Apparatus and method for an adjustable toggle assembly

Abstract

An adjustable toggle assembly adapted for use on an item of crushing equipment having a frame and a jaw, said adjustable toggle assembly. The assembly includes a wedge having a generally tapered configuration, a first wear bar configured to contact the wedge, and a second wear bar configured to contact the wedge. The assembly also has a first cover plate and a second cover plate. The assembly further includes a means for moving the wedge relative to the first wear bar and the second wear bar. The assembly still further includes a first toggle seat that is connected to the frame and a second toggle seat that is connected to the jaw. The means for moving the wedge relative to the first wear bar and the second wear bar is adapted to move the wedge between a contracted position and an expanded position.

Claims

1. An adjustable toggle assembly adapted for use on an item of crushing equipment having a frame and a jaw, said adjustable toggle assembly comprising: (a) a wedge, said wedge having a wedge top side, a wedge bottom side, and a generally tapered configuration; (b) a first wear bar, said first wear bar having a first wear bar top side, a first wear bar bottom side, and being configured to contact the wedge; (c) a second wear bar, said second wear bar having a second wear bar top side, a second wear bar bottom side, and being configured to contact the wedge; (d) a first cover plate, said first cover plate being disposed adjacent to the wedge top side, the first wear bar top side, and the second wear bar top side; (e) a second cover plate, said second cover plate being disposed adjacent to the wedge bottom side, the first wear bar bottom side, and the second wear bar bottom side; (f) a first means for moving the wedge relative to the first wear bar and the second wear bar; (g) a second means for moving the wedge relative to the first wear bar and the second wear bar and a first counterbalance valve, said first counterbalance valve being adapted to prevent movement of the first means for moving the wedge relative to the first wear bar and the second wear bar during operation of the item of crushing equipment; (h) a first toggle seat, said first toggle seat being connected to the frame of the item of crushing equipment; (i) a second toggle seat, said second toggle seat being connected to the jaw of the item of crushing equipment; wherein the first means for moving the wedge relative to the first wear bar and the second wear bar is adapted to move the wedge between a contracted position and an expanded position; and wherein the first wear bar is adapted to contact the first toggle seat; and wherein the second wear bar is adapted to contact the second toggle seat.

2. The adjustable toggle assembly of claim 1 wherein the first wear bar comprises a first wear bar slot.

3. The adjustable toggle assembly of claim 2 wherein the second wear bar comprises a second wear bar slot.

4. The adjustable toggle assembly of claim 3 further comprising a plurality of guide bars, said guide bars being adapted to be received in either the first wear bar slot or the second wear bar slot.

5. The adjustable toggle assembly of claim 1 wherein the first means for moving the wedge relative to the first wear bar and the second wear bar comprises an actuator.

6. The adjustable toggle assembly of claim 1 wherein the first means for moving the wedge relative to the first wear bar and the second wear bar comprises a hydraulic cylinder.

7. The adjustable toggle assembly of claim 1 wherein the first means for moving the wedge relative to the first wear bar and the second wear bar comprises a threaded rod.

8. The adjustable toggle assembly of claim 6 further comprising a hydraulic cylinder lug.

9. The adjustable toggle assembly of claim 6 further comprising a hydraulic cylinder link bar.

10. The adjustable toggle assembly of claim 1 further comprising a pump, said pump being in fluid communication with the first means for moving the wedge relative to the first wear bar and the second wear bar.

11. The adjustable toggle assembly of claim 1 further comprising a second counterbalance valve, said second counterbalance valve being adapted to prevent movement of the second means for moving the wedge relative to the first wear bar and the second wear bar during operation of the item of crushing equipment.

