U.S. patent application number 15/847359 was filed with the patent office on 2018-04-19 for cutting bit and extraction tool for same.
The applicant listed for this patent is Joy MM Delaware, Inc.. Invention is credited to Rudie Boshoff, John R. Frederick.
Application Number | 20180106149 15/847359 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57030079 |
Filed Date | 2018-04-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180106149 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Frederick; John R. ; et
al. |
April 19, 2018 |
CUTTING BIT AND EXTRACTION TOOL FOR SAME
Abstract
A cutting bit for a bit assembly secured to a cutter head
includes a cutting end, a shank extending along a bit axis, and a
shoulder positioned between the cutting end and the shank. The
shoulder includes an outer edge defining a perimeter, a shoulder
end surface defining a shoulder plane, a first inclined surface and
a second inclined surface. The first inclined surface is positioned
between the outer edge and the shoulder end surface. The first
inclined surface extends along the perimeter and is oriented at a
first acute angle relative to the shoulder plane. The second
inclined surface is positioned between the shoulder end surface and
the first inclined surface. The second inclined surface is oriented
at a second acute angle relative to the shoulder plane, and the
second acute angle is smaller than the first acute angle.
Inventors: |
Frederick; John R.; (Allison
Park, PA) ; Boshoff; Rudie; (Warrendale, PA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Joy MM Delaware, Inc. |
Wilmington |
DE |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
57030079 |
Appl. No.: |
15/847359 |
Filed: |
December 19, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15095996 |
Apr 11, 2016 |
9874095 |
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15847359 |
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62145603 |
Apr 10, 2015 |
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62202573 |
Aug 7, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21C 35/18 20130101;
E21C 35/188 20200501; E21C 35/197 20130101; E21C 25/10
20130101 |
International
Class: |
E21C 35/197 20060101
E21C035/197; E21C 25/10 20060101 E21C025/10 |
Claims
1. An extraction tool for removing a portion of a cutting bit
assembly of a cutter head, the cutting bit assembly including a bit
having a shoulder end surface abutting an end surface of one of a
sleeve and a bit holder, the extraction tool comprising: a shaft
including a first end and a second end; a head coupled to the
second end of the shaft, the head including a body and a pair of
fingers extending away from the body, the body including a face end
surface, each of the fingers including a base end connected to the
body and a distal end positioned away from the body, the fingers
spaced apart from one another by a gap, a groove formed between the
base ends of the fingers, a plane positioned laterally between the
fingers such that one of the fingers is positioned on one side of
the plane and the other finger is positioned on the other side of
the plane, each finger further including an upper surface and an
inclined surface, wherein the inclined surface extends at least
partially between the distal end and the base end, the inclined
surface tapering inwardly toward the plane such that a first
distance between the inclined surface and the plane proximate the
distal end is greater than a second distance between the inclined
surface and the plane proximate the groove, wherein the inclined
surface also tapers inwardly toward the plane from the upper
surface such that a first offset distance between an upper edge of
the inclined surface and the plane is greater than a second offset
distance between a lower edge of the inclined surface and the
plane.
2. The extraction tool of claim 1, wherein each finger includes a
lower surface oriented perpendicular to the plane, the upper
surface of each finger is inclined relative to the lower surface
such that a first height between the upper surface and the lower
surface proximate the base end is larger than a second height
between the upper surface and the lower surface proximate the
distal end.
3. The extraction tool of claim 1, wherein the inclined surface
forms a first angle relative to the upper surface of between
approximately 5 degrees and approximately 30 degrees.
4. The extraction tool of claim 3, wherein the first angle is
between approximately 10 degrees and approximately 25 degrees.
5. The extraction tool of claim 4, wherein the first angle is
between approximately 10 degrees and approximately 15 degrees.
6. The extraction tool of claim 5, wherein the first angle is
approximately 13 degrees.
7. The extraction tool of claim 1, wherein the inclined surface
extends along an axis between the distal end and the base end, the
axis forming a second angle relative to the plane of between
approximately 2 degrees and approximately 20 degrees.
8. The extraction tool of claim 7, wherein the second angle is
between approximately 5 degrees and approximately 10 degrees.
