GB2619714A

GB2619714A - Method and device for installing a shaft in a material processing apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2619714A
Application number: GB2208598.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Fanning Ciaran
Original assignee: Terex GB Ltd
Current assignee: Terex GB Ltd
Priority date: 2022-06-13
Filing date: 2022-06-13
Publication date: 2023-12-20
Also published as: GB202208598D0

Abstract

A method of installing a shaft 12 in a material processing apparatus 16 is provided. The method involves: fitting a shoe 14 to a first end of the shaft 12; inserting the first end of the shaft into a shaft housing 52 such that the shoe 14 engages with the internal bottom surface 53 of the shaft housing 52; and, with the shoe 14 in contact with the internal bottom surface 53, moving the shaft 12 along the shaft housing 52 into an installed position. A shoe 14 for removably fitting to a portion of a shaft 12 is also disclosed. The shoe 14 has roller bearings 30 and an adjacent braking surface 24 to facilitate not only insertion of the shaft 12 but also positioning of the shaft 12.

Description

Method and Device for Installing a Shaft in a Material Processing Apparatus

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to material processing apparatus. The invention relates particularly, but not 5 exclusively. to the installation of shafts in screening apparatus.

Background to the Invention

Various types of material processing apparatus include one or more shafts that require installation. The shafts can be large and/or heavy and as such can be difficult to install, typically requiring lifting equipment and at least one human operator. It is not uncommon for the shaft or the material processing apparatus to be damaged during the installation. This damage can comprise the performance of the apparatus and reduce its lifespan. In addition, the installation can require manhandling that puts undesirable strain on the human operators.

By way of example, a material screening apparatus may require that one or more shafts are installed as part of a vibration system for vibrating the screening apparatus during use. Each shaft is typically inserted through a housing that extends transversely of the screening apparatus, and then secured in bearings and sealed at each end. Each shaft typically weighs between 200-350Kg and may for example be between 5-10m in length. Installation of the shaft can cause damage to the shaft, including damage to the shaft's leading edges, compromising machined surface finishes, removing protective painted layers, as well as damaging the housing and the bearings, any of which can result in the creation of debris which may remain in the housing and/or around the bearings and seals. Any or all of the foregoing problems can comprise the performance of the screening apparatus and reduce its lifespan.

Similar problems can arise with other types of material processing apparatus, for example crushing apparatus, washing apparatus, separators, stackers and parts thereof such as feeders. hoppers and conveyors, any of which may require the installation of one or more shafts, e.g. drive shafts. vibrational shafts or shafts that carry implements such as blades or hammers.

It would be desirable to mitigate the problems outlined above.

Summary of the Invention

From a first aspect the invention provides a method of installing a shaft in a material processing apparatus, the method comprising: fitting a shoe to a portion of the shaft, preferably such that the shoe covers at least an underside of said portion of the shaft; inserting a first end of the shaft into a second end of a shaft housing such that said shoe engages with an internal bottom surface of the shaft housing; with the shoe in contact with said internal bottom surface, moving the shaft along the shaft housing towards a first end of the shaft housing into an installed position.

Preferably, in said installed position, a first shaft bearing, which is typically located at or substantially at said first end of the shaft, is in register with a corresponding first bearing location. which is typically located at or substantially at the first end of the shaft housing, and a second shaft bearing, which is typically located at or substantially at a second end of the shaft, is in register with a corresponding second bearing location, which is typically located at or substanflally at a second end of the shaft housing. The preferred method involves removing said shoe from said shaft, preferably when the shaft is in the installed position The method typically includes fitting a seal and/or a bearing around said first end of the shaft when 10 the shaft is in the installed position, preferably after removing said shoe from said shaft. The method typically includes fitting a seal and/or a bearing around said second end of the shaft when the shaft is in the installed position.

In preferred embodiments. the shoe comprises at least one roller bearing located at an outer surface 15 of said shoe, and wherein said moving the shaft into the installed position involves moving the shaft towards the first end of the shaft housing until said at least one roller bearing exits the shaft housing.

Preferably, the method includes, when said shaft is in said installed position, supporting said first end of the shaft. Supporting the first end of the shaft may involve suspending the first end of the shaft.

Supporting the first end of the shaft may involve supporting the first end of the shaft in an operating position, and/or lifting said first end of the shaft, optionally into the operating position. The method may include removing said shoe from said shaft when said first end of the shaft is supported or suspended and/or lifted.

In preferred embodiments the method includes during a first phase of the movement towards the first end of the shaft housing, suspending or otherwise supporting the shaft at a first location between the first and second ends of the shaft. preferably at. or substantially at. a centre of gravity of the shaft. The method may include, during a subsequent phase of the movement towards the first end of the shaft housing after said first phase, suspending or otherwise supporting the shaft at a second location at or substantially at said second end of the shaft, and preferably not suspending or otherwise supporting said shaft at said first location.

