Filter Panel

Abstract

The present invention relates to screening panels, such as mineral screening panels, and related screening systems. In one aspect, the present invention provides a panel adapted to engage a support frame in abutment with a plurality of adjacent screening panels, the screening panel comprising: a screening surface having peripheral sides and screen apertures between the peripheral sides; each peripheral side having a plurality of engagement projections extending from the peripheral side in a direction transverse to the screening surface for engaging the support frame to secure the screening panel to the support frame; wherein the projections are shaped and sized to engage complementary structures on the support frame in a snap-fit ​​configuration. The present invention also relates to a screening system comprising a plurality of screening panels and a support frame.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a screening panel and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to a mineral screening panel and associated screening system. Background Art

[0002] Mineral screening is widely used, especially in the mining industry, to separate crushed ore into grades with consistent and specific particle sizes. In other industries, screening can be used, for example, to separate garbage, dewatering, drainage and flushing, and / or sand removal. Historically, screening systems are made using screens of woven wire. Since the screens will wear and damage, the screens must be replaced regularly. Recently, modular screening systems with replaceable panels (typically made of rubber or polyurethane on a steel frame) have been introduced, allowing users to replace worn panels. These modular systems are desirable because the wear on the screen bed surface is uneven, and the modularity of these systems allows only worn panels to be replaced as needed and when needed.

[0003] Screening is an integral part of many mining operations, and screens and panels are considered wear items. Therefore, they contribute directly to the profitability of the mine, and any improvements that address the shortcomings of current systems are highly desirable. Some of the shortcomings associated with current modular screening systems include downtime associated with replacing worn panels and specialized tools for replacing worn panels, the cost of replacing panels, the loss of open area in the panels to allow for enhancement, the weight of the panels (which generally increases the operating cost of the system), and the ingress of fine ore between panels.

[0004] Many methods for solving these shortcomings are described in the prior art.Australian Patent No. 2006243879 (" Ludowici discloses ") entitled "A screening module retaining assembly " under Ludowici Australia Pty Ltd. discloses a screening module retaining assembly, and the screening module retaining assembly includes a main body member that limits a passage.Main body member includes a positioning structure (formation, structure) associated with the first end of the main body member, for engaging the screening module to help keep the screening module relative to the sieve plate.Retaining element is displaceably arranged in the passage, and the retaining element can be displaced between the first non-retaining position and the second retaining position, in the first non-retaining position, the retaining element can be approached from the first end of the main body member, and in the second retaining position, the retaining element is received in the passage and acts on at least a portion of the main body member, for holding the main body member relative to the parts of the sieve plate in place.The head of the retaining element defines a receiving structure for receiving a complementary structure of the screening module, to help keep the screening module laterally relative to the sieve plate. A disadvantage of the retaining assembly described in the Ludwig publication is that it requires intermediate retaining elements and a frame to attach the screening module to the screening panel. This increases the number of parts required for use and installation, which is undesirable.

[0005] Patent Cooperation Treaty International Application No. PCT / AU2015 / 000009 (published as WO 2015 / 106305) in the name of Schenck Process Australia Pty Ltd, entitled "Ore screening panel fixing system" ("the Early Schenck Publication"), discloses a screening panel comprising a plurality of screening panels to form a screening surface; each panel having a thickness and an edge face located on the periphery of the panel. It comprises a support frame for the screening panels and fixing means for fixing the panels to the support frame. The fixing means consists of a recess in the edge face and a fixing band having a complementary protrusion that cooperates with the recess on the edge face, the fixing band being integral with the support frame or fixable to the support frame. A disadvantage of the system described in the Early Schenck Publication is that the edge faces without the recess are not fixed to the fixing band, which allows movement between adjacent edge faces and ingress of fines between the edge faces.

[0006] U.S. Patent No. 4,661,245, entitled "Screening system" in the name of Fioris Pty Ltd (the "Fioris Publication"), discloses a modular screening system comprising a plurality of screening modules supported in an interlocking manner with clamping bars secured to a screening machine in parallel spaced relationship and positioned across the screening machine. The modules have a peripheral portion defined by side walls and end walls, the peripheral portion having a plurality of openings extending inwardly from the peripheral portion through the modules. The side walls and end walls of the modules are provided with interengaging means which interlock with longitudinal and transverse passages in the clamping bars to secure the modules in place in the machine, the modules being provided with interengaging means whereby the modules are interlocked together. A disadvantage of the screening system described in the Fioris Publication is that the modules require an integrated frame and at least part of the interengaging means protrudes inwardly from the peripheral portion, which reduces the opening area of ​​the screening module.

