Eccentric sleeve for a crusher, the crusher comprising the sleeve and crushing plant comprising said crusher

Abstract

A rotating eccentric sleeve (130), or a cone or gyratory crusher (100) or a crushing plant (800) comprising the rotating eccentric sleeve (130). The eccentric sleeve (130) includes a plurality of axial lubricant return bores (210) configured to receive lubricant oil from a top of the rotating eccentric sleeve (130) to a bottom quarter of the rotating eccentric sleeve (130). The rotating eccentric sleeve (130) defines an exit groove (212) at the bottom quarter of the rotating eccentric sleeve (130). The exit groove (212) is perimetrically oriented and extends from an outer surface (132) of the rotating eccentric sleeve to the lubricant return bores (210).

Description

[0001] ECCENTRIC SLEEVE FOR A CRUSHER, THE CRUSHER COMPRISING THE SLEEVE AND

[0002] CRUSHING PLANT COMPRISING SAID CRUSHER

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The present disclosure generally relates to a lubrication arrangement. In particular, though not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to lubrication oil return circulation in a cone

[0005] 5 or gyratory crusher.

[0006] BACKGROUND

[0007] This section illustrates useful background information without admission of any technique described herein representative of the state of the art.

[0008] Cone or gyratory crushers may require lubrication of a thrust bearing or other elements at

[0009] 10 a top section of an eccentric sleeve that rotates about a main shaft to move a support cone as required for crushing mineral material with a wear part carried by the support cone. The eccentric sleeve rotating about the main shaft requires continuous lubrification. There may be also various lubrification targets above the main shaft, such as a bearing. To this end, lubrification oil is pumped up on top of the eccentric sleeve. Used oil returns down to one or more sumps through return channels and a drainage. The return channels may be implemented at least in part with axial bores formed in the eccentric sleeve.

[0010] The axial bores may be connected with radial exit bores through which the lubricant can exit radially. However, the radial exit bores may increase centrifugal force that contributes to upward splashing and potentially undesired loss of the lubricant.

[0011] It is desirable to provide an improved or alternative lubricant exit channelling.

[0012] SUMMARY

[0013] The appended claims define the scope of protection. Any examples and technical descriptions of apparatuses, products and / or methods in the description and / or drawings not covered by the claims are presented not as embodiments of the invention but as

[0014] 25 background art or examples useful for understanding the invention.

[0015] According to a first example aspect there is provided a rotating eccentric sleeve of a cone crusher, comprising a plurality of axial lubricant return bores configured to receive lubricant oil from a top of the rotating eccentric sleeve to a bottom quarter of the rotating eccentric sleeve;

[0016] 30 the rotating eccentric sleeve defining an exit groove at the bottom quarter of the rotating eccentric sleeve; wherein the exit groove is perimetrically oriented and extends from an outer surface of the rotating eccentric sleeve to the lubricant return bores.

[0017] The exit groove may perimetrically connect the lubricant return bores.

[0018] Advantageously, the lubricant reaching the exit groove may continue moving in the exit groove with an axial momentum attained in the axial lubricant return bores. Advantageously, the continued moving downward may mitigate splashing or loss of the lubricant.

[0019] The exit groove may have a height that is greater than a diameter of the lubricant return bores. If the lubricant return bores have different diameters, the exit groove may have a height that is greater than a greatest diameter of the lubricant return bores. Alternatively, the exit groove may have a height that is greater than 75 % or 50 % of a diameter of the lubricant return bores. If the lubricant return bores have different diameters, the exit groove may have a height that is greater than 75 % or 50 % of a greatest diameter of the lubricant return bores. The height of the exit groove may refer to a greatest height of the exit groove.

[0020] Advantageously, the exit groove may reduce mass of the eccentric sleeve and so further reduce required counterbalancing mass with a synergic effect in view of transportability of the cone crusher. Moreover, on reducing weight of the eccentric sleeve, energy consumption may also be reduced through reduced momentum induced forces.

[0021] The exit groove may reside at functional bottoms of the lubricant return bores. The functional bottoms of the lubricant return bores may define a bottom a lubricant flow channel that extends through the return bores. The functional bottoms may entirely reside closer to a bottom of the eccentric sleeve than a vertical midpoint of the eccentric sleeve.

