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Title:
MINING MACHINE AND SHAFT ASSEMBLY FOR A MINING MACHINE
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2013/104024
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A shaft assembly including a geared shaft extending between two bearing housings and brackets that support the housings and couple the assembly to a chassis of a mining vehicle, wherein the brackets have associated guide slots that extend transversely of the shaft and open toward an end of the vehicle so as to allow the shaft and housings to be removed or installed as a unit, lengthwise from the end of the vehicle.

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Inventors:
PARKER BRYCE JARED (AU)
Application Number:
PCT/AU2013/000020
Publication Date:
July 18, 2013
Filing Date:
January 11, 2013
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
WARATAH ENGINEERING PTY LTD (AU)
International Classes:
F16C3/02; B65G15/00; B65G19/02; B65G21/00; B65G23/00; E21C29/00; E21C31/00; E21C47/00; F16C3/00; F16C35/08
Foreign References:
US4037876A1977-07-26
EP0493938A11992-07-08
US3150768A1964-09-29
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
DAVIES COLLISON CAVE (255 Elizabeth StreetSydney, New South Wales 2000, AU)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS:

1. A shaft assembly including a geared shaft extending between two bearing housings and brackets that support the housings and couple the assembly to a chassis of a mining vehicle, wherein:

the brackets have associated guide slots that extend transversely of the shaft and open toward an end of the vehicle so as to allow the shaft and housings to be removed or installed as a unit, lengthwise from the end of the vehicle.

2. The shaft assembly of claim 1 , wherein the brackets have associated slide tracks to fit with the housings to ensure correct positioning of the housings when installed in an operating position.

3. The shaft assembly of claim 2, wherein the brackets have apertures to allow for connection with actuators used to adjust the positioning of the housings along the slide tracks, for corresponding tension adjustment of a conveyor travelling around the shaft.

4. The shaft assembly of claim 3, wherein the housings are each provided with a pivotal coupling for connection to the associated actuator.

5. The shaft assembly of claim 4, wherein each bracket includes a base plate arranged transversely of the slide tracks and the associated aperture includes an elongate length dimension to accommodate movement of the actuator through the aperture as the housing is moved along the track.

6. The shaft assembly of claim 4, wherein each bracket forms a cradle to support the shaft and wherein each cradle incorporates the associated guide slot and slide track.

7. A mining machine with a chassis supporting a conveyor extending lengthwise of the machine and a shaft assembly, as defined in any one of claims 1 to 6, located toward a first end of the machine, arranged whereby the conveyor passes around the shaft of the shaft assembly and wherein the guide slots of the brackets are oriented lengthwise of the machine and open toward the first end so as to allow removal or installation of the shaft and bearing housings from the first end, in a lengthwise direction of the machine.

8. The mining machine of claim 7, further including a bumper bar assembly that covers the shaft assembly, wherein the bumper bar assembly is removable to allow access to the shaft assembly.

9. The mining machine of claim 8, wherein the bumper bar assembly includes a bumper bar and rods configured to plug into corresponding tubular housings carried by the chassis, to locate the bumper bar assembly on the machine.

10. The mining machine of claim 9, further including cover plates fitted above the chassis, wherein the cover plates are removable to allow inspection of the shaft assembly for possible maintenance.

1 1. The mining machine of claim 10, in the form of a feeder breaker.

12. A method of installing or removing a return shaft of a conveyor that runs lengthwise of a mining machine including:

accessing the shaft from an end of the machine; and

sliding the shaft in a lengthwise direction of the machine, along guide slots provided by cradles that hold the shaft in an operating position, wherein the guide slots open toward the end of the machine so that the sliding movement of the shaft allows the shaft to be either installed or removed directly from the end of the machine, in the lengthwise direction.

13. A mining machine with a conveyor extending lengthwise of the machine and a cradle, arranged toward a first end of the machine, which supports a return shaft of the conveyor, wherein the machine is adapted to provide access to the cradle from the first end of the vehicle to allow removal of the shaft from the first end, in the lengthwise direction of the machine.

