BIT ASSEMBLY FOR CUTTER HEAD
A bit assembly for a cutting drum includes a sleeve and a bit. The sleeve includes shank portion, a flange positioned, and a bore extending through the flange and the shank portion. The flange includes a first end surface, a second end surface, and a sleeve outer surface extending between the first end surface and the second end surface. A portion of the sleeve outer surface positioned adjacent the first end surface defines a sleeve profile. The bit includes a cutting end, a shank, and a shoulder positioned between the cutting end and the shank. The shank is positioned within the bore, and the shoulder is positioned adjacent the first end surface of the sleeve. A bit outer surface extending between the cutting end and the shoulder. A portion of the bit outer surface positioned adjacent the shoulder defines a bit profile that corresponds to the sleeve profile.
This application claims the benefit of and priority to prior-filed, co-pending U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/145,603, filed Apr. 10, 2015, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/202,573, filed Aug. 7, 2015. The entire contents of these documents are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUNDThe present application relates to cutting bits, and particularly to a cutting bit assembly for an industrial machine.
Conventional continuous mining machines, longwall mining machines, and entry development machines include a cutter head including multiple cutting bit assemblies. In some embodiments, each cutting bit assembly includes a bit holder block coupled to a rotating drum. The bit holder block also includes a slot. In some embodiments, the slot receives a sleeve. The sleeve includes a bore and an outer surface engaging the slot of the bit holder block. A bit is secured within the bore of the sleeve.
SUMMARYIn one aspect, a bit assembly for a cutting drum includes a sleeve and a bit. The sleeve includes shank portion, a flange positioned adjacent an end of the shank portion, and a bore extending through the flange and the shank portion. The flange includes a first end surface, a second end surface, and a sleeve outer surface extending between the first end surface and the second end surface. A portion of the sleeve outer surface positioned adjacent the first end surface defines a sleeve profile. The bit includes a cutting end, a shank, and a shoulder positioned between the cutting end and the shank. At least a portion of the shank is positioned within the bore of the sleeve, and the shoulder is positioned adjacent the first end surface of the sleeve. The bit further includes a bit outer surface extending between the cutting end and the shoulder. A portion of the bit outer surface positioned adjacent the shoulder defines a bit profile that corresponds to the sleeve profile.
In another aspect, a cutter head for an industrial machine includes a drum supported for rotation about a drum axis and a plurality of bit assemblies. Each bit assembly is supported on the drum and includes a sleeve and a bit. The sleeve includes a shank portion, a flange positioned adjacent an end of the shank portion, and a bore extending through the flange and the shank portion. The flange includes a first end surface, a second end surface, and a sleeve outer surface extending between the first end surface and the second end surface. A portion of the sleeve outer surface positioned adjacent the first end surface defines a sleeve profile. The bit includes a cutting end, a shank, and a shoulder positioned between the cutting end and the shank. At least a portion of the shank is positioned within the bore of the sleeve. The shoulder is positioned adjacent the first end surface of the sleeve. The bit further includes a bit outer surface extending between the cutting end and the shoulder. A portion of the bit outer surface positioned adjacent the shoulder defines a bit profile that corresponds to the sleeve profile.
In yet another aspect, a bit assembly is configured to be secured to a cutting drum and includes a bit and a holder. The bit includes a cutting end, a shank, and a shoulder positioned between the cutting end and the shank. The bit further includes a bit outer surface extending between the cutting end and the shoulder. A portion of the bit outer surface positioned adjacent the shoulder defines a bit profile. The holder includes a holder end surface, an opening positioned on the holder end surface, and a holder outer surface. The opening receives at least a portion of the shank. The holder end surface faces toward the shoulder. At least a portion of the holder outer surface positioned adjacent the holder end surface defines a holder profile that corresponds to the bit profile.
Other aspects will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.
Before any embodiments 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 embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. The terms “mounted,” “connected” and “coupled” are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mounting, connecting and coupling. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings, and can include electrical or hydraulic connections or couplings, whether direct or indirect. Also, electronic communications and notifications may be performed using any known means including direct connections, wireless connections, etc.
The boom 22 includes one end pivotably coupled to the frame 14 and another end supporting the cutter head 26. The boom 22 is pivotable about a pivot axis 54 that is generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the frame 14. The boom 22 is pivoted by a pair of actuators 58 that are coupled between the frame 14 and the boom 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuators 58 are hydraulic jacks or cylinders.
