Abstrict An eccentric cone crusher having multiple counterweights. More
particularly, the present invention provides a cone crusher including
a frame, a crusher head for eccentric rotation about an axis, an
eccentric member supporting the crusher head and having a center
of gravity off the axis of eccentric rotation, and at least two
counterweights attached to the eccentric. Utilizing more than one
counterweight permits greater flexibility in positioning the counterweights,
and minimizes moments and other stresses on the apparatus.
Claims I claim:
1. A cone crusher comprising:
a frame;
a bowl supported on the frame;
a crusher head for eccentric rotation about an axis, the crusher
head being positioned in spaced relation to the bowl;
an eccentric assembly supporting the crusher head and having a
center of gravity off the axis of eccentric rotation; and
at least two counterweights attached to the eccentric assembly,
wherein the at least two counterweights are mounted for movement
in unison with the eccentric assembly as the eccentric assembly
rotates about the axis, and wherein the at least two counterweights
are located off the axis of eccentric rotation opposite the center
of gravity of the eccentric assembly.
2. The cone crusher as set forth in claim 1 wherein the cone crusher
includes no more than two counterweights.
3. The cone crusher as set forth in claim 1 wherein the eccentric
assembly includes an inner eccentric member, and an outer eccentric
member movable relative to the inner eccentric member, said outer
eccentric member supporting the crusher head.
4. The cone crusher as set forth in claim 1 wherein the eccentric
assembly has a thinner radial portion, a thicker radial portion
generally opposite the thinner radial portion, an upper axial portion
and a lower axial portion; and said at least two counterweights
include a first counterweight attached to the lower axial portion
of the eccentric assembly generally opposite the thicker radial
portion of the eccentric assembly, and a second counterweight attached
to a top of the upper axial portion generally opposite the thicker
radial portion of the eccentric assembly.
5. The cone crusher as set forth in claim 4 wherein the eccentric
assembly rotates about the axis of eccentric rotation, and the second
counterweight is positioned immediately adjacent the axis of eccentric
rotation and on the side of the axis of eccentric rotation generally
opposite the thicker radial portion of the eccentric assembly.
6. The cone crusher as set forth in claim 4 wherein the second
counterweight has a generally semicircular radial cross-section.
7. The cone crusher as set forth in claim 4 wherein the first counterweight
is integrally formed with the eccentric assembly.
8. The cone crusher as set forth in claim 4 wherein the second
counterweight is integrally formed with the eccentric assembly.
9. The cone crusher of claim 4 wherein the second counterweight
has greater mass than the first counterweight.
10. The cone crusher of claim 4 wherein the second counterweight
has a height and a radial extent which permits the crusher head
to be positioned over and into housing relation with the second
counterweight.
11. The cone crusher of claim 4 wherein the eccentric assembly
includes an inner eccentric member, and an outer eccentric member
movable relative to the inner eccentric member, said outer eccentric
member supporting the crusher head; wherein the inner eccentric
member has a thicker radial portion and a thinner radial portion;
and wherein the first counterweight is attached to the inner eccentric
member generally opposite the thicker portion of the inner eccentric
member.
12. The cone crusher of claim 11 wherein the second counterweight
is positioned vertically above the inner eccentric.
13. A cone crusher comprising:
a frame;
a bowl supported on the frame;
a crusher head for eccentric rotation about an axis, the crusher
head being positioned in spaced relation to the bowl;
an eccentric assembly supporting the crusher head and having a
center of gravity off the axis of eccentric rotation;
a first counterweight attached to the eccentric; and
a second counterweight attached to the eccentric, wherein the first
counterweight and the second counterweight are mounted for movement
in unison with the eccentric assembly as the eccentric assembly
rotates about the axis, and wherein the first and second counterweights
are located off the axis of eccentric rotation opposite the center
of gravity of the eccentric assembly.
14. The cone crusher as set forth in claim 13 wherein the eccentric
assembly includes an inner eccentric member and an outer eccentric
member movable relative to the inner eccentric member, said outer
eccentric member supporting the crusher head.
15. The cone crusher as set forth in claim 13 wherein the eccentric
assembly has a thinner radial portion, a thicker radial portion
generally opposite the thinner radial portion, an upper axial portion
and a lower axial portion; wherein the first counterweight is attached
to tile lower axial portion of the eccentric assembly generally
opposite the thicker radial portion of the eccentric assembly; and
wherein the second counterweight is attached to the upper axial
portion generally opposite the thicker radial portion of the eccentric
assembly.
