WO2013113495A1

WO2013113495A1 - Sliding block and attachment member

Info

Publication number: WO2013113495A1
Application number: PCT/EP2013/000271
Authority: WO
Inventors: Johannes Petrus Andreas Josephus Van Der Zanden
Original assignee: DICHTER, Ingrid
Priority date: 2012-02-01
Filing date: 2013-01-30
Publication date: 2013-08-08

Abstract

An open rotor assembly (1) provided with an accelerating member (2) that comprises a sliding block member (3) that is provided with two open centrifugal locking chambers, stretching respectively along the bottom side and the top side providing with a standing block pressure side facing the outer edge of the rotor, and an attachment member (4) that is provided with two centrifugal locking members, which fit the locking chambers for attachment of the sliding block member to the attachment member; such that the sliding block member is centrifugally locked to the attachment member, avoiding the need to provide the sliding block member with any separate locking and/or securing arrangement.

Description

SLIDING BLOCK AND ATTACHMENT MEMBER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to the field of the acceleration of material, in particular a stream of granular or particulate material, with the aid of centrifugal force, with, in particular, the aim of causing the accelerated grains or particles to collide with an impact member at such a velocity that they are crushed, but other possible applications are not excluded. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

A stream of particle material can be accelerated with the aid of centrifugal force. With this technique the material is fed onto the central part of the rotor that rotates rapidly about a vertical axis of rotation and is provided with accelerating members, which are positioned on top of the rotor a distance away from the axis of rotation, hence the name open rotor, which accelerating members are known from US 4,174,814. The accelerating member comprises here a sliding block that is provided with a stub member that extends from the back face that fits an attachment member, such that the sliding block can firmly locked to the rotor, but has to be secured, with the known rotor with a lock pin that has to be removed for exchange, securing with bolts is known from US 6,070,820 and from US 2005/0067517. The sliding block, also called stub-shoe, is provided with a sliding face that stretches into the direction of the outer edge of the rotor for accelerating the particle material under influence of centrifugal force, then to be thrown around from the rotor at high velocity to collide with a stationary impact member that is positioned around the rotor, when the material is crushed.

Shoes can also be centrifugally locked, with the known open rotors mostly along the back side as revealed in US 2,752,098 and US 6,179,234, and US 4.355,769 reveals a sliding block that is of two parts connected along with the aid of a dove tail assembly that stretches along the back side of the shoe. Also very complicated attachment arrangements have been proposed that partly apply centrifugal locking of elements of the shoe assembly, for example the attachment arrangement revealed in US 3,044,720 and US 3,074.657. Attachment only along the bottom side of the shoe has been revealed in WO2004/002630, which is in name of the applicant. Centrifugal locking assemblies with attachment along the bottom side and along the upper side of the shoe are known with closed rotors from US 786,088.

Shoes have to be frequently exchanged because of wear, which requires labour and causes down time, taking into account that removal of the locking pin is not always easy. To limit costs, it is therefore very important that as many as possible tons of material can be accelerated with the rotor before the sliding blocks have to be exchanged, normally referred to as the service time of the rotor; which depends on: the wear resistance of the wear material referred to as wear rate, the weight of the shoes which is limited to about 40 kg or about 90 lbs because of handling; the amount of wear material that can be effectively utilized referred to as the wear which is typically limited to some 12 kg or some 30% to of 40 kg, because a significant amount of construction material has to be applied for attachment means; and of course the number of shoes that can be installed on top of the rotor which depends on the minimum flow space that is required between the shoes for unhindered acceleration of the material along the sliding faces, and a significant part of this flow space is occupied by the attachment members that are positioned behind the shoes, and the angled position of the shoes, about 30 to 35 degrees forward, necessary to limit the stress in the stub member. This means that with the known shoe rotor from US 6,070,820 which is widely applied in practice with a diameter typically of about 1000 mm and the stub shoes with a sliding face with a length typically of about 300 mm for processing of feed material with about 80 mm diameter, the maximum number of shoes that can be effectively installed is normally limited to four.

More shoes can be installed when the shoes are made shorter, a solution for five shoe instalment is known from US 5,184.784, and the known rotor from US 6,070,820 (cited before) provides a configuration for six shoe instalment. But shorter shoes are positioned further away form the axis of rotation which means that material is collected by the sliding face at higher velocity which can disturb particle traffic, and leaves a shorter sliding face for acceleration which means that a lower throw velocity is generated and that the throw angle becomes flatter, which reduces the impact intensity; the loss in throw velocity can be compensated for by increasing the rotational velocity, but this increases both the wear rate and the energy consumption.

It is also possible to increase the diameter of the rotor, but this means that the shoes are positioned at greater radial distance from the axis of rotation because longer shoes is not a practical option, which leaves an open space between the inlet pipe and the shoes, which disturbs particle traffic; and requires a larger diameter housing when anvils are applied for stationary impact.

Another disadvantage of the known shoe rotors is that damage to the attachment member cannot be avoided, which requires regular exchange of the attachment members; actually with the known shoe rotor from US 6,070,820, which is widely used in practice, attachment members are fixedly attached to a rotor table that has to exchanged completely when only one attachment member is damaged, a costly and time-consuming affair.

Another approach is accelerating members designed for two-way operation, which acceleration members are symmetrical to the radial plane from the axis of rotation, providing two sliding faces, one for each direction of rotation, increasing rotor service time accordingly. US 3,767,127 reveals a sliding block provided with two sliding faces - which type of sliding block has to be rather heavy - 50 to 60 kg - to be efficient. US 4,126,280 reveals a closed rotor provided with sliding blocks with two sliding faces, which are attached along the bottom side and the upper side. US 5,497,951 reveals a semi-open rotor for two way operation of rather complicated design, provided with an accelerating member that is provided with two shoes that are separately mechanically attached to each side of the attachment member with the aid of a cover top plate and several bolt members, together with a separate inner face for protection of the holder, dividing the weight that has to be lifted over two shoes.

WO 2010/008273, which is name of applicant reveals a very simple symmetrical V- shaped impact block provided with two sliding faces, which block is pivotly attached to the rotor only along the bottom side of the sliding block, also called pivot shoe, such that the attachment member does not occupy space between the acceleration members, and cannot become damaged; which leaves ample room between the sliding blocks to install up to six sliding blocks of about 40 kg with about 300 mm long sliding face - or about 240 kg - increasing service time with more than 50% because the two sliding faces provide higher wear ratio, up to 40%; but still some 5 kg, or some 12.5% of the construction wear material, is required for attachment and adds to the throw away material. Moreover, high stress concentration is generated in the lip member, which limits application to medium duty; that is, for accelerating of 80-100 mm max feed size at max capacity of 250-300 t hr.

Summarized, the known stub rotors, which are of the open type, have a number of shortcomings, the shoes are for one-way operation, and have to be mechanically locked which can make exchange a rather complicated matter; the stub present a relative large attachment volume that remains as throw away material; the bracket holders have to be positioned in a strongly forward direction to limit stress to a sustainable level affecting rotor performance, occupy large space limiting the total number of shoes that can be installed on top of the rotor normally to five, affecting rotor service time accordingly, and become easily damaged and requires regular exchange of the complete rotor table; and requires a rather complicated rotor assembly.

AIM OF THE INVENTION The aim of the invention is, therefore, to provide an open rotor that is provided with accelerating members that do not have the disadvantages listed before, or at least displays these to a lesser extent; more specific, the principle aim is to provide a sliding block member of very simple design that requires limited volume for attachment arrangement increasing wear ratio, presents very easy exchange limiting downtime, and enables to install more sliding blocks on the rotor, increasing service time accordingly;

Another aim of the invention is to provide a symmetrical acceleration member for attachment of two sliding block members, suitable for two-way operation;

Another aim of the invention is to provide a symmetrical sliding block, such that it can be used in either way of rotation;

Another aim of the invention is to provide an attachment member that is better protected to damage by stray particles, increasing lifetime;

Another aim of the invention is to provide an attachment member that can be easily and separately exchanged, limiting downtime;

Another aim of the invention is to provide an attachment member that can be manufactured as a casted member, lowering manufacturing costs;

Another aim of the invention is to provide an attachment member suitable for attachment of very heavy sliding block members for heavy duty operations;

Another aim of the invention is to provide a very simple rotor assembly that requires limited means for attachment and securing of the different parts, including accessory parts, possibly boltless, limiting manufacturing costs and downtime;

Another aim of the invention is to limit the weight of the rotor assembly by utilization of lightweight construction materials for certain parts of the rotor that are protected to contact with particle material, compensating for the weight of the additional sliding blocks, such that the rotor according the invention can be exchanged for known rotors, requiring no strengthening of the shaft member.

