Brake system for mining conveyor and the like

摘要

A brake system for use with a rotatable mechanical load. The brake system includes a brake apparatus operative to selectively apply a braking torque to the load. The braking mechanism within the brake apparatus preferably includes a plurality of brake plates interleaved to form a brake plate assembly. The braking mechanism may be biased to normally engage the brake plates so that a predetermined braking torque is applied. In this case, braking torque is varied by controllably releasing engagement of the brake plates. The braking mechanism is preferably designed to apply full braking torque if wear of the brake plates exceeds a predetermined threshold. Heat generated during operation of the braking mechanism is preferably removed by coolant fluid. The coolant fluid may be supplied by a coolant pump driven by operative rotation of a pump drive shaft. A properly-sized flywheel is preferably coupled between the pump drive shaft and the device driving the pump drive shaft. The flywheel functions to continue operation of the pump after a power failure such that coolant fluid will continue to be supplied to the braking mechanism until the mechanical load comes to a stop.