AU2019202368A1 - Roller - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract The present invention provides an edge protection assembly for a pressure roller (10) used in the grinding of materials. The roller has an outer face (11) on a roller body. The outer face extends between two lateral faces (12), each lateral face providing a first engagement formation (20). The edge protection assembly comprises a plurality of side bodies (21) adapted to be releasably secured to the lateral faces of the roller. Each side body comprises a second engagement formation (224) at a second end region of each side body. The second engagement formation co-operates with the first engagement formation of the roller when fitted thereto to transfer loads exerted on the edge protection assembly to the roller body. The edge protection assembly also comprises a plurality of hard bodies (29) adapted to be secured relative to the plurality of side bodies. 1-it Z30 Figure 2

Description

2019202368 04 Apr 2019

Roller

Field of the Invention [0001] This invention relates to edge protection of grinding rollers for use in the grinding of materials.

Background [0002] The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

[0003] It is a characteristic of high pressure grinding rollers that a portion of the grinding surface of the roller is covered with a layer of rock material which has been previously ground and which is retained on the grinding surface. The purpose of such a layer is to protect and therefore minimise wear upon the grinding surface. To assist in the retention of this rock material the grinding surface of the roller is provided with wear resistant elements at spaced locations. These elements are typically in the form of inserts which are embedded in the roller. During operation the gaps between and/or provided by the inserts fill with the material which has been comminuted by the roller press. The material builds up to form a continuous outer layer around the roller. This layer provides protection to the outer face of the roller and typically remains in place during the grinding action.

[0004] The provision of inserts in the roller surface provides a means by which protection of the grinding surface of the roller may be enhanced. However, it does not necessarily provide adequate protection to the edge and side faces of the roller which are also exposed to the harsh environment. In practice it is often the

-22019202368 04 Apr 2019 case that the condition of the roller’s working surface is relatively sound while the edges have substantially degraded, therefore limiting the life of the roller.

[0005] Currently there are several solutions to provide improved roller edge protection. In Australian patent 2004203273 to Polysius AG, an edge protection assembly comprising a plurality of hard bodies secured at the roller edges is disclosed. With this system a circumferential recess is formed at each roller edge and the plurality of hard bodies are secured therein, one behind the other. Whilst this system initially provides sound edge protection, eventually the hard bodies wear and/or break away, leaving the edge, or portions of the edge exposed to the environment. The failure of one hard body, if not immediately replaced, results in further failures of adjacent edge protection hard bodies, exposing the roller edges to wear. If the roller edges are worn or damaged such that the edge is no longer able to support the hard bodies, it is not possible to replace the hard bodies to protect the edge. In these cases, extensive repair to the roller is required, or alternatively the entire roller will require replacement.

[0006] Another solution to provide improved roller edge protection is disclosed in Australian patent 2004291333 to KHD Humboldt Wedag GmbH. This system also proposes to provide protection to the roller edge by having a plurality of hard bodies secured in a peripheral annular shoulder of the roller, the hard bodies being arranged such that they extend both axially and radially from the roller surface. Again, this system initially provides sound edge protection but once the hard bodies wear or break away, the roller edge is exposed to wear. Once the edge wears it is no longer possible to secure replacement hard bodies to that portion of the roller edge, requiring extensive repair to the roller, or alternatively, requiring replacement of the entire roller.

-32019202368 04 Apr 2019

Disclosure of the Invention [0007] It is an object of this invention to provide an edge protection assembly which ameliorates, mitigates or overcomes, at least one disadvantage of the prior art, or which will at least provides the public with a practical choice.

[0008] Accordingly the invention resides in an edge protection assembly for a pressure roller used in the grinding of materials, the roller having an outer face on a roller body, the outer face extending between two lateral faces, each lateral face providing a first engagement formation, the edge protection assembly comprising:

a plurality of side bodies adapted to be releasably secured to the lateral faces of the roller, each side body comprises:

a second engagement formation at a second end region of each side body, the second engagement formation co-operates with the first engagement formation of the roller when fitted thereto to transfer loads exerted on the edge protection assembly to the roller body;

a plurality of hard bodies adapted to be secured relative to the plurality of side bodies.

[0009] Preferably the first engagement formation is in the form of an annular recess formed in the lateral face of the roller a distance from the outer face of the roller, and the second engagement formation is in the form of an enlarged portion extending outwardly from an inner surface of the side body, the inner surface being that surface of each side body which abuts the lateral face when fitted thereto, the enlarged portion is adapted to be received in the annular recess.

[0010] Preferably the first engagement formation is in the form of a ring protruding outwardly from the lateral face of the roller at a position radially inward of the outer face of the roller, and the second engagement formation is in the form of a slot

2019202368 04 Apr 2019

-4 formed in an inner surface of the side body and extending between the sides thereof, the ring is adapted to be received in the slot of each side body.

[0011] Accordingly the invention resides in an edge protection assembly for a pressure roller used in the grinding of materials, the roller having an outer face on a roller body, the outer face extending between two lateral faces, each lateral face having an annular recess formed therein, each junction of the respective lateral face with the outer face providing an edge portion, the edge protection assembly comprising:

a plurality of side bodies adapted to be releasably secured to the lateral face of the roller, whereby when fitted an inner surface of each side body abuts the lateral face, each side body comprises:

a first end which terminates at a position below the roller’s outer face when fitted thereto, an enlarged portion adjacent a second end of each side body, the enlarged portion extending outwardly from the inner surface of the side body, the enlarged portion is adapted to be received in the annular recess of the roller when fitted thereto;

a plurality of hard bodies adapted to be secured relative to the plurality of side bodies [0012] Accordingly the invention resides in an edge protection assembly for a pressure roller used in the grinding of materials, the roller having an outer face on a roller body, the outer face extending between two lateral faces, each lateral face having an annular recess formed therein, each junction of the respective lateral face with the outer face providing an edge portion, the edge protection assembly comprising:

-52019202368 04 Apr 2019 a plurality of hard bodies adapted to be secured relative to a plurality of side bodies when the side bodies are secured to the roller, the hard bodies being arranged to support the edge portion of the roller whereby when fitted a portion of each hard body abuts the lateral face the plurality of side bodies are adapted to be releasably secured to the lateral faces of the roller, whereby when fitted an inner surface of each side body abuts the lateral face, each side body comprises:

a first end adapted to receive one or more of the plurality of hard bodies; and an enlarged portion adjacent a second end of each side body, the enlarged portion extending outwardly from the inner surface of the side body, the enlarged portion is adapted to be received in the annular recess of the roller when fitted thereto.