[0007] U.S. Patent No. 9,327,318 ("Tega Publication"), entitled "Snap fit screen panel and fixing system" under the name of Tega Industries Limited, discloses a fixing device for a screen panel, the fixing device comprising a screen panel having side edges / sides on either side. The panel is adapted to be fixed to an adapter rod, and the rod is adapted to be mounted on a screen frame. This rod extends horizontally on the screen frame and between the side edge regions of a pair of the screen panels, the adapter rod having at least one concave portion in the form of a fixing groove on its top surface, so that the groove has an internal profile that precisely matches the external profile of the bottom of the screen panel, for securely receiving the bottom and snap-fitting therewith, and the adapter rod is fixed to a portion of the screen frame by a suitable fixing device. A disadvantage of the panel described in the Tega Publication is that the screen panel snaps into the groove on the adapter rod, which allows the screen panel to move in the direction of the groove. This results in relative movement between the panels and can cause fines to enter between the panels.

[0008] U.S. Patent No. 4,762,610, entitled "Screening arrangement" in the name of Screenex Wire Weaving Manufacturers (Proprietary) Limited ("Screenex Disclosure") discloses a screening panel having screen apertures and can be fixed to a support frame side by side with similar panels to form a screen plate. The panel has ridges along both sides thereof protruding above the screening surface. The ridges form a passage that restricts the flow of liquid through the screen plate through the screen apertures. Grooves extend through the ridges to direct the liquid flowing through the screen plate directly into the screen apertures. The screening panel has sleeve-like protrusions spaced apart from each other along the peripheral area of ​​the panel. The protrusions are paired with protrusions on similar panels through fixing holes in the support frame. A disadvantage of the Screenex Disclosure is that at least part of the sleeve-like protrusions extend inward from the periphery, occupying space that could be more usefully utilized by the screen apertures to increase the open area of ​​the panel.

[0009] Patent Cooperation Treaty International Application No. PCT / SE2005 / 001303 (the "Metso Publication"), entitled "Screen and screen element" in the name of Metso Minerals (Wear Protection) AB, discloses a screen element for a screen, the screen element having a longitudinal side adapted to be arranged in the longitudinal direction of a screen frame and a transverse side adapted to be arranged in the transverse direction of the screen frame. The transverse side of the screen element is provided with at least one protrusion and / or at least one recess for locking engagement with a corresponding protrusion and / or recess on an adjacent screen element arranged in the screen frame in a direction transverse to the plane of the screen element. A screen with a screen element is also disclosed, the screen comprising a plurality of screen elements arranged on the screen frame by snap-locking via an attachment section. The snap-locking consists of an undercut groove, which engages the attachment section in the longitudinal direction of the screen. A disadvantage of the screen element and screen disclosed by Metso is that the undercut grooves for the snap-on locking only provide frictional resistance for the elements sliding in the longitudinal direction along the attachment section, and the frictional resistance can be overcome under higher load conditions. This will lead to undesirable sliding movement along the attachment section and between the elements, which can form gaps between the elements and the ingress of fine ore.

[0010] Purpose of the invention

[0011] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a screening panel which at least partially alleviates at least some of the disadvantages associated with the prior art, or provides a useful alternative. Summary of the invention

[0012] According to the present invention there is provided a screening panel adapted to abuttingly engage a supporting frame with a plurality of adjacent screening panels, the screening panel comprising:

[0013] - a screening surface having peripheral sides and screening holes between the peripheral sides;

[0014] - each peripheral side has a plurality of engagement projections extending from the peripheral side in a direction transverse to the screening surface for engaging the support frame;

[0015] - projections shaped and dimensioned to engage complementary formations on the support frame in a snap-fit ​​configuration for limiting longitudinal movement along each peripheral side of the panel and movement of the panel transverse to the screening surface when engaged;

[0016] - Each side has inter-panel structure for engaging an adjacent screening panel and, when engaged to an adjacent panel, restricts relative movement between the screening panel and the adjacent screening panel along the engaged side longitudinally and transversely to the screening surface.

[0017] The engagement protrusions define spaces between adjacent protrusions arranged in a regular pattern of engagement protrusions and spaces along each side.

[0018] The screening panel may have a polygonal shape with an even number of sides, such that each side has opposing parallel sides.

[0019] The opposing sides may have complementary and interlocking inter-panel structure such that the inter-panel structure on one side of the screening panel engages and interlocks with complementary structure on the opposing side of an adjacent panel.

[0020] The inter-panel structure on one peripheral side is identical to the inter-panel structure on every other peripheral side, so that the panels can join adjacent panels in multiple orientations.

[0021] The perimeter shape may be square.

[0022] The perimeter shape of the panel may be rectangular, and the length of the rectangular shape is twice the width of the rectangular shape.

[0023] The inter-panel structure includes an engagement projection arrangement, wherein the engagement projections extend from the sides and are staggered laterally, with a complementary and oppositely staggered arrangement on the opposite sides, so that the staggered projections on the sides of the screening panel interlock with the complementary and oppositely staggered projections on the opposite sides of the adjacent screening panel to secure the screening panel to the adjacent screening panel in a longitudinal direction along and between the adjacent sides.

[0024] The secondary inter-panel structure may include male nubs and female recesses on alternating staggered protrusions.

