Cushioning device and method of fastening cushioning elements to a support structure

Abstract

The invention relates to a spacer device (3) for wear protection, comprising at least one spacer element (1, 1') arranged to be fastened to a support structure (2), and at least one device comprising: a first element (4; 4') adapted to be received in a through hole (8) of the at least one spacer element (1, 1') or in a through hole (8) formed by adjacent spacer elements (1, 1'), the first element (4; 4') having an axially arranged opening (41), a second element (5; 5') for engagement with the first element (4; 4') such that the at least one spacer element (1, 1') is attached to the support structure (2) when interconnected between the first element (4; 4') and the second element (5; 5'), and wherein an outer periphery of the second element (5, 5') comprises a plurality of recesses (9) for engagement with a tool (10). The invention also relates to a method for fastening a spacer element (1, 1') to a support structure (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lining arrangement and a method for fastening lining elements to a support structure. Background Technology

[0002] Padding devices are used to protect surfaces and / or structures in machinery that are exposed to significant levels of abrasion from the materials processed by the machine during its operation. Such machines typically handle materials such as sand, gravel, stone, ore, etc., which cause significant abrasion on exposed surfaces where the material moves, with or without the addition of water. To extend the service life of exposed surfaces, these surfaces are coated with abrasion-resistant padding elements made of wear-resistant materials. Typically, this wear-resistant padding material is an elastic material, some type of ceramic, or a combination thereof. Padding elements provide abrasion protection for chutes, rollers, bins, feeders, hoppers, transfer stations, and vehicle platforms (e.g., truck bodies) in stone processing, mining, aggregate, and installation industries. Due to the wide variety of applications using abrasion-resistant pads for abrasion protection, abrasion-resistant pads are often manufactured to allow for adjustment and cutting to fit a particular type and shape of surface. Importantly, the abrasion-resistant pads are securely fastened to the supporting surface so that they remain in place when subjected to vibration, impact, and shock. In many cases, it is also desirable to be able to quickly replace the wear-resistant pads as soon as they begin to wear.

[0003] Traditional fastening methods typically rely on using fastening elements to secure the gasket element, which are configured to clamp the gasket element to the support structure via one or more conventional bolts (e.g., through bolts). A disadvantage of these systems is that tightening and loosening the fastening bolts can be time-consuming and inconvenient, thus increasing machine downtime. Another problem with existing fastening devices is that they require significant force and expose service personnel to a high risk of injury when attaching the gasket element. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One object of the present invention is to provide improvements over the above-described technology and the prior art. More specifically, one object of the present invention is to provide an improved padding device and a method for easily and reliably securing padding elements to a support structure.

[0005] According to a first embodiment, a padding device for wear protection is provided, comprising at least one padding element arranged to be fastened to a support structure, and at least one device comprising: a first element adapted to be received in a through-hole of the at least one padding element or in a through-hole formed by adjacent padding elements; a second element for engaging with the first element such that when the first element and the second element are interconnected, the at least one padding element is attached to the support structure, and wherein the outer periphery of the second element includes a plurality of grooves for engaging with a loading / unloading tool.

[0006] This can be advantageous because an improved liner device is provided, allowing for easier and faster covering and removal of individual liner elements on the support structure. Using loading and unloading tools, maintenance personnel can remove the second element from the first element faster and more easily than with conventional liner devices. A further advantage is that the most dangerous stage of the tightening process is eliminated. The need for a hammer to force individual liner elements into place is eliminated. Instead, the liner elements are tightened to the support structure using a tightening tool by engaging the second element with the first element.

[0007] The first element can be attached to the support structure in different ways. According to some embodiments, the first element is adapted to engage with one or more padding elements and the support structure, and the one or more padding elements are attached to the support structure when the second element engages with the first element. According to alternative embodiments, the first element is adapted to be attached to the support structure before engaging with the padding elements and the second element. The first element can be attached by welding or by fastening with bolts and nuts.

[0008] According to some embodiments, the groove extends in the axial direction and along at least a portion of the length of the second element.

[0009] According to some embodiments, the groove extends axially and along the entire length of the second element.

[0010] According to some embodiments, the groove extends axially and along a finite portion of the length of the second element.

[0011] According to some embodiments, each gasket element includes at least one through-hole having a first outer periphery of a first portion in its axial direction and a second outer periphery of a second portion in its axial direction, the second outer periphery being smaller than the first outer periphery. Therefore, in one embodiment, an adjacent surface is formed in a transition between the first and second portions of the through-hole.