12. The adjustable toggle assembly of claim 1 further comprising a tension rod.

13. The adjustable toggle assembly of claim 12 further comprising a tension rod spring.

14. An adjustable toggle assembly adapted for use on an item of crushing equipment, said adjustable toggle assembly comprising: (a) a wedge, said wedge having a wedge top side, a wedge bottom side, and a generally tapered configuration; (b) a first wear bar, said first wear bar having a first wear bar top side, a first wear bar bottom side, and being configured to contact the wedge; (c) a second wear bar, said second wear bar having a second wear bar top side, a second wear bar bottom side, and being configured to contact the wedge; (d) a first cover plate, said first cover plate being disposed on the wedge top side, the first wear bar top side, and the second wear bar top side; (e) a second cover plate, said second cover plate being disposed on the wedge bottom side, the first wear bar bottom side, and the second wear bar bottom side; a first actuator, said first actuator having a first actuator proximal end that is connected to the first cover plate and having a first actuator distal end that is connected to the wedge and being adapted to move between a retracted position and an extended position; (g) a second actuator, said second actuator having a second actuator proximal end that is connected to the first cover plate and having a second actuator distal end that is connected to the wedge and being adapted to move between a retracted position and an extended position; (h) a pump, said pump being in fluid communication with the first actuator and the second actuator (i) a first counterbalance valve, said first counterbalance valve being adapted to prevent movement of the first actuator during operation of the item of crushing equipment; (j) a second counterbalance valve, said second counterbalance valve being adapted to prevent movement of the first actuator during operation of the item of crushing equipment; (k) a first toggle seat, said first toggle seat being connected to the frame of the item of crushing equipment; (l) a second toggle seat, said second toggle seat being connected to the jaw of the item of crushing equipment; wherein the first actuator and the second actuator are adapted to move the wedge between a contracted position and an expanded position; and wherein the first wear bar is adapted to contact the first toggle seat; and wherein the second wear bar is adapted to contact the second toggle seat.

15. A method for adjusting a toggle assembly adapted for use on an item of crushing equipment having a frame and a jaw, said method comprising: (a) providing an adjustable toggle assembly, said adjustable toggle assembly comprising: (i) a wedge, said wedge having wedge top side, a wedge bottom side, and a generally tapered configuration; (ii) a first wear bar, said first wear bar having a first wear bar top side, a first wear bar bottom side, and being configured to contact the wedge; (iii) a second wear bar, said second wear bar having a second wear bar top side, a second wear bar bottom side, and being configured to contact the wedge; (iv) a first cover plate, said first cover plate being disposed adjacent to the wedge top side, the first wear bar top side, and the second wear bar top side; (v) a second cover plate, said second cover plate being disposed adjacent to the wedge bottom side, the first wear bar bottom side, and the second wear bar side; (vi) an actuator for moving the wedge relative to the first wear bar and the second wear bar; (vii) a first toggle seat, said first toggle seat being connected to the frame of the item of crushing equipment (viii) a second toggle seat, said second toggle seat being connected to the jaw of the item of crushing equipment; wherein the actuator for moving the wedge relative to the first wear bar and the second wear bar is adapted to move the wedge between a contracted position and an expanded position; and wherein the first wear bar is adapted to contact the first toggle seat; and wherein the second wear bar is adapted to contact the second toggle seat; and wherein the actuator has a proximal end that is connected to the first cover plate and has a distal end that is connected to the wedge; (b) moving the wedge between the contracted position and the expanded position.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein the actuator is adapted to move between a retracted position and an extended position.

17. The method of claim 16 further comprising moving the actuator between the retracted position and the extended position.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The presently preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout, and in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a partial sectional side view of the preferred embodiment of the adjustable toggle assembly in accordance with the present invention shown on an exemplary crusher.

(3) FIG. 1A is a partial sectional side view of the preferred embodiment of the adjustable toggle assembly illustrated in FIG. 1.

(4) FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the preferred adjustable toggle assembly illustrated in FIG. 1-1A.

(5) FIG. 2A is a partial sectional bottom view of the preferred adjustable toggle assembly illustrated in FIGS. 1-2.

(6) FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the preferred wedge assembly of the adjustable toggle assembly illustrated in FIGS. 1-2.