9. The extraction tool of claim 8, wherein the second angle is
approximately 6 degrees.
10. An extraction tool for removing a portion of a cutting bit
assembly of a cutter head, the cutting bit assembly including a bit
having an end surface abutting an end surface of one of a sleeve
and a bit holder, the extraction tool comprising: a shaft including
a first end and a second end; a head coupled to the second end of
the shaft, the head including a body including a first end and a
second end, the first end including an end surface, and a pair of
fingers extending away from the body, each of the fingers including
a base end and a distal end, the base end of each of the fingers
connected to the second end of the body, the distal end positioned
away from the body, the fingers spaced apart from one another by a
gap, each of the fingers further including an upper surface
oriented along an inclined plane such that a first thickness of the
finger proximate the base end is larger than a second thickness of
the finger proximate the distal end, each of the fingers further
including a wedge surface positioned proximate the upper surface
and proximate the gap, each wedge surface extending at least
partially between the distal end and the base end of the associated
finger, each wedge surface tapering inwardly from the upper surface
of the associated finger toward a lower surface the other finger, a
distance between the wedge surfaces proximate the upper surfaces
being greater than a distance between the wedge surfaces proximate
the lower surfaces.
11. The extraction tool of claim 10, wherein each wedge surface
tapers inwardly toward one another such that a distance between the
wedge surfaces proximate the distal ends of the fingers is greater
than a distance between the wedge surfaces proximate the base ends
of the fingers.
12. The extraction tool of claim 10, wherein each of the fingers
includes an inner surface positioned proximate the plane, the inner
surfaces tapering toward one another, a first distance between the
inner surfaces proximate the distal ends of the fingers being
greater than a second distance between the inner surfaces proximate
the base ends of the fingers.
13. The extraction tool of claim 12, wherein a plane is positioned
laterally between the fingers, one of the fingers positioned on one
side of the plane and the other finger positioned on the other side
of the plane, wherein each of the inner surfaces is oriented at a
lateral angle relative to the plane, the lateral angle being
between approximately 2 degrees and approximately 20 degrees.
14. The extraction tool of claim 13, wherein the lateral angle is
between approximately 5 degrees and approximately 10 degrees.
15. The extraction tool of claim 14, wherein the lateral angle is
approximately 6 degrees.
16. The extraction tool of claim 10, wherein each wedge surface is
oriented at a first angle relative to the upper surface of the
associated finger, the first angle being between approximately 5
degrees and approximately 30 degrees.
17. The extraction tool of claim 13, wherein the first angle is
between approximately 10 degrees and approximately 25 degrees.
18. The extraction tool of claim 14, wherein the first angle is
between approximately 10 degrees and approximately 15 degrees.
19. The extraction tool of claim 15, wherein the first angle is
approximately 13 degrees.
20. The extraction tool of claim 10, wherein the upper surface
forms a plane oriented at an inclination angle relative to the
lower surface, the inclination angle being between approximately 10
degrees and approximately 30 degrees.
21. A method of extracting a portion of a cutting bit assembly from
one of a sleeve and a bit holder, the method comprising:
positioning an extraction tool against an engagement surface of the
portion of the cutting bit assembly, the extraction tool including
a pair of fingers spaced apart by a gap, the portion of the cutting
bit assembly positioned in the gap, each finger including an upper
surface, an inner surface proximate the gap, and a wedge surface
positioned between the inner surface and the upper surface, the
upper surface extending along a plane oriented at an angle relative
to a lower surface, the wedge surface extending in a plane oriented
at an angle relative to the upper surface; and applying a force on
the extraction tool to exert pressure against the engagement
surface of the portion of the cutting bit.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein applying the force includes
applying an impact force against an end surface of a head of the
extraction tool.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of prior-filed,
co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/095,996, filed Apr.
11, 2016, which claims the benefit of and priority to 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 applications are incorporated by
reference herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present application relates to cutting bits, and
particularly to a cutting bit for an industrial machine and an
extraction tool for the cutting bit.
[0003] Conventional continuous mining, 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.