In preferred embodiments, said material processing apparatus is a screening apparatus and wherein, preferably, said shaft is part of a vibration generating apparatus.

Fitting the shoe to the portion of the shaft may involve fitting the shoe to a portion of the shaft that comprises a shaft bearing, preferably a journal bearing, and/or fitting the shoe to a portion of the shaft that is located at or substantially at said first end of the shaft.

From a second aspect the invention provides a shoe for removably fitting to a portion of a shaft, the shoe being shaped to define a seat for removably receiving said portion of the shaft. and wherein, preferably, said shoe is configured to project beyond said shaft in a radial direction when fitted to said portion of the shaft. Said portion typically comprises a shaft bearing, preferably a journal bearing. Said portion may be located at, or adjacent, an end of the shaft. Said portion may be radially narrower that a main body of said shaft. and wherein, preferably, said shoe projects beyond said main body in a radial direction when fitted to said portion.

Typically, said seat has a profile that matches a profile of said portion of the shaft.

Preferably, said shoe comprises at least one roller bearing located at an outer surface of said shoe.

Advantageously, when said shoe is fitted to said portion of the shaft: said at least one roller bearing is located in register with said shaft bearing. Preferably said at least one roller bearing is located at a first part of the outer surface that is recessed with respect to a second part of the outer surface, wherein, preferably, the second part is located rearwardly of the recessed first part, the recessed first part preferably being located at, or adjacent, a front end of the shoe.

In preferred embodiments: an outer surface of said shoe is shaped or otherwise configured to provide the recessed first part and the second part, the outer surface for example having a stepped profile to define the first and second parts.

Preferably, said shoe is semi-annular in shape, for example comprising a body comprising a semi-annular sleeve or semi-annular collar.

Preferably, said shoe is formed from resiliently flexible material.

The preferred shoe has roller bearings and an adjacent friction braking surface to facilitate not only insertion of the shaft but also positioning of the shaft.

From another aspect, the invention provides a material processing apparatus comprising a shaft, a shaft housing for receiving the shaft and a shoe according to the second aspect of the invention.

Preferably, when said shoe is fitted to said shaft and said shaft is at least partly located in said shaft housing, said shoe engages with an internal bottom surface of the shaft housing.

From a further aspect, the invention provides a material processing apparatus comprising a shaft 35 installed by the method of the first aspect of the invention, and/or using a shoe according to the second aspect of the invention.

In preferred embodiments. said material processing apparatus comprises a screening apparatus, wherein, preferably, said shaft is part of a vibration generating apparatus.

Preferred embodiments of the invention provide any one or more of the following advantages: * The preferred shoe can be fitted and removed from the shaft without the need for tools or fixings, particular as a result of the preferred formation of the shoe from a flexible resilient material.

* The preferred provision of a sill, or other projection, on the shoe performs a safety or self-positioning role of the shaft with respect to the shaft housing.

* The preferred provision of roller bearings facilitates the shoe in supporting multi-directional movement (at least including longitudinal and rotational movement) of the shaft with respect to the shaft housing.

* The shoe provides protection for the shaft, in particular for the bearing journal.

* The shoe may help to prevents damage to the seal at either end of the shaft.

* The preferred shoe supports free axial and rotational movement under little force. The preferred shoe comprises a one-piece body and is advantageously formed by moulding.

In preferred embodiments the material processing apparatus comprises a screening apparatus. The shaft is preferably part of a vibration generating system. It will be understood however that embodiments of the invention may be used with other types of material processing apparatus, for example crushing apparatus, washing apparatus, separators, stackers and parts thereof such as feeders, hoppers and conveyors, and/or other types of shaft, e.g. drive shafts, or shafts that carry implements such as blades, hammers or other formations.

Other advantageous aspects of the invention will be apparent from the following description of a specific embodiment and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

An embodiment of the invention is now described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like numerals are used to denote like parts and in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an end of a shaft and an installation shoe embodying one aspect of 30 the invention fitted to the shaft; Figure 2A is a top view of the installation shoe; Figure 2B is an end view of the installation shoe; Figure 2C is a side view of the installation shoe; Figure 3A is a top view of the installation shoe including roller bearings; Figure 3B is an end view of the installation shoe including roller bearings; Figure 3C is a side view of the installation shoe including roller bearings; Figure 4 is an end view of a screening apparatus and part of a shaft assembly comprising said shaft and said shoe, the shaft assembly being shown in a pre-installation position; Figure 5 is an end view of the screening apparatus and the shaft assembly. the shaft assembly being shown in a partly installed position; Figure 6 is an end view of the screening apparatus and the shaft assembly. the shaft assembly being 10 shown in an installed position; and Figure 7 is a perspective view of a first end of the shaft assembly located in a shaft housing.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

Referring now to Figure 1 of the drawings there is shown an assembly 10 of a shaft 12 and an installation shoe 14 fitted to the shaft 12. Figure 1 only shows a first end 12A of the shaft 12, the whole shaft 12 being shown in Figures 5 and 6.