14. The mining machine according to claim 13, wherein the cradle includes a housing block for receiving the shaft and a guide in which the housing block is removeably received.

15. The mining machine according to claim 14, wherein the cradle includes a bracket for releasable securing of the cradle with the machine.

16. The mining machine according to claim 15, wherein the guide includes a slot with an open end located toward the first end of the feeder-breaker thereby allowing the housing block and shaft to be slidably removable from the first end of the machine.

17. The mining machine according to claim 16, wherein the first end of the machine includes a recess in which the shaft is received.

18. The mining machine according to claim 17, including a cover which is fitted to the first end so as to extend over the shaft.

1 . The mining machine according to claim 18, wherein the cover is provided in the form of a bumper bar assembly.

20. The mining machine according to claim 19, wherein the bumper bar assembly includes a bumper bar and rods which are configured to be received by and locked with the machine.

21. The mining machine according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the mining machine is a feeder-breaker.

22. A shaft assembly for a conveyer mining machine, the mining machine having opposing sides and first and second ends between which the conveyor extends, the shaft assembly includes a shaft for engaging with the conveyor and a cradle for locating the shaft, the shaft being releasably attachable with the cradle such that the shaft is removable from the first end of the machine.

23. The shaft assembly according to claim 22, further including a housing block in which the shaft is received and the cradle includes a guide in which the housing block is received.

24. The shaft assembly according to claim 23, wherein the guide includes a slot with an open end located toward an end of the machine thereby allowing the housing block and shaft to be slidably removable from the first end of the machine.

25. The shaft assembly according to claim 24, wherein the guide includes tracks which are received by grooves of the housing block.

26. The shaft assembly according to claim 26, wherein housing blocks and guides are provided at opposing ends of the shaft.

27. The shaft assembly according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the cradle includes a bracket for releasable securing of the cradle with the machine.

28. The shaft assembly according to claim 27, wherein the bracket includes an aperture dimensioned to receive a fastener to releasably couple the bracket with the machine.

29. The shaft assembly according to any one of claims 23 to 28, wherein the shaft assembly is dimensioned to be received by a recess located at the first end of the machine.

30. The shaft assembly according to any one of claims 23 to 29, wherein the shaft assembly is substantially received by the recess so as to allow a removable bumper to be fitted over the shaft assembly.

31. The shaft assembly according to any one of claims 23 to 30, wherein the housing block includes bearings in which the shaft is received and the shaft including a gear to drive the conveyor.

32. The shaft assembly according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the housing block is coupled to the chassis via a chain tensioning system including an actuator configured to move the housing blocks relative the guide.

33. The shaft assembly according to claim 32, wherein the actuator is coupled to the chassis at a first end and is pivotally coupled to the housing block at a second end.

34. A shaft assembly as substantially described herein with reference to the drawings and/or examples.

35. A feeder-breaker substantially as described herein with reference to the drawings and/or examples.

Description:
MINING MACHINE AND SHAFT ASSEMBLY FOR A MINING MACHINE

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority from both AU 2012900141 and AU 2012900142, the contents of which are incorporated herein in entirety by way of reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The invention relates to a mining machine and shaft assembly for a mining machine, in particular, a mining machine in the form of a feeder-breaker.

BACKGROUND

[0003] In underground mining operations mobile equipment, such as a shuttle cars, are used to transport mined material, such as coal, to stationary equipment such as a mine shaft conveyor, to convey the mined material out of the mine. Prior to the mined material being transferred from the shuttle car to the conveyor, the mined material is required to be crushed to an appropriate size.

[0004] Mining machines or vehicles such as feeder-breakers are used to receive mined material from the shuttle car, crush or crack the mined material and feed the mined material onto the mine shaft conveyor. Generally, feeder-breakers include a chassis structure supported by tracks which drive the feeder-breaker, an in-bye end including a hopper assembly for receiving, storing and directing the mined material, an out-bye end for directing the mined material to the mine shaft conveyor and a cracker unit between the in- bye and out-bye ends which is configured to reduce the size of the mined material.

