Gear well for a crusher and a crusher equipped with the gear well

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a gear well (100) for a crusher, which can be arranged to bypass at least a part of the hub of the crusher and includes a hub bypass portion (110) having a groove (112) with first and second side walls (114, 116) and a groove base (118), a pinion recess (120) having a bottom (122), and a transition zone (130) extending between an end (110a) of the hub bypass portion (110) and the pinion recess (120). The transition zone (130) provides a stepped transition of the groove (112) from the hub bypass portion (110) to the bottom (122) of the pinion recess (120). A crusher including the gear well (100) is also disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a gear well for a crusher and a crusher including the gear well.

Background Art

[0002] Crushers are well known in the art. They are utilized, for example, in aggregate, recycling, and mining applications to reduce the size of rocks and stones to a desired dimension. A gyratory crusher or a cone crusher is suitable for size reduction and shaping of materials downstream in a crushing circuit. The material size is reduced by continuous compression between a fixed element known as a bowl liner and a moving element known as a mantle. In addition, a crusher includes a head assembly that includes a crusher head that pivots about a vertical axis within a bowl attached to the main frame of the crusher. The crusher head is assembled to surround an eccentric that rotates about a shaft to impart a pivoting motion to the crusher head, and the pivoting motion crushes rocks, stones, or other materials as they move through a crushing gap between the crusher head and the bowl. The crushed material exits the crusher through the bottom of the crushing gap. The eccentric can be driven by various power drive devices such as an attached gear driven by a pinion and a countershaft assembly, and several mechanical power sources such as an electric motor or a combustion engine. A crusher typically includes a gear well configured to lubricate the gears and / or pinions and the countershaft assembly.

[0003] The problem with today's gear wells is that they include sharp corner transitions, which can be called cliffs, along which lubricating oil moves. The drawback of this cliff is that the cliff generates large stresses in the casting of the crusher, which can, inter alia, reduce the life of the gear well.

[0004] Conventional gear wells have several drawbacks. For this reason, in the art, there is a need for improvements related to reducing stress in castings, improving oil distribution, and improving the life of gear wells.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] It is an object to alleviate, mitigate, or eliminate one or more of the above-identified deficiencies and drawbacks in the art, either alone or in any combination, and to solve at least the above-described problems.

[0006] According to a first aspect, a gear well for a crusher, a hub bypass portion that can be arranged to bypass at least a part of the hub of the crusher and has a groove with a first and a second side wall and a groove base, a pinion recess having a bottom, a transition zone extending between an end of the hub bypass portion and the pinion recess is provided, and the transition zone provides a stepped transition of the groove from the hub bypass portion to the bottom of the pinion recess, and a gear well is provided.

[0007] In this context, the hub bypass portion and the pinion recess are arranged at a distance from each other when viewed along the central axis of the hub of the crusher, and the transition zone extends between the hub bypass portion and the pinion recess. The hub can be bypassed by the hub bypass portion, the pinion recess, and the transition zone.

[0008] Preferably, the gear well comprises two transition zones, one transition zone extending between a first end of the hub bypass portion and the pinion recess, and the other transition zone extending between a second opposite end of the hub bypass portion and the pinion recess. Thereby, the hub can be bypassed by the hub bypass portion, the pinion recess, and the two transition zones.

[0009] The hub bypass portion may have a hub bypass angular distance extending between a first end of the hub bypass portion and a second end of the hub bypass portion, and the hub bypass angular distance is between 250 degrees ± 25 degrees.

[0010] The pinion recess may have a pinion recess angular distance extending between a first end of the pinion recess and a second, opposite end of the pinion recess, and the pinion recess angular distance is between 20 degrees ± 5 degrees.

[0011] Each transition zone may have a transition zone angular distance extending between a first end of the transition zone and a second, opposite end of the transition zone, and the transition zone angular distance is between 45 degrees ± 10 degrees. Preferably, the two transition zones have the same transition zone angular distance.

