Abstrict A cone crusher having a crusher head assembly including a crusher
head having a cone-shaped surface and an underside opposite the
cone-shaped surface, the underside having an annular socket engagement
surface, a one-piece frame including a peripheral portion and a
central portion, the central portion having a wall forming a socket
having an upper edge providing a continuous annular head support
surface engaged with the socket engagement surface, the upper edge
of the wall defining an opening, the wall defining a socket bore
extending from the opening into the central portion, the central
portion having a hub located within the socket and extending into
the socket bore; and an eccentric assembly supported on the hub,
the eccentric assembly including an eccentric member engaged with
the crusher head assembly and including a ring gear fixed to said
eccentric member, the ring gear being housed by the socket bore
in a position surrounding the hub, the gear ring being removable
through the opening.
Claims I claim:
1. A cone crusher comprising:
a crusher head assembly including a crusher head having cone-shaped
surface and an underside opposite the cone-shaped surface, the underside
having an annular socket engagement surface,
a one-piece frame including a peripheral portion and a central
portion, the central portion having a wall forming a socket having
an upper edge providing a continuous annular head support surface
engaged with the socket engagement surface, the upper edge of the
wall defining an opening, the wall defining a socket bore extending
from the opening into the central portion, the central portion having
a hub located within the socket and extending into the socket bore;
and
an eccentric assembly supported on the hub, the eccentric assembly
including an eccentric member engaged with the crusher head assembly
and including a ring gear fixed to said eccentric member, the ring
gear being housed by the socket bore in a position surrounding the
hub, the gear ring being removable through the opening.
2. The cone crusher set forth in claim 1 wherein the opening is
circular and has a diameter, and wherein the ring gear is annular
and has an outer diameter less than the diameter of the opening.
3. The cone crusher set forth in claim 2 wherein the eccentric
assembly further includes a second counterweight fixed to the eccentric
member.
4. The cone crusher set forth in claim 1 wherein the eccentric
assembly includes a counterweight which is fixed to the eccentric
member, the counterweight being housed in the socket bore and being
removable through the opening.
5. The cone crusher set forth in claim 4 wherein the counterweight
is integrally formed with the eccentric member.
6. A cone crusher comprising:
a crusher head assembly including a crusher head having a crushing
surface and a bearing surface opposite the crushing surface,
a frame including a socket having an annular, continuous head support
surface engaged with the bearing surface on the crusher head, the
socket defining a socket bore extending from the head support surface,
the frame including a hub located within the socket and extending
into the socket bore; and
an eccentric assembly supported on the hub, the eccentric assembly
including an eccentric member engaged with the crusher head assembly
and including a ring gear fixed to said eccentric member, the ring
gear being housed within the socket bore in a position surrounding
the hub, the eccentric assembly being removable from the hub without
taking apart either the eccentric assembly or the socket.
7. The cone crusher set forth in claim 6 wherein the opening is
circular and has a diameter, and wherein the ring gear is annular
and has an outer diameter less than the diameter of the opening.
8. The cone crusher set forth in claim 7 wherein the counterweight
is integrally formed with the eccentric member.
9. The cone crusher set forth in claim 7 wherein the eccentric
assembly further includes a second counterweight fixed to the eccentric
member.
10. The cone crusher set forth in claim 6 wherein the eccentric
assembly includes a counterweight which is fixed to the eccentric
member, the counterweight being housed in the socket bore and being
removable through the opening.
11. A cone crusher comprising:
a crusher head assembly including a crusher head having a crushing
surface and a bearing, surface opposite the crushing surface,
a frame including a hub having a first end, a second end spaced
from the first end, a cylindrical outer surface extending between
the first end and the second end, a bore extending into the hub
from the first end toward the second end, a mounting surface at
the first end of the hub extending between the outer surface of
the hub and the bore in the hub, an annular surface surrounding
the second end of the hub, a socket surrounding the hub and extending
from the annular surface surrounding the second end of the hub to
an upper edge, the upper edge of the socket including a head support
surface engaged with the bearing surface on the crusher head, the
socket defining a socket bore, and the socket, annular surface and
outer surface of the hub defining a ring gear pocket communicating
with the socket bore; and
an eccentric assembly supported on the eccentric mounting surface
and extending into the socket bore, the eccentric assembly including
an eccentric member engaged with the crusher head assembly and including
a ring gear housed within the ring gear pocket, the eccentric assembly
being removable from the hub without taking apart either the eccentric
assembly or the socket.
