Support system for a hoisting system

Abstract

A support system for a gear box of a rope shovel is provided, the gear box supporting a gear drive mechanism configured to drive rotation of a hoist drum, the gear box comprising a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end. The support system comprises a first lug extending from a swivel frame, a first pin configured to extend through the first lug of the swivel frame and through the gear box in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, wherein a clearance is provided around the first pin to accommodate a bending motion of the swivel frame.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on March 13, 2020, with application number 202010176242.1 and entitled "Support System for Improving System".

[0002] Citation of relevant applications

[0003] This application claims priority to prior art U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 819,238, filed March 15, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0004] This application relates to a lifting system, and more particularly to a support system for lifting the system. Background Technology

[0005] Mining rope shovels may include a lifting system for raising the excavation attachment. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In one aspect, a support system for a gearbox of a rope shovel is provided. The gearbox supports a gear drive mechanism configured to drive a lifting drum to rotate. The gearbox includes a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end. The support system includes: a connector for securing the gearbox against translational movement relative to a rotating frame, the connector being oriented orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and configured to engage the rotating frame and a portion of the gearbox; and a support member configured to be coupled to the rotating frame of the rope shovel and support the gearbox, the support member allowing the gearbox to translate relative to the rotating frame to accommodate bending of the rotating frame.

[0007] In another independent aspect, a support system for a gearbox for a rope shovel is provided. The gearbox supports a gear drive mechanism configured to drive rotation of a lifting drum. The gearbox includes a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal shaft extending between the first end and the second end. The support system includes: a first connector configured to connect between a rotating frame of the rope shovel and the first end of the gearbox, the first connector preventing movement of the gearbox in a direction parallel to the longitudinal shaft and preventing movement of the gearbox in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal shaft; and a second connector configured to connect between the rotating frame and the second end of the gearbox, the second connector preventing movement of the gearbox in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal shaft while allowing movement of the gearbox relative to the rotating frame in a direction parallel to the longitudinal shaft to accommodate bending of the rotating frame.

[0008] In another independent aspect, a transmission system for driving a lifting drum of a rope shovel is provided, the transmission system comprising: a housing having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end; a plurality of gears supported within the housing, the gears transmitting driving torque to the lifting drum to rotate the lifting drum; and a structure supporting the housing relative to the rope shovel's rotating frame. The structure supporting the housing relative to the rope shovel's rotating frame includes: a coupling between the rotating frame of the rope shovel and the housing, the coupling preventing translational movement of the housing in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis; and a translational connector engaging a portion of the housing and supporting the housing to allow translational movement along the longitudinal axis.

[0009] Other aspects of this application will become apparent from consideration of the specific implementation and the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a rope shovel;

[0011] Figure 2 It is used for Figure 1 The lifting system and gearbox support system of the rope shovel;

[0012] Figure 3 This is a side view of a support system for a lifting system gearbox according to another embodiment;

[0013] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Side view of the gearbox;

[0014] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of a portion of the gearbox;

[0015] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 Another perspective view of another part of the gearbox;

[0016] Figure 7A and 7B It shows Figure 6 Two cross-sectional views of a portion of the gearbox;

[0017] Figure 8 It is a support system for lifting system gearbox according to yet another embodiment;

[0018] Figure 9 It is a support system for lifting system gearbox according to yet another embodiment;

[0019] Figure 10It is a support system for lifting system gearbox according to yet another embodiment;

[0020] Figure 11 It is a support system for lifting system gearbox according to yet another embodiment;

[0021] Figure 12 It is a support system for lifting system gearbox according to yet another embodiment;

[0022] Figure 13 It is a support system for lifting system gearbox according to yet another embodiment;

[0023] Figure 14A This is a support system for lifting the gearbox of a system according to yet another embodiment, and Figure 14B It shows Figure 14A A cross-sectional view of the support system. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Before explaining the various embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the application of this application is not limited to the construction details and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or shown in the accompanying drawings. This application can have other embodiments and can be practiced or performed in various ways. Furthermore, it should be understood that the wording and terminology used in this application are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered as limiting. The terms "comprising" and "including," and variations thereof, as used in this application, are intended to cover the items listed thereafter and their equivalents, as well as additional items. The term "consisting of," and variations thereof, as used in this application, are intended to cover only the items listed thereafter and their equivalents. Unless otherwise stated or limited, terms such as "installation," "connection," "support," and "linkage," and variations thereof, are used extensively and include direct and indirect installation, connection, support, and linking.