[0012] As referred to herein, the term "stepped transition" generally refers to a transition formed by at least one step, thereby forming a discontinuous transition between the end of the hub bypass portion and the pinion recess. From this, the stepped transition zone comprises at least one step for providing the stepped transition.

[0013] The hub bypass portion may be configured to be positioned adjacent to the driven gear for the eccentricator. The pinion recess may be configured to receive the pinion and countershaft assembly. The gear well is provided to facilitate lubrication of the gears in the crusher. The disclosed gear well is advantageous as it provides a reduction in the overall stress in the crusher casting compared to conventional gear wells. The gear well is also provided to facilitate a uniform stress distribution. By being able to reduce the overall stress and provide a uniform stress distribution, an improved strength of the gear well is achieved, thereby also achieving an improved life of the gear well.

[0014] The stepped well is advantageous as it provides an improvement in fatigue strength due to an overall reduction in stress and provides an improvement in stress distribution both in the case of the crushing load and in the casting simulation. The inventors have surprisingly found that by providing a stepped well as described herein, the reduction in the maximum principal stress range can be in the range of 35 - 40% compared to the stepped wells known in the art.

[0015] The stepped well is further advantageous as it provides the above features / advantages without affecting the outer shape of the stepped well. This is advantageous as the disclosed stepped well can replace the existing stepped well already present in the crusher without the need to modify or redesign the crusher. Thus, the disclosed stepped well can be a retrofit part for existing crushers. In other words, the disclosed stepped well has an internal structure with novelty and inventiveness that facilitates the provision of the above-described advantages without affecting the outer shape of the stepped well.

[0016] The stepped well is further advantageous in that it prevents or at least reduces the risk of failure during use. Additionally, providing a stepped well having a stepped transition portion improves the casting process as it thereby results in a better distribution of stress in the casting section.

[0017] The stepped well is further advantageous as it reduces foaming or bubbling of the oil in the stepped well and enables efficient oil lubrication of the gears. Foam is an efficient insulator and thus it may be difficult to control the temperature of the oil. Problems that can result from foaming are fluctuations in hydraulic pressure, cavitation of the oil pump, loss of oil through the breather and dipstick, and a reduction in lubrication and cooling efficiency.

[0018] According to some embodiments, the transition zone comprises an angled portion angled with respect to a plane transverse to the central axis and a first vertical portion, the angled portion extending between the end of the hub bypass portion and the first vertical portion, and the first vertical portion extending between the angled portion and the pinion recess. In other words, the angled portion is inclined at an angle with respect to a transverse axis that crosses the central axis of the hub.

[0019] This is advantageous as it allows for an overall reduction of stress in the casting during the production of the gear well.

[0020] According to some embodiments, the transition zone comprises at least two steps for providing a stepped transition. This is advantageous as it allows each step of the transition zone to be smaller, i.e., to have a smaller height when viewed along the central axis compared to when only one step is provided. By being able to provide smaller steps, the path for the oil can be made smoother, thereby reducing the foaming of the oil. This is further advantageous as it allows for a reduction of the overall stress in the gear well, thereby increasing the durability of the gear well and leading to an improvement in its lifespan.

[0021] According to some embodiments, the at least two steps are arranged at different angular positions with respect to the central axis of the hub.

[0022] As used herein, the term "arranged at different angular positions with respect to the central axis of the hub" generally refers to each step having a major radial extension in a radial direction that is different from the radial direction in which the other step has a major radial extension.

[0023] This is advantageous as it allows the transition zone to have a seamless transition between the hub bypass portion and the bottom of the pinion recess. This is further advantageous as it allows for a more uniform wall thickness. In other words, it promotes the possibility of reducing casting defects due to fewer abrupt changes in wall thickness compared to conventional gear wells.

[0024] According to some embodiments, the transition zone comprises an angled portion, a first vertical portion, and a second vertical portion, the second vertical portion connecting the end of the hub bypass portion to the angled portion, the angled portion extending between the second vertical portion and the first vertical portion, and the first vertical portion extending between the angled portion and the pinion recess.

