Track shoe dressing tool

Abstract

A mining machine includes a frame having a guide rail, the guide rail having a central portion. The mining machine also includes a track shoe having a recessed area defining a roll diameter, the track shoe also having a drive lug, wherein the central portion of the guide rail is configured to be disposed within the recessed area. The mining machine also includes a cutting tool connected to the frame and arranged such that the cutting tool is configured to abrasively remove material from the drive lug as the drive lug passes the cutting tool.

Description

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 62 / 947,109, filed December 12, 2019, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference into this application. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present application relates to a mining machine, and more particularly, to a mining shovel utilizing a roller track or caterpillar having a gusseted track shoe. BACKGROUND

[0004] When using a mining shovel, the weight of the mining shovel and movement from one location to another gradually compresses (e.g., crushes) and wears the plates of the roller track or caterpillar. As the roller track compresses and wears, the gap between the drive gusset of the track shoe and the frame of the mining machine becomes smaller. Over time, the drive gusset will begin to inadvertently contact and interfere with the frame and / or lower roller hub, limiting the useful life and / or requiring time-consuming maintenance.

[0005] To prevent or stop the drive gusset from prematurely contacting the frame and / or lower roller hub, the drive gusset is trimmed so that space reappears between the drive gusset and the frame. Trimming the drive gusset is a time-consuming process and results in excessive downtime for the mining shovel operation while the shovel is unable to work. SUMMARY

[0006] According to one configuration, a mining machine includes a frame having a guide rail with a central portion. The mining machine also includes a track shoe having a recessed area defining a roller bed, the track shoe also having a drive gusset, wherein the central portion of the guide rail is configured to be disposed within the recessed area. The mining machine further includes a cutting tool coupled to the frame and arranged such that the cutting tool is configured to abrade material from the drive gusset as the drive gusset passes the cutting tool.

[0007] According to one configuration, a guide rail for a frame of the mining machine includes a central portion, a side portion extending from the central portion, and a cutting tool coupled to the side portion. The cutting tool is configured to abrade material from a drive gusset of a track shoe as the track shoe moves along the guide rail.

[0008] According to one configuration, a cutting tool is configured to be coupled to a frame of a mining machine. The cutting tool includes a surface configured to abrade material from a drive gusset of a track shoe as the track shoe moves along the frame.

[0009] Other configurations and various aspects of the configurations will become apparent from consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a mining machine.

[0011] Figure 2 is Figure 1 is a perspective view of a track shoe of the mining machine of

[0012] Figure 3 is Figure 2 is an elevational view of the track shoe of

[0013] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a guide rail housed within the recessed area of the track shoe of Figure 2

[0014] Figure 5 is a close-up view of the guide rail of Figure 4 according to one configuration.

[0015] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a cutting tool of the guide rail of Figure 4

[0016] is a side view of the guide rail and track shoe of Figure 7a in a first position. Figure 4

[0017] is a close-up view of the guide rail and track shoe of Figure 7b Figure 7a is a side view of the guide rail and track shoe of in a second position.

[0018] Figure 8a Figure 4 is a close-up view of the guide rail and track shoe of

[0019] Figure 8b is a side view of the guide rail and track shoe of Figure 8a in a third position.

[0020] Figure 9a is a close-up view of the guide rail and track shoe of Figure 4

[0021] is a side view of the guide rail and track shoe of Figure 9b Figure 9a is a close-up view of the guide rail and track shoe of

[0022] Figure 10 is a partial view of a guide rail according to another configuration having a cutting tool integrally formed with a scribed face having a beveled lead-in.

[0023] Figure 11 ​​​is a partial view of a guide rail according to another configuration having a mechanically attached cutting tool with a grooved cutting face with beveled lead.

[0024] Figure 12 is a partial view of a guide rail according to another configuration having a mechanically attached cutting tool with a knurled cutting face with chamfered lead and piloted shear ledges.

