Hammerless Solution

Abstract

A screen (3) has a screen panel support (2) and a screening module (1) disposed in the screen panel support (2). The screening module (1) is fastened to the screen panel support (1) by at least one means. The means includes a first element (4) attachable to the screen panel support (2) and adapted to receive an opening (8) of the screening module (1) or an opening (8) formed by an adjacent screening module (1), the first element (4) having an external thread and a second element (5) having an internal thread for engaging with the external thread of the first element (4), such that the screening module (5) is attached to the screen panel support (2) when the first element (4) and the second element (5) are interconnected. In the screen (3), the outer periphery of the second element (5) includes at least one groove (8) for engaging with a loading / unloading tool (10). The invention also relates to a method for fastening the screening module (1) to the screen panel support (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for securing a screening module to a screen panel support, and such screen. Background Technology

[0002] Modern screens used for screening media typically consist of a screen panel support and screening modules arranged within the screen panel support. Compared to previous generations, these screens offer several advantages because individual screening modules can be replaced as they wear out.

[0003] The screening module should have the largest possible active surface. The active surface is typically limited by the rigidity of the screening module, as lower-strength modules require support sections arranged at shorter intervals, leading to an increase in the dead surface. However, simply having the entire screening surface comprised of a single screening module and minimizing the number of support points does not constitute a convenient alternative. This approach would certainly provide the largest possible surface, but at the cost of very high operating costs, as the entire screen surface must be replaced even in cases of localized wear. Therefore, it is desirable to have a screen with a large active surface and high stability, on which individual screening modules can be easily replaced.

[0004] Because the screens of the above types are subjected to considerable force during use, the screening modules must be locked in place to the frame to prevent them from loosening. The traditional way to achieve this is by using a hammer to drive a locking element (such as a pin) into a sleeve located within the frame.

[0005] The problem with the aforementioned fastening method is that it requires a significant amount of force and exposes maintenance personnel to a high risk of injury when attaching the screening module. The same applies when replacing old, worn components. Using this known method, a pry bar or similar tool must be used to pull the pin out of the sleeve. This work also involves considerable force and presents numerous occupational injury risks to personnel. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One object of the present invention is to provide improvements over the aforementioned technology and prior art. More specifically, one object of the present invention is to provide an improved screen and a method for easily and reliably securing a screening module to a screen panel support. Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved screen and a method for easily and reliably removing a screening module from a screen panel support.

[0007] According to the first embodiment, these and other objects and / or advantages will be apparent from the following description of embodiments, achieved wholly or at least in part by a screen having a screen panel support and screening modules arranged on the screen panel support. The screening modules are fastened to the screen panel support by at least one means. This means includes a first element that is attachable to the screen panel support and adapted to receive an opening of the screening module or an opening formed by an adjacent screening module. The opening extends through the screening module or the adjacent screening module. The means also includes a second element for engaging with the first element, such that the screening module can be attached to the screen panel support when the first and second elements are interconnected. The screen is further distinguished in that the outer periphery of the second element includes a plurality of grooves for engaging with a handling tool. This is advantageous because it eliminates the most dangerous stage of the fastening process. A hammer is no longer needed to force individual screening modules into place. Instead, the screening modules are fastened to the screen panel support using a tightening tool by engaging the first element with the second element.

[0008] Multiple grooves may extend axially along the entire length of the second element. Alternatively, the grooves may extend axially along a finite portion of the length of the second element. Preferably, the grooves begin at the top of the second element and extend along substantially the entire length of the second element. This is because the loading and unloading tool engages with the top of the second element and must therefore approach the grooves from above. Furthermore, the second element will be worn down by the upper surface of the screening module subjected to the material being screened. For this reason, it is advantageous for the grooves to have a substantially axial extension to avoid complete wear.

[0009] The first element can be hollow and adapted to receive bolts for attachment to the screen panel support via bolts and nuts. Because the first element is attached to the frame's track before the screening module, personnel will have unrestricted access to the underside of the track. This is not the case when the screening module is in place.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first element and / or the second element may be annular. Furthermore, the first element may be made of a material selected from ceramic materials, steel, or rigid plastics, and the second element may be made of thermoplastic materials or polyurethane. Preferably, in any case, the materials of the first and second elements are selected such that the material of the second element is softer and / or more elastic than the material of the first element.

[0011] Each screening module may have at least one perforated portion. The perforated portion has a first surface for receiving and holding the material to be screened, a second surface opposite to the first surface, a hole extending from the first surface to the second surface, and an outer peripheral surface.

