WO2012129593A1 - Rock cutting equipment - Google Patents

Rock cutting equipment Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2012129593A1
WO2012129593A1 PCT/AU2012/000291 AU2012000291W WO2012129593A1 WO 2012129593 A1 WO2012129593 A1 WO 2012129593A1 AU 2012000291 W AU2012000291 W AU 2012000291W WO 2012129593 A1 WO2012129593 A1 WO 2012129593A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
input shaft
output shafts
cutting heads
rock cutter
rock
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2012/000291
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
George Fischer
Original Assignee
Echidna Techologies Pty Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2011901121A external-priority patent/AU2011901121A0/en
Application filed by Echidna Techologies Pty Ltd filed Critical Echidna Techologies Pty Ltd
Publication of WO2012129593A1 publication Critical patent/WO2012129593A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21C—MINING OR QUARRYING
    • E21C25/00—Cutting machines, i.e. for making slits approximately parallel or perpendicular to the seam
    • E21C25/06—Machines slitting solely by one or more cutting rods or cutting drums which rotate, move through the seam, and may or may not reciprocate
    • E21C25/08—Mountings for the rods or drums
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21C—MINING OR QUARRYING
    • E21C27/00—Machines which completely free the mineral from the seam
    • E21C27/10—Machines which completely free the mineral from the seam by both slitting and breaking-down
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21C—MINING OR QUARRYING
    • E21C31/00—Driving means incorporated in machines for slitting or completely freeing the mineral from the seam
    • E21C31/02—Driving means incorporated in machines for slitting or completely freeing the mineral from the seam for cutting or breaking-down devices