[0025] The inter-panel structure may be formed by side surfaces and engaging protrusions bent along the side surfaces.

[0026] The inter-panel structure may be a primary structure and include a secondary inter-panel structure. The secondary inter-panel structure may be superimposed on the primary structure.

[0027] The secondary inter-panel structures are alternating protrusions and indentations that extend laterally from the sides and engage in a snap-fit ​​configuration.

[0028] The panel may be of unitary construction.

[0029] The screening panel may comprise an integrally formed structural formation.

[0030] The structural features may be ribs extending from one side to the opposite side between the mesh openings.

[0031] One or more of the ribs may also include engagement protrusions.

[0032] The screening panel may be made from injection moulded plastic.

[0033] The screening panels may be made from injection moulded polyurethane.

[0034] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a screening system comprising:

[0035] - a supporting frame; and

[0036] - Multiple filter panels;

[0037] - the support frames are arranged in a pattern corresponding to the sides of the screening panels so that the frames form open portions therebetween, the panels abutting adjacent screening panels and the engagement projections on the sides of the panels engage complementary structures on the support frames in a snap fit configuration.

[0038] The system may include a plurality of frame protectors adjacent an inner perimeter of the frame for protecting the frame from material screened by the screening surface of the panel.

[0039] The frame protectors are angled to form a tapered bevel in the open portion, and ends of the frame protectors are beveled to correspond to and abut opposite ends of adjacent protector panels.

[0040] Two opposing frame protectors may be connected back-to-back by a middle portion, wherein a first frame protector protects one side of the frame, a second frame protector protects an opposite side of the frame, and the middle portion connects the frame protectors such that the frame protectors straddle the frame.

[0041] The frame protector may comprise a plurality of integrally formed complementary formations for engaging engagement projections of the screening panel.

[0042] The frame protector may include apertures between the complementary structures such that the complementary structures of the support frame may extend through the apertures.

[0043] The structure may be arranged so that when the frame protector is installed, complementary structure of the frame protector and complementary structure of the support frame are aligned.

[0044] The frame protector may be designed in shape and size to correspond to the shape and size of the opening portion and include an integrally formed structural member in the opening portion.

[0045] The system includes a side panel attached to an outer perimeter of the frame and including a plurality of engagement protrusions extending from one side for engaging complementary structures on the support frame in a snap-fit ​​configuration.

[0046] The side panels may include inter-panel structure for joining the sides of the screening panel to the outer periphery of the frame.

[0047] The system may include one or more impact panels adapted to engage a support frame in abutment with a plurality of adjacent screening panels or impact panels, the impact panel comprising an impact surface having a peripheral side; each peripheral side having a plurality of engagement protrusions extending from the peripheral side in a direction transverse to the impact surface for engaging the support frame to secure the impact panel to the support frame; and wherein the protrusions are shaped and sized to engage complementary structures on the support frame in a snap-fit ​​configuration.

[0048] The sides may include inter-panel structure for engaging and securing the impact panel to an adjacent screening panel or impact panel.

[0049] The impact panel is the same as the screening panel, except that the impact panel does not include screen holes.

[0050] According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a screening panel adapted to abuttingly engage a support frame with a plurality of adjacent screening panels, the screening panel comprising:

[0051] - a screening surface having a peripheral side;

[0052] - each peripheral side has a plurality of engagement projections extending from the peripheral side in a direction transverse to the screening surface for engaging the support frame to secure the screening panel to the support frame;

[0053] - wherein the protrusions are shaped and dimensioned to engage complementary structures on the support frame in a snap-fit ​​configuration, and

[0054] - The stiffness of the panel and the engagement projections is relatively greater than the stiffness of the support frame so that the complementary structure of the frame deforms to engage the engagement projections of the screening panel in a snap-fit ​​configuration.

[0055] The panels may be made of stainless steel.

[0056] The screening surface is formed by regularly spaced elongated wedges extending across the screening surface with a screening aperture between each elongated wedge.

[0057] The frame may be made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

[0058] The frame may be made of rubber.

[0059] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a screening panel suitable for engaging a support frame, the screening panel comprising: a screening surface having peripheral sides and screening holes between the peripheral sides; each peripheral side being continuously supported by the support frame; the screening panel having planar protrusions continuously arranged along the peripheral sides on its surface facing the frame, the shape and size of the planar protrusions being designed to engage with complementary structures on the support frame in a snap-fit ​​configuration, thereby forming a simply supported or constrained plate structure for the panel.

