The present disclosure generally relates to adapting configuration of a cone crusher for transportation.

BACKGROUND

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

Height of cone crushers complicates transport of the crushers.

An object of the invention is to provide a method and a cone crusher in which the height of the cone crusher can be lowered for transportation. A particular object is to reduce height for transportation with limited or no complication for resuming operation after transport. Another object is to provide at least a technical alternative for existing prior art.

SUMMARY

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.

According to a first example aspect there is provided a method for adapting configuration of a cone crusher for transportation. The cone crusher comprises a vertically movable crusher bowl and optionally a vertically movable crusher head. The method further comprises preparing the cone crusher for transportation by automatically performing at least: lowering the crusher bowl to a crusher bowl transportation position; and preparing the cone crusher for crushing by at least raising the crusher bowl according to a predetermined crusher bowl resumption position or raising the crusher head to a predetermined crusher head resumption position.

The method may further comprise lowering the crusher head to a crusher head transportation position for bringing down the crusher head. The lowering of the crusher bowl to the crusher bowl transportation position may be enabled by the lowering of the crusher head to the crusher head transportation position. The method may further comprise storing, before lowering the crusher head and the crusher bowl in the preparing of the cone crusher for transportation, as the crusher bowl resumption position a current crusher head position.

The method may further comprise storing, before lowering the crusher head and the crusher bowl in the preparing of the cone crusher for transportation, as the crusher head resumption position a current crusher bowl position.

The method may further comprise using a pre-defined default setting for at least one of the predetermined crusher bowl resumption position and the predetermined crusher head resumption position.

The method may further comprise obtaining from an operator at least one of the predetermined crusher bowl resumption position and the predetermined crusher head resumption position.

The crusher head and the crusher bowl may be lowered and/or raised in unison.

The method may further comprise defining the crusher bowl transportation position and the crusher head transportation position such that when in respective transportation positions, the crusher bowl and the crusher head are not contacting each other.

The method may further comprise vertically moving the crusher head by a piston. The piston may be a hydraulic piston.

The method may further comprise vertically moving the crusher bowl by rotating the crusher bowl along a thread.

The lowered position of the crusher head may be a pre-set setting of the crusher head.

The method may further comprise vertically moving the crusher head for performing any one of: compensating wear; changing a crushing setting; providing a tramp relief action; or providing space for maintenance in the cone crusher.

The method may further comprise vertically moving the crusher bowl for performing any one of: compensating wear; changing the crushing setting; providing tramp relief action; or providing space for maintenance in the cone crusher.

According to a second example aspect there is provided a control system comprising a processor and a memory including computer program code; wherein the processor with the memory and the computer program code are configured to cause the control system to perform the method of the first aspect. According to a third example aspect there is provided a cone crusher comprising a vertically movable crusher bowl for compensating wear, changing the crushing setting, and providing tramp relief; and a control system, and optionally further comprising a vertically movable crusher head for compensating wear and changing a crushing setting. The control system may be configured to cause the cone crusher to adapt for transportation according to the method of the first aspect.

According to a fourth example aspect there is provided a mineral material processing plant comprising: a cone crusher; and a control system; wherein the control system is configured to cause the cone crusher to adapt for transportation according to the method of the first aspect.

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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Some example embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a cone crusher according to an example embodiment;

Fig. 2 shows a mineral material processing plant according to an example embodiment;

Fig. 3 shows a flow chart according to an example embodiment; and

Fig. 4 shows a block diagram of an apparatus 400 according to an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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

Fig. 1 shows a cone crusher 100 comprising a crusher head 101 , a support cone 102, and a main shaft 103 for supporting and moving the crusher head 101. The cone crusher 200 further comprises a piston 104 for vertically moving the main shaft 103 for adjusting a crushing setting, for tramp iron release, and/or for compensating wear. The piston 104 may be movable by a linear actuator, for example a hydraulic actuator.

