GB2106066A - Conveyor pans - Google Patents

Abstract

The conveyor pan, of the type for use at a coal face for carrying a continuous chain conveyor, comprises a thick metal plate (13) to which are welded four elongate members (11, 12, 17, 18) two on each face, to define side guides for the chain conveyors operative and return runs. The plate serves as a partition between the runs and projects laterally of the members e.g. to define rails (14) for attachment of auxiliary equipment. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Conveyor pans This invention relates to conveyor pans.

In coal mines, for longwall mining, a face conveyor assembly is laid along a face for collecting coal cut from the face. The conveyor assembly is advanced as the face recedes. The conveyor assembly consists of a series of conveyor pans joined together, each pan having a horizontal partition, and a continuous chain conveyor which is driven to provide an operative run along the tops of the partitions and a return run beneath the partitions.

Each pan usually comprises a pair of cast, elongate side members defining bottom flanges, on which the pan rests, and top flanges, which may support a winning machine, which rides on the top flanges. The partition is of thin sheet metal welded to the two side members and interconnecting them.

Mounting blocks are welded along the side members and auxiliary equipment is bolted to the blocks.

This auxiliary equipment may include spill plates and a clevis rail, for connection to self-advanceable roof supports, bolted to the blocks on one side and a ramp plate bolted to the blocks on the opposite side to facilitate advancement of the pan through rubble along the race. The means for joining the pans together in series comprises spigot and socket members which receive bolts.

The existing structure, therefore, incorporates in use large members of bolts along the conveyor assembly. These bolts involve much work in setting up the equipment at a face and are liable to come loose, or to shear in use, due to the stresses induced by advancement. It is also desirable for the pans to be of stronger construction. The forces involved in carrying the winning machine have changed with the introduction of racks and other structures, now mounted on the pans for engagement with the machine drive mechanism, instead of the fixed haulage arrangement previously used.

The present invention provides a conveyor pan comprising a plate member mounting on its upper face a pair of elongate, parallel, flanged side members and mounting on its lower face a further pair of elongate, parallel, flanged side members whereby the plate member defines a partition in use between operative and return runs of a continuous conveyor guided by the side members, the plate member projecting laterally beyond the side members.

With this arrangement, the plate member itself can define the clevis rail and auxiliary equipment, such as spill and ramp plates can be secured to the plate member, providing a strong construction. It is envisaged that the use of bolts can be avoided or very considerably reduced. During advancement, forces are carried directly by the plate member in the plane of the member.

It is preferred that means for coupling the pan to another pan is carried by the plate member and the coupling means may comprise interlocking elements.

Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an armoured face conveyor pan for use at a coal face and constructed according to the invention; and Figure 2 is a sectional view on line 2--2 of Figure 1.

The pan shown comprises a pair of elongate, parallel, spaced upper side members 11, 12, which may be cast metal. These members are welded to the top surface of an elongate metal plate 13, so as to extend longitudinally thereof, marginally spaced from the longitudinal edges, to define projecting rails 14 at each side of the pan. The plate may be, for example, 20mm thick steel plate with a minimum thickness of 15mm. The side members 11, 12 have top flanges 16, which extend towards each other parallel to the plate.

Lower side members 27, 18, similar to the upper side members are similarly welded to the bottom of the plate in registry with the upper side members.

These members also have flanges 19, on which the pan is supported.

Each corner of the plate member is rebated by removal of the end parts of each rail 14. A coupling block 20 is welded to the upper and lower side members and to the plate member. Each coupling block has a T-shaped slot 21. Two pans can be connected together end-to-end by means of coupling members 21 of I-section. These members engage in respective slots 20 of two pans to effect coupling. Means, e.g. pins, may be provided to prevent detachment of the coupling members.

The ends of the plate 13, between the side members, are provided with rubbing strips 22.

The rails 14 may have auxiliary equipment and the devises of self-advanceable roof supports attached directly to them. The use of a large number of bolts for joining the rails to the body of the pans is avoided. The result is a much sturdier construction than conventional pans.

1. A conveyor pan comprising a plate member mounting on its upper face a pair of elongate, parallel, flanged side members and mounting on its lower face a further pair of elongate, parallel, flanged side members whereby the plate member defines a partition, in use, between operative and return runs of a continuous conveyor guided by the side members, the plate member projecting laterally beyond the side members.

2. A conveyor pan according to Claim 1, wherein the plate member is made of steel with a thickness of at least 15mm.

3. A conveyor pan according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the side members are welded to the plate member.

4. A conveyor pan according to Claim 1,2 or 3, provided with connecting means for attaching the pan end to end with other pans, the means being carried by the plate member.