In preferred embodiments, the shaft 12 is part of a screening apparatus 16 (shown in Figures 4 to 6), in particular part of a vibration generating apparatus that is configured to impart vibrations, or oscillations, to the screening apparatus 16. When installed, the shaft 12 is rotatable about its longitudinal axis and is typically eccentrically weighted (and as such may be referred to as an out-ofbalance shaft).

In typical embodiments, a bearing 18, usually a journal bearing, is provided at the first end 12A of the shaft 12. The bearing 18 has an annular bearing surface and typically has a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the main body 12C of the shaft 12. Conveniently. the bearing 18 may be integrally formed with the shaft 12. The first end 12A may therefore have a stepped profile, part of which is defined by the bearing 18. The stepped profile may vary from embodiment to embodiment depending on, for example, the type of bearing, the drive system, the sealing system, the axial fitting system and so on, any of which may differ based on factors such as application, size and power.

The shaft 12 may include an end portion 13 that projects axially beyond the bearing 18, and which typically has a diameter smaller than that of the bearing 18. The end portion 13 may be used for 35 coupling with a drive mechanism (not shown) and/or one or more eccentrically mounted weight and/or other device(s) that may be associated with the apparatus 16.

The shoe 14 is fitted to the shaft 12 for the purpose of facilitating installation of the shaft 12 in the screening apparatus 16, and is removable from the shaft 12. The shoe 14 may alternatively be referred to as a collar, or more generally as a removable attachment. In preferred embodiments, the shoe 14 is fitted to a portion of the shaft 12 that includes the bearing 18. As such, when fitted, the shoe covers at least part of the shaft 12, and in particular at least part of the bearing 18. Preferably, the shoe 14 has a length that is at least as long as the length of the bearing 18 On the axial direction). Typically the shoe is longer than the bearing 18 and so may cover more of the shaft than the bearing (in the axial direction). In alternative embodiments, the shoe 14 may be configured to fit onto another portion of the shaft 12, although it is preferred that the shoe 14 fits onto a portion of the shaft 12 that is at or adjacent the first end 12A.

The shoe 14 is shaped to define a seat 20 for removably receiving the relevant portion of the shaft 12, i.e. the portion comprising the bearing 18 in preferred embodiments. Preferably, and as can best be seen from Figures 2A and 3A: the seat 20 has a profile that matches the profile of the relevant portion of the shaft 12. This arrangement facilitates fitting the shoe to the shaft 12. Optionally, the seat 20 includes a male or female formation 21A (e.g. a key or keyway) for inter-engagement with a corresponding female or male formation 21B (e.g. a corresponding keyway or key) provided on the relevant portion of the shaft 12 when seated in the seat 20. Inter-engagement of the formations 21A, 21B facilitates locating the shoe 14 on the shaft 12 and may be configured to prevent relative axial movement and/or relative rotational movement between the shoe 14 and the shaft 12.

Advantageously, the shoe 12 is shaped and dimensioned, or otherwise configured, to project beyond the shaft 12 in a radial direction when fitted to the shaft 12. As such, an outer surface 24 of the shoe 12 is located outwardly of the shaft 12 in the radial direction. In preferred embodiments, the shoe 14 is shaped and dimensioned to project beyond not only the relatively narrow end portion of the shaft to which it is fitted, but also to the wider main body 12C of the shaft 12. The preferred arrangement is such that the outer surface 24 is located radially outside of, or beyond, the shaft 12 with respect to its axis. As is described in more detail below, the outer surface 24 may serve as a load bearing surface for engagement with an external surface along which the shaft 12 is to be moved, thereby removing the need for the shaft 12 itself, in particular the bearing portion 18, to engage with the external surface.