[0013] Accordingly the invention resides in an edge protection assembly for a pressure roller used in the grinding of materials, the roller having an outer face on a roller body, the outer face extending between two lateral faces, each lateral face having an annular recess formed therein, , each junction of the respective lateral face with the outer face providing an edge portion, the edge protection assembly comprising:

a plurality of side bodies adapted to be releasably secured to the lateral faces of the roller, whereby when fitted an inner surface of each side body abuts the lateral face, each side body comprises:

an enlarged portion adjacent an end of each side body, the end being distal from the outer face of the roller, the enlarged portion extending outwardly from the inner surface of the side body, the enlarged portion is adapted to be received in the annular recess of the roller when fitted thereto;

-62019202368 04 Apr 2019 a plurality of hard bodies adapted to be secured relative to the plurality of side bodies the hard bodies being arranged to support the edge portion of the roller such that when fitted a portion of each hard body abuts the lateral face.

[0014] Accordingly the invention resides in an edge protection assembly for a pressure roller used in the grinding of materials, the roller having an outer face on a roller body, the outer face extending between two lateral faces, each lateral face having an annular recess formed therein, each junction of the respective lateral face with the outer face providing an edge portion, the edge protection assembly comprising:

a plurality of side bodies adapted to be releasably secured to the lateral faces of the roller, whereby when fitted an inner surface of each side body abuts the lateral face, each side body comprises:

a first end which terminates at a position below the roller’s outer face when fitted thereto, an enlarged portion at a second end of each side body, the enlarged portion extending outwardly from the inner surface of the side body, the enlarged portion is adapted to be received in the annular recess of the roller when fitted thereto;

a plurality of hard bodies adapted to be secured relative to the plurality of side bodies, the hard bodies being arranged to support the edge portion of the roller whereby when fitted a portion of each hard body abuts the lateral face;

wherein one or more hard bodies has at least one protrusion in a surface thereof, the protrusion being adapted to be received in a recess in one of the side bodies, whereby when the hard body is in position, the protrusion

2019202368 04 Apr 2019

- 7 co-operates with the side body to minimise/prevent the movement of the hard body relative to the side body.

[0015] Accordingly the invention resides in an edge protection assembly for a pressure roller used in the grinding of materials, the roller having an outer face on a roller body, the outer face extending between two lateral faces, each lateral face providing a substantially continuous surface, each lateral face having an annular recess formed therein, each junction of the respective lateral face with the outer face providing an edge portion, the edge protection assembly comprising:

a plurality of side bodies adapted to be releasably secured to the lateral faces of the roller, whereby when fitted each side body terminates at a position below the roller’s outer face, each side body comprises:

a first end which terminates at a position below the roller’s outer face when fitted thereto, an enlarged portion adjacent a second end of each side body, the enlarged portion extending outwardly from the inner surface of the side body, the enlarged portion is adapted to be received in the annular recess of the roller when fitted thereto;

a plurality of hard bodies adapted to be secured relative to the plurality of side bodies when the side bodies are secured to the roller, the hard bodies being arranged to support the edge portion of the roller.

[0016] Accordingly the invention resides in an pressure roller having an edge protection assembly, the pressure roller having an outer face on a roller body, the outer face extending between two planar lateral faces, each lateral face having an annular recess formed therein, each junction of the respective lateral face with the outer face providing an edge portion, the edge protection assembly comprising:

-82019202368 04 Apr 2019 a plurality of side bodies releasably secured to one or both of the lateral faces of the roller, whereby a portion of each side body abuts the lateral face, and each side body terminates at a position below the roller’s outer face, each side body comprises:

a first end which terminates at a position below the roller’s outer face when fitted thereto, an enlarged portion adjacent a second end of each side body, the enlarged portion extending outwardly from the inner surface of the side body, the enlarged portion is adapted to be received in the annular recess of the roller when fitted thereto;

a plurality of hard bodies secured relative to the plurality of side bodies, the hard bodies being arranged to support the edge portion of the roller whereby a portion of each hard body abuts the lateral face, [0017] Accordingly the invention resides in a pressure roller assembly for use in the grinding of materials, the roller having a cylindrical outer face defined between two lateral faces, each lateral face having an annular recess formed therein and provides a substantially continuous surface at least between the outer face and the annular recess, each lateral face co-operating with a plurality of replaceable side plates secured thereto to define an annular groove, the groove being adapted to receive a plurality of hard bodies secured to an end face of the side bodies whereby the hard bodies define an outer edge of the assembly, each side plate and hard body having at least a portion thereof in abutment with its respective lateral side face; wherein one or more of the side plates have an enlarged portion at an end thereof, the enlarged portion is received in the annular recess when the side plates are secured to the lateral face of the roller.

[0018] Accordingly the invention resides in an edge protection assembly for a pressure roller used in the grinding of materials, the roller having an outer face on a roller body, the outer face extending between two lateral faces, each lateral face

-92019202368 04 Apr 2019 having an annular recess formed therein, the annular recess being positioned between the outer face and an inner face of the roller, each junction of the respective lateral face with the outer face providing an edge portion, the edge protection assembly comprising:

a plurality of side bodies adapted to be releasably secured to the lateral faces of the roller, whereby when fitted a portion of an inner surface of each side body abuts the lateral face, each side body comprises:

a first end which terminates at a position below the roller’s outer face when fitted thereto, an enlarged portion adjacent a second end of each side body, the enlarged portion extending outwardly from the inner surface of the side body, the enlarged portion is adapted to be received in the annular recess of the roller when fitted thereto;

a plurality of hard bodies adapted to be secured relative to the plurality of side bodies when the side bodies are secured to the roller, the hard bodies and the side bodies being secured to each other using a dovetail arrangement, the hard bodies being arranged to support the edge portion of the roller such that, when fitted, a portion of each hard body abuts the lateral face.

[0019] The present invention facilitates the protection of the edge portion by, in effect, axially extending the edge portion of the roller’s outer face. As a result, the edge portion is supported/reinforced such that its exposure to wear will be similar to that of other sections of the outer face. More importantly, the edge protection assembly may be readily replaced, regardless of the extent of wear of the outer edge of the roller. As the hard bodies are mounted to replaceable side bodies, the life of the roller may be extended by replacing the hard bodies and/or the side bodies. In the event that one or more of the hard bodies wears or breaks away from the roller, and the side body becomes damaged, the side body may be

-10 2019202368 04 Apr 2019 replaced and new hard bodies may be fitted to support the edge portion. This is not possible with the edge protection systems of the prior art. For instance, in those prior art systems where an annular shoulder is formed in the roller at its peripheral edge, the edge of the roller is still exposed to wear and is consequently damaged during operation.

[0020] In the present invention the lateral face between the junction and at least the positioned in which the side bodies are secured to the roller is substantially continuous. In particular the lateral face between the junction and where the side bodies are fastened to the roller is substantially continuous.

[0021] The present invention also facilitates an improved distribution of load through the roller. In the present invention, the loads generated by material/ore hitting the edge of the roller/edge protection assembly is distributed through the roller. As each side body of the edge protection system co-operates with the annular recess, the load caused by material hitting the edge protection system is transferred to the roller through the side body via the annular recess.

