Grinding device, its rotor and distribution plate, and method for repositioning the distribution plate

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a rotor (108) for a comminution device (100), the rotor comprising: a frame (202) including an upper plate (204), a lower plate (206), and wall elements (208); an inlet opening (210) in the upper plate and one or more outlets (212) between the upper plate and the lower plate; and a distribution plate (214) disposed at the upper surface (216) of the lower plate and below the inlet opening, wherein the distribution plate is arranged to project material towards the surface, wherein the distribution plate (214) includes a cavity (218) that is open at the lower surface of the distribution plate, wherein the rotor (108) further includes attachment means (306) for holding the distribution plate at the upper surface of the lower plate, wherein the attachment means is arranged to engage frictionally with a corresponding surface of the cavity, and wherein the attachment means enables the distribution plate to be repositioned to different wear positions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a crushing device for crushing rocks, ores or the like. More specifically, the present invention relates to a so-called vertical shaft impact crusher comprising a rotatable distribution plate. Background Art

[0002] When crushing or grinding rocks, ores, cement clinker and other hard or soft materials, a vertical shaft impact crusher with a rotor rotating about a vertical axis is used. The material to be crushed is fed through an opening centrally arranged in the rotor. A distribution plate is arranged at the upper surface of the lower plate of the rotor. When the material to be crushed impinges on the rotating distribution plate, the material will change from the vertical direction to the horizontal direction and will be dragged substantially radially outwards and impinge on the outer crushing surface. The outer crushing surface generally comprises an accumulation of the material to be crushed formed on the inner surface of the crushing chamber, thereby generating autogenous crushing. This autogenous crushing has been proven to ensure excellent shaped particles in, for example, aggregates. However, for current rotors, there may be a problem that the distribution plate is unevenly worn. Therefore, although only a part of the distribution plate is worn, the distribution plate may have to be replaced.

[0003] In an attempt to solve this problem, prior art solutions disclose a distribution plate having a continuous flat upper surface, wherein the plate is fastened to the shaft by the mating shape of a recess and a bolt. An element can be lifted by means of a lever and rotated by hand to a new worn position. However, the problem with the solutions in the prior art literature is that the fastening means of the distribution plate or parts of the distribution plate may have to be loosened in order to be able to rotate the distribution plate to a new worn position. In addition, if the distribution plate needs to be lifted for rotation, dust may enter between the lower plate and the distribution plate, resulting in instability of the distribution plate. Therefore, there is a need in the art for a more user-friendly process for rotating the distribution plate to a new worn position, and for providing a more efficient and simplified process. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One object is to alleviate, mitigate or eliminate one or more of the above deficiencies and drawbacks in the prior art, either alone or in any combination, and at least solve the above problems. According to a first aspect, there is provided a rotor for a comminution device, the rotor being arranged to launch material to be comminuted towards a surface, the rotor comprising:

[0005] a frame comprising an upper plate, a lower plate and wall elements extending between the upper plate and the lower plate;

[0006] An inlet opening in an upper plate and one or more outlets between the upper plate and a lower plate, wherein the inlet opening is arranged to receive material and wherein the material is projected towards a surface through the one or more outlets; and

[0007] A distribution plate arranged at the upper surface of the lower plate and below the inlet opening, wherein the distribution plate is arranged to project material towards the surface, and wherein the distribution plate includes a cavity that opens at the lower surface of the distribution plate,

[0008] wherein the rotor further includes attachment means for holding the distribution plate at the upper surface of the lower plate, wherein the attachment means is arranged to frictionally engage with a corresponding surface of the cavity, and wherein the attachment means enables the distribution plate to be repositioned to different worn positions.

[0009] The surface towards which the material can be comminuted can be located within the comminution device but outside the rotor. The surface can be the inner surface of the comminution device.

[0010] The rotor is advantageous because when the distribution plate is repositioned to different worn positions, the attachment means provides for holding the distribution plate in place. This can be achieved by arranging the attachment means to frictionally engage with a corresponding surface of the cavity. The rotor is advantageous because it does not need to provide bolts or the like that may pass through the entire distribution plate in order to hold the distribution plate in place. Instead, the attachment means is arranged to hold the distributor in place, for example, to prevent the distribution plate from rising. The friction between the lower surface of the distribution plate and the upper surface of the lower plate provides friction to prevent relative rotation between the distribution plate and the lower plate, and the attachment means of the present invention provides additional friction to prevent such relative rotation. Therefore, the attachment means can be advantageous because it provides for the distribution plate to be held in place at the lower plate. A mounting plate can be arranged on the upper surface of the lower plate in the rotor. The mounting plate can be attached to the top of the rotor boss together with the rotor such that the upper surface of the mounting plate will be arranged at or near the upper surface of the lower plate of the rotor, and the lower plate of the rotor is also attached to the rotor boss.

