MOBILE AGGREGATE PROCESSING PLANT

Abstract

A mobile aggregate processing plant for screening material including a chassis and a vibrating screen support frame, and a vibrating screen mounted on the support frame, wherein the vibrating screen has an infeed end and a discharge end, and able to provide at least one material discharge stream therethrough. A feed hopper has a discharge end able to feed a stream of feed material into or onto the vibrating screen. A shredding apparatus is moveable between at least a first in use position above the infeed end of the vibrating screen and/or next to the hopper discharge end, and a second transport position not above the infeed end of the vibrating screen and/or not next to the hopper discharge end.

Claims

1. A mobile aggregate processing plant for screening material comprising: a chassis and a vibrating screen support frame, a vibrating screen mounted on the support frame, wherein the vibrating screen has an infeed end and a discharge end, and able to provide at least one material discharge stream therethrough, a feed hopper having a discharge end able to feed a stream of feed material into or onto the vibrating screen, and a shredding apparatus being moveable between at least a first in use position above the infeed end of the vibrating screen and/or next to the hopper discharge end, and a second transport position not above the infeed end of the vibrating screen and/or not next to the hopper discharge end.

2. A mobile aggregate processing plant for screening material comprising: a chassis and support frame, a vibrating screen mounted on the support frame, wherein the vibrating screen has an infeed end and a discharge end, and able to provide at least one material discharge stream therethrough, a feed hopper having a discharge end able to feed a stream of feed material into or onto the vibrating screen, and a shredding apparatus being moveable between at least a first in use position above the infeed end of the vibrating screen and next to the hopper discharge end, and a second transport position, wherein the height of the top of the shredding apparatus above the chassis is greater in the first position than in the second position.

3. A mobile aggregate processing plant as claimed in claim 1 wherein the shredding apparatus is moveable to at least a third maintenance position between the first and second positions.

4. A mobile aggregate processing plant as claimed in claim 3 wherein the height of the top of the shredding apparatus above the chassis is greater in the third position than in the first position.

5. A mobile aggregate processing plant as claimed in claim 1 wherein the shredding apparatus comprises a shredding housing, a rotor on which a series of shredding means are mounted, one or more rotor support members, and a drive mechanism to rotate the rotor.

6. A mobile aggregate processing plant as claimed in claim 1 wherein the shredding apparatus is supported by one or more linkage mechanisms between the shedding apparatus and remainder of the mobile aggregate processing plant.

7. A mobile aggregate processing plant as claimed in claim 6 wherein the the shredding apparatus is supported by one or more linkage mechanisms between the shedding apparatus and the vibrating screen support frame.

8. A mobile aggregate processing plant as claimed in claim 6 wherein the linkage mechanism is moveable to move the shredding apparatus being moveable between the at least a first in use position and the second transport position.

9. A mobile aggregate processing plant as claimed in claim 8 wherein the the linkage mechanism is moveable by one or more actuators.

10. A mobile aggregate processing plant as claimed in claim 1 wherein the second position of the shredding apparatus locates the shredding apparatus on the vibrating screen support frame.

11. A mobile aggregate processing plant as claimed in claim 1 wherein the vibrating screen support frame is moveable between a first in use position and a second transport position, wherein the wherein the height of the top of the vibrating screen support frame above the chassis is greater in the first position than in the second position.

12. A mobile aggregate processing plant as claimed in claim 1 wherein the hopper is moveable between a first in use position and a second transport position, wherein the wherein the height of the top of the hopper above the chassis is greater in the first position than in the second position.

13. A mobile aggregate processing plant as claimed in claim 1 further comprising at least one discharge stream conveyor.

14. A mobile aggregate processing plant as claimed in claim 13 comprising three discharge stream conveyors.

15. A mobile aggregate processing plant as claimed in claim 13 comprising three discharge stream conveyors arranged outwardly from the mobile aggregate processing plant at different angles relative to the vibrating screen.

16. A mobile aggregate processing plant as claimed in claim 1 wherein height of the top of the mobile aggregate processing plant is less than the internal height of a ISU unit.

17. A mobile aggregate processing plant as claimed in claim 2 wherein the shredding apparatus is moveable to at least a third maintenance position between the first and second positions.

18. A mobile aggregate processing plant as claimed in claim 17 wherein the height of the top of the shredding apparatus above the chassis is greater in the third position than in the first position.

19. A mobile aggregate processing plant as claimed in claim 2 wherein the shredding apparatus comprises a shredding housing, a rotor on which a series of shredding means are mounted, one or more rotor support members, and a drive mechanism to rotate the rotor.

