Releasable coupling element for screen panel module

Abstract

A coupler element (10) for releasably coupling a screening member (12) to a support member (13) in a screening table (60) used in a vibratory material screening apparatus, the coupler element (10) having a first portion (17) having a first zone (18) configured to engage with the screening member (12) by a magnetic attraction force, the first portion (17) has a magnetic attraction force to releasably retain the screening member (12) to the coupler element (10), and the first portion (17) has an oppositely facing second region (19) configured to engage with the support member (13) by the magnetic attraction force to retain the screening member (12) to the coupler element (10). The coupling element (10) has a first portion (17), which retains the coupling element (10) in a releasable manner to the support member (13), and a second portion (21, 41), which is connected to the first portion (17) and extends axially downward from the first portion (17) to engage with the support member (13) to prevent lateral relative movement with respect to the axial direction, in which the coupling element (10) has a magnetic attraction force which retains the coupling element (10) in a releasable manner to the support member (13), and in which the coupling element (10) has a second portion (21, 41) which is connected to the first portion (17) and extends axially downward from the first portion (17). But the relative movement in the axial direction is not hindered.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to improved releasable coupling elements for removably retaining screening panels or screening panel modules to a base support structure to form a screening table usable in a vibratory material screening apparatus. Background Art

[0002] Screening equipment is commonly used in the mining and quarrying industries to crush soil-based materials (such as rock and ore) and refine these materials into specific size ranges. Vibratory material screening equipment can also be used for similar purposes in other industries, and the developments herein are applicable to all such vibratory material screening equipment. Vibratory screening equipment will include at least one screening deck, and typically multiple screening decks arranged in a stacked formation with limited spacing between the decks to limit the overall height of the vibratory material screening equipment. Each screening deck will typically include at least one screening panel structure supported on a base support structure and secured to the base support structure via releasable coupling elements. In use, each screening deck is caused to vibrate by at least one (and typically multiple) vibration-applying exciter devices or machines. The details of these exciter devices or machines are well known in the relevant industries using vibratory material screening equipment and will not be further described in this disclosure. In use, the material to be processed by the vibrating material screening equipment is deposited onto the upward-facing surface of the screening panel structure, or onto the topmost screening panel structure (if multiple screening tables are provided in a stacked configuration). The screening table is vibrated to help process the material of a specific size range and to allow the material of this specific size range to be transferred through the screening aperture (if the screening aperture is included in the screening table) to be further processed on another screening table below the first screening table or to be collected in a collection area. The granular material that does not pass through the screening aperture (either because the screening aperture is not provided or because the particle size is too large) moves along the screening table under the applied vibration and falls from the edge area due to the orientation of the screening table. Such material is usually collected as a final product or for further processing.

[0003] The screen panel structure wears during use and requires regular replacement. Further, the wear pattern may vary from one screening table to another, such that certain areas of the screening table may be acceptable for continued use, while other areas may not be satisfactory for continued use. In recent years, screening tables have been developed that utilize relatively small screen panel modules having a square or rectangular perimeter, each screen panel module being secured to a base support structure, typically by two (or more) spaced-apart, separate releasable connector elements positioned along at least two opposing edge regions of each screen panel module, whereby the screen panel modules are positioned in an edge-engaging array to collectively provide a complete screening table surface. This arrangement allows individual worn screen panel modules to be removed and replaced without having to remove those modules that have not been worn to the extent that removal and replacement is necessary.

[0004] Typically, the fixing elements used to secure these screen panel modules to the metal base support structure include some form of fixing pins, typically made of a tough, high-strength molded polymer material, which are hammered directly into their fixed position by hand and form some form of interference fit or engagement with fixing apertures in the screen panel module and the base support structure. Generally speaking, the simple form of tightening a threaded nut to a threaded bolt connection is not preferred because of the need to access both ends of the bolt during installation and removal, and because the screwed threaded connection tends to loosen and may become disengaged under the vibration conditions of use of such a vibrating screening table.

[0005] One known form of the screen panel module comprises a reinforced metal subframe structure, a portion of which includes slats, or at least slat segments, arranged adjacent to the intended lower end face of the completed screen panel module and positioned adjacent to the opposite side edge faces of the completed screen panel module. The reinforced metal subframe structure then has a polymer material molded onto the subframe structure to produce the completed screen panel module, as described herein. The polymer material is a suitable high-strength, tough, and wear-resistant polymer material, such as polyurethane, although other polymer materials may also be used. The polymer material substantially surrounds and encapsulates the metal subframe structure, except for smaller, spaced-apart regions of the slats or slat segments that are located in cavities formed inwardly from the respective opposite side edge faces. The exposed, spaced-apart regions of the slats or slat segments each include a channel or recess (forming a portion of a channel) for receiving a retaining pin therethrough and into a channel in the underlying base support structure when the retaining pin is installed by hammering it in. The securing pin will have a head region that engages an exposed area of ​​the slat or slat segment when installed and a shank portion configured to provide interference securing characteristics with the base support structure.

[0006] While the above-described retaining pins work effectively once installed, they do present some practical difficulties during installation and, in particular, removal when replacement of the screen panel module is required. The installation process, and in particular the removal process, involves undesirable, difficult, dangerous, and physically demanding work for the installer / remover, which is typically performed in a relatively dirty and confined space.

