Improvements to vibrating screens

Abstract

The present invention provides a vibrating screen (100) with several improvements. A side panel (160) includes an outer carbon fiber layer (1720), an inner carbon fiber layer (1710), and a foam layer (130) between the inner and outer carbon fiber layers. A support beam (140) includes an inner core (1420) having at least one carbon fiber layer and an outer polymer shell (1425) formed on said at least one carbon fiber layer. A protective cover (1800) for the support beam (140) includes a cover body (1810) and one or more deflection elements (1820) for deflecting material away from the support beam. Other improvements include a protective plate (200) for the side panel (160) and a drive member assembly (130) having a drive beam (400) with an opening (480) to release stress.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to improvements to vibrating screens, and more particularly to improvements to various components of vibrating screens, especially to improvements to support beams for vibrating screens. The invention was primarily developed for use in vibrating screens applied to the separation of minerals, and will be described below with reference to this application. However, it should be understood that various aspects of the invention can be used in other applications, such as for the protection of screening equipment for separating corrosive or crushable materials or suspensions, or any construction or structure of support elements or beams that require resistance to stress and corrosion. Background Technology

[0002] The following discussion of the prior art is intended to present the invention within the appropriate technical context and to enable a proper understanding of its advantages. However, unless expressly indicated to the contrary, any reference to the prior art in this specification should not be construed as an explicit or implied admission that such art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the art.

[0003] Vibrating screens are frequently used in the mining and mineral processing industries to separate ores of different particle sizes. Vibrating screens can be used in a variety of applications. For example, they are used to separate dry particles such as iron ore. In another example, vibrating screens are used to separate wet particles from dry particles, such as for the separation of spodumene (a hard rock precursor of lithium hydroxide or lithium carbonate).

[0004] A typical vibrating screen includes a frame mounted on springs, with a screen or screen plate fitted onto the frame, and a drive mechanism that induces vibration within the frame (and therefore within the screen). Vibrating screens are typically specified as inclined or horizontal, referring to the type of motion employed. Horizontal vibrating screens use reciprocating or forward / backward motion to induce vibration, while inclined vibrating screens use circular motion. The drive mechanism has a motor operatively connected to one or more drive members, drive beams, or drive shafts mounted to the frame. The motor causes the drive beam to move, which is transmitted to the frame and produces vibration. The drive beam may have an eccentric counterweight to aid in generating vibration. During operation, mineral stones of various particle sizes are loaded onto the screen or screen plate. Vibration is generated by the drive mechanism and transmitted to the frame and screen, thereby sorting the ore particles according to the size of the openings in the screen.

[0005] The main drawback of current vibrating screens revolves around their lifespan, particularly when used as solid separation screens in liquid separation / dewatering processes, increasing the tendency for pitting and corrosion. Conventional vibrating screens are made entirely of a mixture of steel, stainless steel, and polyurethane, depending on the composition. Therefore, conventional vibrating screens are prone to breakage, damage from impacts from moving ore particles, corrosion, bending, rusting, or other forms of degradation, especially when the ore material is corrosive and / or abrasive, or when the liquid operating environment promotes corrosion or rusting of the screen components. For example, corrosion or fatigue in the beams supporting the screen plates weakens their flexibility and resistance to impacts from ore particles and vibrations, thus weakening the entire vibrating screen. This results in the need for frequent refurbishment or replacement of conventional vibrating screens. For example, in the case of dewatering / wet processes, refurbishment may be required every 6 to 8 months. A refurbishment typically costs around AUD 100,000. Therefore, the need for continuous refurbishment due to corrosion and fatigue significantly increases the financial, operational, and maintenance burdens.

[0006] One object of the present invention is to overcome or substantially improve one or more disadvantages of the prior art, or at least provide a useful alternative. In at least one preferred embodiment, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved or useful vibrating screen that has a longer service life by reducing corrosion and / or fatigue in its components. In at least one preferred embodiment, the object of the present invention is also to provide an improved or useful structural component for a vibrating screen that has a longer service life by reducing corrosion and / or fatigue in its support beams. Summary of the Invention

[0007] A first aspect of the invention provides a protective cover for a support beam, comprising a cover body and one or more deflecting elements for deflecting material away from the support beam.

[0008] In some embodiments, one or more deflecting elements are configured to deflect material, which may be in the form of mineral particles and / or liquids. In other embodiments, the deflecting elements include deflecting surfaces to deflect mineral particles and / or liquids away from the support beam. In another embodiment, the deflecting surface is substantially inclined relative to the support beam. In yet another embodiment, one or more deflecting surfaces are formed on one or more inclined sides of the cover body. In one embodiment, the deflecting element is disposed on the outer side of the cover body.

[0009] In some embodiments, the deflecting surface may have one or more screen surfaces for separating solid particles from a liquid. In other embodiments, the screen surface includes one or more openings. In yet another embodiment, the screen surface includes a mesh.

[0010] In some embodiments, the cover body includes a hollow interior. In other embodiments, the cover body includes at least one angled side. In still other embodiments, the cover body includes two sides joined along one edge. In one embodiment, the one or more deflecting elements are formed on at least one of the at least one angled side or at least one of the two sides.

[0011] In some embodiments, the cover body includes one or more top portions, preferably connected to each of the two sides. In other embodiments, the top portions are substantially flat. In another embodiment, the tops are spaced apart along the length of the cover body. In one embodiment, at least one protrusion extends between adjacent top portions to guide mineral particles and / or liquids to the deflection element. In other embodiments, the at least one protrusion includes a ridge or a wing. In yet another embodiment, multiple ridges or winglets are present.

[0012] In other embodiments, there are two inclined sides that connect to form a apex extending along the length of the cover body. In yet another embodiment, a protrusion is formed at the apex.

[0013] In another embodiment, the cover body is substantially triangular, triangular prism-shaped, or V-shaped, with deflection elements or surfaces formed on the inclined sides. In another embodiment, the cover body is substantially U-shaped or curved, with deflection elements or surfaces formed on opposite sides. In some embodiments, the cover body has a shape that is deflected to redirect or redirect mineral particles and / or liquids away from the support beam.

[0014] In some embodiments, the cover body includes a skirt portion along at least one edge for engaging the support beam. In other embodiments, the skirt portion is formed at the edge of at least one inclined side or at least one of two sides.

[0015] In some embodiments, the protective cover includes a recessed portion to reduce the profile of the protective cover. In another embodiment, the recessed portion is formed in at least one side of the cover body. In still other embodiments, the recessed portion is formed on each side of the cover body.

[0016] In some embodiments, the protective cover includes at least one reinforcing element. In other embodiments, the reinforcing element is disposed on the inner side or surface of the cover body. In other embodiments where the protective cover includes a hollow interior, the reinforcing element is disposed between opposing inner sides of the cover body. In one embodiment, the reinforcing element includes a web, plate, or flange for connecting opposing inner sides. In still other embodiments, multiple reinforcing elements are present.

[0017] In some embodiments, the cover body is divided into sub-components, each of which can be connected to each other to form a protective cover. In other embodiments, each sub-component has one or more interlocking elements for connection to another sub-component. In still other embodiments, the interlocking elements include complementary connecting surfaces that overlap each other.