[0011] The attachment device is also advantageous as it does not require loosening bolts or other locking devices in order to be able to reposition the distribution plate into different worn positions. Additionally, the attachment device also provides that when repositioning the distribution plate, the distribution plate can remain in place at the mounting plate. Thus, when moving the distribution plate to different worn positions, it is not necessary to lift the distribution plate, but rather rotate the distribution plate to a different position without creating any gaps that could potentially allow dust to enter from below. Further, it is not necessary to loosen any bolts or other locking devices in order to be able to reposition the distribution plate into different worn positions. The distribution plate can be repositioned manually using a lever, crowbar, iron bar, etc. Thus, the distribution plate can be rotated from the outside of the rotor without loosening any bolts or the like. The distribution plate can be further repositioned without being limited to any fixed index point or current positioning point. Thus, the distribution plate can be rotated as much as needed based on the wear on the distribution plate. Thus, a more user-friendly and efficient way of rotating the distribution plate is achieved. Thus, the attachment device is arranged such that the distribution plate can be repositioned into different worn positions and held in place.

[0012] By being able to reposition the distribution plate into different worn positions, an increased service life of the distribution plate can be achieved. Thus, the distribution plate is arranged to receive the material before projecting it towards the surface, but the material may impact the distribution plate unevenly before being projected towards the surface. Using a distribution plate known in the art, the wear on the distribution plate may be uneven, so the distribution plate may be worn differently at different positions of the distribution plate. Thus, by being able to reposition the distribution plate into different worn positions, more uniform wear can be achieved during the service life of the distribution plate.

[0013] The distribution plate can be arranged on the mounting plate, where the mounting plate can be attached to the upper surface of the lower plate, preferably directly attached to the rotor boss of the crusher.

[0014] The wear performance can be optimized by the disclosed distribution plate which is attached to the upper surface of the lower plate using the attachment device and can be rotated into different, non-predetermined worn positions. This can be performed from the outside without the need to loosen bolts.

[0015] Thus, the rotor including the attachment device is superior to the prior art as it allows repositioning the distribution plate from the outside into different worn positions without the need to loosen bolts etc. Thus, the rotation of the distribution plate can be performed in an effective and user-friendly manner and the service life of the distribution plate can be increased.

[0016] According to some embodiments, the cavity is closed towards the upper surface of the distribution plate.

[0017] The rotor is advantageous because the cavity closed towards the upper surface of the distribution plate does not require bolts or attachment means to pass through the entire distribution plate to hold the distribution plate in place. Instead, as described above, the attachment means is arranged to hold the distributor in place, for example, to prevent the distribution plate from rising. By the cavity closed towards the upper surface of the distribution plate, it is provided that the upper surface can have a substantially continuous surface without any recesses. This can be advantageous because the wear properties of the distribution plate are improved compared to a plate having bolt holes arranged in its upper surface. In some embodiments, the upper surface of the distribution plate can be flat. However, it should be noted that the upper surface of the distribution plate can also be arranged as a non-flat upper surface. The possibility of having both a substantially flat upper surface and a non-flat upper surface provides that the distribution plate can be designed in different ways but still attached to the mounting plate in the same way.

[0018] According to some embodiments, the attachment means includes: a shaft having a first end and a second end, a hub provided at the second end, and a friction enhancing means arranged at the hub.

[0019] This attachment means can be advantageous because the friction enhancing means provides that the distribution plate can be held in place at the upper surface of the mounting plate. The first end of the shaft can be mounted in the upper surface of the mounting plate, and the distribution plate can be mounted on the second end. Thus, the friction enhancing means can frictionally engage with the corresponding surface in the cavity of the distribution plate. The friction enhancing means can be advantageous because it can provide frictional and / or mechanical holding force relative to the distribution plate and thereby hold the distribution plate in place in the rotational direction and the vertical direction. The distribution plate can be attached to the attachment means by pushing the distribution plate towards the attachment means so that the attachment means interacts with the corresponding surface in the distribution plate.

[0020] The friction enhancing means can be arranged to hold the distribution plate in place, and if necessary, the distribution plate should be generally easily removable.