Referring in particular to Figures 2 and 3, the preferred shoe 14 comprises a body 26 that is semi-annular: or penannular, in shape. A gap 25 is defined between first and second lateral sides 27, 29 of the body 26 which provides access to the seat 20. Preferably, the body 26 extends around its longitudinal axis by more than 180°, e.g. forming a major arc in transverse cross section. The body 26 is typically U-shaped, C-shaped or arc-shaped in transverse cross-section. The body 26 has an inner surface 31 that is concave, or generally concave: and comprises the seat 20. The outer surface 24 of the body 26 is convex, or generally convex, and may be U-shaped, C-shaped or arc-shaped in transverse cross-section. In preferred embodiments. the body 26, and typically also the shoe 14, comprises a semi-annular: or penannular: collar or sleeve. It alternative embodiments, the shoe/body may be fully annular rather than semi-annular.

In preferred embodiments. the shoe 14, or at least the body 26. is formed from a resiliently flexible material, for example a plastics material. such as polyurethane, or rubber. The preferred material is semi-flexible and resilient. The preferred configuration is such that the shoe 14, or more particularly the body 26, may be removably fitted to the shaft 12 by a resilient snap-fit action, preferably by an annular snap fit arrangement. The resilience of the body 26 allows the shoe 14 to be self-retaining on the shaft 12. As such no tools or fixings are required to fit the shoe 14 to the shaft 12. The resilient snap-fit configuration allows the shoe 14 to be manually removed from the shaft 12. Optionally, the body 26 may include one or more handle 28 to facilitate fitting the shoe 14 to and/or removing the shoe 14 from the shaft 12. Advantageously therefore the shoe 14 is shaped and dimensioned to snap-fit onto and off of the relevant portion of the shaft 12. In alternative embodiments, one or more screws, bolts or other removable fixing means may be provided for removably fitting the shoe 14 to 10 the shaft 12, and the shaft 12 may be configured accordingly to receive such fixings.

Preferably, the body 26 is formed by moulding, and is preferably formed, or moulded, as a single piece.

In preferred embodiments, the shoe 14 includes one or more roller bearings 30, preferably ball bearings, at the outer surface 24. The bearings 30 are configured to facilitate rolling engagement between the shoe 14, in particular the outer surface 24, and the relevant external surface. Typically, a plurality of bearings 30 are provided, and are preferably spaced apart at least transversely of the body 26. In preferred embodiments, the bearings 30 are radially or circumferentially spaced apart around the outer surface 24. As can best be seen from Figure 38, each bearing 30 projects outwardly beyond the outer surface 24. Typically, each bearing 30 is provided in a bearing housing 32 that may be embedded in or otherwise incorporated into the body 26. In preferred embodiments, the body 26 is shaped to provide a respective socket 34 for receiving, preferably removably, each bearing housing 32. In preferred embodiments, the, or each, bearing 30 is located on the shoe 14 such that, when the shoe 14 is fitted to the shaft 12, the bearing(s) 30 are in register with (preferably below) the bearing 18.

The shoe 14 has a first, or front, end 40 and a second, or rear, end 42 opposite the front end 42. When the shoe 14 is fitted to the shaft 12 the front end 40 faces in the direction of travel of the shaft 30 and shoe assembly 10.

In preferred embodiments, the, or each, bearing 30 is located at a first part 24A of the outer surface 24 that is recessed with respect to a second part 24B of the outer surface 24. Advantageously, the second part 24B is located rearwardly of the recessed part 24A. In preferred embodiments, the recessed part 24A is located at, or adjacent, the front end 40. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the outer surface 24 has a stepped profile to define the first and second parts 24A, 24B. More generally, the outer surface 24 may include one or more formation, e.g. a step 38, for providing the first and second parts 24A, 24B. In the illustrated embodiment, the step 38 projects from the outer surface 24 and faces the first end 40 of the body 26. More generally, the formation(s) may for example comprise a sill, step, ridge, flange or other projection(s), and may extend wholly or partly around the body 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the, or each. bearing 30 is located between the step 38 and the first end 40. As can best be seen from Figure 38, each bearing 30 projects outwardly beyond the second part 24B of the surface 24. As is described further below, the second part 24B of the surface 24 serves as a friction brake, in particular when the shaft assembly 10 has reached the installed position. The second part 24B also protects the shaft housing 52 from being damaged by the bearing(s) 30.

In preferred embodiments. when the shoe 14 is fitted to the shaft 12, the longitudinal axis of the shoe 14 is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the shaft 12. The first end 40 of the shoe 14 faces away from the main body 12C of the shaft in a longitudinal direction, and the second end 42 of the shoe 14 faces towards the second end 12B of the shaft 12. The step 38 faces away from the main body 12C of the shaft in a longitudinal direction. Conveniently, the shaft 12 is fitted into the shoe 14 through the gap 25 such that the relevant portion of the shaft 12 is seated in the seat 20. Advantageously, the shoe 14 resiliently grips the shaft 12 to hold itself in place. The gap 25 also facilitates removal of the shoe 14 from the shaft 12. When fitted, the preferred shoe 14 extends around part of the circumference, or periphery, of the shaft 12, the rest of the circumference, or periphery, being exposed by the gap 25. In alternative embodiments where the shoe 14 is fully annular, it may extend around the whole circumference, or periphery, of the shaft 12. In any event, during use the preferred arrangement is such that the shoe 14 covers at least the underside of the relevant portion of the shaft 12.