[0025] As used herein, the term "connecting" generally refers to the second vertical portion at least extending between the end of the hub bypass portion and the angled portion. However, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the second vertical portion may also extend to the first vertical portion and / or the pinion recess. Thus, the second vertical portion can be designed differently.

[0026] This is advantageous as it allows for the formation of a two-stage transition zone so that an improved gear well is achieved. Here too, as described above, the two-stage transition zone allows for smooth oil supply within the gear well and allows for a reduction in the overall stress in the casting.

[0027] According to some embodiments, the first vertical portion has an axial extension and a radial extension of the hub, and the second vertical portion has an axial extension and a tangential extension of the hub.

[0028] The axial direction is parallel to the central axis of the hub. The radial direction is preferably radial with respect to the extension of the hub.

[0029] This is advantageous as it allows the transition zone to be arranged based on the external shape of the gear well, for example, allowing the transition zone to bypass a portion of the hub and extend between the end of the hub bypass portion and the pinion recess.

[0030] According to some embodiments, the axial extension of the first vertical portion is uniform, and the axial extension of the second vertical portion is non-uniform. This provides an efficient stepped transition zone.

[0031] According to some embodiments, the axial extension of the first vertical portion is in the range of 5 to 120 mm, for example 10 to 115 mm.

[0032] The axial extension of the second vertical portion can be in the range of 5 to 250 mm, for example 25 to 150 mm. Also, as described above, the axial extension of the second vertical portion is non-uniform, whereby the axial extension of the vertical portion varies along the axial extension in the range of 5 to 250 mm, for example 25 to 150 mm.

[0033] According to some embodiments, the angled portion has a radial extension and a tangential extension of the hub. Again, as described above, this is advantageous as it enables an improved structure of the gear well and provides a stronger gear well without the need to modify its outer shape or external form.

[0034] According to some embodiments, the tangential extension of the angled portion is equal to the tangential extension of the second vertical portion. In other words, the length of the tangential extension of the angled portion is the same as the length of the tangential extension of the second vertical portion. Within the concept of the present disclosure, it is also possible to provide an angled portion having a tangential extension shorter than the tangential extension of the second vertical portion or a tangential extension longer than the tangential extension of the second vertical portion. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the tangential direction of the hub is the direction of the tangent to a portion of the hub. From this, the angled portion can, in some embodiments, have a tangential extension in a direction of the tangent to a different portion of the hub than the tangent to the portion of the hub in the direction in which the second vertical portion has a tangential extension.

[0035] According to some embodiments, the angled portion has a downward slope towards the pinion recess.

[0036] This is advantageous because it facilitates the transition zone to extend smoothly and desirably between the end of the hub bypass portion and the pinion recess so that the hub bypass portion and the pinion recess can be connected via the transition zone.

[0037] According to some embodiments, the angle between the bottom of the pinion recess and the downward slope of the angled portion is between 130° and 175°, for example between 145° and 160°.

[0038] This is advantageous because it avoids the need to include a cliff-like corner in the gear well as is included in conventional gear wells.

[0039] According to some embodiments, at least two of the steps have rounded corner transitions.

[0040] This is advantageous because the rounded corner transitions provide an improvement in the strength of the gear due to a reduction in the overall stress in the casting compared to a gear well having sharp corner transitions.

[0041] The transition zone may comprise a rounded corner transition. The hub bypass portion may comprise a rounded corner transition. The pinion recess may comprise a rounded corner transition. Thus, in some embodiments, all corners present in the gear well have rounded corner transitions. This is advantageous in that it reduces the overall stress in the gear well and provides a more uniform stress distribution in the casting.

[0042] According to some embodiments, the transition zone comprises more than one angled portion and more than two vertical portions, and each angled portion extends between two vertical portions.

[0043] Preferably, the gear well comprises one more vertical portion than the number of angled portions such that a stepped transition is formed.

[0044] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, these and other objects are also fully or at least partially achieved by a crusher comprising a gear well as disclosed herein.