[0022] In addition, the annular recess enables each side body to be positioned in the correct radial position before it is fastened to the roller. This improves installation of the edge protection assembly and assists in field repairs.

[0023] The enlarged portion of each side body may engage a portion of one or more surfaces of the annular recess once fitted to the roller.

[0024] Preferably at least a portion of the profile of the external surface of the enlarged portion is complementary to at least a portion of the profile of the annular recess in the lateral face of the roller.

[0025] Preferably the hard bodies provide an extension to the edge portion of the roller.

[0026] Preferably the hard bodies are arranged in an end to end relationship.

-11 2019202368 04 Apr 2019 [0027] In one aspect of the invention the gap between adjacent hard bodies is not sufficient to allow the ingress of material.

[0028] In another aspect of the invention, the hard bodies may be adapted to receive material therebetween, or in recesses formed in an edge of each hard body which abuts an adjacent hard body. As the material builds up between the hard bodies, the radial forces acting thereupon increase and assist in locking the hard bodies in place.

[0029] Preferably when the side bodies are secured to the respective lateral face, the roller and side bodies define a plurality of groove portions spaced around the edge portion. Preferably when the side bodies are secured to the respective lateral face, the roller and side bodies define a circumferential groove extending adjacent the edge portion.

[0030] The groove may be adapted to support/house the plurality of hard bodies therein. The hard bodies may only be receivable in the groove during installation of the edge protection assembly. Owing to the dovetail arrangement, once the side bodies are firmly secured to the lateral face of the roller the hard bodies are locked relative to the roller. In order to remove the hard bodies, or install new hard bodies it is necessary to loosen the side body and move the side body away from the roller. The hard bodies are secured in position by the dovetail arrangement and the abutment of the hard body with the lateral face of the roller.

[0031] In one aspect of the invention, one or more hard bodies may have a projection which extends from a surface thereof and is adapted to be received in a hole in one of the side bodies when the hard body is in position.

[0032] In another aspect of the invention one or more hard bodies may have a hole extending through the hard body. The hole may receive a dowel which is first received in the hard body before passing into a hole in one of the side bodies when the hard body is installed on the roller. Preferably when in position, an end face of the dowel is located below an outer face of the hard body to define a

- 12 2019202368 04 Apr 2019 recess. This will allow the communited material to build up at the edge, providing enhanced wear protection in this region.

[0033] In a further aspect of the invention one or more of the hard bodies may have a recess in a surface thereof which is adapted to complement a recess in one of the side bodies, whereby when in place the recesses define a cavity. The cavity may be adapted to receive and retain a pin therein. Preferably an end face of the pin does not engage the bottom of the recess in the hard body. Once the hard body and pin are in place, the pin minimises/prevents movement of the hard body relative to the side body.

[0034] In yet a further aspect of the invention, one or more of the hard bodies may have a protrusion in a surface thereof, the protrusion being adapted to be received in a recess in one of the side bodies, whereby when the hard body is in position, the protrusion co-operates with the side body to minimise/prevent the tangential movement of the hard body relative to the side body.

[0035] In one embodiment of the invention the portion of the lateral face of the roller which extends beyond the side body is inclined inwardly from the outer face of the roller towards the roller axis such that the edge portion of the roller extends laterally into the groove.

[0036] The portion of each hard body which abuts the lateral face of the roller is a side face, the side face of each hard body engages the lateral face, the side face being inclined in a complementary manner to the inclined portion of the roller’s lateral face portion. When the hard body is in position the inclined side face of the hard body and inclined portion of the lateral face co-operate to allow for the even distribution of load. Furthermore, once the hard body is secured in position the inclined surface of the lateral face assists in retaining the hard body in position.

[0037] In one aspect of the invention, an outer surface of the hard body is flush with the roller’s outer face.

- 132019202368 04 Apr 2019 [0038] In another aspect of the invention the outer surface is curved. Preferably the curved outer surface has a portion which extends above the surface of the roller when in place. The curved surface encourages retention of material in the center of the roller. It also improves the load bearing capability and reduces the likelihood of the edge of the hard bodies from breaking off as the profile redistributes the load away from the edge.

[0039] The hard body provides an extension to the edge portion of the roller. It will also allow projections and/or recesses to be formed in the roller body closer to the lateral face of the roller. This will assist in the early formation of a protective layer of material, and will allow the layer to extend across the edge portion of the roller.

[0040] The hard body may comprise a wear resistance outer surface.

[0041] Each side body may be secured to the lateral face by bolting the side body through the lateral face and into the roller body. Each side body may be secured to the lateral face using other known means, these variations being included within the scope of this invention.

[0042] Each side body may be adapted to secure one or more hard bodies relative to the roller. By having a side body secure a single hard body, for instance, it is quick and easy to repair the roller when a single hard body is damaged and requires replacing.

[0043] In one embodiment of the invention one or more of the side bodies may have an aperture therethrough in a region adjacent a second end of each side body. Preferably the aperture passes through the enlarged portion. The aperture may be threaded. The threaded aperture may be adapted to receive a threaded fastener which is adapted to assist with removing the side body from the roller. In practice the rollers and its associated edge protection system is exposed to harsh environments wherein the material builds up on the side of the rollers, entering any small recess and opening. When this build-up of material hardens it becomes

- 14 2019202368 04 Apr 2019 difficult to remove the side bodies when required. To assist in removing the side bodies a fastener may be placed in the threaded aperture. Once the bolt securing the side body in place has been removed or loosened, the threaded fastener may be placed in the threaded aperture and rotated. Eventually the end of the threaded fastener engages the roller. Further rotation of the threaded fastener causes the second end of the side body to be levered away from the roller, enabling removal of the side body.

[0044] In one variation the lateral face of the roller may have a plurality of threaded holes extending into the roller. These threaded holes may align with the aperture of each side body when the side bodies are in position. When fitting a side body relative to the roller a fastener may be placed through the aperture in the side body and into the roller to assist in securing the side body to the roller. The roller may have less threaded holes then there are apertures. In such an arrangement side bodies may be fitted in those positions which correspond with threaded holes in the roller. This assists in installation/replacement of the side bodies.

[0045] In an alternative embodiment, each side body may have at least one protrusion extending therefrom, such that when the side body is secured to the lateral face of the roller the protrusion is received in a recess in the lateral face.

[0046] Accordingly the invention resides in an edge protection assembly for a pressure roller used in the grinding of materials, the roller having an outer face on a roller body, the outer face extending between two lateral faces, each junction of the respective lateral face with the outer face providing an edge portion, each lateral face providing a first engagement formation, the edge protection assembly comprising:

a plurality of side bodies adapted to be releasably secured to the lateral faces of the roller, whereby when fitted a portion of an inner surface of each side body abuts the lateral face, each side body comprises:

- 152019202368 04 Apr 2019 a first end which terminates at a position below the roller’s outer face when fitted thereto, a second engagement formation adjacent a second end of each side body, the second engagement formation co-operates with the first engagement formation of the roller when fitted thereto;

a plurality of hard bodies adapted to be secured relative to the plurality of side bodies using a dovetail arrangement when the side bodies are secured to the roller, the hard bodies being arranged to support the edge portion of the roller whereby when fitted a portion of each hard body abuts the lateral face.