Another aim of the invention is to provide an adaptor member that makes it possible to attach the sliding block member according the invention to the existing attachment members of an existing rotor of prior art.

BRIEF SUMMARY

This Brief Summary is provided to introduce simplified concepts relating to the aim of the invention, which is further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for use in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

The aim of the invention is achieved with a method and device where a rotor of the open type is provided with an accelerating member that comprises at least one sliding block member and an attachment member, such that the sliding block member is firmly locked to the rotating rotor with the aid of centrifugal force by centrifugal locking of the sliding block member to the attachment member:

- achieved with a method that provides the sliding block member along the bottom side and along the upper side with a standing block pressure side stretching from the back side into the direction of the sliding face; and provides the attachment member with two standing attachment pressure sides, each stretching essentially parallel to each, from the standing support side into the direction of rotation, the lower attachment pressure side stretching along the top side of the rotor; such that the attachment pressure sides fit the block pressure sides when the sliding block member is positioned for attachment to the attachment member and are firmly pressed against each other when the rotor rotates under influence of centrifugal force, providing firm attachment of the sliding block member to the attachment member, avoiding the need to provide the sliding block member with any separate locking and/or securing arrangement.

- and achieved with a device based on this method, where the sliding block member is provided with two open centrifugal locking chambers, stretching respectively along the bottom side and the top side providing with a standing outside block pressure side facing the outer edge of the rotor; and which attachment member is provided with two centrifugal locking members, which fit the locking chambers for attachment of the sliding block member to the attachment member; such that the outside block pressure side is firmly pressed against the inside attachment pressure side when the rotor rotates under influence of centrifugal force; such that the sliding block member is centrifugally locked to the attachment member, providing firm attachment to the rotating rotor, avoiding the need to provide the sliding block member with any separate locking and/or securing arrangement; and is further described in claim one to which reference is made.

Other aims are achieved by a number of features, described in the description and the claims, to which reference is made. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For better understanding, the aims, characteristics and advantages of the device of the invention, which have been discussed, and other aims, characteristics and advantages of the device of the invention, are explained in the following detailed description of the device of the invention in relation to accompanying diagrammatic drawings.

Figure 1, shows, diagrammatically, a top view of a first configuration of the rotor according the invention for on-way operation;

Figure 2, shows, diagrammatically, a first 3D view of rotor of figure 1, provided with a first configuration of the accelerating members;

Figure 3, shows, diagrammatically, a second 3D view of the rotor of figure 1 ;

Figure 4, shows, diagrammatically, a first 3D view of a first configuration of the sliding block member shown in figure 1 ;

Figure 5, shows, diagrammatically, a second 3D view of the sliding block member of figure 4;

Figures 6, shows, diagrammatically, a first 3D view of the sliding block member of prior art for comparison with the sliding block member according the invention shown in figures 4 and 5;

Figures 7, shows, diagrammatically, a second 3D view of the sliding block member of prior art of figure 6;

Figure 8, shows, diagrammatically, the remaining volume after use of the sliding block member of figure 6; Figure 9, shows, diagrammatically, the remaining volume after use of a second configuration of the sliding block member according the invention;

Figure 10, shows, diagrammatically, the fresh or paid volume of the sliding block member of figures 4 and 9;

Figure 11, shows, diagrammatically, the remaining volume after use of the sliding block member of figure 10;

Figure 12, shows, diagrammatically, the working volume that has been effectively used for acceleration with the sliding block member of figure 11 ;

Figures 13, shows, diagrammatically, a 3D view of a third configuration of the sliding block member according the invention;

Figures 14, shows, diagrammatically, a side view of the sliding block member member of figure 13;

Figures 15, shows, diagrammatically, a second configuration of the rotor according the invention for one-way operation;

Figures 16, shows, diagrammatically, a side view of the attachment member of figure

15;

Figures 17, shows, diagrammatically, a 3D view of a fourth configuration of the sliding block member shown in figure 15;

Figures 18, shows, diagrammatically, a 3D view of a fifth configuration of the sliding block member shown in figure 15;

Figures 19, shows, diagrammatically, a top view of a third configuration of the rotor according the invention for one-way operation;

Figures 20, shows, diagrammatically, a side view of the accelerating member of figure 19;

Figures 21, shows, diagrammatically, a top view of the rotor of prior art, provided with four sliding block members;

Figures 22, shows, diagrammatically, a 3D view of a sliding block member of prior art of figure 21 ;

Figures 23, shows, diagrammatically, a second 3D view of a sliding block member of prior art of figure 21 ;

Figures 24, shows, diagrammatically, a top view of the rotor of figure 21, provided with five sliding block members; Figures 25, shows, diagrammatically, a top view of the rotor of figure 21, provided with six sliding block members;

Figures 26, shows, diagrammatically, a 3D view of a first configuration of a symmetrical rotor according the invention, for two-way operation;

Figures 27, shows, diagrammatically, a top view, of the rotor of figure 26;

Figures 28, shows, diagrammatically, a second 3D view of the rotor of figure 26;

Figures 29, shows, diagrammatically, a 3D view, of the sliding block member shown in figure 26;

Figures 30, shows, diagrammatically, a second 3D view of the sliding block member of figure 29;

Figures 31, shows, diagrammatically, a 3D view of the attachment member according the invention, shown in figure 26;

Figures 32, shows, diagrammatically, a 3D view of a second configuration of a symmetrical rotor according the invention, for two-way operation;

Figures 33, shows, diagrammatically, a top view of the rotor of figure 32;

Figures 34, shows, diagrammatically, a 3D view of a third configuration of a symmetrical rotor according the invention, for two-way operation;

Figures 35, shows, diagrammatically, a 3D view of a fourth configuration of a symmetrical rotor according the invention, for two-way operation;

Figures 36, shows, diagrammatically, a cross section view of a rotor assembly according the invention;

Figures 37, shows, diagrammatically, a cross section of a feed plate of figure 36;

Figures 38, shows, diagrammatically, a cross section of the circular central locking of figure 36;

Figures 39, shows, diagrammatically, a cross section of the lock ring member of figure 36;

Figures 40, shows, diagrammatically, a side view of the attachment member of figure

36;

Figures 41, shows, diagrammatically, a cross section of the outer border cover member of figure 36;

Figures 42, shows, diagrammatically, a cross section of the rotor of figure 36;

Figures 43, shows, diagrammatically, a 3D view of the rotor of figure 36;

Figures 44, shows, diagrammatically, a 3D view of the rotor assembly of figure 36; Figures 45, shows, diagrammatical ly, a 3D view of the attachment member of figure

40;

Figures 46, shows, diagrammatically, a 3D view of the outer border cover member of figure 41 ;

Figures 47, shows, diagrammatically, a 3D view of a rotor of prior art of figure 21 provided with an adaptor member;

Figures 49, shows, diagrammatically, a 3D view of the attachment member of figure

47;

Figures 49, shows, diagrammatically, a 3D view of the adaptor member of figure 47.

BEST WAY OF IMPLEMENTING THE DEVICE OF THE INVENTION

A detailed reference to the preferred configurations of the invention is given below. Examples thereof are shown in the appended drawings. Although the invention will be described together with the preferred configurations, it must be clear that the configurations described are not intended to restrict the invention to those specific configurations. On the contrary, the intention of the invention is to comprise alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which fit within the nature and scope of the invention as defined by appended claims.

Overview rotor according the invention for one-way operation

Figure 1, shows, diagrammatically, a top view of a first configuration of the rotor (1) according the invention for one-way operation according the invention that explains the method and device and is provided with a first configuration of the accelerating member

(2) according the invention provided with a first configuration of the sliding block member

(3) and a first configuration of the attachment member (4), the top part of which rotor (1), or rotor table, is further detailed, as 3D, in figures 2 and 3, and the siding block member (3) is detailed in figures 4 and 5.

The rotor (1) is of open type, that is with the, here four, accelerating members (2) positioned on top side (12) of the rotor (1), and is of at least one part carried by a shaft member (not shown here). The rotor (1) is rotatable about an essentially vertically directed axis of rotation (0), here in one direction of rotation (5). The particle material is metered onto the rotor (1) at a location (6) near the axis of rotation (0), and from there picked up by the acceleration member (2), which is carried by the rotor (1) at a location (7) a distance away from the axis of rotation (0). The accelerating member (2) comprises here one sliding block member (3) and an attachment member (4) for firmly attaching the sliding block member (3) to the rotor (1) with the aid of a locking member (16), such that the sliding block member (3) can be easily exchanged.