[0025] Figures 13-16 Additional configurations of cutting tools are shown positioned on one or more areas of the frame other than the guide rails.

[0026] Before any constructions are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the constructions are not limited in their application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. Other constructions are possible and are contemplated by the inventors. The described and illustrated constructions are merely exemplary of the many possible configurations. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Figure 1 A mining machine 10 is shown that includes a prime mover (not shown) that propels the mining machine 10. A frame 14 of the mining machine 10 is supported by first and second tracks 18, 22. Track shoes 26 are connected together to form the first and second tracks 18, 22.

[0028] Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 4 , each track shoe 26 includes a first or inner side 30 Figure 2 and a second or outer side 34 Figure 4 . In the illustrated configuration, the inner side 30 faces the frame 14 of the mining machine 10 as the mining machine 10 is propelled, and the outer side 34 faces away from the frame 14 and contacts the ground. The outer side 34 includes a substantially planar surface, allowing the mining machine 10 to move flat on the ground. The inner side 30 includes a recessed area or track shoe roller path 38.

[0029] Continuing to refer to Figure 2 , the track shoe roller path 38 extends across the entire width of the inner side 30 of the track shoe 26. The track shoe roller path 38 includes two walls or side surfaces 46 (only one shown) and a lower surface 50. In the illustrated configuration, the side surfaces 46 are substantially parallel to each other and perpendicular to the inner side 30 of the track shoe 26, although other configurations can include side surfaces and lower surfaces that differ from the illustrated arrangement. In the illustrated configuration, the lower surface 50 is curved between the side surfaces 46. The lower surface 50 is also curved along the width of the track shoe 26 (e.g., in a direction orthogonal to the direction between the side surfaces 46).

[0030] The track shoe 26 also includes a drive lug 54. The drive lug 54 is located on either side of the track shoe roll 38. In the illustrated configuration, the side surface 46 forms the surface of each drive lug 54, respectively. The upper surface 58 of the drive lug 54 is substantially flat (e.g., substantially parallel to the inner side surface 30). The drive lug 54 can be made of any of a variety of materials. In certain configurations, the drive lug 54 is at least partially made of manganese or manganese steel. In some configurations, the drive lug 54 is at least partially made of Hadfield manganese steel (also known as austenitic manganese steel). The drive lug 54 can include, for example, 0.8% to 1.25% carbon and 11% to 15% manganese. Other configurations can include different amounts or ranges of carbon and manganese. In some configurations, the drive lug 54 is made of materials other than carbon and / or manganese.

[0031] Over time, the weight of the mining machine 10 Figure 1 on the track shoe 26 erodes the track shoe roll 38 (e.g., flattens it). For example, referring to Figure 3 , the original profile of the roll and drive lug is shown in dashed lines. As Figure 3 illustrated, the track shoe roll 38 becomes deeper and wider (represented by the eroded track shoe roll 38a) as it bears the weight of the mining machine 10. Additionally, the drive lug 54 naturally lengthens vertically (represented by the drive lug 54a having an upper surface 58a after machine use) as a result of the deformation process. The total displacement of the track shoe 26 is equal to the amount of erosion of the track shoe roll 38 plus the amount of lengthening of the drive lug 54. The drive lug 54 needs to be trimmed and reduced in length so that the drive lug 54 does not contact and damage the frame 14 and the lower roller hub (not shown).

[0032] Referring to Figure 4 , the rail 62 is housed within the track shoe roll 38 of the track shoe 26. The rail 62 is part of the frame 14 Figure 1 and moves through the track shoe roll 38 of successive track shoes 26 as the prime mover propels the mining machine 10. The rail 62 includes a center portion 66 and two side portions (e.g., wings) 70. The center portion 66 is curved along both its length and width in a manner that is complementary to the track shoe roll 38 (i.e., the center portion 66 is convex and has the same radius of curvature as the concave track shoe roll 38). In the illustrated configuration, the center portion 66 is hard-faced or coated to achieve a target predictable friction and wear between the center portion 66 of the rail 62 and the track shoe roll 38.