[0012] According to some embodiments, the outer peripheral surfaces of adjacent padding elements have a shape forming at least one opening, the at least one opening having a first outer periphery of a first portion along its axial direction and a second outer periphery of a second portion along its axial direction, the second outer periphery being smaller than the first outer periphery.

[0013] According to some embodiments, the first element includes a sleeve member with a flange having a radial extension disposed at its first end.

[0014] According to some embodiments, the first element is made of a flexible and deformable material, and the material is preferably selected from thermoplastic materials or polyurethane or a combination thereof.

[0015] According to some embodiments, the first element is arranged to expand in a radial direction when engaged with the second element.

[0016] According to some embodiments, the first element has a slit opening that is arranged longitudinally in a second end opposite to the first end.

[0017] According to some embodiments, the second element is made of a material selected from ceramic materials, steel, or rigid plastics.

[0018] According to some embodiments, the first element has an external thread, and the second element is adapted to engage with the thread of the first element.

[0019] According to some embodiments, the axially arranged opening of the first element is adapted to receive a bolt, the first element being used to attach to the support structure by the bolt and nut.

[0020] According to some embodiments, the first element is made of a material selected from ceramic materials, steel, or rigid plastics.

[0021] According to some embodiments, the second element is made of thermoplastic material or polyurethane or a combination thereof.

[0022] According to some embodiments, the second element includes a core and a housing, wherein the core is relatively softer than the housing.

[0023] According to some embodiments, when the second element is screwed onto the first element, the threads of the first element are arranged to cut into the core of the second element.

[0024] According to some embodiments, the inner periphery of the at least one through hole includes protrusions for engaging with the outer periphery and / or bottom portion of the second element.

[0025] According to a second aspect of the invention, these and other objectives are achieved, in whole or at least in part, by a method for fastening a padding element to a support structure. The method comprises: placing an opening of a padding element, or an opening formed by adjacent padding elements, above a fastening position on the support structure, the opening having a first outer periphery along a first portion and a second outer periphery along its axial direction; engaging a first element with the support structure; engaging the second element with the first element by engaging a loading / unloading tool with a plurality of grooves provided on the outer periphery of the second element, and generating a tightening movement of the second element, thereby attaching one or more padding elements to the support structure.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the second scheme, before engaging the first element with the support structure, a step is performed to place the opening of the padding element or the opening formed by adjacent padding elements above the fastening position of the support structure, and then the second element is engaged with the first element.

[0027] According to another embodiment of the second scheme, before placing the opening of the padding element or the opening formed by adjacent padding elements above the fastening position of the support structure, the step of engaging the first element with the support structure is performed, and then the second element is engaged with the first element.

[0028] The effects and characteristics of the second option are largely similar to those described above in combination with the first option.

[0029] Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed disclosure, the appended claims, and the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the invention relates to all possible combinations of features.

[0030] Generally, unless otherwise expressly defined herein, all terms used in the claims shall be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the art. Unless otherwise expressly stated, all references to “a / an / (element, device, component, apparatus, step, etc.)” shall be publicly interpreted as representing at least one instance of said element, device, component, apparatus, step, etc.

[0031] As used herein, the term "comprising" and variations thereof are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers, or steps.

[0032] As used herein, the phrase “suitable for reception” in, for example, the sentence “the first element is adapted to be received in a through-hole” means that at least a portion of the first element is adapted to be spatially positioned within a through-hole. Attached Figure Description

[0033] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be better understood from the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals may be used for similar elements, and wherein:

[0034] Figures 1a-1c An embodiment of the second element is shown. Figure 1a A side view is shown. Figure 1b The cross-section along line AA is shown. Figure 1c A cross-sectional view along line BB is shown.

[0035] Figures 2a-2b A series of steps of a fastening method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention are shown.

[0036] Figures 3a-3b It shows Figures 2a-2b A cross-sectional view.

[0037] Figure 4 A pad device according to one embodiment is shown.

