Bucket wheel chute assembly

Abstract

A bucket wheel chute assembly comprising a frame (2) and a bucket wheel chute (10). The bucket wheel chute comprises a plurality of wear plates. The bucket wheel chute comprises a first chute section and a second chute section and is detachably attached to the frame. At least one of the first chute section and the second chute section is detachably attached to the frame by first movable attachment means.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a bucket wheel chute assembly, comprising an upper chute section and a lower chute section. The chute sections are individually movable to facilitate access to components located behind the bucket wheel chute assembly, such as shafts and bearings. The invention also relates to methods for removing and optionally installing such a bucket wheel chute. Background Technology

[0002] Bucket wheel assemblies comprise several components, such as bucket wheel chutes, bucket wheel shafts, and bucket wheel bearings. Shafts and bearings must be frequently replaced or maintained. Bucket wheel chutes are wear parts and must be replaced periodically. Removing and / or maintaining components within the bucket wheel assembly is very time-consuming. Typically, a bucket wheel chute consists of an inclined frame to which multiple wear plates are attached. The wear plates form the chute surface, which comes into contact with the bulk material during operation. The chute surface is located within the perimeter of the bucket wheel and ensures that bulk material released from the bucket wheel shovel is guided from the bucket wheel shovel around the perimeter onto a conveying system located near the bucket wheel. The chute has a large surface area to limit access of bulk material to the shaft and bearings protected by the chute. Due to the large size of the bucket wheel chute and its inclined shape, it is often necessary to disassemble the chute and remove the wear plates in order to remove the chute. This operation is very time-consuming.

[0003] To access the components located behind the chute and to maintain the bucket wheel shaft and bearings, all wear plates and frames must typically be removed. During reassembly, the wear plates must be installed individually again.

[0004] Because these wear plates are removed individually, the bucket wheel machine is typically shut down for 6 days during maintenance to allow time for the removal of the bucket wheel chute, overhaul of the shaft and drive unit, and reinstallation of the bucket wheel chute.

[0005] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a bucket wheel chute that allows for faster disassembly and installation, and thus reduces the time required for maintaining the bucket wheel assembly. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a bucket wheel chute assembly is provided, the bucket wheel chute assembly comprising:

[0007] The frame and bucket wheel chute, the bucket wheel chute comprising multiple wear-resistant plates forming the chute surface,

[0008] The bucket wheel chute includes a first chute section and a second chute section, each of the first and second chute sections including at least one wear-resistant plate and detachably attached to the frame.

[0009] At least one of the first slide section and / or the second slide section is detachably attached to the frame via a first movable attachment device configured to move relative to the frame such that the first slide section and the second slide section can be at least partially separated when attached to the frame.

[0010] During operation, the first and second chute sections are in the operating position. In this position, the wear plates of the first and second chute sections together form a single surface suitable for guiding bulk material to the conveying system. In the operating position, the bucket wheel chute is at least partially located inside the bucket wheel, and it can be tilted relative to vertical, allowing the bucket wheel chute to guide bulk material from multiple buckets of the bucket wheel to the conveying system located near the bucket wheel. By providing a bucket wheel chute consisting of multiple sections, each section can be removed individually without removing any wear plates. This allows for faster chute removal. Furthermore, a replacement bucket wheel chute can be installed directly after removal, and the removed bucket wheel chute can be refurbished on the ground or in the workshop, providing a better and safer working environment.

[0011] The first slide section can be a lower slide section. The second slide section can be an upper slide section. The first and second slide sections can each include multiple wear plates. The first and second slide sections are configured to be removed from the frame while the wear plates are attached thereto.

[0012] The first and second chute sections are movable relative to each other when attached to the frame. This allows the first chute section to be moved from an operating position adjacent to the second chute section to a maintenance position. In the maintenance position, the first chute section can be easily removed from the frame. When the first and second chute sections have been separated, the first chute section can be moved relative to the second chute section to provide free space adjacent to the second chute section. The second chute section can then be moved from the operating position to the free space. This movement allows the second chute section to be removed from the periphery of the bucket wheel and allows it to be removed from the frame as a single piece.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, the first chute section and the second chute section can be detached separately from the frame.