(7) FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the preferred wedge assembly of the adjustable toggle assembly illustrated in FIGS. 1-3.

(8) FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the preferred wedge assembly of the adjustable toggle assembly illustrated in FIGS. 1-4.

(9) FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the preferred wedge assembly of the adjustable toggle assembly illustrated in FIGS. 1-5.

(10) FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view of the preferred wedge assembly of the adjustable toggle assembly illustrated in FIGS. 1-6 showing the actuator in a retracted position.

(11) FIG. 8 is a partial sectional view of the preferred wedge assembly of the adjustable toggle assembly illustrated in FIGS. 1-7 showing the actuator in an extended position.

(12) FIG. 9 is a first alternative embodiment of the wedge assembly of the adjustable toggle assembly illustrated in FIGS. 1-8.

(13) FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the preferred tension rod assembly of the adjustable toggle assembly illustrated in FIGS. 1-9.

(14) FIG. 11 is a front view of the preferred pump and valve assembly of the adjustable toggle assembly illustrated in FIGS. 1-10.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

(15) Referring now to the drawings, the preferred embodiment of the adjustable toggle assembly in accordance with the present invention is illustrated by FIGS. 1 through 11. Referring now to FIG. 1, a partial sectional side view of the preferred embodiment of the adjustable toggle assembly in accordance with the present invention is illustrated on an exemplary crusher. As shown in FIG. 1, the preferred adjustable toggle assembly is designated generally by reference numeral 20 and exemplary crusher is designated generally by reference numeral 22. Preferred adjustable toggle assembly 20 is adapted for use on an item of crushing equipment such as crusher 22 having frame 24 and jaw 26. Preferred adjustable toggle assembly comprises wedge assembly 30 and tension rod assembly 40.

(16) Referring now to FIG. 1A, a partial sectional side view of preferred adjustable toggle assembly 20 is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 1A, preferred adjustable toggle assembly 20 comprises wedge assembly 30 and tension rod assembly 40. Preferred wedge assembly 30 comprises wedge 42 having a wedge top side, a wedge bottom side, and a generally tapered configuration. Preferred wedge assembly 30 also comprises first wear bar 44 having a first wear bar top side, a first wear bar bottom side, and being configured to contact wedge 42. Preferred wedge assembly 30 further comprises second wear bar 46 having a second wear bar top side, a second wear bar bottom side, and being configured to contact wedge 42. Preferred wedge assembly 30 still further comprises first cover plate 48 which is disposed adjacent to the wedge top side, the first wear bar top side, and the second wear bar top side. In addition, preferred wedge assembly 30 comprises second cover plate 50 which is disposed adjacent to the wedge bottom side, the first wear bar bottom side, and the second wear bar bottom side.

(17) Still referring to FIG. 1A, preferred adjustable toggle assembly 20 also comprises first toggle seat 60 which is connected to frame 24 of crusher 22, and second toggle seat 62 which is connected to jaw 26 of the crusher. In preferred adjustable toggle assembly 20, first wear bar 44 is adapted to contact first toggle seat 60, and second wear bar 46 is adapted to contact the second toggle seat 62.

(18) Referring now to FIG. 2, a bottom view of preferred adjustable toggle assembly 20 is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 2, preferred adjustable toggle assembly 20 comprises wedge assembly 30 having second cover plate 50 and a means for moving the wedge relative to the first wear bar and the second wear bar such as actuator 70. Preferred actuator 70 is adapted to be moved between a retracted and extended position. In the preferred assembly, the means for moving the wedge relative to the first wear bar and the second wear bar is adapted to move the wedge between a contracted position and an expanded position. Preferred adjustable toggle assembly 20 also comprises tension rod assembly 40 having tension rod 80 and tension rod spring 82.

(19) Referring now to FIG. 2A, a partial sectional bottom view of preferred adjustable toggle assembly 20 is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 2A, second cover plate 50 has been removed in order to illustrate wedge 42, first wear bar 44, and second wear bar 46.