The sliding block member (3) is formed of at least an iron based alloy, and is provided with a sliding face (8) that stretches outwards into the direction of the outer edge (9) of the rotor (1) and forwards into the direction of rotation (5), for accelerating of the material under influence of centrifugal force, a back side (10) that stretches essentially parallel to the sliding face (8) outwards into the direction of the outer edge (9) of the rotor (1) and forwards into the direction of rotation (5), a bottom side (11) that stretches along the top side (12) of the rotor (1), and an upper side (13) essentially parallel to the bottom side (1 1); and an inner side (14) that faces the axis of rotation (0) and an outer side (15) that faces the space surrounding the rotor (1). The attachment member (4) is here of one part and is provided one standing support side (17) that stretches outwards into the direction of the outer edge (9) of the rotor (1) and forwards into the direction of rotation (5) along at least part of the back side (10) when the sliding block member (3) is attached.

The locking member comprises a first locking member is here of two parts (30)(31) and a second locking member also of two parts (18)(19).

The first locking member (30)(31) comprises here two locking chambers (34)(35), a lower locking chamber (34) and an upper locking chamber (35), which stretch here essentially parallel to each other, the lower locking chamber (34) stretches through part of the bottom side (1 1) and the upper locking chamber (35) stretches through part of the upper side (13), respectively open along the bottom side (1 1) and open along the upper side (13), and both open along back side (10) into the direction of the sliding face (8), such that each locking chamber (34)(35) is surrounded by three standing sides (36)(37)(38), an inward standing side (36) stretching from the back side (10) into the direction of the sliding face (8), an outward standing side (37) stretching here essentially parallel to the inward standing side (36) from the back side (10) into the direction of sliding face (8) at a location a greater distance away from the axis of rotation (0) than the inward standing side (36), and a forward standing side (38) that stretches between the far end (39) of the inward standing side (36) and the far end (39) of the outward standing border (37) into the direction of the outer edge (9) of the rotor (1) and is positioned at a location between the back side (10) and the sliding face (8).

The second locking member is of two locking parts (18)(19), a lower locking part (18) presenting a lower locking plate member (23) that stretches essentially along the top side (12) of the rotor (1) from the lower edge (20) of the standing support side (17) into the direction of rotation (5), and an upper locking part (19) presenting a lower locking plate member (24) that stretches essentially parallel to the lower locking plate member (23) from the upper edge (21) of the standing support side (17) into the direction of rotation (5), such that an essentially U-shaped attachment space (22) is created between the locking plate members (23)(24) and the standing support side (17).

The locking plate members (23)(24) are each surrounded by three standing borders (25)(26)(27), an inward standing border (25) that faces the axis of rotation (0) stretching from the standing support side (17) into the direction of rotation (5), an outward standing border (26) that faces the outer edge (9) of the rotor (1) stretching from the standing support side (17) into the direction of rotation (5), and a forward standing border (27) that stretches between the far end (28) of the inward standing border (25) and the far end (29) of the outward standing border (26) into the direction of the outer edge (9) of the rotor (1), such that the locking plates (23)(24) fit the locking chambers (30)(31).

The inward standing side (36) of each locking chamber (30)(31) presents a standing outside block pressure side (52) - or standing block pressure side (52) - that faces the outer edge (9) of the rotor (1) and is directed transversally to the radial plane (46) from the axis of rotation (0), and the inward standing border (25) of each locking plate (23)(24) presents a standing inside attachment pressure side (59) - or standing attachment pressure side (59) - that faces the axis of rotation (0) and is directed transversally to the radial plane (46) from the axis of rotation (0), and is configured mirror symmetrical to the outside block pressure side (52).

The sliding block member (3) is here for attachment to the attachment member (4) positioned in the attachment space (22) by moving the sliding block member (3) sideways (40) between the locking plates (23)(24) towards the standing support side (17), such that at least part (41) of the sliding block member (3) fits the attachment space (17) and the locking plates (23)(24) fit the locking chambers (30)(31).

The outside block pressure side (52) is firmly pressed against the inside attachment pressure side (59) when the rotor (1) rotates under influence of centrifugal force, with the outside block pressure side (52) and the inside attachment pressureside (59) stretching along a pressure plane (16) that is essentially transversally directed to the radial plane (46) from the axis of rotation (0), such that he sliding block member (33) is centrifugally locked to the attachment member (32), providing firm attachment to the rotating rotor (1), avoiding the need for any separate locking and/or securing arrangement.

More specific, centrifugal locking is here achieved when:

- the pressure plane (16) stretches from the standing support side (17) into the direction of rotation (5) along a circle (42) around the axis of rotation (0) or - preferably - at least partly into a direction (43) closer to axis of rotation (0), which latter configuration is applied with the configuration of the rotor (1) shown in figures 1,2 and 3, which hinders that the sliding block member (3) can move sideways - here clockwise (44) - away from the standing support side (17) when the rotor (1) rotates at high velocity;

- and when the radial plane (46) from the axis of rotation (0) with on it the point of gravity (47) of the sliding block member (3) crosses the locking plates (23)(24), that is, crosses at least the outward standing borders (26);

which achieves that the back side (10) is firmly pressed against the standing support side (17), and hinders that the sliding block member (3) moves away (44) from the rotating attachment member (4), certainly when the pressure sides (52)(59) stretch into the direction of the axis of rotation, which means that the sliding block member has to move into the direction of the axis of rotation to move away from the standing, which is physically impossible when the rotor rotates and the radial plane (46) from the axis of rotation (0) with on it the point of gravity (47) of the sliding block member (3) crosses the locking plates (23)(24);

furthermore it is preferred that:

- the outward standing border (26) runs parallel to the inward standing border (25), which hinders that the sliding block member (3) moves sideways - here anti clockwise (45) - away from the standing support side (17);

- and that the pressure planes (16) stretch along the same vertical plane (56), which provides more even stress distribution throughout the accelerating member (2).

This first configuration of the rotor (1) does not require separate attachment means and/or separate securing means to secure the centrifugal locking, but the invention allows for the attachment member (4) to be provided with separate attachment means and/or separate securing means (not shown here) to provide additional securing of the attachment of the sliding block member (3), but with the method and device according the invention it is preferred to avoid such separate attachment means and/or separate securing means as is the case with the rotor (1) illustrated in figures 1, 2 and 3; which applies also for the other configurations of the rotor that will be discussed later - and the invention allows for the accelerating member (4) to be configured such that additional centrifugal locking is obtained without separate locking and securing means, for example by providing the attachment member (4) with a locking device that is part of the accelerating member (2), as will be discussed later.

The considerable centrifugal forces (54) that are generated by the sliding block member (3) and concentrate along the pressure planes, where the stresses are transferred from the sliding block member (3) to the attachment member (4), have to be contained and distributed. The inserted locking chambers (34)(35) distribute the stresses (3) throughout the sliding block member (3), avoiding high stress concentration. However, high stresses develop in the locking plate members (23)(24), though the stresses evenly divided between the lower (23) and the upper (24) locking plate members, with stress concentration increasing into the direction of the tip end (28) of the pressure sides (52)(59). Containment of these stresses is normally not a problem with the lower locking plate member (30) that can be partly inserted for stress distribution to the surrounding rotor (1), but the upper locking plate member (24) hangs free and must be strong enough to distribute the high stresses that concentrate in the tip-end (28) into the direction of the the standing support side (17).

The thickness (58) of the locking plates (23)(24) increases here into the direction of rotation (5) to obtain better stress distribution in the locking plates (23)(24), which is a preferred configuration.

To limit the stresses in the upper locking plate member (24), the attachment member

(4) is here provided with a standing support side (17) that is provided with a standing inward pressure face (48) that stretches here in vertical direction essentially between the locking plates (23)(24) and is directed towards the axis of rotation (0), preferably perpendicular (49) to the radial plane (50) from the axis of rotation (0), and the sliding block member (3) is provided with at least one standing outward pressure face (51) that is here directed towards the outer edge (9) of the rotor (1) and fits the inward pressure face (48), such that the outward pressure face (51) is firmly pressed against the inward pressure face (48) when the rotor (1) rotates. The inward standing border (25) stretches here from the standing support side (17) into the direction of rotation (5) along a concave plane (53) to improve stress distribution between the sliding block member (3) and the attachment member (4), and is a preferred configuration.

The configuration of the accelerating member (2) with standing pressure face (48)(51) has the advantage that part of the radial directed outward force (54) that is generated in the sliding block member (3) under influence of centrifugal force when the rotor (1) rotates, is directly transferred to the attachment member (4), which limits that high forces build up in the locking plates (23)(24), or locking parts (18)(19), which locking plates (23)(24) now serve to absorb part of the radial force (54) and to hinder the sliding block member (2) to move sideways - clockwise (44) or anti clockwise (44) - away from the standing support side (17). This is of particular advantage to the upper locking plate (24).

