WO2013052754A1

WO2013052754A1 - Apparatus and method for a bearing assembly system

Info

Publication number: WO2013052754A1
Application number: PCT/US2012/058883
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sean NEITZEL; Matthew HAVEN; Chuck DRICKEN; Albert VAN MULLEM
Original assignee: Telsmith, Inc.
Priority date: 2011-10-06
Filing date: 2012-10-05
Publication date: 2013-04-11
Also published as: MX2014004092A; CN103998800A; BR112014008342A2; ZA201403030B; EP2764262B1; CN103998800B; US9605711B2; RU2014117551A; RU2610232C2; AU2012318550B2; BR112014008342B1; EP2764262A1; IN2014DN03482A; US20150003760A1; CL2014000842A1; EP2764262A4; CA2851339A1; AU2012318550A1

Abstract

A bearing assembly system adapted for use on a rock crusher having a main frame, a main shaft., an eccentric and a crashing bead, The bearing assembly system comprises a first hearing ring which is disposed around the main shaft, a second bearing ring which is disposed adjacent to the first bearing ring, and a means for conveying fluid to at least one of the first bearing ring and the second bearing ring, hi the preferred bearing assembly system at least one of the first bearing ring and the second bearing ring comprises a fluid depression, The preferred method farther comprises conveying fluid from the means for conveying fluid to at least one of the first bearing ring and second bearing ring.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR A BEARING ASSEMBLY SYSTEM

This application re efi back to and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application for Patent No. 61/626,981 titled 'Thrust Bearing System for a Rock Crusher" and filed on October 6, 201 1 ,

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The present invention relates generally to bearing assemblies, and particularly to bearing assembly systems adapted tor use on rock crushers,

BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

it is known to use roller bearings or spherical thrust bearings beneath the cra her shall or head of a rock crasher. Conventional roller bearings and spherical thrust bearings, however, suiter iron^; one or more disadvantages. For example, conventional, roller hearings and spherical thrust bearings are expensive. Conventional roller bearings and spherical thrust bearings also generate undesirable heat and have an. undesirably short operable lifespan. Conventional roller bearings and spherical thrust hearings also have an undesirably low load capacity, in addition, conventional roller bearings and spherical thrust bearings are difficult to maintain, repair and replace, li would be desirable, therefore, if an apparatus and .method for a bearing assembly system could be provided thai would reduce the cost of the bearings, it would also be desirable if such an apparatus and method could be provided that would reduce lite heal generated by the bearings and increase the operable lifespan of the bearings. It would be further desirable if such an apparatus and method could be provided that would increase the load ca pacity of the beatings. it would be still further desirable if such a.a apparatus and method could be provided that would simplify the maintenance, repair a d replacement f the bearings.

A AGES ^THE FRE

Accordingly, it is an advantage of the preferred embodiments of the invendon claimed herein to provide an apparatus and method for a bearing assembly system that reduces the cost of the bearings. It is also an advantage of die preferred embodiments of the indention claimed herein to provide an apparatus and method for a bearing assembly system that reduces the heat generated by the bearings and increases the operable lifespan of the bearings. It is a further advantage of the preferred embodiments of the invention claimed herein to provide an apparatus and method for a bearing assembly system that increases the load capacity of the bearings, ft is stilt further advantage of the preferred embodiments of the invention claimed herein to provide an apparatus and method for a bearing assembly system that simplifies the maintenance, repair and replacement of the bearings.

Additional advantages of the preferred enibodhiieitts of the invention will become apparent from an examination of the dra wings arid the ensuing description,

EXPLANATION O TBEJECHEKM, TERMS

s used herein, the term "fluid depression^" means any groove, channel pocket, ramp or other area on the bearing contacting surface that is adapted to receive, collect and/or distribute pressurized fluid, As used herein, die term '"ring" includes, without limitation, a singular ring or a plurality of ring segments or a singular ring or a plurality of ring segments incorporated into the eccentric, main frame and/or crushing head.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The apparatus of the inventio comprises a bearing assembly system adapted tor use on a rock crasher having a main frame, a m in shaft, an eccentric and a crushing head. The bearing assembly system comprises a first hearing ring which is disposed around the main shaft, a second bearing ring which is disposed adjacent to the first hearing ring, and a means fin^" conveying fluid to at least one of the first bearing ring and the second bearing ring. In the preferred hearing assembly system at least one of the first bearing ring and the second bearing ring comprises a Hind depression.

