Cable feeder

Abstract

A feeder (400) for feeding a cable or hose operably connected to a machine (100) for mining or engineering, the cable / hose (200) being connected at its other end away from the machine (100), where the cable / hose feeder (400) is arranged to be placed on the machine (100). The cable / hose feeder (400) comprises: a feeding device (420) arranged to engage the cable / hose (200); and a transmission device (430) operably connecting the drive system to the feeding device (420). The transmission device (430) includes a one-way drive mechanism (432) configured to allow the feed device (420) to be driven by the drive system in a first direction and free to rotate in an opposite second direction.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a cable feeder. In particular, a cable feeder arranged on a mining machine or a construction machine. BACKGROUND

[0002] There is an ongoing shift towards electric machines and electric vehicles for work in mining environments. This shift aims at least at improving the working environment and at reducing the dependency on fossil fuels. In addition, there are many other positive electrification effects. The working environment is not only cleaner due to the removal of exhaust gases, but also has less noise. The removal of exhaust gases also reduces the requirements on ventilation system capacity in underground environments.

[0003] One solution to facilitate the transition to electrically powered machines is to connect a cable to the machine, for example for transport, operation, and for charging of on-board batteries. The cable can be needed, for example, when the battery charge is insufficient for heavy and energy-intensive operations performed by the mining machine. The cable powers the machine during operation and is therefore trailing behind the machine in the mining environment.

[0004] During operation, the cable is taken up and let out by a cable handling system, which is typically located behind the machine. The cable handling system can be configured to position the cable on a cable reel when taking up the cable. The cable handling system can also position the cable on the ground to prevent the machine from running over the cable.

[0005] A problem with existing cable handling systems is the risk of the cable tangling in the cable handling system. For example, the cable can tangle on the cable reel. If the cable tangles, the operator can need to climb up the mining machine to untangle it, which poses a large risk to the operator since the operator is typically not equipped with sufficient safety equipment to perform such a task in the mining environment. Sometimes, even two operators are needed to solve the problem, which is very time consuming and inefficient in addition to the increased risk. Furthermore, for remotely operated machines or autonomously operated machines, there can not even be an operator nearby.

[0006] There is therefore a need for improvements in the cable handling system on a mining machine, for example to prevent the cable from tangling.

[0007] The corresponding problem also relates to hoses connected to a mining machine and trailing behind the machine to a source of liquid, such as a source of pressurized gas. For example, the hoses can be hydraulic hoses connected to a remote hydraulic pump. Hydraulic systems are important on mining machines, for example for operating tools such as drills. Tangles of such hoses therefore result in production stops and can pose a danger to people nearby. SUMMARY

[0008] It is an object of the present disclosure to overcome at least some of the above-mentioned problems. This object is achieved in a first aspect of the present disclosure by providing a feeder for feeding a cable or hose operatively connected to a machine for mining or engineering, the cable / hose being connected at its other end away from the machine. The cable / hose feeder is arranged to be placed on the machine. The cable / hose feeder comprises a feeding device 420 arranged to engage the cable / hose, a transmission 430 operatively connecting a drive system to the feeding device 420, wherein the transmission 430 comprises a one-way drive mechanism configured to allow the feeding device 420 to be driven by the drive system in a first direction and to be free to turn in a second, opposite direction.

[0009] The cable / hose feeder is configured to feed or pull the cable / hose in the first direction to pay out the cable / hose from the machine. For example, the cable / hose is paid out when the machine is travelling forwards or turning and thus needs more cable / hose between the machine and the remote connection point of the cable / hose. The cable / hose can also be paid out for the purpose of unwinding the cable / hose when it has become tangled on the cable / hose reel, for example. Since the cable / hose is allowed to turn freely in the second direction, the cable / hose feeder does not create any resistance or obstruction when the cable / hose is pulled through the cable feeder in this direction. This can be advantageous when the cable / hose is spooled and paid out through different parts of the system, for example. Thus, the one-way drive mechanism makes it possible to use the cable / hose feeder only for paying out the cable / hose without causing an obstruction when the cable / hose is spooled.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, the feeding device comprises at least one conveyor belt.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, the feeding device comprises a first conveyor belt and a second conveyor belt arranged opposite each other, the cable / hose being arranged to pass between the first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt.

[0012] By increasing the contact surface between the cable / hose and the feeding device 420, less induced wear is caused. Furthermore, the risk of the cable / hose making sharp turns is reduced compared to, for example, feeding the cable / hose with rollers.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one conveyor belt comprises a plurality of conveyor segments linked to form a closed loop. In an exemplary embodiment, each conveyor segment is releasably attached to the at least one conveyor belt.

