Crusher topshell with spacer ring locking system

Abstract

There is disclosed a topshell comprising an annular wall (11) extending around a topshell longitudinal axis (A), the annular wall (11) terminating at an axially upper end by an annular rim (12), and at least part of a mechanical locking system (4, 6, 8, 402, 404, 406, 408, 142, 144, 506, 508) for axial locking of a spacer ring (30) relative the topshell (10). The mechanical locking system comprises a first abutment region (4) provided at the annular rim (12) for cooperating with one or more second abutment region (6) provided at or projecting from the spacer ring (30) for locking displacement of the spacer ring (30) relative the topshell (10) at least in a first axial direction (A1). In some embodiments, the first abutment region (4) comprises an annular locking groove (14).

Description

[0001] CRUSHER TOPSHELL WITH SPACER RING LOCKING SYSTEM

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to a gyratory crusher topshell and mechanical locking systems for locking a spacer ring in a gyratory crusher topshell assembly.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Background art gyratory crushers are used for crushing ore, mineral and rock material to smaller sizes. Typically, the crusher comprises a crushing head mounted upon an elongate main shaft. A first crushing shell (typically referred to as a mantle) is mounted on the crushing head and a second crushing shell (typically referred to as a concave) is mounted on a frame such that the first and second crushing shells define together a crushing chamber through which the material to be crushed is passed. A driving device positioned at a lower region of the main shaft is configured to rotate an eccentric assembly positioned about the shaft to cause the crushing head to perform a gyratory pendulum movement and crush the material introduced in the crushing chamber. Example gyratory crushers are described in WO 2008 / 140375, WO 2010 / 123431 , US 2009 / 0008489, GB 1570015, US 6,536,693, JP 2004- 136252, US 1 ,791 ,584 and WO 2012 / 005651. Primary crushers are heavy-duty machines designed to process large material sizes of the order of one meter. Secondary and tertiary crushers are however intended to process relatively smaller feed materials typically of a size less than 35 centimetres. Cone crushers represent a sub-category of gyratory crushers and may be utilised as downstream crushers due to their high reduction ratios and low wear rates.

[0006] Typically, a spacer (or filler) ring is used to accommodate different geometries of different concaves and in particular to adapt the same topshell for mounting medium or fine sized concaves used in secondary and tertiary crushers in contrast to the much larger diameter coarse concaves that fit directly against the topshell and have a maximum diameter to receive large objects for crushing. WO 2004 / 110626 discloses a gyratory crusher topshell having a plurality of different spacer ring embodiments for mounting a variety of different concaves at the crushing region.

[0007] Conventionally, the spacer ring comprises a radially outward facing cylindrical surface for mating against a corresponding inward facing cylindrical surface of the topshell. A form of anchorage is therefore required to axially lock the spacer ring at the topshell without which the spacer ring would be pushed axially upward by the crushing force imparted by the outer crushing shell during use. WO 2004 / 110626 describes the use of anchorage bolts that extend through a radially outward projecting flange of the spacer ring to be secured within a grooved region located at the upper rim of the topshell wall. The respective spacer flange and groove cooperation is also configured to provide a radial lock for the spacer ring at the topshell without which the ring would rotate around the longitudinal axis due to the gyroscopic precession of the crushing head within the crushing chamber. WO 2015 / 000627A1 discloses a similar arrangement wherein the projecting flange of the spacer ring comprises a plurality of abutment elements respectively bolted to the spacer ring, and wherein the grooved region comprises a plurality of grooved regions for abutment with a respective abutment element. The plurality of grooved regions may commonly be provided by milling.

[0008] A further gyratory crusher outer shell is known from EP2692442 A1.

[0009] Conventionally, depending on the size of the topshell, milling of the grooved regions may be economically and / or practically disadvantageous or not be possible at all using available technology. In particular, for a relatively smaller sized topshell, certain available space for accommodating machining tools, such as a milling tool, may be insufficient to allow for the grooved regions to produced. As such, there is room for improvement in the field.

[0010] The inventors of the subject disclosure have devised a novel concept in response to these challenges.