[0007] U.S. Patent Specification No. 5,045,184 discloses a modular screen panel that is fixed to a metal subframe of a screening table used in a vibrating screening device, whereby a magnetic fixture is embedded in the lower surface of the edge area of ​​the modular screen panel. Therefore, if the modular screen panel wears out and needs to be replaced, the magnetic fixture is actually discarded. U.S. Patent Specification No. 9,283,700 discloses a similar concept, namely, a magnetic fixture is embedded in the modular screen panel. In the above two U.S. Patent Specifications, the only restraining force that can act between the modular screen panel and the metal subframe is the magnetic attraction that can act between the magnetic fixture and the metal subframe. Summary of the Invention

[0008] One objective of the present invention is to provide an improved releasable connector element independent of a screening panel or screening panel module, which connector element is capable of fixing such a screening panel or screening panel module to a metal base support structure to form a screening table used in a material vibration screening device, whereby a separate releasable connector element can be more easily connected to the screening panel or the screening panel module and to the metal base structure, while at the same time still allowing the screening panel or the single screening panel module to be more conveniently removed when such a screening panel or a single screening panel module needs to be replaced due to damage or wear.

[0009] Yet another preferred object of the present developments is to provide an improved screening deck assembly comprising one or more screening panel members releasably coupled to a screening deck support structure having one or more support members via an improved releasable coupling arrangement. The present developments are further directed to providing an improved combination of components that enables secure connection of the screening panel members to the support members during operational use of the screening deck, while simultaneously allowing easier removal of the screening panel members from the support structure when removal is desired.

[0010] According to the first aspect of the development results of the present invention, a releasable connector element is provided, which is used to hold a screening panel component to a support component that is iron-based or includes an iron-based support portion during operation to form at least a part of a screening table of a material vibration screening device. The releasable connector element is characterized in that it has a first part with a first magnetic upper zone, whereby the first magnetic upper zone is releasably held to the first engaging part of the screening panel component that is an iron base or includes an iron base by magnetic attraction during use. The releasable connector element has a protrusion, which axially depends downward from the first part, and the protrusion can cooperate with the support member during use, thereby mechanically preventing the releasable connector element from moving laterally relative to the support member relative to the axial direction.

[0011] In another preferred aspect, the development results of the present invention provide a releasable connector element, which is used to hold a screening panel component to a support component that is iron-based or includes an iron-based support portion during operation to form at least a part of a screening table of a material vibration screening device, and the releasable connector element is characterized in that it has a first part that cooperates with the screening panel component during use and a second part that cooperates with the support member during use, the first part having a first area facing a first direction and an opposite second area facing a second direction opposite to the first direction, whereby the first area is releasably held to the screening panel component by magnetic attraction during use, and the second area is releasably held to the support structure by magnetic attraction during use. The releasable coupling element is further characterized in that the axial direction of the second portion extends downwardly from the second zone, and the second portion is capable of cooperating with the support member to mechanically prevent the releasable coupling element from moving laterally relative to the support member relative to the axial direction, but allowing the second portion to selectively engage with or disengage from the support member, whereby the screening panel member can be selectively disengaged from the support member in use by either or both of the following ways: overcoming any magnetic attraction used to hold the screening panel member to the releasable coupling element; or overcoming any magnetic attraction between the releasable coupling element and the support member.

[0012] The releasable coupling element as described in the previous paragraph can be separated from the screening panel component in the following manner: overcoming any magnetic attraction and any possible mechanical friction that may hinder the separation. Preferably, the only force that hinders removal is magnetic attraction. Once the installed screening panel component has been used to the point where it has been sufficiently worn or damaged, the simple task required is to pry or lift the screening panel component from the releasable coupling element (and other such releasable coupling elements) or to lift the releasable coupling element or each releasable coupling element from the support member to remove the screening panel component from the screening table. The releasable coupling element that previously held the removed screening panel component can then remain fixed to the iron base forming part of the metal base structure or to the support member. A similar new screening panel component or replacement screening panel component can then be easily assembled into the space previously occupied by the removed screening panel component and releasably retained in the space, with the previously used releasable coupling element being reused.

[0013] In another preferred aspect of the present invention, the engagement between the projection and the ferrous support member does not impede movement of the releasable coupling element in an axial direction (i.e., away from the ferrous support member). Thus, in use, the releasable coupling element magnetically retains the screening panel member axially to the ferrous support member, while the projection prevents any lateral sliding or creeping movement of the screening panel member relative to the ferrous support member.

[0014] In one possible preferred embodiment, the first upper attachment area of ​​the releasable coupling element may be magnetic, or may include a magnetic segment. The first upper attachment area may be formed on the first portion of the releasable coupling element and may face in an upward facing direction during use. The second lower attachment area of ​​the releasable coupling element may be magnetic, or may include a magnetic segment. In a preferred option, the second lower attachment area may be formed on the first portion and face in a downward direction during use, or face in a direction substantially opposite to the direction of the first upper attachment area. In yet another possible preferred option, a protrusion extending downward from the first portion of the releasable coupling element may be magnetic, or may include a magnetic segment.

[0015] In use, the releasable coupling element may be located in a bore, opening or aperture located in an upwardly facing engagement region of a support substrate having one or more support members carrying one or more screening panel members. Conveniently, the projection of the or each releasable coupling element may be located in and partially constrained by the bore, opening or aperture.

