Abstrict A jaw crusher having device for securing the stationary jaw to
the frame against side-to-side movement is disclosed. The jaw crusher
includes a frame having a generally vertical base extending between
a pair of spaced apart side portions, with each of the side portions
including an angled ledge spaced from the base. A generally planar
stationary jaw is mounted to the base and extends between the frame
side portions, with the stationary jaw having a top edge, a bottom
edge, and interconnecting side edges. Each of the stationary jaw
side edges includes a beveled lug extending along its length. A
pair of generally wedge shaped key plates are provided, with each
of the key plates being mountable to an adjacent frame side portion
and including a beveled first edge adapted to engage an adjacent
beveled side lug of the stationary jaw. Each of the key plates further
includes a second edge adapted to engage an adjacent ledge of the
frame side portion. Accordingly, in response to downward movement
of the key plates the stationary jaw is pressed generally horizontally
against the frame base with the engaging beveled surfaces of the
key plates and the side lugs cooperating to prevent side-to-side
movement of the stationary jaw.
Claims What is claimed:
1. A jaw crusher, comprising:
a frame having a generally vertical base extending between a pair
of spaced apart side portions, each of the side portions including
an angled ledge spaced from the base;
a generally planar stationary jaw mounted to the base and extending
between the frame side portions, the stationary jaw having a top
edge, a bottom edge, and interconnecting side edges, each side edge
having a beveled lug extending along a length thereof; and
a pair of generally wedge shaped key plates, each of the key plates
being mountable to an adjacent frame side portion and including
a beveled first edge adapted to engage an adjacent beveled side
lug of the stationary jaw, each of the key plates further including
a second edge adapted to engage an adjacent ledge of the frame side
portion;
whereby in response to downward movement of the key plates the
stationary jaw is pressed generally horizontally against the frame
base with the engaging beveled surfaces of the key plates and the
side lugs preventing side-to-side movement of the stationary jaw.
2. The jaw crusher of claim 1 wherein each key plate is adapted
for connection to its adjacent frame side portion.
3. The jaw crusher of claim 1 wherein each side lug bevel is angled
to match the beveled first edge of its adjacent key plate.
4. The jaw crusher of claim 1 wherein each key plate is secured
to its adjacent sidewall by a plurality of fasteners, and further
wherein each key plate cooperates with its opposing key plate to
apply a centering force to the stationary jaw.
5. The jaw crusher of claim 1 wherein each key plate bevel and
its adjacent side lug bevel are adapted to provide a steplessly
increasing centering force to the stationary jaw in response to
downward movement of the key plate.
6. The jaw crusher of claim 1 wherein each key plate is divided
into a top portion and a bottom portion, each top and bottom portion
being independently mountable to its adjacent frame side portion.
7. A jaw crusher, comprising:
a frame having a mounting base extending between a pair of spaced
apart sidewalls, each of the sidewalls including a ledge spaced
from, and being angled relative to, the mounting base;
a stationary jaw mounted to the mounting base and extending between
the frame sidewalls, the stationary jaw having a top edge, a bottom
edge, and interconnecting side edges, a portion of each jaw side
edge defining a beveled lug; and
a pair of generally wedge shaped key plates, each key plate being
vertically removably mounted to one of the frame sidewalls, each
key plate including a beveled first edge adapted to engage an adjacent
beveled side lug of the stationary jaw, each key plate further including
a second edge adapted to engage an adjacent ledge of the frame sidewall,
each key plate being downwardly moveable to thereby force the jaw
against the mounting base, the beveled first edge of each key plate
cooperating with its adjacent beveled side lug to thereby prevent
side-to-side movement of the stationary jaw.
8. The jaw crusher of claim 7 wherein each key plate is adapted
for connection to its adjacent frame sidewal.
9. The jaw crusher of claim 7 wherein each beveled lug is angled
to match the beveled first edge of its adjacent key plate.
10. The jaw crusher of claim 7 wherein each key plate is secured
to its adjacent sidewall by a plurality of fasteners, and further
wherein each key plate cooperates with its opposing key plate to
apply a centering force to the stationary jaw.
11. The jaw crusher of claim 7 wherein each key plate beveled
first edge and its adjacent beveled lug are adapted to provide a
steplessly increasing centering force to the stationary jaw in response
to downward movement of the key plates.
