Mineral material processing equipment with multifunctional supporting legs

Abstract

A frame arrangement for a mineral material processing plant (100), comprising: a transport frame (10) comprising a transport base (20); an actuator frame (40) detachably attached to the transport frame and configured to support an actuator (30), the actuator comprising a mineral material crusher or screen; a first set of support legs, said first set of support legs comprising at least two first support legs (50a, 50b); wherein each first support leg is attached to an actuator frame (40); and each first support leg includes a hydraulically extendable leg configured to extend from a transport position to a first position and to a second position; wherein the first position comprises a position in which the transport base (20) is raised from the ground; and the second position comprises a position in which the actuator frame (40) is separated from the transport frame (10) and raised above the transport frame.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a mineral material processing plant and a method of operating a mineral material processing plant. In particular, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a mineral material processing plant with multifunctional support legs and a method of bringing a mineral material processing plant into an operating position. Background Art

[0002] This section provides useful background information but does not constitute an admission that any of the techniques described herein represent the state of the art.

[0003] Crushing mineral material involves enormous forces, resulting in significant movement and vibration of the equipment used. Therefore, the structure of mineral material crushing equipment needs to be strong and often heavy, especially any supporting legs. Furthermore, any vibration-sensitive equipment in the crushing equipment needs to be protected.

[0004] Previously, the problem of high forces and vibrations has been addressed by increasing the structural strength of the crushing equipment, thereby increasing its weight. Other solutions have included separating equipment sensitive to the forces, induced movements, and vibrations, such as by providing a separate electrical center for the equipment, which increases the complexity of the installation.

[0005] Various frame and support leg structures have been proposed before, for example, as mentioned in publication numbers WO 2017042427A1, WO2019215387A1 and GB 2072532A.

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to alleviate the problems of the prior art by providing a mineral material crushing plant in which problems related to forces, movements and vibrations are significantly reduced. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The scope of protection is defined by the appended claims. Any examples and technical descriptions of devices, products, and / or methods in the specification and / or drawings that are not covered by the claims are not presented as embodiments of the present invention, but are presented as background technology or examples to help understand the present invention.

[0008] According to a first exemplary aspect, there is provided a frame arrangement for a mineral material processing plant, comprising:

[0009] a transport frame comprising a transport base;

[0010] an actuator frame removably attached to the transport frame and configured to support an actuator, the actuator comprising a mineral material crusher or screen;

[0011] The first support leg group includes at least two first support legs; wherein,

[0012] Each first support leg is attached to the actuator frame; and,

[0013] Each first support leg includes a hydraulically extendable leg configured to extend from a transport position to a first position and to a second position; wherein,

[0014] The first position comprises a position in which the transport base is elevated from the ground; and,

[0015] The second position includes a position where the actuator base is separated from the transport frame and raised above the transport frame.

[0016] The frame arrangement for a mineral material processing plant may further comprise a second support leg set comprising at least two second support legs; wherein each second support leg is attached to the transport frame and is configured to be moved from a transport position to an operating position.

[0017] The first support leg set may include at least two pairs of first support legs, each pair of first support legs including at least one first support leg located on each side of the actuator frame.

[0018] The second support leg set may include at least two pairs of second support legs, each pair of second support legs including at least one second support leg located on each side of the transport frame.

[0019] The actuator frame may include at least one first frame connector at both ends thereof, and the transport frame may include at least two second frame connectors, and when the mineral material processing equipment is in the transport position, the at least two second frame connectors are located at positions corresponding to the positions of the first frame connectors, and the first frame connector and the second frame connector are configured to be detachably attached to each other so that the actuator frame can be detachably attached to the transport frame.

[0020] The first frame connector and the second frame connector may be configured to be detachably attached to each other by a locking pin disposed through a hole provided in the first frame connector and the second frame connector.

[0021] According to a second exemplary aspect, there is provided a mineral material processing plant comprising the frame arrangement of the first exemplary aspect; and an actuator comprising a mineral material crusher or screen.

[0022] The mineral material processing plant may further comprise a conveyor and an electrical center supported on the transport frame.

[0023] According to a third exemplary aspect, there is provided a method of bringing a mineral material processing apparatus into an operating position, comprising: raising a transport frame of the mineral material processing apparatus and an actuator frame detachably attached to the transport frame by extending a first support leg from a transport position to a first position such that a transport base of the transport frame is raised off the ground;

[0024] moving a second support leg attached to the transport frame from a transport position to an operating position such that the transport frame is supported on the ground by the second support leg;

[0025] decoupling the actuator frame from the transport frame by decoupling a first frame connector attached to the actuator frame from a second frame connector attached to the transport frame; and

[0026] The actuator frame and the actuator supported thereon are raised above the transport frame by extending the first support leg from a first position to a second position.