12. The cone crusher set forth in claim 11 wherein the upper edge
defines an opening wherein the opening is circular and has a diameter,
and wherein the ring gear is annular and has an outer diameter less
than the diameter of the opening.
13. The cone crusher set forth in claim 12 wherein the eccentric
assembly further includes a second counterweight fixed to the eccentric
member.
14. The cone crusher set forth in claim 11 wherein the eccentric
assembly includes a counterweight which is fixed to the eccentric
member, the counterweight being housed in the socket bore and being
removable through the opening.
15. The cone crusher set forth in claim 14 wherein the counterweight
is integrally formed with the eccentric member.
16. The cone crusher set forth in claim 11 wherein the eccentric
member is a first eccentric member, wherein frame assembly further
includes a main shaft supporting the first eccentric member and
wherein the eccentric assembly further includes a second eccentric
member engaged with the first eccentric member and with the crusher
head.
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
1. Technical Field
Crushers are used to crush large aggregate 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. The frame also
supports a bowl and bowl liner 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.
2. Related Prior Art
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 above
an eccentric assembly 48. The upper end of the support shaft 30
supports a spherical seat 138 and base 140 which, in turn slidingly
support a spherical bearing 142 fixed to the crusher head 146. The
crusher disclosed by the Sawant patent (U.S. Pat. No. 4750681)
also includes structural components extending between the frame
of the crusher and the undersurface of the head. In particular,
a counterweight assembly 55 has a lower seal 56 that cooperates
to provide an interface between the frame, particularly flange 54
and countershaft box 52 and the counterweight assembly 55. Similarly,
an upper seal 158 provides an interface between the undersurface
of the head assembly 144 and the counterweight assembly 55.
U.S. Pat. No. 5031843 which issued to Motz on Jul. 16 1991
also discloses a cone crusher. The Motz patent includes a head assembly
32 including a head 34. The Motz patent crusher also includes a
frame 12 that supports the head 34 by contacting the underside of
the head 34. The frame 12 includes a central hub and an outer hub.
The outer hub supports a socket and seal assembly which is mounted
on the frame of the crusher and which extends upwardly to support
the underside of the head.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One of the problems with existing cone crushers is that gaining
access to the interior of the crusher for maintenance, repair, set-up
changes, etc., can be difficult. Prior art crushers of the type
described above exemplify the nature of this problem. In the case
of the crusher disclosed by the Sawant reference, in order to remove
the head assembly and eccentric assembly from the frame, the bowl
must be removed from its supporting structure. Then cap bolt 155
cap 154 and lock nut 152 can be removed from the head assembly 144
to permit attachment of a lifting structure to the head assembly.
Then the head assembly 144 can be lifted upwardly off the shaft
30 bearing seat 138 and eccentric 48. Then the bearing seat 138
and base portion 140 must be removed from the top of shaft 30. Then
the eccentric assembly including the ring gear and counterweight
assembly 55 can be lifted off the shaft 30.
In the case of the Motz reference, in order to remove the head
assembly and eccentric assembly, the upper feed deflector and bowl
must be removed. Then the cap and cap bolts and lock nut must be
removed so that a lifting fixture can be attached to the head assembly.
The head assembly can then be lifted upwardly off the socket. However,
before the eccentric assembly, including the gear ring and counterweight
can be removed, the socket and seal assembly must be dismantled
to provide sufficient clearance for removal of the gear ring and
counterweight. Only then can the eccentric assembly be pulled up
and off the shaft 18.
To overcome the problems associated with existing cone crushers,
the present invention provides an eccentric cone crusher having
components that facilitate assembly and disassembly of the cone
crusher. More particularly, the invention provides a cone crusher
having a frame assembly, an eccentric assembly and a crusher head
assembly which are configured to provide a cone crusher having a
modular, relatively simple construction. The crusher can be maintained,
repaired, and adjusted, with minimal disassembly and assembly.
