Hammeless solution

Abstract

The invention relates to a hammer-free solution. Specifically, a screen is provided having a screen panel support and a screening module disposed in the screen panel support. The screening module is secured to the screen panel support by at least one device. The apparatus comprises a first element attachable to the screen panel support and adapted to receive an opening of a screening module or an opening formed by an adjacent screening module, the first element having an external thread and a second element having an internal thread for engagement with the external thread of the first element such that when the first element and the second element are interconnected, the first element is attached to the screen panel support and adapted to receive an opening of the screening module or an opening formed by an adjacent screening module. A screening module is attached to the screen panel support. In the screen, the outer periphery of the second element includes at least one groove for engagement with a handling tool. The invention also relates to a method for fastening a screening module to a screen panel support.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application whose applicant is Metso Finland Oy, the application date is September 15, 2017, the application number is 201780057332.5, and the invention name is "Hammerless Solution". Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a method for fastening a screening module to a screen panel support of a screen, and to such a screen. Background Art

[0003] Modern screens used today for screening media typically comprise a screen panel support and screening modules arranged in the screen panel support. These screens have several advantages over previous generations, as individual screening modules can be replaced when worn.

[0004] The screening module should have an active surface that is as large as possible. The active surface is usually limited by the rigidity of the screening module, because screening modules with lower strength require support parts arranged at shorter intervals, which leads to an increase in the ineffective surface (dead surface) of the screening module. However, making the entire screening surface consist of a single screening module and reducing the number of support points to a minimum does not constitute a convenient alternative. This approach will certainly provide the largest surface, but at the expense of very high operating costs, because the entire screen surface must also be replaced in the event of local wear. Therefore, it is desirable to have a screen with a large active surface and high stability, on which a single screening module can be easily replaced.

[0005] Since the above-mentioned type of screen is subjected to great forces during use, it is necessary to lock the screening modules in place on the frame to prevent them from loosening. The conventional way to achieve this is to use a hammer to drive a locking element (such as a pin) into a certain sleeve provided in the frame.

[0006] The problem with this fastening method is that it requires a significant amount of force and exposes maintenance personnel to a high risk of injury when attaching the screening module. The same applies when replacing old, worn components. With this known method, a crowbar or similar tool must be used to pull the pin out of the sleeve. This task also involves significant force and exposes many personnel to the risk of occupational injury. Summary of the Invention

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide improvements to the above-mentioned techniques and prior art. More specifically, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved screen panel and a method for easily securing a screening module to a screen panel support in a safe and secure manner. Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved screen panel and a method for easily removing a screening module from a screen panel support in a safe and secure manner.

[0008] According to a first embodiment, these and other purposes and / or advantages that will be apparent from the following description of the embodiments are achieved in whole or in part by a screen having a screen panel support and a screening module arranged on the screen panel support. The screening module is fastened to the screen panel support by at least one device. The device includes a first element that is attachable to the screen panel support and is adapted to receive an opening of the screening module or an opening formed by an adjacent screening module. The opening extends through the screening module or the adjacent screening module. The device also includes a second element for engaging with the first element so that when the first element and the second element are interconnected, the screening module can be attached to the screen panel support. The screen is also different in that the outer periphery of the second element includes a plurality of grooves for engaging with a handling tool. This is advantageous because the most dangerous stage of the fastening process is eliminated. There is no longer a need to use a hammer to force a single screening module into place. Alternatively, the screening module is fastened to the screen panel support using a tightening tool by engaging the first element with the second element.

[0009] The plurality of grooves may extend axially along the entire length of the second element. Alternatively, the grooves may extend axially along a limited portion of the length of the second element. Preferably, the grooves extend from the upper portion of the second element and substantially along its entire length. This is because the handling tool engages the upper portion of the second element and therefore must be accessed from above. Furthermore, the second element will be subject to wear depending on the upper surface of the screening module being subjected to the material being screened. For this reason, it is advantageous if the grooves have a substantially axial extension to avoid complete wear.

[0010] The first element may be hollow and adapted to receive bolts for attachment to the screen panel support via bolts and nuts. Since the first element is attached to the frame rails before the screening module, personnel will have unrestricted access to the underside of the rails. This is not the case when the screening module is in place.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first element and / or the second element may be annular. Furthermore, the first element may be made of a material selected from a ceramic material, steel, or rigid plastic, and the second element may be made of a thermoplastic material or polyurethane. Preferably, the materials of the first and second elements are selected such that the material of the second element is softer and / or more elastic than the material of the first element.