[0047] The second engagement formation of each side body co-operates with the first engagement formation of the roller to assist in installation/positioning/ orientation of the edge protection system but also to distribute any load experienced by the edge protection system into the roller.

[0048] In one aspect of the invention the first engagement formation is in the form of an annular recess formed in the lateral face of the roller a distance from the outer face of the roller, and the second engagement formation is in the form of a enlarged portion extending outwardly from the inner surface of the side body, the enlarged portion is adapted to be received in the annular recess.

[0049] In another aspect of the invention the first engagement formation is in the form of an ring extending outwardly from the lateral face of the roller a distance from the outer face of the roller, and the second engagement formation is in the form of a slot formed in the inner surface of the side body and extending between the sides thereof, the ring is adapted to be received in the slot of each side body.

[0050] Accordingly the invention resides in a pressure roller assembly , the assembly comprising a roller for use in the grinding of materials, the roller having a plurality of replaceable side bodies secured to each lateral face thereof, the side

- 16 2019202368 04 Apr 2019 bodies providing means to secure a plurality of hard bodies whereby the hard bodies define an outer edge of the pressure roller assembly, each side bodies and each hard body having at least a portion thereof in abutment with the rollers respective lateral side face.

[0051] Preferably the hard bodies provide an extension to an outer surface of the roller.

[0052] Accordingly the invention resides in a pressure roller assembly for use in the grinding of materials, the roller having a cylindrical outer face defined between two lateral faces, each lateral face being substantially continuous, each lateral face co-operating with a plurality of replaceable side bodies secured thereto to define an annular channel, the channel being adapted to receive a plurality of hard bodies secured to or in relation to an end face of the side bodies in a dovetail arrangement with the side bodies whereby the hard bodies define an outer edge of the assembly, each side body and hard body having at least a portion thereof in abutment with its respective lateral side face.

[0053] Preferably the hard bodies provide an extension to an outer surface of the roller.

[0054] Accordingly the invention resides in an edge protection assembly for a pressure roller used in the grinding of materials, the roller having an outer face on a roller body, the outer face extending between two lateral faces, each junction of the respective lateral face with the outer face providing an edge portion, the edge protection assembly comprising:

at least one side body adapted to be releasably secured to one or both of the lateral faces of the roller, whereby when fitted the at least one side body terminates at a position below the roller’s outer face;

- 172019202368 04 Apr 2019 a plurality of hard bodies adapted to be secured relative to the at least one side body when the at least one side body is secured to the roller, the hard bodies being arranged to support the edge portion of the roller.

[0055] [0056] Accordingly the invention resides in an ore grinding mill incorporating a pair of pressure rollers, each rollers as herein described, the rollers being supported in parallel spaced apart relationship and driven in contra-rotation so as in use to grind ore fed between the rollers.

[0057] Accordingly the invention further resides in a pressure roller having an edge protection assembly, the pressure roller having an outer face on a roller body, the outer face extending between two lateral faces, each junction of the respective lateral face with the outer face providing an edge portion, the edge protection assembly comprising:

a plurality of side bodies releasably secured to one or both of the lateral faces of the roller, whereby a portion of each side body abuts the lateral face, and each side body terminates at a position below the roller’s outer face;

a plurality of hard bodies secured relative to the plurality of side bodies, the hard bodies being arranged to support the edge portion of the roller whereby a portion of each hard body abuts the lateral face.

[0058] Accordingly the invention further resides in an edge protection assembly for a pressure roller used in the grinding of materials, the roller having an outer face on a roller body, the outer face extending between two lateral faces, each lateral face providing a substantially continuous surface, each junction of the respective lateral face with the outer face providing an edge portion, the edge protection assembly comprising:

- 182019202368 04 Apr 2019 a plurality of side bodies adapted to be releasably secured to one or both of the lateral faces of the roller, whereby when fitted each side body terminates at a position below the roller’s outer face;

a plurality of hard bodies adapted to be secured relative to the plurality of side bodies when the side bodies are secured to the roller, the hard bodies being arranged to support the edge portion of the roller.

[0059] Accordingly the invention further resides in an edge protection assembly for each edge portion of a pressure roller used in the grinding of materials, the roller having an outer face on a roller body, the outer face extending between two lateral faces, each lateral face having an annular recess formed therein, the edge portion is provided at the junction of the respective lateral face with the outer face, the edge protection assembly comprising:

a plurality of side bodies adapted to be releasably secured to the lateral face of the roller, whereby when fitted an inner surface of each side body abuts the lateral face, each side body comprises:

a first end which terminates at a position below the roller’s outer face when fitted thereto, and an enlarged portion adjacent a second end of each side body, the enlarged portion extending outwardly from the inner surface of the side body, the enlarged portion is adapted to be received in the annular recess of the roller when fitted thereto;

a plurality of hard bodies adapted to be secured relative to the plurality of side bodies when the side bodies are secured to the roller, the hard bodies being arranged to support the edge portion of the roller whereby when fitted a portion of each hard body abuts the lateral face.

- 192019202368 04 Apr 2019 wherein each hard body has a bottom face which engages an end face of one of the plurality of side bodies in a dovetail arrangement, the bottom face of each hard body provides a projection, the projection is wider at an end thereof than at an intermediary position between the ends of the hard body, the projection is adapted to be received in a recess formed in the end face of the side body, the recess of the side body is complementary to the shape of the projection of the hard body such that when assembled the projection is wedged in position by the recess and the lateral face of the roller such that the hard body is prevented from moving away from the side body.

[0060] Accordingly the invention further resides in an edge protection assembly for a pressure roller used in the grinding of materials, the roller having an outer face on a roller body, the outer face extending between two lateral faces, each lateral face having an annular recess formed therein, each junction of the respective lateral face with the outer face providing an edge portion, the edge protection assembly comprising:

a plurality of side bodies adapted to be releasably secured to one or both of the lateral faces of the roller, whereby when fitted a portion of an inner surface of each side body abuts the lateral face, each side body comprises a first end which terminates at a position below the roller’s outer face when fitted thereto, an enlarged portion adjacent a second end of each side body, the enlarged portion extending outwardly from the inner surface of the side body, the enlarged portion is adapted to be received in the annular recess of the roller when fitted thereto;

a plurality of hard bodies adapted to be secured relative to the plurality of side bodies when the side bodies are secured to the roller, the hard bodies

-202019202368 04 Apr 2019 being arranged to support the edge portion of the roller whereby when fitted a portion of each hard body abuts the lateral face;

wherein each hard body has a bottom face which engages an end face of one of the plurality of side bodies in a dovetail arrangement.