[0021] The friction enhancing means can be a metal helical spring compressible in the radially inwards direction, for example, a steel helical spring. Alternatively, the friction enhancing means can be made of rubber or any other elastically deformable material. The inner surface of the cavity of the distribution plate can be arranged to provide such radial compression of the spring or the like, thereby achieving frictional engagement. Depending on, for example, the size of the device, the spring force can be between 50 - 10000 N. The aim is to avoid movement of the distribution plate relative to the lower plate of the rotor. In one embodiment, the spring force can be 500 - 5000 N, and in one embodiment, the spring force can be 1000 - 2000 N. Thus, the spring force may have to be large enough to hold the distribution plate in place.

[0022] The friction enhancing means (such as a spring) can be arranged in a radially outwardly open groove arranged in the hub.

[0023] According to some embodiments, the cavity in the distribution plate may have a cylindrical inner shape on which a friction enhancing device (i.e., a spring or the like) acts. This provides a simple solution that can be implemented directly in the opening in the distribution plate. It can also be implemented by means of a tubular member welded or otherwise attached to the distribution plate.

[0024] According to some embodiments, the cavity in the distribution plate may have a recess in the inner sidewall, the shape of which at least partially matches the shape of the friction enhancing device. This can be, for example, a partially annular recess along the circumference in the inner sidewall of the cavity. In addition to the frictional force generated between the outer surface of the friction enhancing device and the inner sidewall of the cavity, these corresponding shapes also generate a mechanical holding force. Instead of a partially annular recess (the cross-section of which includes an arc segment with an arc defining the sidewall in the cavity), the cross-section of the recess can have many other shapes. For example, triangular, partially elliptical, etc. Any shape is conceivable as long as it forms such a recess in which the friction enhancing device can partially expand to form a mechanical holding force against the lifting of the distribution plate.

[0025] According to some embodiments, the inner wall of the cavity in the distribution plate may have a surface structure on at least a part of it. Such a structure can further improve the frictional performance between the cavity and the friction enhancing device. Examples of such a surface structure are grooves and / or recesses and / or dimples.

[0026] According to some embodiments, the distribution plate includes a bottom plate and a top plate, wherein the cavity includes a recess in the bottom plate that is arranged to receive an attachment device.

[0027] This distribution plate may be advantageous because it allows for easier installation and replacement of multiple parts of the distribution plate compared to installing or replacing the entire distribution plate in once.

[0028] The bottom plate can be installed at the upper surface of the mounting plate using the attachment device, and then the top plate can be attached to the attachment device. Thus, the entire distribution plate can be attached to the upper surface of the mounting plate by means of the attachment device.

[0029] According to some embodiments, the recess includes a through-hole in the bottom plate. The cavity is closed upward by the top plate.

[0030] According to some embodiments, the recess includes a blind hole in the bottom plate.

[0031] According to some embodiments, the distribution plate further includes an intermediate plate, and wherein the cavity includes a recess in the intermediate plate that is arranged to receive an attachment device. In this case, the cavity includes a recess in the bottom plate and a recess in the intermediate plate.

[0032] According to some embodiments, the recess includes a through hole in the bottom plate and a blind hole in the intermediate plate.

[0033] According to some embodiments, the recess includes a through hole in the bottom plate and a through hole in the intermediate plate. The cavity is closed upward by the top plate.

[0034] The top plate and the intermediate plate can be assembled together by means of an adhesive or the like. The collar can be installed in the central recess of the intermediate plate, for example, welded to the intermediate plate. These parts can be attached to the bottom plate via an attachment device.

[0035] Therefore, the bottom plate can be installed at the upper surface of the mounting plate through the attachment device, and then the intermediate plate and the top plate can be attached to the attachment device. Thus, the entire distribution plate can be attached to the upper surface of the lower plate of the rotor through the attachment device. The bottom plate and / or the intermediate plate can be coated with an anti-slip coating to reduce the sliding therebetween.

[0036] The top plate can be made of a wear-resistant material. This can be advantageous because it is the top plate that is substantially exposed to wear. The wear-resistant material can include wear-resistant materials such as tungsten. Other embodiments include cast iron and different combinations of materials such as steel, tungsten, carbide, ceramic, polymer, etc.

[0037] The wear-resistant material can be, for example, tungsten. The intermediate plate can be a Hardox plate or other similar wear plates. The bottom plate can be a Hardox plate or other similar wear plates. The collar can be a steel collar. The intermediate plate and the top plate together can have a weight between 5 - 75 kg. The bottom plate can have a weight between 5 - 15 kg.

[0038] According to some embodiments, the intermediate plate is provided with circumferentially arranged protrusions and recesses.

