WO2014125162A1

WO2014125162A1 - One-piece shield for a gyratory crusher

Info

Publication number: WO2014125162A1
Application number: PCT/FI2014/050037
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tapio MÄKELÄ; Hannu VAKKURI
Original assignee: Metso Minerals, Inc.
Priority date: 2013-02-15
Filing date: 2014-01-17
Publication date: 2014-08-21
Also published as: FI20135139L

Abstract

A mineral material processing plant, a gyratory crusher, and a shield (200) for the frame of a gyratory crusher (100). The shield comprises an outer surface (315) configured to correspond to the inner surface of the frame (102) of the crusher; and a diagonal section (210) configured to fit on and around the main shaft (103) and the support arm (104) of the crusher; and an element defining a feed opening (221). The shield (200) is manufactured in one piece and assembled by lowering into the upper frame of the crusher (100) to be held in place by gravity and/or friction.

Description

ONE-PIECE SHIELD FOR A GYRATORY CRUSHER

TECHNICAL FIELD The invention relates generally to processing of mineral materials, particularly to gyratory crushers and more particularly to a shield for gyratory crushers.

BACKGROUND ART Gyratory crushers are used in processing of mineral materials such as stone.

A gyratory crusher comprises a frame comprising an upper frame and a lower frame. The mineral material is crushed in a crushing cavity between an outer crushing member that is conventionally fixed to the frame of the gyratory crusher and an inner crushing member mounted on an oscillating shaft assembly. The main shaft of the oscillating shaft assembly is supported at the top with support arms, also known as a spider or spider arms, as well as being supported from the bottom by a support structure. The support arms and the upper frame opening define a feed opening through which mineral material to be processed is fed into the crushing cavity.

The structure of a mineral material processing plant and the crusher comprised therein need to be able to withstand large and fluctuating stresses and impacts. Accordingly, the structures of the gyratory crusher and the frame thereof need to be protected from wear and tear. The main shaft, the support arms and the upper frame are protected by shields or covers, such as metal plates, attached to the structures at different locations, e.g. using bolts.

The assembly of the shields with the frame and/or support arms is time consuming and requires large effort. Furthermore, the shields are in danger of becoming detached and disturbing the crushing operation of the crusher, causing danger of damage to the crusher. Furthermore, the attachment of the shields needs to be regularly checked. It is the object of the invention to solve the above problems by providing a frame protection, or a shield, comprising an element defining the feed opening, the shield being easy to assemble and having no danger of detaching from its intended position.

SUMMARY

According to a first example aspect of the invention there is provided a shield for the frame of a gyratory crusher, comprising

an outer surface configured to correspond to the inner surface of the frame of the crusher; and

a diagonal section configured to fit on and around the main shaft and the support arm of the crusher; wherein

the shield comprises an element defining a feed opening.

The shield may comprise a single element defining a feed opening.

The shield may comprise two elements defining a feed opening.

The shield may comprise metal.

The metal may be steel comprising carbon and/or manganese. The diagonal section may comprise holes for attaching a tool and/or fixing means. The shield may be manufactured in one piece by casting. The shield may be manufactured in two pieces by casting.

According to a second example aspect of the invention there is provided a gyratory crusher comprising

a lower frame; a main shaft ; and

a support arm; characterized in that the crusher comprises

the shield of the first example aspect of the invention. The shield may be attached to the crusher in a form-fitting manner by friction and gravity.

According to a third example aspect of the invention there is provided a mineral material processing plant comprising a crusher of the second example aspect of the invention.

The mineral material processing plant may be a mobile processing plant.

According to a fourth example aspect of the invention there is provided a method of assembling a shield for the frame of a gyratory crusher, comprising

lifting and lowering the shield of the first example aspect of the invention onto the frame of the crusher, whereby the shield is supported by friction and gravity on the inner surface of the frame of the crusher, and fits on and around the main shaft and the support arm.

The method may further comprise attaching a tool into a hole in the shield; and lifting and lowering the shield using the tool.

The method may further comprise attaching the shield to the frame with a bolt through a hole in the shield.

According to a fifth example aspect of the invention there is provided method of manufacturing a shield for the frame of a gyratory crusher, comprising

manufacturing a shield of the first example aspect of the invention in one- piece.

The manufacturing may be carried out by casting. The method may further comprise cutting the shield in half after manufacturing in one-piece.

