Wear indicator

Abstract

The wear indicator is supported on the worn surface of the mechanical component. The wear indicator includes a first material thickness indicator having a first thickness, a second material thickness indicator disposed adjacent to the first material thickness indicator and having a second thickness that is thinner than the first thickness, and a third material thickness indicator disposed adjacent to the first material thickness indicator and the second material thickness indicator and having a third thickness that is thinner than the second thickness. The wear indicator is configured to visually indicate the material thickness of the wear deck by the first, second, and third material thickness indicators.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 352,124, filed on June 14, 2022, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 425,595, filed on November 15, 2022. The entire contents of each of these disclosures are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002]

[0002] This disclosure relates to wear indicators for mining machines and components.

Background Art

[0003]

[0003] For example, mining machines including haulage vehicles, conveyor systems, entry development, and continuous mining machines, longwall mining systems, etc. wear over time. Operators and technicians may periodically inspect and monitor components to determine the condition and remaining operating life of the components.

Summary of the Invention

[0004]

[0004] Some methods for inspecting components have problems, among other things, due to inspector access, measurement accuracy, measurement consistency, especially position consistency, and inspector recognition.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005]

[0005] In one independent aspect, the wear indicator is supported on the worn surface of the mechanical component. The wear indicator includes a first material thickness indicator having a first thickness, a second material thickness indicator disposed adjacent to the first material thickness indicator and having a second thickness thinner than the first thickness, and a third material thickness indicator disposed adjacent to the first material thickness indicator and the second material thickness indicator and having a third thickness thinner than the second thickness. The wear indicator is configured to visually indicate the material thickness of the wear deck by the first, second, and third material thickness indicators.

[0006]

[0006] In some aspects, the first material thickness indicator is disposed within the indicator housing, the second material thickness indicator is disposed within the indicator housing, and the third material thickness indicator is disposed within the indicator housing.

[0007]

[0007] In some aspects, the indicator housing includes an upper surface configured to be flush with the worn surface, and before wear, the first material thickness indicator is covered by the upper surface.

[0008]

[0008] In some aspects, the indicator housing includes a bottom surface on the opposite side of the upper surface, and the bottom surface includes a plurality of blind bores configured to receive the first, second, and third material thickness indicators.

[0009]

[0009] In some aspects, the first, second, and third material thickness indicators are arranged such that the first thickness, the second thickness, and the third thickness are measured parallel to the wear direction of the worn surface.

[0010]

[0010] In some aspects, the first thickness corresponds to 75% of the thickness of the wear indicator, such that the first material thickness indicator is configured to visually indicate 25% wear of the worn surface.

[0011]

[0011] In some embodiments, the second thickness corresponds to 50% of the thickness of the wear indicator, such that the second material thickness indicator is configured to visually indicate 50% wear of the wear surface.

[0012]

[0012] In some embodiments, the third thickness corresponds to 25% of the thickness of the wear indicator, such that the third material thickness indicator is configured to visually indicate 75% wear of the wear surface.

[0013]

[0013] In some embodiments, the first, second, and third material thickness indicators are formed from a material of a color different from the color of the wear surface.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first material thickness indicator has a first cross-sectional area when viewed along the wear direction, the second material thickness indicator has a second cross-sectional area when viewed along the wear direction, the third material thickness indicator has a third cross-sectional area when viewed along the wear direction, and the first cross-sectional area is smaller than the second and third cross-sectional areas.

[0014]

[0015] In some embodiments, the second cross-sectional area is smaller than the third cross-sectional area.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first, second, and third material thickness indicators are cylindrical.

[0015]

[0017] In some embodiments, the indicator housing has a circular contour when viewed parallel to the wear direction of the wear indicator.

[0018] In some embodiments, the indicator housing includes an upper surface configured to be flush with the wear surface, and the upper surface and the wear surface are curved.

[0016]

[0019] In another independent aspect, the mining machine includes a chassis, a wear deck supported by the chassis and configured to support the material being mined, a mechanism for moving the material across the wear deck, and a plurality of wear indicators supported adjacent to the surface of the wear deck. The plurality of wear indicators are configured to visually indicate the thickness of the wear deck.

[0017]

[0020] In some aspects, each of the plurality of wear indicators includes a plurality of material thickness indicators configured to visually indicate 25%, 50%, and 75% wear.

[0018]

[0021] In some aspects, the plurality of material thickness indicators are formed from a material having a color different from the material of the wear deck.

[0022] In some aspects, each of the plurality of material thickness indicators is disposed within an indicator housing, and the indicator housing and the wear deck are formed from the same material.

[0019]

[0023] In some aspects, the upper surface of the indicator housing is configured to be flush with the surface of the wear deck such that the indicator housing and the wear deck wear at the same rate.

[0020]

[0024] In some aspects, the wear indicator is disposed on the wear deck.