[0016] In one possible alternative preferred embodiment, the magnetic means may be positioned in the screening panel member in operation to engage with the first ferrous portion (or a ferrous section of the first portion) of the releasable coupling element when in the coupled position. Yet another possible preferred embodiment may provide for the magnetic means to be carried by the support member, adjacent the engagement region of the releasable coupling element, so as to magnetically releasably engage the ferrous protrusion or one or more ferrous sections of the protrusion of the releasable coupling element in use.

[0017] In another possible preferred embodiment, the entire first portion of the releasable coupling element can be made magnetic. Yet another possible preferred embodiment can provide a fully magnetic releasable coupling element, i.e., both the first portion and the projection are magnetic. Alternatively, the projection of the releasable coupling element can be made non-magnetic and can be made of any suitable metal or polymer material, typically by a molding process. The polymer material should have sufficient strength and wear resistance for the intended use, such as polyurethane.

[0018] The releasable coupling element may further comprise a shaft or stud portion extending upwardly from the first portion of the releasable coupling element. The upwardly extending shaft or stud portion may be made of a non-magnetic material, including metal and / or a polymeric material (including polyurethane). The polymeric material used may have similar properties to polymer-based fixing pins used in existing screening table manufacturing to secure screening panel components to the frame structure of the supporting base.

[0019] It is further expected that the research results of the present invention will also provide a screening panel component, which can be supported on at least one supporting member during use (wherein the supporting member or each supporting member is iron-based or at least includes spaced iron-based support portions) to form at least a portion of a screening table of a material vibration screening device, wherein the screening panel component is characterized in that it has an upper end face, a lower end face and at least one iron base, and the screening panel component is capable of cooperating with a plurality of spaced-apart releasable connector elements, each of which is formed as described above, wherein each of the releasable connector elements is releasably retained in a recess or cavity located in the lower end face of the screening panel component, or is retained in the recess or cavity. In one possible preferred embodiment, at least some of the recesses or cavities are positioned adjacent to the edge end face of the screening panel component. In another possible preferred embodiment, at least some of the recesses or cavities open to the edge end face of the screening panel component. Such recesses or cavities may be configured to open partially onto the edge end faces or onto the lower end face of the screening panel member. Preferably, the recesses or cavities may be spaced apart along at least two opposing edge end faces of the screening panel member, each of the recesses or cavities accommodating, in use, the first upper region of one of the releasable coupling elements, thereby enabling magnetic access to the ferrous base. Conveniently, the ferrous base is a section of the internal reinforcement structure of the screening panel member that is typically located within a composite structure comprising a moulded polymer material moulded around the internal reinforcement structure, thereby providing the opposing upper and lower end faces of the screening panel member and the side edge regions of the screening panel member.

[0020] Preferably, the ferrous base forming part of the internal reinforcement structure is free of the moulded outer covering polymer material of the screening panel member, or is covered only by a relatively thin layer of polymer material. The ferrous base, whether or not covered with polymer material, provides an upper abutment for the releasable coupling element and defines an axial height from its lower surface to the lower surface of the screening panel, within which the first portion of the releasable coupling element is typically accommodated. The maximum axial dimension of the first portion of the releasable coupling should not exceed the axial distance from the lower surface of the ferrous base (whether or not covered with polymer material) to the lower surface of the screening panel, and preferably should approach that distance.

[0021] According to another preferred embodiment, the present invention can also provide a support base for supporting a screening panel and holding the screening panel to the support base during operation to form at least a portion of a screening table used in a material vibration screening device. The support base is characterized in that the support base has one or more support members, the support member or each support member having spaced-apart upward-facing engagement areas, which define a plurality of separate coupling positions for engaging with releasable coupling elements. The support base is also characterized in that it has a plurality of releasable coupling elements, wherein the releasable coupling elements cooperate with at least some of the engagement areas. The support base is further characterized in that each releasable coupling element has a first portion with a first upper area and a second lower area, the second lower area being releasably held to the engagement area by magnetic attraction, and each releasable coupling element has a protrusion that extends downward from the second lower area and is releasably received in a retaining aperture or recess.

[0022] Conveniently, the projection of the releasable coupling element referred to in the preceding paragraph has an axial direction, extending downwardly from the second magnetic lower zone of the first portion of the releasable coupling element to engage with a retaining aperture located in each of the engagement zones of the support base. Preferably, the first portion projects upwardly from the support base to fit into a cavity or recess formed in a screening panel member having a ferrous base to which the magnetic first upper zone of the first portion is magnetically attracted, thereby releasably retaining the screening panel member to the magnetic first upper zone. In this position, the screening panel member is supported on and retained to the support base during operation, thereby forming part of or the entire screening table of a material vibrating screening device.

[0023] According to another preferred aspect, the research and development results of the present invention also provide a screening table used in a material vibration screening device, wherein the screening table has a supporting base, which has one or more supporting members and at least one screening panel member, and the at least one screening panel member is releasably connected to the supporting member at multiple separate releasable connection positions and supported by the supporting member. The screening table is characterized in that each of the releasable connector elements has a first part and a protrusion with an axial direction, and the protrusion extends downward from the first part. Each of the releasable connector elements also has a first attachment area and a second lower attachment area, whereby, in use, the first upper attachment area is releasably fixed to the screening panel member by magnetic attraction, and the second lower attachment area is releasably fixed to the support member by magnetic attraction, and each of the protrusions is physically capable of cooperating with the support member at one of the separate releasable connection positions to mechanically prevent the releasable connector element from moving laterally relative to the support member relative to the axial direction.

