Technical Field

The present invention relates to a crusher mantle lifting device.

A typical cone crusher comprises an offset cone head which gyrates about a central axis. To protect the cone head from wear, a mantle is attached to and overlies the cone head. During operation as the cone head gyrates about the central axis rock is crushed between the mantle and a bowl liner. The mantle generally has a substantially frustoconical shape with an opening at a small diameter end. The opening has a tapered surface that decreases in diameter in a direction toward a large diameter end of the mantle. The mantle is attached to the cone head by a torch ring (a washer) that contacts the tapered opening of the mantle, and a mantle nut that passes through the washer and threadingly engages a mantle bolt. A protective mantle nut cap I feed plate overlies and is normally bolted to the mantle nut. The mantle and mantle nut are typically spot welded in two or three locations to the torch ring.

The mantle requires regular replacement due to wear. In order to replace a worn mantle, the mantle nut cap is removed, and the torch ring cut with an oxy torch. The cutting of the torch ring enables the mantle nut to be more easily removed. To now lift the mantle from the cone head, lifting lugs may be welded onto the mantle. The lugs are generally manufactured on site using readily available materials which are unlikely to be load rated. Due to the type of steel used in the manufacture of mantles, the welding process requires specialised procedures and welding consumables otherwise the weld will become brittle and fail. There have been many instances over the years where mantles have detached from the lugs during lifting due to poor quality welding creating substantial hazard and causing injuries such as amputation of feet. According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a crusher mantle lifting device for facilitating lifting of a mantle having an axial opening by which the mantle is connectable to a head of a crusher, the crusher mantle lifting device comprising: a body portion configured for locating coaxially with the axial opening of the mantle; and an attachment system supported by the body portion and configured to be engageable with the mantle from a location external to an outer surface of the mantle.

In one embodiment, the attachment system is configured to be coupled to the body portion in a manner such that the attachment system is movable relative to the body portion between an engaged position wherein the attachment system is engaged with the mantle and a disengaged position wherein the attachment system is disengaged from the mantle.

The attachment system may comprise at least two attachment members coupled to the body portion at respective spaced apart locations, each attachment member being configured to engage with the mantle from a location external to an outer surface of the mantle and configured to be movable relative to the body portion between an engaged position wherein the attachment system is engaged with the mantle and a disengaged position wherein the attachment system is disengaged from the mantle.

In one embodiment, at least one of the attachment members is pivotally coupled to the body portion.

In one embodiment, at least one of the attachment members is configured such that, when in an engaged position with the mantle, the at least one attachment member extends generally parallel to a central axis of the mantle.

In one embodiment, at least one of the attachment members is configured to engage with an engagement portion formed on or in the outer surface of the mantle. The engagement portion may extend within a thickness of the mantle in a generally radial direction relative to the central axis of the mantle. The engagement portion may be formed in a pouring hole extending through the mantle.

The crusher mantle lifting device may further comprise a releasable locking mechanism arranged to cooperate with the attachment system for locking the crusher mantle lifting device when engaged with the mantle against disengagement from the mantle.

In one embodiment, the releasable locking mechanism is configured for locking each of the at least two attachment members at a fixed orientation relative to the axial opening of the mantle. In this embodiment, the releasable locking mechanism may comprise respective bolts movably supported on the at least two attachment members, each bolt being selectively moveable between an unlocked position wherein the attachment member is movable between the engaged and disengaged positions, and a locked position wherein the attachment member is secured in the engaged position. Each bolt may threadingly engage with a respective transversally extending through-hole formed in the attachment member, wherein when in the locked position, a distal end of the bolt is at or in proximity to a surface of the body portion.

In one embodiment, the body portion comprises a ring-like structure having one or more attachment points for coupling to a lifting apparatus.

In one embodiment, the crusher mantle lifting device further comprises a jack system coupled to the body portion and operable to extend from a lower surface of the body portion.