[0018] A second aspect of the invention provides a support beam for a vibrating screen, comprising the protective cover of the first aspect. In some embodiments, the support beam includes a beam body, wherein the protective cover is mounted to the beam body. In other embodiments, the support beam includes a beam body, wherein the protective cover includes a protective cover portion integrally formed with the beam body.

[0019] In some embodiments, as described above, the second aspect may also have the features of the embodiments of the first aspect.

[0020] A third aspect of the present invention provides a support beam for a vibrating screen, comprising:

[0021] The inner core has at least one carbon fiber layer; and

[0022] An outer polymer shell is formed on the at least one carbon fiber layer.

[0023] In some embodiments, the inner core comprises multiple layers of carbon fibers bonded together. In another embodiment, the inner core comprises multiple layers of carbon fiber sheets. In other embodiments, the carbon fiber layers are bonded together by an adhesive. In yet another embodiment, the adhesive is an acrylic adhesive. In one specific embodiment, the adhesive is a methacrylate adhesive. In other embodiments, other adhesives may be used, such as cyanoacrylate adhesives, epoxy resin adhesives, etc.

[0024] In some embodiments, the inner core comprises a substantially hollow member. In other embodiments, the inner core comprises a solid member. In further embodiments, the inner core may have a honeycomb, rigid, semi-rigid, or other type of structure. In still other embodiments, the inner core may have a cross-section of a circular, elliptical, hexagonal, octagonal, rectangular, square, pentagonal, decagonal, dodecagonal, or any other polygonal shape or combination of these shapes.

[0025] In some embodiments, the inner core may consist of only carbon fiber layers. Alternatively, the inner core may be made of other materials, such as steel, stainless steel, foam, plastics including polyurethane (PE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or polypropylene (PP), resins, ceramics, etc. Similarly, the inner core may be composed of composite materials or combinations of two or more of the above materials.

[0026] In some embodiments, one or more interconnecting elements are mounted to the support beam to interconnect the support beam to one or more guide rails. In other embodiments, one or more interconnecting elements are mounted to the inner core. In yet another embodiment, one or more interconnecting elements are mounted to the outer polymer housing.

[0027] In some embodiments, one or more interconnecting elements are configured to interconnect support beams to one or more guide rails. In other embodiments, the interconnecting elements include interconnecting flanges that can be mounted to the support beam along one edge and connected to one or more guide rails. In one embodiment, the interconnecting flange includes a mounting portion for mounting to the support beam and a connecting portion extending from the mounting portion. In another embodiment, one or more guide rails are preferably connected to one side or surface of the connecting portion by fasteners.

[0028] In another embodiment, the interconnecting elements may be integrally formed with the support beam, whether it be an inner core or a polymer shell. In other embodiments, the mounting portion is integrally formed with the support beam, and the connecting portion is fitted or attached to the mounting portion.

[0029] In another embodiment, at least a portion of the interconnect element has a shape complementary to the shape of at least one support beam. In one embodiment, at least one support beam has an outwardly curved shape, and at least one interconnect element portion has a corresponding inwardly curved shape. In another embodiment where the interconnect element includes an interconnect flange, the mounting portion has a corresponding inwardly curved shape.

[0030] In some embodiments, the support beam includes a protective shield for deflecting material off the support beam. In other embodiments, the protective shield is configured to deflect mineral particles. In yet another embodiment, the protective shield is consistent with the protective shield of the first aspect and its embodiments. In still other embodiments, the support beam is consistent with the second aspect and its embodiments.

[0031] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a vibrating screen comprising:

[0032] frame;

[0033] At least one screen plate, said at least one screen plate being connected to the frame; and

[0034] One or more support beams are connected to the frame to support the screen plate, wherein the one or more support beams are consistent with the second or third aspect.

[0035] In some embodiments, at least one screen plate includes a screen surface and one or more guide rails supporting the screen surface, wherein a protective cover receives one or more guide rails. In another embodiment, the protective cover supports one or more guide rails. In still other embodiments, the protective cover includes an opening to receive one or more guide rails. In another embodiment, the opening in the protective cover includes a slot. The slot may be open or closed at one end. In another embodiment, the opening or slot is formed in a side of the protective cover. In another embodiment, the slot is formed such that one or more guide rails extend through opposite sides of the protective cover.

[0036] In some embodiments, when the protective cover is mounted to at least one support beam, one or more mounting elements are configured to mount the cover body to at least one support beam and / or one or more guide rails. In one embodiment, the mounting element includes a web, plate, or flange for connecting the protective cover to at least one support beam and / or one or more guide rails. In another embodiment, the mounting web, flange, or plate is connected to one or more guide rails by one or more fasteners.

[0037] The fourth aspect of the invention may also have features of the embodiments of the first, second or third aspects described above, or any combination of these aspects.

[0038] A fifth aspect of the present invention provides a vibrating screen for separating mineral particles, comprising:

[0039] frame;

[0040] At least one screen plate, said at least one screen plate being connected to the frame;

[0041] One or more support beams for supporting the screen plate, wherein the support beams are connected to the frame; and

[0042] A protective cover, which is mounted to at least one support beam, is used to deflect material passing through the screen plate away from at least one support beam.

[0043] In some embodiments, the protective shield is configured to deflect a material, which may be in the form of mineral particles and / or a liquid. In other embodiments, the protective shield includes one or more deflecting elements. In yet another embodiment, the protective shield may have one or more features of an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention.

[0044] In some embodiments, at least one screen plate includes at least one screen surface and one or more guide rails supporting each screen surface, wherein a protective cover receives one or more guide rails. In another embodiment, the protective cover supports one or more guide rails. In still other embodiments, the protective cover includes an opening to receive one or more guide rails. In another embodiment, the opening in the protective cover includes a slot. The slot may be open or closed at one end. In another embodiment, the opening or slot is formed in a side of the protective cover. In another embodiment, the slot is formed such that one or more guide rails extend through opposite sides of the protective cover.

[0045] In some embodiments, a protective cover is provided on each support beam.

[0046] In some embodiments, one or more mounting elements are configured to mount the cover body to at least one support beam and / or one or more guide rails. In one embodiment, the mounting element includes a web, plate, or flange for connecting the protective cover to at least one support beam and / or one or more guide rails. In another embodiment, the mounting web, flange, or plate is connected to one or more guide rails by one or more fasteners.

[0047] In some embodiments, one or more interconnecting elements are present for interconnecting one or more guide rails and support beams. In other embodiments, one or more interconnecting elements may be mounted to the support beam. In yet another embodiment, one or more interconnecting elements may be mounted to the inner core of the support beam. In yet another embodiment, one or more interconnecting elements may be mounted to the outer polymer housing of the support beam.

[0048] In other embodiments, the interconnecting element includes an interconnecting flange that can be mounted to a support beam along one edge and connected to one or more guide rails. In one embodiment, the interconnecting flange includes a mounting portion for mounting to the support beam and a connecting portion extending from the mounting portion. In another embodiment, one or more guide rails are preferably connected to one side or surface of the connecting portion by fasteners.