With the first configuration of the rotor (1) shown in figures 1, 2 and 3, the upper (24) and the lower (23) locking plates are essentially mirror symmetrical to the horizontal plane (55); but the invention allows for the upper and lower locking plates (23)(24) to be of different configuration (not shown here); it is however preferred that the inward standing borders (25) stretch along the same vertical plane (56) to avoid irregular stress distributions, as indicated before.

The upper (24) and the lower (23) locking plates are here fixedly attached to the attachment member (4) - the attachment member (4) is here of one part; but the invention allows for the lower locking plate (23) that stretches along the top side (12) of the rotor (1) to be a separate member (not shown here) that is firmly attached directly to the rotor (1), such that it is separately removable for exchange, in case of damage. The invention allows also for the upper locking plate (24) to be fixedly but removable attached to the attachment member (4), as will be discussed later.

The upper side (57) of the upper locking plate (24) stretches here along the plane (57) with on it the upper side (13) of the sliding block member (3), avoiding any irregularities, which avoids turbulence and limits wear along this upper side, and is a preferred configuration.

Figures 6, 7 and 8 show, diagrammatically, a sliding block member (60) of prior art for comparison with the sliding block member (3) according the invention. The sliding block member of prior art (60) is for attachment provided with a stub (61) member that protrudes from the back side (62) and is provided with a locking hole (63) for a locking pin (not shown here) to prevent, or secures, the sliding block member (60) from moving away from the standing support face (not shown here). The sliding block member of prior art (60) weighs typically 40 kg, the stub (61) weighs about 4 kg. Figure 8 shows the sliding block member of prior art (60), with the expected wear pattern (70) that develops during service.

Figure 9, shows, diagrammatically, a second configuration of the sliding block member according the invention (67), essentially similar to first configuration of the sliding block member (3), but is configured likewise the sliding block of prior art (60) from figure 7 and 8, without the stub member (61), and provided with the locking chambers (68)(69) for attachment. The expected wear pattern (71) with the sliding block member according the invention is essential similar to the expected wear pattern attained with the sliding block member of prior art (60), which means that performance of these sliding block members (60(69) is essentially similar. But the sliding block according the invention (69) achieves this similar performance with much lower weight or mass, saving the 4 kg from the stub member plus about an additional 1 kg per locking chamber (69), or a total saving of 6 kg, which is significant.

More specific, with the sliding block member according (69) the same amount or volume of effective wear material is available for acceleration as with the sliding block member (60) of prior art, as is indicated in figures 10, 11 and 12 - which apply to both sliding block members (60)(69). Figure 8 shows the fresh or paid volume (64) of the sliding block member (60)(69), figure 9 shows the remaining volume (65) that remains after service, and figure 10 shows the working volume (66) that has been effectively used for acceleration. The working volume (66) weighs for both configurations of the sliding block member (3)(60) typically 12 kg. This means that with a sliding block member (60) of prior art of 40 kg only some 30 % of the paid volume (64) is effectively utilized, and that some 28 kg, or some 70%, remains as remaining volume (65) as throw away material. With the sliding block member (3) according the invention the fresh paid weight (64) is about 34 kg, but provides also a working weight (66) of some 12 kg, or 35% of the paid weight (64), with only 22 kg remaining to be thrown away. Which in turn means that the sliding block member (3) according the invention-weighing 34 kg, has the potential to attain performance similar to the sliding block member (60) of prior art - weighing 40 kg.

Figures 13 and 14, show, diagrammatically, a third configuration of the sliding block member (72) according the invention, where the part (73) of the sliding block member (72) that is positioned in the attachment space (74) is further shaved off (75) to the expected wear pattern (76) to save further on weight - here about another 2 kg - saving a total of some 8 kg or 20%, when compared with the sliding block member of prior art (60) of figures 6 and 7; which second configuration of the sliding block member (67) has the additional advantage that the locking plates (77)(78) of the attachment member (79) are more voluminous, hence much stronger. However, sufficient block volume (80) has to remain in the shaved off (75) part that provides sufficient strength to avoid that the outer part of the sliding block member (72) breaks away when the wear pattern (76) develops, taken into account that the centrifugal force (81) that pulls on the sliding block member (72) drops significantly when wear progresses.

Figures 15, 16, 17 and 18, show, diagrammatically, a second configuration of the rotor (81) according the invention for one-way operation according the invention provided with a fourth (82) configuration of the accelerating member according the invention provided with a fourth configuration of the sliding block member (86) and a fifth (83) configuration of the accelerating member according the invention provided with a fifth configuration of the sliding block member (87), both provided with a hooking device (84)(85) for additional locking of the sliding block member (86)(87), detailed in figures 22 and 23, to the attachment member (88)(89). Each hooking device consists of a hooking member (90)(91) that is provided by the sliding block member (86)(87) and a hooking part (92)(93) that is provided by the attachment member (88)(89), such that the hooking member (90)(91) fits the hooking part (92)(93) when the sliding block member (86)(87) is attached to the attachment member (88)(89), such that movement of the sliding block member (86)(87) away from the attachment member (88)(89) is hindered when the rotor (81) rotates.

With the fourth configuration of the accelerating member (82) provides the standing support side (94) the hooking part (95), for which only an inner corner (96) has been removed, or shaved, from standing support side (94). The outward pressure face (97) of the sliding block member (86) protrudes into the direction of the outer edge (98) of the rotor (81), which protruding part (99) provides the hooking member (90), such that it fits the hooking part (92).

With the fifth configuration of the accelerating member (83) is the sliding block member (87) provided with a hooking member (91) that is attached along the back side (100) in front of the outward pressure face (101) of the sliding block member (83), such that inward pressure face (102) provides the hooking part (93), such that it fits the hooking member (91).

A hooking device (84)(85) provides very good securement for the centrifugal locking, but requires for instalment that the sliding block member (86)(87) has to be moved first sideways (103) towards the standing support side (104), and then then along the standing support side (104) outwards (105) into the direction of the outer edge (139) of the rotor (81) when the hooking member (90)(91) fits the hooking part (92)(93). This latter movement means that both along the bottom side (106) and along the upper side (107) of the sliding block member (86)(87) lock openings (108)(109) are created between the outward standing sides (1 10)(11 1) of the locking plates (1 12)(1 13) and the outward standing edges (1 14)(1 15) of the locking chambers (1 16)(1 17), which can cause a problem when the sliding block member (86)(87) has to be removed for exchange and particle material has accumulated during service in these lock openings (108)(109), where it can be difficult to remove this particle material, in particular with the lower lock opening (109). Such accumulation of particle material in the lock openings (108)(109) can be hindered when the lock opening (1 18) widens (1 19) into the direction of the back side (120) of the sliding block member (86)(87).

The lock openings (108)(109) provide ample space such that anti clockwise movement (130) of the sliding block member (86)(87) away from the standing support side (104) is not hindered, which movement can however be hindered by providing the rotor (81) along the outer edge (139) with a protruding lock member (121) and the sliding block member (86)(87) with a lock cavity (163)(122) that fits the protruding lock member (121) when the sliding block member (86)(87) is moved outwards (105) along the standing support side (104) to make the hooking device (84)(85) fit.

Figures 19 and 20, show, diagrammatically, a third configuration of the rotor (124) according the invention provided with a sixth configuration of the accelerating member (125) according the invention where the attachment member (126) provided with a sixth configuration of the sliding block member (138). The attachment member (126) is here provided with a separate inner locking plate (127) that stretches along the top face (128) of the rotor (124) at a location (130) around the standing outer edge (131) of the feed plate (132), such that a locking space (134) is created between the inward standing border (135) of the lower locking plate (136) and the outer standing edge (123) of the inner locking plate (104), such that the part (137) of the sliding block member (138) that stretches between these standing edge (135) and border (123) is clamped between these two standing edge/border (107)(1 10), which means that the sliding block member (113) can only move away (139) from the standing support side (140) along a path (1 141) that stretches into a direction closer to the axis of rotation (0), which provides very good centrifugal locking. The lower part (142) of the sliding block member (1138) that is positioned above the inner locking plate (127) is here provided with a inner open space (144) such that the inner part (145) of the sliding face (146) stretches into a direction closer to the axis of rotation (0) than the outer standing edge (131) of the feed plate (132); such that the sliding block member (138) can be moved away from the standing support side (140) in front along the standing outer edge (131) of the feed plate (132) for exchange.