SUMMARY
[0004] In 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 flange end surface. 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 shank extends along a bit axis. The
shoulder is positioned adjacent the end surface of the flange and
includes an edge. A shoulder end surface defines a shoulder plane,
a first inclined surface, and a second inclined surface. The edge
extends along a perimeter of the shoulder. The first inclined
surface is positioned between the edge and the shoulder end
surface. The first inclined surface extends along the perimeter and
is oriented at a first angle relative to the shoulder plane. The
second surface is positioned between the shoulder end surface and
the first inclined surface. The second inclined surface is oriented
at a second angle relative to the shoulder plane. The first angle
is larger than the second angle.
[0005] In another aspect, a cutting bit is provided for a bit
assembly secured to a cutter head. The cutting bit includes a
cutting end, a shank extending along a bit axis, and a shoulder
positioned between the cutting end and the shank. The shoulder
includes an outer edge defining a perimeter, a shoulder end surface
defining a shoulder plane, a first inclined surface and a second
inclined surface. The first inclined surface is positioned between
the outer edge and the shoulder end surface. The first inclined
surface extends along the perimeter and is oriented at a first
acute angle relative to the shoulder plane. The second inclined
surface is positioned between the shoulder end surface and the
first inclined surface. The second inclined surface is oriented at
a second acute angle relative to the shoulder plane, and the second
acute angle is smaller than the first acute angle.
[0006] In yet another aspect, an extraction tool is provided for
removing a portion of a cutting bit assembly of a cutter head. The
cutting bit assembly including a bit having a shoulder end surface
abutting an end surface of one of a sleeve and a bit holder. The
extraction tool including a shaft and a head. The shaft includes a
first end and a second end. The head is coupled to the second end
of the shaft. The head includes a body and a pair of fingers
extending away from the body. The body includes a face end surface.
Each of the fingers includes a base end connected to the body and a
distal end positioned away from the body, and the fingers are
spaced apart from one another by a gap. A groove is formed between
the base ends of the fingers. The head defines a plane positioned
laterally between the fingers such that one of the fingers is
positioned on one side of the plane and the other finger is
positioned on the other side of the plane. Each finger further
includes an upper surface and an inclined surface. The inclined
surface extends at least partially between the distal end and the
base end, and the inclined surface tapers inwardly toward the plane
such that a first distance between the inclined surface and the
plane proximate the distal end is greater than a second distance
between the inclined surface and the plane proximate the groove.
The inclined surface also tapers inwardly toward the plane from the
upper surface such that a first offset distance between an upper
edge of the inclined surface and the plane is greater than a second
offset distance between a lower edge of the inclined surface and
the plane.
[0007] Other aspects will become apparent by consideration of the
detailed description and accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mining machine.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of a cutter
head.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a side view of a cutting bit assembly.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a cutting bit.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a side view of the cutting bit of FIG. 4.
[0013] FIG. 6 is an enlarged side view of area 6-6 of the cutting
bit assembly of FIG. 3.
[0014] FIG. 6B is a side view of a cutting bit and a sleeve
according to another embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 6C is an enlarged side view of area 6C-6C of the
cutting bit and sleeve of FIG. 6B.
[0016] FIG. 7 is an enlarged side view of area 7-7 of the cutting
bit assembly of FIG. 3.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an extraction tool.
[0018] FIG. 9 is a top view of the extraction tool of FIG. 8.
[0019] FIG. 10 is a section view of the extraction tool of FIG. 9
viewed along section 10-10.
[0020] FIG. 11 is a front view of a portion of the extraction tool
of FIG. 8.
[0021] FIG. 12 is a front view of the portion of the extraction
tool of FIG. 11 with a body angled upwardly.
[0022] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the extraction tool of FIG.
8 engaging a cutting bit in a first position.
[0023] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the extraction tool of FIG.
8 engaging the cutting bit of FIG. 13 in a second position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] 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.