Different embodiments of the present invention will be illustrated or have been illustrated only in connection with some aspects of the invention. A skilled person appreciates that any embodiment of an aspect of the invention may apply to the same aspect of the invention and other aspects alone or in combination with other embodiments as well. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 a shows a schematic representation of a known gyratory crusher;

Fig. 1 b shows a schematic cross-section representation of the upper part of the known gyratory crusher;

Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a frame protection shield according to an example embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a frame protection shield according to an example embodiment of the invention; and

Fig. 4 shows a schematic side view of a mineral material processing plant. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, like numbers denote like elements. It should be appreciated that the illustrated figures are not entirely in scale, and that the figures mainly serve the purpose of illustrating embodiments of the invention. Figs. 1 a and 1 b show schematic representations of a known gyratory crusher 100.

The crusher 100 comprises a frame comprising a lower frame 101 and an upper frame 102. A main shaft 103 is attached to the frame 101 ,102, i.e. the main shaft 103 is supported at the bottom thereof by a main shaft support structure 105 attached to the lower frame 101 . The support structure 105 comprises bushings allowing gyratory movement of the main shaft and therethrough of the inner crushing member.

The main shaft 103 is supported at the top thereof with support arm, or arms, 104 that are attached to the upper frame 102. The support for the top of the main shaft comprises a bushing or bushings. Frame protection is provided in order to protect the upper frame 102, the main shaft 103 and the support arm 104 from wear due to crushing forces and impacts. Top shields 1 10 and side shields 1 1 1 , 1 12 e.g. protective metal plates are attached to the arm 104 for example with bolts. Furthermore, a top cover 1 14 and side covers 1 13 are arranged on the main shaft 103. An outer crushing member (not shown) is attached to the lower frame 101 . The inner crushing member (not shown) and the outer crushing member form between them the crushing cavity. The mineral material to be processed is fed to the crushing cavity through a feed opening 121 defined by the upper frame 102 and the support arm 104. The outer crushing member is attached to the lower frame 101 in such a way, for example with threads, that the position thereof can be adjusted for example when adjusting the size of the crushing cavity to accommodate for wear of the crushing members, processing situations and/or mineral material to be processed. Upper frame side shields 1 15 are attached to the inner surface of the upper frame 102. The shields 1 15 comprise holes 1 17 for attaching the shields 1 15 to the frame e.g. with bolts 1 16.

In addition to the shields 1 10-1 15 being attached one-by-one to the crusher, the attachment of the shields 1 10-1 15 as well as their condition and the condition of the attaching members, e.g. bolts needs to be checked regularly. Furthermore, the upper frame 102, and the support arm 104 need to be provided with holes and locations for attaching the shields 1 15. Figs. 2 and 3 show a frame protection shield 200 according to an example embodiment of the invention. In an example embodiment, the shield 200 has a one-piece structure, i.e. the shield 200 comprises a single element or unitary form. In an example embodiment, the shield defines a feed opening 221 , i.e. the feed opening is surrounded on all sides by walls of a shield element. In a further example embodiment, the shield 200 comprises, or is formed, of two elements substantially forming together, in a form fitting manner, a unitary form. For example the shield is manufactured as two identical halves. In an example embodiment, the shield 200 comprises a metal, for example carbon steel or manganese steel. A skilled person appreciates that in a further example embodiment further or additional metals and/or alloys are used. In a further example embodiment, the shield 200 is coated with a suitable coating material e.g. for increasing the wear resistance of the surface thereof.

In an example embodiment, the frame protection shield 200 is manufactured in one-piece. In an example embodiment, the shield 200 is manufactured by casting. In a further example embodiment, the shield 200 is manufactured in two pieces, or cut into two pieces after manufacturing in one piece.

The frame protection shield 200 has a generally cylindrical outer form. The form of the outer surface 315 of the shield 200 substantially corresponds to the form of the inner surface of the upper frame 102 of the crusher 100, so that the shield 200 fits inside the upper frame 102 in a form-fitting manner, i.e. the shield 200 is configured to fit and to attach by friction to the inner surface of the upper frame 102. In a further example embodiment, the outer surface 315 of the shield 200 comprises elements (not shown), such as roughly machined surface, protrusions, bulges, sections of different slant angles, or ribs, configured to increase the friction fit of the shield against the inner surface of the upper frame 102. In an example embodiment, the shield 200 is supported on the surface of the upper frame 102 by the outer surface 315.