[0014] In one embodiment, the bucket wheel chute may additionally or alternatively include three or more chute sections, each including at least one wear-resistant plate, and together forming the chute surface of the bucket wheel chute. The three or more chute sections are movable relative to the frame and can be individually detached from the frame.

[0015] The frame has a distal end positioned toward the bucket wheel and a proximal end positioned toward the cantilever. In one or more embodiments, a first movable attachment device is configured to move in a direction from the distal end of the frame to the proximal end. This allows a first chute section including the first movable attachment device to move away from the operating position while attached to the frame. This allows access to multiple components protected by the bucket wheel chute, thereby allowing for quick maintenance or inspection of these components without disassembling the bucket wheel chute.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the first chute section is detachably attached to the frame via a first movable attachment device, and the second chute section is detachably attached to the frame via a second movable attachment device.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, a first chute section is configured to move from an operating position where the first chute section contacts a second chute section to a maintenance position where the first chute section is separated from the second chute section, thereby providing free space adjacent to the second chute section, and wherein the second chute section is configured to move toward the free space when the first chute section is in the maintenance position.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, the frame includes at least one sliding member, and the first movable attachment device and / or the second movable attachment device are sliding assemblies configured to slide along the sliding member, preferably from an operating position to a maintenance position, wherein the first groove section and the second groove section are separated.

[0019] The term "separation" in this article should be understood as the first and second chute sections no longer contacting each other.

[0020] Removable attachment means that the slide section can be attached to or detached from a frame, movable attachment device, or sliding assembly using common tools known to those skilled in the art. This can be fastening components such as bolts and nuts, for example, using brackets or hinges for fastening.

[0021] Opposite to the chute surface, the bucket wheel chute has a rear side. Mounting members can be located on the rear side of the first and / or second chute sections, allowing the chute sections to be fastened to, for example, a frame. Furthermore, one or more lifting blocks can be included on the rear side of the first and / or second chute sections, allowing lifting devices to be coupled thereto.

[0022] The first slide section can be attached to the first sliding assembly via a mounting member. The sliding member can be one or more tracks arranged on a frame, allowing the sliding assembly to slide along one or more tracks. The mounting member can be located near the edge of the first slide section, preferably near the upper edge of the first slide section. The mounting member can have a shape corresponding to the surface of the sliding assembly. Preferably, the shape of the one or more tracks and the corresponding shape of the mounting member allow the first slide section to pivot about the tracks. As an example, this can be achieved using circular tracks and mounting members with corresponding surfaces.

[0023] The frame may additionally include support rails arranged adjacent to the sliding member, such that a portion of the first chute section rests on the support rails to provide a desired inclination of the first chute section. In one or more embodiments, the first sliding member allows the first chute section to slide along the frame, preferably in a direction from the distal end to the proximal end.

[0024] In one or more embodiments, the bucket wheel chute assembly further includes one or more actuator devices configured to move a first chute section and / or a second chute section. The one or more actuator devices may be mounted on a frame and connected to a first movable attachment and / or a second movable attachment. The one or more actuator devices can move the first and second chute sections between an operating position and a maintenance position. The actuator devices may be electro- or hydraulic actuators.

[0025] In one or more embodiments, the first slide section and / or the second slide section are configured to pivot relative to the frame such that the rear sides of the first slide section and / or the second slide section are oriented substantially upward. By orienting the rear sides of the slide sections upward, the lifting blocks on the rear sides of the slide sections can be easily coupled to the lifting device.

[0026] Any terms such as up, down, vertical, and horizontal are defined relative to the direction of gravity.

[0027] The term "basically upward" means that the vector perpendicular to the rear side of the first and second slide sections is vertical or inclined at less than 90 degrees to the vertical.

[0028] In one or more embodiments, the bucket wheel assembly may further include a second sliding assembly attached to the frame and movably attached to the second chute section. The second chute section may be attached to the second sliding assembly via a mounting member. The mounting member may be located at the lower rear side of the second chute section. The second sliding assembly allows the second chute section to slide from an operating position to a maintenance position.