[0025] Generally speaking, this application relates to a support system for a lifting system (e.g., a rope shovel). The support system helps to evenly distribute the load applied to the connection between the lifting system gearbox and the rotating frame of the rope shovel, while also allowing movement to accommodate the bending of the rotating frame.

[0026] Figure 1 An excavator such as a cable shovel 10 is shown. The cable shovel 10 includes a base 14, a cantilever 26, an elongated member or support 30, and a digging attachment or bucket 34. The base 14 includes a lower portion 16 and an upper or rotating frame 22, wherein the lower portion 16 is supported by a traction element (e.g., tracks 18), and the upper or rotating frame 22 is supported to rotate about an axis relative to the lower portion 16.

[0027] The cantilever 26 includes a first end connected to the rotating frame 22 and a second end 50 opposite the first end. A cantilever pulley 54 is supported near the second end 50 of the cantilever 26. A saddle 52 and a push shaft 56 are supported on the cantilever 26 between the first and second ends 50. The cantilever 26 is pivotable relative to the rotating frame 22 about the first end. In the illustrated embodiment, a support member 28 is connected between the rotating frame 22 and the cantilever 26, restricting the pivoting movement of the cantilever 26 relative to the rotating frame 22. In other embodiments, the cantilever 26 is supported by a gantry or other structure.

[0028] The support shank 30 is movably coupled to the cantilever 26 and includes a first end 58 and a second end 60. In the illustrated embodiment, a push shaft 56 and a saddle 52 support the support shank 30 for translational and rotational movements relative to the cantilever 26. In the illustrated embodiment, a bucket 34 is fixed to the second end 60 of the support shank 30. In other embodiments, the machine 10 includes a bucket pivotable about the second end 60 relative to the support shank 30. In other embodiments, the support shank may be constructed in different ways and / or supported relative to the cantilever in different ways. For example, the support shank may be a telescopic member pivotally connected to the cantilever via a yoke and may be extended and retracted by actuating one or more hydraulic cylinders.

[0029] The rope shovel 10 further includes a lifting system 38 supported on a rotating frame 22 for winding and unwinding the lifting rope or cable 42. The lifting system 38 includes a drum 40 on which a portion of the cable 42 is wound. The cable 42 is secured between the drum 40 and the bucket 34, passing through a cantilever pulley 54. When the cable 42 is wound or unwound, the bucket 34 is raised or lowered relative to the cantilever pulley 54.

[0030] The lifting system 38 includes one or more gears that constitute a gear drive mechanism or gear transmission mechanism for driving the drum 40 to wind in or unwind the cable 42. Figure 3 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the gear transmission mechanism is supported within the housing of a gearbox 90, wherein the gearbox 90 is adjacent to one end of the drum 40. The gearbox 90 is supported on a rotating frame 22. The gearbox 90 includes a first end 94 and a second end 98. In the illustrated embodiment, the first end 94 is located near the front end of the rotating frame 22 (i.e., close to the cantilever 26). Figure 1 The second end 98 faces the rear end of the rotating frame 22 (i.e., on the side opposite to the cantilever 26). A tension or lifting force F is applied to the cable 42. Figure 3 Cable 42 extends from drum 40 to cantilever pulley 54. Figure 1 ).

