Abstrict A method and apparatus for adapting a horizontal shaft impact crusher
for efficient crushing of different types of material are provided.
At least two feed plates are provided. The feed plates each have
a different feed angle adapted for use with a predetermined type
or types of aggregate material. The feed plates can be interchangeably
mounted on the crusher to adapt the crusher for enhanced crushing
efficiency with respect to the type of material to be crushed.
Claims What is claimed is:
1. A kit for use with a horizontal shaft impact crusher having
a rotating impeller proceeding along a circular path, the kit comprising:
a first feed plate having a first feed angle relative to the circular
path for delivering a first type of material to be crushed to the
crusher to achieve enhanced crushing of the first type of material,
the first feed plate further including a first baseplate, a plurality
of gussets mounted to the first baseplate, each of the gussets being
disposed substantially perpendicularly to the first baseplate and
defining a crown spaced a distance from the first baseplate, and
a first faceplate mounted to the gussets, the gussets supporting
the first faceplate at the first feed angle with respect to the
first baseplate; and
a second feed plate having a second feed angle relative to the
circular path for delivering a second type of material to be crushed
to the crusher to achieve enhanced crushing of the second type of
material, the second feed angle being different than the first feed
angle, the first and second feed plates being adapted for interchangeable
securement to a crusher to adapt the crusher for enhanced crushing
of the first and second types of materials.
2. A kit as defined in claim 1 further comprising fasteners for
selectively securing the first feed plate or the second feed plate
to the crusher.
3. A kit as defined in claim 1 wherein the first faceplate has
a curved portion dimensioned to mate with and overlie the curved
crown of the gussets.
4. A kit as defined in claim 1 wherein the second feed plate further
comprises:
a second baseplate;
a plurality of gussets mounted to the second baseplate, each of
the gussets being disposed substantially perpendicularly to the
second baseplate and defining a crown spaced a distance from the
second baseplate; and
a second faceplate mounted to the gussets, the gussets supporting
the second faceplate at the second feed angle with respect to the
second baseplate.
5. A kit as defined in claim 4 wherein the second faceplate has
a curved portion dimensioned to mate with and overlie the curved
crown of the gussets.
6. A kit comprising:
a first feed plate having a base plate, a face plate, and a plurality
of gusset plates interconnecting the base plate and the face plate,
each of the gusset plates being shaped to define a first feed angle
between the base plate and the face plate, the first feed angle
being chosen for delivering a first type of material to be crushed
to the crusher to achieve enhanced crushing of the first type of
material; and
a second feed plate having a base plate, a face plate, and a plurality
of gusset plates interconnecting the base plate and the face plate,
each of the gusset plates being shaped to define a second feed angle
between the base plate and the face plate, the second feed angle
being chosen for delivering a second type of material to be crushed
to the crusher to achieve enhanced crushing of the second type of
material, the second feed angle being different than the first feed
angle, the first and second feed plates being adapted for interchangeable
securement to a crusher to adapt the crusher for enhanced crushing
of the first and second types of materials.
7. The kit of claim 6 wherein each of the gusset plates of the
first feed plate and each of the gusset plates of the second feed
plate include a curved crown, and further wherein the face plate
of the first feed plate and the face plate of the second feed plate
include a curved portion shaped to overlie the curved crown of its
corresponding gusset plates.
8. A kit for use with a horizontal shaft impact crusher having
a rotatable impeller rotating through a circular path, the kit comprising:
a first feed plate having a base plate, a face plate, and a plurality
of gusset plates interconnecting the base plate and the face plate,
the gusset plates being adapted to position the face plate to thereby
define a first feed path, the first feed path being disposed at
a first angle relative to the circular path, the face plate having
a curved portion and a downwardly depending extension, each of the
gusset plates having a curved crown adapted to receive thereon the
curved portion of the face plate; and
a second feed plate having a base plate, a face plate, and a plurality
of gusset plates interconnecting the base plate and the face plate,
the gusset plates being adapted to position the face plate to thereby
define a second feed path, the second feed path being disposed at
a second angle relative to the circular path, the face plate having
a curved portion and a downwardly depending extension, each of the
gusset plates having a curved crown adapted to receive thereon the
curved portion of the face plate.
Description FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates generally to impact crushers, and, more particularly,
to a method and apparatus for adapting a horizontal shaft impact
crusher for efficient crushing of different types of materials.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Horizontal shaft impact crushers are commonly employed to pulverize
many different types of materials including, by way of examples,
not limitations, asphalt, concrete, and rock. Such crushers typically
include a frame defining a cavity. A rotating impeller driven by
an external drive mechanism is disposed within the cavity. The frame
includes an opening through which the material to be crushed is
inserted into the cavity. One or more breaker plates are generally
disposed within the cavity. The rotating impeller repeatedly throws
the material to be crushed against the breaker plate(s) thereby
breaking the material into small particles.