Definitions

  • This invention concerns rock cutting equipment, and in particular but not exclusively a double-headed rock cutter.
  • Rock cutters are used for instance to cut foundations or tunnels into rock.
  • Rock cutters typically have an essentially cylindrical cutting head that has cutting teeth arranged over the distal end and the cylindrical face.
  • the proximal end of the cutting head is engaged with a stem that houses an input shaft, or gear set, to receive rotary power.
  • the stem is, in use, connected with a machine arm that positions the cutting head and houses an actuator, for instance a hydraulic or other motor or drive.
  • the actuator engages the input shaft, and the input shaft engages an output shaft that extends axial ly within the cutting head to rotate it.
  • Double-headed rock cutters 10 have two cutting heads 20 and 30 horizontally opposed on either side of the stem 40; see Fig. 1 which is a drawing of the invention operating in conventional mode.
  • Each of the cutting heads has its own internal output shaft and these are arranged co-axially.
  • the stem houses an input shaft, or gear assembly, that, in use, receives power and is engaged with both the output shafts to drive both cutting heads.
  • the driven cutting heads are drawn along the rock so that each cuts a swathe 50 and 60 into the rock.
  • the two resulting parallel swathes are separated by a ridge of uncut rock 70 that extends under the stem and limits the depth of the cut. Deeper cuts require lateral movement of the stem so that the cutting heads are able to cut out the ridge of rock.
  • the invention is a double-headed rock cutter, comprising:
  • each of the cutting heads has its own output shaft to drive it in rotation.
  • the stem houses a single input shaft that, in use, receives power and is engaged with both the output shafts to drive both cutting heads.
  • the engagement between the input shaft and the two output shafts is such that the output shafts are able to be set relative to each other at a user determined radial angle about the axis of the input shaft. This allows the user control over the distance between the two resulting parallel swathes that are cut by the respective cutting heads.
  • the two output shafts may be arranged to form the inner parts of rotary engines and the cutting heads form the outer parts of the rotary engines.
  • the rock cutter When the output shafts are opposed, that is when they are at an angle of 180 degrees relative to each other about the axis of the input shaft, the rock cutter operates in the manner described in the Background Art above with reference to Fig. 1. However, as the radial angle of the output shafts about the axis of the input shaft is varied, the distance between the resulting two parallel swathes is reduced. It will be reduced to zero when the angle is sufficient for the swathes cut by the cutting heads to join or overlap. This is a function of the size of the stem and the proportions of the cutting heads, and the arrangement of their teeth. It will be appreciated that by offsetting the teeth the cutting swathes may overlap.
  • the currently preferred arrangement for engaging the input shaft and the two output shafts is to have a straight input shaft that carries two pinion gears along its length. Each of these two pinion gears meshes exclusively with a respective crown gear that carries an output shaft.
  • the output shafts are coaxial, and there is maximum separation between the cutting heads.
  • the crowns are not parallel the output shafts remain radial about the input shaft but are rotated relative to each other about the axis of the input shaft, and they are no longer coaxial with each other.
  • the outer diameter of one of them may be less than the inner diameter of the other.
  • This arrangement allows one to 'nest' in the other as they are moved out of parallel to each other, and greatly increases the range of user selectable angles.
  • the ratio of crown gear diameters and the respective pinions is the same, which results in each of the output shafts turning with the same speed and delivering equal torque.
  • Fig. 1 is a front view of a double-headed rock cutter showing two horizontally opposed cutting heads operating in conventional mode.
  • Fig. 2 is an X-ray plan view showing the engagement between the input shaft and the two output shafts of the double-headed rock cutter operating in conventional mode.
  • Fig. 3(a) is an X-ray plan view showing the engagement between the input shaft and the two output shafts of the double-headed rock cutter operating in a novel mode.
  • Fig. 3(b) is an X-ray pictorial rear view showing the engagement between the input shaft and the two output shafts of Fig. 3(a).
  • Fig. 4(a) is a plan view of a double-headed rock cutter operating in a novel mode.
  • Fig. 4(b) is a front view of the double-headed rock cutter of Fig. 4(a).
  • double-headed rock cutter 10 has two cutting heads 20 and 30 horizontally opposed on either side of the stem 40. As the rock cutter is moved forward over the ground, each of the cutting heads cuts a swathe 50 and 60 through the rock. However, no rock is cut beneath the stem 40, and a ridge of rock 70 remains there. The maximum depth that can be cut is indicated at 80.
  • each of the cutting heads 20 and 30 has its own internal output shaft 22 and 32, and these are arranged co-axially on either side of the vertical input shaft 42. The angle between the two output shafts 22 and 32 about the axis 44 of the input shaft 42 is 180 degrees.
  • Each of the output shafts 22 and 32 is connected to the back of a respective crown gear 24 and 34. Note that crown gear 24 has a larger diameter than crown gear 34.
  • Fig. 3(b) shows that the input shaft 42 has two pinion gears 46 and 48 along its length. Each of the pinion gears meshes exclusively with one of the crown gears; pinion gear 46 meshes with crown gear 24, and pinion gear 48 meshes with crown gear 34. Regardless of the different diameters of the crown gears 24 and 34, it will be appreciated that the torque delivered to the output shafts and therefore the cutting heads 20 and 30, is the same.
  • Figs 4(a) and (b) show the cutting heads equipped with teeth 500 and helical formations 520 to enable them to cut rock.
  • the cutting heads almost touch at the front 540, and the swathes cut by their respective teeth overlap in the region in front of the input shaft 42. This results in a single wide swathe 560 being cut with no ridge 600 being left in the middle. As a result a cut of any desired depth 580 may be made without any lateral relocation of the cutting heads.
  • the width 560 of the cut is determined by the maximum width of the cutting heads.
  • the tip of the stem 40' may be shaped triangularly to fit the selected angle a between the cutting heads in order to provide adequate strength, and it will be appreciated that the same input shaft 42 can be used for any angle.
  • the tip of the stem 40' may be adjustable, like a bellows, or in any other suitable manner. It may also be equipped with a mechanism to allow changes in angle a while the rock cutter is deployed on site; rather than back at the workshop.
  • the invention has been described with reference to a particular example, it should be appreciated that it may be implemented in a variety of different ways. The invention could also be applied to a rock saw. Furthermore, in an alternative arrangement the two output shafts may be arranged to form the inner parts of rotary engines and the cutting heads form the outer parts of the rotary engines.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
  • Geology (AREA)
  • Processing Of Stones Or Stones Resemblance Materials (AREA)

Abstract

A double-headed rock cutter comprises two cutting heads mounted on either side of a stem, wherein each of the cutting heads has its own output shaft to drive it in rotation. The stem houses a single input shaft that, in use, receives power and is engaged with both the output shafts to drive both cutting heads. Wherein, the engagement between the input shaft and the two output shafts is such that the output shafts are able to be set relative to each other at a user determined radial angle about the axis of the input shaft. This allows the user control over the distance between the two resulting parallel swathes that are cut by the respective cutting heads.

