FASTENING ARRANGEMENT FOR SCREENING ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A fastening arrangement in the form of a pin and sleeve combination is provided for fixing one or more screening media modules on top of screen support panel structure. The fastening arrangement includes a pin capable of being screwed into a sleeve, the pin being provided with engagement elements capable of connecting with complementary projections on a handling tool for facilitation of installing and dismantling the fastening arrangement. A method for fastening the screening media module on to the screen support panel structure, and a screening equipment housing the same for separating solid materials according to size is also provided.

Claims

1. An arrangement for fastening a screening module to a screen support panel of a screening equipment, the arrangement comprising: an elongate first element including an axially downward extending through opening; and an elongate second element including a head portion and a lower portion extending axially downwards from the centre of the head portion, the lower portion having threads arranged on the outer surface in a helical angle, wherein the first element is attachable to the screen support panel and arranged to be received in an opening of the screening module or in an opening created by screening modules when they are positioned adjacent to each other on the screen support panel, and wherein the second element mechanically engages with the first element, such that the screening module is attached to the screen support panel upon interconnection between the first element and the second element, wherein an outer peripheral surface of the head portion of the second element includes a plurality of radially distributed engagement elements.

2. The fastening arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the engagement elements on the head portion of the second element are in the form of grooves having an angular orientation opposite to that of the helical angle of the threads of the lower portion of the second element.

3. The fastening arrangement as claimed in claim 2, wherein the head portion of the second element is provided with at least two grooves.

4. The fastening arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the head portion of the second element is provided with a plurality of grooves extending substantially axially along an entire length of the head portion of the second element.

5. The fastening arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the head portion of the second element is provided with a plurality of grooves extending axially along a limited portion of a length of the head portion second element.

6. The fastening arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the head portion of the second element is provided with grooves of triangular shape having an inclined contact face and a vertical contact face, wherein the inclined contact face makes an angle (?) with a vertical axis of the second element, and the vertical contact face is parallel to the vertical axis of the second element.

7. The fastening arrangement as claimed in claim 6, wherein the inclined contact face and vertical contact face meet to make angle (?) which is in range of 30 to 60 degrees.

8. The fastening arrangement as claimed in claim 7, wherein the angle (?) between the inclined contact face and the vertical contact face of the groove on head portion of the second element is greater than the helical angle of the spiral thread of the lower portion of the second element.

9. The fastening arrangement as claimed in claim 2, wherein the head portion of the second element is provided with grooves in the form of radially distributed equidistant parallel ridges which make an angle (?) with the vertical axis of the second element.

10. The fastening arrangement as claimed in claim 9, wherein the angle (?) between the ridges and the vertical axis of the second element is in the range of 30 to 60 degrees.

11. The fastening arrangement as claimed in claim 9, wherein the angle (?) between the ridges and the vertical axis of the second element is greater than the helical angle (?) of the thread of the lower portion of the second element.

12. The fastening arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the engagement elements on the head portion of the second element are in the form of a plurality of radially distributed protrusions.

13. The fastening arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein a hardness of a material of the second element is greater than a hardness of a material of the first element.

14. The fastening arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein a hardness of a material of the second element is substantially the same as a hardness of a material of the first element.

15. The fastening arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second element is made of a wear-resistant elastomer, which is chosen from the group consisting of thermoplastic polyurethane, cast polyurethane, thermoplastics or combinations thereof.

16. The fastening arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper surface of the head of the second element is aligned axially with the screening module in order to become flush with the upper surface of the screening module upon complete installation of the fastening arrangement.

17. A method for fastening a screening module to a screen support panel of a screening equipment comprising a fastening arrangement as claimed in claim 1, comprising the steps of: placing an opening of a screening module or an opening created by adjacent screening modules above an opening of a screen support panel, thereby creating an attachment socket; inserting into respective aligned attachment sockets, a first element having an axially extending through opening, followed by inserting a second element into said axially extending through opening of each said first element; engaging a handling tool having protrusions complementary and corresponding to the grooves or the engagement elements on the outer peripheral surface of the head portion of the second element, and using the tool for rotating the second element in a screwing motion to secure it to the first element thereby attaching the screening module to the screen support panel.

