Locking mechanism for the cover of the decanter centrifuge

Abstract

A locking mechanism for the cover of a decanter centrifuge, the locking mechanism comprises: a lower part comprising a bottom bracket and a ring screw that are pivotally connected to each other and an upper part comprising a clamp and a top nut. The upper part and the lower part are operably connected. The top nut along internal surface includes an internal threaded section, an upper section having an inner diameter larger than the inner diameter of the internal threaded section, and a stopping surface interconnecting the internal threaded section and the upper section. The ring screw along the external surface includes an external threaded section adapted to mesh with the internal threaded section of the top nut, an unthreaded section having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the external threaded section, and an end washer fixed to the end of the unthreaded section.

Description

[0001] LOCKING MECHANISM FOR THE COVER OF THE DECANTER CENTRIFUGE

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a locking mechanism for the cover of a decanter centrifuge.

[0004] Background technology

[0005] A decanter centrifuge is a centrifuge that realizes the process of centrifugal sedimentation operation. During operation, the suspension forms a ring-shaped liguid layer along the drum wall under the action of centrifugal force, in which the denser solid particles settle to the drum wall radially to form a sludge, and the clarified liguid is discharged through the drum overflow. The sediment is discharged by manual or mechanical methods.

[0006] The components of the decanter centrifuge that enable centrifugal operation, such as the rotor, etc., are surrounded by a cover and frame. To facilitate the service and installation of the decanter centrifuge, the cover and frame are set separately. Specifically, when performing centrifugal operations, the cover and frame are tightened together by tightening fasteners (such as bolts, screws, nuts, etc.); When the interior of the decanter centrifuge needs to be cleaned and washed, or the internal structure is installed and repaired, the bolts are removed to separate the cover from the frame.

[0007] In prior art, fasteners pass through holes in the flange of the cover and into prefabricated threaded holes in the frame to fasten the cover to the frame. There are a number of problems with the fastener connection of prior art: - stainless steel-to- stainless steel contact between the fastener and the threaded hole of the frame when opening or closing the cover, which can lead to wear or damage to the thread; - Loosening of fasteners as well as loosening of the cover may occur during operation due to wear or damage to the threads; - There is a risk of contamination of threaded holes; - it takes a long time to open or close the cover; - fasteners may be lost as separate parts; - Fasteners may hit the frame and cause damage to the frame; -The fastener may not be properly aligned with the flange.

[0008] Thus, in the art there is a need for an improved locking mechanism for the cover of the decanter centrifuge. Summary of the invention

[0009] The object of the present disclosure is to provide a locking mechanism for the cover of the decanter centrifuge which avoids the problems mentioned above.

[0010] According to the present disclosure, a locking mechanism for the cover of the decanter centrifuge is provided, the locking mechanism comprising: a lower part comprising a bottom bracket and a ring screw that are pivotally connected to each other, and the lower part is semi-permanently fixed to the frame of the decanter centrifuge; an upper part, which includes a clamp and a top nut, the upper part and the lower part are operatively connected and can be clamped onto the flange of the cover of the decanter centrifuge; wherein the top nut along internal surface includes an internal threaded section, an upper section having an inner diameter greater than the inner diameter of the internal threaded section, and a stopping surface that interconnects the internal threaded section and the upper section of the top nut; wherein the ring screw along the external surface includes an external threaded section adapted to mesh with the internal threaded section of the top nut, an unthreaded section having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the external threaded section, and an end washer fixed to the end of the unthreaded section; The stopping surface of the top nut forms a mechanical stop when in contact with the end washer of the ring screw.

[0011] In this way, a new locking mechanism for the cover of the decanter centrifuge is provided, which prevents the upper part from being completely separated from the lower part when the cover is opened, thereby reducing wear on the frame and cover of the decanter centrifuge and preventing any part of the locking mechanism from being lost when the cover is opened.

[0012] Other advantages are achieved by implementing one or more of the features in further exemplary embodiments below.

[0013] In some exemplary embodiments that may be combined with any one or more embodiments described above, by meshing the internal threaded section of the top nut with the external threaded section of the ring screw and tightening the top nut, a clamping force is applied on the flange of the cover through the clamp, so that the ring screw cannot be freely pivoted relative to the bottom bracket, thereby preventing the opening of the cover.

[0014] In some exemplary embodiments that may be combined with any one or more of the embodiments described above, the clamp comprises downward protrusions, wherein when the top nut is tightened, the downward protrusion supports and fixes the clamp on each side of the flange. In this way, it is ensured that the clamp is positioned correctly relative to the flange and adds additional safety by preventing the clamp from slipping off the flange.