[0061] Accordingly the invention further resides in an edge protection assembly for a pressure roller used in the grinding of materials, the roller having an outer face on a roller body, the outer face extending between two lateral faces, each lateral face having an annular recess formed therein, each junction of the respective lateral face with the outer face providing an edge portion, the edge protection assembly comprising:

a plurality of side bodies adapted to be releasably secured to the lateral faces of the roller, whereby when fitted a portion of an inner surface of each side body abuts the lateral face, each side body comprises:

a first end which terminates at a position below the roller’s outer face when fitted thereto, an enlarged portion at a second end of each side body, the enlarged portion extending outwardly from the inner surface of the side body, the enlarged portion is adapted to be received in the annular recess of the roller when fitted thereto;

a plurality of hard bodies adapted to be secured relative to the plurality of side bodies when the side bodies are secured to the roller, the hard bodies being arranged to support the edge portion of the roller whereby when fitted a portion of each hard body abuts the lateral face;

wherein each hard body has a bottom face which engages an end face of the respective side body in a dovetail arrangement;

-21 2019202368 04 Apr 2019 wherein one or more hard bodies has at least one protrusion in a surface thereof, the protrusion being adapted to be received in a recess in one of the side bodies, whereby when the hard body is in position, the protrusion co-operates with the side body to minimise/prevent the movement of the hard body relative to the side body.

[0062] Accordingly the invention further resides in an edge protection assembly for a pressure roller used in the grinding of materials, the roller having an outer face on a roller body, the outer face extending between two lateral faces, each lateral face having an annular recess formed therein, each junction of the respective lateral face with the outer face providing an edge portion, the edge protection assembly comprising:

at least one side body adapted to be releasably secured to the lateral faces of the roller, whereby the at least one side body comprises:

a first end which terminates at a position below the roller’s outer face when fitted thereto, an enlarged portion adjacent a second end of each side body, the enlarged portion extending outwardly from the inner surface of the side body, the enlarged portion is adapted to be received in the annular recess of the roller when fitted thereto;

a plurality of hard bodies adapted to be secured relative to the at least one side body when the at least one side body is secured to the roller, the hard bodies being arranged to support the edge portion of the roller, wherein each hard body has a bottom face which engages an end face of the at least one side body in a dovetail arrangement.

[0063] Accordingly the invention further resides in an edge protection assembly for a pressure roller used in the grinding of materials, the roller having an outer face

-222019202368 04 Apr 2019 on a roller body, the outer face extending between two lateral faces, , each lateral face having an annular recess formed therein, each lateral face providing a substantially continuous surface between the outer face and the annular recess, each junction of the respective lateral face with the outer face providing an edge portion, the edge protection assembly comprising:

a plurality of side bodies adapted to be releasably secured to the lateral faces of the roller, whereby each side body comprises:

a first end which terminates at a position below the roller’s outer face when fitted thereto, an enlarged portion adjacent a second end of each side body, the enlarged portion extending outwardly from the inner surface of the side body, the enlarged portion is adapted to be received in the annular recess of the roller when fitted thereto;

a plurality of hard bodies adapted to be secured relative to the plurality of side bodies when the side bodies are secured to the roller, the hard bodies being arranged to support the edge portion of the roller wherein each hard body has a bottom face which engages an end face of one of the plurality of side bodies in a dovetail arrangement.

[0064] Accordingly the invention further resides in a pressure roller having an edge protection assembly, the pressure roller having an outer face on a roller body, the outer face extending between two planar lateral faces, each lateral face having an annular recess formed therein, each junction of the respective lateral face with the outer face providing an edge portion, the edge protection assembly comprising:

-232019202368 04 Apr 2019 a plurality of side bodies releasably secured to one or both of the lateral faces of the roller, whereby a portion of each side body abuts the lateral face, each side body comprises:

a first end which terminates at a position below the roller’s outer face when fitted thereto, an enlarged portion adjacent a second end of each side body, the enlarged portion extending outwardly from the inner surface of the side body, the enlarged portion is adapted to be received in the annular recess of the roller when fitted thereto;

a plurality of hard bodies secured relative to the plurality of side bodies, the hard bodies being arranged to support the edge portion of the roller whereby a portion of each hard body abuts the lateral face, [0065] wherein each hard body has a bottom face which engages an end face of one of the plurality of side bodies in a dovetail arrangement. Preferably the annular recess is positioned between the outer face and an inner face of the roller.

[0066] Accordingly the invention further resides in a pressure roller having an edge protection assembly as herein described, the pressure roller having an outer face on a roller body, the outer face extending between two planar lateral faces, each lateral face having an annular recess formed therein, each junction of the respective lateral face with the outer face providing an edge portion.

[0067] Accordingly the invention further resides in a roller comprising an edge protection assembly as herein described.

[0068] Accordingly the invention resides in a roller used in the grinding of materials, the roller having an outer face on a roller body, the outer face extending between two lateral faces, each lateral face providing a first

-242019202368 04 Apr 2019 engagement formation, the roller comprising an edge protection assembly secured relative to each lateral face, the edge protection assembly comprising:

a plurality of side bodies adapted to be releasably secured to the lateral faces of the roller, each side body comprises:

a second engagement formation at a second end region of each side body, the second engagement formation cooperates with the first engagement formation of the roller when fitted thereto to transfer loads exerted on the edge protection assembly to the roller body;

a plurality of hard bodies adapted to be secured relative to the plurality of side bodies.

Brief Description of the Drawings [0069] The invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of a specific embodiment thereof as shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective cross sectional view of a portion of a roller having an edge protection assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention secured thereto;

Figure 2 is a view similar to figure 1;

Figure 3 is a perspective front view of a side body shown in figures 1 and 2;

Figure 4 is a perspective cross sectional view of a portion of a roller before the edge protection assembly is fitted thereto;

-252019202368 04 Apr 2019

Figure 5 is a cross sectional view of an edge portion of a roller with the edge protection assembly fitted thereto, the cross section taken through the bolt of the edge protection assembly;

Figure 6 is a view similar to figure 5 with the cross section taken through a position between adjacent bolts;

Figures 7a and 7b are views of a hard body of the edge protection assembly shown in figure 1; and

Figures 8a and 8b are views of an alternate hard body to that shown in figure 7.

[0070] In the drawings like structures are referred to by like numerals throughout the several views. The drawings shown are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Specific Embodiment [0071] A first embodiment of the invention is depicted in figures 1 to 7 and is in the form of an edge protection system. The embodiment of the invention depicted in the figures is designed to enhance the longevity of a roller 10 utilising the edge protection assembly.

[0072] The roller 10 of the present embodiment is intended for use in the high pressure, grinding of material. In such a process it is highly desirable for ground ore material to be present on the outer face of the roller to effect at least part of the grinding action, in addition to providing a degree of protection to the outer face of the roller.