[0029] The second sliding component may be one or more tracks arranged on the frame, allowing the second chute section to slide along one or more tracks. The movement of the second chute section may be controlled by an actuator device. Once the first chute section has been moved from the operating position to the maintenance position, space is provided near the second chute section, allowing it to slide toward that position. In one or more embodiments, the second chute section is an upper chute section and is configured to slide in a downward direction. This direction may be perpendicular to the direction of movement of the first chute section. This movement allows the chute to move from a position at least partially within the periphery of the bucket wheel, causing the second chute section to move away from the bucket wheel.

[0030] On the other hand, the present invention relates to a bucket wheel assembly, including a bucket wheel, a conveying system, and a bucket wheel chute assembly.

[0031] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a bucket wheel machine including such a bucket wheel assembly.

[0032] The bucket wheel assembly according to the invention allows for rapid maintenance, thereby reducing the downtime of the bucket wheel machine.

[0033] In another aspect of the invention, a method is provided in which a bucket wheel groove is removed from a bucket wheel assembly. The method includes the following steps:

[0034] - By moving the first chute section relative to the second chute section, the first chute section is separated from the second chute section, thereby providing a free area adjacent to the second chute section;

[0035] - Move the second chute section toward the free area.

[0036] Compared to existing methods, this method allows for faster and easier removal of the bucket wheel because the bucket wheel groove can be removed in two parts without removing any wear plates from the groove. The bucket wheel groove is at least partially located inside the periphery of the bucket wheel and is typically too large to be removed as a single piece. The first step of moving the first groove section provides free space for moving the second groove section out of the periphery.

[0037] The term "removal of bucket wheel chute" refers to the removal of one or more chute sections from the operating position to the maintenance position.

[0038] The first chute section can be a lower chute section. The second chute section can be an upper chute section.

[0039] In one or more embodiments, the method includes the step of pivoting a first and / or second chute section such that the rear side of the chute section is oriented substantially upward. By reorienting the chute section, a lifting block on the rear side can be coupled to a lifting device.

[0040] In one or more embodiments, the method further includes the step of detaching the first chute section and / or the second chute section from the frame. Preferably, this step is performed after the first chute section and / or the second chute section has been pivoted to an upward rearward orientation. In this position, a lifting device can be coupled to a lifting block, after which the first chute section and / or the second chute section can be detached from the frame and lifted away from the bucket wheel chute assembly.

[0041] In one or more embodiments, the first chute section moves in a first direction by sliding along a sliding assembly. The sliding assembly is attached to the frame of the bucket wheel assembly.

[0042] In one or more embodiments, the second chute section moves toward the free space by sliding along the sliding assembly. The second chute section can be released from its operating position by removing one or more fastening devices or by activating one or more mechanical or hydraulic moving devices, such as actuators.

[0043] In one or more embodiments, movement of the first chute section and / or the second chute section is provided by one or more actuator devices.

[0044] In one or more embodiments, the first and second chute sections are lifted off the bucket wheel assembly by a crane. Once the first and second chute sections have been moved to the maintenance position, the lifting process can begin. The lifting operation can be provided by a mobile crane or similar lifting machine on site.

[0045] In one or more embodiments, the method may additionally include the step of attaching a new or refurbished first chute section and a second chute section. Attached Figure Description

[0046] The invention will now be described in more detail below by way of non-limiting examples of the presently preferred embodiments and with reference to schematic diagrams, wherein:

[0047] Figure 1 A perspective view of a bucket wheel assembly including a bucket wheel chute assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0048] Figure 2 A perspective view of a bucket wheel chute assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, which includes a first chute section and a second chute section located in an operating position;

[0049] Figure 3 A perspective view of a bucket wheel chute assembly including a first chute section and a second chute section according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the first chute section is in a maintenance position;

[0050] Figure 4A perspective view of a bucket wheel chute assembly including a first chute section and a second chute section according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the second chute section is in a maintenance position. Detailed Implementation