[0060] The panel is adapted to abuttingly engage a support frame with a plurality of adjacent panels, wherein each panel and adjacent panels engage complementary structures on the support frame in a snap-fit ​​configuration to form a simply supported or restrained board construction for each panel and adjacent panels. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0061] Embodiments of the present invention are described below by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0062] Figure 1 is a schematic upper perspective view of a first embodiment of a screening panel;

[0063] Figure 2 for Figure 1 a schematic lower perspective view of a screening panel;

[0064] Figure 3 for Figure 1 and Figure 2 a schematic first side view of a screening panel;

[0065] Figure 4 for Figures 1 to 4 a schematic second side view of a screening panel;

[0066] Figure 5 for Figures 1 to 4 A schematic top view of a screening panel;

[0067] Figure 6is a schematic upper perspective view of a second embodiment of a screening panel;

[0068] Figure 7 for Figure 6 a schematic lower perspective view of a screening panel;

[0069] Figure 8 for Figure 6 and Figure 7 a schematic first side view of a screening panel;

[0070] Fig. 9 for Figures 6 to 8 a schematic second side view of a screening panel;

[0071] Fig.10 for Figures 6 to 9 A schematic top view of a screening panel;

[0072] Fig.11 is a schematic upper perspective view of a third embodiment of a screening panel;

[0073] Fig.12 for Fig.11 a schematic lower perspective view of a screening panel;

[0074] Fig.13 for Fig.11 and Fig.12 a schematic first side view of a screening panel;

[0075] Fig.14 for Figures 11 to 13 a schematic second side view of a screening panel;

[0076] Fig.15 for Figures 11 to 14 A schematic top view of a screening panel;

[0077] Fig.16 is a schematic upper perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a screening panel;

[0078] Fig.17 for Fig.16 a schematic lower perspective view of a screening panel;

[0079] Fig.18 for Fig.16 and Fig.17 a schematic first side view of a screening panel;

[0080] Fig.19 for Figures 16 to 18 a schematic second side view of a screening panel;

[0081] Fig. 20 for Figures 16 to 19 A schematic top view of a screening panel;

[0082] Fig.21 is a schematic perspective view of a screening system comprising a plurality of protective panels and two screening panels of a fourth embodiment of a screening panel;

[0083] Fig. 22 is a schematic perspective view of a screening system with a screening panel of a fourth embodiment of the screening panel;

[0084] Fig.23 is a schematic perspective view of a frame protector;

[0085] Fig.24 for Fig.23 A schematic top view of a frame protector;

[0086] Fig.25 for Fig.23 and Fig.24 A schematic end view of a frame protector;

[0087] Fig.26 for Figure 23 to Figure 25 A schematic bottom view of a frame protector;

[0088] Fig. 27 is a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of a frame protector;

[0089] Fig.28 is a schematic perspective view of a screening system including a fifth embodiment of a side panel and a screening panel;

[0090] FIG29 is a schematic front perspective view of a side panel; and

[0091] 30 is a schematic rear perspective view of the side panel of FIG. 29 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0092] With reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like features are indicated by like numbers, the screening panel is generally indicated by the reference numeral 1. For each embodiment, many features of the screening panel 1 are repeated and occur multiple times. At least some of these features are indicated in the accompanying drawings with appropriate reference numerals. However, due to the large number of these features, it is not advisable to indicate all occurrences as highly repeated with numbers. Those skilled in the art will be able to easily identify similar features from the indicated features.

[0093] Five embodiments of the screening panel 1 are shown in the drawings. Figures 1 to 5 A first embodiment is shown in Figures 6 to 10 A second embodiment is shown in Figures 11 to 15The third embodiment is shown in FIG. The first to third embodiments of the screening panel 1 all have a square perimeter profile with four sides 2 (viewed from the top or bottom). Figures 16 to 22 A fourth embodiment is shown in FIG. The fourth embodiment is similar to the third embodiment and has a rectangular perimeter shape. Fig. 22 2 shows two screening panels of a fifth embodiment which is similar to the third embodiment but has larger screening holes 4 .

[0094] The screening panel 1 is a unitary construction made of a single (or single composite) material, and its shape is used to obtain structural strength and rigidity. This eliminates the need for an embedded steel frame to provide structural strength and rigidity, and greatly simplifies its manufacture, and makes the manufacture of the panel 1 more cost-effective. Each screening panel 1 has a screening surface 2, the screening surface having a peripheral side 3 and a plurality of screen holes 4, the screen holes extending through the screening surface 2 (in a direction that is typically the screening direction). In the examples described herein, the screening panels 1 all have four sides 3. However, those skilled in the art will understand with reference to the description herein that many polygonal peripheral profiles can be used to achieve similar effects while maintaining the advantages of the screening panels described herein. The shape and size of the screen holes 4 can be similarly varied depending on the application of the screening panel. The size will generally depend on the grade size of the ore or mineral being screened (e.g., see the size difference between the holes shown in the fifth embodiment relative to the other embodiments). Similarly, the shape of the hole can be varied to increase or decrease the opening area, change the strength of the screening surface 2, or achieve other desired effects for a specific application.

