Movable bulk material processing device

Abstract

A mobile bulk material processing device (1) comprising: a main frame (2) having a front portion (3) and a rear portion (4); a bulk material primary processing unit (5) detachably attached to the front portion of the main frame and comprising a bulk material inlet (6); and a feed station (15) for feeding bulk material to the primary processing unit (5), the feed station comprising a feed station frame (16) connected to the rear portion (4) of the main frame (2) and a bulk material feeder (17) connected to the feed station frame, the bulk material feeder has a rearward feed end (18) for receiving bulk material and a forward discharge end (19) overlapping the bulk material inlet (6) of the primary processing unit (5). The rearward end (25) of the feed station frame (16) is pivotably connected to the main frame (2) for pivotably actuating the feed station frame in an arcuate shape from an operating position in which the discharge end (19) of the bulk material feeder (17) overlaps the bulk material inlet (6) of the primary processing unit (5) to a non-operating position in which the discharge end (19) of the bulk material feeder (17) does not overlap the bulk material inlet (6) of the primary processing unit (5). In a non-operative position, the discharge end (19) of the bulk material feeder (17) is arranged behind the bulk material inlet (6) to allow the primary processing unit to be vertically lifted away from the main frame.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a mobile bulk material processing device, which includes a bulk material feeding station and a primary processing unit for bulk materials. In particular, the present invention relates to a mobile bulk material processing device having a bulk material crusher. The present invention also relates to a method of detaching the primary processing unit from the mobile bulk material processing device. Background Art

[0002] Mobile bulk material processing devices are transported around the world. Since transportation regulations regarding dimensions and weights are different for each specific region, these differences can make it difficult to sell the product if the delivery of the product becomes logistically problematic. There are unique ways to reduce the total weight of the product, one of which is by removing the primary processing unit (e.g., the crushing chamber) and transporting it separately, which typically accounts for a large portion of the total weight. However, due to the nature of the bulk processing device, the feed discharge chute must overlap with the crushing chamber inlet chute to ensure that no spillage occurs during operation. Due to this overlap, it becomes difficult to quickly and efficiently remove the crushing chamber because other components on the product must be removed first.

[0003] The object of the present invention is to overcome at least one of the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This object is achieved by providing a mobile bulk material processing device having a feed station frame mounted to a main frame for pivotally moving the feed station frame in an arc from an operating position to a non-operating position. In the operating position, the discharge end of the bulk material feeder overlaps with the bulk material inlet of the primary processing unit. In the non-operating position, the discharge end of the feeder is disposed behind and above the inlet of the primary processing unit. The pivotal attachment of the feed station frame to the main frame provides an effective way to space the discharge end of the bulk material feeder from the inlet and provides space for the primary processing unit to be detached from the main frame and lifted vertically away from the main frame. The pivotally articulated arrangement also allows the feed station to be articulated using only the fluid piston rods on each side of the frame, without the need for additional motors and other articulation systems. Additionally, it allows access to the difficult-to-reach parts of the device, such as the wedge bolts of the jaws, rubber seals, chute linings, and screen bottom meshes.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a mobile bulk material processing device, comprising: A main frame having a front portion and a rear portion; A bulk material primary processing unit detachably attached to the front portion of the main frame and including a bulk material inlet; and A feeding station for feeding bulk materials into the primary processing unit, the feeding station comprising a feeding station frame connected to the rear part of the main frame and a bulk material feeder connected to the feeding station frame, the bulk material feeder having a rear feeding end for receiving bulk materials and a front discharging end overlapping with the bulk material inlet of the primary processing unit. Wherein, the rear end of the feeding station frame is pivotally connected to the rear part of the main frame for pivotally actuating the feeding station frame in an arc from an operating position to a non-operating position. In the operating position, the discharging end of the conveyor overlaps with the bulk material inlet of the primary processing unit. In the non-operating position, the discharging end of the conveyor is disposed behind the inlet of the crushing chamber to allow the primary processing unit to be vertically lifted away from the main frame.

[0006] In any embodiment, the primary processing unit is a bulk material crusher having a crushing chamber.