[0024] In certain aspects, at least the first portion is formed as a permanent magnet.

[0025] In certain aspects, the first region forms an upper surface and the second region forms a lower surface, wherein the upper and lower surfaces are configured such that: at least during operation of the material vibrating screening apparatus, the coupler element operatively retains the ferrous metal portion of the panel member to the support rail member.

[0026] In certain aspects, the first portion thickness of the first portion is configured such that the coupler element operatively retains the ferrous metal portion of the panel member to the support rail member at least during operation of the vibratory material screening apparatus.

[0027] In order to assemble the screening panel component to the supporting base, the releasable coupling element can be easily positioned in selected or all of the retaining apertures in the supporting base, and the screening panel component or a plurality of screening panel modules are assembled to the first portion of the releasable coupling element protruding upwardly from the supporting base. Alternatively, the releasable coupling element can be first assembled to the lower end face of the screening panel component or screening panel module and then assembled to the appropriate retaining apertures in the supporting base.

[0028] In order to remove the worn screening panel component or screening panel module, it is only necessary to pry up or lift the screening panel component or module upwards to break any magnetic attraction hold down forces and lift the worn screening panel component or module away from its operating position. The releasable coupling element can be retained as installed on the supporting base, or can be transported together with the worn fixed panel component or module, but in the latter case, the releasable coupling element can be removed. In either case, the releasable coupling element can be reused for the replacement screening panel component or module. The above-mentioned first removal process can be achieved in the following way: it is preferably to ensure that any magnetic attraction force that the releasable coupling element is held to the support member is greater than any magnetic attraction force that is used to fix the screening panel to the releasable coupling element. Subsequently, in the modular structure of the coupling element of the screening table, if necessary, the adjacent modular screening panel component can also be removed in a similar manner. In this process, the releasable coupling element can remain in place and be connected to the support member in a releasable manner. If desired, the releasable coupler element may be removed from the screening member by gripping and lifting the upwardly extending stud portion or other upwardly extending projection using a gripping tool.

[0029] Preferably, the screening table construction outlined in the preceding paragraphs can include additional aspects. For example, the screening table can include a retainer member, which covers at least a portion of one or more of the screening panel components, and the retainer member is releasably coupled to the screening panel component by the magnetic attraction acting between the retainer member and at least one or more of the releasable coupling elements. The retainer member can be releasably coupled to two or more adjacent releasable coupling elements. Conveniently, the retainer member can be constructed to at least partially have a wedge shape, so as to complement in shape the complementary shaped area extending downwardly from the upwardly facing surface of the screening panel component that forms a part of the screening table, the complementary shaped area providing access to at least one and preferably a plurality of releasable coupling elements in use. Preferably, the complementary shaped area is located along at least a portion of at least one edge end face of a corresponding screening panel component and preferably completely along the at least one edge end face. More preferably, the complementary shaped areas extend partially or completely along two opposing edge faces of the screening panel component, and even more preferably, along two sets of opposing edge faces of the screening panel component. In this way, a preferred form of screening table can be provided in which one or more retainer members cover adjacent edge faces of at least two adjacent screening panel components, and the wedge shape of the retainer member(s) fits into a wedge-shaped cavity formed between the opposing complementary shaped areas on each of the adjacent edge faces of the screening panel component.

[0030] Advantageously, the retainer member is configured to cover adjacent edge end regions of adjacently positioned screening panel members, such that the retainer member (or retainer members) can prevent fine screening particulate material from passing between the edge end faces of adjacent screening panels. The retainer member (or retainer members) may serve solely as a fine particulate material passage blocker, or may serve solely to releasably retain the screening panel members to the support member, or may serve both purposes.

[0031] The magnetic attraction between the or each retainer member may be achieved by manufacturing the retainer member from a ferrous material, or comprising a single ferrous section or, alternatively, a plurality of ferrous sections spaced apart along the length of the retainer member corresponding to the intended operating position of the releasable coupling element (the releasable coupling element at least partially comprising magnetic means), and the releasable coupling element further comprising magnetic means cooperable with a support base to releasably secure the releasable coupling element to the support base. Alternatively, the magnetic attraction may be achieved by providing the retainer member with magnetic means cooperable with the ferrous base of the or each releasable coupling element.

[0032] Of course, it will be appreciated that the retainer members just described could alternatively function primarily as ingress protection strips or screening particulate material flow barriers, with other mechanisms disclosed herein serving as the primary means of releasably coupling the screening panel members to the supporting substrate.

[0033] Other disclosed means of releasably coupling a screening panel member to a supporting substrate include making the first upper region magnetic or including a magnetic section. Furthermore, the second lower region may be magnetic or include a magnetic section. The second lower region may be positioned on the first portion or may be formed by a projection extending downwardly from the first portion of the releasable coupling element.

