Cutting unit for a mining machine

Abstract

The invention relates to cutting unit (3) comprising at least one rotating part (5) for rotating about a rotation axis (RA) with a number of cutting elements (8); a gear box (14) for driving the rotating part (5); at least one stationary part (12) receiving the gearbox and the rotatable mounted rotating part (5), wherein a first front edge (28) of the stationary part (12) is arranged at a distance (d) along the rotation axis (RA) to a facing second front edge (30) of the rotating part (5); and a seal (38) protecting the gear box (14) and being arranged in a gap (36) defined between stationary part (12) and rotating part (5). The invention suggests a deflector (40) extending at least partly in a circumferential direction (C) and being arranged coaxial to rotation axis (RA) in the gap (36) radially outward of the seal (38).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a deflector and a cutting unit for a mining machine comprising at least one rotating part configured to rotate about a rotation axis and having a number of cutting elements, at least one gear box configured for driving the rotating part around the rotation axis and at least one stationary part configured to receive the gearbox, wherein the rotating part is rotatable mounted to the stationary part. At least a first front edge of the stationary part is arranged at a distance along the rotation axis to a facing second front edge of the rotating part. The cutting unit further has a seal configured to protect the gear box, the seal being arranged in a gap defined between the stationary part and the rotating part. The invention further relates to a deflector a mining machine having such a cutting unit and to a mounting method for a mining machine.

[0002] A variety of different types of mining machines have been developed for cutting drifts, tunnels, subterranean roadways and the like in which a cutting unit is mounted on a main frame so as to create a desired tunnel cross-sectional profile. During the cutting operation, the mining machine advances forward through the rock. WO2017211429A1 shows an exemplary a mining machine.

[0003] For safety reasons, a roof support comprising a mesh is installed at the ceiling of the underground tunnel for preventing rocks or brittles to fall from the ceiling.

[0004] However, there is the risk of the cutting unit tearing parts out of the mesh, which are then transported into the gap by the rotating part and cause damage to the seal. In the event of a damaged seal, the entire gearbox has to be dismantled, which leads to downtimes in a range of 100h and considerable costs. Thus, there is a need to avoid downtimes of mining machines reasoned by damage of seals protecting the gear box.

[0005] This is where the invention takes effect, the object of which is to reduce the downtimes of cutting units for mining machines.

[0006] The invention solves the initial mentioned object in a first aspect by a cutting unit according to claim 1. In particular, the invention suggests that the cutting unit comprises a deflector extending at least partly in a circumferential direction and being arranged coaxial to the rotation axis in the gap radially outward of the seal. By having a deflector arranged in the gap radially outward of the seal, parts of the mesh ripped out by the cutting unit first come into contact with the deflector before hitting the seal. The arrangement of the deflector in the gap is further beneficial, since the gap size, which can increase overtime is reduced.

[0007] Moreover, the reduced gap size also prevents entry of ropes or other material into the gap, regardless of the tapered outer surface of the deflector.

[0008] The deflector may have an outer surface at least partly tapering towards the rotating part. The parts of the mesh are then deflected by the deflector away from the gap due to the at least partly tapered outer surface of the deflector. In otherwords, the deflector guides ropes and other material away from the gap towards the rotating part.

[0009] Further embodiments of the invention are given in the dependent claims, which further develop the concept of the invention with regard to advantageous features in the context of the object of the invention and with regard to further advantages.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment, the deflector is associated to the rotating part. Hence, the deflector rotates together with the rotating part around the rotation axis. Thus, material caught e.g. by the engagement piece of the deflector is transported around the rotation axis. The deflector associated to the rotating part can either be formed integral with the rotating part thereby defining a deflecting flange of the rotating part or the deflector is mounted, preferably releasable mounted, to the rotating part.

[0011] Preferably, the deflector is releasable mounted to the rotating part. As such, wear between the deflector and the rotating part is avoided and the movement of the rotating part is beneficial used for the transport of the material cut from the mesh.

