CUTTING DISC WITH REMOVABLE CUTTING PORTIONS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001]This application claims the benefit of co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/606,954, filed Dec. 6, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002]The present disclosure relates to machines for mining or excavating rock, and more particularly to a cutting mechanism for mining or evacuating rock.

BACKGROUND

[0003]In some mining operations, a cutting disc may remove rock and other material. The cutting disc may be rotated and driven to undercut a rock face at a narrow angle to generate shearing forces to cause the rock to fracture. The cutting disc includes cutting bits or buttons.

SUMMARY

[0004]In one independent aspect, a cutting device for engaging a rock face includes a disc body, a plurality of receiving portions disposed circumferentially about an outer perimeter of the disc body, and a plurality of cutting members. The disc body is supported for rotation about an axis of rotation. Each of the receiving portions includes a receiving surface and a plurality of carrier openings extending through the receiving surface. Each of the cutting members includes a peripheral edge and a plurality of cutting bits positioned on the peripheral edge. Each of the cutting members further includes a plurality of posts. Each of the plurality of posts engages an associated one of the plurality of carrier openings to releasably secure the cutting member against rotation relative to the receiving portion.

[0005]In some aspects, the cutting bits of each one of the cutting members are aligned with cutting bits of each adjacent cutting member.

[0006]In some aspects, each one of the cutting members includes a wedge slot, and inserting a wedge tool into the wedge slot applies leverage to facilitate removal of the cutting member from the disc body.

[0007]In some aspects, the cutting device further includes a plurality of first openings, each of the first openings extending between a base of an associated one of the carrier openings and a surface of the disc body.

[0008]In some aspects, the cutting device further includes a jacking bolt insertable into one of the first openings to urge one of the cutting members to separate from an associated one of the receiving portions.

[0009]In some aspects, each post includes a stub shaft received by one of the first openings when the post is positioned in the carrier opening.

[0010]In some aspects, the cutting device further includes a second opening extending between a second surface of the main body and the first opening; and a set screw positioned in the second opening and engaging a portion of the stub shaft within the first opening, thereby releasably securing the cutting member with respect to the disc body.

[0011]In some aspects, the cutting device further includes a second opening extending between a second surface of the main body and the first opening; a third opening extending through the stub shaft and aligned with the second opening; and a retaining pin extending through the second opening and the third opening, the retaining pin inhibiting movement of the cutting member with respect to the disc body.

[0012]In some aspects, the cutting device further includes a second opening extending between a second surface of the main body and the first opening; a circular groove positioned on the stub shaft; and a retaining pin extending through the second opening and into the first opening such that the retaining pin engages a portion of the groove, thereby releasably securing the cutting member with respect to the disc body.

[0013]In another independent aspect, a cutting device for engaging a rock face includes a disc body, a plurality of cutting members, and a pair of coupling interfaces. The disc body is supported for rotation about an axis of rotation, and the disc body includes an outer perimeter and a plurality of receiving portions positioned along the outer perimeter. Each cutting member includes a peripheral edge and a plurality of cutting bits positioned on the peripheral edge. Each of the cutting members is releasably secured to an associated one of the receiving portions of the disc body. The pair of coupling interfaces are between each one of the receiving portions and an associated one of the cutting members. The pair of coupling interfaces releasably secures the cutting member against rotation relative to the receiving portion. Each one of the pair of mating interfaces includes a protrusion positioned on one of the cutting member and the associated receiving portion, and a carrier opening positioned on the other of the cutting member and the associated receiving portion, the carrier opening receiving the protrusion.

[0014]In some aspects, each one of the pair of mating interfaces includes the protrusion positioned on the cutting member and the carrier opening positioned on the receiving portion, such that each cutting member includes a pair of protrusions and each receiving portion includes a pair of carrier openings.

[0015]In some aspects, the cutting device further includes a first locking pin hole positioned on the cutting member, the first locking pin hole extending between a mating surface that engages the receiving portion and an external surface of the cutting member; a second locking pin hole positioned on the receiving portion, the second locking pin hole extending between the receiving portion and a second surface of the disc body and aligned with the first locking pin hole; and a locking pin extending through the first locking pin hole and the second locking pin hole, the locking pin releasably securing the cutting member with respect to the disc body.

[0016]In some aspects, the cutting device further includes a hydraulic port positioned on the cutting member; and a piston positioned adjacent a lower surface of the carrier opening, the piston in fluid communication with the hydraulic port.

[0017]In some aspects, the cutting device further includes a receiving space positioned between adjacent carrier openings; and a tapered lock clamp positioned between adjacent protrusions, the tapered lock clamp positioned in the receiving space, wherein the tapered lock clamp has a first slanted surface engaging one of the protrusions and a second slanted surface positioned opposite the first slanted surface and engaging the other protrusion.

