Vibration exciter

Abstract

A vibration exciter housing (12) for a vibrating screen. The housing includes a body having an upper portion (14), a lower portion, and opposite ends (18). At least one of the opposing ends has an opening for receiving a gear. The housing also includes a channel extending between the ends and defined by opposing walls.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an exciter for a vibrating screen, such as a vibrating screen used in mineral processing, and to a housing for an exciter. Background Art

[0002] Vibration exciters are used to drive vibrating machines (such as vibrating screens) by introducing a force and corresponding motion in one direction into the vibrating machine.

[0003] Known exciters typically include a housing assembly, a pair of gears located within a cavity defined by the housing assembly and supported by a pair of spaced counter-rotating shafts extending through the housing, bearings for locating the rotating shafts relative to the housing, and an unbalanced / eccentric mass mounted to each end of each shaft. In use, the gears are configured to be in intermeshing relationship with each other. Typically, the rotation of the gears assists in distributing a lubricating fluid contained within the housing. The rotation of the eccentric mass is synchronized so as to rotate counterclockwise / clockwise at the same speed.

[0004] Vibrators have been used for many years and are considered to be an integral part of the vibrating screen assembly. However, there are many problems with known vibrators used with vibrating screens. For example, the gears of known vibrators (such as the vibrator described in Australian Patent 2016299439) are inserted into the vibrator housing from the upper opening. This arrangement creates a weak point in the housing assembly that affects the stiffness and deflection of the housing when the force generated by the eccentric counterweight acts in certain directions. This is undesirable.

[0005] Another problem with known vibrators for use with vibrating screens relates to the distribution of the lubricating fluid contained within the housing assembly. Known vibrators typically use a lubricating fluid to lubricate the bearings. The lubricating fluid is contained under gravity in a cavity defined by the housing assembly and must be distributed from the cavity to the bearings. Generally speaking, this distribution is achieved via gears. One solution can be found in Australian Patent 2016299064, which describes an exciter that includes openings that allow oil to pass to the bearings. Some existing vibrators also use holes in the outer race / outer ring of the bearing, which may be blocked by the central ring of the bearing, which rotates at a much lower speed than the inner race / inner shaft of the bearing. This behavior essentially blocks the oil holes in the outer ring, thereby restricting flow. In addition, the action of the bearing rolling elements actively forces the oil outward, thereby posing a further barrier to effective flow. In summary, the lubrication action of existing vibrators generally barely meets the minimum requirements.

[0006] Another problem with known vibrators used with vibrating screens relates to the orientation of the vibrator itself relative to the vibrating screen to which the vibrator is to be mounted. Known vibrators can be placed in any position on the vibrating screen, however, typically the vibrator is oriented at an angle of about 45 degrees to the horizontal. Vibrators used with vibrating screens are typically heavy, weighing over 1000 kg, and can generate forces in excess of 1000 kilonewtons. When the vibrator is mounted at 45 degrees to the horizontal, this can cause the upper bearing to be far away from the oil sump that holds the oil. The larger the vibrator, the greater this distance. This makes splash lubrication difficult to implement effectively because the top bearing is typically not properly lubricated. There may also be a delay in the oil reaching the upper bearing at startup.

[0007] Another issue involves the thermal performance of the exciter. Oil life (the length of time the oil acts as an effective lubricant) is rapidly reduced at high temperatures (sometimes above 90 degrees Celsius), so passive heat removal (or heat sinking) is a desired feature. Existing designs have insufficient surface area for a given mass, and many designs do not use any additional means of heat removal.

[0008] One of the objects of embodiments of the present invention is to overcome or alleviate one or more of the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art or other disadvantages, or to provide a useful alternative.

[0009] The reference herein to a patent document or other matter given as prior art is not to be taken as an admission that the document or matter was part of the common general knowledge at the priority date of any claim. Summary of the invention

[0010] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0011] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an exciter for a vibrating screen, the exciter comprising: an integral body having: an upper portion; a lower portion; opposing walls, the opposing walls comprising a front wall and a rear wall; opposing ends, at least one of the ends having an opening for receiving a gear; and a channel extending between the ends and defined by the upper portion and the lower portion and the opposing walls, wherein each of the opposing walls has a pair of spaced-apart through-holes, and the channel comprises a pair of chambers, each chamber being aligned with a corresponding spaced-apart through-hole, and each chamber extending transversely to the length of the channel.

[0012] Optionally, each end has an opening for receiving a gear.

[0013] Optionally, the channel comprises a longitudinal channel.

[0014] Optionally, each end has a planar orientation transverse to (in some embodiments perpendicular to) the longitudinal channel.Alternatively, each end may have an arcuate shape that curves towards the upper portion.

[0015] Alternatively, the passage may extend between openings defined by the end portions.

[0016] Optionally, the upper part and / or the lower part include a non-planar outer surface and / or inner surface. The non-planar surface or each non-planar surface may have a profile shape corresponding to the shape of the gear (or multiple gears) installed in the main body. In some embodiments, the non-planar surface or each non-planar surface includes two arcs extending along the channel, each arc extending a portion of its length. Each arc may also define an arcuate cross-section transverse to (in some embodiments perpendicular to) the channel. The non-planar inner surface (of the upper part and / or the lower part) may define a plurality of chambers.

[0017] In some embodiments, neither the upper portion nor the lower portion defines an aperture large enough for the gear to be inserted therethrough. The upper portion may comprise a continuous solid material without any apertures that would significantly reduce the rigidity of the upper portion.

[0018] Optionally, at least one of the end portions is significantly smaller than any of the upper portion, the lower portion and each of the opposing walls.