[0005] The feeder-breakers have a generally elongate rectangular plan form shape having a width which substantially occupies the width of the mine shaft. In use the long axis of the feeder-breaker is aligned with the mine shaft. A center conveyor runs lengthwise of the chassis and is configured to move the mined material from the hopper assembly through the cracker unit and eject the mined material from the out-bye end onto the mine shaft conveyer. The center conveyer is driven and guided by conveyor shafts located toward each of the in-bye and out-bye ends. These conveyor shafts can be removed from a side of the feeder-breaker.

[0006] A disadvantage of this configuration is that, in use, the feeder-breaker is located with its sides generally close to the walls, such as a rib, of the mine shaft and as such the shafts cannot be removed until the feeder-breaker is moved to a wider section of the mine, such as a cut-through.

SUMMARY

[0007] In one broad aspect, the invention provides a shaft assembly including a geared shaft extending between two bearing housings and brackets that support the housings and couple the assembly to a chassis of a mining vehicle, wherein the brackets have associated guide slots that extend transversely of the shaft and open toward an end of the vehicle so as to allow the shaft and housings to be removed or installed as a unit, lengthwise from the end of the vehicle.

[0008] Preferably, the brackets have associated slide tracks to fit with the housings to ensure correct positioning of the housings when installed in an operating position.

[0009] Preferably, the brackets have apertures to allow for connection with actuators used to adjust the positioning of the housings along the slide tracks, for corresponding tension adjustment of a conveyor travelling around the shaft.

[0010] Preferably, the housings are each provided with a pivotal coupling for connection to the associated actuator.

[001 1] Preferably, each bracket includes a base plate arranged transversely of the slide tracks and the associated aperture includes an elongate length dimension to accommodate movement of the actuator through the aperture as the housing is moved along the track.

[0012] Preferably, each bracket forms a cradle to support the shaft and wherein each cradle incorporates the associated guide slot and slide track.

[0013] In another aspect, there is provided a mining machine with a chassis supporting a conveyor extending lengthwise of the machine and a shaft assembly, as defined above, located toward a first end of the machine, arranged whereby the conveyor passes around the shaft of the shaft assembly and wherein the guide slots of the brackets are oriented lengthwise of the machine and open toward the first end so as to allow removal or installation of the shaft and bearing housings from the first end, in a lengthwise direction of the machine.

[0014] Preferably, the mining machine further includes a bumper bar assembly that covers the shaft assembly, wherein the bumper bar assembly is removable to allow access to the shaft assembly.

[0015] Preferably, the bumper bar assembly includes a bumper bar and rods configured to plug into corresponding tubular housings carried by the chassis, to locate the bumper bar assembly on the machine.

[0016] Preferably, the mining machine further includes cover plates fitted above the chassis, wherein the cover plates are removable to allow inspection of the shaft assembly for possible maintenance. [0017] Preferably, the mining machine is in the form of a feeder breaker.

[0018] In another aspect, there is provided a method of installing or removing a return shaft of a conveyor that runs lengthwise of a mining machine including accessing the shaft from an end of the machine; and sliding the shaft in a lengthwise direction of the machine, along guide slots provided by cradles that hold the shaft in an operating position, wherein the guide slots open toward the end of the machine so that the sliding movement of the shaft allows the shaft to be either installed or removed directly from the end of the machine, in the lengthwise direction.

[0019] In another aspect, there is provided a mining machine with a conveyor extending lengthwise of the machine and a cradle, arranged toward a first end of the machine, which supports a return shaft of the conveyor, wherein the machine is adapted to provide access to the cradle from the first end of the vehicle to allow removal of the shaft from the first end, in the lengthwise direction of the machine.

[0020] In one form, the cradle includes a housing block for receiving the shaft and a guide in which the housing block is removeably received.

[0021] In one form, the cradle includes a bracket for releasable securing of the cradle with the machine.

[0022] In one form, the guide includes a slot with an open end located toward the first end of the feeder-breaker thereby allowing the housing block and shaft to be slidably removable from the first end of the feeder-breaker.