[0034] In general, any feature or arrangement described with respect to a particular embodiment may be used with respect to any other described embodiment, as far as practicable and useful, in the context of the present invention. It should be understood that throughout this specification, terms such as "screening panel member," "screening table," and "screening panel module" are used. These terms are intended to encompass or include: elements having flow apertures of any desired size and arrangement from the upper surface to the lower surface, as well as elements without such flow apertures, the purpose of which is to impact and break up material deposited on such elements. It should also be understood that terms such as "comprises," "comprising," "includes," and / or "including" as used in this specification are intended to specify the presence of the described features, items, steps, operations, elements, materials, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, items, steps, operations, elements, components, materials, and / or combinations thereof. Several non-limiting preferred embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The disclosure of this specification should also be deemed to include the subject matter disclosed by the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Figure 1 is a partial perspective view of an edge region of a screening panel member carried on a support member and secured to the support member by a releasable coupling element constructed in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 2 is cut along the releasable coupling element Figure 1 An elevation view of the edge end face;

[0037] Figure 3 and Figure 4 is with Figure 1 and Figure 2 Similar views, showing a modified embodiment;

[0038] Figure 5 and Figure 6 is with Figure 1 and Figure 2 Similar views showing yet another modified embodiment;

[0039] Figure 7 is a perspective view from below of one possible form of an anti-ingress protection strip intended to prevent or inhibit the passage of particulate material between adjacent edges of adjacent screening panel members in a screening deck;

[0040] Figure 8 It is viewed from above, using Figure 7 A perspective view of a portion of a screening table having an anti-ingress protection strip of the type shown in FIG.

[0041] Figure 9 is a perspective view of an edge region of a screening panel supported on a support structure by releasable coupling elements as shown in the previous figures, the edge region being configured to receive a screen panel as shown in the previous figures. Figure 7 the anti-intrusion protection strips shown; and

[0042] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view through a releasable coupling element showing the Figure 7 and Figure 8 Ingress protection strip shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Figure 1The edge region of a screening panel member 12 is partially shown, the screening panel member being schematically shown as being supported on a support track member 13 to form part of the support base 43 of a screening table 60 of a material vibrating screening apparatus. Such material vibrating screening apparatus is used for processing and sizing earth-based materials such as rock and ore materials to a desired particle size or particle size range. Other similar applications exist, and the developments of the present invention relate to all such applications. The panel member 12 is secured to the support track member 13 by a plurality of spaced-apart releasable coupling elements 10. Figure 1 and Figure 2 1. One of the releasable coupling elements 10 is shown. The releasable coupling elements 10 will typically be located at least along the edge face 14 shown and along the opposite edge face (not shown), although other locations are possible. The panel member 12 may function as an impact screen and lack a through-flow screening channel from its upper end face 15 to its lower end face 16, or it may be a screening-type panel member having a plurality of spaced-apart through-flow channels from its upper end face 15 to its lower end face 16, the through-flow channels being arranged in any desired array and of any desired size to screen particulate material of a particular size range through the panel member 12. Such through-flow channels are not shown.

[0044] The screening panel assembly 12 can take on a variety of different forms and configurations, and the present invention is intended to be applicable to all such forms and configurations. One commonly used screening panel assembly configuration includes multiple panel assembly modules 12 positioned side-by-side on a support track member 13, which together form a complete screening table for a vibrating material screening machine. In this configuration, the edge end faces 14 of the screening panel modules 12 are positioned adjacent to each other. Such screening panel modules 12 are typically made from a composite material combination that includes an internal reinforced metal frame structure, where the metal is typically iron-based. The entire external structure is formed by molding a tough, wear-resistant polymer material (such as polyurethane) onto the internal metal reinforced frame structure in any desired configuration. Such panel assembly modules 12 perform well in use, but they will wear over time and require replacement from time to time. Therefore, any releasable connector elements 10 used must function effectively while the screening panel modules 12 are in use and be relatively easy to remove when a worn panel module 12 needs to be replaced.

[0045] Figure 1 and Figure 2A preferred embodiment of a releasable coupling element 10 according to the present invention is shown. The releasable coupling element 10 includes a first portion 17 formed as an annular magnet having an upwardly facing surface 18 and a downwardly facing surface 19, as well as a circumferential edge end surface 20. The first portion 17 may be formed as a permanent magnet. The second portion 21 may be formed from a non-magnetic material, such as a tough, strong, wear-resistant polymer material (e.g., polyurethane), and includes a first section 22, which engages or is positioned within a central bore 23 of the first portion (annular magnet) 17, and a third portion 24, which serves as a stud member and extends downwardly below the first portion 17 to be positioned within a bore 25 within a positioning and engagement region 37 in the support track member 13, with the lower surface 19 of the first portion 17 engaging the engagement region 37. A circumferentially outwardly extending flange formation 26 may be provided at the upper end of the first portion 22. An upwardly extending shaft or stud portion 27 may be provided extending from the circumferential flange formation 26 , but is not required and may be omitted if desired.

[0046] The downwardly extending second portion 21 can be molded onto the annular magnet 17 and fixed thereto, so that the second portion 21 and the annular magnet 17 effectively become one connecting portion. Alternatively, they can also be formed as separate components that are assembled as shown in the figure. The third portion 24, which is configured as a rod or stud portion, effectively prevents the releasable coupling element 10 from moving in a lateral direction relative to its axis 28 when engaged in the channel 25, but allows movement in the direction of the axis 28 when overcoming any magnetic attraction exerted by the annular magnet 17. The annular magnet 17 can also adopt other configurations or shapes. In addition, when the releasable coupling element 10 is made of different materials (such as a molded polymer material and a metal magnetic portion), a mechanical interlocking feature between these parts can be used to prevent these parts from separating during use.