[0025] In some aspects, the wear indicator is disposed below the surface of the wear deck.

[0026] In some aspects, the wear indicator is disposed within a housing.

[0021]

[0027] In some aspects, the wear indicator is disposed within a housing disposed below the surface of the wear deck.

[0028] In yet another independent aspect, the machine wear indicator includes an indicator housing, a first material thickness indicator disposed within the indicator housing, the first annular material thickness indicator having a first thickness, a second annular material thickness indicator disposed within the indicator housing and surrounding the first annular material thickness indicator, the second annular material thickness indicator having a second thickness that is thinner than the first thickness, and a third annular material thickness indicator disposed within the indicator housing and surrounding the second annular material thickness indicator, the third annular material thickness indicator having a third thickness that is thinner than the second thickness. The wear indicator is configured to visually indicate the material thickness by the first, second, and third annular material thickness indicators.

[0022]

[0029] In some aspects, the first annular material thickness indicator and the third annular material thickness indicator are of a first color, and the second annular material thickness indicator is formed of a second color different from the first color.

[0023]

[0030] In some aspects, the first annular material thickness indicator is configured to be exposed from the indicator housing when the indicator housing is 25% worn.

[0031] In some aspects, the second annular material thickness indicator is configured to be exposed from the indicator housing when the indicator housing is 50% worn, such that both the first and second annular material thickness indicators are exposed after 50% wear.

[0024]

[0032] In some aspects, the third annular material thickness indicator is configured to be exposed from the indicator housing when the indicator housing is 75% worn, such that the first, second, and third annular material thickness indicators are exposed after 75% wear.

[0025]

[0033] In some aspects, the first material thickness indicator is formed of brass.

[0034] In some embodiments, the third annular material thickness indicator is formed from brass.

[0035] In some embodiments, the second annular material thickness indicator is formed from steel.

[0026]

[0036] In yet another independent aspect, the wear indicator system is supported by a mechanical component. The wear indicator system includes a plurality of wear indicators disposed adjacent to each other on the mechanical component, the wear indicators being fixed in holes of the mechanical component formed on a surface opposite the wear surface of the mechanical component. The plurality of wear indicators includes a first wear indicator disposed at a first distance from the wear surface, the first wear indicator being visible and indicating that the wear surface has completed a first wear stage; a second wear indicator disposed at a second distance longer than the first distance from the wear surface, the second wear indicator being visible and indicating that the wear surface has completed a second wear stage; and a third wear indicator disposed at a third distance longer than the second distance from the wear surface, the third wear indicator being visible and indicating that the wear surface has completed a third wear stage.

[0027]

[0037] In some embodiments, the first wear indicator, the second wear indicator, and the third wear indicator are disposed at intervals of from about 0 cm to about 5 cm from each other.

[0038] In some embodiments, the wear indicators are gathered within a display area having a width of about 20 cm.

[0028]

[0039] In some embodiments, the holes include a plurality of blind holes, each of the wear indicators being disposed within a related one of the plurality of blind holes, and each blind hole having a different depth corresponding to the height of the respective wear indicator disposed within the blind hole.

[0029]

[0040] In some embodiments, the first wear stage is about 25% of acceptable wear.

[0041] In some embodiments, the second wear stage is about 50% of acceptable wear.

[0042] In some embodiments, the third wear stage is about 75% of acceptable wear.

[0030]

[0043] In some embodiments, the wear indicator is fixed to the component by an interference fit.

[0044] In some embodiments, the wear indicator is fixed to the component by an adhesive.

[0031]

[0045] In some embodiments, each of the wear indicators has the same cross-sectional dimensions as the other wear indicators.

[0046] In some embodiments, the system further comprises a plurality of groups of wear indicators, each group being disposed at a different location of the mechanical component and configured to detect wear at a different location of the mechanical component.

[0032]

[0047] In some embodiments, wear of the mechanical component is identified and observed by consistently measuring wear at each location because the wear indicators appear at each location.

[0048] In some embodiments, data from the wear measurements is collected and stored by a processing system and a computer storage system.

[0033]

[0049] In some embodiments, the camera system includes at least one camera for monitoring the component and the wear indicator and capturing data from the wear indicator.

[0034]

[0050] In some embodiments, the exposure of one indicator of one group among the groups indicates 25% wear at that location, the exposure of two indicators of one group indicates 50% wear at that location, and the exposure of three indicators of one group indicates 75% wear at that location.

[0035]

[0051] Other features and aspects will become apparent by considering the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0036]

Figure 1

[0052] It is a side view of a transport machine according to an embodiment.

Figure 2

[0053] It is a plan view of the transport machine of FIG. 1.

Figure 3

[0054] It is an exploded perspective view of a wear indicator according to an embodiment.

Figure 4

[0055] It is a bottom view of the wear indicator of FIG. 3.

Figure 5

[0056] FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of the wear indicator of FIG. 4 taken along section line 5-5.