[0018]In some aspects, the cutting device further includes a tapered lock clamp fastener hole extending through the tapered lock clamp; a second opening extending between a second surface of the disc body and the receiving space; and a fastener extending through the second opening and the tapered lock clamp fastener hole, thereby releasably securing the cutting member with respect to the disc body.

[0019]In some aspects, the cutting device further includes two reaction zones positioned along the protrusions and circumscribing a perimeter of the protrusion; and a recessed region positioned on each protrusions between the two reaction zones.

[0020]In some aspects, the reaction zones are defined by a first diameter, and the recessed region is defined by a second diameter, and wherein the second diameter is smaller than the first diameter.

[0021]In some aspects, a first reaction zone of the two reaction zones has a first diameter, wherein a second reaction zone of the two reaction zones has a second diameter, and wherein the first diameter is larger than the second diameter.

[0022]In some aspects, the first reaction zone is positioned closer to the mating surface of the cutting member that engages the receiving portion than the second reaction zone.

[0023]In yet another independent aspect, a cutting device for engaging a rock face includes a disc body, a plurality of cutting members, and a tapered lock clamp. The disc body is supported for rotation about an axis of rotation. The disc body includes an outer perimeter and a plurality of receiving portions positioned along the outer perimeter, and each receiving portion includes two carrier holes. Each of the cutting members includes a first cutting member portion and a second cutting member portion. Each cutting member portion includes a body with a peripheral edge configured to support a plurality of cutting bits and a post configured to be received by one of the carrier holes connected to the body and extending outwardly therefrom. The tapered lock clamp is positioned between the posts of the first cutting member portion and the second cutting member portion of each cutting member when the cutting member is installed on an associated receiving portion. A first surface of the tapered lock clamp engages the post of the first cutting member portion and a second surface of the tapered lock clamp opposing the first surface engages the post of the second cutting member portion such that the tapered lock clamp inhibits rotation of the first cutting member portion and the second cutting member portion with respect to one another and with respect to the disc body. A tapered lock clamp fastener hole extends at least partially through the tapered lock clamp and is configured to receive a fastener that facilitates engagement between the tapered lock clamp and the disc body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cutting disc.

[0025]FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the cutting disc of FIG. 1.

[0026]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a main support of the cutting disc of FIG. 1.

[0027]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary cutting member segment.

[0028]FIG. 5 is a second perspective view of the cutting member of FIG. 4.

[0029]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the cutting member of FIG. 4 and hardware.

[0030]FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the cutting member of FIG. 4 coupled to a main support.

[0031]FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the cutting member and main support of FIG. 7, viewed along section A-A.

[0032]FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of the cutting member of FIG. 4 coupled to the main support of FIG. 3 with removal wedges shown.

[0033]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the cutting member, main support, and removal wedges of FIG. 9, viewed along section B-B.

[0034]FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the cutting member of FIG. 7 coupled to the main support of FIG. 3, and a jacking member.

[0035]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a cutting member according to another embodiment.

[0036]FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the cutting member of FIG. 12 coupled to a main support.

[0037]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a cutting member according to another embodiment.

[0038]FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the cutting member of FIG. 14 coupled to a main support.

[0039]FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a cutting member according to another embodiment.

[0040]FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the cutting member of FIG. 16 coupled to a main support by a first coupler.

[0041]FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the cutting member of FIG. 16 coupled to the main support of FIG. 17 by a second coupler.

[0042]FIG. 19 is a partial cross-sectional view of a cutting member according to another embodiment, coupled to a main support.

[0043]FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the cutting member of FIG. 19.

[0044]FIG. 21 is another perspective view of the cutting segment of FIG. 19.

[0045]FIG. 22 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a grease removal system for a cutting member.

[0046]FIG. 23 is another perspective view of the grease removal system of FIG. 22.

[0047]FIG. 24 is an enlarged perspective view of a grease removal according to another embodiment.

[0048]FIG. 25 is another perspective view of the grease removal system of FIG. 24.

[0049]FIG. 26 is a plan view of a cutting member according to another embodiment.

[0050]FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the cutting member of FIG. 26.

[0051]FIG. 28 is an end view of a cutting member according to another embodiment.

[0052]FIG. 29 is a plan view of the cutting member of FIG. 28.

[0053]FIG. 30 is a plan view of a cutting member according to another embodiment.

[0054]FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of the cutting member of FIG. 30 coupled to a main support and supported by a tapered sleeve.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055]Before any embodiments are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of the configuration and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The disclosure is capable of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof are meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings.

[0056]FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a cutting disc 4 for a mining machine (e.g., an entry development machine—not shown). The cutting disc 4 includes a main support 8 and cutting segments or cutting members 12 coupled to the main support 8. For example, the cutting members 12 may circumscribe an outer perimeter 10 of the main support 8 and be coupled thereto. In the illustrated embodiment, the cutting disc 4 includes twelve cutting members 12. In other embodiments, the cutting disc 4 may include fewer or more cutting members 12.

