AU2014227560B2 - Fiber Optic Cable Protection in a Mining System - Google Patents
Fiber Optic Cable Protection in a Mining System Download PDFInfo
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- AU2014227560B2 AU2014227560B2 AU2014227560A AU2014227560A AU2014227560B2 AU 2014227560 B2 AU2014227560 B2 AU 2014227560B2 AU 2014227560 A AU2014227560 A AU 2014227560A AU 2014227560 A AU2014227560 A AU 2014227560A AU 2014227560 B2 AU2014227560 B2 AU 2014227560B2
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- fiber optic
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- optic cable
- assembly
- wall
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- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 131
- 238000005065 mining Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 23
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 239000002783 friction material Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000033001 locomotion Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims 2
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims 2
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims 2
- 241000270295 Serpentes Species 0.000 abstract description 2
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 26
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 5
- 239000003245 coal Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007935 neutral effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002028 premature Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008439 repair process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011800 void material Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21C—MINING OR QUARRYING
- E21C29/00—Propulsion of machines for slitting or completely freeing the mineral from the seam
- E21C29/04—Propulsion of machines for slitting or completely freeing the mineral from the seam by cable or chains
- E21C29/14—Propulsion of machines for slitting or completely freeing the mineral from the seam by cable or chains by haulage cable or chain pulling the machine along the working face
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21F—SAFETY DEVICES, TRANSPORT, FILLING-UP, RESCUE, VENTILATION, OR DRAINING IN OR OF MINES OR TUNNELS
- E21F13/00—Transport specially adapted to underground conditions
- E21F13/06—Transport of mined material at or adjacent to the working face
- E21F13/066—Scraper chain conveyors
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16G—BELTS, CABLES, OR ROPES, PREDOMINANTLY USED FOR DRIVING PURPOSES; CHAINS; FITTINGS PREDOMINANTLY USED THEREFOR
- F16G13/00—Chains
- F16G13/12—Hauling- or hoisting-chains so called ornamental chains
- F16G13/16—Hauling- or hoisting-chains so called ornamental chains with arrangements for holding electric cables, hoses, or the like
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- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/46—Processes or apparatus adapted for installing or repairing optical fibres or optical cables
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
- H02G11/00—Arrangements of electric cables or lines between relatively-movable parts
- H02G11/006—Arrangements of electric cables or lines between relatively-movable parts using extensible carrier for the cable, e.g. self-coiling spring
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
- Geology (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Electric Cable Arrangement Between Relatively Moving Parts (AREA)
Abstract
A chain link assembly, a cable chain assembly and a mining system. The cable handler individual links may include an enclosed section for the fiber optic cable separate from other services for the machine. A flexible material or other structure may assemble the fiber optic cable in the cable handler in a manner in which it "snakes" about the centerline to provide ample slack in the fiber optic cable to, for example, prevent over tension. 5787462_1 (GHMatters) P95511.AU.1 PETAK C\j co LO co
Description
FIBER OPTIC CABLE PROTECTION IN A MINING SYSTEM FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to longwall mining and, more particularly, to a cable handler chain in a longwall mining installation. SUMMARY [0002] A longwall shearer traverses along an armoured face conveyor (AFC) pan line to win material from the face. The operation of the shearer requires electrical power for cutting and tramming as well as water for cooling machine components including electric motors and gearcases. These services are provided out-bye the longwall face and must travel along the AFC to reach the shearer. Typically, these services lay statically along the AFC until the mid point of the face where the services typically enter the cable handling system which runs in a trough to the shearer towing bracket. The towing bracket is attached to the shearer and pulls the cable handler, with services inside, along the trough. The cable handling system is designed to withstand tension caused from the weight of the system and friction as it is being towed down the cable trough, protecting the services which are not designed to withstand these forces. [0003] The services provided to the shearer typically include only electric cables and water hoses. However, fiber optics is becoming increasingly appealing as a way to, for example, provide an unmanned face in low seam longwall mining installations or even in high seam mining. Fiber optic cores are used for high speed single- and two-way communication between the shearer and the off-face equipment. The information consists of system I/O, diagnostic information, radio control and video transmission. If fiber optic cables are used for such communications, reliability of the fiber optic cores is important. The maximum tensional load for the fiber optic cores is considerably lower than all other cables being routed to the shearer. 