[0012] Preferably, the deflector has at least one engagement piece facing radially outwards and being configured to engage material before entering the gap. By having at least on engagement piece, preferably being configured as a bar or a catch, ropes and other material are caught and transported in circumferential direction. As such, also transport of lager pieces of rope or other material ripped out from the mesh is enabled.

[0013] It is further preferred, that the engagement piece is defined by a recess extending from the outer surface of the deflector radially inwards. Further preferred, the recess extends at least partially in the circumferential direction. Preferably, the deflector is configured to be mounted to the rotating part such that a direction of rotation of the rotating part during operation of the cutting unit is opposite to the direction of the extension of the recess with regard to the circumferential direction. In other words, the recess is sickle-shaped having a larger width at the outer surface which allows easy engagement of ropes and other material. Due to the circumferential extension in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the rotating part, material is advanced deeper into the recess by the rotational movement of the rotating part.

[0014] Preferably, the engagement piece is further configured to cut the engaged material. Thus, the engagement piece allows functional integration by the ability to cut the engaged material. In particular, when having the sickle-shaped recess, caught material is advanced deeper into recess by the rotation of the rotating part and forced to hit a cut edge of the engagement piece thereby shredding the material into smaller pieces that can easily be guided away from the gap by the tapered outer surface of the deflector.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the cutting unit has at least one core breaker arranged radially outwards of the stationary part and adjacent to the rotating part such that the deflector extends at least partly between the core breaker and the rotating part. Further preferred, the core breaker has at least one cutting edge configured to cut material being engaged by the engagement piece. In this way, the already existing cutting edge of the core breaker is used to cut material caught and preferably transported by the engaging part. This enables additional cutting edges to be dispensed with or at least to reduce their number.

[0016] Preferably, the cutting edge of the core breaker faces in the circumferential direction, such that the cutting edge is opposite to the direction of rotation during operation of the cutting unit. Thus, the rotation of the rotating part advances material caught by the engagement piece towards the cutting edge of the core breaker. Every full turnaround of the rotating part, the engaged material is advanced towards the cutting edge of the core breaker and caught into a smaller piece.

[0017] It is further preferred, that the core breaker is mounted to a bearing shell coupled to the stationary part, wherein the core breaker has a mounting interface configured to receive corresponding bearing mounting means for releasable mounting the core breaker to the bearing shell. The core breaker and the cutting edge of the core breaker accordingly a subject wear and tear and must be replaced from time to time. By releasable mounting the core breaker to the bearing shell, the core breaker can be maintained or completely replaced without requiring welding processes. Furthermore, the core breaker can easily be replaced at the same time when the rotating part or the deflector needs to be replace due to wear.

[0018] Preferably, the core breaker is designed to define a distance to the rotating part and / or the deflector along the rotation axis of 3.5 mm or less, in particular 2.5 mm or less, from the stationary part. In the state of the art, core breakers are generally made of sheet metal stripes that are welded on a carrier structure such that the distal structure of the core breaker facing radially outwards is at a distance to the first front edge of the rotating part way more than 3.5 mm. In contrast, the distance of 3.5 mm or less is sufficiently small so avoid that the material deviates into the gap between the core breaker and the rotating part and / or the deflector.

[0019] It shall be understood, that the distance of the rotating part and the stationary part, e.g. the core breaker, is not constant but may vary in radial direction of the gap.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the gap is a first gap, the deflector is a first deflector and the rotating part is a first rotating part arranged adjacent to a first side a of the stationary part. In that regard, the cutting unit comprises a second rotating part arranged adjacent to a second side of the stationary part, wherein at least one third front edge of the stationary part opposite the first front edge is arranged at a distance along the rotation axis to a facing fourth front edge of the second rotating part thereby defining an entrance region of a second gap in between. Furthermore, a second at least partly circumferential extending deflector is arranged between the at least third front edge and facing fourth front edge. Thus, e.g. ropes that are teared from a mesh for roof support are hindered from hitting a number of seals by corresponding number of deflectors arranged in the number of gaps.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the cutting unit further comprises a cutting member associated to the stationary part and being arranged adjacent to the deflector. The cutting member has a cutting area facing tangentially to the circumferential direction. By having a cutting member in addition to the cutting edge provided by the core breaker or by the engagement piece itself, the material deflected by the deflecting piece can be slice into even more pieces which facilitates easy transport from the material away from the gap and thus protecting the seal. Preferably, the cutting member is a separate part releasable mounted to the stationary part.