[0051] Figure 1 A bucket wheel assembly 100 is shown. The bucket wheel assembly 100 includes a bucket wheel 200, a conveying system 300, and a bucket wheel chute assembly 1. This bucket wheel assembly 100 is located at the distal end of the cantilever of a bucket wheel machine (not shown). The bucket wheel 200 includes a plurality of buckets 201 arranged along the outer periphery of the bucket wheel 200. The bucket wheel 200 is configured for rotation. During intended use, the bucket wheel 200 rotates, and bulk material can be lifted upwards in the buckets 201. As the buckets 201 rotate toward a top position, the bulk material is released from the buckets 201 onto the bucket wheel chute 10 of the bucket wheel chute assembly 1. The bucket wheel chute 10 ensures that the bulk material is guided onto the conveying system 300. The conveying system 300 conveys the bulk material from the bucket wheel 200 toward a relatively proximal end of the bucket wheel machine for unloading or further conveying.

[0052] exist Figure 2 The bucket wheel chute assembly 1 is shown in more detail below. The bucket wheel chute assembly 1 includes a frame 2 and a bucket wheel chute 10. The frame 2 is attached to the cantilever of the bucket wheel machine (not shown). The bucket wheel chute 10 is partially arranged inside the bucket wheel 200 and is inclined, which ensures that bulk material released from the bucket 201 is guided onto the conveying system 120. The bucket wheel chute 10 is detachably attached to the frame 2. The bucket wheel chute 10 has a first chute section 11 and a second chute section 12, which are movable relative to each other. Each of the first chute section 11 and the second chute section 12 has a plurality of wear plates 15, one side of which is fastened to the chute section 11, 12, while the other side is oriented upward for contact with the bulk material during use. When the first chute section 11 and the second chute section 12 contact, they form a single surface, which ensures that the bulk material is guided onto the conveying system 300.

[0053] The first chute section 11 and the second chute section 12 are configured to separate from each other and from the frame 2. This allows for quick disassembly and reassembly, as the entire bucket wheel chute 10 can be removed in two parts without removing any wear plates 15. In the illustrated embodiment, the first chute section 11 is located below the second chute section 12. The first chute section 11 can be... Figure 2 The device is released from its operating position and slides along the upper rail 3 on the frame 2 via the first sliding component 22. The first sliding component 22 is attached to the rear side of the first slide section 11, opposite to the wear plate 15, and allows the first slide section 11 to be movably connected to the upper rail 3.

[0054] Before moving the first chute section 11, one or more fastening members (not shown) are loosened. This allows the first chute section 11 to pivot about the upper rail 3 and slide toward the maintenance position. In the illustrated embodiment, the sliding direction is parallel to the cantilever of the bucket wheel machine and is oriented from the distal end to the proximal end of the bucket wheel assembly 100.

[0055] Figure 3 The first chute section 11 in a maintenance position is shown, with its lower portion resting on the lower rail 4. The lower rail 4 ensures that the first chute section does not pivot onto the conveyor system 300. It can be seen that the lower portion of the frame 2 includes a recess 5 for engaging with the lower portion of the first chute section 11 when it is in its operating position. To detach the first chute section 11 from the upper rail 3, a lifting device from, for example, a crane, is attached to a lifting block (not shown) on the rear side of the first chute section 11. The lower portion 21 of the first chute section is then lifted upwards while pivoting about the upper rail 3. When the first chute section is in a substantially upright position, it can be lifted off the upper rail 3 by releasing one or more hinges 6.

[0056] Once the first chute section 11 has been removed from its operating position, it provides free space below the second chute section 12. The second chute section 12 is attached to a second sliding assembly 23. The second sliding assembly 23 is movably attached to two sliding tracks 24, thereby allowing the second chute section 12 to slide downward toward the recess 5 and along the sliding tracks 24 out of the periphery of the bucket wheel 200. The second sliding assembly 23 is attached to the rear side of the second chute section 12 at the lower part of the second chute section 12. The second sliding assembly 23 includes a hinge (not shown). When the second chute section 12 has slid downward toward the recess 5 and the upper edge 13 of the second chute section 12 has moved away from the periphery 202, the second chute section 12 can pivot about the hinge, and the upper edge 13 can move away from the bucket wheel 200. This is in Figure 4 As shown in the diagram. At this location, a lifting block on the rear side of the second chute section 12 can be accessed, and a crane can be connected to the lifting block. Thus, the second chute section 12 can be lifted away from the frame 2.