1 7357271_1 (GHMatters) P95511 .AU.1 PETAK [0004] The illustrated constructions may provide a reliable means of transmitting the data by protecting the fiber optic cable from over tension and failure. Reliability is important as significant downtime results in lost production and revenues of the mine, and, because of difficult ergonomic conditions associated with low seam longwall mining, repairs are difficult. [0005] In order to ensure the reliability of the fiber optic cable, the fiber optic cable may be placed in a separate compartment within the cable chain. This separate compartment may be formed by adding a divider to the chain link to create two different compartments, one for the electrical power cable/water hose and a much smaller one for the fiber optic cable. A compressible material may provide a means to assemble the fiber cable in such a way to ensure adequate slack exists over the entire length of the cable chain to prevent over tension and failure. [0006] The separate compartment may ensure that the other larger lines cannot damage the fiber optic cable by sliding up against and over tensioning and wearing the fiber cable due to friction. The separate compartment may also provide means of constraining the compressible material in all degrees of freedom. [0007] In one embodiment, there is provided a chain link assembly for a cable chain assembly extending along an axis, the assembly comprising: a chain link having a plurality of walls cooperating to define a compartment opening in the direction of the axis, a fiber optic cable being supportable in the compartment, a service line being supportable in the compartment; and a flexible member supported in the compartment and engageable with the fiber optic cable, the flexible member positioning the fiber optic cable toward one of the plurality of walls; wherein the chain link further includes an internal wall dividing the compartment into a first compartment and a second compartment, the fiber optic cable being supportable in the first compartment, the service line being supportable in the second compartment, wherein the internal wall extends between the one of the plurality of walls and an opposite one of the plurality of walls to 2 7357271_1 (GHMatters) P95511.AU.1 PETAK define the first compartment on one side of the internal wall and the second compartment on the other side of the internal wall. The service line may be, e.g., a power cable, a water hose, etc. [0008] According to the present disclosure, there is provided a chain link assembly for a cable assembly in a mining machine, the cable chain assembly extending along an axis, the chain link assembly comprising: a chain link having a plurality of walls cooperating to define a compartment opening in the direction of the axis, a centreline being defined between the plurality of walls and extending parallel to the axis, the chain link including a first projection and a second projection extending opposite the first projection, the chain link defining a length measured between the first projection and the second projection and parallel to the direction of the axis, a fiber optic cable being supportable in the compartment, a service line being supportable in the compartment; and a flexible member supported in the compartment and engageable with the fiber optic cable, the flexible member having a length that is shorter than the length between the first projection and the second projection, the flexible member positioning the fiber optic cable toward one of the plurality of walls and away from the centreline at least when the fiber optic cable is in a slack state. [0009] The present invention also provides a cable chain assembly for a mining machine, the cable chain assembly extending along an axis, the assembly comprising: a plurality of chain links each having a plurality of walls comprising a top wall, a bottom wall, and at least one side wall cooperating to define a compartment opening in the direction of the axis; a fiber optic cable extending through the compartment in each of the plurality of chain links, the fiber optic cable extending generally along a wave shaped path; a service line supportable in the compartment in each of the plurality of chain links; a first flexible member supported in the compartment of one of the plurality of chain links and engageable with the fiber optic cable, the first flexible member positioning the fiber optic cable toward the top wall of the one of the plurality of chain links ; and a second flexible member supported in the compartment of a second of the 3 7357271_1 (GHMatters) P95511.AU.1 PETAK plurality of chain links and engageable with the fiber optic cable, the second flexible member positioning the fiber optic cable toward the bottom wall of the second of the plurality of chain links. [0010] In one embodiment, there is provided a mining system comprising: an armoured face conveyor extending along a face to be mined, the conveyor defining a cable trough; a shearer supported by and for movement along the conveyor, the shearer being operable to mine material from the face; and a cable chain assembly extending along an axis generally parallel to the face, the assembly being partially supported in the trough, the assembly including a plurality of chain links each having a top wall, a bottom wall, a first side wall and a second side wall cooperating to define a compartment opening in the direction of the axis, a fiber optic cable extending through the compartment in each of the plurality of chain links, the fiber optic cable extending generally along a wave-shaped path, the fiber optic cable being connected