16. The cone crusher of claim 13 wherein the second counterweight
has a height and a radial extent which permits the crusher head
to be positioned over and into housing relation with the second
counterweight.
17. The cone crusher of claim 14 wherein the inner eccentric member
has a thicker radial portion and a thinner radial portion; and wherein
the first counterweight is fixed to the inner eccentric member generally
opposite the thicker portion of the inner eccentric member.
18. The cone crusher as set forth in claim 15 wherein the eccentric
assembly rotates about the axis of eccentric rotation, and the second
counterweight is positioned immediately adjacent the axis of eccentric
rotation and on the side of the axis of eccentric rotation generally
opposite the thicker radial portion or the eccentric assembly.
19. The cone crusher of claim 15 wherein the second counterweight
is attached to a top of the upper axial portion of the eccentric
assembly.
20. A cone crusher comprising:
a frame;
a bowl supported on the frame;
a crusher head for eccentric rotation about an axis, the crusher
head being positioned in spaced relation to the bowl;
an eccentric assembly including an inner eccentric member, and
an outer eccentric member movable relative to the inner eccentric
member, said outer eccentric member supporting the crusher head,
said eccentric assembly having a center of gravity off the axis
of eccentric rotation, the eccentric assembly has a thinner radial
portion, a thicker radial portion generally opposite the thinner
radial portion, an upper axial portion and a lower axial portion;
a first counterweight attached to the lower axial portion of the
eccentric assembly generally opposite the thicker radial portion
of the eccentric assembly; and
a second counterweight attached to a top of the upper axial portion
generally opposite the thicker radial portion of the eccentric assembly,
the second counterweight has a height and a radial extent which
permits the crusher head to be positioned over and into housing
relation with the second counterweight.
21. A cone crusher comprising:
a frame;
a bowl supported on the frame;
a crusher head for eccentric rotation about an axis, the crusher
head being positioned in spaced relation to the bowl;
an eccentric assembly supporting the crusher head and having a
center of gravity off the axis of eccentric rotation; and
at least two counterweights attached to the eccentric assembly
such that the at least two counterweights are co-axial with the
axis of eccentric rotation, and wherein the at least two counterweights
are located off the axis of eccentric rotation opposite the center
of gravity of the eccentric assembly.
22. A cone crusher comprising:
a frame;
a main shaft integral with the frame, the main shaft having a lower
end and an upper end;
a bowl supported on the frame;
a crusher head for eccentric rotation about an axis, the crusher
head being positioned in spaced relation to the bowl, the crusher
head being supported by the main shaft;
an eccentric assembly supporting the crusher head and having a
center of gravity off the axis of eccentric rotation, the eccentric
assembly including an upper axial portion and a lower axial portion;
a first counterweight attached to the lower axial portion of the
eccentric assembly; and
a second counterweight attached to a top of the upper axial portion
of the eccentric assembly and located above the upper end of the
main shaft.
23. A cone crusher comprising:
a frame;
a bowl supported on the frame;
a crusher head for eccentric rotation about an axis, the crusher
head being positioned in spaced relation to the bowl;
an eccentric assembly supporting the crusher head and having a
center of gravity off the axis of eccentric rotation; and
at least two counterweights attached to the eccentric assembly,
wherein the at least two counterweights are mounted for movement
in unison with the eccentric assembly as the eccentric assembly
rotates about the axis, and wherein the eccentric assembly has a
thinner radial portion, a thicker radial portion generally opposite
the thinner radial portion, an upper axial portion and a lower axial
portion; and said at least two counterweights include a first counterweight
attached to the lower axial portion of the eccentric assembly generally
opposite the thicker radial portion of the eccentric assembly, and
a second counterweight attached to a top of the upper axial portion
generally opposite the thicker radial portion of the eccentric assembly.
24. The cone crusher as set forth in claim 23 wherein the cone
crusher includes no more than two counterweights.
25. The cone crusher as set forth in claim 23 wherein the eccentric
assembly includes an inner eccentric member, and an outer eccentric
member movable relative to the inner eccentric member, said outer
eccentric member supporting the crusher head.
26. The cone crusher as set forth in claim 23 wherein the eccentric
assembly rotates about the axis of eccentric rotation, and the second
counterweight is positioned immediately adjacent the axis of eccentric
rotation and on the side of the axis of eccentric rotation generally
opposite the thicker radial portion of the eccentric assembly.