[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates a mining machine, such as a continuous
miner 10, including a frame 14 that is supported for movement
(e.g., by tracks 18). The continuous miner 10 further includes a
boom 22 and a cutter head 26 supported on the boom 22. In the
illustrated embodiment, the frame 14 also includes a collecting
mechanism or gathering head 30 and a conveyor 34 extending from a
first or front end of the frame 14 toward a second or rear end of
the frame 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the gathering head 30
includes a pair of rotating arms 38 that engage cut material below
the cutter head 26 and direct the cut material onto the conveyor
34. The conveyor 34 transports the cut material along a
longitudinal axis of the frame 14, from the area below the cutter
head 26 to a second conveyor (not shown) positioned proximate the
second end of the frame 14.
[0026] 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.
[0027] As shown in FIG. 2, the cutter head 26 is formed as an
elongated drum 62 including cutting bit assemblies 66 secured to an
outer surface of the drum 62. In the illustrated embodiment, the
outer surface of the drum 62 includes multiple pedestals 68, and
each cutting bit assembly 66 is secured to one of the pedestals 68.
The drum 62 defines a drum axis 70 (FIG. 1) that is generally
parallel to the pivot axis 54 of the boom 22, and the drum 62 is
rotatable about the drum axis 70.
[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates a cutting bit assembly 66 according to
one embodiment. Each cutting bit assembly 66 includes a bit 74, a
sleeve 78, and a holder or holder block 82. The block 82 includes a
bore or opening (not shown), and the sleeve 78 is received within
the opening. The block 82 has an end surface or forward surface 90.
In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the holder block 82 has a profile that
generally coincides or corresponds to the profile of the sleeve 78.
In still other embodiments, the holder profile may have another
shape. Also, the block 82 may incorporate a nozzle aperture (not
shown) for supporting a fluid spray nozzle. The nozzle can provide
a spray envelope that encompasses a portion of the bit 74. The
block 82 also includes a lateral opening 92 through which a rear
end of the bit 74 is accessible.
[0029] The sleeve 78 includes an elongated shank portion 94 (FIG.
6B) and a flange 96. In the illustrated embodiment, the shank
portion 94 has a generally cylindrical shape and is positioned
within the opening of the block 82. The flange 96 includes a first
end surface or forward surface 98 and a second end surface or rear
surface 100. The rear surface 100 of the flange 96 is positioned
adjacent the forward surface 90 of the holder block 82. In the
illustrated embodiment, the rear surface 100 of the flange 96 abuts
or contacts at least a portion of the forward surface 90 of the
holder block 82. In the illustrated embodiment, the sleeve 78
includes an outer surface defining a profile that generally
coincides with or corresponds to the profile of the outer surface
of the bit 74 as well as the outer surface of the block 82. In
other embodiments, the sleeve profile may have other shapes, such
as a curved shape having a non-linear taper. The sleeve 78 also
defines a bore (not shown) extending through the length of the
sleeve 78.
[0030] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the bit 74 includes a cutting
end 106 and a shank 110. The shank 110 is positioned within the
bore of the sleeve 78, and the shank 110 defines a shank axis or
bit axis 112. In some embodiments, an end of the shank 110
protrudes from the end of the sleeve 78 and includes a slot 114.
The slot 114 receives a retaining mechanism (e.g., by a cotter pin
or hairpin clip--not shown) for securing the bit 74 against axial
movement relative to the sleeve 78. Unless otherwise specified, the
term "axial" refers to a direction extending parallel to the bit
axis 112 and the term "radial" refers to a direction extending
perpendicularly to the bit axis 112.
[0031] The bit 74 also includes a shoulder 118 positioned between
the cutting end 106 and the shank 110. 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. The shoulder 118 includes
an edge 122 defining an outer perimeter of the shoulder 118 and a
shoulder end surface 126. In the illustrated embodiment, the
shoulder end surface 126 extends around the end of the shank 110.
In addition, the shoulder 118 includes a first inclined surface 134
and a second inclined surface 138. In the illustrated embodiment,
the first inclined surface 134 is positioned adjacent the edge 122
and extends radially along the entire perimeter of the shoulder
118. In the illustrated embodiment, the second inclined surface 138
is positioned between the first inclined surface 134 and the
shoulder end surface 126 and extends radially along the entire
perimeter of the shoulder 118. In other embodiments, the first
inclined surface 134 may extend along the outer perimeter but may
not be contiguous with the edge 122. Similarly, in other
embodiments, the second inclined surface 138 may extend along the
perimeter of the shoulder 118 but may not be contiguous with the
edge of the shoulder end surface 126. The inclined surfaces 134,
138 will be discussed in further detail below.