The method of the invention, comprises a method for a bearing assembly system, said method comprising providing a bearing assembly system. The preferred bearing assembly system is adapted for use on a rock crasher having a main frame, a main shaft, ai; eccentric and a crushing head. The preferred bearing assembly system comprises a first bearing ring which is disposed around the main shaft, a second bearing ring which is disposed adjacent to the first bearing ring, and a means for conveying fluid to at least one of the first bearing ring and the second bearing ring, In the preferred bearmg assembly system at least one of the dr y bearing ring and die second bearing ring comprises a fluid depression. The preferred method further comprises conveying fluid Irom the means for conveying fluid to at least one of the first bearing ring and second bearing ring. B E DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The presently preferred eiKhodirrseuts of the inyeutiors are illustrated the accotnpaayii^ drawings. In which hke reference numerals represent like parts throughout, and in which:

Figure 1 is a sectional ront view of the preferred embodiment of the bearing assembly system in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 2 is a sectional front view of the preferred hearing assembly system illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the preferred flat bearing ring of the bearing assembly system illustrated in Figures 1-2.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the preferred ramped bearing ring of the bearing assembly system illustrated in Figures 1-2.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the preferred ramped bearing ring of the bearing assembly system illustrated in Figures 1 -2 and 4.

Figure 6 is a sectional perspective view of the preferred ramped bearing ring of the bearing assembly system illustrated in. Figures 1-2 and 4-5.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the preferred inner sleeve of the bearing assembly system illustrated in Figures 1-2 arid 4-6. .Figure 8 is a sectional front view of a first alternative embodiment of the preferred bearing assembl system m accordance with the present invention.

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a first alternative embodiment of the preferred ramped bearing ring in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the first alternative embodiment of the preferred ramped bearing ring illustrated in Figure 9.

Figure 1.1 is a sectional perspective view of the first alternative embodiment of the preferred ramped bearing ring illustrated in Figures 9-10.

Referring now to the drawings, the preferred embodiments of the bearing assembly system in accordance with the present invention is illustrated by Figures I through i L As how in Figures 1-11, the preferred bearing assembly system is adapted to reduce the cost of the bearings. The preferred embodiments of the invention claimed herein also provide an apparatus and method for a bearing assembly system that reduces the heat generated b the bearings and increases the operable lifespan of the bearings. The preferred embodiments of the invention claimed herein further provide an apparatus and method for a bearing assembly system that increases the load capacity of the bearings. The preferred embodiments of the invention claimed herein still further provide an apparatus and method for a bearing assembly system that simplifies the maintenance, repair and replacement of the bearings. Referring now to F gure 1 , a sectional front view of the preferred embodiment of the bearing assembly system m accordance with the present invention is illustrated, As shown in Figure L the preferred hearing assembly system is designated generally by reference numeral 20.

Preferred bearing assembly system 20 is adapted for use on rock crusher 22 having main frame 24, mai shaft 26, eccentric 28 and crushing head 30, In the preferred embodiments of bearing assembly system 20, the bearing assembly system is adapted to support the loads of or on the crushing bead 30 and the loads from the crushing .head are transmitted to main frame 24 directly or indirectly via the bearings.