[0057] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of a wear indicator according to another embodiment taken along section line 5-5.

Figure 6

[0058] It is an exploded bottom perspective view of a wear indicator according to another embodiment.

Figure 7

[0059] It is a bottom view of the wear indicator of FIG. 6.

Figure 8

[0060] It is a cross-sectional view of the wear indicator of FIG. 7 taken along section line 8-8.

Figure 9

[0061] It is a side view of a wear indicator according to yet another embodiment.

Figure 10

[0062] A side view of a wear indicator according to yet another embodiment.

Figure 11

[0063] A side view of a wear indicator according to yet another embodiment.

Figure 12

[0064] A side view of a wear indicator according to yet another embodiment.

Figure 13

[0065] A plan view of a transport machine according to another embodiment.

Figure 14

[0066] A plan view of a transport machine including a wear indicator according to another embodiment.

Figure 15

[0067] A plan view of a transport machine including a wear indicator according to yet another embodiment.

Figure 16

[0068] A plan view of a transport machine including a wear indicator according to yet another embodiment.

Figure 17

[0069] A plan view of a material processing device for a tunnel development machine including a wear indicator.

Figure 18

[0070] A plan view of a material processing device for a tunnel development machine including a wear indicator according to another embodiment.

Figure 19

[0071] A plan view of a material processing device for a tunnel development machine including a wear indicator according to yet another embodiment.

Figure 20

[0072] A plan view of a material processing device for a tunnel development machine including a wear indicator according to yet another embodiment.

Figure 21

[0073] A plan view of a material processing device for a tunnel development machine including a wear indicator according to yet another embodiment.

Figure 22

[0074] A perspective view of a conveyor for a tunnel development machine including a wear indicator.

Figure 23

[0075] A perspective view of a conveyor for a tunnel development machine including a wear indicator according to another embodiment.

Figure 24

[0076] Perspective view of a flexible conveyor machine including a wear indicator.

Figure 25

[0077] Plan view of the flexible conveyor machine of FIG. 24.

Figure 26

[0078] Cross-sectional view of the flexible conveyor machine of FIG. 24 taken along section 26-26.

Figure 27

[0079] Cross-sectional view of the flexible conveyor machine of FIG. 24 taken along section 27-27.

Figure 28

[0080] Elevation view of a dozer including a blade having a wear indicator.

Figure 29

[0081] Perspective view of a part of the dozer of FIG. 28.

Figure 30

[0082] Another perspective view of a part of the dozer of FIG. 28.

Figure 31

[0083] Plan view and side view of an articulated truck including a bed having a wear indicator.

Figure 32

[0084] Perspective view of the articulated truck of FIG. 31 with the bed in the raised position.

Figure 33

[0085] Perspective view of a truck including a bed having a wear indicator.

Figure 34

[0086] Plan view of the truck of FIG. 33.

Figure 35

[0087] Perspective view of a longwall mining system.

Figure 36

[0088] Plan view of the longwall mining system of FIG. 35.

Figure 37

[0089] Side view of the longwall mining system of FIG. 35.

Figure 38

[0090] Perspective view of an excavation attachment.

Figure 39

[0091] It is another perspective view of the excavation attachment of FIG. 38.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037]

[0092] Before any embodiment is described in detail, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The present disclosure is capable of being implemented or carried out in various ways in correspondence with other embodiments. Also, it is to be understood that the expressions and terms used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "attached," "connected," "supported," and "coupled" and their variations are used in a broad sense and include both direct and indirect attachment, connection, support, and coupling. Terms of degree such as "substantially," "about," "approximately," etc. are understood by those skilled in the art to refer to a reasonable range outside a given value, such as general tolerances associated with the manufacture, assembly, and use of the described embodiments.

[0038]

[0093] FIGS. 1 and 2 show a mining machine 10 (e.g., a haulage machine such as a shuttle car) operable to receive collected material. The shuttle car can receive material cut from another mining machine. Although the present disclosure refers to a shuttle car, it is understood that the present disclosure can be incorporated into other types of machines, such as a continuous mining machine for cutting material from a mine wall and including a conveyor for conveying the cut material.

[0039]

[0094] The shuttle car 10 is movable and operable to receive, transport, and transfer cut material. In the illustrated embodiment, the shuttle car 10 includes a chassis or frame 19, a receiving portion or bed 20, and a towing member (e.g., steerable wheels 22) coupled to the frame 19. In the illustrated embodiment, the bed 20 of the shuttle car 10 includes an open top 24 for receiving material and a conveyor 26 for moving the material along the length of the bed 20 (e.g., discharging the material from the bed 20). Over the operating life of the shuttle car 10, the bed 20 wears. This wear can be caused, among other things, by the material within the bed 20 rubbing against and abrading the surface of the bed structure. In one embodiment, the surface of the bed 20 can wear such that the bed structure descends in the direction of arrow W. In the illustrated embodiment, one or more visual wear indicators 30 (FIG. 2) are disposed on the bed 20 to indicate wear of the bed 20.