[0057] New or refurbished first chute section 11 and second chute section 12 can be attached to frame 2 by performing removal steps in reverse order.

[0058] The sliding and rotation of the first slide section 11 and the second slide section 12 can be performed by multiple actuators (not shown). The actuators can be remotely controlled.

[0059] List of reference numerals

[0060] 1. Bucket wheel chute assembly

[0061] 2 Framework

[0062] 3. On track

[0063] 4 Lower track

[0064] 5 recess

[0065] 6. Hinges

[0066] 10 Bucket wheel chute

[0067] 11 First Slide Section

[0068] 12 Second Slide Section

[0069] 13. Top edge

[0070] 15 Wear-resistant steel plate

[0071] 21 lower part

[0072] 22 First sliding component

[0073] 23 Second sliding component

[0074] 24 Sliding rails

[0075] 100 bucket wheel assembly

[0076] 200 bucket wheels

[0077] 201 Bucket

[0078] 202 Bucket Wheel Surroundings

[0079] 300 Conveying System

Claims

1. A bucket wheel chute assembly, comprising: a frame and a bucket wheel chute, the bucket wheel chute comprising a plurality of wear plates forming a chute surface, the bucket wheel chute comprises a first chute section and a second chute section, each of the first chute section and the second chute section comprising at least one wear plate and being detachably attached to the frame, and wherein at least one of the first chute section and the second chute section is detachably attached to the frame by a first movable attachment means configured for movement relative to the frame such that the first chute section and the second chute section can at least partially separate when attached to the frame, wherein the frame comprises at least one sliding member and wherein the first movable attachment means and / or the second movable attachment means is a sliding assembly configured to slide along the sliding member.

2. The bucket wheel flight assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first chute section and the second chute section are detachable from the frame individually.

3. The bucket wheel flight assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the frame has a distal end and a proximal end, and wherein the first movable attachment means is configured to move in a direction from the distal end of the frame to the proximal end of the frame.

4. The bucket wheel flight assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first chute section is detachably attached to the frame by a first movable attachment means and the second chute section is detachably attached to the frame by a second movable attachment means.

5. The bucket wheel flight assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first chute section is configured to move from an operational position in which the first chute section contacts the second chute section to a maintenance position in which the first chute section is separated from the second chute section, thereby providing a free space adjacent to the second chute section, and wherein the second chute section is configured to move towards the free space when the first chute section is in the maintenance position.

6. The bucket wheel flight assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first chute section and / or the second chute section is configured to pivot relative to the frame such that a back side of the first chute section and / or the second chute section can be oriented substantially upwards.

7. The bucket wheel flight assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bucket wheel chute assembly further comprises one or more actuator means configured for moving the first chute section and / or the second chute section.

8. A bucket wheel assembly comprising a bucket wheel, a conveyor system and a bucket wheel chute assembly according to any one of claims 1-7.

9. A method for removing a bucket wheel chute from a bucket wheel chute assembly according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the method comprises the steps of: - separating the first chute section from the second chute section by moving the first chute section relative to the second chute section, thereby providing a free area adjacent to the second chute section; - moving the second chute section towards the free area.

10. The method for removing a bucket wheel sluice according to claim 9, wherein, the method further comprises the step of pivoting the first chute section and / or the second chute section relative to the frame such that a back side of the first chute section and / or the second chute section is oriented substantially upwards.

11. A method for removing a bucket wheel sluice according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the method further comprises the step of detaching the first chute section and / or the second chute section from the frame. the method further comprises the step of detaching the first chute section and / or the second chute section from the frame.

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