[0033] The side portions 70 extend from the sides of the center portion 66 in a direction generally normal to the direction in which the center portion 66 extends. Each wing 70 includes a cutting tool 74. The cutting tool 74 is arranged so that, when the center portion 66 is received within the track shoe ramp 38, the cutting tool 74 can be aligned with the drive lug 54. In the illustrated configuration, the cutting tool 74 is generally flush with the surface of the wing 70. In some configurations, the cutting tool 74 is formed with the wing 70; in other configurations, the cutting tool 74 is connected to the wing 70 (e.g., by a fastener). As shown, in some configurations, the wing 70 includes a portion 76 that is angled in a direction parallel to the direction in which the center portion 66 extends. The angled portion 76 can provide a better lead angle for the drive lug 54 as it passes through the wing 70 to the cutting tool 74. A curved or radiused lead can provide the same effect. Figure 5

[0034] In some configurations, the cutting tool 74 (or tools 74) is not connected to the side portion 70. For example, the cutting tool 74 is instead connected to the center portion 66 of the guide rail 62 at a location that still enables the cutting tool 74 to contact and grind the drive lug 54. In other configurations, the cutting tool 74 is not connected to the guide rail 62 at all. Instead, the cutting tool 74 is connected to another area of the frame 14 (e.g., an area adjacent to the guide rail 62) at a location that still enables the cutting tool 74 to contact and grind the drive lug 54.

[0035] In some configurations, the cutting tool 74 is releasably connected to the frame 14 (e.g., to the guide rail 62 or another area of the frame 14) by a fastener (e.g., a bolt or other structure) or by another mechanical structure. In some configurations, the frame 14 can include one or more shear ledges to help connect or align the cutting tool 74 to the frame 14 and / or to provide support for the cutting tool 74. Generally, it is contemplated that the cutting tool 74 can be removed, replaced, and / or added at multiple points during the operational life of the track of the mining machine 14 depending on the relative condition of different components in the lower works of the mining machine 14 (e.g., the guide rail 62, rollers, idlers, or track shoes 26). Releasably connecting the tool 74 facilitates this type of maintenance.

[0036] In some configurations, the cutting tool 74 is permanently connected to the frame 14 (e.g., to the guide rail 62 or another area of the frame 14). For example, the cutting tool 74 can be welded or fused directly to the frame 14. In other configurations, the cutting tool 74 is integrally formed with the frame 14 as a single piece (e.g., cast during the manufacturing process).

[0037] ​The cutting tool 74 can comprise any of a variety of materials. For example, in some configurations, the cutting tool 74 is at least partially made of tool steel. In some embodiments, the cutting tool 74 is at least partially made of standard low-alloy steel to cut manganese (or other materials) from the drive lug 54. In some configurations, the material of the cutting tool 74 is similar to or the same as the material of the guide rail 62 itself and / or another part of the frame 14. In some configurations, the cutting tool 74 is at least partially made of carbide or industrial ceramic cutting tools. Alternatively, the cutting tool 74 can be made, for example, of a highly durable abrasive material (e.g., alumina or boron nitride) capable of grinding away manganese (or other materials) from the drive lug 54. In some configurations, and as described above, the cutting tool 74 is applied directly to the finished wing 70 of the guide rail 62 (e.g., integrally formed as a single piece with the wing 70). In other configurations, the cutting tool 74 is separate and mechanically attached to the guide rail 62. In some constructions, for example, the material of the cutting tool 74 can be made by means of: plasma transfer arc (PTA), laser cladding, high-speed oxy-fuel (HVOF) spraying, electroplating, MIG welding (hardening using conventional MIG welding technology), sintering and hot pressing, selective melting treatment (by electron beam), abrasive particle suspension in the substrate (i.e., abrasive particles suspended in the casting or resin / glass fiber body, much like a grinding wheel), or abrasive attachment by brazing, etc.