Horizontal shaft impact crushers generally use a feed plate to
help guide the material to be crushed (sometimes referred to as
the aggregate) into the hammer circle (i.e., the motion path of
the impeller hammers or bars) where it is struck by the impeller
bars and crushed. A feed plate is an elongated plate disposed at
an angle within the material insertion opening to the cavity of
the crusher. The material to be crushed is delivered to the feed
plate by a conveyor or the like. The material to be crushed slides
down the plate and into the cavity where it is crushed as explained
above.
Horizontal shaft impact crushers are generally used to crush a
wide range of materials. For example, a crusher may be used to crush
asphalt one day, and thereafter be transported to a different site
where it is used to crush concrete. Different materials have different
physical properties and characteristics that effect their susceptibility
to crushing. In view of these differences, applicants have found
that it is desirable to insert different materials into crushers
at different feed angles. By way of examples, not limitations, concrete
and asphalt recycle crushing generally involves large, slabby material
that requires a large feed opening to effectively feed the material
into the crusher cavity. In contrast, secondary rock crushing involves
relatively small uniform material. The crushing of such rock material
is generally optimized with a steeper feed angle that allows better
penetration into the hammer circle.
Prior art crushers generally employ a single feed plate having
a fixed feed angle. This feed angle is generally optimized to work
well with one range of material types, but compromises crushing
efficiency for other material types.
Feed plates that are removably secured to the frame of an impact
crusher are known in the prior art. However, such feed plates are
removable to address concerns other than feeding/crushing efficiency
such as feed material bridging and assembly considerations. These
removable feed plates are not known to have been used in the past
to optimize the feed geometry to the properties of the material
to be crushed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with an aspect of the invention, a method is provided
for adapting a horizontal shaft impact crusher for use with different
types of materials. The method includes the steps of: determining
a first feed angle for delivering a first type of material to be
crushed to the crusher to achieve enhanced crushing of the first
type of material; selecting a first feed plate having a second feed
angle that at least generally corresponds to the first feed angle;
and securing the first feed plate to the crusher.
Optionally, the method may also comprise the steps of: determining
a third feed angle for delivering a second type of material to be
crushed to the crusher to achieve enhanced crushing of the second
type of material; selecting a second feed plate having a fourth
feed angle that at least generally corresponds to the third feed
angle; removing the first feed plate from the crusher; and securing
the second feed plate to the crusher. The third feed angle is different
than the first and second feed angles.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a kit is provided.
The kit includes a first feed plate having a first feed angle for
delivering a first type of material to be crushed to the crusher
to achieve enhanced crushing of the first type of material. It also
includes a second feed plate having a second feed angle for delivering
a second type of material to be crushed to the crusher to achieve
enhanced crushing of the second type of material. The second feed
angle is different than the first feed angle. The first and second
feed plates are adapted for interchangeable securement to a crusher
to adapt the crusher for enhanced crushing of the first and second
types of materials.
Preferably, the kit also includes fasteners for selectively securing
the first feed plate or the second feed plate to the crusher.
In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, a feed
plate is provided. The feed plate includes a baseplate and a plurality
of gussets mounted to the baseplate. Each of the gussets is disposed
substantially perpendicularly to the baseplate and defines a crown
spaced a distance from the baseplate. The feed plate also includes
a faceplate mounted to the gussets. The gussets support the faceplate
at an angle to the baseplate. The faceplate has a curved portion
dimensioned to mate with and overlie the curved crown of the gussets.
In accordance with a still further aspect of the invention, a method
of adapting a horizontal shaft impact crusher for use with different
materials comprises determining a first desired feed angle for delivering
a first type of material to be crushed to the crusher to achieve
enhanced crushing of the first type of material, determining a second
desired feed angle for delivering a second type of material to be
crushed to the crusher to achieve enhanced crushing of the second
type of material, choosing a feed plate from a selected set of feed
plates, the selected set of feed plates including a first feed plate
having a first desired feed angle adapted for use with the first
type of material, the selected set further including a second feed
plate having a second desired feed angle adapted for use with the
second type of material, and securing the selected feed plate to
the crusher.
Other features and advantages are inherent in the apparatus claimed
and disclosed or will become apparent to those skilled in the art
from the following detailed description and its accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a horizontal shaft impact
crusher employing a removable feed plate constructed in accordance
with the teachings of the instant invention.