[0011] SUMMARY

[0012] There is disclosed a crusher topshell for use in a topshell assembly according to embodiments disclosed herein. The topshell comprising an annular wall extending around a topshell longitudinal axis to define a cavity for receiving an annular spacer ring for spacing apart the annular wall and a concave, the annular wall terminating at an axially upper end by an annular rim. The topshell comprises at least part of, or part of, a mechanical locking system for axial locking of the spacer ring relative the topshell, such as at least in a first axial direction, which may be towards a bottom portion of the topshell.

[0013] The mechanical locking system comprises a first abutment region provided at the annular rim for cooperating with one or more second abutment region provided at and / or projecting from the spacer ring for the locking displacement of the spacer ring relative the topshell at least in the first axial direction. The first axial direction may be towards a lower part of the crusher, such as downwards. That is, the mechanical locking system may be configured to lock the spacer ring against the action of gravity.

[0014] In an embodiment, the first abutment region may comprise an annular locking groove.

[0015] The first abutment region may be provided continuous about the longitudinal axis. The first abutment region may be provided by means of turning. The first abutment region may comprise an annular locking groove provided continuous about the longitudinal axis and by means of turning.

[0016] The locking groove may extend in a radial direction into the annular wall. The locking groove may comprise a closed inner end, that may be distal the cavity. The locking groove may comprise an opposite open end that may be proximal the cavity, for example the open end may open towards the cavity.

[0017] As such, certain embodiments of the disclosure may facilitate improved dimensional tolerances of the groove, such as compared to casting.

[0018] As such, certain embodiments of the disclosure may facilitate improved economy of production, such as compared to milling.

[0019] As such, certain embodiments of the disclosure may facilitate axial locking in a second axial direction opposite the first axial direction.

[0020] There is disclosed a spacer ring for use in a topshell assembly according to embodiments disclosed herein.

[0021] There is disclosed a crusher topshell assembly comprising a crusher topshell according to embodiments disclosed herein, and a spacer ring according to embodiments disclosed herein.

[0022] There is disclosed a crusher comprising one or more of the topshell and the topshell assembly according to embodiments disclosed herein.

[0023] There is disclosed a method of manufacturing a crusher topshell according to embodiments disclosed herein. The topshell having at least part of a mechanical locking system for axial locking of a spacer ring relative the topshell, the method comprising providing a cast crusher topshell having an annular wall extending around a topshell longitudinal axis to define a cavity for receiving the spacer ring, the annular wall terminating at an axially upper end by an annular rim; and forming at the annular rim, at least part of or part of the mechanical locking system by turning.

[0024] There is disclosed a method of manufacturing at least part of or part of a mechanical locking system in a topshell according to embodiments disclosed herein by turning.

[0025] There is disclosed a method of manufacturing a crusher topshell for a crusher topshell assembly, which may be the topshell according to embodiments disclosed herein, the topshell having at least part of a mechanical locking system of the crusher topshell assembly for axial locking of a spacer ring relative the topshell at least in a first axial direction towards a bottom portion of the topshell, the method may comprise the steps of:

[0026] - providing a cast crusher topshell having an annular wall extending around a topshell longitudinal axis to define a cavity for receiving the spacer ring, the annular wall terminating at an axially upper end by an annular rim;

[0027] - forming at the annular rim, at least part of the mechanical locking system by turning, comprising forming a first abutment region comprising an annular locking groove.

[0028] In an embodiment, the first abutment region is configured for cooperating with a second abutment region provided at or projecting from the spacer ring for locking displacement of the spacer ring in the first axial direction of the topshell.

[0029] As such, certain embodiments disclosed herein may facilitate a gyratory crusher topshell and a crusher topshell assembly configured to provide a strong and reliable locking mechanism to both axially and rotationally lock an intermediate spacer ring at a topshell for use with certain geometries of outer crushing shell.

[0030] Also, certain embodiments disclosed herein may facilitate means of mounting and locking the spacer ring at the topshell that is convenient to both install and remove from the topshell during maintenance and service procedures.

[0031] Moreover, certain embodiments disclosed herein may facilitate improved economics of manufacture, e.g. by enabling time savings.