Sti!i referring to Figure 1, preferred bearing assembly 20 comprises a first bearing ring such as lower fiat bearing ring 32 which is disposed around main shaft 26 and a second bearing ring such as lower ramped beariog ring 34 which is disposed adjacent to the first bearing ring. Preferably, lower Hat bearing ring 32 is disposed on the mailt frame and the lower ramped bearing ring 34 is disposed on eccentric 2S, in the preferred embodiments of the bearing assembly system, at least one of the first bearing ring and the second bearing ring comprises a fluid depression. The preferred lower flat bearing ring 32 and lower ramped bearing ring 34 are adapted to be bydrosiarically separated before start- up and hydrodynaimeally separated from each other upon start-up (be, upon rotation) ensuring that there is no contact between the bearing rings during normal operation of the rock emsber. The preferred bearing assembly system 20 also comprises third bearing ring such as upper ramped bearing ring 40 which is disposed around the main shaft 26 and a fourth bearing ring such as upper flat bearing ring 42 which Is disposed adjacent to the third hearing ring. Preferably, upper ramped bearing ring 40 is disposed on eccentric 28 and upper flat bearing ring 42 is disposed on crushing head 30, While Figure 1 illustrates the preferred configuration and arrangement of the bearing rings, it is contemplated within the scope of the invention thai the bearing rings may he of any suitable configuration and arrangement. For example, it is contemplated within the scope of the invention that the ramped bearing ring may be disposed on ihe main frame and the flat bearing ring may be disposed on die eccentric.

Still referring to Figure 1 , preferred bearing assembly system 20 also comprises a means for conveying fluid to at least one of the first bearing ring and second bearing ring. The preferred means for conveying fluid to at least one of the first bearing ring and second bearing bog r- an oil supply assembly 44 which comprises conduit 46 and fluid source 48, Preferably, the same means tor conveying fluid to at least one of the first and second bearing rings is also adapted to convey fluid to at least one of the third bearing ring and .fourth bearing ring. While Figure 1 illustrates die preferred configuration and arrangement of the means for conveying fluid to the bearing rings, it is contemplated within the scope of the invention that the means tor conveying ilaid to the bearing rings may be of any suitable configuration and arrangement

Referring now to Figure 2, a sectional front view of preferred bearing assembly system 20 is illustrated. As shown in Figure 2. preferred bearing assembly system 20 comprises lower flat hearing ring 32., lower ramped bearing ring 34, upper ramped bearing ring 40, tipper flat bearing ring 42, oil supply assembly 44 and conduit 46. In the preferred embodiments of the invention, fiat hearing ring 32 and i'aniped bearing ring 34 bear against each other before pressurizing the system with fluid. Pressurized oil is conveyed to main shaft 26 of the crusher from the bottom of the shaft toward the top of the shaft. The pressurized oil is then conveyed by radial conduits 50 to annular chamber 48 which is defined by the outside wall of main shaft 26 and the inside wall of inner sleeve 49, The pressurized oil in annular chamber 48 is conveyed into the vertical slot in the rotating inner sleeve 49 which is mounted to the rotating eccentric 28. Because annular chamber 48 r u ds main shaft 26, oil can eofi istem!y flow into rotating inner sl e e 9. The pressu ised oil th n .flows through die vertical slot m inner sleeve 49 and is conveyed to eccentric 28 through radial conduits 52. The preferred radiai conduits 52 are in fluid communication with the oil inlet holes in each of the ramped bearing rings 34 and 40. While Figure 2 illustrates the configuration sod amiugemcnt of the referre me ns for conveying Jhad to the bearing rings, it is contemplated within the '-co of the invention that the means for convey ng fluid to the bearing rings may be of any suitable configuration and arrangement.

Referring now to Figure 3, a perspective view of preferred lower flat hearkrg ring 32 of hearing assembly system 20 is illustrated. As shown hi Figure 3, preferred flat bearing ring comp ise substantially fiat hearing surface 53 is adapted to bear against ramped lower bearing ring 34 and a plurality of apertures 54 which axe adapted receive fastening devices. While Figure 3 illustrates the preferred configuration and arrangement of the flat bearing ring, it is contemplated within the scope of di invention thai the lia bearing ting may be of an) suitable configuration and. arrangement

Referring now to Figure 4, a perspective view of preferred ramped bearing ring 34 in. accordance with the present inv ntion is illustrated. As shown in Figure 4, preferred bearing ring 34 includes flat bearing surface 55, fluid feed inlet 56, l rid feed pocket 57. fluid outlet 58, and ramped pocket 62, While Figure 4 illustrates the preferred configuration d arrangement of the preferred ramped bearing ring, it is contemplated within the scope of the invention that the ramped bearing ring may he of any suitable configuration a d arrangement. For example, it is contemplated within ihe scope of the invention that the ramped hearing ring may riot include any fluid outlets such that pressurized oil exits the system from the sides of the bearing rings. Referring now to Figure 5, a perspective i of preferred lower ramped tearing ring 34 of bearing assembly system 20 is illustrated. As shown in Figure 5, preferred lower ramped bearing ring 34 comprises ramped pocket 62 which slopes from lower end 64 adjacent to fluid feed pocket 5? to upper end 66 adjacent to fluid outlet 58.