FIG. 2 is a side detail view of the feed plate of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of the horizontal shaft impact
crusher of FIG. 1 employing a second removable feed plate constructed
in accordance with the teachings of the invention.
FIG. 4 is a side detail view of the feed plate of FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a crusher frame.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a feed plate constructed in accordance
with the teachings of the invention.
FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the feed plate of FIG. 6.
FIG. 8 is a rear elevational view of the feed plate of FIG. 6.
FIG. 9 is a left side view of the feel plate of FIG. 6.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Feed plates 10 11 constructed in accordance with the teachings
of the invention are shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 in a preferred environment
of use, namely, mounted on a horizontal shaft impact crusher 12.
While for clarity of illustration, the feed plates 10 11 are shown
herein mounted on a specific type of crusher 12 persons of ordinary
skill in the art will readily appreciate that the teachings of the
invention are in no way limited to use with that crusher 12 or to
any other particular environment of use. On the contrary, feed plates
constructed in accordance with the teachings of the invention may
be used with any crusher which would benefit from the advantages
they offer without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.
The illustrated crusher 12 is a horizontal shaft impact crusher.
Thus, as is well known in the art, the crusher 12 includes a frame
or housing 14 that defines an internal cavity (see FIG. 5). An impeller
20 is journalled in a bearing (not shown) mounted adjacent an opening
22 in the frame 14 (see FIG. 5). As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 the
impeller 20 is provided with a plurality of bars or hammers 24 for
striking and propelling aggregate material. The impeller 20 is mounted
for rotation within the cavity in a generally horizontal position
and is coupled to a drive mechanism (not shown) through a gear train
(not shown) which imparts rotational movement to the impeller 20.
Material to be crushed is inserted into the cavity through an insertion
opening 30 defined in the frame 14 (see FIG. 5).
In order to provide a striking surface to break material propelled
by the impeller 20 within the cavity, the crusher 12 is further
provided with conventional breaker plates 32 34. As is conventional,
the illustrated crusher 12 has a primary breaker plate 32 and a
secondary breaker plate 34 both of which are suspended within the
cavity adjacent the motion path 36 of the impeller hammers 24. When
material is inserted into the crusher 12 the impeller 20 strikes
and propels the material against the breaker plates 32 34.
The breaker plates 32 34 are suspended within the cavity by adjusting
rods 38. The adjusting rods 38 are secured to the braker plates
32 34 within the cavity. As shown in FIG. 1 the rods 38 extend
out of the crusher 12. By adjusting the position of the adjusting
rods 38 one can adjust the position of the breaker plates 32 34
within the cavity.
For the purpose of supplying material to be crushed to the cavity
of the crusher 12 a feed plate 10 11 is removably mounted to a
mounting plate 40 formed by the crusher frame 14 (see FIG. 5) adjacent
the insertion opening 30. More specifically, in the illustrated
embodiment, the crusher 12 may be provided with a kit including
two interchangeable feed plates 10 11. One of the feed plates 10
defines a first feed angle for delivering a first type of material
to be crushed to the cavity to achieve enhanced crushing of a first
type of material (see FIG. 2). The other feed plate 11 defines a
second feed angle for delivering a second type of material to be
crushed to the cavity to achieve enhanced crushing of a second type
of material (see FIG. 4). In the illustrated embodiment, the first
feed angle is smaller than the second feed angle. Thus, by way of
example, not limitation, the feed plate 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2 is particularly
well suited for feeding large, slabby materials such as concrete
or asphalt into the crusher whereas the feed plate 11 shown in FIGS.
3 and 4 is particularly well suited for delivering small, relatively
uniform materials into the crusher 12. In any event, as shown in
FIGS. 1 and 3 the feed plates 10 11 can be interchangeably secured
to the mounting plate 40 of the crusher 12 to adapt the crusher
for enhanced crushing of either the first type of material or the
second type of material, whichever is presently available for crushing.
Since, other than their feed angles, the feed plates 10 11 are
substantially identical, the following detailed discussion of the
structure of a preferred feed plate refers to both feed plates 10
and 11. Preferably, the feed plates 10 11 are constructed of steel
plate. Turning to FIGS. 6-9 the feed plates 10 11 are preferably
of a length sufficient to extend across the entire opening 30 to
the cavity. The feed plates 10 11 include a substantially planar
baseplate 50. They also include a plurality of support plates or
gussets 52. The gussets 52 are mounted to the baseplate 50 in a
plurality of parallel planes, each of which is perpendicular to
the plane of the baseplate 50. While the gussets 52 can be mounted
to the baseplate 50 in many ways without departing from the scope
or spirit of the invention, in the preferred embodiment the gussets
52 are welded to the baseplate 50.