[0007] In any embodiment, the crusher is selected from jaw crushers, cone crushers, and impact crushers.

[0008] In any embodiment, the mobile bulk material processing device includes a pivot actuator module mounted between the main frame and the feeding station frame to pivot the feeding station frame in an arc between the operating position and the non-operating position in a controllable manner.

[0009] In any embodiment, the pivot actuator module includes fluid piston rods (hydraulic or pneumatic) provided on each side of the device, each fluid piston rod being coupled to the main frame at one end and to the feeding station frame at the other end.

[0010] In any embodiment, the pivot actuator module is configured to pivot the feeding station frame to a non-operating position that is set at an angle of 10° to 30° with respect to the operating position.

[0011] In any embodiment, the feeding station frame is disposed substantially horizontally when in the operating position.

[0012] In any embodiment, the device includes a locking module to lock the feeding station frame in the pivoted non-operating position. Generally, the locking module includes two locking units, with one locking unit provided on each side of the device.

[0013] In any embodiment, the locking module is configured to lock the feeding station frame in a plurality of non-operating positions.

[0014] In any embodiment, the locking module includes: a main frame locking hole in the main frame; a feed station frame locking hole in the feed station frame, the feed station frame locking hole being positioned to overlap the main frame locking hole in the main frame when the feed station is in a non-operating position; and optionally, a locking pin configured to pass through the first hole and the second hole to lock the feed station frame relative to the main frame in the pivoted position.

[0015] In any embodiment, the main frame includes a first main frame locking hole and a second main frame locking hole disposed above the first main frame locking hole, the first main frame locking hole and the second main frame locking hole being configured to lock the feed station frame in two non-operating positions.

[0016] In any embodiment, the main frame locking hole or each main frame locking hole is disposed on an upright locking arm, and wherein the feed station frame includes a recess configured to receive the locking post and includes the feed station frame hole.

[0017] In any embodiment, the rear end of the feed station frame is pivotally connected to the rear of the main frame by a pivot joint including a pivot pin.

[0018] In any embodiment, the rear end of the feed station frame is pivotally connected to the main frame by a pivot joint including a first pivot joint portion, a second pivot joint portion, and a pivot pin, the first pivot joint portion being disposed on the main frame and including a cylindrical pivot pin housing, and the second pivot joint portion including a hole on the feed station frame that is aligned with the cylindrical pivot pin housing.

[0019] In any embodiment, the first pivot joint portion disposed on the main frame includes a pair of spaced-apart flange segments that support the cylindrical pivot pin housing, each flange segment having an inclined segment that extends forward and downward away from the pivot pin housing, and wherein the second pivot joint portion includes a locking hole disposed in front of the cylindrical pivot pin housing to receive a second locking pin when the feed station is pivoted to the non-operating position.

[0020] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of operating a mobile bulk material processing apparatus according to the present invention, comprising the steps of: pivotally actuating the feed station frame in an arc from an operating position to a non-operating position, in the operating position, the discharge end of the conveyor overlaps the bulk material inlet of the primary processing unit, and in the non-operating position, the discharge end of the conveyor is disposed behind and above the crushing chamber.

[0021] In any embodiment, the method includes detaching the primary processing unit from the main frame and lifting the primary processing unit upwardly away from the main frame.

[0022] In any embodiment, the method includes accessing a hard-to-reach portion of the device or performing maintenance on or replacing a hard-to-reach portion of the device, the hard-to-reach portion being accessible due to pivotally actuating the feed station frame to a non-operating position.

[0023] In any embodiment, the hard-to-reach portion is selected from wedge bolts of the jaw, rubber seals, chute liners, and screen bottoms.

[0024] In any embodiment, the mobile bulk material processing device includes a pivot actuator module, wherein the step of pivotally actuating the feed station frame from the operating position to the non-operating position in an arc includes actuating the pivot actuator module.

[0025] In any embodiment, the primary processing unit is a crusher chamber.

[0026] In any embodiment, the primary processing unit is a jaw crusher chamber.

