(19)
(11) EP 2 990 540 B1

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45) Mention of the grant of the patent:
21.11.2018 Bulletin 2018/47

(21) Application number: 14182906.9

(22) Date of filing: 29.08.2014
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC): 
E02F 3/96(2006.01)
B25J 17/02(2006.01)
E04G 23/08(2006.01)
E02F 3/36(2006.01)

(54)

FRAME WITH INTEGRATED ROTATOR COMPONENTS

RAHMEN MIT INTEGRIERTEN ROTATORENKOMPONENTEN

CADRE À COMPOSANTS DE ROTATEUR INTÉGRÉS


(84) Designated Contracting States:
AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

(43) Date of publication of application:
02.03.2016 Bulletin 2016/09

(73) Proprietor: Caterpillar Work Tools B. V.
5232 BJ 's-Hertogenbosch (NL)

(72) Inventor:
  • Van Gemert, Johannes Lambert Leonardus
    5451 BT Mill (NL)

(74) Representative: BRP Renaud & Partner mbB Rechtsanwälte Patentanwälte Steuerberater 
Königstraße 28
70173 Stuttgart
70173 Stuttgart (DE)


(56) References cited: : 
EP-A1- 1 361 322
GB-A- 1 394 355
US-A1- 2005 017 528
DE-U1-202010 007 136
US-A- 5 664 734
US-A1- 2009 250 887
   
       
    Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention).


    Description

    Technical Field



    [0001] This disclosure relates to the field of tools for crushing and/or cutting material and more particularly to the frames of the tools having jaw sets.

    Background



    [0002] A device for crushing and/ or cutting material is generally known. The device may have a jaw set for example suitable for crushing concrete. A different jaw set may be used for crushing or cutting other materials, for example for cutting scrap iron and/or iron sections. Thus, different devices may be used for crushing or cutting different materials. The jaw sets may be interchangeable in order to be used for varying work requirements. Each jaw set may be supported by a frame that is connectable to a machine arm. The frame may be rotatable relative to the machine arm.

    [0003] EP2578752 discloses a demolition apparatus and an adapter frame of the demolition apparatus. The demolition apparatus may have a jaw set having a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw may be pivotably coupled to the second jaw. The second jaw may be pivotable about the pivot pin. The adapter frame may be formed with coupling seats that engage the ends of the pivot pin on the jaw set to assemble the demolition apparatus. The demolition apparatus may be rotatable relative to a machine arm.

    [0004] US4961543 discloses a rotation adjusting apparatus in a crusher that adjusts the wear during use of a rotational mechanism. The crusher may have a rotational housing with a pair of pawls which crushes or cuts an object, such as a reinforced concrete or a steel frame. The object to be crushed or cut may be held to a fixing member by a holding member such that a wear is adjustable, and the housing can be rotated to a desired rotational angle and fixed by rotation restricters and a rotation stopper.

    [0005] US200517528 discloses a device for mounting a rotating implement to a crane arm or similar. The device comprises a rotator located between the crane arm and the unit that at one end is pivot-mounted to the implement for rotating the same relative to the crane arm and at the other end is mounted to the crane arm via a hinged link.

    [0006] DE202010007136 discloses a rotatable bucket that is movable relative to an arm through a horizontal motor and a rotary motor. The motors connect the bucket to an adapter.

    [0007] US5664734 discloses a crusher having a frame that is rotatable relative to an arm. The frame is rotatable relative to the arm through a relative movement between a bearing ring and a ring gear. A motor for providing the rotation of the frame is located in a bracket.

    [0008] The present disclosure is directed, at least in part, to improving or overcoming one or more aspects of the prior art system.

    Brief Summary of the Invention



    [0009] The present disclosure describes a demolition tool comprising a frame. The frame comprises: a housing having a machine end and a jaw end; a bearing assembly positioned adjacent the housing; a motor coupled to the bearing assembly, the motor being integrated in the housing.

    Brief Description of the Drawings



    [0010] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be more fully understood from the following description of various embodiments, when read together with the accompanying drawings, in which:

    Fig. 1 is a side view of a frame coupled to a jaw set and a mounting bracket according to the present disclosure;

    Fig. 2 is a section through the frame of Fig. 1 without the mounting bracket; and

    Fig. 3 is section through the frame of Fig. 1.


    Detailed Description



    [0011] This disclosure generally relates to a frame for machine. The frame may be mounted onto an arm of the machine. Fig. 1 illustrates the frame 10 connected to a jaw set 12 and a mounting bracket 14.