The crusher mantle lifting device may further comprise one or more retaining elements configured to be coupled to the body portion in a manner such that, when the crusher mantle lifting device is engaged with the mantle, the one or more retaining elements are located at or in proximity to the axial opening of the mantle. The one or more retaining elements may be arranged to form a close fit with respective portions of the axial opening. When the crusher mantle lifting device is engaged with the mantle and coupled to a lifting apparatus, the one or more retaining elements are arranged to engage with at least a portion of the axial opening during lifting of the mantle if the attachment system partially disengages from the mantle during lifting.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of engaging a crusher mantle lifting device with a mantle having an axial opening via which the mantle is connectable to a head of a crusher, the method comprising: providing the crusher mantle lifting device in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, the crusher mantle lifting device being configured to enable the mantle to be placed on or removed from the head of the crusher when engaged with the mantle; positioning the crusher mantle lifting device at the axial opening such that the body portion is located coaxially with the axial opening; and manipulating the crusher mantle lifting device to engage the crusher mantle lifting device with the mantle.

In an embodiment, where the crusher mantle lifting device further comprises one or more attachment points for coupling with a lifting apparatus, the method may further comprise: coupling the one or more attachment points with the lifting apparatus; and operating the lifting apparatus to lift the mantle.

Manipulating the crusher mantle lifting device may comprise moving each attachment member to an engaged position such that the attachment member is engaged with the mantle.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a mantle for a crusher comprising: an axial opening by which the mantle is connectable to a head of a crusher; and at least one engagement portion formed on or in an outer surface of the mantle, the at least one engagement portion being configured for receiving at least a portion of an attachment system of a crusher mantle lifting device according to the first aspect of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the Summary, specific embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is an isometric view of a crusher mantle lifting device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is perspective view of the crusher mantle lifting device shown in Figure 1 mounted at the axial opening of a mantle;

Figure 3 is a view of section B of the mantle and crusher mantle lifting device shown in Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a schematic representation of section B of the mantle and the crusher mantle lifting device shown in Figure 2 with attachment members of the crusher mantle lifting device locked in an engaged position with the mantle;

Figure 5 is a plan view of the mantle and crusher mantle lifting device shown in Figure 2;

Figure 6 is a view of section A-A of the mantle and crusher mantle lifting device shown in Figure 2;

Figures 7a is an isometric schematic representation of the crusher mantle lifting device shown in Figure 1 with the attachment members in a disengaged position;

Figure 7b is a side view of the crusher mantle lifting device shown in Figure 7a;

Figure 7c is an isometric schematic representation of the crusher mantle lifting device shown in Figure 1 with the attachment members in an engaged position; Figure 7d is a side view of the crusher mantle lifting device shown in Figure 7c;

Figure 7e is an isometric schematic representation of the crusher mantle lifting device shown in Figure 1 with the locking mechanism in a locked position;

Figure 7f is a side view of the crusher mantle lifting device shown in Figure 7e;

Figure 8 is a flow chart of a method for engaging a crusher mantle lifting device with a mantle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a crusher mantle lifting device in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 10 is a perspective bottom view of the crusher mantle lifting device shown in Figure 9;

Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of the crusher mantle lifting device shown in Figure 9 mounted at the axial opening of a mantle similar to the mantle shown in Figure 2;

Figure 12 is a view of a cross-section of the mantle and crusher mantle lifting device shown in Figure 1 1 ;

Figure 13 is a schematic representation of section G of the crusher mantle lifting device shown in Figure 9 with the attachment members locked in an engaged position with the mantle as shown in Figure 1 1 ;

Figure 14 is a perspective view of a top section of the crusher mantle lifting device shown in Figure 9 mounted at the axial opening of the mantle;

Figure 15 is another schematic representation of a section of the mantle in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 16 is a perspective view of a mantle in accordance with the embodiment of Figure 15. Detailed Description

In the following description, same or similar features are identified using same reference numerals.