[0095] The screening panel 1 is used as part of a screening system 100, wherein the screening panel 1 engages a support frame 101 in abutting relation with a plurality of adjacent screening panels 1. Each peripheral side has a plurality of engagement projections 5. The projections 5 extend in a direction transverse to the screening surface 2 (in a direction such as Figure 310. The projection 5 is formed in the shape of the peripheral side and corresponds to the shape of the peripheral side, so that the projection is basically a formed extension of the peripheral side. This allows the thickness of the profile of the projection to be the same as the thickness of the peripheral side, so that no part of the projection 5 protrudes inward to reduce the opening area of ​​the panel 1, and the outermost surface of the projection will correspond to the peripheral side. The projection 5 is a planar projection arranged continuously along the peripheral side, wherein the outermost planar portion of the planar projection corresponds to the side 3 of the panel, and the planar projection 5 extends from the frame 101 facing surface of the panel. The shape and size of the projection 5 are designed to engage the support frame 101, and the panel 1 is fixed to the frame 101 by engaging the complementary structure 102 on the frame 101 in a snap-fit ​​configuration. Snap-fit ​​is commonly used to releasably attach flexible components to each other and is widely used in plastic components. In this example, the screening panel 1 will typically be made of rubber or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) both of which are highly flexible and elastic. The panel 1 is of integral construction and is made of air cast or injection molded polyurethane. The material, shape and configuration allow the panel 1 to function without the need for an integrated frame as in the prior art. In addition to resisting pull-out forces (in direction z), the shape of the protrusions also resists movement along the peripheral sides. Since these protrusions are present on all peripheral sides, movement in the x and y directions is simultaneously limited, allowing a simple snap-fit ​​connection to form an effective attachment to the underlying frame when the panel is installed. The protrusions 5 form a repeating pattern of protrusions and voids that are mirrored in the frame 101. Once engaged, each side 3 of the panel is continuously supported along the side, thereby forming a simply supported or constrained plate structure for each single panel 1, which increases the structural integrity and rigidity of each panel when compared to panels that are only supported along their portions.

[0096] The support frame 101 will typically be made of a more rigid material such as steel, stainless steel, glass fiber or carbon fiber reinforced nylon or ceramic material. Alternatively, the panel 1 may be made of a harder material such as stainless steel and the frame made of a resilient material such as polyurethane or rubber while maintaining the snap fit configuration described above.

[0097] The projections 5 and complementary structures 102 described and depicted herein are shaped to interlock and engage with snap fits. Functionally, each projection 5 is similar to two back-to-back multi-purpose cantilever snap fit structures, each capable of engaging and grasping the undercut formed by a portion of the complementary structure 102. The bending quality of the snap fit is provided by the compliance and deformation of the projection during installation. This allows the panel 21 to be easily installed to the frame by applying a force in the direction z. This can be done with a hammer or a mallet, whereby the projection 5 engages the complementary structure 102 a little at a time at the location where the force (or hammering) is applied. Once all projections 5 engage the frame, the combined resistance provided is large and too large to be removed for normal use. In order to remove the panel 1, the user will typically use a wedge to remove a portion of the panel 1 so that the individual snap fits with lower resistance are loosened. Having projections 5 on all sides 3 of the panel allows the panel to be easily and quickly installed (using simple tools as described above), and no additional fasteners or special tools are required. It is expected that the installation process is as simple as possible, and the panel 1 can be installed by hand without using a hammer as described above. This can be achieved by simply applying pressure to the sides of the panel 1 with the palm or fist of the hand. Similarly, once the corners of the panel are free from the frame, removal can be achieved by hand. Extraction of the corners can be done by hand, but can also be achieved using screws screwed into the corners to provide the necessary leverage for initial corner extraction (in conjunction with a breaker bar or other mechanism). Once the first protrusion 5 is extracted, successive protrusions 5 can be sequentially extracted by flexibly deforming the panel, which requires less force as the resistance of only one protrusion 5 needs to be overcome at a time. This makes removal of the panel simple and easy without the need for the use of special tools, and once the initial corner is extracted, the panel 1 can typically be removed by hand.

[0098] The second to fifth embodiments of the screening panel 1 have inter-panel structures that join the panel to adjacent panels. A distinction will be made herein between primary inter-panel structures 6 and secondary inter-panel structures 7. The distinction is made because functional features common to each structure can be distinguished. For example, functionally, the primary structure 6 is used to join the panel to the adjacent panel in the longitudinal direction along its side (see Fig.10 In addition to the directions x and y, the secondary structure 7 is also used to fix adjacent panels 1 in a direction transverse to the screening surface 2 (see Figure 8 However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the structures (6 and 7) need not be separate and that complex inter-panel structures securing in multiple directions may be envisaged.

[0099] It is desirable that, in the case where the primary structure 6 and / or the secondary structure 7 change the side shape of the panel, the opposite sides have complementary and interlocking shapes. To achieve this, the panel needs to have an even number of sides, so that each side (3a or 3c) has a relative parallel side (3b or 3d). This allows the opposite sides to be complementary and interlocking, so that the panel structure on one side (3a or 3c) of the screening panel 1 can be engaged and interlocked with the complementary structure (6 and 7) on the opposite side (3b or 3d) of the adjacent panel 1. Similarly, it is desirable that the structure (6 and 7) on one side is the same as the structure on the remaining sides. This allows the panel 1 to be rotated 90°, 180° or 270° and engage the adjacent panel 1, regardless of orientation. For example, this is useful for evenly distributing wear across the panel 1. In the case where the hole 4 of the panel 1 is elongated and the material is tracked between the holes 4, it is also useful to install a panel rotated 90° so that the elongated holes are oriented in different directions, and the material tracked between the holes 4 of the front panel 1 can be screened by the rotating rear panel 1.