The cone crusher 100 further comprises a crusher bowl 105 and a crusher frame 106. The crusher bowl 105 is supported to the crusher frame 106 using a thread 107. The crusher bowl 105 is vertically movable for compensating wear, changing the crushing setting, and providing tramp relief. The crusher bowl 105 can be moved vertically relative to the crusher frame 106 by rotation along the thread 107. In an embodiment, the crusher frame 106 comprises an inner thread and the crusher bowl 107 an outer thread.

The cone crusher of Fig. 1 further comprises an outer wear part 108 and an inner wear part 109. A crushing chamber of the cone crusher 100 is formed between the outer wear part

108 and the inner wear part 109. In the crushing event, the position of the inner wear part

109 is changed relative to the outer wear part 108, preferably as a combination of a radial movement and a circulating movement of an axis of the inner wear part. Optionally or additionally, the inner wear part 108 may be moved vertically during the crushing or in an unloaded state, as called idle state, simultaneously or at different times with the outer crushing wear part.

Adjustment of the position of the outer wear part 108 is preferably implemented by the thread 107 in which an angle of the cross-section profile is selected such that contact surfaces of the inner and outer threads are pressed against each other. Then the contact surfaces of the threads are not able to move (among others, because of deflections in material and backlashes) during crushing relative to each other and wear is reduced. Also moving the contact surfaces of the thread relative to each other is easier after locking because the contact surfaces are not sticking to each other.

In an example embodiment, the crusher head 101 can be lowered to a crusher head transportation position using the piston 104. The crusher bowl 105 can be lowered to a crusher bowl transportation position by rotation along the thread 107. Lowering the crusher bowl 105 to the crusher bowl transportation position may be enabled by lowering of the crusher head 101 to the crusher head transportation position. The cone crusher 100 can be prepared for crushing by raising the crusher bowl 105 to a crusher bowl crushing position by rotating along the thread 107. Moreover, the crusher head 101 may be raised to a crusher head crushing position using the piston 104. Raising the crusher head 101 is enabled by raising the crusher bowl 105.

Fig. 2 shows a mineral material processing plant 200 according to an embodiment of the invention. The mineral material processing plant 200 comprises the cone crusher 100. The mineral material processing plant 200 comprises a feeder 203 for feeding the material to the cone crusher 100 and at least one belt conveyor 207 for transporting the screened material further from the plant. The processing plant 200 comprises also a power source 206. The power source 206 is for example a diesel motor or an electric motor that is provides energy for process units and hydraulic circuits (not shown). Furthermore, the processing plant 200 comprises a control system 205. With suitable configuration the cone crusher 100 of the processing plant 200 comprises the vertically movable crusher head 101 and the vertically movable crusher bowl 105. In an embodiment, the control system 205 may cause the cone crusher 100 to adapt to a transportation configuration and to a crushing configuration according to the method steps 325-340 of Fig. 3. In an example embodiment, the control system 205 comprises at least one processor and a memory including a computer program code. The control system may further comprise other units such as a user interface.

The feeder 203, the crusher 100, the power source 206 and the conveyor 207 are attached to a body 201 of the crushing plant which in an embodiment further comprises a track base 202 for moving the crushing plant 200. In some embodiments, the control system 205 is attached to the body 201 , to the cone crusher 100, and/or to the power source 206. The mineral material processing plant, in a further embodiment, is wholly or partly wheel based or movable on legs or skids. Alternatively, in a still further embodiment, the mineral material processing plant 200 is movable/towable for example by a truck or another external power source. The mineral material to be processed is for example mined rock, asphalt, or construction demolition waste such as concrete or bricks etc.

Fig. 3 shows a flow chart according to an example embodiment. Fig. 3 illustrates an automated method for adapting configuration of a cone crusher for transportation comprising various possible steps including some optional steps while also further steps can be included and/or some of the steps can be performed more than once:

300: Storing a current crusher head position as a crusher head resumption position.

305: Storing a current crusher bowl position as a crusher bowl resumption position.