In one embodiment, the invention provides a cone crusher including
frame assembly having a single-piece, integrally-formed main frame
member. The main frame member defines a central hub and main shaft
bore extending into the hub. The main frame also defines a head
support or socket that surrounds the hub. The socket provides an
annular head supporting surface that extends around the underside
of the head. The socket is a cup-like structure integrally formed
with the main frame and defines a bore which is sized to receive
an eccentric assembly without disassembly of either the socket or
the eccentric assembly. The cone crusher also includes an eccentric
assembly that is received by, and is mounted on, the main frame,
and a head assembly that is supported by the main frame socket liner
and that is engaged to the eccentric.
In another embodiment, the invention provides a cone crusher having
a crusher head assembly including a crusher head. The crusher head
has cone-shaped surface and an underside opposite the cone-shaped
surface, the underside having an annular socket engagement surface.
The crusher also includes a one-piece frame including a peripheral
portion and a central portion, the central portion having a wall
forming a socket having an upper edge. The upper edge provides a
continuous annular head support surface engaged with the socket
engagement surface, the upper edge of the wall defining an opening,
the wall defining a socket bore extending from the opening into
the central portion, the central portion having a hub located within
the socket and extending into the socket bore. The crusher also
includes an eccentric assembly supported on the hub, the eccentric
assembly having an eccentric member engaged with the crusher head
assembly and including a ring gear fixed to said eccentric member.
The ring gear is housed by the socket bore in a position surrounding
the hub, and the gear ring is removable through the opening.
In another embodiment, the invention provides a cone crusher having
a crusher head assembly including a crusher head having a crushing
surface and a bearing surface opposite the crushing surface. The
crusher also has a frame including a socket having an annular, continuous
head support surface engaged with the bearing surface on the crusher
head. The socket defines a socket bore extending from the head support
surface. The frame also includes a hub located within the socket
and extending into the socket bore. The crusher also includes an
eccentric assembly supported on the hub. The eccentric assembly
includes an eccentric member engaged with the crusher head assembly
and includes a ring gear fixed to said eccentric member. The ring
gear is housed within the socket bore in a position surrounding
the hub, and the eccentric is removable from the hub without the
need to take apart either the eccentric assembly or the socket.
In another embodiment, the invention provides a cone crusher having
a crusher head assembly including a crusher head having a crushing
surface and a bearing surface opposite the crushing surface. The
crusher also includes a frame including a hub having a first end,
a second end spaced from the first end, and a cylindrical outer
surface extending between the first end and the second end. The
hub also includes a bore extending into the hub from the first end
toward the second end, and a mounting surface at the first end of
the hub extending between the outer surface of the hub and the bore
in the hub. The frame also includes an annular surface surrounding
the second end of the hub, a socket surrounding the hub and extending
from the annular surface surrounding the second end of the hub to
an upper edge. The upper edge of the socket includes an head support
surface engaged with the bearing surface on the crusher head. The
socket defines a socket bore, and the socket, annular surface and
outer surface of the hub define a ring gear pocket communicating
with the socket bore. The crusher also includes an eccentric assembly
supported on the mounting surface attached to and supported by the
main frame and extending into the socket bore. The eccentric assembly
includes an eccentric member engaged with the crusher head assembly
and includes a ring gear housed within the ring gear pocket, the
eccentric being removable from the hub without taking apart either
the eccentric assembly or the socket.
One advantage of the invention is the provision of a cone crusher
having an eccentric assembly that can be accessed, and removed if
desired, without the need for dismantling any structure on the frame
or the eccentric assembly which may interfere with such access or
removal. This advantage is achieved by providing a socket configuration
which supports the head but which also is located sufficiently away
from the central axis of the crusher to afford clearance between
the eccentric assembly and the head supporting structure. The socket
thus permits the eccentric to be nested within the inner diameter
of the socket without the need for additional seals or supporting
structure to be assembled on the socket.
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 drawings illustrate a cone crusher 10 which embodies the invention.
The crusher 10 is operable to crush large aggregate and ore particles,
e.g., 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 crusher head assembly 26 which engages
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.
More particularly, the frame assembly 14 includes one-piece, integrally
formed main frame 34 which has a generally planar, plate-like peripheral
portion 38 and a relatively thick central portion 42. The peripheral
portion 38 of the main frame 34 is delineated with respect to the
central portion 42 by a vertically extending step or annular outer
wall 46. The upper edge of the outer wall 46 is continuous and provides
an upwardly facing barrel mounting surface 50.