[0023] In one form, the first end of the machine includes a recess in which the shaft is received.

[0024] In one form, the machine includes a cover which is fitted to the first end so as to extend over the shaft.

[0025] In one form, the cover is provided in the form of a bumper bar assembly.

[0026] In one form, the bumper bar assembly includes a bumper bar and rods which are configured to be received by and locked with the machine.

[0027] In one form, the mining machine is a feeder-breaker.

[0028] In another aspect there is provided a shaft assembly for a conveyer mining machine, the mining machine having opposing sides and first and second ends between which the conveyor extends, the shaft assembly includes a shaft for engaging with the conveyor and a cradle for locating the shaft, the shaft being releasably attachable with the cradle such that the shaft is removable from the first end of the machine.

[0029] In one form, the shaft assembly includes a housing block in which the shaft is received and the cradle includes a guide in which the housing block is received.

[0030] In one form, the guide includes a slot with an open end located toward an end of the machine thereby allowing the housing block and shaft to be slidably removable from the first end of the machine.

[0031] In one form, the guide includes tracks which are received by grooves of the housing block.

[0032] In one form, housing blocks and guides are provided at opposing ends of the shaft.

[0033] In one form, the cradle includes a bracket for releasable securing of the cradle with the machine. [0034] In one form, the bracket includes an aperture dimensioned to receive a fastener to releasably couple the bracket with the machine.

[0035] In one form, the shaft assembly is dimensioned to be received by a recess located at the first end of the machine.

[0036J In one form, the shaft assembly is substantially received by the recess so as to allow a removable bumper to be fitted over the shaft assembly.

[0037] In one form, the housing block includes bearings in which the shaft is received and the shaft including a gear to drive the conveyor.

[0038] In one form, the housing block is coupled to the chassis via a chain tensioning system including an actuator configured to move the housing blocks relative the guide.

[0039] In one form, the actuator is coupled to the chassis at a first end and is pivotaliy coupled to the housing block at a second end.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0040] The invention is described, by way of non-limiting example only, by reference to the accompanying Figures, in which:

Figure 1 A is a perspective view illustrating a feeder-breaker;

Figure 1 B is a top view illustrating the feeder-breaker;

Figure 1C is a side view illustrating the feeder-breaker;

Figure ID is a front end view illustrating an out-bye end of the feeder-breaker; Figure IE is an end view illustrating an out-bye end of the feeder-breaker;

Figure 2A is a perspective view illustrating the feeder-breaker with a cover of a cracker assembly removed;

Figure 2B is a top view illustrating the feeder-breaker with the cover of the cracker assembly removed;

Figure 3 A is a top partial exploded parts view illustrating components ยท of a hopper assembly of the feeder-breaker;

Figure 3B is a bottom partial exploded parts view illustrating components of a hopper assembly of the feeder-breaker;

Figure 4A is perspective view illustrating a modular side section of the hopper assembly;

Figure 4B is another perspective view illustrating the modular side section of the hopper assembly;

Figure 4C is a perspective view illustrating hungry boards and a wear strip; Figure 4D is a perspective view illustrating a modular end section of the hopper assembly:

Figure 4E is another perspective view illustrating the end section of the hopper assembly;

Figure 4F is a perspective view illustrating a bumper assembly of the feeder- breaker; Figure 4G is another perspective view illustrating the bumper assembly;

Figure 5A is a perspective view illustrating a shaft assembly of the feeder- breaker;

Figure 5B is a top view illustrating the shaft assembly; Figure 5C is an end view illustrating the shaft assembly; Figure 5D is a side view illustrating an actuator the shaft assembly; and Figure 5E is a detailed view of section A as illustrated in Figure 5D. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Referring to Figures 1A to IE there is shown a mining machine or vehicle in the form of a feeder-breaker 10. The feeder-breaker 10 includes a chassis 12 supported by tracks 14 which are located on opposing sides 17, 19 of the feeder-breaker 10 and generally intermediate a first end or in-bye end 18 (may also be referred to as a rear end) and a second end or out-bye end 16 (may also be referred to as a front end) of the feeder- breaker 10.