[0045] The effects and features of the second aspect are mostly similar to those described above in relation to the first aspect. The embodiments referred to in relation to the first aspect are substantially compatible with the second aspect. It should be further noted that the concept of the present invention relates to all possible combinations of features, unless otherwise specified.

[0046] The further scope of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following forms for carrying out the invention given hereinafter. However, various changes and modifications within the scope of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the forms for carrying out the invention, so it should be understood that the forms for carrying out the invention and specific examples show preferred variants of the present disclosure, but are given for illustrative purposes only.

[0047] Therefore, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific component parts of such a device and the steps of such a method, as the described device or the described method may vary. It should also be understood that the technical terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to be limiting. It should be noted that when used in this specification and the appended claims, the articles "a", "an", "the", and "said" are intended to mean that one or more of the elements are present, unless the context otherwise indicates. Thus, for example, a reference to "a unit" or "the unit" may include several devices and the like. Further, the words "comprising", "including", "containing", and similar expressions do not exclude other elements or steps.

[0048] The present disclosure will be described in more detail, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings showing presently preferred embodiments of the present disclosure.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0049]

Fig. 1

Fig. 2

Fig. 3

Fig. 4a

Fig. 4b

Fig. 5a

Fig. 5b

Fig. 6

Fig. 7

Fig. 8

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0050] From here, with reference to the accompanying drawings showing presently preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, the present disclosure will be more fully described below. The present disclosure, however, can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness, as well as to fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0051] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a gear well 10 known in the art. The gear well 10 is configured to lubricate gears in a crusher such as a gyratory crusher or a cone crusher known in the art. Although the crusher is not illustrated, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the gear well is configured to be disposed within a crusher known in the art. Gyratory crushers or cone crushers are suitable for size reduction and shaping of materials downstream of a crushing circuit. The material size is reduced by continuous compression between a fixed element known as a bowl liner and a moving element known as a mantle. Additionally, the crusher includes a head assembly that includes a crusher head that pivots about a vertical axis within a bowl attached to the main frame of the crusher. The crusher head is assembled to surround an eccentric that rotates about a shaft to impart a pivoting motion to the crusher head, and the pivoting motion crushes rocks, stones, or other materials as they move through a crushing gap between the crusher head and the bowl. The crushed material exits the crusher through the bottom of the crushing gap. The eccentric can be driven by various power drive devices such as an attached gear driven by a pinion and a countershaft assembly, and several mechanical power sources such as an electric motor or a combustion engine.

[0052] The gear well 10 includes a hub bypass portion 11, a pinion recess 12, and two transition zones 13. The hub bypass portion 11 has a first side wall 14 and a second side wall 16 and defines a groove extending therebetween. The pinion recess 12 has a bottom 22. Each transition zone 13 extends between an end of the hub bypass portion 11 and the pinion recess 12. Each transition zone 13 has a sharp corner transition, also referred to herein as a cliff, where the groove transitions to the pinion recess through a sharp increase in the depth of the groove.

[0053] Figure 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a gear well 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The gear well 100 can be used to lubricate the gears in a crusher, such as a gyratory crusher or a cone crusher. The gear well 100 includes a hub bypass portion 110, a pinion recess 120, and two transition zones 130. However, it should be noted that the gear well 100 can have only one transition zone 130. Thus, the gear well 100 can have at least one or two transition zones 130. The hub bypass portion 110 bypasses at least a portion of a hub (not shown) of the crusher. The hub bypass portion 110 extends from one transition zone 130 to the other transition zone 130. The pinion recess 120 extends between the two transition zones 130. Thus, each transition zone 130 extends between respective ends of the hub bypass portion 110 and respective ends of the pinion recess 120. The pinion recess 120 has a pinion bottom 122. The pinion recess 120 is configured to receive a pinion and a countershaft assembly. The pinion recess 120 has an extension d2 extending in the radial direction RD. The extension d2 can be in the range of 100 to 300 mm, preferably 145 to 225 mm. The pinion recess 120 has an extension d3 extending in the axial direction AD. The extension d3 can be in the range of 30 to 100 mm, preferably 50 to 80 mm. The extensions d2, d3 can be selected based on the shape of the pinion and the countershaft assembly.