Prior art

Figures 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25, show, diagrammatically, a configuration (150) of so- called stub shoe rotor (151) of prior art provided with so-called stub shoes (152) for acceleration of the particle material. Figure 22, shows a front view of the known shoe (1 2) provided with a sliding face (153), and figure 23, shows the back view of the known shoe (152) provided with an attachment stub (154) along the back side (185). Figure 21, shows the known shoe rotor (151) that is provided with bracket holders (155) that are carried by the shoe rotor (151) for attachment of the shoe (152) to the shoe rotor (151) with the aid of the attachment stub (154); the shoe (152) and the bracket holder (155) creating an acceleration member (159). Centrifugal force generates very high stresses in the shoe

(152) - weighing normally some 40 kg - and in the attachment stub (154) in particular. To limit stress in the attachment stub (154), such that the shoe (152) does not break away from the bracket holder (155), it is necessary to position the shoe (152) with the sliding face

(153) into a forward position such that the radial line (00) from the axis of rotation (0) with on it the point of gravity (157) of the shoe (152) is as close as possible to the bracket holder (155), preferably so that this radial line (00) crosses the bracket holder (155) when torsion is completely avoided. Such crossing can normally not be attained, because forward position is normally limited to maximum 30 to 35 degrees for practical reasons, forward position is here about 28 degrees. The bracket holder (155) is positioned behind the shoe (152) where it occupies considerable space, limiting the free space (158) between the accelerating members (156) necessary for free flow (160) of the material that is metered onto the centre space (161) of the shoe rotor (151) towards and along the sliding faces (153).

This means that stress in the attachment stub (154) cannot be completely avoided which requires a robust design at the expense of certain weight - weight that cannot be used as wear material for sliding and remains to be thrown away - and makes strong mechanical locking of the shoe (152) to the bracket holder (155) necessary, for with the attachment stub (154) is provided with a locking pin (184) that has to be removed for exchange, which can cause severe problems because the locking pin (184) can get stuck and is then very difficult to remove. Furthermore is the number of shoes (152) that can be installed on the known shoe rotor (151) normally limited to four, such that ample free space (158) remains between the accelerating members (156) for unhindered free flow (160) of the particle material. With the known shoe rotor (151), rotor diameter is typically about 1000 mm and length of the sliding face (153) typically 300mm, leaving a minimum free flow width (162) between the accelerating members (156) of some 260 mm when four shoes (152) are installed. Installing more shoes (152) is not practical when coarser - 60 mm to 100 mm particle diameter - feed material is processed. As can be seen from figure 24, which shows a second configuration of the shoe rotor (163) with five shoes (152) instalment that limits the free flow space (186) because free flow width (187) is reduced to some 220 mm, whilst a narrowing flow channel (188) is created that hinders free flow (186). Figure 25, shows a third configuration of the known shoe rotor (179) with six shoe (152) instalment that reduces free flow space (189) to some 180 mm free flow width (190), but the biggest problem is the narrowing flow channel (191) that is created, to such extend that severe hindrance of free flow (192) can be expected, and complete blockage of the free flow (192) is likely to occur.

This means, that when 60 to 100 mm feed material is processed, which is normally the case, the number of shoes (152) that can be installed on the known shoe rotor (151) is limited to four for practical reasons, and that more shoes (152) can be installed only when the diameter of the shoe rotor (151) is significantly increased; that is significant larger than 1000 mm.

Overview symmetrical rotor according the invention for two-way operation

Figures 26, 27 and 28, show, diagrammatically, a first configuration (195) of a symmetrical rotor (196) according the invention provided with a first configuration (197) of an accelerating member (198) according to the invention comprising a symmetrical attachment member (200) according to the invention, provided with two sliding block members (202)(203) along each side, involving a first configuration (201) of the sliding block member (202)(203) according the invention, detailed in figures 29 to 31, and a first configuration (199) of the attachment member (200) according the invention.

The rotor (196) is of open type, is carried by a shaft member (207), and is here rotatable about an essentially vertically directed axis of rotation (0) in both directions (208). Material is metered on to the rotor (195) at a location near the axis of rotation (0), with the aid of a feed pipe (not shown here) of which the feed opening (not shown here) is positioned centrally above the rotor (196), which material is then picked up by the sliding block members (202)(203).

The accelerating members (198) are carried by the rotor (196) at locations a distance away from the axis of rotation (0), in such way that both the sliding block member (202)(203) and the attachment member (200) can be separately exchanged.

The sliding block member (202)(203) is here essentially of rectangular shape, provided with: a sliding face (209) that faces the direction of rotation (208) with a that stretches outwards into the direction of the outer edge (210) of the rotor (196) and forwards angled into the direction of rotation (208) for accelerating of the material under influence of centrifugal force; an inner side (212) that faces the axis of rotation (0) provided with a vertical concave face (209) such that metered material that is picked up by the sliding block member (202)(203) is directed (214)(215) towards the centre (216) of the sliding face (209); a back side (217) opposite of the sliding face (209) that stretches also outwards into the direction of the outer edge (210) of the rotor (196) and forwards angled into the direction of rotation (208), essentially parallel to the sliding face (209); a bottom side (218) that stretches along the top side (211) of the rotor (196); and a upper side (220) opposite of the bottom side (218) that stretches essentially parallel to the bottom side (218).

The attachment member (200) is here of one part, provided with a standing support member (221), symmetrical to the radial plane (222) from the axis of rotation (0), stretching between the two sliding block members (202)(203) into the direction of the outer edge (210) of the rotor (196), and along each side (224)(225) provided with a standing support side (227) each stretching into the direction of the outer edge (210) of the rotor (196) angled into the direction of rotation (208), which support side (227) stretches along part (228) of the back side (217) of the sliding block member (202).

The support member (221) is here along each side also provided with a standing inward pressure face (230) and two centrifugal locking plates (230)(231); which inward pressure face (230) stretches here concave in vertical direction along the inner side (234) of the support member (221) that is directed towards the axis of rotation (0) essentially perpendicular (236) to the radial plane (222) from the axis of rotation (0); which two centrifugal locking plates (230)(231) stretch essential parallel to each other from the standing support side (227) into the direction of rotation (208), a lower centrifugal locking plate (232) that stretches along the top site (21 1) of the rotor (196), and an upper centrifugal locking plate (233) that stretches parallel above the lower centrifugal locking plate (232).

The locking plates (230)(231) are each surrounded by three standing borders (238)(239)(240), with the inward standing border (238) that faces the axis of rotation (0) here stretching from the standing support side (227) into the direction of rotation (208) along a circle (239) around the axis of rotation (0), providing the inward pressure side (230) - or attachment pressure side (230).

Each sliding block member (202)(203) is provided with centrifugal locking chambers (240)(241) and a standing outward pressure face (244) - or standing block pressure side (244); which locking chambers (240)(241) stretch essentially parallel to each other open from the backside (217) into the direction of the sliding face (209), respectively open along the bottom side (218) and open along the upper side (220); that is, a bottom centrifugal locking chamber (240) that stretches along the bottom side (218), and an upper centrifugal locking chamber (241) stretching along the upper side (220); which standing outward pressure face (244) is directed towards the outer edge (210) of the rotor (196) and mirrors the inward pressure face (230).

The locking chambers (66)(67) are here each surrounded by three standing edges (69)(70)(71), with the outward standing edge (69) positioned closest to the axis of rotation (0) stretching from the standing support side (55) into the direction of rotation (39) along a circle (129) around the axis of rotation (0).

The bottom locking chamber (242) is configured such that is fits the lower locking plate (232), and the upper locking chamber (234) such that is fits the upper locking plate (233) with the standing inner border (238) facing the standing outer border (248); such that at least part of the back side (217) of the sliding block member (202) stretches along the support side (227); such that the top site (249) of the upper centrifugal locking plate (233) stretches here along the plane with on it the upper site (220) of the sliding block member (202)(203); and the outward pressure face (244) - or block pressure side (244) - is configured such that it fits the inward pressure face (230) - or attachment pressure side (230); positioned such that the radial plane (252) from the axis of rotation (0) with on it the point of gravity (254) of the sliding block member (202)(203) crosses the lower (232) and the upper (233) locking plates; when the sliding block (202)(203 is positioned between the locking plates (232)(233).

The sliding block member (202)(203) is here symmetrical to the horizontal plane (255) from the axis of rotation (0), such that the sliding block member (202)(203) can be used along both sides of the attachment member (200).

The invention allows for the attachment member (200) to be provided with a separate lower lock plate member (not shown here) that is carried by the rotor (196), independent of the support member (221).

Positioning of the sliding block member (202)(203) between the locking plates

(230)(231) requires only that the sliding block member (202)(203) has to be moved sideways (256) towards the standing support side (227); that is, in front (257) along the standing outer edge (258) of feed plate (259), which means that a feed plate (259) does not have not to be removed to exchange the sliding block members (202)(203).

