Apparatus and method for lifting a crushing shell and a crusher comprising the apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus for lifting a crushing shell of a cone or gyratory crusher is provided. The crushing shell has a first central axis and an opening with a gap width in a top region thereof about the first central axis. The apparatus comprises a plate-like lifting member having a second central axis and adapted to be attached to the top region of the crushing shell, the first central axis coinciding with the second central axis when the plate-like lifting member is attached to the crushing shell. The plate-like lifting member comprises at least one attachment member adapted to be attached to a hoisting assembly for lifting the plate-like lifting member together with the crushing shell attached thereto. The plate-like lifting member has a first dimension in a first direction which is smaller than the gap width of the opening in the top region of the crushing shell; the plate-like lifting member has a second dimension in a second direction which is larger than the gap width of the opening in the top region of the crushing shell. The first direction and the second direction extend obliquely relative to each other.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for lifting a crushing mantle of a cone or gyratory crusher, the crusher having a first central axis and an opening having a gap width in its top region around the first central axis.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a cone or gyratory crusher for reducing the size of feed mineral material, such as stone, rock, concrete, etc., the crusher comprising a crushing mantle releasably attached to a load carrying element rotatable about a working axis. BACKGROUND

[0003] A cone or gyratory crusher is a compression type machine that reduces the size of feed material by squeezing or compressing it between a moving member, the crushing mantle or inner crushing shell, usually made of steel, and a stationary member, the crushing ring or outer crushing shell, usually made of steel. The feed material is in particular mineral material, such as stone, rock, concrete, etc. In the following, the present invention will be discussed based on a cone crusher. However, it is to be understood that the explanations apply accordingly also to a gyratory crusher.

[0004] A cone crusher will typically provide a reduction ratio of 4:1 to 6:1, although other reduction ratios can also be used. As the closed side setting is set tighter to produce a finer output, the volume or production capacity of the machine is also reduced.

[0005] The material fed into the cone crusher is crushed between the stationary crushing ring, in other words the outer crushing shell, of the upper part of the housing, or frame, of the crusher and the crushing mantle, in other words the inner crushing shell, which rests on a conical seat close to the bottom of the supporting cone, in other words the support cone or cone head. The crushing mantle is attached to the supporting cone by suitable fastening means. As very large forces are generated during the crushing process, the fastening means must provide a secure attachment of the crushing mantle to the supporting cone. The attachment should at the same time be torque proof, i.e. keep the crushing mantle from turning relative to the supporting cone.

[0006] During operation of the cone crusher, the crushing mantle moves eccentrically relative to the stationary crushing ring. The supporting cone is set into a tumbling or oscillating motion by the drive mechanism of the cone crusher. The size of the crushing gap, or chamber, between the stationary crushing ring and the rotating crushing mantle varies continuously in the circumferential direction at certain points. In the crushing chamber, the material to be crushed is crushed by squeezing and compression until it exits the cone crusher as crushed material through the crushing gap. In other words, the supporting cone with the crushing mantle is entrained in an oscillating or gyrating motion around the working axis, wherein the crushing gap between the crushing mantle and the outer crushing ring varies at each point during the cycle.

[0007] The smallest crusher gap occurring during a cycle is referred to as the closed side setting (CSS) of the cone crusher, and the difference between the maximum and minimum values of the gap is referred to as the stroke of the crusher. The particle size distribution of the crushed material and the production capacity of the crusher can be influenced, among other things, by the crusher setting and the crusher stroke and the operating speed of the crusher.

[0008] The outer crushing ring as well as the inner crushing mantle serve as wear parts during operation of the cone crusher and must therefore be replaced from time to time. For this purpose, a device must be provided for lifting the crushing mantle from the carrier element after the fastening of the crushing mantle on the carrier element has been loosened. Various types of lifting devices are known from the prior art.

[0009] For example, it is known from the prior art that the crushing mantle of the crusher has hooks for lifting on the outer peripheral surface of the mantle, which hooks are cast into the crushing mantle. Since the hooks are located on the outer surface or outside of the mantle and thus come into contact with the rather rough material to be crushed or already crushed during the intended use of the crusher, i.e. the crushing process, the hooks are gradually worn or scratched. Therefore, the hooks cannot be used to remove the worn crushing mantle from the carrier element of the crusher, and therefore, for disassembly, lugs are usually welded to the worn crushing mantle. However, this is an inconvenient and time-consuming process which also leads to safety problems for the user if the lugs are not welded correctly to the crushing mantle.

[0010] WO 2014 / 064 329 A1, WO 2015 / 139 897 A1 and WO 2016 / 169 622 A1 disclose a lifting device for lifting a crushing mantle or an outer crushing blade of a cone crusher or gyratory crusher. The lifting device has three gripper arms extending radially, which are equally spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction and are hinged such that the gap width of the gripper arms, i.e. the diameter of the gripper arms, can be increased and decreased. Initially, the gripper arms are retracted to decrease the diameter of the lifting device so that the diameter is smaller than the gap width of a circular opening provided in the top region or head of the crushing mantle. Then, the gripper arms of the lifting device are inserted through the opening into the inner cavity of the crushing mantle and the gripper arms are extended in order to increase the diameter beyond the gap width of the opening in the crushing mantle. The inner cavity is essentially conical, which has a smaller diameter at the top towards the opening and a larger diameter towards the bottom. Thus, by pulling the gripper arms out beyond the gap width of the opening, so that the distal ends of the gripper arms abut against the inner conical wall of the cavity. The lifting device can then be lifted together with the crushing mantle, for example by a suspension assembly. This allows the worn crushing mantle to be removed from the carrier element or a new or renewed crushing mantle to be placed onto the carrier element of the gyratory crusher. Finally, the gripper arms are retracted again and the lifting device is removed from the inner cavity. A disadvantage of these known lifting devices is the rather complex structure with many moving parts.