[0042] The feeder-breaker 10 generally includes three regions or sections, a hopper assembly 20 located towards the in-bye end 18, a chute 24 extending towards the out-bye end 16 and a cracker assembly 22 located between the hopper assembly 20 and the chute 24.

[0043] The hopper assembly 20 is adapted to receive, store and direct mined material such as coal onto a conveyor system 29 which is arranged lengthwise along the chassis 12 to move material from the in-bye end 18 towards the out-bye end 16. The conveyor system 29 moves the mined material into the cracker assembly 22 which crushes or cracks the mined material and the conveyor system 29 then moves through the chute 24 having a cover 25 and ejects the mined material from the out-bye end 16. The conveyor system 29 includes spaced apart chains 21 and bars 23 spanning there between for moving the mined material.

[0044] The hopper assembly 20 includes modular wall sections 26 which in this example include modular side wall sections 28 and a modular end wall section 30 which releasably coupled to the chassis 12. Each of the modular side wall sections 28 include a side hungry board 32 which together serve to flank the hopper assembly 20 to increase the load capacity. Capping plates 31 are fitted to the side wall sections 28 immediately adjacent to the chains 21 of the conveyor system 29. Each of the capping plates includes a lip 33 configured to extend over a chain of the conveyer so as to define channels 35 for the chains 21 between the side wall sections 28 sections and the chassis 12.

[0045] A Bumper arrangement 40 is provided around the in-bye end 1 and sides of the hopper assembly 20 to protected the feeder-breaker from impact with other mining machines when being loaded, for example, the impact from a loaded shuttle car. The bumper arrangement 40 includes side and in-bye end polymer bumper blocks 42, 44, preferably formed of polyurethane, which are coupled to the sides 17, 19 of the chassis 12 and the modular end section 30 respectively. The bumper arrangement 40 also includes a bumper or crush bar assembly 46 fitted immediately adjacent to and below the modular end wall section 30.

[0046] Jacking cylinders 48, best shown in Figure 1C, provided adjacent the ends of the tracks 14 are used to stabilize, support and align the feeder-breaker 10 during operation. Each side 17, 19 of the feeder-breaker 10 includes a number of enclosures 27, best shown on Figure ID, which house operational components of the feeder-breaker 10 for example an electrical system 36 to drive the cracker assembly 22 and a hydraulic system 38, including an electrically powered hydraulic motor and a hydraulic tank, for driving the tracks 14, motor 39 of the conveyor system 29 and jacking cylinders 48. [0047] In use, the feeder-breaker 10 is tethered by an electric cable (not shown) which provides power to the electrical system 36 which ultimately powers the feed-breaker 10 via the electric system 36 and the hydraulic system 38. The electric system 36 and the hydraulic system 38 are operably connected in use to a remote control (not shown) to allow a user to remotely control the feeder-breaker 10, for example, the tracks 14 can remotely controlled to move and position the feeder-breaker 10.

[0048] Referring to Figures 2 A and 2B, the feeder-breaker 10 is shown with the cover 25 of the chute 24 removed to reveal a cracker 50 of the cracker assembly 22 and an out- bye end shaft assembly 52 which drives the chain 21 and bars 23 of the conveyor system 29. The cracker 50 is rotated in use and teeth of the cracker crush or crack mined material such as coal. The cover 25 of the chute 24 assists to retain mined material and associated dust within the feeder-beaker during cracking and conveying.

[0049] Referring to Figure 3A and 3B, the in-bye end 18 of the chassis 12 is shown with the components of the hopper assembly 20 in an exploded view. From this view, it can be seen that the in-bye end 18 of the chassis 12 provides a substantially flat platform 54 including flat plates 56 on opposing sides 17, 19 on which the modular side wall sections 28 are seated in use. ,

[0050] The chassis 12, more specifically the plates 56, include a series of apertures 57 which are configured to correspond with apertures 59 of the modular sections 26, more specifically the side and end wall modular sections, 28, 30 so as to allow a fastener (not shown) to be passed there through to detachably couple the modular sections 26 to the chassis 12. Separate fasteners are used for each of the side and end modular sections, 28, 30 such that each of the side and the end modular sections 28, 30 are independently removable from the chassis 12.