The shield 200 comprises a diagonal section 210 expanding between opposite sides of the outer cylindrical surface of the shield. The diagonal section 210 has general cross-sectional shape of an U-bar and the inside surface 310,31 1 1 of the U-bar is configured to fit in a form-fitting manner on and around the support arm 104, and the upper part of the main shaft 103, the upper part of the main shaft passing through the central opening 23 of the diagonal section 210. The cylindrical outer wall of 215 of the shield 200 and the outer wall 21 1 of the diagonal section 210 define therebetween a feed opening 221 on both sides of the diagonal section 210. In an example embodiment, the shield 200 comprises two elements substantially forming a unitary shield element. In an example embodiment, the shield comprises two identical halves, in such a way that both halves comprise a half of the cylindrical outer surface 315 and a half of the diagonal section 210 and both halves thus comprise, or define, a feed opening 221 . In a further example embodiment, the shield 200 is manufactured in one-piece, but cut in half for example along a line passing through holes 240, for example in order to ease transportation and/or assembly.

In an example embodiment, the outer walls 210,21 1 ,215 have a substantially equal thickness on all sides. In a further example embodiment, the thickness of portions of the outer walls 210,21 1 ,215 varies, e.g. for further protection of portions of the frame subject to increased impact stresses or for manufacturing reasons. In an example embodiment, the shield 200 is manufactured by sand mold casting using shape of the lower side of the shield in one mold half and the shape of the upper side in the other, the mold halves being connected together before casting, i.e. before pouring hot metal into the mold. As hereinbefore described, in an example embodiment, the metal comprises manganese steel, carbon steel or a further suitable wear-resistant alloy. In an example embodiment, the shape of the shield 200, i.e. curvilinear shapes and substantially equal wall thickness on all sides provides for easier casting of a shield that fits better to the space reserved to it in the upper frame 102 of the crusher. As the walls 215,21 1 around the feed opening, in an example embodiment, are being cast in one piece, residual stress after casting and cooling is minimized, since the casted piece comprises continuous surfaces with equal wall thickness and accordingly the shield 200 cools more evenly causing less residual stress and retains its original shape better during cooling. In an example embodiment, the shield 200 does not contain hollow sections or require any cores inside the molds, i.e. the molds can be of an open type, i.e. the shape of the molds opens in the direction of removal of the mold providing easier and faster manufacturing.

The shield 200 is configured to be assembled with the crusher 100 by lowering the shield 200 onto the upper frame 102, the main shaft 103, and the support arm 104. Subsequently, the shield 200 is configured to remain in place by friction and gravity. In an example embodiment, the shield 200 is configured to be lowered on the upper frame 102 of the crusher 100 by attaching a hoisting or lifting tool into the holes or extrusions 240 formed while casting the shield 200 or machined or drilled into the diagonal section 210 of the shield 200. In a further example embodiment, the holes 240 are configured to receive fixing means, such as bolts, for further attaching the shield 200 to the support arm 104. A skilled person appreciates that the position of the holes or extrusions is chosen in accordance with the situation. In an example embodiment, the shield 200 comprises further elements, such as protrusions or extrusions for attaching lifting or hoisting tools. In a further example embodiment, such elements are situated at both the ends of the diagonal section 210, i.e. at the outer rim of the diagonal section 210. In a further example embodiment, the shield 200 is symmetrical with respect to the diameters perpendicular and parallel to the diagonal section 210, and accordingly is configured to be rotated horizontally 180 degrees, should the wear of the shield 200 be non-uniform. In a further example embodiment, the shield 200 is configured to be replaced without large effort, as it is configured, while held in place by gravity, to be lifted out of the crusher 100 without large effort. In a further example embodiment, the material of the shield 200 is configured to allow attaching of further protective elements to the surface thereof, for example by welding, should compensation of for example non-uniform wear be needed. Fig. 4 shows a mineral material processing plant 400 according to an example embodiment. The mineral material processing plant 400 comprises a gyratory crusher 100 according to an example embodiment. The crusher can be used as a primary crusher, or for example as an intermediate or secondary crusher, furthermore the crusher can be used in fine crushing. The mineral material processing plant 400 further comprises a feeder 410 and conveyors 41 1 ,430. The mineral material processing plant according to an example embodiment is a mobile mineral material processing plant and comprises a track base 440. Furthermore, a skilled person appreciates that the mineral material processing plant may comprise other parts and/or units not shown in Fig. 4, such as a motor and hydraulic circuits, and/or that some parts shown in Fig. 4 may not be present.