27. The cone crusher as set forth in claim 23 wherein the second
counterweight has a generally semicircular radial cross-section.
28. The cone crusher as set forth in claim 23 wherein the first
counterweight is integrally formed with the eccentric assembly.
29. The cone crusher as set forth in claim 23 wherein the second
counterweight is integrally formed with the eccentric assembly.
30. The cone crusher of claim 23 wherein the second counterweight
has greater mass than the first counterweight.
31. The cone crusher of claim 23 wherein the second counterweight
has a height and a radial extent which permits the crusher head
to be positioned over and into housing relation with the second
counterweight.
32. The cone crusher of claim 23 wherein the eccentric assembly
includes an inner eccentric member, and an outer eccentric member
movable relative to the inner eccentric member, said outer eccentric
member supporting the crusher head; wherein the inner eccentric
member has a thicker radial portion and a thinner radial portion;
and wherein the first counterweight is attached to the inner eccentric
member generally opposite the thicker portion of the inner eccentric
member.
33. The cone crusher of claim 32 wherein the second counterweight
is positioned vertically above the inner eccentric.
34. A cone crusher comprising:
a frame;
a bowl supported on the frame;
a crusher head for eccentric rotation about an axis, the crusher
head being positioned in spaced relation to the bowl;
an eccentric assembly supporting the crusher head and having a
center of gravity off the axis of eccentric rotation;
a first counterweight attached to the eccentric; and
a second counterweight attached to the eccentric, wherein the first
counterweight and the second counterweight are mounted for movement
in unison with the eccentric assembly as the eccentric assembly
rotates about the axis, and wherein the eccentric assembly has a
thinner radial portion, a thicker radial portion generally opposite
the thinner radial portion, an upper axial portion and a lower axial
portion; wherein the first counterweight is attached to the lower
axial portion of the eccentric assembly generally opposite the thicker
radial portion of the eccentric assembly; and wherein the second
counterweight is attached to the upper axial portion generally opposite
the thicker radial portion of the eccentric assembly.
35. The cone crusher as set forth in claim 34 wherein the eccentric
assembly includes an inner eccentric member and an outer eccentric
member movable relative to the inner eccentric member, said outer
eccentric member supporting the crusher head.
36. The cone crusher of claim 35 wherein the inner eccentric member
has a thicker radial portion and a thinner radial portion; and wherein
the first counterweight is fixed to the inner eccentric member generally
opposite the thicker portion of the inner eccentric member.
37. The cone crusher as set forth in claim 34 wherein the eccentric
assembly rotates about the axis of eccentric rotation, and the second
counterweight is positioned immediately adjacent the axis of eccentric
rotation and on the side of the axis of eccentric rotation generally
opposite the thicker radial portion or the eccentric assembly.
38. The cone crusher of claim 34 wherein the second counterweight
is attached to a top of the upper axial portion of the eccentric
assembly.
39. A cone crusher comprising:
a frame;
a bowl supported on the frame;
a crusher head for eccentric rotation about an axis, the crusher
head being positioned in spaced relation to the bowl;
an eccentric assembly supporting the crusher head and having a
center of gravity off the axis of eccentric rotation;
a first counterweight attached to the eccentric; and
a second counterweight attached to the eccentric, wherein the first
counterweight and the second counterweight are mounted for movement
in unison with the eccentric assembly as the eccentric assembly
rotates about the axis, and wherein the second counterweight has
a height and a radial extent which permits the crusher head to be
positioned over and into housing relation with the second counterweight.
Description FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to the field of crushers
used to crush aggregate into smaller pieces. More specifically,
the present invention relates to eccentric cone crushers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Crushers are used to crush large particles (e.g., rocks) into smaller
particles. One particular type of crusher is known as a cone crusher.
A typical cone crusher includes a frame supporting a crusher head
and a mantle secured to the head. A bowl and bowl liner are supported
by the frame so that an annular space is formed between the bowl
liner and the mantle. In operation, large particles are fed into
the annular space between the bowl liner and the mantle. The head,
and the mantle mounted on the head, gyrate about an axis, causing
the annular space to vary. As the distance between the mantle and
the bowl liner varies, the large particles are impacted and compressed
between the mantle and the bowl liner. The particles are crushed
and reduced to the desired product size, and then dropped down from
between the mantle and the bowl liner.
U.S. Pat. No. 4750681 which issued to Sawant et al. on Jun.