[0073] The roller 10 according to the embodiment is provided with a cylindrical outer face 11 extending between two, substantially continuous, lateral faces 12,

-262019202368 04 Apr 2019 whereby an edge portion 19 is provided at the junction of each lateral face with the outer face.

[0074] The outer face 11 of the roller has a number of pockets 15 formed therein so as to receive an insert 13. The configuration of the roller’s outer face 11 is such that it assists in the formation of a layer of protective material once the grinding action commences.

[0075] As best noted in figure 4, each lateral face 12 provides a first engagement formation which, in the present embodiment, is in the form of an annular recess

20. The annular recess 20 is positioned between the outer face 11 and an inner face 14 of the roller.

[0076] In this embodiment the edge protection assembly comprises a plurality of side bodies 21 releasably secured to lateral face 12. Each side body 21 comprises a first end 222 which, once fitted to the roller, terminates at a position below/radially inward of the outer face 11 of the roller 10. Without the hard bodies, this would otherwise leave a lateral face portion 25 exposed to the environment.

[0077] Each side body 21 comprises a second engagement formation in the form of an enlarged portion 224 which is located adjacent a second end 226 of the hard body. The enlarged portion 224 extends outwardly from an inner surface 225 of the side body. The enlarged portion 224 also has a threaded aperture 227 passing therethrough for reasons which will be described below. To prevent dirt building up in the threaded aperture 227 during operation a plug (not shown) can be placed therein.

[0078] As shown in figure 2, the enlarged portion 224 is received in the annular recess 20 as the side body is secured to the roller. The enlarged portion 224 has a profile which is complementary to the profile of the annular recess 20 such that at least an end surface 228 of the side body 21 engages a shoulder 230 of the annular recess 20.

-272019202368 04 Apr 2019 [0079] The enlarged portion 224 and the annular recess 20 cooperate to transfer and distribute loads exerted on the edge protection system into the roller 10. This greatly enhances the robustness of the edge protection system.

[0080] In addition the annular recess 20 allows the side bodies to be readily placed in the correct position and supported while the edge protection assembly is fitted to the roller.

[0081] Referring to figure 2 and 3, each side body 21 provides a cut-out 232 in an outer surface 234, adjacent the first end 222. The cut-out 232 receives a wear plate 236 which has higher wear characteristics than the side body 21. The wear plate 236 provides the side body 21 with additional protection from wear.

[0082] Each side body 21 is secured to the roller by bolts 23 passing through the side body into the roller through the lateral face 12.

[0083] The side bodies 21 and lateral face portion 25 of the roller co-operate to define a groove 27 which extends circumferentially around the lateral face of the roller adjacent the outer face 11. The groove 27 is adapted to receive a plurality of hard bodies 29 in a back to back arrangement. Once installed the hard bodies 29 protect the edge portion 19 and lateral face portion 25 of the roller 10. In the embodiment shown an outer face 31 of each hard body 21 is located flush with the outer face 11 of the roller to provide an extension of the outer face 11 of the roller.

[0084] As shown in figures 7a, 7b each hard body 29 is formed with a protrusion 35 in the surface which engages the side body 21. Each side body 21 is formed with a complementary recess 34 which, once the hard body 29 is in place, receives the protrusion 35 of the hard body. The co-operation of the protrusion 35 with the recess 34 assists in preventing tangential movement of the hard body relative to the side body.

-282019202368 04 Apr 2019 [0085] An alternate form of hard body 329 is show in figures 8a, 8b. In this alternate form an outer surface 331 of the hard body 29 is curved, such that a portion of the outer surface 331 would be proud of the surface 11 of the roller 10. The curved surface encourages retention of material in the center of the roller. It also improves the load bearing capability and reduces the likelihood of the edge of the hard bodies from breaking off as the profile redistributes the load away from the edge.

[0086] Each hard body 29 is received and retained relative to the respective side body 21 by a dovetail arrangement 33, as best shown in figures 2, 5 and 6. A bottom face 38 of each hard body 29 has a projection 37. The projection 37 is received in a recess 39 formed in an end face 41 of the side body 21 at the first end 222. The projection 37 and recess 39 are configured such that when the edge protection assembly is fitted to the roller 10 each hard body 29 is held in/wedged into position. In particular each projection 37 is wider at an end thereof than at an intermediary position between the ends of the hard body. Similarly, the recess 39 is narrower adjacent the first end 222 and progressively increases in thickness as it extends away from the first end 222, such that the recess 39 is complementary in shape to the projection 37 of the hard body.

[0087] When in position, the dovetail arrangement 33 prevents movement of the hard body 29 away from the side body 21 in axial and radial directions. This assists in locking the hard body 29 relative to the roller 10, making it more difficult to remove the hard body 29 from the roller 10 compared to the edge protection systems of the prior art.

[0088] The dovetail arrangement negates the requirement of using any other means to fix the hard body in place. However, it is noted that a secondary means of fixing the hard body in position may be used. This includes gluing, welding, brazing, soldering, fastening and/or using a dowel arrangement.

-292019202368 04 Apr 2019 [0089] Each hard body 29 has a side face 43 which engages the lateral face portion 25 when the hard body 29 is in position.

[0090] In use, each hard body 29 supports and protects the edge portion 19 of the roller. During operation one or more hard bodies 29 may break away or wear down, exposing the side bodies 21 and/or the edge portion 19. If the roller is not timely repaired, the side bodies 21 are exposed to the harsh environment and may be damaged requiring repair or replacement.

[0091] When repair of the edge protection assembly is required, whether this be replacement of one or more hard bodies and/or one or more side bodies, an operator simply removes and repairs/replaces the side bodies 21, allowing new hard bodies 29 to be secured to relative to the edge portion 19. This is not achievable with the prior art systems as prior art systems would require replacement/repair of the edge portion of the roller.

[0092] Due to the environment in which the rollers operate, the accumulation of dirt and/or damage to the edge protection assembly can make it very difficult for the operator to remove the side bodies once the bolt has been removed. In these cases the operator removes the plug from the threaded aperture 227 in the enlarged portion 224 of the side body 21. Once the plug is removed a fastened can be placed in the threaded aperture and rotated. Eventually the end of the fastener will engage the lateral face of the roller whereupon further rotation will cause the second end 226 of the side body to move away from the lateral face 12, allowing the side body to be removed.

[0093] In the present embodiment each side body 21 supports a single hard body

29. As each side body 21 only supports and secures a single hard body 29, the process of replacing a hard body 29 is easier and quicker. Furthermore, as the weight of the side body is substantially decreased compared to a side body capable of supporting a number of hard bodies the removal and replacement of damaged hard bodies is safer and easier to complete in the field.

-302019202368 04 Apr 2019 [0094] Furthermore the hard bodies and/or side bodies, can be more easily adapted for their application. If it is found that a greater hardness or better wear resistance properties are required, the hard bodies can be readily exchanged with those made from a material having the desired properties.