[0012] Each screening module may have at least one porous portion having a first surface for receiving and carrying materials to be screened, a second surface opposite to the first surface, a hole extending from the first surface to the second surface, and an outer peripheral surface.

[0013] Each screening module may include at least one opening for receiving a device for fastening the screening module. A portion of the opening along its axial direction has a first outer periphery, and another portion of the opening along its axial direction has a second outer periphery. The second outer periphery is smaller than the first outer periphery.

[0014] In another embodiment of the present invention, the outer peripheral surfaces of adjacent screening modules have a shape forming at least one opening.

[0015] The portion of at least one opening having a first periphery may be adapted to receive a first element and a second element, and the portion of at least one opening having a second periphery may be adapted to receive only the first element. Thus, it can be said that the inner periphery of at least one opening comprises a protrusion, such as a flange or tongue, for engaging with the second element. Where an opening is formed by shapes in two or more adjacent screening modules, it is apparent that each screening module may comprise a partial flange, such as a half flange or protrusion, which together may form a flange or tongue.

[0016] According to a second aspect, these and other objects are achieved in whole or at least in part by a method for fastening a screening module to a screen panel support, the method comprising attaching a first element to the screen panel support, placing an opening of a screening module or an opening formed by an adjacent screening module around the first element, the opening having a first periphery along one portion and a second periphery along another portion thereof, the opening extending through the screening module or adjacent screening module, and engaging a second element with the first element, the second element having a periphery greater than the second periphery of the opening, thereby attaching one or more screening modules to the screen panel support.

[0017] The step of engaging the second element with the first element includes engaging a handling tool with a plurality of grooves provided on an outer circumference of the second element and generating a rotational movement of the second element.

[0018] The effects and features of the second embodiment of the present invention are largely similar to those described above in conjunction with the first aspect of the inventive concept. The embodiments mentioned in connection with the first aspect of the present invention are largely compatible with the second aspect of the present invention.

[0019] Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will appear from the following detailed disclosure, the attached claims and the drawings.It should be noted that the present invention relates to all possible feature combinations.

[0020] Generally speaking, unless otherwise expressly defined herein, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field. Unless otherwise expressly stated, all references to "a / an / (element, device, component, means, step, etc.)" are to be openly interpreted as representing at least one instance of that element, device, component, means, step, etc.

[0021] As used herein, the term "comprise" and variations of the term are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood through the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals may be used for similar elements, and in which:

[0023] Figure 1a and Figure 1b is a perspective view of an apparatus for securing a screening element to a screen panel support in a screen according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 3a-3d A series of steps of a fastening method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention are shown.

[0026] Figure 3e is a perspective view of a screen according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a device according to yet another embodiment of the present invention when attached to a screen panel support.

[0028] Figure 5a and Figure 5b are a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of a device according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Figure 1a and Figure 1b The present invention illustrates the various components included in a device for securing a screening module 1 to a screen panel support 2 in a screen 3 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The securing device primarily comprises a first element 4 and a second element 5. The first element 4 is attached to the screen panel support 2 by means of a bolt 6 and a nut 7. The first element 4 has an external thread and is hollow, allowing the bolt 6 to be inserted into the first element 4, further through the protective plate 30 and the screen panel support 2, and attached to the screen panel support 2 from below by means of the nut 7. The first element 4 is adapted to be received in an opening 8 of the screening module 1 or in an opening 8 formed by an adjacent screening module 1 to which the adjacent screening module 1 is to be secured. The opening 8 extends through the screening module 1 or the adjacent screening module, i.e., the opening is a through-hole. The opening 8 can have different sizes at different locations, as will be described in detail later. The first element 4 is preferably made of a hard, relatively rigid material (e.g., a ceramic material, steel, or a rigid plastic material). The second element 5 is also annular and has an internal thread in this embodiment for engaging with the external thread of the first element 4 in order to attach one or more screening modules 1 to the screen panel support 2. The second element 5 has spaced grooves 9 on its periphery and is preferably made of a relatively soft material, such as a thermoplastic material or polyurethane. The material is preferably relatively more flexible than the material of the first element 4. The grooves 9 extend from the top of the second element 5 to the bottom of the second element 5 along the entire length of the second element 5 in the axial direction. The grooves 9 are used in the process of fastening the second element 5 to the first element 4 and loosening the second element 5 from the first element 4, which can be done by a loading and unloading tool 10 ( Figure 3c and Figure 3d ) is completed. The handling tool 10 has a shaft 11 and a bottom section, which is annular and includes spaced protrusions 12 on the bottom portion of the bottom section. The protrusions 12 are configured to correspond to the grooves 9 provided on the outer circumference of the second element 5. If the grooves 9 are blocked by material such as fines or the like, the protrusions can push the material deeper into the grooves 9 to come into contact with the grooves 9 of the second element 5. Alternatively, the material can be cleared from the grooves 9 with a suitable tool. However, in most cases, the handling tool 10 can be pressed down to obtain a sufficient grip to enable the removal of the second element 5. A major advantage of the present invention is that the handling tool 10 can still be used to remove the second element even if the second element 5 is subjected to severe wear during use. This is because the grooves 9 extend along the entire height of the second element 5, or at least along most of the height of the second element 5.