18. A screening equipment for separating solid materials according to size comprising at least one screening module arranged over a screen support panel, wherein said screening module is fastened to the screen support panel by means of a fastening arrangement as claimed in claim 1.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0041] A specific implementation of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0042] FIG. 1 illustrates schematically a screening equipment for separating solid materials according to size encompassing the fastening arrangement according to the embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0043] FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b illustrate schematically the screening module positioned on top of a screen support panel and the fastening arrangement, with its parts being used to fix the module on to the screen;

[0044] FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b illustrate schematically the fastening arrangement with components according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] FIG. 4a and FIG. 4b illustrate schematically the fastening arrangement with components according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] FIG. 5a and FIG. 5b illustrate schematically the fastening arrangement with components according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] FIG. 5c illustrates schematically the fastening arrangement with components according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0048] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing. Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details, are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 1, the screening equipment 6 comprises, as shown in more detail in the enlarged view of the circled area as indicated by the dotted arrow, a screening media module 4, a screen support panel 5 and parts of the fastening arrangement 1, namely the first element or the sleeve 2, and the second element or the pin 3. The enlarged view in the circled area in FIG. 1 shows that the opening 7 created by the screening module 4 or the opening 7 created by adjacent placement of screening modules 4 is aligned vertically with the opening 19 of the screen support panel 5, thereby creating an attachment socket 13. To fasten the module 4 to the screen support panel 5, first, the first element 2 is placed into the attachment socket 13, and then the second element 3 is inserted into the axially extending through opening (14) of the first element 2. Upon the interconnection of the first element 2 and the second element 3, the screening module 4 becomes affixed to the screen support panel 5.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 2a and 2b, the screening module 4 is positioned on top of the screen support panel 5, in such a way that the opening 19 of the screen support panel 5 is vertically aligned with the opening 7 of the screening module 4, thereby creating the attachment socket 13. First element 2 is placed in the attachment socket 13. According to the first embodiment, a handling tool 11 with its protruding teeth 10 engage with the corresponding grooves 9 of the second element 3. With the rotatory motion provided by the handling tool 11, the second element 3 is screwed into the first element 2. This interconnection enables the fixture of the screening module 4 with the screen support panel 5.

[0051] The first element 2 is suitably made of a polymer material. This polymer material can be polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or a similar material. The polymer material can be reinforced for example with fibres. The first element 2 is suitable manufactured by injection moulding.

[0052] The second element 3 is made of a wear-resistant elastomer which is can be thermoplastic polyurethane, cast polyurethane, thermoplastics or any combinations thereof. The hardness of the material of the second element 3 may be substantially similar to or greater than the hardness of the material of the first element 2.

[0053] FIGS. 3a and 3b illustrate the first embodiment of the present disclosure in detail. Referring to FIG. 3a, vertical axis 17 passes through the handling tool 11, the second element 3 and the first element 2. The second element 3 comprises of two parts, the head portion 3a and the lower portion 3b which extends downwards from the center of the bottom surface of the head portion 3a. The lower portion 3b is threaded for driving the second element (3) into an axially downward extending through opening (9) of the first element (2) for engagement. The spiral threads on the outer surface of the lower portion 3b make a helical angle ? with respect to the horizontal axis 12 which passes through the second element 3.

[0054] On the outer peripheral surface of the head portion 3a, are cut out recesses or grooves 9 radially distributed on the head portion 3a, and extending axially along the entire length of the head portion 3a. The grooves 9 according to this embodiment, are triangular in shape with an inclined contact face 9a and a vertical or near vertical contact face 9b which is substantially parallel to the vertical axis 17. The angle of inclination made by the inclined contact face 9a and the vertical contact face 9b is denoted by the symbol ? which is less than 30-60 degrees. The angular orientation of the triangular grooves 9 of the head portion 3a is opposite to that of the helix of the spiral thread of the lower portion 3b. The inclination angle ? of the triangular groove 9 is greater than the helical angle ? of the thread on the lower portion 3b of the second element 3.

[0055] The handling tool 11 is provided with triangularly shaped teeth 10a which engage with the corresponding triangular grooves 9 of the head portion 3a of the second element 3, thereby facilitating the insertion or screwing-in of the second element 3 into the opening 14 of the first element 2 by rotating motion of the handling tool 11. Referring to FIG. 3b, the handling tool 11 is mechanically engaged with the head portion 3a of the second element 3, which is shown to be completely inserted into the opening 14 of the first element 2. Upon rotating the handling tool 11, the second element 3 which is engaged with tool 11, also rotates. By rotating, the second element 3 is inserted in a screwing motion into the opening 14 of the first element 2. Similarly, rotating motion of the tool 11 also enables dismantling of the fastening arrangement 1 by disengaging second element 3 from the first element 2.