[0054] The transition zones 130 each have respective extensions d1, d1' in the radial direction RD. The extension d1 can be in the range of 50 to 150 mm. The extension d1' can be in the range of 50 to 150 mm. Preferably, the extension d1 is equal to the extension d1' such that a uniform gear well is formed.

[0055] An angle α is formed between the two transition zones 130. The angle α can be in the range of 90 to 130 degrees, preferably 100 to 120 degrees.

[0056] Figures 4a and 4b illustrate the gear well 100 also shown in FIG. 3 in more detail. FIG. 4a illustrates the conceptual design of the gear well 100, and FIG. 4b illustrates the base shape of the gear well 100. In addition to what has been discussed in connection with FIG. 3, the hub bypass portion 110 includes a groove 112 having a first side wall 114, a second side wall 116, and a groove base 118. The hub bypass portion 110 is configured to hold lubricating oil that can be supplied into the gear well 100 so that the gears of the crusher are lubricated.

[0057] Figures 4a and 4b illustrate one of the transition zones 130 as illustrated in FIG. 3. However, it should be noted that the two transition zones 130 are preferably mirror images of each other, and thus the features of the transition zones 130 in FIGS. 4a and 4b may also be provided in the other transition zones 130. The transition zone 130 provides a stepped transition of the groove 112 from the hub bypass portion 110 to the bottom 122 of the pinion recess 120. In this exemplary embodiment, the transition zone 130 includes two steps for providing the stepped transition. The transition zone 130 includes an angled portion 132, a first vertical portion 134, and a second vertical portion 136 such that a two-step stepped transition is formed. The second vertical portion 136 extends between the end 110a of the hub bypass portion 110 and the angled portion 132, and thus the second vertical portion 136 connects the end 110a of the hub bypass portion 110 to the angled portion 132. The angled portion 132 extends between the second vertical portion 136 and the first vertical portion 134. The first vertical portion 134 extends between the angled portion 132 and the pinion recess 120. Thereby, the transition zone 130 forms a transition between the end 110a of the hub bypass portion 110 and the pinion recess 120.

[0058] As best illustrated in FIG. 6, the angled portion 132 has a radial extension REA in the radial direction RE and a tangential extension TEA in the tangential direction TD. The first vertical portion 134 has an axial extension AE1 in the axial direction AD and a radial extension RE1 in the radial direction RD. The second vertical portion 136 has an axial extension AE2 in the axial direction AD and a tangential extension TE2 in the tangential direction TD.

[0059] Referring back to FIGS. 4a and 4b, the hub bypass portion 110, the pinion recess 120, and the transition zone 130 are all arranged such that they do not require a change in the outer shape of the gear well 100 as compared to a conventional gear well. The angled portion 132 has a downward slope towards the pinion recess 120. Thereby, the angled portion 132 has an upper end and a lower end that are spaced apart from each other when viewed along the central axis CA. Further, in order for the transition zone 130 to conform to the outer shape of the hub, the two steps, particularly the two vertical portions 134, 136, are arranged at different angular positions with respect to the central axis CA of the hub.

[0060] As best illustrated in FIG. 4a, the transition zone 130 comprises a rounded corner transition. In other words, a portion 132, 134, 136 of the transition zone 130 comprises a rounded corner transition as opposed to the sharp corner transitions known in the art and illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. Typically, the rounded corner transition may have a minimum radius of 5 mm or more. Further, the hub bypass portion 110 and the pinion recess 120 also comprise rounded corner transitions. Thereby, an improvement in the stress distribution of the cast part and an overall stress reduction are achieved.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 4b, a transition zone 130 is illustrated in which the rounded corner transitions are excluded. This is mainly for illustrative purposes. FIG. 4b further shows that the second vertical portion 136 has a smaller axial extent AE2 compared to the first vertical portion 134. However, it should be noted that the reverse may also be possible, for example, embodiments in which the first vertical portion 134 has a smaller axial extent AE1 compared to the second vertical portion 136 are also achievable within the concept of the present disclosure. It is also possible for the first and second vertical portions 134, 136 to have the same axial extent AE1, AE2.