[0095] In another embodiment the hard bodies may be adapted to extend across two side bodies such that half of the hard body is supported by one side body and the other half is supported by an adjacent side body.

[0096] In another embodiment each side body supports a number of hard bodies.

[0097] The multi piece, edge protection assembly of the present invention allows the edge protection to be reinstated regardless of whether the edge portion of the roller has worn. The side body containing the failed hard bodies can be unbolted from the lateral face of the roller and a replacement side body reattached. Replacement of the hard bodies is therefore independent on the state of the parent material of the roller.

[0098] A multi piece edge protection assembly extends the window in which the edge can be reinstated allowing prompt rather than immediate replacement.

[0099] This design dramatically extends the life and tonnage of the roller body.

[00100] The present invention is not to be limited in scope by the specific embodiment described herein. For instance the first engagement formation may be of a male configuration and the second engagement formation may be in a female configuration adapted to be received in a complementary fashion with respect to the male configuration, such as for example a ring extending from the lateral face of the roller and a slot at the second end of each side body. The embodiment is intended for the purpose of exemplification only. Functionally equivalent products, elements and methods are clearly within the scope of the invention as described herein.

-31 2019202368 04 Apr 2019 [00101] Throughout the specification and claims, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

-322019202368 04 Apr 2019

Claims

Claims (35)

1. An edge protection assembly for a pressure roller used in the grinding of materials, the roller having an outer face on a roller body, the outer face

5 extending between two lateral faces, each lateral face providing a first engagement formation, the edge protection assembly comprising:

a plurality of side bodies adapted to be releasably secured to the lateral faces of the roller, each side body comprises:

a second engagement formation at a second end region of

10 each side body, the second engagement formation cooperates with the first engagement formation of the roller when fitted thereto to transfer loads exerted on the edge protection assembly to the roller body;

a plurality of hard bodies adapted to be secured relative to the

15 plurality of side bodies.

2. The edge protection assembly according to claim 1 wherein the first engagement formation is in the form of an annular recess formed in the lateral face of the roller a distance from the outer face of the roller, and the second engagement formation is in the form of an enlarged portion

20 extending outwardly from an inner surface of the side body, the inner surface being that surface of each side body which abuts the lateral face when fitted thereto, the enlarged portion is adapted to be received in the annular recess.

-332019202368 04 Apr 2019

3. The edge protection assembly according to claim 1 wherein the first engagement formation is in the form of a ring protruding outwardly from the lateral face of the roller at a position radially inward of the outer face of the roller, and the second engagement formation is in the form of a slot formed

5 in an inner surface of the side body and extending between the sides thereof, the ring is adapted to be received in the slot of each side body.

4. An pressure roller having an edge protection assembly, the roller used in the grinding of materials, the roller having an outer face on a roller body, the outer face extending between two lateral faces, each lateral face

10 having an annular recess formed therein, each junction of the respective lateral face with the outer face providing an edge portion, the edge protection assembly comprising:

a plurality of side bodies adapted to be releasably secured to the lateral face of the roller, whereby when fitted an inner surface of each side body

15 abuts the lateral face, each side body comprises:

a first end which terminates at a position below the roller’s outer face when fitted thereto, an enlarged portion adjacent a second end of each side body, the enlarged portion extending outwardly from the inner surface of the

20 side body, the enlarged portion is adapted to be received in the annular recess of the roller when fitted thereto;

a plurality of hard bodies adapted to be secured relative to the plurality of side bodies

5. A pressure roller having an edge protection assembly, the roller used in the

25 grinding of materials, the roller having an outer face on a roller body, the

-342019202368 04 Apr 2019 outer face extending between two lateral faces, each lateral face having an annular recess formed therein, each junction of the respective lateral face with the outer face providing an edge portion, the edge protection assembly comprising:

5 a plurality of hard bodies adapted to be secured relative to a plurality of side bodies when the side bodies are secured to the roller, the hard bodies being arranged to support the edge portion of the roller whereby when fitted a portion of each hard body abuts the lateral face

10 the plurality of side bodies are adapted to be releasably secured to the lateral faces of the roller, whereby when fitted an inner surface of each side body abuts the lateral face, each side body comprises:

a first end adapted to receive one or more of the plurality of hard bodies; and

15 an enlarged portion adjacent a second end of each side body, the enlarged portion extending outwardly from the inner surface of the side body, the enlarged portion is adapted to be received in the annular recess of the roller when fitted thereto.

20 .

6. An edge protection assembly for a pressure roller used in the grinding of materials, the roller having an outer face on a roller body, the outer face extending between two lateral faces, each lateral face having an annular recess formed therein, , each junction of the respective lateral face with the

-352019202368 04 Apr 2019 outer face providing an edge portion, the edge protection assembly comprising:

a plurality of side bodies adapted to be releasably secured to the lateral faces of the roller, whereby when fitted an inner surface of

5 each side body abuts the lateral face, each side body comprises:

an enlarged portion adjacent an end of each side body, the end being distal from the outer face of the roller, the enlarged portion extending outwardly from the inner surface of the side body, the enlarged portion is adapted to be received in the

10 annular recess of the roller when fitted thereto;

a plurality of hard bodies adapted to be secured relative to the plurality of side bodies the hard bodies being arranged to support the edge portion of the roller such that when fitted a portion of each hard body abuts the lateral face.

15

7. An edge protection assembly for a pressure roller used in the grinding of materials, the roller having an outer face on a roller body, the outer face extending between two lateral faces, each lateral face having an annular recess formed therein, each junction of the respective lateral face with the outer face providing an edge portion, the edge protection assembly

20 comprising:

a plurality of side bodies adapted to be releasably secured to the lateral faces of the roller, whereby when fitted an inner surface of each side body abuts the lateral face, each side body comprises:

a first end which terminates at a position below the roller’s

25 outer face when fitted thereto,

-362019202368 04 Apr 2019 an enlarged portion at a second end of each side body, the enlarged portion extending outwardly from the inner surface of the side body, the enlarged portion is adapted to be received in the annular recess of the roller when fitted

5 thereto;

a plurality of hard bodies adapted to be secured relative to the plurality of side bodies, the hard bodies being arranged to support the edge portion of the roller whereby when fitted a portion of each hard body abuts the lateral face;

10 wherein one or more hard bodies has at least one protrusion in a surface thereof, the protrusion being adapted to be received in a recess in one of the side bodies, whereby when the hard body is in position, the protrusion co-operates with the side body to minimise/prevent the movement of the hard body relative to the side body.

15

8. The edge protection assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the enlarged portion of each side body engages at least a portion of one or more surfaces of the annular recess once fitted to the roller.

9. The edge protection assembly according to any one of the preceding

20 claims wherein at least a portion of the profile of the external surface of the enlarged portion is complementary to at least a portion of the profile of the annular recess in the lateral face of the roller.