14 1988 discloses such a cone crusher. The crusher includes a
head 146 which is supported on a cylindrical support shaft 30. Eccentric
48 is rotatable about the shaft 30 and is attached to the head 146.
The shape of the counterweight 55 is designed to compensate for
the mass eccentricity of the eccentric 48 and head assembly 144
so that the assembly of eccentric 48 counterweight 55 and head
assembly 144 is balanced to produce no net horizontal forces on
the foundation when the mantle 150 is half worn.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One of the problems with existing eccentric cone crushers is effectively
balancing the eccentric distribution of mass of the head assembly.
Gyration of the head assembly during crusher operation creates significant
forces and moments which must be negated or "zeroed" as
much as possible so that the adverse effects of unbalanced forces
and moments on the cone crusher foundation and/or mounting structure
are mimimized.
Thus, as illustrated by the Sawant '681 reference, it is known
to provide the crusher with a counterweight assembly which rotates
in common with the crusher head assembly. Ideally, the mass distribution
of the counterweight would be such as to perfectly balance the mass
distribution of the eccentric and head assemblies with respect to
the axis of gyration of the head assembly. However, such an ideal
mass distribution is not achievable in many crusher designs due
to the close clearances of the individual components of the cone
crusher, and the generally large size of the counterweight needed
to offset the mass distribution of the head assembly. Also, depending
on the structure used to support the head assembly for rotation,
the crusher construction may provide few suitable locations that
are available to accommodate the counterweight.
As a result of these limitations, prior art crushers typically
include counterweight assemblies that are positioned relatively
far from the center of gyration of the head assembly. This distance
tends to create relatively large moments during crusher operation
which, in turn, creates vibration problems for the crusher. Also,
in general, prior art crusher designs have emphasized counterweight
mass distributions to balance the dynamic horizontal forces on the
crusher, to the detriment of a balancing of moments acting on the
crusher. The balancing of the moments acting on the crusher increases
in importance in crusher designs seeking higher operational speeds,
having relatively large crusher throw settings, and counterweight
assemblies having a center of mass at a relatively large distance
from the axis of gyration of the crusher head assembly.
To address these problems associated with existing eccentric cone
crusher designs, the present invention provides an eccentric cone
crusher having multiple counterweights. The counterweights are sized
and positioned to balance mass distribution of the rotating components
of the crusher, including the crusher head assembly and the eccentric
assembly. The counterweights are generally located so that the forces
and moments acting on the crusher during crusher operation are balanced,
thereby permitting smooth and relatively vibration free operation
of the crusher at a wide range of speeds and throws.
In one embodiment, the invention provides a cone crusher including
a frame; a bowl supported on the frame; a crusher head for gyration
about an axis, the crusher head being positioned in spaced relation
to the bowl; an eccentric assembly supporting the crusher head and
having a center of gravity off the axis of eccentric rotation; and
at least two counterweights attached to the eccentric assembly.
In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a cone
crusher as described above wherein the eccentric assembly has a
thinner radial portion, a thicker radial portion generally opposite
the thinner radial portion, an upper axial portion and a lower axial
portion. A first counterweight is attached to the lower axial portion
of the eccentric assembly generally opposite the thicker radial
portion of the eccentric assembly, and a second counterweight is
attached to a top of the upper axial portion generally opposite
the thicker radial portion of the eccentric assembly. Preferably,
the second counterweight has a height and a radial extent which
permits the crusher head to be positioned over and into housing
relation with the second counterweight.
One advantage of the present invention is that utilizing more than
one weight permits greater flexibility in positioning the counterweights,
which in turn enhances the ability to balance both unbalanced forces
and moments. If the cone crusher is balanced against unbalanced
forces and moments then the vitration induced in the foundation
and/or structure by the crusher is minimized. Thus, the foundation
design requirements are reduced saving substantial cost to the customer.
Another advantage of the present invention is that both upper and
lower counterweights are located inside the crusher and are thus
completely protected from wear caused by rock and dirt. Thus the
magnitude of the balancing forces from the two counterweights remains
unchanged for a given eccentric rotation speed.
Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent
to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed
description, claims and drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a cone crusher embodying the
present invention.
FIG. 2 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the cone crusher
illustrated in FIG. 1.
Before one embodiment of the invention is explained in detail,
it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its
application to the details of construction and the arrangements
of components set forth in the following description or illustrated
in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and
of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it
is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein
is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as
limiting.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The figures illustrate a cone crusher 10 which embodies the invention.