[0040]

[0095] As shown in FIG. 2, the visual wear indicators 30 are disposed on a wear deck 28 within the bed 20. The wear deck 28 is disposed proximate the conveyor 26 and provides a support surface for the material on the bed 20. The illustrated embodiment includes 23 wear indicators 30 spaced around the wear deck 28. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the number and arrangement of the wear indicators 30 can vary based on various considerations (e.g., type of machine, type and amount of wear of the machine, etc.).

[0041]

[0096] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the wear indicators 30 is configured to visually indicate the material thickness of the wear deck 28 and thus the remaining useful life of the wear deck 28. Referring to FIG. 3, each wear indicator 30 includes an indicator housing 34 that supports a material thickness indicator 38. In some embodiments, the wear indicator 30 may be disposed (e.g., embedded) on the surface of the wear deck 28, and the surface of the wear indicator 30 may be flush with the wear deck 28. As the material of the wear deck 28 and thus the wear indicator 30 wears down, the material thickness indicator 38 is exposed. In the illustrated embodiment, each wear indicator 30 includes a plurality of material thickness indicators 38a, 38b, 38c to indicate various wear levels. For example, the thickness indicators may be configured to visually indicate that the thickness has worn 25% (38a), 50% (38b), 75% (38c). However, fewer or more indicators may be used and / or the indicators may indicate different levels / rates of wear (e.g., by varying the number and size of the material thickness indicators 38 disposed within the indicator housing 34). For example, it may be desirable for the wear indicator 30 to include only one material thickness indicator 38 indicating 50% wear, or it may be desirable for the wear indicator 30 to include four material thickness indicators 38 indicating 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80% wear.

[0042]

[0097] Referring to FIGS. 3-5, the indicator housing 34 can be sized and shaped to fit within the opening 40 (FIGS. 5A and 5B) of the wear deck 28. When attached to the opening 40, the upper surface 42 of the indicator housing 34 is flush with the wear deck 28, and as a result, the indicator housing 34 and the wear deck 28 wear at approximately the same rate. Further, the indicator housing 34 may be formed of the same material as the wear deck 28 so that it can be fixed within the opening 40 by welding. FIGS. 3-5 show one embodiment of the wear indicator 30 including an indicator housing 34 having a pack shape with a circular contour when viewed along the wear direction W. In another embodiment, the indicator housing 34 may have other shapes. For example, the indicator housing 34 may have a rectangular contour. Further, the indicator housing 34 may be modified in other ways that are easy to assemble within the wear deck 28.

[0043]

[0098] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the bottom surface 44 of the indicator housing 34 includes a plurality of blind holes 46 arranged adjacent to each other, and each hole 46 is sized and shaped to receive one of the material thickness indicators 38. In some embodiments, the size of the blind holes 46 is intended to provide an interference fit between the indicator housing 34 and the material thickness indicator 38 to secure the material thickness indicator 38 within the indicator housing 34. The material thickness indicator 38 may be attached to the blind holes 46 using liquid nitrogen for the interference fit. In other embodiments, the indicator 38 may be press-fitted and welded or brazed in place within the blind holes 46. The depth and width of the blind holes 46 correspond to the thickness and width of the material thickness indicator 38 to be received. Thus, the depth of the blind holes 46 is shallower than the thickness of the indicator housing 34, and as a result, the material thickness indicator 38 is covered by the upper surface 42 before it wears.

[0044]

[0099] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the three material thickness indicators 38a, 38b, and 38c are cylindrical or dowel-shaped. Each of the material thickness indicators 38a, 38b, 38c has a different thickness and cross-sectional area when viewed along the wear direction W. Specifically, the first material thickness indicator 38a is thicker than the second and third material thickness indicators 38b, 38c. This thickness is measured along the longitudinal axis A (FIG. 5) of the indicator and can be substantially parallel to the wear direction W.

[0045]

[0100] Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the first material thickness indicator 38a is smaller than the cross-sectional areas of the second and third material thickness indicators 38b, 38c. Thus, the first material thickness indicator 38a is formed as a long and thin dowel compared to the second and third material thickness indicators 38b, 38c. The second material thickness indicator 38b is thinner than the first material thickness indicator 38a and thicker than the third material thickness indicator 38c. Similarly, the cross-sectional area of the second material thickness indicator 38b is larger than the cross-sectional area of the first material thickness indicator 38a and smaller than the cross-sectional area of the third material thickness indicator 38c. Finally, the third material thickness indicator 38c is the thinnest and has the largest cross-sectional area compared to the first and second material thickness indicators 38a, 38b.

