Loading machine

July 2, 1935. A. HAUGE

2,007,109

LOADING MACHINE

Filed June 20, 1931 7 Sheets-Sheet 1

<img file="US2007109A_D0001.tif" />

July 2, 1935.

2,007,109

A. HAUGE

LOADING MACHINE

Filed June 20, 1931

Sheets-Sheet 2

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<img file="US2007109A_D0003.tif" />

July 2, 1935,

2,007,109

A. HAUGE

LOADING MACHINE

Filed June 20, 1931' 7 Sheets-Sheet 3

<img file="US2007109A_D0004.tif" />

July 2, 1935.

A. HAUGE

LOADING MACHINE

Filed June 20, 1931

2,007,109

Sheets-Sheet 4

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July 2, 1935. a. _HaUge 2,007,109

LOADING MACHINE Filed June 20, 1931 7 Sheets-Sheet 5

<img file="US2007109A_D0006.tif" />

July 2, 1935.

A. HAUGE

LOADING MACHINE

Filed June 20, 1931

2,007,109

Sheets-Sheet 6

JWh 280^81

<img file="US2007109A_D0007.tif" />

July 2, 1935.

2,007,109

A. HAUGE

LOADING MACHINE

Filed June 20, 1931

Sheets-Sheet 7

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Patented July 2, 1935

2,097,109

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE

2,007,109

LOADING MACHINE

Andrew Hauge, Claremont, N. H., assignor to Sullivan Machinery Company, a corporation of Massachusetts

Application June 20,1931, Serial No. 545,669

Claims. (CI. 198—8)

This invention relates to loading machines and more particularly, but hot exclusively, to improvements in machines for loading coal or similar materials in mines.

An object of this invention is to provide an improved coal loading machine. Another object is to provide an improved coal loading machine of the track supported and guided type adapted to operate from the mine trackway.

A further' object^!is to provide improved material gathering means for such a machine and improved means for driving the material gathering means. A still further object of this invention is to provide improved conveying means.

for such a machine. A still further object is to provide improved conveying means having associated therewith improved material gathering means and improved means for; adjusting the conveying means relative to the main body of the machine to vary the loading position of the gathering means with respect to the material to be gathered' and loaded thereby. Another object is to provide, in a machine of the above: character, improved means for hori25 zontally swinging the rear discharge conveyor and for vertically tilting the discharge end of the rear conveyor. A still further object is to provide an improved swivel mounting for the front and rear conveyors of such a machine.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will, however, hereinafter more fully appear.

In the accompanying drawings there are shown for purposes of illustration one form and 35 a modification thereof which the invention may assume in practice.

In these drawings,

Fig. 1 is a plan view of the illustrative embodiment of the improved loading machine.

Fig. 2 is A side elevational view of the machine shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a horizontal sectional view taken substantially on line 3—3 of Fig. 2 and illustrating the transmission mechanism.

: Fig. 4 is a detail side elevational- view illustrating the control means⁵ for the transmission mechanism.

Fig. 5 is a plan view of the control means shown in Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a horizontal sectional view, with parts shown in plan, taken substantially on line 6—6 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 7 is a side elevational view of the mechanism shown in Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a transverse vertical sectional view taken substantially on line 8—8 of Fig. 7, with parts omitted.

Fig. 9 is a horizontal sectional view taken substantially on line 9—9 of Fig. 7.i

Fig. 10 is a detail sectional view taken sub- 5 stantiaily on. line 10—19 of Fig. 7.

Fig. 11 is a transverse vertical sectional view taken on line I ί—ί 1 of Fig. 10.

Fig. 12 is .a transverse sectional view, with parts shown in plan, taken substantially on line 10 12—12 of Fig. 2.

Fig.- 13 is a longitudinally extending vertical sectional view taken substantially on line 13—13 of Fig. 12,

Fig.. 14 is a . horizontal sectional view illus- 15 tracing the improved driving and swinging means for the rear conveyor, the. section being taken substantially on line 14—14 of. Fig.. 15.

Fig. 15 is a side elevational view of the mechanism shown in Fig, 14. 20 . Fig. 16 is a detail, view taken substantially on line 16—16 of Fig, 15,

Fig. 17 is a fragmentary , side elevational view of a modified form of the. driving and swinging means for the rear conveyor and the power op.- 25 erated tilting means for the rear conveyor.

Fig. 18. is a horizontal sectional view taken substantially oh line .1.8—.18 of Fig. 17.

Fig. 19 is a transverse vertical sectional view taken substantially on. line .19—19 of Fig. 18. . 30

Figs. 20 and 21 are: detail views illustrating the clutch control means.