Referring now to Figure 6. a sectional perspective view of the pre effed wer am ed bearing ring 34 of bearing assembly system 20 is illustrated. As shown in Figure 6. preferred !ower ramped bearing ring 34 comprises substantially flat side 70 which is opposite ramped bearing pocket 62- Preferred suhstarmahy flat side 70 includes ·.·=^;=· r channel 72 which is in fluid communication with, fluid feed pockets 57. In the preferred embodi ents, the hydrostatic operation of the hearing assembly system allows for iow speed, lo w load operation daring machine start-up. Before the crusher is started (before rotation starts), the preferred system conveys pressurised oh to a pair of bearing rings. Oil enters each of the ramped pockets (each ramped bearing ring preferably has multiple bearing pads) through fluid feed inlet 56,

Pressurized oil fills the fluid feed pocket 57 and the ramped pocket 62, Preferred ramped pockei 62 preferably starts at a depth, at lower end 64 and slopes toward the fiat surface plane at upper end 66 disposed at the opposite end of die ramped pocket, The pressure o ver this area gives hydrostatic lilt, providing separation between the ramped hearing ring and flat bearing ring. As the parts separate, oil will be conveyed past the flat face of the hearing onf of the ramped pocket area and over the sides. The amount of lift achieved depends upon the oil flow rate.

After the crusher is started and it begins to rotate, flat bearing ring 32 and ram ed bearing ring 34 are already separated by the hydrostatic type oil film described above. As the crusher speed increases, the relative motion between liat bearing ring 32 and fiat bearing ring 34 also increases. This relative motion causes the oil in the fluid feed pocket 57 to be "dragged^" by its viscosity into the lower end 64 of ramped pocket 62, Once in the romped pocket 62, the oil is forced into ihe converging volume between the taper (wedge) id the rnaiing fiat bearing ring by its viscosity. This wedging action creates ressure and urges the Hat bearing ring away from the ranrped poclcet with a force capable of supporting the vertical crushing load. The bearing assembly system preferably operates at a very close clearance (preferably less than O.OCKw) hen loaded. The small clearance adequately forms a seal between the flat surfaces surrounding the ramps aid the flat bearing ring and oil leakage is minimized or elrnikaied.

Referring no to Figure y a perspective view of preferred inxrer sleeve 49 of bearing assembly system 20 is illustrated. As shown in Figure ?, preferred inner sleeve 49 Includes vertical slot 82. While Figure 7 illustrates the preferred configuration and arrangement of the inner sleeve, it is contemplated within the scope of the invention that the inner sleeve may be of arty suitable confi uration and arrangement.

Referring now to Flgnre 8, a sectional trout view of a first alternative embodiment of the preferred bearing assembly system in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. As shown in Figure 8, the first alternative embodiment of tire bearing assembly system is designated generally by reference numeral 120, Preferred bearing assembly system 120 comprises lower flat bearing ring 132, lower ramped bearing rrng 134» upper ramped bearing ring 140 and rappe flat bearing ring 1 2, Preferred lower fiat bearing ring 132 rs disposed on main frame 122,. preferred lower ramped bearing ring 134 is disposed on eccentric 126, preferred upper ramped bearing ring 140 is disposed on eccentric 126 and preferred upper Oat bearing ring 142 is disposed on the crushing head. In preferred bearing assembly system 120, pressurized oil is conveyed to the lower bearing rings via main frame conduit 1 6 which asses through m n .frame 122. Preferably, the pressurized oil is conveyed through flat bearing ring 132 to rotary groove 161 in. ramped bearing ring 134. Preferred rotary groove 161 maiurains a connection wi h flat bearing ring 132 even when ramped bearing ring 1.34 is rotating. Pressurized oil is conveyed from lower ramped bearing ring 134 to upper ramped bearing ring 140 via eccentric conduit 148. While Figure illustrates the preferred configuration and arrangement of the first alternative embodiment of the bearing assembly system, it is coniemplaied within the scope of the invention that the beating assembly system may be of any suitable configuration and arrangement.