[0057]The main support 8 may include one or more holes 20 for coupling the cutting disc 4 to a cutter head (e.g., via fasteners—not shown), and one or more holes 24 used for lifting and handling the cutting disc 4. In addition, in some embodiments, a fluid nozzle may be incorporated into the main support 8; in other embodiments, the fluid nozzle may be positioned on one of the cutting members 12 or on the cutter head itself. In the illustrated embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the main support 8 may also include one or more openings 26. The cutting members 12 may be coupled to the main support 8 by fasteners 56 extending through the openings 26. Each of the cutting members 12 supports cutting buttons or cutting bits 16 on an outer surface thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, each cutting member 12 supports eight cutting bits 16, and the cutting bits 16 are aligned with one another along the cutting members 12 (e.g., to form a cutting edge). In other embodiments, fewer or more cutting bits 16 may be supported on each cutting member 12, and/or the cutting bits 16 may be arranged in another manner.

[0058]In operation, the cutting disc 4 may be supported for rotation (e.g., the cutting disc 4 may be positively driven to rotate or may be supported in a manner that permits rotation) and the cutting disc 4 may be driven into engagement with a rock face. The cutting bits 16 may engage the rock in an undercutting manner, thereby causing portions of rock to fracture and separate from the rock face. Because powerful forces are involved in removing rock from a rock face, the cutting members 12 and cutting bits 16 may be susceptible to wear and/or damage. The cutting members 12 of the cutting disc 4 may be configured to facilitate servicing/replacement of the cutting members 12, cutting bits 16, or other components of the cutting disc 4, while also minimizing or preventing movement of the cutting members 12 (e.g., relative to the main support 8) while in use.

[0059]Referring to FIG. 3, in the illustrated embodiment, the main support 8 may have a substantially annular shape and may include several receiving portions 28 positioned along or proximate to an outer or distal edge 30 of the main support 8. Each of the receiving portions 28 may be configured to receive, align with, or mate with an associated one of the cutting members 12. In the illustrated embodiment, each receiving portion 28 includes a planar surface 31 and two carrier openings or carrier holes 32. In other embodiments, the carrier holes 32 may be positioned on the cutting member 12 instead of on the main support 8, and each receiving portion 28 may include one or more protruding members positioned on the planar surface 31 in place of the carrier holes 32.

[0060]As shown in FIG. 3, the carrier holes 32 may be provided in the form of substantially circular openings extending partially or entirely through the main support 8. Each of the openings 26 (FIG. 2) may extend from a bottom of one of the carrier holes 32 through the main support 8. In some embodiments, the carrier holes 32 and/or one or more surfaces of the receiving portions 28 are treated (e.g., by heat treatment, nitriding, induction hardening, and the like) to increase durability and reduce wear.

[0061]FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a cutting member 12 including a body portion 36, protrusions or posts 40, one or more cutting bit holes 44, and one or more wedge slots 48. In the illustrated embodiment, the body portion 36 has a substantially planar lower surface 38 and is configured to engage (e.g., abut) the planar surface 31 of a corresponding receiving portion 28. The cutting bit holes 44 may be located on a surface opposite the lower surface 38 of the body portion 36. Each cutting bit hole 44 may be configured to receive a removable cutting bit 16. The posts 40 may protrude from a lower surface 38 of the body portion 36 and are configured to fit within the carrier holes 32. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, each cutting member 12 includes two posts 40 configured to align with and be received by the carrier holes 32 of an associated receiving portion 28 on the main support 8. The engagement between one of the posts 40 and the associated carrier hole 32 provides a coupling interface. In the illustrated embodiment, each cutting member 12 is releasably secured to the associated receiving portion 28 by two coupling interfaces.

[0062]It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the coupling interfaces can generally be provided in various configurations. The carrier holes 32 and the posts 40 are provided as mating components that facilitate coupling between the cutting members 12 and the receiving portions 28 of the main support 8. In some embodiments (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 3-5), the carrier holes 32 are positioned on the receiving portions 28 and the posts 40 are positioned on the cutting members 12. In other embodiments, a reverse configuration is possible where the carrier holes 32 are positioned on the cutting members 12 (e.g., positioned on the lower surface 38 and extending into the body portion 36) and the posts 40 are positioned on the receiving portions 28 (e.g., positioned on the planar surface 31 and extending outwardly therefrom). In further embodiments, coupling interfaces may be applied to the cutting members 12 and the receiving portions 28 in any manner (e.g., the cutting members 12 and the receiving portions 28 may each include any number of carrier holes 32 and any number posts 40). Each coupling interface may include two carrier holes 32 and two posts 40, or each coupling interface may include any number of carrier holes 32, posts 40, and/or other mating components not specifically described herein. These various potential configurations may be applicable with respect to each specific embodiment described herein as well as other embodiments according to the principles of the present disclosure but not specifically described herein.