Figs. 22 and 23 are detail views illustrating the control handle for the controlling clutches for the driving, swinging and tilting means for 35 the rear conveyor. .

Fig. 24 is. a.vertical sectional, view taken substantially on. line 24—24 of Fig, 19.

In this illustrative embodiment of the invention there is shown a coal loading machine of 40 the track supported, and guided type, adapted to operate on. the mine trackway and generally comprising a main frame or body 1 mounted through usual spring axle mountings, on wheels 2 adapted to run along, a mine trackway 3. 45 Mounted on the. main frame I is a front elevating conveyor 4 and a rear discharge conveyor 5, and associated with the front elevating conveyor 4 is improved, material gathering means generally designated 6. The front elevating conveyor 50 4 and its associated gathering mechanism 6 and the rear discharge conveyor 5 are mounted on the main frame of the machine for adjustment relative thereto in horizontal and vertical directions in an improved manner, as herein- ⁶⁵

2,007.109 after described, and the front elevating conveyor and its associated gathering mechanism and the swinging and tilting means for the front conveyor· are driven from a motor 7, while the driving and swinging means for the rear discharge conveyor are driven by a second motor 8. The transmission mechanism for driving the support wheels 2 is driven by a third motor 9. The gathering mechanism 6 gathers the material to be loaded and moves the material onto the shovel (0 of the front elevating conveyor 4. From this shovel the material is conveyed rearwardly by the front conyeyor to discharge onto the rear discharge conveyor 5, the latter in turn discharging into a mine car placed beneath the discharge end of the rear conveyor in a manner well known to those skilled in the art. The support wheel driving transmission mechanism: effects propulsion of the machine along the mine trackway during transport of the machine about the mine and during the loading operation.

Now referring to the support wheel driving means for propelling the machine along the mine trackway, it will be noted that the motor 9, which is herein preferably of the electric type, is arranged at the rear end of a frame 9^a with its power shaft 11 horizontally and transversely disposed. The frame 9^a is journaled at its opposite sides on the rear support wheel axle and is pivotally connected at 10^a to the main frame thereby forming a three point suspension for the frame 9^a. As shown in Fig. 3, fixed to one end of the motor power shaft is a sprocket 12 which drives, through a multiple chain connection 13, a sprocket 14 keyed to a horizontal shaft 15 extending transversely of and suitably journaled within the frame 9^a. As illustrated, forward feed of the machine is effected by a frictionally controlled planetary transmission mechanism comprising a spur gear 16 keyed to the shaft 15 and meshing with planet gears 17., 17 journaled on stub shafts 18 carried by a rotatable casing 19. Secured to a rotatable casing 20 is an internal gear 21 with which the planet gears 17 mesh, and the casing 19 is keyed to the hub of a chain sprocket 22. The rotatable casing 20 and sprocket 22 are suitably rotatably supported by the shaft 15, and the sprocket is connected by an endless chain 23 to a sprocket 24 fixed to the rear support wheel axle. The front and rear support wheel axles are connected in driving relation by a chain and sprocket connection 25, as shown in Fig. 1. The external periphery of the casing 20 is annularly grooved at 26 to form a friction braking surface with which a brake band 27 cooperates. It will thus be seen that when the casing 20 is held against rotation by the brake band 27, the support wheels may be driven at a transport speed from the motor 9 through the chain and sprocket connection 12, 13, 14, shaft 15, planetary gearing f6, 17, 21, rotatable casing 19 and the chain and sprocket connection 22, 23, 24. It will also be seen that by slipping the brake band 27, the speed of the support wheel drive may be reduced and that the speed may be regulated by the brake band 27 to effect drive of the support wheels at a loading speed. The reverse mechanism for driving the support wheels to propel the machine in the reverse direction comprises a spur gear 28 keyed to the shaft 15 and meshing with spur gears 29, 29 journaled on studs 30 carried by a rotatable member 3ί rotatably supported by the shaft

15. The gears 29, 29 mesh with an internal gear 32 secured to a rotatable casing 33 keyed to the hub of the sprocket 22. The external periphery of the member 31 is annularly grooved at 34 to provide a friction braking surface for 5 a brake band 35. It will thus be seen when the member 3i is held stationary by the brake band 35, the support wheels are driven in the reverse direction, at a slightly higher speed than the forward feed above described, through the 10 gearing 28, 30, 32, rotatable casing 33 and chain and sprocket connection 22, 23, 24. This reverse speed may obviously be varied simply by slipping the brake band 35. To provide braking means for the support wheels, the rotatable 15 casing 33 is annularly grooved at 36 on its external periphery to provide a friction braking surface with which a brake band 37 cooperates. When the brake band 37 is applied, the casing 33 is held against rotation, and since the casing ₂o 33 is connected directly to the support wheels through the chain and sprocket connection 22, 23, 24, rotation of the support wheels may be prevented.