to the shearer, a service line supportable in the compartment in each of the plurality of chain links, the service line being connected to the shearer, a first flexible member supported in the compartment of one of the plurality of chain links and engageable with the fiber optic cable, the first flexible member positioning the fiber optic cable toward the top wall of the one of the plurality of chain links, and a second flexible member supported in the compartment a second one of the plurality of chain links and engageable with the fiber optic cable, the second flexible member positioning the fiber optic cable toward the bottom wall of the second one of the plurality of chain links. [0011] In another embodiment, there is provided a chain link assembly for a cable chain assembly in a mining machine, the cable chain assembly extending along an axis, the chain link assembly comprising: a chain link having a first wall, a second wall opposite the first wall, and a third wall extending between the first wall and the second wall, the first wall, second wall, and third wall cooperating to define a compartment opening in the direction of the axis, a fiber optic cable supportable in the compartment; a service line supportable in the compartment; a connector coupled to the third wall; and a 4 7357271_1 (GHMatters) P95511.AU.1 PETAK resilient or flexible member supported by the connector and engageable with the fiber optic cable, the resilient or flexible member having a portion engageable with the fiber optic cable, the resilient or flexible member positioning the fiber optic cable toward one of the first wall and the second wall. [0012] In some constructions, the flexible member may include a compressible member supported on an opposite one of the plurality of walls. The compressible member may include a substantially solid member formed of compressible material. The compressible member may include a hollow member having a first portion engageable with the fiber optic cable and a second portion spaced from the first portion and engaging the opposite one of the plurality of walls. The hollow member may have a substantially tubular cross section. The compressible member may include a leaf spring. In some constructions, the flexible member may be connected to the one of the plurality of walls and extends at least partially around the fiber optic cable, the flexible member being in tension towards the one of the plurality of walls. [0013] In some constructions, the chain link may further include an internal wall dividing the compartment into a first compartment and a second compartment, the fiber optic cable being supportable in the first compartment, the service line being supportable in the second compartment. The internal wall may extend between the one of the plurality of walls and an opposite one of the plurality of walls to define the first compartment on one side of the internal wall and the second compartment on the other side of the wall. The internal walls may be formed with the one of the plurality of walls and an opposite one of the plurality of walls. [0014] The internal wall may be separate from and connected to the one of the plurality of walls and an opposite one of the plurality of walls. One of the plurality of walls may define a first groove, and the opposite one of the plurality of walls may define a second groove. The internal wall may include a first projection engageable in the first groove and a second projection engageable in the second groove to connect the internal 5 7357271_1 (GHMatters) P95511.AU.1 PETAK wall to the one of the plurality of walls and to the opposite one of the plurality of walls. The internal wall may include a connecting member, a portion of the flexible member being captured between the connecting member and an opposite one of the plurality walls. [0015] The flexible member may have a surface engageable with the fiber optic cable, the surface including a low friction material. The surface may be coated with the low friction material. The flexible member may have a surface engageable with the fiber optic cable, the surface having curved edges. [0016] In some constructions, a third one of the plurality of chain links may be connected between the one of the plurality of chain links and the second one of the plurality of chain links, the third one of the plurality of chain links not having a flexible member in the compartment. Each of the plurality of chain links may include a pair of forward projections and a pair of rearward projections each defining an opening, and the assembly may further include a first pin connecting the rearward projections of the one of the plurality of chain links to the forward projections of the third one of the plurality of chain links, the first pin defining a pivot axis between the one of the plurality of chain links and the third one of the plurality of chain links and a second pin connecting the rearward projections of the third one of the plurality of chain links to the forward projections of the second one of the plurality of chain links, the second pin defining a pivot axis between the third one of the plurality of chain links and the second one of the plurality of chain links. [0017] In another independent embodiment, there is provided a chain link assembly for a cable chain assembly in a mining machine, the cable chain assembly extending along an axis, the chain link assembly comprising: a chain link having a plurality of walls cooperating to define a compartment opening in the direction of the axis, the chain link including a first projection and a second projection extending opposite the first projection, the chain link defining a length measured between the first projection and the 6 7357271_1 (GHMatters) P95511.AU.1 PETAK second projection and parallel to the direction of the axis, a fiber optic cable being supportable in the compartment, a service line being supportable in the compartment; and a flexible member supported in the compartment and engageable with the fiber optic cable, the flexible member having a length that is shorter than the length between the first projection and the second projection, the flexible member positioning the fiber optic cable toward one of the plurality of walls. [0018] In a further independent embodiment, there is provided cable chain assembly for a mining machine, the cable chain assembly extending along an axis, the assembly comprising: a plurality of chain links each having a plurality of walls comprising a top wall, a bottom wall, and at least one side wall cooperating to define a compartment opening in the direction of the axis; a fiber optic cable extending through the compartment in each of the plurality of chain links, the fiber optic cable extending generally along a wave-shaped path; a service line supportable in the compartment in each of the plurality of chain links; a first member supported in the compartment of one of the plurality of chain links and engageable with the fiber optic cable, the first member positioning the fiber optic cable toward the one of the walls of the one of the plurality of chain links; and a second member supported in the compartment of a second one of the plurality of chain links and engageable with the fiber optic cable, the second member positioning the fiber optic cable toward one of the walls of the second one of the plurality of chain links. [0019] In another independent embodiment, there is provided a chain link assembly for a cable chain assembly in a mining machine, the cable chain assembly extending along an axis, the chain link assembly comprising: a chain link having a first wall, a second wall opposite the first wall, and a third wall extending between the first wall and the second wall, the first wall, second wall, and third wall cooperating to define a compartment opening in the direction of the axis, a fiber optic cable supportable in the compartment; a service line supportable in the compartment; a connector coupled to the third wall; and a resilient member supported by the connector and engageable with the 7 7357271_1 (GHMatters) P95511 .AU.1 PETAK fiber optic cable, the resilient member having a portion engageable with the fiber optic cable, the resilient member positioning the fiber optic cable toward one of the first wall and the second wall. [0020] Independent aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0021] Fig. 1 is a top plan view of a longwall mining system including an Armoured Face Conveyor ("AFC"). [0022] Fig. 2 is a top plan view of a portion of the longwall mining system shown in Fig. 1 including the AFC, a shearer and a cable chain. [0023] Fig. 3 is a profile view of a portion of the longwall mining system shown in Fig. 1 including the AFC, the shearer and the cable chain. [0024] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a cable chain of the longwall mining system shown in Fig. 2. [0025] Fig. 5 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of the cable chain shown in Fig. 4. [0026] Fig. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of the cable chain shown in Fig. 4. [0027] Fig. 7 is a perspective cross-sectional view of an alternative construction of the cable chain shown in Fig. 4. [0028] Fig. 8 is a perspective cross-sectional view of another alternative construction of the cable chain shown in Fig. 4. 8 7357271_1 (GHMatters) P95511.AU.1 PETAK [0029] Fig. 9 is a perspective cross-sectional view of yet another alternative construction of the cable chain shown in Fig. 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0030] Before any independent embodiments or independent constructions of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other independent embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. [0031] A longwall mining system 10 is illustrated in the Figs. 1-3. The system 10 may be used in mines having a low seam or a high seam. The system 10 generally includes an Armoured Face Conveyor (AFC) 14 extending along a face F to be mined (e.g., a coal block). A shearer 18 is supported on and traverses on the pan line 22 (see Fig. 3) of the AFC 14 to win material from the face F. Head and tail drives 26, 30 (see Fig. 1) move the conveyor of the AFC 14 to convey mined material (e.g., coal). The length of this system 10 is typically around 1000 feet. [0032] As shown in Figs. 2-3, the AFC 14 includes a cable trough 30 extending along an axis A generally parallel to the face F. A cable chain 34 is positioned in the cable trough 30 and extends generally along the axis A. As shown in Fig. 4, service lines (e.g., electrical power cables 38, 42, water hose 46) and a fiber optic cable 50 are supported in the cable chain 34. [0033] As shown in Figs. 5-6, the cable chain 34 is formed from a plurality of chain links 54a, 54b, 54c... 54n. Each chain link 54 generally includes (see Figs. 4-5) a plurality of walls (e.g., a top wall 58, a bottom wall 62 and opposite side walls 66, 70) defining a link compartment 74 opening in the direction of the axis A. Each chain link 54 also includes (see Figs. 5-6) a set of forward and rearward projections 78, 82, each 9 7357271_1 (GHMatters) P95511.AU.1 PETAK defining an opening 86 for receiving a pin (not shown) to connect the chain links 54 into a chain (see Figs. 5-6). [0034] In the illustrated construction and in some independent aspects, each chain link 54 also includes an internal divider wall 90 dividing the link compartment 74 into a first compartment 94, for the fiber optic cable 