[0014] Having separate conveyor segments means that the segments can be replaced when worn or a different design is needed, without having to replace the entire cable / hose feeder.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, each conveyor segment is 3D printed.

[0016] 3D-printed conveyor segments allow for modifications to the conveyor belt design without having to replace the entire belt. For example, this can be used to improve the design for better cable / hose bonding or to adapt the design for different cable / hose sizes.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, the feeding device is formed of a polymer material.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, a one-way drive mechanism operatively connects the transmission to the feeding device.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the transmission device includes a drive shaft, wherein a one-way drive device is disposed at one end of the drive shaft.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the free-rotating device is a one-way ball bearing.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, the free-rotating device is a one-way clutch.

[0022] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a feeding system is provided for feeding a cable or hose operatively connected to a machine used for mining or engineering, the cable / hose being connected at its other end remotely from the machine, wherein the cable / hose feeding system is arranged to be placed on the machine. The cable / hose feeding system includes: a cable / hose reel on which the cable / hose is arranged to be wound; a cable / hose guide arm 320 extending from the cable / hose reel; and a cable / hose feeder according to any of the exemplary embodiments.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, a cable / hose feeder is arranged on a cable / hose guide arm.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the cable / hose feeder is arranged to pull the cable / hose in a first direction to release the cable / hose from the cable / hose reel, and the cable / hose reel is arranged to rotate to pull the cable / hose in a second direction opposite to the first direction to reel the cable / hose onto the cable / hose reel.

[0025] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, a machine for mining or engineering is provided, the machine being operatively connected to a cable / hose, the other end of which is connected remotely from the machine, wherein the machine includes a cable / hose feeder or a cable / pipe feeding system according to any of the exemplary embodiments.

[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, the machine is an open-pit mining machine.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, the machine is a drilling rig.

[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, the machine is an electric machine. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0030] Figure 1 Embodiments of the machine according to this disclosure are shown.

[0031] Figure 2 This illustration demonstrates an embodiment of a cable feeding system according to the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 3 This invention demonstrates an embodiment of a cable feeder according to the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 4 illustrates an embodiment of the cable feeder according to the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 5 An embodiment of the transmission device 430 according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0035] Figure 6 An embodiment of the unidirectional drive mechanism according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0036] Figures 7a to 7c An embodiment of a one-way ball bearing according to the present disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The following is a detailed description of cable feeders, cable feeding systems, and machines used in mining or engineering. In the accompanying drawings, similar reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding elements throughout the drawings. It should be understood that these drawings are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of this disclosure in any way. As mentioned above, the problems involving cables disclosed herein also relate to hoses operably connected to and following behind machines to a liquid source. Therefore, when referring to cables and cable-related equipment, it will be understood that these solutions should be considered equally applicable to hoses.

[0038] refer to Figure 1 The machine 100 was displayed. Figure 1 In this context, machine 100 is exemplified as a mining machine. When referring to a mining machine, this is understood to mean machine 100 arranged to travel and operate within a mining environment. Therefore, machine 100 can perform operations specifically related to mining, such as drilling, or other operations required for operation within the mining environment, such as operations related to engineering and surface preparation. The mining environment can be, but is not limited to, an underground mine, a surface mine, or an open-pit mine. The mining environment can be an area adjacent to or related to the mine. Therefore, the mining environment can be considered any area where the mining machine can normally travel during operation. Figure 1 In one embodiment, machine 100 is exemplified as a drilling rig. Figure 1The drilling rig is mobile, meaning it can move within a mining environment, for example, for drilling at different locations. In an alternative embodiment, machine 100 is another type of mining machine, such as a loader, dump truck, truck, excavator, or transport vehicle. Machine 100 can be operated by an operator seated inside the machine, by a remote operator, or autonomously.

[0039] In an alternative embodiment, machine 100 is an engineering machine arranged to travel and operate at an engineering site, such as a road construction site or a power plant construction site. In an alternative embodiment, machine 100 is a quarrying machine arranged to travel and operate at a quarry. Machine 100 can be operated by an operator seated inside machine 100, by a remote operator, or autonomously.

[0040] exist Figure 1 In this configuration, cable 200 is operatively connected to the rear portion of machine 100. Cable 200 supplies electrical power to machine 100. The energy supplied through cable 200 is used by machine 100 for purposes such as travel in a mining environment or operation of tools on machine 100, such as drill bits.