The operating means for the brake bands 27, g₅35, 37 will now be described. As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, keyed to a transverse operating rod 35 is a double foot pedal 39. Also keyed to the rod 36 is a crank 40 connected through a pivoted link 4 f, in turn connected to one arm of a bell 30 crank 42 pivotally mounted on a transverse rod 43, herein arranged parallel with and above the rod 38, as shown in Fig. 4. The other arm of the bell crank 42 is connected by a rod 44 to a lever 45 pivotally connected to the ends of 35 the brake band 27. Also keyed to the rod 38 is a crank 46 connected by a pivoted link 47 to one arm of a bell crank 48 likewise pivotally mounted on the rod 43. The other arm of this bell crank is connected by a rod 49 to a similar lever pivotally connected to the ends of the brake band 35. As shown in Fig. 5, the bell cranks are made in two parts having relative movement, thereby forming a lost motion connection, and as a result, when one bell crank is turned to apply its brake band, the parts of the other bell crank move relatively to prevent excessive movement of its brake band toward released position. It will thus be seen that when the pedal 39 is pressed downwardly in one di- ₅₀rection, the brake band 27 is applied while the brake band 35 is released, and when the pedal is pressed down in the opposite direction the brake band 27 is released and the brake band 35 is applied. The operating means for the sup- ₅₅port wheel brake comprises a lever 50 fixed to the rod 43 and operating a crank 51 also fixed to the rod, and this crank is connected by a brake rod 52 to a lever, similar to the lever 45, pivotally connected to the ends of the brake band 37. It will thus be seen that the machine may be propelled forwardly and rearwardly along the mine trackway under the control of the brake bands 27 and 35 and that the support wheels may be braked by suitable applica- ₆tion of the brake band 37.

The front elevating conveyor 4 is driven from the motor 7 which is herein carried by the horizontally swingable frame 53 of the front conveyor, and the power shaft of this motor is γθ herein horizontally and transversely disposed. Fixed to one end of the motor power shaft is a sprocket 54 connected by a multiple chain connection 55 to a sprocket 56 keyed to one end of a horizontal shaft 57 herein arranged parallel

2.007,109 3 with the motor shaft in advance of the latter and suitably journaled within the conveyor frame 53. Connected to the shaft 57 at its oppositeend by a friction clutch 58 of a usual 5 design is a spur pinion 59, the friction clutch 58 being set at a predetermined load to slip automatically upon a predetermined load. The pinion 59 meshes with a spur gear SG keyed to one end of a horizontal shaft. 6Γ. arranged par10 allel with and in advance of the shaft 57 and likewise suitably journaled within the conveyor frame. 53. Keyed to the opposite end of the shaft QI is a spur gear 62 meshing with a spur gear 63 keyed to a horizontal shaft 64 herein ar15 ranged parallel with and above the shaft 61, and likewise suitably journaled within the conveyor frame 53. Fixed to the shaft-64 adjacent the opposite ends thereof are sprockets 65, S5 which engage and drive the endless side chains 20 66, 66 of the front elevating conveyor 4. These side chains are mounted in suitable guideways formed in the conveyor frame 53 and in a vertically tiltable conveyor frame 67 pivotally connected at 68 to· the forward portion of the 25: conveyor frame 53, and .these side chains are connected by transverse scraper bars G9 which slide: along the bottom plates 70, 71 of the front and rear conveyor frames 67 and 53 respectively to move the material to be loaded, when the side 30 chains are driven, along the bottom plates of the frames to discharge onto the rear conveyor 5 of the .machine.