[0039] An intermediate plate provided with circumferential protrusions and recesses can be advantageous because it facilitates repositioning the distribution plate in a more user-friendly manner. Therefore, a rod or the like that can be used to reposition the distribution plate can be inserted into the recess between two protrusions. Thus, a more stable and controllable rotation of the distribution plate can be achieved.

[0040] According to some embodiments, the distribution plate is made as a one-piece component. Similar to the foregoing embodiments, the one-piece distribution plate can be provided with circumferentially arranged protrusions and recesses. The cavity can be arranged as a blind hole in the one-piece distribution plate.

[0041] According to some embodiments, the friction enhancing device is made of a rubber material, a metal (such as steel), a polymer material, or a composite material.

[0042] The material of the friction enhancement device may be configured to provide frictional and / or mechanical retention forces to prevent the distribution plate from rising and to prevent rotation relative to the rotor. Thus, as previously described, the distribution plate should be arranged to be held in place by the attachment means.

[0043] According to a second aspect, there is provided a distribution plate for a rotor in a comminution device, the distribution plate comprising an upper wear surface and a lower surface and a cavity opening at the lower surface of the distribution plate.

[0044] According to some embodiments, the distribution plate comprises a bottom plate and a top plate, wherein the upper wear surface is arranged on the top plate, and the cavity comprises a recess in the bottom plate.

[0045] According to some embodiments, the distribution plate further comprises an intermediate plate, and wherein the cavity comprises a recess in the intermediate plate.

[0046] According to some embodiments, the distribution plate further comprises a one-piece member having an upper wear surface, and the cavity opens towards its lower surface.

[0047] According to some embodiments, the distribution plate further comprises attachment means, wherein the attachment means is arranged to engage frictionally with a corresponding surface of the cavity, and wherein the attachment means enables the distribution plate to be repositioned to a different wear position.

[0048] According to some embodiments, the attachment means comprises: a shaft having a first end and a second end, a hub provided at the second end of the shaft, and a friction enhancement device arranged at the hub.

[0049] According to some embodiments, the top plate comprises a wear-resistant material (such as tungsten). Other embodiments include cast iron and different combinations of materials such as steel, tungsten, carbide, ceramic, polymer, etc.

[0050] According to a third aspect, there is provided a method for repositioning a distribution plate in a rotor for a comminution device, the rotor being arranged to project material to be comminuted towards a surface, the rotor comprising:

[0051] a frame comprising an upper plate, a lower plate and wall elements extending between the upper plate and the lower plate;

[0052] an inlet opening in the upper plate and one or more outlets between the upper plate and the lower plate, wherein the inlet opening is arranged to receive the material, and wherein the material is projected towards the surface through the one or more outlets; and

[0053] a distribution plate arranged on the upper surface of the lower plate below the inlet opening, wherein the distribution plate is arranged to project the material towards the surface, and wherein the distribution plate comprises a cavity opening at the lower surface of the distribution plate,

[0054] The method comprises:

[0055] Attachment means are provided at the lower plate to the upper surface of the mounting plate.

[0056] The dispensing plate is attached to the upper surface of the mounting plate by means of the attachment means, wherein the attachment means are arranged to engage frictionally with the corresponding surfaces of the cavity, and wherein the attachment means are arranged to hold the dispensing plate at the upper surface of the mounting plate, and

[0057] The dispensing plate is repositioned by rotating the dispensing plate to different worn positions.

[0058] According to some embodiments, the step of attaching the dispensing plate to the upper surface of the mounting plate by means of the attachment means includes: pushing the dispensing plate downwardly towards the attachment means so that the attachment means interact with the corresponding surfaces in the dispensing plate.

[0059] The effects and features of the second and third aspects are to a large extent similar to those described above in connection with the first aspect. The embodiments mentioned in connection with the first aspect are to a large extent compatible with the second and third aspects. It should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly stated, the inventive concept relates to all possible combinations of features.

[0060] From the detailed description given below, further scope of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the scope of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

[0061] Therefore, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific components of the described apparatus or the steps of the described method, since the apparatus and method may vary. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. It must be noted that when used in the specification and the appended claims, the words "a", "an", "the" and "said" are intended to mean that there is one or more of the said elements unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a unit" or "the unit" may include several means etc. Further, the words "comprising", "including", "containing" and similar words do not exclude other elements or steps. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0062] The present disclosure will be described in more detail by way of example with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, which illustrate currently preferred embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0063] Figure 1 A perspective view of the comminution device is shown.

[0064] Figure 2 It shows what is included in Figure 1 the interior of the rotor in the comminution device.