12. The jaw crusher of claim 7 wherein each key plate is divided
into a top portion and a bottom portion, each top and bottom portion
being independently mountable to its adjacent frame sidewall.
13. A jaw crusher, comprising:
a frame having a generally vertical mounting base extending between
a pair of spaced apart sidewalls, each of the sidewalls including
a ledge spaced from and angled relative to the mounting base;
a stationary jaw mounted to the mounting base and extending between
the frame sidewalls, the stationary jaw having a top edge, a bottom
edge, and interconnecting side edges, and
a pair of generally wedge shaped key plates, each key plate being
vertically removably mounted to one of the frame sidewalls so as
to engage one of the jaw side edges and an adjacent one of the sidewall
ledges; and
means carried by cooperating and engaging portions of each key
plate and each jaw side edge for applying a stepless and progressively
greater centering force to the jaw in response to downward movement
of the key plates.
14. On a jaw crusher having a frame, a stationary jaw, and a pair
of key plates adapted for vertically sliding engagement with opposing
sidewalls of the frame for securing the stationary jaw to the frame,
a method of applying a centering force to the stationary jaw comprising
the steps of:
providing a beveled first edge on each of the key plates;
providing a beveled side lug on opposing sides of the stationary
jaw;
sliding each key plate into engagement with the frame such that
each beveled first edge engages an adjacent beveled side lug of
the stationary jaw; and
securing each key plate to its adjacent frame sidewall.
15. The method of claim 14 including the additional step of applying
a progressively greater downward force to each key plate, thereby
providing a steplessly greater centering force to the stationary
jaw.
Description FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to jaw crushers for crushing aggregate
material and having a stationary crushing jaw and a moveable crushing
jaw. More specifically, the present invention relates to an improved
double wedge key plate device for securing the stationary jaw to
the frame of the jaw crusher thereby preventing unwanted side-to-side
movement of the stationary jaw during operation of the crusher.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A typical jaw crusher includes a stationary jaw and a moveable
jaw spaced to define a crushing chamber in between. The jaws each
include a face having a series of generally vertical corrugations.
Aggregate material is fed into the crushing chamber and is crushed
by the intermeshing corrugations as the moveable jaw is moved repeatedly
toward and away from the stationary jaw.
The jaws experience tremendous forces during operation of the crusher,
and it is thus important that the stationary jaw be firmly secured
to the crusher frame during operation. For example, due to the angle
between the moveable jaw and the stationary jaw, the moveable jaw
applies a cyclic upward load against the stationary jaw. Accordingly,
the stationary jaw must be firmly secured against vertical movement.
Moreover, due to the aggregate being wedged between the opposing
corrugations, the repeated cyclic load applied against the stationary
jaw also tends to shift the stationary jaw horizontally (i.e., from
side to side within the crusher frame in a direction generally perpendicular
to the frame sidewalls). Any undesired movement of the stationary
jaw, whether vertical or side-to-side, leads to excess wear and
tear on the stationary jaw and the crusher frame, increased down
time, and hence increased operational cost of the crusher. It is
thus important that the stationary jaw be firmly secured against
any up and down and side-to-side movement.
On a typical jaw crusher, and as shown in FIG. 4 the stationary
jaw 112 is secured to a portion of the frame 120 against side-to-side
movement using wedge shaped key plates 132 which bear against vertical
lugs 154 158 on each side of the stationary jaw 112. After the
stationary jaw 112 is positioned on the crusher frame 120 the key
plates 132 are driven downwardly and secured to the crusher sidewalls
122 124 such that the stationary jaw 112 is secured by friction
between the stationary jaw side lugs 154 158 and the corresponding
edges 155 157 on the adjacent key plates. The key plates are then
bolted to the crusher sidewalls.
Unfortunately, the high side-to-side forces applied to the stationary
jaw during operation of the crusher may sometimes overcome the frictional
connection between the key plates and the lugs on the side of the
stationary jaw, resulting in side-to-side movement of the stationary
jaw. In the event the force on the frictional connection is increased,
the side-to-side forces may be sufficient to break the connecting
bolts used to secure the key plates to the crusher sidewalls. If
so, any movement of the stationary jaw both reduces crushing forces
and also damages the crusher frame due to the peening effect caused
by the jaw repeatedly pounding against the frame.