The improved gathering mechanism 6 comprises a pair of gathering devices 72, 73 and 35, each of these devices consists of a frame member 74 having guided around its margin an endless gathering chain 75, the gathering Chains moving in their orbits in planes; parallel and adjacent to the inclined surface of the shovel 19 40 to move the material over the inclined shovel surface onto the front conveyor 4. Connected to each of the gathering chains 75 is a plurality of blocks 76, herein four, and pivotally mounted at 77 on each of these blocks is a holder 78 each ₄₅ having a rearwardly projecting arm 79 engaging the endless chain 75 in the manner shown in Fig. 12. .Three of the holders 73 have formed therein sockets 80 to detachably receive gathering tools 81: held in position’within the sockets 50 by set screws 82, while the fourth holder has detachably secured thereto an upstanding pick member 83 for engaging and breaking down the material and dragging the material over the shovel 10 onto the front conveyor 4. The 55 gathering devices 72, 73 are herein arranged at opposite sides of the shovel 10 in the manner , shown in Fig. 1 and the gathering tools of the gathering devices swing outwardly, as the gathering chains move in their orbits, in advance of 60 the shovel to dig into the material and sweep the material onto the shovel 10 in ah improved manlier. The means for driving the gathering devices herein comprises, as shown in Fig. 9, a spur gear 85 meshing with the spur gear S3 65 of the conveyor, driving, means, and this gear 85 is connectible by a sliding pin clutch 86 to a chain sprocket 87 keyed to one end of a horizontal shaft 88, this shaft herein arranged parallel with the shaft 64 With its axis coincident 70 with the pivotal axis 68 of the tiltable frame 67 of the front conveyor. The pin clutch 86 is normally held in its connected position by a coiled spring 89 and for releasing the clutch there is provided a collar 90 with which a plv75 oted shipper yoke 91 cooperates. The shipper yoke 91 is provided. with a suitable operating handle 92. Referring to Figs. 6 and 9, keyed to the opposite end of the shaft 88 is a similar chain sprocket 93, and the chain sprockets 87 and 93 are connected through endless chains 5 94, 94 (see Fig. 12) to sprockets 95, 95 connected to and driving chain sprockets 96, 96. The sprockets 96, 96 are suitably rotatably mounted on horizontal. shafts 97, 97 supported within the opposite sides of the tiltable conveyor frame 10 67 and are connected by endless chains, 98, 98 to.: sprockets 99 fixed to horizontal shafts I BO. Fixed to the shafts ISO and driven thereby are bevel pinions 101 meshing with bevel gears 102 (see Fig. 13); keyed to shafts 103 herein arranged 15 perpendicularly to the axes of the shafts 100 and suitably journaled within the conveyor frame 67. Keyed to the upper ends of the shafts 103 are sprockets ί 04 engaging and driving the endless gathering chains 75 of the gathering devices 72 20 and . 7 3 respectively. .

The mechanism for horizontally swinging the front elevating conveyor 4 relative to the main frame to vary the gathering position of the conveyor and its associated gathering mecha- 25 nism comprises, as shown in Fig. 9, a spur gear 105 connectible to the shaft Gl by a multiple disc clutch 106. The gear 105 meshes with a spur gear 107 keyed to a horizontal shaft 108 arranged parallel with the shaft 57 and likewise journaled 30 in the conveyor frame 53. Connectible to the shaft 108 by a jaw clutch 109 is a chain sprocket ί 18 which drives through an endless chain 111 a. sprocket 112 fixed to a horizontal shaft 113. This shaft extends transversely of and is suit- 35 ably journaled within the conveyor frame 53 and has fixed thereto a worm 114 meshing with the teeth of a worm gear segment 115 herein formed integral with an arcuate guide frame 116 attached to the forward portion of the machine 40 frame I. Carried by this guide frame are rollers 117 on which the overhanging end of the front conveyor is guided and supported. Also connectible to the shaft 61 by a multiple disc clutch 118 is a chain sprocket 119 connected by an 45 endless chain 128 to a sprocket 121 fixed to the shaft 108. It will thus be seen that when the clutch IOS is applied, the front conveyor may be swung horizontally in one direction, and when the clutch 106 is released and the clutch 118 50: applied, the conveyor may be swung horizontally in the opposite direction. The clutch 109 is actuated by a shipper yoke 122 operated by a handle 1.23, while the friction clutches 105, 118 are operated by a clutch applying member 55 124 slidably mounted on the shaft 61 between the clutches. Engaging this shipper member is a shipper yoke 125 attached to a transversely extending operating rod 126. A lever 127 is provided for moving the operating rod 126 axially 60 to shift the member 124 in opposite directions to. apply one friction clutch or the other.

The pivotal mounting for the front conveyor about which the latter horizontally swings, comprises, as shown in Fig. 8, an annular swivel 65 frame 129 rotatably mounted on a cylindrical bearing frame 130 suitably attached to the upper part of the machine frame I. Secured to the annular swivel frame 129 at diammetrically opposite points, with respect to the pivot axis are 70 pins 131, 131 to which the rear portion of the conveyor frame 53 is pivotally connected, and the pivotal connections of the conveyor frame with , the pins permit a slight vertical tilting movement of the conveyor frame during hori- 75

2,007,109 zontal swinging thereof along the arcuate roller frame 116.

