WINCH DRUM VOLTAGE ISOLATION SYSTEM.

Abstract

A winch drum voltage isolation system includes a winch drum having an outwardly extending flange; the flange includes a plurality of holes spaced along its length; the winch drum voltage isolation system also includes a locking mechanism positioned close to the winch drum; the locking mechanism includes a locking member that can be engaged with the flange, the locking member being movable between a first position, in which the locking member is received in a first of the plurality of holes to prevent rotation of the winch drum, and a second position, in which the locking member is separated from the flange to allow rotation of the winch drum;The winch drum voltage isolation system also includes a safety release mechanism having a release member that is selectively engaged with a second of the plurality of holes to permit removal of the locking member.

Description

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 462,533 filed on February 23, 2017, the full content of which is incorporated herein by reference. FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention relates to a conveyor system for an underground and / or aboveground extraction machine, and in particular to an insulation system for the conveyor system. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Large, heavy-duty winches are used in the underground mining industry. These heavy winches are used to maintain tension on conveyors (e.g., belts) that transport material out of the underground mine. Winches include a winch drum (i.e., a rotating part around which a winch rope is wound), an electric motor and gearbox to rotate the winch drum, and a parking brake. Occasionally, a conveyor experiences an emergency stop, and the parking brake encounters dynamic braking loads that cause it to overheat and seize. The seized parking brake ends up trapping stored energy in the conveyor, and the load cannot be released. This situation puts operators at risk when attempting to repair or replace the motor and gearbox or the parking brake. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION According to one embodiment, a winch drum voltage isolation system includes a winch drum having an outwardly extending flange, the flange including a plurality of holes spaced along its length; the winch drum voltage isolation system also includes a locking mechanism positioned close to the winch drum; the locking mechanism includes a locking member that can be engaged with the flange, the locking member being movable between a first position, in which the locking member is received in a first of the plurality of holes to prevent rotation of the winch drum, and a second position, in which the locking member is separated from the flange to allow rotation of the winch drum;The winch drum voltage isolation system also includes a safety release mechanism having a release member that is selectively engaged with a second of the plurality of holes to permit removal of the locking member. According to another embodiment, a winch drum strain isolation system includes a frame and a winch drum coupled to the frame. The winch drum includes an outwardly extending flange with a plurality of holes spaced along its length. The winch drum strain isolation system includes a safety release mechanism coupled to the frame, which includes a pin that can be selectively engaged with the plurality of holes. The safety release mechanism includes a hydraulic cylinder coupled to the release member and hinged to the frame. Other aspects of the invention will become apparent upon consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is an isometric view of an electric winch system. Figure 2 is an end view of the winch system in Figure 1. Figures 3 and 4 are cross-sectional detail views of a winch drum voltage isolation system for the winch system in Figure 1. Figure 5 is a top plan view of the winch drum voltage isolation system of Figures 3 and 4. Figure 6 is a side view of the conveyor system in Figure 1 illustrating a ram for actuating a gearbox torque arm. Figure 7 is a schematic front view of a winch system according to another construction. Figure 8 is a schematic side view of the winch system in Figure 7 illustrating a safety release mechanism. Figure 9 is a schematic view of the winch system in Figure 7, illustrating a different position for the safety release mechanism. Figure 10 is a schematic view of the safety release mechanism. ινΐΛ / a / zuzz / uioioi Before explaining any embodiment of the invention in detail, it should be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the construction details and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or as illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of having other embodiments and of being carried out in various ways. Furthermore, it should be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered as limiting. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Figures 1 and 2 illustrate an electric winch system 10 used in an underground and / or aboveground mining environment to create and maintain the necessary belt tension for operation. The winch system 10 includes a winch drum 14, a motor 17 and gearbox 18 that drive the rotation of the winch drum 14, and a parking brake 22 that provides emergency braking force to the motor 17 and gearbox 18. The winch system 10 also includes a winch frame 26 and a conveyor belt 30 that spans the winch frame 26. The winch drum 14 is attached to the winch frame 26. A winch cable (not shown) is wound around the winch drum 14 and is used to move a trolley that creates tension on the conveyor belt 30.The winch drum 14 is a large-scale structure capable of continuous application, providing the necessary force to control belt tension during both starting and stopping situations. This device can also achieve the required cable force during an aborted or emergency stop. The winch system 10 also includes a torsion arm 34. The torsion arm 34 is coupled to both the winch drum 14 and the winch frame 26, and absorbs the torsional stress developed by the rotation of the winch drum 14 with respect to the frame 26. With reference to Figures 1 to 6, the winch drum 14 includes a pair of outwardly extending flanges 38, 40 located at opposite ends of the drum 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the flange 38 facing the arm 34 includes holes 42. The flange 38 extends circumferentially around a pivot axis 44 of the drum 14, and the holes 42 are circumferentially located around the flange 38. The holes 42 are evenly spaced along the flange 38. As illustrated in Figure 2, the flange 38 is a separate member coupled to a central portion 46 of the winch drum 14. In other embodiments, the flange 38 is integrally formed with the central portion 46, or the flange 38 is adapted to an existing winch drum 14. ινΐΛ / a / zuzz / ui ó ioi Flange 38 has a larger diameter than a diameter of the center portion 46 of the winch drum 14, and holes 42 are generally located near an outer edge 50 of flange 38, so that holes 42 are located radially outside the center portion 46. With reference to Figures 3 to 5, the winch system 10 includes a locking mechanism 52 positioned close to the winch drum 14. The locking mechanism 52, together with the flange 38, forms part of an overall winch drum voltage isolation system that isolates the buildup of voltage in the conveyor 30 in the event of a parking brake 22 stoppage. The locking mechanism 52 of the winch drum tension isolation system includes a locking member 54 located within a housing 58. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking member 54 is a spring-loaded pin disposed in the housing 58, although in other embodiments, the locking element 54 is another structure, including a spring-activated pin, etc. Housing 58 is coupled to the winch frame 26, and the locking member 54 slides into housing 58. The locking member 54 includes a distal end 62 positioned close to the flange 38 of the drum 14, and the distal end 62 is received in one of the holes 42 of the flange 38 depending on the position of the locking member 54. When the locking member 54 is in a first position, the distal end 62 of the locking member 54 is received in one of the holes 42, and the locking member 54 inhibits the movement of the drum 14.When the locking member 54 is in a second position, the distal end 62 is separated and not engaged with the flange 38 so that movement of the drum 14 is permitted. The locking mechanism 52 includes a restraint mechanism 66 that restricts the movement of the locking member 54 relative to the winch drum 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the restraint mechanism 66 includes a flange 67 on the winch frame 26 and a flange 68 at one end of the locking member 54. As illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the flanges 67 and 68 include holes 69. When the restraint mechanism 66 is in a locked position, the holes 69 are aligned, and a bolt (not shown) is passed through the flanges, thereby blocking the movement of the locking member 54. To release the restraint mechanism 66, the bolt is removed, and the flange 68 is rotated relative to the flange 67 (for example, 90 degrees) so that the flange 68 can be moved toward the flange 38.Once released, the locking member 54 (i.e., the spring-loaded pin in the illustrated embodiment) moves toward the flange 38, and the distal end 62 of the locking member 54 moves toward one of the holes 42. In the illustrated embodiment, a spring element (not shown) is located within the housing 58 and deflects the locking member 54 toward the flange 38. When the restraint mechanism 66 is in a locked position, the spring element maintains the potential energy in the released spring and causes the movement of the locking member 54 toward the flange 38 once the restraint mechanism 66 is unlocked and the flange 68 is rotated. In other embodiments, different restraint mechanisms are used, including restraint mechanisms that lock the locking member 54 in more than one position, and restraint mechanisms that use locks to lock the locking member. 