[0031] Figure 2A system for supporting a gearbox 90 according to one embodiment is shown. The gearbox 90 is coupled to a rotating frame (not shown) by a pin 318, which is adjacent to a second end 98. On the other hand, a first end 94 is not pinned to the rotating frame 22 but is allowed to slide in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the gearbox 90, which extends between the first end 94 and the second end 98 (e.g., in forward and backward directions). In the illustrated embodiment, the first end 94 is supported for sliding movement by a pad (not shown) formed of a different material. Additionally, a retainer 302 includes a horizontal stop surface 304 to prevent lateral movement and / or torsion of the gearbox 90. In some embodiments, the retainer 302 may include a vertical stop surface to prevent the gearbox 90 from being lifted away from the rotating frame 22.

[0032] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in another embodiment of the system for supporting the gearbox 90, the rotating frame 22 includes a first lug 106 and a second lug 110. A first pin 114 extends near a first end 94 through the first lug 106 and through the gearbox 90. Similarly, a second pin 118 extends near a second end 98 through the second lug 110 and through the gearbox 90. Furthermore, as... Figure 5 As shown, a tensioning member (e.g., connecting rod bolt 126) is adjacent to the first end 94 and connects the gearbox 90 to the rotating frame 22. Bolt 126 applies a clamping force 75 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotating frame 22 (i.e., vertically) and biases the first end 94 of the gearbox 90 toward the rotating frame 22. Additionally, as... Figure 6 As shown, the wedge 130 is located near the second end 98, between the gearbox 90 and the rotating frame 22, and biases the second end 98 of the gearbox 90 away from the rotating frame 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the wedge 130 is a threaded pin wedge block.

[0033] During the operation of the rope shovel 10, the rotating frame 22 can bend and change the distance between the first lug 106 and the second lug 110. For example, the rotating frame 22 may be affected by a bending load state that causes the rotating frame 22 to bend about the bending point 80. Figure 4The lugs 106 / 110 of the gearbox 90 and / or the rotating frame 22 provide a clearance fit, while the first pin 114 and / or the second pin 118 accommodate the movement of the lugs 106, 110. For example, the clearance fit can simplify the assembly of the rotating frame 22, the lugs 106 / 110, and the gearbox 90. In some embodiments, the clearance around the first pin 114 is greater than the maximum deflection of the lugs 106, 110. In some embodiments, the total clearance around the pins 114, 118 is greater than the maximum deflection of the lugs 106, 110, and the clearance around the first pin 114 is greater than the clearance around the second pin 118. In some embodiments, the total clearance is less than the maximum deflection, but sufficient to significantly reduce the lateral load transmitted through the pin connectors due to bending of the rotating frame 22.

[0034] The clamping force 75 applied by bolt 126 biases the gearbox 90 and the first pin 114 toward the lower surface of the first lug 106, while... Figure 3 As shown, the wedge 130 biases the gearbox and the second pin 118 toward the upper surface of the second lug 110 via the wedge force 76. As a result, even when the rotating frame 22 is subjected to bending, the bolt 126 and the wedge 130 maintain a substantially uniform load flow through the pin connections 114, 118. In other words, the lifting force F causes a first force 77 to be applied toward the rotating frame 22 at the first lug 106 (i.e., the front lug). Figure 3 A second force 78 is applied at the second lug 110 (i.e., the rear lug) away from the rotating frame 22. A third force 79 is directed from the second lug 110 to the first lug 106. Bolt 126 provides clamping force 75, which acts to preload the first pin 114 at the first lug 106, while wedge 130 acts with wedge force 76 to preload the second pin 118 at the second lug 110. The preloaded forces help maintain a generally uniform load at the pin connections 114, 118. The clamping force 75 applied by bolt 126 also tightly biases the first pin 114 onto the gearbox 90 to reduce vibrations that may occur during operation (i.e., bolt 126 eliminates the gap between the first pin 114 and the gearbox 90). Additionally, the sides of lugs 106, 110 can accommodate horizontal or lateral loads, such as the third force 79. The allowable deformation or tension of bolt 126 is greater than the deflection of rotating frame 22, thereby preventing bolt 126 from yielding or losing clamping load.