The configuration provided with the first configuration (201) of sliding block member (202)(203) and with the first configuration (205) of the attachment member (200), achieves that the sliding block members (202)(203) are centrifugally locked to the attachment member (200) when the rotor (196) rotates; that is, with the outward pressure face (244) firmly pressed against the inward pressure face (230) hindering outward movement of the sliding block member (203)(204), that is, into the direction of the outer edge (210) of the rotor (196); the concavity of the inward pressure face (230) hinders upward movement of the sliding block member (202)(203), such that most stresses are distributed directly to the support member (221); with the locking plates (230)(231) also hindering sideward movement of the sliding block member (202)(203) generating only limited stresses in the locking plates (230)(231), because the sliding block member (202)(203) can essentially not move along the common joint (260), or pressure plane, between the outward standing edge (248) of the sliding block member (202)(203) and the inward standing border (238) of the attachment member (200), when the rotor (196) rotates, because this common joint (260) stretches along the circle (239) around the axis of rotation (0), which means that sliding block member (202)(203) is on its own firmly centrifugally locked to the attachment member (200) when the rotor (196) rotates, avoiding the need for any additional or separate attachment arrangements and securing means, such as locking pins (184), and makes exchange of the sliding block members (202)(203) very easy, limiting downtime.

As can be seen from figure 26, the sliding block member (202)(203) wears out (204) from the original sliding face (263) gradually inward, typically creating a curved concave sliding face (264) or wear pattern between the centrifugal locking plates (230)(231); without reaching and damaging the centrifugal locking plates (230)(231), that is, when the operation is stopped before the worn concave sliding face (264) reaches (266) the standing support side (227). The working distance (268) between the centrifugal locking plates (232)(233) has of coarse to be taken sufficient for the curved concave wear pattern (265) to develop this way, but the total height of the sliding face (209) does normally not have to be taken larger that the sliding face (153) of the known shoes (152) from figure 21. The sliding block member (203)(204) according to the invention makes it therefore possible to utilize a large amount of the expensive wear resistant construction material of the sliding block member (33)(37), attaining a high wear ratio because virtually no wear material is lost for attachment arrangement, like the stub member (154) of the known shoes from figure 23, for centrifugal locking of the sliding block member (202)(203) to the attachment member (200).

The symmetrical attachment members (200) is very well protected by the sliding block members (202)(203), and can essentially only become damaged by strayed particle material along the top side (249) of the upper lock plate (233), where wear is normally limited, and can be largely avoided by positioning the inner lid lining member (not shown here) very close to the top side (249) of the upper locking plate (233), which allows for very long service time of the attachment member (200), however, wear along the standing support side (227) has to be avoided; but when the standing support side (227) becomes damaged, when the sliding block member (202)(203) wears through, exchange of the symmetrical attachment member (200) is easy and can be exchanged separately. Following the wear pattern (265), the thickness (269) of the centrifugal locking plates (230)(231) increases here into the direction of standing support side (227), such that the working distance (286) between the locking plates (230)(231) decreases into the direction of rotation (208), providing extra protection, optimal stress distribution, and easy, unhindered, exchange of the sliding block member (202)(203).

Summarized, the symmetric attachment member according the invention has several advantages over the non-symmetric attachment member for one-way operation. So is the centrifugal force that is generated by the sliding block members is equally divided along both sides of the attachment member, avoiding torsion in the central support member, and the support member is rather massive, which means that the attachment member can carry very heavy sliding block member; limits the attachment volume in significant way, attaining a high wear ratio (amount of wear material effectively utilized); can carry up to eight sliding block members with long (300 mm) sliding face; attachment along both sides means also that the attachment member is very well protected against wear and can essentially only become damaged when the sliding block members wear through; attachment members can be centrifugally locked to the rotor, providing separate and very easy exchange; which together with very easy and quick exchange of the sliding block members limits downtime in significant way, increasing machine availability accordingly.

Figures 32 and 33, show, diagrammatically, a second configuration (270) of a rotor (271) according the invention provided with a second configuration (272) of an accelerating member (273) according to the invention, detailed in figure 33, comprising a symmetrical attachment member (274) according to the invention, provided with two sliding block members (275)(276) along each side of the attachment member (274), involving a second configuration (277) of the sliding block member (275)(276) according the invention, essentially similar to the sliding block members (202)(203) of the first configuration (201) of figures 29 and 30, and a first configuration (278) of the symmetrical attachment member (274) according the invention.

The only difference between the accelerating members (273) of the first (197) and second (272) configuration (197) is that the outward (279) and inward (280) pressure faces of the sliding block members (275)(276), and with it the pressure plane (283) stretch from the standing support side (281) into a direction (282) closer (284) to the axis of rotation (0). This means that the sliding block member (275)(276) has to move along the pressure faces (279)(280) inward (284) into the direction (282) closer (284) to the axis of rotation (0) to be released (285), which is physical impossible with the particular configuration, as has been discussed before. The pressure faces (279)(280) provide therefore firm centrifugal locking to the sliding block members (275)(276). Moreover, the rotor is normally provided with a feed plate (286) of which the standing outer edge (292) blocks inward movement (284) of the sliding block member (275)(276) into the direction of the axis of rotation (0), and has to be taken out to exchange the sliding block members (275)(276), for which the inner side (287) facing the axis of rotation (0) sliding block member (275)(276) here has been provided with a standing inner edge (288) along the inner bottom side (289), and also along the inner top side (290) such that the sliding block member (275)(276) remains symmetrical to the horizontal plane (291) and can be used for both directions of rotation. The sliding block member (275)(276) is with aid of the pressure faces (279)(280) and the standing outer edge (292) of the feed plate (286) very well centrifugal locked.

Figure 34, shows, diagrammatically, a third configuration (310) of a symmetrical rotor (31 1) according the invention, essentially similar to the second configuration (270) of the rotor (271) from figure 33, where the feed plate (293) is inserted into the rotor (271), such that the top side (293) of the rotor (291) stretches along an essentially horizontal plane, which inserted feed plate assembly (312) is here of a number of feed plate segments (294)(295), such that outer feed plate segments (295) just in front (296) and around (297) of the inner edge (298) of the sliding block members (299), where the material is collected and wear concentrates, can be exchanged separately. Which inserted feed plate (294)(295) is composed of a circular inserted centre feed plate segment (294) that stretches around the axis of rotation (0) and four outer inserted feed plate segments (295) that stretch between the outer edge (300) of the inserted centre feed plate (294) and the inner side (301) of the attachment members (302). With this flat rotor top side configuration (303), it is preferred that the inner side (304) of the sliding block member (299) is concavely curved between the inner bottom side (304) and the inner top side (305), such that material is immediately lifted upwards (306) into the direction of the centre (307) of the sliding face (308) for acceleration, that is here also slightly concavely curved (309). The invention allows for the possibility to install the segment plates (not shown here) after the sliding block members (299) have been placed for attachment, where the outer feed plate segments are curved slightly upwards toward the concave inner side (not shown here ), supporting the upward movement of the particles, and provides ad the same time a locking mechanism that hinders movement of the sliding block members (299) into the direction of the axis of rotation (0).

Figure 35, shows, diagrammatically, a fourth configuration (313) of a symmetrical rotor (314) according the invention, essentially similar to the second configuration (270) of the rotor (271) from figure 33, here provided with a third configuration (315) of the symmetrical attachment member (316) and a fourth configuration (317) of the sliding block member (318).

The symmetrical attachment member (316) is here of four parts, a support member (319), symmetrical to the radial plane (320) from the axis of rotation (0), a removable top cover member (321) that is provided with the upper locking plate members (322)(323) and is carried by the support member (319), and two separate lower locking plate members (324) that are carried by the rotor (314).

The lower locking plate members (324) are here separately carried by the rotor (314), connected - here centrifugally locked - fixedly but removable to the rotor (314), for which the lower locking plate members (324) are here along the bottom side (326) provided with a notch member (327) that fits a lock opening (328) in the rotor (326) in front of the standing support side (329), for firm attachment of the lower locking plate members (324) to the rotor (314), kept in place by the sliding block members (318), and can only be removed when the sliding block member (318) is removed. Next to easy separate replacement is a large part of the centrifugal force that is generated by the sliding block, directly transferred to the rotor, limiting the force that acts on the attachment member (316).

