CA2947181C - Trim chain engager assemblies for a mining machine - Google Patents
Trim chain engager assemblies for a mining machine Download PDFInfo
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- CA2947181C CA2947181C CA2947181A CA2947181A CA2947181C CA 2947181 C CA2947181 C CA 2947181C CA 2947181 A CA2947181 A CA 2947181A CA 2947181 A CA2947181 A CA 2947181A CA 2947181 C CA2947181 C CA 2947181C
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- mining machine
- trim chain
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- chain
- rotating means
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- 238000005065 mining Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 28
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 title description 6
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 title description 6
- KWYUFKZDYYNOTN-UHFFFAOYSA-M Potassium hydroxide Chemical compound [OH-].[K+] KWYUFKZDYYNOTN-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 229940072033 potash Drugs 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 235000015320 potassium carbonate Nutrition 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- BWHMMNNQKKPAPP-UHFFFAOYSA-L potassium carbonate Substances [K+].[K+].[O-]C([O-])=O BWHMMNNQKKPAPP-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 241000422980 Marietta Species 0.000 description 1
- 238000007792 addition Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004075 alteration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008676 import Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008439 repair process Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21C—MINING OR QUARRYING
- E21C25/00—Cutting machines, i.e. for making slits approximately parallel or perpendicular to the seam
- E21C25/22—Machines slitting solely by one or more cutter chains moving unidirectionally along jibs
- E21C25/28—Chains or chain guides
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
- Geology (AREA)
- Devices For Conveying Motion By Means Of Endless Flexible Members (AREA)
Abstract
An assembly for selectively engaging and disengaging a trim chain from the rotating means of a potash mining machine is provided, where the trim chain is driven by the rotating means to cut the outer profile of a mine drift. The assembly may comprise a braking arrangement wherein engaging the brake engages the trim chain to the rotating means, and disengaging the brake disengages the trim chain from the rotating means.
Description
TRIM CHAIN ENGAGER ASSEMBLIES FOR A MINING MACHINE
Field of the Invention The present invention relates to trim chain engager assemblies for a mining machine, and more specifically to trim chain engager assemblies that selectively engage and disengage a trim chain from rotating means.
Back2round of the Invention It is known in the art of mining that potash mining machines (i.e., miners) use a trim chain to cut the outer profile of the mine drift that they are excavating. However, damage to the trim chain during operation has been a source of much down time and increased risk to safety of the operator and maintenance personnel. The trim chain is typically driven by the main gearbox through a gear pinion with a chain drive sprocket and a set of shear pin plates at the non-gear end of the pinion.
To reduce damage to a trim chain, a shear pin is typically used to lock the set of shear pin plates together such that the trim chain is engaged to the rotational force of the miner's motor and rotates upon actuation of the motor. When the chain is under a heavy load, the shear pin should ideally break every time without the trim chain breaking. This is, however, not ideal for the safety of an operator. When the shear pin breaks, an operator still has to go to the front of the miner and reach across toward the center of the front end of the miner to drop a new shear pin into a slot on the drive sprocket shear plate. Typically when this occurs, the operator has to get out of the safe zone of the operator's pit and walk alongside of the miner. 'This area is under wall cusps that can fall .. from the wall above the operator. There are also trip hazards and loose muck from the mine alongside of the miner. The bottom of the wall is curved towards the miner and the space to travel in is quite limited. Furthermore, the area of the miner where an operator would be to replace the shear pin is usually very hot because of the friction generated during the cutting process.
Another problem with using a shear pin arrangement is that the shear pin quite often does not break arid the trim chain breaks instead. In this situation, mechanics need to be called out to the miner Date Recue/Date Received 2020-11-09 unit to repair the trim chain. This typically can take several hours depending on how long it takes mechanics to get to the machine, how long it takes to get the machine in place for them to work on it, and the extent of the damage. Repairing the trim chain can also be difficult since the chain may be very hot and heavy to lift. Sometimes the chain has to be taken apart into smaller sections to be able to lift these back into place.
Furthermore, every time the chain is broken there can be undetected damage to some of the unbroken chain portions because the unbroken chain portions have been subjected to the same force that caused the break. After a chain has been damaged, it often breaks more readily and typically a decision will be made to install a new chain.
All of the problems associated with the use of a shear pin may result in significant down time, increased safety issues and additional costs to mine owners.
What is needed, therefore, is an improved means for controlling the trim chain, and avoiding trim change damage and personnel safety risks.
Summary of the Invention The present invention therefore seeks to provide an improved trim chain engager assembly that allows for selective engagement and disengagement of the trim chain, without the need for shear pins.
According to a first broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a trim chain engager assembly for a mining machine, the mining machine comprising a trim chain and rotating means, the assembly comprising:
engagement means for selectively engaging and disengaging the trim chain from the rotating means;
such that, when the trim chain is engaged with the rotating means, actuating the rotating means causes the trim chain to rotate.
Field of the Invention The present invention relates to trim chain engager assemblies for a mining machine, and more specifically to trim chain engager assemblies that selectively engage and disengage a trim chain from rotating means.