[0027] Other aspects and preferred embodiments of the invention are defined and described in the other claims set forth below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 is a side view of a part of a mobile bulk material processing device according to the invention, showing a feed station and a jaw crusher.

[0029] Figure 2 is a detailed side view of the forward end of a bulk material feeder overlapping the bulk material inlet of the primary processing unit, which in this example is a jaw crusher.

[0030] Figure 3 is a plan view seen from above the forward end of a bulk material feeder overlapping the bulk material inlet of a jaw crusher.

[0031] Figure 4 is of Figure 1 a part of a mobile bulk material processing device in an inclined non-operating position.

[0032] Figure 5 is a detailed side view of the forward end of a bulk material feeder and the bulk material inlet of a jaw crusher when the feed station is in an inclined non-operating position.

[0033] Figure 6is a plan view from above of the front end of the bulk material feeder and the bulk material inlet of the jaw crusher when the feed station is in an inclined non-operating position.

[0034] Figure 7a is a sectional perspective view of the feed station frame after pivoting upwards in the non-operating position, and shows the actuating piston rod coupled between the main frame and the feed station frame in the extended position.

[0035] Figure 7b is a sectional perspective view of the feed station frame in the operating position and before pivoting, and shows the actuating piston rod in the retracted position.

[0036] Figure 8a is a side view of the rear part of the main frame, showing the locking arm of the locking module and the pivot mounting of the main frame.

[0037] Figure 8b is a sectional view of the locking arm, showing two main frame locking holes.

[0038] Figure 8c is a partial sectional perspective view showing the feed station frame in the pivoted non-operating position, where the main frame locking hole on the upper side is aligned with the feed station frame locking hole, and the locking pin extends through the holes to lock the feed station frame in the second non-operating position. Detailed Description

[0039] The entire contents of all published documents, patents, patent applications, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes as if each individual published document, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference and its contents were fully recited.

[0040] As used herein, unless otherwise specifically stated, the following terms are intended to have the following meanings in addition to any broader (or narrower) meanings the terms may enjoy in the art:

[0041] Unless the context otherwise requires, the use of the singular herein shall be understood to include the plural and vice versa. The term "a" or "an" used with respect to an entity shall be understood to refer to one or more of that entity. Thus, the terms "a" (or "an"), "one or more", and "at least one" are used interchangeably herein.

[0042] As used herein, the term "comprise" or variations thereof such as "comprises" or "comprising" should be understood to indicate the inclusion of any stated integer (e.g., feature, element, property, attribute, method / process step, or limitation) or group of integers (e.g., features, elements, properties, attributes, method / process steps, or limitations), but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. Thus, as used herein, the term "comprises" is inclusive or open-ended, and does not exclude additional, unrecited integers or method / process steps.

[0043] As used herein, the term "bulk material primary processing unit" refers primarily to a bulk material crusher, such as a jaw crusher, cone crusher or impact crusher, details of which will be known to those skilled in the art. However, the term is not intended to be limited to crushers and may include other bulk material processing units.

[0044] As used herein, the term "bulk material feeder" refers to the part of the feed station that conveys bulk material from the feed station to the bulk material inlet of the primary processing unit (which in most cases will be the crushing inlet of the crusher that feeds into the crushing chamber). The feeder is typically a vibrating feeder. The feeder typically includes a screen. The feed station may also include a diverter chute below the feeder to receive material from the feeder and convey the material to a specific path.

[0045] As used herein, the term "inaccessible parts" of the apparatus of the present invention refers to parts of the apparatus that are inaccessible or difficult to access when the apparatus is in the operating position, but are accessible due to the feed station frame tilting upward and backward in an arc to the non-operating position. These parts include, for example, wedge bolts of the jaws, rubber seals, chute liners and underscreen mesh.

[0046] Example

[0047] The present invention will now be described with reference to specific examples. These examples are merely exemplary and are for illustrative purposes only: they are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed patent or the described invention in any way. These examples constitute the best mode currently thought of for implementing the present invention.

[0048] Equivalence Example

[0049] The foregoing description describes the present preferred embodiments of the present invention in detail. After considering these descriptions, it is expected that many modifications and variations when practicing the present invention can be thought of by those skilled in the art. These modifications and variations are intended to be encompassed within the appended claims.