[0032] As will also become apparent, certain embodiments disclosed herein may facilitate obtaining low or tight manufacturing tolerances which is typically desirable in assemblies of mechanical elements. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0033] Example embodiments will be described in more detail to the following figures, in which:

[0034] FIG. 1 shows details of a known crusher topshell assembly.

[0035] FIG. 2a shows details of the topshell and of the topshell assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 2b is a cross view of details of the topshell assembly of FIG. 2.

[0037] FIG. 3a is an isometric cross view of details of the topshell assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 3b is an isometric view of details of the topshell assembly of FIG.3a.

[0039] FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic illustration of the method of manufacturing a crusher topshell according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0040] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Referring to FIG. 1 there is shown details of a concave 2’ and a known topshell assembly, comprising a topshell 10’ having an annular wall 11’ with an annular rim 12’. A plurality of grooved regions 14’ is provided at the annular rim 12’ for receiving locking elements 40’ projecting from a spacer ring 30’ for axial locking of the spacer ring 30’ relative the topshell 10’. The locking element 40’ extends in an axial direction from the spacer ring 30’ beyond the annular rim 12’ such that a plane of the top surface 41 ’ of the axial locking element 30’ is substantially displaced from the plane of the annular rim 12’. A rotation locking function is facilitated by means of the locking element 40’ cooperating with the grooved region 14’.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b there is shown details of a crusher 110 and details of a topshell assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. A top part of a topshell 10 receives an annular spacer ring 30 and a concave 2 in a cavity 15 at least partially defined by a topshell inner surface 13. A chute 3 is mounted to the topshell 10 for guiding particulate into a crushing chamber defined between the concave 2 and a crushing shell 7.

[0043] The topshell 10 comprises an annular wall 11 extending around a topshell longitudinal axis A to define the cavity 15 for receiving the annular spacer ring 30 for spacing apart the annular wall 11 and the concave 2. The annular wall 11 terminates at an axially upper end by an annular rim 12. The annular rim 12 may be an upwards facing rim, such as facing upwards away from an upper portion of the topshell 10.

[0044] A distance S is defined as the distance, in an axial A direction of the topshell 10, between the rim 12 and a lower portion, such as a lowermost portion, of a centrally arranged hub 5 of the topshell for supporting a rotatable crusher main shaft. The distance S may typically dictate the size of a space an available for accommodating introduction of machining tools, such as milling tools for machining the topshell, such as at the rim 12. The distance S may vary with the size of the crusher, and thus the crusher topshell.

[0045] It has been found that for relatively small crushers, the distance S may facilitate insufficient space for introducing at least conventional milling tools in a cast topshell for machining at the location at the rim 12 corresponding to a first abutment region according to embodiments. Accordingly, for such smaller size crushers the known topshell design explained hereinbefore may be inconvenient or may not be utilized.

[0046] Also, as will become apparent herein, embodiments of the disclosure may facilitate that a lower end of the chute 3, such as a chute outlet, can be brought in closer proximity of the crushing chamber, as compared to the prior art.

[0047] With added reference to FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b, the topshell 10 may comprise at least part of and / or part of a mechanical locking system for axial locking of the spacer ring 30 relative the topshell 10. The mechanical locking system may comprise a first abutment region 4 provided at the annular rim 12 for cooperating with one or more second abutment region 6 provided at or projecting from the spacer ring 30 for locking displacement, i.e. arresting displacement, of the spacer ring 30 relative the topshell 10 at least in a first axial direction A1, such as against the action of gravity G. The first axial direction A1 may be towards a bottom portion of the topshell 10, such as along the action of gravity G. In other words, the spacer ring 30 is prevented from falling downwards in the first axial direction A1.

[0048] The cavity 15 may taper in a second axial direction A2 towards an upper portion of the topshell 10 for locking displacement of the spacer ring 30, such as a correspondingly shaped and / or tapering spacer ring, relative the topshell 10 in the second axial direction A2. In other words, the spacer ring 30 is prevented from being pushed upwards. The first abutment region 4 may be provided continuous about the longitudinal axis A. The first abutment region 4 may be annular. The first abutment region 4 may be provided by a method step of turning. The first abutment region 4 may be provided continuous about the longitudinal axis A and by a method step of turning.