[0046]

[0101] In the illustrated embodiment, the thickness of the first material thickness indicator 38a is such that the upper surface 42 of the indicator housing 34 first becomes exposed when it has worn by 25% of the specified maximum allowable wear distance (for example, the specified maximum allowable wear distance may correspond to the total thickness of the indicator housing 34). The thickness of the second material thickness indicator 38b is such that it first becomes exposed when the indicator housing 34 has worn by 50%. At this point, both the first and second material thickness indicators 38a, 38b are exposed. The thickness of the third material thickness indicator 38c is such that it first becomes exposed when the indicator housing 34 has worn by 75%. At this point, all three material thickness indicators 38a, 38b, 38c are exposed.

[0047]

[0102] The material thickness indicator 38 is formed from a material different from that of the indicator housing 34. In some cases, using a different material for the indicator 38 can make it stand out relative to the housing 34 and / or the rest of the deck 28, making it easier to visually distinguish between the indicator housing 34 and each of the material thickness indicators 38, whereby an operator can identify it when any of the material thickness indicators 38 is exposed. For example, the material thickness indicator 38 may be formed from a bar of stainless steel 316, a bar of high tensile brass (e.g., AS - 1567 - 686 or BS2872 - CW724R), a wear resistant putty “Devcon” (e.g., ceramic epoxy WR2), a forged dye colored ingot of three different colors, or other similar materials. As seen in Table 1 below, the material thickness indicators 38 of the wear indicator 30 may be formed from various combinations of the materials listed above. Table 1 shows examples of possible combinations but is not an exhaustive list.

[0048]

Table 1

[0049]

[0103] In some embodiments, the wear indicator 30 further includes a plug (not shown) for fixing each of the material thickness indicators 38 within their respective blind holes 46. The plug may be formed of the same material as the indicator housing 34 and fixes the material thickness indicator 38 (e.g., by welding to the indicator housing 34 and covering the blind hole 46). Also, although the material thickness indicator 38 is shown in FIG. 5A as having a constant width (e.g., being cylindrical or prismatic), in some embodiments (FIG. 5B), the material thickness indicator 238 may have a width that varies along the length of the indicator (e.g., be tapered). Further, in some embodiments (FIG. 14), the wear indicator 430 may omit the housing, and the thickness indicator 438 may be directly supported on the wear surface or supported within the wear surface. In still other embodiments (FIG. 15), the wear indicator 630 may have an elongated housing 640, and the thickness indicator 638 may be oriented in a linear configuration along the length of the housing 640. In still other embodiments (FIG. 16), the wear indicator 830 may include a thickness indicator 838 that is oriented in a linear configuration and is directly supported on the wear surface or supported within the wear surface.

[0050]

[0104] Figures 6 - 8 show another embodiment of the wear indicator 130. Aspects of the wear indicator 130 that are similar to the wear indicator 30 are identified by adding 100 to the corresponding reference numbers. Some differences between the wear indicator 30 and the wear indicator 130 are described herein.

[0051]

[0105] The wear indicator 130 includes a material thickness indicator 138 provided as a concentric annular ring around the central indicator. A first material thickness indicator 138a is disposed at the center of the indicator housing 134. A second annular material thickness indicator 138b surrounds the first material thickness indicator 138a, and a third annular material thickness indicator 138c surrounds the second annular material thickness indicator 138b. In some embodiments, the first and third material thickness indicators 138a, 138c are formed of the same material, while the second annular material thickness indicator 138b is formed of a different material. In some embodiments, the first and third material thickness indicators 138a, 138c are formed of brass, and the second annular material thickness indicator 138b is formed of steel. By using different materials, it can be made visually prominent and helps the operator to identify it when any of the first, second, or third annular material thickness indicators 138 is exposed. For example, Table 1 above lists various combinations of materials applicable to the wear indicator 130 as well as to the wear indicator 30.

[0052]

[0106] As shown in FIG. 9, the indicator housing 34 can take various shapes / contours (e.g., depending on the shape / contour of the wear deck 28). Specifically, FIG. 9 shows a wear indicator 30 having a curve or radius disposed on the upper surface 42 of the indicator housing 34. Thereby, the wear indicator 30 can be applied to the curved wear deck 28 without interrupting the surface of the wear deck 28. In other words, the upper surface 42 of the wear indicator 30 has a shape corresponding to the wear deck 28 such that the upper surface 42 and the wear bed 28 are flush even if the wear deck 28 is not flat. As shown in FIGS. 9 - 12, the thickness indicators 38a, 38b, 38c can be arranged adjacent to either a concave or convex surface.

[0053]

[0107] The above wear indicators 30, 130 have been described in relation to the wear deck 28 of the shuttle car 10. However, the wear indicators 30, 130 can be applied to other types of machines and components that wear. The wear indicators 30, 130 are intended to be fixed within the surface that wears during operation. Specifically, the wear indicators 30, 130 can be arranged to indicate the thickness at the main locations of the wearing surface.