(20) Referring now to FIG. 3, a perspective view of preferred wedge assembly 30 of adjustable toggle assembly 20 is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 3, preferred wedge assembly comprises wedge 42, first wear bar 44, second wear bar 46, first cover plate 48, and second cover plate 50. Preferred wedge assembly 30 also comprises actuator 70. Preferably, actuator comprises a hydraulic cylinder, but it is contemplated within the scope of the invention that any suitable actuator may be used. Preferred wedge assembly further comprises hydraulic cylinder lug 90, hydraulic cylinder link bar 92, and first cover plate slot 94. In the preferred embodiments of wedge assembly 30, the proximal or base end of actuator 70 is connected to first cover plate 48 and the distal or piston end of actuator 70 is connected to wedge 42. It is also contemplated within the scope of the invention that a second actuator is similarly connected to second cover plate 50 and wedge 42.

(21) Referring now to FIG. 4, a perspective view of preferred wedge assembly 30 of adjustable toggle assembly 20 is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 4, preferred wedge assembly 30 comprises wedge 42, first wear bar 44, second wear bar 46, first cover plate 48, second cover plate 50, hydraulic cylinder lug 90, hydraulic cylinder link bar 92, and first cover plate slot cover 95. Also shown in FIG. 4 is first toggle seat 60.

(22) Referring now to FIG. 5, a perspective view of preferred wedge assembly 30 of adjustable toggle assembly 20 is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 5, preferred wedge assembly 30 comprises wedge 42, second wear bar 46, first cover plate 48, second cover plate 50, first toggle seat 60, actuator 70, hydraulic cylinder lug 90, hydraulic cylinder link bar 92, and first cover plate slot cover 95. Also shown in FIG. 5 are brackets and guards.

(23) Referring now to FIG. 6, an exploded view of preferred wedge assembly 30 of adjustable toggle assembly 20 is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 6, preferred wedge assembly 30 comprises wedge 42, first wear bar 44, second wear bar 46, first cover plate 48, second cover plate 50, hydraulic cylinder lug 90, hydraulic cylinder link bar 92, first cover plate slot 94, first cover plate slot cover 95, second cover plate slot 96, first wear bar slots 100, second wear bar slots 102, first wear bar guide bars 104, and second wear bar guide bars 106. Also shown in FIG. 6 is first toggle seat 60.

(24) Referring now to FIG. 7, a partial sectional top view of preferred wedge assembly 30 of adjustable toggle assembly 20 is illustrated with actuator 70 in a retracted position. As shown in FIG. 7, preferred wedge assembly 30 comprises wedge 42, first wear bar 44, second wear bar 46, second cover plate 50, actuator 70, hydraulic cylinder lug 90, hydraulic cylinder link bar 92, first wear bar slots 100, second wear bar slots 102, first wear bar guide bars 104, and second wear bar guide bars 106. Preferred first wear bar guide bars 104 are adapted to be received in first wear bar slots 100 and preferred second wear bar guide bars 106 are adapted to be received in second wear bar slots.

(25) Referring now to FIG. 8, a partial sectional view of preferred wedge assembly 30 of adjustable toggle assembly 20 is illustrated with actuator 70 in an extended position. As shown in FIG. 8, preferred wedge assembly 30 comprises wedge 42, first wear bar 44, second wear bar 46, second cover plate 50, actuator 70, hydraulic cylinder lug 90, hydraulic cylinder link bar 92, first wear bar slots 100, second wear bar slots 102, first wear bar guide bars 104, and second wear bar guide bars 106.

(26) Referring now to FIG. 9, a first alternative embodiment of the wedge assembly of the preferred adjustable toggle assembly is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 9, the preferred wedge assembly is designated generally by reference numeral 130. Preferred wedge assembly 130 comprises wedge 142, first wear bar 144, second wear bar 146, second cover plate 150, threaded rod 170, threaded nut 192, first wear bar slots 200, second wear bar slots 202, first wear bar guide bars 204, and second wear bar guide bars 206.

