AU2016100849A4 - Chain link - Google Patents

Abstract

Docun 3-9/06/2016 Abstract A chain link and components therefor the chain link comprising a top wall, and a bottom wall, each comprising a main body with an inner surface and an outer surface and opposed lateral 5 ends, a pair of side walls each having an inner surface and an outer surface and opposed longitudinal ends, the side walls being operatively connected to the respective opposed lateral ends of the main body of the top and bottom walls so that in an assembled position they provide for a service line receiving cavity bounded by all four walls with an opening at each end of the cavity for the passage of service lines therethrough the cavity having a central axis 10 extending between the openings, each side wall having a pair of pivot connectors at respective longitudinal ends thereof for articulated interconnection of the link with an adjoining link of the chain, the top and/or bottom walls being detachable from the side walls to provide access to said cable/hose receiving cavity. The top wall further comprises an inner wall formation part which is formed integral with the main body of the top wall and when in use extends into 15 the cavity. The bottom wall further comprises an inner wall formation part which is formed integral with the main body of the bottom wall and when in use extends into the cavity. The two inner wall formation parts together provide for an inner wall formation configured such that when in use in the assembled position the inner wall formation provides for a plurality of passageways each being adapted to receive one or more service lines therethrough. -3/4 FIGURE. 9 71 86 '' 183 FIGURE. 12 180 FIGURE. 14 x 85{5

Description

CHAIN LINK Technical Field [0001] The disclosure generally relates to chains for carrying service lines such as hose or cable and to components for use in such chains. The chain can find application in mining and in particular underground mining such as longwall mining apparatus for coal miners and the like. The hoses and cables are used for suppling power or hydraulic fluid to equipment. The cables may also include optical cables for the transmission of data for operating, controlling or monitoring the equipment.

[0002] An example of one type of chain to which the disclosure relates is described in Australian Patent 770754 (200110077). In this arrangement cable and/or hose pass through a length of articulated chain links. At least one portion of the chain generally resides within an open-topped channel restricting side access to the chain links. In this particular form a top or bottom part of the link can be removed to gain access to the interior for providing maintenance and other purposes to the hoses or cables.

Summary of the Disclosure [0003] In one aspect embodiments are disclosed of a chain link for a chain for carrying service lines, comprising a top wall, and a bottom wall, each comprising a main body with an inner surface and an outer surface and opposed lateral ends, a pair of side walls each having an inner surface and an outer surface and opposed longitudinal ends, the side walls being operatively connected to the respective opposed lateral ends of the main body of the top and bottom walls so that in an assembled position they provide for a service line receiving cavity bounded by all four walls with an opening at each end of the cavity for the passage of service lines therethrough the cavity having a central axis extending between the openings, each side wall having a pair of pivot connectors at respective longitudinal ends thereof for articulated interconnection of the link with an adjoining link of the chain, the top and/or bottom walls being detachable from the side walls to provide access to said cable/hose receiving cavity, the top wall further comprising an inner wall formation part which is formed integral with the main body of the top wall and when in use extends into the cavity, the bottom wall further including an inner wall formation part which is formed integral with the main body of the bottom wall and when in use extends into the cavity, the two inner wall formation parts together providing for an inner wall formation configured such that when in use in the assembled position the inner wall formation provides for a plurality of passageways each being adapted to receive one or more service lines therethrough.

[0004] In certain embodiments the top wall inner wall formation part comprises two main wall sections which extend from respective lateral ends of the top wall towards one another and towards the central axis terminating at inner ends which are spaced apart from one another and the bottom wall comprises two main wall sections which extend from respective lateral ends of the bottom wall towards one another and towards the central axis terminating at inner ends which are spaced apart from one another.

[0005] In certain embodiments, when in the assembled position one of the wall sections of the first part and one of the wall sections of the second part together form a wall which in conjunction with side wall provide for a first passageway, and the other of the wall sections of the first part and the other of the wall sections of the second part together form a wall which in conjunction with the side wall provide for second passageway, there being a region at the end sections which is configured to provide for a passageway, the end wall being provided to form a C-shaped section and a straight wall is provided which overlies the open side of the C-shaped section.