[0035] Figure 7A and 7B As shown Figure 6The operation of the wedge 130 is illustrated. The wedge 130 is shown as a threaded pin wedge block and includes a wedge portion 601, a block 602, and a threaded adjustment element or pin 603. In the illustrated embodiment, the block 602 is secured to a rotating frame 22 (e.g., the block 602 can be bolted to the rotating frame 22). One or more threaded pins 603 are configured to pass through and engage the block 602 and extend into the wedge portion 601. The threaded pins 603 can be rotated (i.e., screwed into or unscrewed from the block 602) to move the wedge portion 601 toward and away from the second end 98. The movement of the wedge portion 601 adjusts the gap 604 (i.e., clearance) between the second end 98 and the wedge portion 601. For example, Figure 7A The wedge-shaped portion 601 in the retracted position is shown (e.g., creating a gap 604 of approximately 1.57 mm). Figure 7B The wedge portion 601 in the insertion position is shown (e.g., creating a gap 604 of approximately 0 mm). In some embodiments, the size of the gap 604 can be adjusted to correspond to the expected maximum bending of the rotating frame 22.

[0036] Figure 8 A system for supporting a gearbox 90 according to another embodiment is shown. Specifically, a second end (not shown) of the gearbox is pin-connected to a rotating frame 22, while a first end 94 is allowed to slide in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the gearbox 90, which extends between the first end 94 and the second end 98 (e.g., in forward and backward directions). In the illustrated embodiment, the first end 94 is supported by a pad 506 formed of a different material for sliding movement. Additionally, a retainer or block 502 provides a horizontal stop surface 504 to prevent the gearbox 90 from moving away from the desired plane or pivoting.

[0037] Figure 9 A system for supporting a gearbox 90 according to another embodiment is shown. Specifically, a bushing 708 is located between the first pin 114 and the first lug 106 to reduce stress in the pin joint when the rotating frame 22 bends. In some embodiments, the bushing 708 may be made of polyurethane material. In other embodiments, the bushing is a metal-coated elastomeric bushing. The bushing 708 is flexible to allow some movement / deflection of the first pin 114 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis without causing excessive longitudinal load in the gearbox 90 or the rotating frame 22 when the frame 22 bends, while the bushing 708 also has sufficient stiffness to support vertical loads. In some embodiments, the bushing 708 may have a different stiffness in the first direction (i.e., the horizontal direction) compared to its stiffness in the second direction (i.e., the vertical direction).

[0038] Figure 10A system for supporting a gearbox 90 according to yet another embodiment is shown. Specifically, a second end of the gearbox is pin-connected to a rotating frame 22, while a first end 94 is allowed to slide in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the gearbox 90, which extends between the first end 94 and the second end 98 (e.g., in forward and backward directions). In the illustrated embodiment, a pad 906 formed of a different material (e.g., bronze, nylon, hardened steel, etc.) supports the first end 94 for sliding movement. Different materials can be used to reduce friction at the interface and reduce wear in the joint. Additionally, the joint can be lubricated or coated. Furthermore, the pad 906 provides a horizontal stop surface 912 to prevent the gearbox 90 from moving or pivoting away from a desired plane. Furthermore, a tether (e.g., a chain 916 including a ratchet load coupling 1025) is connected between the rotating frame 22 and the first end 94 of the gearbox 90 to bias the gearbox 90 against the rotating frame 22 and limit vibration.