Description

Title
Rock Cutting Equipment
Technical Field
This invention concerns rock cutting equipment, and in particular but not exclusively a double-headed rock cutter.
Background Art
Rock cutters are used for instance to cut foundations or tunnels into rock. Rock cutters typically have an essentially cylindrical cutting head that has cutting teeth arranged over the distal end and the cylindrical face. The proximal end of the cutting head is engaged with a stem that houses an input shaft, or gear set, to receive rotary power. The stem is, in use, connected with a machine arm that positions the cutting head and houses an actuator, for instance a hydraulic or other motor or drive. The actuator engages the input shaft, and the input shaft engages an output shaft that extends axial ly within the cutting head to rotate it. Double-headed rock cutters 10 have two cutting heads 20 and 30 horizontally opposed on either side of the stem 40; see Fig. 1 which is a drawing of the invention operating in conventional mode. Each of the cutting heads has its own internal output shaft and these are arranged co-axially. The stem houses an input shaft, or gear assembly, that, in use, receives power and is engaged with both the output shafts to drive both cutting heads. The driven cutting heads are drawn along the rock so that each cuts a swathe 50 and 60 into the rock. The two resulting parallel swathes are separated by a ridge of uncut rock 70 that extends under the stem and limits the depth of the cut. Deeper cuts require lateral movement of the stem so that the cutting heads are able to cut out the ridge of rock.
There is considerable pressure on the manufacturers of double-headed rock cutters to reduce the distance between the cutting heads so that the rock ridge is eliminated. However, to date this has proved impossible to achieve. Disclosure of the Invention
The invention is a double-headed rock cutter, comprising:
Two cutting heads mounted on either side of a stem, wherein each of the cutting heads has its own output shaft to drive it in rotation. The stem houses a single input shaft that, in use, receives power and is engaged with both the output shafts to drive both cutting heads.
Wherein, the engagement between the input shaft and the two output shafts is such that the output shafts are able to be set relative to each other at a user determined radial angle about the axis of the input shaft. This allows the user control over the distance between the two resulting parallel swathes that are cut by the respective cutting heads.
In an alternative arrangement the two output shafts may be arranged to form the inner parts of rotary engines and the cutting heads form the outer parts of the rotary engines.
When the output shafts are opposed, that is when they are at an angle of 180 degrees relative to each other about the axis of the input shaft, the rock cutter operates in the manner described in the Background Art above with reference to Fig. 1. However, as the radial angle of the output shafts about the axis of the input shaft is varied, the distance between the resulting two parallel swathes is reduced. It will be reduced to zero when the angle is sufficient for the swathes cut by the cutting heads to join or overlap. This is a function of the size of the stem and the proportions of the cutting heads, and the arrangement of their teeth. It will be appreciated that by offsetting the teeth the cutting swathes may overlap.
The currently preferred arrangement for engaging the input shaft and the two output shafts is to have a straight input shaft that carries two pinion gears along its length. Each of these two pinion gears meshes exclusively with a respective crown gear that carries an output shaft. When the two crown gears are arranged to be parallel to each other on either side of the input shaft, the output shafts are coaxial, and there is maximum separation between the cutting heads. When the crowns are not parallel the output shafts remain radial about the input shaft but are rotated relative to each other about the axis of the input shaft, and they are no longer coaxial with each other. By making the two crown gears different sizes, the outer diameter of one of them may be less than the inner diameter of the other. This arrangement allows one to 'nest' in the other as they are moved out of parallel to each other, and greatly increases the range of user selectable angles. The ratio of crown gear diameters and the respective pinions is the same, which results in each of the output shafts turning with the same speed and delivering equal torque..