[0063]The wedge slots 48 may be provided in the form of wedge-shaped cutouts formed in the lower surface 38 of the body portion 36 and may be located between the posts 40. For example, one wedge slot 48 may be positioned along a first lower edge 49 of the body portion 36 and extend inwardly therefrom, and another wedge slot 48 may be positioned along a second lower edge 50 of the body portion 36 and extend inwardly therefrom (FIG. 5). The wedge slots 48 may be configured to facilitate or aid removal of the cutting member 12 from the main support 8. Some embodiments may include multiple sets of wedge slots 48 and/or may have wedge slots 48 in different locations relative to the body portion 36. A larger cutting member 12 could be provided to provide additional space for additional wedge slots 48 and may provide additional leverage to facilitate extraction.

[0064]In some embodiments, a fastener hole (not shown) may be located on an end surface of each post 40. The fastener hole may be threaded to accept a fastener. In the illustrated embodiment, the cutting member 12 includes two posts 40, which may allow the cutting member 12 to be removably coupled to the main support 8 while also constraining the cutting member 12 from moving relative to the main support 8 (e.g., by rotating or twisting about one of the posts 40) during operation.

[0065]FIG. 6 shows one exemplary embodiment of a cutting member 12 with sleeves 52, screws 56, and washers 60 installed. The sleeves 52 may be a sacrificial bushing formed from a dissimilar material to that of the cutting member 12 and arranged to surround or encase the post 40. Use of a sacrificial bushing as a sleeve 52 may prevent galling and fretting of the posts 40 within the carrier holes 32, help increase longevity of the carrier holes 32, and/or ensure a tight fit between the posts 40 and the carrier holes 32. For example, the sleeve 52 may ensure a fitted connection between the carrier hole 32 (FIG. 3) and the outer diameter of the post 40 to prevent shifting or other movement when the cutting disc 4 is in use. In some embodiments, one or both of the posts 40 are held in place through an interference fit existing between the post 40, sleeve 52, and carrier hole 32 without requiring additional hardware. In other embodiments, one or more screws 56 may extend through the openings 26 within the carrier holes 32 (FIG. 3) and into the fastener holes (not shown) on end surfaces of the posts 40. The washers 60 may engage a side of the carrier holes 32 opposite the posts 40. The screws 56 and washers 60 may assist in retaining the post 40 within the carrier hole 32 (FIG. 3).

[0066]FIG. 7 shows the cutting member 12 coupled to the main support 8 through an interference fit as described above. The receiving portion 28 engages or abuts the lower surface 38 of the cutting member 12 and the sleeves 52 are positioned in the carrier holes 32.

[0067]As discussed above, the cutting member 12 may be secured to the main support 8 by fasteners (e.g., screws 56 and washers 60—FIG. 8). For example, the screw 56 may be threaded through the washer 60 into an end of the post 40 and supported on the opposite side by a surface of the opening 26.

[0068]Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, the cutting member 12 may be uncoupled from the main support 8, for example, via the use of a wedge tool(s) 64 in wedge slots 48. The wedge tools 64 may be inserted into wedge slots 48 to help dislodge the posts 40 from the sleeves 52 and ultimately from the carrier holes 32 when a cutting member 12 needs to be replaced or repaired. Prior to insertion of the wedge tools 64, the cutting member 12 may be unsecured (e.g., by removing the screw 56 and washer 60, if applicable) to allow the posts 40 to be removed from the carrier holes 32. In some embodiments, the wedge tools 64 may be coupled to a machine and driven into the wedge slots 48 to remove the cutting members 12. In cases where a cutting member 12 is repaired before being reinstalled, new sleeves 52 may be inserted into carrier holes 32 prior to reinstallation of the posts 40.

[0069]As shown in FIG. 11, in other embodiments, the cutting member 12 may be removed from the main support 8 by a jacking member or jacking bolt 66. The jacking bolt 66 may be inserted through the opening 26. The opening 26 may be threaded to match the threads of the jacking bolt 66. If necessary, the cutting member 12 may first be unsecured (e.g., by removing the screw 56 and washer 60, if applicable). Fastener holes (not shown) on an end surface of the post 40 may have a smaller diameter than the jacking bolt 66 and may be configured to mate with the screw 56. To facilitate removal of the cutting member 12, an end of the jacking bolt 66 is threaded through the opening 26 until a portion of the jacking bolt 66 enters the carrier hole 32 and contacts an end surface of the post 40. Further rotation of the jacking bolt 66 feeds the jacking bolt 66 farther into the opening 26, thereby applying pressure against the post 40 and pushing the post 40 out of the carrier hole 32.