[0006] In certain embodiments the inner wall formation on the top and bottom walls comprises a central panel of wall which extends between the inner surface of the wall sections which are spaced from the inner surface of the top and bottom walls to the respective inner surfaces of the top and bottom walls, there being a plurality of strengthening ribs extending to each side of the central wall.

[0007] In another aspect embodiments are disclosed of a wall component for use in a chain link as described above, the wall component being in accordance with said top wall or said bottom wall.

[0008] In another aspect, embodiments are disclosed of a link for a chain for carrying service lines, comprising a top wall, and a bottom wall, each having an inner surface and an outer surface and opposed lateral ends, a pair of side walls each having an inner surface and an outer surface and opposed longitudinal ends, the side walls being operatively connected to the respective opposed lateral ends of the top and bottom walls so that in assembled position they provide for a service line receiving cavity bound by all four walls with an opening at each end of the cavity for the passage of service lines therethrough the cavity having a central axis extending between the openings, each side wall having a pair of pivot connectors at respective longitudinal ends thereof for articulated interconnection of the link with an adjoining link of the chain, the top and/or bottom walls being detachable from the side walls to provide access to said cable/hose receiving cavity, an inner wall formation which includes two parts, one part being integral with the top wall and extending from the inner surface thereof into the cavity, the other part being integral with the bottom wall and extending from the inner surface thereof into the cavity, the inner wall formation configured so that in the assembled position the two parts provide for a plurality of passageways each adapted to receive one or more service lines.

[0009] In certain embodiments the first part of the inner wall formation comprises two main wall sections which extend from respective lateral ends of the top wall towards one another and towards the longitudinal axis terminating at inner ends which are spaced apart from one another and the second part of the inner wall formation includes two main wall sections which extend from respective lateral ends of the bottom wall towards one another and towards the longitudinal axis terminating at inner ends which are spaced apart from one another.

[0010] In certain embodiments, wherein the assembled position one of the wall sections of the first part and one of the wall sections of the second part together form a wall which in conjunction with side wall provide for passageway, and the other of the wall sections of the first part and the other of the wall sections of the second part together form a wall which in conjunction with the side wall provide for passageway.

[0011] In certain embodiments there is provided a region at the end sections which is configured to provide for a passageway, the end wall being provided to form a C-shaped section and a straight wall is provided which overlies the open side of the C-shaped section.

[0012] In certain embodiments the inner wall formation comprises a plurality of strengthening ribs.

[0013] In another aspect embodiments are disclosed of a top wall suitable for use in a chain link for a chain for carrying service lines, the chain link comprising the top wall, and a bottom wall, each comprising a main body with an inner surface and an outer surface and opposed lateral ends, a pair of side walls each having an inner surface and an outer surface and opposed longitudinal ends, the side walls being operatively connected to the respective opposed lateral ends of the main body of top an bottom walls so that in an assembled position they provide for a service line receiving cavity bounded by all four walls with an opening at each end of the cavity for the passage of service lines therethrough the cavity having a central axis extending between the openings, each side wall having a pair of pivot connectors at respective longitudinal ends thereof for articulated interconnection of the link with an adjoining link of the chain, the top and/or bottom walls being detachable from the side walls to provide access to said cable/hose receiving cavity, the top wall further comprising an inner wall formation part, which is integral with the main body of the top wall and when in use extending from the inner surface thereof into the cavity, the inner wall formations configured so that when in use in the assembled position they provide for a plurality of passageways each being adapted to receive one or more service lines.