Back2round of the Invention It is known in the art of mining that potash mining machines (i.e., miners) use a trim chain to cut the outer profile of the mine drift that they are excavating. However, damage to the trim chain during operation has been a source of much down time and increased risk to safety of the operator and maintenance personnel. The trim chain is typically driven by the main gearbox through a gear pinion with a chain drive sprocket and a set of shear pin plates at the non-gear end of the pinion.
To reduce damage to a trim chain, a shear pin is typically used to lock the set of shear pin plates together such that the trim chain is engaged to the rotational force of the miner's motor and rotates upon actuation of the motor. When the chain is under a heavy load, the shear pin should ideally break every time without the trim chain breaking. This is, however, not ideal for the safety of an operator. When the shear pin breaks, an operator still has to go to the front of the miner and reach across toward the center of the front end of the miner to drop a new shear pin into a slot on the drive sprocket shear plate. Typically when this occurs, the operator has to get out of the safe zone of the operator's pit and walk alongside of the miner. 'This area is under wall cusps that can fall .. from the wall above the operator. There are also trip hazards and loose muck from the mine alongside of the miner. The bottom of the wall is curved towards the miner and the space to travel in is quite limited. Furthermore, the area of the miner where an operator would be to replace the shear pin is usually very hot because of the friction generated during the cutting process.
Another problem with using a shear pin arrangement is that the shear pin quite often does not break arid the trim chain breaks instead. In this situation, mechanics need to be called out to the miner Date Recue/Date Received 2020-11-09 unit to repair the trim chain. This typically can take several hours depending on how long it takes mechanics to get to the machine, how long it takes to get the machine in place for them to work on it, and the extent of the damage. Repairing the trim chain can also be difficult since the chain may be very hot and heavy to lift. Sometimes the chain has to be taken apart into smaller sections to be able to lift these back into place.
Furthermore, every time the chain is broken there can be undetected damage to some of the unbroken chain portions because the unbroken chain portions have been subjected to the same force that caused the break. After a chain has been damaged, it often breaks more readily and typically a decision will be made to install a new chain.
All of the problems associated with the use of a shear pin may result in significant down time, increased safety issues and additional costs to mine owners.
What is needed, therefore, is an improved means for controlling the trim chain, and avoiding trim change damage and personnel safety risks.
Summary of the Invention The present invention therefore seeks to provide an improved trim chain engager assembly that allows for selective engagement and disengagement of the trim chain, without the need for shear pins.
According to a first broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a trim chain engager assembly for a mining machine, the mining machine comprising a trim chain and rotating means, the assembly comprising:
engagement means for selectively engaging and disengaging the trim chain from the rotating means;
such that, when the trim chain is engaged with the rotating means, actuating the rotating means causes the trim chain to rotate.
- 2 -Date Recue/Date Received 2020-11-09 In some exemplary embodiments of the first aspect, the assembly further comprises sensing means for determining a load on the trim chain. The assembly may comprise a display for displaying the load on the trim chain detected by the sensor. Preferably, the sensing means are configured to determine when a load on the trim chain exceeds or is below a predetermined threshold value.
When it is determined that the threshold value is exceeded, the engagement means may automatically disengage the trim chain from the rotating means. When it is determined that the threshold value is exceeded, the rotating means may also be stopped from rotating.
When the trim chain has been disengaged from the rotating means and it is determined that the load on the trim chain is below the threshold value, the engagement means may automatically re-engage the trim chain with the rotating means. When the trim chain has been disengaged from the rotating means and it is determined that the load on the trim chain is below the threshold value, the rotating means may also be actuated.
The assembly may comprise a user interface that allows an operator to manually engage or disengage the trim chain from the rotating means.
Preferably, the mining machine is a potash mining machine. The trim chain may be configured to cut into a potash surface. Preferably, the rotating means are operably coupled to a motor of the mining machine.
In some exemplary embodiments of the first aspect, the engagement means may be hydraulically operable. Preferably, the engagement means selectively engage or disengage the trim chain from the rotating means by altering a hydraulic pressure applied to the engagement means.
In some exemplary embodiments of the first aspect, the engagement means comprise:
a disc brake rotor, the disc brake rotor coupled to the trim chain such that rotating the disc brake rotor causes the trim chain to rotate; and at least one brake caliper configured for selectively engaging and disengaging with the disc brake rotor, the at least one brake caliper coupled to the rotating means;
When it is determined that the threshold value is exceeded, the engagement means may automatically disengage the trim chain from the rotating means. When it is determined that the threshold value is exceeded, the rotating means may also be stopped from rotating.
When the trim chain has been disengaged from the rotating means and it is determined that the load on the trim chain is below the threshold value, the engagement means may automatically re-engage the trim chain with the rotating means. When the trim chain has been disengaged from the rotating means and it is determined that the load on the trim chain is below the threshold value, the rotating means may also be actuated.
The assembly may comprise a user interface that allows an operator to manually engage or disengage the trim chain from the rotating means.
Preferably, the mining machine is a potash mining machine. The trim chain may be configured to cut into a potash surface. Preferably, the rotating means are operably coupled to a motor of the mining machine.