[0070]FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate a cutting member 212 according to another exemplary embodiment. The cutting member 212 is similar to the cutting member 12 described above with respect to FIGS. 1-11, and similar features are identified with similar reference numbers (i.e., components of the cutting member 12 and components of the cutting member 212 identified with reference numbers having a difference of 200 may be substantially similar in form and function). Some differences between the cutting member 12 and the cutting member 212 are described herein.

[0071]The cutting member 212 may be coupled to one of the receiving portions 28 of the main support 8 in a manner similar to that of the cutting member 12. For example, the cutting member 212 may include a body 236 and one or more protrusions or posts 240 connected to a lower surface 238 of the body 236 and extending outwardly therefrom. The posts 240 may be substantially similar to the posts 40, except that each post 240 may include a stub shaft 268 protruding from an end thereof. The stub shaft 268 may be provided in the form of a substantially cylindrical protrusion configured to be at least partially positioned within the associated opening 26 on the main support 8 when the cutting member 212 is installed.

[0072]As shown in FIG. 13, a set screw 270 may be inserted in a threaded set screw hole 271 in the main support 8 to hold the post 240 in place in the carrier hole 32. For example, the set screw hole 271 may be oriented substantially perpendicular with respect to the opening 26 and the post 240 may be secured or stabilized via engagement between the set screw 270 and the stub shaft 268 (e.g., via pressure applied by the set screw 270 to the stub shaft 268). In the illustrated embodiment, a sleeve 252 may support the post 240 within the carrier hole 32 in a manner similar to that of the sleeve 52. Cutting bits 216 (e.g., similar to the cutting bits 16) may be positioned on or supported by the cutting member 212. Wedge slots 248 may be positioned on a lower surface 238 of the body 236 (e.g., to facilitate removal of the cutting member 212 from the main support 8 as described above with reference to the wedge slots 48).

[0073]FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate a cutting member 412 according to another exemplary embodiment. The cutting member 412 is similar to the cutting members 12 and 212 described above with respect to FIGS. 1-11 and FIGS. 12-13, respectively. Similar features are identified with similar reference numbers. For example, components of the cutting member 12 and components of the cutting member 412 identified with reference numbers having a difference of 400 may be substantially similar in form and function. Additionally, components of the cutting member 212 and components of the cutting member 412 identified with reference numbers having a difference of 200 may be substantially similar in form and function. Some differences between the cutting members 12, 212 and the cutting member 412 are described herein.

[0074]The cutting member 412 may be coupled to one of the receiving portions 28 of the main support 8 in a manner similar to that of the cutting members 12, 212. For example, the cutting member 412 may include a body 436 and one or more protrusions or posts 440 connected to a lower surface 438 of the body 436 and extending outwardly therefrom. The posts 440 may be substantially similar to the posts 40, 240 except that each post 440 may include a stub shaft 468 and a retaining pin opening 472. The stub shaft 468 may be provided in the form of a substantially cylindrical protrusion configured to be at least partially positioned within the associated opening 26 on the main support 8 when the cutting member 412 is installed. The retaining pin opening 472 may be provided in the form of a substantially circular hole extending through the stub shaft 468.

[0075]As shown in FIG. 15, the main support 8 may include a threaded retaining pin hole 471 aligned with the retaining pin opening 472 of the stub shaft 468. Thus, a retaining pin 476 may be inserted through the retaining pin hole 471 of the main support 8 and through the retaining pin opening 472 of the stub shaft 468 in order to hold the cutting member 412 in place in the carrier hole 32. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the retaining pin 476 may extend entirely through the stub shaft 468 via the retaining pin opening 472. A sleeve 452 may support the post 440 within the carrier hole 32 in a manner similar to that of the sleeves 52, 252. Cutting bits 416 (e.g., similar to the cutting bits 16, 216) may be positioned on or supported by the cutting member 412. Wedge slots 448 may be positioned on a lower surface 438 of the body 436 (e.g., to facilitate removal of the cutting member 412 from the main support 8 as described above with reference to the wedge slots 48).

[0076]FIGS. 16-18 illustrate a cutting member 612 according to a further exemplary embodiment. The cutting member 612 is similar to the cutting members 12, 212, 412 described above with respect to FIGS. 1-11, FIGS. 12 and 13, and FIGS. 14 and 15, respectively. Similar features are identified with similar reference numbers. For example, components of the cutting member 12 and components of the cutting member 612 identified with reference numbers having a difference of 600 may be substantially similar in form and function, components of the cutting member 212 and components of the cutting member 612 identified with reference numbers having a difference of 400 may be substantially similar in form and function, and components of the cutting member 412 and the cutting member 612 identified with reference numbers having a difference of 200 may be substantially similar in form and function. Some differences between the cutting members 12, 212, 412 and the cutting member 612 are described herein.