Referring now to Figure 9, a perspective view of a first alternative embodiment of the lower ramped bearing ring in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. As shown in Figure , the first alternative embodiment, of the lower ramped bearing ring is designated generally by referersce .numeral 234, Preferred lower ramped bearing ring 234 comprises flat bearing surface 255 which is adapted to bear against the substantially flat bearing sur ce of the lower ilai bearing ring. More particularly,, preferred lower ramped bearing ring 23 Includes fluid teed inlet 256. Hold eed pocket 252» fluid outlet 238, first rotary groove 260, second rotary groove 261 and ramped pocket 262. While Figure 9 illustrates the preferred configuration and amaigeraem of ramped bearing ring 234, it is contemplated within the scope of the invention that the ramped bearing ring may be of any suitable e uflguratioxi and arrangement.

Referring now to Figure 10, a perspective view of preferred lower ramped beariwg ring 234 of bearing assembly system 20 is illustrated. As shown in Figure I Of preferred lower ramped bearing ring 234 comprises ramped pocket 262 which slopes from lower end 264 adjacent to field feed pocket 257 to upper end 266 adjacent to fluid outlet 258.

Referring no to Figure 1 L a sectional perspective view of the preferred lower ramped bearing ring 234 is illustrated As sh in Figure 1 L preferred lower ramped bearing ring 234 comprises substantially flat side 270 which is opposite ramped bearing pocket 262. Preferred substantially flat side 270 includes outer channel 2 /2 which Is in fluid communication with fluid feed pockets 257 a d rotary groove 260, n addition, preferred rotary grooves 260 and 261 are adapted to conve pressurized oil into the necessary bearing regions and support for the crushing head during low speed (start-isp) coodiiions. Preferably, rotary grooves 260 and 261 are incorporated into ramped bearing ring 234 and are adapted to distribute pressurized oil through the hearing. Preferred rotary grooves 260 and 261 also may contribute hydrostatic ids during low velocity conditions such as start-up. The preferred ramped bearing ring coinprises two rotary grooves, each of which is connected independently to the rotating eccentric to control oil flow to each bearing. If is also contemplated within the scope of the invention that one or more rotary grooves may be adapted to convey pressurized oil to a different set of bearings.

Ir? operation, several advantages of the preferred embodiments of the bearing assembl system are achieved. For example, the preferred embodiments of the bearing assembly system are adapted to reduce the cost of the bearings. The preferred embodiments of the invention claimed herein also provide an apparatus and method for a hearing assembly system that reduces the heat generated by the bearin s and increases trie operable lifespan of the bearings, The preferred embodiments of the invention claimed herein further provide an apparatus and method for a bearing assembly system that Increases the load capacity of the bearings. The preferred embodiments of die invention claimed herein still further provide an apparatus and. method ior a bearing assembly s st m that simplifies the maintenance repair and replacement of the bearings, ibhe preferred hybrid liydrostatic-lrydrodynarruc bearing assembly system also supports the crushing head Loads. Preferably, the bearing rings have a larger diameter than the typical spherical design in order to provide more surface a ea ( less load per unit area) and increased relative surface velocity which produces hydrodynamk separation, ^"Hie preferred hydtodynamlc beatings are less expensive m4 have smaller dimensional cross-section and a longer operable hie s as than conventional roller bearings designs. Farther, ihe preferred oil film developing ram s are made with steel lor durability, Converoional ramped rings include ramps made from bronze.

The preferred hybrid, hydrostaik-hydrodynamic bearing assembly system may be located between both the crashing head and the eccentric and the eccentric arid the crusher im^' me.

Crushing forces and component weights are support by the frame through the bearing assembly system as the eccentric rotates- A series of grooves feed pressurized oil into the hearing assembly system to provide separation et een the ramped bearing ring arid the flat bearing ring. The Interconnected oil grooves are Included in the crasher itame, eccentric and bearing tings.