[0038] Figure 5a Figure 5d illustrates a series of steps in a fastening method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 5e shows a padding device according to one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0040] Figures 2a-2b and Figures 3a-3b A padding device 3 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown, which has different parts included in a device for fastening a padding element 1 to a support structure 2. The padding element 1 is typically used in machines with surfaces exposed to wear, such as feeders, chutes, boxes, silos, rollers, truck bodies, etc. Therefore, the support structure 2 can be a support surface of such a machine. Alternatively, the support structure 2 can be a frame, mesh, etc. The fastening device mainly includes a first element 4 and a second element 5.

[0041] The gasket element 1 has a through hole 8, which has a first outer periphery of a first portion 81 extending along its axial direction and a second outer periphery of a second portion 82 extending along its axial direction. Therefore, an abutting surface 83 is formed in the transition between the first portion 81 and the second portion 82. The gasket element 1 is positioned on a support surface 20, and a fastening position on the support surface 20 is aligned with the through hole 8.

[0042] A first element 4 is positioned and received in a through-hole 8. The first element includes a sleeve member having an axially arranged opening 41, a flange 42 disposed at its first end 44, and a slit opening 43 disposed in a longitudinal extension of a second end 45 opposite to the first end 44. When the first element 4 is positioned and received in the through-hole 8, the lower surface of the flange 42 is arranged to rest on an abutment surface 83.

[0043] Subsequently, the second element 5 is positioned and arranged to engage with the first element 4 and will be screwed into the first element 4, such that the first element 4 expands radially and locks the padding element 1 in place on the support structure 2, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 2b and Figure 3b .

[0044] Figures 1a-1c An embodiment of the second element 5 is shown. The second element 5 includes a first portion 51 and a second portion 52. The first portion 51 has spaced-apart grooves 9 on its outer periphery, which extend axially from the top of the first portion 51 along its entire length to the bottom of the first portion 51. The grooves 9 are used in the process of fastening the second element to or loosening it from the first element 4, which can be achieved by means of a loading / unloading tool 10 (see [link]). Figure 4 and Figure 5c -Figure 5d) completed. (See Figure 5d for details.) Figure 4 and Figure 5c As shown in Figure 5d, the loading / unloading tool 10 has a shaft 11 and a bottom portion that is annular and includes spaced-apart protrusions 12 at its bottom. The protrusions 12 are configured to correspond to grooves 9 provided on the outer periphery of the second element 5. If the grooves 9 are blocked by material such as fine particles or the like, the protrusions can push the material deeper into the grooves 9 to contact the grooves 9 of the second element 5. A key advantage of this invention is that the second element 5 can still be removed using the loading / unloading tool 10 even if it suffers severe wear during use. This is because the grooves 9 extend integrally along the height of the first portion 51 of the second element 5, or at least along a large portion of the height of the first portion 51 of the second element 5.

[0045] refer to Figures 1a-1c , Figures 2a-2b and Figures 3a-3b In the illustrated embodiment, the second portion 52 of the second element 5 has external threads 53 for engaging with an axially arranged opening 41 of the first element 4. In this embodiment, the first element 4 is preferably made of a slightly flexible or deformable material, and preferably, the first element can be divided into two or more portions by, for example, the slit opening 43 shown. The second element 5 is preferably made of a harder, more rigid material, strong enough to deform the relatively soft material of the first element 4.

[0046] In an alternative embodiment, both elements 4 and 5 are threaded, but it is permissible for only one of the elements 4 and 5 to be threaded. If the first element 4 has an internal thread, the second element 5 will be screwed into the first element 4 and deformed according to the internal thread of the first element, thereby forming a locking interconnect between the two elements 4 and 5. If the second element 5 has an external thread, the second element will be screwed into the first element 4', causing the first element 4 to deform according to the external thread of the second element 5, thereby forming a locking interconnect between the two elements 4 and 5. The choice of material is such that the threaded elements 4 and 5 are generally harder than the elements 4 and 5 deformed by means of the thread.

[0047] In another alternative embodiment, elements 4 and 5 each have their own threads, but these threads are not continuous. Instead, the corresponding threads are spaced apart circumferentially on elements 4 and 5. This means that in a given relative position of the first element 4 and the second element 5, the second element 5 can move vertically downward inside the first element 4 until it stops near the bottom of the first element 4. Then, by rotating the second element 5 such that the threaded portions of the first element 4 and the second element 5 engage with each other, the second element 5 is further moved into the first element 4, and the second element interlocks with the first element.

[0048] Figure 4 A padding device 3 is shown, which has a pair of devices, each device comprising, according to Figures 1a-1b , Figures 2a-2b and Figures 3a-3b The first element 4 and the second element 5 of the embodiment are arranged and fastened to the support structure 2, and a device is shown as being positioned and tightened into place.