[0050] Refer to the accompanying drawings and first Figures 1 to 5, shows a mobile bulk material processing device according to the present invention, which is generally denoted by reference numeral 1. The device includes a main frame 2 having a front portion 3 and a rear portion 4, and a bulk material primary processing unit 5, which is detachably attached to the front portion of the main frame and includes a bulk material inlet 6. In the described embodiment, the primary processing unit is a jaw crusher, which has a crusher housing 8, a fixed jaw 9, a swing jaw 10, and a flywheel 11 attached to a motor (not shown). It should be understood that the crusher can also be a cone crusher or an impact crusher. The jaw crusher is a conventional jaw crusher, and except that it is detachably mounted to the main frame to allow it to be detached from and removed from the main frame, it will not be further described in detail herein.

[0051] The device 1 also includes tracks 13, which, once mounted on each side of the main frame and powered by a motor (not shown), allow the device to move.

[0052] The device 1 also includes a bulk material feeding station 15 for feeding the bulk material into the primary processing unit 5. The feeding station 15 includes a feeding station frame 16 connected to the rear portion 4 of the main frame 2 and a bulk material feeder connected to the feeding station frame. In this example, the bulk material feeder is a vibrating feeder 17, which has a rear feeding end 18 for receiving bulk material from, for example, an excavator and a front discharge end 19 that overlaps the bulk material inlet 6 of the jaw crusher 5.

[0053] The rear end 25 of the feeding station frame 16 is pivotally connected to the rear portion 4 of the main frame 2 by means of a pivot joint 26. This arrangement allows the feeding station frame 16 to pivotally actuate in an arc from Figures 1 to 3 the shown operating position to Figures 4 to 6 the shown non-operating position. In Figures 1 to 3 the operating position, the discharge end 19 of the vibrating feeder 17 overlaps the bulk material inlet 6 of the jaw crusher 5. In Figures 4 to 6 the non-operating position, the discharge end 19 of the vibrating feeder 17 is set behind the inlet 6 of the crushing chamber. This is best shown in the top plan views of Figure 3 and Figure 6 , Figure 3 and Figure 6 show how the feeding station is moved so that it no longer overlaps with the crusher inlet, thus allowing a vertical clearance above the crusher for it to be lifted away from the device. As described above, this can be performed when the weight of the device must be reduced to allow it to be legally transported on the road, or when it is necessary to access difficult-to-reach parts of the device, such as the wedge bolts of the jaws, rubber seals, chute linings, and screen bottom meshes.

[0054] The rear portion 4 of the main frame 2 includes spaced sidewall sections 30 having upper surfaces 31. The feed station frame 16 includes an upper beam 33 and a shorter lower beam 34 and connecting beams 35. A vibratory feeder 17 is mounted across the upper beam 33 for vibratory movement to move bulk material along the feeder from a rear feed end 16 to a discharge end 19 where, when the feed station is in Figures 1 to 3 the operating position shown, the bulk material falls into the inlet of the crusher. The lower beam 34 is pivotally coupled at pivot joints 26 to the upper surfaces 31 of each sidewall section 30 of the main frame 2. When in Figures 1 to 3 the operating position shown, the lower beam 34 is supported on the upper surface 31 of the sidewall section 30 of the main frame.

[0055] Reference Figure 7a and Figure 7b show, Figure 7a and Figure 7b are partial cross-sectional views, and the apparatus 1 includes a pivot actuator module mounted between the main frame 2 and the feed station frame 16 so as to pivot the feed station frame in an arcuate manner between the operating position and the non-operating position in a controllable manner. The pivot actuation module includes a hydraulic piston rod 40 which is mounted at its upper end 41 to the lower beam 34 and at its lower end 42 to the sidewall section 30 of the main frame 2. The apparatus has a hydraulic piston rod 40 on each side of the main frame to pivot the feed station between Figure 7b and Figure 7a the operating position and the non-operating position shown. Reference Figure 7a shows that each hydraulic piston rod is mounted within a piston rod housing 44. In use, when the feed station frame rests on the main frame, the feed station frame is substantially horizontal, and when the feed station frame is pivoted by the pivot actuation module into the non-operating position, the feed station frame is set at an angle of approximately 20° to the support surface 31 of the main frame 2. This angle can vary depending on the type of primary processing of the bulk material forming part of the apparatus.