The crusher 10 is operable to crush large aggregate and ore particles,
such as rocks, into smaller particles. In general, the crusher 10
includes a frame assembly 14 a bowl assembly 18 supported by the
frame assembly 14 an eccentric assembly 22 which is mounted on
the frame assembly 14 a head assembly 26 which is fixed to the
eccentric assembly 22 and which is supported by the frame assembly
14 for rotation relative to the frame assembly 14 and to the bowl
assembly 18 and a drive system 30 for rotating the eccentric and
head assemblies about a central crusher axis 78. The eccentricity
of the eccentric assembly is offset by multiple counterweights 166
170. Before describing the counterweights in detail, the surrounding
structure of the cone crusher will be described.
Particularly, the frame assembly 14 includes a one-piece, integrally
formed main frame 34. The central portion 42 of the main frame 34
includes a vertical wall or socket 54. The socket 54 defines a cup-like
structure and extends up from the central portion 42 of the main
frame 34 to an upper edge 56. The upper portion of the socket 54
splays radially outwardly from the upper edge 56 and defines a upwardly
facing and inwardly sloping socket liner mounting surface 58. The
socket 54 is integrally formed with the main frame 34 and supports
thereon a substantial portion of the vertical load of the head assembly
26.
The main frame 34 is further described in the following co-pending
U.S. patent application, which is assigned to the assignee hereof
and which is incorporated herein by reference: Ser. No. 09/172986
filed concurrently herewith and titled "Main Frame for Eccentric
Cone Crusher" now pending.
The cone crusher 10 further includes a bowl 103 and a bowl liner
104 mounted on the bowl 103. The bowl liner 104 provides a generally
frusto-conical crushing surface. A mantle 196 is mounted on the
outer surface of the head 190 and provides another generally frusto-conical
crushing surface. An annular bushing 206 is mounted on the inner
surface of the head 190 and provides a sliding contact surface.
The frame assembly 14 also includes a main shaft 106 that is received
by the main shaft bore 70. As discussed below, and as best shown
in FIG. 1 the head assembly 26 and the eccentric assembly 22 are
concentrically arranged on and about the main shaft 106.
The frame assembly 14 also includes a socket liner 118 located
on and fixed to the socket liner mounting surface 58. The upper
surface of the socket liner 118 engages and slidingly supports the
underside of the crusher head assembly 26 and, with the head assembly
26 defines an interface which is in sliding contact during operation
of the crusher 10.
The frame assembly 14 also includes an annular thrust bearing 122
mounted on the thrust bearing mounting surface 71 in surrounding
relation to the main shaft 106. The frame assembly 14 and more
specifically, the thrust bearing 122 and shaft 106 supports the
eccentric assembly 22 on the hub 66. The vertical loads transferred
through the head assembly 26 to the eccentric assembly 22 are transferred
from the eccentric assembly 22 to the main frame 34 through the
thrust bearing 122. The main shaft 106 provides lateral load bearing
support for the eccentric assembly 22 and for the head assembly
26 during operation of the crusher 10.
The eccentric assembly 22 envelops the upper portion of the main
shaft 106. More particularly, the eccentric assembly 22 includes
an annular bushing 130 which has extending therethrough a bore.
The bore receives the upper portion of the shaft 106 and provides
a sliding contact interface with the cylindrical outer surface of
the main shaft 106. A flange 138 extends radially from the lower
end of the eccentric bushing 130 and overlies the thrust bearing
122 on the hub 66 of the main frame 34. The eccentric assembly has
a thinner radial portion (depicted on the right side of the figures),
a thicker radial portion generally opposite the thinner radial portion
(depicted on the left side of the figures), an upper axial portion
and a lower axial portion.
Although the eccentric assembly may be a single, integral element,
the eccentric assembly preferably includes an inner eccentric member
142 and an outer eccentric member 162 movable relative to the inner
eccentric member. The outer eccentric member 162 supports the crusher
head 190. More specifically, the eccentric assembly 22 includes
an inner eccentric member 142 which is mounted on, and is rotatable
relative to, the upper portion of the shaft 106. The inner eccentric
142 is generally cylindrical and has upper and lower ends and a
central bore extending between the ends. The bore is eccentrically
positioned within the inner eccentric 142 with respect to the outer
surface 158 of the inner eccentric 142. The inner eccentric bore
houses and is fixed to the eccentric bushing 130 so as to be rotatable
in common with the eccentric bushing 130 about the main shaft 106.