Accordingly, an improved system for securing the stationary jaw
against side-to-side movement is desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A device for securing the stationary jaw to the frame of a jaw
crusher according to the present invention provides better, more
positive side-to-side securement of the stationary jaw to the crusher
frame, thus increasing the efficiency and prolonging the service
life of the crusher.
According to one aspect of the invention, a jaw crusher includes
a frame having a generally vertical base extending between a pair
of spaced apart side portions, with each of the side portions including
an angled ledge spaced from the base. A generally planar stationary
jaw is mounted to the base and extends between the frame side portions,
with the stationary jaw having a top edge, a bottom edge, and interconnecting
side edges. Each of the stationary jaw side edges includes a beveled
lug extending along its length. A pair of generally wedge shaped
key plates are provided, with each of the key plates being mountable
to an adjacent frame side portion and including a beveled first
edge adapted to engage an adjacent beveled side lug of the stationary
jaw. Each of the key plates further includes a second edge adapted
to engage an adjacent ledge of the frame side portion. Accordingly,
in response to downward movement of the key plates the stationary
jaw is pressed generally horizontally against the frame base with
the engaging beveled surfaces of the key plates and the side lugs
cooperating to prevent side-to-side movement of the stationary jaw.
In further accordance with a preferred embodiment, each key plate
is adapted for connection to its adjacent frame side portion, such
as by a plurality of bolts or fasteners. Moreover, the bevel on
each side lug of the stationary jaw is angled to match the bevel
on the first side edge of the adjacent key plate. Each key plate
thus cooperates with its opposing key plate to apply a centering
force to the stationary jaw, which centering force may be steplessly
increased in response to downward movement of the key plates. Each
key plate may be divided into a top portion and a bottom portion,
with each top and bottom portion being independently mountable to
its adjacent frame side portion.
According to another aspect of the invention, a jaw crusher includes
a frame having a mounting base extending between a pair of spaced
apart sidewalls, with each of the sidewalls including a ledge spaced
from, and being angled relative to, the mounting base. A stationary
jaw is mounted to the mounting base and extends between the frame
sidewalls. The stationary jaw includes a top edge, a bottom edge,
and interconnecting side edges, with a portion of each jaw side
edge defining a beveled lug. A generally wedge shaped key plate
is vertically and removably mounted to each of the frame sidewalls.
Each key plate includes a beveled first edge adapted to engage an
adjacent beveled side lug of the stationary jaw, and each key plate
further includes a second edge adapted to engage an adjacent ledge
of the frame sidewall. Each key plate is downwardly moveable to
thereby force the jaw against the mounting base, with the beveled
first edge of each key plate cooperating with its adjacent beveled
side lug to thereby prevent side-to-side movement of the stationary
jaw.
According to yet another aspect of the invention, a jaw crusher
comprises a frame having a generally vertical mounting base extending
between a pair of spaced apart sidewalls. Each of the sidewalls
includes a ledge spaced from and angled relative to the mounting
base. A stationary jaw is mounted to the mounting base and extends
between the frame sidewalls, with the stationary jaw having a top
edge, a bottom edge, and interconnecting side edges. A pair of generally
wedge shaped key plates are provided, with each key plate being
vertically and removably mounted to one of the frame sidewalls so
as to engage one of the jaw side edges and an adjacent one of the
sidewall ledges. Means, carried by cooperating and engaging portions
of each key plate and each jaw side edge, are provided for applying
a stepless and progressively greater centering force to the jaw
in response to downward movement of the key plates.
According to a still further aspect of the invention, on a jaw
crusher having a frame, a stationary jaw, and a pair of key plates
adapted for vertically sliding engagement with opposing sidewalls
of the frame for securing the stationary jaw to the frame, a method
of applying a centering force to the stationary jaw comprises the
steps of providing a beveled first edge on each of the key plates,
providing a beveled side lug on opposing sides of the stationary
jaw, sliding each key plate into engagement with the frame such
that each beveled first edge engages an adjacent beveled side lug
of the stationary jaw, and securing each key plate to its adjacent
frame sidewall.
