Locking mechanism for cover of settling centrifuge

Abstract

A locking mechanism for a cover of a settling centrifuge, the locking mechanism comprising: a lower portion comprising a bottom bracket and a ring head screw pivotally connected to each other, the lower portion being semi-permanently secured to a frame of the settling centrifuge; the upper part comprises a clamping piece and a top nut, and the upper part is operably connected with the lower part and can be clamped to a flange of a cover of the sedimentation centrifuge; wherein the top nut comprises, along the inner surface, an internally threaded section, an upper section having an inner diameter greater than the inner diameter of the internally threaded section, and a stop surface interconnecting the internally threaded section and the upper section of the top nut; wherein the ring head screw includes, along an outer surface, an externally threaded section adapted to engage with the internally threaded section of the top nut, an unthreaded section having an outer diameter smaller than an outer diameter of the externally threaded section, and an end washer secured to an end of the unthreaded section; wherein the stop surface of the top nut forms a mechanical stop when in contact with the end washer of the ring head screw.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a locking mechanism for a cover of a decanter centrifuge. Background Art

[0002] A decanter centrifuge is a centrifuge that realizes the centrifugal sedimentation process. During operation, the suspension forms an annular liquid layer along the drum wall under the action of centrifugal force, in which the solid particles with higher density settle radially onto the drum wall to form sediment, and the clarified liquid is discharged through the overflow port of the drum. The sediment is discharged manually or mechanically.

[0003] The components of a decanter centrifuge that implement centrifugal operation (such as a rotor, etc.) are surrounded by a cover and a frame. In order to facilitate the maintenance and installation of the decanter centrifuge, the cover and the frame are separately provided. Specifically, when performing centrifugal operation, the cover and the frame are fastened together by tightening fasteners (such as bolts, screws, nuts, etc.); and when it is necessary to clean and flush the interior of the decanter centrifuge, or to install and repair the internal structure, the bolts are removed to separate the cover and the frame.

[0004] In the prior art, fasteners pass through holes in the flange of the cover and into pre-made threaded holes in the frame to fasten the cover to the frame. There are many problems with the fastener connection of the prior art: - stainless steel to stainless steel contact between the fastener and the frame threaded hole when opening or closing the cover, which may cause thread wear or damage; - due to thread wear or damage, fastener loosening and cover loosening may occur during operation; - there is a risk of contamination in the threaded hole; - it takes a long time to open or close the cover; - the fastener may be lost as a separate part; - the fastener may hit the frame and cause damage to the frame; - the fastener and the flange may not be properly aligned.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need in the art for an improved locking mechanism for a lid of a decanter centrifuge. Summary of the invention

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a locking mechanism for a cover of a decanter centrifuge in which the aforementioned problems are avoided.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, a locking mechanism for a cover of a decanter centrifuge is provided, the locking mechanism comprising: a lower part, which comprises a bottom bracket and a ring screw pivotally connected to each other, the lower part being semi-permanently fixed to the frame of the decanter centrifuge; an upper part, which comprises a clamping member and a top nut, the upper part being operably connected to the lower part and being clampable to the flange of the cover of the decanter centrifuge; wherein the top nut comprises, along an inner surface, an internal threaded section, an upper section having an inner diameter greater than the inner diameter of the internal threaded section, and a stop surface that interconnects the internal threaded section and the upper section of the top nut; wherein the ring screw comprises, along an outer surface, an external threaded section suitable for engaging with the internal threaded section of the top nut, a non-threaded section having an outer diameter less than the outer diameter of the external threaded section, and an end washer fixed to the end of the non-threaded section; wherein the stop surface of the top nut forms a mechanical stop when in contact with the end washer of the ring screw.

[0008] In this way, a novel locking mechanism for the lid of a decanter centrifuge is provided which prevents the upper portion from being completely separated from the lower portion when the lid is opened, thereby reducing wear on the frame and lid of the decanter centrifuge and preventing any part of the locking mechanism from being lost when the lid is opened.

[0009] Further advantages are achieved by implementing one or several of the features of the following further exemplary embodiments.

[0010] In some exemplary embodiments that may be combined with any one or more of the embodiments described above, a clamping force is applied to the flange of the cover via the clamp by engaging the internal threaded section of the top nut with the external threaded section of the ring screw and tightening the top nut, so that the ring screw cannot pivot freely relative to the bottom bracket, thereby preventing the cover from opening.

[0011] In some exemplary embodiments that may be combined with any one or more of the embodiments described above, the clamping piece includes downward projections, wherein when the top nut is tightened, the downward projections support and secure the clamping piece on each side of the flange. In this way, the clamping piece is ensured to be correctly positioned relative to the flange and additional safety is added by preventing the clamping piece from sliding off the flange.