[0056] As Figure 7a shown, the sidewall 60 also includes a through hole 65 which is aligned with a cylindrical pivot pin housing 56 to allow a pivot pin 57 to pass through the hole to pivotally couple the feed station frame to the main frame.

[0057] Figures 8a to 8c shows a pivot joint and locking module for locking the feed station frame in the non-operating position after pivoting (as Figure 8c shown).

[0058] First referring to Figure 8a and Figure 8b, which shows the top surface 31 of a side wall section 30 of the main frame. The locking arm 50 extends upward from the top surface 31 and has two main frame locking holes 51 and 52. The first part 54 of the pivot joint 26 is mounted to the upper surface 31 and includes spaced flange sections 55a and 55b that support a cylindrical pivot pin housing 56, each flange having an inclined section 55c that extends forward and downward away from the through hole.

[0059] Reference Figure 8c , which shows the feed station frame pivoted to the non-operating position. The lower beam 34 of the feed station frame 16 includes spaced side walls 60 that provide recesses 63 sized to receive the locking arm 50, and the side walls 60 have locking holes 61 configured to align with either of the locking holes 51 or 52 depending on the angle when the feed station is in the non-operating position. In Figure 8c , the feed station pivots to a position where the locking hole 61 in the lower beam 34 aligns with the upper locking hole 52 of the locking arm 50. A locking pin 53 passes through the hole to lock the feed station frame in the pivoted non-operating position. Additional locking holes 68 are provided adjacent to the pivot pin 57 on the side walls 60 of the lower beam. When the feed station pivots to the desired non-operating position, a second locking pin 69 is inserted into the hole 68, where the second locking pin is supported by the respective inclined sections 55c of the flange sections 55a and 55b at the desired non-operating position.

[0060] In use, when the device must be transported, the crusher can be removed. This involves pivotally actuating the feed station frame in an arc from the operating position, in which the discharge end of the conveyor overlaps the bulk material inlet of the primary processing unit, to the non-operating position, in which the discharge end of the conveyor is disposed behind and above the crushing chamber. The crusher is then disengaged from the main frame and lifted away from the main frame by a crane. The device without the crusher can then be transported separately from the crusher.

[0061] In an alternative use, the feed station can be pivoted to the non-operating position to allow access to hard-to-reach parts of the device, such as the wedge bolts of the jaw, rubber seals, chute liners, and screen bottom mesh.

[0062] Equivalent examples

[0063] The foregoing description has described in detail the presently preferred embodiments of the present invention. After considering these descriptions, those skilled in the art can expect to conceive of many modifications and variations in practicing the present invention. These modifications and variations are intended to be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A mobile bulk material processing device (1), comprising: A main frame (2), the main frame (2) having a front portion (3) and a rear portion (4); A bulk material primary processing unit (5), the bulk material primary processing unit (5) being detachably attached to the front portion of the main frame and including a bulk material inlet (6); And A feed station (15) for feeding bulk material into the primary processing unit (5), the feed station including a feed station frame (16) connected to the rear portion (4) of the main frame (2) and a bulk material feeder (17) connected to the feed station frame, the bulk material feeder having a rearward feed end (18) for receiving bulk material and a forward discharge end (19) overlapping the bulk material inlet (6) of the primary processing unit (5), Characterized in that: The rear end (25) of the feed station frame (16) is pivotally connected to the main frame (2) for pivotally actuating the feed station frame in an arc from an operating position to a non-operating position, in the operating position, the discharge end (19) of the bulk material feeder (17) overlaps the bulk material inlet (6) of the primary processing unit (5), and in the non-operating position, the discharge end (19) of the bulk material feeder (17) is disposed behind the bulk material inlet (6) to allow the primary processing unit to be vertically lifted away from the main frame.