[0049] Turning is a machining process used to produce cylindrical parts by removing material from a workpiece with a cutting tool. The process typically involves securing the workpiece in a lathe, where it rotates while a stationary cutting tool is gradually fed into it along the desired path. The cutting tool, usually made of a hard material like carbide, removes material in the form of small chips, gradually shaping the workpiece into the desired dimensions and surface finish. Turning can produce both external and internal features, such as grooves, threads, and tapers, with high precision.

[0050] In some embodiments, the cavity 15 is configured to receive, such as exclusively receive, the spacer ring 30, such as the entire spacer ring 30, in a topshell second axial direction A2 that is opposite the topshell first axial direction A1.

[0051] The first abutment region 4 may comprise a locking groove 14, such as an annular locking groove, preferably the locking groove 14 extends in a radial direction R, such as radially outwards, into the annular wall 11.

[0052] It has been found that for certain small size crushers, the distance S allows for introduction of a turning tool to produce the annular locking groove 14 whilst known milling tools have been found excessively large to fit into distance S. Thus, a small size crusher may be a crusher where conventionally used milling tools for milling of a top shell do not readily fit into distance S.

[0053] The locking groove 14 may comprise a first axial locking surface 142 for the cooperating with one or more second abutment region 6 for locking displacement of the spacer ring 30 relative the topshell 10 in the first axial direction A1.

[0054] The locking groove 14 may comprise a third axial locking surface 144 for cooperating with the one or more second abutment region 6 for locking displacement of the spacer ring 30 relative the topshell 10 in a second axial direction A2 opposite the first axial direction A1.

[0055] The locking groove 14 may be configured to receive an axial locking element 40 in a radial direction R, such as radially outwards. The locking groove 14 may be configured to receive the axial locking element 40 exclusively by displacement of the axial locking element 40 in a radial direction R, such as displacement from the proximal open end of the groove 14 towards the distal closed end of the locking groove 14, or vice versa (i.e. an equivalent may be to instead displace the locking groove 14 towards the locking element 40).

[0056] A wall inner surface 13 of the wall 11 may comprise a tapered cross section, such as a longitudinal cross section, configured to cooperate with a spacer ring outer surface 31 of the spacer ring 30 for locking, such as arresting, displacement of the spacer ring 30 in a second axial direction A2 that is opposite to the first axial direction A1 when the spacer ring 30 is received in the cavity 15, such as by displacing the spacer ring 30 in the second axial direction A2.

[0057] The locking groove 14 may comprise a closed inner end. The groove 14 may comprise an opposite open end that opens towards the cavity 15. This configuration may facilitate ease of assembling the axial locking element 40 to the groove 14. In particular, the axial locking element 40 may be guided by the locking groove 14 during assembly.

[0058] A gyratory crusher topshell assembly 100 according to an embodiment may comprise the topshell 10 and the spacer ring 30.

[0059] The mechanical locking system may comprise a first pair 142, 402 of cooperating axial locking surfaces for the locking displacement of the spacer ring 30 in the first axial direction A1 relative the topshell 10.

[0060] The first pair 142, 402 of axial locking surfaces may comprise a first axial locking surface 142 provided by the first abutment region 4 and a second axial locking surface 402 provided by the second abutment region 6. In particular, the first axial locking surface 142 may be provided by the locking groove lower wall.

[0061] For example, the locking groove 14 may be configured to slidingly receive the locking element 40, in particular a locking element flange 42 of the locking element 40, such that the first axial locking surface 142 and the second axial locking surface 402 are immediately juxtaposed facing each other. The locking element flange 42 may project in a radial direction R from the locking element 40.

[0062] The first abutment region 4 and the second abutment regions 6 may be configured to cooperate for said axially locking the spacer ring 30 in the first axial direction A1 while allowing relative rotation of the spacer ring 30 and the topshell 10 about the center axis A, such as 360 degrees. A respective of the one or more second abutment regions 6 may extend in a radial direction R such as to bridge the topshell 10 and the spacer ring 30.