20. A mobile aggregate processing plant as claimed in claim 2 wherein the shredding apparatus is supported by one or more linkage mechanisms between the shedding apparatus and remainder of the mobile aggregate processing plant.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The invention will be more clearly understood by the following descriptions of some embodiments thereof, given by way of example only, and with reference to accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mobile material processing apparatus, specifically, in this embodiment, a mobile processing apparatus with a shredder;

[0023] FIG. 2a is a side view of the mobile processing apparatus, of FIG. 1, showing the apparatus in its working configuration;

[0024] FIG. 2b is a side view of the mobile processing apparatus, of FIG. 1, showing the apparatus in its transport configuration;

[0025] FIG. 3 is a partial section view of the mobile aggregate processing plant shows the stream of material;

[0026] FIG. 4a is a perspective view of a shredding apparatus in connection with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] FIG. 4b is a perspective sectional view of a shredding apparatus in connection with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] FIG. 4c is a side view of a shredding apparatus in connection with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] FIG. 4d is an illustration of the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] FIG. 5a is an illustration of an auger type rotor;

[0031] FIG. 5b is an illustration of a hammermill type rotor;

[0032] FIG. 5c is an illustration of a flail type rotor;

[0033] FIG. 6a is an illustration of the shredding apparatus with an embodiment of the present invention in its working position;

[0034] FIG. 6b is an illustration of the shredding apparatus with an embodiment of the present invention in its deactivated position;

[0035] FIG. 6c is an illustration of the shredding apparatus with an embodiment of the present invention is its transport position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The present invention details a linkage mechanism to support and move a shredding apparatus as part of a mobile aggregate processing plant.

[0037] Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows an example of a mobile aggregate processing plant (1) in connection with an embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus (1) comprises a mobile chassis (2), a feed hopper (3), three discharge conveyors (5), a shredding apparatus (6), and a mechanical screen (4); in particular an inclined vibrating mechanical screening unit often referred to as a vibrating screen.

[0038] The mobile chassis (2) may be formed of a frame or framework, having an undercarriage, and a plurality of wheels on each side, optionally with a caterpillar-type track (7) or tracking around the wheels in a manner known in the art. The action and ability of caterpillar tracks (7) is well known in the art, and is not further discussed herein.

[0039] Optionally the plant may be self-mobile, usually within an area or range, such as within a working area or areas at which it is desired to process material, such as a demolition site or rock-processing site. Such mobility can be provided by a suitable motor on the mobile chassis (2).

[0040] FIG. 2 shows a comparison of a mobile aggregate processing plant (1) of FIG. 1 in it working and transport configurations. FIG. 2a shows the plant in its working configuration. FIG. 2b show the plant in its transport configuration.

[0041] Mobile aggregate processing plants (1) generally has a feed or input end (8), and a discharge or outlet end or ends (9). The feed end (8) is for input of mixed feed material to be processed, starting with the feed hopper (3). The term discharge is used herein to describe the feed material exiting (14) the feed hopper (3), graded materials exiting the vibrating screen (18,19), or any graded materials exiting the mobile aggregate processing plant (1) via the discharge conveyor(s) (9).

[0042] FIG. 3 Is a partial section view of the mobile aggregate processing plant (1). FIG. 3 shows the stream of material. The term stream is used herein to describe the direction (15) in which the feed material moves from the feed hopper (3) to the mechanical screen (4).

[0043] The feed hopper (3) is designed or configured to receive a supply of feed material. The hopper (10) is typically designed to direct the feed material towards the feed conveyor (11) located at the bottom of the hopper (10), and typically having a conveyor belt (12) or the like, to convey the feed material towards a mechanical screen (4). From the feed hopper (3) the feed material is directed into and/or onto one end (13) of a vibrating screen (4). Optionally, the feed hopper (3) is inclined relative to the chassis (2), typically in an uphill direction towards the mechanical screen (4). Optionally the feed hopper (3) may be ordinated horizontally relative to the chassis (2).

[0044] The vibrating screen (4) is typically mounted on a supporting frame (17) by mean of a suspension system (16) that allow reciprocating movement relative to the supporting frame (17). This supporting frame (17) will be described as the vibrating screen frame hereinafter. The vibrating screen (4) is inclined from its upper inlet end (13) receiving the mixed feed material from the feed hopper (3), downwardly towards its discharge or outlet end (18, 19), from where there can be one or more discharges of at least one grade of material. The combination of vibration and angle of incline agitates and moves the feed material along a screening deck (20). As the material flow over the screen deck (20) undersize particles pass through the openings in the screen deck (20) thus separating the undersize particles from the oversize particles. The oversize particles are subsequently discharged from a lower end of the deck (18) onto a stockpile conveyor or into a collection bay or hopper.

[0045] Optionally the mechanical screen could be a disc screen, also known as star screen. Disc screen are well known in the art and generally comprise a series of shafts on which rotating star or disc type wheels are mounted. The spacing between the shaft determines the respective openings. Separation is achieved by rotating the shafts simultaneously in the same direction to agitate and convey the material along the screen's surface. The undersized particles fall through the openings, while the oversize particles continue to move along the screening surface until it exits the screen.