[0039] Figure 11 A system for supporting a gearbox 90 according to yet another embodiment is shown. Specifically, the second end of the gearbox is coupled to a rotating frame 22 via a pin 118, while the first end 94 is allowed to slide in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the gearbox 90, which extends between the first end 94 and the second end 98 (e.g., in a forward and backward direction relative to the excavator or cable shovel 10). In the illustrated embodiment, a roller element 1106 supports the first end 94 for movement. For example, the roller element 1106 may include a roller element support (1106a), a bridge support (1106b), and / or a cylindrical roller (1106c). Alternatively, a sliding contact pad (1106d) may be used instead of the roller element 1106. Furthermore, a tether (e.g., a chain 1116 including a ratchet load coupling 1025) is coupled between the rotating frame 22 and the first end 94 of the gearbox 90. In other embodiments, another type of tensioning member (e.g., a fastener similar to rod bolt 126 or cable 1026) may be connected between the rotating frame 22 and the first end 94 of the gearbox 90.

[0040] Figure 12 A system for supporting a gearbox 90 according to yet another embodiment is shown. Specifically, the gearbox 90 is connected to a rotating frame via one or more planar links or rods 1392. Each link 1392 is pinned at one end to the gearbox 90 and at the other end to the rotating frame 22, providing a pivotal connection at each end of the link 1392, thereby allowing the gearbox 90 to move in response to bending of the rotating frame 22 during operation. Figure 12 The first end 94 of the gearbox 90 is shown, and the second end (not shown) can be connected to... Figure 11The pin 118 shown is a similar pin to the rotating frame 22. It should be understood that other embodiments may include a connecting rod connecting the second end of the gearbox 90 to the rotating frame and a pin connecting the first end 94 to the rotating frame 22.

[0041] Figure 13 A system for supporting a gearbox 90 according to yet another embodiment is shown. Specifically, the gearbox 90 is connected to a rotating frame 22 by one or more bolts 650. In the illustrated embodiment, an attachment plate 651 is attached to a second end 98 of the gearbox 90, and the bolts 650 extend through the attachment plate 651 and into the rotating frame 22. Figure 13 Five bolts 650 are shown, but fewer or more bolts may be used in other embodiments.

[0042] Figure 14A and Figure 14B A system for supporting a gearbox 90 according to yet another embodiment is shown. Specifically, the gearbox 90 is connected to a rotating frame 22 by one or more bolts 670. An attachment plate 672 is attached to a first end 94 of the gearbox 90, and the bolts 670 extend through the attachment plate 672 and are attached to the rotating frame 22. Figure 14A The embodiment shows two bolts 670, but fewer or more bolts may be used in other embodiments. A bushing 671 is located between the attachment plate 672 and one of the bolts associated with the bolt 670. In other words, each bolt 670 is inserted through the bushing 671, and the assembly of the bushing 671 and the bolt 670 is inserted through a groove 674 that extends through the attachment plate 671.

[0043] Figure 14B A groove 674, a bushing 671, and a bolt 670 are shown. In some embodiments, the groove 674 may be non-circular; for example, in the illustrated embodiment, the groove has an elliptical shape, forming a gap 673 between the circular bushing 671 and the inner surface of the groove 674. The gap 673 allows the assembly of the bolt 670 and the bushing 671 to have greater deflection in a first direction than in a second direction. For example, as... Figure 14A As shown, the semi-major axis of the elliptical groove 674 extends beyond the upper larger diameter portion of the bushing 671 in a direction perpendicular to the first end 94 (when viewed from above the bolt 670). Conversely, the elliptical gap 673 does not extend beyond the upper larger diameter portion of the bushing 671 in a direction parallel to the first end 94 (i.e., along the semi-minor axis of the elliptical groove 674).

[0044] When the rotating frame 22 bends, it is similar to Figure 9 The bushing shown provides Figure 14A and 14BThe bushing 671 is used to reduce stress in the bolt 670. In some embodiments, the bushing 671 may be made of polyurethane material. In other embodiments, the bushing is a metal-coated elastomeric bushing. The bushing 671 is flexible to allow the bolt 670 to move / bend in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bolt 670 without causing excessive longitudinal loads to the gearbox 90 or rotating frame 22 when the frame 22 bends, while the bushing 671 is also rigid enough to support vertical loads. In some embodiments, the bushing 671 may have a different stiffness in the first direction (i.e., the horizontal direction) compared to its stiffness in the second direction (i.e., the vertical direction).