[0038] like Figure 6 As shown, in the illustrated configuration, the cutting tool 74 has a generally rectangular shape and includes a hatch pattern 78 on its outer surface. The hatch pattern 78 includes channels that help guide debris (e.g., cut manganese) away from the cutting tool 74, thereby keeping the cutting tool 74 substantially clean (i.e., the outer surface is free of debris, allowing the cutting tool 74 to continue cutting the drive lug 54). The channels of the hatch pattern 78 also create edges on the outer surface of the cutting tool 74. These edges provide additional cutting surfaces and help remove more material. In other configurations, the cutting tool 74 has other shapes and dimensions different from those shown, and different hatch patterns 78. In some configurations, the cutting tool 74 does not include a hatch pattern 78.

[0039] In the configuration shown, in wing 70 ( Figure 4 The guide rail 62 between the cutting tool 74 and the cutting tool 74 Figure 4A backplate 82 and a backing 86 are mounted on the cutting tool 74. The backplate 82 is made of steel and directly contacts the wing 70, although other configurations include different materials. The backplate 82 may have a shearing table to provide support for shearing forces. In the configuration shown, the backing 86 is made of urethane and is sandwiched between the cutting tool 74 and the backplate 82. The backing 86 is used to bias or spring-load the cutting tool 74 (e.g., away from the backplate 82). In the event of excessive overload, the spring-loaded cutting tool 74 can prevent overload on the outer surface of the cutting tool 74 by allowing the cutting tool 74 to be biased. Other configurations do not include the backplate 82 and / or the backing 86.

[0040] like Figure 4 and 7b As shown, in some configurations, when the track plates 26 of the mining machine 10 are new and in a first or un-eroded position, there is a gap 90 between the drive lugs 54 and the side portion 70. The contact pressure between the cutting tool 74 and the drive lugs 54 is almost zero or even zero. As the mining machine 10 moves, there is only contact between the track plate roller conveyor 38 and the center portion 66 of the guide rail 62.

[0041] like Figures 8a-9b As shown, the deeper track roller conveyor 38a reduces the gap between the side 70 and the drive lug 54. As the mining machine 10 moves, contact is shared between the guide rail 62 and the track roller conveyor 38a, and between the drive lug 54 and the cutting tool 74. High contact pressure also exists between the drive lug 54 and the cutting tool 74.

[0042] During the use of the mining machine 10, the track roller 38 is eroded, and the drive lug 54 gradually grows (e.g., the erosion process may take thousands of hours). As the gap 90 decreases, the drive lug 54 gradually comes into contact with the cutting tool 74. Each time the drive lug 54 passes the cutting tool 74, a small amount of controlled material is removed from the drive lug 54 (e.g., by friction). The amount of material trimmed from the drive lug 54 depends on the amount of erosion of the track roller 38 (e.g., the more eroded the track roller 38, the more material is removed). As the material in the drive lug 54 is ground away, the contact pressure between the drive lug 54 and the cutting tool 74 decreases, and the gap 90 may reappear.

[0043] The cutting tool 74 allows for trimming of the drive lug 54 without maintenance. As the mining machine 10 moves, material is continuously trimmed off the drive lug 54, preventing it from growing to an excessive length. There is no need to separate the tracks 18 and 22 for manual trimming of the drive lug 54. This saves on maintenance costs and allows the mining machine 10 to operate continuously without downtime for drive lug 54 maintenance.

[0044] Figures 10-16Other example configurations of cutting tools that can be connected to the frame 14 (e.g., coupled to the rails or other components of the frame 14) are shown. Like the cutting tool 70 described above, Figures 10-16 the cutting tool in the cutting tool 270 also grinds the drive lugs 54 and can have at least some of the same features and advantages as described above for the rails 62 and cutting tool 70.

