Abstrict A mobile impact crusher assembly for crushing objects is provided.
The mobile impact crusher assembly includes a frame that is configured
for attachment to a vehicle. The vehicle is capable of moving the
mobile impact crusher assembly and at least partially rotating the
mobile impact crusher assembly. The frame is configured to hold
objects that are to be crushed. The frame is also configured to
allow for crushed to be removed. A rotor is rotationally mounted
on the frame. The rotor is configured to rotate and crush objects
that are held by the frame.
Claims What is claimed is:
1. A mobile impact crusher assembly for crushing objects, comprising:
a frame defining an enclosure with an exterior surface and an interior
space, an inlet opening to said space and an outlet opening disposed
generally opposite said inlet opening, said frame defining a holding
section of said interior space and adjacent said inlet opening,
said frame defining a crushing section of said interior space and
communicating with said holding section and said outlet opening;
a connection member configured for pivotal attachment to a vehicle,
said connection member being carried by said exterior surface of
said frame; a rotor rotationally mounted relative to said frame
and disposed in said interior space; at least a first crushing bar
carried by said rotor; at least a first impact plate carried by
said frame, wherein said first impact plate is selectively positionable
so as to be capable of being positioned between said holding section
and said crushing section; a driving mechanism in communication
with said rotor to rotate said rotor; and wherein said connection
member is configured so as to permit said frame to be manipulated
by the vehicle in order for objects to pass through said inlet opening
into said holding section, and further manipulated by the vehicle
in order to discharge crushed objects out of said outlet opening
of said frame.
2. The mobile impact crusher assembly of claim 1 wherein said
driving mechanism is configured to be run by a hydraulic source
of the vehicle.
3. The mobile impact crusher assembly of claim 1 wherein the object
is crushed by said mobile impact crusher assembly into a saleable
product by a single pass through said holding section and said crushing
section.
4. The mobile impact crusher assembly of claim 1 wherein the object
is crushed by said mobile impact crusher assembly into a reduced
size for further processing.
5. The mobile impact crusher assembly of claim 1 wherein: at least
four crushing bars are carried on said rotor; and at least a second
impact plate carried by said frame are at least two in number and
disposed in relation to said at least one crushing bar of said rotor
such that objects being struck by said at least one crushing bar
are thrown more likely then not against at least one of said impact
plates.
6. The mobile impact crusher assembly of claim 1 further comprising
a diesel/hydraulic system attached to said frame and separate from
the vehicle and configured to operate said driving mechanism to
drive said rotor.
7. The mobile impact crusher assembly of claim 1 wherein said
driving mechanism comprises a hydraulic motor directly coupled to
said rotor.
8. The mobile impact crusher assembly of claim 1 wherein said
driving mechanism comprises a drive pulley in communication with
a shaft engaging said rotor in order to rotate said shaft, said
drive pulley being driven by a motor selected from the group consisting
of an electric motor, an internal combustion motor, and a hydraulic
motor.
9. The mobile impact crusher assembly of claim 1 wherein said
driving mechanism comprises a first frictional engaging member in
communication with said rotor, rotation of said first frictional
engaging member causes said rotor to rotate, and a second frictional
engaging member engaging said first frictional engaging member so
that rotation of said second frictional engaging member causes said
first frictional engaging member to rotate.
10. The mobile impact crusher assembly of claim 1 wherein said
at least one impact plate is selectively adjustable to adjust the
distance between said at least one impact plate and said rotor.
11. The mobile impact crusher assembly of claim 1 wherein said
connection member of said frame is configured for attachment to
a vehicle that is selected from the group consisting of a hydraulic
excavator, a loader, a shovel, and a crane.
12. The mobile impact crusher assembly of claim 1 further comprising
a screen attachment attached to the vehicle so that crushed objects
from said mobile impact crusher assembly can be deposited into said
screen attachment for further processing.
13. The mobile impact crusher assembly of claim 12 wherein said
screen attachment is mounted on tracks and is run by a power source
of the vehicle selected from the group consisting of a hydraulic
power source, an internal combustion power source, and an electric
power source.
14. The mobile impact crusher assembly of claim 1 further comprising
a hydraulic cylinder attached to said frame and engaging said first
impact plate in order to reposition said first impact plate in order
to isolate said crushing section from said holding section.
15. The mobile impact crusher assembly of claim 1 further comprising:
a spring engaging said frame on one end of said spring; a rod pivotally
attached on one end to said at least one impact plate, said rod
extending through said spring; and a pair of limiting members carried
on said rod, said spring being disposed between said limiting members.
16. A mobile impact crusher assembly for crushing objects, comprising:
a frame defining an enclosure with an exterior surface and an interior
space, said interior space defining a holding section and a crushing
section and configured for attachment to a vehicle capable of moving
said frame and at least partially rotating said frame, said frame
having an inlet opening to accept objects therein and having an
outlet opening to allow crushed objects to be removed from said
frame; a rotor rotationally mounted relative to said frame, said
rotor configured to be rotated for crushing objects held in said
frame; and at least a first impact plate carried by said frame,
wherein said first impact plate is selectively positionable so as
to be capable of being positioned between said holding section and
said crushing section.
17. The mobile impact crusher assembly of claim 16 wherein said
rotor is powered by a hydraulic source of the vehicle.
18. The mobile impact crusher assembly of claim 16 wherein the
object is crushed by said mobile impact crusher assembly into a
saleable product by a single pass through said frame.
19. The mobile impact crusher assembly of claim 16 wherein the
object is crushed by said mobile impact crusher assembly into a
reduced size for further processing.
20. The mobile impact crusher assembly of claim 16 further comprising:
two impact plates carried by on said frame; a driving mechanism
carried by said frame and connected to said rotor for driving said
rotor to rotate said rotor; and a plurality of crushing bars located
on said rotor, and configured for striking the objects and throwing
the objects against said impact plates to at least partially crush
the objects.