The top cover member (321) is fixedly but removable connected to the support member (319) with the aid of a connection member (329), here a bold, for which the support member (319) is provided along its top side (330) with an open inserted clamping chamber (331) that stretches between the support sides (332)(333), such the centre clamping part (334) of the top cover member (321) fits the inserted clamping chamber (331), and is here connected to the support member with the aid of a bold member (349), which hinders upward movement of the top cover member (321); note that the upward force that is generated when the attachment member (316) rotates at high velocity is limited - the outer standing side of the clamping chamber that faces the axis of rotation has to withstand the centrifugal force generated by the two sliding block members (318). The upper locking plate members (324) stretch from the standing support sides (332)(333) between two standing edge sides (335)(336), such that the distance (337) between the standing edge sides (335)(336) increases (at least partly) into the direction of rotation (338), such that the sliding block members (316) are clamped between the upper (322)(323) and lower locking plate members (324), hindering that the sliding members (316) can move away from the standing support sides (332)(333). This means, that the top cover member (321) has to be removed to exchange the sliding block members (316), and to be connected - bold member (339) - after the sliding block members (314) have been positioned against the standing support sides (332)(333) for attachment. The robust attachment arrangement (340) with removable top cover member (321) is eminently suited for heavy duty applications, which require very heavy sliding block members (316), up to 60 kg and more.

The rotor (314) is here illustrated without feed plate, but can of course be provided with either a feed plate positioned on the top side (341) of the rotor (314), likewise the feed plate (286) in in figure 32; or with an inserted feed plate likewise the inserted feed plate assembly (312) from figure 34.

The invention allows for possible otherwise constructed attachment arrangements for locking the sliding block member (314) fixedly but removable to the top cover member (321).

The invention allows for the possibility of an attachment arrangement where the sliding block member is along the bottom side provided with a protruding lock notch providing the block pressure side that fist a lock opening in the rotor that provides the attachment pressure side (assembly not shown here); and in a similar way the invention allows for the possibility of an attachment arrangement where the sliding block member is along the upper side provided with a protruding notch member that provided the block pressure side (not shown here).

Figure 36 shows, diagrammatically, a first configuration (347) of a symmetrical centrifugal rotor assembly (348) according the invention, detailed in figure 44, which rotor assembly (348) comprises here a rotor member (349), detailed in figures 42 and 43, provided with two supporting parts (350)(351), detailed in figures 38 and 39, and three accessory parts (352)(353)(354), detailed in figures 37, 38 and 39, such that all parts (350)(351)(352)(353)(354) are locked to the rotor member (349) only with the aid of the pressure that the sliding block member (355) exerts on the top side (356) of the rotor assembly (348) and is generated by centrifugal force, avoiding the need of any separate attachment and locking means, which means that the supporting parts (350)(351) and accessory parts (352)(353)(354) can be lifted from the rotor member (349) once the sliding block member (355) is removed, limiting the attachment means to one bolt member (358) for attachment of the rotor member(349) to the shaft member (359). The rotor member (349), detailed in figures 42 and 43, is of very simple design and easy to manufacture; provided with a circular central space (360) that at the axis of rotation (0) is provided with the bolt member (358) for attachment of the rotor member (349) to the shaft member (359) such that the rotor member (349) is rotatable, here in both directions of rotation (361), and is provided with an open lock groove (362) that extends around the axis of rotation (0), from the standing outer side (363) of the central space (360) into the direction of the outer edge (365) of the rotor member (349), and is here provided with drain openings (367) such that water and dust can be easily removed from the central space (360); and the rotor member (349) is provided with a standing upward lock groove (368) which is open along the top side (369) and stretches along the standing outer border (370) of the rotor member (349).

An outer border cover member (372), an accessory part (352), detailed in figures 41 and 46, protects the outer standing outer border (370) of the rotor member (349) and is here along the back side (373) provided with two hook members (374)(375) that stretch respectively in vertical direction downward (374) and upward (375), such that the downward hook member (374) fits the upward lock groove (368), such that the outer border cover members (372) can be positioned next to each other stretching along the outer standing border (370) of the rotor member (349);

A lock ring member (376), a supporting part (351) detailed in figure 39 and 44, stretches along the outer edge (365) of the rotor member (349), and is along the bottom side (377) provided with a downward open lock groove (378) that fits the upward hook member (375) of the outer border cover member (372), such that the lock ring member (376) can be positioned around the outer edge (365) the rotor member (1349) with the upward hook member (375) sliding into the downward lock groove (378), locking the outer border cover member (372) to the rotor member (349).

The attachment member (376), an accessory part (353), detailed in figures 40 and 45, is along the bottom side (380) provided with a hook member (381) that is radially directed towards the outer border (370) of the rotor member (349), such that it fits the lock groove (362) in the central space (360) of the rotor member (349), such that the hook member (381) is centrifugally locked to the rotating rotor member (349) when the rotor (348) rotates, and can be easily and separately exchanged in case of damage, and the attachment member (379) can be manufactured as a casted part, which makes the configuration very efficient and low cost. A circular central locking disk (382), a supporting part (350), detailed in figure 38, that fits between the inner edges (383) of the hook members (381) of the attachment members (379), is positioned in the central space (360), locking the attachment members (379), such that the attachment members (379) cannot move inward; and the hook member (381) is along the bottom side (380) provided with a notch member (384) that fits an open notch chamber (385) in the top side (393) of the rotor member (349), such that sideward movement of the attachment member (379 is also hindered.

A feed plate (387), an accessory part (354), detailed in figure 37, is positioned centrally on the top side (388) of the central locking disk (382).

The top side (356) of the rotor assembly (357) is protected with wear lining members, not detailed here, that are also centrifugally locked by the sliding block members (355).

The sliding block members (355) hinder, when positioned between the locking plates (390)(391), that the supporting parts and the accessory parts of the rotating rotor assembly (348) can move in outward, upward, sideward, or upward direction, locking all supporting and accessory parts (350)(351)(352)(353)(354), and the top lining wear parts, firmly to the rotating rotor member (349) with the aid of centrifugal force, avoiding also here the need for any separate locking and securing means. Overview adaptor member for existing rotor

Figure 47, 48 and 49, show, diagrammatically, the existing shoe rotor (151)(400) of prior art from figures 21, 22 and 23, here detailed in figure 47, provided with bracket holders (155)(409), detailed in figure 48, as existing attachment member (395), provided with a stub or lock opening (396) as second existing locking member (397), to insert the stub member (154) for attachment of the shoe (151), which shoe (151) is then secured with a lock pin (184). The second existing locking member (397) does not fit the first locking member or locking chambers (30)(31) of the siding block member (3) according the invention, and the invention allows for the possibility that the bracket holder (155) is provided with an adaptor member (398) that provides a second locking member (399) that fits the first locking member (30)(31) according the invention, such that the sliding block member (3)(416) according the invention can be attached to the existing rotor (151)(400) with the aid of the adaptor member (398). A first configuration (417) of the adaptor member (398) according the invention comprises a U-shaped profile member (401) that provides a standing support side (402) and the upper (403) and lower (404) locking plate members, and is along the back side (405) provided with a connector assembly (406), detailed in figure 49, that presents a connector member (407) that provides a stub member (408) that fits the lock opening (396) in the bracket holder (155)(409), such that the back side of the U-profile member (410) stretches along the existing standing support side (411) of the bracket holder (155)(409), here to be secured with the aid two lock plates (412)(413) and a bolt member (414), such that the adaptor member (398) is fixedly but removable attached connected to the existing attachment member (395), providing the existing attachment member (395) with a connected second locking member (415) that fits the first locking member (30)(31), for centrifugal attachment of the sliding block member (3)(416) according the invention. A second configuration (418) of the adaptor member (419) according the invention is of two separate parts, a L-profile member (420) provided with the upper locking plate member (421), and a the lower locking plate member (422) that is separately attached directly to the existing rotor (151)(400), inserted (427) likewise the lower locking plate member (324) from figure 35, to limit the stress in the connector assembly, which can be similar constructed to the one applied with the U-profile member (410). And the adaptor member (398)(419) according the invention can of course be otherwise constructed, for example with the upper locking plate member (424) welded (425) to the bracket holder (426). The adaptor member according the invention (398)(419) makes it possible in very simple way to adapt an existing rotor (3)(400) for attachment of the sliding block members (3)(416) according the invention, providing the existing rotor (3)(400) essentially all advantages of the siding block member (3)(400) according the invention, for one-way operation - and an adaptor for two-way operating is of course also possible (not shown here).

The above descriptions of specific configurations of the present invention have been given with a view to illustrative and descriptive purposes. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list or to restrict the invention to the precise forms given, and having due regard for the above explanation, many modifications and variations are, of course, possible. The configurations have been selected and described in order to describe the principles of the invention and the practical application possibilities thereof in the best possible way in order thus to enable others skilled in the art to make use in an optimum manner of the invention and the diverse configurations with the various modifications suitable for the specific intended use. The intention is that the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims according to reading and interpretation in accordance with generally accepted legal principles, such as the principle of equivalents and the revision of components.