[0022] The eccentric sleeve may have a shaft receiving space configured to receive a main shaft of the cone crusher. The plurality of axial lubricant return bores may be arranged at a distance Ds from the shaft receiving space. D may be at least x times a diameter of the lubricant return bore in question. X may be 0.5; 0.8; 1 .0; or 1 .2. D may be at most y times the diameter of the lubricant return bore in question. Y may be 1.0; 1.3; 1.5; or 2. The diameter of the lubricant return bore in question may be a greatest average diameter of the lubricant return bore on a length of 5 cm. The diameter may be a hydraulic diameter. The hydraulic diameter may be four times the open area divided by a wetted perimeter as in computation of a dimensionless Reynolds Number.

[0023] Advantageously, by positioning of the bores closer to shaft receiving space than an outer cylindrical surface of the eccentric sleeve, the lubricant exiting through the exit groove may experience smaller centrifugal forces thanks to the exit groove so that splashing or loss of the lubricant may be avoided or mitigated.

[0024] The plurality of axial lubricant return bores may reside with a perimetric offset. The perimetric offset may be constant. The perimetric offset may be at least 0.1 -D; 0.2-D; 0.3-D; 0.5-D; 0.75-D; or 1.0-D. The perimetric offset may be at most 0.2-D; 0.3-D; 0.5-D; 0.75-D; 1.0-D; or 1.5-D.

[0025] The bore may comprise a first portion having a first diameter and a second portion having a second diameter. The second diameter may be at most z per cent of the first diameter, wherein z is 50; 70; 80; 90; or 95. The second portion may reside downstream to the first portion. Advantageously, manufacturing may be simplified by forming the bore of the first and second portions having different diameters. Further advantageously, the second diameter being smaller than the first diameter may further decrease the radius at which the lubricant experiences centrifugal forces on exiting the bore through the exit groove.

[0026] The exit groove may have a ceiling surface defining a top of the exit groove. The ceiling surface may be sloping downward in an exit direction of the lubricant oil. Advantageously, the downward sloping ceiling surface increase downward velocity component in the exiting lubricant so that splashing or loss of the lubricant may be further avoided or mitigated.

[0027] The exit groove may have a floor surface defining a bottom of the exit groove. The floor surface may have an inclination such that the exit groove expands outwards. Advantageously, the outwards expanding exit groove may facilitate manufacturing of the eccentric sleeve by casting.

[0028] The bores may be formed by drilling.

[0029] Advantageously, the bores may reduce required counterbalancing of the eccentric sleeve.

[0030] The exit groove may extend at a central portion deeper into the rotating eccentric than at opposite ends of the exit groove. The exit groove may follow a circular periphery. The exit groove may reside at a fixed radius from a virtual centre point. The virtual centre point may reside at a rotation axis of the eccentric sleeve.

[0031] The eccentric sleeve may be configured to form crushing action when mounted to and operated in a cone crusher.

[0032] According to a second example aspect there is provided a cone or gyratory crusher comprising a support cone for supporting an inner wear part; a main shaft for supporting the support cone; and the eccentric sleeve of the first example aspect for moving the main shaft to induce crushing action through the support cone.

[0033] The cone or gyratory crusher may further comprise a vertical adjustment actuator for adjusting a gap between the inner and outer wear parts. The vertical adjustment actuator may comprise a hydraulic cylinder for moving the main shaft up or down.

[0034] Advantageously, the structure of the cone or gyratory crusher may be simplified through use of the eccentric sleeve of the first example aspect. The reliability of the cone or gyratory crusher may be improved by enhancing control of lubricant circulation. The weight of the cone or gyratory crusher may be reduced thanks to weight saving of the groove and the bores.

[0035] According to a third example aspect there is provided a crushing plant comprising a platform frame; and the cone or gyratory crusher of the second example aspect supported by the platform frame.

[0036] The crushing plant may further comprise a conveyor for moving mineral material crushed by the cone or gyratory crusher.

[0037] The crushing plant may be mobile. The crushing plant may be towable. The crushing plant may be self-propelling. The crushing plant may comprise one or more crawler tracks. The crushing plant may comprise one or more wheels.

[0038] Advantageously, the eccentric sleeve of the crushing plant may in part contribute to improved mobility of the crushing plant.