[0062] The gear well 100 further comprises a pinion housing 140 configured to receive a pinion and countershaft assembly.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 5a - 5b, another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, where the angled portion 132, the first vertical portion 134, and the second vertical portion 136 of the transition zone are arranged differently compared to the previously described transition zone 130. FIG. 5a illustrates a conceptual diagram of the gear well 100, and FIG. 5b illustrates the base shape of the gear well 100.

[0064] In this exemplary embodiment, the second vertical portion 136 extends between the end 110a of the hub bypass portion 110 and the angled portion 132. The angled portion 132 extends between the second vertical portion 136 and the first vertical portion 134. The first vertical portion 134 extends between the angled portion 132 and the bottom 122 of the pinion recess 120. As shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b, the first vertical portion 134 has a uniform axial extension AE1, and the second vertical portion 136 has a non - uniform axial extension AE2. This allows the transition zone 130 to be modified with respect to gear wells known in the art without affecting the outer shape or external form of the gear well 100.

[0065] The angled portion 132 has a downward slope towards the pinion recess 120. The angle β between the bottom 122 of the pinion recess 120 and the downward slope of the angled portion 132 is illustrated. The angle β is preferably in the range of 130 - 175 degrees, for example, 145 - 160 degrees. In FIG. 5b, the angle β is approximately 145 degrees. The downward slope of the angled portion 132 depends on the axial extensions of the first and second vertical portions 134, 136. Thereby, the angle β depends indirectly on the downward slope of the angled portion 132.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 6, another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, where the angled portion 132, the first vertical portion 134, and the second vertical portion 136 of the transition zone 130 are arranged differently compared to the previously described transition zone 130. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the first vertical portion 134 has a greater axial extent AE1 compared to the first vertical portion 134 of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 5a and 5b. As a result, the second vertical portion 136 has a smaller axial extent AE2 compared to the second vertical portion 136 of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 5a and 5b. The angle β illustrated in FIG. 6 is approximately 160 degrees in this embodiment. Generally, when the axial extent AE1 of the first vertical portion 134 increases and the axial extent AE2 of the second vertical portion 136 is maintained, the downward slope of the angled portion 132 decreases and the angle β increases.

[0067] Note that FIG. 6 illustrates the base shape of the gear well 100. However, although not illustrated, not only the corner transition portion of the transition zone 130, but also the corner transition portions of the hub bypass portion 110 and the pinion recess can be rounded corner transition portions for the reasons discussed above.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 7, yet another embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown, where the angled portion 132, the first vertical portion 134, and the second vertical portion 136 of the transition zone 130 are arranged differently compared to the previously described embodiments.

[0069] In this exemplary embodiment, the second vertical portion 136 connects the end 110a of the hub bypass portion 110 to the angled portion 132. Additionally, the second vertical portion 136 extends partially between the end 110a of the hub bypass portion 110 and the angled portion 132, and also extends partially between the end 110a of the hub bypass portion 110 and the pinion recess 120.

[0070] Note that FIG. 7 illustrates the base shape of the gear well 100. However, although not illustrated, not only the corner transition portions of the transition zone 130, but also the hub bypass portion 110 and the corner transition portions of the pinion recess can preferably be rounded for the reasons discussed previously.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 8, yet another embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown, and the angled portion 132, the first vertical portion 134, and the second vertical portion 136 are arranged differently compared to the embodiments described previously.

[0072] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the second vertical portion 136 extends between the end 110a of the hub bypass portion 110 and the angled portion 132. The angled portion 132 extends between the first vertical portion 134 and the second vertical portion 136. The first vertical portion 134 extends between the angled portion 132 and the pinion recess 120. Here, the angled portion 132 is slightly curved around a portion of the hub as a result of the first and second vertical portions 134, 136 having relatively short axial extensions AE1, AE2 in the axial direction AD.