In some exemplary embodiments of the first aspect, the engagement means may be hydraulically operable. Preferably, the engagement means selectively engage or disengage the trim chain from the rotating means by altering a hydraulic pressure applied to the engagement means.
In some exemplary embodiments of the first aspect, the engagement means comprise:
a disc brake rotor, the disc brake rotor coupled to the trim chain such that rotating the disc brake rotor causes the trim chain to rotate; and at least one brake caliper configured for selectively engaging and disengaging with the disc brake rotor, the at least one brake caliper coupled to the rotating means;
- 3 -Date Recue/Date Received 2020-11-09 such that, when the at least one brake caliper is engaged with the disc brake rotor, actuating the rotating means causes the disc brake rotor to rotate.
A detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention is given in the following.
.. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not to be construed as being limited to these embodiments. The exemplary embodiments are directed to a particular application of the present invention, while it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the present invention has applicability beyond the exemplary embodiments set forth herein.
Brief Description of the Drawings In the accompanying drawings, which illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention:
Figure 1 is an elevation view of a gear pinion for typical miner;
Figure 2 is an exploded view is a shear pin /plate assembly for typical miner;
Figure 3 is an front view of a miner;
Figure 4a is an elevation view of a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 4b is an elevation view of a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 4c is an elevation view of a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, Figure 4d is an exploded view of a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 4e is an exploded view of a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
and Figure 4f is an exploded view of a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
A detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention is given in the following.
.. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not to be construed as being limited to these embodiments. The exemplary embodiments are directed to a particular application of the present invention, while it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the present invention has applicability beyond the exemplary embodiments set forth herein.
Brief Description of the Drawings In the accompanying drawings, which illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention:
Figure 1 is an elevation view of a gear pinion for typical miner;
Figure 2 is an exploded view is a shear pin /plate assembly for typical miner;
Figure 3 is an front view of a miner;
Figure 4a is an elevation view of a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 4b is an elevation view of a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 4c is an elevation view of a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, Figure 4d is an exploded view of a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 4e is an exploded view of a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
and Figure 4f is an exploded view of a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- 4 -Date Recue/Date Received 2020-11-09 Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments Throughout the following description, specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding to persons skilled in the art. However, well-known elements may not have been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the disclosure. The following description of examples of the technology is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form of any exemplary embodiment. Accordingly, the description and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative, rather than a restrictive, sense.
The present invention is directed to trim chain engager assemblies for a miner that can engage or disengage its trim chain from the rotational force of a miner's motor. When engaged, the trim chain rotates upon actuation of the motor. Specifically, the trim chain engager assemblies selectively engage or disengage the trim chain from rotating means, the rotating means being operably coupled to the motor.
Typical miners that utilize a trim chain to cut the outer profile of a mine drift may have two rotor arms for cutting into a mineable surface such as a potash face, or four rotor arms 202. Such miners may have a trim chain for cutting the outer profile of a mine drift.
Optionally, a miner may have multiple trim chains. Marietta (from National Mine) and Xcel (from PM&P) are continuous boring miners that are examples of such typical miners.
Turning to Figures 1 and 2, the trim chain is typically driven by the main gearbox through a gear pinion 400 with a chain drive sprocket 502 for rotating the trim chain and a set of shear pin plates 504 at the non-gear end 402 of the gear pinion 400. The first shear pin plate 504a may be attached to the gear pinion 400 such that it rotates when the gear pinion 400 rotates.
The second shear pin plate 504b is attached to chain drive sprocket 502 via an attaching means 506.
A shear pin 508 is typically used to lock the set of shear pin plates 504 together resulting in the trim chain being
Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments Throughout the following description, specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding to persons skilled in the art. However, well-known elements may not have been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the disclosure. The following description of examples of the technology is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form of any exemplary embodiment. Accordingly, the description and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative, rather than a restrictive, sense.
The present invention is directed to trim chain engager assemblies for a miner that can engage or disengage its trim chain from the rotational force of a miner's motor. When engaged, the trim chain rotates upon actuation of the motor. Specifically, the trim chain engager assemblies selectively engage or disengage the trim chain from rotating means, the rotating means being operably coupled to the motor.
Typical miners that utilize a trim chain to cut the outer profile of a mine drift may have two rotor arms for cutting into a mineable surface such as a potash face, or four rotor arms 202. Such miners may have a trim chain for cutting the outer profile of a mine drift.
Optionally, a miner may have multiple trim chains. Marietta (from National Mine) and Xcel (from PM&P) are continuous boring miners that are examples of such typical miners.
Turning to Figures 1 and 2, the trim chain is typically driven by the main gearbox through a gear pinion 400 with a chain drive sprocket 502 for rotating the trim chain and a set of shear pin plates 504 at the non-gear end 402 of the gear pinion 400. The first shear pin plate 504a may be attached to the gear pinion 400 such that it rotates when the gear pinion 400 rotates.
The second shear pin plate 504b is attached to chain drive sprocket 502 via an attaching means 506.