[0022] Preferably, the cutting member is arranged circumferentially offset from the cutting edge, so that material engaged by the deflector first passes the cutting member and afterwards impinges the cutting member. By having the cutting member arranged circumferentially offset from the cutting edge, the maximum length of material deflected by the deflector is defined by the distance between the cutting edge and the cutting member in the circumferentially direction with respect to the rotation axis. It shall be understood that the cutting edge of the core breaker is always a free edge of the core breaker facing in circumferential direction such that during operation of the cutting unit the cutting edge faces in a circumferential direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the rotating part. The core breaker has two edges suitable for cutting ropes, wherein only one of both is directed towards the direction of rotation. The edge of the core breaker close to the cutting member is not suitable for cutting ropes and the like, since they slide above the respective edge. This is where the cutting member comes into action which cuts the ropes sliding about the edge of the core breaker facing in the direction of rotation.

[0023] It is further preferred, that the cutting edge of the core breaker and the cutting member are provided on opposite sides of the stationary part. In particular the cutting edge is provided on a top of the stationary part and the cutting member is arranged at a bottom of the stationary part. During operation, the rotating part of the cutting unit generally rotates downwards tangentially with regard to a contact point between the rotating part and a rock to be removed. Thus, material engaged by the engagement piece is first advanced towards the cutting edge of the core breaker and then shredded and transported downwards to the bottom of the cutting unit. The cutting member is arranged at the bottom of the cutting unit and enables further shredding of the engaged material. Consequently, the maximum length of the material deflected by the deflecting piece is limited by the distance of the cutting edge and the cutting member.

[0024] Preferably, the deflector is arranged at a reduced distance along the rotation axis of 2 mm or less from the stationary part. Thus, in case the deflector is associated to the rotating part and arranged at a reduced distance along the axis of rotation of 2 mm or less to the stationary part, a maximum width of an entrance region of the gap entrance is defined. By having a reduced distance of 2 mm or less, ropes of mesh installed at the ceiling of the underground tunnel cannot enter the gap. It is recognized that ropes of mesh installed at the ceiling of the underground tunnel generally have a dimeter of 3 mm or more, in particular of 4 mm to 6 mm.

[0025] It is further preferred, that the rotating part has an engagement interface configured to receive corresponding engagement means to form a pin or bolt connection for releasable mounting the deflector to the rotating part. A pin or bolt connection allows easy and fast assembling and disassembling of the deflector which is preferably mounted to the rotating part. Thus, maintenance and off times of the cutting unit are further reduced.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, the rotating part is formed as a cutting drum, in particular a drum body, and the stationary part comprises a yoke arm and / or a gear box middle part. In cutting machines, gaps are defined between the cutting drum and a yoke arm as well as between the cutting drum and the gap of middle part wherein both stationary parts are used to mount the gear box.

[0027] The invention solves the aforementioned object in a second aspect by a deflector according to claim 14. According to the second aspect, the invention suggests that the deflector extends at least partly in a circumferential direction and has mounting means for coupling with an axially facing mounting surface either to at least one of the following: a corresponding engagement interface of a rotating part of the cutting unit, wherein the deflector has an outer surface at least partly tapering towards the mounting surface from an opposite free end, or a corresponding engagement interface of a stationary part of the cutting unit, wherein the deflector has an outer surface at least partly tapering from the part mounting surface towards an opposite free end. By means of a corresponding deflection part, the invention according to the second aspect utilizes the advantages described in relation to the first aspect of the invention. Thus, advantages and preferred embodiments described in relation to the first aspect of the invention are also advantages and preferred embodiments of the second aspect.