[0011] Furthermore, WO 2020 / 043 891 Al discloses a lifting device comprising a tightening band which can be supported around an outer peripheral surface of a crushing shell, thereby attaching the lifting device to the crushing shell. When the lifting device is attached to the crushing shell, it can be lifted together with the crushing shell, e.g. by means of a suspension assembly, in order to place the crushing shell on a load carrying element or remove it from a load carrying element. A disadvantage of the known lifting device is that the use of the lifting device is rather complex and time consuming. Furthermore, a misoperation of the tightening band, i.e. not tightening it properly, can result in an insufficient attachment of the lifting device to the crushing shell, thereby resulting in a possible damage of the crushing shell of the crusher and possible harm to the user.

[0012] Finally, WO 2011 / 029 133 Al discloses a lifting device in the form of a plug which can be selectively engaged with and disengaged from an opening in a head portion of a crushing shell by rotating around a central axis in respective opposite directions, thereby selectively attaching / detaching the lifting device to / from the crushing shell. Thus, the lifting device is attached to the crushing shell by means of a bayonet mechanism. When the lifting device is attached to the crushing shell, it can be lifted together with the crushing shell, e.g. by means of a suspension assembly, in order to place the crushing shell on a load carrying element of a crusher or remove it from a load carrying element of a crusher. A disadvantage of the known lifting device is that the rotation of the lifting device around the central axis for engagement with the crushing shell is prone to be misoperated by the user. If the lifting device is not correctly engaged with the crushing shell, the crushing shell can come loose during the lifting process and can cause harm to the user. Furthermore, the known lifting device can only be safely used for crushing shells which do not get excessively worn. SUMMARY

[0013] Starting from the cited prior art, it is an object of the present invention to propose an alternative lifting apparatus and method for lifting a crushing shell of a cone crusher or gyratory crusher which in particular can eliminate the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0014] In order to solve this problem, starting from an apparatus of the above-mentioned type, it is proposed:

[0015] - the plate-like lifting member has a first dimension in a first direction which is smaller than the gap width of the opening in the top region of the crushing shell; and

[0016] - the plate-like lifting member has a second dimension in a second direction which is greater than the gap width of the opening in the top region of the crushing shell;

[0017] - wherein the first direction and the second direction extend obliquely with respect to each other. The apparatus comprises:

[0018] - a plate-like lifting member having a second central axis and being adapted to be attached to the head region of the crushing shell, wherein the first central axis coincides with the second central axis when the plate-like lifting member is attached to the crushing shell;

[0019] - the plate-like lifting member comprises at least one attachment member adapted to be attached to the suspension assembly in order to lift the plate-like lifting member together with the crushing shell attached thereto.

[0020] The method for lifting a crushing shell of a cone or gyratory crusher comprises the following steps:

[0021] - providing a device of the kind described above;

[0022] - attaching the plate-like lifting member to the head region of the crushing shell; and

[0023] - lifting the plate-like lifting member together with the crushing shell attached thereto.

[0024] In case the plate-like lifting member has two different dimensions extending in two different directions extending obliquely, preferably perpendicularly, with respect to each other, the plate-like member can be tilted or rotated in a rotational direction about a rotational axis extending substantially parallel to the first direction in which the plate-like lifting member has the smaller dimension and perpendicular to the second central axis of said plate-like lifting member. In an observation direction parallel to the first central axis of the crushing shell, the gap width of the plate-like lifting member in the second direction gradually decreases from the larger dimension until, at a given rotational angle, the gap width of the plate-like lifting member in the second direction is smaller than the gap width of the opening provided in the top region of the crushing shell. Now, in its orientation rotated about the given rotational angle, the plate-like lifting member can be easily inserted into the inner cavity of the crushing shell through the opening in the top region of the crushing shell.

[0025] Then, the plate-like lifting member can be rotated about the rotational axis in the opposite rotational direction until, in the observation direction parallel to the first central axis of the crushing shell, the gap width of the plate-like lifting member in the second direction is again larger than the gap width of the opening in the top region of the crushing shell. Thus, the outer region of the upper surface of the lifting member provided in the second direction comes into contact from below with the inner wall section of the inner cavity of the crushing shell, thereby attaching the plate-like lifting member to the wall section surrounding or delimiting the inner cavity of the opening in the top region of the crushing shell.

[0026] Finally, in the case of the attachment of the lifting member to the crushing shell, the plate-like lifting member can be lifted in a direction parallel to the first axis of the crushing shell, thereby also lifting the crushing shell attached thereto. For this purpose, a corresponding attachment member is proposed which is arranged or removably attached to the plate-like lifting member, preferably to the top surface of the lifting member. The attachment member can be in the form of a hook or an eyelet or the like. The lifting member can be lifted, for example, by attaching a suspension assembly to the attachment member. The suspension assembly can be in the form of a hoist, a crane, a hydraulic lifting device or the like.

[0027] By lifting the plate-like lifting member together with the crushing shell temporarily attached thereto, a worn crushing shell can be lifted from the load-bearing element of the crusher and / or a new or refurbished crushing shell can be placed onto the load-bearing element of the crusher. In the case of a cone crusher, the load-bearing element is a load-bearing cone. In the case of a gyratory crusher, the load-bearing element has more of a hollow cylindrical shape. However, in both cases, the load-bearing element has a substantially conical top surface onto which the crushing shell can be placed. Correspondingly, the bottom surface of the top or head of the crushing shell facing the inner cavity also typically has a substantially conical shape, regardless of whether the crushing shell is intended for a cone crusher or a gyratory crusher.

