Apparatus for controlling the discharge of pressurized liquid from nozzles on a cutting drum of a mining machine

摘要

A liquid discharge control system is provided for nozzles on a shearer or cutter drum for a drum-type shearer loader or heading or drifting machine used in underground mining. In addition to liquid discharge nozzles are distributed about the periphery of the cutter drum there is also provided cutting tools which are distributed about the periphery of the cutter drum. A liquid supply line delivers pressurized water to a valve for each nozzle or a group of nozzles. The valves are operated to control the discharge of water from only those nozzles or group of nozzles which are opposite the mineral face operated on by the cutting tools. The nozzles spray high-pressure jets of water to assist the cutting operation of the tools, to control dust or for suppressing sparks. Electrical control signals are produced to open and close the valves. The control signals are delivered from a microrprocessor which is triggered during rotation of the drum by output signals from one or more initiators. The microprocessor also receives output signals from angle detectors responsive to movement of a support arm which pivotally positions the cutter drum.