[0030] The second element 5 can also be made of a combination of materials that are at least partially harder than other parts. In particular, the outer shell of the second element 5 can be reinforced with steel, ceramic, and / or similar materials, and the second element 5 can be provided with a softer core. When the core of the second element 5 is softer than that of the first element 4, the second element 5 can be inserted into place by pressing down with a suitable tool. Providing a softer core also makes pre-threading of the second element 5 unnecessary. This is because the external threads of the first element 4 will be able to cut threads in the second element 5 when the first and second elements are interconnected.

[0031] Figure 2 A first element 4 and a second element 5 according to another embodiment are shown. In addition to external threads, the first element 4 has a tapping device 20 at its top and teeth 21 at its bottom. The second element 5 has a corresponding tapping device 20 at the top of its inner cavity and teeth 21 at the bottom of its inner cavity. When the second element 5 is fully screwed onto the first element 4, the teeth 21 of the first element 4 will engage with the teeth 21 of the second element 5, and the tapping device 20 of the first element 4 will engage with the tapping device 20 of the second element 5, thus acting as a locking device, preventing the second element 5 from being accidentally released from the first element 4. Despite the threaded connection between the two elements 4 and 5, accidental release of the second element 5 from the first element 4 is possible because the second element 5 is made of a softer material that will deform relative to the shape of the first element 4. It should be noted that providing two locking devices is not required. Arranging the tapping device 20 or teeth 21 on the first and second elements 4 and 5 is generally sufficient. Similar to the previous embodiment, if the second element has a softer core, pre-threading the second element 5 is redundant. This is because the external threads of the first element 4 are able to cut threads in the second element 5 when the first element 4 and the second element 5 are interconnected.

[0032] Figure 3a-3d A series of steps are shown for fastening one or more screening modules 1 to a screen panel support 2 in a screen 3 according to one exemplary fastening method.

[0033] As a first step ( Figure 3a), the first element 4 is attached to the screen panel support 2 by means of bolts 6 and nuts 7. The first element 4 is hollow and is provided with a flange at the bottom part, against which the head of the bolt 6 rests when mounted on the screen panel support 2. A protective plate 30 is provided between the first element 4 and the screen panel support 2. Since no screening module has yet been installed on the track, personnel have free access to the underside of the track. In existing prior art solutions, the screening modules or screen panels are attached to the track by means of bolts and nuts, which is very complicated because the underside of the track is difficult to access in the very narrow space available in the screening equipment. Instead of using a separate bolt 6, a threaded protrusion can also be provided at the lower end of the first element, with which the first element 4 can be attached to the screen panel support 2 by means of the nut 7.

[0034] Thereafter, as a second step ( Figure 3b ), the screening modules 1 to be fixed to the screen panel support 2 are placed on top of the protective plate 30 so that the openings 8 of one or more screening modules 1 surround the first element 4.