[0028] In one embodiment, it is proposed to attach the plate-like lifting member to a new or refurbished crushing shell as above. The crushing shell is then placed onto and mounted to the corresponding load-bearing element of the crusher. The lifting element can be inserted through the preferably circular opening in the head of the crushing shell only if there is sufficient free space in the inner cavity of the crushing shell and the shell head (or shell cover), respectively. In order to pass through the opening, the lifting member is oriented almost perpendicularly or at least at a given angle with respect to the top plane of the shell head. Once the lifting member is positioned within the inner cavity of the crushing shell, it is oriented again horizontally or almost parallel with respect to the top plane of the shell head. In this case, preferably, the first central axis of the crushing shell and the second central axis of the plate-like lifting member are congruent or extend substantially parallel to each other.

[0029] An attachment member, for example in the form of a lifting hook or an eye, is then mounted to the top surface of the lifting member. The crushing shell is hung on the attachment member and lifted onto the load carrying element in the crusher. Once the crushing shell is seated on the load carrying element, the attachment member can be removed and the plate-like lifting member is secured in the inner cavity. In particular, it is proposed to secure the lifting member to the head of the crushing shell or the load carrying element, respectively, which remains there until the crushing shell is replaced again, for example because it is worn due to use. The crushing shell seated on the load carrying element can be fastened to the load carrying element by fastening means. They can comprise one or more screws. In particular, the fastening means can comprise a single center head bolt. The center head bolt or a portion thereof can cover the lifting member during the intended use of the crusher for protecting the lifting member from wear. In addition, a protective cover can be attached to the head region of the fastening means or the shell to provide additional wear resistance.

[0030] The device as disclosed can have one or more of the following advantages:

[0031] - safely and conveniently lifting the crushing shell for assembling and disassembling the crushing shell on the load carrying element;

[0032] - the lifting member can stay inside the shell head during operation, i.e. intended use, of the crusher and thus is certainly available when the crushing shell needs to be disassembled;

[0033] - no additional steps are required for attaching the attachment member to the worn crushing shell, in particular no welding to the worn crushing shell is required, which significantly simplifies the removal of the worn crushing shell from the load carrying element;

[0034] - no attachment of the attachment member is required, in particular no hooks etc. cast in the crushing shell are required, which significantly simplifies the shell and reduces the value of the components worn during operation of the crusher;

[0035] - the device is simple and does not require a pivoting portion (as is the case in WO 2014 / 064 329 A1) and does not require a bayonet mechanism (as is the case in WO 2011 / 029 133 A1).

[0036] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is proposed that an outer section of the top surface of the plate-like lifting member constitutes a support surface, with which the plate-like lifting member rests on an inner surface of the crushing shell surrounding the opening in the crushing shell during lifting of the plate-like lifting member together with the crushing shell attached thereto. Preferably, the support surface is provided on a portion or section of the top surface of the plate-like lifting member, wherein the plate-like lifting member has a second dimension. Of course, the plate-like lifting member can comprise more than one support surface, for example two support surfaces opposite to each other with respect to the second central axis of the lifting member.

[0037] According to another embodiment of the present invention, it is proposed that the support surface has a tilt in a cross-sectional view of the second central axis comprising the plate-like lifting member, resulting in the support surface having the form of one or more conical wedges. The advantage of this embodiment is that the support surface can rest with their entire surface on a conical inner wall surface of the mantle head, which inner wall surface surrounds or delimits a central opening formed in an upper or top region of the mantle head. To this end, it is proposed that the inclination of the support surface corresponds to the inclination of the conical wall of the inner cavity of the crushing mantle.

[0038] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, it is proposed that the top surface of the plate-like lifting member is provided with attachment means for removably attaching at least one attachment member. The attachment means can be designed as one or more threaded or blind holes, into which a suitable attachment member, for example in the form of a hook or an eye, can be releasably attached, in particular screwed in. A suspension assembly, for example in the form of a hoist, crane, hydraulic lifting device, etc., can be releasably attached to the attachment member. By actuating the suspension assembly, the plate-like lifting member can be lifted together with the crushing mantle attached thereto.

[0039] It is conceivable that the attachment means and / or the attachment member limit the horizontal movement of the lifting member when lifting the crushing mantle from the carrier element in the appropriate position. This can limit the possible risk of the lifting member slipping through the opening provided in the top region of the crushing mantle when lifting the mantle. It is even conceivable that, in order to further improve safety, at least one wedge-shaped attachment member can be used, which is located on the outer surface of the crushing mantle surrounding the opening in the head region of the crushing mantle, which clamps a portion of the head region surrounding the opening of the crushing mantle between the plate-like lifting member and the attachment member.

[0040] It is further proposed that the plate-like lifting member is provided with a central through-hole around the second central axis. This central through-hole can be used for inserting a portion of a fastening device, which is preferably in the form of a central fastening bolt, and for attaching it to the carrier element. In order to fasten the crushing mantle to the carrier element, the inserted portion can be a threaded bolt of the central fastening bolt, which is screwed into a threaded hole provided in the head region of the carrier element. In addition, a protective cover can be provided for further protecting the lifting member and / or the fastening device from wear.