10. The edge protection assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein one or more of the side bodies may have an aperture

25 therethrough in a region adjacent a second end of each side body.

-372019202368 04 Apr 2019

11. The edge protection assembly according to claim 7 wherein the aperture passes through the enlarged portion.

12. The edge protection assembly according to claim 7 or 8 wherein the aperture is threaded, and is adapted to receive a threaded fastener to

5 assist with removing the side body from the roller.

13. The edge protection assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the hard bodies provide an extension to the edge portion of the roller.

14. The edge protection assembly according to any one of the preceding

10 claims wherein the hard bodies are arranged in an end to end relationship.

15. The edge protection assembly according to any one of the preceding claims whereby when the side bodies are secured to respective lateral face, the roller and side bodies define a plurality of groove portions spaced around the edge portion.

15

16.The edge protection assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11 whereby when the side bodies are secured to respective lateral face, the roller and side bodies define a circumferential groove extending adjacent the edge portion, the circumferential groove being adapted to house the hard bodies..

20

17.The edge protection assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein one or more hard bodies has at least one protrusion in a surface thereof, the protrusion being adapted to be received in a recess in one of the side bodies, whereby when the hard body is in position, the protrusion co-operates with the side body to minimise/prevent the tangential

25 movement of the hard body relative to the side body.

-382019202368 04 Apr 2019

18. The edge protection assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein each side body is secured to the lateral face by bolting the side body through the lateral face into the roller body.

19. The edge protection assembly according to any one of the preceding

5 claims wherein each side body is adapted to secure one or more hard bodies relative to the roller.

20. The edge protection assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the plurality of hard bodies are adapted to be secured relative to the plurality of side bodies using a dovetail arrangement when

10 the side bodies are secured to the roller.

21. The edge protection assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein each hard body has a bottom face which engages an end face of one of the plurality of side bodies in a dovetail arrangement, the bottom face of each hard body provides a projection, the projection is wider

15 at an end thereof than at an intermediary position between the ends of the hard body, the projection is adapted to be received in a recess formed in the end face of the side body, the recess of the side body is complementary to the shape of the projection of the hard body such that when assembled the projection is wedged in position by the recess and the

20 lateral face of the roller such that the hard body is prevented from moving away from the side body.

22. The edge protection assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein each hard body has a bottom face which engages an end face of one of the plurality of side bodies in a dovetail arrangement

25

23.The edge protection assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein

-392019202368 04 Apr 2019

24. The edge protection assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein a first end of each side body terminates at a position below the roller’s outer face when fitted thereto.

25. The edge protection assembly according to any one of the preceding

5 claims wherein each junction of the respective lateral face with the outer face providing an edge portion.

26. The edge protection assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein

27. A pressure roller assembly, the assembly comprising a roller for use in the

10 grinding of materials, and an edge protection assembly, the edge protection assembly according to any one of the preceding claims.

28. An ore grinding mill incorporating a pair of rollers, at least one roller being incorporating an edge protection system according to any one of claims 1 to 16, the rollers being supported in parallel spaced apart relationship and

15 driven in contra-rotation so as in use to grind ore fed between the rollers.

29. An edge protection assembly for a pressure roller used in the grinding of materials, the roller having an outer face on a roller body, the outer face extending between two lateral faces, each lateral face providing a substantially continuous surface, each lateral face having an annular

20 recess formed therein, each junction of the respective lateral face with the outer face providing an edge portion, the edge protection assembly comprising:

a plurality of side bodies adapted to be releasably secured to the lateral faces of the roller, whereby when fitted each side body

-40 2019202368 04 Apr 2019 terminates at a position below the roller’s outer face, each side body comprises:

a first end which terminates at a position below the roller’s outer face when fitted thereto,

5 an enlarged portion adjacent a second end of each side body, the enlarged portion extending outwardly from the inner surface of the side body, the enlarged portion is adapted to be received in the annular recess of the roller when fitted thereto:

10 a plurality of hard bodies adapted to be secured relative to the plurality of side bodies when the side bodies are secured to the roller, the hard bodies being arranged to support the edge portion of the roller.

15

30.A pressure roller having an edge protection assembly, the pressure roller having an outer face on a roller body, the outer face extending between two planar lateral faces, each lateral face having an annular recess formed therein, each junction of the respective lateral face with the outer face providing an edge portion, the edge protection assembly comprising:

20 a plurality of side bodies releasably secured to one or both of the lateral faces of the roller, whereby a portion of each side body abuts the lateral face, and each side body terminates at a position below the roller’s outer face, each side body comprises:

-41 2019202368 04 Apr 2019 a first end which terminates at a position below the roller’s outer face when fitted thereto, an enlarged portion adjacent a second end of each side body, the enlarged portion extending outwardly from the inner

5 surface of the side body, the enlarged portion is adapted to be received in the annular recess of the roller when fitted thereto:

a plurality of hard bodies secured relative to the plurality of side bodies, the hard bodies being arranged to support the edge

10 portion of the roller whereby a portion of each hard body abuts the lateral face,

31. A pressure roller having an edge protection assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 16, 19 to 23, the pressure roller having an outer face on a

15 roller body, the outer face extending between two planar lateral faces, each lateral face having an annular recess formed therein, each junction of the respective lateral face with the outer face providing an edge portion.

32. A roller comprising an edge protection assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 16, 19 to 23.

20

33.A pressure roller assembly for use in the grinding of materials, the roller having a cylindrical outer face defined between two lateral faces, each lateral face having an annular recess formed therein and provides a substantially continuous surface at least between the outer face and the annular recess, each lateral face co-operating with a plurality of

25 replaceable side plates secured thereto to define an annular groove, the

-42 2019202368 04 Apr 2019 groove being adapted to receive a plurality of hard bodies secured to an end face of the side bodies whereby the hard bodies define an outer edge of the assembly, each side plate and hard body having at least a portion thereof in abutment with its respective lateral side face; wherein one or

5 more of the side plates have an enlarged portion at an end thereof, the enlarged portion is received in the annular recess when the side plates are secured to the lateral face of the roller.

34. A roller used in the grinding of materials, the roller having an outer face on a roller body, the outer face extending between two lateral faces, each

10 lateral face providing a first engagement formation, the roller comprising an edge protection assembly secured relative to each lateral face, the edge protection assembly comprising:

a plurality of side bodies adapted to be releasably secured to the lateral faces of the roller, each side body comprises:

15 a second engagement formation at a second end region of each side body, the second engagement formation cooperates with the first engagement formation of the roller when fitted thereto to transfer loads exerted on the edge protection assembly to the roller body;

20 a plurality of hard bodies adapted to be secured relative to the plurality of side bodies.

35. A roller comprising an edge protection assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 16, 19 to 23 fitted relative to each lateral face of the roller.