Mineral material processing plant with multifunctional support 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) comprising a mineral material crusher or a screen; a set of first support legs, said set of first support legs comprising 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 be extended 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 base (40) is detached from the transport frame (10) and raised above it.

Description

[0001] MINERAL MATERIAL PROCESSING PLANT WITH MULTIFUNCTIONAL SUPPORT

[0002] LEGS

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The present disclosure generally relates to a mineral material processing plant and a method of operating a mineral material processing plant. The disclosure relates particularly, though not exclusively, a mineral material processing plan with multifunctional support legs and a method of bringing a mineral material processing plant to an operating position.

[0005] BACKGROUND

[0006] This section illustrates useful background information without admission of any technique described herein representative of the state of the art.

[0007] Crushing mineral material involves large forces and causes significant movement and vibrations to the equipment used. Accordingly, the structures of a mineral material crushing plant need to be sturdy and often heavy, in particular any support legs. Furthermore, any equipment of the crushing plant that is sensitive to vibrations needs to be protected therefrom.

[0008] Previously issues with large forces and vibrations have been dealt with by increasing the structural strength, and therethrough the weight, of the crushing plant. Furthermore, some solutions involving separating equipment sensitive to forces, movement and vibrations caused have been suggested, such as providing a separate electrical center for the plant, thus increasing the complexity of the installation.

[0009] Various frame and support leg structures have also been previously suggested, e.g. in publications WO 2017042427 A1 , WO 2019215387 A1 and GB 2072532 A.

[0010] It is the object of the invention to mitigate the problems of the prior art by providing a mineral material crushing plant wherein the problems related to forces, movement and vibration are significantly reduced.

[0011] SUMMARY

[0012] The appended claims define the scope of protection. Any examples and technical descriptions of apparatuses, products and / or methods in the description and / or drawings not covered by the claims are presented not as embodiments of the invention but as background art or examples useful for understanding the invention.

[0013] According to a first example aspect there is provided a frame arrangement for a mineral material processing plant, comprising a transport frame comprising a transport base; an actuator frame detachably attached to the transport frame and configured to support an actuator comprising a mineral material crusher or a screen; a set of first support legs, said set of first support legs comprising at least two first support legs; wherein each first support leg is attached to the actuator frame; and each first support leg comprises a hydraulically extendable leg configured to be extended 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 is raised from the ground; and the second position comprises a position in which the actuator base is detached from the transport frame and raised above it.

[0014] The frame arrangement for a mineral material processing plant may further comprise a set of second support legs, said set of second support legs 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.

[0015] The set of first support legs may comprise at least two pairs of first support legs, each pair of first support legs comprising at least one first support leg on each side of the actuator frame.

[0016] The set of second support legs may comprise at least two pairs of second support legs, each pair of second support legs comprising at least one second support leg on each side of the transport frame.

[0017] The actuator frame may comprise on both ends thereof at least one first frame connector and the transport frame may comprise at least two second frame connectors at positions corresponding to the positions of the first frame connectors in a transport position of the mineral material processing plant, the first and second frame connectors being configured to be detachably attached to each other for detachably attaching the actuator frame to the transport frame.

[0018] The first and second frame connectors may be configured to be detachably attached to each other with a locking pin placed through holes provided in the first and second frame connectors.

[0019] According to a second example aspect there is provided a mineral material processing plant, comprising the frame arrangement of the first example aspect; and an actuator comprising a mineral material crusher or a screen.

[0020] The mineral material processing plant may further comprise an electrical center and a conveyor supported on the transport frame.

[0021] According to a third example aspect there is provided a method for bringing a mineral material plant to an operating position, comprising raising a transport frame of the mineral material processing plant and an actuator frame detachably attached to the transport frame by extending first support legs from a transport position to a first position in such a way that a transport base of the transport frame is raised off the ground; moving second support legs attached to the transport frame from a transport position to an operating position so that the transport frame is supported on the ground by the second support legs; detaching the actuator frame from the transport frame by detaching first frame connectors attached to the actuator frame from second frame connectors attached to the transport frame; and raising the actuator frame and an actuator supported thereon above the transport frame by extending first support legs from a first position to a second position.

[0022] Different non-binding example aspects and embodiments have been illustrated in the foregoing. The embodiments in the foregoing are used merely to explain selected aspects or steps that may be utilized in different implementations. Some embodiments may be presented only with reference to certain example aspects. It should be appreciated that corresponding embodiments may apply to other example aspects as well.