[0015] In some exemplary embodiments that may be combined with any one or more embodiments described above, when the internal threaded section of the top nut is detached from the external threaded section of the ring screw, the top nut may move axially along the ring screw or spin around the ring screw at the unthreaded section of the ring screw, but cannot be completely separated from the ring screw due to the obstruction of the end washer of the ring screw.

[0016] In some exemplary embodiments that may be combined with any one or more of the embodiments described above, the clamp and the top nut are held together by a retaining ring such that when the top nut is at the unthreaded section of the ring screw, the clamp may follow the top nut to move axially along the ring screw, such that the ring screw can freely pivot relative to the bottom bracket, thereby the cover can be opened.

[0017] In some exemplary embodiments that may be combined with any one or more of the embodiments described above, the clamp has a locking plate, the locking plate has an opening shapely matching the flat surface of the ring screw, such that when the top nut is at the unthreaded section of the ring screw, the clamp is cannot be free to spin. In this way, the clamp is prevented from spinning freely while still allowing the top nut to spin freely independently of the clamp.

[0018] In some exemplary embodiments that may be combined with any one or more of the embodiments described above, the bottom bracket has a bottom bracket stopper such that the ring screw may not be free to pivot relative to the bottom bracket beyond a certain maximum angle. In this way, the ring screw does not damage the paint layer on the frame surface by hitting the frame when pivoting with the top nut and clamp relative to the bottom bracket.

[0019] In some exemplary embodiments that may be combined with any one or more embodiments described above, the maximum angle is 90 °.

[0020] In some exemplary embodiments that may be combined with any one or more embodiments described above, the bottom bracket stopper is the edge of the bottom bracket.

[0021] In some exemplary embodiments that may be combined with any one or more embodiments described above, the bottom bracket thread of the bottom bracket is fastened into the threaded hole of the frame.

[0022] In some exemplary embodiments that may be combined with any one or more embodiments described above, the threaded connection between the bottom bracket thread and the threaded hole of the frame is covered by a bottom nut. In this way, the risk of contamination in the thread is reduced. At the same time, the bottom nut improves the fixing between the bottom bracket and the frame. Specifically, it is not necessary for the threaded holes of the frame and the bottom bracket to be perfectly made, however, the correct alignment between the locking mechanism and the flange can still be obtained, as it can be adjusted by the bottom nut.

[0023] In some exemplary embodiments that may be combined with any one or more of the embodiments described above, the end washer is fixed to the end of the unthreaded section of the ring screw by an end screw screwed into the end threaded hole of the unthreaded section of the ring screw.

[0024] In some exemplary embodiments that may be combined with any one or more embodiments described above, the stopping surface of the top nut is a tapered surface or a flat surface.

[0025] The locking mechanism for the cover of the decanter centrifuge above according to the present disclosure may have at least the following advantages: Eliminating the stainless steel-to-stainless steel contact between the fastener and the frame threaded hole when the cover is opened or closed, thus avoiding possible thread wear or damage and the resulting fastener loosening and loosening of the cover; Reduced risk of threaded hole contamination; Opening or closing the cover is quick and easy; The fasteners as separate parts are eliminated, so the loss of any fastener parts is avoided; Prevents fasteners from hitting the frame and therefore damage to the frame; Correct alignment between the locking mechanism and the flange is ensured.

[0026] When studying the claims and the description below, other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent. Those skilled in the art are aware that, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, different features of the present disclosure may be combined to produce embodiments other than embodiments expressly described above and below. Brief description of the drawings

[0027] The following will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings for the locking mechanism for the cover of the decanter centrifuge disclosed in the drawings:

[0028] FIG 1 schematically illustrates a front view of the cover and frame of a decanter centrifuge locked by a locking mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure,

[0029] FIG 2 schematically shows an enlarged front view of the locking mechanism in FIG. 1 ,

[0030] FIG 3 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism along the line x-x in FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure

[0031] FIG 4 schematically illustrates a perspective view of the bottom bracket according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure,

[0032] FIG 5 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a ring screw according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure,

[0033] FIG 6 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of a ring screw according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure,

[0034] FIG 7 schematically illustrates a bottom view of a clamp according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure,

[0035] FIG 8 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a locking plate according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure,

[0036] FIG 9 schematically illustrates a perspective view of the top nut according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure,

[0037] FIG 10 schematically illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism when the stopping surface of the top nut is in contact with the end washer of the ring screw according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure,

[0038] FIG 11 schematically illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure when the ring screw with the top nut and clamp pivots relative to the bottom bracket.