[0012] In some exemplary embodiments that may be combined with any one or more of the embodiments described above, when the internal thread section of the top nut is disengaged from the external thread section of the ring head screw, the top nut may move axially along the ring head screw or spin around the ring head screw at the unthreaded section of the ring head screw, but cannot be completely separated from the ring head screw due to the obstruction of the end washer of the ring head screw.

[0013] In some exemplary embodiments that may be combined with any one or more of the embodiments described above, the clamping member and the top nut are held together by a retaining ring so that when the top nut is at the unthreaded section of the ring head screw, the clamping member can follow the top nut and move axially along the ring head screw so that the ring head screw can pivot freely relative to the bottom bracket, thereby opening the cover.

[0014] In some exemplary embodiments that may be combined with any one or more of the embodiments described above, the clamp has a locking plate having an opening that matches the shape of a flat surface of the ring screw so that the clamp cannot spin freely when the top nut is at the unthreaded section of the ring screw. In this way, the clamp can be prevented from spinning freely while still allowing the top nut to spin freely independently of the clamp.

[0015] In some exemplary embodiments that may be combined with any one or more of the embodiments described above, the bottom bracket has a bottom bracket stopper so that the eye screw cannot freely pivot relative to the bottom bracket beyond a certain maximum angle. In this way, the eye screw will not damage the paint layer on the surface of the frame by hitting the frame when pivoting relative to the bottom bracket with the top nut and the clamp.

[0016] In some exemplary embodiments, which may be combined with any one or more of the embodiments described above, the maximum angle is 90°.

[0017] In some exemplary embodiments, which may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, the bottom bracket stop is an edge of the bottom bracket.

[0018] In some exemplary embodiments, which may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, the bottom bracket of the bottom bracket is threadedly fastened into a threaded hole of the frame.

[0019] In some exemplary embodiments, which may be combined with any one or more of the embodiments described above, the threaded connection between the bottom bracket thread and the threaded hole of the frame is covered by a bottom nut. In this way, the risk of contamination in the thread is reduced. At the same time, the bottom nut improves the fixation between the bottom bracket and the frame. In particular, the threaded hole of the frame and the bottom bracket do not have to be made perfectly aligned to obtain a correct alignment between the locking mechanism and the flange, as this can be adjusted by the bottom nut.

[0020] In some exemplary embodiments that may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, the end washer is fixed to the end of the unthreaded section of the ring screw by an end screw screwed into an end threaded hole of the unthreaded section of the ring screw.

[0021] In some exemplary embodiments, which may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, the stop surface of the top nut is a tapered surface or a flat surface.

[0022] The locking mechanism of the lid for a decanter centrifuge according to the present disclosure may have at least the following advantages: it eliminates stainless steel-to-stainless steel contact between the fastener and the threaded hole of the frame when opening or closing the lid, thereby avoiding possible thread wear or damage and the resulting loosening of the fastener and the lid; it reduces the risk of thread hole contamination; it is quick and convenient to open or close the lid; it eliminates the fastener as a separate part, thereby avoiding the loss of any fastener part; it avoids the fastener hitting the frame, and thus avoids damage to the frame; and it can ensure the correct alignment between the locking mechanism and the flange.

[0023] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent when studying the attached claims and the following description. Those skilled in the art realize that different features of the present disclosure may be combined to produce embodiments other than those explicitly described above and below, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The locking mechanism for the cover of a decanter centrifuge according to the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a front view of a cover and a frame of a decanter centrifuge locked by a locking mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure,

[0026] Figure 2 Schematically shows Figure 1 An enlarged front view of the locking mechanism in

[0027] Figure 3 The locking mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line xx in FIG.

[0028] Figure 4 schematically shows a perspective view of a bottom bracket according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure,

[0029] Figure 5 schematically shows a perspective view of a ring head screw according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure,

[0030] Figure 6 Schematically showing a cross-sectional view of a ring head screw according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure,

[0031] Figure 7 schematically shows a bottom view of a clamp according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure,

[0032] Figure 8 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a locking plate according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure,

[0033] Fig. 9 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a top nut according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure,

[0034] Fig.10 schematically illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of a locking mechanism when a stop surface of a top nut contacts an end washer of a ring screw according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure,

[0035] Fig.11 A perspective cross-sectional view of a locking mechanism is schematically shown as the eye screw with the top nut and clamp is pivoted relative to the bottom bracket according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Parts List:

[0037] 1 Cover

[0038] 2. Framework

[0039] 3 Locking mechanism

[0040] 101 flange

[0041] 102 Support

[0042] 201 threaded hole

[0043] 301 bottom bracket

[0044] 302 Ring head screw

[0045] 303 Clamping parts

[0046] 304 Top Nut

[0047] 305 retaining ring

[0048] 306 Locking plate

[0049] 307 Pins

[0050] 308 Cap

[0051] 309 Bottom nut

[0052] 310 Opening

[0053] 311 Bottom bracket threads

[0054] 312 Bottom bracket stop

[0055] 313 External thread section

[0056] 314 Unthreaded section

[0057] 315 end threaded hole

[0058] 316 End Washer

[0059] 317 End Screw

[0060] 318 Internal thread section

[0061] 319 Stop surface

[0062] 320 Upper section

[0063] 321 Flat Surface

[0064] 322 downward projection. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] Various aspects of the present disclosure will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings to illustrate and not limit the present disclosure, wherein like names represent like elements, and variations of the described aspects are not limited to the specifically illustrated embodiments but may be applied to other variations of the present disclosure.

[0066] The terms "upwardly", "upper" and "downwardly", "lower" refer to relative positions within a decanter centrifuge or a locking mechanism and refer to the position when the locking mechanism is in a locked state (ie, not pivoted).

[0067] Figure 1 A front view of the cover and frame of a decanter centrifuge locked by a locking mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown. The decanter centrifuge may be, for example, a three-legged decanter centrifuge or a horizontal scraper unloading decanter centrifuge. Specifically, the components (such as a rotor, etc.) of the decanter centrifuge for implementing centrifugal operation are surrounded by a cover 1 and a frame 2. For the convenience of maintenance and installation, the cover 1 and the frame 2 are separately arranged. Specifically, when performing centrifugal operation, the cover 1 and the frame 2 are locked by a locking mechanism 3; and when it is necessary to clean and flush the interior of the decanter centrifuge, or to install and repair the internal structure, the locking mechanism 3 is released to separate the cover 1 and the frame 2. In addition, the cover 1 includes a flange 101 and a support 102 supporting the flange 101. Moreover, the support 102 can accommodate the locking mechanism 3 and protect the locking mechanism 3.

[0068] Figure 2 , Figure 33 and 4 are enlarged front and cross-sectional views of a locking mechanism 3 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, respectively. In an embodiment according to the present disclosure, the locking mechanism 3 comprises: a lower part, which comprises a bottom bracket 301 and a ring-head screw (i.e., a screw with a ring head) 302 pivotally connected to each other, and the lower part is semi-permanently fixed to the frame 2 of the decanter centrifuge; an upper part, which comprises a clamping member 303 (e.g., as in Figure 7 ) and a top nut 304 (e.g., as further shown in Fig. 9 ), the upper part is operably connected to the lower part and can be clamped to the flange 101 of the cover 1 of the decanter centrifuge. More specifically, the bottom bracket 301 and the eye screw 302 are pivotally connected to each other by a pin 307. Specifically, the top nut 304 includes an internal threaded section 318 along the inner surface, an upper section 320 having an inner diameter greater than the inner diameter of the internal threaded section 318, and a stop surface 319 that connects the internal threaded section 318 and the upper section 320 of the top nut 304 to each other. Moreover, the eye screw 302 includes an external threaded section 313 along the outer surface that is suitable for engaging with the internal threaded section 318 of the top nut 304, a non-threaded section 314 having an outer diameter less than the outer diameter of the external threaded section 313 (for example, as shown in Figure 6 ), and an end washer 316 fixed to the end of the non-threaded section 314. Further, the stop surface 319 of the top nut 304 forms a mechanical stop when it contacts the end washer 316 of the ring screw 302. For example, the locking mechanism 3 when the stop surface 319 of the top nut 304 contacts the end washer 316 of the ring screw 302 is as shown in Fig.10 For example, in Figure 3 In the embodiment shown in , the stop surface 319 is a conical surface, that is, the stop surface 319 forms an acute angle with the inner surface of the internal thread section 318. In a further embodiment according to the present disclosure, the stop surface 319 is a flat surface, that is, the stop surface 319 is perpendicular to the inner surface of the internal thread section 318. This exemplary embodiment according to the present disclosure can still prevent the upper part from being completely separated from the lower part when the cover is opened, thereby reducing wear on the frame and cover of the decanter centrifuge and preventing any part of the locking mechanism from being lost when the cover is opened.

[0069] In a further embodiment according to the present disclosure, the end washer 316 is fixed to the end of the unthreaded section 314 of the ring screw 302 by an end screw 317 screwed into the end threaded hole 315 of the unthreaded section 314 of the ring screw 302 .