[0012] Each screening module may include at least one opening for receiving means for fastening the screening module. A portion of the opening in its axial direction has a first outer perimeter, and another portion in its axial direction has a second outer perimeter. The second outer perimeter is smaller than the first outer perimeter.

[0013] In another embodiment of the invention, the outer peripheral surfaces of adjacent screening modules have a shape that forms at least one opening.

[0014] At least one opening has a portion with a first outer periphery adapted to receive a first element and a second element, and at least one opening has a portion with a second outer periphery adapted to receive only the first element. Therefore, it can be said that the inner periphery of at least one opening includes a protrusion, such as a flange or tongue, for engaging with the second element. In the case where the opening is formed by the shapes of two or more adjacent screening modules, it is evident that each screening module may include a partial flange, such as a half-flange or protrusion, which may together form a flange or tongue.

[0015] According to the second embodiment, these and other objectives are achieved, wholly or at least partially, by a method for fastening a screening module to a screen panel support. The method includes attaching a first element to the screen panel support, positioning an opening of the screening module, or an opening formed by an adjacent screening module, around the first element, the opening having a first outer perimeter along one portion and a second outer perimeter along its axial direction, the opening extending through the screening module or adjacent screening module, and engaging a second element with the first element, the second element having a larger outer perimeter than the second outer perimeter of the opening, thereby attaching one or more screening modules to the screen panel support.

[0016] The step of engaging the second element with the first element includes engaging the loading and unloading tool with a plurality of grooves provided on the outer periphery of the second element and generating a rotational motion of the second element.

[0017] The effects and features of the second embodiment of the present invention are largely similar to those described above in conjunction with the first aspect of the present invention. The embodiments mentioned in relation to the first aspect of the present invention are largely compatible with the second aspect of the present invention.

[0018] 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.

[0019] Generally, unless otherwise expressly defined herein, all terms used in the claims shall be interpreted in accordance with their ordinary meaning in the art. Unless otherwise expressly stated, all references to “a / an / (element, device, component, apparatus, step, etc.)” shall be openly interpreted as representing at least one instance of said element, device, component, apparatus, step, etc.

[0020] As used herein, the term "comprising" and variations thereof are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers, or steps. Attached Figure Description

[0021] 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:

[0022] Figure 1a and Figure 1b This is a perspective view of a device for fixing a screening element to a screen according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of an apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 3a Figure 3d illustrates a series of steps in a fastening method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 3e is a perspective view of a screen according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the device according to another embodiment of the present invention when it is attached to a screen panel support.

[0027] Figure 5a and Figure 5b These are perspective and cross-sectional views of an apparatus according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Figure 1a and Figure 1bThe diagram illustrates the various components included in an apparatus for fastening a screening module 1 to a screen 3 in a screen panel support 2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The fastening apparatus primarily comprises a first element 4 and a second element 5. The first element 4 is attached to the screen panel support 2 by a bolt 6 and a nut 7. The first element 4 is externally threaded and hollow, allowing the bolt 6 to be inserted into it, further through the protective plate 30 and the screen panel support 2, and attached from below to the screen panel support 2 by means of the nut 7. The first element 4 is adapted to be received in an opening 8 in the screening module 1 or in an opening 8 formed by an adjacent screening module 1 to which the adjacent screening module 1 will be fastened. The opening 8 extends through the screening module 1 or the adjacent screening module; i.e., the opening is a through-hole. The opening 8 may have different dimensions at different locations, as will be detailed later. The first element 4 is preferably made of a hard, relatively rigid material (e.g., ceramic, steel, or rigid plastic). The second element 5 is also annular and, in this embodiment, has internal threads for engaging with the external threads of the first element 4 to attach one or more screening modules 1 to the screen panel support 2. The second element 5 has spaced grooves 9 on its outer periphery and is preferably made of a relatively soft material (e.g., thermoplastic or polyurethane). This material is preferably relatively more flexible than the material of the first element 4. 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 the first element 4 and loosening the second element 5 from the first element 4, which can be achieved using a loading / unloading tool 10. Figure 3c As shown in Figure 3d). The loading and unloading tool 10 has a shaft 11 and a bottom section, which is annular and includes spaced-apart protrusions 12 at its bottom portion. 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 materials such as fines or the like, the protrusions can push the material deeper into the grooves 9 to contact the grooves 9 of the second element 5. Alternatively, the material can be removed from the grooves 9 with a suitable tool. However, in most cases, the loading and unloading tool 10 can be pressed down to obtain sufficient grip to remove the second element 5. The main advantage of the invention is that the loading and unloading tool 10 can still be used to remove the second element even if the second element 5 suffers severe wear during use. This is because the grooves 9 extend integrally along the height of the second element 5, or at least along most of the height of the second element 5.