    [0012] In an embodiment, the frame 10 may be coupled to the jaw set 12 after being mounted to a machine arm (not shown). The jaw set 12 may comprise a first jaw 16 and a second jaw 18. The first jaw 16 and the second jaw 18 may be suitably provided for crushing concrete and/ or cutting iron sections.

    [0013] The frame 10 may comprise a housing 20. Housing 20 may have a machine end 30 and a jaw end 32. The jaw set 12 may be assembled with the housing 20 at the jaw end 32. The mounting bracket 14 may be coupled to the housing 20 at the machine end 30. The mounting bracket 14 may be suitably configured for the connection of the frame 10 to the machine arm.

    [0014] With reference to Fig. 2, the housing 20 may comprise spaced-apart frame plates 22 and may define a void 24. The frame plates 22 may be mutually parallel. Void 24 may extend between and along the length of the frame plates 22. The housing 20 may be provided with first and second coupling seats 34, 36.

    [0015] With reference to Fig. 1, the frame plates 22 may be connected to an end plate 26. The end plate 26 may be connected to ends of the frame plates 22 at a side of the housing 20 to delimit the void 24. The frame plates 22 may extend perpendicularly from the end plate 26. The end plate 26 may bound at least two sides of the frame plates 22. In an embodiment, the end plate 26 may be substantially L-shaped in cross section. The sides of the frame plates 22 not bound by the end plate 26 may expose the void (not shown) to the exterior of the housing 20. Mounting bracket 14 may be coupled adjacent the end plate 26.

    [0016] Mounting bracket 14 may be rotatably coupled to the frame 10. Mounting bracket 14 may be rotatable relative to the frame 10. Mounting bracket 14 may be rotatably coupled to the housing 20. Mounting bracket 14 may be rotatable relative to the housing 20. Mounting bracket 14 may be rotatable relative to the jaw set 12. Frame 10 may comprise rotator components for rotation thereof relative to the mounting bracket 14. The rotator components may rotate the housing 20 relative to the mounting bracket 14.

    [0017] A cylinder 28 may be positioned in the housing 20. The cylinder 28 may be positioned in the void (not shown) between the frame plates 22 and adjacent to the end plate 26. The cylinder 28 may extend into the void (not shown) between frame plates 22. The cylinder 28 may be positioned adjacent the machine end 30. The cylinder 28 may be positioned adjacent mounting bracket 14.

    [0018] With reference to Fig. 2, the frame 10 may further comprise a bearing assembly 38 and a motor 40. The bearing assembly 38 may be integrated into the frame 10. The bearing assembly 38 may rotate the frame 10 relative to the mounting bracket 14. The bearing assembly 38 may rotate the housing 20 relative to the mounting bracket 14.

    [0019] Bearing assembly 38 may be positioned at the machine end 30 of the housing 20. Bearing assembly 38 may delimit the housing 20. Bearing assembly 38 may be coupled to the housing 20.

    [0020] In an embodiment, frame 10 may have a support plate 48 that may be provided on the housing 20. The bearing assembly 38 may be supported on the support plate 48. The support plate 48 may be rigidly coupled to the frame plates 22 of the housing 20. Frame 10 may have a cover plate 50. Cover plate 50 may be parallel to the support plate 48. Reinforcement plate 51 may provide reinforcement of the cover plate 50. A seal may be provided between the cover plate 50 and the reinforcement plate 51 to prevent containments such as dirt from entering the zone having the bearing assembly 38.

    [0021] Bearing assembly 38 may comprise a first bearing ring 42 and a second bearing ring 44. First bearing ring 42 may rotate relative to the second bearing ring 44. First bearing ring 42 and second bearing ring 44 may have a common rotational axis 52. The first bearing ring 42 and the second bearing ring 44 may have respective first and second bearing surfaces 58, 60. First bearing surface 58 may face the second bearing surface 60. The first bearing surface 58 may have a larger circumference relative to the second bearing surface 60. first bearing surface 58 may be positioned further outwards relative to the second bearing surface 60 with reference to the rotational axis 52.

    [0022] Balls 59 may be located between the first and second bearing surfaces 58, 60. The second bearing ring 44 may have cogs on an inner surface opposite the second bearing surface 60.