The mechanism for swinging the tiltable frame 67 of the front conveyor 4 to vary the ele5 vation of the gathering mechanism 6 herein comprises a sprocket 132 connectible to the shaft 108 by the jaw clutch 109, and this sprocket is connected by an endless chain 433 to a sprocket 134 keyed, as shown in Fig. 11, to a horizontal 10 shaft 135 herein extending transversely of the conveyor frame 53 and suitably journaled thereon. Suitably fixed to this shaft adjacent the opposite ends thereof are worms 136, 136 meshing with worm wheels 137, 137 keyed to paral15 lei shafts 138, 138 as shown in Fig. 10. These shafts are suitably journaled within the conveyor frame 53 and are threaded at 139 throughout a portion of their length. As shown, the threaded portions of the shaft 138 are thread20 edly connected at 140 within the end portions of a transverse cylindrical member 141. Pivotally connected to the member 141 is a link member 142 engaging a transverse rod 143 secured at its ends within the depending side arms of 25 the tiltable conveyor frame 67. The projecting arms 144 of the link 142 are slotted at 145 to permit free upward rocking movement of the tiltable conveyor frame 67 relative to the link 142, so that when the forward end of the shovel 30 and gathering mechanism engage some obstruction in their path of movement, the front conveyor frame is free to tilt upwardly to enable the shovel to pass over such obstruction. It will thus be seen that when the sprocket 132 is con35 nected to the shaft 108 by the clutch 109, the screws 139 are rotated through the worm gearing 136, 137, and as a result the member 141 and link 142 are moved in one direction to effect tilting of the front conveyor frame in one direction. 40 Rotation of the screws in the opposite direction to effect tilting of the front conveyor frame in the opposite direction is accomplished by suitably controlling the reverse frictions 106, 118.

As previously mentioned, the rear discharge 45 conveyor 5 is mounted for horizontal swinging movement and the pivotal mounting for the rear conveyor comprises, as shown in Fig. 8, a swivel frame 146 mounted on top of the cylindrical bearing frame 130 and having an annular flange 50 147 rotatably mounted in an annular groove 148 formed by an annular frame 149 secured to the top of the cylindrical bearing frame 130, as shown. The horizontally swingable frame 150 of the rear conveyor is pivotally connected at 55 151 to pins 152 arranged diametrically with respect to the pivotal axis on the rear conveyor and carried by the swivel frame 146. These pivotal connections permit a slight vertical tilting movement of the rear conveyor frame 150 60 during horizontal swinging thereof. The mechanism for driving the rear conveyor comprises the motor 8, which is herein preferably of the reversible electric type, arranged on the rear conveyor frame 150 with its power shaft horizontally 65 and transversely disposed. The motor power shaft is connected by a friction clutch 153 of a usual design, which is set to slip upon a predetermined load, to a shaft 154. Fixed to the shaft 154 is a spur pinion 155 meshing with a 70 spur gear 156 in turn fixed to a horizontal shaft 157 suitably journaled within the conveyor frame 150. Fixed to the shaft 157 is a spur gear 158 meshing with a spur gear 159 connectible by a jaw clutch 160 to a horizontal shaft 181. The 75 clutch 160 is operated by a shipper yoke 162 having a suitable operating lever 163. Secured to the shaft 161 adjacent the opposite ends thereof are chain sprockets 164, 164 which engage and drive the endless side chains 165, 165 of the rear conveyor 5. The side chains of the 5 rear conveyor are arranged in suitable guideways formed on the conveyor frame 150 and a vertically tiltable frame 166 of the rear conveyor, the latter being pivotally mounted at 167 on the rearward portion of the conveyor frame 150. 10 Secured to the side chains of the rear conveyor are transverse scraper bars 168 which slide, when the side chains are driven, over the bottom plates 169, 169 of the conveyor frames 150, 166 to move the material towards discharge. The mecha- 15 nism for horizontally swinging the rear conveyor herein comprises a chain sprocket 170 fixed to the shaft 157, as shown in Fig. 14, and connected by an endless chain 171 to a sprocket 172 journaled on a horizontal shaft 173 in turn 20 journaled within the conveyor frame 150. The sprocket 172 is connectible to the shaft 173 by a jaw clutch 174 and keyed to the shaft 173 is a chain sprocket 175 connected by an endless chain 176 to a sprocket 177 fixed to a horizontal 25 shaft 178. This shaft extends transversely of the rear conveyor frame 150 and is suitably journaled thereon and has fixed thereto intermediate its ends a worm 179 meshing with a worm wheel 180 fixed to a vertical shaft 181 30 suitably journaled within the conveyor frame 150. Fixed to the lower end of the shaft 181' is a spur pinion 182 meshing with an arcuate gear segment 183 formed on an arcuate frame 184 supporting rollers 185. It will thus be seen 35 that when the clutch 174 is connected the rear conveyor may be swung horizontally in one direction and is guided during such horizontal swinging movement by the arcuate roller frame 184. To effect swinging of the rear conveyor 40 in the reverse direction, there is provided a sprocket 186 engaging the lower strand of the chain 170 in the manner shown in Fig. 15, and this sprocket is journaled on a horizontal shaft 187 in turn suitably journaled within the con- 45 veyor frame 150, and is connectible to the shaft 187 by a jaw clutch 188. Fixed to the shaft 187 is a chain sprocket 189 connected by an endless chain 190 to a sprocket 191 fixed to the shaft 178. It will thus be seen that when the clutch 50 188 is connected, the shaft 178 of the swinging mechanism is driven in the reverse direction through the chain and sprocket connection 189 190, 191. The clutches 174 and 188 are so coordinated that when one is connected the other 55 is released and the operating means for these clutches consists, as shown in Figs. 14 and 16 of shipper yokes 192, 193 engaging the jaw clutches 174 and 188 respectively, and these shipper yokes are secured to vertical operating 60 rods 194 and 195 respectively. Secured to the rod 195 is a lever 196 pivotally connected to a link 197 in turn pivotally connected to a control handle 198. Pivotally connected to the link 197 is a lever 199 secured to the operating rod ⁰⁵194. It will therefore be evident that when the handle 198 is swung outwardly, the link 197 is moved inwardly, swinging the levers 196, 199 about their pivots, and as a result, the shipper yokes 192, 193 are operated to connect the clutch ⁷⁰174 and release the clutch (38. When the handle 198 is swung in the opposite direction, the clutch 188 is connected and the clutch 174 is released*