310: Storing, before lowering the crusher head and the crusher bowl in the preparing of the cone crusher for transportation, a mutual distance of the crusher head and the current crusher bowl.

315: Defining the predetermined crusher bowl resumption position by the predetermined crusher head resumption position and the stored mutual distance.

320: Storing (320), before lowering the crusher head and the crusher bowl in the preparing of the cone crusher for transportation, as the crusher bowl resumption position a current crusher bowl position.

325: Lowering the crusher head to a crusher head transportation position for bringing down the crusher head.

330: Storing, before lowering the crusher head and the crusher bowl in the preparing of the cone crusher for transportation, as the crusher head resumption position a current crusher head position.

335: Using a pre-defined default setting for the predetermined crusher head resumption position.

340: Using a pre-defined default setting for the predetermined crusher bowl resumption position.

345: Lowering the crusher bowl to a crusher bowl transportation position.

350. Obtaining from an operator at least one of the predetermined crusher bowl resumption position and the predetermined crusher head resumption position.

355: Vertically moving the crusher head by a piston, wherein the piston is preferably a piston of a hydraulic actuator.

360: Vertically moving the crusher bowl by rotating the crusher bowl along a thread.

365: Vertically moving the crusher head for performing any one of: compensating wear; changing a crushing setting; providing a tramp relief action; or providing space for maintenance in the cone crusher.

370: Vertically moving the crusher bowl for performing any one of: compensating wear; changing the crushing setting; providing tramp relief action; or providing space for maintenance in the cone crusher.

375: Preparing the cone crusher for crushing by at least: raising the crusher bowl to a predetermined crusher bowl resumption position; and raising the crusher head to a predetermined resumption position.

380: The lowering the crusher bowl to the crusher bowl transportation position is enabled by the lowering of the crusher head to the crusher head transportation position. By raising the crusher bowl, room is made for the crusher head to be elevated towards its resumption position.

In an example embodiment, the crusher head is configured vertically movable by a piston. In an embodiment, the piston is actuated by an actuator. In an example embodiment, the piston is actuated by a hydraulic actuator.

In an example embodiment, the lowered position of the crusher head is a pre-set setting of the crusher head. The pre-set setting may be the lowest position of the crusher head enabled by the piston. The pre-set setting may be a position of the crusher head particularly designed for transportation.

The crusher bowl may be configured vertically movable by rotating the crusher bowl along a thread. In an embodiment, the crusher bowl is rotated by a hydraulic motor. In an embodiment, lowering the crusher bowl to the crusher bowl transportation position is enabled by the lowering of the crusher head to the crusher head transportation position. When the bowl is in transportation position, the height of the crusher may be at its minimum.

In an example embodiment, the lowering the crusher bowl to a crusher bowl transportation position starts after the lowering the crusher head to a crusher head transportation position has finished. In another example embodiment, the crusher head and the crusher bowl are lowered in unison. In a further example embodiment, the crusher head and the crusher bowl are lowered in sequences.

In an example embodiment, the crusher bowl in the crusher bowl transportation position is in contact with the crusher head in the crusher head transportation position. When in contact, the height of the crusher may be at its minimum. In a further embodiment, the crusher bowl rests on the crusher head. In such an embodiment, shocks may be avoided between the crusher head and bowl. In another example embodiment, the crusher bowl in the crusher bowl transportation position is not in contact with the crusher head in the crusher head transportation position. In such an embodiment, the main shaft and its bearing may be protected against forces that could be induced by compacting the cone crusher for transport or during transport. Moreover, by arranging the crusher bowl in the crusher bowl transportation position separated from the crusher head in the crusher head transportation position it may be possible to avoid abrasion and/or hitting each other during transport. In an embodiment, the crusher bowl transportation position is a position particularly designed for transportation.