[0014] In another aspect embodiments are disclosed of a bottom wall suitable for use in a chain link for a chain for carrying service lines, the chain link comprising a top wall, and the bottom wall, each comprising a main body with an inner surface and an outer surface and opposed lateral ends, a pair of side walls each having an inner surface and an outer surface and opposed longitudinal ends, the side walls being operatively connected to the respective opposed lateral ends of the main body of top and bottom walls so that in an assembled position they provide for a service line receiving cavity bounded by all four walls with an opening at each end of the cavity for the passage of service lines therethrough the cavity having a central axis extending between the openings, each side wall having a pair of pivot connectors at respective longitudinal ends thereof for articulated interconnection of the link with an adjoining link of the chain, the top/and or bottom walls being detachable from the side walls to provide access to said cable/hose receiving cavity, the top wall further comprising an inner wall formation part, which is integral with the main body of the top wall and when in use extending from the inner surface thereof into the cavity, the top wall being adapted to cooperate with the bottom wall when in use and wherein the bottom wall further comprises an inner wall formation part which is integral with the main body of the bottom wall and when in use extends from the inner surface thereof into the cavity, the inner wall formations configured so that when in use in the assembled position they provide for a plurality of passageways each being adapted to receive one or more service lines.

[0015] Other aspects, features, and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are a part of this disclosure and which illustrate, by way of example, principles of inventions disclosed.

Description of the Figures [0016] The accompanying drawings facilitate an understanding of the various embodiments.

[0017] Figure 1 and 2 are isometric views of a section of a chain according to one embodiment; [0018] Figure 3 is an exploded view of one of the chain links illustrated in figures 1 and 2; [0019] Figures 4 and 5 are isometric views of one of the chain links illustrated in figures 1 to 3; [0020] Figures 6 and 7 are end elevations of the chain link shown in figures 4 and 5; [0021] Figure 8 is a side view of the chain link shown in figures 3 to 7; [0022] Figures 9 and 10 are an isometric views of a component of the chain link shown in figures 3 to 8; [0023] Figure 11 is a side elevation of the component shown in figures 9 and 10; [0024] Figure 12 is a sectional view of the component along the line X-X in figure 11; [0025] Figure 13 is an end elevation of the component shown in figures 9 and 10; [0026] Figures 14 and 15 are top and underside plan views of the component shown in figures 9 to 13; [0027] Figure 16 and 17 are isometric views of a further component of the chain link shown in figures 3 to 8; [0028] Figure 18 is a side elevation of the component shown in figures 16 and 17; [0029] Figures 19 and 20 are top and underside plan views of the component shown in figures 16 and 17; and

Detailed Description [0030] Referring to figures 1 and 2 there is illustrated a part of a chain 100 which comprises a plurality of interconnected chain links 10. In use the chain 100 is adapted to carry one or more service lines, which as explained earlier may be in the form of hoses, conduits or cables including electric cables and fibre optic cables. In use the chain 100 normally sits in an open topped channel (not shown). Access to the chain and/or the service lines carried by the chain is usually via the open top of the channel.

[0031] With reference to figures 1 to 3 the chain 10 comprises a top wall 12, a bottom wall 20 and opposed side walls 50 and 60. The walls are interconnected so that in an assembled position they form a box like structure having a cavity 30 (figures 4 and 5) therein which is bounded by the four walls. Openings 32 and 33 (figures 4 and 5) are provided at each end to provide a passageway for service lines in the direction of longitudinal axis X-X (figure 4) which extends from one opening to the other. Opening 32 is at a forward end of the chain link and opening 33 is at a rearward end. The service lines are shown in dashed lines in figure 6. The outer service lines 110 and 112 are in the form of hoses or cables. The hoses may carry fluids and the cables may be disposed within a conduit. Service line 111 is in the form of an optical cable.

[0032] At best illustrated in figures 9 to 15 the top wall 12 includes a main body which has an inner surface 13, an outer surface 14, opposed lateral ends 15 and 16, a leading side 17 and a trailing side 18. Similarly as shown in figures 16 to 20 the bottom wall 20 includes a main body which has an inner surface 22, an outer surface 23, lateral ends 25 and 26 and leading and trailing sides 27 and 28. As shown in figures 3, 4 and 5 the side walls 50 and 60 also have inner surfaces 51 and 62, outer surfaces 53 and 64, top and bottom ends 55 and 65, a leading end 56 and 66 and a trailing end 57 and 67.