The mechanism for swinging the tiltable „ frame 166 of the rear conveyor 5 about its pivot '⁵

3,007,109 S .1’67 to vary the elevation of the discharge end the chain sprocket 228 and likewise rotatably of the rear conveyor herein . comprises hand mounted on the projecting end of the shaft 229.

Splined to. the shafts 229, 248 respectively are -jaw clutches 244 and 245 for connecting the . sprockets 241, 243 directly to the shafts. It will - 5 thus be seen that when the clutch 225 is connected and the clutch 236 is released, the.shaft ______________ _____ _________ ________ ____ 229 may -be. rotated in one direction, and as a

These hand wheels and screws are connected .result the: rear conveyor may be swung horizon10 together by a chain and sprocket connection tally in one direction. When the clutch 225 is jq 202 so that either hand wheel may be rotated released and the clutch -236 is connected, the ¢0 'operate the tilting mechanism. In the -rear conveyor may be swung in the reverse, dijpresent construction, the: screws are threadedly rection through the chain connections 242, 243.

The worm gearing 230, 231 is of the self-locking type , and locks automatically, when the clutches 15 225, 244 are released, the rear conveyor against swinging movement.

The improved ..power operated mechanism for ;tilttog .the rear conveyor frame 166 in a vertical •direction to vary the elevation of the discharge 20 end thereof comprises helical gears 246, 246 fixed to. the shaft 240 and meshing with helical wheels 200, 200 arranged,: as: shown in Fig. 1, .beneath the rear portion and at opposite sides 5 of the conveyor ..frame 150, and these hand wheels are fixed to the lower 'ends of vertical screws. .201 suitably rotatably mounted within the opposite sides, of the conveyor frame 150.

'connected ^!tb non-rotatable nuts: 203 secured to 15 a transverse, angle member 204 which engages abutment members 205 attached to the sides of the tiltable frame I6S. It will thus be seen that when the screws are rotated; the nuts 203 are moved, axially, thereby moving the abutment 20 members 204. Upwardly or downwardly to tilt vertically the conveyor frame 166.. As shown in Fig. 14,: the screw,: and nut .mechanisms: are -housed within :, housings 206 attached to the gears 247, 247 rotatable about parallel vertical; sides of the conveyor frame 150. axes and suitably journaled within the conveyor :^: A modified: form of, driving and swinging farme 150. . The hubs of these helical gears 247 means for the rear conveyor, together with, are internally threaded at 248 and engage paralpower,operated means for tilting the discharge lei vertical screws 249. As shown in Fig. 24, the end of the rear conveyor, is shown-in Figs. 17 screws 249 -are transversely notched ^atj.50 to to 24, inclusive, and Thereto comprised a sprocket ' ~

210 fixed to the power shaft nf the motor 8 .and connected by an endless ./chafe- ·211 . to a sprocket :-212 journaled on and. connectible, as -by a jaw clutch, to a transversely-extending horizontal shaft 213 suitably journaled within 35 the frame 150 of the rear conveyor. Suitably