[0063] The second abutment region 6 may or may not be provided as a separate element. In the embodiment shown, the second abutment region 6 is provided non-integral with the spacer ring 30, in particular in shape of a separate element, fixedly attached to the spacer ring 30.

[0064] One or more second abutment regions 6 may be provided. Each second abutment region 6 may comprise an axial locking element 40 extending in a radial direction R from the spacer ring 30. Hence, a plurality of axial locking elements 40 may be provided. A respective second axial locking surface 402 of the first pair of axial locking surfaces 142, 402 may be provided by a respective axial locking element of the plurality of axial locking elements 40.

[0065] One or more third abutment regions 8 may be provided and be configured for locking rotation of the spacer ring 30 about the axis A relative to the topshell 10. In particular, one or more of the one or more second abutments regions 6 may be associated with a respecting third abutment region 8.

[0066] In some embodiments, the third abutment region(s) 8 projects in an axial direction A, such as the second axial direction A2 beyond the rim 12.

[0067] A respective third abutment region 8 of the one or more third abutment regions 8 may comprise a rotation locking element 50 configured to cooperate with the second abutment region 6, such as an axial locking element 40 of a second abutment region of the one or more second abutment regions 6, for the locking rotation of the spacer ring 30 about the axis A relative to the topshell 10, such as during operation of the crusher.

[0068] A respective rotation locking element 50 may be configured to cooperate with a respective axial locking element 40 for the locking rotation of the spacer ring 30 about the axis A relative to the topshell 10, such as during operation of the crusher. In some embodiments, respective axial locking elements 40 may project axially beyond the rim 12 for the cooperate with a respective of the rotation locking elements 50.

[0069] In some embodiments, the rotation locking element 50 is non-integral with the topshell 10 and fixedly attached to the topshell 10, such as by bolting. That is, the third abutment regions 8 may respectively be provided non-integral with the topshell 10. In the embodiment shown, the third abutment regions 8 are provided as separate elements fixedly attached to the upper rim 12, in particular immediately above the annular locking groove 14.

[0070] A respective axial locking element 40 of the plurality of axial locking elements may be at least partially accommodated in a respective depression 32 formed in the spacer ring 30, in some embodiments such that a respective second top surface 42 of the plurality of axial locking elements 40 is substantially flush with the rim 12.

[0071] This configuration may facilitate that a lower end of the chute 3, such as a chute outlet, may be brought in closer proximity of the crushing chamber, as compared to the prior art.

[0072] The mechanical locking system may comprise a second pair of cooperating axial locking surfaces 144, 404 for locking displacement of the spacer ring in the second axial direction A2. The second pair of cooperating axial locking surfaces 144, 404 may comprise a third axial locking surface 144 and a fourth axial locking surface 404.

[0073] The third axial locking surface 144 may be provided by the locking groove 14, such as a locking groove upper wall facing in the first axial direction A1.

[0074] The fourth axial locking surface 404 may be provided by the axial locking element 40, such as an upper surface of the axial locking element facing in the second axial direction A2.

[0075] The third axial locking surface 144 and the fourth axial locking surface 402 may be immediately juxtaposed facing each other when the locking element 40, in particular the flange 42, is received in the locking groove 14.

[0076] In the embodiment shown, a radial extension, in the radial direction R, of the first axial locking surface 142 is greater than a radial extension of the third axial locking surface 144. Correspondingly, a radial extension of the second axial locking surface 402 is greater than a radial extension of the fourth axial locking surface 404.

[0077] The provision of the second pair of cooperating axial locking surfaces may facilitate ease of assembling and / or axial locking of the spacer ring 30 in the second axial direction A2. The mechanical locking system may comprise a first pair of cooperating rotation locking surfaces 506, 406 for locking rotation of the spacer ring in a first rotation direction R1. The first pair of rotation locking surfaces 506 may comprise a first rotation locking surface 506 and a second rotation locking surface 406.

[0078] The first rotation locking surface 506 may be provided by the rotation locking element 50. The second rotation locking surface 406 may be provided by the axial locking element 40.

[0079] In some embodiments, there may be provided a second pair of cooperating rotation locking surfaces 508, 408 for locking rotation of the spacer ring 30 in a second rotation direction R2.