[0100] Typically, as is the case with the embodiments described herein, the perimeter shape of the panel 1 is substantially square. The panel may also be rectangular, such as Figures 16 to 20 as well as Fig.21 and Fig. 22 A fourth embodiment of the panel shown in FIG. 1 can be seen, where the frame is arranged in a square grid and each rectangular panel 1 covers and engages two adjacent square sections of the frame. In this embodiment, the structure (6 and 7) on the long side of the panel 1 is identical to two consecutive repetitions of the structure (6 and 7) on the short side of the panel. This allows the short side to engage a portion of the long side so that two adjacent short sides can engage the long side of the panel. The rectangular panel may also include an additional set of engagement protrusions 5 located in the center of the two short sides to engage the square frame layout.

[0101] Examples herein will be described with reference to side 3a and the opposing side 3b, with the other sides being similar enough to be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0102] In the second embodiment, the primary structure 6 is an arrangement of projections 5 extending from the side 3a and staggered laterally with a complementary and reverse staggered arrangement on the opposite side 3b. The staggered projections on the side 3a of the screening panel 1 (see structure 6a) interlock with the complementary and reverse staggered projections on the opposite side 3b of the adjacent screening panel (see structure 6b) to secure the screening panel 1 to the adjacent screening panel in the longitudinal direction (x or y) along and between the adjacent sides. The secondary inter-panel structure of the second embodiment of the screening panel 1 is in the form of male nubs 7a and female notches 7b on the interlocking alternating staggered projections 5.

[0103] In the third embodiment, the main inter-panel structure 6 is in the form of a side 3 having a curved shape. This curve in the example is a regular and repeating curve (similar to a shallow sine curve) and extends along the length of each side 3. The curve is Fig.15 6a and are arranged so that each side 3 has five oscillations. The curve on one side 3a is opposite to the curve on the opposite side 3b so that the concave portion of the curve 6a will correspond to the convex portion of the curve 6b on the opposite side 3b. The third embodiment has a secondary inter-panel structure in the form of alternating protrusions 7a and indentations 7b extending laterally from the side 3 and engaging in a snap-fit ​​configuration so that the protrusions 7a will engage the indentations 7b on the adjacent panel.

[0104] The fourth embodiment has a curved primary inter-panel structure 6 similar to the third embodiment. The fourth embodiment also has a secondary inter-panel structure 7 in the form of alternating protrusions 7a and indentations 7b similar to the third embodiment, and includes two sets of primary structures 6 and secondary structures 7 that are identical and arranged in a stacked manner. The fourth embodiment has a rectangular perimeter shape that, when the length of the rectangle is divided in half, will form two substantially square portions. The structures (6 and 7) are also arranged so that the structures (6 and 7) on the longer sides are two repetitions of the structures (6 and 7) on the shorter sides. This allows the longer sides to be joined to the shorter sides along their length so that the panels can be placed in different orientations. This is clearly shown in FIG. Fig. 22 , where some of the panels are arranged in one orientation and others are oriented at 90°. If all panels 1 are oriented in the same direction, arranging the panels in alternating orientations has advantages for capturing material that may track between holes 4. This allows the fourth embodiment to be used with square panels 1 in a system 100, where the lower frame 101 is arranged in a square grid. This also allows the fourth embodiment to include an additional set of engagement protrusions 5 located in the center of the two short sides. The additional set of engagement protrusions 5 can be twice the thickness of the engagement protrusions 5 on the short sides to engage the lower frame, where two adjacent square panels will engage the lower frame.

[0105] The screening panel 1 may include an integrally formed structural feature 8. The first and second embodiments have structural features in the form of ribs 8 extending between the sides 3 and between the screening holes 4. Where these ribs 8 are centrally located, they may also include engagement projections 5 which may engage the support frame 101. The ribs shown in the figures extend in two directions (x and y) and are integrally formed with the panel to provide structural strength.

[0106] The present invention also extends to a screening panel (not shown) suitable for engaging a support frame in abutment with a plurality of adjacent screening panels, the screening panel comprising: a screening surface having a peripheral side; each peripheral side having a plurality of engagement protrusions extending from the peripheral side in a direction transverse to the screening surface for engaging the support frame to secure the screening panel to the support frame; wherein the shape and size of the protrusions are designed to engage complementary structures on the support frame in a snap-fit ​​configuration, and the stiffness of the panel and the engagement protrusions is relatively greater than the stiffness of the support frame so that the complementary structures of the frame are deformed to engage the engagement protrusions of the screening panel in a snap-fit ​​configuration.