[0041] exist Figure 2 In the middle, the cable feeder system 300 is visible. Figure 2 In this embodiment, the cable feeding system 300 is arranged on the machine 100. In other embodiments, the cable feeding system 300 may be arranged at another location on the machine 100 corresponding to the location where the cable 200 is operatively connected to the machine 100.

[0042] Cable feeder system 300 typically includes a cable guide 310, a guide arm 320, and a cable feeder 400 for positioning the cable 200 during take-up and release. In one embodiment, cable feeder system 300 further includes a cable 200 reel on which the cable 200 can be wound. In one embodiment, cable guide 310 is arranged to position the cable 200 on the cable 200 reel during take-up.

[0043] Now refer to Figure 3Describes a cable feeder 400. The cable feeder 400 is disposed at the distal end of a cable feeding system 300. Preferably, it is located at the distal end of a guide arm 320 relative to machine 100. The cable feeder 400 typically includes a housing 410, a feeding device 420, and a drive 430. A cable 200 is arranged to pass through the housing 410. The feeding device 420 is configured to engage the cable 200 within the housing 410. The drive 430 is configured to operatively connect the feeding device 420 to a drive system. For example, the drive system may include a motor, such as an electric motor. The drive system may also be communicatively connected to a control system such that feeding in the feeding system can be controlled. Controlling the feeding may include controlling the feeding speed, such as aligning the feeding speed of the cable 200 with the travel / movement speed of machine 100 and / or aligning the feeding speed of the cable 200 with the movement pattern of machine 200.

[0044] In one embodiment, housing 410 has a cuboid shape. In one embodiment, housing 410 has a proximal end and a distal end, wherein when cable feeder 400 is mounted on machine 100, the proximal end points toward machine 100, and the distal end is arranged to point away from machine 100. It should be understood that when guide arm 320 is movable relative to machine 100, cable feeder 400 can also be moved such that, for example, the proximal end points more or less toward machine 100. The proximal end includes a first opening 411, and the distal end includes a second opening 412, wherein cable 200 is arranged to pass through between the first opening 411 and the second opening 412. Feeding device 420 is arranged in housing 410 between the first opening 411 and the second opening 412 such that feeding device 420 can engage cable 200 to feed cable 200. In one embodiment, housing 410 includes an attachment device for attaching cable feeder 400 to cable feeding system 300, preferably to guide arm 320. In one embodiment, housing 410 is permanently attached to cable feed system 300, preferably to guide arm 320, such as by welding or bolting.

[0045] In one embodiment, the feeding device 420 is in the form of at least one conveyor belt. During operation, at least one conveyor belt is driven by a drive system. Cable 200 is arranged to pass between at least one conveyor belt and an opposing surface. In one embodiment, at least one conveyor belt is loaded against cable 200, for example, by a spring load (such as...). Figure 4a and Figure 5 (As indicated by the four arrows in the diagram). This causes the cable 200 to be compressed between at least one conveyor belt and an opposing surface, such that movement of the conveyor belt causes movement of the cable 200, thereby feeding the cable 200.

[0046] exist Figure 4aIn the embodiments shown, the feeding device 420 is arranged in the form of a first conveyor belt 421 and a second conveyor belt 422 arranged opposite to each other, with the cable 200 passing between the first conveyor belt 421 and the second conveyor belt 422. In this embodiment, the second conveyor belt 422 forms an opposing surface, i.e., the cable 200 is compressed between the first conveyor belt 421 and the second conveyor belt 422. In one embodiment, the first conveyor belt 421 and the second conveyor belt 422 are loaded abutting each other, for example, by a spring load, so that the cable 200 abuts against the first conveyor belt 421 and the second conveyor belt 422 as it passes through the first conveyor belt 421 and the second conveyor belt 422. In one embodiment, only the second conveyor belt 422 is loaded, and the first conveyor belt 421 is fixed. In one embodiment, the first conveyor belt 421 is operatively connected to a drive system via a transmission 430, and the second conveyor belt 422 is loaded abutting against the first conveyor belt 422, for example, by a spring load. In one embodiment, the tension of the loaded conveyor belt is controlled by a control system.

[0047] In one embodiment, the cable feeder 400 further includes a support structure on which at least one conveyor belt is disposed. In one embodiment, the support structure includes a pair of rotating devices, and the conveyor belt is suspended on the pair of rotating devices. In one embodiment, a first rotating element 441 of the pair of rotating devices is arranged to rotate freely such that when the conveyor belt moves in either direction, the first rotating element 441 moves accordingly. In one embodiment, a second rotating element 442 of the pair of rotating devices is operatively connected to a drive system, preferably operatively connected to the drive system via a transmission 430, such that the drive system can drive the second rotating element 442 to rotate to cause movement of the conveyor belt. In one embodiment, one of four rotating elements is operatively connected to the drive system, and the remaining three are arranged to rotate freely. In one embodiment, one rotating element in each pair of rotating devices is driven by the drive system. In one embodiment, one rotating element is operatively connected to the drive system, wherein the cable feeder 400 further includes means for transmitting rotation to at least one additional rotating element.