The central portion 42 of the main frame 34 includes a second vertical
wall or socket 54 that is located radially inwardly of the outer
wall 46. 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 an upwardly facing and inwardly
sloping socket liner mounting surface 58. The socket 54 is integrally
formed with the main frame 34 and supports thereon the head assembly
26 in a manner discussed below.
The socket 54 defines a socket bore 62 extending from upper edge
56 of the socket 54 downwardly into the central portion 42 of the
main frame 34. The socket bore 62 opens upwardly and has a uniform
diameter and defines an opening 64 at the upper edge 56 of the socket
54. Importantly, the minimum opening 64 at the top of the socket
bore 62 is sized to receive therein several components of the eccentric
assembly 22 without necessitating any assembly or disassembly of
either the eccentric assembly 22 or the socket 54 to afford movement
of the eccentric assembly 22 into and out of housed relation with
the socket bore 62. While in the illustrated embodiment the socket
bore 62 is illustrated as being defined by a vertically extending
cylindrical surface, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily
understand that the socket bore 62 could also be configured so as
to taper outwardly from bottom to top, thus still providing a head
support surface and sufficient clearance to permit passage of the
eccentric assembly 22 past the head supporting structure.
The main frame 34 also defines a centrally located hub 66 defined
by a thick cylindrical wall. The hub 66 has a first, upper end 67
and a second, lower end 68. The hub 66 also has a cylindrical outer
surface 69 extending between the upper and lower ends 67 68. A
main shaft bore 70 extends inwardly of the hub 66 from the upper
end 67 toward the lower end 68 so that the upper end 67 has an annular,
upwardly facing thrust bearing mounting surface 71 surrounding the
main shaft bore 70 at the upper end of the hub 66. For reasons discussed
below, the main shaft bore is centered on a central axis of rotation
78 but tapers or converges as it extends downwardly, i.e., the
inner diameter of the bore is greater at its upper end than at its
lower end. The hub 66 extends upwardly from the central portion
42 of the main frame 34. into the socket bore 62 so that the annular
surface 72 surrounding the lower end of the hub 66 the outer surface
of the hub 66 and the lower portion of the socket bore 62 define
therebetween a counterbore portion or ring gear pocket 74 that surrounds
the hub 66 and that communicates with the socket bore 62. This annular
ring gear pocket 74 has an inner diameter defined by the outer surface
of the hub 66 and an outer diameter defined by the socket bore 62.
The main frame 34 also defines a countershaft box assembly housing
82 which extends from one side of the outer portion of the main
frame 34 into the central portion 42 of the main frame 34 and into
proximity with the ring gear pocket 74. To accommodate the drive
system 30 which is described in more detail below, in one region
of the ring gear pocket 74 the gear ring pocket 74 communicates
with the countershaft bore 86 defined by the countershaft box assembly
housing 82 and defines therewith a pinion housing 90. Importantly,
the socket 54 and socket liner mounting surface 58 extend in a continuous,
uninterrupted manner about the entire central portion 42 of the
main frame 34 including the region of the main frame 34 providing
the countershaft box assembly housing 82.
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".
The frame assembly 14 also includes a vertically extending, generally
cylindrical barrel section 94 that is mounted on the barrel mounting
surface 50 of the outer wall 46. The barrel section 94 generally
defines the interior, crushing chamber of the crusher 10. The frame
assembly 14 also includes an adjustment ring seat 98 which is fixed
to the upper region of the barrel section 94 and an adjustment
ring 102 which is mounted on the adjustment ring seat and upon which
the bowl assembly 18 is mounted.
In this regard, the bowl assembly 18 is mounted on the adjustment
ring 102 and includes a bowl 103 and a bowl liner 104 which is
secured to the bowl. The bowl liner 104 provides a generally frusto-conical
crushing surface 105. The bowl 103 is threadedly mounted on the
adjustment ring 102 in a manner affording adjustment of the height
of the bowl 103 and bowl liner 104 relative to the adjustment ring
102 and the head assembly 26 along the axis 78. As shown in FIG.
2 and for reasons discussed below, the bowl assembly 18 can be
entirely removed from the support of the adjustment ring 102.