[0041] Furthermore, a fixing device for releasably fixing the plate-like lifting member to the carrier element can be provided in the device. In particular, it is proposed to provide the fixing device in the plate-like lifting member. The fixing device can be provided for fixing the plate-like lifting member to the head or to the carrier cone of the carrier element, respectively. The fixing device can comprise one or more through-holes through which a fixing screw can be guided and screwed into a corresponding threaded hole provided in the head of the carrier element. By means of the fixing device, the lifting member can be fixed to the head of the carrier element after the installation of the crushing shell to the carrier element and before the intended use of the crusher. After the fixing of the lifting member to the head of the carrier element, the protective cover can be installed to the crushing shell, the lifting member and / or the carrier element.

[0042] The object of the present application is also solved by a cone or gyratory crusher for reducing the size of a fed mineral material, such as stone, rock, concrete, etc., the crusher comprising a crushing shell releasably attached to a carrier element rotatable about a working axis. In particular, it is proposed that the crusher further comprises a device according to the present disclosure for lifting the crushing shell of the crusher.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the crusher comprises a protective cover. The protective cover covers the plate-like lifting member once the crushing shell has been placed on the carrier element. Furthermore, if at least one attachment member has been pre-attached to the plate-like lifting member for lifting the lifting member together with the crushing shell attached thereto by means of the suspension assembly, the fastening means for the crushing shell are only installed after the at least one attachment member has been detached and removed from the plate-like lifting member.

[0044] Finally, the object of the present application is also solved by a method for lifting a crushing shell of a cone or gyratory crusher. In particular, the method comprises the following steps:

[0045] - providing a device according to the present application;

[0046] - rotating the plate-like lifting member about a rotation axis extending substantially parallel to the first direction of the plate-like lifting member and perpendicular to the second central axis of the plate-like lifting member in a rotation direction until the gap width of the plate-like lifting member in the second direction is smaller than the gap width of the opening in the top region of the crushing shell in a viewing direction on the plate-like lifting member parallel to the first central axis of the crushing shell;

[0047] - inserting the plate-like lifting member into the inner cavity of the crushing shell through the opening in the top region of the crushing shell;

[0048] - The plate-shaped lifting member is rotated about the axis of rotation in the opposite direction of rotation until, in a viewing direction parallel to the first central axis of the crushing shroud, the gap width of the plate-shaped lifting member in the second direction is again greater than the gap width of the opening in the top region of the crushing shroud, thereby attaching the plate-shaped lifting member to the wall of the inner cavity of the crushing shroud; and

[0049] - The plate-shaped lifting member is lifted in a direction parallel to the first axis of the crushing shroud, thereby also lifting the crushing shroud attached thereto.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the crushing hood, lifted by a plate-shaped lifting member, is lifted from the support element of a cone crusher or rotary crusher for removal therefrom, or placed on the support element of a cone crusher or rotary crusher for attachment thereto. Attached Figure Description

[0051] Other advantages and embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following description. In this regard, it is emphasized that each feature and characteristic shown in the drawings may be essential to the invention in itself, even if not explicitly shown in the drawings and / or not explicitly described in the following description. Furthermore, it is emphasized that the features and characteristics shown in the drawings can be combined in any possible manner, even if not explicitly shown in the drawings and / or not explicitly described in the following description. The drawings show:

[0052] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the plate-shaped lifting member of the device according to the present invention;

[0053] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The device is in a first orientation for insertion, according to Figure 3 Cross-sectional view of section AA;

[0054] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A top view of the equipment;

[0055] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The equipment is in a second orientation for operation, according to Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of section BB;

[0056] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A top view of the equipment;

[0057] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the equipment during operation;

[0058] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 The equipment in which the suspension components were removed;

[0059] Figure 8 is the device of Figure 7 wherein the attachment member is removed and fixed to the head region of the load carrying element of the cone crusher or gyratory crusher;

[0060] Figure 9 is the device of Figure 8 wherein the protective cover is provided on the head region of the crushing shell of the cone crusher or gyratory crusher;

[0061] Figure 10 is the details taken from Figure 4

[0062] Figure 11 is the movable cone crusher or gyratory crusher for reducing the size of feed mineral material according to the present invention;

[0063] Figure 12 is the crushing chamber of the cone crusher according to the present invention;

[0064] Figure 13 is the flowchart of the method for lifting the crushing shell of the cone crusher or gyratory crusher according to the present invention; and

[0065] Figure 14 is the crushing shell of the crusher having the known device for lifting the crushing shell of the cone crusher or gyratory crusher. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] Figure 14 shows the crushing shell 100 of the cone crusher or gyratory crusher having the known device for lifting the crushing shell 100. As known from the prior art, the crushing shell 100 has hooks 104 cast into the crushing shell 100 on the outer peripheral surface 102 of the shell 100 for lifting. A suspension assembly (e.g. in the form of a hoist, crane, hydraulic lifting device, etc.) can be releasably attached to the lifting hooks 104 in order to lift and lower the shell 100.

[0067] Since the hooks 104 are located on the outer surface 102 or outside of the shell 100 and thus in contact with the rather rough material to be crushed or already crushed during the intended use of the crusher, i.e. during the operation or crushing process of the crusher, the hooks 104 are gradually worn or rubbed. Therefore, the hooks 104 cannot be used for removing the worn crushing shell 100 from the load carrying element of the crusher. Therefore, for disassembly, usually lugs (not shown) are welded to the worn crushing shell 100. However, this is an inconvenient and time-consuming process which also causes safety problems for the user if the lugs are not properly welded to the crushing shell 100.