[0019] Optionally, the opposing ends are located at opposite sides of the longitudinal channel.

[0020] In some embodiments, one gear is inserted through a first one of the opposing ends and a second gear is inserted through a second one of the opposing ends.

[0021] By including openings at one or both ends, the body may have a continuous solid upper portion which maximises the strength of the body.

[0022] Advantageously, the openings for receiving the gears are located at opposite ends of the body to maximise the strength of the body during operation, particularly when one or more eccentric weights are mounted to the shaft of the exciter and apply forces in upward and downward directions (i.e. towards and away from the upper portion of the body).

[0023] In some embodiments, the body may comprise a housing. Optionally, the bearing cap abutment surface extends around each of the spaced apart through-holes. Each through-hole may extend substantially perpendicular to the length of the passage.

[0024] In some embodiments, the bearing cap abutment surface may include a plurality of channels (also referred to as ports), wherein the plurality of channels (or ports) may be spaced circumferentially around the through hole. In some embodiments, the plurality of channels may be of different shapes and / or sizes. In some embodiments, the plurality of channels may be of the same size and / or shape.

[0025] In some embodiments, the channels extend through the front and rear walls to provide fluid communication between the bearing cap abutment surface and the passage. In some embodiments, each channel extends through the front and rear walls so that a channel in one bearing cap abutment surface is aligned with a corresponding channel in an opposing bearing cap abutment surface to provide fluid communication between one bearing cap abutment surface, the passage, and the opposing bearing cap abutment surface. Advantageously, one or more channels can facilitate delivery of lubricating fluid from one or more chambers defined by the passage to the bearing.

[0026] Furthermore, the channels hold the oil, thereby providing a reservoir for the oil separate from the channels (which acts like a sump for the oil). This has the advantage of reducing friction losses, as less oil collects in the channels (than if these channels were not provided), so the gears move through less oil as they rotate, but without reducing the total amount of oil in the housing. Furthermore, these channels (ports) can store this oil near the surface of the exciter housing, which further helps dissipate heat compared to if the oil was held in a sump.

[0027] The through-hole may also include a bearing abutment surface. Each bearing abutment surface may be circular in shape for abutting against an outer surface of a bearing cap.

[0028] As mentioned above, the body includes a channel. In some embodiments, the channel includes a container for holding a fluid. In some embodiments, the fluid can be in the form of a lubricating fluid for lubricating one or more bearings. In some embodiments, a portion of the channel can be used as a container for holding a fluid.

[0029] In some embodiments, the channel includes at least one arcuate (curved) upper surface and at least one arcuate lower surface. Advantageously, in use, the arcuate surface can help to evenly distribute the lubricating fluid between the bearings, particularly where the gear has a helical tooth pattern that biases the lubricating fluid toward diagonally opposed bearings. The raised portion of the arcuate surface can redirect the injected lubricating fluid (such as oil) toward the bearings.

[0030] These chambers are optionally configured to share an opening therebetween. Typically, the shape of each chamber can be substantially circular. In some embodiments, the pair of chambers are arranged side by side and share an opening. Advantageously, the fluid from the container can be transferred from one chamber to another chamber, thereby facilitating the distribution of fluids in the chamber. In some embodiments, each chamber is limited by at least one arcuate sidewall.

[0031] In some embodiments, the body may include at least one lug. In some embodiments, the body may include at least one pair of spaced apart lugs; in other embodiments, two pairs of lugs may be provided, one pair of lugs being proximal to each of the two opposing ends. The pair of lugs may be adapted to allow the body to be lifted at an angle of 45 degrees to the horizontal. In some embodiments, each lug may extend upwardly away from the upper surface of the body. In some embodiments, each lug may be spaced inwardly from the end of the body. In some embodiments, each lug may be formed integrally with the body. In some embodiments, each lug and the body may form a one-piece body.

[0032] In some embodiments, each lug may extend away from the main body at an angle of 45 degrees to the center of gravity of the main body. Advantageously, when preferably lifted using one pair of lugs, the vibrator is already oriented at a 45 degree angle, ready to be mounted to the vibrator machine at a 45 degree angle, thereby facilitating installation of the vibrator. When the vibrator is transported in a horizontal position, two pairs of lugs may be used.

[0033] In some embodiments, the body may further include a pair of legs including one or more spaced apart apertures, each aperture for receiving a fastener. Advantageously, the vibrator may be secured to the vibrating screen machine. The legs may extend along the length of the body. The legs may extend downward and away from the body. The length of the legs may be shorter than the total length of the vibrator. In some embodiments, the legs may be integrally formed with the body. In some embodiments, the legs and the body may form an integral body.

[0034] As mentioned above, the body of the exciter includes opposite ends, each end having an opening for receiving a gear. In some embodiments, the shape of each opening is or is substantially rectangular. In addition, in a preferred embodiment, each opening can be any size suitable for allowing the gear to enter the passage of the body.

[0035] According to a second aspect, there is provided an end cap for an integral exciter housing body having a longitudinal channel defined by a top, a bottom, opposing side walls, and opposing ends, wherein each opposing end is smaller than the top, the bottom, or the opposing side walls, and wherein at least one of the opposing ends defines an opening for receiving a gear, the end cap comprising: a mounting surface periphery for coupling to the exciter housing body; an arcuate base upstanding from the mounting surface periphery and having a front wall, a rear wall spaced apart from the front wall, and a thermal cooling feature; wherein the end cap is configured to cover the opening of the exciter housing.

