GB117552A - Improvements in or relating to Coal Cutting and similar Machines. - Google Patents

Abstract

117,552. Hirst, H. Oct. 30, 1917 Braking-down appliances; coal-cutting machines.-In a longitudinally-movable machine for cutting coal or other minerals comprising wedge means for dislodging the mineral and guiding it on to the floor at the side of the machine or on to a conveyer, the wedge, at the forward end of the machine, has its edge perpendicular and extending from the bed to the roof of the seam. The machine may also be provided with one or more horizontal cutters for over-cutting or undercutting or both and, if desired, also with a vertical cutter. In the form shown in Fig. 6, the wedge 6 is carried by the machine frame a in which a cylinder b is mounted, the cylinder containing a ram c which bears against an abutment d adapted to be held stationary by jacks c. A motor k acts through spur and worm gearing j, g, to drive a pump m which supplies water to the cylinder b to force the wedge into the coal, &c. When the machine has moved a predetermined distance, a chain &c. w fixed to the abutment d actuates a lever s to open a valve t and stop the travel. The jacks e are then released and the ram c drawn into the cylinder by means of a chain passing over a sprocket r and guide-pulleys. A further advance is then made. After cutting the length of the face, the machine is returned by a chain anchored at both ends of the face and engaging the sprocket r. In this form, a jib 6<a> at the front of the machine carries guide-wheels 7 and rubbing plates 8 for a cutter chain 13 driven from the motor k through worm gearing 10. In the formation shown in Fig. 11, the machine is advanced by means of pinion 29 engaging a rack 27 fixed to the abutment d, and carries a vertical cutter chain 16 in addition to the wedge 6 and the horizontal cutter chain 13. In this form, the motor drives the horizontal cutter chain through spur goaring 19, 54 and bevel gearing 55, 56, 58, 59 and also drives a shaft 18 through a pin gearing 19 - - 24; the shaft 18 carries a driving sprocket 17 for the vertical cutter chain and also carries cams 40, 41 which oscillate pawl bars 38, 39 and so rotate ratchet wheels 34, 35, which, through spur gearing 32, 33, drive the pinion 29 to advance the machine; after a given advance, a chain 42<a> acts through a lever 42 to put the pawls out of action. The forward movement of the rack and the return of the machine are effected by a chain passed over a sprocket 47. In a further form, the machine is advanced by the engagement of a sprocket with a chain anchored at both ends of the coal &c. face, the chain being moved on to a second sprocket to effect the return. The machine may be adapted to lift the coal &c. on to a conveyer by means of an inclined plane 60, Fig. 11, mounted on the jib 6<a>.