[0032] Referring again to FIG. 3, 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. In the illustrated embodiment,
the bit profile has a curved shape that tapers in a non-linear
manner between the cutting end 106 and the shoulder 118. In other
embodiments, the bit 74 may have a different shape.
[0033] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in the illustrated embodiment,
the bit 74 includes a bit body 142 and an insert 146 positioned in
an opening on the cutting end 106 of the bit body 142. The insert
146 forms a cutting tip 154. In one embodiment, the insert 124 is
made from tungsten carbide. In other embodiments, the insert 124
may be formed from another material. In other embodiments, the bit
74 may be formed without an insert, such that the cutting end 106
of the bit body 142 forms a cutting tip.
[0034] FIG. 6 illustrates the interface between the shoulder 118
and the sleeve 78. In the illustrated embodiment, the shoulder end
surface 126 defines a shoulder plane 162 and abuts the forward
surface 98 of the flange 96. In the illustrated embodiment, the
shoulder plane 162 is perpendicular to the bit axis 112 (FIG. 4).
The shoulder 118 is positioned on one side of the shoulder plane
162 and the sleeve flange 96 is positioned on the other. The first
inclined surface 134 forms a first angle 164 relative to the
shoulder plane 162 and the second inclined surface 138 forms a
second angle 168 relative to the shoulder plane 162.
[0035] In some embodiments, the first angle 164 is between
approximately 45 degrees and 80 degrees. In some embodiments, the
first angle 164 is between approximately 60 degrees and
approximately 70 degrees. In some embodiments, the first angle 164
is approximately 65 degrees.
[0036] In some embodiments, the second angle 168 is between
approximately 5 degree and approximately 30 degrees. In some
embodiments, the second angle 168 is between approximately 5
degrees and approximately 20 degrees. In some embodiments, the
second angle 168 is between approximately 10 degrees and
approximately 15 degrees. In some embodiments, the second angle 168
is approximately 11 degrees.
[0037] In addition, in the illustrated embodiment the flange 96
further includes a third inclined surface 170 adjacent the forward
end surface 98 and a fourth inclined surface 174 adjacent the third
inclined surface 170. The third inclined surface 170 is positioned
radially between the fourth inclined surface 174 and the forward
end surface 98. The third inclined surface forms a third angle 178
relative to the shoulder plane 162, and the fourth inclined surface
forms a fourth angle 182 relative to the shoulder plane 162.
[0038] In some embodiments, the third angle 178 is between
approximately 5 degree and approximately 30 degrees. In some
embodiments, the third angle 178 is between approximately 5 degrees
and approximately 20 degrees. In some embodiments, the third angle
178 is between approximately 10 degrees and approximately 15
degrees. In some embodiments, the third angle 178 is approximately
11 degrees. In the illustrated embodiment, the third angle 178 is
substantially equal to the second angle 168. The third angle 178
and the second angle 168 may form a combined wedge angle. In some
embodiments, the combined wedge angle is between approximately 15
degrees and approximately 45 degrees. In some embodiments, the
combined wedge angle is between 20 degrees and 35 degrees. In some
embodiments, the combined wedge angle is between 20 degrees and 30
degrees. In some embodiments, the combined wedge angle is
approximately 22 degrees.
[0039] In some embodiments, the fourth angle 182 is between
approximately 45 degrees and 80 degrees. In some embodiments, the
fourth angle 182 is between approximately 60 degrees and
approximately 70 degrees. In some embodiments, the fourth angle 182
is approximately 65 degrees. In the illustrated embodiment, the
fourth angle 182 is substantially equal to the first angle 164.