Brief Description of the Drawings
An example of the invention will now be described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a front view of a double-headed rock cutter showing two horizontally opposed cutting heads operating in conventional mode.
Fig. 2 is an X-ray plan view showing the engagement between the input shaft and the two output shafts of the double-headed rock cutter operating in conventional mode.
Fig. 3(a) is an X-ray plan view showing the engagement between the input shaft and the two output shafts of the double-headed rock cutter operating in a novel mode.
Fig. 3(b) is an X-ray pictorial rear view showing the engagement between the input shaft and the two output shafts of Fig. 3(a).
Fig. 4(a) is a plan view of a double-headed rock cutter operating in a novel mode.
Fig. 4(b) is a front view of the double-headed rock cutter of Fig. 4(a).
Best Modes of the Invention
Referring first to Fig. 1 , double-headed rock cutter 10 has two cutting heads 20 and 30 horizontally opposed on either side of the stem 40. As the rock cutter is moved forward over the ground, each of the cutting heads cuts a swathe 50 and 60 through the rock. However, no rock is cut beneath the stem 40, and a ridge of rock 70 remains there. The maximum depth that can be cut is indicated at 80. Referring now to Fig. 2, each of the cutting heads 20 and 30 has its own internal output shaft 22 and 32, and these are arranged co-axially on either side of the vertical input shaft 42. The angle between the two output shafts 22 and 32 about the axis 44 of the input shaft 42 is 180 degrees. Each of the output shafts 22 and 32 is connected to the back of a respective crown gear 24 and 34. Note that crown gear 24 has a larger diameter than crown gear 34.
Referring now to Fig. 3(a) in this configuration the output shafts 22 and 32 have been rotated relative to each other, about the axis 44 of the input shaft 42. The angle between them a is now other than 180 degrees. It can also be seen that the outer diameter of crown gear 34 is less than the inner diameter of crown gear 24, and this allows crown gear 34 to nest within crown gear 24 as the angle between the output shafts changes.
Fig. 3(b) shows that the input shaft 42 has two pinion gears 46 and 48 along its length. Each of the pinion gears meshes exclusively with one of the crown gears; pinion gear 46 meshes with crown gear 24, and pinion gear 48 meshes with crown gear 34. Regardless of the different diameters of the crown gears 24 and 34, it will be appreciated that the torque delivered to the output shafts and therefore the cutting heads 20 and 30, is the same.
Figs 4(a) and (b) show the cutting heads equipped with teeth 500 and helical formations 520 to enable them to cut rock. In these Figs it can also be seen that the cutting heads almost touch at the front 540, and the swathes cut by their respective teeth overlap in the region in front of the input shaft 42. This results in a single wide swathe 560 being cut with no ridge 600 being left in the middle. As a result a cut of any desired depth 580 may be made without any lateral relocation of the cutting heads. The width 560 of the cut is determined by the maximum width of the cutting heads. The tip of the stem 40' may be shaped triangularly to fit the selected angle a between the cutting heads in order to provide adequate strength, and it will be appreciated that the same input shaft 42 can be used for any angle. The tip of the stem 40' may be adjustable, like a bellows, or in any other suitable manner. It may also be equipped with a mechanism to allow changes in angle a while the rock cutter is deployed on site; rather than back at the workshop.
Although the invention has been described with reference to a particular example, it should be appreciated that it may be implemented in a variety of different ways. The invention could also be applied to a rock saw. Furthermore, in an alternative arrangement the two output shafts may be arranged to form the inner parts of rotary engines and the cutting heads form the outer parts of the rotary engines.