[0039] Parts List:

[0040] 1 cover 2 frames

[0041] 3 locking mechanism

[0042] 101 flange

[0043] 102 supports

[0044] 201 threaded holes

[0045] 301 bottom bracket

[0046] 302 ring screw

[0047] 303 clamp

[0048] 304 top nut

[0049] 305 retaining ring

[0050] 306 locking Plate

[0051] 307 pins

[0052] 308 caps

[0053] 309 bottom nut

[0054] 310 opening

[0055] 311 bottom bracket thread

[0056] 312 bottom bracket stopper

[0057] 313 external threaded section

[0058] 314 unthreaded section

[0059] 315 end threaded hole

[0060] 316 end washer

[0061] 317 end screw

[0062] 318 internal threaded section

[0063] 319 stopping surface

[0064] 320 upper section

[0065] 321 flat surface

[0066] 322 downward protrusions.

[0067] Detailed description

[0068] The following will be combined with the drawings to describe various aspects of the present disclosure, to illustrate and without limitation of the present disclosure, wherein similar names indicate similar elements, and the variants of the described aspects are not limited to the embodiments specifically shown, but may be applied to other variants of the present disclosure.

[0069] The terms "up", "upper" and "down", "lower" refer to the relative position within the decanter centrifuge or locking mechanism, and refer to the position when the locking mechanism is locked (i.e., when not pivoted).

[0070] FIG 1 schematically illustrates a front view of the cover and frame of the decanter centrifuge locked by a locking mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The decanter centrifuge may be, for example, a three-legged decanter centrifuge or a horizontal scraper discharge decanter centrifuge. Specifically, the parts of the decanter centrifuge that realize centrifugal operation (e.g., rotors, etc.) are surrounded by a cover 1 and a frame 2. To facilitate maintenance and installation, cover 1 and frame 2 are disposed separately. Specifically, when performing centrifugation operations, the cover 1 and frame 2 are locked by a locking mechanism 3; When the interior of the decanter centrifuge needs to be cleaned and washed, or the internal structure is installed and repaired, the locking mechanism 3 is loosened to separate the cover 1 from the frame 2. Further, the cover 1 includes a flange 101 and a support member 102 supporting flange 101. Further, the support 102 may accept the locking mechanism 3 and protect the locking mechanism 3.

[0071] FIGS. 2 and FIG. 3 are respectively an enlarged front view and a cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism 3 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment according to the present disclosure, the locking mechanism 3 comprises: a lower part, which comprises a bottom bracket 301 and a ring screw (i.e., a screw with an annular head) 302 that is pivotally connected to each other, and the lower part is semi-permanently fixed to the frame 2 of the decanter centrifuge; an upper part, which includes a clamp 303 (e.g., as further shown in FIG. 7) and a top nut 304 (e.g., as further shown in FIG. 9), the upper part and the lower part are operatively connected and may be clamped onto the flange 101 of the cover 1 of the decanter centrifuge. More specifically, the bottom bracket 301 and the ring screw 302 are pivotally connected to each other by pin 307. Specifically, the top nut 304 along internal surface comprises an internal threaded section 318, an upper section 320 having an inner diameter greater than the inner diameter of the internal threaded section 318, and a stopping surface 319 interconnecting the internal threaded section 318 and the upper section 320 of the top nut 304. Further, the ring screw 302 along external surface includes an external threaded section 313 adapted to mesh the internal threaded section 318 of the top nut 304, an unthreaded section 314 having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the external threaded section 313 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 6), and an end washer 316 fixed to the end of the unthreaded section 314. Further, the stopping surface 319 of the top nut 304 forms a mechanical stop when in contact with the end washer 316 of the ring screw 302. For example, the locking mechanism 3 when the stopping surface 319 of the top nut 304 is in contact with the end washer 316 of the ring screw 302 is further shown in FIG. 10. For example, in an embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the stopping surface 319 is a tapered surface, i.e., the stopping surface 319 is at an acute angle to the inner surface of the internal threaded section 318. In a further embodiment according to the present disclosure, the stopping surface 319 is a flat surface, i.e., the stopping surface 319 is perpendicular to the inner surface of the internal threaded section 318. According to this exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the upper part may still be prevented from being completely separated from the lower part when the cover is opened, thereby reducing wear on the frame and cover of the decanter centrifuge, and preventing any part of the locking mechanism from being lost when the cover is opened.

[0072] In a further embodiment according to the present disclosure, the end washer 316 is fixed to the end of the unthreaded section 314 of the ring screw 302 by and end screw 317 screwed into the end threaded hole 315 of the unthreaded section 314 of the ring screw 302.