[0027] Various non-binding exemplary aspects and embodiments have been described above. The foregoing embodiments are merely illustrative of selected aspects or steps that may be employed in various implementations. Some embodiments may be presented with reference only to certain exemplary aspects. It should be understood that the corresponding embodiments are equally applicable to other exemplary aspects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Some exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0029] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a mineral material processing plant in a transport position according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 schematically illustrates a mineral material processing plant in an intermediate position according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 3 schematically illustrates a mineral material processing apparatus in an operating position according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 4A Schematically illustrates a frame connector of a mineral material processing plant in a transport position according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 4B schematically illustrates a frame connector of a mineral material processing apparatus in an operating position according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

[0034] Figure 5 A flow chart of a method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] In the following description, like reference numerals denote like elements or steps.

[0036] Figure 1 A mineral material processing plant according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention is schematically shown in a transport position.

[0037] A mineral material processing plant according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a transport frame 10. In one embodiment, the transport frame comprises a frame or platform configured to be towed by a vehicle such as a tractor or truck. In one embodiment, the transport frame comprises a frame constructed, for example, from I-beams.

[0038] The transport frame 10 includes a transport base 20. In one embodiment, the transport base 20 includes wheels. In another embodiment, the transport base includes tracks. The transport base is configured to support the transport frame while the mineral material processing equipment is being transported, such as over a road or a short distance at a site where the equipment is operating.

[0039] The mineral material processing equipment 100 further includes an actuator frame 40. The actuator frame supports the actuator 30 thereon. The actuator 30 comprises a mineral material crusher or a screen. In one embodiment, the mineral material crusher is a cone crusher or a gyratory crusher. In another embodiment, the mineral material crusher is a jaw crusher.

[0040] The mineral material processing apparatus 100 further comprises a first support leg set comprising at least two first support legs (50a, 50b). Figure 1 As shown, the first support leg group includes at least two pairs of first support legs 50a, 50b. Each pair of first support legs 50a, 50b includes at least one first support leg 50a, 50b located on each side of the actuator frame 40. In one embodiment, each first support leg 50a, 50b is located on the inner side of the outer edge of the transport frame 10. Each first support leg 50a, 50b is attached to the actuator frame in a conventional manner (e.g., by welding or by bolting). In another embodiment, the first support leg group includes an odd number of first support legs 50a, 50b, for example, three first support legs. The number, position and form of the first support legs are selected in such a way that they can provide the functions for which they are configured and applied as described below.

[0041] Each first support leg comprises a hydraulically extendable leg.Hydraulic operation of the first support legs is provided in a conventional manner by a hydraulic system (not shown) included in the mineral material processing apparatus. Figure 1 The first support leg is shown in its transport position, ie the first support leg has been retracted towards the actuator frame 40 .

[0042] Each first support leg is configured to Figure 1 The transport position shown extends to a first intermediate position and to a second operating position, which will be described below in conjunction with Figure 2 and Figure 3 Explain in more detail.

[0043] The mineral material processing plant 100 also includes other elements typical of mineral material processing plants, such as a conveyor 70 and an electrical center 60. In one embodiment, the mineral material processing plant includes other elements not shown in the figure. In one embodiment, all or substantially all elements other than the actuator 30 and any elements directly in contact therewith (e.g., a motor for driving the actuator) are supported on the transport frame.

[0044] Figure 2 A mineral material processing plant according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention is schematically shown in an intermediate position.

[0045] The intermediate position of the mineral material processing apparatus comprises a position where each first support leg 50a, 50b has been extended to a first position in which the actuator frame 40 and its attached transport frame 10 are raised to a height where the transport base 20 has been raised from the ground.

[0046] The mineral material processing apparatus 100 further comprises a second support leg set 80a, 80b comprising at least two second support legs. Figure 2 As shown, the second support leg set includes at least two pairs of second support legs 80a, 80b, one on each side of the transport frame. Each second support leg is attached to the transport frame 10 and is configured to move from a transport position to an operational position. In another embodiment, the second support leg set includes an odd number of second support legs 50a, 50b, such as three first support legs. The number, position, and form of the second support legs are selected to enable them to perform the functions for which they are configured. Figure 2 The second support leg set 80a, 80b is shown in an operating position, ie the transport frame is supported on the ground by the second support legs 80a, 80b.

