Lubrication and bearing structure for concentric, independently rotating drum and vibratory shaft

摘要

An earth compacting machine includes an earth contacting drum rotatably supported on at least one main drum support bearing mounted in a drum support assembly which is fixed to the machine frame. Means is provided to slowly rotate the drum with respect to the frame. There is a slow speed rotary seal between the drum support assembly and a main drum hub which extends outwardly from the drum. The interior of the drum support assembly, the rotary seal and an outer surface of the main drum hub form a first lubrication oil sump. Oil is introduced into this sump to cover a substantial lower portion of the main drum support bearing. A vibratory shaft bearing is mounted in a vibratory shaft bearing housing at each end of the drum. These shaft bearings support a vibratory shaft inside of the drum. Means opening through the main drum support bearing and the main drum hub is provided to rapidly rotate the vibratory shaft with respect to the drum. A cylindrical second oil sump is sealed to both of the vibratory shafts bearing housings to provide lubrication oil to each of the vibratory shaft bearings without the need for a high speed rotary seal between the vibratory shaft and the slower moving drum.