Figures 1 - 6 of the accompanying drawings illustrate an embodiment of a crusher mantle lifting device 10 for facilitating lifting of a mantle 12 having an axial opening 14 by which the mantle 12 is connectable to a head of a crusher (not shown). The mantle 12 has a portion 16 of a substantially frustoconical shape having a large diameter end 18 and a small diameter end 20. The axial opening 14 is formed in the mantle 12 at the small diameter end 20. Depending from the large diameter end 18 is a contiguous first band 22 having an increased slope relative to the portion 16, a second contiguous band 24 of increased slope relative to that of the first band 22, and a third contiguous outer edge 26 having a decreased slope relative to that of the second band 24. The portion 16 comprises a plurality of holes 27 circumferentially spaced apart in the proximity of the axial opening 14, each hole 27 extending through the mantle 12. In this embodiment, the holes 27 correspond to modified pouring holes 27 on the mantle 12. Pouring holes are commonly built in a mantle and generally extend in a direction substantially parallel to the central axis of the mantle 12. The pouring holes are configured for pouring a settable material such as an epoxy crusher backing compound material between the mantle 12 and the head of the crusher (not shown) when the mantle 12 is connected to the head of the crusher. The settable material aims at eliminating the formation of gaps between the inner surface of the mantle 12 and head and other structures of the crusher. Further the settable material aims at providing support for the full cracking surface of the mantle 12 during operation to prevent the mantle 12 from cracking or becoming loose. This provides for safer and more efficient operation of the crusher. If a settable material is not used, dirt or other foreign matter may get between the inner surface of the mantle and the crusher head during operation of the crusher and may also get into the head nut threads. This may result in the head nut being difficult to remove after use of the crusher. The pouring holes are positioned to allow the settable material to ‘flood’ out when the correct level of settable material is reached. The maximum level at which the settable material ‘floods’ out from within the pouring hole is called a flood point. Each modified pouring hole 27 has a ledge 27a and a face 27b that are formed in the outer surface 30 of the mantle 12. Each ledge 27a extends across a portion of the thickness of the mantle 12 in a generally radial direction relative to the central axis of the mantle 12.

The crusher mantle lifting device 10 comprises a body portion 28 configured for locating coaxially with the axial opening 14 of the mantle 12. Figures 2 - 6 show the crusher mantle lifting device 10 positioned coaxially with the axial opening 14 of the mantle 12. The crusher mantle lifting device 10 also comprises an attachment system supported by the body portion 28 and configured to be engageable with the mantle 12 from a location external to an outer surface 30 of the mantle 12.

In the present embodiment, the attachment system comprises three attachment members 32a, 32b, 32c, hereinafter referred to in general as “attachment member 32” in the singular or “attachment members 32” in the plural, which are each configured to be engageable with the mantle from a location external to the outer surface 30 of the mantle 12. Each attachment member 32 is coupled to the body portion 28 at respective spaced apart locations in a manner such that the attachment member 32 is movable relative to the body portion 28 between an engaged position wherein the attachment member 32 is engaged with the mantle 12 (as illustrated in Figs. 2 - 6) and a disengaged position wherein the attachment member 32 is disengaged from the mantle 12. In the present embodiment, the attachment members 32 are pivotally coupled to the body portion 28 by means of respective pivot pins at respective pivot points 34a, 34b, 34c, hereinafter referred to in general as “pivot point 34” in the singular or “pivot points 34” in the plural. The attachment members 32 are coupled to the body portion 28 at substantially equidistant locations from each other. Each attachment member 32 is arranged to pivot about their respective pivot point 34 between the engaged position and the disengaged position. In the present described embodiment, with reference to Figs. 3 and 4, the ledge 27a and face 27b define an engagement portion 33 near the outer surface 30 in the mantle 12. When in the engaged position, each attachment member 32 is arranged to engage from the outside with the respective engagement portion 33. Each attachment member 32 is configured such that, when in an engaged position with a respective engagement portion 33 of the mantle 12, the attachment member 32 extends generally parallel to the central axis of the mantle 12. It is noted that in this embodiment, each attachment member 32 is configured such that, when in the engaged position, it remains above and thus does not interfere with the flood point fp (see Figure 4). Accordingly, the inner surface of the mantle 12 and structures of the crusher head remain sealed.