[0029] The second element 5 can also be made of a combination of materials that are at least partially harder than the other parts. Specifically, the outer shell of the second element 5 can be reinforced with steel, ceramic, and / or similar materials, and the second element 5 can be provided with a softer core. When the core of the second element 5 is softer than that of the first element 4, the second element 5 can be inserted into place by pressing down with a suitable tool. Providing a softer core also makes the pre-cut threads of the second element 5 redundant. This is because the external threads of the first element 4 will be able to cut threads in the second element 5 when the first element and the second element are interconnected.

[0030] Figure 2 A first element 4 and a second element 5 according to another embodiment are shown. In addition to external threads, the first element 4 has tap means 20 at its top and teeth 21 at its bottom. The second element 5 has corresponding tap means 20 at the top of its inner cavity and teeth 21 at the bottom of its inner cavity. When the second element 5 is fully screwed onto the first element 4, the teeth 21 of the first element 4 will engage with the teeth 21 of the second element 5, and the tap means 20 of the first element 4 will engage with the tap means 20 of the second element 5, thus acting as a locking device to prevent the second element 5 from accidentally releasing from the first element 4. Although there is a threaded connection between the two elements 4 and 5, accidental release of the second element 5 from the first element 4 is possible because the second element 5 is made of a softer material that deforms relative to the shape of the first element 4. It should be noted that providing two locking devices is not necessary. Arranging tap means 20 or teeth 21 on the first element 4 and the second element 5 is generally sufficient. Similar to the previous embodiment, pre-threading the second element 5 is redundant if the second element has a softer core. This is because the external thread of the first element 4 can cut out the thread in the second element 5 when the first element 4 is interconnected with the second element 5.

[0031] Figure 3a Figure 3d illustrates a series of steps for fastening one or more screening modules 1 to the screen panel support 2 in the screen 3 according to an exemplary fastening method.

[0032] As the first step ( Figure 3aThe first element 4 is attached to the screen panel support 2 by bolts 6 and nuts 7. The first element 4 is hollow and has a flange at its bottom, which the head of the bolt 6 abuts against when it is installed on the screen panel support 2. A protective plate 30 is provided between the first element 4 and the screen panel support 2. Since the screening module is not yet installed on the track, personnel can freely access the underside of the track. In existing technical solutions, the screening module or screen panel is attached to the track by bolts and nuts, which is very complicated because it is difficult to access the underside of the track in the very narrow space available in the screening equipment. Instead of using a separate bolt 6, a threaded protrusion can be provided at the lower end of the first element, which allows the first element 4 to be attached to the screen panel support 2 by the nut 7.

[0033] Subsequently, as the second step ( Figure 3b The screening module 1 to be fixed to the screen panel support 2 is placed on the top of the protective plate 30, such that the opening 8 of one or more screening modules 1 surrounds the first element 4.

[0034] Finally, as the third step ( Figure 3c As shown in Figure 3d), the second element 5 is screwed onto the first element 4 such that the second element 5 engages with the external thread of the first element 4 in a threaded connection. 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 preferably aligned with the top surface of the screening module 1.

[0035] Figure 3e illustrates a screen 3 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The screen 3 has a screen panel support 2 and a screening module 1 fastened to the screen panel support 2 in the manner described above. Each screening module 1 has a perforated portion. The perforated portion or membrane has a first surface 13 for receiving and carrying the material to be screened, a second surface 14 opposite to the first surface 13, a hole 15 extending from the first surface 13 to the second surface 14, and an outer peripheral surface 16 connecting the first surface 13 and the second surface 14. It should be noted that although the membrane is shown here as having the same thickness as the outer peripheral surface 16, this is not always the case. Depending on the requirements of the specific situation, the membrane may have a greater or lesser thickness. The outer peripheral surfaces 16 of adjacent screening modules 1 have shapes 8a, 8b forming openings 8. These openings 8 may be circular, approximately circular, or slightly elliptical, and in the figure formed by two half-openings 8a, 8b, each is disposed in an adjacent screening module 1. The openings 8 extend through the screening module 1 or an adjacent screening module, i.e., the openings are through holes. The opening 8 has a first outer perimeter along a portion of its axial direction and a second outer perimeter along another portion of its axial direction. The opening 8 can be cylindrical or conical with a release angle. The first outer perimeter is larger than the second outer perimeter. Alternatively, the opening 8 has a continuous outer perimeter with a protrusion or flange at its bottom portion, in which case the protrusion or flange engages with the bottom of the second element 5 when the continuous outer perimeter is fully screwed onto the first element 4. As can be seen in the figure, each semi-opening 8a, 8b includes a semi-flange or protrusion that together with the corresponding semi-flange or protrusion forms a protruding flange.