[0047] In one embodiment, each second support leg comprises a support leg configured to pivot below the transport frame 10 in the transport position and to pivot to an upright position in the operational position and to be locked in place by conventional means, such as a locking pin. In another embodiment, each second support leg comprises a hydraulically extendable leg. In yet another embodiment, locking of each first support leg in the operational position and / or transport position is configured to be performed automatically, for example, using a locking pin actuated by a linear actuator.

[0048] Figure 3 A mineral material processing plant according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention is schematically shown in an operating position.

[0049] The operating position of the mineral material processing equipment 100 includes the actuator frame 40 as referred to below Figure 4A and Figure 4B The actuator frame 40 is in the position separated from the transport frame 10. Each first support leg 50a, 50b has been extended to a second position in which the actuator frame 40 is raised above the transport frame 10 and supported on the ground by the first support legs.

[0050] The separation of the actuator frame 40 from the transport frame 10 enables the actuator frame 40 and the actuator 30 thereon to be supported closer to its centre of mass (centre of mass), so that the forces generated by the operation of the actuators affect the frames with support points closer together, thereby reducing any adverse effects of such forces and lowering the structural strength requirements of the transport frame 10 and the actuator frame 40. Furthermore, because only the actuator 30 and the required elements in direct contact therewith (e.g., a motor for driving the actuator) are supported on the actuator frame 40, vibrations caused by the operation of the actuator 30 do not substantially affect other components of the mineral material processing apparatus 100.

[0051] Figure 4A A frame connector of a mineral material processing plant in a transport position according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention is schematically shown. Figure 4A One end of the actuator frame 40 and a portion of the transport frame 10 are shown. Figure 4A Also shown is an upper portion of the first support leg 50 , which is attached to the actuator frame 40 .

[0052] The actuator frame 40 comprises at least one first frame connector 45 at each of its ends. In one embodiment, the actuator frame comprises at least two first frame connectors 45 at each of its ends, for example, on either side of the actuator 30. The transport frame 10 comprises at least two second frame connectors 15, which are located at positions corresponding to the position of the actuator frame in the transport position of the mineral material processing equipment. The number and position of the second frame connectors correspond to the number and position of the first frame connectors 45.

[0053] In one embodiment, the first frame connector 45 and the second frame connector 15 each include a protrusion having a hole. Figure 4A As shown, when the mineral material processing equipment 100 is in the transport position, the actuator frame 40 and the transport frame are attached together by connecting the first frame connector 45 and the second frame connector 15 together using suitable elements (such as locking pins arranged to pass through their respective holes). In one embodiment, the locking pins are of conventional type and are manually installed. In another embodiment, the locking pins are automatically operated, for example using a linear actuator.

[0054] In another embodiment, the first frame connector 45 and the second frame connector 15 include arrangements other than protrusions with holes. In one exemplary embodiment, the second frame connector includes a horizontal rod and the first frame connector includes a pivotable hook-shaped latch that attaches to the rod and locks into place.

[0055] Figure 4B The frame connectors of a mineral material processing plant according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention are schematically shown in an operational position. In the operational position, the first and second frame connectors are disconnected because the actuator frame 30 has been raised above the transport frame 10 .

[0056] Figure 5 A flow chart of a method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0057] At step 510 the mineral material processing apparatus 100 is in a transport position. The transport frame 10 and the actuator frame 40 are detachably attached to each other by means of the first frame connector 45 and the second frame connector 15. The transport frame 40 is supported by the transport base 20 on the ground.

[0058] At step 520, the mineral material processing equipment 100 is raised to the intermediate position by extending the first support leg to the first position. The transport base 20 is raised from the ground. Subsequently, at step 530, the second support leg is moved to the operating position and locked into place manually or automatically. The transport frame 10 is supported on the ground by the second support leg.

[0059] At step 540, the actuator frame 40 is separated from the transport frame 10 by manually or automatically releasing the first frame connector 45 and the second frame connector 15 from each other. Subsequently, at step 550, the first support leg is extended to the second position, and the actuator frame 40 is raised above the transport frame 10 and spaced apart from it by a predetermined distance, which is selected according to the specific situation. The transport frame is supported on the ground by the second support leg, and the actuator frame is supported on the ground by the first support leg.

[0060] The mineral material processing apparatus is in the operating position at step 560. In order to return the mineral material processing apparatus 100 to the transport position, the above steps are reversed and performed in reverse order.

[0061] Without limiting the scope of the appended claims in any way, some technical effects of the system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

[0062] Figures 1 to 4B The illustrated system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention is configured to enable operation of mineral material processing equipment in a manner that minimizes the adverse effects of forces generated by the processing of the mineral material. Figures 1 to 4B The illustrated system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention is also configured to enable operation of mineral material processing equipment in a manner that minimizes the adverse effects of vibrations generated by the processing of the mineral material.