[0049] In another embodiment, the interconnecting elements may be integrally formed with the support beam, whether it be an inner core or a polymer shell. In other embodiments, the mounting portion is integrally formed with the support beam, and the connecting portion is fitted or attached to the mounting portion.

[0050] In another embodiment, at least a portion of the interconnecting element has a shape complementary to the shape of at least one support beam. In one embodiment, at least one support beam has an outwardly curved shape, and at least one interconnecting element portion has a corresponding inwardly curved shape. In another embodiment where the interconnecting element includes an interconnecting flange, the mounting portion has a corresponding inwardly curved shape.

[0051] A sixth aspect of the present invention provides a panel for a vibrating screen, the panel comprising:

[0052] At least one outer carbon fiber layer;

[0053] At least one internal carbon fiber layer; and

[0054] At least one foam layer is located between the at least one inner carbon fiber layer and the outer carbon fiber layer.

[0055] In some embodiments, an outer carbon fiber layer is present. In some embodiments, it includes multiple carbon fiber layers bonded together. In other embodiments, the carbon fiber layers are bonded together by an adhesive. In yet another embodiment, the outer carbon fiber layer comprises multiple layered carbon fiber sheets.

[0056] In some embodiments, an inner carbon fiber layer is present. In other embodiments, the inner carbon fiber layer comprises multiple carbon fiber layers bonded together. In other embodiments, the carbon fiber layers are bonded together by an adhesive. In yet another embodiment, the inner carbon fiber layer comprises multiple layered carbon fiber sheets.

[0057] In some embodiments, the at least one foam and carbon fiber layer are bonded together by an adhesive.

[0058] In the above embodiments, the adhesive is an acrylic adhesive. In one specific embodiment, the adhesive is a methacrylate adhesive. In other embodiments, other adhesives may be used, such as cyanoacrylate adhesives, epoxy resin adhesives, etc.

[0059] A seventh aspect of the present invention provides a vibrating screen comprising:

[0060] A frame having side panels; and

[0061] At least one screen plate, the screen plate being connected to the frame;

[0062] At least one of the side panels includes at least one outer carbon fiber layer, at least one inner carbon fiber layer, and at least one foam layer between the at least one inner carbon fiber layer and the outer carbon fiber layer.

[0063] In some embodiments, each side panel includes at least one outer carbon fiber layer, at least one inner carbon fiber layer, and at least one foam layer between the at least one inner carbon fiber layer and the outer carbon fiber layer.

[0064] In some embodiments, the frame includes end panels connected to the side panels. In other embodiments, the end panels include at least one abrasion-resistant layer. The abrasion-resistant layer is preferably made of polyurethane, but may also be made of other elastic materials that provide elasticity and resistance to corrosion and / or abrasion, such as carbon, carbon fibers, other plastics including polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or polypropylene (PP), resins, ceramics, etc. In one embodiment, the at least one abrasion-resistant layer is formed on the inner side of the end panel. In another embodiment, the end panel includes an outer carbon fiber layer, an inner carbon fiber layer, and a foam layer between the inner and outer carbon fiber layers. In yet another embodiment, the end panel includes a laminate comprising at least one carbon fiber layer.

[0065] The seventh aspect of the invention may also have features of the embodiments of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, or sixth aspects described above, or any combination of these aspects, in its embodiments. For example, the vibrating screen may have a support beam of the second or third aspect and a protective cover for the support beam of the first aspect. In addition, at least one side panel has an outer carbon fiber layer, an inner carbon fiber layer, and a foam layer between the inner and outer carbon fiber layers.

[0066] It should also be understood that other embodiments may combine any combination of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh aspects described above.

[0067] Unless the context explicitly requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims, the words “comprising”, “including”, etc., should be interpreted in an inclusive sense, rather than an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is, meaning “including but not limited to”.

[0068] Furthermore, as used herein, unless otherwise stated, the use of ordinal adjectives such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., to describe common objects merely indicates reference to different instances of similar objects and is not intended to imply that the objects described must be in a given order in time, space, hierarchy, or any other way. Attached Figure Description

[0069] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0070] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a vibrating screen according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0071] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Another perspective view of the vibrating screen shown;

[0072] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A partial perspective view of the side panel of the vibrating screen shown;

[0073] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A partial perspective view of the protective plate shown;

[0074] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 The enlarged perspective view of the protective plate shown shows the plate assembled to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The side panel and screen plate are shown;

[0075] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 Another partially enlarged perspective view of the protective plate shown, which is assembled to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The side panel and screen plate are shown;

[0076] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 A perspective view of the drive component assembly shown;

[0077] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A partially enlarged perspective view of the drive component assembly shown;

[0078] Figure 9 yes Figure 7 An exploded view of the drive beam assembly shown;

[0079] Figure 10 yes Figure 7 A perspective view of the drive beam of the drive component assembly;

[0080] Figure 11 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 A partial exploded perspective view of the side panel of the vibrating screen;

[0081] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A partially exploded side view of the side panel;

[0082] Figure 13 It has a drive beam assembly Figure 11 A partial exploded perspective view of the side panel;

[0083] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 A partially exploded side view of the side panel;

[0084] Figure 15 yes Figure 7 Partial exploded perspective view of the drive beam assembly and the attachment plate for mounting the drive beam assembly to the vibrating screen shown.

[0085] Figures 16 to 19It is shown Figures 1 to 2 Finite element analysis diagram of stress distribution during use of the vibrating screen.

[0086] Figure 20 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 A partial perspective view of the vibrating screen, showing the connection of the support beams, guide rails, side panels and protective cover;

[0087] Figure 21 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of a vibrating screen;

[0088] Figure 22 yes Figure 20 A magnified perspective view of the connection shown;

[0089] Figure 23 yes Figures 20 to 22 A perspective view of the protective cover shown;

[0090] Figure 24 yes Figure 22 An exploded perspective view of the protective cover shown;

[0091] Figure 25 yes Figure 24 The lower perspective view of the sub-component of the protective cover shown;

[0092] Figure 26 yes Figure 22 The end view of the protective cover shown;

[0093] Figure 27 It is a partial enlarged perspective view of the protective cover and support beam;

[0094] Figure 28 yes Figure 27 Perspective view of the protective cover and support beam shown;

[0095] Figure 29 yes Figure 27 An exploded perspective view of the protective cover and support beam shown;

[0096] Figure 30 This is an exploded view of the connection between the support beam and the side panel;

[0097] Figure 31 This is a partially enlarged sectional view of the connection between the support beam and the side panel;

[0098] Figure 32 This is a first perspective view of a support beam according to another embodiment of the present invention, the support beam including an integrally formed protective cover;

[0099] Figure 33 yes Figure 32Second perspective view of the supporting beam;

[0100] Figure 34 yes Figure 32 A side view of the supporting beam; and

[0101] Figure 35 yes Figure 32 End view of the supporting beam; Detailed Implementation

[0102] The invention will now be described with reference to the following examples, which should in all respects be regarded as illustrative and non-limiting. In the accompanying drawings, corresponding features common to the same embodiments or different embodiments are given the same reference numerals.