21. The mobile impact crusher assembly of claim 20 further comprising
a hydraulic cylinder attached to said frame and engaging said first
impact plate in order to reposition said first impact plate to isolate
said crushing section from said holding section.
22. The mobile impact crusher assembly of claim 20 further comprising:
a spring engaging said frame on one end of said spring; a rod pivotally
attached on one end to one of said impact plates, said rod extending
through said spring; and a pair of limiting members carried on said
rod, said spring being disposed between said limiting members.
23. The mobile impact crusher assembly of claim 16 further comprising
a diesel/hydraulic system attached to said frame and separate from
the vehicle and configured to cause rotation of said rotor.
24. The mobile impact crusher assembly of claim 16 further comprising:
a shaft extending from the rotational center of said rotor, wherein
rotation of said shaft causing rotation of said rotor; and a hydraulic
motor directly coupled to said shaft, said hydraulic motor causing
rotation of said shaft.
25. The mobile impact crusher assembly of claim 16 further comprising:
a shaft extending from the rotational center of said rotor, rotation
of said shaft causing rotation of said rotor; a drive pulley in
communication with said shaft, wherein rotation of said drive pulley
causing rotation of said shaft; and a motor selected from the group
consisting of an electric motor and a hydraulic motor, said motor
connected in communication with said drive pulley to drive said
drive pulley.
26. The mobile impact crusher assembly of claim 16 further comprising:
a first frictional engaging member in communication with said rotor,
wherein rotation of said first frictional engaging member causing
said rotor to rotate; and a second frictional engaging member engaging
said first frictional engaging member, wherein rotation of said
second frictional engaging member causing said first frictional
engaging member to rotate.
27. A mobile impact crusher assembly of claim 20 wherein each
of said two impact plates is adjustable to adjust the distance between
each of said two impact plates and said rotor.
28. The mobile impact crusher assembly of claim 16 wherein said
frame is configured for attachment to a vehicle that is selected
from the group consisting of a hydraulic excavator, a loader, a
shovel, and a crane.
29. The mobile impact crusher assembly of claim 16 further comprising
a screen attachment attached to the vehicle, wherein crushed objects
from said mobile impact crusher assembly can be deposited into said
screen attachment for further processing.
30. The mobile impact crusher assembly of claim 29 wherein said
screen attachment is mounted on tracks and is configured to be run
by a power source of the vehicle selected from the group consisting
of a hydraulic power source and an electric power source.
Description BACKGROUND
One important use of impact crushers is in assisting in the cleaning
up and the reduction of waste in our society. Impact crushers are
capable of recycling used concrete, asphalt, brick, cinder block,
demolition debris, glass, and any other substances that are hard
and brittle. Impact crushers are also used for crushing rock and
other natural substances. The recycling of these materials is an
increasingly important aspect in the cleaning and preservation of
our environment. Impact crushers may reduce objects from a larger
to a smaller size in order to recycle and/or store waste material.
An impact crusher uses a diesel/hydraulic system in order to operate.
It is often the case that other pieces of machinery that work in
conjunction with the impact crusher to reduce material from a base
size to the desired size also have their own diesel/hydraulic systems.
For instance, an excavator may load material into the impact crusher,
and a screening device may be present to reduce the size of the
material that is ejected from the impact crusher. Further, a conveyor
and/or feeder system is commonly employed to transport material
to and from the impact crusher. In addition to the increased cost
of running these separate systems, operation of such numerous diesel/hydraulic
systems also negatively impacts the environment.
An impact crusher is a device that typically includes a frame that
defines an enclosure wherein material that is to be crushed is dropped
vertically into the frame. A rotor is rotationally mounted within
the frame and turns about a horizontal axis. The rotor is often
provided with one or more crushing bars that contact the material
that is dropped into the frame. The crushing bars impact the material
and forces the material against either a wall of the frame or against
one or more impact plates that are positioned within the frame.
The impact plates are positioned for receiving the thrown material
and are provided with a dampening member in order to reduce shock
to the frame. The material is crushed into smaller objects by being
thrown against these impact plates and is moved into a different
section of the frame. Here, the materials again may be contacted
by a crushing bar of the rotor and thrown against one or more impact
plates to further reduce the size of the crushed material. Eventually,
the material is discharged from the frame and is deposited either
into a pile or onto a conveyor system which transports the crushed
objects to be further processed.
Some impact crushers are provided with an adjusting mechanism that
may be used in order to adjust the distance between the impact plates
and the rotor. Such an adjustment of this distance between the impact
plates and the rotor typically occurs when the impact crusher assembly
is turned off. By varying the distance between the rotor and the
impact plates, an adjustment of the size of the crushed objects
may be realized. Additionally, this adjustment may be done in order
to maintain the desired output size of the crushed objects since
the impact plates change size naturally due to wear through normal
use.
Impact crushers may be designed in various formats to produce the
crushed objects. For instance, some impact crushers are designed
such that the distance between the crushing bars of the rotor and
the impact plates is very small, resulting in a crushing of the
material that is more akin to grinding than to shattering the object
by being thrown against an impact plate.
An impact crusher is typically employed at construction sites.
These construction sites can be, for instance, where buildings are
being demolished or where roads are being built or repaired. Material
from these construction sites may be placed into the impact crusher,
crushed into a suitable size by the impact crusher and a further
processing machine, and then reused at this particular construction
site. This allows for a quick, inexpensive supply of needed materials
along with the reduction of waste to the environment.
Impact crushers crush hard materials. In fact, impact crushers
may crush materials that contain steel. It is sometimes the case
that material that contains steel when crushed by an impact crusher
separates from the steel upon being crushed. An example of some
material that may be crushed by an impact crusher includes: rock,
rubble, stone, boulders, concrete, asphalt, brick, block, glass,
demolition debris, and the like.