Referring in particular to Figures 4 to 6, the screening apparatus 161s of a type commonly referred to as a screen box. Typically, the screening apparatus 16 comprises a body 50, which contains one or more screens (not shown) for screening or grading material, in particular particulate material (not shown). The body 50 is typically box-like, and the, or each, screen typically extends across the body 50 in a horizontal or generally horizontal (i.e. inclined with respect to horizontal by a relatively small amount, e.g. up to 20°) disposition.

The screening apparatus 16 may be mounted on a chassis (not shown) or other base, and may include or be in operative association with one or more other ancillary components such as any one or more of: feeder(s), hopper(s), conveyor(s), power plant(s), drive mechanism(s) and controller(s). The specific configuration of the apparatus 16 in this respect may vary from embodiment to embodiment as would be apparent to a skilled person.

The screening apparatus 16 includes a vibration generating apparatus of which the shaft 12 is part.

The vibration generating apparatus is coupled to the screen box 50 in order to vibrate the screen box 50, including the screen(s), thereby facilitating the screening process. In particular, when installed, the shaft 12 is coupled to the body 50 and is rotatable about its longitudinal axis. The shaft 12 is eccentrically weighted (either intrinsically or more commonly by coupling one or more weights (not shown) to the shaft) such that as the shaft 12 rotates it imparts vibrations, or oscillations, to the body 50.

In preferred embodiments, the shaft 12 is coupled to the body 50 by means of a shaft housing 52, which typically takes the form of a sleeve, tube or other enclosure and is usually cylindrical, but may have other cross-sectional shapes, e.g. rectangular. The housing 52 is connected to the body 50, the shaft 12 being located in the housing 52 and rotatably coupled to the housing 52, typically at each end 52A, 52B. Typically, the shaft 12 and the housing 52 are of matching length such that the first end 12A of the shaft 12 can be rotatably coupled to the first end 52A of the housing 52, and the second end 12B of the shaft 12 can be rotatably coupled to the second end 52B of the housing 52. In typical embodiments, the housing 52 extends across the body 50 between first and second side walls 54A, 54B. A respective opening 60A, 60B (Figure 7) is provided in each side wall 54A, 54B in register with the respective (open) end 52A, 52B of the housing 52. Typically, the respective end 52A, 528 of the housing 52 is coupled to the body 50 at the respective opening 60A, 6013 by a respective annular collar 62A, 62B. Alternatively, the housing 52 may extend longitudinally of the body 50, e.g. alongside (usually outside of) one or other of the side walls 54k 54B.

With reference now in particular to Figures 4 to 6, a preferred method for installing the shaft 12 in the screening apparatus 16 is described. In Figure 4, the shaft assembly 10 is shown in a pre-installation position. Conveniently the shoe 14 is fitted to the shaft 12 before the shaft 12 is inserted into the housing 52. The shaft assembly 10 is positioned such that the first end 12A of the shaft 12 is aligned with the second end 52B of the housing 52, which is open to allow the first end 12A to be inserted into the housing 52. The shaft assembly 10 may be supported by any convenient support means. Preferably, the shaft assembly 10 is supported by suspending it using any convenient conventional suspension means, for example a sling 56, which may be connected to any convenient lifting or support apparatus, e.g. a crane or gantry (not shown). It is preferred that the shaft assembly 10 is suspended or otherwise supported at a location between its first and second ends 12k 12B, preferably at or substantially at its centre of gravity (as illustrated in Figure 4).

The first end 12A of the shaft 12, together with the shoe 14, is inserted to the housing via the second end 52A. One or more human operator (not shown) may help guide the first end 12A into the housing 52 as required. The arrangement is such that the shoe 14 engages with the bottom surface 53 of the inside of the housing 52. This may be achieved by positioning the shoe 14 with respect to the shaft 12 and/or rotating the shaft 12 about its longitudinal axis such that the shoe 14 covers the bottom, or underside, of the shaft 12.

The shaft assembly 10 is then moved along the housing 52 towards the first end 52A, during which 35 the shoe 14 is in contact with the surface 53. This is illustrated in Figure 5 which shows the shaft assembly 10 in a partly installed position During installation, the shaft assembly 10 may be moved by any convenient means. for example by one or more human operator and/or the relevant support means. For example the shaft assembly 10 40 may be suspended from a crane or other apparatus that is operable to move the shaft assembly 10 into the housing 52 and/or towards the first end 52A of the housing as required, or which passively allows such movement On which case one or more human operator may move the assembly 10).