50, and a second compartment 98, for the service lines (38, 42, 46). Each compartment 94, 98 is generally rectangular with the first compartment 94 being relatively narrow in a horizontal direction (see Fig. 4). In other constructions (not shown), the compartment(s) 94, 98 may have a different shape (e.g., square, round, oval, etc.) and/or size. [0035] In the construction shown in Figs. 4-6 and 9, the divider wall 90 is formed with the other walls (58, 62) of the chain link 54. In other constructions (see, for example, Figs. 5-8), the divider wall 90 is separate from the chain link 54 and connected to the top and bottom walls 58, 62 by inter-engaging connecting members (not shown) such as, for example, keying projection(s) and groove(s) on the divider wall 90 and on the walls 58, 62. The connecting members cooperate to retain the divider wall 90 in position. In such constructions, the walls 58, 62, 66, 70 of the chain link 54 may also be formed separately from one another and connected by inter- engaging connecting members with a friction fit, pinned, etc. [0036] In the illustrated construction and in some independent aspects, in at least some of the chain links 54, a flexible member 102 is provided in the first compartment 94 and engages the fiber optic cable 50. Flexible members 102 are arranged along the cable chain 34 to provide a non-linear (e.g., wave-shaped) path P for the fiber optic cable 50 such that there is slack in the fiber optic cable 50 (the length of the fiber optic cable 50 in the cable chain 34 is greater than the length of the cable chain 34). [0037] The flexible member 102 may support and locate the fiber optic cable 50 in the first compartment 94. The surface 106 of the flexible member 102 engaging the fiber 10 7357271_1 (GHMatters) P95511.AU.1 PETAK optic cable 50 includes a low friction material (e.g., the flexible member 102 may be formed of low friction material and/or the surface 106 may be coated with low friction material (e.g., a slippery coating)) to limit the coefficient of friction between the flexible member 102 and fiber optic cable 50 thereby limiting the extension of the fiber optic cable 50 along its axis as the fiber optic cable 50 is tensioned. Also, the surface 106 and the edges/corners 110 of the flexible member 102 in the area of the fiber optic cable 50 are sufficiently curved/rounded to prevent damage to the fiber optic cable 50 when relative motion occurs between the flexible member 102 and the fiber optic cable 50. [0038] In some constructions (for example, in Figs. 4-6, in Fig. 7 and in Fig. 8), the flexible member 102 includes a compressible member such that, when the fiber optic cable 50 is pulled, compression is induced in the flexible member 102. Applying tension T on the fiber optic cable 50 causes the fiber optic cable 50 to compress the compressible member 102 in the direction of arrow D (see Fig. 6). [0039] In the construction shown in Figs. 4-6, the flexible member 102 includes a solid compressible member 102a formed of, for example, foam. The compressible member 102a generally occupies the majority of the first compartment 94 (e.g., the remainder of the first compartment not occupied by the fiber optic cable 50). The compressible member 102a is constructed to position the fiber optic cable 50 toward one wall (e.g., the top wall 58 of the chain link 54a, the bottom wall 62 of the chain link 54c). [0040] In other constructions (not shown), the compressible member 102a may be constructed to at least partially encompass the fiber optic cable 50. For example, the compressible member 102a may also include a portion (not shown) between the fiber optic cable 50 and one or both of the adjacent side walls (70, 90) of the first compartment 94 and/or a portion (not shown) between the fiber optic cable 50 and the one wall (e.g., the top wall 58 of the chain link 54a, the bottom wall 62 of the chain link 54c) to at least partially fill space around the fiber optic cable 50 (see Fig. 4). In constructions in which the compressible member 102a at least partially encompasses the fiber optic cable 50, the 11 7357271_1 (GHMatters) P95511 .AU.1 PETAK compressible member 102a may also be sufficiently rigid such that a divider wall may not be provided to separate the fiber optic cable 50 from the service lines (38, 42, 46). [0041] The compressible member 102a is positioned against the opposite wall (e.g., the bottom wall 62 of the chain link 54a, the top wall 58 of the chain link 54c). In the illustrated construction (see Fig. 6), the surface of the opposite wall is curved to match the shape of the adjacent surface of the compressible member 102a. However, in other constructions (not shown), the surface of the opposite wall may have a different shape (e.g., linear). [0042] In other constructions, the flexible member 102 includes a hollow compressible member, such as a hollow tubular member, that will allow the fiber optic cable 50 to deflect inwardly when subject to tension. As shown in Fig. 7, the flexible member 102 includes a hose section 102b (a short length of rubber hose). In a similar construction (see Fig. 8), the flexible member 102 includes a leaf spring 102c. The leaf spring 102c may be made of a number of materials to achieve the desired stiffness. [0043] In the illustrated construction (see Figs. 7-8), the divider wall 90 includes a connector 114 (e.g., a cantilevered protrusion), and the hose section 102b or the leaf spring 102c is retained by the connector 114 (e.g., between the connector 114 and the opposite wall (e.g., the bottom wall 62 of the chain link 54a, the top wall 58 of the chain link 54c)). [0044] In a further construction, the flexible member 102 includes a tension member, such as an elastic band 102d. The