[0036] Figure 3e also illustrates the situation when the screening module 1 needs to be disassembled and the advantages of the invention in this respect. It is conceivable that the upper surface 13 will suffer severe wear during use. This is because the material to be screened passes over this surface. The second element 5 suffers the same wear as surface 13 and will wear down from top to bottom over time. If conventional screws, whether star screws or any other shape, are used, this will wear down quickly, and loosening the second element 5 will be impossible. Because the second element 5 of the present invention has a longitudinal groove 9 extending substantially along its entire length, it can always be loosened using the tool 10. Furthermore, even if the upper surface 13 is typically clogged with fine material and other particles, it is necessarily possible to apply a slight downward force to the tool 10, causing the protrusion 12 to grip the corresponding groove 9, thus allowing the second element 5 to be loosened.

[0037] Figure 4A first element 4' and a second element 5' are shown attached to a screen panel support 1 according to yet another embodiment of the invention. The first element 4' is preferably attached to the screen panel support 1 in the same manner as described above for other embodiments. This also applies to placing one or more screening modules 1 on top of the first element 4'. However, in this embodiment, neither the first element 4' nor the second element 5' has threads. Instead, the two elements 4', 5' are attached to each other by a click function. The first element 4' has an angled flange 18 extending around at least a portion of the outer periphery of the element 4' (preferably in the top portion of the element 4'). The second element 5' has a corresponding recess 19 into which the flange 18 of the first element 4' is engaged when the second element 4' is placed on top of the first element 4' and pressed down on the flange 18, thereby attaching the screening module 1 to the screen panel support 2.

[0038] Figure 5a and Figure 5b A first element 4” and a second element 5” are shown according to yet another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the first element 4” is constituted by a sleeve having internal threads extending axially therefrom. The first element 4” is preferably made of a slightly flexible or deformable material and is preferably divisible into two or more parts, such as a plaster plug or the like. The second element 5” is a pin-shaped element having a top portion containing a groove 9 for engaging with the loading and unloading tool 10, and a bottom portion having external threads for engaging with the internal threads of the first element 4”. The second element 5” is preferably made of a harder, more rigid material, strong enough to deform the relatively softer material of the first element 4”. When the screening module 1 is to be attached to the screen panel support 2, the screening module is placed on top of the screen panel support 2, and the first element 4” is placed in the opening 8 of the screening module 1 or in the opening 8 formed by an adjacent screening module 1. The top of the first element 4” engages with a flange or similar in the bottom portion of the opening 8, while the bottom of the first element 4” extends through the opening 8 and into the screen panel support 2. Then, the second element 5” is screwed into the first element 4”, causing the first element 4” to expand in the radial direction, thereby locking one or more screening modules 1 in their respective positions on the screen panel support 2.

[0039] In an alternative embodiment, threads are present only on one of the two elements 4”, 5”. If an internal thread is present on the first element 4”, 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”, 5”. If an external thread is present on the second element 5”, the second element will be screwed into the first element 4”, such that the first element 4” deforms according to the external thread of the second element 5”, thereby forming a locking interconnect between the two elements 4”, 5”. The materials are chosen such that the threaded elements 4”, 4”, 5” are generally harder than the elements 4”, 4”, 5” that are deformed by means of threads.

[0040] In another alternative embodiment, elements 4” and 5” are both threaded but not continuous. Instead, the corresponding threads are spaced apart in the outer circumferential direction of 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 the second element stops near the bottom of the first element 4”. Then, the second element 5” is rotated 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.

[0041] In another alternative embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, both elements 4 and 5 have threads, but the threads have a barb shape. That is, the threads may be slightly deeper and point downwards, like a barb. A technician can then choose to machine the threads at a suitable location or force the second element 5, which has a relatively more deformable material, above the first element 4, and the barb shape of the threads will keep the first and second elements interlocked. In another embodiment, the first element 4” has an expansion leg, and the second element 5” can be pressed downwards inside the first element 4”, causing the expansion leg of the first element 4” to expand and lock the screening module 1 in place, see [reference needed]. Figure 5b .