[0107] In this form, the panel will typically not include an inter-panel structure, and the rigidity of the panel is greater than the rigidity of the lower frame. This will be useful in the case where the screening surface requires a harder wear-resistant material while maintaining the benefits of snap fit as described herein. The snap fit is configured to be achieved by bending of a complementary structure of the lower frame, which is made of a material that is less rigid but more flexible than the panel. Typically, the panel will be made of stainless steel, with a screening surface formed by regularly spaced elongated wedges extending across the screening surface, forming an elongated screening slot between each elongated wedge. The lower frame will typically be made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or rubber. In use, a plurality of panels 1 are used as part of a screening system 100 that can be installed in a vibrating screen. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the panel may also be applicable to a drum screen. The frame 101 is arranged in a pattern corresponding to the side 3 of the screening panel 1 so that the frame forms an opening portion between the frames covered by the panel 1. The system may include a plurality of frame protectors 103 adjacent the inner perimeter of the frame 101 to prevent material screened by the screening surface 2 of the panel 1 (such as fallen ore) from colliding with the frame 101 and damaging the frame. The frame protectors will typically be made of polyurethane or a similar sacrificial polymeric material. The frame protectors 103 may also be made of a harder material to stabilize the engagement protrusions and prevent the panel 1 from being removed. The frame protectors 103 may also be attached to the panel 1 prior to installation, as described further below. The frame protectors 103 have angled major surfaces 105 to form a tapered bevel in the open portion, and the ends 106 of the frame protectors are beveled to correspond to and abut the opposite ends 106 of the adjacent protector panels. This allows the protectors 103 to be arranged along the inner perimeter of the frame 101. Figure 21 to Figure 26 The frame protector shown in is composed of two opposing parts connected back to back by a middle part 107. The first part of the protector 102 protects one side of the frame 103, and the second part of the frame protector 103 protects the opposite side of the frame 101. The middle part 107 connects the parts so that they straddle the frame 101.

[0108] An alternative embodiment of the frame protector 103 is Fig. 27 . In this embodiment, the frame protector 103 is shaped and sized to correspond to the opening portion of the frame 101, and includes a structural member 111 to structurally strengthen the frame protector 103 and the attached panel 1 (described below). The frame protector 103 includes a plurality of integrally formed complementary structures 110 for engaging the engagement protrusions 5 of the screening panel. This allows the frame protector to be pre-installed to the screening panel 1 so that the screen protector 103 and the panel 1 can be replaced simultaneously on the vibrating screen or drum screen during use. This is beneficial because the wear life of the panel 1 and the frame protector is substantially the same. The example shown herein includes four complementary structures 110 located at each corner thereof. Between the structures 110 are holes or openings that allow the engagement protrusions 5 of the panel 1 to engage the frame 101 below. In addition, the structure 110 of the frame protector 103 will be aligned with the structure 102 of the frame 101, allowing the panel 1 to engage the frame 101 when pre-installed to the protector.

[0109] The system 100 also includes a plurality of side panels 108 attached to the outer perimeter of the frame and including a plurality of engagement protrusions 5 extending from one side 109 for engaging complementary structures 102 on the support frame 101 in a snap-fit ​​configuration. Additionally, the sides 109 of the side panels 108 may also include inter-panel structures similar to the structures of panel 1 to engage panel 1 installed adjacent to the side panels 108. The side panels 108 may be installed on the sides of the shaker screen to prevent screened material from damaging the shaker screen. Figure 22 to Figure 24 The side panel 108 is shown in FIG. 1 as being composed of two parts, but may be of unitary construction.

[0110] The system 100 may include one or more impact panels (not shown). For example, the impact panels are used where the falling ore impacts the vibrating screen. These impact panels are identical to the panels 1 described above, except that they do not include any screen holes 4. This allows the initial impact of the falling ore to be absorbed before the screening process continues on the vibrating screen. Since these impact panels are identical to the screening panels except for the lack of the screen holes 4, each impact panel is adapted to engage the support frame 101 in abutment with a plurality of adjacent screening panels 1 or impact panels including an impact surface having a peripheral side. Each peripheral side has a plurality of engagement protrusions extending from the peripheral side in a direction transverse to the impact surface for engaging the support frame 101 to secure the impact panel to the support frame 101, and the protrusions are shaped and sized to engage complementary structures on the support frame 101 in a snap-fit ​​configuration. The sides of the impact panel may also include inter-panel structures for engaging and securing the impact panel to adjacent screening panels or impact panels.