[0080] The second pair of rotation locking surfaces may comprise a third rotation locking surface and a fourth rotation locking surface.

[0081] The third rotation locking surface 508 may be provided by the rotation locking element 50. The fourth rotation locking surface 408 may be provided by the axial locking element 40.

[0082] The first pair of rotation locking surfaces 406, 506 may extend in an axial direction A and a radial direction R of the topshell. Put differently, the first pair of rotation locking surfaces 406, 506 may extend in a longitudinal plane of the topshell 10, such as a plane parallel the longitudinal axis A of the topshell 10.

[0083] Likewise, the second pair of rotation locking surfaces 408, 508 may extend in an axial direction A and a radial direction R of the topshell.

[0084] The first pair of axial locking surfaces 142, 402 may extend in a radial direction R and an annular direction, such as R1, of the topshell. Put differently, the first pair of axial locking surfaces 142, 402 may extend in an axial plane of the topshell 10, such as a plane extending transverse the longitudinal axis A.

[0085] Likewise, the second pair of axial locking surfaces 144, 404 may extend in a radial direction R and an annular direction, such as R1 , of the topshell 10.

[0086] The flange 42 may project from the locking element 40 in the radial direction R beyond the rotation locking surfaces 406, 408 of the locking element 40.

[0087] The third abutment regions 8, such as rotation locking surfaces 406, 408 of the locking element 40, may project in an axial direction A, such as upwards, beyond the second axial locking surface 402. The third abutment regions 8, such as rotation locking surface 406, 408 of the locking element 40 may project in an axial direction A, such as upwards, beyond the fourth axial locking surface 404.

[0088] Accordingly, the third abutment regions 8, such as one or more of rotation locking surfaces 406, 408, 506, 508, may be substantially transverse one or more of the first abutment region 4, such as one or more of axial locking surfaces 142, 144, and the second abutment region 6, such as axial locking surfaces 402, 404.

[0089] Any embodiments of the locking surfaces explained herein before may comprise a substantially planar surface.

[0090] The locking groove 14 may be seen as a narrow, linear channel and / or indentation that is deliberately provided, such as cut or formed into the surface of a material, such as the topshell. The locking groove 14 may comprise two perpendicular surfaces and / or two parallel surfaces. The locking groove 14 may be seen as a guiding groove. Hence, the locking groove 14 may be configured to guide the movement of parts, such as a second abutment region 6, in particular the flange 42, and / or ensure the correct positioning of components, such as a second abutment region 6, in particular flange 42 within an assembly. For example, the locking groove 14 may align a sliding component, such as a second abutment region 6, in particular flange 42 within the locking groove 14.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 2b and FIG. 3a, a respective of an annular wall inner surface 13 of the annular wall 11 and a spacer ring outer surface 31 of the spacer ring 30 may comprise respective fourth abutment regions 9 configured to cooperate for axial locking of the spacer ring 30 in the second axial direction A2 relative the topshell 10. For example, a respective portion of the wall inner surface 13 and the spacer ring outer surface 31 may taper in the second axial direction A2 for locking displacement of the spacer ring 30 in the second axial direction A2 relative the topshell 10.

[0092] In some embodiments, the topshell assembly 100 comprises a plurality of second abutment regions 6 spaced apart in a circumferential direction around the longitudinal axis A.

[0093] The axial locking elements 40 may be non-integral with the spacer ring 30 and the topshell 10 as explained hereinbefore. The rotation locking element(s) 50 may be provided fixedly attached to the topshell 10, in particular fixedly attached to the annular rim 12, such as by means of one or more bolt.

[0094] In some embodiments a respective axial locking element 40 of the plurality of axial locking elements may be attached to the spacer ring 30 via respective attachment elements, such as at least one bolt.

[0095] In some embodiments a top surface 41 of the spacer ring 30 may be arranged substantially coplanar with the rim 12.

[0096] The topshell assembly 100 may comprise between two and eight second abutment regions 6.

[0097] In some embodiments the rotation locking element 50 may be non-integral with the topshell 10 and the spacer ring 30, as explained hereinbefore.

