam profile 400 engages the second arm 364 of the forward/reverse microswitch 352 as the lever 304 is rotated between the closed position 328, the forward slow position 332 and the forward fast position 336.

Referring to fig. 22 and 24, the lever 304 supports a detent 404 facing a portion of the housing 320 and a spring 408 biasing the detent 404 toward the housing 320. The detents 404 may engage with dimples or grooves 412 defined in the housing 320 and disposed at positions corresponding to the closed position 328, the forward slow position 332, the forward fast position 336, the reverse slow position 340, and the reverse fast position 344. When the lever 304 is pivoted to one of the above positions, the detents 404 engage the corresponding recesses 412 to releasably secure the lever 304 in the selected position.

With reference to fig. 22, 25 and 26, the operation of the control unit assembly 316 will now be described. Fig. 22 shows the control unit assembly 316 with the lever 304 in the closed position 328. In the closed position 328, the first arm 360 of the on/off microswitch 348 is in an extended position and extends into the first cam profile 396. Thus, the on/off microswitch 348 is open and the motor 226 is deactivated. The second arm 364 of the forward/reverse microswitch 352 is also in an extended position and is located within the second cam profile 400.

Fig. 25 shows the lever 304 pivoted from the closed position 328 in the forward direction 308 toward the forward quick position 336. The first cam profile 396 is rotated away from the first arm 360 such that the first arm 360 engages the cylindrical outer surface 392 of the hub portion 368, thereby moving the first arm 360 to the retracted position. When the first arm 360 is in the retracted position, the on/off microswitch 348 is closed and the motor 226 is allowed to be activated. The second arm 364 is still located within the second cam profile 400 and the forward/reverse microswitch 352 remains open, corresponding to rotation of the exciter shaft 202 in the first rotational direction 250. The potentiometer 356 is actuated by the first shaft portion 380 to increase the rotational speed of the exciter shaft 202 as the lever 304 travels toward the forward fast position.

Fig. 26 shows the lever 304 pivoted from the closed position 328 in the reverse direction 312 toward the reverse snap position 344. The first cam profile 396 is rotated away from the first arm 360 such that the first arm 360 engages the cylindrical outer surface 392 of the hub portion 368, thereby moving the first arm 360 to the retracted position. When the first arm 360 is in the retracted position, the on/off microswitch 348 is closed and the motor 226 is allowed to be activated. Second cam profile 400 also rotates away from second arm 364 such that second arm 364 engages the cylindrical outer surface of hub portion 368 and moves to the retracted position. When the second arm 364 is in the retracted position, the forward/reverse microswitch 352 is closed, corresponding to rotation of the exciter shaft 202 in the second rotational direction 254. The potentiometer 356 is actuated by the first shaft portion 380 to increase the rotational speed of the exciter shaft 202 as the lever 304 travels toward the reverse fast position.

FIG. 27 depicts a Digital User Interface (DUI)300b for controlling the operation of a plate compactor 190, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The DUI 300b is an alternative to the user interface 300 described above and depicted in fig. 19 and 20. Similar to the UI 300, the DUI 300b is arranged to be intuitively actuated by an operator. Referring to fig. 27, the DUI 300b includes a direction control panel 416 on a first side. Directional control panel 416 has three selector arrangements oriented in the direction of travel of plate compactor 190. The first selector is a forward selector 420. From the operator's perspective, the forward selector 420 is the front-most selector on the directional control panel 416. The forward selector 420 may include an arrow or other indicia that points generally in the forward direction of travel and indicates that the selector is the forward selector 420. The second selector on the directional control panel 416 is a reverse selector 424. From the operator's perspective, the reverse selector 424 is the rearmost selector on the directional control panel 416. The reverse selector 424 may be an arrow or other indicia that points generally in the backward direction of travel and indicates that the selector is the reverse selector 420. Disposed between the forward selector 420 and the reverse selector 424 is a third selector, a neutral selector 428. The neutral selector 428 also includes a flag indicating that it is the neutral selector 428; however, the direction of travel is not indicated.

With continued reference to FIG. 27, the DUI 300b also includes a speed control panel 432 having a first high speed selector 436 and a second low speed selector 440.

The selectors 420, 424, 428, 436, 440 for the direction control panel 416 and the speed control panel 432 may be tactile selectors, capacitive touch selectors, or other similar selector types known to those skilled in the art.