In some impact crushers, the most efficient mode of operation of
the impact crusher is to keep the crushing section full of material.
Material may be fed into the crushing section of the impact crusher
by, for instance, a conveyor and/or feeder.
Impact crushers are stationary devices that typically are positioned
at single locations in a construction site. Other pieces of machinery
must be used in order to provide material to the impact crusher
to be crushed. Additional equipment must be employed in order to
remove the material that is ejected from the impact crusher, and
must be used to further process the material into a desired size.
Additionally, further equipment may be required in order to transport
the ejected material from the impact crusher into a desired location.
All of the equipment and/or systems used to transport material to
and from the impact crusher, in addition to further process the
material, require a source of power. Also, these systems must be
maintained and often operated by a user. Elimination of these systems
would prove beneficial in that less energy, man power, and/or power
sources would be needed to complete the process.
SUMMARY
The present invention improves upon previous impact crushers by
providing for a mobile impact crusher assembly that can be attached
to a piece of construction equipment such as an excavator. Additionally,
the present invention also improves upon previous impact crushers
by providing for a single pass mobile impact crusher assembly that
is powered by the vehicle onto which it is attached. Such a configuration
reduces the number of diesel/hydraulic systems that must be employed
in the crushing of materials, along with a reduction in the amount
of equipment that must be employed in reducing material to a desired
size. The current impact crusher may dig and load objects therein
in one orientation and crush and then deposit the crushed material
in another orientation. Additionally, other benefits may be realized
as described herein.
Various features and advantages of the invention will be set forth
in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the
description, or may be learned from practice of the invention.
The present invention provides for a mobile impact crusher assembly
that is used for crushing objects. The assembly includes a frame
that defines an enclosure with an exterior surface and an interior
space with an inlet opening to said interior space. An outlet opening
is disposed generally opposite the inlet opening. The frame defines
a holding section in the interior space adjacent to the inlet opening.
The frame further defines a crushing section in the interior space
that communicates with the holding section and the outlet opening.
The frame has a connection member configured for pivotal attachment
to a vehicle. The connection member is carried by the exterior surface
of the frame. The vehicle may be, for instance, an excavator. A
rotor is rotationally mounted relative to the frame and is disposed
in the interior space. The rotor rotates and crushes objects that
are held in the frame. The present invention also provides for a
mobile impact crusher assembly where at least one impact plate is
carried on the frame. Further, the rotor may have one or more crushing
bars carried thereon. The crushing bars impact the objects and hurl
the objects against the impact plates. The objects are broken apart
by a combination of the rotor and the impact plates.
In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the rotor
may be rotationally driven by a driving mechanism. The driving mechanism
may be a hydraulic motor that is directly coupled to a shaft of
the rotor. Further, the driving mechanism in other exemplary embodiments
may be a pulley and V-belt arrangement. Further, in another exemplary
embodiment, the driving mechanism includes a first frictional engaging
member that is connected to the rotor shaft and is driven by a second
frictional engaging member that engages and turns the first frictional
engaging member. The driving mechanism may be configured to be run
by a hydraulic source of the vehicle or may have its own separate
diesel/hydraulic source located on the mobile impact crusher assembly.
The present invention also includes an exemplary embodiment of
the mobile impact crusher assembly as described above which further
includes a screen attachment that is attached to the vehicle. Crushed
objects from the mobile impact crusher assembly may be deposited
into the screen attachment for further processing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a mobile impact crusher assembly
in accordance with the present invention. The mobile impact crusher
assembly is shown attached to an arm of a vehicle (shown schematically)
and is preparing to receive objects into a holding section.
FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the mobile impact crusher assembly
shown in FIG. 1. The view shows the objects being crushed by a rotor
and impact plates of the mobile impact crusher assembly, and reduced
objects being deposited therefrom.
FIG. 3A is a side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of
a mobile impact crusher assembly in accordance with the present
invention. The view shows a driving mechanism being a first frictional
engaging member engaging a second frictional engaging member that
is driven by a motor.
FIG. 3B is a side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of
a mobile impact crusher assembly in accordance with the present
invention. The view shows the driving mechanism being a V belt that
is connected between two drive pulleys.
FIG. 3C is a side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of
a mobile impact crusher assembly in accordance with the present
invention. The driving mechanism is shown as being a motor coupled
directly to a shaft of the rotor.
FIG. 4A is a front elevation view of the exemplary embodiment of
the mobile impact crusher assembly shown in FIG. 3A.
FIG. 4B is a side elevation view of the mobile impact crusher assembly
taken along line 4B of FIG. 4A. The view shows the first and second
impact plates being adjustable in order to control the size of the
reduced objects that are crushed in the mobile impact crusher assembly.
FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of the
mobile impact crusher assembly being connected to an arm of an excavator.
The excavator is attached to a screener that may further process
reduced objects that are crushed by the mobile impact crusher assembly.
FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of the
mobile impact crusher assembly in accordance with the present invention.
The view shows the mobile impact crusher assembly being connected
to an arm of an excavator and depositing reduced objects therefrom
into a screener. The screener may further reduce the size of the
crushed objects and deposit them into a corresponding stock pile.
FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of another exemplary embodiment
of the mobile impact crusher assembly of the present invention.
The view shows a first impact plate being positioned so as to separate
a holding section from a crushing section.
FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the mobile impact crusher assembly
shown in FIG. 7. Here the first impact plate is positioned so that
the holding section is no longer isolated from the crushing section.
FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the mobile impact crusher assembly
shown in FIG. 7.
FIG. 10 is a front view of the mobile impact crusher assembly shown
in FIG. 7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention,
one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each
example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, and
is not meant as a limitation of the invention. For example, features
illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with
another embodiment to yield still a third embodiment. It is intended
that the present invention include these and other modifications
and variations.
Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a mobile impact crusher
assembly 10 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. The mobile impact crusher assembly 10 includes a frame
26 that has a connection member 22 located thereon. The frame 26
defines an enclosure with an exterior surface 31 and an interior
space 33. An inlet opening 35 allows access into the interior space
33. An outlet or discharge opening 54 is located opposite from the
inlet opening 35. The frame 26 defines a holding section 28 adjacent
to the inlet opening 35. Also defined by the frame 26 is a crushing
section 30 that is in communication with the holding section 28
and the outlet opening 54.
The connection member 22 is configured to be able to receive a
member of a vehicle in order to allow for the mobile impact crusher
assembly 10 to be selectively connected and selectively disconnected
from the vehicle. For instance, a series of bolts may be provided
in order to allow for attachment and disconnection of the mobile
impact crusher assembly 10 to the vehicle. However, it could be
the case that the connection member 22 provides for a permanent
connection between the mobile impact crusher assembly 10 and the
vehicle.
The mobile impact crusher assembly 10 may be configured to be connected
to any type of machine used in the excavation industry. Examples
include a hydraulic excavator, a loader, a shovel, and/or a crane.
The mobile impact crusher assembly 10 may replace the vehicle's
bucket and may also be powered by the vehicle onto which it is attached.
The mobile impact crusher assembly 10 may be used as a bucket and
transfer device, as well as being a crusher that exhibits a controlled
form of crushing. In order words, it may be adjusted to regulate
the output size of crushed material. This could be significant in
that different States require different sized material specifications
for base material as well as other products.
As shown in FIG. 1 the vehicle onto which the mobile impact crusher
assembly 10 is attached is an excavator 12. More particularly, the
mobile impact crusher assembly 10 is connected to an excavator arm
14. A pivot 24 is provided on a portion of the excavator arm 14.
A hydraulic cylinder 18 is also provided on the excavator arm 14.
Actuation of the hydraulic cylinder 18 results in a corresponding
rotation of the mobile impact crusher assembly 10 about the pivot
24. Such a pivoting arrangement is commonly known in the art. A
hydraulic cylinder line 20 feeds hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic
cylinder 18. Although the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1 makes
use of hydraulics in order to move and rotate the mobile impact
crusher assembly 10 it is to be understood that other mechanisms
are possible in accordance with the present invention. For instance,
a gear train arrangement could be used in order to provide the required
movement and/or rotation of the mobile impact crusher assembly 10.
The mobile impact crusher assembly 10 includes a rotor 32 that
is used to crush objects 42. The mobile impact crusher assembly
10 is designed to process objects 42 that may be hard materials
and/or recyclable type materials. For instance, the objects 42 may
be concrete, asphalt, brick, cinder block, and/or demolition debris.
Additionally, hard and brittle objects such as rock or glass may
also be crushed. The rotor 32 is provided with at least one and
desirably more than one crushing bar 34 which are disposed about
the outer circumference of the rotor 32. The rotor 32 may hold the
crushing bars 34 with the use of wedges, bolts, or through the unique
shape of the crushing bar 34. The crushing bars 34 may be replaced
once they begin to exhibit wear throughout normal operation of the
mobile impact crusher assembly 10. Many variations of the rotor
32 are possible under the scope of the present invention. For instance,
instead of having crushing bars 34 the rotor 32 may be provided
with a series of grinding teeth that are used to crush the objects
42. Additionally, any number of crushing bars 34 may be employed
on the rotor 32. One such alternate arrangement of the rotor 32
is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4140284 to Jobkes and this patent
is incorporated herein in its entirety for all purposes.
It will be appreciated that under the scope of the present invention,
various ways of driving the rotors 32 can be employed. The rotor
32 is rotatably mounted onto a rotor shaft 46 the rotor 32 rotating
relative to the frame 26. The rotor shaft 46 may be secured onto
the frame 26 by two outboard pillow block bearings (not shown) which
are carried on the outside of the frame 26. Rotation of the rotor
32 may be obtained by a driving mechanism as will be later explained.
The driving mechanism may be run by its own source of power which
may be, for instance, a diesel/hydraulic system that is mounted
on the frame 26. Such a diesel/hydraulic system 110 is shown schematically
on the frame 26 in FIGS. 5 and 6. Additionally, the driving mechanism
can be run from the hydraulic system of the vehicle. As schematically
shown in FIG. 1 for instance, a diesel/hydraulic system 114 may
supply hydraulic fluid through a hydraulic line 16 that is run through
the excavator arm 14 and into the driving mechanism to eventually
turn the rotor 32.
The mobile impact crusher assembly 10 also includes at least a
first impact plate 36 and desirably a second impact plate 38. Each
impact plate 36 38 is mounted on the interior of the frame 26.
The first and second impact plates 36 and 38 aid in preventing the
frame 26 from being damaged by the objects 42 thrown from the rotor
32. The mobile impact crusher assembly 10 functions by having the
rotor 32 rotate so that the crushing bars 34 strike objects 42 and
hurl the struck objects against the impact plates 36 and 38. This
action breaks up the objects 42 and reduces them to a smaller desired
size. The first and second impact plates 36 and 38 are attached
to the frame via spindles 48. The plates 36 and 38 may also be pivotally
or non-pivotally mounted onto the frame 26. The plates 36 and 38
are mounted such that they have some yield when struck by the objects
42 thrown by the crushing bars 34.
Various mechanisms may be employed in order to absorb the force
of the thrown objects 42. For instance, dampening springs may be
used to absorb the forces imported onto the plates 36 and 38. Additionally,
a fluid dampening mechanism such as a hydraulic cylinder may be
employed in order to absorb this force. Such a dampening mechanism
may be employed on a spindle 48.
The plates 36 and 38 may each be provided with a hardened surface
90 in order to provide for a long life of the first and second impact
plates 36 and 38 and consequentially minimize the number of times
the plates 36 and 38 need to be replaced. However, it is to be understood
that in all mobile impact crusher assemblies 10 the parts will
always suffer some degree of wear and will need to be replaced.
