WO2017103805A1

WO2017103805A1 - Screening drum and screening bucket comprising said drum

Info

Publication number: WO2017103805A1
Application number: PCT/IB2016/057605
Authority: WO
Inventors: Guido Azzolin; Diego Azzolin
Original assignee: Meccanica Breganzese SpA
Current assignee: Meccanica Breganzese SpA
Priority date: 2015-12-14
Filing date: 2016-12-14
Publication date: 2017-06-22
Anticipated expiration: 2018-06-14
Also published as: ITUB20159565A1; ES2676751A2; ES2676751B1; ES2676751R1

Abstract

Screening basket (10) of the type usable in a screening bucket (100) connectable to a movable arm of an operating machine, comprising a supporting frame (11), a first mesh structure (1) connected or connectable to the supporting frame (11) and defining at least one perimetral portion of the screening basket (10), and a second mesh structure (2) attached or attachable to the mesh structure so that meshes of said second mesh structure (2) partially intercept first openings (1a) defined by the first mesh structure (1).

Description

SCREENING DRUM AND SCREENING BUCKET COMPRISING SAID DRUM

DESCRIPTION

This invention relates to a screening basket of the type comprising a supporting frame and a mesh structure attached thereto and suitable to be mounted in a rotating manner on a bucket connectable to the arm of an earth-moving machine, such as an excavator or digger.

In the technical sector in question the use of screening buckets is known, such as the one described in patent application EP 284 643.

This patent relates to a screening bucket connected to the arm of an excavator machine by means of a structure that supports a rotating basket. The basket is provided with a structure with meshing of a dimension such as to allow only material of smaller dimensions than a predetermined size to pass through. The rotation of the basket is achieved by means of a hydraulic motor actuated by the hydraulic circuit of the operating machine.

One of the main limits of this screening bucket lies in the fact that it is not possible to regulate the dimension of the screened material since this is linked to the dimensions of the openings in the mesh structure.

Another example of this type of equipment is described in EP 1 177 839, which refers to a screening bucket in which the screening drum of the bucket is defined by a plurality of replaceable perforated panels.

Although this solution allows the screening drum to be adapted to different dimensions of the material to be screened, the operations to replace the panels are somewhat time-consuming. It is in fact necessary to remove the panel with holes of a certain dimension and then fit other panels in order to achieve a variation in the dimension of the screened material .

Another example of screening buckets is described in EP 2 581 140 or a crusher bucket having a screening function is described in WO 2006/105864.

Consequently, the technical problem that lies at the heart of this invention is to provide a screening bucket that avoids the above-mentioned disadvantages of the known art.

This problem is solved by the screening basket according to claim 1.

The preferred characteristics of the invention are defined in the dependent claims. This invention has a few important advantages. The main advantage consists in the fact that the screening basket according to this invention allows the dimensions of the screened material to be regulated simply and quickly.

Another advantage relates to the fact that the dimension of the screened material can be varied without necessarily removing any components. According to another aspect, the invention also relates to a screening basket of the type attachable to a bucket connectable to a movable arm of an operating machine comprising a supporting frame, a first mesh structure connected or connectable to the supporting frame and defining at least one perimetral portion of the screening basket in which said first mesh structure has at least one attaching element for the removable attachment of a second mesh structure so that the meshes of the second mesh structure partially intercept first openings defined by meshes of said first mesh structure. Based on this aspect of the invention, the screening basket is capable of using the second mesh structure without the need to provide special supporting frames, which can therefore be marketed in kit form or as an accessory.

Preferably, based on this aspect, said attachment element is defined by a through hole.

In this way, the presence of the attachment element does not hamper material-screening operations.

According to yet another aspect, the invention also relates to a screening basket attachable to a bucket connectable to a movable arm of an operating machine comprising a supporting frame, a first mesh structure connected or connectable to the supporting frame and defining at least one perimetral portion of the screening basket in which the first mesh structure is defined by removable panels, the removable panels having a shaped edge defining respective recesses in which a securing device of the removable panels is partially housed or housable, the shaped edge facing a respective shaped edge of a panel adjacent thereto.

Based on this aspect, the screening basket can be assembled in a simple manner, using a same securing device, defined by a bolt for example, to secure two adjacent panels.

Preferably, in this aspect, the supporting frame comprises at least two circumferential elements connected by means of radial elements, in which the securing device is connected to one of said radial elements.