2. The mobile bulk material processing device (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The primary processing unit (5) is a bulk material crusher having a crushing chamber.

3. The mobile bulk material processing device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, including a pivot actuator module mounted between the main frame (2) and the feed station frame (16) to pivotally control the feed station frame in an arc between the operating position and the non-operating position.

4. The mobile bulk material processing device (1) according to claim 3, wherein, The pivot actuator module includes fluid piston rods (40) provided on each side of the device, each hydraulic piston rod being coupled to the main frame (2) at one end and to the feed station frame (16) at the other end.

5. The mobile bulk material processing device (1) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, The pivot actuator module is configured to pivot the feed station frame (16) to a non-operating position, the non-operating position being set at an angle of 10° to 30° with respect to the operating position.

6. The mobile bulk material processing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, When in the operating position, the feed station frame (16) is disposed substantially horizontally.

7. The mobile bulk material processing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The device includes a locking module to lock the feed station frame (16) in the pivoted non-operating position.

8. The mobile bulk material processing device (1) according to claim 7, wherein, The locking module is configured to lock the feed station frame (16) in a plurality of non-operating positions.

9. The mobile bulk material processing device (1) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, The locking module includes: main frame locking holes (51, 52) in the main frame (2); a feed station frame locking hole (61) in the feed station frame (16), the feed station frame locking hole (61) being positioned to overlap with the main frame locking holes in the main frame when the feed station is in the non-operating position; and a locking pin (53) configured to pass through the locking holes to lock the feed station frame relative to the main frame in the pivoted position.

10. The mobile bulk material processing device (1) according to claim 9, wherein, The main frame (2) includes a first main frame locking hole (51) and a second main frame locking hole (52) disposed above the first main frame locking hole, the first main frame locking hole (51) and the second main frame locking hole (52) being configured to lock the feed station frame (16) in either of two non-operating positions.

11. The mobile bulk material processing device (1) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein, The main frame locking holes (51, 52) are provided on an upright locking arm (50), and wherein the feed station frame (16) includes a recess (63) configured to receive the locking arm (50).

12. The mobile bulk material processing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The rearward end (25) of the feed station frame (16) is pivotally connected to the main frame (2) by a pivot joint (26), the pivot joint (26) including a first pivot joint portion (54), a second pivot joint portion (58), and a pivot pin (57), the first pivot joint portion (54) being provided on the main frame and including a cylindrical pivot pin housing (56), the second pivot joint portion (58) including a hole (65) on the feed station frame (16) that is aligned with the cylindrical pivot pin housing (56).

13. The mobile bulk material processing device (1) according to claim 12, wherein, The first pivot joint portion (54) provided on the main frame includes a pair of spaced-apart flange sections (55a, 55b) that support the cylindrical pivot pin housing (56), each flange section having an inclined section (55c) that extends forward and downward away from the pivot pin housing (56), wherein the second pivot joint portion (58) includes a locking hole (68) disposed in front of the cylindrical pivot pin housing (56) to receive a second locking pin (69) when the feed station pivots to the non-operating position.

14. A method of operating a mobile bulk material processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising the steps of: The feed station frame is pivotally actuated in an arc from the operating position to the non-operating position, in the operating position, the discharge end of the conveyor overlaps with the bulk material inlet of the primary processing unit, and in the non-operating position, the discharge end of the conveyor is disposed behind and above the inlet of the crushing chamber to allow the primary processing unit to be lifted vertically away from the main frame.

15. The method according to claim 14, comprising: Detach the primary processing unit from the main frame and lift the primary processing unit upward away from the main frame.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, comprising maintaining an inaccessible part of the device, the inaccessible part being accessible due to pivotally actuating the feed station frame to the inoperative position.

17. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein, The mobile bulk material processing device comprises a pivot actuator module, wherein the step of pivotally actuating the feed station frame from the operative position to the inoperative position in an arc comprises actuating the pivot actuator module.

18. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein The primary processing unit is a crusher chamber.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein, The primary processing unit is a jaw crusher chamber.

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