[0051 ] The side hungry boards 32 are shown detached from the side modular sections 28 and top or wear plates 51 are shown detached from the side hungry boards 32. Inspection covers 53 are shown removed from the end modular section 30. The inspection covers 53 include a flange 61 projecting from an underside thereof and a lifting point in the form of an eyelet 55 on a top face for moving the inspection covers 53.

[0052] The flat plates 56 span an underlying chassis structure 58 and the side bumper blocks 42 extend adjacent and below the plates 56. The flat plates 56 are configured to be sufficiently thick such that when, for example, one of the side modular sections 28 is removed the plate 56 is able to act as a load and wear surface for mined material loaded into the hopper assembly 20. A lifting point in the form of an eyelet 63 is provided on the plates 56 to assist with lifting the feeder-breaker 10 when the modular side modular sections 28 are removed.

[0053] The plates 56 and the underlying chassis structure 58 are configured to define a recess 62 in the in-bye end 18 of the chassis 12. The recess 62 is dimensioned to substantially receive an in-bye end shaft assembly 64 which is use spans the recess and is coupled to chassis structure 58. The in-bye end shaft assembly 64 provides a return for the chain 21 and bars 23 which are driven by the out-bye end shaft assembly 52.

[0054] A conveyor base plate 66 extends along the bottom of the hopper assembly 20 from the recess 62 towards the chute 24 and extends between the plates 56. The base plate 66 is recessed relative to the platform 54 so as to define a channel 70 for the chains 21 and bars 23. A ledge 68 is provided at the in-bye 18 end of the conveyor base plate 66 which provides support to the end modular section 30 when fitted to the feeder-breaker 10 and protects the shaft assembly 64 which is fitted below the end modular wall section 30.

[0055] Referring more specifically to Figure 3B, the underlying chassis structure 58 includes a ladder frame 72 having spaced apart structural beams 74 which extends lengthwise of the chassis 12 and beneath the hopper assembly 20. The chassis structure 58 also includes a number of structural cells or compartments 76 which interconnect on lateral sides of the beams 74 and provided support to the overlying plate 56. The cells 76 located toward to the in-bye end 18 are adapted for interconnecting with the bumper bar assembly 46 and the shaft assembly 64. More specifically, the cells 76 include fittings 78 such as an open tubular housing 79 and an end stop 80 to receive and connect with plug in rods 82 of the bumper bar assembly 46 and apertures 83 to receive and couple to the shaft assembly 64.

[0056] Referring to Figures 4A and 4B, each modular side section 28 has a generally triangular prism shape and includes a base 100 formed of a series of upstanding triangularly shaped plates 90 which are interconnected by structural beams 86. An angled face 88 is supported by the base 100 and is configured, in use, to direct mined material from a top 102 of the modular side section 29 inwardly and downwardly towards the conveyor system 29 located adjacent the base 100. The angled face 88 includes a downward facing flange 92 which is use abuts an edge of the channel 70 of the conveyer system 29 thereby assisting to locate and retain the modular side section 28 as well as inhibiting mined material from moving between the modular side section 28 and the platform 54 of the chassis 12. The beams 86 include the apertures 59 for releasable coupling the side section 28 with the chassis 12 and releasable coupling to apertures 94 of the side hungry boards 32, shown in Figures 4C. The angled face 88 includes a lifting point in the form of an eyelet 89 which through connects to one of the triangularly shaped plates 90 for removing and fitting the modular side section 28 to the chassis 12.

[0057] Referring to Figure 4C, the side hungry boards 32 are provided in the form of an open channel section and the apertures 94 are located on a lower overturned section 91 to allow for connection through to corresponding apertures 59 in the associated side section 28. Apertures 96 are also provided on a top overturned section 93 for connecting, via a releasable fastener, to corresponding apertures 98 in the wear plates 51.