[0028] The invention solves the aforementioned object in a third aspect by a mining machine according to claim 15. The invention suggests a mining machine, in particular bolter miner, for underground mining and construction applications, comprising a cutting unit according to the first aspect of the invention. By means of a corresponding cutting unit, the invention according to the third aspect utilizes the advantages described in relation to the first aspect of the invention. Thus, advantages and preferred embodiments described in relation to the first aspect of the invention are also advantages and preferred embodiments of the third aspect.

[0029] The invention solves the aforementioned object in a fourth aspect by a method for mounting a cutting unit for a mining machine. In particular, the invention suggests that the method comprises the steps: providing at least one stationary part, receiving at least one gear box configured for driving a rotating part around a rotation axis in the stationary part, rotatable mounting at least one rotating part which is configured to rotate about a rotation axis and having a number of cutting elements cutting picks, wherein at least one first front edge of the stationary part is arranged at a distance along the rotation axis to a facing second front edge of the rotating part, seal the gear box from environment by a seal arranged in the gap and being configured to protect the gear box, mounting an at least partly circumferential extending deflector between the at least one first front edge and a facing second front edge, wherein the deflector has an outer surface at least partly tapering towards the rotating part. By suggesting a method for mounting a cutting unit according to the first aspect, the invention according to the fourth aspect utilizes the advantages described in relation to the first aspect of the invention. Thus, advantages and preferred embodiments described in relation to the first aspect of the invention are also advantages and preferred embodiments of the fourth aspect.

[0030] The term "adjacent" in the context of the invention is to be understood as being arranged next to something or at least very near, in particular with a distance less than 500 mm, so that no other similar part is arranged in between. The term "gap" in the context of the invention is to be understood as a free space between the stationary part and the rotary part which may also be defined by additional parts. The gap extends coaxial to the axis of rotation and extends from an entrance region in which material may enter the gap radially inwards, wherein the gap may not necessarily be defined regularly. The term "stationary part" refers to a part which is stationary in relation to the rotational movement of the rotating part but may allow transversal movement.

[0031] For more complete understanding of the invention, the invention is described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The detail description will illustrate and describe what is considered as a preferred embodiment of the invention. Fig. 1:shows a mining machine with a cutting unit according to a preferred embodiment in a perspective view; Fig. 2:shows a section of the cutting unit for a mining machine according to Fig. 1 in a perspective view; Fig. 3:shows the section of the cutting unit according to Fig. 2 in a sectional view; Fig. 4:shows a second section of the cutting unit according to Fig. 1 in a perspective view; Fig. 5:shows the section of the cutting unit according to Fig. 4 in a sectional view; Fig. 6:shows a rotating part with a deflector attached their two of the cutting units according to Fig. 1; Fig. 7:shows a deflector according to preferred embodiment for the cutting unit according to Fig. 1; Fig. 8:shows a section of the cutting unit according to Fig. 1 with a cutting member in a perspective view; Fig. 9:shows a core breaker for a cutting unit according to Fig. 1 in a perspective view; and Fig. 10:shows a flow chart of a method for mounting a cutting unit for a mining machine according to Fig. 1.

[0032] Fig. 1 shows a mining machine 1 for cutting an underground tunnel. In the exemplary embodiment, the mining machine 1 is configured as a bolter miner 2.

[0033] The mining machine 1 comprises a cutting unit 3 and a main frame 4 to which the cutting unit 3 is attached. The cutting unit 3 is shown in more detail in Fig. 2 to Fig. 6.

[0034] The cutting unit 3 is only shown in a schematic manner and is provided with a cutting unit advancing drive 9, which itself is supported by the main frame 4. The mining machine 1 moreover comprises tracks 10 or wheels, in particular crawler tracks, for driving on an underground road way. The mining machine 1 also comprises a conveyer 11 for conveying excavated material from the cutting unit 3.

[0035] The cutting unit 3 comprises at least one rotating part 5 configured to rotate about a rotation axis RA.

[0036] When performing a cutting operation, the mining machine 1 is braced between a roof of the tunnel and a floor of the tunnel by means of a mesh attached to the roof of the tunnel.