The material to be crushed is in an example embodiment fed to the feeder 410 and therefrom by the conveyor 41 1 to the crusher 100. The feeder 410 may also be a so called scalper feeder. The material to be crushed coming from the conveyor is directed to the feed opening 421 . In a further example embodiment, the material to be crushed is fed to the feed opening directly, for example by a loader.

The skilled person appreciates that the mineral material processing plant 400 can, in a further example embodiment, be a stationary mineral material processing plant comprising crushing, screening and conveying units. In a further example embodiment, the mobile processing plant may, instead of tracks depicted in Fig. 4, comprise wheels, legs, skids or other suitable support means.

Without in any way limiting the scope, interpretation, or application of the claims appearing below, a technical effect of one or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein is to provide a frame protection that is easy to assemble with the crusher. Another technical effect of one or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein is to provide a simplified shielding structure. Another technical effect of one or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein is to reduce the maintenance and inspection need of the shielding. A further technical effect of one or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein is to prevent the detachment of shield elements and their accidental incursion into the crushing cavity. A still further technical effect of one or more of the example embodiments is an increased life time of the shielding. A still further technical effect of one or more of the example embodiments is the omission of bolts that are prone to damage on high impact situations. Another technical effect of one or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein is provide a faster and easier manufacturing of the shield. Although various aspects of the invention are set out in the independent claims, other aspects of the invention comprise other combinations of features from the described embodiments and/or the dependent claims with the features of the independent claims, and not solely the combinations explicitly set out in the claims.

It is also noted herein that while the above describes example embodiments of the invention, these descriptions should not be viewed in a limiting sense. Rather, there are several variations and modifications which may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

A shield (200) for the frame of a gyratory crusher (100), characterized in that the shield (200) comprises

an outer surface (315) configured to correspond to the inner surface of the frame (102) of the crusher; and

a diagonal section (210) configured to fit on and around the main shaft (103) and the support arm (104) of the crusher; wherein

the shield (200) comprises an element defining a feed opening (221 ).

The shield (200) of claim 1 , characterized in that the shield comprises a single element defining a feed opening (221 ).

The shield (200) of claim 1 , characterized in that the shield comprises two elements defining a feed opening (221 ).

The shield (200) of any preceding claim, characterized in that the shield comprises metal.

The shield (200) of any preceding claim, characterized in that the metal is steel comprising carbon and/or manganese.

The shield (200) of any preceding claim, characterized in that the diagonal section comprises holes for attaching a tool and/or fixing means.

The shield (200) of any preceding claim, characterized in that the shield is manufactured in one piece by casting.

8. The shield (200) of any preceding claim, characterized in that the shield is manufactured in two pieces by casting.

9. A gyratory crusher (100) comprising

a lower frame (101 ,102);

a main shaft (103); and

a support arm (104); characterized in that the crusher (100) comprises

the shield (200) of any preceding claim.

10. The crusher (100) of claim 9, characterized in that the shield is attached to the crusher in a form-fitting manner by friction and gravity.

1 1 .A mineral material processing plant, comprising the crusher (200) of claim 9 or 10.

12. The mineral material processing plant of claim 1 1 , comprising a mobile processing plant.

13. A method of assembling a shield for the frame of a gyratory crusher, characterized in that the method comprises

lifting and lowering the shield (200) of any of the claims 1 -8 onto the frame (101 ,102) of the crusher, whereby the shield (200) is supported by friction and gravity on the inner surface of the frame (102) of the crusher, and fits on and around the main shaft (103) and the support arm (104).

14. The method of claim 13, characterized in that the method further comprises attaching a tool into a hole (240) in the shield (200); and lifting and lowering the shield (200) using the tool.

15. The method of claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the method further comprises attaching the shield (200) to the frame with a bolt through a hole (240) in the shield (200).

16. A method of manufacturing a shield for the frame of a gyratory crusher, characterized in that the method comprises

manufacturing a shield of any of the claims 1 -8 in one-piece.

17. The method of claim 16, characterized in that the manufacturing is carried out by casting.

18. The method of claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the method further comprises cutting the shield in half after manufacturing in one-piece.