[0058] Referring to Figures 4D and 4E, the modular end section 30 includes an integrally fitted hungry board 104 which spans between sloping side portions 106. The sloping side portions 106 are generally triangular prism shaped and are arranged to generally align and fit with the modular side sections 28 when abutted there against. More specifically, modular end section 30 includes a frame 101 having rectangular hollow section beams 103. The hungry board 104 includes an end plate 110 connected between the beams 103 and the side portions 106 include triangular side plates 108 and angled top faces

1 1 1 which in use directs mined material into the hopper assembly 20. The end bumper blocks 44 are interconnected to the end plate 110. The lower beams 103 include apertures

1 12 through which a fastener (not shown) is able to pass to releasably couple the modular end section 30 to the chassis 12. The top of the sloping side portions 106 also includes an aperture 1 14 for connecting with an end of the side hungry boards 32.

[0059] A load plate 116 is located between the sloping side portions 106 and is supported by the beams 103. Each side 1 18 of the load plate 1 16 includes a cut out 120 and terminates short of the sloping side portions 106 so as to define a gap 122 between the cutout 120 and the sloping side portions 106. The inspection covers 53 (shown in Figure 3B) are dimensioned to extend over- the gap 122 and to fit the covers 53, the flange 61 of the inspection covers 53 is inserted into the cut-out 120 thereby retaining the cover 53 in place. The beams 103 under the inspection covers 53 are spaced apart such that when the inspection covers 53 are removed, the shaft assembly 64 may be inspected whilst the modular end section 30 is fitted to the chassis 12. When fitted, the inspection covers 53 and load plate 1 16 inhibit mined material from entering the chassis 12 and the shaft assembly 64.

[0060] Referring to Figures 4F and 4G, the bumper bar assembly 46 includes a bumper bar 124 which spans between parallel rods 82. The bumper bar 124 includes a substantially flat face 126 which chamfered ends 128 and is dimensioned to substantially extend across the in-bye end 18 of the chassis 12 beneath the end bumper blocks 44 and extend substantially over the shaft assembly 64 such that the shaft assembly is covered by the bumper bar 124. The bumper bar 124 includes lifting points provided in the form of eyelets 130 and the rods 84 each include a bore 132 for receiving a pin (not shown) to releasably coupling the bumper bar assembly 46 with chassis 12, more particularly, the tubular housing 79. A pinch plate (not shown) may also be fitted between the chassis 12 and the bumper bar 124 to inhibit a user, or limbs of a user, being caught between the chassis 12 and the bumper bar 124. [0061] Advantageously, the above-described hopper assembly 20 having modular wall sections 26 and chassis 12 having a platform 54 to which the modular wall sections 26 releasably couple, allow the feeder-breaker to be easily re-configured for loading into the hopper assembly 20 at the in-bye and 18 or loading from one the sides 17, 19. In particular, the side wall modular sections 28 and the end wall modular sections 30 can be independently removed,. for example, to change between left hand side loading to right hand side loading of the hopper assembly 20. Alternatively, the modular wall sections 26 can be easily interchanged with different sized modular wall sections 26 to alter the roof clearance and/or load capacity of the hopper assembly 20. The modular wall sections 26 can be easily replaced in the event of damage.

[0062] Furthermore, the platform 54 at the in-bye end 18 of the chassis 12 allows different modular wall sections 26 to be connected thereto and the platform 54 itself provides a flat bed surface or tray capable of receiving a load of mined material for the conveyor system 29 which is particularly advantageous when one or both of the side wall modular sections 28 of the hopper assembly 20 are removed. Moreover, the removable bumper bar assembly 46 allows access to the shaft assembly 64 which is described in more detail below.