'.fixed to this shaft 213 are. chain sprockets which... engage and drive the endless side chains .214 -of the rear conveyor.. Also suitably fixed to and rotatable, with the· sprocket 212: is a chain sprocket 215 connected by an endless chain 216 to a sprocket 217 journaled on a transversely extending horizontal shaft '218 likewise suitably journaled within the conveyor frame 150. Fixed to and rotatable with, the sprocket’ 217 is a chain sprocket 219 connected by an endless chain connection 220 to oppositely rotating sprockets 221, 222 suitably mounted on parallel shafts '223, 224 respectively. The sprocket 221 is connectible to the shaft .223 by a 'jaw cliitch 225, and keyed to the shaft 223 is a sprocket 226 connected by an endless chain 227 to a Sprocket 228 rotatably mounted on a horizontal shaft 229 herein arranged parallel with the shafts 223, -224; and likewise suitably journaled within the conveyor frame 150. Suitably fixed to the shaft 229 is a worm 238 meshing with a: worm wheel 231 keyed to a vertical shaft 232 Suitably journaled Within the conveyor frame 150, as shown in Fig. 19. Fixed to the lower encl of the shaft 232 is a spur gear 233 meshing: with the’ teeth of an arcUate gear segment 234 fixed to the annular roller guiding frame 235 by which the rear conveyor frame is guided for horizontal swinging movement relative to the main frame -of the machine. The chain sprocket 222 is connectible to the shaft 224 by a jaw clutch 236, and keyed to this Shaft -224 is a chain sprocket 237 connected by an endless chain 238 to a sprocket 239 rotatably mounted on the projecting end of a horizontal shaft 240 herein arranged parallel with and in the rear of the shaft 229 and likewise suitably journaled -within the. conveyor frame ISO. Driven by the sprocket 239 is a sprocket 241 connected by an endless chain 242 to a sj .......

receive a transversely extending rod 25i engageable with . the. lower surf ace of an angle member 252, secured to the tiltable conveyor frame r36. It will thus be seen that when the sprocket 2βί is connected to the shaft 240 by the jaw clutch 245 and the clutch 225 is connected, the adjusting nuts may be rotated relative to the non-rotatable adjusting screws through the chain connections 227, 242. If it is desired to rotate -the adjusting nuts in the reverse direction to effect reverse tilting of the conveyor- frame 166, the jaw clutch 225. is released and the . jaw clutch 236 is connected. At this, time the rear conveyor is tilted through the chain and sprocket connection 237, 238, 239;.

The improved mechanism for controlling the jaw clutches 225, 236, 244 and 245 will now be .described. Engaging the jaw clutches 225, 236 respectively are shipper yokes 253, 254 secured to an inclined shaft 255 rotatably mounted within -the conveyor frame 150. The shipper yokes are so arranged on the shaft 255 that when one is connected, the other is released. Fixed to the -shaft -255 is-a crank 256 connected by a link >257. to a member 258 mounted on a transverse -operating rod 2-59 and secured against axial movement relative to the rod and by stop collars 260. Secured to the outer end-of the rod 259 is a member 261 externally grooved at 262, and projecting within this groove is an -arm 263 of a: member 264 secured to a longitudinally extending operating rod 265. Fixed to the forward end of the: rod 265 is an operating handle 266. It will thus -be seen that when the rod 265 is rotated, the rod 259 is moved axially through the connections 261, 264, and as a result, the rod 255 is locked through connections 256, 257 to connect one or the other of the jaw clutches 225, 226. The member 261 is provided with a depending lug 267 Slotted at 268 to receive a pro. jection 2G3 on the member 264 so that when the rod 265 is moved axially, the rod 255 is rotated.

. Fixed to the rod 255 -is a crank 270 having a • depending arm cohnected by a link 27 i to an arm , 272 of a lever- 273 pivoted to swing about a vv .................. : vertical axis at 274. The lever 273 is connected sprocket 243 fierein formed integral with at its opposite ends to the clutches 244-245.'- It '60

Ό0 >75

2,007,109 will thus be seen that when the rod 255 is rotated, the lever 213 is swung through the connections 270, 271, 272, and as a result, one or the other of the jaw clutches 244, 245 is con5 nected. To insure an action of one or the other of the clutches 225, 236 prior to the connection of the clutches 244, 245, there is formed in a bracket 275 an H-shaped slot 276. When the handle 266 is in the position shown in Fig. 22, 10 all of the clutches are released, but when the handle 266 is swung upwardly from the full line position shown in Fig. 22 to the dotted line position, the rod 265 is turned, thereby reciprocating the rod 259 and rotating the rod 255 to connect 15 one or the other of the jaw clutches 225, 236.

The handle 266 is then in the upper slot of the H and may then be shifted back and forth in a longitudinal direction to reciprocate the rod 265, thereby to rotate the rod 259 and to connect 20 one or the other of the clutches 244, 245. When the handle is swung from the upper position shown in Fig. 22 downwardly to the lower dotted line position, the other jaw clutch 225, 236 is connected and the handle 266 is then in the lower 25 slot of the H and may be shifted longitudinally to connect one or the other of the clutches 244,245. It will therefore be evident that one of the clutches 225, 236 is always connected prior to the connection of the clutches 244, 245.