[0036] The thermal cooling feature may optionally include a plurality of fins upstanding from the arcuate base. By using the thermal cooling feature, the available volume of the lubricating fluid is increased. This also enables the lubricating fluid to maintain close thermal contact with the thermal cooling feature, thereby providing an enhanced cooling effect.

[0037] The arcuate base optionally defines a cavity on an inner surface thereof.

[0038] In some embodiments, each opposing end further comprises an end cap abutment surface. In some embodiments, the end cap abutment surface may be adapted to abut a corresponding end cap. The end cap abutment surface optionally extends around the periphery of the opening for receiving the gear. The end cap abutment surface optionally is planar or substantially planar.

[0039] The end cap abutment surface may include one or more apertures, each aperture for receiving a fastener. In embodiments including more than one aperture, the apertures may be spaced apart. Typically, the apertures may extend around each of the opposite end openings.

[0040] In some embodiments, the body can be longitudinal. Typically, the opposite ends of the body form the ends of the longitudinal body. The longitudinal body can be symmetrical along a central longitudinal plane and / or along a central transverse plane. Advantageously, the body can be oriented in an upright or inverted orientation while maintaining the same function.

[0041] Typically the body is unitary; optionally cast as a single body part.

[0042] According to a third aspect, an exciter is provided, comprising: an exciter housing body as described above; a pair of end covers, each end cover being mounted to an end of the exciter housing body and being configured to cover one of the opposite end openings; and a pair of bearing covers, each bearing cover being mounted on a corresponding bearing cover adjacent surface of the housing body; wherein the housing body, the end covers and the bearing covers form an inner cavity, which includes a channel and is configured to guide the fluid contained therein around it.

[0043] In some embodiments, the end cap may include an inlet / outlet for introducing and / or exhausting fluid from the passageway of the body.

[0044] In some embodiments, the exciter may further include at least one bearing cap. In some embodiments, the exciter may include two pairs of bearing caps. Each pair of bearing caps may include a first bearing cap and a second bearing cap. The first bearing cap of the pair of bearing caps may be in the form of a left bearing cap. The second bearing cap of the pair of bearing caps may be in the form of a right bearing cap. The left bearing cap may be a mirror image of the right bearing cap.

[0045] The exciter may also include at least one shaft. In some embodiments, the exciter may include a pair of shafts in the form of a first shaft and a second shaft. The first shaft may be shorter than the second shaft. However, each shaft may be in the form of a hollow shaft member. Advantageously, the hollow shaft member may help minimize the overall weight of the exciter.

[0046] The vibration exciter may also include at least one unbalanced / eccentric weight. In some embodiments, the vibration exciter may include two, four, or eight unbalanced / eccentric weights.

[0047] The exciter may further include at least one bearing. In some embodiments, the exciter may include at least four bearings. Each bearing may be configured to be received within a through hole of the exciter body. Each bearing may be supported by a wall of the body.

[0048] The exciter may include a housing assembly including a main body of the housing, at least one bearing cap and an end cap. In a preferred embodiment, the housing assembly may include a main body of the housing, two pairs of bearing caps and a pair of end caps.

[0049] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an end cover for an exciter, the exciter comprising an integral shell body defining an opening for receiving a gear, the end cover comprising: a front wall; a rear wall spaced apart from the front wall; and an arched wall extending between the front wall and the rear wall, wherein the end cover is configured to cover the opening of the integral shell body.

[0050] The arcuate wall may be concave in shape. Advantageously, when the end cap is mounted to a housing body of the exciter, the arcuate wall may help to direct and / or distribute fluid around the chamber of the body.

[0051] In some embodiments, the front wall, the rear wall and the arcuate wall may form an end portion. The end portion may include an open side. In some embodiments, the end cap may also include a flange that extends outwardly away from the periphery of the open side of the end portion for abutting the end cap abutment surface of the housing body. Advantageously, a pair of end caps may be fixed to the housing body along their respective flanges, thereby enclosing opposite ends of a channel formed in the housing body, thereby forming an internal volume suitable for accommodating a fluid.

[0052] In some embodiments, the end cap may include at least one elongate member extending transversely between the front wall and the rear wall.The at least one elongate member may be in the form of an elongate rod.

[0053] In some embodiments, the end cap may further include one or more fins extending from the outwardly facing surface of the arcuate wall for dissipating heat away from the inwardly facing surface of the arcuate wall. Advantageously, the fins may help cool a fluid contained within the housing body.

[0054] In some embodiments, the end cap may also define at least one discharge orifice configured to allow fluid to pass when the end cap is secured to the housing body. In some embodiments, the end cap includes two or four discharge orifices. Each discharge orifice is adapted to receive a discharge pipe or plug.

[0055] In some embodiments, the end cap may define at least one reinforcement aperture in each of the front wall and the rear wall. In some embodiments, the end cap includes two or four such reinforcement apertures. The reinforcement apertures defined by the front wall or the rear wall may provide protection for one or more fins and any sensors coupled to the end cap.

[0056] According to another aspect of the present invention, a housing assembly for an exciter is provided, the housing assembly comprising: an integral housing body comprising: an upper portion; a lower portion; opposite ends, each end having an opening for receiving a gear; and a pair of end covers, each end cover being used to cover the end opening of the housing body, wherein the housing body and the end covers form an inner cavity defined by at least one inner side wall, the at least one inner side wall being shaped to guide the contained fluid therearound.