[0039] Different non-binding example aspects and embodiments have been illustrated in the foregoing. The embodiments in the foregoing are used merely to explain selected aspects or steps that may be utilized in different implementations. Some embodiments may be presented only with reference to certain example aspects. It should be appreciated that corresponding embodiments may apply to other example aspects as well.

[0040] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0041] Some example embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0042] Fig. 1 schematically shows a cone crusher of an example embodiment;

[0043] Figs. 2a to 2c show different sectional views of a portion of the eccentric sleeve and some surrounding environment of an example embodiment; Fig. 3 shows a lubricant exit system of an alternative embodiment;

[0044] Fig. 4 shows the eccentric sleeve and some further details of an example embodiment;

[0045] Fig. 5 illustrates distribution of a plurality of bores of an example embodiment;

[0046] Fig. 6 illustrates an exit groove of an example embodiment;

[0047] Fig. 7 schematically illustrates further details relating to Fig. 6 exit groove; and Fig. 8 shows a mineral material processing plant 800 of an embodiment.

[0048] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] In the following description, like reference signs denote like elements or steps.

[0050] Fig. 1 schematically shows a cone crusher 100 according to an example embodiment. The cone crusher 100 comprises a main shaft 110, a lower body 120, an eccentric sleeve 130, a support cone 140, an inner wear part, an outer wear part, and a counterbalance 170. Depending on implementation, the eccentric sleeve 130 may rotate about a substantially static main shaft 110 such that the support cone 140 repeats causing lateral movement of the support cone, or the eccentric sleeve 130 may tilt the main shaft such that the main shaft moves the support cone to different directions. In both cases, the support cone 140 should not start rotating with the eccentric sleeve 130. Therefore, there are bearings on both sides of the eccentric sleeve 130, such as lubricated sliding bearings. In either case, new lubricant must be pumped to lubrication targets also on top of the main shaft and used lubricant be evacuated. To this end, substantially axial bores are formed in an example embodiment to the eccentric sleeve 130, as seen in Fig. 1 and more particularly in Figs. 2 to 4. The lower body 120 defines a drain well 122 for collecting and leading out exiting lubricant.

[0051] A piston rod 112 extends through the main shaft 110 and bears the support cone 140 such that a desired setting or minimum gap between inner and outer wear parts 150, 160 is provided. The piston rod 112 may further enable emergency retraction of the support cone in tramp iron situations in which something poorly crushable enters between the inner and outer wear parts 150, 160 and might otherwise damage these wear parts.

[0052] Figs. 2a to 2c show different sectional views of a portion of the eccentric sleeve 130 and surrounding environment of an example embodiment. The eccentric sleeve 130 is sectioned through one bore 210. The bore is opened close a bottom end, or more particularly in a bottom quarter of the bore, by an exit groove 212. In an example embodiment, the exit groove 212 extends from an outer cylindrical surface 132 of the eccentric sleeve 130 to the bore 210. In an example embodiment, the exit groove 212 extends to the bore 210, e.g., by at least a quarter of a radius of the bore 210, by at least a third of the radius of the bore 210, or by at least a half of the radius of the bore 210. In an example embodiment, the exit groove 212 extends to the bore 210 at most by the radius of the bore 210, 1.25 times the radius of the bore 210, 1.5 times the radius of the bore 210, 1 .75 times the radius of the bore 210, or 1.95 times the radius of the bore 210. In an example embodiment, the exit groove 212 extends to a back surface of the bore 210.

[0053] The support cone 140 may be vertically adjustable in comparison to the eccentric sleeve 130. Therefore, there may be a substantial space to which lubricant escapes through the exit groove 212, as can be seen particularly in Fig. 1 .

[0054] Fig. 3 shows a lubricant exit system of an alternative embodiment wherein radial bores 310 connect with the axial bores (not visible here) so that the lubricant exits through the radial bores. In this embodiment, downward motion of the lubricant is restricted by the radial bores. Moreover, the lubricant is exposed to centrifugal forces until leaving the radial bores at the external surface of the eccentric sleeve as opposed to the embodiment of Figs. 1 , 2, 4, and 5, where the radius and resulting centrifugal force are smaller given that the centrifugal acceleration is co2r, wherein co is an angular velocity and r is the distance from an axis of rotation. Hence, Fig. 3 illustrates by contrast some advantages of provided by the exit groove 212.