During a first phase of the movement towards the first end 52A of the shaft housing 12, the shaft 5 assembly 10 may be suspended or otherwise supported at a location between its first and second ends 12A, 12B, preferably at or substantially at its centre of gravity. The first phase of movement typically ends with the shaft assembly 10 partly inserted into the housing 52, as illustrated in Figure 5. For subsequent movement of the shaft assembly 10 towards the first end 52A (and preferably into the installed position), it is preferred to suspend or otherwise support the shaft assembly 10 at a second location that is at or substantially at the second end 12B of the shaft 12 (as shown in Figure 5). In the illustrated example, this may be achieved by repositioning the sling 56.

The shaft assembly 10 is moved along the shaft housing 52 until it reaches an installed position as illustrated in Figure 6. In the installed position, the shaft 12 is correctly positioned with respect to the shaft housing 52, in particular the shaft 12 is positioned to allow it to be rotatably coupled to the shaft housing 52. Typically, in the installed position, the bearing 18 at the first end 12A of the shaft 12 is in register with a first bearing location 64A at, or substantially at, the first end 52A of the housing 52. In preferred embodiments, the first bearing location 64A is adjacent but outside of the first end 52A of the shaft housing 52, and may be located within or otherwise provided by the respective collar 62A.

A seat: or recess, 66A may be provided, typically adjacent the first bearing location 64B, for receiving a shaft seal 58A. The seat, or recess, 66A, which is typically annular, may be provided by a suitable formation in the collar 62k In the illustrated embodiment, the seat 66A is recessed with respect to the bearing location 64A. The seal 58A typically comprises an annular, or o-ring, seal that seals around the outer periphery of the recess 66A and around the end 12A of the shaft 12. The shaft 12 is rotatable within the seal 58A. The seal 58A serves as a one-way valve against the egress of grease from the shaft and the ingress of contaminants. The seal 58A may support the shaft 12 in the installed position. at least during the shaft installation process. The seal 58A may comprise an annular housing (e.g. formed from steel plate) for supporting the shaft 12.

Typically: in the installed position: a bearing 19 at the second end 12B of the shaft 12 is in register with a second bearing location 648 at, or substantially at, the second end 528 of the housing 52. In preferred embodiments, the second bearing location 64B is adjacent but outside of the second end 52B of the shaft housing 52, and may be located within or otherwise provided by the respective collar 62B. A seat, or recess, 66B may be provided, typically adjacent the second bearing location 64B, for receiving a shaft seal 58B. The seal 58B is typically an annular seal and may be the same as or similar to the seal 58A. The shaft 12 is typically rotatable within the seal 58B. The seal 58B may support the shaft 12 in the installed position, at least during the installation process. The seat, or recess, 66B, which is typically annular, may be provided by a suitable formation in the collar 62B. It is noted that the shaft 12 may include an end portion 15 that projects axially beyond the bearing 19: and which typically has a diameter smaller than that of the bearing 19. The end portion 15 may be used for coupling with a drive mechanism (not shown) and/or one or more eccentrically mounted weight and/or other device(s) that may be associated with the apparatus 16.

In preferred embodiments. when the shaft 12 is in the installed state, the bearing(s) 30 are outside of the shaft housing 52, and are therefore no longer in contact with the bottom surface 53 (and preferably not any other surface). As such, the bearing(s) no longer assist movement of the shaft 12 in the axial direction. In preferred embodiments, once the roller bearing(s) 30 are outside of the shaft housing 12, the second part 24B, and typically only the second part 24B, of the shoe surface 24 is still in contact with the internal surface of the shaft housing 52 and acts as a brake to halt further movement of the shaft 12 along the shaft housing 52. As such, the shoe 14 facilitates locating the shaft 12 in the installed position. The second part 248 may also reduce or minimize the amount by which the shaft 12 drops when the bearing(s) 30 exit the shaft housing 52, which can help to avoid damage to the shaft 12 and housing 52 and/or assist in positioning the shaft 12 at the desired level in the installed position.

With the shaft 12 in the installed position, the shaft seal 58B is fitted around the shaft 12, typically adjacent the location of the bearing 19 or otherwise at or adjacent the second end 12B, to provide a seal around the shaft at the second end 52B of the housing 52. The shaft seal 58B may be fixed to, or with respect to, the housing 52, collar 52B or body 50, and advantageously seals any gap between the shaft 12 and the housing 52. In preferred embodiments, the seal 58B is located in the seat 668.