[0068] ​In contrast thereto, the present application proposes a lifting device 2 and a method for lifting a crushing mantle 4 of a cone crusher or gyratory crusher, which can overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. The design and functioning of a cone crusher is described in detail in the prior art reference WO 2010 / 086 488 Al (US 8944356), which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. A gyratory crusher is designed and functions correspondingly. The crusher can be stationary or mobile. Mobile crushers are mounted on a chassis provided with wheels, skids, chains or rails, in order to load the crusher on a transport means, to drive the crusher to its intended operating position and to align the crusher in its operating position (see also Figure 11 ).

[0069] In particular, it is proposed that the device 2 comprises a plate-like lifting member 8, which is shown in detail in Figure 1 . The plate-like lifting member 8 has a first dimension d1 in a first direction, which is smaller than the gap width w of the preferably circular opening 10 in the top region 12 of the crushing mantle 4. Furthermore, the lifting member 8 has a second dimension d2 in a second direction, which is larger than the gap width w of the opening 10 in the top region 12 of the crushing mantle 4. The first direction d1 and the second direction d2 extend obliquely, preferably perpendicularly, with respect to each other.

[0070] The plate-like lifting member 8 can be made of metal, in particular steel. It can have a substantially conical shape with obliquely running circumferential support surfaces 14. The smaller dimension d1 in the first direction can be achieved by removing material from the initially disc-like or ring-like element, for example by milling. The removed material leads to side surfaces 16, which preferably extend perpendicularly and parallel to a second central axis 18 of the lifting member 8. Preferably, the side surfaces 16 are arranged on opposite sides of the plate-like lifting member 8 and have the same distance from the central axis 18. The distance between the side surfaces 16 forms the first dimension d1. The second dimension d2 is formed by the largest diameter of the plate-like or ring-like lifting member 8, i.e. at the base of the cone. In the shown embodiment, the support surfaces 14 have the form of a conical wedge and are arranged on opposite sides of the lifting member 8. The support surfaces 14 interconnect the side surfaces 16 with each other.

[0071] In the case that the plate-like lifting member 8 has two different dimensions d, d2 in two different directions, which run obliquely, preferably perpendicularly, with respect to each other, it is possible to tilt or rotate the plate-like member 8 in a rotational direction 20 about a rotational axis 22, which extends substantially parallel to the first direction, in which the lifting member 8 has the smaller dimension d1, and perpendicularly to the second central axis 18 of the lifting member 8 (see Figure 2). By doing so, the gap width w2 of the plate-shaped lifting member 8 in the second direction is gradually reduced from the larger dimension d2 in the viewing direction 24 parallel to the first central axis 26 of the crushing hood 4 until, at a given rotational angle, the gap width w2 of the lifting member 8 in the second direction is smaller than the gap width w of the opening 10 provided in the top region 12 of the crushing hood 4 (see Figure 3 ). Now, in its orientation rotated around the rotational axis 22 by the given rotational angle, the plate-shaped lifting member 8 can be inserted through the opening 10 in the top region 12 of the crushing hood 4 into the inner cavity 28 of the crushing hood 4.

[0072] Then, the plate-shaped lifting member 8 can be rotated around the rotational axis 22 counter to the rotational direction 20 until, in the viewing direction parallel to the first central axis 26 of the crushing hood 4, the gap width w2 of the plate-shaped lifting member 8 in the second direction is again greater than the gap width w of the opening 10 in the top region 12 of the crushing hood 4 (see w , preferably corresponding to the second dimension d2 (see Figure 4 and Figure 5 ). Thus, the outer region of the upper surface of the lifting member 8 provided in the second direction forms the support surface 14 and contacts the inner wall section 30 of the inner cavity 28 from below at the top region 12 of the crushing hood 4, thereby attaching the plate-shaped lifting member 8 to the wall section 30 of the inner cavity 28 which surrounds or delimits the opening 10 in the top region 12 of the crushing hood 4.

[0073] It is proposed that the inclination of the support surface 14 corresponds to the inclination of the conical surface 30 of the inner cavity 28. This has the advantage that the support surfaces 14 can rest with their entire surface on the conical inner wall surface 30 of the hood head 12.

[0074] Finally, in the case of the attachment of the lifting member 8 to the crushing hood 4, the plate-shaped lifting member 8 can be lifted in a direction opposite to the viewing direction 24 and parallel to the first axis 26 of the crushing hood 4, thereby also lifting the crushing hood 4 attached thereto. For this purpose, it is proposed that a respective attachment member 32 is provided or removably attached to the plate-shaped lifting member 8, preferably to the top surface 34 of the lifting member 8. The attachment member 32 can be in the form of a hook or an eyelet, etc. The lifting member 8 can be lifted, for example, by attaching a suspension assembly 36 to the attachment member 32. The suspension assembly 36 can be in the form of a hoist, a crane, a hydraulic lifting device, etc. (see Figure 6 ).

[0075] By lifting the plate-like lifting member 8 together with the crushing shell 4 temporarily attached thereto, a worn crushing shell 4 can be lifted from the load-bearing element 6 of the crusher, and / or a new or refurbished crushing shell 4 can be placed onto the load-bearing element 6 of the crusher (see Figure 6 ). In the case of a cone crusher, the load-bearing element 6 is a load-bearing cone. In the case of a gyratory crusher, the load-bearing element 6 has a more hollow cylindrical shape. However, in both cases, the load-bearing element 6 has a substantially conical top surface 38 onto which the crushing shell 4 can be placed and attached. Correspondingly, the bottom surface of the top or head portion 12 of the crushing shell 4 facing the inner cavity 28 also typically has a substantially conical shape, regardless of whether the crushing shell 4 is for a cone crusher or a gyratory crusher.