However, in lieu of simply replacing the first and second impact
plates 36 and 38 the distance between the first and second impact
plates 36 and 38 and the rotor 32 may be adjusted. By moving the
distance of the plates 36 and 38 relative to the rotor 32 and the
crushing bar 34 one may either vary the size of the crushed objects
that are expelled from the mobile impact crusher assembly 10 or
may compensate for the wear that is imparted onto the harden surfaces
90. Placing the plates 36 and 38 farther from the crushing bars
34 results in larger crushed objects and vice versa. The construction
of impact plates are known in the art, for instance please see U.S.
Pat. No. 4140284 by Jobkes that shows an alternate configuration
of the impact plates, spindles, and rotor.
The mobile impact crusher assembly 10 is manipulated by the excavator
arm 14 such that it may dig into rock or other objects 42. Teeth
50 and 52 are provided on either end of the frame 26 in order to,
among other things, aid in the initial digging and tearing of the
objects 42 or to help scrape them into a holding section 28 of
the mobile impact crusher assembly 10. Once the mobile impact crusher
assembly 10 has been manipulated such that objects 42 are placed
into the holding section 28 the objects 42 may then be reduced
by the mobile impact crusher assembly 10. Referring now to FIG.
2 it can be seen that once the objects 42 are placed into the holding
section 28 the mobile impact crusher assembly 10 may be manipulated
by the excavator arm 14 such that the mobile impact crusher assembly
10 is rotated approximately 90.degree. relative to the position
shown in FIG. 1. This tilting allows the objects 42 to fall from
the holding section 28 into the crushing section 30. The rotor 32
is rotated, and the crushing bars 34 impact the objects 42 such
that they are hurled against the first and second impact plates
36 and 38.
The crushing of the objects 42 takes place in a crushing section
30 of the mobile impact crusher assembly 10. The objects 42 are
reduced to a first size upon contact with the first impact plate
36 and are reduced to a subsequent smaller size upon their impact
against the second impact plate 38. The reduced objects 44 fall
through the mobile impact crusher assembly 10 due to a combination
of gravity and/or the dynamic forces imparted upon the reduced objects
44 by the rotor 32 and the impact plates 36 and 38. The reduced
objects 44 are discharged from the mobile impact crusher assembly
10 through a discharge opening 54. The reduced objects 44 then fall
into either a stock pile or some other vehicle or area that is immediately
below the mobile impact crusher assembly 10. Although shown as being
in a substantially vertical orientation, it is to be understood
that the mobile impact crusher assembly 10 may function in orientations
other than those disclosed in FIGS. 1 and 2.
The driving mechanism 40 is shown in more detail in FIG. 3A. This
particular configuration of the driving mechanism 40 includes a
first frictionally engaging member 58 and a second frictionally
engaging member 60. The frictionally engaging members 58 and 60
may be, for instance, a first rubber tire 58 and a second rubber
tire 60. The second rubber tire 60 is driven by a motor 56 that
receives power via an input power line 62. The motor 56 can be a
hydraulic motor 56 that is mounted on the frame 26 and is powered
by a hydraulic input line 62 from the vehicle. A hydraulic output
line 64 runs from the hydraulic motor 56 through the frame, and
back to the vehicle. The first rubber tire 58 is engaged by the
second rubber tire 60 such that rotation of the second rubber tire
60 causes a corresponding rotation of the first rubber tire 58.
The first rubber tire 58 is fixed to rotate with the rotor shaft
46. Therefore, rotation of the first rubber tire 58 causes a rotation
of the rotor shaft 46 which subsequently causes rotation of the
rotor 32 (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). Although shown as being hydraulically
powered, it is to be understood that the first and second rubber
tire 58 and 60 arrangement shown in FIG. 3A may be powered by other
means. For instance, an electric motor 56 may be coupled to the
second rubber tire 60 and may drive the second rubber tire 60 in
much the same way as the hydraulic motor 56. Additionally, it is
to be understood that the hydraulic lines 62 and 64 from and to
the vehicle do not need to be present in other exemplary embodiments
of the present invention. For instance, the hydraulic motor 56 may
be powered by its own diesel/hydraulic system 110 that is contained
on the frame 26 as shown in FIG. 5 or elsewhere in other exemplary
embodiments.
When the first and second rubber tires 58 and 60 are inflated they
will press against each other in order to transmit motion of one
to the other. The frame 26 may be specially reinforced in the section
surrounding the drive mechanism 40 in order to protect the drive
mechanism 40 and the associated bearings. By changing the diameter
of the tires 58 and 60 and/or other components of the drive mechanism
40 as used in other exemplary embodiments of the present invention,
as well as the hydraulic pressure of the drive mechanism 40 and/or
the RPM of the rotor 32 various output sizes of the reduced objects
44 may be attained.
FIG. 3B shows an alternate exemplary embodiment of the driving
mechanism 40. Here, a hydraulic motor 56 is present on the frame
26 but instead of driving the second rubber tire 60 the hydraulic
motor 56 drives a drive pulley 66. Another drive pulley 68 is also
present and is in communication with the rotor shaft 46. The drive
pulleys 66 and 68 are in communication with one another through
a V-belt 69. Rotation of the drive pulley 66 brought about by rotation
of the hydraulic motor 56 will cause a corresponding movement of
the V-belt 69 around the drive pulley 66. Such motion of the V-belt
69 causes a corresponding motion of the drive pulley 68 which is
in contact with the rotor shaft 46 causing rotation of the rotor
32 (as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2). Again, the hydraulic motor 56 need
not be present in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3B. For
instance, in other exemplary embodiments of the present invention,
an electric motor may be substituted for the hydraulic motor 56
shown in FIG. 3B. Additionally, if a hydraulic motor 56 were to
be used, the hydraulics required to run the hydraulic motor 56 may
be supplied by an independent hydraulic/diesel system 110 that is
present on the frame 26 and is not run from the vehicle into the
frame 26 or elsewhere, as shown in FIG. 5.