The aforementioned features and advantages, in addition to other
features and advantages, will become readily apparent to those skilled
in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a fragmentary elevational view of a typical jaw crusher
having a stationary jaw and a moveable jaw and having portions of
the sidewall cut away to reveal the stationary jaw and the moveable
jaw;
FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view taken of
the circumscribed portion of FIG. 1 illustrating the key plates
constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention
disposed along one side of the crusher frame so as to engage an
angled ledge on the crusher frame;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary top plan view taken along line
3--3 of FIG. 2 and illustrating an arrangement constructed in accordance
with the teachings of the present invention for securing the stationary
jaw to the frame and for preventing side-to-side movement of the
stationary jaw; and
FIG. 4 is a fragmentary top plan view similar to FIG. 3 but illustrating
a conventional prior art arrangement for securing the stationary
jaw to the crusher frame.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The embodiment described herein is not intended to be exhaustive
or to limit the scope of the invention to the precise form disclosed.
The following embodiment has been chosen and described in order
to best explain the principles of the invention and to enable others
skilled in the art to follow its teachings.
Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a jaw crusher
10 of the type generally well known in the art. The jaw crusher
10 includes a stationary jaw 12 and a moveable jaw 14 which are
mounted to a mounting frame 15 and which are spaced apart to defme
a crushing chamber 16 between the stationary jaw 12 and the moveable
jaw 14. The jaw crusher 10 also includes a drive system 18 of the
type generally well known in the art and which is adapted to reciprocate
the moveable jaw 14 back and forth relative to the stationary jaw
12 so as to crush aggregate material fed into the crushing chamber
16 by a conventional feed system. The jaw crusher 10 also includes
a variety of other system components (not shown), all of which would
be known to those skilled in the art.
The stationary jaw 12 is secured to the frame 15 against vertical
movement and against side-to-side movement in any conventional manner.
However, a more complete description of one possible manner of securing
the stationary jaw 12 to the frame 15 against movement can be found
in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/272991 Attorney
Docket No. 29096/35391 entitled "Device for Securing the Stationary
Jaw of a Jaw Crusher", the entire disclosure of which is incorporated
herein by reference, and which is owned by the assignee of the present
application.
Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3 the frame 15 of the crusher 10
includes a generally vertical mounting base 20. Preferably, the
mounting base is a vertically disposed steel plate of the type commonly
employed in the art for such purposes. As outlined more fully in
the above referenced co-pending application, the stationary jaw
12 typically includes an upper mounting lug 17 across the top of
the jaw 12 and a lower mounting lug 19 across the bottom of the
jaw 12 which lugs 17 19 engage upper and lower portions 21 23
respectively, of the mounting base 20.
The mounting base 20 extends between and is secured to a pair of
opposing sidewalls 22 24. A ledge 26 28 is mounted to each of
the sidewalls 22 24 respectively. As shown in FIG. 2 the ledge
26 is spaced apart or away from the mounting base 20 and is further
disposed at an angle relative to the mounting base 20. The ledge
28 attached to the opposite sidewall 24 is mounted and disposed
in a similar manner. Preferably, the angled ledges 26 28 are disposed
at an angle of approximately fourteen degrees (14.degree.) relative
to the vertical, which is approximately fourteen degrees (14.degree.)
relative to a major vertical plane of the stationary jaw 12. Angular
deviations therefrom may be contemplated based on design considerations.
A wedge-shaped key plate 30 32 is removably mounted to each sidewall
22 24 respectively, in order to secure the stationary jaw 12 to
the frame 15 in the manner to be described in greater detail below.
As shown in FIG. 2 the key plate 30 may be divided into an upper
portion 34 and a lower portion 36 in order to permit ease of handling
for the purposes of installation and removal. It will be understood
that the key plate 32 may be divided in a similar manner. However,
for the purposes of the following discussion it will be assumed
that the key plates 30 32 are each formed of a single piece of
material, preferably steel plate.
