BLASTING ASSEMBLIES AND VANES THEREOF
A vane for insertion into a slot of a wheel of a blasting assembly such that the vane propels media as the wheel is rotated includes a body radially extending between a first vane end and a second vane end, between a first flange and a second flange, and having opposing vane side surfaces. An attachment portion integral with the second flange, the attachment portion configured to be received into the slot, and the attachment portion having a first vane end retaining surface and a second vane end retaining surface that are configured to abut the wheel. The first vane end retaining surface and the second vane end retaining surface are adjacent to each other, the first vane end retaining surface is convex, and the second vane end retaining surface is concave.
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The present disclosure is based on and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/315,133 filed Mar. 1, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELDThe present disclosure relates to shot blast equipment and more particularly to shot blasting assemblies with wheels and replaceable vanes.
BACKGROUNDThis Background is intended to introduce various aspects of the art, which may be associated with the present disclosure to thereby assist in providing a framework to facilitate a better understanding of particular aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that this Background should be read in this light, and not necessarily as admissions of prior art.
Shot blasting is commonly used to alter surface characteristics of metal parts. The shot blasting process typically involves rotating a wheel with vanes attached thereto at high speeds such that abrasive media, such as shot (small spheres), grit (angular pieces), or other abrasive media, is introduced at or near the center of the wheel are accelerated and propelled by the vanes into contact with one or more surfaces of the part. The shot impacts the surfaces and thereby textures, peens, smooths, and/or removes contaminants from the surface. The vanes and other internal parts of the blast wheel assembly are normal wear parts that may require frequent replacement
SUMMARYThis Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.
In certain examples, a blasting assembly includes a wheel that is rotatable about a first axis. The wheel defines a hole centered about the first axis and at least one radially extending slot that has an open first slot end that faces the hole and a second slot end that is opposite the first slot end and is at least partially closed. A vane is configured to be received into each radially extending slot such that each vane is retained in a radially extending slot as the wheel is rotated and configured to propel media. The vane includes a body radially extending between a first vane end and a second vane end, and the body extending between a first flange and a second flange, and having opposing vane side surfaces. An attachment portion integral with the second flange, and the attachment portion configured to be received into the slot. The attachment portion has a first vane end retaining surface and a second vane end retaining surface that abut the second slot end. The first vane end retaining surface and the second vane end retaining surface are adjacent to each other, the first vane end retaining surface is convex, and the second vane end retaining surface is concave.
In certain examples, a vane for insertion into a slot of a wheel of a blasting assembly such that the vane propels media as the wheel is rotated includes a body radially extending between a first vane end and a second vane end, between a first flange and a second flange, and having opposing vane side surfaces. An attachment portion integral with the second flange, the attachment portion configured to be received into the slot, and the attachment portion has a first vane end retaining surface and a second vane end retaining surface that are configured to abut the wheel. The first vane end retaining surface and the second vane end retaining surface are adjacent to each other, the first vane end retaining surface is convex, and the second vane end retaining surface is concave.
Various other features, objects, and advantages will be made apparent from the following description taken together with the drawings.
The present disclosure is described with reference to the following Figures. The same numbers are used throughout the Figures to reference like features and like components.
Through research and experimentation, the present inventors have endeavored to develop improved assemblies that reduce and/or minimize problems associated with the centrifugal abrasive blasting process and maintenance thereof, some of which are noted above. The present inventors also further endeavored to increase the life of vanes and prevent damage to the vanes during operation and when being coupled to or decoupled from the wheel. Thus, the present inventors have developed the assemblies 19 of the present disclosure including new wheels 20 and vanes 50, as described herein below.