According to a preferred embodiment, the basket also comprises a supporting bracket, the securing devices clamping together the radial element, the shaped edge and the supporting bracket. Other advantages, characteristics and the methods for using this invention will emerge more clearly from the following detailed description of some embodiments, shown by way of non-limiting examples. Reference will be made to the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which :

- Figure 1 is a perspective view of a screening bucket according to the present invention;

- Figure 2 is a perspective view of the screening bucket in Figure 1;

- Figure 3 is a perspective rear view of a screening basket according to the present invention;

- Figure 4 is a partially exploded perspective view of the screening basket in Figure 3;

- Figure 5 is a further exploded perspective view of the screening basket in Figure 4;

- Figure 6 is a partially exploded perspective view of a base portion of the screening basket in Figure 3;

- Figure 7 is a perspective view of a screening basket according to the present invention based on an alternative embodiment;

- Figures 8 and 9 are two detailed views from different perspectives of the screening basket in Figure 7 in a first operational configuration;

- Figure 10 is a perspective view of the screening basket based on the alternative embodiment in Figure 7 in a second operational configuration;

- Figures 11 and 12 are two detailed views from different perspectives of the screening basket in Figure 7 in a second operational configuration; - Figure 13 is a perspective view of a screening basket according the present invention based on an another alternative embodiment;

- Figure 14 and 15 are two detailed views from different perspectives of the screening basket in Figure 13 in a first operational configuration;

- Figure 16 is a perspective view of the screening basket based on the additional alternative embodiment in Figure 13 in a second operational configuration; and

- Figures 17 and 18 are two detailed views from different perspectives of the screening basket in Figure 13 in a second operational configuration.

With reference initially to Figure 1, a screening bucket according to the present invention is shown as a whole by the reference numeral 100.

According to a preferred embodiment, the screening bucket 100 comprises a supporting frame 110 to which is connected a rotation device 102, preferably a hydraulic or electric motor.

The bucket 100 also comprises a screening basket 10, shown later in greater detail, made to rotate by the rotation device 102.

The bucket 100 is also provided with a portion 101 to connect to an arm of an operating machine in a known way.

According to a preferred embodiment, the bucket 100 also comprises a scoop portion 104 that connects an edge 105 to gather the material to be screened towards the entrance of the screening basket 10 that is preferably cylindrical in shape. With reference now to Figure 3, the screening basket 10 comprises a supporting frame 11, preferably formed by at least two circumferential elements 11a connected by means of radial elements l ib.

According to a preferred embodiment, the two circumferential elements 11a, together with the radial elements that connect them, identify a cylindrical or perimetral portion of the basket 10. Also preferably, a circumferential element 11a is connected to a connection element 12 that allows the basket 10 to be connected to the rotation device 102 of the bucket 100 by means of additional radial elements l ib. According to a preferred embodiment, said radial elements define a base portion of the basket 10 which, preferably, has a truncated-cone form.

The basket 10 also comprises a first mesh structure 1 connected to the supporting frame 11. As shown in the Figures, the mesh structure 1 defines at least partially the perimetral portion of the screening basket 10. Preferably, the mesh structure 1 substantially defines the entire perimetral portion of the basket 10. In other words, the perimetral portion of the basket 10 will be defined by the structure 1 not including the supporting frame 11. In one embodiment, the first mesh structure also defines the base portion of the basket 10.

It is therefore clear that, depending on the dimensions of the meshes of the mesh structure 1, material of smaller dimensions than the relative openings la defined by them can exit the screening basket 10. Material of larger dimensions that those of the openings la will instead remain inside the basket, thus allowing it to be transported elsewhere. Preferably, the first mesh structure 1 is defined by a plurality of removable panels secured to the supporting frame 11, preferably at the radial elements lib, as also shown in Figures 4 and 5.

According to a preferred embodiment, the removable panels that define the first mesh structure have a shaped edge 14 that defines respective recesses 15 in which is partially housed a securing device 5 of the removable panels.

In one embodiment, the securing device is formed by a bolt. Preferably, the securing device 5 is connected to one of said radial elements lib so as to enable the panels to be secured thereto.

As shown in Figure 5, the shaped edge 14 of a panel, when secured to the frame 11, is facing a respective shaped edge 14 of an additional panel adjacent thereto.