[0048] In one embodiment, at least one conveyor belt includes a plurality of conveyor segments. The plurality of conveyor segments are interconnected or linked to form a conveyor belt. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of conveyor segments is releasably attached to at least one conveyor belt. In one embodiment, at least one conveyor belt is arranged on a support structure, preferably on a rotating device. In one embodiment, a conveyor segment is capable of being released from at least one conveyor belt without removing the conveyor belt from the support structure.

[0049] exist Figure 4b and Figure 4cThe image shows two embodiments of the transport segment 423. In one embodiment, it is formed of a polymer material. In another embodiment, multiple transport segments are produced using a free-form manufacturing method such as 3D printing. Figure 4b In one embodiment, the transmission segment 423 includes a mating surface 423a arranged to mat the cable 200. In one embodiment, the mating surface 423a has a shape suitable for mating the cable 200. In another embodiment, the mating surface 423a has a semi-circular or truncated circular shape. Figure 4c The embodiment further includes two tracks 423b. Tracks 423b are configured to connect the conveyor segment 423 to the connector, for example, by a snap-fit ​​engagement. The number and design of tracks 423b depend on the design and configuration of the connector. In other embodiments, other methods of connecting multiple conveyor segments to the conveyor belt are possible, such as by other mechanical fasteners or magnets.

[0050] refer to Figure 5 An embodiment of the drive mechanism 430 of a cable feeder 400 is shown. The drive mechanism 430 typically includes a drive shaft 431 and a one-way drive mechanism 432. The drive shaft 431 is configured to connect the cable feeder 400 to a drive system. The one-way drive mechanism 432 is configured to allow the feeder 420 to be driven by the drive system in a first direction and to rotate freely in the opposite second direction.

[0051] When the feeding device 420 is driven in the first direction, it is configured to engage the cable 200 and feed the cable 200 out of the machine 100, in other words, release the cable 200. Specifically, the feeding device 420 is moved when the drive system rotates the drive shaft 431 in the first direction. Preferably, the rotation of the rotating device causes the rotation of the conveyor belt that engages with the cable 200 and releases the cable 200 from the machine 100.

[0052] Conversely, the take-up of cable 200 is driven by a portion of the cable feeding system 300 other than the cable feeder 400. In one embodiment, cable 200 is taken up by the rotation of a cable reel. Therefore, cable 200 is pulled in the opposite second direction by the cable feeder 400. For this purpose, the cable feeder 400 allows cable 200 to pass freely in the opposite second direction.

[0053] refer to Figure 6 a to Figure 6 c. An embodiment of the one-way drive mechanism 432 is shown. The one-way drive mechanism 432 is configured to transmit torque in a first direction between the drive shaft 431 and the cable feeder 400, and to enable free movement or free rotation in the opposite second direction.

[0054] exist Figure 6In the embodiment shown, the basic working principle of the free-rotating mechanism is illustrated as a ratchet free-rotating mechanism 4321. For rotation in the first direction, the teeth or ratchet of the drive disc 4321a lock with the teeth of the driven disc 4321b, causing them to rotate at the same speed. If the drive disc 4321a rotates in the second direction, the teeth of the driven disc 4321b slide over the teeth of the drive disc and continue to rotate.

[0055] exist Figures 7a to 7c In the embodiment shown, the one-way drive mechanism 432 is exemplified as a one-way ball bearing 4322, typically including an inner ring 4322a and an outer ring 4322b. The torque of the drive shaft 431 is transmitted to the cable feeder 400 via the balls 4322c of the ball bearing. Figure 7a and Figure 7b The embodiment shown illustrates a cross-section of a one-way ball bearing. When the ball 4322c of the bearing wedges against the inner ramp, the torque of the inner ring 4322a in the first direction is transmitted to the outer ring 4322b. When the drive shaft 431 rotates in the first direction, the ball 4322c locks with the outer ring 4322b, causing them to rotate in unison. During rotation of either the inner ring 4322a or the outer ring 4322b in the second direction, the ball 4322c slides within the one-way ball bearing, allowing free rotation. Figure 7a In the embodiment shown, ball 4322c is additionally spring-loaded for smoother free rotation. Figure 7c An embodiment of a one-way ball bearing is shown, further illustrating the inner and outer surfaces of the ball bearing, wherein a drive shaft 431 is configured to engage a first groove 4322d in the inner surface to transmit torque to the one-way ball bearing, and wherein a feed device 420 is configured to engage a second groove 4322e in the outer surface to receive torque.