A shear pin 508 is typically used to lock the set of shear pin plates 504 together resulting in the trim chain being
- 5 -Date Recue/Date Received 2020-11-09 engaged to the rotational force of the miner's motor causing it to rotate upon actuation of the motor.
Figure 3 illustrates the area 604 behind the rotor arms 602 of a 2-rotor arm miner where the trim chain sprocket and the shear pin plates would be positioned. A person skilled in the art would be aware of other arrangements used by typical miners to drive a trim chain.
The present invention also involves automatically engaging and disengaging the trim chain of a miner from the rotational force of a miner's motor or other rotating means.
This can eliminate the use of shear pins for locking a set of shear pin plates as a means for engaging a trim chain to the rotational force of the miner's motor.
A first exemplary embodiment of the present invention is directed to a trim chain engager assembly that uses a hydraulic brake system to selectively engage and disengage a miner's trim chain from the rotating means.
Turning to Figure 4a to 4f, a first embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. A trim chain engager assembly 700 for a miner is shown. A modified drive pinion 702 has a first end 704 for engaging with a rotating means. The rotating means may be a gear box that is actuated when the miner's motor is in operation. The modified drive pinion 702 may be toothed at the first end 704 so that the first end 704 engages with the teeth of the gear box causing the modified drive pinion 702 to rotate when the gear box is actuated.
The modified drive pinion 702 has a second end 706 that engages with a plate 708. The plate 708 has an aperture 710 wherein the plate surface 712 surrounding the aperture is toothed. The modified drive pinion 702 may be toothed at the second end 706 so that the second end 706 engages with the teeth of the plate surface 712 surrounding the aperture causing the plate 708 to rotate when the modified drive pinion 702 rotates.
The plate 708 has a protrusion 714 extending from it that surrounds the plate's aperture 710. Then protrusion 714 is configured to fit inside an aperture 716 of a rotor 718 such that the plate 708 can still freely rotate in reference to the rotor 718 when the protrusion is inside the rotor's aperture 716.
Figure 3 illustrates the area 604 behind the rotor arms 602 of a 2-rotor arm miner where the trim chain sprocket and the shear pin plates would be positioned. A person skilled in the art would be aware of other arrangements used by typical miners to drive a trim chain.
The present invention also involves automatically engaging and disengaging the trim chain of a miner from the rotational force of a miner's motor or other rotating means.
This can eliminate the use of shear pins for locking a set of shear pin plates as a means for engaging a trim chain to the rotational force of the miner's motor.
A first exemplary embodiment of the present invention is directed to a trim chain engager assembly that uses a hydraulic brake system to selectively engage and disengage a miner's trim chain from the rotating means.
Turning to Figure 4a to 4f, a first embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. A trim chain engager assembly 700 for a miner is shown. A modified drive pinion 702 has a first end 704 for engaging with a rotating means. The rotating means may be a gear box that is actuated when the miner's motor is in operation. The modified drive pinion 702 may be toothed at the first end 704 so that the first end 704 engages with the teeth of the gear box causing the modified drive pinion 702 to rotate when the gear box is actuated.
The modified drive pinion 702 has a second end 706 that engages with a plate 708. The plate 708 has an aperture 710 wherein the plate surface 712 surrounding the aperture is toothed. The modified drive pinion 702 may be toothed at the second end 706 so that the second end 706 engages with the teeth of the plate surface 712 surrounding the aperture causing the plate 708 to rotate when the modified drive pinion 702 rotates.
The plate 708 has a protrusion 714 extending from it that surrounds the plate's aperture 710. Then protrusion 714 is configured to fit inside an aperture 716 of a rotor 718 such that the plate 708 can still freely rotate in reference to the rotor 718 when the protrusion is inside the rotor's aperture 716.
- 6 -Date Recue/Date Received 2020-11-09 Optionally, there is bushing 732 that surrounds the protrusion 714 when it is inside the rotor's aperture 716.
A sprocket 720 for engaging with a miner's trim chain is configured to attach to the rotor 718 on the opposite side of the rotor 718 as the plate 708. The sprocket 720 is attached to the rotor 718 by an attaching means 722, The attaching means 722 may comprise bolts that secure the rotor 718 to the sprocket 720. A person skilled in the art would know of other attaching means suitable for application to embodiments of the present invention.
lo At least one hydraulic brake caliper 724 is mounted on the circumference of the plate 708 via a mounting means 728. A person skilled in the art would know of suitable mounting means for application to embodiments of the present invention. The caliper 724 has a slot 726 for receiving an edge of the rotor 718, In some embodiments, there may be four calipers 724 mounted 90 degrees apart at the external circumference of the plate 708 as shown in Figures 4a to 41 Preferably, the modified drive pinion 702 has a channel 730 that is formed by hole drilled from the back of its first end 704 to the area behind the plate 708 and a hole drilled from the side of the drive pinion 702 to join with the center hole. The channel 404 is illustrated in Figure 1 as a hole through the center of the drive pinion 400 that continues out the side of the pinion 400. By using the channel 730, oil may be fed through the drive pinion 702 from the miner's hydraulic circuit to the disc brake calipers 724. Hydraulic pressure may either come from the miner's existing hydraulic system or an additional unit. A person skilled in the art would know of other methods for delivering hydraulic fluid and pressure to the calipers 724 suitable for application to embodiments of the present invention.