[0077]The cutting member 612 may be coupled to one of the receiving portions 28 of the main support 8 in a manner similar to that of the cutting members 12, 212, 412. For example, the cutting member 612 may include a body 636 and one or more protrusions or posts 640 connected to a lower surface 638 of the body 636 and extending outwardly therefrom. The posts 640 may be substantially similar to the posts 40, 240, 440, except that each post 640 may include a stub shaft 668 with a retaining groove 680 circumscribing a portion of the stub shaft 668 (e.g., positioned in a central location along the stub shaft 668). The stub shaft 668 may be provided in the form of a substantially cylindrical protrusion configured to be at least partially positioned within the associated opening 26 of the main support 8 when the cutting member 612 is installed.

[0078]As shown in FIG. 17, the main support 8 may include a threaded retaining pin hole 671. The retaining pin hole 671 may be positioned to align with the retaining groove 680 when the cutting member 612 is installed on the main support 8. A retaining pin 684 or tapered retaining pin 688 (FIG. 18) can be inserted through in the retaining pin hole 671 of the main support 8 and may engage a portion of the retaining groove 680. For example, the retaining pin 684 or the tapered retaining pin 688 may contact or surround at least a portion of the retaining groove 680 such that the post 640 is restricted in its ability to move relative to the carrier hole 32. The tapered retaining pin 688 shown in FIG. 18 may provide an axial preload on the stub shaft 668 to help hold the cutting member 612 in place. A sleeve 652 may support the post 640 within the carrier hole 32 in a manner similar to that of the sleeves 52, 252, 452. Cutting bits 616 (e.g., similar to the cutting bits 16, 216, 416) may be positioned on or supported by the cutting member 612. Wedge slots 648 may be positioned on a lower surface 638 of the body 636 (e.g., to facilitate removal of the cutting member 612 from the main support 8 as described above with reference to the wedge slots 48).

[0079]FIGS. 19-21 illustrate a cutting member 812 according to yet another exemplary embodiment. The cutting member 812 is similar to the cutting members 12, 212, 412, 612 described above with respect to FIGS. 1-11, FIGS. 12 and 13, FIGS. 14 and 15, and FIGS. 16-18, respectively. Similar features are identified with similar reference numbers. For example, components of the cutting member 12 and components of the cutting member 812 identified with reference numbers having a difference of 800 may be substantially similar in form and function, components of the cutting member 212 and components of the cutting member 812 identified with reference numbers having a difference of 600 may be substantially similar in form and function, components of the cutting member 412 and components of the cutting member 812 identified with reference numbers having a difference of 400 may be substantially similar in form and function, and components of the cutting member 612 and components of the cutting member 812 identified with reference numbers having a difference of 200 may be substantially similar in form and function. Some differences between the cutting member 12 and the cutting member 812 are described herein.

[0080]The cutting member 812 may be coupled to one of the receiving portions 28 of the main support 8 in a manner similar to that of the cutting members 12, 212, 412, 612. For example, the cutting member 812 may include a body 836 and one or more protrusions or posts 840 connected to a lower surface 838 of the body 836 and extending outwardly therefrom (FIGS. 20 and 21). The cutting member 812 may be configured for use with a locking pin 892. For example, the cutting member 812 may have a cutting member locking pin hole 800, and the main support 8 may have a main support locking pin hole 896 configured to align with the cutting member locking pin hole 800. The cutting member locking pin hole 800 may extend through an inside surface 802 of the body 836 and through a lower surface 838 of the body 836. In some embodiments, the locking pin 892 may have a thread to match a thread located on the cutting member locking pin hole 800 and main support locking pin hole 896. In other embodiments, the locking pin 892 may be an expansion pin or may have any other features known in the art to keep the locking pin 892 in place within the cutting member locking pin hole 800 and the main support locking pin hole 896 during operation of the cutting disc 4.

[0081]Turning to FIGS. 20 and 21, in the illustrated embodiment, the cutting member locking pin hole 800 may be located between the posts 840 of the cutting member 812. The posts 840 of the cutting member 812 may be substantially similar to the posts 40 of the cutting member 12. The cutting member 812 may include holes 844 arranged to receive cutting bits 816 (not shown) which may be similar to the cutting bits 16, 216, 416, 616.

[0082]FIGS. 22-25 illustrate a removal system that may assist in removing a cutting member 12 from the carrier holes 32 by one or more pistons 104 that are driven by a pressurized fluid (e.g., grease, hydraulic fluid, etc.). In the illustrated embodiment, pistons 104 are located inside the carrier holes 32 such that each piston 104 is positioned adjacent an end of one of the posts 40 when the cutting member 12 is coupled to the main support 8. Each piston 104 may have an outer diameter similar to the diameter of the carrier holes 32 and a groove 108 positioned on an exterior surface of the piston 104.