In this way, the two facing recesses 15 define a seat capable of housing the securing device 5. In this embodiment, in which the securing device 5 is a bolt, the shank of the bolt passes through the seat thus defined.

In this way, the bolt, or other securing device 5, can be used to secure contemporaneously two adjacent panels, thus allowing a smaller number of securing devices 5 to be used.

According to a preferred embodiment, the basket 10 also comprises a supporting bracket 3 that can be placed over the panels so as to cover the shaped edges 14 of two adjacent panels.

Preferably, the securing devices 5 clamp together the radial element l ib, the edge 14 of the panel and the supporting bracket 3. This solution allows the mesh structure to be efficiently and stably secured, regardless of the shape of the edge 14. The basket 10 according to the present invention also comprises a second mesh structure 2 secured or securable to the first mesh structure 1.

To this end, in a preferred embodiment, the first mesh structure 1 has at least one connecting device 13 in order to secure the second mesh structure 2 removably. Preferably, the connecting device 13 is defined by a through hole, whereby the second mesh structure is secured to the first by means of another securing device 6, also shown in Figure 5, formed by a bolt for example.

Alternatively, the second mesh structure 2 can also be fixed to the frame

11 or fixed both to the frame 11 and to the first mesh structure 1.

The second mesh structure 2 is secured to the first structure 1 in such a position that the meshes of the second partially intercept the first openings la defined by the meshes of the first mesh structure 1.

In one embodiment, the second mesh structure 2 has second openings 2a of a smaller dimension than the first openings la.

In this way, the second mesh structure 2 will cover the first structure during use so as to protect it from wear.

As shown in Figure 6, said structure can advantageously be used also in the base portion of the screening basket 10.

With reference now to Figures 7 to 12, according to a first variation, the basket according to the present invention comprises a connecting device 4 designed to secure the second mesh structure 2 adjustably to the first mesh structure 1. This variation differs from the one previously illustrated in that the connecting device enables the second mesh structure to be adjustably attached, whereas the previous embodiment used a connecting device suitable for a removable attachment thereof. Preferably, the connecting device 4 is suitable to allow a relative movement of the second mesh structure 2 in relation to the first mesh structure 1. In one embodiment, the movement occurs between a first operating position in which the meshes of the second mesh structure 2 are superposed over the meshes of said first mesh structure 1 and a second operating position in which the meshes of the second mesh structure 2 partially intercept the first openings la. Alternatively, the first and second mesh structures can be placed in reverse order, with the second structure, i.e. the movable one, placed facing the outside of the basket 10. This alternative embodiment is shown in Figures 13 to 18. In this case, for greater illustrative simplicity, the second mesh structure 2 is shown in only one panel of the first mesh structure 1, it being clear that this configuration can be adopted also for the entire perimetral and/or base portion.

It is therefore clear that in the first operating position, the dimension of the screened material will be determined by that of the first openings la, while in the second position this dimension will be smaller, since the first openings la are partially intercepted.

It will also be noted that in the present embodiment, the openings la and 2a have the same dimension, so that in the first operating position these openings coincide, whilst in the second the interweaving of the meshes of the first and second structure create openings capable of allowing material of smaller dimensions to pass through.

It is therefore clear that in this embodiment too, openings 2a of the second mesh structure 2 of smaller dimensions than the openings la of the first mesh structure 1 can be provided. Similarly, in the other variations too, opening la and 2a can have the same dimension.

Referring back to Figures 8 and 7, according to a preferred embodiment, the perimetral portion has a cylindrical form . The second mesh structure 2 can thus slide on the first mesh structure 1, remaining resting thereon, thus allowing the perimetral portion to be made in the form of a single cylindrical-shaped panel. More generally, according to a preferred embodiment, the second mesh structure is slidable on the first mesh structure in a radial and/or axial direction defined in relation to the basket. In this case, the supporting frame 11 will be formed by the circumferential elements 11a and possibly the radial elements l ib arranged in the base portion, as shown in Figure 9. In addition, the circumferential elements 11a can be formed as a single body with the first mesh structure 1.

It is therefore clear that, for these embodiments too, several panels can be used, secured to the radial or circumferential elements, as is clearly illustrated Figures 13 to 18.

The embodiments just described are particularly advantageous in that they allow the screening to be adjusted without requiring the replacement or removal of any component.

According to a preferred embodiment, the connecting device 4 comprises a guide 41 and a respective slider 42 integral with the second mesh structure 2 and first mesh structure 1 respectively or vice versa.