    [0023] The first bearing ring 42 may be rigidly coupled to the housing 20. A side of the first bearing ring 42 may be rigidly coupled to the support plate 48. In an alternative embodiment, a side of the first bearing ring 42 may be rigidly coupled to the frame plates 22. First bearing ring 42 may rotate relative to the cover plate 50. In an embodiment, the first bearing ring 42 may be an outer ring.

    [0024] The second bearing ring 44 may be movable relative to the housing 20. Second bearing ring 44 may rotate relative to the housing 20. Second bearing ring 44 may rotate relative to the support plate 48. A side of the second bearing ring 44 may be rigidly coupled to the cover plate 50. In an embodiment, the second bearing ring 44 may be an inner ring. The second bearing ring 44 may be positioned within the first bearing ring 42.

    [0025] The frame 10 may have a gear 46. Gear 46 may be in meshing alignment with the second bearing ring 44. Cogs of gear 46 may mesh with the cogs of the second bearing ring 44. Gear 46 may be positioned inside of the bearing assembly 38 with reference to the rotational axis 52.

    [0026] In alternative embodiment, the first bearing ring 42 may be positioned within the second bearing ring 44. The cogs of the second bearing ring 44 may be located on the outer surface and the inner surface may be the second bearing surface 60. The second bearing surface 60 may have a larger circumference relative to the first bearing surface 58. Gear 46 may be positioned outside of the bearing assembly 38 with reference to the rotational axis 52.

    [0027] The motor 40 may actuate the bearing assembly 38. Motor 40 may be coupled to the gear 46. The motor 40 may actuate the gear 46 so as to effect movement of the second bearing ring 44 relative to the first bearing ring 42. Acutation of the gear 46 may effect the rotation of the housing 20 relative to the second bearing ring 44. Acutation of the gear 46 may effect the rotation of the motor 40 relative to the second bearing ring 44. The motor 40 may be a gerotor type hydraulic motor, gear motor, vane motor, axial piston motor or a radial piston motor.

    [0028] The motor 40 may be integrated in the frame 10. The motor 40 may be integrated in the housing 20. Motor 40 may be positioned at the machine end 30. The motor 40 may extend towards the jaw end 32. Body 54 of the motor 40 may be positioned between the machine end 30 and the jaw end 32. Shaft 56 of the motor 40 may extend from the machine end 30 to couple to the bearing assembly 38. Shaft 56 of the motor 40 may extend from the machine end 30 to couple to the gear 46.

    [0029] Motor 40 may be aligned to the rotational axis 52. Motor 40 may be substantially parallel to the rotational axis 52. Body 54 may be aligned to the rotational axis 52. Body 54 may be substantially parallel to the rotational axis 52. Shaft 56 may be aligned to the rotational axis 52. Shaft 56 may be substantially parallel to the rotational axis 52.

    [0030] Motor 40 may be substantially perpendicular to the plane on which the bearing assembly 38 lies. Body 54 may be substantially perpendicular to the plane on which the bearing assembly 38 lies. Shaft 56 may be substantially perpendicular to the plane on which the bearing assembly 38 lies. The motor 40 may be positioned such that the teeth of the gear 46 may be in meshing alignment with the cogs of the first bearing ring 42.

    [0031] The frame 10 may have a swivel 62. The bearing assembly 38 may be positioned between the swivel 62 and the housing 20. The frame 10 may have manifolds 64. The bearing assembly 38 may be positioned between the manifolds 64 and the housing 20. Manifolds 64 may be connected to the swivel 62.

    [0032] With reference to Fig. 3, the mounting bracket 14 may be connected to the second bearing ring 44. The second bearing ring 44 may be rigidly coupled to the mounting bracket 14. A side of the second bearing ring 44 may be rigidly coupled to the mounting bracket 14 through the cover plate 50. The motor 40 may be positioned between the mounting bracket 14 and the jaw set (not shown).

    [0033] Mounting bracket 14 and second bearing ring 44 may rotate in unison. Housing 20 may rotate relative to the mounting bracket 14. Support plate 48 may rotate relative to the mounting bracket 14. Motor 40 may rotate relative to the mounting bracket 14. Body 54 may rotate relative to the mounting bracket 14. Shaft 56 may rotate relative to the mounting bracket 14.

    [0034] Acutation of the gear 46 may effect the rotation of the housing 20 relative to the second mounting bracket 14. Acutation of the gear 46 may effect the rotation of the motor 40 relative to the mounting bracket 14.

    [0035] A demolition tool may comprise the frame 10. The demolition tool of claim may having fixed or interchangeable jaws. The demolition tool may be a crusher, a multiprocessor or a shear.