[0057] According to another aspect of the present invention, a bearing cap for an exciter is provided, the bearing cap comprising: a wall having an inward-facing side, an outward-facing side and a through hole extending through the wall for receiving a shaft; the inward-facing side defines: a first formed recessed portion, wherein the first formed recessed portion extends around the orifice and defines a first volume; and a second formed recessed portion, the second formed recessed portion having an enlarged end portion defining a second volume and a narrow channel portion connecting the first volume of the first formed recessed portion and the second volume of the enlarged end portion.

[0058] In some embodiments, the second forming depression is in the form of an upper forming depression. Typically, the inwardly facing surface comprises a set of upper forming depressions spaced around the first forming depression.

[0059] In some embodiments, the inwardly facing surface may define a third shaped recess. The third shaped recess may be used as a fluid container. In some embodiments, the third shaped recess may include an enlarged lower portion defining a third volume and one or more channels connecting the first volume to the third volume. The first volume, the second volume, and the third volume may all be in fluid communication.

[0060] The first forming recess may include a central recess, the second forming recess may include an upper recess, and the third forming recess may include a lower recess.

[0061] In some embodiments, the bearing cap may further comprise one or more apertures, each aperture being adapted to receive a fastener. Advantageously, the bearing cap may be secured to the body of the exciter.

[0062] As mentioned above, the wall has an outwardly facing side. In some embodiments, the outwardly facing side includes one or more ribs or fins extending away from the outer surface of the wall. In a preferred embodiment, one or more ribs or fins can be arched. In another preferred embodiment, one or more ribs or fins can be straight. In yet another embodiment, the ribs or fins can be a combination of arched fins and straight fins. Advantageously, the ribs / fins can help cool the lubricating fluid held in the formed recessed portion.

[0063] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an eccentric counterweight for mounting to a vibrator shaft, the eccentric counterweight comprising a shaft mounting portion defining an opening for receiving the vibrator shaft; a plurality of spaced-apart arms extending radially outward from the mounting portion; and a counterweight mounting portion defining a plurality of spaced-apart openings, each opening being configured to receive a counterweight member.

[0064] In some embodiments, the body includes at least four spaced apart arms. Each arm may be in the form of an elongated arm. Each arm may have a pair of opposing ends in the form of a first end and a second end. The first end may be mounted on the shaft mounting portion, and the second end may be mounted on the counterweight mounting portion.

[0065] In some embodiments, each opening defined by the counterweight mounting portion may be circular in shape.Each opening may be in the form of a through hole extending across the width of the counterweight mounting portion.

[0066] In some embodiments, the shaft mounting portion may include an inwardly facing surface. The inwardly facing surface may be an abutment surface for abutting the exciter shaft. The inwardly facing surface may optionally define an opening for receiving the exciter shaft. The size and shape of the opening of the shaft mounting portion corresponds or substantially corresponds to the size and shape of at least a portion of the outer surface of the exciter shaft.

[0067] The eccentric weight may be forged.

[0068] Prior art exciter housings typically have variable radial stiffness and variable stiffness depending on the load direction / location of the eccentric mass. It should now be appreciated that due to the shape of the housing and the distribution of the material, the above aspect has a consistent radial stiffness (except in the inward direction where there is greater stiffness due to the bearing arrangement) and uniform stiffness with varying load directions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0069] These and other aspects of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0070] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vibration exciter assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0071] Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 They are formed Figure 1 A top view, a front view, a side view and a bottom view of a housing body of a portion of a vibration exciter assembly;

[0072] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A front view of one half of the housing;

[0073] Figure 7 is a perspective view of an end cap according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0074] Figures 8 to 11 yes Figure 7 A top view, a front view, a side view and a bottom view of the end cover;

[0075] Fig.12 is a front perspective view of a pair of left and right bearing caps;

[0076] Fig.13 yes Fig.12 A rear perspective view of a pair of bearing caps;

[0077] Fig.14 yes Fig.12 and Fig.13 A front view of the left bearing cap;

[0078] Fig.15 yes Fig.14 Rear view of the left bearing cap;

[0079] Fig.16 is a perspective view of an eccentric weight according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0080] Fig.17 and Fig.18 They are Figure 1 A top view and a front view of a shaker assembly;

[0081] Fig.19 is with Fig.17 Similar but with different weight positions Figure 1 A top view of a vibrator assembly;

[0082] Fig. 20 is along Fig.19 A cross-sectional view taken along line 20-20;

[0083] Fig.21 is along Fig.19 a cross-sectional view taken along line 21-21 of ;

[0084] Fig. 22 is along Fig.19 a cross-sectional view taken along line 22-22 of ;

[0085] Fig.23 is along Fig.18 a cross-sectional view taken along line 23-23 of ;

[0086] Fig.24 is along Fig.19 A cross-sectional view taken along line 24-24 of , wherein the vibrator assembly is tilted in the position in which it is used on the screen;

[0087] Fig.25 is along Fig.19 a cross-sectional view taken along line 25-25 of with the end cap not attached and the exciter assembly tilted in the position in which it would be in use on the screen;

[0088] Fig.26 is along Fig.19 A cross-sectional view taken along line 26-26 of FIG. 1 , wherein the vibrator assembly is tilted to its position when used on the screen; and

[0089] Fig.27A , Fig.27B and Fig.27C yes Figure 1 three different views (a top perspective view, a side perspective view, and a bottom perspective view) of a vibration exciter assembly, wherein the eccentric counterweight is in a first position;

[0090] Fig.28A , Fig.28B and Fig.28C yes Figure 1 three different views (a top perspective view, a side perspective view, and a bottom perspective view) of the vibrator assembly of the embodiment of the present invention, wherein the eccentric counterweight is in a second position;