[0103] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The vibrating screen 100 has a frame 110, a screen plate 120, a drive component assembly 130, a support beam 140, and a spring 150. The frame 110 has a back or rear panel 160 and two side panels 170. The screen plate 120 is connected to the rear panel 160 and the side panels 170 of the frame 110.

[0104] The vibrating screen 100 in this embodiment has several improvements according to the invention, which are designed to increase its lifespan by making the vibrating screen more resistant to corrosion and / or wear during operation.

[0105] Each side panel 170 has a plurality of protective plates 200 for protecting the side panel from damage and / or corrosion caused by the ore materials sorted by the vibrating screen 100. Each protective plate 200 is made of polyurethane and has an outer surface 210 for attaching the protective plate to the side panel 170 and an inner surface 220 for protecting the side panel. The inner surface 220 also has a plurality of connecting elements for connecting the protective plate 200 to the screen plate 120 in the form of U-shaped or C-shaped flanges 230. These connecting elements are configured to cooperate with corresponding connecting elements of the screen plate 120, such as... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As best shown in the image. The flange 230 is positioned at multiple points along a protrusion in the form of a ridge 240 at its lower edge 250. (See image) Figures 5 to 6 As shown, each of the flanges 230 has two arms for engaging the screen plate 120.

[0106] The screen plate 120 includes a screen surface 300 supported by a plurality of guide rails 310 and crossbeams 140, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As best shown. At least one guide rail 320 mates with the flange 230, wherein the screen plate 120 is attached to the side panel 170, as shown. Figure 5 and Figure 6As best shown. The guide rail 320 has a connecting element in the form of a collar 330, which complements the U-shaped or C-shaped flange 230 of the protective plate 200. In this embodiment, a bolt, pin, or rod (not shown) is inserted through the collar 330 and abuts against the C-shaped flange 230 to secure the screen plate 120, the protective plate 200, and the side panel 170 together. The screen plate 120 is also connected to the rear panel of the frame 110 via a guide rail 310, the end of which is connected to the rear panel 160.

[0107] During operation, ore is fed onto screen plate 120, and a drive mechanism, such as a motor or actuator 470, causes drive component assembly 120 to reciprocate, move, or otherwise rock frame 110, thereby causing vibration in screen plate 120. This sorts or separates ore particles according to their size, with smaller particles passing through screen plate 120, while larger particles larger than the openings or perforations in screen plate 120 remain on screen surface 300. During this process, ore particles may impact side panels 170. However, protective plates 200 shield side panels 170 from these impacts, thereby minimizing or preventing damage to the side panels. Additionally, the polyurethane composition of protective plates 200 minimizes damage from these impacts and resists any corrosive substances in the ore and / or liquids in both dry and wet applications. Therefore, protective plates 200 minimize damage, abrasion, and corrosion to side panels 170, and thus increase the lifespan of vibrating screen 100.

[0108] When the protective plate 200 in the vibrating screen 100 needs to be replaced, simply remove the bolts, pins, or rods from the connecting flange 230 and collar 330. Then, remove the protective plate 320 from the guide rail 200, quickly remove it from the side panel 170, and replace it. This process is quick and easy compared to the difficult-to-remove wedge plates in the prior art. Therefore, labor is saved and downtime of the vibrating screen is reduced.

[0109] Another improvement involves the drive component assembly 130. (See reference...) Figures 7 to 10According to one embodiment of the invention, the drive component assembly 130 has two drive beams or drive shafts 400, which are spaced apart and parallel to each other to form a gap or clearance 405 extending substantially along their respective lengths. The drive beams 400 are connected at their respective ends 410, 420 to a mounting plate 450 for mounting to a side panel 170 of a frame 110. The drive beams 400 are formed of I-beams (i.e., two parallel flanges or sheets joined by vertical sheets along their longitudinal axes to form an I-shape), which are connected to each other at their respective ends 410, 420 (typically by welding). Alternatively, the I-beams can be cast as a single component. A mounting surface 460 is provided in the middle of the drive beams 400, having mounting holes 462 for receiving a drive mechanism 470, such as a motor or actuator (e.g.,...). Figure 2 (As best shown), to transmit motion to the drive beam, which then induces vibration in the drive beam frame 110 and the screen plate 120.

[0110] The drive beam 400 further has a cut-out segment or opening 480 that is curved or rounded in shape, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As best shown. The cut-out segment or opening 480 is formed along the inner edge 490 of each drive beam 400 adjacent to each opposite end 410, 420 and recessed into the body of the drive beam 400. The opening 480 is connected via a longitudinal gap 405 extending between the drive beams 400.

[0111] refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 The construction of the drive component assembly 130 is shown in more detail. Each drive beam 400 is formed of an I-beam and welded together at their respective ends 410, 420 to the mounting plate 450. Wedge-shaped bridging or connecting portions 495 also connect the I-beam drive beams 400 adjacent to their respective ends 410, 420 and the curved openings 480. The mounting plate 450 includes separate mounting plate portions 450a, 450b welded together and welded to the side mounting flanges 498. Although the individual components of the drive beam assembly 130 are connected by welding, other types of connections may also be used. Moreover, the mounting plate 450 may be cast as a single piece rather than assembled from individual components.

[0112] The notch or opening 480 is configured to relieve stress on the drive beam 400 and thus minimize fatigue applied to the drive beam during operation of the vibrating screen 100. The arcuate or curved profile of the notch or opening 480 evenly distributes the stress applied to the drive beam 400, thereby reducing stress concentrations that could increase fatigue and lead to breakage. This is in contrast to conventional drive member assemblies with two I-beam members connected to a mounting plate. It has been found that this conventional structure leads to stress concentration in the I-beam members, increasing fatigue and thus increasing the risk of breakage or damage.

[0113] Therefore, in the operation described above, the motor or exciter 470 causes the drive component assembly 130 to reciprocate, move, or otherwise rock the frame 110 to induce vibration in the screen plate 120, thereby sorting the mineral particles. This applies significant stress to the drive component 400 within the drive component assembly 130. However, due to the opening 480, this stress is distributed more evenly around the drive beam 400, significantly reducing the stress on any particular part of the drive component and reducing stress concentration. This causes the drive beams 400 to experience less fatigue, increasing their lifespan and thus reducing the need to replace the drive component assembly 130. This results in less maintenance and associated labor, savings in replacement costs, and reduced downtime of the vibrating screen 100.

[0114] Further improvements are made to the construction of the side panel 170. For example... Figure 11 and Figure 12 As best illustrated, each side panel 170 comprises an inner carbon fiber layer 1710, an outer carbon fiber layer 1720, and a foam layer 1730 between the inner and outer carbon fiber layers, and is not formed of steel or stainless steel. However, in other embodiments, the side panel 170 may be formed of a plurality of inner carbon fiber layers 1710, a plurality of outer carbon fiber layers 1720, a plurality of foam layers 1730, or any combination thereof. For example, a single foam layer 1730 having three outer carbon fiber layers 1720 and two inner carbon fiber layers 1710 may be present. These layers are formed as a sheet or plate bonded together by a suitable adhesive (such as a methacrylate adhesive). A suitable type of methacrylate adhesive is... MA 310 adhesive. However, other suitable adhesives can be used, such as cyanoacrylate adhesives, epoxy adhesives, etc.