54, etc. The locking mechanism 52 is positioned on the winch frame 26 such that the locking member 54, and in particular the distal end 62, is generally radially aligned with the holes 42. Based on the rotational positioning of the winch drum 14, the distal end 62 extends through one of the holes 42 when the retaining member 66 is released. With reference to Figures 3 to 5, the locking mechanism 52 includes guide elements 70 located on each side of the flange 38. Each of the guide members 70 includes an opening 74 to receive the locking member 54 and guide the locking member 54 to align it with one of the holes 42. In the illustrated configuration, flange 38 and locking member 54 prevent rotation of the winch drum 14 in the event of a stoppage in the parking brake 22, and isolate the tension that builds up in the conveyor 30. As noted earlier, occasionally the conveyor 30 experiences an emergency stop, and the parking brake 22 experiences dynamic braking loads that cause it to overheat and stop. The stopped parking brake 22 ends up trapping stored energy in an elastic belt of the conveyor 30, and the load cannot be released from the stopped parking brake 22.This situation puts operators at risk of replacing or repairing the motor 17, gearbox 18, or parking brake 22, as the winch drum 14 could otherwise suddenly and without warning begin to rotate again, thereby releasing stored energy and causing injury or damage to a nearby operator or to the winch system 10. To safely release stored energy, flange 38 and locking member 54 are used to prevent the winch drum 14 from rotating and to isolate the stress on the conveyor 30 while repairs and / or replacements are being carried out. Specifically, if the distal end 62 of the locking member 54 is aligned with one of the holes 42 after stopping, the restraint mechanism 66 (as described above) is released, and the distal end 62 of the locking member 54 moves toward the hole 42. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking member 54 is a deflection member predisposed toward the holes 42 by a spring element (not shown). Therefore, when the restraint member 66 is released, the locking member automatically moves toward the aligned hole 42. With the locking member 54 received by the aligned hole 42 and the guide members 70, the rotation of the winch drum 14 is prevented. With the rotation of the winch drum 14 prevented, the motor 17, gearbox 18, parking brake 22 and / or other structure are removed and / or repaired, and the stored energy is safely eliminated without the risk of the winch drum 42 causing injury or damage. If the distal end 62 of the locking member 54 is not aligned with one of the holes 42 after stopping, then the torsion arm 34 is used to rotate the winch drum 14 until one of the holes 42 aligns with the distal end 62 of the locking member 54. For example, and with reference to Figure 6, the torsion arm 34 is raised or lowered by means of a ram 74, although other mechanisms are used in other embodiments. The ram 74 is connected to an external hydraulic system, hand pump, or other pressure source (not shown). Additionally, the torsion arm 34 is coupled to an anchor point 78, which is coupled to the winch frame 26 by means of an anchor pin 82.To initially release the anchor pin 82 (which is under a load), the ram 74 is activated to move the torsion arm 34 slightly, relieving the tension on the anchor pin 82, so that the anchor pin 82 is withdrawn, and the torsion arm 34 is then rotated until one of the holes 42 aligns with the distal end 62 of the locking member 54. The motor 17 and gearbox 18 are advantageously unnecessary to rotate the winch drum 14 so that one of the holes 42 in the flange 38 aligns with the locking member 54. Instead, the torsion arm 34 is raised or lowered solely by the ram 74 to rotate the winch drum 14 in either direction about the rotation axis 44, until one of the holes 42 aligns with the locking member 54. With hole 42 aligned, the restraint mechanism 66 is then unlocked, for example, by removing a bolt from holes 69 and rotating the flange 67 relative to the flange 68, and the distal end 62 of the locking member 54 is deflected (in the illustrated mode automatically by means of the deflecting force of the spring element) toward the flange 38 until the distal end 62 seats in the aligned hole 42 and the guide members 70, thus blocking the rotation of the winch drum 14. Once the motor 17, gearbox 18, parking brake 22, and / or other structure have been repaired and / or replaced, the locking member 54 is removed from hole 42 (for example, by a user or machine pulling the locking member 54 out of hole 42 while holding the flange 68). The torsion arm 34 is moved again with the ram 74, and the anchor pin 82 is reinserted into the anchor point 78. With the locking member 54 removed, the restraint mechanism 66 is applied to the locking member 54 to prevent it from re-engaging with the flange 38. In the illustrated version, the flange 68 is rotated relative to the flange 67 until the holes 69 are aligned, and the bolt is reinserted into the holes 69. Figures 7 to 10 illustrate a winch system 110 used in an underground mining environment to move material from or within the underground mine. The winch system 110 includes a winch drum 114, as well as a motor 117 and a gearbox 118 (Fig. 7) that drive the rotation of the winch drum 114. In contrast to winch system 10, the gearbox 118 is arranged internally to the winch drum 114, rather than externally. In some embodiments, the winch system 110 also includes a parking brake, similar to the winch system 10 described above. In some embodiments, the motor 117 is also at least partially arranged within the winch drum 114. With reference to Figures 7 and 8, the winch system 110 also includes a winch