[0033] The chain links 10 are interconnected in an articulated fashion. Each side wall has pivot connectors comprising attachment sections 95 and 96 which provide for pivotal connection between one chain link to an adjacent chain link. As clearly illustrated in figures 4 and 5 attachment section 96 is in the form of a projection or tongue 97 extending from the side wall. The attachment section 95 comprises a slot 98. Each attachment section has an aperture therein which can receive a pivot pin therethrough when the apertures of adjacent links are aligned.

[0034] The top wall 12 and the bottom wall 20 are releasably connected to the side walls so that they can be removed if required such as for example for enabling access to the interior of the chain link and/or the service lines carried thereby. Such an arrangement is described in Australian Patent 770754 (20110077) the contents of which are incorporated herein by cross reference.

[0035] As shown in figures 9 to 15 the top wall 12 includes a pair of coupling or locating projections 85 into the upper surface of which there is provided a recess 86. The connectors are receivable in respective side wall recesses 46 in the side walls. A key member (not shown) having upper and lower bent-over portions or legs fits within the respective side walls such that the bent-over portions or legs reside within the respective recesses. Each recess 86 includes a through-slot 87 through which is the bent-over portion or leg of the key member can pass if the key member is appropriately orientated. At this position should the leg of key be oriented in one direction, both the upper and lower walls of the chain link will be secured to the side wall. If the bent-over portion or leg of the key faces in another direction, then the top wall is free to lift off the side wall whereas the bottom wall is fixed. That is, the bent-over portion can pass through the through-slot provided beneath the recess of the top wall. The lower bent-over portion of the key is angled away from the slot at the bottom wall and therefore the bottom wall is retained. With the bent-over portion facing in another direction the top wall will be retained, whereas the bottom wall is capable of being detached from the side wall. In order to maintain a firm interengagement of the top wall and bottom wall with the respective side wall, the length of the key member should be such as to ensure tight engagement of the bent-over portion with the bottom of the respective recesses. The bottom wall 20 is of a similar structure to that of the top wall.

[0036] The coupling projections 85, which are the same for the top and bottom walls when viewed from the end as shown in figure 13 include parallel sides 88 and a remote end 89 which includes inwardly tapering end wall sections 84 and a base wall 83. The projections are adapted to be received within complementary shaped recesses 46 in the side walls. This configuration has led to significantly increased strength resulting from loads applied to the links and decreased the chance of breakage in this region.

[0037] The chain links are provided with an inner wall formation 70 (figure 7) which is disposed within the cavity 30. The inner wall formation 70 is configured so as to separate the cavity 30 into three passageways 91, 92, 93 as clearly shown in figures 6 and 7. The inner wall formation 70 is comprised by two separate parts 71 and 171. A first part 71 is integral with the top wall 12 and extends inwardly from the inner surface thereof. A second part 171 is integral with the bottom wall 20 and extends inwardly from the inner surface 22 thereof.

[0038] The first part 71 of the inner wall formation forms part of the top wall 12 and includes two main wall sections 72, 73 which extend from respective lateral ends 15, 16 of the top wall towards one another and towards the longitudinal axis X-X terminating at inner ends 74, 75 which are spaced apart from one another. The second part 171 of the inner wall formation forms part of the bottom wall and includes two main wall sections 172, 173 which extend from respective lateral ends 25, 26 of the bottom wall towards one another and towards the longitudinal axis X-X terminating at inner ends 174, 175 which are spaced apart from one another. Each of the wall sections 72 and 73 and 172 and 173 include a straight portion 74 and 174 which extends from the inner surface at the respective lateral ends 15, 16 and 25 and 26 and a curved portion 76 and 176 which extends from the straight portions to the inner ends 74, 75 and 174, 175. Thus in the assembled position one of the wall sections 71 of the first part and one of the wall sections 171 of the second part together form a wall which in conjunction with side wall 50 provide for passageway 91. Similarly the other of the wall sections 73 of the first part and the other of the wall sections 173 of the second part together form a wall which in conjunction with the side wall 60 provide for passageway 93. As shown the walls are at least in part arcuate in profile. The region at the end sections is configured to provide for passageway 92. To this end an end wall is provided to form a C-shaped section 177 and a cover wall 77 is provided which overlies the open side of the C-shaped section.