The wheel 20 has a center hole 21 and a center rotational axis 22 extending therethrough about which the wheel 20 is rotated. A shaft (not depicted) coupled to a hub (not depicted) of a shot blasting machine (not depicted) attaches to the bottom of wheel 20, and the rotating shaft (not depicted) drives rotation of the wheel 20 about the axis 22. Accordingly, as the wheel 20 is rotated, abrasive material, such as shot or small spheres, are introduced near the center hole 21 and the rotating vanes 50 accelerate the abrasive material in a direction toward the exterior perimeter 26 of the wheel 20. The wheel 20 also includes an exterior perimeter surface 24 at the exterior perimeter 26 and an opposite interior perimeter 27 and interior perimeter surface 23. The wheel has an interior perimeter surface 23 and an opposite exterior perimeter surface 24. The wheel 20 also has an exterior surface 25.
Referring now to
Each slot 28 is at least partially defined by a pair of opposing slot flanges 29 such that a channel 33 is defined therebetween and the slot flanges 29 help retain the vanes 50 in the slots 29. Side flange surfaces 30 of the slot flanges 29 face each other and a channel 33 is located between the side flange surfaces 30. Each slot flange 29 has a first flange thickness 31 (
Each slot flange 29 also has an underside slot flange retaining surface 37 that is opposite the exterior surface 25, and the wheel 20 has several other retaining surfaces positioned around the slot 28 such as opposing slot side retaining surfaces 38, a slot lower retaining surface 39, and a slot end retaining surface 40 (See
Each slot side retaining surface 38 has a first side surface width 41 (
The slot end retaining surface 40 is at the second slot end 34 of the slot 28 and extends between the slot side retaining surfaces 38 (see
The slot lower retaining surface 39 extends between the slot side retaining surfaces 38 and the slot end retaining surface 40 (see
Referring now to
The lower flange 53 is integrally coupled to an attachment portion 60 of the vane 50. The attachment portion 60 is for attaching the vane 50 to the wheel 20 by inserting and sliding the attachment portion 60 into the slot 28 (see
The attachment portion 60 also includes opposing lower first vane side retaining surfaces 63, vane end retaining surfaces 64A-B, a vane base retaining surface 65, a pair of vane shoulder retaining surfaces 66, and opposing vane upper side retaining surfaces 67 (See
The first vane side retaining surfaces 63 have a first width W5 (
The vane end retaining surfaces 64A-B are at the first end 61 and extend between the vane side retaining surfaces 63 (see
The second vane end retaining surface 64B has a generally concave shape with the opposing ends 90 that extend in a direction toward the second vane end 56 (see arrow K on
The present inventors have discovered that providing the second vane end retaining surface 64B as described above has many benefits over conventional vanes and advantageously provides a sufficient area for spreading the loads and stresses acting on the second vane end retaining surface 64B caused by contact of the second vane end retaining surface 64B with the wheel 20. Furthermore, the second vane end retaining surface 64B acts to spread and distribute the loads and stresses to other adjacent surfaces such as the first vane end retaining surface 64A and/or outer surface of the lower flange 53. During operation of the assembly 19, the second vane end retaining surface, the first vane end retaining surface 64A, and/or outer surface of the lower flange are often the most highly loaded surfaces and components of the vane 50. Note that
The vane base retaining surface 65 is generally planar (see
The vane shoulder retaining surfaces 66 are positioned on opposing sides of the attachment portion 60 such that the lower flange 53 is between the vane shoulder retaining surfaces 66 and the first flange 52 (See
The vane upper side retaining surfaces 67 are spaced apart from the first vane side retaining surfaces 63 (see
When the vane 50 is in the slot 28 (see
In certain examples, a blasting assembly includes a wheel that is rotatable about a first axis. The wheel defines a hole centered about the first axis and at least one radially extending slot that has an open first slot end that faces the hole and a second slot end that is opposite the first slot end and is at least partially closed. A vane is configured to be received into each radially extending slot such that each vane is retained in a radially extending slot as the wheel is rotated and configured to propel media. The vane includes a body radially extending between a first vane end and a second vane end, and the body extending between a first flange and a second flange, and having opposing vane side surfaces. An attachment portion integral with the second flange, and the attachment portion configured to be received into the slot. The attachment portion has a first vane end retaining surface and a second vane end retaining surface that abut the second slot end. The first vane end retaining surface and the second vane end retaining surface are adjacent to each other, the first vane end retaining surface is convex, and the second vane end retaining surface is concave.