[0037] Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 show a first section of the cutting unit 3 according to Fig. 1.

[0038] The cutting unit 3 further has at least one stationary part 12 configured to receive a gear box 14. The rotating part 5 is rotatable mounted to the stationary part 12. The stationary part 12 shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 is configured as a yoke arm 18. The rotating part 5 is configured as a rotating drum 6 and has a number of cutting elements 8.

[0039] The cutting unit 3 further has a core breaker 20 mounted to a bearing shell 22, wherein the bearing shell 22 (see Fig. 9) is coupled to the yoke arm 18. The core breaker 20 is arranged radially outwards of the gear box 14 and the yoke arm 18.

[0040] The gap 36 is defined between a first front edge 28 of the stationary part 12 and a facing second front edge 30 of the rotating part 5. The second facing front edge 30 is arranged at a distance d from the first front edge 28. In Fig. 3, an entrance region 36a of the gap 36 is defined between the rotating part 5 being a cutting drum 6 and the core breaker 20 attached to the stationary part 12 being a yoke arm 18.

[0041] The cutting unit 3 further has a seal 38 which is arranged in the gap 36 and configured to protect the gear box 14.

[0042] The cutting unit 3 is further provided with a deflector 40 which is arranged between the core breaker 20 and the cutting drum 6 in the gap 36. The deflector 40 is arranged coaxial to the rotation axis RA. The deflector 40 has an outer surface 46 at least partly tapering towards the rotating part 5. In the shown embodiment, the deflector 40 is mounted to the cutting drum 6 at least partly defining the rotating part 5. When the deflector 40 is mounted to the cutting drum 6, a reduced distance d' is provided between the stationary part 12 and / or the core breaker 20 and the deflector 40.

[0043] The deflector 40 has at least one engagement piece 42 that will be described in further detail below.

[0044] The core breaker 20 has at least one cutting edge 60 configured to cut material being engaged by the engagement piece 42. The cutting edge 60 of the core breaker 20 faces in the circumferential direction C such that cutting edge 60 is opposite to the direction of rotation R (see Fig. 8) during operation of the cutting unit 3. Thus, material engaged by the engagement piece 42 is transported to the cutting edge 60 of the core breaker 20 and advanced to hit the cutting edge 60 thereby being shredded into smaller pieces.

[0045] The core breaker 20 is designed to define a distance d to the rotating part 5 along the rotation axis RA and to define a reduced distance d' of 3.5 mm or less, in particular 2.5 mm or less to the deflector 40.

[0046] As in particular shown in Fig. 3, the deflection piece 40 has a mounting surface 50 facing towards the rotating part 5 and an opposite free end 52 facing towards the stationary part 12 in particular towards the core breaker 20. The rotating part 5 has a corresponding engagement interface 54 configured to receive engagement means 56, in particular pins or bolts 59, to form a pin or bolt connection 58 as shown in Fig. 6.

[0047] The deflector 40 is tapered towards the rotating part 5. In particular, the deflector 40 may have a radial high r in the cross sectional area shown in Fig. 3 that decreases towards the rotating part 5.

[0048] In the area between the stationary part 12 facing the rotating part 5 the size of the gap 36 is partly defined by the distance d between the rotating part 5 and the stationary part 12. In particular, the area between the stationary part 12 facing the rotating part 5 defines the entrance region 36a of the gap 36. With the deflector 40 arranged in the entrance region 36a, the reduced distance d' is provided. Thus, material as for example a rope cannot easily enter the entrance region 36a of the gap 36 and is instead deflected by the deflector 40 and guided axially outwards along the axis of rotation RA.

[0049] Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 show another section of the cutting unit 3. The previously described deflector 40 is arranged in the gap 36 defined between the rotating part 5 configured as a cutting drum 6 and the stationary part 12. In Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, the stationary part 12 is defined by a gear box middle part 16.