Claims

1. Method for accelerating particle material, comprising: - a rotor (1) of the open type that is of at least one part carried by a shaft member

(207) rotatable about an essentially vertically directed axis of rotation (0) in at least one direction of rotation (5), which material is metered on top side (12) of the rotor (1) at a location near the axis of rotation (0);

- at least one acceleration member (2) that is carried on the top side (12) of the rotor (1) at a location a distance away from the axis of rotation (0) and comprises at least one sliding block member (3) and an attachment member (4) for firmly attaching the sliding block member (3) to the rotor (1), such that the sliding block member (3) can be exchanged;

- which sliding block member (3) is formed of at least an iron based alloy, and is provided with a sliding face (8) that stretches outwards into the direction of the outer edge

(9) of the rotor (1) and forwards into the direction of rotation (5) for accelerating of the material under influence of centrifugal force, a back side (10) that stretches essentially parallel to the sliding face (8), a bottom side (1 1) that stretches along the top side (12) of the rotor (1), and an upper side (13) stretching essentially parallel to the bottom side (11);

- which attachment member (4) is of at least one part and is provided with at least one standing support side (17) that stretches along at least part of the back side (10) into the direction of the outer edge (9) of the rotor (1) and forward into the direction of rotation (5); characterized in that: the sliding block member (3) is firmly locked to the rotating rotor (1) with the aid of centrifugal locking, achieved by:

- providing the sliding block member (3) along the bottom side (11) and along the upper side (13) with a standing block pressure side (52) stretching from the back side (10) into the direction of the sliding face (8);

- providing the attachment member (4) with two standing attachment pressure sides (59), each stretching essentially parallel to each, from the standing support side (17) into the direction of rotation (5), one attachment pressure side (59) stretching along the top side (12) of the rotor (1), each transversely directed to the radial plane (46) from the axis of rotation (0) and transversely directed to the horizontal plane;

- such that the attachment pressure sides (59) fit the block pressure sides (52) when the sliding block member (3) is positioned for attachment to the attachment member (4);

- such that the block pressure sides (52) and the attachment pressure sides (59) are firmly pressed against each other when the rotor (1) rotates under influence of centrifugal force, providing firm attachment of the sliding block member (3) to the attachment member (4), avoiding the need to provide the sliding block member (3) with any separate locking and/or securing arrangement (184);

2. Method for accelerating particle material according to claim 1, where, the attachment pressure sides stretch from the standing support side into the direction of rotation along a circle around the axis of rotation and/or into a direction closer to axis of rotation;

3. Method for accelerating particle material according to claim 1, where, the radial plane from the axis of rotation with on it the point of gravity of the sliding block member crosses the pressure sides when the sliding block member is attached to the attachment member;

4. Device for accelerating particle material according claim 1, comprising:

- a rotor (1) of the open type that is of at least one part carried by a shaft member (207) rotatable about an essentially vertically directed axis of rotation (0) in at least one direction of rotation (5), which material is metered on top side (12) of the rotor (1) at a location near the axis of rotation (0);

- which sliding block member (3) is formed of at least an iron based alloy, and is provided with a sliding face (8) that stretches outwards into the direction of the outer edge (9) of the rotor (1) and forwards into the direction of rotation (5) for accelerating of the material under influence of centrifugal force, a back side (10) that stretches essentially parallel to the sliding face (8), a bottom side (11) that stretches along the top side (12) of the rotor (1), and an upper side (13) stretching essentially parallel to the bottom side (1 1);

- which attachment member (4) is of at least one part and is provided with at least one standing support side (17) that stretches along at least part of the back side (10) into the direction of the outer edge (9) of the rotor (1) and forward into the direction of rotation (5); characterized in that:

- the sliding block member (3) is provided with two open centrifugal locking chambers (34)(35), an lower locking chamber (34) and an upper locking member (35), stretching essentially parallel to each other, respectively open along the bottom side (1 1) and open along the upper side (13), both open at least from the backside (10) stretching into the direction of the sliding face (8), each locking chamber (33)(35) providing at least a standing outside block pressure side (52) facing the outer edge (9) of the rotor (1)

- the attachment member (4) is provided with two centrifugal locking members (23)(24) a lower locking member (23) stretching along the top side (12) of the rotor (1) and an upper locking member (24), stretching essentially parallel to each other from the standing support side (17) into the direction of rotation (5), each locking member (23)(24) providing at least a standing inside attachment pressure side (59) facing the axis of rotation

(0);

- such that the locking members (23)(24) fit the locking chambers (34)(35) for attachment of the sliding block member (3) to the attachment member (4);

- such that the outside block pressure sides (52) and the inside attachment pressure sides (59) fit each other and are firmly pressed against each other when the rotor (1) rotates under influence of centrifugal force;

- such that the sliding block member (3) is centrifugally locked to the attachment member (4), providing firm attachment to the rotating rotor (1), avoiding the need to provide the sliding block member (3) with any separate locking and/or securing arrangement (184);

5. Device for accelerating particle material according to claim 4, where, the attachment pressure sides stretches from the standing support side into the direction of rotation along a circle around the axis of rotation and/or into a direction closer to axis of rotation;

6. Device for accelerating particle material according to claim 4, where, the radial plane from the axis of rotation with on it the point of gravity of the sliding block member crosses the attachment pressure sides when the sliding block member is attached to the attachment member;

7. Device for accelerating particle material according to claim 4, where, the accelerating member is symmetrical to the radial plane from the axis of rotation, with the attachment member positioned between two separate sliding block members, for accelerating the material in either way of rotation;

8. Device for accelerating particle material according to claim 7, where, the sliding block member is symmetrical to the horizontal plane, such that the sliding block can be used along both sides of the attachment member;

9. Device for accelerating particle material according to claim 4, where, the top side of the upper locking member stretches not along the plane with on it the top side of the sliding block member;

10. Device for accelerating particle material according to claim 4, where, the pressure sides stretch essentially along a vertically directed plane;

1 1. Device for accelerating particle material according to claim 4, where, the sliding block member is attached to the rotor not by sliding the sliding block member sideways between the locking plate members into the direction of the standing support side;

12. Device for accelerating particle material according to claim 4, where, the upper locking member is a separate member that is fixedly but removable connected to the attachment member with the aid of a connection member;

13. Device for accelerating particle material according to claim 13, where, the upper locking member is connected after the sliding block member has been positioned against the standing support side for attachment;

14. Device for accelerating particle material according to claim 13, where, the locking members present plate members which stretch from the standing support side between two standing sides, such that the distance between the standing sides measured along the radial line from the axis of rotation increases at least partly into the direction of rotation, such that movement of the sliding member away from the standing support side is hindered;

15. Device for accelerating particle material according to claim 13, where, the locking members present plate members which are each provided with a lock opening positioned a distance away from the standing support side, and the lock chambers are provided a lock notch that fits the lock opening, such that movement of the sliding member away from the standing support side is hindered;

16. Device for accelerating particle material according to claim 4, where, the lower locking member is a separate member directly connected fixedly but removable to the rotor;

17. Device for accelerating particle material according to claim 4, where:

- the attachment member is provided with a standing support member that provides the standing support side and is provided with at least one standing inward pressure face that stretches in vertical direction directed towards the axis of rotation essentially perpendicular to the radial plane from the axis of rotation;

- the sliding block member is provided with at least one standing outward pressure face that is directed towards the outer edge of the rotor and fits the inward pressure face;

- such that the outward pressure face is firmly pressed against the inward pressure face when the rotor rotates;

18. Device for accelerating particle material according to claim 4, where, the rotor presents a rotor assembly which comprises a at least one rotor member and supporting parts, including accessory parts, such that all parts are locked firmly to each other, at least when the rotor rotates, only with the aid of the pressure that the sliding block member exerts on top of the rotor assembly, avoiding the need of any separate attachment and locking means, which rotor assembly can be taken apart when the sliding block members have been removed;

19. Device for accelerating particle material according to claim 18, where, at least one part of the rotor that is not exposed to contact with particle material is at least partly constructed of a lightweight construction material, for example aluminium or plastic composites.

20. Device for accelerating particle material according to claim 4, where, an existing rotor which is provided with an existing attachment member that is provided with an existing locking member that does not fit the locking member of the siding block member according the invention, which existing attachment member is provided with a connector member that is fixedly but removable attached to the existing attachment member providing the existing attachment member with a connected locking member that fits the locking member of the sliding block member according the invention, such that the sliding block member according the invention can be attached to the existing rotor with the aid of the connector member.