[0045] Figure 10 A rail 162 for the frame 14 is shown. The rail 162 has an integrally formed cutting tool 170 with hatched cutting faces 172 and angled guide lines. As Figure 10 shown, the cutting tool 170 is integrally formed with the rail 162 as a single piece (e.g., cast during manufacture). The rail 162 includes a central portion 166 and at least one side portion 168. The cutting tool 170 is formed as part of the side portion 168, although as described above in other configurations, the cutting tool 170 can alternatively be formed as part of or otherwise connected to a different region of the rail 162 or frame 14. In some configurations, two side portions 168 are provided on opposite sides of the central portion 166, each with its own cutting tool 170. In the configuration shown, the central portion 166 extends along a longitudinal direction 180. The cutting faces 172 of the cutting tool 170 are generally flat, and each cutting face 172 extends at an angle of between 40-50 degrees relative to the longitudinal direction 180. Other configurations include different angles or ranges of angles for the cutting faces 172, as well as different shapes than the shape of the cutting tool 170 and cutting faces 172 shown. In some configurations, only a single cutting face 172 is provided on the cutting tool 170, or more than two faces 172 are provided.

[0046] Figure 11 is a partial view of a rail 262 for the frame 14. The rail 262 has a mechanically attached cutting tool 270 with grooved cutting faces 272 and angled guide lines. As Figure 11 shown, the cutting tool 270 is a separate component that is mechanically and releasably connected to the rail 262 by one or more bolts 278 or other fasteners. In certain configurations, the cutting tool 270 is made of a different material than the rail 262. As Figure 11The guide rail 262 includes a center portion 266. The cutting tool 270 is directly connected to the center portion 266, although as described above in other configurations, the cutting tool 270 can alternatively be formed as part of the guide rail 262 or a different region of the frame 14 or otherwise connected to the guide rail 262 or a different region of the frame 14. In some configurations, another similar cutting tool 270 is connected to the opposite side of the center portion 266. Other configurations also include different shapes and sizes than the cutting tool 270 shown.

[0047] Figure 12 is a partial view of a guide rail 362 for the frame 14. The guide rail 362 has a mechanically attached cutting tool 370. The cutting tool 370 has a knurled cutting face 372 with a chamfered guide line, and the guide rail 362 includes a guide shear table 374 shaped to accommodate a portion of the cutting tool 370. The shear table 374 provides support for the cutting tool 370. At least one bolt 378 or other fastener extends through the cutting tool 370 to releasably secure the cutting tool 370 to the guide rail 362. The guide rail 362 includes a center portion 366. The cutting tool 370 is connected to the center portion 366, although as described above in other configurations, the cutting tool 370 can alternatively be formed as part of the guide rail 362 or a different region of the frame 14 or otherwise connected to the guide rail 362 or a different region of the frame 14. In some configurations, another similar cutting tool 370 is connected to the opposite side of the center portion 366. Other configurations also include different shapes and sizes than the cutting tool 370 shown.

[0048] Figures 13-15 A rear guide rail 462 connected to the frame 14 is shown along with a cutting tool 470 independently connected to the frame 14 adjacent to the rear guide rail 462 (e.g., on the opposite side of the rear guide rail 462). The cutting tool 470 is mechanically connected to the frame 14 by bolts 478 or other fasteners extending through the cutting tool 470 to releasably secure the cutting tool 470 to the frame 14, although in other configurations, the cutting tool 470 is integrally formed with the frame 14 as a single component (e.g., integrally cast) or permanently connected to the frame 14 (e.g., by welding). The cutting tool 470 shown includes a knurled cutting face 472, although other configurations include a hatched or slotted cutting face or other cutting face that facilitates cutting. In some configurations, similar to the cutting tools 170 or 270, the cutting tool 470 includes an angled guide line. As shown, the cutting tool 470 is positioned to cut material from the drive lugs 54 of the track shoe 26 as the track shoe 26 moves over the rear guide rail 462. Figure 14 and 15 As shown, as the mining machine 10 moves, the track shoe 26 passes over the rear guide rail 462, and material is continuously trimmed from the drive lugs 54 of the track shoe 26 so that the drive lugs 54 do not grow to an excessive length.