[0115] The foam layer 1730 is made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and forms a core layer sandwiched between the inner carbon fiber layer 1710 and the outer carbon fiber layer 1720. In this way, the side panel 170 has a laminated structure in which the carbon fiber layers 1710 and 1720 resist damage, corrosion, and abrasion from impact and contact with mineral particles, while the foam core layer 1730 provides additional resistance to fatigue and stress caused by vibrations induced by the actuator 470, and supports the inner carbon fiber layer 1710 against impact.

[0116] Side panel 170 has a minimum number of steel components, limited to spring support 1740, support plate 1745 for mounting the spring support to the outer carbon fiber layer 1720, and fasteners 1750 for securing the spring support to the side panel in the form of bolts or screws. A stainless steel mounting hub or flange plate 1760 is fitted into an opening 1765 in each of layers 1710, 1720, and 1730 to mount support beam 140 to side panel 170. In some embodiments, the mounting hub may be made of other materials, preferably elastic materials such as carbon, carbon fiber, other plastics including polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or polypropylene (PP), resins, ceramics, etc.

[0117] The non-steel laminated structure of the side panel 170 ensures minimal risk of corrosion, which tends to occur in conventional vibrating screens due to chemical reactions between the mineral and the steel side panel, or due to galvanizing between steel components caused by metal-to-metal contact. Simultaneously, the carbon fiber and foam construction makes the side panel 170 both strong and flexible, allowing the vibrating screen 100 to resist fatigue, deformation, and stress caused by vibrations flowing through the entire screen during operation. The flexibility imparted by the side panel 170 makes the vibrating screen 100 more resistant to damage and breakage caused by mechanical resonance, particularly with the reciprocating motion typically involved in the vibrations used to separate mineral particles in these types of screens.

[0118] The rear or end panel 160 has an internal polyurethane abrasion-resistant layer 1610 similar to that of the protective panel 200 to minimize damage and corrosion. While the end panel 160 is typically made of stainless steel (except for its internal polyurethane layer 1610), in other embodiments it may also have a laminated structure similar to the side panels 170. Furthermore, the abrasion-resistant layer 1610 may be composed of other resilient materials capable of providing elasticity and resistance to corrosion and / or abrasion, such as carbon, carbon fiber, other plastics including polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or polypropylene (PP), resins, ceramics, etc. Similarly, in another embodiment, if desired, one side panel 170 may have a laminated structure instead of two side panels.

[0119] refer to Figures 13 to 15The drive beam assembly 130 is mounted to the side panel 170 of the vibrating screen 100 using a series of attachment plates 530, 540, 550 (forming attachment plate assembly 555) and fasteners in the form of bolts 560. For example... Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, mounting plate 450 is fitted into cavity 1770 formed in the inner carbon fiber layer 1710 and foam core layer 1730 of side panel 170 to directly engage the outer carbon fiber layer 1720 of side panel 170. Side mounting flange 498 engages the edge of cavity 1770 and a portion of the surface of inner carbon fiber layer 1710. Then, attachment plates 530, 540, and 550 are assembled into attachment plate assembly 555, which is connected to outer carbon fiber layer 550 and mounting plate 450 via bolts 560, as shown. Figure 12 As best shown. In this manner, the drive beam assembly 130 is mounted to the side panel 170, but only in direct contact with the carbon fiber layer or foam core layer of the side panel, and not in direct contact with the steel attachment plates 530, 540, 550 of the attachment plate assembly 555. This connection arrangement minimizes direct steel-to-steel contact between the attachment plates 530, 540, 550 and the mounting plate 450, reducing or eliminating the risk of galvanic corrosion caused by steel-to-steel contact of these components, thereby increasing the lifespan of the drive beam assembly 130.

[0120] Reference Figures 16 to 19 Finite element analysis was performed on the vibrating screen 100 to generate finite element analysis (FEA) plots at different times during the operation of the vibrating screen. In each finite element analysis plot, the regions of relevant stress in the structure were represented by colors ranging from blue (little or no stress), green (low stress), yellow (medium stress), orange-yellow (high stress), and red (extremely high stress). Figure 16 This is a FEA diagram of the vibrating screen 100 at the peak of the stroke of the actuator 470. The FEA diagram shows that the stresses applied to the side panel 170 and the overall structure of the vibrating screen are very small, ranging from only about 3 MPa in the blue area to about 38 MPa in the red area, corresponding to the mounting surface 460 of the drive member 400 that directly receives the actuator 470. Similarly, in Figure 17 In the diagram, the FEA diagram is a view of the vibrating screen 100 at the bottom of the stroke of the actuator 470. In this diagram, also at the mounting surface 460 of the drive member 400 that directly receives the actuator 470, the stress applied to the side panel 170 and the overall structure of the vibrating screen is very small, ranging from approximately 2 MPa in the blue area to approximately 55 MPa in the red area. Figure 18In the diagram, the FEA diagram shows the vibrating screen 100 during operation as mineral particles impact and pass through the screen plate (omitted in the FEA diagram). Similarly, the stresses applied to the side panel 170 and the overall structure of the vibrating screen are very small, ranging from only about 2 MPa in the blue area to about 19 MPa in the green area, corresponding to the deflection of the support beam 140, drive assembly 130, and spring support 1740 under the resulting vibrations. Figure 19 The FEA diagram is a diagram of the vibrating screen 100 when operating at full load with minerals. The vibrating screen 100 exhibits very low stress, particularly at the side panel 170 and throughout its overall structure, ranging from approximately 1 MPa in the blue area to approximately 19 MPa in the green area, corresponding to the flexing of the support beam 140, drive assembly 130, and spring support 1740 under the induced vibrations. It can thus be seen that although the vibrating screen 100 bends or deforms during operation due to vibrations caused by the exciter 470, its overall structure withstands very low stress, particularly in the side panel 170. This contrasts with conventional vibrating screens, which the inventors believe typically need to withstand stresses as high as 38 to 40 MPa and therefore suffer greater fatigue during operation. Therefore, due to improvements in the construction of the vibrating screen 100 (particularly the side panel 170, support beam 140, and drive assembly 130), this vibrating screen is more robust and resilient to stress.

[0121] Therefore, in the operation described above, when the drive component assembly 130 reciprocates, moves, or otherwise shakes the frame 110, the vibrating screen 100 receives vibration throughout its structure to induce vibration in the screen plate 120, thereby classifying the mineral particles. During this process, the frame 110, particularly its side panels 170, resists damage, deformation, and breakage that may result from these vibrations due to the stress-resistant properties imparted by the laminated structure of the inner and outer carbon fiber layers 1710, 1720 and the foam core layer 1730. This increases the lifespan of the side panels 170, reduces the frequency of replacement, and consequently reduces maintenance time and labor, and thus reduces downtime of the vibrating screen 100.