FIG. 3C shows yet another exemplary alternative embodiment of the
driving mechanism 40. Here, the hydraulic motor 56 is directly mounted
onto the rotor shaft 46. Hydraulic lines 62 and 64 are again present
and are run from the vehicle into the frame 26 and are used to power
the hydraulic motor 56. As previously mentioned, the hydraulic motor
56 may be substituted with an electric motor in other exemplary
embodiments of the present invention. Further, the hydraulic source
may be independently created and housed on the frame 26 or elsewhere
as opposed to being supplied from the hydraulics of the vehicle.
The direct mounting of the hydraulic motor 56 may be accomplished
by various ways known in the art. For instance, the shaft emanating
from the hydraulic motor 56 may be coupled onto the rotor shaft
46. In the case of mounting the hydraulic motor 56 directly onto
the rotor shaft 46 the RPM of the rotor 32 may be regulated by
a hydraulic control value (not shown).
FIG. 4A shows a front elevation view of the mobile impact crusher
assembly 10 having the driving mechanism 40 displayed in FIG. 3A.
As can be seen, the driving mechanism 40 is positioned on an end
of the frame 26 and is adjacent to the holding section 28. A counter
weight (not shown) may be placed on an opposite end from the driving
mechanism 40 as is known in the art. Although not shown, a screen
may be placed in the opening leading to the holding section 28.
Such a screen may help ensure that objects other than those sought
to be placed into the holding section 28 are prevented from entering
the holding section 28.
FIG. 4B is a side elevation view taken along line 4B of FIG. 4A.
Here, it can be seen that the first impact plate 36 is adjusted
to an adjusted position 70 which is schematically indicated by
the chain-dashed line representation of the first impact plate 36.
Similarly, the second impact plate 38 is shown being moved to an
adjusted position 72. The adjusted positions 70 and 72 may be provided
in order to vary the output size of the reduced objects 44 (as shown
in FIG. 2). Additionally, wear on the hardened surfaces 90 of the
first and second impact plates 36 and 38 may require adjustment
of the plates 36 and 38 into the adjusted positions 70 and 72 in
order to provide for the correct size of the reduced objects 44
(as shown in FIG. 2).
A hydraulic cylinder 112 may be provided on the frame 26 and in
engagement with the first impact plate 36. The hydraulic cylinder
112 may be actuated in order to close off and isolate the holding
section 28 from the crushing section 30. As such, the rotor 32 may
be run, and the hydraulic cylinder may then move the first impact
plate 36 so that objects 42 are then hit by the crushing bars 34
of the rotor 32.
An alternative exemplary embodiment of the mobile impact crusher
assembly 10 is shown is FIG. 7. Here, the hydraulic cylinder 112
is shown being in an actuated position in which the first impact
plate 36 is positioned so as to isolate the holding section 28 from
the crushing section 30. This is accomplished by having the hydraulic
cylinder 112 being pivotally attached to first impact plate 36 through
a pivotal attachment 200. The first impact plate 36 is also pivotally
attached to the frame 26 at a pivotal attachment 204. Upon isolation
of the holding section 28 from the crushing section 30 the holding
section 28 may be used as a bucket as is present on a conventional
excavator.
As the hydraulic cylinder 112 extends, the first impact plate 36
is pivoted about the pivotal attachment 204. The hydraulic cylinder
112 is partially housed within a frame extension 206 of the frame
26. Hydraulic fluid is fed into and out of the hydraulic cylinder
112 through hydraulic lines 224 and 226. The hydraulic cylinder
112 is pivotally attached to the frame extension 206 of the frame
26 through a pivotal attachment 202. The pivotal attachment 202
allows the hydraulic cylinder 112 to pivot with respect to the frame
26 during actuation of the hydraulic cylinder 112.
The second impact plate 38 is shown as being pivotally attached
to the frame 26 through a pivotal attachment 208. As such, upon
being struck by thrown objects 42 the second impact plate 38 will
pivot about the pivotal attachment 208. A further pivotal attachment
210 is present on the second impact plate 38 in order to allow a
rod 216 to be connected to the second impact plate 38 and pivot
with respect thereto. The rod 216 extends through a spring 218 and
a frame extension 222 of the frame 26. The, spring 218 engages the
frame extension 222 of the frame 26 on one end thereof, and engages
a plate 220 on an opposite end.
A limiting member 212 being a first nut 212 is connected to the
rod 216 and engages the plate 220. Another limiting member 214 being
a second nut 214 is threadably engaged upon the rod 216 the spring
218 being positioned between the first nut 212 and the second nut
214. It is to be understood that in other exemplary embodiments
of the present invention, the first and second nuts 212 and 214
may be either threadably connected onto the rod 216 or permanently
affixed to the rod 216. Objects 42 that are thrown against the second
impact plate 38 impact the hardened surface 90. The force of this
impact is transferred through the rod 216 and causes the plate 220
to compress the spring 218. The spring 218 exerts a force in response
to the impact, and tends to absorb the force of the impact. The
first and second nuts 212 214 may be adjusted in order to vary
the distance of the second impact plate 38 from the frame 26. This
adjustment may therefore allow for the regulation of the size and
amount of the crushed objects 44 that are discharged from the mobile
impact crusher assembly 10. In one exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, hydraulic cylinders may be incorporated into both of
the first and second impact plates 36 38 in order to help prevent
oversized crushed objects 44 from exiting the mobile impact crusher
assembly 10.
Although described as having a threaded engagement, the rod 216
and nuts 212 214 the spring 218 and related components may be
configured with a manual spring style release system that provides
for faster adjustment of the second impact plate 38.