[0065] Figure 3A It shows Figure 2 the mounting plate of the rotor and the attachment device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0066] Figure 3B It shows Figure 3A a more detailed view of the attachment device.

[0067] Figure 4A It shows the distribution plate included in Figure 1 the comminution device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0068] Figure 4B It shows Figure 4A a cross-sectional view of the components of the distribution plate.

[0069] Figure 4C It shows the distribution plate included in Figure 1 the comminution device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0070] Figure 5 It shows Figure 1 a more detailed view of the interior of the rotor in the comminution device. Detailed Description of the Embodiments

[0071] Now, the present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the presently preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. However, the present disclosure can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0072] Figure 1 By way of example, a comminution device 100 for crushing or grinding rocks, ores, cement clinkers, and other hard or softer materials is shown. The comminution device 100 is configured to comminute materials by pushing the materials forcefully against metal and by using the materials supplied to the comminution device 100 to comminute the materials themselves by projecting the materials onto a self-generated layer of broken materials. The comminution device 100 can be a vertical shaft impact crusher.

[0073] The comminution device 100 includes a ceiling 102 and a chamber 104. The chamber 104 is arranged on a support of a base 106 of the comminution device 100. The ceiling 102 is arranged on top of the chamber 104.

[0074] The comminution device 100 further includes a hopper (not shown). The hopper is disposed inside the ceiling 102. The hopper may include an opening centrally disposed in the upper part of the hopper. The hopper may be configured to receive the material to be crushed through the centrally disposed opening. The hopper is further configured to supply the material to the chamber 104.

[0075] The comminution device 100 further includes a rotor 108. The rotor 108 is disposed inside the chamber 104. The rotor 108 is configured to rotate about an axis during operation when the rotor 108 receives the material. The rotor 108 is arranged to project the material to be comminuted towards a surface. This surface may be disposed within the chamber 104 but outside the rotor 108. Thus, the rotor 108 is the main working component of the comminution device 100. The rotor 108 will be discussed in conjunction with Figure 2 and Figure 5 further discussed.

[0076] Figure 2 The rotor 108 introduced in conjunction with Figure 1 is shown in more detail. The rotor 108 includes a frame 202, sometimes also referred to as a weldment. The frame 202 includes an upper plate 204, a lower plate 206, and wall elements 208. The wall elements 208 may extend between the upper plate 204 and the lower plate 206.

[0077] The rotor 108 includes an inlet opening 210 disposed in the upper plate 204 and one or more outlets 212 located between the upper plate 204 and the lower plate 206. The material is arranged to be projected through the one or more outlets 212 towards an outer comminution surface (such as the self-generated surface of the comminuted material).

[0078] The rotor 108 includes a distribution plate 214. The distribution plate 214 is disposed at the upper surface 216 of the lower plate 206. The upper surface 216 of the lower plate 206 is disposed below the inlet opening 210. In use, the distribution plate 214 of the rotating rotor is arranged to receive the material received through the inlet opening 210 in a generally vertical direction, and to turn the material in a generally horizontal direction and project the material through the one or more outlets 212 towards the outer comminution surface. The distribution plate 214 includes a cavity 218. The cavity 218 is open at the lower surface of the distribution plate 214 and closed towards the upper surface of the distribution plate 214.

[0079] The distribution plate 214 will be discussed in more detail in conjunction with Figures 4A - 4C more details.

[0080] Figure 3AThe mounting plate 302 is shown. The mounting plate 302 can be attached to the upper surface of the rotor boss, which is arranged below the rotor 108, and the lower plate 206 of the rotor 108 is also attached to the rotor boss. The mounting plate 302 can be attached to the rotor boss by a plurality of bolts 304. The mounting plate 302 includes a central recess, and the attachment device 306 is configured to be mounted in the central recess. The attachment device 306 can be arranged to attach the distribution plate 214 to the rotor 108. The attachment device 306 can be arranged to hold the distribution plate 214 at the mounting plate 302, thereby holding the distribution plate 214 in the rotor 108. The attachment device 306 can be arranged to enable the distribution plate 214 to be repositioned to different wear positions by rotating relative to the mounting plate and the lower plate 206 of the rotor 108. The attachment device 306 is arranged to frictionally and possibly also mechanically engage with the corresponding surfaces of the cavity 218 of the distribution plate 214.