[0056] In an alternative embodiment, the one-way drive mechanism 432 is a one-way clutch. In one embodiment, the one-way clutch is an electromagnetic clutch. The electromagnetic clutch is configured to actuate when the drive system is actuated (such as when the motor of the drive system is actuated to release cable 200), i.e., to transmit torque. Therefore, the electromagnetic clutch is configured not to actuate when the motor of the drive system is not actuated, i.e., to allow free rotation. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic clutch is controlled by a control system.

[0057] Preferred embodiments of cable feeders, cable feeding systems, and machines for mining or engineering have been disclosed above. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that variations are possible within the scope of the claims without departing from the inventive concept. All alternative embodiments or portions of the embodiments described above can be freely combined or used separately, provided the combinations are not contradictory and do not depart from the inventive concept.

Claims

1. A feeder (400) for feeding a cable or hose operatively connected to a machine (100) for mining or engineering, the cable / hose (200) being connected at its other end away from the machine (100), wherein the cable / hose feeder (400) is arranged to be placed on the machine (100), the cable / hose feeder (400) comprising: a feeding device (420) arranged to engage the cable / hose (200), a transmission device (430) operatively connecting a drive system to the feeding device (420), wherein the transmission device (430) comprises a one-way drive mechanism (432) configured to allow the feeding device (420) to be driven by the drive system in a first direction and to freely rotate in a second, opposite direction.

2. The cable / hose feeder (400) according to claim 1, wherein the feeding device (420) comprises at least one conveyor belt.

3. The cable / hose feeder (400) according to claim 2, wherein the feeding device (420) comprises a first conveyor belt (421) and a second conveyor belt (422) arranged opposite each other, the cable / hose (200) being arranged to pass between the first conveyor belt (421) and the second conveyor belt (422).

4. The cable / hose feeder (400) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the at least one conveyor belt comprises a plurality of conveyor segments (423) linked to form a closed loop.

5. The cable / hose feeder (400) according to claim 4, wherein each conveyor segment (423) is releasably attached to the at least one conveyor belt.

6. The cable / hose feeder (400) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein each conveyor segment (423) is 3D printed.

7. The cable / hose feeder (400) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the feeding device (420) is formed of a polymeric material.

8. The cable / hose feeder (400) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one-way drive mechanism (432) operatively connects the transmission device (430) to the feeding device (420).

9. The cable / hose feeder (400) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transmission device (430) comprises a transmission shaft (431), and wherein the one-way drive mechanism (432) is arranged at one end of the transmission shaft (433).

10. The cable / hose feeder (400) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the free rotation mechanism is a one-way ball bearing.

11. The cable / hose feeder (400) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the free rotation mechanism is a one-way clutch.

12. A feeding system for feeding a cable or hose operatively connected to a machine for mining or engineering, the cable / hose (200) being connected at its other end away from the machine (100), wherein the cable / hose feeding system (300) is arranged to be placed on the machine (100), the cable / hose feeding system (300) comprising: a cable / hose reel, the cable / hose (200) being arranged to be wound on the cable / hose reel, a cable / hose guide arm (320) extending from the cable / hose reel, and a cable / hose feeder (400) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 11.

13. The cable / hose feeding system (300) according to claim 12, wherein the cable / hose feeder (400) is arranged on the cable / hose guide arm (320).

14. The cable / hose feeding system (300) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the cable / hose feeder (400) is arranged to pull the cable / hose (200) in a first direction to pay out the cable / hose (200) from the cable / hose reel, and the cable / hose reel is arranged to be rotated to pull the cable / hose (200) in a second direction opposite to the first direction to take up the cable / hose (200) on the cable / hose reel.

15. A machine for mining or engineering, the machine (100) being operatively connected to a cable / hose (200) connected at its other end away from the machine (100), wherein the machine (100) comprises a cable / hose feeder (400) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 or a cable / hose feeding system (300) according to any one of claims 12 to 14.

16. The machine (100) according to claim 15, wherein the machine (100) is a surface mining machine.

17. The machine (100) according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the machine (100) is a drill rig.

18. The machine (100) according to any one of claims 15 to 17, which is an electric machine.

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