[0040] In other embodiments, the flange 96 may be formed without
the third or fourth inclined surfaces 170, 174. For example, as
shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C, the sleeve 78 may include only the third
inclined surface 170.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 7, the rear surface 100 of the flange 96
and the forward surface 90 of the block 82 abut one another, and
the rear surface 100 defines a flange plane 190. In the illustrated
embodiment, a rear inclined surface 194 extends around the rear
surface 100 of the flange 96, and an inclined block surface 198
extends around at least a portion of the forward surface 90 of the
block 82. The rear inclined surface 194 forms a flange angle 202
relative to the flange plane 190, and the inclined block surface
198 forms a block angle 206 relative to the flange plane 190.
[0042] In some embodiments, the flange angle 202 is between
approximately 5 degree and approximately 40 degrees. In some
embodiments, the flange angle 202 is between approximately 5
degrees and approximately 30 degrees. In some embodiments, the
flange angle 202 is between approximately 5 degrees and
approximately 22.5 degrees. In some embodiments, the flange angle
202 is between approximately 10 degrees and approximately 22.5
degrees. In some embodiments, the flange angle 202 is between
approximately 10 degrees and approximately 15 degrees. In some
embodiments, the flange angle 202 is approximately 15 degrees. In
some embodiments, the flange angle 202 is approximately 11
degrees.
[0043] In some embodiments, the block angle 206 is between
approximately 5 degree and approximately 40 degrees. In some
embodiments, the block angle 206 is between approximately 5 degrees
and approximately 30 degrees. In some embodiments, the block angle
206 is between approximately 5 degrees and approximately 22.5
degrees. In some embodiments, the block angle 206 is between
approximately 10 degrees and approximately 22.5 degrees. In some
embodiments, the block angle 206 is between approximately 10
degrees and approximately 15 degrees. In some embodiments, the
block angle 206 is approximately 15 degrees. In some embodiments,
the block angle 206 is approximately 11 degrees.
[0044] In some embodiments, the block angle 206 is substantially
equal to the flange angle 202, and the block angle 206 and the
flange angle 202 form a combined angle. In some embodiments, the
combined angle is between approximately 15 degrees and
approximately 45 degrees. In some embodiments, the combined angle
is between 20 degrees and 35 degrees. In some embodiments, the
combined angle is between 20 degrees and 30 degrees. In some
embodiments, the combined angle is approximately 22 degrees.
[0045] Although the forward surface 90 of the block 82 and the rear
surface 100 of the flange 96 each include a single inclined surface
in FIG. 7, it is understood that multiple inclined surfaces could
be formed on each component, similar to the structure shown in FIG.
6. Similarly, it is understood that the shoulder 118 of the bit 74
and the forward surface 98 of the flange 96 may each be formed with
a single inclined surface.
[0046] Also, in some embodiments, the cutting bit assembly 66 may
be formed without a sleeve such that the bit 74 is secured directly
to the block 82. In such a configuration, the forward surface 90 of
the block 82 may be formed to include multiple inclined surfaces
similar to the structure shown in FIG. 6.
[0047] The multiple inclined surfaces between the shoulder 118 and
the flange 96 provide a space for an operator to insert an edge of
a prying tool or extraction tool in order to apply force and
extract the bit 74 from the sleeve 78. In particular, the shallow
second angle 168 of the second inclined surface 138 provides
significant mechanical advantage when the working end of an
extraction tool engages the second inclined surface 138. Typically,
an impact force is applied (e.g., by striking a hammer) against an
end of the extraction tool. In some embodiments, the shallow second
angle 168 multiplies this impact force by a factor of four or more,
thereby allowing an operator to remove the bit 74 from the sleeve
76 without excessive effort. In addition, because the inclined
surfaces 134, 138 extend along the entire perimeter of the shoulder
118, the working end of the extraction tool may be inserted at any
radial position between the bit 74 and the sleeve 78. This is in
contrast to some conventional bits, which may only include notches
at predetermined points on an outer perimeter of the bit. After
use, the notches may not be readily accessible by the tool.
[0048] FIGS. 8-12 illustrate an extraction tool 410 according to
one embodiment. The extraction tool 410 includes a shaft 414, a
handle 418 coupled to a first end of the shaft 414, and a head 422
coupled to a second end of the shaft 414. The head 422 includes a
body 426 defining a face end surface 430. In addition, the head 422
includes a pair of claws or tines or fingers 434 extending
outwardly from the body 426.