The exemplary embodiment of the mobile impact crusher assembly
10 shown in FIG. 7 has the rotor 32 being provided with two crushing
bars 34. Each of the crushing bars 34 is affixed to the rotor 32
by way of a wedge 228. The wedge 228 is designed so that the wedge
228 tightens as the centrifugal force due to the rotating rotor
32 increases. In other exemplary embodiments of the present invention,
other ways of attaching the rotor 32 and the crushing bars 34 are
contemplated. For instance, pins, bolts, or welding may be employed
in other exemplary embodiments. Also, in other exemplary embodiments
of the present invention the crushing bars 34 may have a curved
cross-section instead of a rectangular cross-section. The crushing
bars 34 can have a curved section in order to fit into a corresponding
curved section in the rotor 32 to provide for attachment of the
crushing bars 34 onto the rotor 32.
FIG. 8 shows the mobile impact crusher assembly 10 of FIG. 7 where
the hydraulic cylinder 112 has been compressed such that the first
impact plate 36 is positioned within the interior space 33 so that
the holding section 28 is not isolated from the crushing section
30. During use, the mobile impact crusher assembly 10 may have the
first impact plate 36 positioned as shown in FIG. 7 and may be manipulated
such that objects 42 are placed within the holding section 28. At
this point, the mobile impact crusher assembly 10 may be rotated
such that the holding section 28 is for the most part above the
crushing section 30. Rotation of the rotor 32 may be started, and
once a desired rotational speed is obtained the first impact plate
36 may be swung into the open position as shown in FIG. 8. At this
point, objects 42 fall into the crushing section 30 from the holding
section 28 and are reduced into the crushed objects 44. This type
of an arrangement may be advantages in that the rotor 32 may be
prevented from being jammed due to the fact that it is at a fully
developed speed before any contact with the objects 42 occurs.
FIG. 9 is a top view of the mobile impact crusher assembly shown
in FIGS. 7 and 8. Here, the motor 56 is a hydraulic motor that is
attached to the frame 26. A shaft 230 is coupled to the motor 56
and extends across the frame 26. The shaft 230 is rotationally mounted
onto the frame 26 by way of a pair of bearing assemblies 232. The
driving mechanism is essentially the same as the driving mechanism
40 as shown in FIG. 3B. Here, a V-belt 69 is employed in order to
allow for rotational motion to be transferred from the drive pulley
66 to the drive pulley 68. The drive pulley 66 is connected to the
shaft 230 such that rotation of the shaft 230 causes a corresponding
rotation of the drive pulley 66. As can be seen, this rotation is
then transferred to the drive pulley 68 which is connected to the
rotor shaft 46. Here, the rotor shaft 46 is supported by a pair
of bearing assemblies 234.
FIG. 10 shows a front view of the exemplary embodiment of the mobile
impact crusher assembly 10 displayed in FIGS. 7 through 9. Here,
a guard 236 is positioned proximate to the inlet opening 35 of the
frame 36. The guard 236 may be configured such that objects 42 are
only able to enter the mobile impact crusher assembly 10 if they
are of a desired size and weight. It is to be understood that in
other exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the presence
of the guard 236 is not necessary.
Although shown as employing the driving mechanism 40 of FIG. 3B,
it is to be understood that in other exemplary embodiments of the
present invention drive components other than the V-belt 69 and
the drive pulleys 66 and 68 may be employed. Additionally, hydraulic
power may be substituted for other forms of power in running the
driving mechanism 40 in other exemplary embodiments. An advantage
of using a hydraulic driving mechanism 40 is that the hydraulic
configuration allows for the reversal of the rotation of the rotor
32. Reversing the rotor 32 will assist in clearing the crushing
section 30 referring now to FIG. 7 if large and/or non-crushable
objects 42 are present within the crushing section 30.
FIG. 5 shows the mobile impact crusher assembly 10 being connected
to a first excavator arm 14 of an excavator 12. The excavator 12
includes a second excavator arm 76 that is attached to the first
excavator arm 14. The second excavator arm 76 also has a second
hydraulic cylinder 74 being attached thereto and being powered by
the diesel/hydraulic system 114 of the excavator 12. Actuation of
the second hydraulic cylinder 74 causes a corresponding rotation
of the first excavator arm 14 about the second excavator arm 76.
As can be seen from this arrangement, it is possible for the excavator
12 to manipulate the mobile impact crusher assembly 10 such that
objects 42 are able to be scooped into the frame 26 of the mobile
impact crusher assembly 10. The excavator 12 may be moved back and
forth on excavator tracks 78. Additionally, the excavator 12 may
swivel about the excavator swivel base 79 such that the first excavator
arm 14 second excavator arm 76 and the mobile impact crusher assembly
10 are rotated in a direction normal to the side elevational view
shown in FIG. 5.
The mobile impact crusher assembly 10 as opposed to simply reducing
the size of objects 42 may also act to separate objects. For instance,
steel may be separated from the product in which it is encased during
a pass through the mobile impact crusher assembly 10. Objects 42
that may be crushed by the mobile impact crusher assembly 10 include
rock, rubble, stone, boulders, concrete, asphalt, brick, block,
glass, demolition debris and the like.
In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention as shown in
FIGS. 5 and 6 for example, a screener 80 is attached to the excavator
12. Such a screener 80 is commonly known in the art, and its purpose
is to further reduce or separate material placed into the screener
80. The screener 80 may be provided with screener tracks 82 or tires
(not shown) in order to aid in movement of the screener 80. The
screener 80 may be run by its own power source, or may be driven
via the diesel/hydraulic system 114 of the excavator 12. The screener
80 has a screener input 84 into which objects are deposited. The
screener 80 then screens the inputted objects such that only objects
of a desired size and/or those exhibiting certain desirable properties
are outputted onto the screener output 86. These objects are then
subsequentially transferred off of the screener 80 and deposited
into a stock pile 88 of screened material. However, in other exemplary
embodiments of the present invention, output from the screener output
86 is sent directly to another vehicle which then transports the
screened objects to a remote location as opposed to simply depositing
the output from the screener output 86 into the stock pile 88.