band 102d is connected to the one wall (e.g., the top wall 58 of the chain link 54a, the bottom wall 62 of the chain link 54c) and extends around the fiber optic cable 50. When the fiber optic cable 50 is tensioned, taking up the slack, the band 102d will be pulled in tension as well. [0045] The band 102d can be an open loop for easy assembly/disassembly and be fastened to the wall 58 or 62 of the chain link 54. The walls 58, 62 are provided with 12 7357271_1 (GHMatters) P95511.AU.1 PETAK recessed connecting portions 118 such that the band 1 02d is within the outer periphery of the chain link 54 (e.g., below the top wall 58 of the chain link 54a, above the bottom wall 62 of the chain link 54c). Connecting the band 102d below flush on the outer surface of the wall 58 or 62 may protect the band 102d from becoming damaged, dislodged, etc. by external debris. [0046] The flexible member 102 may provide one or more functions. For example, the flexible member 102 may provide a means of assembling the fiber optic cable 50 inside the cable chain 34 with a predetermined amount of slack. For example, as shown in Fig. 5, the fiber optic cable 50 may be forced by the flexible members 102 into a "sine wave" to "snake" about the neutral axis of the cable chain 34 around the flexible members 102. The fiber optic cable 50 is assembled in the manner over the entire length of the cable chain 34. Fig. 5 shows a peak-to- valley of the fiber optic cable 50 assembled in this manner over three chain links 54a, 54b, 54c. This frequency can easily be adjusted depending on different requirements in the system 10 as each chain link 54 will be able to accept and retain a flexible member 102. Adequate slack in the fiber optic cable 50 accommodates the stretching of the cable chain 34 as it is subject to tension from the shearer 18. [0047] The flexible member 102 may provide a buffer, or cushion, when the fiber optic cable 50 is subject to tension. When the fiber optic cable 50 is subject to tension, the resilient property of the flexible member 102 will allow the "snaked" cable 50 to compress the material and deflect inwardly (see Fig. 6), providing a means to limit over tension and premature failure of the fiber optic cable 50. The flexible member 102 may fill a void in the first compartment 94 that could otherwise be occupied by debris (which may accelerate wear or cause failure of the fiber optic cable 50). [0048] It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country. 13 7357271_1 (GHMatters) P95511.AU.1 PETAK [0049] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "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. [0050] Various independent features and independent advantages of the invention may be set forth in the following claims: 14 7357271_1 (GHMatters) P95511.AU.1 PETAK
Claims (33)
1. A chain link assembly for a cable chain assembly in a mining machine, the cable chain assembly extending along an axis, the assembly comprising: a chain link having a plurality of walls cooperating to define a compartment opening in the direction of the axis, a fiber optic cable being supportable in the compartment., a service line being supportable in the compartment; and a flexible member supported in the compartment and engageable with the fiber optic cable, the flexible member positioning the fiber optic cable toward one of the plurality of walls, wherein the chain link further includes an internal wall dividing the compartment into a first compartment and a second compartment, the service line being supportable in the second compartment, wherein the internal wall extends between the one of the plurality of walls and an opposite one of the plurality of walls to define the first compartment on one side of the internal wall and the second compartment on the other side of the internal wall.
2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the flexible member includes a compressible member supported on an opposite one of the plurality of walls.
3. The claim of claim 2, wherein the compressible member includes a substantially solid member formed of compressible material.
4. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the compressible member includes a hollow member having a first portion engageable with the fiber optic cable and a second portion spaced from the first portion and engaging the opposite one of the plurality of walls. 7357271_1 (GHMatters) P95511.AU.1 PETAK 15
5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the hollow member has a substantially tubular cross section.
6. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the compressible member includes a leaf spring.
7. The assembly of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the flexible member is connected to the one of the plurality of walls and extends at least partially around the fiber optic cable, the flexible member being in tension towards the one of the plurality of walls.
8. The assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the internal walls is formed with the one of the plurality of walls and an opposite one of the plurality of walls.
9. The assembly of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the internal wall is separate from the connected to the one of the plurality of walls and an opposite one of the plurality of walls.
10. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the one of the plurality of walls defines a first groove, and the opposite one of the plurality of walls defines a second groove, and wherein the internal wall includes a first projection engageable in the first groove and the second proj ection engageable in the second groove to connect the internal wall to the one of the plurality of walls and to the opposite one of the plurality of walls.