[0035] Finally, as a third step ( Figure 3c and Figure 3d ), the second element 5 is screwed onto the first element 4 so that the second element 5 is threadedly engaged with the external thread of the first element 4. The handling tool 10 is used to rotate the second element 5 by engaging the protrusion 12 of the handling tool 10 with the groove 9 of the second element 5 and then rotating the shaft 11 of the handling tool 10. When the second element 5 is fully screwed onto the first element 4, the top of the second element 5 is preferably aligned with the top surface of the screening module 1.

[0036] Figure 3eA screen panel 3 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. The screen panel 3 comprises a screen panel support 2 and screening modules 1 secured to the screen panel support 2 in the manner described above. Each screening module 1 has a perforated portion. The perforated portion, or membrane, comprises a first surface 13 for receiving and supporting material to be screened, a second surface 14 opposite the first surface 13, apertures 15 extending from the first surface 13 to the second surface 14, and a peripheral surface 16 connecting the first surface 13 to the second surface 14. It should be noted that while the membrane is shown here as having the same thickness as the peripheral surface 16, this is not always the case. Depending on the requirements of the specific situation, the membrane may have a greater or lesser thickness. The peripheral surfaces 16 of adjacent screening modules 1 have shapes 8a, 8b forming openings 8. These openings 8 may be circular, approximately circular, or slightly elliptical, and in the figure, formed by two half-openings 8a, 8b, are each provided in an adjacent screening module 1. The openings 8 extend through the screening module 1 or the adjacent screening module, i.e., the openings are through-holes. The opening 8 has a first periphery along a portion of its axial direction and a second periphery along another portion of its axial direction. The opening 8 can be cylindrical or conical with a release angle. The first periphery is larger than the second periphery. As an alternative, the opening 8 has a continuous periphery with a protrusion or flange arrangement at the bottom portion. In this case, when the continuous periphery is fully screwed onto the first element 4, the protrusion or flange arrangement will engage with the bottom of the second element 5. As can be seen in the figure, each half opening 8a, 8b includes a half flange or protrusion, which together with the corresponding half flange or protrusion form a protruding flange.

[0037] Figure 3e The following also describes the situation when the screening module 1 is to be disassembled, and the advantages of the present invention in this regard. As you can imagine, the upper surface 13 is subject to significant wear during use. This is because the material to be screened passes over this surface. The second element 5 is subject to the same wear as the surface 13 and will wear down from the top downwards over time. If conventional screws were used, whether star-shaped or of any other shape, they would quickly wear out, and loosening the second element 5 would be impossible. Because the second element 5 of the present invention has longitudinal grooves 9 extending substantially along its entire length, it is always possible to loosen the second element 5 using tool 10. Furthermore, even if the upper surface 13 is typically clogged with fines and other particles, it is still possible to apply a slight downward force to the tool 10, causing the protrusions 12 to grip the corresponding grooves 9, allowing the second element 5 to be loosened.

[0038] Figure 4A first element 4' and a second element 5' are shown according to yet another embodiment of the present invention when attached to a screen panel support 1. The first element 4' is preferably attached to the screen panel support 1 in the same manner as described above for the other embodiments. The same applies to placing one or more screening modules 1 on top of the first element 4'. However, in this embodiment, there are no threads on the first element 4' or the second element 5'. Instead, the two elements 4', 5' are attached to each other by a click function. The first element 4' has an angled flange 18 that extends around at least a portion of the outer periphery of the element 4' (preferably in the top portion of the element 4'). The second element 5' has a corresponding inner groove 19 into which the flange 18 of the first element 4' is snapped when the second element 4' is placed on top of the first element 4' and pressed down on the flange 18, thereby attaching the screening module 1 to the screen panel support 2.

[0039] Figure 5 shows a first element 4" and a second element 5" according to a further embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the first element 4" consists of a sleeve having an internal thread extending along its axial direction. The first element 4" is preferably made of a slightly flexible or deformable material and can preferably be divided into two or more parts, such as a plaster plug or the like. The second element 5" is a pin-shaped element, the top part of which includes a groove 9 for engaging with a loading and unloading tool 10 and the bottom part of which has an external thread for engaging with the internal thread of the first element 4". The second element 5" is preferably made of a hard, more rigid material that is strong enough to deform the relatively soft material of the first element 4". When a screening module 1 is to be attached to a screen panel support 2, the screening module is placed on top of the screen panel support 2 and a first element 4" is placed in the opening 8 of the screening module 1 or in an opening 8 formed by an adjacent screening module 1. The top of the first element 4" will engage with a flange or the like in the bottom part of the opening 8, while the bottom of the first element 4" will extend through the opening 8 and into the screen panel support 2. The second element 5" is then screwed into the first element 4", causing the first element 4" to expand in a radial direction, thereby locking the one or more screening modules 1 in position relative to the screen panel support 2.