[0111] The panel 1 and system 100 described herein have many advantages over the prior art. The presence of the protrusions 5 and complementary structures 102 on all peripheral sides allows the panel to be fixed and resist movement in all major directions, and provides a stable attachment to the support frame 101 without sacrificing the ease of installation and / or removal or compromising the opening area of ​​the panel 1. The resistance to movement reduces the possibility of fines entering between the panels or their accidental removal. The integral and single material construction of each panel allows the manufacturing process to be simplified, thereby reducing costs. The inter-panel structure provides resistance to relative movement between the panels in multiple directions and increases the stability of the system as a whole. The interlocking, symmetrical and complementary nature of the panel 1 and its inter-panel structure is a concise and effective way to obtain these advantages. Adding many of the same features to the blank panels, frame protectors and side panels provides a modular system and extends many of the advantages of the panel to other parts that can be used with the system.

[0112] It is contemplated that the present invention will provide a screening panel that is easily installed or replaced on a screening system using conventional tools. The panel's engagement projections enable the user to have a panel secured in normal use with screen apertures of increased opening area when compared to conventional screening panels that use external fasteners or have an integrated frame. The inter-panel structure additionally enhances the integrity and engagement of the panel and system, thereby allowing for reduced material costs while maintaining the advantages of a larger opening area.

[0113] The invention is not limited to the precise details described herein. For example, hexagonal or octagonal panels may be used instead of square panels. Furthermore, instead of having primary and secondary inter-panel structures, these structures may be integrally formed to achieve a similar effect.

Claims

1. A screening panel adapted to abut against a support frame with a plurality of adjacent screening panels, comprising: a screening surface having peripheral sides and screening apertures between the peripheral sides; Each peripheral side has a plurality of engagement protrusions extending from the peripheral side in a direction transverse to the screening surface for engaging the support frame; the shape and size of the protrusions are designed to engage with complementary structures on the support frame in a snap-fit ​​configuration to limit the longitudinal movement along each peripheral side of the panel and the movement of the panel transverse to the screening surface when engaged; each side has an inter-panel structure for engaging adjacent screening panels, and when engaged to adjacent panels, the inter-panel structure limits the relative movement between the screening panel and the adjacent screening panel along the engaged side longitudinally and transversely to the screening surface.

2. A screening panel according to claim 1, wherein the engagement projections define spaces between adjacent projections arranged in a regular pattern of engagement projections and spaces along each side.

3. The screening panel of claim 1, wherein the screening panel has a polygonal shape with an even number of sides, such that each side has opposing parallel sides.

4. A screening panel according to claim 3 wherein opposing sides have complementary and interlocking inter-panel structure such that the inter-panel structure on one side of the screening panel engages and interlocks with complementary structure on an opposing side of an adjacent panel.

5. A screening panel according to claim 1 wherein the inter-panel structure on one peripheral side is identical to the inter-panel structure on every other peripheral side, enabling a panel to join adjacent panels in a plurality of orientations.

6. A screening panel according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the perimeter shape of the screening panel is square.

7. A screening panel according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the perimeter shape of the screening panel is rectangular, and the length of the rectangular shape is twice the width of the rectangular shape.

8. A screening panel according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the inter-panel structure includes an arrangement of the engaging protrusions, which extend from the side and are laterally staggered, and have a complementary and reverse staggered arrangement on the opposite side, so that the staggered protrusions on the side of the screening panel are interlocked with the complementary and reverse staggered protrusions on the opposite side of the adjacent screening panel to fix the screening panel to the adjacent screening panel in the longitudinal direction along the adjacent sides and between the adjacent sides.

9. A screening panel according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the inter-panel structure is formed by the side surfaces and engaging projections bent along the side surfaces.

10. A screening panel according to claim 9, wherein the inter-panel structure comprises alternating projections and indentations extending laterally from the sides and engaging in a snap-fit ​​arrangement.

11. A screening panel according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the screening panel comprises an integrally formed structural construction.

12. A screening panel according to claim 11, wherein the structures are configured as ribs extending from one side to an opposite side between the screening apertures.

13. A screening panel according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the screening panel is made from a polymer.

14. A screening panel as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 5 wherein the screening panel is made from a relatively more rigid material than the supporting frame.

15. A screening system comprising: Support frame; and a plurality of screening panels according to any one of claims 1 to 14; The support frames are arranged in a pattern corresponding to the sides of the screening panels so that the frames form open portions therebetween and engagement projections on the sides of the panels engage complementary structures on the support frames in a snap fit configuration.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the system includes a plurality of frame protectors adjacent an inner perimeter of the frame for protecting the frame from material screened by the screening surface of the panel.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the frame protector includes angled surfaces to form a tapered bevel in the open portion, and ends of the frame protector are beveled to correspond to and abut opposite ends of adjacent frame protectors.

18. A system according to claim 16 or 17, wherein two opposing frame protectors are connected back to back by a middle portion, wherein a first frame protector protects one side of the frame and a second frame protector protects an opposite side of the frame, and the middle portion connects the frame protectors so that the frame protectors straddle the frame.

19. A system according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the system includes a side panel attached to the outer periphery of the frame, and the side panel includes a plurality of engagement protrusions extending from one side for engaging complementary structures on the support frame in a snap-fit ​​configuration.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the side panels include inter-panel structure for engaging sides of screening panels on the outer perimeter of the frame.

Images