As shown in
Each cutting bit assembly 72 includes a bit 74, a sleeve 78, and a holder or holder block 82. The block 82 includes a bore or opening 86 (
The sleeve 78 includes an elongated shank portion 94 (
Referring to
The bit 74 also includes a shoulder 118 positioned between the cutting end 106 and the shank 110. The shoulder 118 is positioned adjacent the forward surface 98 of the sleeve flange 96. In the illustrated embodiment, the shoulder 118 abuts or contacts at least a portion of the forward surface 98. A portion of the bit 74 extending between the shoulder 118 and the cutting end 106 has an outer surface 120 defining a bit profile. In the illustrated embodiment, the bit profile has a frustoconical shape. In other embodiments, the bit profile may have other shapes, such as a curved shape that tapers in a non-linear manner between the cutting end 106 and the shoulder 118.
In the illustrated embodiment, the bit 74 includes a bit body 122 and an insert 124 is positioned in an opening (not shown) on the cutting end 106 of the bit body 122. The insert 124 forms the cutting tip 126. The insert 124 includes an outer surface 128 extending from the tip 126 toward the cutting end 106, and the outer surface 128 defines an insert profile. In the illustrated embodiment, the insert profile has a frustoconical shape; in other embodiments, the insert profile may have another shape. In one embodiment, the insert 124 is made from tungsten carbide. In other embodiments, the insert 124 is made from another material, and/or may be made from multiple materials. In other embodiments, the bit 74 may be formed without an insert, such that the cutting end 106 of the bit body 122 is formed as a cutting tip.
As shown in
Referring to
In some embodiments, the first angle 142 is between approximately 5 degrees and approximately 22.5 degrees. In some embodiments, the first angle 142 is between approximately 10 degrees and approximately 22.5 degrees. In some embodiments, the first angle 142 is approximately 15 degrees. In some embodiments, the second angle 150 is between approximately 5 degrees and approximately 22.5 degrees. In some embodiments, the second angle 150 is between approximately 10 degrees and approximately 22.5 degrees. In some embodiments, the second angle 150 is approximately 15 degrees.
The inclined surfaces 138, 146 provide a space for an operator to insert an edge of a prying tool in order to apply force and extract the bit 74 from the sleeve 78. The first angle 142 and the second angle 150 form a combined wedge angle. In some embodiments, the combined wedge angle is between approximately 10 degrees and approximately 45 degrees. In some embodiments, the combined wedge angle is between approximately 20 degrees and approximately 45 degrees. In some embodiments, the combined wedge angle is approximately 30 degrees.
In the embodiment of
The cutting bit assembly 72 has a continuous or smooth profile between the individual components, reducing and/or eliminating corners, hard edges, or other sizable discontinuities. The streamlined profile of the cutting bit assembly 72 reduces sharp contact, rubbing, scrubbing, scraping, crushing, and material carrying that occurs in conventional bit assemblies. As a result, the cutting bit assembly 72 can engage the material to be cut more efficiently, reducing the amount of airborne dust and fines caused by cutting the material and also improving power consumption required by cutter head drive motors.
The cutting bit assembly 472 includes a bit 474, a sleeve 478, a holder block 482, and an insert 524. The bit 474 includes an outer surface 520 extending between the cutting end 506 and the shoulder 518. The outer surface 520 includes a first portion 520a having a first profile and a second portion 520b having a second profile. The insert 524 includes an outer surface 528 having a profile that is generally continuous with the profile of the first portion 520a. The sleeve flange 496 includes an outer surface 502 having a profile that is generally continuous with the second portion 520b.
In addition, a forward portion of the block 482 includes an outer surface 492 having a profile that is generally continuous with the profile of the flange outer surface 502, and also corresponds to the profile of the flange outer surface 502. A portion of the outer surface 492 adjacent the forward surface 490 defines a profile that corresponds to the profile of the portion of the outer surface 502 of the flange 496 adjacent the rear surface 500. The contour of the outer surface 492 of the block 482 is aligned with the contour of the outer surface 502 of the flange 496 at least in the area of the interface between the two components. Stated yet another way, the contour of the outer surface 492 of the block 482 generally follows the same path as the contour of the outer surface 502 of the flange 496 near the interface between the two components. Although a gap may exist at the mating interface between the block 482 and the sleeve 478 (i.e., between the block forward surface 490 and the rear surface 500 of the flange 476), the overall profile of the combination of the block 482 and the sleeve 478 is virtually continuous. The block 482 further includes a lateral opening 550 (
In addition, the contour of the outer surface 492 of the block 482 also generally follows the same path as the contour of at least the second portion 520b of the outer surface 520 of the bit 474. In the illustrated embodiment, the portion of the outer surface 492 adjacent the forward surface 490 of the block 482 has a frustoconical shape; in other embodiments, the portion of the outer surface 492 may have another shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the frustoconical shape of the portion of the outer surface 492 is the same shape as the frustoconical shape of the second portion 520b of the bit 474. The block profile corresponds to and is aligned with the bit profile.