More particularly, the inner eccentric 142 is cylindrical, and
the cylindrical wall thickness of the inner eccentric 142 varies
from a minimum thickness (thinner radial portion of the inner eccentric)
to a maximum thickness (thicker radial portion of the inner eccentric)
generally opposite the minimum thickness. Also, the outer surface
158 of the inner eccentric 142 tapers at the top to provide a wedging
surface for engaging the outer eccentric member 162.
The outer eccentric member 162 is supported by the inner eccentric
142 for selective rotational movement relative to the inner eccentric
142 but is fixed to the inner eccentric 142 by a locking assembly
165 during operation of the crusher 10. Similar to the inner eccentric
142 the outer eccentric 162 is preferably annular, and the wall
thickness of the outer eccentric 162 varies from a minimum thickness
to a maximum thickness opposite the minimum thickness. The inner
and outer eccentrics 142 162 are moveable relative to one another
to vary the settings of the cone crusher 10. Ordinarily, the inner
and outer eccentric members 142 162 are fixed and rotate in common.
However, the throw of the crusher 10 can be adjusted by rotating
the inner eccentric 142 relative to the outer eccentric 162 and
when such relative rotation is desired, the locking mechanism 165
is released to afford such adjustment.
The arrangement of inner and outer eccentrics 142 162 the locking
mechanism 165 and the variation of the crusher's operational settings
are further described in the following co-pending U.S. patent application,
which is assigned to the assignee hereof and which is fully incorporated
herein by reference: Ser. No. 09/173037 filed concurrently herewith
and titled "Variable Throw Eccentric Cone Crusher and Method
of Operating the Same" now pending.
The eccentric assembly 22 also includes an annular, continuous
ring gear 178. The ring gear 178 is positioned in surrounding relation
to the hub 66 and occupies the ring gear pocket 74 of the socket
bore 62. The ring gear 178 is fixed to the lower end of the inner
eccentric 142 and to the lower counterweight 166. The ring gear
178 has a lower, toothed face which is in driven engagement with
the drive system 30. In this regard, the drive system 30 includes
a counter shaft 182 housed in the countershaft bore 86 and a pillion
186 mounted on one end of the countershaft 182. A prime mover (not
shown) rotatably drives the countershaft 182 and the pinion 186.
The ring gear 178 meshes with the pinion 186 and is therefore in
driven relation with the countershaft 182. Rotation of the pinion
186 drives the ring gear 178 and the remainder of the eccentric
assembly 22 about the axis 78 which rotation also causes the head
assembly 26 to rotate about the axis 78 and about the bowl assembly
18.
The eccentric assembly 22 including the lower counterweight 166
and the ring gear 178 fixed to the inner eccentric 142 may be removed
without the need for taking apart the ring gear 178 or the counterweight
assembly. Assembly and disassembly of the cone crusher is further
described in the following co-pending U.S. patent application, which
is assigned to the assignee hereof and which is fully incorporated
herein by reference: Ser. No. 09/172970 filed concurrently herewith
and titled "Cone Crusher Having Integral Socket and Main Frame"
now pending.
Turning now to the counterweights, at least two counterweights
are positioned and sized to offset the asymmetric configurations
of the eccentric assembly 22 and head assembly 26 and to balance
the forces acting on the main shaft 106 during operation of the
cone crusher 10. The required counterbalancing forces may be determined
for the eccentric assembly and head assembly at median throw and
median mantle wear. These balance conditions help to maintain balance
over a greater time frame and greater range of operating conditions.
To achieve optimum balance conditions, the mass and center of gravity
of the eccentric assembly 22 and head assembly 26 taken together
should be offset by the mass and center of gravity of the counterweights
166 170 taken together. Ideally, the center of gravity of the eccentric
and head assemblies taken together with the counterweights is as
close to the axis of eccentric rotation as possible in order to
minimize the horizontal eccentricity.
The vertical component to the eccentricity may be counter balanced
as well by utilizing multiple counterweights with at least one counterweight
positioned vertically above the other(s). Preferably, the vertical
position along the axis of rotation which represents the center
of gravity of the counterweights taken together, is located as close
as possible to the vertical position along the axis of rotation
which represents the center of gravity of the eccentric and head
assemblies taken together.