Figures 15 and 16 illustrate an embodiment wherein the mantle 12 further comprises a raised section 29 above and to respective sides of each modified pouring hole 27. The raised section 29 is configured to provide a reinforced area above the ledge 27a and engagement portion 33 whereby additional strength and compensation for wear to the mantle 12 is provided.

Figures 7a - 7d illustrate movement of the attachment members 32 between the disengaged position (Figs. 7a - 7b) and the engaged position (Figs. 7c - 7d).

In the present embodiment, the body portion 28 has a ring-like structure comprising a circular wall 35 having an inner surface 36 and an outer surface 38, and an inner flange 40 extending circumferentially from a bottom portion of the inner surface 36 and in a radial inward direction. The ring-like body portion 28 further comprises three attachment points 42 arranged at circumferentially spaced apart locations. The attachment members 32 are coupled to the outer surface 38 of the ring-like body portion 28 at circumferentially spaced apart locations that correspond substantially to the locations of the attachment points 42.

In one embodiment, each attachment point 42 is provided in the form of a hole 44 provided in a lug 43 and through which a swivel 45 can be attached. Each swivel 45 is arranged for coupling via a tether arrangement to a lifting apparatus (not shown) wherein the swivel 45 and attachment point 42 cooperate with lifting elements 46 to lift the mantle 12 from the cone crusher (not shown) when operating the lifting apparatus. The lug 43 extends in a radial direction and lies in a plane parallel to the central axis. The lug 43 further has an inner portion 47 that runs across the width of the inner flange 40 and an outer portion 48 that projects outwardly of the outer surface 38. Each hole 44 extends through a thickness of the inner portion 47. Each pivot point 34 is provided at a respective outer portion 48 wherein each attachment member 32 is coupled to a respective outer portion 48. In order to minimise the risk of accidental disengagement of the crusher mantle lifting device 10 from the mantle 12 during a lifting operation, a locking mechanism 50 is in one embodiment incorporated in the device 10, the locking mechanism 50 being arranged to cooperate with the attachment system for locking the crusher mantle lifting device 10 when engaged with the mantle 12 against disengagement from the mantle 12. In one embodiment the locking mechanism 50 comprises a system of bolts or pins 52, each bolt 52 being arranged to cooperate with a respective attachment member 32 for locking the attachment member 32 at a fixed orientation relative to the axial opening 14 of the mantle 12. Each attachment member 32 comprises a hole 54 that extends through the thickness of the attachment member 32 in a generally radial direction relative to the central axis of the mantle 12 at a position above the respective pivot point 34. In one specific embodiment, with reference to Figures 7(a) to 7(f), the bolt 52 is arranged to threadingly engage with the hole 54 in the attachment member 32, whereby the bolt 52 is selectively movable between: i) an unlocked position (Figures 7(a) to 7(d)) wherein a distal end 56 of the bolt 52 is positioned at a distance from the outer surface 38 of the ring-like body portion 28 that is such that the attachment member 32 is movable between the engaged and disengaged positions, and ii) a locked position (Figures 7(e) and 7(f)) wherein the distal end 56 of the bolt 52 abuts the outer portion 48 of lug 43 such that the attachment member 32 is prevented from moving to the disengaged position and secured in the engaged position, at a fixed orientation substantially parallel to the central axis of the mantle 12. When the bolt 52 is in the locked position, the attachment 32 is configured to clamp against the engagement portion 33.

In one embodiment, to assist in breaking a seal between the mantle 12 and a cone head of a corresponding cone crusher when it is desired to remove the mantle 12 for replacement or repair, the crusher mantle lifting device 10 incorporates a jack system 58. The jack system 58 comprises bolts 60 threadingly engaged in axial through-holes formed through a thickness of the inner flange 40. The jack system 58 is operable to extend from a lower surface 62 of body portion 28, wherein each bolt 60 is arranged such that when screwed down through the respective through-hole through the thickness of the inner flange 40, a respective shank of the bolt 60 can protrude below the lower surface 62.