[0055] Fig. 4 shows an example embodiment in which the eccentric sleeve 130 comprises a plurality of peripherally, optionally evenly, distributed bores 210. In an example embodiment, the bores 210 have a different diameter in a first portion 410 than in a second portion 420. For example, the first portion may be broader than the second portion. In an example embodiment, the first portion has a diameter that is at least 5 %, 10 %, or 20 % greater than in the second portion. In an example embodiment, the first portion has a diameter that is at most 10 %, 20 %, 30 % or 50 % greater than in the second portion. The exit groove 212 may reside at the second portion. The first portion may be concentric with the second portion, e.g., for simplifying drilling the bores. The eccentric sleeve 130 further comprises a shaft receiving space 430 for receiving the main shaft 110.

[0056] Fig. 5 illustrates distribution of a plurality of bores 212 of an example embodiment. Centres of the bores reside in a sector a. The sector a may be at least 90, 105, 120, or 135 degrees. The sector a may be at most 105, 120, 135, or 150 degrees. As shown, in the sector a, the eccentric sleeve has a thicker wall than in a remaining portion of the eccentric sleeve. In an example embodiment, the outmost bores 212 have a diameter that covers a portion of the thickness of the wall of the eccentric sleeve that may be at least 80 %, 90 %, or 95 %, and I or at most 85 %, 95%, or 98 %. The bores 212 may be defined by a portion of the wall of the eccentric sleeve with a thickness at least 5 mm, 10 mm, or 20 mm. Fig. 5 illustrates that the plurality of bores 212 have same or similar diameters at their upper ends. In an example embodiment, the bores 212 have different diameters, e.g., such that outmost bores 212 have a smaller diameter than other bores 212. In an example embodiment, the diameters of the bores depend on the thickness of the wall of the eccentric sleeve. For example, a constant thickness may be reserved between the bores 212 and the outer surface and I or the inner surface of the eccentric sleeve. This may apply separately to the first portions 410 and I or to the second portions 420, or to bores having a constant thickness or a conical shape in which the diameter of the bore linearly decreases or increases.

[0057] Fig. 6 illustrates an exit groove 212’ of an example embodiment. The exit groove 212 has a ceiling surface 610 defining a top of the exit groove. In an example embodiment, the ceiling surface 610 is sloping downward in an exit direction of the lubricant oil. The downward sloping ceiling surface 610 may increase a downward velocity component in the exiting lubricant through centrifugal force so that splashing, or loss of the lubricant may be further avoided or mitigated. In an example embodiment, the downward sloping ceiling surface 610 has a downward inclination that is at least that great that centrifugal force drives exiting lubricant against the ceiling surface 610. In an example embodiment, the downward inclination at most such that the exiting lubricant becomes directed to flow towards a drain well formed in a lower body of the cone crusher 100, preferably over any parts rotating with the eccentric sleeve. Fig. 7 schematically illustrates such a case of a downward inclination with an imaginary trajectory considering air resistance and gravity.

[0058] In Figs. 6 and 7, the exit groove 212’ has a floor surface 620 defining a bottom of the exit groove 212’. In an example embodiment, the floor surface 620 has an inclination such that the exit groove 212’ expands outwards. Advantageously, the outwards expanding exit groove 212’ may facilitate manufacturing of the eccentric sleeve by casting.

[0059] Fig. 8 shows a mineral material processing plant 800 of an embodiment. The mineral material processing plant 800 comprises the cone crusher 100. The mineral material processing plant 800 comprises a feeder 803 for feeding the material to the cone crusher 100 and at least one belt conveyor 807 for transporting the screened material further from the plant. The processing plant 800 further comprises a power source 806. The power source 806 is for example a diesel motor or an electric motor that is provides power for process units and hydraulic circuits (not shown).

[0060] Furthermore, the processing plant 800 comprises a control system 805. With suitable configuration the cone crusher 100 of the processing plant 800 comprises the vertically movable crusher head 101 and the vertically movable crusher bowl 105. In an embodiment, the control system 805 may cause the cone crusher 100 to adjust crushing. In an example embodiment, the control system 805 comprises at least one processor and a memory including a computer program code. The control system may further comprise other units such as a user interface.