[0122] Another improvement involves the protection of the support beam 140 for the screen plate 120. As described above, during the operation of the vibrating screen 100, ore particles are sorted or separated according to their size based on the size of the openings or apertures in the screen surface 300, with smaller ore particles passing through the screen plate 120, while larger ore particles larger than the openings or apertures in the screen plate 120 remain on the screen surface. During this process, ore particles may impact components of the vibrating screen 100, including the crossbeam 140 located below the screen plate 120, particularly through impacts from ore particles passing through the screen plate. Additionally, the chemical properties of the ore being processed may cause corrosion, especially in wet or dewatering applications. Furthermore, vibration applies stress to the entire vibrating screen component (including the crossbeam 140), leading to fatigue and increasing the risk of breakage. To mitigate the effects of this damage and corrosion, improvements have been made in the form of a protective cover for the support beam and in the composition of the support beam itself.

[0123] Reference Figures 20 to 29 A protective cover 1800 is disposed on each support beam 140, including a cover body 1810 and a deflection element 1820 for deflecting material away from the support beam. The protective cover 1800 is made of damage-resistant and abrasion-resistant polyurethane. In this embodiment, as... Figures 23 to 26 As best shown, the cover body 1810 has a generally triangular prism shape, having a hollow interior 1822 and two angled or inclined sides 1825, said sides having corresponding angled or inclined outer surfaces 1820 defining deflection elements. In other words, the deflection element comprises a deflection surface 1820 corresponding to the inclined surface of the side 1825. Providing a hollow interior 1822 also reduces the weight of the support beam 140, making it lighter and less expensive to manufacture.

[0124] Due to the arrangement of the protective cover 1800 adjacent to the screen plate 120, the protective cover can impede or prevent mineral particles from flowing through the screen surface 300. Therefore, the deflecting surface 1820 has recessed portions 1830 spaced along the cover body 1810 to reduce the profile of the cover body, thereby ensuring that the mineral material can pass through the screen plate 120 without obstruction.

[0125] The cover body 1810 also has flat top portions 1840 spaced along the length of the cover body for supporting the underside of the screen plate 120. Protrusions in the form of ridges or fins 1845 are provided between the top portions 1840 for guiding mineral particles toward the deflection surface 1820. Skirt portions 1850 are formed along each edge 1855 of the cover body 1810 for engaging the support beam 140.

[0126] The reinforcing element 1815 is disposed on the cover body 1810 and takes the form of a web or rib extending between the inner sides 1860 of the cover body 1810, such as Figure 26 As best shown in the diagram. The reinforcing rib 1815 provides additional rigidity to the protective cover 1800 to resist damage caused by the mineral particles impacting the cover body 1810 when the mineral particles are deflected by the deflecting surface 1820.

[0127] The protective cover 1800 is further configured to receive guide rails 310, 320 supporting the screen plate 120. In this embodiment, the cover body 1810 includes an opening in the form of a slot 1870 formed between deflecting surfaces 1820 to receive the guide rails 310, 320. Figures 23 to 25 and Figure 27 As best shown, the slot 1870 is formed such that the guide rail extends through the opposite side 1820 of the protective cover 1800. The slot 1870 may be open at one end, but in other embodiments they may be closed.

[0128] Reference Figure 24 The protective cover 1800 is formed by three separate cover components 1810a, 1810b, and 1810c. Cover components 1810a and 1810c form the end segments of the protective cover 1800, while cover component 1810b forms the middle segment of the protective cover that interconnects the two end segments. Cover components 1810a, 1810b, and 1810c have complementary connecting surfaces 1880 that overlap each other when the cover components 1810a, 1810b, and 1810c are assembled to form the protective cover 1800. In other embodiments, the protective cover may be formed as a single unit, rather than assembled from cover components 1810a, 1810b, and 1810c.

[0129] Reference Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figures 27 to 29 To mount the protective cover 1800 to the support beam 140, firstly, interconnecting elements in the form of flanges 1410 are mounted to each support beam 140, and then guide rails 310, 320 are mounted to the flanges 1410. The protective cover 1800 is then placed above the flanges 1410 and guide rails 310, 320. The screen plate 120 is then placed on top of the guide rails 310, 320 and the top portion 1840 of the cover body 1810. Pins or rods (not shown), such as standard locking pins, are used to secure the guide rails 310 to the screen plate 120. Due to the weight of the screen plate 120, the protective cover 1800 remains in place on the support beams 140 and guide rails 310, 320. Effectively, the protective cover 1800 is clamped between the screen plate 129 and the guide rails 310 and support beams 140 without requiring fastener adhesion or other mounting methods. Of course, in other embodiments, if needed, the protective cover can be mounted to any of the screen plate 120, guide rail 310, or support beam 140 using separate mounting elements (such as flanges or fasteners).

[0130] like Figure 28 and Figure 29 As shown, in a further improvement, the support beam 140 typically includes an inner beam core 1420 composed of layers of carbon fibers bonded together. In this embodiment, the carbon fiber layers are bonded together by an adhesive, preferably a methacrylate adhesive. The support beam 140 also has an outer polymer shell 1425 formed on the outermost carbon fiber layer, such as... Figure 29 As best shown in the image. In this embodiment, the outer polymer housing 1425 is composed of polyurethane.

[0131] The inner core 1420 is a generally hollow component used to reduce the weight of the support beam 140. However, it should be understood that the inner core 1405 does not need to be hollow. Additionally, the inner core 1405 is formed as a generally cylindrical tube, but in other embodiments, the inner core may have other cross-sectional shapes, including elliptical, circular, rectangular, square, triangular, hexagonal, octagonal, decagonal, dodecagonal, and any other polygonal shape. Similarly, the inner core 1405 may be formed as a combination of these polygonal shapes or have partially polygonal shapes, such as those outlined above.

[0132] Flange 1410 is mounted on support beam 140 and includes a mounting portion in the form of a substantially curved mounting plate 1430 and a connecting portion in the form of a connecting plate 1440 that is substantially upright on the mounting plate. Flange 1410 is bonded to the surface of inner core 1420 via its mounting plate 1430, and an outer polymer shell 1425 is then formed around the inner core and the mounting plate. The outer polymer shell 1425 generally conforms to the same shape as the inner core 1405; that is, it is substantially a cylindrical tube. However, the outer polymer shell 1425 may take a different cross-sectional shape than the inner core 1405, including elliptical, circular, rectangular, square, triangular, hexagonal, octagonal, decagonal, dodecagonal, and any other polygonal shape. Furthermore, the outer polymer shell 1425 may be formed as a combination of these polygonal shapes or having partially polygonal shapes, such as those outlined above.

[0133] The polymer material of the outer housing 1425 effectively serves as a support and maintains the separation of the flange along the length of the support beam 140. This ensures that the support beam 140 properly engages with the protective cover 1800 and the collection tray (not shown) below. The connecting plate 1440 has a substantially curved bottom edge corresponding to the substantially curved mounting plate 1430 and has a generally triangular prism shape complementary to the internal profile of the cover body 1810 of the protective cover 1800. The guide rail 310 is connected to the connecting plate 1440 by fasteners (e.g., bolts), such that the guide rail is fixed to the support beam 140, as... Figure 22 and Figure 27As best shown in the diagram. In other embodiments, flange 1410 may be mounted to the outer polymer beam housing 1425 by means of a suitable adhesive (e.g., methyl acrylate adhesive) or fasteners (e.g., bolts (not shown)).