In some embodiments, the cutting bit assembly may be formed without a sleeve such that the bit is secured directly to the block. In such a configuration, a portion of the outer surface of the bit may define a bit profile and a portion of the outer surface of the block may define a block profile that corresponds to the bit profile.
Although aspects of the cutting bit assembly 72 have been described in the context of a mining machine, it is understood that the cutting bit assembly 72 could be incorporated into other types of machines having earth-engaging attachments, including other types of mining machines, construction machines, and road milling machines.
Although aspects have been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects as described.
Claims
1. A bit assembly for a cutting drum, the bit assembly comprising:
- a sleeve including shank portion, a flange positioned adjacent an end of the shank portion, and a bore extending through the flange and the shank portion, the flange including a first end surface, a second end surface, and a sleeve outer surface extending between the first end surface and the second end surface, a portion of the sleeve outer surface positioned adjacent the first end surface defining a sleeve profile; and
- a bit including a cutting end, a shank, and a shoulder positioned between the cutting end and the shank, at least a portion of the shank positioned within the bore of the sleeve, the shoulder positioned adjacent the first end surface of the sleeve, the bit further including a bit outer surface extending between the cutting end and the shoulder, a portion of the bit outer surface positioned adjacent the shoulder defining a bit profile that corresponds to the sleeve profile.
2. The bit assembly of claim 1, wherein an imaginary surface aligned with a contour of the sleeve profile and extending beyond the first end of the sleeve is aligned with a contour of the bit profile.
3. The bit assembly of claim 1, wherein the bit profile defines a first frustoconical shape and the sleeve profile defines a second frustoconical shape, the first frustoconical shape and the second frustoconical shape having an identical, constant slope.
4. The bit assembly of claim 1, wherein the entire length of the sleeve outer surface defines the sleeve profile, and wherein the entire length of the bit outer surface defines the bit profile.
5. The bit assembly of claim 1, wherein an end surface of the bit shoulder is spaced apart from the first end surface of the sleeve by a gap.
6. The bit assembly of claim 1, wherein the bit is freely rotatable relative to the sleeve about a bit axis extending along the shank.
7. The bit assembly of claim 1, wherein the sleeve profile is a first end sleeve profile, a portion of the sleeve outer surface positioned adjacent the second end surface defining a second end sleeve profile, the bit assembly further comprising:
- a holder including a holder end surface, an opening positioned on the holder end surface, and a holder outer surface, the opening receiving the shank portion of the sleeve, the holder end surface positioned adjacent the second end surface of the flange, a portion of the holder outer surface positioned adjacent the holder end surface defining a holder profile, the holder profile corresponding to the second end sleeve profile.
8. The bit assembly of claim 1, wherein the bit includes a bit body and an insert, the bit body extending between a body end and the shoulder, the bit including an aperture positioned adjacent the body end, the insert positioned at least partially within the aperture and including a tip,
- wherein the bit profile is a shoulder end bit profile, a portion of the bit outer surface positioned adjacent the body end defining a body end bit profile,
- wherein the insert includes an insert outer surface, at least a portion of the insert outer surface defining an insert profile that corresponds to the body end bit profile.
9. The bit assembly of claim 1, wherein the shank extend along a bit axis, wherein the shoulder includes a shoulder edge and a first inclined surface extending along the shoulder edge around the perimeter of the shoulder, the first inclined surface forming a first acute angle relative to the bit axis,
- wherein the first end surface of the flange includes a flange edge and a second inclined surface extending along the flange edge around the perimeter of the first end surface, the second inclined surface forming a second acute angle relative to the bit axis, wherein the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface are positioned adjacent one another such that the first acute angle and the second acute angle form a combined wedge angle.
10. The bit assembly of claim 1, wherein the shank extends along a bit axis, wherein the shoulder includes an edge defining a perimeter, a first surface, and a second surface, the first surface positioned adjacent the edge and radially between the edge and the bit axis, the second surface positioned adjacent the first surface and radially between the first surface and the bit axis, the first surface and the second surface extending along the length of the perimeter,
- wherein the first surface is inclined at a first angle relative to the bit axis and the second surface is inclined at a second angle relative to the bit axis.