In operation, when hydraulic pressure is applied to the calipers 724, the calipers 724 will tighten onto the rotor 718 causing the rotor 718 and sprocket 720 to rotate when the plate 708 rotates. 'the trim chain is thus engaged with the rotating means causing it also to rotate.
A suitable hydraulic pressure should be applied to the calipers 724 so that the tightening force on the rotor 718 is adequate to drive the trim chain. A person skilled in the art would know of a suitable hydraulic pressure to apply to the calipers 724. When hydraulic pressure is relieved from the calipers 724,
A sprocket 720 for engaging with a miner's trim chain is configured to attach to the rotor 718 on the opposite side of the rotor 718 as the plate 708. The sprocket 720 is attached to the rotor 718 by an attaching means 722, The attaching means 722 may comprise bolts that secure the rotor 718 to the sprocket 720. A person skilled in the art would know of other attaching means suitable for application to embodiments of the present invention.
lo At least one hydraulic brake caliper 724 is mounted on the circumference of the plate 708 via a mounting means 728. A person skilled in the art would know of suitable mounting means for application to embodiments of the present invention. The caliper 724 has a slot 726 for receiving an edge of the rotor 718, In some embodiments, there may be four calipers 724 mounted 90 degrees apart at the external circumference of the plate 708 as shown in Figures 4a to 41 Preferably, the modified drive pinion 702 has a channel 730 that is formed by hole drilled from the back of its first end 704 to the area behind the plate 708 and a hole drilled from the side of the drive pinion 702 to join with the center hole. The channel 404 is illustrated in Figure 1 as a hole through the center of the drive pinion 400 that continues out the side of the pinion 400. By using the channel 730, oil may be fed through the drive pinion 702 from the miner's hydraulic circuit to the disc brake calipers 724. Hydraulic pressure may either come from the miner's existing hydraulic system or an additional unit. A person skilled in the art would know of other methods for delivering hydraulic fluid and pressure to the calipers 724 suitable for application to embodiments of the present invention.
In operation, when hydraulic pressure is applied to the calipers 724, the calipers 724 will tighten onto the rotor 718 causing the rotor 718 and sprocket 720 to rotate when the plate 708 rotates. 'the trim chain is thus engaged with the rotating means causing it also to rotate.
A suitable hydraulic pressure should be applied to the calipers 724 so that the tightening force on the rotor 718 is adequate to drive the trim chain. A person skilled in the art would know of a suitable hydraulic pressure to apply to the calipers 724. When hydraulic pressure is relieved from the calipers 724,
- 7 -Date Recue/Date Received 2020-11-09 the calipers 724 will release their grip on the rotor 718 allowing the plate 708 to freely rotate in reference to the rotor 718 and sprocket 720. The trim chain is thereby disengaged from the rotating means and therefore no rotational force is applied to it.
When the drive sprocket 720 is disengaged, the plate's 708 protrusion 714 it rides on is still rotating.
The bushing 732 that surrounds the protrusion 714 is a wear surface for the sprocket 720 to ride on. It may be greased to reduce wear and when it is worn out it can be replaced.
Preferably, a load cell is incorporated to monitor the load on the trim chain.
The four corners of the miner trim chain cutting profile may be able to be hydraulically pulled in to give clearance when relocating. The corners are pushed out hydraulically to cut the correct size drift when the miner is set up to start cutting again. Typically, when the trim chain is pushed out, the trim chain it is locked into place mechanically by a link that drops into place and sits against a welded member preventing the trim chain corner from coming in until it is lifted out so it can to be hydraulically be pulled in. Preferably, the load cell is located between the link and the welded member so that it can determine how much force is being applied to a particular corner thus providing an indication of load on the chain. The load cell may be located in the bottom left corner extension lock mechanism. A person skilled in the art would know of other locations to incorporate a load cell to monitor the load on the trim chain suitable for application to embodiments of the present invention.
This may depend on the miner's design.
The load cell may be used to disengage the trim chain when power consumption to operate the chain gets higher than it should be. The load cell may be used to monitor the load on the trim chain directly or monitor the force used to drive the trim chain which relates to the load on the trim chain.
.. A person skilled in the art would know of various load cells that could be used to monitor the load on the trim chain directly or monitor the force used to drive the trim chain that are suitable for application to embodiments of the present invention.
In some preferred embodiments, there may be a display screen in the operator's pit for showing a miner operator what the load is on the trim chain. The operator then can monitor the load on the trim chain when making changes to the cutting rate or direction while operating. It will also show
When the drive sprocket 720 is disengaged, the plate's 708 protrusion 714 it rides on is still rotating.
The bushing 732 that surrounds the protrusion 714 is a wear surface for the sprocket 720 to ride on. It may be greased to reduce wear and when it is worn out it can be replaced.
Preferably, a load cell is incorporated to monitor the load on the trim chain.