[0134] Reference Figure 30 and Figure 31 The support beam 140 is mounted in the vibrating screen 100 by first inserting a mounting hub 1760, comprising a cylindrical receiving portion 1780 and a plate portion 1785, into a hole or opening 1765 formed in a side panel 170, which is formed of an inner carbon fiber layer 1710, an outer carbon fiber layer 1720, and a foam core layer 1730. The mounting hub 1760 is then mounted to the outer carbon fiber layer 1720 of the side panel 170 using a suitable adhesive. The support beam 140 is then inserted into the opening 1765 and slid into engagement with the receiving portion 1780. The support beam is then adhered to the receiving portion 1780 of the mounting hub 1760 using a suitable adhesive (e.g., a thick-layer polymer adhesive).

[0135] The polyurethane composition of the outer shell 1425 of the support beam 140 minimizes damage from impacts from mineral particles (which have escaped deflection through the protective cover 1800) and supports the internal carbon fiber core 1420 to minimize fatigue during flexing, as well as resisting any corrosive substances from mineral particles and / or liquids in dry and wet applications. The carbon fiber layers in the internal carbon fiber core 1420 also provide strength and flexibility, resulting in greater resistance to fatigue, stress, and deformation caused by vibrations flowing through the entire vibrating screen during operation. The increased rigidity and flexibility imparted to the support beam 140 by its carbon fiber and polyurethane composition make the vibrating screen 100 more resistant to damage and breakage caused by mechanical resonances, which are particularly likely to occur with the reciprocating motion typically involved in the vibrations used to separate mineral particles in these types of screens. This, in turn, allows the vibrating screen to have a larger operating window or range, in terms of the ability to process larger quantities of mineral particles at lower speeds or smaller quantities at higher speeds. Therefore, the support beam 140 resists stress, deformation, damage, wear, and corrosion, thus having a longer service life than conventional steel or stainless steel beams. This, in turn, increases the service life of the vibrating screen 100.

[0136] Overall, the protective cover 1800 forms a protective shield to protect the support beam 140 by deflecting the mineral particles and / or liquid as they pass through the screen surface 300. The protective cover 1800 also guides the mineral particles to a collection tray (not shown) below the screen plate 120. Thus, during operation of the vibrating screen 100, mineral particles and / or liquid passing through the screen plate 120 impact or collide with the protective cover 1800, where they are deflected, guided, or otherwise redirected away from the support beam 140 and the interconnecting flange 1410 by the deflecting surface 1820 to be collected below the screen plate. The ridge or flap 1845 also guides the mineral particles and / or liquid to the inclined deflecting surface 1820, while the skirt portion 1850 ensures that the mineral particles and / or liquid do not impact the lateral sides of the support beam 140. Therefore, as mineral particles pass through the screen plate 120, the protective cover 1800 minimizes wear and damage to the support beam 140 by reducing or eliminating impacts or collisions from the mineral particles and contact with corrosive liquids. Additionally, the interconnecting flanges 1410 are protected to prevent damage to the connection between the support beam 140 and the guide rails 310, 320. While the mineral particles are prevented from being deflected by the protective cover 1800 and are able to impact or contact the support beam 140, they resist damage, deformation, and breakage that may be caused by these vibrations due to the stress-resistant properties imparted by the internal carbon fiber core 1420 and the external polyurethane shell 1425. This increases the lifespan of the support beam 140 and the interconnecting flanges 1410, thereby reducing the need for continuous replacement of worn and / or damaged support beams. This, in turn, reduces maintenance time, labor, and downtime of the vibrating screen 100, resulting in savings in financial and labor costs, as well as operating and maintenance costs.

[0137] In some embodiments, the protective cover 1800 may have a body shape different from the generally triangular prism shape of the cover body 1810. For example, the cover body 1810 may be substantially U-shaped or C-shaped, or may have substantially other polygonal or partially polygonal shapes, such as circular, elliptical, square, hexagonal, octagonal, dodecahedral, or rectangular shapes. Similarly, while the protective cover body 1810 only needs to have a top portion and side portions to protect the upper surface of the support beam 140, in other embodiments, the protective cover may have a bottom to partially or completely enclose the support beam. Furthermore, in another embodiment, the top portion may be integral with the side portions, for example, in a triangular shape, such that the side portions connect to form the vertices of the cover body 1810.

[0138] In some embodiments, the protective cover 1800 may be mounted to the support beam 140 instead of being held in place by the screen plate 120 and the guide rails 310, 320 and the weight of the support beam. For example, the cover body 1810 may have mounting elements in the form of a web, plate, or flange for mounting the cover body 1810 to the support beam 140 or the interconnecting flanges 1410. Alternatively or additionally, the protective cover 1800 may be mounted to the guide rails 310, 320.

[0139] Reference Figures 16 to 19 It should also be noted that the FEA diagrams in each figure each show the range of stresses applied to the support beam 140 from zero or very low to only low levels. For example, at the peak of the stroke of the actuator 470 ( Figure 15 ) and bottom ( Figure 16 At point ), there is little or no stress in the support beam 140 (blue). When the vibrating screen 100 is in contact with the mineral particles impacting and passing through the screen plate (…), Figure 18 And the minerals were fully loaded ( Figure 19 When operating under these conditions, the stress in the support beam 140 increases only slightly to a low level. In these figures, only small low-stress areas (green) exist on the support beam 140, while other areas of the support beam 140 remain without or with very little stress (blue). As mentioned above, this contrasts with conventional vibrating screens, which the inventors believe typically need to withstand stresses as high as 38 to 40 MPa and therefore experience greater fatigue during operation. Therefore, the vibrating screen 100 is more robust and resilient to stress due to improvements in its construction (particularly the support beam 140).

[0140] Reference Figures 32 to 35 A support beam 2000 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein Figures 20 to 29 The protective cover 1800 is integrally formed with the support beam 140. Therefore, the support beam 2000 in this embodiment includes a beam body 2005 with a protective cover portion 2010 and a deflection element 2020 for deflecting material away from the support beam. In this embodiment, the support beam 2000 also has the same composition as the support beam 140 described above; that is, the beam body 2005 has an inner beam core composed of layers of carbon fibers bonded together and an outer polymer shell (which includes the protective cover portion 2010) formed on an outermost carbon fiber layer comprising polyurethane. Thus, the beam body 2005 and the cover portion 2010 are damage-resistant and abrasion-resistant, and therefore the support beam 2000 has the abrasion and corrosion resistance of a combination of the support beam 140 and the protective cover 1800. However, it should be understood that the support beam 2000 does not need to have the same composition as the support beam 140 and can simply include an outer polymer shell with a cover portion 2010, both comprising polyurethane.

