AU2010100918A4 - Link - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Innovation Patent Applicant(s): BRADKEN RESOURCES PTY LIMITED Invention Title: LINK The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method for performing it known to me/us: - 2 LINK TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates generally to swivel links 5 for use in dragline rigging. BACKGROUND TO THE DISCLOSURE Dragline excavators are commonly employed to remove earth, soil or other material in preparation for open cut mining. 10 In dragline excavators, a bucket capable of scooping soil is actioned from a boom. A rigging supports the bucket from the boom and couples to it to enable its action. The rigging is an assembly of elements and cables by which the 15 bucket is suspended and operated. The dragline rigging is typically an array of linkages between the bucket and the boom. A reduction in weight of the rigging has an impact on the overall efficiency of dragline excavator operation. 20 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Disclosed is a swivel link for dragline rigging, the swivel link having three connection points interconnected by connecting arms, the connecting arms defining an interior cavity of the swivel link. 25 In one form at least a portion of the interior cavity extends through the swivel link. In one form the connecting arms have a substantially T 30 shaped cross section. In one form the connecting arms comprise at least one flange extending between the connection points and at least one web extending between the connection points and positioned inwardly of the at least one flange. 35 In one form the cavity is located intermediate the three connection points. 23821241 (GHMatters) 20/08/10 - 3 In a second aspect, disclosed is a swivel link for a dragline rigging, the swivel link comprising three connection points spaced apart about the periphery of the 5 swivel link and an interior cavity positioned intermediate the three connection points. In one form the cavity extends through the swivel link. 10 The swivel link allows for a decreased dragline rigging weight along with reducing the materials required to manufacture the swivel link. The swivel link is designed to maximize strength so no loss in swivel link strength is associated with the reduction in weight. The reduction in 15 weight of the swivel link reduces the overall weight of the dragline rigging and allows for greater amounts of material to be lifted in the bucket engaged with the dragline rigging. 20 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A preferred embodiment will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 25 Fig 1. is an isometric view of the link of one embodiment of the present invention; Fig 2. is a top view of the link of Fig 1; 30 Fig 3. is a back view of the link of Fig 1; Fig 4. is a side view of the link of Fig 1; Fig 5. is a front view of the link of Fig 1; 35 Fig 6. is a bottom view of the link of Fig 1; 23821241 (GHMatters) 20/08/10 - 4 Fig 7. is an exploded view of a swivel link in situ in a dragline rigging. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 5 In a first embodiment shown in the figures, disclosed is a swivel link 1 for use in dragline rigging 2. The swivel link 1 is adapted to be positioned between the upper hoist link for the dump block 5 and the hoist clevis 6 in a dragline rigging 2. Thus the swivel link 1 is positioned 10 to support dragline excavation bucket 7 from a boom not illustrated. The swivel link 1 has 3 connection points 10', 10''and 10'''The connection points 10 have arms 11' , 11'' and 11''' extending therebetween. The arms 11 define the spatial relationship between the connection points 10 15 and position the connection points 10 spaced apart about the periphery of the swivel link 1. The arms 11 define an interior cavity 12 which is positioned centrally to the connection points 10. The 20 interior cavity 12 extends through the swivel link 1. Each arm 11 has a substantially t-shaped cross section comprising a flange 13 and a web 14, the flange 13 being arranged to be substantially perpendicular to the web 14. 25 The greater mass of material is thus concentrated in the periphery of the swivel link 1. The flanges 13 and the cavity 12 have a lower mass per surface area than the web 14, thus reducing the mass and material which is located towards the centre of the swivel link 1. 30 The connection points 10 comprise an upper bore 10' for connection with an upper hoist link 4 and a hoist rope equalizing system positioned above the upper hoist link 4. Lower bore 10" is configured for connection to two hoist 35 chains 8 via hoist clevis 6 and an anterior pin 10' '' for connection to dump block 5. The connection points 10 are configured to provide freedom of movement about pins 16' 2382124_1 (GHMatters) 20/08/10 - 5 16' ' and 16' ' ' to allow operation of the dragline rigging 2 to lift of the bucket 7. Interior cavity 12 is sized to extend across a substantial 5 surface area of a face 17 of the swivel link 1. The cavity 12 makes up 10% or more of the planar area of face 17 of the swivel link. The cavity 12 reduces the mass and material usage of the swivel link 1 without reducing the strength of the swivel link 1. 10 This reduction in mass of the swivel link allows a greater mass to be carried in bucket 7 for a particular dragline structure. This improves the efficiency of operation of the dragline structure. The swivel link 1 also has lower 15 material usage owing to the interior cavity 12. Further, the flanges 13 decrease mass and material usage by decreasing the mass of arms 11. The swivel link has been described with arms 11 having a 20 T--shaped cross section; however a person skilled in the art will be aware that the other cross sections will provide the strength required for the swivel link. Specifically, an I-shaped cross-section would provide the necessary strength for arm 11. However, an I-shaped cross 25 section would not have as much reduction in mass and material usage as a T-shaped cross section. The swivel link 1 has been described with particular connection points: upper bore 10', lower bore 10'' and 30 anterior pin 10''' as utilized in an exemplary dragline rigging. However, alternate connection points would fall within the scope of the present invention. In the claims which follow and in the preceding 35 description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as 2382124_1 (GHMatters) 20108/10 - 6 "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. 5 Variations and modifications may be made to the parts previously described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the invention. 23821241 (GHMatters) 20/08/10

Claims (8)

1. A swivel link for dragline rigging, the swivel link having three connection points interconnected by 5 connecting arms, the connecting arms defining an interior cavity of the swivel link.

2. A swivel link as defined in claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the interior cavity extends through the 10 swivel link.

3. A swivel link as defined in claim 1 or 2, wherein the connecting arms having a substantially T-shaped cross section. 15

4. A swivel link as defined in claim 3, wherein the connecting arms comprise at least one flange extending between the connection points and at. least one web extending between the connection points and 20 positioned inwardly of the at least one flange.

5. A swivel link as defined in any of the preceding claims, wherein the cavity is located centrally with respect to the three connection points. 25

6. A swivel link for a dragline rigging, the swivel link comprising three connection points spaced apart about the periphery of the swivel link and an interior cavity positioned intermediate the three connection 30 points.

7. A swivel link as defined in claim 6, wherein the cavity extends through the swivel link. 2382124_1 (GHMatters) 20/08/10 - 8

8. A swivel link substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 1 - 6. 5 2382124_1 (GHMatters) 20/08110