The four corners of the miner trim chain cutting profile may be able to be hydraulically pulled in to give clearance when relocating. The corners are pushed out hydraulically to cut the correct size drift when the miner is set up to start cutting again. Typically, when the trim chain is pushed out, the trim chain it is locked into place mechanically by a link that drops into place and sits against a welded member preventing the trim chain corner from coming in until it is lifted out so it can to be hydraulically be pulled in. Preferably, the load cell is located between the link and the welded member so that it can determine how much force is being applied to a particular corner thus providing an indication of load on the chain. The load cell may be located in the bottom left corner extension lock mechanism. A person skilled in the art would know of other locations to incorporate a load cell to monitor the load on the trim chain suitable for application to embodiments of the present invention.
This may depend on the miner's design.
The load cell may be used to disengage the trim chain when power consumption to operate the chain gets higher than it should be. The load cell may be used to monitor the load on the trim chain directly or monitor the force used to drive the trim chain which relates to the load on the trim chain.
.. A person skilled in the art would know of various load cells that could be used to monitor the load on the trim chain directly or monitor the force used to drive the trim chain that are suitable for application to embodiments of the present invention.
In some preferred embodiments, there may be a display screen in the operator's pit for showing a miner operator what the load is on the trim chain. The operator then can monitor the load on the trim chain when making changes to the cutting rate or direction while operating. It will also show
- 8 -Date Recue/Date Received 2020-11-09 the operator what load changes are occurring due to cusps or ground conditions. He may be able to control some situations that are currently not visible to him. An operator from the operator's pit can manually relieve the pressure from the hydraulic calipers 724 causing the plate 708 to freely rotate in reference to the rotor 718 and sprocket 720 when the chain load indicated on the screen is above a predetermined value. Manual relief of the pressure from the hydraulic calipers 724 can be initiated by the operator by pressing a switch from the operator's pit. The trim chain is thus disengaged from the rotating means and therefore no rotational force is applied to it. An operator can also can manually apply hydraulic pressure to the calipers 724 causing the trim chain to engage with the rotating means and thus rotate when the plate 708 rotates.
Preferably, the calipers 724 are only able to engage with the rotor 718 when they are not rotating as rotating calipers 724 tightening on the rotor may cause damage. A person skilled in the art would know of methods for an operator to manually apply and relieve the pressure to and from the hydraulic calipers 724 suitable for application to embodiments of the present invention.
.. In other preferred embodiments, if the load on the chain exceeds a predetermined value, the load cell will automatically disengage the trim chain from the rotating means. This may be done by the load cell causing a hydraulic directional control valve to dump the oil that is applied to the calipers 724 resulting in the calipers 724 releasing their grip on the rotor 718.
Optionally, a programmable logic controller (PLC) that is in communication with the load cell sensor, upon detection of a predetermined load value on the trim chain by the load cell sensor, sends a signal to the engagement means causing the trim chain to disengage from the rotating means. Preferably, upon the trim chain disengaging from the rotating means, the head motors will also automatically shut down and stop the rotating means from rotating . This may also occur via the PLC. Hydraulic pressure may be automatically re-applied to the calipers 724 via the PLC as soon as the gear box or other rotating means stops rotating. This would ensure that the calipers 724 only engage with the rotor 718 when the calipers 724 are not rotating as rotating calipers 724 tightening on the rotor may cause damage to the trim chain engagement assembly or the trim chain. A person skilled in the art would know of various programmable logic controllers suitable for application to embodiments of the present invention that can cause the trim chain to disengage or engage with the rotating means, and coordinate the shutdown of certain components of the miner, such as its head motors.
Preferably, the calipers 724 are only able to engage with the rotor 718 when they are not rotating as rotating calipers 724 tightening on the rotor may cause damage. A person skilled in the art would know of methods for an operator to manually apply and relieve the pressure to and from the hydraulic calipers 724 suitable for application to embodiments of the present invention.
.. In other preferred embodiments, if the load on the chain exceeds a predetermined value, the load cell will automatically disengage the trim chain from the rotating means. This may be done by the load cell causing a hydraulic directional control valve to dump the oil that is applied to the calipers 724 resulting in the calipers 724 releasing their grip on the rotor 718.
Optionally, a programmable logic controller (PLC) that is in communication with the load cell sensor, upon detection of a predetermined load value on the trim chain by the load cell sensor, sends a signal to the engagement means causing the trim chain to disengage from the rotating means. Preferably, upon the trim chain disengaging from the rotating means, the head motors will also automatically shut down and stop the rotating means from rotating . This may also occur via the PLC. Hydraulic pressure may be automatically re-applied to the calipers 724 via the PLC as soon as the gear box or other rotating means stops rotating. This would ensure that the calipers 724 only engage with the rotor 718 when the calipers 724 are not rotating as rotating calipers 724 tightening on the rotor may cause damage to the trim chain engagement assembly or the trim chain. A person skilled in the art would know of various programmable logic controllers suitable for application to embodiments of the present invention that can cause the trim chain to disengage or engage with the rotating means, and coordinate the shutdown of certain components of the miner, such as its head motors.
- 9 -Date Recue/Date Received 2020-11-09 In some preferred embodiments, various components of the miner, such as the take-up arm, may be modified or moved to accommodate the assembly of the present invention.