In the use of the improved loading machine, the machine is propelled forwardly along the mine trackway at a transport speed through the planetary transmission mechanism 16, 17, 21 driven by the motor 9 and controlled by the 35 brake band 27. To effect reversal of the machine along the trackway the brake band 27 is released, and the brake band 35 is applied, and as a result, the machine is propelled in the reverse direction through the transmission mecha40 nism 28, 29, 32 driven by the motor 9. During movement of the machine about the mine, particularly when traveling along an inclined trackway, the support wheels of the machine may be braked by suitably applying the brake band 36.

During transport of the machine about the mine, the gathering conveyor 4 and its associated gathering mechanism 6 are held in an elevated position above the tops of the track rails, and when the working place is reached, the adjusting 50 mechanism 139, 140, 142 is suitably operated to tilt the front conveyor downwardly to position the gathering mechanism in its operative position adjacent the mine floor. The clutches controlling the gathering mechanism and the 55 front and rear conveyors are then connected, thereby rapidly circulating the conveyor chains in their guides and moving the gathering chains in their orbits. When the parts are thus disposed, the machine is fed bodily along the mine 60 trackway under the control of the brake band of the planetary mechanism 16, 17, 21 at a loading speed, thereby forcing the material gathering means into the material to be gathered. The gathering chains 75 penetrate and 65 move the material onto the shovel 10 from which the material is received by the front elevating conveyor 4. The material is discharged from the elevating conveyor onto the rear discharge conveyor 5 which in turn discharges into the 70 waiting mine car placed beneath the discharge end of the rear conveyor. The gathering conveyor and its associated elevating mechanism may be swung horizontally in one direction or the other to change their loading position simply

7&lt; by connecting one or the other of the reverse frictions 106, 118 controlled by the lever 127, the front conveyor being swung through the connections driven by the motor 7. The rear discharge conveyor may be swung horizontally in one direction or the other simply by connecting 5 one or the other of the jaw clutches 174, 188 controlled by the lever 198, the rear conveyor being swung through the connections driven by the motor 8. The discharge end of the rear conveyor may be tilted vertically by suitably 10 adjusting the hand wheels 200 of the screw and nut elevating mechanism 201, 203 or through the power operated connections 248, 249 driven by the motor 8 and controlled by the clutches 225, 236 operated by the control handle 266. It 15 will thus be seen that the front conveyor and its associated gathering mechanism may be swung in a vertical direction to vary the elevation of the gathering mechanism relative to the material to be loaded, and that the front con- 20 veyor and gathering mechanism may be swung horizontally into different loading positions. It will also be evident that the rear discharge conveyor may be swung horizontally in either direction and that the rear discharge end of this 25 conveyor may be adjusted in elevation and the support wheels may be driven to propel the machine forwardly or rearwardly along the mine trackway through the transmission mechanism controlled by the brake bands 27 and 35. By 30 the provision of the three motors 7, 8 and 9, the driving connections for the various mechanisms of the machine have been greatly simplified and the machine has further been simplified by arranging the front and rear conveyors on 35 the main frame of the machine and swiveling the front and the rear conveyors in the manners disclosed, the two conveyors swinging horizontally about a common vertical axis located substantially midway between the truck wheel axes, 40 thereby resulting in an extremely well balanced machine. Further, by the provision of the three motors, it is possible to operate the various mechanisms independently, as desired, with a minimum of handling, and by the provision of 45 the three motors and the elimination of complicated driving connections, it is possible to control all the mechanisms of the machine by the control members 39, 92, 123, I2T, 163, 198 conveniently grouped at the operator’s side of the 50 machine. It will further be noted that the various mechanisms of the machine are driven through friction safety clutches which release automatically when any of the mechanisms are overloaded, thereby eliminating the possibility 55 of breakage of the parts. By the arrangement of the improved gathering devices at the opposite sides of the shovel 10 at the forward end of the front conveyor, the material to be gathered is penetrated and moved in' an improved manner eo onto the front conveyor. As the general mode of operation of a machine of the type disclosed is well understood by those skilled in the art, and as the mode of operation of the various mechanisms of the improved machine have been 65 clearly described above, further description of the method of operation of the machine is thought unnecessary.

While there are in this application specifically described one form and a modification thereof 70 which the invention may assume in practice, it will be understood that this form and modification thereof are shown for purposes of illustration and that the invention may be modified and embodied in various other forms without 75

2,007,109 departing from its spirit or the scope of the appended claims.