[0023] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0024] Some example embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Fig. 1 schematically shows a mineral material processing plant according to an example embodiment of the invention in a transport position;

[0025] Fig. 2 schematically shows a mineral material processing plant according to an example embodiment of the invention in an intermediate position;

[0026] Fig. 3 schematically shows a mineral material processing plant according to an example embodiment of the invention in an operating position;

[0027] Fig. 4A schematically shows a frame connector of a mineral material processing plant according to an example embodiment of the invention in a transport position;

[0028] Fig. 4B schematically shows a frame connector of a mineral material processing plant according to an example embodiment of the invention in an operating position; and

[0029] Fig. 5 shows a flow chart of a method according to an example embodiment of the invention.

[0030] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] In the following description, like reference signs denote like elements or steps.

[0032] Fig. 1 schematically shows a mineral material processing plant according to an example embodiment of the invention in a transport position.

[0033] The mineral material processing plant according to an example embodiment of the invention comprises a transport frame 10. In an embodiment, the transport frame comprises a carriage or a flatbed configured to be town with a vehicle such as a tractor or a truck. In an embodiment, the transport frame comprises a frame constructed of for example I-beams.

[0034] The transport frame 10 comprises a transport base 20. In an embodiment, the transport base 20 comprises wheels. In a further embodiment, the transport base comprises tracks. The transport base is configured to support the transport frame while the mineral material processing plant is being transported, for example on a road or transported shorter distances at the site on which the plant is being operated.

[0035] The mineral material processing plant 100 further comprises an actuator frame 40. The actuator frame supports thereon an actuator 30. The actuator 30 comprises a mineral material crusher or a screen. In an embodiment, the mineral material crusher is a cone crusher or a gyratory crusher. In a further embodiment, the mineral material crusher is a jaw crusher.

[0036] The mineral material processing plant 100 further comprises a set of first support legs comprising at least two first support legs (50a, 50b). In an embodiment, as depicted in Fig. 1 , the set of first support legs comprises at least two pairs of first support legs 50a, 50b. Each pair of first support legs 50a, 50b comprises at least one first support leg 50a, 50b on each side of the actuator frame 40. In an embodiment, each first support leg 50a, 50b is positioned on the inside 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, for example by welding or with a bolt connection. In a further embodiment, the set of first support legs comprises 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 is chosen in such a way that the first support legs are able to provide the function they are configured for and used for as hereinafter explained.

[0037] Each first support leg comprises a hydraulically extendable leg. The hydraulic operation of the first support legs is provided by a hydraulics system comprised in the mineral material processing plant (not shown in Figs.) in a conventional manner. Fig. 1 shows the first support legs in their transport position, i.e. the first support legs have been retracted towards the actuator frame 40.

[0038] Each first support leg is configured to be extended from the transport position shown in Fig. 1 to a first, intermediate, position and to a second, operating, position as will be explained in more detail with reference to Figs. 2 and 3 hereinafter.

[0039] The mineral material processing plant 100 further comprises further elements typical to a mineral material processing plant, such as a conveyor 70 and an electrical center 60. In an embodiment, the mineral material processing plant comprises further elements not shown in the Figures. In an embodiment, all or substantially all elements other than the actuator 30 and the elements needed in immediate contact therewith, such as the motor for driving the actuator, are supported on the transport frame.

[0040] Fig. 2 schematically shows a mineral material processing plant according to an example embodiment of the invention in an intermediate position.

[0041] The intermediate position of the mineral material processing plant comprises a position in which each first support leg 50a, 50b has been extended to the first position in which the actuator frame 40 and the transport frame 10 attached therewith is raised to such a height that the transport base 20 is raised from the ground.

[0042] The mineral material processing plant 100 further comprises a set of second support legs 80a, 80b comprising at least two second support legs. In an embodiment, as depicted in Fig.

[0043] 2, the set of second support legs comprises at least two pairs of second support legs 80a, 80b comprises one second support leg 80a, 80b on each side of the transport frame. Each second support leg is attached to the transport frame 10 and is configured to be moved from a transport position to an operating position. In a further embodiment, the set of second support legs comprises an odd number of second support legs 50a, 50b, for example three first support legs. The number, position and form of the second support legs is chosen in such a way that the second support legs are able to carry out the function they are configured for. Fig. 2 shows the set of second support legs 80a, 80b in the operating position, i.e. the transport frame is supported on the ground by the second support legs 80a, 80b.