[0070] In a further embodiment according to the present disclosure, in order to lock the lid 1 and the frame 2 of the decanter centrifuge in use, a clamping force is applied to the flange 101 of the lid 1 via the clamp 303 by engaging the internal threaded section 318 of the top nut 304 with the external threaded section 313 of the eye screw 302 and tightening the top nut 304, so that the eye screw 302 cannot freely pivot relative to the bottom bracket 301, thereby preventing the lid 1 from being opened. In a further embodiment according to the present disclosure, the clamp 303 includes a downward protrusion 322, wherein when the top nut is tightened, the downward protrusion 322 supports and fixes the clamp 303 on each side of the flange 101. In the example shown in FIG. Figure 3 and Figure 7 In the embodiment shown in , the clamping member 303 comprises two downward projections 322. In this way, it is ensured that the clamping member is correctly positioned relative to the flange and additional safety is added by preventing the clamping member from sliding off the flange.

[0071] In a further embodiment according to the present disclosure, in order to release the locking mechanism 3 to separate the cover 1 and the frame 2, the engagement between the internal thread section 318 of the top nut 304 and the external thread section 313 of the ring screw 302 can be released. Specifically, when the internal thread section 318 of the top nut 304 is disengaged from the external thread section 313 of the ring screw 302, the top nut 304 can move axially along the ring screw 302 or spin around the ring screw 302 at the non-threaded section 314 of the ring screw 302, but cannot be completely separated from the ring screw 302 due to the obstruction of the end washer 316 of the ring screw 302 (for example, as in Fig.10 More specifically, the clamping member 303 and the top nut 304 are held together by the retaining ring 305, so that when the top nut 304 is at the non-threaded section 314 of the ring screw 302, the clamping member 303 can follow the top nut 304 and move axially along the ring screw 302, so that the ring screw 302 can freely pivot relative to the bottom bracket 301, so that the cover 1 can be opened. Specifically, when the ring screw 302 pivots with the top nut 304 and the clamping member 303 relative to the bottom bracket 301, the locking mechanism 3 is as shown in FIG. Fig.11 As further shown in .

[0072] In a further embodiment according to the present disclosure, the clamp 303 has a locking plate 306 having a flat surface 321 (e.g., as in Figure 5 ) with a matching opening 310 (e.g., as shown in Figure 8302) so that when the top nut 304 is at the unthreaded section 314 of the eye screw 302, the clamp 303 cannot spin freely. Specifically, the locking plate 306 is fixed to the clamp 303 by screws. In this way, the clamp can be prevented from spinning freely while still allowing the top nut to spin freely independently of the clamp.

[0073] In a further embodiment according to the present disclosure, the bottom bracket 301 has a bottom bracket stop 312 so that the eye screw 302 cannot freely pivot relative to the bottom bracket 301 beyond a certain maximum angle. In a further embodiment according to the present disclosure, the bottom bracket stop 312 is an edge of the bottom bracket 301, for example, Figure 4 and Fig.11 As further shown in . Specifically, the maximum angle is an acute angle or a right angle, such as 10°, 30°, 50°, 70°, or 90°. More specifically, the maximum angle is 90°. In this way, the eye screw will not damage the paint layer on the surface of the frame by hitting the frame when it pivots relative to the bottom bracket with the top nut and the clamping piece.

[0074] In an embodiment according to the present disclosure, the bottom bracket thread 311 of the bottom bracket 301 is fastened to the threaded hole 201 of the frame 2. In a further embodiment according to the present disclosure, the threaded connection between the bottom bracket thread 311 of the bottom bracket 301 and the threaded hole 201 of the frame 2 is covered by a bottom nut 309. Similarly, in a further embodiment according to the present disclosure, the top nut 304 can be covered by a cap 308. In this way, the risk of contamination in the thread is reduced. At the same time, the bottom nut improves the fixation between the bottom bracket and the frame. In particular, the threaded hole of the frame and the bottom bracket do not have to be made perfectly aligned to obtain the correct alignment between the locking mechanism and the flange, because it can be adjusted by the bottom nut.