[0047] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A construction is shown in which the releasable connector element 10 is partially positioned in a semi-circular cavity 29 formed in the edge end face 14, whereby the releasable connector element 10 shown can at least partially secure the two screening panel members 12 when a second screening panel member 12 (not shown) is positioned on the support rail member 13 and the second screening panel member 12 has an edge end face 14 and a similar cavity 29 opposite the cavity 29 shown, as described below. Alternatively, the complete circular channel cavity can also be set completely within the edge region of the screening panel member 12. However, an advantage of the embodiment shown is that it can minimize the number of releasable connector elements 10 required to secure the screening panel members 12 to form a screening table. As Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in , a plate 30 is provided, the visible portion of which is semi-circular and which has a central semi-circular recess 31. The plate 30 is spaced upwardly from the lower end face 16 of the screening panel member 12 so as to provide a cavity 32 beneath the plate 30 which, in use, accommodates the thickness of the annular magnet 17. Conveniently, the plate 30 may be formed as part of an internal reinforcing metal frame structure 44 (which is not shown in its entirety) and the plate 30 may be free of any covering of polymeric material or may include some covering of such material so that sufficient magnetic attraction is not impeded. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in FIG, if an upwardly extending shaft or stud portion 27 is provided, it can be received in the channel formed by the semi-circular cavity 31 in the plate 30. The stud portion 27 also allows the releasable coupling element 10 to be easily grasped by a grasping tool, thereby facilitating the insertion of the releasable coupling element into a mounting position in the support member 13, or allowing the releasable coupling element to be removed from such a mounting position.

[0048] Figure 3 and Figure 4 Shown Figure 1 and Figure 2 An alternative embodiment of the invention in which like features are given like reference numerals. Figure 3 、 Figure 4 , the releasable coupling element 10 is substantially the same, but the size of the semi-circular cavity 29 is reduced to provide a space 33 that corresponds to snugly surrounding only half of the releasable coupling element 10, namely half of the stud portion 27 and half of the magnetic first portion 17. Of course, if the stud portion 27 is not used, the upper portion of this space 33 surrounding the stud portion 27 would not be required. The figures show the ferrous metal portion 30 directly exposed to the magnetic first portion 17, but it is expected that the releasable coupling element 10 will still function effectively even if the metal portion 30 is covered with a polymer material to some extent.

[0049] Figure 5 and Figure 6Another possible preferred embodiment according to the development of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the releasable coupling element 10 is formed from a single piece of permanent magnetic part, which includes an upper disc-shaped section 40 that is sized to allow sliding fitment into a cavity 33 that is partially open to the lower end face 16 of the panel member 12 and, in the embodiment shown, at least through the edge end face 14. Of course, the cavity 33 could also be located entirely within the molded polymer material forming the outer surface of the panel member 12 and would then be open only through the lower end face 16. The upper surface 18 of the releasable coupling element 10 is then magnetically attracted to the plate 30 so as to be retained thereto during use. The lower surface 19 of the disc-shaped section 40 is magnetically attracted to and retained thereto the support rail member 13 during use. In particular, the lower surface 19 of the disc-shaped section 40 is magnetically attracted to and retained to the upper surface 16 of the support rail member 13 during use. The releasable coupler element 10 further includes a downwardly projecting portion 41 in the form of a projection or stud which engages with the aperture or hole 25 in the support rail member 13 and, in this embodiment, is an integral part of the releasable coupler element 10. Of course, the length of the projection or stud 41 may extend completely through the retention aperture or hole 25.

[0050] While the figures show that the magnetic annular portion 17 and the disc-shaped section 40 may have substantially flat upper and lower surfaces 18, 19 and rounded outer edge end faces 20, other shapes and configurations are possible, provided that sufficient magnetic attraction is achieved to retain the plate 30 forming part of the panel member 12 to the support rail member 13 during operation, while allowing relatively easy separation of the plate 30 from the magnetic annular portion 17 or the magnetic annular portion 17 from the support rail member 13 when it is desired to remove a selected panel member 12. This may be achieved by lifting the desired panel member 12 relative to the support rail member 13 generally in the direction of the axis 28 using a lever tool.

[0051] In either embodiment, the first portion 17 can extend in a radial direction of the coupling element 10. The radially extending portion of the first portion 17 can be configured to extend beyond the outer periphery of the second portion 21, 41 to form a lower surface 19. The lower surface 19 (such as a certain section of the lower surface 19) can be configured such that: during operation of the material vibrating screening apparatus, the coupling element 10 is capable of operatively retaining the ferrous metal portion 30 of the panel member 12 to the support rail member 13 that is ferrous or includes a ferrous support portion by at least magnetic attraction.

[0052] In either embodiment, the radial extension of the first portion 17 is configured to form an upper surface 18. The upper surface 18 (such as a certain section of the upper surface 18) can be configured so that: during operation of the material vibrating screening apparatus, the coupler element 10 is capable of operatively retaining the ferrous metal portion 30 of the panel member 12 to the support track member 13 that is ferrous or includes a ferrous support portion by at least magnetic attraction.

[0053] In either embodiment, the first portion 17 can have a first portion thickness extending between an upper region 18 (e.g., from an upper surface 18 of the first region) and a lower region 19 (e.g., from a lower surface 19 of the lower region 19). The first portion thickness can be configured such that, during operation of the vibrating material screening apparatus, the coupler element 10 can operatively retain the ferrous metal portion 30 of the panel member 12 to the support rail member 13, which is ferrous or includes a ferrous support portion, at least by magnetic attraction.