[0044] In an embodiment, each second support leg comprises a support leg configured to be pivoted under the transport frame 10 in the transport position and pivoted in an upright position in the operating position and locked in place with conventional means, such as a locking pin. In a further embodiment, each second support leg comprises hydraulically extendable legs. In a still further embodiment, locking of each first support leg into the operating position and or the transport position is configured to be caried out automatically, for example using a locking pin actuated with a linear actuator.

[0045] Fig. 3 schematically shows a mineral material processing plant according to an example embodiment of the invention in an operating position.

[0046] The operating position of the mineral material processing plant 100 comprises a position in which the actuator frame 40 has been detached from the transport frame 10 in a manner described hereinafter with reference to Figs. 4A and 4B. Each first support leg 50a, 50b has been extended to the 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.

[0047] The detachment of the actuator frame 40 from the transport frame 10 enables supporting the actuator frame 40 and the actuator 30 thereon much closer to the centre of mass thereof and accordingly, the forces that result from the operation of the actuator have an impact on a frame the support points of which are much closer to each other thus reducing any detrimental effect of the forces and decreasing the structural strength requirements of the transport frame 10 and the actuator frame 40. Furthermore, as only the actuator 30 and the elements needed in immediate contact therewith, such as the motor for driving the actuator, are supported on the actuator frame 40, the vibrations caused by the operation of the actuator 30 substantially do not affect further components of the mineral material processing plant 100.

[0048] Fig. 4A schematically shows a frame connector of a mineral material processing plant according to an example embodiment of the invention in a transport position. Fig. 4A shows one end of the actuator frame 40 and a part of the transport frame 10. Fig. 4A further shows the upper part of a first support leg 50 attached to the actuator frame 40.

[0049] The actuator frame 40 comprises at both ends thereof at least one first frame connector 45. In an embodiment, the actuator frame comprises at both ands thereof at least two first frame connectors 45, for example on both sides of the actuator frame 30. The transport frame 10 comprises at positions corresponding to the position of the actuator frame in the transport position of the mineral material processing plant at least two second frame connectors 15. The number and position of the second frame connectors corresponds to the number and position of the first frame connectors 45.

[0050] In an embodiment, the first 45 and second 15 frame connectors each comprise a protrusion with a hole. The actuator frame 40 and the transport frame are attached together in the transport position of the mineral material processing plant 100 shown in Fig. 4A by attaching the first 45 and second 15 frame connectors together with a suitable element, such as a locking pin placed through the respective holes. In an embodiment, the locking pin is of a conventional type and installed manually. In a further embodiment, the locking pin is operated automatically for example using a linear actuator.

[0051] In a further embodiment, the first 45 and second 15 frame connectors comprise an arrangement other than holed protrusions. In an example embodiment, the second frame connectors comprise a horizontal bar and the first frame connectors comprise a pivotable hook-shaped latch that is attached to the bar and locked in place.

[0052] Fig. 4B schematically shows a frame connector of a mineral material processing plant according to an example embodiment of the invention in an operating position. The first and second frame connectors are separated in the operating position as the actuator frame 30 has been raised above the transport frame 10.

[0053] Fig. 5 shows a flow chart of a method according to an example embodiment of the invention.

[0054] At step 510, the mineral material processing plant 100 is in a transport position. The transport frame 10 and the actuator frame 40 are detachably attached to each other with the first 45 and second 15 frame connectors. The transport frame 40 is supported on the ground by the transport base 20.

[0055] At step 520, the mineral material processing plant 100 is raised to the intermediate position by extending the first support legs to the first position. The transport base 20 is raised from the ground. Subsequently, at step 530, the second support legs are moved to the operating position and locked in place either manually or automatically. The transport frame 10 is supported on the ground by the second support legs.

[0056] At step 540, the actuator frame 40 is detached from the transport frame 10 by releasing the first 45 and second 15 frame connectors from each other either manually or automatically. Subsequently, at step 550, the first support legs are extended to the second position and the actuator frame 40 is raised above the transport frame 10 and separated therefrom by predetermined distance chosen according to the situation. The transport frame is supported on the ground by the second support legs and the actuator frame is supported on the ground by the first support legs.