[0049] As shown in FIG. 9, each finger 434 includes a base end 438
attached to the body 426 and a distal end 442. In the illustrated
embodiment, the fingers 434 are parallel to one another and
separated by a gap. A valley or groove 446 is formed between the
fingers 434 and extends between the fingers 434 proximate the base
ends 438. In the illustrated embodiment, the groove 446 has a
curved profile. In addition, a first plane 450 extends away from
the body 426 and is positioned between the fingers 434. In the
illustrated embodiment, the first plane 450 bisects the head 422
along a line of symmetry.
[0050] As shown in FIG. 10, each finger 434 includes an upper
surface 454 that is inclined downwardly from the base end 438
toward the distal end 442. Stated another way, a height between the
upper surface 454 and a lower surface 458 proximate the base end
438 is larger than a height between the upper surface 454 and the
lower surface 458 proximate the distal end 442. The upper surface
454 forms a finger angle 462 relative to the lower surface 458. In
some embodiments, the finger angle 462 is between approximately 10
degrees and approximately 30 degrees. In some embodiments, the
finger angle 462 is between approximately 10 degrees and
approximately 20 degrees. In some embodiments, the finger angle 462
is approximately 14 degrees.
[0051] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, each finger 434 also includes
a wedge surface 470. The wedge surface 470 is inclined in multiple
dimensions. For example, the wedge surface 470 is inclined
downwardly toward the lower surface 458 and toward the first plane
450. The wedge surface 470 defines a maximum height H (FIG. 10) and
a maximum length L (FIG. 9). An upper edge of the wedge surface 470
is spaced apart from the first plane 450 by a greater distance than
the lower edge of the wedge surface 470. Thus, the wedge surface
470 forms a first or vertical inclination angle 474 (FIG. 12)
relative to the upper surface 454. In some embodiments, the
vertical inclination angle 474 of the wedge surface 470 is between
approximately 5 degrees and approximately 30 degrees. In some
embodiments, the vertical inclination angle 474 is between
approximately 10 degrees and approximately 25 degrees. In some
embodiments, the vertical inclination angle 474 is between
approximately 10 degrees and approximately 15 degrees. In some
embodiments, the vertical inclination angle 474 is approximately 13
degrees.
[0052] In addition, as best shown in FIG. 9, the wedge surface 470
extends along an axis 476 that is inclined inwardly toward the
first plane 450 from the distal end 442 to the base end 438. That
is, a portion of the wedge surface 470 adjacent the distal end 442
is spaced apart from the first plane 450 by a greater distance than
a corresponding portion of the wedge surface 470 proximate the base
end 438. Thus, the axis 476 of the wedge surface 470 forms a second
or lateral inclination angle 478 relative to the first plane 450.
In some embodiments, the lateral inclination angle 478 is between
approximately 2 degrees and approximately 20 degrees. In some
embodiments, the lateral inclination angle 478 is between
approximately 5 degrees and approximately 10 degrees. In some
embodiments, the lateral inclination angle 478 is approximately 6
degrees.
[0053] FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrated the process for extracting the
bit 74 from the sleeve 78. As shown in FIG. 13, the extraction tool
410 is first positioned such that the fingers 434 are disposed on
either side of the bit 74. The wedge surfaces 470 of the fingers
434 are positioned to pass between the shoulder 118 and the flange
96 of the sleeve 78, contacting the second inclined surface 138 on
opposing sides of the bit 74. As shown in FIG. 14, an impact force
is applied against the face end surface 430 in the direction of
arrow 486. Due to the angle of the wedge surface 470 and the length
and height of the wedge surface 470 in multiple dimensions, the
force transmitted to the second inclined surface 138 is multiplied
by a factor corresponding to the dimensions of the wedge surface
470. The bit 74 moves out of the bore of the sleeve 78 and separate
from the sleeve 78.
[0054] Although aspects of the cutting bit assembly 66 have been
described in the context of a mining machine, it is understood that
the cutting bit assembly 66 could be incorporated into other types
of machines having earth-engaging attachments, including other
types of mining machines, construction machines, and road milling
machines.
[0055] 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.
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