The seal 58B may be fitted around the shaft 12 at any convenient point in the installation procedure; for example when repositioning the sling 56 after the first phase.

When the shaft 12 is in the installed position, the sling 56 may be removed from the second end 12B. Preferably, the sling 56 (or another sling or other suspension/supporting means) is coupled to the first end 12A of the shaft 12, in particular any convenient part of the end 12A of the shaft 12 that protrudes from the end 52A of the housing 12. With the first end 12A of the shaft 12 supported; the shoe 14 may be removed from the shaft 12. Advantageously, the gap 25 allows the shoe 14 to be removed in a non-axial direction (i.e. without having to move the shoe 14 axially along the shaft 12 and off via the shaft's free end), facilitates removal of the shoe 14 while the sling 56 (or other suspension means or support means as applicable) is in place.

With the shaft 12 in the installed position, the shaft seal 58A is fitted around the shaft 12, typically adjacent the location of the bearing 18 or otherwise at the end 12A, to provide a seal around the shaft at the first end 52A of the housing 52. The shaft seal 58A may be flxed to, or with respect to, the housing 52, collar 62A or body 50, and advantageously seals any gap between the shaft 12 and the housing 52. In preferred embodiments, the seal 58A is located in the seat 66A. Preferably, the sling 56 (or other suspension means or support means as applicable) supports the first end 12A of the shaft 12 in a position suitable for fitting the shaft seal 58A. The seal 58A may be fitted around the shaft 12 at any convenient point in the installation procedure. For example, with the shoe 14 still in place and the sling not in place, the seal 58A may be fitted to the shaft 12 but not in its final position. The shoe 14 may then be removed and the sling 56 (or other suspension means or support means as applicable) may hold the shaft 12 in the desired position while the seal 58A is fitted in its final position.

Typically. once the shaft 12 is in the installed position, one or more outer bearings (not shown) are fitted around the shaft 12 (typically at each end of the shaft) in order to rotatably support the shaft 12 during use. The outer bearings are typically annular, and in the illustrated embodiment, are located in the respective bearing location 64A, 64B, which may be shaped to provide a seat for the respective outer bearing. In the illustrated embodiment, when fitted, the outer bearings are located around the respective shaft bearings 18. 19. The outer bearings may be fixed to the housing 52, collar 62A, 62B or body 50 in any convenient manner. The respective outer bearings and shaft bearings 18, 19 are rotatably coupled to support rotation of the shaft 12.

When the shaft 12 is in the installed position, any relevant ancillary component(s) (not shown) may be coupled to either one of, or each of, the ends 12A, 12B of the shaft that protrude from the shaft housing 12. In embodiments in which the shaft 12 is part of a vibration generating apparatus, the ancillary components may comprise a drive mechanism for rotating the shaft 12 (or part of such a drive mechanism, e.g. a gear box or drive belt), and/or one or more weight. Typically, one or other of the ends is coupled to a drive mechanism for rotating the shaft 12, and either one of or both of the ends are provided with eccentrically mounted weights.

Advantageously, the shoe 14 minimizes and preferably eliminates contact between the shaft 12 and the shaft housing 52 during installation, which protects the edges and surfaces of the shaft 12, and the surfaces of the housing 52, from potentially damaging abrasive action, and minimizes or eliminates the formation of debris. Advantageously, the shoe 14 helps to locate the shaft 12 in its desired installed position, which in particular can prevent the shaft 12 from overshooting the desired installed position. The shoe 14 advantageously reduces the manual effort required to install the shaft 12, especially in embodiments where the bearing(s) 30 are provided. Furthermore, the preferred flexible resilience of the shoe 14 makes it easy to fit and remove, advantageously without the need for tools.