As most easily seen in FIGS. 2 and 4 the gussets 52 have a generally
triangular shape. Each gusset 52 defmes a crown 54 which is spaced
a distance away from the baseplate 50. An end plate 53 is preferably
mounted at each end of the feed plates 10 11.
The feed plates 10 11 are also provided with a faceplate 60 which
is mounted on the gussets 52. The gussets 52 support the faceplate
60 at an angle to the baseplate 50. The angle between the faceplate
60 and the baseplate 50 defmes the feed angle of the corresponding
feed plate 10 or 11.
To prevent aggregate material from falling behind the faceplate
60 during use of the feed plate 10 11 the faceplate 60 includes
a curved portion 62 which is dimensioned to mate with and overlie
the curved crowns 54 of the gussets (see FIGS. 2 and 4). An extension
63 depends downwardly from the curved portion 62.
For the purpose of removably securing the feed plate 10 11 to
the crusher 12 the baseplate 50 of the feed plate 10 11 defmes
a plurality of bores 64. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 a shelf 68 is
mounted to the housing 14 such that a pocket 69 is created between
the mounting plate 40 and the shelf 68. A stripper bar 66 is disposed
within the pocket 69 and acts to break or otherwise interrupt the
resulting stream of turbulent air created by the rotating impeller
20. The stripper plate 66 is adjustably secured to the housing 14.
The mounting plate 40 defines a plurality of bores 70 which are
arranged for alignment with the bores 64 of the baseplate 50. As
shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 the distal bores 70 of the mounting plate
40 are countersunk whereas the proximal bores 70 are not countersunk.
Fasteners 72 are provided for securing the undersurface of the
base plate 50 to the mounting plate 40. Preferably, the fasteners
72 are implemented as threaded bolts and are provided with the kit
including the feed plates 10 11.
As also shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 to extend the useful life of the
feed plates 10 11 each of the feed plates 10 11 is further provided
with a wear plate 76 which is removably secured to its faceplate
60. The wear plate 76 is secured to the faceplate 60 via fasteners
72 (see FIGS. 2 and 4) which are preferably implemented by threaded
bolts. To this end, both the faceplate 60 and the wear plate 76
are provided with bores 80 which align when the wear plate 76 and
faceplate 60 are assembled.
In operation, the manufacturer of the crusher 12 wholesaler, user,
or other person or entity (hereinafter referred to as the "user")
identifies the type of material to be crushed. Once the material
is identified, the user determines an appropriate feed angle for
delivering the identified type of material to the crusher 12 to
achieve enhanced crushing of the material. The user then selects
a feed plate 10 or 11 having a feed angle that generally corresponds
to the determined feed angle. The selected feed plate 10 or 11 is
then secured to the crusher 12 as explained above and the crusher
12 is operated to crush the subject material.
If it is subsequently determined that a different type of material
is to be crushed, the user determines the appropriate feed angle
for delivering the new type of material to the crusher 12 to achieve
enhanced crushing. If a different feed angle is desired, the user
selects a feed plate 11 or 10 having a feed angle that generally
corresponds to the desired feed angle. The feed plate 10 or 11 currently
mounted on the crusher 12 is then removed, and the new feed plate
11 or 10 is mounted on the crusher 12. The crusher 12 is then operated.
Persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a method
and kit for adapting a crusher for enhanced crushing of different
types of material has been provided. Although the disclosed kit
includes only two feed plates 10 11 together with the plate 76
and fasteners 72 persons of ordinary skill in the art will readily
appreciate that other items can be included in the kit without departing
from the scope or the spirit of the invention. By way of example,
not limitation, additional feed plates having feed angles different
than those illustrated herein can be included without departing
from the scope or spirit of the invention.
Additionally, persons of ordinary skill in the art will readily
appreciate that the feed angles of the illustrated feed plates 10
11 are for illustration purposes only. Accordingly, it will be appreciated
that feed plates 10 11 with different feed angles can be used without
departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.
From the foregoing, persons of ordinary skill in the art will also
appreciate that bolt-in feed plates such as those disclosed herein
can be used to optimize the feed point location with respect to
the hammer circle 36 to achieve better crushing in different applications.
Such persons will also appreciate that bolt-in feed plates such
as those disclosed herein allow crushers to be retrofit for specific
applications within the field with minimal effort.
Although certain instantiations of the teachings of the invention
have been described herein, the scope of coverage of this patent
is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all
instantiations of the teachings of the invention fairly falling
within the scope of the appended claims either literally or under
the doctrine of equivalents. |