[0081] Figure 3B The attachment device 306 is shown in more detail. The attachment device 306 includes a shaft 308 having a first end 308a and a second end 308b. The attachment device 306 can be attached to the mounting plate 302 by mounting the first end 308a of the attachment device 306 in the central recess of the mounting plate 302 by means of, for example, a threaded connection, welding, or other suitable fastening means. The attachment device 306 further includes a hub 310 arranged at the second end 308b. The attachment device 306 further includes a friction enhancement device 312 arranged at the hub 310. The friction enhancement device 312 can be arranged along the entire circumference of the hub 310 or at a part thereof.

[0082] The attachment device 306 is configured to receive the distribution plate 214 such that the attachment device 306 interacts with the corresponding internal surfaces in the distribution plate 214. The attachment device 306 is arranged to frictionally and possibly also mechanically engage with the corresponding surfaces of the cavity 218. Thereby, the distribution plate 214 is held in place by the attachment device 306.

[0083] Figure 4A The distribution plate 214 according to one embodiment is shown. The distribution plate 214 includes a top plate 402, an intermediate plate 404, and a bottom plate 406.

[0084] The bottom plate 406 includes a bottom recess 408. The intermediate plate 404 includes an intermediate recess 410. The bottom recess 408 and the intermediate recess 410 are included in the cavity 218. The bottom recess 408 and the intermediate recess 410 are centered in the intermediate plate and the bottom plate. In this embodiment, the cavity 218 is closed towards the upper surface of the distribution plate 214 by means of the top plate 402. However, blind holes can be produced in the bottom plate 406 or in the intermediate plate 404, the latter being combined with through holes in the bottom plate 406. Thus, the top plate 402 can have a substantially continuous surface without bolt holes or the like that increase wear.

[0085] The intermediate plate 404 and the top plate 402 are attached to each other by means of an adhesive device or the like. The collar 412 is configured to be installed in the intermediate recess 410 of the intermediate plate 404. The collar 412 can be welded to the intermediate plate 404. The collar 412 can be made of steel. The collar 412 can have an outer diameter similar to the inner diameter of the bottom recess 408 of the bottom plate 406 so that it can pass therethrough. The collar 412 extends downward outside the intermediate plate 404. The intermediate plate 404 and the top plate 402 can be installed on the top of the bottom plate 406, wherein the part of the collar 412 extending outside the intermediate plate 404 can be received by the bottom recess 408 of the bottom plate 406.

[0086] The bottom plate, the intermediate plate 404 and the top plate 402 can all be provided as discs and can all have the same or at least substantially the same diameter. The intermediate plate 404 includes a circumferential protrusion 414 and a recess 415, and the circumferential protrusion and the recess are arranged to relieve the rotation of the distribution plate 214.

[0087] As described above, the distribution plate 214 can be installed on the upper surface of the rotor boss, and the rotor boss extends through by means of the mounting plate 302 having the attachment device 306. In the first step, the bottom plate 406 can be attached to the upper surface of the mounting plate 302 by means of the attachment device 306 inside the rotor 108. The attachment device 306 can be installed to pass through the central recess 408 of the bottom plate 406. In the second step, the intermediate plate 404 and the top plate 402 can be attached to the attachment device 306 on the top of the bottom plate 406. The attachment device 306 can be inserted into the collar 412 attached to the intermediate plate 404. Therefore, the second end 308b of the attachment device 306 can face the lower surface 416 of the top plate 402. In order to attach the distribution plate 214 completely to the attachment device 306, the distribution plate 214 can be pushed into place.

[0088] The attachment device 306 is arranged to engage frictionally with the corresponding surface of the cavity 218. The friction enhancing device 312 of the attachment device 306 can be arranged to engage frictionally with the corresponding surface of the cavity 218. The friction enhancing device 312 can be arranged to engage frictionally with the inner surface of the collar 412. By pushing the distribution plate 214 into place, the friction enhancing device 312 can be arranged such that a frictional or holding force can be applied to the collar 412 and thereby to the distribution plate 214. This force can be applied in the radial direction. The friction enhancing device 312 can be a spring, and the force can be a spring force in the radial direction. This arrangement provides that the distribution plate 214 can be held in place. This arrangement provides that the attachment device 306 and the distribution plate 214 are attached to each other in a reliable and stable manner. In addition, this arrangement provides that there is no need for bolts or the like to pass through the entire distribution plate 214 to hold the distribution plate 214 in place.

[0089] As shown Figure 4B in FIG. 2, the cavity 218 disposed within the collar 412 may have a slightly funnel-shaped region 430 at its lower portion. This simplifies the process of mounting the distribution plate 214 onto the attachment device 306. Preferably, the inner diameter of the lowermost portion of the collar 412 is greater than the outer diameter of the friction enhancing device 312. Subsequently, the inner diameter of the collar 412 gradually decreases such that the friction enhancing device 312 is radially compressed, as a result of which the friction between the friction enhancing device 312 and the inner surface of the collar 412 increases.