[0042] 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. For example, the shape and size of the aforementioned components can be varied in any suitable manner. The first element 4 and the second element 5 can have an annular shape as well as other shapes suitable for their purpose. This also applies to internal threads, external threads, and grooves 9. Internal and / or external threads can be angled, thus forming a barbed shape of internal and / or external threads; a preferred angle can be approximately 45 degrees. Grooves 9 can extend along the entire length of the second element 5 or extend a predetermined distance along the length of the second element 5. In the above embodiments, grooves 9 are formed by cavities, but alternatively can be formed by some kind of protrusion. In the latter case, the loading and unloading tool 10 will have a cavity at its bottom instead of a protrusion 12. Furthermore, the second element 5 can be provided with an inner core of a relatively soft material and an outer surface of a relatively hard material. This will allow the threads of the first element 4 to cut the softer core of the second element 5 through the threads, and then the softer core of the second element 5 can be manufactured without threads. Furthermore, a ceramic insert or similar object may be disposed on the exterior of the second element 5 to provide support for the protrusion 12 of the loading / unloading tool 10. Such a ceramic insert may also provide wear protection on the top surface of the second element 5.

[0043] The screen module 1 can be made entirely of rubber or a combination of rubber and other suitable abrasion-resistant materials (such as polyurethane), and can be reinforced by, for example, polycarbonate resin.

[0044] Those skilled in the art will also recognize that the first element 4 can be mounted on a rod or the like that holds a plurality of first elements 4. This is also advantageous because the pattern of the holes in the support frame can differ from the pattern of the holes in the screening module.

[0045] 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.

Claims

1. A screen (3) having a screen panel support (2) and at least one screening module (1) disposed in the screen panel support (2), wherein the screening module (1) is fastened to the screen panel support (2) by means of at least one device, the device comprising: A first element (4) having external threads and being attachable to the screen panel support (2) and adapted to be received in an opening (8) of the screening module (1) or an opening (8) formed by an adjacent screening module (1), the opening (8) having a first outer perimeter in a portion along its axial direction and a second outer perimeter in another portion along its axial direction, the second outer perimeter being smaller than the first outer perimeter, the opening (8) extending through the screening module (1) or an adjacent screening module; The second element (5) has an internal thread for engaging with the external thread of the first element (4) such that when the first element (4) and the second element (5) are threadedly interconnected, the screening module (1) is attached to the screen panel support (2). in, The outer periphery of the second element (5) includes a plurality of grooves (9) for engaging with the loading and unloading tool (10), and The first element (4) is hollow and has a flange at its bottom, and the first element (4) can be attached to the screen panel support (2) by bolts (6) and nuts (7), wherein the head of the bolt is configured to abut against the flange when the first element (4) is attached to the screen panel support (2).

2. The sieve (3) according to claim 1, wherein, The groove (9) extends along the axial direction and along the entire length of the second element (5).

3. The sieve (3) according to claim 1, wherein, The groove (9) extends along the axial direction and along a finite portion of the length of the second element (5).

4. The sieve (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The first element (4) is made of a material selected from ceramic materials, steel or rigid plastics.

5. The sieve (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The second element (5) is made of thermoplastic material or polyurethane or a combination thereof.

6. The sieve (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The second element (5) includes a core and a housing, wherein the core is relatively softer than the housing.

7. The sieve (3) according to claim 6, wherein, When the second element (5) is screwed onto the first element (4), the external thread of the first element (4) is arranged to cut into the core of the second element (5).

8. The sieve (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The portion of the opening (8) having the first outer periphery is adapted to receive the first element (4) and the second element (5), and the portion of the opening (8) having the second outer periphery is adapted to receive only the first element (4).

9. The sieve (3) according to claim 8, wherein, The inner periphery of the opening (8) includes protrusions for engaging with the outer periphery and / or bottom of the second element (5).

10. A method for fastening a screening module (1) to a screen panel support (2), comprising attaching a first element (4) to the screen panel support (2), the first element (4) being hollow and having a flange at its bottom, and wherein the first element (4) is attached to the screen panel support (2) by bolts (6) and nuts (7), wherein the head of the bolt abuts against the flange; An opening (8) of a screening module (1) or an opening (8) formed by an adjacent screening module (1) is placed around the first element (4), the opening (8) having a first outer periphery along a portion of its axial direction and a second outer periphery along another portion, the opening (8) extending through the screening module (1) or the adjacent screening module; and By engaging the loading / unloading tool (10) with at least one groove (9) provided on the outer periphery of the second element (5), the internal thread of the second element (5) engages with the external thread of the first element (4), and a tightening motion is generated in the second element (5), wherein the second element (5) has a larger outer periphery than the second outer periphery of the opening (8), thereby attaching one or more of the screening modules (1) to the screen panel support (2).

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