[0098] With reference to FIG. 4 there is illustrated a method 200 of manufacturing a crusher topshell, such as the crusher topshell 10 according to embodiments disclosed herein, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0099] The crusher topshell comprises at least part of a mechanical locking system, such as part of the mechanical locking system, such as mechanical locking system 4, 6, 8, 402, 404, 406, 408, 142, 144, 506, 508 according to embodiments disclosed herein, for axial locking of a spacer ring 30 relative the topshell.

[0100] At S202 the method may comprise providing S202 a cast crusher topshell having an annular wall 11 extending around a topshell longitudinal axis A to define a cavity 15 for receiving a spacer ring, such as spacer ring 30, the annular wall 11 terminating at an axially upper end by an annular rim 12.

[0101] At S204 the method may comprise forming S204 at the annular rim 12 by a step of turning, at least part of the mechanical locking system or part of the mechanical locking system, which may be mechanical locking system 4, 6, 8, 402, 404, 406, 408, 142, 144, 506, 508.

[0102] At S204 the method may comprise forming S204A a first abutment region 4, such as a locking groove 14, for cooperating with, such as receiving, a second abutment region 6 of the spacer ring 30 or to be associated with the spacer ring 30 for locking displacement of the spacer ring 30 in a first axial direction A1 of the topshell 10. That is, the part of the mechanical locking system formed at S204 may comprise the first abutment region 4, which may comprise the annular locking groove 14.

[0103] At S204 the method may comprise arranging S204B a turning tool in a substantially transverse direction of the topshell 10.

[0104] At S204 the method may comprise moving S204C said tool in a radially R outwards direction, such as to cut into the annular wall 11.

[0105] At S206 the method comprises providing S206 one or more third abutment regions configured for locking rotation of the spacer ring 30 about the axis A relative to the topshell 10. Providing S206 the third abutment regions may comprise mounting the third abutment regions to the topshell. The third abutment regions may be third abutment regions 8 according to embodiments disclosed herein.

[0106] Definitions and general preferences

[0107] Where used herein and unless specifically indicated otherwise, the following terms are intended to have the following meanings in addition to any broader (or narrower) meanings the terms might enjoy in the art:

[0108] Unless otherwise required by context, the use herein of the singular is to be read to include the plural and vice versa. The term "a" or "an" used in relation to an entity is to be read to refer to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms "a" (or "an"), "one or more," and "at least one" are used interchangeably herein.

[0109] As used herein, the term "comprise," or variations thereof such as "comprises" or "comprising," are to be read to indicate the inclusion of any recited integer (e.g. a feature, element, characteristic, property, method / process step or limitation) or group of integers (e.g. features, element, characteristics, properties, method / process steps or limitations) but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. Thus, as used herein the term "comprising" is inclusive or open- ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited integers or method / process steps.

[0110] Equivalents

[0111] The foregoing description details presently preferred embodiments of the present invention. Numerous modifications and variations in practice thereof are expected to occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of these descriptions. Those modifications and variations are intended to be encompassed within the claims appended hereto.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A gyratory crusher topshell (10) comprising: an annular wall (11) extending around a topshell longitudinal axis (A) to define a cavity (15) for receiving an annular spacer ring (30) for spacing apart the annular wall (11 ) and a concave (2), the annular wall (11) terminating at an axially upper end by an annular rim (12), and at least part of a mechanical locking system (4, 6, 8, 402, 404, 406, 408, 142, 144, 506, 508) for axial locking of the spacer ring (30) relative the topshell (10) at least in a first axial direction (A1) towards a bottom portion of the topshell (10), wherein the mechanical locking system comprises a first abutment region (4) provided at the annular rim (12) for cooperating with one or more second abutment region (6) provided at or projecting from the spacer ring (30) for the locking displacement of the spacer ring (30) relative the topshell (10) at least in the first axial direction (A1), wherein the first abutment region (4) comprises an annular locking groove (14) provided at least one of continuous about the longitudinal axis (A) and by means of turning.

2. The topshell (10) according to claim 1, wherein the locking groove (14) extends in a radial direction (R) into the annular wall (11), preferably the locking groove (14) comprises a closed inner end.