(27) Referring now to FIG. 10, an exploded view of preferred tension rod assembly 40 of adjustable toggle assembly 20 is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 10, preferred tension rod assembly 40 comprises tension rod 80 and tension rod spring 82.

(28) Referring now to FIG. 11, a front view of the preferred pump and valve assembly of adjustable toggle assembly 20 is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 11, the preferred pump and valve assembly is designated generally by reference numeral 220. Preferred pump and valve assembly 220 comprises pump 222 which is in fluid communication with the means for moving the wedge relative to the first wear bar and the second wear bar such as actuators 224. Preferred pump and valve assembly 220 also comprises first counterbalance valve 226 which is adapted to prevent movement of the means for moving the wedge relative to first wear bar 44 and second wear bar 46 during operation of the item of crushing equipment. In the preferred embodiments comprising a second means for moving the wedge relative to the first wear bar and the second wear bar, preferred pump and valve assembly 220 further comprises a second counterbalance valve which is adapted to prevent movement of the second means for moving the wedge relative to first wear bar 44 and second wear bar 46 during operation of the item of crushing equipment.

(29) The invention also comprise a method for adjusting a toggle assembly adapted for use on an item of crushing equipment having a frame and a jaw. The preferred method comprises providing an adjustable toggle assembly. The preferred assembly comprises a wedge having a wedge top side, a wedge bottom side, and a generally tapered configuration, a first wear bar having a first wear bar top side, a first wear bar bottom side, and being configured to contact the wedge, and a second wear bar having a second wear bar top side, a second wear bar bottom side, and being configured to contact the wedge. The preferred assembly also comprises a first cover plate that is disposed adjacent to the wedge top side, the first wear bar top side, and the second wear bar top side, and a second cover plate that is disposed adjacent to the wedge bottom side, the first wear bar bottom side, and the second wear bar bottom side. The preferred assembly further comprises a means for moving the wedge relative to the first wear bar and the second wear bar. The preferred assembly still further comprises a first toggle seat that is connected to the frame of the item of crushing equipment, and a second toggle seat that is connected to the jaw of the item of crushing equipment. In the preferred assembly, the means for moving the wedge relative to the first wear bar and the second wear bar is adapted to move the wedge between a contracted position and an expanded position, the first wear bar is adapted to contact the first toggle seat, and the second wear bar is adapted to contact the second toggle seat. The preferred method further comprises moving the wedge between the contracted position and the expanded position.

(30) In other preferred embodiments of the method of the invention, the means for moving the wedge relative to the first wear bar and the second wear bar comprises an actuator. The preferred actuator has a proximal end that is connected to the first cover plate and has a distal end that is connected to the wedge and is adapted to move between a retracted position and an extended position. Preferably, the method further comprises moving the actuator between the retracted position and the extended position.

(31) In operation, several advantages of the preferred embodiments of the adjustable toggle assembly are achieved. For example, the preferred embodiments of the adjustable toggle assembly are not undesirably complex and expensive to maintain, repair, and replace. The preferred embodiments of the adjustable toggle assembly do not require undesirably large and expensive hydraulic cylinders because crushing forces are not are not efficiently distributed. The preferred embodiments of the adjustable toggle assembly do not require undesirably expensive and complex programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and hydraulic power units. The preferred embodiments of the adjustable toggle assembly are easily converted between a mechanical toggle assembly and a hydraulic toggle assembly. The preferred embodiments of the adjustable toggle assembly do not have fixed-length toggles and wedges mounted on the frame of the item of crushing equipment. The preferred embodiments of the adjustable toggle assembly have wedges that are wear parts. The preferred embodiments of the adjustable toggle assembly are adapted to change their length and/or the crusher setting.

(32) Although this description contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments thereof, as well as the best mode contemplated by the inventors of carrying out the invention. The invention, as described herein, is susceptible to various modifications and adaptations, and the same are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the appended claims.