Self-locking folding hopper and a locking method thereof
AssigneeSandvik AB
InventorsStuart GRAYDON, Stuart SMYTH
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A folding feeder hopper includes a locking assembly and side walls, which are configured to lock themselves when unfolded or deployed for operation. The locking assembly has a first locking device provided on the side wall and configured to engage with a second locking device provided on a support assembly. The second locking device includes an elastic element and retaining members on front and rear ends of the hopper for providing alignment to the side walls when they move between locked and unlocked positions. A method for locking the side walls in a deployed position is also provided.
Claims17
A folding feeder hopper for a bulk material processing apparatus comprising:
- at least one side wall pivotably mounted to a support frame having a front end and a rear end, the side wall being mounted on the support frame via at least one pivot mount;
- a rear wall mounted to the support frame at the rear end;
- at least one support assembly of the side wall mounted on the support frame and including a first bracket housing a slide actuator and a second bracket housing a rotation actuator;
- and
- a locking assembly including a first locking means provided at a lower surface of the side wall and a second locking means mounted at the support assembly such that the first locking means is configured to engage with the second locking means to immobilize the side wall, wherein the second locking means comprises a material which has a higher degree of elasticity a material of the first locking means.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.