[0045] The embodiments described above and shown in the accompanying drawings are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the concepts and principles of this application. Thus, it is understood that variations and modifications to the elements and their configurations and / or arrangements are possible within the spirit and scope of one or more independent aspects described.

Claims

1. A support system for a gearbox of a rope shovel, the gearbox supporting a gear drive mechanism configured to drive a lifting drum to rotate, the gearbox including a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal shaft extending between the first end and the second end, characterized in that, The support system includes: The first lug extending from the rotating frame; and A first pin, configured to extend in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis through a first lug of the rotating frame and through the gearbox; A gap is provided around the first pin to accommodate the bending movement of the rotating frame.

2. The support system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support system further includes a second lug extending from the rotating frame and a second pin configured to extend through the second lug in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.

3. The support system according to claim 2, characterized in that, A gap is provided around the second pin to accommodate the bending movement of the rotating frame.

4. The support system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first pin is configured to extend through the gearbox near a first end of the gearbox, and the second pin is configured to extend through the gearbox near a second end of the gearbox.

5. The support system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The gap around the first pin is greater than the maximum deflection of the first lug and the second lug.

6. The support system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The total clearance around the first pin and the second pin is greater than the maximum deflection of the first lug and the second lug, and the clearance around the first pin is greater than the clearance around the second pin.

7. The support system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The support system further includes a tensioning member configured to apply a clamping force in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotating frame and configured to bias a first end of the gearbox toward the rotating frame.

8. The support system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The tensioning component is a connecting rod bolt.

9. The support system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The allowable deformation or tension of the connecting rod bolt is configured to be greater than the deflection of the rotating frame.

10. The support system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The support system further includes a wedge-shaped element located between the gearbox and the rotating frame.

11. The support system according to claim 10, characterized in that, The wedge is configured to bias the second end of the gearbox away from the rotating frame.

12. The support system according to claim 11, characterized in that, The wedge-shaped component is a threaded pin wedge block, which has a wedge-shaped portion, a block, and a threaded pin.

13. The support system according to claim 12, characterized in that, The block is fixed to the rotating frame, and the threaded pin is configured to be rotated to move the wedge portion toward and away from the second end of the gearbox.

14. The support system according to claim 10, characterized in that, The clamping force applied by the tensioning member is configured to bias the gearbox and the first pin toward the lower surface of the first lug, and the wedge is configured to bias the gearbox and the second pin toward the upper surface of the second lug.

15. The support system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support system further includes a wedge-shaped element located between the gearbox and the rotating frame.

16. The support system according to claim 15, characterized in that, The wedge is configured to bias the second end of the gearbox away from the rotating frame.

17. The support system according to claim 16, characterized in that, The wedge-shaped component is a threaded pin wedge block, which has a wedge-shaped portion, a block, and a threaded pin.

18. The support system according to claim 17, characterized in that, The block is fixed to the rotating frame, and the threaded pin is configured to be rotated to move the wedge portion toward and away from the second end of the gearbox.

19. A support system for a gearbox of a rope shovel, the gearbox supporting a gear drive mechanism configured to drive a lifting drum to rotate, the gearbox including a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal shaft extending between the first end and the second end, characterized in that, The support system includes: The first lug extends from the rotating frame; A first pin, configured to extend in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis through a first lug of the rotating frame and through the gearbox; and A tensioning member is configured to apply a clamping force in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotating frame and is configured to bias a first end of the gearbox toward the rotating frame.

20. A support system for a gearbox of a rope shovel, the gearbox supporting a gear drive mechanism configured to drive a lifting drum to rotate, the gearbox including a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal shaft extending between the first end and the second end, characterized in that, The support system includes: The first lug extends from the rotating frame; A first pin, configured to extend in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis through a first lug of the rotating frame and through the gearbox; and A wedge-shaped component, located between the gearbox and the rotating frame.

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