3. The topshell (10) according to any of the preceding claims 1 or 2, wherein the locking groove (14) comprises a first axial locking surface (142) for the cooperating with one or more second abutment region (6) for locking displacement of the spacer ring (30) relative the topshell (10) in the first axial direction (A1).

4. The topshell (10) according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 3, wherein the locking groove (14) comprises a third axial locking surface (144) for cooperating with the one or more second abutment region (6) for locking displacement of the spacer ring (30) relative the topshell (10) in a second axial direction (A2) opposite the first axial direction (A1).

5. The topshell (10) according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 4, wherein the locking groove (14) is configured to receive a radially extending axial locking element (40) of the second abutment region (6) in a radial direction (R).

6. The topshell (10) according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 5, wherein a wall inner surface (13) of the wall (11) comprises a tapered cross section configured to cooperate with a spacer ring outer surface (31) for locking displacement of the spacer ring (30) in a second axial direction (A2) opposite the first axial direction (A1) when the spacer ring (30) is received in the cavity (15).

7. The topshell (10) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 6, wherein the mechanical locking system comprises one or more third abutment region(s) (8) configured for locking rotation of the spacer ring (30) about the axis (A) relative to the topshell (10).

8. The topshell (10) according to claim 7, wherein a respective third abutment region of the one or more third abutment regions (8) comprises a rotation locking element (50) configured to cooperate with the second abutment region (6) for the locking rotation of the spacer ring (30) about the axis (A) relative to the topshell (10).

9. A gyratory crusher topshell assembly (100) comprising the topshell (10) and the spacer ring (30) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 8.

10. The crusher topshell assembly (100) according to claim 9, wherein the mechanical locking system comprises a first pair (142, 402) of cooperating axial locking surfaces for the locking displacement of the spacer ring (30) in the first axial direction (A1) relative the topshell (10), wherein the first pair (142, 402) of axial locking surfaces comprises a first axial locking surface (142) provided by the first abutment region (4) and a second axial locking surface (402) provided by the second abutment region (6).

11. The topshell assembly (100) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein a respective of the one or more second abutment regions (6) extends in a radial direction (R) such as to bridge the topshell (10) and the spacer ring (30).

12. The topshell assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding claims 9 to 11, wherein, the one or more second abutment regions (6) comprises a plurality of axial locking elements (40) extending in a radial direction (R) from the spacer ring (30), wherein a respective second axial locking surface (402) of the first pair of axial17 locking surfaces (142, 402) is provided by a respective axial locking element of the plurality of axial locking elements (40).

13. The topshell assembly according to any one of the preceding claims 9 to 12, wherein the mechanical locking system comprises a second pair of cooperating axial locking surfaces (144, 404) for locking displacement of the spacer ring in the second axial direction (A2), wherein the second pair of cooperating axial locking surfaces (144, 404) comprises a third axial locking surface (404) and a fourth axial locking surface (144), wherein the third axial locking surface (404) is provided by the locking groove (14) and wherein the fourth axial locking surface (144) is provided by the axial locking element (40).

14. A crusher (110) comprising the crusher topshell (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 or the topshell assembly (100) according to any one of claims 9 to 13.

15. A method of manufacturing a crusher topshell (10) for a crusher topshell assembly (100), the topshell (10) having at least part of a mechanical locking system (4, 6, 8, 402, 404, 406, 408, 142, 144, 506, 508) of the crusher topshell assembly (100) for axial locking of a spacer ring (30) relative the topshell (10) at least in a first axial direction (A1) towards a bottom portion of the topshell (10), the method comprising the steps of:- providing (S202) a cast crusher topshell having an annular wall (11) extending around a topshell longitudinal axis (A) to define a cavity (15) for receiving the spacer ring (30), the annular wall (11) terminating at an axially upper end by an annular rim (12);- forming (S204) at the annular rim (12), at least part of the mechanical locking system by turning, comprising forming a first abutment region (4) comprising an annular locking groove (14).

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the first abutment region (4) is configured for cooperating with a second abutment region (6) provided at or projecting from the spacer ring (30) for locking displacement of the spacer ring (30) in the first axial direction (A1) of the topshell (10).

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