[0063] Thus, one technical effect of exemplary embodiments of the present invention is that the effects of forces and vibrations generated by mineral material processing are minimized. Another technical effect of exemplary embodiments of the present invention is that a lighter structure can be achieved due to reduced structural strength requirements. Yet another technical effect of exemplary embodiments of the present invention is that the service life of components of mineral material processing equipment is extended by reducing the forces and vibrations to which these components are subjected. Yet another technical effect of exemplary embodiments of the present invention is that the structure of mineral material processing equipment is simplified by allowing sensitive components to be positioned integrally with the transport frame.

[0064] Various embodiments have been described. It should be understood that in this document, the words "comprise," "include," and "contain" are used as open-ended expressions and are not intended to be exclusive.

[0065] The above description has been presented by way of non-limiting examples of specific embodiments and examples to provide a full and exhaustive description of the best mode presently contemplated by the inventors for carrying out the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the details of the foregoing embodiments, but may be implemented in other embodiments by equivalent means or in combination with other embodiments without departing from the characteristics of the invention.

[0066] Furthermore, some features of the exemplary embodiments disclosed above may be beneficial without the corresponding use of other features. Therefore, the above description should be considered merely as illustrative of the principles of the present invention, and not as a limitation thereof. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is limited solely by the appended patent claims.

Claims

1. A frame arrangement for a mineral material processing plant (100), comprising: a transport frame (10) comprising a transport base (20); an actuator frame (40) removably attached to the transport frame and configured to support an actuator (30), the actuator comprising a mineral material crusher or screen; A first support leg group, the first support leg group includes at least two first support legs (50a, 50b); wherein, Each first support leg is attached to the actuator frame (40); and Each first support leg comprises a hydraulically extendable leg configured to extend from a transport position to a first position and to a second position; characterized in that, The first position comprises a position in which the transport base (20) is elevated from the ground; and The second position includes a position where the actuator frame (40) is separated from the transport frame (10) and raised above the transport frame.

2. The frame arrangement for a mineral material processing device (100) according to claim 1 further comprises a second support leg group, the second support leg group comprising at least two second support legs (80, 80b); wherein each second support leg is attached to the transport frame (10) and is configured to move from a transport position to an operating position.

3. A frame arrangement for a mineral material processing plant (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The first support leg group includes at least two pairs of first support legs (50a, 50b), each pair of first support legs including at least one first support leg (50a, 50b) located on each side of the actuator frame (40).

4. A frame arrangement for a mineral material processing plant (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The second support leg group includes at least two pairs of second support legs (80a, 80b), each pair of second support legs including at least one second support leg (80a, 80b) located on each side of the transport frame (10).

5. A frame arrangement for a mineral material processing plant (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The actuator frame (40) comprises at least one first frame connector (45) at both ends thereof, and the transport frame (10) comprises at least two second frame connectors (15), wherein when the mineral material processing equipment is in the transport position, the at least two second frame connectors (15) are located at positions corresponding to the positions of the first frame connectors (45), and the first frame connector (45) and the second frame connector (15) are configured to be detachably attached to each other so that the actuator frame (40) can be detachably attached to the transport frame (10).

6. A frame arrangement for a mineral material processing plant (100) according to claim 5, wherein The first frame connector (45) and the second frame connector (15) are configured to be detachably attached to each other by locking pins arranged to pass through holes provided in the first frame connector (45) and the second frame connector (15).

7. A mineral material processing device (100), comprising: A frame arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims; as well as An actuator (30) comprising a mineral material crusher or screen.

8. The mineral material processing plant (100) according to claim 7, further comprising a conveyor (70) and an electrical center (60) supported on the transport frame (10).

9. A method of bringing a mineral material processing apparatus (100) into an operating position, the method comprising: raising the transport frame (10) of the mineral material processing equipment and the actuator frame (40) detachably attached to the transport frame (10) by extending the first support leg from the transport position to the first position so that the transport base (20) of the transport frame (10) is raised off the ground; moving a second support leg attached to the transport frame (10) from a transport position to an operating position, so that the transport frame is supported on the ground by the second support leg; Detaching the actuator frame (40) from the transport frame (10) by decoupling a first frame connector (45) attached to the actuator frame (40) from a second frame connector (15) attached to the transport frame (10); and The actuator frame (40) and the actuator (30) supported thereon are raised above the transport frame by extending the first support leg from a first position to a second position.

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