[0091] Fig.29A , Fig.29B and Fig.29C yes Figure 1 three different views (a top perspective view, a side perspective view, and a bottom perspective view) of a vibrator assembly of the invention, wherein the eccentric weight is in a third position;

[0092] Fig. 30A , Fig. 30B and Fig. 30C yes Figure 1 three different views (a top perspective view, a side perspective view, and a bottom perspective view) of the vibration exciter assembly, wherein the eccentric weight is in a fourth position; and

[0093] Fig.31 is a front perspective view of an alternative housing body according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0094] Figure 1 A vibrating screen (also shown in FIG. Figures 17 to 19 1 and 12. The exciter assembly 10 (also referred to as an exciter) is shown in FIG. 1 and 13. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the exciter 10 includes a body in the form of an elongated housing 12. The housing 12 is characterized in that Figures 2 to 5 The housing 12 includes an upper portion (or top) 14, a lower portion (or bottom) 16, and opposing ends 18, 20, each of which has an opening 22, 24 (opening 22 is located at Fig.21 ), for receiving the gear 26 (in Fig.23 and Fig.26 Having each of the openings 22, 24 defined by one of the opposing ends 18, 20 of the housing 12 maximizes the strength of the housing 12, which is very advantageous during operation, particularly when one or more eccentric weights 28 are mounted to the exciter shaft 29 (at Fig.17 ) and when a force is applied in an upward direction (ie, toward the upper portion 14 of the housing 12), as shown Fig.26 A to Fig.26 Best shown in C.

[0095] The housing 12 also includes a passage 30 extending between the openings 22, 24 and defined by a front wall portion 32, a rear wall portion 34, the upper portion 14, and the lower portion 16. Figure 6 Best seen in ).

[0096] Figures 2 to 5 The elongated housing 12 is shown in greater detail. The housing 12 is oriented along a central longitudinal plane 36 (at Figure 2 ) and further generally symmetrical along a central transverse plane 38. In use, the housing 12 can be oriented in an upright or inverted orientation while maintaining the same functionality.

[0097] The front wall portion 32 and the rear wall portion 34 of the housing 12 each define an aperture that together provide spaced-apart through-holes 40, 42 extending therethrough (in Figure 3 and Figure 6 As described in more detail below, the through-holes 40, 42 are used to support the exciter shaft 28 on which the eccentric weight 26 is mounted.

[0098] like Figure 6 As best shown in FIG. 1 , the through-holes 40, 42 extend transversely to the length of the passage 30 (i.e., parallel to the central transverse plane 38). Each through-hole 40, 42 is further defined by a bearing abutment surface 50 (which is part of the housing 12) extending around each through-hole 40, 42 for supporting a bearing 52 (at Figure 21 to Figure 23), as described in more detail below.

[0099] The bearing abutment surface 50 includes a plurality of channels 54 spaced around each of the through holes 40, 42. In the preferred embodiment shown, the channels 54 have the same size and shape. In this embodiment, the channels 54 have a generally rectangular cross-section with rounded side edges. In other embodiments, the size and shape of the channels 54 may be irregular, or may have a different uniform shape (such as a circular cross-section). The channels 54 extend from the bearing abutment surface 50 to the passage 30 to provide a fluid communication path through each of the front wall portion 32 and the rear wall portion 34.

[0100] Go to Fig.26 , the housing 12 further defines a pair of chambers 60, 62 as part of the passage 30. Each chamber 60, 62 has an arcuate upper surface 64 and a lower surface 66 defined by the inner surface of the upper portion 14 and the inner surface of the lower portion 16, respectively. Each pair of arcuate upper and lower surfaces 64, 66 is generally concentric with its corresponding through hole 40, 42. The central portion of each of the upper and lower surfaces 64, 66 defines a gap at which the gear 26a installed in one of the chambers 60 meshes with the gear 26b installed in the other chamber 62. In use, at least a portion of the passage 30 serves as a container (or oil sump) for containing a lubricating fluid 70 (see Fig.21 , Fig.23 , Fig.24 and Fig.26 ), and the channel 54 helps distribute the fluid 70 from the chambers 60, 62 to the bearing 52. Advantageously, the lubricating fluid 70 from the reservoir can be transferred from one chamber 60 to the other chamber 62 (in either direction), thereby helping to distribute the lubricating fluid 70 within the chambers 60, 62. Exciter overheating is a serious problem that can be alleviated by this design feature.

[0101] The arcuate shape of the upper and lower inner surfaces 64, 66 helps direct the lubricating fluid 70 toward the gear 26 mounted within the housing 12. In use, the rotation of the gear 26 also helps direct the lubricating fluid 70 into the channel 54.

[0102] The housing 12 includes four lifting lugs 80 and a pair of feet 82 extending longitudinally over most or substantially all of the length of the housing 12. The lugs 80 are spaced inwardly from the opposite ends 18, 20 and extend upwardly and away from the upper portion 14 of the housing 12. Each lug 80 is configured to allow the housing 12 to be lifted at an angle of 45 degrees from the horizontal, which is typically the angle at which the exciter assembly 10 is mounted on a vibrating screen (not shown).

[0103] This pair of legs 82 extends downwardly and outwardly and defines a row of mounting apertures 84, each of which is designed to receive a fastener, such as a bolt, in the embodiment, seven mounting apertures 84 are provided, but more or less mounting apertures may be used in other embodiments.

[0104] In this embodiment, the housing is cast as a single, one-piece part. This provides improved strength and rigidity and avoids any disadvantages associated with complex assembly of multi-part assemblies.