Optionally, the second vane end retaining surface abuts the first vane end retaining surface without an edge therebetween. Optionally, the second vane end retaining surface of the attachment portion has opposing ends that extend in a direction toward the second vane end. Optionally, the second vane end retaining surface has a radially extending first centerline that extends along a radius extending from a first line axis and a second centerline that extends along a radius extending from a second line axis. Optionally, the second vane end retaining surface has negative curvature. Optionally, the second slot end has a slot end retaining surface having a first section that corresponds to the first vane end retaining surface and a second section that corresponds to the second vane end retaining surface. Optionally, depth of the slot tapers in a direction from the first slot end to the second slot end. Optionally, the wheel has a slot flange having a thickness that tapers in a direction from the second slot end to the first slot end. Optionally, the attachment portion has a first end and an opposite second end, and thickness of the attachment portion tapers in a direction from the second end toward the first end. Optionally, the attachment portion has a vane base retaining surface and a pair of vane shoulder retaining surfaces that converge toward each other in a direction from the second end of the attachment portion toward the first end of the attachment portion, and one of the pair of vane shoulder retaining surfaces is on opposite sides of a vane portion of the vane. Optionally, the attachment portion has a vane side retaining surface with width that tapers in a direction from the second end of the attachment portion toward the first end of the attachment portion.
In certain examples, a vane for insertion into a slot of a wheel of a blasting assembly such that the vane propels media as the wheel is rotated includes a body radially extending between a first vane end and a second vane end, between a first flange and a second flange, and having opposing vane side surfaces. An attachment portion integral with the second flange, the attachment portion configured to be received into the slot, and the attachment portion has a first vane end retaining surface and a second vane end retaining surface that are configured to abut the wheel. The first vane end retaining surface and the second vane end retaining surface are adjacent to each other, the first vane end retaining surface is convex, and the second vane end retaining surface is concave.
Optionally, the second vane end retaining surface abuts the first vane end retaining surface without an edge therebetween. Optionally, the second vane end retaining surface has opposing ends that extend in a direction toward the second vane end. Optionally, the second vane end retaining surface has a radially extending first centerline that extends along a radius extending from a first line axis and a second centerline that extends along a radius extending from a second line axis. Optionally, the second vane end retaining surface has negative curvature. Optionally, the attachment portion has a first end and an opposite second end, and the attachment portion tapers in a direction from the second end toward the first end. Optionally, the attachment portion has a vane base retaining surface and a pair of vane shoulder retaining surfaces that converge toward each other in a direction from the second end of the attachment portion toward the first end of the attachment portion, and one of the pair of vane shoulder retaining surfaces is on opposite sides of a vane portion of the vane. Optionally, the attachment portion has a vane side retaining surface that tapers in a direction from the second end of the attachment portion toward the first end of the attachment portion. Optionally, the vane is configured to be held in the slot through centrifugal force as the wheel is rotated.
In the present description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clarity, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be inferred therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. The different apparatuses, systems, and method steps described herein may be used alone or in combination with other apparatuses, systems, and methods. It is to be expected that various equivalents, alternatives and modifications are possible within the scope of the appended claims.
This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.
Claims
1. A blasting assembly comprising:
- a wheel that is rotatable about a first axis, the wheel defining a hole centered about the first axis and at least one radially extending slot that has a first slot end that faces the hole and a second slot end that is opposite the first slot end; and
- a vane configured to be received into each radially extending slot such that each vane is retained in a radially extending slot as the wheel is rotated and configured to propel media, the vane including: a body radially extending between a first vane end and a second vane end, the body extending between a first flange and a second flange, and having opposing vane side surfaces; and an attachment portion integral with the second flange, the attachment portion configured to be received into the slot, the attachment portion having a first vane end retaining surface and a second vane end retaining surface that abut the second slot end; wherein the first vane end retaining surface and the second vane end retaining surface are adjacent to each other, the first vane end retaining surface is convex, and the second vane end retaining surface is concave.