Figure 8 shows a flow chart of an embodiment of a method 70 of engaging a crusher mantle lifting device with a mantle having an axial opening via which the mantle is connectable to a head of a crusher, such as a cone crusher. At step 72, a crusher mantle lifting device is provided which is configured to enable the mantle to be placed on or removed from the head of the cone crusher when engaged with the axial opening of the mantle. The crusher mantle lifting device may be in accordance with embodiments of the present invention and including the above described crusher mantle lifting device 10. At step 74, the crusher mantle lifting device 10 is positioned such that the body portion 28 is located coaxially with and above the axial opening 14 and each attachment member 32 is positioned facing a respective engagement portion 33 at the outside surface 30 of the mantle 12 with each attachment member 32 in a disengaged position.

At step 76, the crusher mantle lifting device 10 is manipulated to engage the crusher mantle lifting device 10 with the mantle 12. This involves moving the attachment member 32 from the disengaged position to the engaged position wherein the attachment member 32 is engaged with the respective engagement portion 33. The members 32 are moved to the engagement position by screwing in the bolts 52 so their ends 56 bear against the outer lug portions 48 effectively locking the attachment members 32 from any further pivotal motion in either direction about the pivot points 34. The attachment member 32 are now secured in the engaged position, at a fixed orientation substantially transversal to a plane of the axial opening 14 (i.e. substantially parallel to the central axis of the mantle 12). Also, to assist in breaking the seal between the mantle 12 and the cone head of the cone crusher, each bolt 60 of the jack system 58 is screwed down to abut and apply force against the cone head to break any adherence force acting between the mantle and crusher liner.

At step 78, each swivel 45 of a respective attachment point 42 is coupled to a respective lifting element 46 of a tether arrangement of a lifting apparatus. At step 80, the lifting apparatus is operated to lift the mantle 12 wherein the attachment points 42 and swivels 45 cooperate with the lifting elements 46 to lift the mantle 12 from the cone crusher.

Figures 9 - 14 of the accompanying drawings illustrate a further embodiment of a crusher mantle lifting device 82 for facilitating lifting of the mantle 12 having an axial opening 14 by which the mantle 12 is connectable to a head of a crusher (not shown). The crusher mantle lifting device 82 comprises similar features to the ones of crusher mantle lifting device 10 and further comprises three retaining elements 84 that are configured to be coupled to a bottom portion 86 of the body portion 28. The retaining elements 84 may be coupled to the bottom portion 86 at circumferentially spaced apart locations and may be coupled in any suitable manner. For example, a top portion of each retaining element 84 may be welded to a bottom circumferential portion of the body portion 28; alternately the elements may be formed integral with the body portion 28 as a single piece casting.

When the body portion 28 is positioned coaxially with the axial opening 14 of the mantle 12 and the crusher mantle lifting device 82 is engaged with the mantle 12 by means of the attachments members 32 as illustrated in Figs. 11 to 13, each retaining element 84 is located at or in proximity to the axial opening 14 of the mantle 12. In one embodiment, each retaining element 84 has a shape and dimensions such that, when the crusher mantle lifting device 82 is engaged with the mantle 12 and coupled to a lifting apparatus via the swivels 45 and lifting elements 46, if the attachment system partially disengages from the mantle during lifting, one or more of the retaining elements 84 engage with the axial opening 14 at one or more circumferential locations.

In one embodiment, each retaining element 84 has a shape and dimensions relative to the axial opening 14 of the mantle 12 so that if the retaining element 84 was in contact with a respective portion of the axial opening 14, the retaining element and the respective portion of the axial opening 14 would form a close-fit. This is facilitated, in the specific embodiment shown in Figures 9-12, by forming each retaining element 84 with three faces A, B and C. These faces are arranged to cradle the surfaces of the mantle about the lower edge of the axial opening 14.