[0105] As mentioned above, the housing 12 includes opposite ends 18, 20, each end 18, 20 having an opening 22, 24 that is substantially rectangular in shape and sized to receive an associated gear 26a, 26b. This enables the exciter assembly 10 to be assembled by sliding each gear 26a, 26b through the associated opening 22, 24. This avoids the need to have an aperture in the upper portion 14, thereby increasing the strength of the housing 12.

[0106] Each of the opposing ends 18, 20 defines an end cap abutment flange 86 extending around the periphery of the respective opening 22, 24 (at Figure 4 In the preferred embodiment shown, the end cap abutment flange 86 is planar and includes two rows of spaced apart threaded apertures 88, each for receiving a fastener, such as a bolt.

[0107] The exciter assembly 10 also includes a pair of identical (or nearly identical) end caps 100, each end cap 100 being configured to be mounted against a corresponding end cap abutment flange 86. Figures 7 to 11 The end cap 100 is shown in detail in FIG.

[0108] Each end cap 100 includes a mounting surface perimeter 102 disposed about an arcuate base 104 upstanding from the mounting surface perimeter 102. The base 104 includes a front wall 106, a rear wall 108 spaced apart from the front wall 106, and a plurality of fins 110 disposed parallel to the front wall 106 and the rear wall 108 and upstanding from a central portion of a base surface 112. The central portion of the base surface 112 is located between the front wall 106 and the rear wall 108 and has an arcuate shape. The fins 110 facilitate cooling of the exciter assembly 10 during use.

[0109] The front wall 106 and the rear wall 108 each define a pair of apertures 114 in the form of lugs configured for receiving a lifting device.

[0110] A cavity 116 is defined between an inner surface of a central portion of the base surface 112 and the mounting surface perimeter 102 .

[0111] Two rows of apertures 118 are provided on the mounting surface perimeter 102 to align with the end cap abutment flange apertures 88, thereby allowing fasteners such as bolts to be inserted through the apertures 118 and into the associated aligned threaded apertures 88. This allows each end cap 100 to be securely mounted to the housing 12 with the front and rear walls 106, 108 and fins 110 open to the air external to the exciter assembly 10.

[0112] The mounting surface perimeter 102 further defines two pairs of oil (or lubrication) ports 120, one pair at each longitudinal end of the end cap 100, which ports are configured to receive removable plugs 121 (in Figure 1 ), a cap, drain element or the like and is adapted to allow lubrication fluid 70 to be drained from (and added to, if desired, the passage 30) when the end cap 100 is mounted to the housing 12.

[0113] The end cap 100 also includes an elongated member 122 in the form of an elongated rod mounted to the underside of the end cap and extending transversely generally between the opposing inner surfaces of the front wall 106 and the rear wall 108. Advantageously, the elongated rod 122 helps to strengthen the end cap 100. Additionally, the fins 110, which are open to the ambient air, help to dissipate heat away from the cavity 116. Advantageously, in the preferred embodiment, the fins 110 help to cool the lubricating fluid 70 contained within the housing 12.

[0114] Now refer to Figures 12 to 15 , these figures show various views of a pair of bearing caps 140a, 140b. A pair of bearing caps 140a, 140b is used for the left longitudinal side (such as Figure 6 Another pair of identical bearing caps 140a, 140b for the right longitudinal side of the housing 12 (as shown); Fig.27A Since the pair of bearing caps 140a, 140b are identical, only the left longitudinal side bearing caps 140a, 140b will be described.

[0115] The left longitudinal side bearing caps 140a, 140b include: a bearing cap 140a for the left end of the housing 12; and a bearing cap 140b for the right end of the housing 12. The left bearing cap 140a is a mirror image configuration of the right bearing cap 140b.

[0116] Each bearing cap 140a, 140b includes a body 142 having a front (outer) side 144, a rear (inner) side 146, and a central aperture 148 extending through the body 142 for receiving one of the shafts 29. The rear side 146 includes (i) a first shaped recess in the form of a central circular recess 150 concentric with the central aperture 148, (ii) a second set of shaped recesses in the form of upper recesses 152, and (iii) a third shaped recess in the form of lower recesses 154.

[0117] As in Fig.13 and Fig.15 As best seen in the figure, the central recess 150 extends around the central orifice 148 and defines a first volume. Upper recesses 152 (four in this embodiment, although a different number of upper recesses may be used in other embodiments) extend around an upper portion of the body 142 and are radially spaced about the central recess 150 and are in fluid communication therewith via fluid channels 156.

[0118] As in Fig.16 As best seen in FIG. 1 , each upper recess 152 is generally teardrop shaped and includes an enlarged end portion 158 defining a second volume and a narrow channel portion 160 that opens into its respective fluid channel 156 .

[0119] Adjacent upper recesses 152 are connected by drain channels 161 that allow lubricating oil to move from one of the upper recesses 152 to its adjacent (but lower) upper recess 152, thereby facilitating drainage of the oil when the exciter 10 is not operating (i.e., when the exciter shaft 29 is not rotating). The drain channels 161 may be recessed from the outer surface of the rear (inner) side 146 by a smaller amount than the upper recesses 152. In other embodiments, the drain channels 161 may not be provided, or may have a shape or configuration different from that shown.

[0120] The lower recess 154 further extends arcuately around the lower portion of the body 142. In use, the lower recess 144 serves as a fluid container. The lower recess 144 is shaped and has a generally arcuate lower edge 162 and a plurality of protrusions 164 opposite the lower edge 162 and extending radially toward the central recess 150 to define a third volume. A pair of fluid channels 166 connect each of the two edge protrusions 164 to the central recess 150.