[0054]

[0108] As shown in FIG. 13, the wear indicator 30 may be arranged on the bed 20 of the mining machine in a different configuration. For example, the bed 20 may include a pair of wear indicators 30 (e.g., a right wear indicator and a left wear indicator) arranged at four distances along the length of the bed 20. In other embodiments (FIGS. 14 - 16), the wear indicators 430, 630, 830 may be arranged on the bed 20 in a similar manner.

[0055]

[0109] The wear indicators 30, 230, 430, 630, 830 may be incorporated into other mining machines and components and may operate together and be incorporated into machines and components that may have adjacent, connected, and / or complementary operations. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, a shovel or material handling device 112 for a tunnel development machine or continuous mining machine includes a deck 116 and a conveyor 120 disposed adjacent to the rear end of the deck 116. The conveyor 120 can extend along a conveyor axis and is aligned with an opening in the deck 116. The material handling device 112 further includes an arm 124 for guiding the material on the deck 116 toward the opening and onto the conveyor 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the material handling device 112 includes a pair of wear indicators 30 adjacent to the opening (e.g., one wear indicator 30 adjacent to the left side of the opening and one wear indicator 30 adjacent to the right side of the opening). Additionally, the wear indicators 30 may be spaced along the length of the conveyor 120 (e.g., a right wear indicator and a left wear indicator disposed proximate to the deck 116, and a right wear indicator and a left wear indicator disposed proximate to the end of the conveyor 120 opposite the deck 116).

[0056]

[0110] Multiple embodiments of wear indicators 30, 230, 430, 630, 830 may be incorporated into the mining machine. For example, as shown in FIG. 18, the wear indicator 30 may be disposed on the deck 116, while the wear indicator 630 may be disposed on the conveyor 120. In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 19, the wear indicator 430 may be disposed on the deck 116, while the wear indicator 630 may be disposed on the conveyor 120. In still other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 20, the wear indicator 430 may be disposed on the deck 116 and the conveyor 120. In still other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 21, the wear indicator 430 may be disposed on the deck 116, while the wear indicator 830 may be disposed on the conveyor 120. The wear indicator may also be disposed on the side wall of the conveyor 120. For example, the wear indicator 630 (FIG. 22) and / or the wear indicator 830 (FIG. 23) may be disposed on the side wall.

[0057]

[0111] As shown in FIGS. 24-27, the wear indicators 30, 230, 430, 630, 830 may be incorporated into other components such as a lumpbreaker frame 312 (e.g., for a flexible conveyor train). As shown in FIG. 24, the lumpbreaker frame 312 includes a deck 320 on which the material is conveyed, and the wear indicators 30, 230, 430, 630, 830 may be disposed at regular intervals along the length of the deck 320. For example, the wear indicators 30, 230, 430, 630, 830 may include right wear indicators, left wear indicators, and center wear indicators disposed at five locations along the length of the deck 320. Also, at least a portion of the wear indicators 30, 230, 430, 630, 830 may be disposed on the lower surface of the deck 320 (FIG. 26).

[0058]

[0112] As shown in FIGS. 28 to 30, the wear indicators 30, 230, 430, 630, 830 may be incorporated into other types of machines such as a dozer 512. As shown in FIGS. 31 and 32, the truck includes a blade 520 for pushing materials, and the wear indicators 30, 230, 430, 630, 830 may be spaced along the lower part of the blade 520. For example, the wear indicators 30, 230, 430, 630, 830 may include one or more right wear indicators 30a, one or more left wear indicators 30b, and one or more central wear indicators 30c. In addition, one or more of the wear indicators 30 may be arranged on a support member 524 (FIG. 30), and / or one or more of the wear indicators 30 may be arranged on the outer side surface of the blade 312.

[0059]

[0113] As shown in FIGS. 31 and 32, the wear indicators 30, 230, 430, 630, 830 may be incorporated into other types of machines such as a haul truck 712 (e.g., an articulated truck). As shown in FIGS. 22 and 29, the truck 712 includes a bed 720 for carrying materials, and the wear indicators 30, 230, 430, 630, 830 may be spaced along a part of the bed 720. For example, the wear indicators 30, 230, 430, 630, 830 may be arranged in a trapezoidal pattern along the inclined surface of the bed 720 as shown in FIGS. 31 and 32. These wear indicators may include a left front wear indicator, a right front wear indicator, a left rear wear indicator, a right rear wear indicator, and a central rear wear indicator. The left rear wear indicator and the right rear wear indicator may be spaced from each other by a distance longer than the distance between the right front wear indicator and the left front wear indicator. In other embodiments (FIGS. 33 and 34), the wear indicators 30, 230, 430, 630, 830 may be arranged on the bed 720 of other types of trucks.