[0076] According to the present disclosure, it is in particular proposed to attach the plate-like lifting member 8 to a new or refurbished crushing shell 4 as described above and shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5 . The crushing shell 4 is then placed onto and mounted to the respective load-bearing element 6 of the crusher (see Figure 6 and Figure 7 ). Only when there is sufficient free space in the shell head portion 12 and the inner cavity 28 of the crushing shell 4, respectively, the lifting member 8 can be inserted through the preferably circular opening 10 in the head region 12 of the crushing shell 4. In order to pass through the opening 10, the lifting member 8 is oriented almost vertically, or at least at a given angle with respect to the top plane of the shell head portion 12 (see Figure 2 and Figure 3 ). Once the lifting member 8 is positioned within the inner cavity 28 of the crushing shell 4, it is again oriented horizontally, or almost parallel with respect to the top plane of the shell head portion 12 (see Figure 4 and Figure 5 ). In this case, preferably, the first central axis 26 of the crushing shell 4 and the second central axis 18 of the plate-like lifting member 8 are congruent or extend substantially parallel to each other.

[0077] The attachment member 32 can be mounted to the lifting member 8 before or after the lifting member 8 is inserted into the inner cavity 28. For example, the attachment member 32 is attached to an attachment device 44 provided in the top surface 34 of the lifting member 8. In particular, it is proposed to screw the attachment member 32 into a threaded hole constituting the attachment device 44 (see Figure 1 ). The crushing shell 4 can be hung on the attachment member 32 and lifted onto the load-bearing element 6 in the crusher (see Figure 6 ). Once the crushing shell 4 is seated on the load-bearing element 6 (see Figure 7 ), the attachment member 32 can be removed (see Figure 8) and the plate-like lifting member 8 is fixed in the inner cavity 28. In particular, it is proposed to fix the lifting member 8 to the head region 12 of the crushing shell 4 or, as shown in Figure 9 , to the carrier element 6. The lifting member 8 remains fixed in the inner cavity 28 until the crushing shell 4 is replaced again, for example because it is worn out due to use.

[0078] After the crushing shell 4 has been placed onto the carrier element 6 by means of the lifting member 8, the attachment member 32 can be removed from the lifting member 8 and the crushing shell 4 is fastened to the carrier element 6 by means of one or more fastening means. In the embodiment shown in Figure 9 , the fastening means comprise a central head bolt 40. Its function is to clamp the shell 4 to the carrier element 6. During the intended use of the crusher, the head bolt 40 covers the plate-like lifting member 8. In addition, a protective cover (not shown in the figures) can be attached to the head bolt 40 or the crushing shell 4, which is provided for additional protection of the shell head 12 and / or the lifting member 8 from wear.

[0079] The lifting member 8 can be fixed to the carrier element 6 by means of one or more fixing screws 42. The fixing screws 42 can be screwed into threaded holes 47 in the carrier element 6, which are aligned with through-holes 46 provided in the lifting member 8.

[0080] The fastening member 40 is attached to the carrier element 6. In the embodiment shown in Figure 9 , it has the form of a central head bolt and is attached to the carrier element 6. The attachment of the central head bolt 40 can be realized in various ways. In the embodiment shown in Figure 9 , the central head bolt 40 is attached to the carrier element 6 by means of a threaded connection 48. For this purpose, the head region of the carrier element 6 has a central hole 50, which is arranged symmetrically with respect to its central axis, which corresponds to the central axis 26 of the crushing shell 4 when attached to the carrier element 6. At least a portion of the central hole 50 is provided with an internal thread, which corresponds to an external thread provided on a rod-like section 52 of the central head bolt 40. A so-called torch ring 54 can be provided between the central head bolt 40 and the top surface of the crushing shell 4, which delimits the opening 10 provided in the head region 12 of the crushing shell 4 (see Figure 9 ). When the worn-out crushing shell 4 is detached from the carrier element 6, the torch ring 54 is cut, for example with a blowtorch, before the head bolt 40 is loosened. This releases the very firm connection between the components.

[0081] It is further proposed that the plate-like lifting member 8 is provided with a central through-hole 56 around the second central axis 18 of the lifting member 8. This central through-hole 56 can be used to insert a portion of the protective cover 40, for example the rod-like portion 52, and to fix it to the carrier element 6.

[0082] Compared to what is shown in the figures, the plate-shaped lifting member 8 can also have a first dimension d1 that is significantly smaller than the second dimension d2, so that the lifting member 8 has more of a rod shape than a plate shape. In this case, the central opening 56 can be omitted.

[0083] Figure 10 Another embodiment is shown in which the at least one attachment member 32 comprises a wedge-shaped portion 33. The wedge-shaped portion 33 can be designed separately from the attachment member 32 or form an integral part thereof. The separate wedge-shaped portion 33 can be clamped between the attachment member 32 and the plate-shaped lifting member 8, for example by screwing the attachment member 32 into a threaded hole 44 in the top surface 34 of the lifting member 8, thereby clamping the top region 12 of the crushing shell 4 around the opening 10 between the support surface 14 of the lifting member 8 and the wedge-shaped portion 33. This allows the plate-shaped lifting member 8 to be reliably and safely temporarily fixed to the crushing shell 4.

[0084] Figure 11 A schematic view of a mobile cone or gyratory crusher according to the present application is shown, which is generally indicated by reference numeral 60. The crusher comprises a frame or chassis 62 to which wheels or chains 64 are attached in order to move the crusher 60 to a transport vehicle, such as a train carriage or a low loader, or to its intended place of operation, or to place the crusher 60 in its intended position and orientation at the place of operation. The crusher 60 is provided with a motor 66, which is preferably an internal combustion engine, but can also be an electric motor powered by suitable rechargeable batteries.