[0040] In an alternative embodiment, a thread is present on only one of the two elements 4", 5". If an internal thread is present on the first element 4", the second element 5" will be screwed into the first element 4" and deformed according to the internal thread of the first element, thereby forming a locked interconnection between the two elements 4", 5". If an external thread is present on the second element 5", the second element will be screwed into the first element 4', causing the first element 4" to deform according to the external thread of the second element 5", thereby forming a locked interconnection between the two elements 4", 5". The material is chosen so that the element 4, 4", 5, 5" having the thread on it is generally harder than the element 4, 4", 5, 5" that is deformed by means of the thread.

[0041] In another alternative embodiment, both elements 4", 5" have threads but they are not continuous. Instead, the corresponding threads will be spaced at corresponding intervals in the circumferential direction of the elements 4", 5". This means that in a given mutual position of the first element 4", and the second element 5", the second element 5" can be moved vertically downwards inside the first element 4", until the second element stops near the bottom of the first element 4". The second element 5" is then rotated so that the threaded portions of the first element 4", and the second element 5" is connected to each other, and the second element 5" is further moved into the first element 4", and the second element is interlocked with the first element.

[0042] In another alternative embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, both elements 4, 5 have threads, but the threads have a barb shape. That is, the threads may be slightly deeper and point downwards, like a barb. The technician can then choose to machine the threads in the appropriate position or force the second element 5 of a relatively more deformable material over the first element 4 and the barb shape of the threads will keep the first and second elements interlocked. In another embodiment, the first element 4" has expansion legs and the second element 5" can be pressed down inside the first element 4", causing the expansion legs of the first element 4" to expand and lock the screening module 1 in place, see Figure 5b .

[0043] Those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications may be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. For example, the shapes and dimensions of the components described above may be varied in any suitable manner. The first and second elements 4 may have annular shapes, as well as other shapes suitable for their intended purpose. This also applies to the internal and external threads, as well as the grooves 9. The internal and / or external threads may be angled to form a barbed shape; a preferred angle may be approximately 45 degrees. The grooves 9 may extend along the entire length of the second element 5 or along a predetermined distance of the length of the second element 5. In the above embodiment, the grooves 9 are formed as cavities, but alternatively, they may be formed as protrusions of some kind. In the latter case, the handling tool 10 would have a cavity at its base rather than the protrusions 12. Furthermore, the second element 5 may be configured with an inner core of a relatively soft material and an outer core of a relatively hard material. This would allow the threads of the first element 4 to thread the softer core of the second element 5, which could then be manufactured without threads. Furthermore, a ceramic insert or the like may be provided on the exterior of the second element 5 to provide support for the protrusions 12 of the handling tool 10. Such a ceramic insert may also provide wear protection on the top surface of the second element 5.

[0044] The screen module 1 may be made entirely of rubber or a combination of rubber and other suitable wear-resistant materials (eg, polyurethane), and may be reinforced by, for example, polycarbonate resin.

[0045] Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the first element 4 may be mounted on a rod or the like which holds a plurality of first elements 4. This is also advantageous because the pattern of holes in the support frame may be different to the pattern of holes in the screening module.

[0046] The skilled person also realizes that the first element 4 can be equipped with a top in the form of a flange or the like below the screening module 1 (i.e. directly on the screen panel support 2). In this case, it is conceivable that the flange is arranged in a recess or the like, or in the screen panel support 2 and / or in the underside of the screening module 1, so as to form a flush contact surface between the screening module 1 and the screen panel support 2.