[0039] In the example embodiment shown the side walls, top and bottom walls are formed from high-strength, abrasive resistant plastics material. The main body and inner wall formation of both the top and bottom walls are a one piece structure formed as an integral unit by moulding, casting or the like. The attachment sections are formed of metal and at least partially embedded within the side walls. The inner wall formation on both the top and bottom walls extends between the openings 32 and 33 and being slightly spaced from the leading and trailing sides of the top and bottom walls. As shown in figure 12 the formation of the central wall 180 includes a central panel or wall 180 which extends between the inner surface of the parts of the wall sections 71 and 171 spaced from the inner surface of the top and bottom walls 12 and 20 to the respective inner surfaces 13 and 23. Strengthening ribs 181, 182, 183 extending to each side. When viewed in the longitudinal direction the ribs 181, 1821 183 radiate from a central line on the inner surface of the top and bottom walls. The ribs on each of the top and bottom wall are arranged in two groups each extending in the longitudinal direction from opposite faces of the central panel towards the openings 32 and 33.

[0040] As is apparent from the drawings the configuration provides for two relatively large side passageways 91 and 93 and a relatively smaller passageway 92 in the general central region of the cavity 30. Passageways 91 and 93 are adapted to received hoses or conduits therethrough for the passage of fluids or for cables. Cavity 92 is adapted to receive a cable such as an optical cable. The position of passageway 92 provides for additional protection for the optical cable.

[0041] The configuration of the inner wall formation being integral with the top and bottom walls (that is a one piece structure) provides for a high strength and stable structure for supporting the conduits, hoses and cables therethrough.

[0042] In a another aspect embodiments are disclosed of a link for a chain for carrying service lines, comprising a top wall, and a bottom wall, each having an inner surface and an outer surface and opposed lateral ends, a pair of side walls each having an inner surface and an outer surface and opposed longitudinal ends, the side walls being operatively connected to the respective opposed lateral ends of the top and bottom walls so that in an assembled position they provide for a service line receiving cavity bound by all four walls with an opening at each end of the cavity for the passage of service lines therethrough the cavity having a central axis (X-X) extending between the openings, each side wall having a pair of pivot connectors at respective longitudinal ends thereof for articulated interconnection of the link with an adjoining link of the chain, the top and/or bottom walls being detachable from the side walls to provide access to said cable/hose receiving cavity, the top and bottom walls including coupling projections at each of the lateral ends thereof, the coupling projections when viewed from one end comprising parallel sides inwardly tapering end wall sections and a base wall, the projections being adapted to be received within complementary shaped recesses in the side walls.

[0043] In the foregoing description of preferred embodiments, specific terminology has been resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "front" and "rear", "inner" and "outer", "above", "below", "upper", "lower", "top" and "bottom and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

[0044] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or admission or any form of suggestion that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

[0045] In this specification, the word “comprising” is to be understood in its “open” sense, that is, in the sense of “including”, and thus not limited to its “closed” sense, that is the sense of “consisting only of’. A corresponding meaning is to be attributed to the corresponding words “comprise”, “comprised” and “comprises” where they appear.

[0046] In addition, the foregoing describes only some embodiments of the invention(s), and alterations, modifications, additions and/or changes can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosed embodiments, the embodiments being illustrative and not restrictive.