A second exemplary embodiment of the present invention is directed to a trim chain engager assembly that uses a hydraulic clutch system to selectively engage and disengage a miner's trim chain from a rotating means.
The assembly involves an inner part of a clutch that mounts onto a drive pinion and is locked to turn with the pinion as the pinion rotates. The pinion may be coupled to a motor that causes it to rotate when the motor is actuated. The outer circumference of the clutch is rotatable on the inner portion of the clutch. This may occur by the use of bearings. When hydraulic pressure is applied to clutch discs, the outer circumference of the clutch is no longer rotatable on the inner portion of the clutch and it is engaged with drive pinion. Hydraulic pressure may be applied and relieved from the clutch discs analogously as described for the first exemplary embodiment. The outer circumference of the clutch is attached to a drive sprocket that is configured for rotating a trim chain.
Other features and embodiments described for the first exemplary embodiment that are applicable may be present with the second exemplary embodiment.
A person skilled in the art would know of various assemblies suitable for application to embodiments of the present invention.
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims:
= "comprise", "comprising', and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".
= -connected-, -coupled", or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling or connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof = -herein", -above", -below', and words of similar import, when used to describe this specification shall refer to this specification as a whole and not to any particular portions of this specification.
A second exemplary embodiment of the present invention is directed to a trim chain engager assembly that uses a hydraulic clutch system to selectively engage and disengage a miner's trim chain from a rotating means.
The assembly involves an inner part of a clutch that mounts onto a drive pinion and is locked to turn with the pinion as the pinion rotates. The pinion may be coupled to a motor that causes it to rotate when the motor is actuated. The outer circumference of the clutch is rotatable on the inner portion of the clutch. This may occur by the use of bearings. When hydraulic pressure is applied to clutch discs, the outer circumference of the clutch is no longer rotatable on the inner portion of the clutch and it is engaged with drive pinion. Hydraulic pressure may be applied and relieved from the clutch discs analogously as described for the first exemplary embodiment. The outer circumference of the clutch is attached to a drive sprocket that is configured for rotating a trim chain.
Other features and embodiments described for the first exemplary embodiment that are applicable may be present with the second exemplary embodiment.
A person skilled in the art would know of various assemblies suitable for application to embodiments of the present invention.
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims:
= "comprise", "comprising', and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".
= -connected-, -coupled", or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling or connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof = -herein", -above", -below', and words of similar import, when used to describe this specification shall refer to this specification as a whole and not to any particular portions of this specification.
- 10 -Date Recue/Date Received 2020-11-09 = "or", in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.
= the singular forms "a", -an" and -the- also include the meaning of any appropriate plural forms.
Words that indicate directions such as "vertical", "transverse", "horizontal", "upward", "downward", "forward-, "backward-, "inward-, "outward", "vertical", "transverse-, "left", -right", "front", "back", 'top", 'bottom", 'below", "above", "under", and the like, used in this description and any accompanying claims (where present) depend on the specific orientation of the apparatus described and illustrated. The subject matter described herein may assume various alternative orientations. Accordingly, these directional terms are not strictly defined and should not be interpreted narrowly.
Where a component (e.g. a circuit, module, assembly, device, etc.) is referred to herein, unless otherwise indicated, reference to that component (including a reference to a "means") should be interpreted as including as equivalents of that component any component which performs the function of the described component (i.e., that is functionally equivalent), including components which are not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the illustrated exemplary embodiments of the invention.
Specific examples of methods and apparatus have been described herein for purposes of illustration.
These are only examples. The technology provided herein can be applied to contexts other than the exemplary contexts described above. Many alterations, modifications, additions, omissions and permutations are possible within the practice of this invention. [his invention includes variations on described embodiments that would be apparent to the skilled person, including variations obtained by: replacing features, elements and/or acts with equivalent features, elements and/or acts; mixing and matching of features, elements and/or acts from different embodiments;
combining features, elements and/or acts from embodiments as described herein with features, elements and/or acts of other technology; and/or omitting combining features, elements and/or acts from described embodiments.
= the singular forms "a", -an" and -the- also include the meaning of any appropriate plural forms.
Words that indicate directions such as "vertical", "transverse", "horizontal", "upward", "downward", "forward-, "backward-, "inward-, "outward", "vertical", "transverse-, "left", -right", "front", "back", 'top", 'bottom", 'below", "above", "under", and the like, used in this description and any accompanying claims (where present) depend on the specific orientation of the apparatus described and illustrated. The subject matter described herein may assume various alternative orientations. Accordingly, these directional terms are not strictly defined and should not be interpreted narrowly.
Where a component (e.g. a circuit, module, assembly, device, etc.) is referred to herein, unless otherwise indicated, reference to that component (including a reference to a "means") should be interpreted as including as equivalents of that component any component which performs the function of the described component (i.e., that is functionally equivalent), including components which are not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the illustrated exemplary embodiments of the invention.
Specific examples of methods and apparatus have been described herein for purposes of illustration.