Since the mobile impact crusher assembly 10 is replacing the bucket
of the excavator 12 the operator of the excavator 12 may use the
mobile impact crusher assembly 10 to scoop objects 42 to be crushed
in much the same way as the operator would when using the normal
bucket.
FIG. 6 shows a side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of
the mobile impact crusher assembly 10 in accordance with the present
invention. Here, the mobile impact crusher assembly 10 is again
attached to an excavator 12 and is shown as being rotationally pivoted
on the first excavator arm 14. The mobile impact crusher assembly
10 is in a substantially vertical orientation such that objects
42 are being crushed by the mobile impact crusher assembly 10 and
are being expelled into the screener input 84 of the screener 80.
At this point, the reduced objects 44 are further processed by the
screener 80 such that they are reduced in size and/or sorted according
to desired properties. The output from the screener output 86 is
deposited into the stock pile 88 of screened material.
It is to be appreciated that the mobile impact crusher assembly
10 may be connected to vehicles other than the excavator 12 in other
exemplary embodiments of the present invention as schematically
shown in FIG. 1. For instance, the mobile impact crusher assembly
10 may be configured to be attached to a vehicle 13 such as a loader,
a shovel, and/or a crane. As such, attachment to only the excavator
12 is not always necessary. It is to be understood that the connection
member 22 may be configured such that the mobile impact crusher
assembly 10 is engagable with two or more different types of vehicles.
One advantage of the present invention is that the mobile impact
crusher assembly 10 is capable of being mounted onto a vehicle as
opposed to simply being positioned on the ground. Such a configuration
allows for the elimination of an independent power source needed
to run the stand-alone impact crusher that is positioned on the
ground. Additionally, several steps can be combined or eliminated
when the mobile impact crusher assembly 10 is mounted onto an arm
of a vehicle. For instance, it is not necessary to load the objects
42 into the stand-alone impact crusher and then retrieve the reduced
objects 44 from the crusher.
An additional advantage of the mobile impact crusher assembly 10
as disclosed in the present application is that the mobile impact
crusher assembly 10 may produce a desired saleable object by a single
pass of the objects 42 through the holding section 28 and the crushing
section 30. A saleable object is defined as an object outputted
from the mobile impact crusher assembly 10 that is of a desired
size, and in which no other machinery is needed to place the object
into the mobile impact crusher assembly 10 or remove the reduced
object therefrom. It is the case that current impact crushers are
used for the purpose of reducing the objects 42 into reduced objects
44 which are then required to be further processed in order to achieve
objects of the desired size. In essence, current impact crushers
are preparation crushers and are not capable of producing saleable
objects of the desired size. However, at least one exemplary embodiment
of the present invention allows for saleable objects to be realized
upon departing the discharge opening 54 through a single pass of
the objects 42 through the holding section 28 and the crushing section
30. It is also to be understood that in other exemplary embodiments
of the present invention, the mobile impact crusher assembly 10
can be used in a preparation stage in reducing the objects 42. As
shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 for example, the reduced objects 44 are further
processed by the screener 80.
Significant savings can be realized if a single diesel/hydraulic
system 114 is used on the excavator 12 and also powers the mobile
impact crusher assembly 10 as opposed to two separate diesel/hydraulic
systems, one being for the excavator 12 and the other for a stand-alone
impact crusher. Further savings can also be realized in the exemplary
embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 if the single diesel/hydraulic
system 114 is also used to power the screener 80.
It is therefore the case, that the present invention may eliminate
the need for an elaborate hopper/feeder/crusher/conveyor system.
The mobile impact crusher assembly 10 may utilize the holding section
28 as a hopper and feeder. By lifting and tilting the mobile impact
crusher assembly 10 at the same time, the reduced objects 44 simply
discharge at a desired height from the mobile impact crusher assembly
10 to create a stock pile without the use of a conveyor. When mounted
on the excavator 12 the excavator 12 can swivel about the excavator
swivel base 79 anywhere in a 360.degree. circumference to deposit
reduced objects 44. This allows for multiple piles of the reduced
objects 44 to be stock piled without moving the excavator 12 via
the excavator tracks 78.
The screen 80 may be mounted on the screener tracks 82 or simply
mounted on tires (not shown) while being towed. Additionally, the
screener 80 may have its own source of power in order to provide
its own mobility as opposed to being simply towed by the excavator
12. As can be seen, the present invention encompasses exemplary
embodiments where the screener 80 is an independent vehicle from
the excavator 12 and has its own power source, and also encompasses
exemplary embodiments where the screener 80 and the excavator 12
are essentially one vehicle, each sharing their own power source.
In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the screener
80 is towed by the excavator 12 and is powered by the same power
source which runs the excavator 12. The excavator 12 may use the
mobile impact crusher assembly 10 to scoop a load of objects 42
to be crushed. Once material is within the frame 26 of the mobile
impact crusher assembly 10 the excavator 12 may be rotated 180.degree.
in order to position the mobile impact crusher assembly 10 directly
over the screener input 84. Reduced objects 44 are discharged from
the mobile impact crusher assembly 10 into the screen 80 for sizing
purposes. The entire system, that being the excavator 12 along with
the screener 80 may move forward using the tracks on the excavator
12 while digging, scooping, loading, crushing, screening, and then
stock piling the screened material into the stock pile 88. As can
be seen, the mobile impact crusher assembly 10 is attached to the
excavator 12 and the screener 80 and may be capable of performing
all of the various necessary tasks while the entire assembly is
moving in any direction.
It should be understood that the present invention includes various
modifications that can be made to the embodiments of the mobile
impact crusher assembly 10 described herein as come within the scope
of the appended claims and their equivalents.
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