[0054] As already explained herein, the upper surface 18 and the lower surface 19 can be constructed so that: at least during operation of the material vibration screening equipment, the connector element 10 is able to retain the screening panel 12 having the iron-based metal part 30 to the iron-based support rail member 13 or including an iron-based support part by means of magnetic attraction.

[0055] Figures 7 to 10 Shown is a further preferred embodiment of the development results of the present invention. Figure 7 A retainer member or intrusion protection strip 50 is shown in perspective from below. In a preferred configuration, the retainer member or intrusion protection strip 50 has an elongated shape, its length being equal to the length of the side edge end surfaces 14 of the screening panel components 12. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other configurations are possible. The main cross-sectional shape of the intrusion protection strip 50 is uniform along its length, having a flat upper surface 51 and a similar, but narrower, flat lower surface 52. Mainly diverging side end surfaces 53 and 54 extend upward from the lower surface 52 to intermediate edges 55 and 56, where shorter (in height) converging side end surfaces 57 and 58 extend further upward to the flat upper surface 51. Spaced connection locations 59 along the intrusion protection strip 50 are adapted to cooperate with a releasable coupling element 10, in use, for releasably coupling one or more screening panel components 12 to a support base 43 (including the support member 13). The main diverging sides 53 and 54 of the retainer member or intrusion protection strip 50 provide a uniform wedge-shaped cross-section along its length, except for the connection location region 59. The connection location region 59 will be described further below.

[0056] Figure 8Shown in perspective from above is a portion of a screening deck 60 having a number of screening panel members 12 supported on and releasably coupled to support members 13 which form part of a support base 43. The screening panel members 12 are positioned so that adjacent edge end faces 14 contact each other. Figure 9 One edge end face 14 of a screening panel member 12 is shown with an adjacent edge region supported on a support member 13 and possibly secured to the support member 13 by releasable coupling elements 10 spaced along the edge end face 14. Three such releasable coupling elements 10 are shown, but the number may vary depending on the length of the edge end face 14 (i.e. the physical dimensions of the screening panel member 12). Figure 8 In the embodiment shown, the through-flow screening apertures from the upper surface 15 to the lower surface 16 are not shown, but, depending on the intended function of the screening panel member 12, these through-flow apertures may or may not be provided. Figure 9 The releasable coupling element 10 shown in FIG. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The coupling elements 10 are similar to those shown in FIG, and the same features are imparted to the Figure 1 and Figure 2 Of course, it will be appreciated that other disclosed embodiments of the releasable coupling element 10 may also be used by making appropriate design changes to the mating parts in the assembly.

[0057] like Figure 9 As shown, the edge end face 14 has an upper section that is shaped to provide a surface 61 that is angled outwardly from an edge 62 in the upper surface 15 of the screening panel member 12, the angled surface 61 leading to a narrow ledge 63 located between the upper and lower surfaces 15, 16 of the screening panel member 12. The angle of the surface 61 is complementary to the angles of the surfaces 53, 54 of the anti-intrusion protection strip 50. Thus, when Figure 8 When mounted to the support subframe 44 of the screening deck 60 as shown, the wedge-shaped lower region formed by the surfaces 53 and 54 of the retainer member and / or anti-intrusion protection strip 50 is tightly wedged into the wedge-shaped gap formed between the surfaces 61 of adjacent screening panel members 12. Figure 7 and Figure 10As can be seen in the figure, each connection location area 59 has an enlarged portion 64 protruding from the surface 61, the outer surface of which forms a part of a cylindrical shape, thereby forming a complementary fit with the part-cylindrical cavity 29 in the edge end face 14 of the screening panel 12. At the lower end of the protruding portion 64, a cylindrical retaining sleeve 65 with an inner channel 66 is provided, which extends downwardly to below the lower narrower flat end face 52 of the anti-intrusion protection strip 50. The cylindrical retaining sleeve 65 has an open end face 67 pointing downwardly.

[0058] exist Figure 8 and partly in Figure 10 In the mounted position of the anti-intrusion protection strip 50 shown in FIG, the enlarged portion 64 and the sleeve 65 are at least slidably fitted in the channel formed by the opposing recessed surfaces 29 of the adjacent edge end faces 14 of the adjacent screening panel members 12. The channel 66 of the retaining sleeve 65 is fitted over and positioned on the upwardly projecting stud 27 of the releasable coupling element 10, whereby the sleeve 65 and therefore the retainer member 50 are physically restricted from lateral movement relative to the axis 28 of the releasable coupling element 10, but are not restricted from relative movement in the direction of the axis 28.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the retainer member 50 may comprise an internal reinforcement strip made of steel extending substantially the length of the member 50, while the corresponding sleeve 65 may be a short tube or similar section also made of steel and welded to the internal reinforcement strip, preferably at least at its lower end providing magnetic contact with the corresponding releasable coupling element 10. The outer shape of the retainer member 50 may be formed by molding a high-strength, wear-resistant polymer material (e.g., polyurethane) onto at least the upper portion of the reinforcement strip and the short tube section forming the sleeve 65. The upper end region of the stud 27 may include a frusto-conical tapered region as a lead-in area to assist in positioning the sleeve 65 onto the stud 27. The retainer member 50, in the form of an ingress protection strip, may be considered part of the corresponding screening panel member 12, just as the internal reinforcement structure or other structural components may be considered part of the screening panel member 12.