[0056] Referring to FIGS. 4a and 4b, the fastening arrangement 1, according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. FIG. 4a shows that the fastening arrangement 1 comprises of the first element 2 and the second element 3. The second element 3 further comprises of the head portion 3a and the lower portion 3b, which is extending axially downwards from the centre of the head portion 3a. The lower portion 3b is threaded on the outer surface, with the threads making a helical angle ? with the horizontal axis 12. The head portion 3a is provided with radially distributed inclined parallel ridges 20 extending through the length of the head portion 3a. The parallel ridges 20 make an angle of inclination ? with the vertical axis 17 passing through the centre of the second element 3. The angle of inclination ? is greater than the helical angle ?. Further, the angular orientation of the inclined parallel ridges 20 is opposite to that of the helix of the spiral thread of the lower portion 3b. Further, the ridges 20 may extend along the entire length of the head portion 3a or along a pre-determined distance of the length of the head portion 3a of the second element 3.

[0057] The handling tool 11 is provided with stick-like protrusions or teeth 10b which are capable of engaging with the parallel ridges 20 on the head portion 3a of the second element 3. FIG. 4b illustrates the complete mechanical engagement of the teeth 10b of the tool 11 with the ridges 20 thereby enabling insertion or screwing-in of the second element 3 into the opening 14 of the first element 2 by rotatory motion of the handling tool 11. Upon rotating the handling tool 11, the second element 3 which is engaged with tool 11, also rotates. By rotating, the second element 3 is inserted in a screwing motion into the opening 14 of the first element 2. Similarly, rotating motion of the tool 11 also enables dismantling of the fastening arrangement 1 by disengaging second element 3 from the first element 2.

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 5a and 5b, according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure, the fastening arrangement 1 is shown to comprise first element 2 and second element 3 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. Vertical axis 17 passes through the centre of the fastening arrangement 1. The second element 3 comprises of the head portion 3a and the lower portion 3b which extends axially downwards from the centre of the head portion 3a. The lower portion 3b is provided with spiral threads on the outer surface. The head portion 3b is provided with radially distributed equidistant protrusions 18a on its outer peripheral surface. The protrusions 18a may be in the form of circular buttons as shown in FIG. 5a. Referring to FIG. 5b, the teeth 10a of handling tool 11 are mechanically engaged with the protrusions 18a of the head portion 3a of the second element 3. Upon rotating the handling tool 11, the second element 3 which is engaged with tool 11, also rotates. By rotating, the second element 3 is inserted in a screwing motion into the opening 14 of the first element 2. Similarly, rotating motion of the tool 11 also enables dismantling of the fastening arrangement 1 by disengaging second element 3 from the first element 2.

[0059] According to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, the protrusions 18b may be in the form of three-dimensional triangles as shown in FIG. 5c. The handling tool 11 is provided with triangular teeth 10a to engage with the protrusions 18b enabling assembly and dismantling of the fastening arrangement using rotating motion.

[0060] The method for fastening a screening module 4 to a screen support panel 5 of a screening equipment 6 comprising a fastening arrangement 1 comprises the steps of: [0061] placing an opening 7 of a screening module 4 or an opening (7) created by adjacent screening modules 4 above an opening 19 of a screen support panel 5, thereby creating an attachment socket 13; [0062] inserting into said respective aligned attachment sockets 13, a first element 2 having an axially extending through opening 14, followed by inserting a second element 3 into the axially extending through opening 14 of each first element 2; [0063] engaging a handling tool 11 having protrusions or teeth 10a, 10b complementary and corresponding to the engagement elements (either grooves 9 or protrusions 18a, 18b) on the outer peripheral surface of the head portion 3a of the second element 3, and using the tool 11 for rotating the second element 3 in a screwing motion to secure it to the first element 2 thereby attaching the screening module 4 to the screen support panel 5.

[0064] At the end of this process, the second element 3 is completely screwed into the first element 2, in such a way that the top portion of the second element 3 is aligned with the top surface of the screening module 4.

[0065] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

TABLE-US-00001 List of reference numerals Fastening arrangement 1 First element 2 Second element 3 Head portion of second element 3a Lower portion of second element 3b Screening module 4 Screen support panel 5 Screening equipment 6 Opening of screening module or created by placement of 7 adjacent screening modules Threads on second element 8 Helical angle of thread ? Grooves on the handling tool 9 Inclined contact face of groove 9a Vertical contact face of groove 9b Angle between inclined contact face and vertical contact face ? Protrusions on handling tool 10a, 10b Handling tool 11 Horizontal axis 12 Attachment socket 13 Opening of the first element 14 Upper surface of the pin head 15 Upper surface of the screening module 16 Vertical axis 17 Protrusions on head 18a, 18b Opening on the screen support panel 19 Parallel ridges 20