As mentioned previously, at least two counterweights are utilized
in the cone crusher of the present invention. Each of the counterweights
may be positioned where space is available along their rotational
path around the axis. The weights should be positioned to avoid
impeding the crushing action of the head. Thus, the counterweights
are preferably not positioned at a grinding surface or a load bearing
surface which supports the weight of the head assembly.
In general, it is preferred to position the counterweights as close
to the axis of rotation as possible to minimize structural stresses,
while still appropriately positioning the counterweights to minimize
eccentricity. This may be achieved, for example, by placing the
bulk of the weight required to balance the horizontal eccentricity
directly over the shaft 106 as shown in the figures. In this position,
the upper counterweight 170 preferably has more mass than the lower
counterweight 166. Positioning a larger counterweight in this manner
is advantageous, in part, because only a relatively small counterweight
is needed further from the axis of rotation to counterbalance any
remaining horizontal eccentricity; the same small counterweight
(or another counterweight or set of counterweights) may be employed
to address the vertical eccentricity. If one of the counterweights
is positioned at or near the top end of the shaft 106 then the
other counterweight(s) are likely to be positioned closer to the
lower end of the shaft 106 to compensate for vertical imbalance,
as necessary.
Each of the counterweights may be attached to the eccentric assembly
22 by any means conventional in the art, such as by a bolt, pin,
or rivet. The counterweights may also be integrally formed with
the eccentric assembly. In the illustrated embodiment of the crusher
10 the lower counterweight 166 is integrally formed with the lower
end of the inner eccentric 142. However, it will be readily understood
that the lower counterweight could also be in the form of an annular
assembly that is bolted to the eccentric or is otherwise removably
fastened to the inner eccentric 142. The counterweights should be
mounted for movement in unison with the eccentric assembly as the
eccentric rotates about the axis. If the eccentric assembly includes
an inner eccentric and an outer eccentric member, then the counterweights
are preferably attached to the inner eccentric member. Alternatively,
the counterweights may be attached to the outer eccentric member.
Typically, the shape of the counterweights is not significant except
to the extent the shape effects the center of gravity of the counterweight,
and except that the counterweights must fit in the available space
as the assembly rotates about its axis. If the upper counterweight
is positioned above the shaft 106 as shown in the figures, then,
preferably, the upper counterweight has a generally semicircular
radial cross-section; this shape assists in keeping the weight positioned
as close to the axis of rotation as possible.
The figures show a preferred embodiment in which the counterweights
include a first counterweight attached to the lower axial portion
of the eccentric assembly generally opposite the thicker radial
portion of the eccentric assembly, and a second counterweight attached
to a top of the upper axial portion generally opposite the thicker
radial portion of the eccentric assembly. Specifically, a lower
counterweight 166 and an upper counterweight 170 are fixed to the
inner eccentric 142. The upper counterweight 170 is enclosed by
a bracket 174 which is, in turn, mounted on the top of the upper
axial portion of the inner eccentric 142. The bracket 174 is fitted
within a recess formed in the top surface of the inner eccentric
142. The upper counterweight 170 is fixed to the inner eccentric
142 in a position immediately adjacent the axis of rotation 78 and
to the side of the axis 78 opposite the thicker radial portion of
the eccentric assembly 22. Desirably, the upper counterweight 170
has a height and radial extent that permits the crusher head assembly
26 to be positioned over and into housing relation with the upper
counterweight. In this regard, the upper counterweight is preferably
located vertically above the inner eccentric, and has a radial extent
that is generally co-extensive or less than that of the outer eccentric
162. Thus, the head assembly 26 can house and directly contact the
outer, peripheral surface of the outer eccentric 162 but can also
be moved vertically off the eccentric assembly 22 without the necessity
of removing the upper counterweight 170 from the eccentric assembly
22.
Similarly, the lower counterweight 166 is also fixed to the inner
eccentric 142 and is generally opposite the thicker portion of
the inner eccentric 142 i.e., on the same side of the axis 78 of
rotation as the upper counterweight 170. The lower counterweight
166 is positioned vertically below the outer eccentric 162 and is
fixed to the lower axial portion of the inner eccentric 142 to offset
vertical imbalance. More particularly, when the eccentric assembly
22 is mounted on the main frame 34 the lower counterweight 166
is located within the socket bore 62 and is located below the head
supporting surface provided by the socket 54 and socket liner 118.
The vertical and horizontal balancing provided by the present invention
reduces bending stresses and coupling along the axis of rotation.
Various features of the invention are set forth in the following
claims. |