[0085] The crusher 60 is used to reduce the size of mineral material, such as stone, rock, concrete, etc., which is fed into it. Inside, and thus not visible in Figure 11 the drawings, the crusher 60 comprises a crushing shell 4 which is releasably attached to a carrying element 6 which is rotatable about a working axis. The crushing shell 4 forms part of a crushing chamber 68 which is located inside the crusher 60. The mineral material is fed into the crushing chamber 68 by a conveyor belt 70. Instead of a conveyor belt 70, the material can also be fed into the crushing chamber 68 by a vibrating feeder or the like. The mineral material is received by a hopper 72 and placed on the conveyor belt 70. The crushed material can be discarded from the crushing chamber 68 by a further conveyor belt 74.

[0086] In order to lift the crushing shell 4 of the crusher 60 from the carrying element 6 and replace it with another crushing shell 4, the device 2 according to the present application comprising a plate-shaped lifting member 8 is used. Before the crushing shell 4 can be lifted, it can be necessary to first remove one or more components of the crusher 60 from above the crushing chamber 68, such as the conveyor belt 70 and / or the hopper 72. It is also conceivable to first remove the carrying element 6 with the crushing shell 4 attached from the crusher 60 and to replace the worn shell 4 with a new shell outside the crusher 60.

[0087] A part of a cone crusher 60, which serves as an example of a crusher according to the application, is shown in detail in Figure 12 During operation of the cone crusher 60, the crushing mantle 4 is moved eccentrically relative to the stationary crushing ring 110. The carrying element 6 is set in a tumbling or wobbling motion by a drive mechanism 112 of the cone crusher 60. In Figure 12 the drive mechanism 112 comprises a drive shaft 114 and bevel gears 116. However, other embodiments are also conceivable. The drive shaft 114 is also driven by a motor (not shown). The size of the crushing gap 118 (or chamber 68) between the stationary crushing ring 110 and the rotating crushing mantle 4 continuously varies at certain points along the circumferential direction. In the crushing chamber 68, the material to be crushed is crushed by being pressed and compressed until it can exit the cone crusher 60 as crushed material through the crushing gap 118. In other words, the carrying cone 6 with the crushing mantle 4 is entrained in an oscillating or gyrating motion about the axis of rotation, wherein the crushing gap 118 between the crushing mantle 4 and the outer crushing ring 110 varies at each point during the cycle.

[0088] The smallest crusher gap 118 occurring during the cycle is referred to as the closed side setting (CSS) of the cone crusher 60, and the difference between the maximum and minimum values of the gap 118 is referred to as the stroke of the crusher 60. The particle size distribution of the crushed material and the production capacity of the crusher 60 can be influenced, inter alia, by the crusher setting and the crusher stroke and the operating speed of the crusher 60.

[0089] The outer crushing ring 110 as well as the inner crushing mantle 4 serve as wear parts during operation of the cone crusher 60 and must therefore be replaced from time to time. The device 2 according to the application serves to easily and safely lift the crushing mantle 4 in order to lift it off the carrying element 6 or to place it on the carrying element 6. The device 2 is used in a crusher 60 according to the application.

[0090] Figure 13 A flowchart of a method for lifting a crushing mantle 4 of a cone crusher or gyratory crusher 60 according to the application is shown. The method starts with a function block 80. Then, in a function block 82, a device 2 according to the application comprising a plate-shaped lifting member 8 is provided. In a function block 84, the plate-shaped lifting member 8 of the device 2 is rotated in a rotational direction 20 about a rotational axis 22 extending substantially parallel to the first direction and perpendicular to the second central axis 18 of the plate-shaped lifting member 8 until, in an observation direction 24 on the plate-shaped lifting member 8 parallel to the first central axis 26 of the crushing mantle 4, the gap width w2 of the plate-shaped lifting member 8 in the second direction is smaller than the gap width w of the opening 10 in the top region 12 of the crushing mantle 4.

[0091] Then, in functional block 86, the plate-like lifting member 8 is inserted into the inner cavity 28 of the crushing shell 4 through the opening 10 in the top region 12 of the crushing shell 4. In functional block 88, the plate-like lifting member 8 is rotated around the rotation axis 22 opposite to the rotation direction 20 until, in the viewing direction 24 parallel to the first central axis 26 of the crushing shell 4, the gap width w2 of the plate-like lifting member 8 in the second direction is again greater than the gap width w of the opening 10 in the top region 12 of the crushing shell 4, thereby attaching the plate-like lifting member 8 to the wall 30 of the inner cavity 28 of the crushing shell 4. Finally, in functional block 90, the plate-like lifting member 8 is lifted in a direction parallel to the first axis 26 of the crushing shell 4, thereby also lifting the crushing shell 4 attached thereto. In functional block 92, the method ends.

[0092] By means of the plate-like lifting member 8, the crushing shell 4 can be lifted from the load carrying element 6 of the cone or gyratory crusher 60 in order to be removed therefrom or placed on the load carrying element 6 of the cone or gyratory crusher 60 in order to be attached thereto.