[0073] In a further embodiment according to the present disclosure, in use, in order to lock the cover 1 and frame 2 of the decanter centrifuge, by meshing the internal threaded section 318 of the top nut 304 with the external threaded section 313 of the ring screw 302 and tightening the top nut 304, a clamping force is applied on the flange 101 of the cover 1 through the clamp 303, so that the ring screw 302 cannot be freely pivoted relative to the bottom bracket 301 , thereby preventing the cover 1 from being opened. In a further embodiment according to the present disclosure, the clamp 303 comprises a downward protrusion 322, wherein when tightening the top nut, the downward protrusion 322 supports and fixes the clamp 303 on each side of the flange 101. In an embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, the clamp 303 comprises two downward protrusions 322. In this way, it is ensured that the clamp is positioned correctly relative to the flange and adds additional safety by preventing the clamp from slipping off the flange. In a further embodiment according to the present disclosure, in order to loosen the locking mechanism 3 to separate the cover 1 and the frame 2, the engagement of the internal threaded section 318 of the top nut 304 with the external threaded section 313 of the ring screw 302 may be loosened. Specifically, when the internal threaded section 318 of the top nut 304 is detached from the external threaded section 313 of the ring screw 302, the top nut 304 may move axially along the ring screw 302 or spin around the ring screw 302 at the unthreaded section 314 of the ring screw 302, but due to the obstruction of the end washer 316 of the ring screw 302, it cannot be completely separated from the ring screw 302 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 10). More particularly, the clamp 303 and the top nut 304 are held together by the retaining ring 305, such that when the top nut 304 is at the unthreaded section 314 of the ring screw 302, the clamp 303 may follow the top nut 304 to move axially along the ring screw 302, such that the ring screw 302 may be freely pivoted relative to the bottom bracket 301 , thereby the cover 1 can be opened. In particular, the locking mechanism 3 when the ring screw 302 with a top nut 304 and clamp 303 pivots relative to the bottom bracket 301 is further shown in FIG. 11 .

[0074] In a further embodiment according to the present disclosure, the clamp 303 has a locking plate 306, the locking plate 306 has an opening 310 (e.g., as further shown in FIG. 8) shapely matching the flat surface 321 of the ring screw 302 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 5), such that when the top nut 304 is at the unthreaded section 314 of the ring screw 302, the clamp 303 is not free to spin. In particular, the locking plate 306 is fixed to the clamp 303 by a screw. In this way, the clamp is prevented from spinning freely while still allowing the top nut to spin freely independently of the clamp.

[0075] In a further embodiment according to the present disclosure, the bottom bracket 301 has a bottom bracket stopper 312, such that the ring screw 302 may not be freely pivoted relative to the bottom bracket 301 beyond a certain maximum angle. In further embodiments according to the present disclosure, the bottom bracket stopper 312 is the edge of the bottom bracket 301 , for example, as further shown in FIGS. 4 and 11 . Specifically, the maximum angle is an acute angle or right angle, such as 10°, 30°, 50°, 70°, or 90°. More specifically, this maximum angle is 90°. In this way, the ring screw does not damage the paint layer on the frame surface by hitting the frame when pivoting with the top nut and clamp relative to the bottom bracket.

[0076] In an embodiment according to the present disclosure, the bottom bracket thread 311 of the bottom bracket 301 is fastened into the threaded hole 201 of the frame 2. In a further embodiment according to the present disclosure, the thread connection between the bottom bracket thread 311 of the bottom bracket 301 and the threaded hole 201 of the frame 2 is covered by a bottom nut 309. Similarly, in a further embodiment according to the present disclosure, the top nut 304 may be covered by a cap 308. In this way, the risk of contamination in the thread is reduced. At the same time, the bottom nut improves the fixing between the bottom bracket and the frame. Specifically, it is not necessary for the threaded holes of the frame and the bottom bracket to be perfectly made, however, the correct alignment between the locking mechanism and the flange can still be obtained, as it can be adjusted by the bottom nut.

[0077] In a further embodiment according to the present disclosure, if the upper part and the lower part must be completely separated (e.g., when the locking mechanism 3 needs to be replaced or other maintenance), the cap 308 may be removed to access from the inside of the top nut 304 and unscrew the end screw 317 to remove the end washer 316, and then no longer obstructed by the end washer 316 of the ring screw 302, The top nut 304 may leave the end of the ring screw 302 so that the top nut 304 is completely separated from the ring screw 302. When the maintenance of the locking mechanism 3 is completed, after the top nut 304 is set on the ring screw 302, the end washer 316 is still fixed to the end of the unthreaded section 314 of the ring screw 314 by screwing the end screw 317 into the end threaded hole 315 of unthreaded section 314 of the ring screw 302. In this way, it is possible to completely separate the top nut from the ring screw only if the operator specifically performs the operation of completely separating the upper part from the lower part during the maintenance of the locking mechanism 3. That is, the possibility of inadvertently completely separating the upper part from the lower part is eliminated.