    [0036] The skilled person would appreciate that foregoing embodiments may be modified or combined to obtain the frame 10 of the present disclosure.

    Industrial Applicability



    [0037] This disclosure describes a frame 10. The frame 10 may have a reduced weight and dimension without having rotator components being connected to the mounting bracket 14. Rotator components may be integrated into the frame 10. Frame 10 may be coupled with different mounting brackets 14. The mounting bracket 14 may not be fixedly coupled to the housing 20. The frame 10 may be fully assembled and a machine specific mounting bracket 14 can be placed and assembled without having to disassemble or assemble rotator parts.

    [0038] Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein.

    [0039] Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, the reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly, neither the reference signs nor their absence have any limiting effect on the technical features as described above or on the scope of any claim elements.

    [0040] One skilled in the art will realise the disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the disclosure or essential characteristics thereof. The foregoing embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects illustrative rather than limiting of the disclosure described herein. Scope of the invention is thus indicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing description, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalence of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.


    Claims

    1. A demolition tool comprising a frame (10), the frame (10) comprising:

    a housing (20) having a machine end (30) and a jaw end (32);

    a bearing assembly (38) positioned adjacent the housing (20);

    a motor (40) coupled to the bearing assembly (38), characterised in that the motor (40) is integrated in the housing (20).


     
    2. The demolition tool of claim 1 further comprising a gear (46) positioned in meshing alignment with a first bearing ring (42) wherein the motor (40) is coupled to the gear (46) and extends from the machine end (30) into the housing (20).
     
    3. The demolition tool of claim 2 wherein the motor (40) extends towards the jaw end (32).
     
    4. The demolition tool of claim 3 wherein the motor (40) is aligned to a rotational axis (52) of the bearing assembly (38).
     
    5. The demolition tool of any one of preceding claims 2 to 4 wherein the first bearing ring (42) is fixed to the housing (20).
     
    6. The demolition tool of any one of preceding claims further comprising a mounting bracket (14) for connection to a machine.
     
    7. The demolition tool of claim 6 wherein the mounting bracket (14) is connected to a second bearing ring (44).
     
    8. The demolition tool of claim 7 wherein the second bearing ring (44) is movable relative to the housing (20).
     
    9. The demolition tool of claim 6, 7 or 8 further comprising a jaw set (12) wherein the motor (40) is positioned between the mounting bracket (14) and the jaw set (12).
     
    10. The demolition tool of any one of preceding claims wherein the bearing assembly (38) delimits the housing (20).
     
    11. The demolition tool of any one of preceding claims wherein body (54) of motor (40) is positioned between the machine end (30) and the jaw end (32) and shaft (56) of motor (40) extends from the machine end (30) to the bearing assembly (38).
     
    12. The demolition tool of claim 1 wherein the bearing assembly (38) comprise a first bearing ring (42) and a second bearing ring (44).
     
    13. The demolition tool of claim 12 wherein balls (59) may be located between first and second bearing surfaces (58, 60) of respective first and second bearing rings (42, 44).
     
    14. The demolition tool of any one of preceding claims having fixed or interchangeable jaws.
     


    Ansprüche

    1. Abbruchwerkzeug, umfassend einen Rahmen (10), wobei der Rahmen (10) umfasst:

    ein Gehäuse (20), das ein Maschinenende (30) und ein Backenende (32) aufweist;

    eine Lageranordnung (38), die benachbart zu dem Gehäuse (20) positioniert ist;

    einen Motor (40), der mit der Lageranordnung (38) gekoppelt ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Motor (40) in das Gehäuse (20) integriert ist.


     
    2. Abbruchwerkzeug nach Anspruch 1, weiter umfassend ein Zahnrad (46), das in kämmender Ausrichtung mit einem ersten Lagerring (42) positioniert ist, wobei der Motor (40) mit dem Zahnrad (46) gekoppelt ist und sich von dem Maschinenende (30) in das Gehäuse (20) hinein erstreckt.
     
    3. Abbruchwerkzeug nach Anspruch 2, wobei sich der Motor (40) in Richtung zu dem Backenende (32) erstreckt.
     
    4. Abbruchwerkzeug nach Anspruch 3, wobei der Motor (40) zu einer Drehachse (52) der Lageranordnung (38) ausgerichtet ist.
     
    5. Abbruchwerkzeug nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche 2 bis 4, wobei der erste Lagerring (42) an dem Gehäuse (20) befestigt ist.
     