frame 126 and a conveyor (not shown) that spans the winch frame 126. The winch drum 114 is attached to the winch frame 126. A winch cable 136 is wound around the winch drum 114 and is used to move the conveyor. In some embodiments, the winch drum 114 is a large-scale structure capable of a continuous application of approximately 80 kN (18,000 lbf) and a shock load of approximately 297 kN (67,500 lbf). As illustrated in Figure 7, the winch drum 114 includes a pair of outwardly extending flanges 138, 140 located at opposite ends of the winch drum 114. As illustrated in Figure 8, the flange 138 includes holes 142. The flange 138 extends circumferentially over a pivot axis 144 (Figure 7) of the winch drum 114, and the holes 142 are located circumferentially around the flange 138. The holes 142 are evenly spaced along the flange 138. In some embodiments, the flange 138 is a separate member coupled to a center portion 146 (Figure 7) of the winch drum 114. In other embodiments, the flange 138 is integrally formed with the center portion 146, or the flange 138 is adapted to an existing 114 winch drum. The flange 138 has a larger diameter than a diameter of the center portion 146 of the winch drum 114, and the holes 142 are generally located near an outer edge 150 of the flange 138, so that the holes 142 are located radially outside the center portion 146. With reference to Figures 7 to 10, the winch system 110 includes a locking mechanism 152 positioned close to the winch drum 114. The locking mechanism 152, together with the flange 138, forms part of an overall winch drum stress isolation system that isolates stress buildup on the conveyor. The locking member 152 includes a locking member 154. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking member 154 is a spring-loaded pin, although in other embodiments the locking member 154 is a different structure, including a hydraulically actuated pin, etc. In some embodiments, and similarly to the locking mechanism 52 described above, a housing (not shown) is coupled to the winch frame 126, and the locking member 154 slides into the housing.A distal end of the locking member 154 is received in one of the holes 142 of the flange 138 depending on the position of the locking member 154. When the locking member 154 is in a first position, the distal end of the locking member 154 is received in one of the holes 142 and the locking member 154 inhibits the movement of the winch drum 114. When the locking member 154 is in a second position, the distal end 62 is separated and does not engage with the flange 138 so that movement of the winch drum 114 is permitted. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism 152 includes a restraining mechanism (e.g., flanges similar to flanges 67, 68, holes 69, and the bolt described above) that restricts the movement of the locking member 154 relative to the winch drum 114. The locking mechanism 152 is positioned on the winch frame 126 such that the locking member 154, and in particular the distal end of the locking member 154, is generally radially aligned with the holes 142. Based on the rotational positioning of the winch drum 114, the distal end of the locking member 154 extends through one of the holes 142 when the retaining member 66 is released. Continuing with reference to Figures 7 to 10, the locking mechanism 152 includes guide elements 170 located on each side of the flange 138 (similar to the guide member 70 described above). Each of the guide members 170 includes an opening to receive the locking member 154 and to guide the locking member 154 into alignment with one of the holes 142. The flange 138 and locking member 154 prevent the winch drum 114 from rotating (for example, in the event of a parking brake failure) and isolate the stress that builds up on the conveyor. To safely release stored energy, the flange 138 and locking member 154 are used to prevent the winch drum 114 from rotating and to isolate the stress on the conveyor while repairs and / or replacements are being carried out. Specifically, if the distal end of the locking member 154 is initially aligned with one of the holes 142, the restraint mechanism is released, and the distal end of the locking member 154 moves toward hole 142. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking member 154 is a deflector member predisposed toward holes 142 by a spring element (not shown).Therefore, when the restraint mechanism is released, the locking member 154 automatically moves towards the aligned hole 142. In other embodiments, the locking member 154 can be moved manually towards the aligned hole 142. With the locking member 154 received by the aligned hole 142 and the guide members 170, the rotation of the winch drum 114 is prevented. With the rotation of the winch drum 114 prevented, the motor 117, gearbox 18 and / or other structures are removed and / or repaired, and the stored energy is eliminated afterwards. Continuing with reference to Figures 7 to 10, the winch system 110 also includes a safety release mechanism 186 to relieve tension on the locking member 154 so that the locking member 154 can be removed from the flange 138 (for example, after repairs have been made to the engine 117, gearbox 118, or any other structure). In the illustrated embodiment, the safety release mechanism 186 