[0060]

[0114] As shown in FIGS. 35-37, the wear indicators 30, 230, 430, 630, 830 may be incorporated into other types of machines such as a longwall conveyor. As shown in FIGS. 35-37, the conveyor 912 may include a plurality of pans 920 interconnected with each other, and chain flights (not shown) push material along the surface of the pans 920. The wear indicators 30, 230, 430, 630, 830 may be spaced along the length of the conveyor 920 (e.g., at a predetermined distance between the pans 920). FIGS. 35-37 show the position of the wear indicator 30, but it should be understood that the wear indicators 230, 430, 630, or 830 may be arranged at the same position or a similar position instead of or in combination with the wear indicator 30.

[0061]

[0115] As shown in FIGS. 38 and 39, the wear indicators 30, 230, 430, 630, 830 may be incorporated into other types of machines such as an excavation attachment 1112 (e.g., a dipper for a rope shovel). As shown in FIGS. 38 and 39, the excavation attachment 1112 may include a dipper body 1116 having an excavation edge 1118, a dipper door 1120 pivotally coupled to the dipper door 1120, and a bail 1124 for fixing an end of a hoist rope (not shown) to the dipper body 1116. The wear indicators 30, 230, 430, 630, 830 may be arranged at positions on the inner surface (e.g., side surface, bottom surface) of the dipper body 1116, a part of the excavation edge 1118, and / or the bail 1124. The wear indicators 30, 230, 430, 630, 830 may be arranged on a part of the dipper door 1120 (FIG. 39).

[0062]

[0116] Aspects of the present disclosure have been described in detail with reference to specific embodiments, but variations and modifications are possible within the scope and spirit of the one or more independent aspects described.

[0063]

[0117] The various features and advantages of the present disclosure are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A wear indicator supported on a worn surface of a mechanical component, comprising: a first material thickness indicator having a first thickness; a second material thickness indicator disposed adjacent to the first material thickness indicator and having a second thickness thinner than the first thickness; a third material thickness indicator disposed adjacent to the first material thickness indicator and the second material thickness indicator and having a third thickness thinner than the second thickness, wherein the wear indicator is configured to visually indicate the material thickness of the worn surface by the first, second, and third material thickness indicators.

2. The wear indicator according to claim 1, wherein the first material thickness indicator is disposed within an indicator housing, the second material thickness indicator is disposed within the indicator housing, and the third material thickness indicator is disposed within the indicator housing.

3. The wear indicator according to claim 2, wherein the indicator housing includes an upper surface configured to be flush with the worn surface, and before wear, the first material thickness indicator is covered by the upper surface.

4. The wear indicator according to claim 3, wherein the indicator housing includes a bottom surface on the opposite side of the upper surface, and the bottom surface includes a plurality of blind holes configured to receive the first, second, and third material thickness indicators.

5. The wear indicator according to claim 1, wherein the first, second, and third material thickness indicators are arranged such that the first thickness, the second thickness, and the third thickness are measured parallel to the wear direction of the worn surface.

6. The wear indicator according to claim 1, wherein the first thickness corresponds to 75% of the thickness of the wear indicator, such that the first material thickness indicator is configured to visually indicate 25% wear of the worn surface.

7. The wear indicator according to claim 6, wherein the second thickness corresponds to 50% of the thickness of the wear indicator, such that the second material thickness indicator is configured to visually indicate 50% wear of the worn surface.

8. The wear indicator according to claim 7, wherein the third thickness corresponds to 25% of the thickness of the wear indicator, and as a result, the third material thickness indicator is configured to visually indicate 75% wear of the wear surface.

9. The wear indicator according to claim 1, wherein the first, second, and third material thickness indicators are formed of a material having a color different from the color of the wear surface.

10. The wear indicator according to claim 1, wherein the first material thickness indicator has a first cross-sectional area when viewed along the wear direction, the second material thickness indicator has a second cross-sectional area when viewed along the wear direction, the third material thickness indicator has a third cross-sectional area when viewed along the wear direction, and the first cross-sectional area is smaller than the second cross-sectional area and the third cross-sectional area.

11. The wear indicator according to claim 10, wherein the second cross-sectional area is smaller than the third cross-sectional area.

12. The wear indicator according to claim 11, wherein the first, second, and third material thickness indicators are cylindrical.

13. The wear indicator according to claim 2, wherein the indicator housing has a circular contour when viewed parallel to the wear direction of the wear indicator.

14. The wear indicator according to claim 2, wherein the indicator housing includes an upper surface configured to be flush with the wear surface, and the upper surface and the wear surface are curved.

15. An excavation machine, a chassis, a wear deck supported by the chassis, the wear deck being configured to support the material to be excavated, a mechanism for moving the material across the wear deck, and a plurality of wear indicators supported adjacent to the surface of the wear deck, the plurality of wear indicators being configured to visually indicate the thickness of the wear deck. An excavation machine comprising.

16. The excavation machine according to claim 15, wherein each of the plurality of wear indicators includes a plurality of material thickness indicators configured to visually indicate 25%, 50%, and 75% wear.