[0061] The feeder 803, the crusher 100, the power source 806 and the conveyor 807 are attached to a platform frame 801 of the crushing plant which in an embodiment further comprises a track base 802 for moving the crushing plant 800. In some embodiments, the control system 805 is attached to the platform frame 801 , to the cone crusher 100, and / or to the power source 806. The mineral material processing plant, in a further embodiment, is wholly or partly wheel based or movable on legs or skids. Alternatively, in a still further embodiment, the mineral material processing plant 800 is movable / towable for example by a truck or another external power source. The mineral material to be processed is for example mined rock, asphalt, or construction demolition waste such as concrete or bricks.

[0062] Various embodiments have been presented. It should be appreciated that in this document, words comprise; include; and contain are each used as open-ended expressions with no intended exclusivity.

[0063] The foregoing description has provided by way of non-limiting examples of particular implementations and embodiments a full and informative description of the best mode presently contemplated by the inventors for carrying out the invention. It is however clear to a person skilled in the art that the invention is not restricted to details of the embodiments presented in the foregoing, but that it can be implemented in other embodiments using equivalent means or in different combinations of embodiments without deviating from the characteristics of the invention.

[0064] Furthermore, some of the features of the afore-disclosed example embodiments may be used to advantage without the corresponding use of other features. As such, the foregoing description shall be considered as merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention, and not in limitation thereof. Hence, the scope of the invention is only restricted by the appended patent claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A rotating eccentric sleeve (130) of a cone crusher (100), comprising a plurality of axial lubricant return bores (210) configured to receive lubricant oil from a top of the rotating eccentric sleeve (130) to a bottom quarter of the rotating eccentric sleeve (130); the rotating eccentric sleeve (130) defining an exit groove (212) at the bottom quarter of the rotating eccentric sleeve (130); wherein the exit groove (212) is perimetrically oriented and extends from an outer surface (132) of the rotating eccentric sleeve to the lubricant return bores (210).

2. The rotating eccentric sleeve (130) of claim 1 , wherein the exit groove (212) perimetrically connects the lubricant return bores (210).

3. The rotating eccentric sleeve (130) of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a shaft receiving space (430) configured to receive a main shaft of the cone crusher.

4. The rotating eccentric sleeve (130) of any one of preceding claims, wherein one or more of the bores (210) comprises a first portion (410) having a first diameter and a second portion (420) having a second diameter.

5. The rotating eccentric sleeve (130) of any one of preceding claims, wherein the exit groove (212) has a ceiling surface (610) defining a top of the exit groove (212); and the ceiling surface (610) is sloping downward in an exit direction of the lubricant oil.

6. The rotating eccentric sleeve (130) of claim 5, wherein the exit groove (212) has a floor surface (620) defining a bottom of the exit groove (212); and the floor surface (620) has an inclination such that the exit groove (212) expands outwards.

7. The rotating eccentric sleeve (130) of any one of preceding claims, wherein the exit groove (212) extends at a central portion deeper into the rotating eccentric than at opposite ends of the exit groove (212).

8. The rotating eccentric sleeve (130) of any one of preceding claims, wherein the exit groove (212) has a height that is greater than a diameter of the lubricant return bores (210).

9. The rotating eccentric sleeve (130) of any one of preceding claims, wherein centres of the bores (210) reside in a sector a of 120 to 150 degrees.

10. The rotating eccentric sleeve (130) of any one of preceding claims, wherein the eccentric sleeve (130) is configured to form crushing action when mounted to and operated in a cone crusher (100).

11. A cone or gyratory crusher (100) comprising a support cone (140) for supporting an inner wear part (150); and a main shaft (110) for guiding the eccentric sleeve (130) of any one of preceding claims for moving the support cone to induce crushing action through the support cone.

12. The cone or gyratory crusher (100) of claim 11 , further comprising an adjustment actuator (112) for adjusting a gap between the inner wear part (150) and an outer wear part (160).

13. A crushing plant (800) comprising a platform frame (801 ); and the cone or gyratory crusher (100) of claim 11 or 12 supported by the platform frame (801 ).

14. The crushing plant (800) of claim 13, wherein the crushing plant is mobile.

15. The crushing plant (800) of claim 13 or 14, wherein the crushing plant is self- propelling.