5. A conveyor pan according to Claim 4, wherein the plate member has corner rebates which receive connecting members, each connecting member having a formation for interlocking with a member carried by another pan.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (8)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Conveyor pans This invention relates to conveyor pans. In coal mines, for longwall mining, a face conveyor assembly is laid along a face for collecting coal cut from the face. The conveyor assembly is advanced as the face recedes. The conveyor assembly consists of a series of conveyor pans joined together, each pan having a horizontal partition, and a continuous chain conveyor which is driven to provide an operative run along the tops of the partitions and a return run beneath the partitions. Each pan usually comprises a pair of cast, elongate side members defining bottom flanges, on which the pan rests, and top flanges, which may support a winning machine, which rides on the top flanges. The partition is of thin sheet metal welded to the two side members and interconnecting them. Mounting blocks are welded along the side members and auxiliary equipment is bolted to the blocks. This auxiliary equipment may include spill plates and a clevis rail, for connection to self-advanceable roof supports, bolted to the blocks on one side and a ramp plate bolted to the blocks on the opposite side to facilitate advancement of the pan through rubble along the race. The means for joining the pans together in series comprises spigot and socket members which receive bolts. The existing structure, therefore, incorporates in use large members of bolts along the conveyor assembly. These bolts involve much work in setting up the equipment at a face and are liable to come loose, or to shear in use, due to the stresses induced by advancement. It is also desirable for the pans to be of stronger construction. The forces involved in carrying the winning machine have changed with the introduction of racks and other structures, now mounted on the pans for engagement with the machine drive mechanism, instead of the fixed haulage arrangement previously used. The present invention provides a conveyor pan comprising a plate member mounting on its upper face a pair of elongate, parallel, flanged side members and mounting on its lower face a further pair of elongate, parallel, flanged side members whereby the plate member defines a partition in use between operative and return runs of a continuous conveyor guided by the side members, the plate member projecting laterally beyond the side members. With this arrangement, the plate member itself can define the clevis rail and auxiliary equipment, such as spill and ramp plates can be secured to the plate member, providing a strong construction. It is envisaged that the use of bolts can be avoided or very considerably reduced. During advancement, forces are carried directly by the plate member in the plane of the member. It is preferred that means for coupling the pan to another pan is carried by the plate member and the coupling means may comprise interlocking elements. Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an armoured face conveyor pan for use at a coal face and constructed according to the invention; and Figure 2 is a sectional view on line 2--2 of Figure 1. The pan shown comprises a pair of elongate, parallel, spaced upper side members 11, 12, which may be cast metal. These members are welded to the top surface of an elongate metal plate 13, so as to extend longitudinally thereof, marginally spaced from the longitudinal edges, to define projecting rails 14 at each side of the pan. The plate may be, for example, 20mm thick steel plate with a minimum thickness of 15mm. The side members 11, 12 have top flanges 16, which extend towards each other parallel to the plate. Lower side members 27, 18, similar to the upper side members are similarly welded to the bottom of the plate in registry with the upper side members. These members also have flanges 19, on which the pan is supported. Each corner of the plate member is rebated by removal of the end parts of each rail 14. A coupling block 20 is welded to the upper and lower side members and to the plate member. Each coupling block has a T-shaped slot 21. Two pans can be connected together end-to-end by means of coupling members 21 of I-section. These members engage in respective slots 20 of two pans to effect coupling. Means, e.g. pins, may be provided to prevent detachment of the coupling members. The ends of the plate 13, between the side members, are provided with rubbing strips 22. The rails 14 may have auxiliary equipment and the devises of self-advanceable roof supports attached directly to them. The use of a large number of bolts for joining the rails to the body of the pans is avoided. The result is a much sturdier construction than conventional pans. CLAIMS

1. A conveyor pan comprising a plate member mounting on its upper face a pair of elongate, parallel, flanged side members and mounting on its lower face a further pair of elongate, parallel, flanged side members whereby the plate member defines a partition, in use, between operative and return runs of a continuous conveyor guided by the side members, the plate member projecting laterally beyond the side members.

2. A conveyor pan according to Claim 1, wherein the plate member is made of steel with a thickness of at least 15mm.

3. A conveyor pan according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the side members are welded to the plate member.

4. A conveyor pan according to Claim 1,2 or 3, provided with connecting means for attaching the pan end to end with other pans, the means being carried by the plate member.

5. A conveyor pan according to Claim 4, wherein the plate member has corner rebates which receive connecting members, each connecting member having a formation for interlocking with a member carried by another pan.

6. A conveyor according to Claim 5, wherein said formation is defined by a slot.

7. A conveyor pan according to Claim 5 or 6, wherein each connecting member is secured to both the plate member and the adjacent side members.

8. A conveyor pan constructed substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.