Claims

Claims
1. A double-headed rock cutter, comprising:
two cutting heads mounted on either side of a stem,
wherein each of the cutting heads has its own output shaft to drive it in rotation, and wherein the stem houses a single input shaft that, in use, receives power and is engaged with both the output shafts to drive both cutting heads;
and,
also wherein, the engagement between the input shaft and the two output shafts is such that the output shafts are able to be set relative to each other at a user determined radial angle about the axis of the input shaft.
2. A double headed rock cutter according to claim 1 , wherein the radial angle of the output shafts about the axis of the input shaft is varied such that the distance between the resulting two swathes cut by the head is reduced to zero.
3. A double headed rock cutter according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the teeth of the cutting heads overlap.
4. A double headed rock cutter according to claim 1 , wherein the arrangement for engaging the input shaft and the two output shafts is to have a straight input shaft that carries two pinion gears along its length; wherein each of the two pinion gears meshes exclusively with a respective crown gear that carries an output shaft.
5. A double headed rock cutter according to claim 4, wherein the two crown gears are arranged to be not parallel, the output shafts remain radial about the input shaft but are rotated relative to each other about the axis of the input shaft, and they are no longer coaxial with each other.
6. A double headed rock cutter according to any preceding claim, wherein the two crown gears are different sizes, and the outer diameter of one of them is less than the inner diameter of the other, so that one may 'nest' in the other as they are moved out of parallel to each other.
7. A double headed rock cutter according to any preceding claim, wherein the two output shafts are arranged to form the inner parts of rotary engines and the cutting heads form the outer parts of the rotary engines.
PCT/AU2012/000291 2011-03-25 2012-03-20 Rock cutting equipment WO2012129593A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2011901121 2011-03-25
AU2011901121A AU2011901121A0 (en) 2011-03-25 Rock Cutting Equipment

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2012129593A1 true WO2012129593A1 (en) 2012-10-04

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2019210881A1 (en) * 2018-05-02 2019-11-07 Liu Suhua Reciprocating impact bevel discharging shovel of reciprocating impact mining machine
WO2021239225A1 (en) 2020-05-28 2021-12-02 Construction Tools Gmbh A drum cutter arrangement

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2758826A (en) * 1951-03-30 1956-08-14 Win W Paget Drum type cutting head for continuous mining machine
US4225189A (en) * 1978-11-20 1980-09-30 National Mine Service Company Continuous mining machine and cutter drum drive therefor
SU1116153A1 (en) * 1983-03-23 1984-09-30 Ясиноватский Филиал По Проходческому Оборудованию Института "Гипромашобогащение" Working member of entry-driving machine
SU1314046A1 (en) * 1984-09-20 1987-05-30 Копейский машиностроительный завод им.С.М.Кирова Working member of mine cutter-loader
US4953916A (en) * 1987-11-11 1990-09-04 Voest-Alpine Maschinenbau Gesellschaft M.B.H. Drive arrangement for driving cutting rolls
WO2010028953A1 (en) * 2008-09-11 2010-03-18 Klaus Ertmer Attachment cutting system having cutting heads and a cutter chain

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2758826A (en) * 1951-03-30 1956-08-14 Win W Paget Drum type cutting head for continuous mining machine
US4225189A (en) * 1978-11-20 1980-09-30 National Mine Service Company Continuous mining machine and cutter drum drive therefor
SU1116153A1 (en) * 1983-03-23 1984-09-30 Ясиноватский Филиал По Проходческому Оборудованию Института "Гипромашобогащение" Working member of entry-driving machine
SU1314046A1 (en) * 1984-09-20 1987-05-30 Копейский машиностроительный завод им.С.М.Кирова Working member of mine cutter-loader
US4953916A (en) * 1987-11-11 1990-09-04 Voest-Alpine Maschinenbau Gesellschaft M.B.H. Drive arrangement for driving cutting rolls
WO2010028953A1 (en) * 2008-09-11 2010-03-18 Klaus Ertmer Attachment cutting system having cutting heads and a cutter chain

Non-Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
DATABASE WPI Derwent World Patents Index; AN 1985-092032 *
DATABASE WPI Derwent World Patents Index; AN 1988-013141 *

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2019210881A1 (en) * 2018-05-02 2019-11-07 Liu Suhua Reciprocating impact bevel discharging shovel of reciprocating impact mining machine
WO2021239225A1 (en) 2020-05-28 2021-12-02 Construction Tools Gmbh A drum cutter arrangement

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