The flow chart of FIG. 28 depicts control of plate compactor 190 via DUI 300 b. Plate compactor 190 is automatically placed into a neutral state upon depression of enable selector (arm selector) 444. At this point, plate compactor 190 is waiting for operator input on DUI 300 b. If the operator selects high speed selector 436, compactor 190 will enter a high speed mode. Conversely, if the operator selects low-speed selector 440, then plate compactor 190 will enter a low-speed mode of operation. After selecting the operating mode, the operator may select a direction in which to drive the compactor 190. To drive the compactor 190 forward in the first state of motion and in the first linear direction, the operator presses the forward selector 420. To drive the compactor 190 backwards in the second state of motion and in the opposite second linear direction, the operator must press the reverse selector 424. To stop movement of compactor 190, the operator presses neutral selector 438 to restore a neutral condition in which compactor 190 stops moving. A disarm selector 448 is pressed to disarm activation of compactor 190. In some embodiments, activation selector 444 and deactivation selector 448 are combined into a single selector, where a first press will "activate" compactor 190 and a second press will "deactivate" compactor 190.

The DUI 300b may also be used with other types of vibratory power equipment or other types of battery-powered equipment other than plate compactors.

Various features of the utility model are set forth in the following claims.

Claims (22)

1. A compactor, wherein the compactor comprises:

a frame;

a plate coupled to the frame;

a shaft rotatably supported on the plate;

an eccentric mass arranged to rotate on the shaft and configured to cause the plate to vibrate relative to the frame in response to rotation of the eccentric mass, and further configured to cause the compactor to move in a first linear direction and in a second linear direction opposite the first linear direction;

an elongated handle coupled to the frame and having a gripping portion; and

a digital user interface coupled to the elongated handle and configured to control movement of the compactor machine between a first movement state in which the compactor machine moves in the first linear direction and a second movement state in which the compactor machine moves in the second linear direction.

2. A compactor according to claim 1, wherein the digital user interface is further configured to control movement of the compactor between the first or second movement conditions and a neutral condition in which the compactor is not moving in either the first or second movement conditions.

3. A compactor according to claim 1, wherein the digital user interface includes a speed control panel, and wherein the speed control panel is configured to selectively operate the compactor in either of the first or second motion states in a high speed mode and a low speed mode.

4. A compactor according to claim 3, wherein said speed control panel includes high and low speed selectors for selecting high and low speed modes respectively.

5. A compactor according to claim 1, wherein the digital user interface includes a directional control panel, and wherein the directional control panel is configured to selectively operate the compactor in one of the first or second motion states.

6. A compactor according to claim 5, wherein said directional control panel includes forward and reverse selectors for selecting said first and second states of motion, respectively.

7. A compactor according to claim 6, wherein the directional control panel includes a neutral selector configured to select a neutral condition in which the compactor is not moving in either the first or second motion conditions.

8. A compactor according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the frame is vibrationally isolated from the plate.

9. A compacting machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that it further comprises a motor configured to rotate the shaft.

10. A compactor according to claim 9, further comprising a battery coupled to the frame, in which the battery is configured to provide power to the motor.

11. A compactor, wherein the compactor comprises:

a plate;

a shaft rotatably supported on the plate;

a motor configured to rotate the shaft;

an eccentric mass arranged to rotate on the shaft and configured to vibrate the plate in response to rotation of the eccentric mass, and further configured to effect movement of the compactor in a first linear direction and in a second linear direction opposite the first linear direction; and

digital user interface, including

A directional control panel configured to select movement of the compactor machine in the first linear direction and in the second linear direction; and

a speed control panel configured to select between a high speed mode and a low speed mode in either of the first linear direction or the second linear direction.

12. A compactor according to claim 11, wherein said directional control panel comprises:

a forward direction selector configured to operate the compactor in a first motion state corresponding to the first linear direction; and

a reverse selector configured to operate the compactor in a second motion state corresponding to the second linear direction.

13. A compactor according to claim 12, wherein said directional control panel further comprises: a neutral selector configured to select a neutral state in which the compactor is not moving in either the first moving state or the second moving state.

14. A compactor according to claim 13, wherein said neutral selector is located between said forward selector and said reverse selector.

15. A compactor according to claim 13, wherein each of said forward, reverse and neutral selectors is a capacitive touch button.

16. A compactor according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the speed control panel includes high and low speed selectors for selecting the high and low speed modes respectively.

17. A compactor according to claim 16, wherein the compactor is configured to move in the first or second linear directions in the high-speed mode or the low-speed mode.

18. A compactor according to claim 16, wherein said high speed selector and said low speed selector are capacitive touch buttons.

19. A compacting machine as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 15, further comprising:

a frame vibrationally isolated from the plate; and

an elongated handle coupled to the frame and having a gripping portion.

20. A compactor according to claim 19, wherein said elongate handle is movably coupled to said frame between a first position corresponding to said first linear direction and a second position corresponding to said second linear direction.

21. A compactor according to claim 19, wherein said digital user interface is coupled to said elongate handle.

22. A compactor according to claim 19, further comprising a battery coupled to the frame and configured to provide power to the motor.

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