Computer simulations carried out by the inventor have shown that when the crusher mantle lifting device 82 is engaged with the mantle 12 and the swivels 45 are coupled to respective lifting elements 46 of a tether arrangement of a lifting apparatus, if one of the attachment members 32 disengages from the mantle 12 at the respective engagement portion 33 during lifting of the crusher mantle lifting device 82 and mantle 12, at least face A of one or more of the retaining elements 84 will engage with a corresponding portion of the mantle 12 at the axial opening 14. By engaging with the axial opening 14 of the mantle 12 at one or more locations about the lower end of the axial opening 14 in the event that an attachment member 32 accidentally fails and moves to a disengaged position, the retaining elements 84 provide support during lifting and assist in preventing the crusher mantle lifting device 82 to be fully detached from the mantle 12 and dropping of the mantle 12, which may result in substantial injuries for workers at the scene. Further, in the event that two of the attachment members 32 disengage from the mantle 12 at the respective engagement portions 33 during lifting of the crusher mantle lifting device 82 and mantle 12, computer simulation has shown that face C may engage with a corresponding portion of the mantle 12 at the axial opening 14, which would assist in reducing the likelihood of the mantle 12 dropping during lifting.

It will be appreciated that the number of retaining elements is not limited to three and the crusher mantle lifting device may comprise any number of retaining elements as may be suitable to achieve a similar technical effect and assist in facilitating lifting of the mantle 12 in the event that the attachment system becomes partially disengaged/detached from the mantle (for example one or two of the attachment members 32 become disengaged/detached from the mantle) during lifting of the crusher mantle lifting device and mantle, or in the event that one or two of the lifting elements become disengaged during lifting of the crusher mantle lifting device and mantle. In a specific embodiment, it is further envisaged that the crusher mantle lifting device comprises one retaining element 84 provided in the form of a ring-like element having a diameter substantially similar to the diameter of the body portion 28 and coupled to the body portion 28 in a suitable manner whereby the ring-like retaining element is coaxially aligned with the body portion 28.

It will be understood that although the present embodiments have been described with the attachment system comprising three attachment members, it is envisaged that the attachment system comprises at least two attachment members and may comprise any number of attachment members above two as possibly suitable.

It is also envisaged that the attachment members be coupled to the body portion 28 in any suitable manner other than pivotably coupled to an outer surface of the body portion. Further, the attachment system may be provided in a form other than the form in which the at least two attachment members described in the present embodiments are provided, as may be considered suitable by a person skilled in the art to achieve similar technical effects.

Further, it will be understood that while embodiments have been described wherein the attachments members are configured to engaged with modified pouring holes 27 in the mantle 12, it is envisaged that the attachments members are alternatively configured to engage from a location external to an outer surface of the mantle with any other suitable means. For example, respective engagement portions may be formed on or in the outer surface of the mantle for receiving the attachment members; or at least one engagement portion may be formed on or in the outer surface of the mantle for receiving at least a portion of the attachment system. The engagement portions may be located at circumferentially spaced apart locations either in the proximity of the axial opening 14 or at a different location, which may be substantially the same as or different from the location of the pouring holes. For example, a plurality of engagement portions may be positioned above, below or to the side of pouring holes of the mantle for engagement of the respective attachment members. Or an engagement system comprising at least one engagement portion for engagement of at least a portion of the attachment system may be positioned above, below or to the side of pouring holes of the mantle. Also, it is envisaged that the engagement portions be provided in the form of recesses formed in the mantle and extending within at least a portion of the mantle at locations suitable for receiving the attachment members. Further, it will be understood that although the above embodiments have been described with the attachment members and attachment points located at substantially equidistant locations from each other on the body portion of the crusher mantle lifting device, the location of the attachment members and attachment points is not limited to being as such. Also, it is envisaged that the attachment system generally and the attachment points be provided in any suitable form other than the ones herein described.

A person skilled in the art will also understand that other embodiments are envisaged wherein the attachment members are configured such that, when in an engaged position with the mantle, the attachment members extend in a direction relative to a central axis of the mantle other than generally parallel. The attachment members may for example extend generally inwardly towards the central axis of the mantle or generally outwardly away from the central axis of the mantle.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features in various embodiments of the invention.

Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are determined to be within the scope of the present invention.