2. The blasting assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second vane end retaining surface abuts the first vane end retaining surface without an edge therebetween.
3. The blasting assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second vane end retaining surface of the attachment portion has the opposing ends that extends in a direction toward the second vane end.
4. The blasting assembly according to claim 3, wherein the second vane end retaining surface has a radially extending first centerline that extends along a radius extending from a first line axis and a second centerlin that extends along a radius extending from a second line axis.
5. The blasting assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second vane end retaining surface has negative curvature.
6. The blasting assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second slot end has a slot end retaining surface having a first section that corresponds to the first vane end retaining surface and a second section that corresponds to the second vane end retaining surface.
7. The blasting assembly according to claim 1, wherein depth of the slot tapers in a direction from the first slot end to the second slot end.
8. The blasting assembly according to claim 1, wherein the wheel has a slot flange having a thickness that tapers in a direction from the second slot end to the first slot end.
9. The blasting assembly according to claim 1, wherein the attachment portion has a first end and an opposite second end, and wherein thickness of the attachment portion tapers in a direction from the second end toward the first end.
10. The blasting assembly according to claim 9, wherein the attachment portion has a vane base retaining surface and a pair of vane shoulder retaining surfaces that converge toward each other in a direction from the second end of the attachment portion toward the first end of the attachment portion, and wherein one of the pair of vane shoulder retaining surfaces is on opposite sides of a vane portion of the vane.
11. The blasting assembly according to claim 10, wherein the attachment portion has a vane side retaining surface with width that tapers in a direction from the second end of the attachment portion toward the first end of the attachment portion.
12. A vane for insertion into a slot of a wheel of a blasting assembly such that the vane propels media as the wheel is rotated, the vane comprising:
- a body radially extending between a first vane end and a second vane end, between a first flange and a second flange, and having opposing vane side surfaces; and
- an attachment portion integral with the second flange, the attachment portion configured to be received into the slot, the attachment portion having a first vane end retaining surface and a second vane end retaining surface that are configured to abut the wheel;
- wherein the first vane end retaining surface and the second vane end retaining surface are adjacent to each other, the first vane end retaining surface is convex, and the second vane end retaining surface is concave.
13. The vane according to claim 12, wherein the second vane end retaining surface abuts the first vane end retaining surface without an edge therebetween.
14. The vane according to claim 12, wherein the second vane end retaining surface has opposing ends that extend in a direction toward the second vane end.
15. The vane according to claim 12, wherein the second vane end retaining surface has a radially extending first centerline that extends along a radius extending from a first line axis and a second centerline that extends along a radius extending from a second line axis.
16. The vane according to claim 12, wherein the second vane end retaining surface has negative curvature.
17. The vane according to claim 12, wherein the attachment portion has a first end and an opposite second end, and wherein the attachment portion tapers in a direction from the second end toward the first end.
18. The vane according to claim 17, wherein the attachment portion has a vane base retaining surface and a pair of vane shoulder retaining surfaces that converge toward each other in a direction from the second end of the attachment portion toward the first end of the attachment portion, and wherein one of the pair of vane shoulder retaining surfaces is on opposite sides of a vane portion of the vane.
19. The vane according to claim 18, wherein the attachment portion has a vane side retaining surface that tapers in a direction from the second end of the attachment portion toward the first end of the attachment portion.
20. The vane according to claim 12, wherein the vane is configured to be held in the slot through centrifugal force as the wheel is rotated.
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 28, 2023
Publication Date: Sep 7, 2023
Applicant: Industrial Associates, LLC (Waukesha, WI)
Inventor: John Porter (Mukwonago, WI)
Application Number: 18/176,004