[0047] Furthermore, invention(s) have been described in connection with what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the invention(s). Also, the various embodiments described above may be implemented in conjunction with other embodiments, e.g., aspects of one embodiment may be combined with aspects of another embodiment to realize yet other embodiments. Further, each independent feature or component of any given assembly may constitute an additional embodiment.

Table of Parts

Chain link 10

Top wall 12

Main body 11

Inner surface 13

Outer surface 14

Lateral ends 15/16

Leading side 17

Trailing side 18

Bottom wall 20

Main body 21/29

Inner surface 22

Outer surface 23

Lateral ends 25/26

Leading end 27

Trailing end 28

Side walls 50/60

Inner surface 51/62

Outer surface 53/64

Top/bottom ends 55/65

Leading side 56/66

Trailing side 57/67

Cavity 30

Openings 32/33

Longitudinal axis X-X

Inner wall formation 70

First and second parts

Passageways 91/92/93

Chain section 100

Attachment sections 95/96

Tongue 97

Slot 98

Coupling projections 85

Recesses 86

Side wall recesses 46

Through slot 87

Sides 88

Remote end 89

End wall sections 84

First and second parts 71/171

Main wall sections 72/73

Main wall sections 172/173

Straight wall portions 77/177

Curved wall portions 78/178

Inner ends 74/75

Inner ends 174/175 C-shaped section 175

Straight wall section 77

Central panel 180

Ribs 181/182/183

Service lines 110/111/112

Claims (5)

1. CLAIMS:

   1. A chain link for a chain for carrying service lines, comprising a top wall, and a bottom wall, each comprising a main body with an inner surface and an outer surface and opposed lateral ends, a pair of side walls each having an inner surface and an outer surface and opposed longitudinal ends, the side walls being operatively connected to the respective opposed lateral ends of the main body of the top and bottom walls so that in an assembled position they provide for a service line receiving cavity bounded by all four walls with an opening at each end of the cavity for the passage of service lines therethrough the cavity having a central axis extending between the openings, each side wall having a pair of pivot connectors at respective longitudinal ends thereof for articulated interconnection of the link with an adjoining link of the chain, the top and/or bottom walls being detachable from the side walls to provide access to said cable/hose receiving cavity, the top wall further comprising an inner wall formation part which is formed integral with the main body of the top wall and when in use extends into the cavity, the bottom wall further including an inner wall formation part which is formed integral with the main body of the bottom wall and when in use extends into the cavity, the two inner wall formation parts together providing for an inner wall formation configured such that when in use in the assembled position the inner wall formation provides for a plurality of passageways each being adapted to receive one or more service lines therethrough.
2. 2. A chain link according to claim 1 wherein the top wall inner wall formation part comprises two main wall sections which extend from respective lateral ends of the top wall towards one another and towards the central axis terminating at inner ends which are spaced apart from one another and the bottom wall comprises two main wall sections which extend from respective lateral ends of the bottom wall towards one another and towards the central axis terminating at inner ends which are spaced apart from one another.
3. 3. A chain link according to claim 2 wherein in the assembled position one of the wall sections of the first part and one of the wall sections of the second part together form a wall which in conjunction with side wall provide for a first passageway, and the other of the wall sections of the first part and the other of the wall sections of the second part together form a wall which in conjunction with the side wall provide for second passageway, there being a region at the end sections which is configured to provide for a passageway, the end wall being provided to form a C-shaped section and a straight wall is provided which overlies the open side of the C-shaped section.
4. 4. A chain link according to claim 3 wherein the inner wall formation on the top and bottom walls comprises a central panel of wall which extends between the inner surface of the wall sections which are spaced from the inner surface of the top and bottom walls to the respective inner surfaces of the top and bottom walls, there being a plurality of strengthening ribs extending to each side of the central wall.
5. 5. A wall component for use in a chain link according to any one of claims 1 to 4 the wall component being in accordance with said top wall or said bottom wall.