[0046] The feed material may comprise any mixture, including materials from quarries, building sites, waste processing facilities and composting facilities, including but not limited to feed materials that contain high volumes of damp, bulky and/or non-uniform constituents such as biomass, soil, compost, plastic, textiles, newspaper, and cardboard. Feed materials that contain a high moisture content, such as compost and soil, tend to clump together and can be problematic and difficult to screen.

[0047] Additional equipment and apparatus such as, augers; illustrated by FIG. 5a. hammermills; illustrated by FIG. 5b, flail rotors; illustrated by FIG. 5c, and the like are used to break apart clumped material before grading.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 4, The present invention may be used with any of these types of shredding apparatus. In general, the shredder (6) consists of; a series of blades (21), also referred as knives, flails, or hammers; at least one rotating axle (22) within a housing (23) attached to one or more support members (24); and a drive mechanism (25) to rotate the axle(s) (22). The drive mechanism (25) comprises at least one motor. Optionally the drive motor(s) can be electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic; the drive motor(s) can be directly or indirectly connected to the rotating axle(s) (22) via a universal joint(s), rigid coupling(s) chain(s) and sprocket(s), idler wheel(s). or the like.

[0049] According to the present invention, the shredder (6) is suspended above the vibrating screen (4) near the feeder hopper discharge end (14). The shredder (6) is wholly, substantially, or partly located within the stream (15) of feed material and operates to break apart clumped feed material prior to the feed material entering (13) the vibrating screen (4).

[0050] An uneven flow of material will reduce the screening capacity. Positioning the shredder (6) above the vibrating screen (4) within the feeder hopper (3) discharge stream (15) will allow the rotating blades (21) to evenly distribute the stream of feed material (15) across the screen deck (20), improving the vibrating screen's (4) capacity.

[0051] A problem with developing a shredder (6) which is suspended above the vibrating screen (4) is how to incorporate the shredder (6) onto a mobile aggregate processing plant (1) within the dimensional constraints described hereinbefore. To accomplish this, the present invention details a mechanism (26) which is commonly referred to as either a planar four-bar linkage or a parallel linkage. The mechanism (26) is used to support the shredder (6) as it is suspended above the vibrating screen (4).

[0052] The mechanism (26) is used to move the shredder (6) to a position suitable for transportation, as illustrated by FIG. 6c.

[0053] The mechanism (26) used to move the shredder (6) to a position away from the stream (15) of feed material allowing the mobile aggregate processing plant (1) to operate with the shredder (6) disengaged, as illustrated by FIG. 6b.

[0054] The mechanism (26) is used to move the shredder (6) into a position which is wholly, substantially, or partly located within the stream of feed material (15), as illustrated by FIG. 6c.

[0055] The mechanism (26) comprises two linkages (27, 28), a moving embodiment (29) represented by the shredder (6), a fixed embodiment (32) represented by the vibrating screen frame (17), at least two fixed pivotal joints (30, 31), and at least two moving pivotal joints (33, 34).

[0056] Optionally, the fixed embodiment (32) can be the mobile chassis (2).

[0057] Optionally the fixed embodiment (32) can be a separate structural member independent of the mobile chassis (2) and vibrating screen frame (17).

[0058] The linkages (27, 28) can be classified as either the input (28) or output (27) linkage. Each linkage (27, 28) is connected to a pivotal joint (33, 34) on the moving embodiment (29, 6) and a pivotal joint (30, 31) on the fixed embodiment (32, 17). A driving force (35) rotates (36) the input linkage (28) about its fixed pivotal joint (31). As the input linkage (28) rotates about its fixed pivotal joint (31) the drive force (35) is transferred through the moving embodiment (29, 17) to the output linkage (27), as a result, the output linkage (27) will rotate (37) simultaneously in the same direction about its fixed pivotal joint (30). The straight lines (41) drawn between pivotal joints will remain parallel as the linkages (27, 28) rotate about their fixed pivotal joints (30, 31).

[0059] Optionally, either or both linkages can be straight.

[0060] Optionally, either of both linkages can be an irregular or parabolic shape.

[0061] At least one linear actuator (37) consisting of a bore end and an extendable piston rod end provides necessary driving force (35) to move the input linkage (28). The linear actuator (37) can be hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric.

[0062] Generally, the pivotal joints (30, 31, 33, 34) are configured so the linkages (27, 28) move relative to each other which allow for the moving body (29), i.e., shredder (6) to move in a backwardly and forwardly direction (40). The length of each linkage (27, 28) affects this range of movement (40). Which can be configure to suite alternative shredding apparatus described herein, or, larger and smaller mobile aggregate processing plants.

[0063] The present invention described herein shows the shredding apparatus (6) supported by two linkages mechanisms (26). Optionally the Shredding apparatus (6) can be is supported by at least one linkage mechanism (26).

[0064] Another aspect of the invention is the use of an interlock in the form a three-port hydraulic diverter valve redivert the prevent the shredding apparatus from operating when in the transport or inactive position.