includes a hydraulic hand pump 190, a hydraulic cylinder 194 (having an extending and retracting piston arm 195) coupled to the hydraulic hand pump 190 through one or more hydraulic lines 196 (Figures 9 and 10), and a fork / pin arrangement 198 coupled to the hydraulic cylinder 194. As illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, the hand pump 190 and hydraulic cylinder 194 can be coupled to the winch frame 126 at various locations.Furthermore, as illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, the hydraulic cylinder 194 can be pivotally coupled to the winch frame 126 around a pivot point 202 (e.g., a pivot pin). To remove the locking member 154, the fork / pin arrangement 198 includes a fork 199 and a pin 200 that is inserted into one of the holes 142 and into the fork 199 (e.g., through a hole or holes in the fork 199). For example, with reference to Figures 8 and 9, the hydraulic cylinder 194 can pivot about the pivot point 202 (e.g., manually, or with a separate motor, or mechanically with a jack or other structure) until the fork / pin arrangement 198 is positioned in one of the holes 142. The hydraulic cylinder 194 can be actuated alternatively or additionally (e.g., extended or retracted by the hand pump 190) so that the piston arm 195 extends relative to a housing 201 of the hydraulic cylinder 194 and moves the fork / pin arrangement 198 adjacent to one of the 142 holes.Pin 200 is then inserted into hole 142 and engaged with fork 199 to engage the fork / pin assembly 198 with flange 138. The hydraulic hand pump 190 is then pumped to move the fork / pin assembly 198 further and thereby force a slight rotation of the winch drum 114 and flange 138, relieving the tension around the locking member 154 so that the locking member 154 can be easily removed from its hole 142 and disengaged from flange 138. Once the locking member 154 has been removed, the clevis / pin arrangement 198 is removed downstream of the hole 142 and the flange 138. For example, the motor 117 and / or the parking brake can be activated to control the movement of the winch drum 114 (for example, to keep the winch drum 114 stationary), until the clevis / pin arrangement 198 has been completely removed. The hydraulic cylinder 194 and the fork / pin arrangement 198 retract and / or rotate about the pivot point 202 from an active position (i.e., when the hydraulic cylinder 194 and the fork / pin arrangement 198 are used to engage the flange 138) to a storage position so that they no longer block movement and rotation of the winch drum 114 and its flange 138.In some embodiments, the hydraulic cylinder 194 and the fork / pin arrangement 198 rotate to a vertical storage position, a horizontal storage position, or any other storage position angle, so that the hydraulic cylinder 194 and the fork / pin arrangement 198 remain out of the path of movement of the winch drum 114 during the use of the winch system 110. In some embodiments, the safety release mechanism 186 is also used to rotate the winch drum 114 and flange 138 during the insertion of the locking member 154. For example, if the locking member 154 is not initially aligned with one of the holes 142, the safety release mechanism 186 can be used to engage with the flange 138 (e.g., via the fork / pin arrangement 198) and slightly rotate the winch drum 114 and flange 138 until the locking member aligns with one of the holes 142. The locking member 158 can then be inserted into hole 142. After inserting the locking member 158 into hole 142, the safety release mechanism 186 can then be withdrawn from the flange 138, or in some embodiments, it can remain engaged with the flange 138 during engine repair. 117, the gearbox 118, or any other structure in the winch system 110.Other embodiments include different types of safety release mechanisms 186 than the illustrated ones. For example, while the illustrated embodiment includes a hydraulic cylinder 194, other embodiments include pneumatic cylinders or other types of actuators (e.g., linear actuators). In some embodiments, the hand hydraulic pump 190 is not provided. Instead, the hydraulic cylinder 194 (or other actuator) is electronically controlled by a controller 206 (Fig. 8). Furthermore, while the illustrated embodiment includes a fork / pin arrangement 198, other embodiments include clamps, spring-loaded pins, or other release elements that extend into one of the holes 142 (or otherwise engage with the flange 138), so that the winch drum 114 and the flange 138 can be rotated slightly to relieve tension around the locking member 154, allowing the locking member 154 to be removed.Additionally, although the illustrated embodiment includes a single pivot point 202 for moving the hydraulic cylinder 194 and the fork / pin arrangement 198 between the active position and the storage position, in other embodiments the hydraulic cylinder 194 and the fork / pin arrangement 198 (or other structures used) are moved through multiple pivot points, or by means of one or more tracks, guides, rails, or other structures (e.g., on the frame 126). Although the invention has been described in full detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, there are variations and modifications within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of the invention as described.