[0057] At step 560, the mineral material processing plant is at the operating position. In order to return the mineral material processing plant 100 to the transport position, the steps described hereinbefore are reversed and carried out in reverse order.

[0058] Without in any way limiting the scope of the appended claims, some technical effects of the system according to example embodiment of the invention are explained in the following.

[0059] The system according to example embodiments of the invention shown in Figs 1-4B is configured to enable operating a mineral material processing plant in such a way that the detrimental effect of forces resulting from mineral material processing is minimized. The system according to example embodiments of the invention shown in Figs. 1-4B is further configured to enable operating a mineral material processing plant in such a way that the detrimental effect of vibrations resulting from mineral material processing is minimized.

[0060] Accordingly, a technical effect of example embodiment of the invention is to minimize the effects of forces and vibrations resulting from mineral material processing. A further technical effect of the example embodiments of the invention is to enable lighter structures due to lower structural strength requirements. A still further technical effect of the example embodiments of the invention is to increase the lifetime of elements of the mineral material processing plant by reducing their exposure to forces and vibrations. A still further technical effect of the example embodiments of the invention is to simplify the structure of the mineral material processing plant by allowing the positioning of sensitive elements integrally with the transport frame.

[0061] Various embodiments have been presented. It should be appreciated that in this document, words comprise; include; and contain are each used as open-ended expressions with no intended exclusivity.

[0062] The foregoing description has provided by way of non-limiting examples of particular implementations and embodiments a full and informative description of the best mode presently contemplated by the inventors for carrying out the invention. It is however clear to a person skilled in the art that the invention is not restricted to details of the embodiments presented in the foregoing, but that it can be implemented in other embodiments using equivalent means or in different combinations of embodiments without deviating from the characteristics of the invention.

[0063] Furthermore, some of the features of the afore-disclosed example embodiments may be used to advantage without the corresponding use of other features. As such, the foregoing description shall be considered as merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention, and not in limitation thereof. Hence, the scope of the invention is only restricted by the appended patent claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. 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) comprising a mineral material crusher or a screen; a set of first support legs, said set of first support legs comprising 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 be extended 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 raised from the ground; and in that the second position comprises a position in which the actuator frame (40) is detached from the transport frame (10) and raised above it.

2. The frame arrangement for a mineral material processing plant (100) of claim 1 , further comprising a set of second support legs, said set of second support legs 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 be moved from a transport position to an operating position.

3. The frame arrangement for a mineral material processing plant (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the set of first support legs comprises at least two pairs of first support legs (50a, 50b), each pair of first support legs comprising at least one first support leg (50a, 50b) on each side of the actuator frame (40).

4. The frame arrangement for a mineral material processing plant (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the set of second support legs comprises at least two pairs of second support legs (80a, 80b), each pair of second support legs comprising at least one second support leg (80a, 80b) on each side of the transport frame (10).

5. The frame arrangement for a mineral material processing plant (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator frame (40) comprises on both ends thereof at least one first frame connector (45) and the transport frame (10) comprises at least two second frame connectors (15) at positions corresponding to the positions of the first frame connectors (45) in a transport position of the mineral material processing plant, the first (45) and second (15) frame connectors being configured to be detachably attached to each otherfor detachably attaching the actuator frame (40) to the transport frame (10).

6. The frame arrangement for a mineral material processing plant (100) of claim 5, wherein the first (45) and second (15) frame connectors are configured to be detachably attached to each other with a locking pin placed through holes provided in the first (45) and second (15) frame connectors.

7. A mineral material processing plant (100), comprising the frame arrangement of any one of the preceding claims; and an actuator (30) comprising a mineral material crusher or a screen.

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

9. A method for bringing a mineral material plant (100) to an operating position, comprising raising a transport frame (10) of the mineral material processing plant and an actuator frame (40) detachably attached to the transport frame (10) by extending first support legs from a transport position to a first position in such a way that a transport base (20) of the transport frame (10) is raised off the ground; moving second support legs 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 legs; detaching the actuator frame (40) from the transport frame (10) by detaching first frame connectors (45) attached to the actuator frame (40) from second frame connectors (15) attached to the transport frame (10); and raising the actuator frame (40) and an actuator (30) supported thereon above the transport frame by extending first support legs from a first position to a second position.

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