11. The assembly of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the internal wall includes a connecting member, a portion of the flexible member being captured between the connecting member and an opposite one of the plurality walls. 7357271_1 (GHMatters) P95511.AU.1 PETAK 16
12. The assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible member has a surface engageable with the fiber optic cable, the surface including a low friction material.
13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the surface is coated with the low friction material.
14. The assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible member has a surface engageable with the fiber optic cable, the surface having curved edges.
15. A cable chain assembly for a mining machine, the cable chain assembly extending along an axis, the assembly comprising: a plurality of chain links each having a plurality of walls comprising a top wall, a bottom wall, a first side wall and a second side wall cooperating to define a compartment opening in the direct of the axis; a fiber optic cable extending through the compartment in each of the plurality of chain links, the fiber optic cable extending generally along a wave-shaped path; a service line supportable in the compartment in each of the plurality of chain links; a first flexible member supported in the compartment of one of the plurality of chain links and engageable with the fiber optic cable, the first flexible member positioning the fiber optic cable toward the top wall of the one of the plurality of chain links; and a second flexible member supported in the compartment a second one of the plurality of chain links and engageable with the fiber optic cable, the second flexible member positioning the fiber optic cable toward the bottom wall of the second one of the plurality of chain links. 7357271_1 (GHMatters) P95511.AU.1 PETAK 1 7
16. The assembly of claim 15, wherein a third one of the plurality of chain links is connected between the one of the plurality of chain links and the second one of the plurality of chain links, the third one of the plurality of chain links not having a flexible member in the compartment.
17. The assembly of claim 15, wherein each of the first flexible member and the second flexible member includes a compressible member supported on an opposite one of the plurality of walls.
18. The assembly of claim 17, wherein the compressible member includes a substantially solid member formed of compressible material.
19. The assembly of claim 17, wherein the compressible member includes a hollow member having a first portion engaging the fiber optic cable and a second portion spaced from the first portion and engaging the opposite one of the plurality of walls.
20. The assembly of any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein the first flexible member is connected to the top wall of the one of the plurality of chain links and extends at least partially around the fiber optic cable, the first flexible member being in tension towards the top wall of the one of the plurality of chain links, and wherein the second flexible member is connected to the bottom wall of the second one of the plurality of chain links and extends at least partially around the fiber optic cable, the second flexible member being in tension towards the bottom wall of the second one of the plurality of chain links.
21. The assembly of any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein each of the plurality of chain links further include an internal wall dividing the compartment into a first 7357271_1 (GHMatters) P95511.AU.1 PETAK 1 8 compartment and a second compartment, the fiber optic cable being supported in the first compartment, the service line being supported in the second compartment.
22. The assembly of claim 21, wherein the internal wall extends between the top wall and the bottom wall to define the first compartment on one side of the internal wall and the second compartment on the other side of the wall.
23. The assembly of any one of claims 15 to 22, wherein the flexible member has a surface engageable with the fiber optic cable, the surface including a low friction material.
24. The assembly of any one of claims 15 to 23, wherein the flexible member has a surface engageable with the fiber optic cable, the surface having curved edges.
25. A mining system comprising: an armoured face conveyor extending along a face to be mined, the conveyor defining a cable trough; a shearer supported by and for movement along the conveyor, the shearer being operable to mine material from the face; and a cable chain assembly extending along an axis generally parallel to the face, the assembly being partially supported in the trough, the assembly including a plurality of chain links each having a top wall, a bottom wall, a first side wall and a second side wall cooperating to define a compartment opening in the direction of the axis, a fiber optic cable extending through the compartment in each of the plurality of chain links, the fiber optic cable extending generally along a wave-shaped path, the fiber optic cable being connected to the shearer, a service line supportable in the compartment in each of the plurality of chain links, the service line being connected to the shearer, 7357271_1 (GHMatters) P95511.AU.1 PETAK 1 9 a first flexible member supported in the compartment of one of the plurality of chain links and engageable with the fiber optic cable, the first flexible member positioning the fiber optic cable toward the top wall of the one of the plurality of chain links, and a second flexible member supported in the compartment of a second one of the plurality of chain links and engageable with the fiber optic cable, the second flexible member positioning the fiber optic cable toward the bottom wall of the second one of the plurality of chain links.
26. A chain link assembly for a cable chain assembly in a mining machine, the cable chain assembly extending along an axis, the chain link assembly comprising: a chain link having a first wall, a second wall opposite the first wall, and a third wall extending between the first wall and the second wall, the first wall, second wall and third wall cooperating to define a compartment opening in the direction of the axis; a fiber optic cable supportable in the compartment; a service line supportable in the compartment; a connector coupled to the third wall; and a resilient or flexible member supported by the connector and engageable with the fiber optic cable, the resilient or flexible member having a portion engageable with the fiber optic cable, the resilient or flexible member positioning the fiber optic cable toward one of the first wall and the second wall.