[0049] exist Figure 5a - Figure 5e shows another embodiment of the disclosed padding device 3'. Figure 5a A first element 4' is shown, which is attached to the support structure 2 by a bolt 6 and a nut 7. The first element 4' has external threads and is hollow, allowing the bolt 6 to be inserted into the first element, further through the support structure 2, and attached to the support structure 2 from below by means of the nut 7. The first element 4' is adapted to be received in a through-hole 8 of a gasket element 1 or in a through-hole 8 formed by an adjacent gasket element 1, and the first element will be fastened to the support structure 2. In this embodiment, the first element 4' is preferably made of a rigid material such as ceramic, steel, or rigid plastic.

[0050] like Figure 5cAs shown in Figure 5d, the second element 5' is also annular and has an internal thread for engaging with the external thread of the first element 4' to attach one or more padding elements 1 to the support structure 2. The second element 5' has spaced grooves 9 on its outer periphery and is preferably made of a thermoplastic material. The grooves 9 extend axially along the entire length of the second element 5' from its top to its bottom. The grooves 9 are used in the process of fastening the second element 5' to or loosening the second element 5' from the first element 4', which is achieved by the loading / unloading tool 10 (…). Figure 5c Completed as shown in Figure 5d). Loading / unloading tool 10 is the same as the one described above. Figures 1a-4 The embodiments shown are identical to those disclosed.

[0051] Figure 5a Figure 5d illustrates a series of steps for fastening one or more padding elements 1 to a support structure 2 according to an exemplary fastening method.

[0052] As the first step ( Figure 5a The first element 4' is attached to the support structure 2 by bolts 6 and nuts 7. The first element 4' is hollow and has an internal annular abutment surface (not shown) provided in its bottom portion. When installed onto the support structure 2, the head of the bolt 6 abuts against this abutment surface. Instead of using a separate bolt 6, a threaded protrusion can also be provided at the lower end of the first element 4', by means of which the first element 4' can be attached to the screen panel support 2 by the nut 7. In this case, the first element 4' may have an axially arranged opening or may be solid.

[0053] Subsequently, as the second step ( Figure 5b Place the padding element 1 to be fixed to the support structure 2 on top of the first element 4', such that the through hole 8 of one or more padding elements 1 receives the first element 4'.

[0054] Finally, as the third step ( Figure 5c (Figure 5d) The second element 5' is screwed onto the first element 4' such that the internal thread of the second element 5' engages with the external thread of the first element 4'. The loading and unloading tool 10 is used to rotate the second element 5' by engaging the protrusion 12 of the loading and unloading tool 10 with the groove 9 of the second element 5' and then rotating the shaft 11 of the loading and unloading tool 10. When the second element 5' is fully screwed onto the first element 4', the top of the second element 5' is aligned with the top surface of the liner element 1.

[0055] exist Figures 2a-2b , Figures 3a-3b and Figures 5a-5bOne or more gasket elements 1 shown have a through hole 8 having a first outer periphery along a first portion 81 and a second outer periphery of a second portion 82 extending axially therefrom. Furthermore, a second element 5' ( Figures 5a-5b The embodiment shown) and the first part 51 of the second element 5 ( Figures 2a-2b , Figures 3a-3b The embodiment shown has a smaller outer perimeter than the first outer perimeter of the through hole 8 and a larger outer perimeter than the second outer perimeter of the through hole 8. In other words, the through hole 8 is a so-called stepped hole. This feature allows the second element 5' ( Figures 5a-5b The embodiment shown) and the first part 51 of the second element 5 ( Figures 2a-2b , Figures 3a-3b (As shown in the embodiment) One or more padding elements 1 are inserted and at least partially fill the volume defined by the first portion 81 of the through hole 8 having a first outer periphery.

[0056] In Figure 5e, three padding elements 1 are fastened to the grid support structure 2. (As shown) Figure 5a As shown in Figure 5e, the through hole 8 is formed by the outer peripheral surface 16 of adjacent pad elements 1 and 1'. The through hole 8 has shapes 8a and 8b that form at least one opening 8. The at least one opening 8 has a first outer periphery of a first portion along its axial direction and a second outer periphery of a second portion along its axial direction, the second outer periphery being smaller than the first outer periphery.