Use configuration and arrangement of the preferred hearing assembly system conv s the femst loads directly to the crusher frame instead of through the main shaft as in conventional designs. As a result, the crusher frame may he lighter because the crusher forces are closer to the supporting arms of the fr me. Although this description contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the Invention hut as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments thereof, as well as the best m d contemplated by the Inventors of carrying out the invention. The invention, as described herein, is susceptible to various modifications and adaptations, and die same are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the appended claims.

What, is claimed is:

Claims

A hearing assembly system adapted for use on. a rock crusher having a main frame, a main shaf , an eccentric and. a crushing head, said bearing assembly system comprising:

(a) a first: hearing ring, said bearing ring being disposed around the main shaft:

(b) a second bearing ring, said second bearing ring being disposed adjacent to the first bearing ring;

(c) a means for conveying fluid to at least one of the first beating ring and second bearing ring:

wherein at least one of the lirsi bearing ring and the second bearing ring comprises a fluid depression.

The bearing assem l system of claim I wherein the first bearing ring is disposed on the main frame.

The bearing assembly system of claim 1 wherein the second bearing ring is disposed on the eccentric.

The bearing assembly system of claim I wherein the bearing assembly system is adapted to support the loads of and on the crashing head.

The bearing assembly system of claim 1 wherein the second bearing ring comprises a fluid inlet.

The bearing assembly system of claim i wherein the second bearing ring comprises a fluid feed pocket. The bearing assembly system of claim 1 wherein the sec nd bearing ring comprises a fluid outlet.

The earing assembly system of claim 1 wherein the second bearing ring comprises a rotary groove.

The bearing assembly system of claim 1 wherein ihe second bearing ting comprises a ramp.

The bearing assembly system of claim 1 wherein the means ibr conveying fluid to a least one of the first bearing ring arid second beating ting comprises a conduit

The bearitig assembly system of claim 1 wherein the means for conveying fluid to at bast one of the first bearing ring and second bearing ring comprises a fluid source.

The bearing assembly sy stem of claim 1 wherein the firs! bearing ring and ihe second bearing ring are adapted to be hydrosiaiiealby separated upon pressurizing the system with fluid.

The bearing assembly system of claim 1 wherein the first beating ring and the second bearirsg ring are adapted to be bydrodynaraically separated from each other after start-up.

The beating assembly system of claim 1 further comprising:

(a) a third bearing ring, said third bearing ring being disposed aronnd the main shaft; (b) a fourth bearing ring, said fourth bearing ring being disposed adjacent to the third bearing ring.

The earing assembly system of claim. 14 wherein the third bearing ring is disposed on the eccentric.

The bearing assembly system of claim 1 wherein the fourth bearing ring is disposed on the crushing head.

The bearing assembly system of claim 1 further comprising an oil supply assembly that is adapted to supply oil to at least one of the first and second bearing rings.

A bearing assembly system adapted for use on a rock crusher having a main frame, a main shaft, an eccentric and crushing head, said bearing assembly system comprising:

(a) a first bearing ring, said bearing ring being disposed around the main shaft;

(b) a second bearing ring, said second bearing ring being disposed adjacent to the first bearing ring

(e) a means for conveying fluid to at least one of the first bearing ring and second bearing ring;

wherein at least one of the first bearing ring and the second bearing ring comprises a fluid depression; and wherein the first bearing ring and the second bearing ring are adapted to be hydrosiaiiea!Iy separated upon pressurizing the system with fluid: and wherein die first beaxing ring and the second bearing ring are adapted to be rydroeeyna iea!ly separated from each other after start-up. A method tor a bearing assembly sys em adapted for use on a rods crusher having a main frame, a mum shaft, aa eccentric and & crushing head, said method comprising:

fa) providing a bearing Assem ly system said bearing assembly system comprising:

(1) a .first bearing ring, said hearing ring being dis sed around the .main shaft;

(ii) a second bearing ring, said second bearing ring being disposed adjacent to the first bearing ring;

(in) a means for conveying fluid k> as. least one of the first e ring ring a d second bearing ting:

wherein at least one of the btst bearing ring and the second bearing ring comprises a fluid depression.; and

(b) conveying iluid from the s for conveying fluid io a least one of the first bearing ring and second bearing ting.