[0050] The form of the free end 52 of the deflector 40 is adapted to the geometry of the gear box middle part 16 so as to reduce size of the gap 36 between the rotating part 5 and the stationary part 12 in the entrance region 36a of the gap 36. The size of the gap 36 at least in the entrance region 36a is thus reduced by the deflector 40. The free end 52 of the deflector 40 preferably has a form corresponding to the counter of the gear box middle part 16.

[0051] In Fig. 2 to Fig. 5, the reflecting part 40 is associated to the rotating part 5 and preferably releasable mounted thereto. In that regard, Fig. 6 shows mounting of the deflector 40 to the rotating part 5.

[0052] The deflector 40 has a mounting surface 50 in which a number of mounting means 48 defined by through holes is provided. The mounting surface 50 rests against a corresponding engagement interface 54 of the rotating part 3. A number of bolts or pins 59 forms a pin or bolt connection 58 to couple the deflector 40 to their rotating part 5.

[0053] As shown in detail in Fig. 7, the deflector 40 has at least one engagement piece 42 that is defined by a recess 44 which extends from the radial outer surface 46 of the deflector 40 radially inwards and at least partly in circumferential direction thereby defining a barb 45. The barb 45 faces in the direction of rotation of the rotating part 5. Thus, the recess 44 extends in circumferential direction C in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation during operation of the cutting unit 3.

[0054] Preferably, the engagement piece 42 defining the barb 45 is configured to cut engaged material, in particular engage ropes.

[0055] Fig. 8 shows another section of the cutting unit 3. A first deflector 40.1 is arrange on the right hand side of Fig. 8 between the core breaker 20 and the first rotating part 5.1 configured as a cutting drum 6. A second deflector 40.2 is arranged on the left hand side of Fig. 8 between the core breaker 20 and a second rotating part 5.2.

[0056] As described with respect to Fig. 7, the barb 45 defined by the recess 44 faces in the direction of rotation R (see Fig. 8) and the recess 44 at least partly extends in circumferential direction C opposite to the direction of rotation R. Thus, material engaged by the engagement piece 42 is transported in the direction of rotation R (see Fig. 8) towards a cutting member 62 which is mounted to the stationary part 12.

[0057] The first deflector 40.1 is arranged in a first gap 36.1 defined between a first front edge 28 of the stationary part 12 and a second front edge 30 of the first rotating part 5.1. The second deflector 40.2 is arranged in a second gap 36.2. The second gap 36.2 is at least partly defined between a third front edge 32 of the stationary part 12 and a facing fourth front edge 34 of the second rotating part 5.2.

[0058] The cutting member 62 is arranged at a distance to the cutting edge of the core breaker 20. Preferably, the cutting member 62 is arranged at a bottom side of the cutting unit 3 and the cutting edge 60 of the core breaker 20 is arranged on the top of the cutting unit 3 facing in circumferential direction C towards the direction of rotation R such that material engaged by the engagement piece 42 is transported first to the cutting edge and afterwards to the cutting member 62.

[0059] The cutting member 62 has a cutting area 64 facing tangentially to the circumferential direction C.

[0060] Fig. 9 shows the core breaker 20 in detail. The core breaker 20 is releasable mounted to a bearing shell 22. The core breaker 20 has a mounting interface 24 configured to receive corresponding bearing mounting means 26 to be releasable coupled to the bearing shell 22.

[0061] Fig. 10 shows a method for mounting a cutting unit as shown in Fig. 1 to 6, 8 and 9.

[0062] The method 1000 comprises in a first step 1100 providing at least one stationary part 12. In a second step 1200, the method 1000 comprises that at least one gear box 14 configured for driving a rotating part 5 around a rotation axis RA is received in the stationary part 12. In particular, the gearbox 14 is at least partly enclosed by the stationary part 12.

[0063] In a third step 1300 at least one rotating part 5 is rotatable mounted to the stationary part 12, wherein the rotating part 2 is configured to rotate about the rotation axis RA.

[0064] In a fourth step 1400, the method 1000 comprises sealing the gear box 14 from environment by a seal 38 arranged in a gap 36 defined between the rotating part 5 and the stationary part 12. Thereby, the seal 38 protects the gear box 14 from dust and humidity.