The frame assembly 14 also includes a main shaft 106 that is received
by the main shaft bore 70. The main shaft 106 has a lower, tapered
portion 110 that mates with the taper in the main shaft bore 70.
The main shaft 106 also has an upper portion 114 that extends from
the lower portion 110 to an upper end 116. The upper portion 114
of the main shaft extends upwardly outward of the main shaft bore
70 and outward of the socket bore 62 as well, so that the upper
end 116 of the shaft 106 is located vertically above the upper edge
56 of the socket 54. 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 socket
liner 118 is frusto-conical in that it slopes from the radially
outer edge of the socket 54 downwardly toward the upper edge 56
of the socket bore 62. As explained below, 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 45 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 114 of the
main shaft 106. More particularly, the eccentric assembly 22 includes
an annular bushing 130 which has extending therethrough a bore 134.
The bore 134 receives the upper portion 114 of the shaft and provides
a sliding contact interface with the cylindrical outer surface of
the main shaft 106. The eccentric bushing 130 has an upper end coextensive
with the upper portion of the main shaft 106 and a lower end. 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 22 also includes an inner eccentric member
142 which is mounted on, and is rotatable relative to, the upper
portion 114 of the shaft 106. The inner eccentric 142 is generally
cylindrical and has upper and lower ends 146 150 and a central
bore 154 extending between the ends 146 150. The bore 154 is eccentrically
positioned within the inner eccentric 142 with respect to the outer
surface 158 of the inner eccentric 142. The inner eccentric bore
154 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 outer surface 158 of the inner eccentric
142 has a circular cross-section but, because the bore 154 and that
is eccentric relative to the axis 78 when the inner eccentric 142
is mounted on the shaft 106. In other words, the inner cccentric
142 is cylindrical, and the cylindrical wall thickness of the inner
eccentric 142 varies from a minimum thickness to a maximum thickness
opposite the minimum thickness. Also, the outer surface 158 of the
inner eccentric 142 tapers or diverges from top to bottom, i.e.,
the diameter of the inner eccentric 142 is greater at the bottom
than at the top. This taper provides a wedging surface for engaging
another component of the eccentric assembly 22 namely, the outer
eccentric 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 in a manner discussed
below during operation of the crusher 10. The outer eccentric 162
has an outer surface 163 that has a circular cross section and that
is eccentric with respect to the inner eccentric 142 member centerline.
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. Also, the outer eccentric 162 defines a tapered bore
164 that mates with the outer surface 158 of the inner eccentric
142. The inner and outer eccentrics 142 162 are moveable relative
to one another to vary the set-up of the cone crusher 10.
The eccentric assembly 22 also includes a locking assembly 165
to selectively prevent and afford rotation of the outer eccentric
162 relative to the inner eccentric 142. 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 incorporated
herein by reference: Ser. No. 09/173037 filed concurrently herewith
and titled "Variable Throw Eccentric Cone Crusher and Method
of Operating the Same".
The eccentric assembly 22 also includes a lower counterweight 166
and an upper counterweight 170 both of which are fixed to the inner
eccentric 142. The upper and lower countenveights 166 170 are positioned
and sized to offset the asymmetric configurations of the inner and
outer eccentrics 142 162 and head assembly 26 and to balance the
forces acting on the main shaft 106 during operation of the cone
crusher 10. More particularly, the upper counterweight 170 is enclosed
by a housing 174 which is, in turn, mounted on the top of the inner
eccentric 142. The housing 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 portion of the inner eccentric 142. Importantly,
the upper counterweight 170 has a height and radial extent that
permits the crusher head assembly 26 to be positioned over and around
the upper counterweight. In this regard, the upper counterweight
is located vertically above the upper 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 counter weight 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. In the illustrated embodiment
of the crushler 10 the lower counter 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
removable fastened to the inner eccentric 142. The lower counterweight
166 is positioned vertically below the outer eccentric 162 and is
fixed to the inner eccentric 142 so as to not interfere with the
assembly and disassembly of the head assembly 26 and the eccentric
assembly 22. More particularly in this regard, 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 upper counterweight 170 and lower counterweight 166 are 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. 09/172987 filed concurrently herewith and
titled "Eccentric Cone Crusher having Multiple Counterweights".