[0078] The locking mechanism for the cover of the decanter centrifuge above according to the present disclosure may have at least the following advantages: Eliminating the stainless steel-to-stainless steel contact between the fastener and the frame threaded hole when the cover is opened or closed, thus avoiding possible thread wear or damage and the resulting fastener loosening and loosening of the cover; Reduced risk of threaded hole contamination; Opening or closing the cover is quick and easy; The fastener as a separate part is eliminated, and no part of the fastener is completely separated from the rest during normal operation, thus avoiding the loss of any fastener part; Prevents fasteners from hitting the frame and therefore damage to the frame; Correct alignment between the locking mechanism and the flange is ensured.

[0079] It is recognized that the above description is exemplary in nature only and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application or use. Although specific examples have been described in the specification and shown in the drawings, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined in the claims, various modifications may be made and equivalents may replace its components. Further, without departing from the substance of the present disclosure, modifications may be made to adapt particular circumstances or materials to the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0080] Accordingly, the intention is that the present disclosure is not limited to specific examples illustrated by the drawings and described in the description as the best mode currently envisaged for carrying out the teachings of the present disclosure, but the scope of the present disclosure will include any embodiments falling within the foregoing description and the accompanying claims. Reference marks mentioned in the claims should not be considered to limit the scope of the subject matter protected by the claims, and their only function is to make the claims easier to understand.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A locking mechanism for a cover of a decanter centrifuge, the locking mechanism comprising: a lower part, which includes a bottom bracket and a ring screw pivotably connected to each other, the lower part being semi-permanently fixed to a frame of the decanter centrifuge; an upper part, which includes a clamp and a top nut, the upper part and the lower part being operatively connected and can be clamped onto a flange of the cover of the decanter centrifuge; wherein the top nut along internal surface comprises an internal threaded section, an upper section having an inner diameter larger than the inner diameter of the internal threaded section, and a stopping surface interconnecting the internal threaded section and the upper section of the top nut; wherein the ring screw along external surface comprises an external threaded section adapted to mesh with the internal threaded section of the top nut, an unthreaded section having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the external threaded section, and an end washer fixed to the end of the unthreaded section; wherein the stopping surface of the top nut forms a mechanical stop when in contact with the end washer of the ring screw.

2. The locking mechanism according to claim 1 , characterized in that by meshing the internal threaded section of the top nut with the external threaded section of the ring screw and tightening the top nut, a clamping force is applied on the flange of the cover via the clamp, so that the ring screw cannot pivot freely relative to the bottom bracket, thereby preventing the cover from being opened.

3. The locking mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that the clamp includes downward protrusions, wherein the downward protrusions support and fix the clamp on each side of the flange when tightening the top nut.

4. The locking mechanism according to claim 1 , characterized in that when theinternal threaded section of the top nut detaches from the external threaded section of the ring screw, the top nut can move axially along the ring screw or spin around the ring screw at the unthreaded section of the ring screw, but cannot be completely separated from the ring screw due to the obstruction of the end washer of the ring screw.

5. The locking mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that the clamp and the top nut are held together by a retaining ring, so that when the top nut is at the unthreaded section of the ring screw, the clamp can follow the top nut to move axially along the ring screw, so that the ring screw can pivot freely relative to the bottom bracket, thereby the cover can be opened.

6. The locking mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that the clamp has a locking plate, the locking plate having an opening that shapely matches the flat surface of the ring screw, so that when the top nut is at the unthreaded section of the ring screw, the clamp cannot spin freely.

7. The locking mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that the bottom bracket has a bottom bracket stopper, so that the ring screw cannot freely pivot relative to the bottom bracket beyond a certain maximum angle.

8. The locking mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that the maximum angle is 90 °.

9. The locking mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that the bottom bracket stopper is an edge of the bottom bracket.

10. The locking mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the bottom bracket thread of the bottom bracket is fastened into the threaded hole of the frame.

11. The locking mechanism according to claim 10, characterized in that the threaded connection between the bottom bracket thread and the threaded hole of theframe is covered by a bottom nut.

12. The locking mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the end washer is fixed to the end of the unthreaded section of the ring screw by an end screw screwed into the end threaded hole of the unthreaded section of the ring screw.

13. The locking mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the stopping surface of the top nut is a tapered surface or a flat surface.

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