In an embodiment, raising of the crusher bowl enables the raising of the crusher head according to the crusher head resumption position. Preferably the crusher head resumption position is a home position at a suitable first distance above the transportation position, which provides required downward movement for the head during tramp release. In an embodiment, the home position is also a starting point for crusher setting, i.e., a second distance between the head mantle and the bowl liner. When taking the crusher in use, usually a crusher setting is selected or the crusher setting is a predefined default setting, such as a default distance between the wear parts (head mantle and bowl liner). The bowl is lifted up to a position in which a desired crusher setting will be formed when the crusher head is lifted to the home position. In an example embodiment, the crusher head and the crusher bowl are raised in unison. In some example embodiments, the crusher head and the crusher bowl are raised in a reversed process of steps 375 and 330.

One or both of the crusher head resumption position and the crusher bowl resumption position can be pre-defined default settings. The pre-defined default settings may be stored during the assembly of the cone crusher. The pre-defined default settings may be stored during a maintenance of the cone crusher.

The method may further comprise obtaining from an operator at least one of the predetermined crusher bowl resumption position and the predetermined crusher head resumption position.

Fig. 4 shows a block diagram of an apparatus 400 according to an example embodiment. The apparatus 400 comprises a communication interface 410; a processor 420; a user interface 430; and a memory 440.

The communication interface 410 comprises in an embodiment a wired and/or wireless communication circuitry, such as Ethernet; Wireless LAN; Bluetooth; GSM; CDMA; WCDMA; LTE; and/or 5G circuitry. The communication interface can be integrated in the apparatus 400 or provided as a part of an adapter, card, or the like, that is attachable to the apparatus 400. The communication interface 410 may support one or more different communication technologies. The apparatus 400 may also or alternatively comprise more than one of the communication interfaces 410.

In this document, a processor may refer to a central processing unit (CPU); a microprocessor; a digital signal processor (DSP); a graphics processing unit; an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC); a field programmable gate array; a microcontroller; or a combination of such elements.

The user interface may comprise a circuitry for receiving input from a user of the apparatus 400, e.g., via a keyboard; graphical user interface shown on the display of the apparatus 400; speech recognition circuitry; or an accessory device; such as a headset; and for providing output to the user via, e.g., a graphical user interface or a loudspeaker.

The memory 440 comprises a work memory 442 and a persistent memory 444 configured to store computer program code 446 and data 448. The memory 440 may comprise any one or more of: a read-only memory (ROM); a programmable read-only memory (PROM); an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM); a random-access memory (RAM); a flash memory; a data disk; an optical storage; a magnetic storage; a smart card; a solid- state drive (SSD); or the like. The apparatus 400 may comprise a plurality of the memories 440. The memory 440 may be constructed as a part of the apparatus 400 or as an attachment to be inserted into a slot; port; or the like of the apparatus 400 by a user or by another person or by a robot. The memory 440 may serve the sole purpose of storing data, or be constructed as a part of an apparatus 400 serving other purposes, such as processing data. A skilled person appreciates that in addition to the elements shown in Figure 4, the apparatus 400 may comprise other elements, such as microphones; displays; as well as additional circuitry such as input/output (I/O) circuitry; memory chips; application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC); processing circuitry for specific purposes.

Without in any way limiting the scope, interpretation, or application of the appended claims, a technical effect of one or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein is that the transport height of a crusher is reduced. An advantage is also that the transport height of a whole processing plant is reduced. A further advantage is that a control system controls the crusher setting mechanisms such that the crusher is as low as possible for the transportation, and it is set back to operational position after transportation. The process may be performed by using automatic sequences that an operator of the crusher may activate when required.

Any of the afore described methods, method steps, or combinations thereof, may be controlled or performed using hardware; software; firmware; or any combination thereof. The software and/or hardware may be local; distributed; centralised; virtualised; or any combination thereof. Moreover, any form of computing, including computational intelligence, may be used for controlling or performing any of the afore described methods, method steps, or combinations thereof. Computational intelligence may refer to, for example, any of artificial intelligence; neural networks; fuzzy logics; machine learning; genetic algorithms; evolutionary computation; or any combination thereof.

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.

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.

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.