Claims

1. An apparatus (2) for lifting a crushing shell (4) of a cone or gyratory crusher, the crushing shell (4) having a first central axis (26) and an opening (10) having a gap width (w) in a top region (12) thereof around the first central axis (26), and the apparatus (2) comprising: - a plate-like lifting member (8) having a second central axis (18) and being adapted to be attached to the top region (12) of the crushing shell (4), wherein the first central axis (26) coincides with the second central axis (18) when the plate-like lifting member (8) is attached to the crushing shell (4); - the plate-like lifting member (8) comprising at least one attachment member (32) adapted to be attached to a suspension assembly (36) for lifting the plate-like lifting member (8) together with the crushing shell (4) attached thereto; characterized in that: - the plate-like lifting member (8) has a first dimension (dl) in a first direction which is smaller than the gap width (w) of the opening (10) in the top region (12) of the crushing shell (4); and - the plate-like lifting member (8) has a second dimension (d2) in a second direction which is larger than the gap width (w) of the opening (10) in the top region (12) of the crushing shell (4); - wherein the first and second directions extend obliquely relative to each other.

2. An apparatus (2) for lifting a crushing shell (4) of a cone or gyratory crusher according to claim 1, characterized in that, An outer section of a top surface of the plate-like lifting member (8) constitutes a support surface (14) by which the plate-like lifting member (8) rests on an inner surface (30) of the crushing shell (4) around the opening (10) provided in the top region (12) of the crushing shell (4) during lifting of the plate-like lifting member (8) together with the crushing shell (4) attached thereto.

3. An apparatus (2) for lifting a crushing shell (4) of a cone or gyratory crusher according to claim 2, characterized in that, The support surface (14) is provided on a portion of the top surface of the plate-like lifting member (8) in which portion the plate-like lifting member (8) has the second dimension (d2).

4. An apparatus (2) for lifting a crushing shell (4) of a cone or gyratory crusher according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, In a cross-section comprising the second central axis (18) of the plate-like lifting member (8), the support surface (14) has an inclination resulting in the support surface (14) having the form of one or more tapered wedges.

5. An apparatus (2) for lifting a crushing shell (4) of a cone or gyratory crusher according to claim 4, characterized in that, The inclination of the support surface (14) corresponds to the inclination of the tapered inner surface (30) of the inner cavity (28) of the crushing shell (4).

6. An apparatus (2) for lifting a crushing shell (4) of a cone or gyratory crusher according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The top surface (34) of the plate-like lifting member (8) is provided with attachment means (44) for removably attaching the at least one attachment member (32).

7. An apparatus (2) for lifting a crushing shell (4) of a cone or gyratory crusher according to claim 6, characterized in that, The attachment means (44) comprise at least one threaded hole for screwing the at least one attachment member (32) into.

8. An apparatus (2) for lifting a crushing shell (4) of a cone or gyratory crusher according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The plate-like lifting member (8) is provided with a central through-hole (56) around the second central axis (18).

9. An apparatus (2) for lifting a crushing shell (4) of a cone or gyratory crusher according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The plate-like lifting member (8) is provided with fixation means (46) for releasably fixing the plate-like lifting member (8) to a carrier element (6).

10. An apparatus (2) for lifting a crushing shell (4) of a cone or gyratory crusher according to claim 9, characterized in that, The fixing device (46) comprises at least one through hole for fixing the plate-like lifting member (8) to the carrier element (6) by means of at least one fixing screw (42).

11. A crusher, which is a cone crusher or a gyratory crusher for reducing the size of a feed mineral material, which is stone, or rock, or concrete, the crusher comprising a crushing shell (4) releasably attachable to a carrier element (6) rotatable about a working axis; characterized in that The crusher further comprises a device (2) for lifting the crushing shell (4) of the crusher according to any one of the preceding claims.

12. The crusher of claim 11, wherein, The crusher comprises a fastening device (40) for fastening the crushing shell (4) to the carrier element (6) once the crushing shell (4) has been placed on the carrier element (6).

13. The crusher of claim 12, wherein, A portion (52) of the fastening device (40) passes through a through hole (56) provided in the plate-like lifting member (8) and is fixed to a head region of the carrier element (6).

14. The crusher of claim 12, wherein, The fastening device (40) is used for fastening the crushing shell (4) to the carrier element (6) once at least one attachment member (32) has been detached and removed from the plate-like lifting member (8), if at least one attachment member (32) has previously been attached to the plate-like lifting member (8).

15. A method for lifting a crushing shell (4) of a cone or gyratory crusher, characterized in that, comprising the following steps: - providing a device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10; - rotating the plate-like lifting member (8) of the device (2) about a rotation axis (22) in a rotation direction (20), which extends essentially parallel to the first direction and perpendicular to a second central axis (18) of the plate-like lifting member (8), until the gap width (w2) of the plate-like lifting member (8) in the second direction is smaller than the gap width (w) of the opening (10) in the top region (12) of the crushing shell (4) in a viewing direction (24) parallel to the first central axis (26) of the crushing shell (4); - inserting the plate-like lifting member (8) through the opening (10) in the top region (12) of the crushing shell (4) into the inner cavity (28) of the crushing shell (4); - rotating the plate-like lifting member (8) about the rotation axis (22) counter to the rotation direction (20) until the gap width (w2) of the plate-like lifting member (8) in the second direction is again greater than the gap width (w) of the opening (10) in the top region (12) of the crushing shell (4) in the viewing direction (24) parallel to the first central axis (26) of the crushing shell (4), thereby attaching the plate-like lifting member (8) to the inner surface (30) of the inner cavity (28) of the crushing shell (4); and - lifting the plate-like lifting member (8) in a direction parallel to the first central axis (26) of the crushing shell (4), thereby also lifting the crushing shell (4) attached thereto.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein, By means of the plate-like lifting member (8), the crushing shell (4) is lifted from the load-bearing element (6) of the cone or gyratory crusher to be removed from the load-bearing element or the crushing shell (4) is placed on the load-bearing element (6) of the cone or gyratory crusher to be attached thereto.

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