[0075] In a further embodiment according to the present disclosure, if the upper part must be completely separated from the lower part (for example, when the locking mechanism 3 needs to be replaced with a component or other maintenance is required), the cap 308 can be removed to access and unscrew the end screw 317 from the inside of the top nut 304 to remove the end washer 316, and then the top nut 304 can leave the end of the ring screw 302 because it is no longer blocked by the end washer 316 of the ring screw 302, so that the top nut 304 is completely separated from the ring screw 302. When the maintenance of the locking mechanism 3 is completed, after the top nut 304 is put on the ring screw 302, the end washer 316 is still fixed to the end of the unthreaded section 314 of the ring screw 302 by screwing the end screw 317 into the end threaded hole 315 of the unthreaded section 314 of the ring screw 302. In this way, the top nut and the ring screw can be completely separated only when the operator performs the operation of completely separating the upper part from the lower part during maintenance of the locking mechanism 3. That is, the possibility of completely separating the upper part from the lower part inadvertently is eliminated.

[0076] The locking mechanism for the lid of a decanter centrifuge according to the present disclosure may have at least the following advantages: it eliminates stainless steel-to-stainless steel contact between the fastener and the threaded hole of the frame when opening or closing the lid, thereby avoiding possible thread wear or damage and the resulting loosening of the fastener and the lid; it reduces the risk of thread hole contamination; it is quick and convenient to open or close the lid; it eliminates the fastener as a separate part, and during normal operation, no part of the fastener will be completely separated from other parts, thereby avoiding the loss of any fastener part; it avoids the fastener from hitting the frame, and thus avoids damage to the frame; and it can ensure the correct alignment between the locking mechanism and the flange.

[0077] It will be appreciated that the above description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application or use. Although specific examples have been described in the specification and shown in the drawings, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined in the claims. In addition, modifications may be made to adapt particular circumstances or materials to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the essential scope of the present disclosure.

[0078] Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular examples shown by the drawings and described in the specification as the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the teachings of the present disclosure, but that the scope of the present disclosure will include any embodiment falling within the foregoing description and the appended claims. The reference signs mentioned in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the subject matter protected by the claims, and their sole function is to make the claims easier to understand.

Claims

1. A locking mechanism for a lid of a decanter centrifuge, the locking mechanism comprising: a lower part comprising a bottom bracket and an eye screw pivotably connected to each other, said lower part being semi-permanently fixed to a frame of said decanter centrifuge; an upper portion including a clamp and a top nut, the upper portion being operably connected to the lower portion and clampable to a flange of a lid of the decanter centrifuge; wherein the top nut includes, along an inner surface, an internal threaded section, an upper section having an inner diameter greater than an inner diameter of the internal threaded section, and a stop surface interconnecting the internal threaded section and the upper section of the top nut; wherein the ring screw includes along an outer surface an externally threaded section adapted to engage with an internally threaded section of the top nut, a non-threaded section having an outer diameter smaller than an outer diameter of the externally threaded section, and an end washer fixed to an end of the non-threaded section; The stop surface of the top nut forms a mechanical stop when it contacts the end washer of the ring screw.

2. The locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: By engaging the internal threaded section of the top nut with the external threaded section of the eye screw and tightening the top nut, a clamping force is applied to the flange of the cover via the clamp so that the eye screw cannot freely pivot relative to the bottom bracket, thereby preventing the cover from opening.

3. The locking mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The clamp includes downward projections, wherein the downward projections support and secure the clamp on each side of the flange when the top nut is tightened.

4. The locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the internal thread section of the top nut is disengaged from the external thread section of the ring head screw, the top nut can move axially along the ring head screw or spin around the ring head screw at the unthreaded section of the ring head screw, but cannot be completely separated from the ring head screw due to the obstruction of the end washer of the ring head screw.

5. The locking mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that: The clamping piece and the top nut are held together by a retaining ring, so that when the top nut is at the unthreaded section of the ring screw, the clamping piece can follow the top nut and move axially along the ring screw, so that the ring screw can freely pivot relative to the bottom bracket, thereby opening the cover.

6. The locking mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that: The clamp has a locking plate with an opening that matches the shape of a flat surface of the ring screw so that the clamp cannot spin freely when the top nut is at the unthreaded section of the ring screw.

7. The locking mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that: The bottom bracket has a bottom bracket stop so that the eye screw cannot freely pivot relative to the bottom bracket beyond a certain maximum angle.

8. The locking mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that: The maximum angle is 90°.

9. The locking mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that: The bottom bracket stop is an edge of the bottom bracket.

10. The locking mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The bottom bracket of the bottom bracket is threadedly fastened into the threaded hole of the frame.

11. The locking mechanism according to claim 10, characterized in that: The threaded connection between the bottom bracket threads and the threaded holes of the frame is covered by a bottom nut.

12. The locking mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The end washer is fixed to the end of the unthreaded section of the ring screw by an end screw screwed into the end threaded hole of the unthreaded section of the ring screw.

13. The locking mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The stop surface of the top nut is a tapered surface or a flat surface.

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