These are only examples. The technology provided herein can be applied to contexts other than the exemplary contexts described above. Many alterations, modifications, additions, omissions and permutations are possible within the practice of this invention. [his invention includes variations on described embodiments that would be apparent to the skilled person, including variations obtained by: replacing features, elements and/or acts with equivalent features, elements and/or acts; mixing and matching of features, elements and/or acts from different embodiments;
combining features, elements and/or acts from embodiments as described herein with features, elements and/or acts of other technology; and/or omitting combining features, elements and/or acts from described embodiments.
- 11 -Date Recue/Date Received 2020-11-09 The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the exemplary embodiments set forth in the foregoing, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the specification as a whole.
- 12 -Date Recue/Date Received 2020-11-09
Claims (17)
1. A mining machine comprising:
a trim chain for cutting an outer profile of a mine drift;
rotating means for rotating trim chain; and an assembly comprising:
engagement means for selectively engaging and disengaging the trim chain from the rotating means, wherein when the trim chain is engaged with the rotating means, actuating the rotating means causes the trim chain to rotate, wherein the engagement means is configured to selectively disengage the trim chain from the rotating means while the rotating means is rotating.
a trim chain for cutting an outer profile of a mine drift;
rotating means for rotating trim chain; and an assembly comprising:
engagement means for selectively engaging and disengaging the trim chain from the rotating means, wherein when the trim chain is engaged with the rotating means, actuating the rotating means causes the trim chain to rotate, wherein the engagement means is configured to selectively disengage the trim chain from the rotating means while the rotating means is rotating.
2. The mining machine of claim I wherein the engagernent means is configured to selectively engage the trim chain with the rotating means only while the rotating means is not rotating.
3. The mining machine of claim 1 or 2 further comprising:
at least one rotor arm, wherein the rotating means causes the at least one rotor arm to rotate.
at least one rotor arm, wherein the rotating means causes the at least one rotor arm to rotate.
4. The mining machine of claim 3 wherein the at least one rotor arm comprises only two or four rotor arms.
5. The mining machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the assembly further comprises sensing means for determining a load on the trim chain.
6. The mining machine of claim 5 wherein the sensing means are configured to determine when a load on the trim chain exceeds a predetermined threshold value, wherein when the threshold value is exceeded the engagernent means automatically disengages the trim chain from the rotating means.
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-11-09
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-11-09
7. The mining machine of claim 5 wherein the assembly further comprises a display for displaying the load on the trim chain detected by the sensor.
8. The mining machine of claim 6 wherein when the threshold value is exceeded the rotating means stops rotating.
9. The mining machine of claim 8 wherein the engagement means is configured to automatically re-engage the trim chain with the rotating means after the trim chain has been automatically disengaged from the rotating means and the rotating means has stopped rotating,
10. The mining machine of claim according to any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the assembly further comprises a user interface that allows an operator to manually engage or disengage the trim chain from the rotating means.
11. The mining machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4 is a potash mining machine.
12, The mining machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the trim chain is configured to cut into a potash surface.
13, The mining machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the rotating means are operably coupled to a motor of the mining machine,
14. The mining machine according to any one of claim 1 to 13 wherein the engagement means are hydraulically operable,
15. The mining machine of claim 14 wherein the engagement means selectively engage or disengage the trim chain from the rotating means by altering a hydraulic pressure applied to the engagement means.
16. The rnining machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and =14 wherein the engagement means comprise:
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-11-09 a disc brake rotor, the disc brake rotor coupled to the trim chain such that rotating the disc brake rotor causes the trim chain to rotate; and at least one brake caliper configured for selectively engaging and disengaging with the disc brake rotor, the at least one brake caliper coupled to the rotating means;
such that, when the at least one brake caliper is engaged with the disc brake rotor, actuating the rotating rneans causes the disc brake rotor to rotate.
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-11-09 a disc brake rotor, the disc brake rotor coupled to the trim chain such that rotating the disc brake rotor causes the trim chain to rotate; and at least one brake caliper configured for selectively engaging and disengaging with the disc brake rotor, the at least one brake caliper coupled to the rotating means;
such that, when the at least one brake caliper is engaged with the disc brake rotor, actuating the rotating rneans causes the disc brake rotor to rotate.
17.
The mining machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and 14 wherein the engagement means comprise a clutch system.
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-11-09
The mining machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and 14 wherein the engagement means comprise a clutch system.
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-11-09
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2947181A CA2947181C (en) | 2016-11-01 | 2016-11-01 | Trim chain engager assemblies for a mining machine |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2947181A CA2947181C (en) | 2016-11-01 | 2016-11-01 | Trim chain engager assemblies for a mining machine |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2947181A1 CA2947181A1 (en) | 2018-05-01 |
| CA2947181C true CA2947181C (en) | 2021-11-16 |
Family
ID=62068353
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2947181A Active CA2947181C (en) | 2016-11-01 | 2016-11-01 | Trim chain engager assemblies for a mining machine |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2947181C (en) |
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2016
- 2016-11-01 CA CA2947181A patent/CA2947181C/en active Active
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2947181A1 (en) | 2018-05-01 |
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