11. A cutter head for an industrial machine, the cutter head comprising
- a drum supported for rotation about a drum axis; and
- a plurality of bit assemblies, each bit assembly supported on the drum and including, a sleeve including shank portion, a flange positioned adjacent an end of the shank portion, and a bore extending through the flange and the shank portion, the flange including a first end surface, a second end surface, and a sleeve outer surface extending between the first end surface and the second end surface, a portion of the sleeve outer surface positioned adjacent the first end surface defining a sleeve profile; and a bit including a cutting end, a shank, and a shoulder positioned between the cutting end and the shank, at least a portion of the shank positioned within the bore of the sleeve, the shoulder positioned adjacent the first end surface of the sleeve, the bit further including a bit outer surface extending between the cutting end and the shoulder, a portion of the bit outer surface positioned adjacent the shoulder defining a bit profile that corresponds to the sleeve profile.
12. The cutter head of claim 11, wherein the bit profile defines a first frustoconical shape and the sleeve profile defines a second frustoconical shape, the first frustoconical shape and the second frustoconical shape having an identical, constant slope.
13. The cutter head of claim 11, wherein the entire length of the sleeve outer surface defines the sleeve profile, and wherein the entire length of the bit outer surface defines the bit profile.
14. The cutter head of claim 11, wherein an end surface of the bit shoulder is spaced apart from the first end surface of the sleeve by a gap.
15. The cutter head of claim 11, wherein the sleeve profile is a first end sleeve profile, a portion of the sleeve outer surface positioned adjacent the second end surface defining a second end sleeve profile, each bit assembly further including,
- a holder including a holder end surface, an opening positioned on the holder end surface, and a holder outer surface, the opening receiving the shank portion of the sleeve, the holder end surface positioned adjacent the second end surface of the flange, a portion of the holder outer surface positioned adjacent the holder end surface defining a holder profile, the holder profile corresponding to the second end sleeve profile.
16. The cutter head of claim 11, wherein the bit includes a bit body and an insert, the bit body extending between a body end and the shoulder, the bit including an aperture positioned adjacent the body end, the insert positioned at least partially within the aperture and including a tip,
- wherein the bit profile is a shoulder end bit profile, a portion of the bit outer surface positioned adjacent the body end defining a body end bit profile,
- wherein the insert includes an insert outer surface, at least a portion of the insert outer surface defining an insert profile that corresponds to the body end bit profile.
17. A bit assembly configured to be secured to a cutting drum, the bit assembly comprising:
- a bit including a cutting end, a shank, and a shoulder positioned between the cutting end and the shank, the bit further including a bit outer surface extending between the cutting end and the shoulder, a portion of the bit outer surface positioned adjacent the shoulder defining a bit profile; and
- a holder including a holder end surface, an opening positioned on the holder end surface, and a holder outer surface, the opening receiving at least a portion of the shank, the holder end surface facing toward the shoulder, at least a portion of the holder outer surface positioned adjacent the holder end surface defining a holder profile that corresponds to the bit profile.
18. The bit assembly of claim 17, further comprising a sleeve including shank portion, a flange positioned adjacent an end of the shank portion, and a bore extending through the flange and the shank portion, the bore receiving the shank of the bit, the shank portion positioned within the opening of the holder, the flange positioned between the shoulder of the bit and the holder end surface of the holder, the flange including a flange outer surface, at least a portion of the flange outer surface defining a sleeve profile that corresponds to the holder profile.
19. The bit assembly of claim 18, wherein the shank portion of the sleeve extends along an axis, the flange including a first end surface adjacent the holder end surface and a second end surface adjacent the shoulder of the bit, the first end surface of the flange including an edge and a first inclined surface extending along the edge around the perimeter of the first end surface, the first inclined surface forming a first acute angle relative to the axis,
- wherein the holder end surface includes a holder edge and a second inclined surface extending along the holder edge around the perimeter of the holder end surface, the second inclined surface forming a second acute angle relative to the axis, wherein the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface are positioned adjacent one another such that the first acute angle and the second acute angle form a combined wedge angle.
20. The bit assembly of claim 17, wherein the bit includes a bit body and an insert, the bit body including an aperture positioned adjacent the first end of the bit, the insert positioned at least partially within the aperture, the insert defining a tip, the insert including an insert outer surface defining an insert profile that is continuous with the bit profile.
21. The bit assembly of claim 17, wherein an imaginary surface aligned with a contour of the holder profile and extending beyond the holder end surface is aligned with a contour of the bit profile.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 11, 2016
Publication Date: Oct 13, 2016
Inventor: John R. Frederick (Allison Park, PA)
Application Number: 15/095,846