27. The chain link assembly of claim 26, wherein the resilient or flexible member is hollow and has a substantially tubular cross section.
28. The chain link assembly of claim 26 or claim 27, wherein another portion of the resilient or flexible member is captured between the connector and the other of the first wall and the second wall. 7357271_1 (GHMatters) P95511.AU.1 PETAK 20
29. The chain link assembly of any one of claims 26 to 28, wherein the chain link further includes an internal wall dividing the compartment into a first compartment and a second compartment, the fiber optic cable supportable in the first compartment, the service line being supportable in the second compartment.
30. The chain link assembly of any one of claims 26 to 29, wherein the portion of the resilient or flexible member has a surface engageable with the fiber optic cable, the surface including a low friction material.
31. The chain link assembly of any one of claims 26 to 30, wherein the chain link includes a first lug for coupling the chain link to an adjacent chain link and a second lug for coupling the chain link to another adjacent chain link, the chain link defining a length measuring between the first lug and the second lug and parallel to the direction of the axis, and wherein the resilient or flexible member has a length that is shorter than the length between the first lug and the second lug.
32. The assembly of any one of claims 1 - 13, whereinthe flexible member supported on the internal wall
33. The chain link assembly of any one of claims 26 to 31, wherein a centerline is defined between the first wall, second wall, and third wall and extends parallel to the axis, wherein the resilient or flexible member positions the fiber optic cable away from the centerline at least when the fiber optic cable is in a slack state. 7357271_1 (GHMatters) P95511.AU.1 PETAK 21
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2014227560A AU2014227560B2 (en) | 2011-01-25 | 2014-09-22 | Fiber Optic Cable Protection in a Mining System |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US13/013,627 | 2011-01-25 | ||
| AU2011235962A AU2011235962B2 (en) | 2011-01-25 | 2011-10-11 | Fiber Optic Cable Protection in a Mining System |
| AU2014227560A AU2014227560B2 (en) | 2011-01-25 | 2014-09-22 | Fiber Optic Cable Protection in a Mining System |
Related Parent Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2011235962A Division AU2011235962B2 (en) | 2011-01-25 | 2011-10-11 | Fiber Optic Cable Protection in a Mining System |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| AU2014227560A1 AU2014227560A1 (en) | 2014-10-09 |
| AU2014227560B2 true AU2014227560B2 (en) | 2016-02-25 |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2014227560A Active AU2014227560B2 (en) | 2011-01-25 | 2014-09-22 | Fiber Optic Cable Protection in a Mining System |
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| Country | Link |
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| AU (1) | AU2014227560B2 (en) |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4769985A (en) * | 1985-10-04 | 1988-09-13 | Kabelschlepp Gesellschaft Mit Beschrankter Haftung | Guide chain |
| WO1995023310A1 (en) * | 1994-02-26 | 1995-08-31 | W.H. Dunn & Son Limited | Line protecting apparatus |
| US5829243A (en) * | 1995-12-19 | 1998-11-03 | Hughes; Ceiriog | Replaceable tip cable handler |
| US7176375B2 (en) * | 2004-10-05 | 2007-02-13 | Tsubakimoto Chain Co. | Cable or the like protection and guide device |
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2014
- 2014-09-22 AU AU2014227560A patent/AU2014227560B2/en active Active
Patent Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4769985A (en) * | 1985-10-04 | 1988-09-13 | Kabelschlepp Gesellschaft Mit Beschrankter Haftung | Guide chain |
| WO1995023310A1 (en) * | 1994-02-26 | 1995-08-31 | W.H. Dunn & Son Limited | Line protecting apparatus |
| US5829243A (en) * | 1995-12-19 | 1998-11-03 | Hughes; Ceiriog | Replaceable tip cable handler |
| US7176375B2 (en) * | 2004-10-05 | 2007-02-13 | Tsubakimoto Chain Co. | Cable or the like protection and guide device |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU2014227560A1 (en) | 2014-10-09 |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| FGA | Letters patent sealed or granted (standard patent) | ||
| PC | Assignment registered |
Owner name: JOY GLOBAL UNDERGROUND MINING LLC Free format text: FORMER OWNER(S): JOY MM DELAWARE, INC. |