[0083]The carrier holes 32 may be fluidly coupled to individual hydraulic ports 112, as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, or can be fluidly coupled to a dual outlet hydraulic port 116 as shown in FIGS. 24 and 25. The hydraulic ports 112, 116 are capable of operably engaging the pistons 104 by providing pressurized fluid to the carrier holes 32. A conduit or line in fluid communication with a fluid source (e.g., a reservoir, a pump, etc.—not shown) may be coupled to the hydraulic port 112, 116. Thus, pressurized fluid from the fluid source may be pumped into the hydraulic port 112, 116, thereby driving the piston 104 in the direction of the post 40 (e.g., to force the post 40 out of the carrier hole 32). In the illustrated embodiment, the groove 108 (FIG. 22) is provided in the form of an annular or circular recess configured to support or retain an O-ring (not shown) or any other suitable mechanism designed to create a seal or to inhibit the pressurized fluid from flowing past the piston 104. For example, an O-ring may be positioned within the groove 108 to prevent pressurized fluid from leaking into or being expelled out of the carrier hole 32. In other embodiments, a seal may be positioned in a groove formed in an inner surface of the carrier holes. In other embodiments, a seal may encircle or otherwise be positioned around an exterior surface of the piston 104 to create a seal or to inhibit the pressurized fluid from flowing past the piston 104.

[0084]FIGS. 26-28 illustrates a split cutting member 1012 including two body sections 1120. Each body section 1120 includes one or more cutting bit holes 1044. Additionally, a protrusion or post 1040 may be connected to a lower surface 1038 of each body section 1120 and extend outwardly therefrom. A tapered lock clamp 1124 may be positioned between the posts 1040. To install the split cutting member 1012 on the main support 8, the posts 1040 of the body sections 1120 may be inserted into corresponding carrier holes 32 (e.g., two adjacent carrier holes 32 of a receiving portion 28—FIG. 3) and the tapered lock clamp 1124 inserted into a gap (not shown) between the carrier holes 32. The tapered lock clamp 1124 may be tapered in a vertical direction, a horizontal direction, or both. In other words, the tapered lock clamp 1124 may be tapered in the xy-plane, the xz-plane, or both.

[0085]The tapered lock clamp 1124 may facilitate retention of the body sections 1120 and/or may inhibit rotation of one or both of the body sections 1120 relative to one another or relative to the main support 8. As shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, the tapered lock clamp 1124 may be imparted with a geometry that mirrors or complements the internal geometry of the posts 1040 such that the tapered lock clamp 1124 may be fitted therebetween. The tapered lock clamp 1124 may include a clamp fastener hole 1128. Thus, the tapered lock clamp 1124 may be held in place by a fastener (not shown) extending through the main support 8 and the clamp fastener hole 1128. For example, the clamp fastener hole 1128 may include a threaded inner surface configured to securely receive a fastener with a threaded outer surface.

[0086]FIG. 29 illustrates a cutting member 1212 according to another exemplary embodiment. The cutting member 1212 is similar to the cutting member 12 described above with respect to FIGS. 1-11, and similar features are identified with similar reference numbers (i.e., components of the cutting member 12 and components of the cutting member 1212 identified with reference numbers having a difference of 1200 may be substantially similar in form and function). Some differences between the cutting member 12 and the cutting member 1212 are described herein.

[0087]The cutting member 1212 may be coupled to one of the receiving portions 28 of the main support 8 in a manner similar to that of the cutting members 12, 212, 412, 612, 812. The cutting member 1212 may include a body 1236 and one or more protrusions or posts 1240 connected to a lower surface 1238 of the body 1236 and extending outwardly therefrom. For example, the cutting member 1212 may include two posts 1240 provided in substantially the same form with respect to one another. The posts 1240 may include two reaction zones 1266 positioned along the post 1240 and circumscribing a circumference thereof. Each reaction zone 1266 may be defined by a first width or first diameter D1. The posts 1240 may also contain a recessed region 1270 positioned between the reaction zones 1266. An exterior surface 1272 of the recessed region 1270 may be inwardly curved (e.g., to prevent contact with the carrier hole 32 or sleeve 52 when inserted into the main support 8). For example, the recessed region 1270 may be defined by a second diameter D2 that is smaller than the first diameter D1. The reaction zones 1266 may be configured to interfere with the carrier hole 32 or sleeve 52 to create an interference fit and secure the cutting member 1212 with respect to the main support 8. There may be clearance between the recessed region 1270 and the carrier hole 32 and/or the sleeve 52.

[0088]FIG. 30 illustrates a cutting member 1412 according to another exemplary embodiment. The cutting member 1412 is similar to the cutting member 12 described above with respect to FIGS. 1-11, and similar features are identified with similar reference numbers (i.e., components of the cutting member 12 and components of the cutting member 1412 identified with reference numbers having a difference of 1400 may be substantially similar in form and function). Some differences between the cutting member 12 and the cutting member 1412 are described herein.