[0090] Also as Figure 4B visible in FIG. 2, the cavity 218 has a recess 440 in its inner sidewall. The recess 440 has a shape that at least partially matches the shape of the friction enhancing device 312. In this embodiment, the recess 440 has a partially annular cross-section and extends along the circumference of the inner sidewall of the cavity 218. In addition to the frictional force generated between the outer surface of the friction enhancing device 312 and the inner sidewall of the cavity 218, the corresponding shapes of the recess 440 and the friction enhancing device 312 also generate a mechanical holding force. This increases the holding force that prevents the distribution plate 214 from lifting upwards. This is particularly advantageous because such lifting may cause dust and debris to reach beneath the distribution plate 214, which may lead to imbalance and other problems. Obviously, instead of a partially annular recess (the cross-section of which includes a circular segment with an arc defining the sidewall in the cavity), the cross-section of the recess may have many other shapes. For example, triangular, partially elliptical, etc. Any shape is conceivable as long as it forms such a recess in which the friction enhancing device can, in addition to the frictional holding force, also partially expand to form a mechanical holding force against the lifting of the distribution plate.

[0091] Figure 4C FIG. 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the distribution plate 214. Here, the entire distribution plate 214 is provided as a one-piece component. Thus, the distribution plate 214 is made in one piece rather than being realized by means of multiple plates. Accordingly, the cavity 218 (which may have a recess in the sidewall as defined above) can be directly realized in the distribution plate 214. However, a collar inserted into the distribution plate 214 may also be provided. The upper surface of the distribution plate 214 may be provided with wear-resistant elements, or the entire distribution plate 214 may be made of wear-resistant material. Similar to the previous embodiment, the distribution plate 214 is provided with protrusions 414 and recesses 415 to mitigate the rotation of the distribution plate 214.

[0092] Figure 5 FIG. 4 shows a rotor 108 including the distribution plate 214 as discussed in connection with Figures 4A - 4C FIG. 2. In addition to what has been described above in connection with Figures 1 - 4CIn addition to what has been discussed, a rod 502 is shown. The rod 502 is placed between the bottom plate 402 and the top plate 406, in a recess between two adjacent protrusions 414 of the intermediate plate 404. By using the rod 502, an operator can reposition the dispensing plate 214 into different worn positions. The operator can rotate the dispensing plate 214 from the outside of the rotor 108. There is no need to loosen any bolts or the like, or lift the dispensing plate 214 to reposition the dispensing plate 214.

[0093] Accordingly, when the dispensing plate 214 is repositioned, the friction enhancing means 312 is arranged to hold the dispensing plate 214 in place, that is, to prevent the dispensing plate 214 from being lifted. This is possible because the friction enhancing means 312 applies a force to the dispensing plate 214, as discussed in connection with Figures 4A - 4C what has been discussed. Thus, the attachment means 306 provides that the dispensing plate 214 remains downward both during the operation of the rotor 108 and during its repositioning, while still allowing such rotational repositioning. As mentioned earlier, the inner wall of the cavity 218 can have a shape that matches the shape of the friction enhancing means 312, thereby adding a mechanical holding force to the frictional holding force.

[0094] Those skilled in the art will realize that the present invention is in no way limited to the above preferred embodiments. On the contrary, many modifications and variations can be made within the scope of the appended claims. For example, the dispensing plate has herein been exemplified as being composed of one, two or more components. Those skilled in the art recognize that this can be achieved in many ways. For example, it can be made of many disks or the like considered necessary within the scope of the present invention. In addition, the shape of the upper surface of the dispensing plate can be substantially flat, but it can also be convex or concave. Moreover, the mounting plate has been defined as being attached to the rotor boss to which the lower plate of the rotor is also attached. However, the mounting plate can also be attached directly to the lower plate. Also, the mounting plate can be part of the dispensing plate.