[0063] Referring to Figures 5A to 5E, the in-bye end or return shaft assembly 64 includes a cradle 137 and a shaft 136 which is supported in an operating position by a cradle 137. The shaft 136 is accessible from the in-bye end 18 of the chassis 12 so as to be removable from the chassis 12 in a lengthwise direction. The cradle 137 includes housing blocks 134 for supporting opposing ends of the shaft 136, spaced apart guides 138 adapted to removably receive the housing blocks 134 and brackets 142 adapted to releasably couple the cradle 137 and hence the shaft assembly 64 with the chassis 12 of the feeder-breaker 10.

[0064] The housing blocks 134 each include bearings 135 in which the shaft 136 is received and the shaft 136 includes gears 137 located between the housing blocks 134 to engage with the chains 21 of the conveyor system 29. [0065] Each of the guides 138 includes a slot 140 with open ends 143 located toward the in-bye end 18 end thereby, when the chains 21 are decoupled and the bumper assembly 46 is removed, the housing blocks 134 and shaft 136 are slidably removable from the in-bye end 18 of the feeder-breaker 10.

[0066] More specifically, each of the guides 138 includes upper and lower flanges 145 which each include a slide track 146 which is received by corresponding upper and lower grooves 148 of the housing blocks 134. The slot 140 is provided in a plate 150 which extends partially between the upper and lower flanges 144. The slide track 146 and grooves 148 allow longitudinal relative sliding movement blocks 134 and guides 138. However, slide track 146 and grooves 148 inhibit relative lateral movement of the blocks 134 and guides 138 and assist to retain the relative alignment of each block 134.

[0067] The bracket 142 includes a base plate 154 and a gusset 152 to which the upper and lower flanges 144 of the guide 136 are connected, preferably by welding. The base plate 154 includes apertures 156 through which a fastener (not shown) is able to pass to releasably interconnect the base plate 154, and hence the bracket 142 and guide 136 to the recess 62 at the in-bye end 18 of the chassis 12. The base plate, 154 also includes an oval shaped aperture 158 through which a chain tensioning actuator, in this example, a liner hydraulic grease actuator 160 is able to pass.

[0068] Each actuator 160 is coupled between the chassis 12 and each of housing blocks 134. The guides 136 are each rigidly connected to the chassis 12 by brackets 142 and the housing blocks 134-are slidable relative to the guides 136. Accordingly, in use, movement of the actuator 160 moves the blocks 134 inwardly and outwardly to adjust the distance of the shaft 136 relative to the chassis 12 and thereby adjust the tension of the chains 21.

[0069] Pivot couplings 162 are provided between the actuator 160 and the housing blocks 34. The pivot couplings 162 are configured to allow pivoting of the actuators 160 about an axis substantially aligned with the axis of rotation of the shaft 136 thereby allowing limited vertical play between the actuators 160 and the housing blocks 134. The long axis of the oval shaped apertures 158 has a length dimension sufficient to accommodate play and movement of the actuators through the apertures during adjustment of the shaft 136.

[0070] Advantageously, the shaft assembly 64 provides a removable modular or cartridge style unit which is either partially or wholly removable and accessible from the in-bye end 18 of the chassis 12. Accordingly, when the feeder-breaker 10 is located in a narrow mine shaft where there is limited access to the sides 17, 19, inspection, maintenance, removal or installation of the shaft assembly can still take-place at the in-bye end. This allows maintenance and associated activities to take place in-situ.

[0071] Furthermore, in use the shaft assembly 64 is nested within the recess 64 provide in the in-bye end 18 of the chassis 12 and covered by the removable bumper assembly 46. This assists to protect the shaft assembly 64,

[0072] Moreover, when the bumper assembly 46 is removed, the shaft assembly 64 can be entirely removed by detaching brackets 142 from the chassis 12. Alternatively, brackets 142 can remain connected to the chassis 12, and the housing blocks 134 can be decoupled from the actuators 160 and slid relative the guides 138 to remove the housing blocks 134 and shaft 136 from the chassis 12. This is particularly advantageous if, for example, a bearing needs replacing when the feeder breaker 10 is located in a mine shaft.

[0073] Many modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0074] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates. [0075] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.