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 thus has a diameter that is less than
the diameter of the socket bore 62 and that is also less than the
diameter of the opening 64 at the top 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 lowver,
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 pinion 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 radial extent of the eccentric assembly 22 relative to the
crusher axis 78 lies within the radial extent of the socket bore
62 and particularly is less than the radius of the minimum opening
64 provided by the socket bore 62. This permits the eccentric assembly
22 including the lower counterweight 166 and the ring gear 178
fixed to the inner eccentric 142 to be removed by passing the ring
gear 178 through the opening 64 without the need for taking apart
the ring gear 178 or the counterweight assembly. Also, the crusher
head supporting surfaces at the socket liners 118 are located radially
away from the axis of rotation 78 to provide sufficient clearance
for passage of the eccentric assembly 22 through the socket bore
opening 64 without disassembly of the socket 54 or the eccentric.
The head assembly 26 includes a crusher head 190 supported for
rotation relative to the main frame 34 and driven by the drive system
30 for eccentric rotation about the central crusher axis 78. More
particularly, the crusher head 190 is cone-shaped and has a truncated,
generally frusto-conical outer surface. The crusher head 190 also
has a threaded stem 194 extending from the apex of the outer surface,
and a generally hollow interior. The head assembly 26 also includes
a mantle 196 mounted on and fixed to the outer surface of the crusher
head 190. The mantle 196 provides a crushing surface which is in
opposed facing relation to the crushing surfaces provided by the
bowl liner. The head assembly 26 also includes a lick ring 197 which
threadedly engages the stem 194 and which engages the mantle 196
and, in part, holds the mantle 196 in position on the crusher head
190. A cap 198 and cap bolts 199 overlie the lock ring 197. The
cap 198 can be readily removed so that a lifting fixture (not shown)
can be attached to the head assembly 26.
The crusher head 190 also has extending therein a centrally located
bore 202 which communicates with the interior of the crusher head
190). The bore 202 houses a crusher head bushing 206 which is fixed
to the crusher head 190 and which is telescopically received by
the outer eccentric 162. The bushing 206 and outer eccentric 162
are slidable relative to each other and permit rotation of the crusher
head 190 relative to the outer eccentric 162.
The underside of the crusher head 190 provides an annular socket
engagement surface 210 that is continuous about the radially outward
region of the crusher head 190. The socket engagement surface 210
engages the upper, bearing surface of the socket liner 118 when
the head assembly 26 is positioned over the eccentric assembly 22
and onto the main frame 34. The socket liner 118 and socket 54 thus
support the head assembly 26 in a position wherein the frame assembly
14 and houses the upper portion of the eccentric to assembly 22.
The crusher head 190 supported by the socket 54 and socket liner
118 is rotatable about the axis 78 by rotation of the eccentric
assembly 22. However, there is no fastened connection between the
crusher head assembly 26 and the eccentric assembly 22. Rather,
once the protective cap 198 is removed from the crusher head 190
and a lifting fixture is attached to the crusher head 190 the crusher
head assembly 26 can be lifted off the shaft and eccentric assembly
22 and out of engagement with the socket 54 without disassembly
of any components. This lift-off feature is achieved by providing
the outer eccentric 162 and upper counterweight assemblies 170 with
envelops that pass through the opening 64 of the crusher head bore
202 and by providing support surfaces 118 for accepting the vertical
loading from the crusher head 190 in a position that does not interfere
with the positioning of the eccentric assembly 22 relative to the
main shaft 106.
Once the crusher head 190 is removed from the frame assembly 14
and the eccentric assembly 22 the eccentric assembly 22 can be
lifted off the thrust bearing 122 and out of the socket bore 62
without any disconnection of structural components or disassembly
of either the socket 54 or the eccentric assembly 22. The facility
of lifting the eccentric assembly 22 off the main frame 34 is achieved
in part by providing the radially spaced crusher head support surfaces
118 on a radially spaced socket 54 and by providing a socket bore
62 that does not constrict the opening 64 adjacent to the crusher
head support surfaces 118. Also, the crusher 10 includes an eccentric
assembly 22 having a lower counterweight 166 and ring gear 178 that
each can pass through the opening 64 provided by the socket bore
62 thus eliminating the need for any disassembly of either the
socket 54 or the eccentric assembly 22.
Various features of the invention are set forth in the following
claims.
|