[0095] Furthermore, in practicing the claimed disclosure, those skilled in the art can understand and implement changes to the disclosed embodiments from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

Claims

1. A rotor (108) for a comminution device (100), the rotor (108) being arranged to project material to be comminuted towards a surface, the rotor (108) comprising: A frame (202), the frame comprising an upper plate (204), a lower plate (206) and wall elements (208) extending between the upper plate (204) and the lower plate (206); An inlet opening (210) in the upper plate (204) and one or more outlets (212) between the upper plate (204) and the lower plate (206), wherein the inlet opening (210) is arranged to receive the material, and wherein the material is projected towards the surface through the one or more outlets (212); and A distribution plate (214), the distribution plate being arranged at the upper surface (216) of the lower plate (206) and below the inlet opening (210), wherein the distribution plate (214) is arranged to project material towards the surface, Wherein the distribution plate (214) comprises a cavity (218), the cavity being open at the lower surface of the distribution plate (214), Wherein the rotor (108) further comprises an attachment device (306) for holding the distribution plate (214) at the upper surface (216) of the lower plate (206), wherein the attachment device (306) is arranged to engage frictionally with a corresponding surface of the cavity (218), and wherein the attachment device (306) enables the distribution plate (214) to be repositioned to different worn positions.

2. The rotor (108) according to claim 1, wherein, The cavity (218) is closed towards the upper surface of the distribution plate (214).

3. The rotor (108) according to claim 1, wherein, The attachment device (306) comprises: a shaft (308) having a first end (308a) and a second end (308b), a hub (310) provided at the second end (308b) and a friction enhancing device (312) arranged at the hub (310).

4. The rotor (108) according to claim 1, wherein, The distribution plate (214) comprises a bottom plate (406) and a top plate (402), wherein the cavity comprises a bottom recess (408) in the bottom plate (406), the bottom recess being arranged to receive the attachment device (306).

5. The rotor (108) according to claim 1, wherein, The distribution plate (214) further comprises an intermediate plate (404), and wherein the cavity comprises an intermediate recess (410) in the intermediate plate (404), the intermediate recess being arranged to receive the attachment device (306).

6. The rotor (108) according to claim 5, wherein, The intermediate plate (404) is provided with a circumferential projection (414).

7. The rotor (108) according to claim 3, wherein, The friction enhancing device (312) is made of a metallic material or a polymeric material.

8. A distribution plate (214) in a rotor (108) of a comminution device (100), the distribution plate (214) comprising a bottom plate (406), a top plate (402), and a cavity that is open at a lower surface of the distribution plate (214), wherein, The cavity comprises a recess in the bottom plate (406), and the distribution plate further comprises an attachment device (306), wherein the attachment device is arranged to engage frictionally with a corresponding surface of the cavity, and wherein the attachment device (306) enables the distribution plate (214) to be repositioned to different worn positions.

9. The distribution plate (214) according to claim 8 further includes an intermediate plate (404), and wherein, The cavity comprises a recess (410) in the intermediate plate (404).

10. The distribution plate (214) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, The attachment device (306) includes: a shaft (308) having a first end (308a) and a second end (308b), a hub (310) provided at the second end (308b), and a friction enhancing device (312) arranged at the hub (310).

11. The distribution board (214) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, The top plate (402) is made of wear-resistant material.

12. A method for repositioning a distribution plate (214) in a rotor (108) of a comminution device (100), the rotor (108) being arranged to project material to be comminuted towards a surface, the rotor (108) comprising: A frame (202), the frame including an upper plate (204), a lower plate (206), and wall elements (208) extending between the upper plate (204) and the lower plate (206); An inlet opening (210) located in the upper plate (204) and one or more outlets (212) located between the upper plate (204) and the lower plate (206), wherein the inlet opening (210) is arranged to receive the material, and wherein the material is projected towards the surface through the one or more outlets (212); and A distribution plate (214), the distribution plate being arranged at the upper surface (216) of the lower plate (206) and below the inlet opening (210), wherein the distribution plate (214) is arranged to project the material towards the surface, wherein the distribution plate (214) includes a cavity that is open at the lower surface of the distribution plate (214), The method includes: Providing an attachment device (306) to the upper surface (216) of the lower plate (206), attaching the distribution plate (214) to the upper surface (216) of the lower plate (206) using the attachment device (306), wherein the attachment device is arranged to engage frictionally with a corresponding surface of the cavity, and wherein the attachment device (306) is arranged to hold the distribution plate (214) at the upper surface (216) of the lower plate (206), and Repositioning the distribution plate (214) by rotating the distribution plate (214) to a different worn position.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The step of attaching the distribution plate (214) to the upper surface (216) of the lower plate (206) using the attachment device (306) includes: pushing the distribution plate (214) towards the attachment device (306) such that the attachment device (306) interacts with a corresponding surface in the distribution plate (214).

14. A comminution device (100) comprising a rotor according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

15. The comminution device (100) according to claim 14, wherein, The comminution device is a vertical shaft impactor.

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