    6. Abbruchwerkzeug nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, weiter umfassend eine Montagehalterung (14) zur Verbindung mit einer Maschine.
     
    7. Abbruchwerkzeug nach Anspruch 6, wobei die Montagehalterung (14) mit einem zweiten Lagerring (44) verbunden ist.
     
    8. Abbruchwerkzeug nach Anspruch 7, wobei der zweite Lagerring (44) relativ zu dem Gehäuse (20) bewegbar ist.
     
    9. Abbruchwerkzeug nach Anspruch 6, 7 oder 8, weiter umfassend einen Backensatz (12), wobei der Motor (40) zwischen der Montagehalterung (14) und dem Backensatz (12) positioniert ist.
     
    10. Abbruchwerkzeug nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Lageranordnung (38) das Gehäuse (20) begrenzt.
     
    11. Abbruchwerkzeug nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei ein Körper (54) des Motors (40) zwischen dem Maschinenende (30) und dem Backenende (32) positioniert ist und wobei sich eine Welle (56) des Motors (40) von dem Maschinenende (30) zu der Lageranordnung (38) erstreckt.
     
    12. Abbruchwerkzeug nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Lageranordnung (38) einen ersten Lagerring (42) und einen zweiten Lagerring (44) umfasst.
     
    13. Abbruchwerkzeug nach Anspruch 12, wobei sich Kugeln (59) zwischen einer ersten und einer zweiten Lagerfläche (58, 60) des jeweiligen ersten und zweiten Lagerrings (42, 44) befinden können.
     
    14. Abbruchwerkzeug nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, aufweisend feste oder austauschbare Backen.
     


    Revendications

    1. Outil de démolition comprenant un cadre (10), le cadre (10) comprenant :

    un boîtier (20) présentant une extrémité de machine (30) et une extrémité de mâchoire (32) ;

    un ensemble de roulement (38) positionné de manière adjacente au boîtier (20) ;

    un moteur (40) couplé à l'ensemble de roulement (38), caractérisé en ce que le moteur (40) est intégré dans le boîtier (20).


     
    2. Outil de démolition selon la revendication 1 comprenant en outre un engrenage (46) positionné en alignement d'engrènement avec une première bague de roulement (42), dans lequel le moteur (40) est couplé à l'engrenage (46) et s'étend depuis l'extrémité de machine (30) dans le boîtier (20).
     
    3. Outil de démolition selon la revendication 2 dans lequel le moteur (40) s'étend vers l'extrémité de mâchoire (32).
     
    4. Outil de démolition selon la revendication 3 dans lequel le moteur (40) est aligné sur un axe de rotation (52) de l'ensemble de roulement (38).
     
    5. Outil de démolition selon l'une quelconque des revendications 2 à 4 dans lequel la première bague de roulement (42) est fixée au boîtier (20).
     
    6. Outil de démolition selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes comprenant en outre un support de montage (14) pour le raccordement à une machine.
     
    7. Outil de démolition selon la revendication 6 dans lequel le support de montage (14) est raccordé à une seconde bague de roulement (44).
     
    8. Outil de démolition selon la revendication 7 dans lequel la seconde bague de roulement (44) est mobile par rapport au boîtier (20).
     
    9. Outil de démolition selon la revendication 6, 7 ou 8 comprenant en outre un ensemble de mâchoire (12), dans lequel le moteur (40) est positionné entre le support de montage (14) et l'ensemble de mâchoire (12).
     
    10. Outil de démolition selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes dans lequel l'ensemble de roulement (38) délimite le boîtier (20).
     
    11. Outil de démolition selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes dans lequel le corps (54) du moteur (40) est positionné entre l'extrémité de machine (30) et l'extrémité de mâchoire (32) et l'arbre (56) du moteur (40) s'étend depuis l'extrémité de machine (30) à l'ensemble de roulement (38).
     
    12. Outil de démolition selon la revendication 1 dans lequel l'ensemble de roulement (38) comprend une première bague de roulement (42) et une seconde bague de roulement (44).
     
    13. Outil de démolition selon la revendication 12 dans lequel des billes (59) peuvent être situées entre des première et seconde surfaces de roulement (58, 60) des première et seconde bagues de roulement (42, 44) respectives.
     
    14. Outil de démolition selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes ayant des mâchoires fixes ou interchangeables.
     




    Drawing














    Cited references

    REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION



    This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

    Patent documents cited in the description