It will be understood however that embodiments of the invention may be used with other types of 35 material processing apparatus, for example crushing apparatus, washing apparatus, separators, stackers and parts thereof such as feeders, hoppers and conveyors, and/or other types of shaft, e.g. drive shafts, or shafts that carry implements such as blades, hammers or other formations.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment(s) described herein but can be amended or modified 40 without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A method of installing a shaft in a material processing apparatus, the method comprising: fitting a shoe to a portion of the shaft, preferably such that the shoe covers at least an 5 underside of said portion of the shaft; inserting a first end of the shaft into a second end of a shaft housing such that said shoe engages with an internal bottom surface of the shaft housing; with the shoe in contact with said internal bottom surface, moving the shaft along the shaft housing towards a flrst end of the shaft housing into an installed position.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein, in said installed position, a first shaft bearing, which is typically located at or substantially at said first end of the shaft. is in register with a corresponding first bearing location, which is typically located at or substantially at the first end of the shaft housing, and a second shaft bearing, which is typically located at or substantially at a second end of the shaft, is in register with a corresponding second bearing location, which is typically located at or substantially at a second end of the shaft housing.
3. The method of claim 1 or 2, further including removing said shoe from said shaft, preferably when the shaft is in the installed position.
4. The method of any preceding claim, further including fitting a seal and/or a bearing around said first end of the shaft when the shaft is in the installed position, preferably after removing said shoe from said shaft.
5. The method of any preceding claim, including fitting a seal and/or a bearing around said second end of the shaft when the shaft is in the installed position.
6. The method of any preceding claim, wherein said shoe comprises at least one roller bearing located at an outer surface of said shoe, and wherein said moving the shaft into the installed position 30 involves moving the shaft towards the first end of the shaft housing until said at least one roller bearing exits the shaft housing.
7. The method of any preceding claim, including, when said shaft is in said installed position, supporting said first end of the shaft, and wherein, preferably, supporting the first end of the shaft involves suspending the first end of the shaft, and/or wherein supporting the first end of the shaft involves supporting the first end of the shaft in an operating position, and/or lifting said first end of the shaft, optionally into the operating position.
8. The method of claim 7 when dependent on claim 3, further including removing said shoe from 40 said shaft when said first end of the shaft is supported or suspended and/or lifted.
9. The method of any preceding claim, further including, during a first phase of the movement towards the first end of the shaft housing, suspending or otherwise supporting the shaft at a first location between the first and second ends of the shaft, preferably at, or substantially at, a centre of gravity of the shaft, and wherein, preferably, the method further includes, during a subsequent phase of the movement towards the first end of the shaft housing after said first phase, suspending or otherwise supporting the shaft at a second location at or substantially at said second end of the shaft, and preferably not suspending or otherwise supporting said shaft at said first location.
10. The method of any preceding claim, wherein said material processing apparatus is a screening 10 apparatus, and wherein, preferably, said shaft is part of a vibration generating apparatus.
11. The method of any preceding claim, wherein fitting the shoe to the portion of the shaft involves fitting the shoe to a portion of the shaft that comprises a shaft bearing, preferably a journal bearing, and/or fitting the shoe to a portion of the shaft that is located at or substantially at said first end of the 15 shaft.
12. A shoe for removably fitting to a portion of a shaft, the shoe being shaped to define a seat for removably receiving said portion of the shaft, and wherein, preferably, said shoe is configured to project beyond said shaft in a radial direction when fitted to said portion of the shaft.
13. The shoe of claim 12, wherein said portion comprises a shaft bearing. preferably a journal bearing. and/or wherein said portion is located at, or adjacent, an end of the shaft.
14. The shoe of claim 12 or 13, wherein said portion is radially narrower that a main body of said 25 shaft, and wherein, preferably, said shoe projects beyond said main body in a radial direction when fitted to said portion.
15. The shoe of any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein said seat has a profile that matches a profile of said portion of the shaft.
16. The shoe of any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein said shoe comprises at least one roller bearing located at an outer surface of said shoe.
17. The shoe of claim 16, when dependent on claim 13, wherein, when said shoe is fitted to said 35 portion of the shaft, said at least one roller bearing is located in register with said shaft bearing.
18. The shoe of claim 16 or 17, wherein said at least one roller bearing is located at a first part of the outer surface that is recessed with respect to a second part of the outer surface, wherein, preferably, the second part is located rearwardly of the recessed first part, the recessed first part preferably 40 being located at, or adjacent, a front end of the shoe.
19. The shoe of any preceding claim, wherein an outer surface of said shoe is shaped or otherwise configured to provide the recessed first part and the second part, the outer surface for example having a stepped profile to define the first and second parts.
20. The shoe of any one of claims 12 to 19, wherein said shoe is semi-annular in shape, for example comprising a body comprising a semi-annular sleeve or semi-annular collar.
21. The shoe of any one of claims 12 to 20 wherein said shoe is formed from resiliently flexible material.
22. A material processing apparatus comprising a shaft, a shaft housing for receiving the shaft and a shoe as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 21.
23. The material processing apparatus as claimed in claim 22, wherein, when said shoe is fitted to 15 said shaft and said shaft is at least partly located in said shaft housing, said shoe engages with an internal bottom surface of the shaft housing.
24. A material processing apparatus comprising a shaft installed by the method of any one of claims 1 to 11, and/or using a shoe as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 24.
25. The material processing apparatus of claim 23 or 24, wherein said material processing apparatus comprises a screening apparatus, and wherein, preferably, said shaft is part of a vibration generating apparatus.