[0121] Now turn to Fig.12 and 14 The front side 144 is best shown in FIG. 1 , and includes a plurality of curved and straight fins 170 upstanding from the body 142. In use, the fins 170 assist in cooling the lubricating fluid 70 held within the recesses 150, 152, and 154.

[0122] The bearing caps 140a, 140b further define a set of apertures 180 circumferentially spaced as inner and outer rows in the body 142 about the central aperture 148. Each aperture 180 may receive a fastener, such as a bolt, for mounting the bearing caps 140a, 140b to the housing 12.

[0123] Reference now Fig.16, which illustrates one of the eccentric weights 28 mounted to the exciter shaft 29.

[0124] The eccentric counterweight 28 includes a counterweight body 202 defining a through hole 204 sized to receive the shaft 29 and one of the spaced arms 206. Each spaced arm 206 extends radially outward from the through hole 204 to a counterweight support cylinder 208. In this embodiment, there are five counterweight support cylinders 208, each of which is configured to receive a removable counterweight 210 (in Figure 1 ), and all counterweight support cylinders are connected via peripheral fan-shaped members 212.

[0125] Reference now Figure 17 to Figure 3 0, these figures show various views of the exciter assembly 10. The exciter assembly 10 includes a pair of gears 26a, 26b and two pairs of bearings 52a, 52b mounted in the housing 12. Each shaft 29 (there are two) is mounted on and retained by two opposing bearings 52a, 52b. The pair of bearing caps 140a, 140b is coupled to the housing 12 and surrounds its respective bearings 52a, 52b. Each of the two shafts 29 supports four eccentric weights 28, and each pair of eccentric weights 28 is mounted to opposite protruding ends of one of the shafts 29. The left shaft 29 (such as Fig.17 Observed) is longer than the right shaft 29 because on each side of the left shaft 29, the eccentric weights 28 are spaced apart to accommodate the two eccentric weights 28 mounted on each side of the right shaft 29 as the shaft 29 rotates.

[0126] 27 to 30 illustrate the vibration exciter 10 with the eccentric weight 28 in different positions (or phases) as the eccentric weight 28 is rotated by the shaft 29 in use.

[0127] It can now be appreciated that this design of the exciter assembly 10 provides the following advantages: the lubricating oil 70 is efficiently distributed through the operation of the exciter assembly 10. For example, the bearing cap recesses 150, 152, 152, passages 30, chambers 60, 62, and cavity 116 of the end cap 100 combine to form a reservoir for the lubricating oil 70. As the gear 26 rotates, the gear 26 entrains the oil 70, and the oil 70 is thereby flung about these recesses 150, 152, 152, passages 30, chambers 60, 62, and cavity 116 and thereby cooled (via the end cap fins 110) and distributed about the housing 12 for enhanced lubrication of portions of the housing and parts mounted thereto.

[0128] Now refer to Fig.31, which is a front perspective view of an alternative housing body 312 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The housing body 312 is similar to the housing body 12, but the main difference is that each bearing abutment surface 350 defines a cylindrical channel 354 extending through the front wall portion 332 or the rear wall portion 334, respectively.

[0129] The operation of the housing 312 is the same as that of the housing 12 .

[0130] Where the terms “comprise”, “comprises” or “comprising” are used in the specification (including the claims), they are to be interpreted as specifying stated features, integers, steps or components, but not excluding the presence of one or more other features, integers, steps or components, or groups thereof.

[0131] Furthermore, the foregoing describes only some embodiments and changes, modifications, additions and / or variations may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosed embodiments, which are intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0132] In the above description, where a certain number of features are described with the phrase "in this embodiment" or similar phrases, other embodiments having a greater or lesser number of those features may be used.

[0133] However, skilled artisans will appreciate that in alternative embodiments, the end cap abutment flange 86 may be any suitable configuration corresponding to the mounting surface perimeter 102 of the end cap 100 .

[0134] It should be appreciated that the fluid channel 156 (of the bearing cap) and / or the fluid channel 166 (of the lower recess) may be wider than illustrated in the drawings.

[0135] Those skilled in the art will now appreciate that the above-described exciter assembly 10 provides a number of advantages. For example, the gear 26 may be mounted in the housing 12 via the openings 22, 24 in the opposing ends 18, 20 rather than through an upper opening that weakens and reduces the stiffness of the housing in the direction of highest load. By using the side openings to insert the gear 26, the entire housing 12 may be made lighter, thereby providing a better power-to-weight ratio.

[0136] The design of the end cap 100 is simple and symmetrical, allowing it to be easily manufactured and configured for use with a variety of different sized housings 12 and for incorporating sensors.

[0137] The housing 12 provides easy access to a row of mounting apertures 84 in the feet 82, thereby facilitating the use of a Hytorc (trademark) hydraulic torque wrench as a nut tightening tool (or hydraulic nut) to mount the housing 12 to the shaker. The row of mounting apertures 84 is also optimized for bolting the housing 12 to a nominal shaker beam size, web thickness, and beam width.

[0138] The surface area of ​​the housing 12 is increased compared to many prior art shakers, thereby providing improved thermal cooling performance.

[0139] The generally symmetrical housing design and eccentric weight 28 provide symmetry of forces, thereby reducing bending.