[0141] The beam body 2005 has a partially circular shape in its lower portion 2025 and a generally triangular or pentagonal prism shape in its upper portion 2030. A hollow interior 1822 is also present, and the protective cover portion 2010 includes two angled or inclined sides 2015 having corresponding angled or inclined outer surfaces 2020 defining deflection elements. In other words, the deflection element includes a deflection surface 2020 corresponding to the inclined surface of the side 2015.

[0142] The protective cover portion 2010 further has a ridge 2035 where the inclined sides 2015 converge. The ridge is interrupted by an opening in the form of a slot 2040 formed between the deflecting surfaces 2020 to receive guide rails 310, 320. The slot 2040 functions in the same manner as the slot 1870 in the protective cover 2000, allowing the guide rails to extend through the opposite sides 2020 of the protective cover portion 1800. Skirt portions 2045 are formed along each edge 2050 of the protective cover portion 2010.

[0143] The protective cover portion 2010 of the support beam 2000 functions in substantially the same manner as the protective cover 1800, deflecting, guiding, or redirecting mineral particles and / or liquids away from the support beam as they pass through the screen surface 300. The protective cover portion 2010 also guides the mineral particles to a collection tray (not shown) below the screen plate 120. Similarly, the ridge 2035 guides the mineral particles and / or liquids to the inclined deflection surface 2020, and the skirt portion 2045 protects the lateral sides of the support beam 2000. Therefore, when mineral particles pass through the screen plate 120, the protective cover portion 2010 minimizes wear and damage to the support beam 2000 by reducing or eliminating impacts or collisions from the mineral particles and contact with corrosive liquids. An advantage of this embodiment is that it eliminates the need for a separate protective cover to be installed on the support beam 140, thereby reducing installation and maintenance costs.

[0144] It should be noted that although the aforementioned support beams 140 and 2000 have a generally cylindrical shape, in other embodiments, the support beams 140 and 2000 may have other cross-sectional shapes, including elliptical, circular, rectangular, square, triangular, hexagonal, octagonal, decagonal, dodecagonal, and any other polygonal shape. Furthermore, the support beams 140 and 2000 may be formed as a combination of these polygonal shapes or have partially polygonal shapes, such as those outlined above.

[0145] It should also be understood that features in the preferred embodiments of the invention may be omitted without affecting the operation of the embodiments. For example, the vibrating screen 100 may include one or more of the described improvements, namely the protective side panel 200, the laminated structure of the side panel 170, the drive component assembly 130, and the protective cover 1800. That is, the vibrating screen 100 may include only one of these improvements or a combination of some of these improvements, and still achieve a longer lifespan, reduced maintenance, savings in labor and costs, and reduced downtime. Similarly, in another example, the protective cover 1800 may not have the recessed portion 1830 in the deflection surface 1820 or the reinforcing rib 1815 may be omitted. Those skilled in the art can readily make similar omissions or modifications to the features of the embodiments of the invention.

[0146] Therefore, it can be seen that the improvements described in various aspects of the present invention increase the vibrating screen's resistance to damage, corrosion, wear, and breakage, and thus increase its lifespan. In particular, the vibrating screen 100, especially the protective plate 200, side panels 170, support beams 140 and 2000, and protective cover 1800, are constructed of materials that resist damage and wear and minimize or eliminate galvanic corrosion that may occur from steel-to-steel contact with its components. That is, the side panel 170 is constructed of carbon fiber with a foam core, the rear panel 160 has an internal polyurethane layer, the support beam 140 is also made of carbon fiber and polyurethane, and the protective plate 200 and protective cover 1800 are constructed of polyurethane. This means that the stainless steel or steel components of the vibrating screen 100, such as the drive beam assembly 130, guide rails 310, spring supports 1740, mounting hubs 1760, and springs 150, either have minimal contact or never come into contact with another steel component. Therefore, there are limited or no locations in the vibrating screen where galvanic corrosion may occur. Similarly, the drive component assembly 130, side panel 170, and support beam 140 all resist stresses and deformation forces occurring during operation of the vibrating screen 100, with the drive beam assembly 130 being particularly capable of distributing stress and reducing stress concentrations that could lead to breakage. In summary, these improvements result in more durable components that last longer, thus requiring less frequent replacement or repair, reducing maintenance time and labor associated with replacing or repairing these components. Consequently, lower frequency of component replacement or repair leads to cost savings and reduces downtime for the vibrating screen to perform these replacements or repairs. Furthermore, the various improvements described in this invention can be readily implemented, for example, on existing vibrating screens by adjusting any necessary connections. In all these respects, the present invention represents a practical and commercially significant improvement over the prior art. Additionally, although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, those skilled in the art will understand that the invention can be implemented in many other forms.

Claims

1. A protective cover for supporting a beam, the protective cover comprising a cover body and one or more deflecting elements for deflecting material away from the supporting beam. in, The cover body includes one or more top portions spaced apart along the length of the cover body, wherein at least one protrusion extends between adjacent top portions to guide mineral particles and / or liquids to the deflection element.

2. The protective cover according to claim 1, wherein, The deflection element includes a deflection surface to deflect mineral particles and / or liquids away from the support beam.

3. The protective cover according to claim 2, wherein, The deflection surface is inclined relative to the support beam.

4. The protective cover according to claim 2, wherein, At least one of the deflecting surfaces is formed on at least one inclined side of the cover body.

5. The protective cover according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The deflection element is disposed on the outer side of the cover body.

6. The protective cover according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The protective cover also includes at least one reinforcing element disposed on the inner side or surface of the cover body.

7. A support beam for a vibrating screen, said support beam comprising a protective cover according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The support beam according to claim 7, wherein, The support beam includes a beam body, wherein the protective cover is mounted to the beam body.

9. The support beam according to claim 7, wherein, The supporting beam includes a beam body, wherein the protective cover includes a protective cover portion integrally formed with the beam body.

10. A support beam for a vibrating screen, the support beam comprising: An inner core having at least one carbon fiber layer; An outer polymer shell, the outer polymer shell being formed on the at least one carbon fiber layer; as well as The protective cover according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

11. The support beam according to claim 10, wherein, The internal core has multiple carbon fiber layers bonded together.

12. The support beam according to claim 10 or 11, wherein, The support beam has one or more interconnecting elements for interconnecting the support beam to one or more guide rails.

13. The support beam according to claim 12, wherein, The one or more interconnecting elements include interconnecting flanges capable of being connected to the one or more rails.

14. The support beam according to claim 13, wherein, The interconnecting flange includes a mounting portion for mounting to the support beam and a connecting portion extending from the mounting portion.

15. The support beam according to claim 12, wherein, The one or more interconnecting elements are integrally formed with the support beam.

16. The support beam according to claim 12, wherein, The one or more interconnecting elements are mounted to the support beam.

17. The support beam according to claim 10 or 11, wherein, The protective cover is installed on the support beam.

18. The support beam according to claim 10 or 11, wherein, The protective cover is integrally formed with the support beam.

19. A vibrating screen, the vibrating screen comprising: frame; At least one screen plate, said at least one screen plate being connected to the frame; and One or more support beams, the one or more of said support beams being connected to the frame for supporting the screen plate, wherein the one or more of said support beams are support beams according to any one of claims 10 to 18.

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