[0073] Note that FIG. 8 illustrates the base shape of the gear well 100. It is also possible within the scope of the concept of the present disclosure to provide rounded corner transition portions not only for the corner transition portions of the transition zone 130, but also for the hub bypass portion 110 and the corner transition portions of the pinion recess, and this may be preferable for the reasons discussed herein.

[0074] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is in no way limited to the preferred embodiments described above. On the contrary, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

[0075] For example, the transition zone 130 may include only the angled portion 132 and the first vertical portion 134. In this case, the angled portion 132 extends between the end 110a of the hub bypass portion 110 and the first vertical portion 134. The first vertical portion 134 extends between the angled portion 132 and the pinion recess 120. As a further example, the transition zone 130 may include more than two vertical portions and one angled portion. In an example, the transition zone 130 includes one more vertical portion than the number of angled portions for forming a stepped transition portion.

[0076] In addition, variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and achieved by one of ordinary skill in the art in practicing the claimed disclosure, from a consideration of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

Claims

1. A gear well (100) for a crusher, comprising: a hub bypass portion (110) positionable to bypass at least a portion of the hub of the crusher, the hub bypass portion (110) comprising a groove (112) having first and second side walls (114, 116) and a groove base (118); a pinion recess (120) having a bottom (122); a transition zone (130) extending between the end (110a) of the hub bypass portion (110) and the pinion recess (120); the transition zone (130) providing a stepped transition of the groove (112) from the hub bypass portion (110) to the bottom (122) of the pinion recess (120); The gear well (100), wherein the transition zone (130) comprises a step to provide the stepped transition.

2. 2. The gear well of claim 1, wherein the transition zone comprises an angled portion angled relative to a plane intersecting a central axis and a first vertical portion, the angled portion extending between the end of the hub detour portion and the first vertical portion, and the first vertical portion extending between the angled portion and the pinion recess.

3. The gear well (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the transition zone (130) comprises at least two steps to provide the stepped transition.

4. The gear well (100) of claim 3, wherein the at least two stages are disposed at different angular positions relative to a central axis (CA) of the hub.

5. 5. The gear well of claim 3, wherein the transition zone comprises an angled portion, a first vertical portion, and a second vertical portion, the second vertical portion connecting the end of the hub detour portion with the angled portion, the angled portion extending between the second vertical portion and the first vertical portion, and the first vertical portion extending between the angled portion and the pinion recess.

6. 6. The gear well (100) of claim 5, wherein the first vertical portion (134) has an extension (AE1) in an axial (AD) direction and an extension (RE1) in a radial direction (RD) of the hub, and the second vertical portion (136) has an extension (AE2) in an axial (AD) direction and an extension (TE2) in a tangential direction (TD) of the hub.

7. 7. The gear well (100) of claim 6, wherein the axial extension (AE1) of the first vertical portion (134) is uniform and the axial extension (AE2) of the second vertical portion (136) is non-uniform.

8. A gear well (100) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the axial extension (AE1) of the first vertical portion (134) is in the range of 5 to 120 mm, for example 10 to 115 mm.

9. The gear well (100) of any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the angled portion (132) has a radial extension (REA) and an extension (TEA) in the tangential direction (TD) of the hub.

10. 10. A gear well (100) according to claim 9 when dependent on any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the tangential extension (TEA) of the angled portion (132) is equal to the tangential extension (TE2) of the second vertical portion (136).

11. The gear well (100) of any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein the angled portion (132) slopes downwardly towards the pinion recess (120).

12. 12. The gear well (100) of claim 11, wherein the angle β between the bottom (122) of the pinion recess (120) and the downward slope of the angled portion (132) is between 130 and 175 degrees, for example between 145 and 160 degrees.

13. The gear well (100) of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the stepped transition (130) comprises a rounded transition.

14. 14. The gear well (100) of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the transition zone (130) comprises more than one angled portion and more than two vertical portions, each angled portion extending between two vertical portions.

15. A crusher comprising a gear well (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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