[0065] In a fifth step 1500, the method 1000 comprises mounting an at least partly circumferential extending deflector 40 in the gap 36 radially outwards of the seal 38. The deflector 40 is configured as described with respect to Fig. 2 to Fig. 9.

[0066] It is further preferred that the method 1000 comprises replacing the deflector without dismantling the gearbox 14. Preferably, the core breaker is replaced together with the deflector 40.

[0067] In some embodiments, the method 1000 of mounting a cutting unit comprises a step of receiving a cutting unit obtained by performing any of the steps of method 1000, such as obtained by performing steps 1100 to 1400 of method 1000, and performing the fifth step 1500 of method 1000.Reference Signs

[0068] 1mining machine 2bolter miner 3cutting unit 4main frame 5rotating part 5.1first rotating part 5.2second rotating part 6cutting drum 8cutting elements 9cutting unit advancing drive 10tracks 11conveyer 12stationary part 12afirst side of stationary part 12bsecond side of stationary part 12cbottom of stationary part 14gearbox 16gear box middle part 18yoke arm 20core breaker 22bearing shell 24mounting interface 26bearing mounting means 28first front edge 30second front edge 32third front edge 34fourth front edge 36gap 36aentrance region 36.1first gap 36.2second gap 38seal 40deflector 40.1first deflector 40.2second deflector 42engagement piece 44recess 45barb 46radial outwards surface 48mounting means 50mounting surface 52free end 54engagement interface of the rotating part 55engagement interface of the stationary part 56engagement means 58pin or bolt connection 59pins or bolts 60cutting edge 62cutting member 64cutting area 1000method 1100first step 1200second step 1300third step 1500fifth step Mmaterial RArotation axis Rdirection of rotation Ccircumferential direction rradial high ddistance d'reduced distance

Claims

1. Cutting unit (3) for a mining machine (1), in particular for a bolter miner (2), comprising: - at least one rotating part (5) configured to rotate about a rotation axis (RA) and having a number of cutting elements (8); - at least one gear box (14) configured for driving the rotating part (5) around the rotation axis (RA); - at least one stationary part (12) configured to receive the gearbox (14), wherein the rotating part (5) is rotatable mounted to the stationary part (12), wherein at least a first front edge (28) of the stationary part (12) is arranged at a distance (d) along the rotation axis (RA) to a facing second front edge (30) of the rotating part (5); and - a seal (38) configured to protect the gear box (14), the seal (38) being arranged in a gap (36) defined between the stationary part (12) and the rotating part (5); characterized by a deflector (40) extending at least partly in a circumferential direction (C) and being arranged coaxial to the rotation axis (RA) in the gap (36) radially outward of the seal (38).

2. Cutting unit (3) according to claim 1, wherein the deflector (40) is associated to the rotating part (5), such as releasable mounted to the rotating part (5).

3. Cutting unit (3) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the deflector (40) has an outer surface (46) at least partly tapering towards the rotating part (5)4. Cutting unit (3) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, wherein the deflector (40) has at least one engagement piece (42) facing radially outwards and being configured to engage material before entering the gap (36).

5. Cutting unit (3) according to claim 4, wherein the engagement piece (42) is further configured to cut the engaged material.

6. Cutting unit (3) according to claim any one of the claims 4 or 5, wherein the engagement piece (42) is defined by a recess (44) extending from the outer surface (46) of the deflector (40) radially inwards and at least partially in the circumferential direction (C), wherein the deflector (40) is configured to be mounted to the rotating part (5) such that a direction of rotation (R) during operation of the cutting unit (3) is opposite to the direction of the extension of the recess (44) in the circumferential direction (C).

7. Cutting unit (3) according to claim any one of the preceding claims 1 to 6, further comprising at least one of the following: - a core breaker (20) arranged radially outwards of the stationary part (12) and adjacent to the rotating part (5) such that the deflector (40) extends at least partly between the core breaker (20) and the rotating part (5), wherein the core breaker (20) has at least one cutting edge (60) configured to cut material being engaged by the engagement piece (42), - a bearing shell (22) coupled to the stationary part (12) to which the core breaker (20) is mounted, the core breaker (20) having a mounting interface (24) configured to receive corresponding bearing mounting means (26) for releasable mounting the core breaker (20) to the bearing shell (22), - a cutting member (62) associated to the stationary part (12) and being arranged adjacent to the deflector (40) and having a cutting area (64) facing tangentially to the circumferential direction (C).