Preferably, the guide is created by means of a slot formed in the second mesh structure 2, whereas the slider is defined by means of the shank of a bolt of the connecting device 4. According to a preferred embodiment, the guide 41 has a transverse development with respect to an axial direction and to a circumferential direction defined by the screening basket 10. Since preferably the openings la and 2a have a substantially square shape, both in this and in the other embodiments, the movement of the second structure 2 enables openings of a regular shape to be maintained.

The embodiment described above also allows one panel to be used to define the second mesh structure at the perimetral portion, it being possible for the latter to slide as a whole by means of the guide 41.

The invention therefore solves the proposed problem, at the same time providing a plurality of advantages, including the possibility of changing the screening dimension quickly and efficiently in a rotating system. In particular, it is possible to use a bucket with an entirely meshed structure, thus optimising the screening operations.

Furthermore, it is possible to use common components even for baskets not provided with adjustment of the screening dimension, thus making the implementation of the present invention easily achievable in kit form.

Claims

1. Rotating screening basket (10) of the type usable in a screening bucket (100) connectable to a movable arm of an operating machine, comprising a supporting frame (11), a first mesh structure (1) connected or connectable to said supporting frame (11) and defining at least one perimetral portion of the screening basket (10), characterised in that it comprises a second mesh structure (2) attached or attachable to said first mesh structure (1) and/or to said frame (11) and a connecting device (13; 4) for a removable and/or adjustable attachment of said second mesh structure (2) to said first mesh structure (1), said connecting device (4) being suitable to enable the positioning of said second mesh structure (2) on said first mesh structure (1) so that meshes of said second mesh structure (2) partially intercept first openings (la) defined by meshes of said first mesh structure (1).

2. Rotating screening basket (10) according to claim 1, wherein said mesh structure (1) substantially defines the entire perimetral portion of the screening basket (10).

3. Rotating screening basket (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said connecting device (4) is suitable to allow a relative movement of said first mesh structure (1) and said second mesh structure (2) between a first operating position wherein the meshes of said second mesh structure (2) are superposed over the meshes of said first mesh structure (1) or vice versa and a second operating position wherein the meshes of said second mesh structure (2) partially intercept the first openings (la) of said first mesh structure (1).

4. Rotating screening basket (10) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said second mesh structure (2) is slidable on said first mesh structure (1) in a radial and/or axial direction of said basket (10).

5. Rotating screening basket (10) according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein said connecting device (4) comprises a guide (41) and a respective slider (42) respectively integral with the second mesh structure (2) and the first mesh structure (1) or vice versa.

6. Rotating screening basket (10) according to claim 5, wherein said guide (41) has a transverse development with respect to an axial direction and to a circumferential direction defined by the screening basket (10).

7. Rotating screening basket (10) according to claim 1, wherein said second mesh structure (2) has second openings (2a) of a smaller dimension than the first openings (la).

8. Rotating screening basket (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said connecting device (13) comprises at least one through hole in which is housed an additional securing device (6).

9. Rotating screening basket (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said first mesh structure (1) comprises removable panels, said removable panels having a shaped edge (14) that defines respective recesses (15) wherein is partially housed or housable a securing device (5) for said removable panels, said shaped edge (14) facing a respective shaped edge (14) of a panel adjacent thereto.

10. Rotating screening basket (10) according to claims 8 and 9, wherein said through hole is made near said shaped edge (14).

11. Rotating screening basket (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said supporting frame (11) is formed by at least two circumferential elements (11a) connected by means of radial elements (lib).

12. Rotating screening basket (10) according to claims 10 and 11, wherein said removable panels are secured to said supporting frame (11) at said radial elements (l ib).

13. Rotating screening basket (10) according to claim 12, wherein said securing device (5) is connected to at least one of said radial elements (lib).

14. Rotating screening basket (10) according to any of claims 11 to 13, comprising a supporting bracket (3) that can be placed over the panels so as to cover the shaped edges (14) of two adjacent panels, said securing device (5) clamping together said radial element (l ib), said edge (14) and said supporting bracket (3).

15. Screening bucket (100) comprising a rotating screening basket (10) according to any of the preceding claims, a supporting frame (110), a rotation device (102) suitable for allowing the rotation of said screening basket (10) with respect to the said supporting frame (110) and a connecting portion (101) for connection to an arm of an operating machine.