Wear or thrust plates for hydraulic rock splitting apparatus

摘要

This invention pertains to hydraulically actuated rock splitters which utilize a wedge and feather action. The forward movement of this wedge places a corresponding thrust load on the feathers and their retaining means. Conventionally, the feathers have enlarged portions which are engaged by and are retained by hardened steel thrust or wear plates carried by a shell or housing. As a means of keeping the weight within reasonable limits this housing is usually made of aluminum or an alloy of aluminum. The support for these hardened steel plates, as provided by the housing, is usually insufficient resulting in a cracking or breaking of the hardened steel plates. These wear plates are made as laminations with a hardened steel plate disposed to engage the ends of the feathers and a softer steel backing plate which prevents damage to the housing when cracking of the hardened plate does occur. The embodiments show ring-like components arranged in a laminated assembly with no split in the wear plate component.