8. Cutting unit (3) according to claim 7, wherein the cutting edge (60) of the core breaker (20) faces in the circumferential direction (C), such that the cutting edge (60) is opposite to the direction of rotation (R) during operation of the cutting unit (3).

9. Cutting unit (3) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 8, wherein the gap (36) is a first gap (36.1), the deflector (40) is a first deflector (40.1) and the rotating part (5) is a first rotating part (5.1) arranged adjacent to a first side (12a) of the stationary part (12), the cutting unit (3) comprising a second rotating part (5.2) arranged adjacent to a second side (12b) of the stationary part (12), wherein at least one third front edge (32) of the stationary part (12) opposite the first front edge (28) is arranged at a distance (d) along the rotation axis (RA) to a facing fourth front edge (34) of the second rotating part (5.2) thereby defining an entrance region (36a) of a second gap (36.2) in between, wherein a second at least partly circumferential extending deflector (40.2) is arranged between the at least third front edge (30) and facing fourth front edge (34).

10. Cutting unit (3) according to any one of claims 6 to claim 9, wherein the cutting member (62) is arranged circumferentially offset from the cutting edge (60) at such that material engaged by the deflector (40) first passes the cutting member (62) and afterwards impinges the cutting member (62).

11. Cutting unit (3) according to claim 10, wherein the cutting edge (60) of the core breaker (20) and the cutting member (62) are provided on opposite sides of the stationary part (12), in particular the cutting edge (60) is provided on a top of the stationary part (12) and the cutting member (62) is arranged at a bottom (12c) of the stationary part (12).

12. Cutting unit (3) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 11, wherein the deflector (40) is arranged at a reduced distance (d') along the rotation axis (RA) of 2 mm or less from the stationary part (12).

13. Cutting unit (3) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 12, wherein the rotating part (5) is a cutting drum (6), in particular a drum body, and the stationary part (12) comprises one or all of the following: - a yoke arm (18), - a gear box (14) middle part (16).

14. Deflector (40) for a cutting unit (3) of a bolter miner (1), in particular for a cutting unit (3) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the deflector (40) extends at least partly in a circumferential direction (C) and has deflector mounting means (48) for coupling with an axially facing mounting surface (50) either to at least one of the following: a corresponding engagement interface (54) of a rotating part (5) of the cutting unit (3), wherein the deflector (40) has an outer surface (46) at least partly tapering towards the mounting surface (50) from an opposite free end (52), or a corresponding engagement interface (55) of a stationary part (12) of the cutting unit (3).

15. Mining machine, in particular bolter miner, for underground mining and construction applications, comprising a cutting unit (3) according to any one of the claims 1 to 13.

16. Method (1000) for mounting a cutting unit (3) for a bolter miner (1), in particular for a cutting unit (3) according to any one of the claims 1 to 13, comprising the steps: - providing (1100) at least one stationary part (12), - receiving (1200) at least one gear box (14) configured for driving a rotating part (5) around a rotation axis (RA) in the stationary part (12), - rotatable mounting (1300) at least one rotating part (5) which is configured to rotate about a rotation axis (RA) and having a number of cutting elements (8) (cutting picks), wherein at least one first front edge (28) of the stationary part (12) is arranged at a distance (d) along the rotation axis (RA) to a facing second front edge (30) of the rotating part (5), - sealing (1400) the gear box (14) from environment by a seal (38) arranged in the gap (36) and being configured to protect the gear box (14), - optionally, receiving a cutting unit obtained by the preceding steps 1100 to 1400; - mounting (1500) an at least partly circumferential extending deflector (40) between the at least one first front edge (28) and a facing second front edge (30).

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