[0089]The cutting member 1412 may be coupled to one of the receiving portions 28 of the main support 8 in a manner similar to that of the cutting members 12, 212, 412, 612, 812, 1212. The cutting member 1412 may include a body 1436 and one or more protrusions or posts 1440 connected to a lower surface 1438 of the body 1436 and extending outwardly therefrom. For example, the cutting member 1412 may include two posts provided in substantially the same form with respect to one another. The posts 1440 may each include a first reaction zone 1474 and a second reaction zone 1482 positioned along the post 1440 and circumscribing a perimeter thereof. The first reaction zone 1474 may be defined by a third diameter D3. The second reaction zone 1482 may be defined by a fourth diameter D4, which may be smaller than the third diameter D3 of the first reaction zone 1474.

[0090]The post 1440 may also include a recessed region 1470 positioned between the first reaction zone 1474 and the second reaction zone 1482. An exterior surface 1472 of the recessed region 1470 may be inwardly curved or tapered (e.g., to prevent contact with the carrier hole 32 or sleeve 52 when inserted into the main support 8). For example, the recessed region 1470 may be defined by a fifth diameter D5 that is smaller than each of the third diameter D3 and the fourth diameter D4. There may be clearance between the recessed region 1470 and the carrier hole 32 and/or the sleeve 52.

[0091]The first reaction zone 1474 and second reaction zone 1482 may engage the carrier hole 32 or sleeve 52 (e.g., to create an interference fit) and secure the cutting member 1412 with respect to the main support 8. In some embodiments, the carrier hole 32 and/or the sleeve 52 may have a shape or structure that complements or mirrors that of the recessed region 1470 (e.g., the carrier hole 32 and/or the sleeve 52 may also be tapered to facilitate a proper fit). The tapered recessed region 1470 may be used in conjunction with the removal system of FIGS. 22-25 with the added benefit of reducing the distance by which the post 1440 must be displaced to become loose as it leaves the carrier hole 32. Imparting the first reaction zone 1474 with a greater diameter than the second reaction zone 1482 may reduce the distance by which the cutting member 1412 must be extracted from the receiving portion 28 comes loose and can be removed from the main support 8.

[0092]As shown in FIG. 31, a tapered sleeve 1452 may be used in conjunction with the cutting member 1412. For example, the tapered sleeve 1452 may be positioned between the posts 1440 and an interior surface of the carrier holes 32 and may be substantially similar in form and function to the sleeve 52. However, the tapered sleeve 1452 may have a tapered diameter along its length. For example, the tapered sleeve 1452 may be defined by a sixth diameter D6 proximate to a sleeve first end 1478 adjacent to the lower surface 1438 and the tapered sleeve 1452 may be defined by a seventh diameter D7 proximate to a sleeve second end 1480 opposing the sleeve first end 1478 (e.g., adjacent to the piston 104). In the illustrated embodiment, the sixth and seventh diameters D6, D7 correspond to a tapering of the internal diameter of the tapered sleeve 1452, whereas the external diameter of the tapered sleeve 1452 remains substantially constant. In other embodiments, the internal diameter of the tapered sleeve 1452 may be substantially constant and the external diameter may taper from the sleeve first end 1478 to the sleeve second end 1480. In still other embodiments, both the internal diameter and the external diameter of the tapered sleeve 1452 may taper from the sleeve first end 1478 to the sleeve second end 1480.

[0093]The sixth diameter D6 may be greater than the seventh diameter D7 and the diameter of the tapered sleeve 1452 may taper from the sixth diameter D6 to the seventh diameter D7 between the sleeve first end 1478 and the sleeve second end 1480. Thus, a sleeve midsection 1476 may be recessed with respect to the sleeve first end 1478 (e.g., similar to the recessed nature of the recessed region 1470 with respect to the first and second reaction zones 1474, 1482 shown in FIG. 30). Accordingly, the tapered sleeve 1452 may provide interference with the carrier hole 32 only at or proximate to the sleeve first end 1478 and the sleeve second end 1480. Clearance may be provided between the sleeve midsection 1476 and the carrier hole 32. The tapered sleeve 1452 may be used in conjunction with the cutting member 1412 as shown in FIG. 31, or the tapered sleeve 1452 may be used in conjunction with the cutting members 12, 212, 412, 612, 812, 1012, 1212, or other embodiments not specifically described herein.

[0094]In other embodiments, other configurations are possible. For example, those of skill in the art will recognize, according to the principles and concepts disclosed herein, that various combinations, sub-combinations, and substitutions of the components discussed above can provide a segmented cutting disc for a cutting head.

[0095]The embodiment(s) described above and illustrated in the figures are presented by way of example only and are not intended as a limitation upon the concepts and principles of the present disclosure. As such, it will be appreciated that variations and modifications to the elements and their configuration and/or arrangement exist within the spirit and scope of one or more independent aspects as described.