[0060] The retaining member or anti-entry protection strip 50 is shown as being particularly preferably located adjacent to the opposite edge end face 14 and adjacent to the screening panel member 12, and they may also have an upwardly extending strip configuration 68 (above the upper end face 15 of the screening panel member 12) that can help process the process material on the screening table 60, including guiding the process material toward the screening aperture. However, the upwardly extending strip configuration 68 is a preferred feature for certain applications, but it is not required in all applications. In addition, it is also conceivable that the retainer member 50 can be positioned at other locations besides the edge end face 14.

[0061] If the anti-ingress protection member 50 is used solely as a protection against the ingress of particulate material, it may be retained in the installed operative position ( Figure 8 and Figure 10 ). However, one such means is for the anti-intrusion protection member 50 to be retained by the magnetic force generated by the magnetic portion of the corresponding releasable coupling element 10, as previously described. Another approach may be to include magnetic means in the member 50 itself, which can cooperate with a structural component of the screening panel member 12 (for example, a part of the reinforcement structure of the screening panel member 12). However, if the member 50 is to be used only to or to assist in releasably retaining the or each screening panel member 12 to the support base 43, then magnetic attraction should be effective between the member 50 and some or all of the releasable coupling elements 10.

[0062] Various modifications to the embodiments disclosed in the drawings will be apparent to those skilled in the art and are intended to be covered by the present disclosure provided they fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A releasable coupling element (10) for holding a screening panel member (12) having a ferrous metal portion (30) to a ferrous support member (13) of or including a ferrous support portion in operation to form at least a portion of a screening table (60) of a material vibrating screening device, the releasable coupling element (10) comprising: a first portion (17) capable of cooperating with the screening panel member (12) in use; and a second portion (21, 41) capable of cooperating with the support member (13) in use, the first portion (17) having a first region (18) facing in a first direction and an opposing second region (19) facing in a second direction opposite to the first direction, whereby the first region (18) is releasably held to the screening panel member (12) in use solely by magnetic attraction, and the second region (19) is releasably held to the support member (13) in use solely by magnetic attraction, wherein The second portion (21, 41) has an axial direction (28) extending from the second region (19) along the second direction, the second portion (21, 41) being capable of cooperating with the support member (13) to mechanically prevent movement of the releasable coupling element (10) in a lateral direction relative to the support member (13) with respect to the axial direction (28), but allowing the second portion (21, 41) to selectively engage with or disengage from the support member (13), whereby the screening panel member (12) is selectively disengaged from the support member (13) in use by either or both of: overcoming any magnetic attraction holding the screening panel member (12) to the releasable coupling element (10); or overcoming any magnetic attraction between the releasable coupling element (10) and the support member (13), and, wherein at least one of the first upper attachment area (18) and the second lower attachment area (19) of the releasable coupling element (10) is magnetic or comprises a magnetic section.

2. The releasable coupling element (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The second lower attachment area (19) of each said releasable coupling element (10) is provided on said first portion (17).

3. A releasable coupling element (10) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that The projection (21, 24, 41) of each releasable coupling element (10) is magnetic or comprises a magnetic section.

4. A releasable coupling element (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The entirety of each of said releasable coupling elements (10) is magnetic.

5. A releasable coupling element (10) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterised in that The projection (21, 24) is a rod or stud member (21, 24) and is molded from a polymer material, the projection engaging in an opening (25) formed in the releasable coupling location (37).

6. A releasable coupling element (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 or 5, characterised in that A shaft or stud portion (27) formed of a non-magnetic material extends upwardly from the first portion (17).

7. A releasable coupling element (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein At least the first portion (17) is formed as a permanent magnet.

8. A releasable coupling element (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein The first region (18) forms an upper surface (18) and the second region forms a lower surface (19), wherein the upper surface (18) and the lower surface (19) are configured such that: at least during operation of the material vibrating screening apparatus, the coupling element (10) in operation retains the ferrous metal portion (30) of the panel member (12) to the support rail member (13).

9. A releasable coupling element (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein The first portion thickness of the first portion (17) is configured such that the coupler element (10) operatively retains the ferrous metal portion (30) of the panel member (12) to the support rail member (13), at least during operation of the material vibrating screening apparatus.

10. A screening table (60) for a material vibration screening device, the screening table (60) comprising: a support substrate (43) having one or more support members (13) that are iron-based or include an iron-based support portion; and at least one screening panel member (12) having a ferrous metal portion (30), the screening panel member (12) being releasably connected to and supported by the support member (13) at a plurality of individually releasable coupling locations (37), At least one releasable coupling element (10) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 8.

11. The screening table (60) according to claim 10, characterized in that The physical engagement between the protrusions (21, 24, 41) and the support member (13) does not hinder movement of the releasable coupling element (10) in the axial direction (28).

12. The screening table (60) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that A retainer member (50) covers at least a portion of one or more of the screening panel members (12), the retainer member (50) being releasably coupled to the screening panel members (12) by a magnetic attraction acting between the retainer member (50) and at least one or more of the releasable coupling elements (10).

13. The screening table (60) according to claim 12, characterized in that The retainer member (50) is releasably coupled to two or more adjacent releasable coupling elements (10) by the magnetic attraction force.

14. The screening table according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that The retainer members (50) are positioned to overlie adjacent edge end face regions (14) of adjacently positioned screening panel members (12), whereby the retainer members (50) prevent screening particulate material from passing through the space between the adjacent edge end face regions (14).

Images