Claims

1. A screen panel (3) having a screen panel support (2) and at least one screening module (1) arranged in the screen panel support (2), wherein the screening module (1) is fastened to the screen panel support (2) by means of at least one device comprising: a first element (4") attachable to the screen panel support (2) and adapted to be received in an opening (8) of the screening module (1) or an opening (8) formed by an adjacent screening module (1), the opening (8) extending through the screening module (1) or an adjacent screening module; wherein the top of the first element (4") is configured to engage a flange in the bottom of the opening (8), and the bottom of the first element (4") is a sleeve formed of a flexible and deformable material and configured to extend through the opening (8) and into the screen panel support (2); a second element (5") for screwing engagement with the first element (4") so that when the first element (4") and the second element (5") are threadedly interconnected, the screening module (1) is attached to the screen panel support (2), thereby When the second element (5") is connected to the sleeve of the first element (4"), the base of the first element (4") is configured to expand radially and thereby lock the screening module (1) in position relative to the screen panel support (2); and The outer periphery of the second element (5") comprises a plurality of grooves (9) for engaging with a loading and unloading tool (10).

2. The screen (3) according to claim 1, wherein Only one of the first element (4") and the second element (5") is provided with a thread.

3. The screen (3) according to claim 1, wherein The sleeve of the first element (4") has an internal thread extending in the axial direction of the sleeve, and the second element (5") is configured to deform according to the internal thread of the first element (4") when screwed into the first element (4") 4. The screen (3) according to claim 1, wherein The second element (5") is provided with an external thread, wherein when the second element (5") is screwed into the first element (4"), the first element (4") is configured to deform according to the external thread of the second element (5").

5. The screen (3) according to claim 1, wherein One of the first element (4") and the second element (5") is provided with a thread, and wherein the element provided with the thread is harder than the element without the thread, whereby the element without the thread is configured to be deformed by the thread.

6. The screen (3) according to claim 1, wherein The first element (4") has expansion legs, and the second element (5") is configured to be pressed downwardly inside the first element (4") so that the expansion legs of the first element (4") expand and lock the screening module (1) in place.

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

8. The screen (3) according to claim 1, wherein The groove (9) extends in the axial direction and along a limited portion of the length of the second element (5").

9. The screen (3) according to claim 1, wherein The second element (5") is made of a material selected from ceramic material, steel or rigid plastic.

10. The screen (3) according to claim 1, wherein The first element (4") is made of thermoplastic material or polyurethane or a combination thereof.

11. The screen (3) according to claim 1, wherein The second element (5") comprises a core and a shell, wherein the core is relatively softer than the shell.

12. The screen (3) according to claim 1, wherein The second element (5") is provided with an external thread arranged to engage with the first element (4").

13. The screen (3) according to claim 1, wherein Each screening module (1) comprises at least one opening (8), wherein a portion of the opening (8) along its axial direction has a first outer periphery and another portion of the opening (8) along its axial direction has a second outer periphery, the second outer periphery being smaller than the first outer periphery.

14. The screen (3) according to claim 1, wherein The outer peripheral surface (16) of the adjacent screening modules (1) has a shape (8a, 8b) forming at least one opening (8), wherein a portion of the at least one opening (8) along its axial direction has a first outer periphery and another portion along its axial direction has a second outer periphery, the second outer periphery being smaller than the first outer periphery.

15. The screen (3) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein The portion of the at least one opening (8) having the first periphery is adapted to receive the first element (4") and the second element (5"), and the portion of the at least one opening (8) having the second periphery is adapted to receive only the first element (4").

16. A method for securing a screening module (1) to a screen panel support (2), comprising: placing at least one screening module (1) on top of the screen panel support (2) such that an opening (8) of the screening module (1) or an opening (8) formed by an adjacent screening module (1) is aligned with an opening in the screen panel support (2), the opening (8) formed in the screening module or formed by the adjacent screening module (1) having a first periphery along a portion of its axial direction and a second periphery along another portion, the opening (8) extending through the screening module (1) or the adjacent screening module; placing a first element (4") in the opening (8) such that a top portion of the first element (4") is configured to engage a flange at a bottom portion of the opening (8), and a bottom portion of the first element (4") is a sleeve formed of a flexible and deformable material and configured to extend through the opening (8) and into the screen panel support (2); The second element (5") is engaged with the first element (4") by engaging a handling tool (10) with at least one groove (9) provided on the outer periphery of the second element (5") and tightening it, so that the screening module (1) is attached to the screen panel support (2) by a threaded connection between the first element (4") and the second element (5"), whereby the bottom of the first element (4") expands radially and thus locks the screening module (1) in an appropriate position relative to the screen panel support (2).

Images