[0057] Those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications can be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0058] For example, the shape and size of the aforementioned components can be varied in any suitable manner. Specifically, the dimensions of the first portion of the second elements 5, 5' can be selected to correspond to the thickness of one or more padding elements, thereby allowing for better wear protection of the second elements 5, 5'. The first elements 4, 4' and the second elements 5, 5' can have annular shapes as well as other shapes suitable for their purpose. This also applies to internal threads, external threads, and grooves 8.

[0059] Internal and / or external threads may be angled; a preferred angle may be approximately 45 degrees.

[0060] The groove 8 may extend along the entire length of the second element 5' or along a predetermined distance of the length of the second element 5', or along the entire length of the first portion 51 of the second element 5 or along a predetermined distance of the length of the second element 5.

[0061] Those skilled in the art will also recognize that the first element 4 may be fitted with a top in the form of a flange or the like below the screening module 1 (i.e., directly on the screen panel support 2). In this case, it is conceivable that the flange is arranged in a recess or the like, or in the screen panel support 2 and / or on the underside of the screening module 1, so as to form a flush contact surface between the screening module 1 and the screen panel support 2.

[0062] The device may include one or more other elements. For example, a clamping element having an axially arranged opening may be positioned between the first elements 4, 4' and the second elements 5, 5' such that the clamping element is pressed against the support structure 2 when the first elements 4, 4' and the second elements 5, 5' are interconnected. Thus, if the padding elements 1, 1' are disposed between the clamping element and the support structure 2, the clamping element can be used to clamp the padding elements 1, 1' toward the support structure 2. An example of such a clamping element is the fastening spider disclosed in WO2007 / 008135A1.

Claims

1. A padding device for wear protection, comprising at least one padding element arranged to be fastened to a support structure, and at least one device comprising: A first element, which is hollow, has an inner annular abutment surface in its bottom portion, and wherein an axially arranged opening of the first element is adapted to receive a bolt for attaching the first element to the support structure by means of the bolt and nut, and the head of the bolt abuts against the inner annular abutment surface. The first element has external threads and is adapted to be received in a through hole of the at least one gasket element or in a through hole formed by an adjacent gasket element, the through hole having a first outer periphery of a first portion in its axial direction and a second outer periphery of a second portion in its axial direction, the second outer periphery being smaller than the first outer periphery, wherein an adjacent surface is formed in a transition between the first portion and the second portion of the through hole; as well as The second element, having an internal thread and adapted to engage with the external thread of the first element, such that when the external thread of the first element and the internal thread of the second element are threadedly interconnected, the at least one pad element is attached to the support structure. The outer periphery of the second element includes multiple grooves for engaging with a loading and unloading tool.

2. The gasket device according to claim 1, wherein, The groove extends axially and along at least a portion of the length of the second element.

3. The gasket device according to claim 1, wherein, The groove extends axially and along a finite portion of the length of the second element.

4. The gasket device according to claim 1, wherein, The first element is made of a material selected from ceramic materials, steel, or rigid plastics.

5. A method for securing a gasket element to a support structure, comprising: The opening of the padding element or the opening formed by adjacent padding elements is placed above the fastening position of the support structure, the opening having a first outer perimeter along a first portion and a second outer perimeter along a second portion, the second outer perimeter being smaller than the first outer perimeter, wherein an adjacent surface is formed in the transition between the first portion and the second portion of the opening; The hollow first element is engaged with the support structure by arranging a bolt through an axially arranged opening in the bottom portion of the hollow first element and through an opening in the support structure, and the first element is secured to the support structure by a nut that lockably engages the bolt. The first element has external threads and is hollow, having an inner annular abutment surface in its bottom portion, with the head of the bolt abutting against the inner annular abutment surface. as well as By engaging the loading and unloading tool with a plurality of grooves provided on the outer periphery of the second element, the second element, which has internal threads, engages with the external threads of the first element, and a tightening motion of the second element is generated, thereby attaching one or more of the padding elements to the support structure.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein, Before engaging the first element with the support structure, the step of placing the opening of the padding element or the opening formed by adjacent padding elements above the fastening position of the support structure is performed, and then the second element is engaged with the first element.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein, Before placing the opening of the padding element or the opening formed by adjacent padding elements above the fastening position of the support structure, the first element is engaged with the support structure, and then the second element is engaged with the first element.

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