[0049] Figure 16 A cutting tool 570 is shown mechanically attached to the underside of the frame 14 between the steered wheel 574 and the rear idler 576. The cutting tool 570 is mechanically connected to the frame 14 by bolts 578 or other fasteners extending through the cutting tool 570 to releasably secure the cutting tool 570 to the frame 14, although in other constructions the cutting tool 570 is integrally formed with the frame 14 as a single piece (e.g., integrally cast) or otherwise permanently connected to the frame 14 (e.g., by welding). The cutting tool 570 shown includes a knurled cutting face 572, although other constructions include a hatched or grooved cutting face or other cutting face that facilitates cutting. In some constructions, similar to the cutting tool 170 or 270, the cutting tool 570 includes an angled guide line.

[0050] While various constructions have been described in detail with reference to certain examples as shown in the drawings, many variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects described and illustrated.

Claims

1. A mining machine characterized by, The mining machine comprises: a frame; a track shoe having a recessed area defining a roll diameter, the track shoe further having a drive lug; a cutting tool connected to the frame and arranged such that the cutting tool is configured to abrade material from the drive lug as the drive lug passes the cutting tool; the frame includes a rail having a central portion configured to be disposed within the recessed area, wherein the rail has a side portion extending from the central portion, the cutting tool being connected to the side portion.

2. The mining machine of claim 1, wherein, the side portion is a first side portion and the cutting tool is a first cutting tool, the rail includes a second side portion arranged opposite the first side portion, and a second cutting tool is connected to the second side portion.

3. The mining machine of claim 1, wherein, the recessed area is configured to become deeper and wider due to gravity of the mining machine, and a gap between the side portion of the rail and the track shoe is configured to decrease as the recessed area becomes deeper and wider.

4. The mining machine of claim 1, wherein, the cutting tool includes a hatched pattern along an outer surface of the cutting tool, the hatched pattern including channels configured to remove material directly from the side portion.

5. The mining machine of claim 1, wherein, the cutting tool includes a hatched pattern along an outer surface of the cutting tool.

6. The mining machine of claim 1, wherein, the cutting tool is comprised of tool steel.

7. The mining machine of claim 1, wherein, the frame includes a rail having a central portion configured to be disposed within the recessed area, the central portion having a convex outer surface.

8. The mining machine of claim 1, wherein, the cutting tool is removably connected to the frame.

9. The mining machine of claim 1, wherein, the drive lug is comprised of austenitic manganese steel.

10. The mining machine of claim 1, wherein, the cutting tool is permanently fixed to the frame.

11. A guide rail for a frame of a mining machine, characterized in that, the rail includes: a central portion having a convex outer surface; a side portion extending from the central portion; and a cutting tool connected to the side portion; wherein the cutting tool is configured to abrade material from a drive lug of a track shoe as the track shoe moves along the rail.

12. The guide rail according to claim 11, characterized in that the cutting tool includes a hatched pattern along an outer surface of the cutting tool, the hatched pattern including channels configured to remove material directly from the side portion.

13. The guide rail of claim 11, wherein, the cutting tool is comprised of tool steel.

14. The guide rail of claim 11, wherein, the side portion is a first side portion and the cutting tool is a first cutting tool, the rail includes a second side portion arranged opposite the first side portion, and a second cutting tool is connected to the second side portion.

15. The guide rail of claim 11, wherein, the cutting tool is removably connected to the side portion.

16. The guide rail of claim 11, wherein, the cutting tool is integrally formed with the side portion as a single piece.

17. The guide rail of claim 11, wherein, the cutting tool is welded to the side portion.

18. A cutting tool characterized by the cutting tool is configured to be connected to a frame of a mining machine, the cutting tool including a surface configured to abrade material from a drive lug of a track shoe as the track shoe moves along the frame, the cutting tool being integrally formed with the frame as a single piece.

19. The cutting tool of claim 18 wherein, the surface is a hatched cutting surface having channels configured to remove debris.

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