[0140] Reference numerals list

[0141] Exciter assembly (exciter) 10 (end cap) cavity 116

[0142] Exciter body (housing) 12, 312 (end cover) opening 118

[0143] Upper part (top) of housing 14, 314 Oil port 120 (end cover)

[0144] Lower part of the housing (bottom) 16 Oil plug 121

[0145] Opposite ends of the housing; 18, 20; 318, (end cap) elongated member (rod) 122

[0146] 320 bearing caps 140a, 140b

[0147] Openings (in opposite ends) 22, 24 Body (of bearing cap) 142

[0148] Gear 26 (bearing cover) front (outer) side 144

[0149] Eccentric weight 28 (bearing cover) rear (inner) side 146

[0150] Exciter shaft 29 (bearing cap) central opening 148

[0151] Channel (in the housing) 30 Circular recess (of the bearing cap) 150

[0152] Front wall portion (of housing) 32, 332 Upper recessed portion (of bearing cover) 152

[0153] The rear wall portion (of the housing) 34, 334 The lower recessed portion (of the bearing cover) 154

[0154] Central longitudinal plane (of the housing) 36 Fluid channel (of the bearing cap) 156

[0155] Central transverse plane 38 (of the housing) Enlarged end portion 158 (of the upper recess)

[0156] Through holes 40, 42 (of the housing) Narrow channel portion 160 (of the upper recessed portion)

[0157] Bearing abutment surface (of housing) 50, 350 Discharge channel 161

[0158] The lower edge 162 (of the lower recessed portion) of the bearing 52

[0159] Channels 54, 354 (of the housing) Protrusions 164 (of the lower recess)

[0160] Chambers 60, 62 (of the housing) Fluid channels 166 (in the lower recess)

[0161] The arcuate upper surface (of the chamber) 64 fins (of the bearing cap) 170

[0162] Arc-shaped lower surface (of chamber) 66 Orifice (of bearing cap) 180

[0163] Lubricating fluid 70 (eccentric weight) weight body 202

[0164] Lifting lug 80 (of housing) Through hole 204 (of eccentric weight)

[0165] Foot 82 (of the housing) Arm 206 (of the eccentric weight)

[0166] Mounting hole 84 (for the support leg) Support tube 208 (for the eccentric weight block)

[0167] (Housing) end cap abutment flange 86 (Eccentric weight) removable weight 210 (Housing) threaded aperture 88 peripheral sector member 212

[0168] End cap 100

[0169] (End cap) mounting surface perimeter 102

[0170] Arched base 104 (of end cap)

[0171] Front wall 106 (of end cap)

[0172] Rear wall 108 (of end cap)

[0173] Fins (end cap) 110

[0174] The central portion of the base surface 112 (of the end cap)

[0175] point

[0176] Hole 114 (end cap)

Claims

1. A vibrator housing for a vibrating screen, the housing comprising: A one-piece body, the one-piece body having: upper part; lower part; opposing walls, the opposing walls comprising a front wall and a rear wall; Opposing ends, at least one of the ends having an opening for receiving a gear; as well as, a passage extending between the ends and defined by the upper and lower portions and the opposing walls; wherein each of the opposing walls has a pair of spaced-apart apertures therethrough and the channel includes a pair of chambers, each chamber being aligned with a corresponding spaced-apart aperture therethrough and each chamber extending transversely to the length of the channel.

2. The exciter housing of claim 1 wherein each end has an opening for receiving a gear and wherein the passage extends between the openings defined by the end portions.

3. An exciter housing as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the bearing cap abutment surface extends around each of the spaced apart through-holes.

4. The exciter housing of claim 3, wherein the bearing cap abutment surface includes a plurality of channels, wherein the channels are circumferentially spaced about the through-hole.

5. The exciter housing of claim 4 wherein each channel extends through the front wall and the rear wall such that a channel in one bearing cap abutment surface aligns with a corresponding channel in an opposing bearing cap abutment surface to provide fluid communication between one bearing cap abutment surface, the passage, and the opposing bearing cap abutment surface.

6. An exciter housing as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the chambers are configured to share a common opening between the chambers.

7. An exciter housing as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the passage comprises a reservoir for holding a lubricating fluid.

8. An exciter housing as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the upper portion includes a pair of spaced apart lugs configured to allow the body to be lifted at an angle.

9. An exciter housing as claimed in claim 8, wherein each lug is spaced inwardly from an end of the body.

10. An exciter housing as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each end comprises an end cap abutment surface for securing an end cap to the end.

11. An exciter housing as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the body extends longitudinally and is substantially symmetrical along at least one of a central longitudinal plane and a central transverse plane.

12. An exciter, comprising: An exciter housing body according to any preceding claim; a pair of end caps, each end cap mounted to an end of the exciter housing body and configured to cover one of the opposing end openings; as well as a pair of bearing caps, each bearing cap mounted on a corresponding bearing cap abutment surface of the housing body; The housing body, the end cap and the bearing cap form an inner cavity, the inner cavity includes a passage and is configured to guide the contained fluid around it.

13. An end cap for a unitary exciter housing body, the unitary exciter housing body having a longitudinal channel defined by a top, a bottom, opposing side walls, and opposing ends, wherein each opposing end is smaller than the top wall, the bottom wall, or the opposing side walls, and wherein at least one of the opposing ends defines an opening for receiving a gear, the end cap comprising: a mounting surface periphery for coupling to the exciter housing body; an arcuate base upstanding from the perimeter of the mounting surface and having a front wall, a rear wall spaced from the front wall, and a thermal cooling feature; The end cover is configured to cover the opening of the exciter housing body.

14. The end cap of claim 13 wherein the thermal cooling feature comprises a plurality of fins upstanding from the arcuate base.

15. An end cap as claimed in claim 13 or 14, wherein the arcuate base defines a cavity on an inner surface thereof.

16. The end cap of claim 15, wherein the mounting surface perimeter defines a lubrication aperture configured to receive a removable plug for draining or adding lubrication fluid to the cavity.

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