The key plate 30 includes a first edge 38 disposed adjacent the
stationary jaw 12 and further includes a second edge 40 disposed
adjacent the ledge 26. The first edge 38 is generally vertically
disposed and includes a bevel 42 (the bevel 42 being viewable in
FIG. 3), while the second edge 40 is angled relative to the first
edge 38. It will be understood that the angle of the second edge
40 relative to the first edge 38 generally matches the angle of
the ledge 26 relative to the mounting base 20 (i.e., fourteen degrees
(14.degree.)). Similarly, the key plate 32 includes a first edge
44 disposed adjacent the stationary jaw 12 and further includes
a second edge 46 disposed adjacent the ledge 28. The first edge
44 is generally vertically disposed and includes a bevel 48 (the
bevel 48 being viewable in FIG. 3), while the second edge 46 is
angled relative to the first edge 44. The angle of the second edge
46 relative to the first edge 44 generally matches the angle of
the ledge 28 relative to the mounting base 20 (i.e., fourteen degrees
(14.degree.)).
The stationary jaw 12 includes a pair of opposing side edges 50
52 which extend in a generally vertical direction when the stationary
jaw 12 is disposed as shown in the drawings. The side edge 50 includes
a side lug 54 extending substantially along the length thereof,
with the side lug 54 including a bevel 56 (the bevel 56 being viewable
in FIG. 3). Similarly, the side edge 52 includes a lug 58 extending
substantially along the length thereof, with the side lug 58 including
a bevel 60 (the bevel 60 being viewable in FIG. 3). Preferably,
the bevels 42 48 56 and 60 are constructed at a fifteen degree
(15.degree.) angle. It will be noted from FIG. 2 that the key plate
30 is generally wedge-shaped (with the shape of the key plate 32
being substantially the same). Each key plate 30 32 includes a
generally planar central portion 31 33 respectively. Each central
portion 31 33 includes a plurality of elongated mounting slots
62 which slots 62 may be aligned with a plurality of mounting holes
64 in either of the sidewalls 22 24. The elongated nature of the
mounting slots 62 permit the up/down position of the key plates
30 32 relative to their adjacent sidewalls 22 24 respectively,
to be adjustable. A plurality of fasteners 66 such as steel bolts
or other suitable structural grade fasteners, may be used to secure
the key plates 30 32 to their adjacent sidewalls 22 24.
As will be noted from FIG. 3 the angle of the bevel 42 on the
first edge 38 of the key plate 30 matches the angle of the bevel
56 on the side lug 54 of the jaw 12. Similarly, the angle of the
bevel 48 on the first edge 44 of the key plate 32 matches the angle
of the bevel 60 on the lug 58 of the jaw 12. It will also be noted
that the bevels 42 and 56 face one way, while the bevels 48 and
60 face the opposite way.
In operation, the stationary jaw 12 is mounted to the mounting
base 20 such that the upper lug 17 engages the upper portion 21
of the mounting base 20 and the lower lug 19 engages the lower
portion 23 of the mounting base 20. The stationary jaw 12 is then
secured thereto against vertical movement in a conventional manner,
or by employing the structure disclosed and claimed in the above
referenced co-pending patent application.
In order to secure the stationary jaw 12 against side-to-side movement,
the key plates 30 32 are installed by lowering the key plates from
above in a conventional manner. As the key plate 30 is lowered,
the angled second edge 40 abuts the angled ledge 26 which applies
a progressively greater force against the lug 54 thus forcing the
jaw 12 against the mounting base 20 (in a generally upward direction
when viewing FIG. 3 or generally to the left when viewing FIG.
2). The key plate 32 is lowered in a similar manner such that the
angled second edge 46 abuts the ledge 28 thus applying a progressively
greater force against the lug 58 also forcing the jaw 12 against
the mounting base 20.
At the same time, the bevel 42 bears against the bevel 56 applying
a force A (to the right when viewing FIG. 3) to the jaw 12. The
bevel 48 bears against the bevel 60 applying a force B (to the
left when viewing FIG. 3) to the jaw 12. Due to the balance of forces,
force A and force B will be counteracting. Also by virtue of the
angled edges 40 46 bearing against their adjacent angled ledges
26 28 the magnitude of the forces A and B may be increased in
a stepless fashion by driving the key plates 26 28 further downwardly.
Accordingly, the required centering force can be achieved such that
side-to-side movement of the jaw 12 during operation of the crusher
10 is prevented.
Numerous modifications and alternative embodiments of the invention
will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing
description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as
illustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled
in the art the best mode of carrying out the invention. The details
of the structure may be varied substantially without departing from
the spirit of the invention, and the exclusive use of all modifications
which come within the scope of the appended claims is reserved.
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