17. The excavation machine according to claim 15, wherein the plurality of material thickness indicators are formed of a material having a color different from the material of the wear deck.

18. The mining machine according to claim 15, wherein each of the plurality of material thickness indicators is disposed within an indicator housing, and the indicator housing and the wear deck are formed of the same material.

19. The mining machine according to claim 15, wherein an upper surface of the indicator housing is configured to be flush with the surface of the wear deck such that the indicator housing and the wear deck wear at the same rate.

20. The mining machine according to claim 15, wherein the wear indicator is disposed on the wear deck.

21. The mining machine according to claim 15, wherein the wear indicator is disposed below the surface of the wear deck.

22. The mining machine according to claim 15, wherein the wear indicator is disposed within a housing.

23. The mining machine according to claim 15, wherein the wear indicator is disposed within a housing that is disposed below the surface of the wear deck.

24. A mechanical wear indicator, comprising: an indicator housing; a first annular material thickness indicator disposed within the indicator housing, the first annular material thickness indicator having a first thickness; a second annular material thickness indicator disposed within the indicator housing and surrounding the first annular material thickness indicator, the second annular material thickness indicator having a second thickness that is thinner than the first thickness; a third annular material thickness indicator disposed within the indicator housing and surrounding the second annular material thickness indicator, the third annular material thickness indicator having a third thickness that is thinner than the second thickness; The mechanical wear indicator is configured to visually indicate a material thickness by the first, second, and third annular material thickness indicators.

25. The wear indicator according to claim 24, wherein the first annular material thickness indicator and the third annular material thickness indicator are of a first color, and the second annular material thickness indicator is formed of a second color different from the first color.

26. The wear indicator according to claim 24, wherein the first annular material thickness indicator is configured to be exposed from the indicator housing when the indicator housing is worn by 25%.

27. The second annular material thickness indicator is configured to be exposed from the indicator housing when the indicator housing is 50% worn, such that as a result, both the first and second annular material thickness indicators are exposed after 50% wear, the wear indicator according to claim 26.

28. The third annular material thickness indicator is configured to be exposed from the indicator housing when the indicator housing is 75% worn, such that as a result, the first, second, and third annular material thickness indicators are exposed after 75% wear, the wear indicator according to claim 27.

29. The wear indicator according to claim 24, wherein the first material thickness indicator is formed from brass.

30. The wear indicator according to claim 29, wherein the third annular material thickness indicator is formed from brass.

31. The wear indicator according to claim 30, wherein the second annular material thickness indicator is formed from steel.

32. A wear indicator system supported by a mechanical component, A plurality of wear indicators disposed adjacent to each other on the mechanical component, fixed in a hole of the mechanical component formed on a surface opposite to the wear surface of the mechanical component, A first wear indicator disposed at a first distance from the wear surface, the first wear indicator being visible when exposed indicating that the wear surface has completed a first wear stage, A second wear indicator disposed at a second distance from the wear surface that is longer than the first distance, the second wear indicator being visible when exposed indicating that the wear surface has completed a second wear stage, A third wear indicator disposed at a third distance from the wear surface that is longer than the second distance, the third wear indicator being visible when exposed indicating that the wear surface has completed a third wear stage The plurality of wear indicators including A wear indicator system supported by a mechanical component comprising.

33. The wear indicator system according to claim 32, wherein the first wear indicator, the second wear indicator, and the third wear indicator are disposed at intervals of between approximately 0 cm and approximately 5 cm from each other.

34. The wear indicator system according to claim 32, wherein the wear indicators are gathered within a display area having a width of about 20 cm.

35. The wear indicator system according to claim 32, wherein the holes include a plurality of blind holes, each of the wear indicators is disposed within a corresponding one of the plurality of blind holes, and each blind hole has a different depth corresponding to the height of the respective wear indicator disposed within the blind hole.

36. The wear indicator system according to claim 32, wherein the first wear stage is about 25% of acceptable wear.

37. The wear indicator system according to claim 32, wherein the second wear stage is about 50% of acceptable wear.

38. The wear indicator system according to claim 32, wherein the third wear stage is about 75% of acceptable wear.

39. The wear indicator system according to claim 32, wherein the wear indicator is fixed to the component by an interference fit.

40. The wear indicator system according to claim 32, wherein the wear indicator is fixed to the component by an adhesive.

41. The wear indicator system according to claim 32, wherein each of the wear indicators has the same cross-sectional dimensions as the other wear indicators.

42. The system according to claim 32, further comprising a plurality of groups of wear indicators, each group being disposed at a different location of the machine component and configured to detect wear at the different locations of the machine component.

43. For the wear indicator system according to claim 42, when one indicator of one group of the groups is visible, it indicates 25% wear at that location; when two indicators of the one group are visible, it indicates 50% wear at that location; and when three indicators of the one group are visible, it indicates 75% wear at that location.

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