Claims

1. A winch drum voltage isolation system comprising: a winch drum including an outwardly extending flange, the flange including a plurality of holes spaced along the flange; a locking mechanism positioned close to the winch drum and including a locking member that can be engaged with the flange, the locking member being movable between a first position, in which the locking member is received in a first of the plurality of holes to prevent forward or backward rotation of the winch drum, and a second position, in which the locking member is separated from the flange to allow rotation of the winch drum; a frame;and a safety release mechanism including a release member that can be selectively engaged with a second of the plurality of holes to permit removal of the locking member, wherein the safety release mechanism includes a hydraulic cylinder coupled to the release member, wherein the hydraulic cylinder is pivotally coupled to the frame.

2. The winch drum voltage isolation system according to claim 1, further characterized in that the hydraulic cylinder includes a first end and an opposite second end, wherein the first end is pivotally coupled to the frame, and wherein the release member extends from the second end.

3. The winch drum voltage isolation system according to claim 1, further characterized in that the safety release mechanism includes a pump coupled to the hydraulic cylinder by means of at least one hydraulic line.

4. The voltage isolation system of the winch drum according to claim 3, further characterized in that the pump is a hand pump.

5. The winch drum voltage isolation system according to claim 1, further characterized in that the hydraulic cylinder is pivotally coupled to the frame around a bolt.

6. The winch drum voltage isolation system according to claim 1, further characterized in that the securing member comprises a bolt.

7. The winch drum voltage isolation system according to claim 1, further characterized in that the release member includes a bolt.

8. The voltage isolation system of the winch drum of 5 in accordance with claim 7, further characterized in that the pin is a first pin, wherein the securing member includes a second pin.

9. The winch drum voltage isolation system according to claim 8, further characterized in that the hydraulic cylinder is pivotally coupled to the frame with respect to a third bolt.

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