Mining machine with driven disc cutters

Abstract

A mining machine includes a cutting mechanism with an arm, and a substantial weight of more than a thousand pounds attached to the arm. The mining machine also includes a first disc cutter adapted to engage the material to be mined and mounted on a first disc cutter assembly for eccentrically driving the first disc cutter, the first disc cutter assembly being mounted within the substantial weight. The mining machine also includes at least a second disc cutter spaced apart from the first disc cutter assembly and adapted to engage the material to be mined, and mounted on a second disc cutter assembly for eccentrically driving the second disc cutter, the second disc cutter assembly being mounted within the substantial weight.

1 . An anchor mechanism for securing a mining machine relative to a mine surface; the anchor mechanism comprising:
 a motor supported for movement relative to a platform of the mining machine, the motor driving rotation of a motor shaft;   a hydraulic cylinder coupled between the motor and the platform, the cylinder driving a piston to extend and retract the motor along an axis; and   a drill coupled to the motor shaft and rotatable with the motor shaft, the drill movable with the motor along the axis, the drill having an end configured to engage the mine surface.   
     
     
         2 . The anchor mechanism of  claim 1 , further comprising a case extending around the motor and secured to the motor, the case supported for movement relative to the platform. 
     
     
         3 . The anchor mechanism of  claim 2 , further comprising a bearing secured to the case and supporting the drill for rotation relative to the case. 
     
     
         4 . The anchor mechanism of  claim 3 , wherein the drill is secured against movement relative to the bearing in a direction parallel to the axis. 
     
     
         5 . The anchor mechanism of  claim 2 , wherein the case includes a cover positioned between the hydraulic cylinder and the motor, the cover coupled to the motor and coupled to the piston. 
     
     
         6 . The anchor mechanism of  claim 1 , wherein the drill includes an outer surface and a hollow core. 
     
     
         7 . A mining machine comprising
 a frame;   a cutting mechanism supported on the frame and including at least one cutter for engaging a mine face; and   an anchor mechanism for securing the frame against movement relative to a mine surface, the anchor mechanism including a motor supported for movement relative to the frame, a hydraulic cylinder coupled between the motor and the frame, and a drill, the motor driving rotation of a motor shaft, the cylinder driving a piston to extend and retract the motor along an axis, the drill coupled to the motor shaft and rotatable with the motor shaft, the drill movable with the motor along the axis, the drill having an end configured to engage the mine surface.   
     
     
         8 . The mining machine of  claim 7 , wherein the anchor mechanism further includes a case extending around the motor and secured to the motor, the case supported for movement relative to the frame. 
     
     
         9 . The mining machine of  claim 8 , wherein the anchor mechanism further includes a bearing secured to the case and supporting the drill for rotation relative to the case. 
     
     
         10 . The mining machine of  claim 9 , wherein the drill is secured against movement relative to the bearing in a direction parallel to the axis. 
     
     
         11 . The mining machine of  claim 8 , wherein the case includes a cover positioned between the hydraulic cylinder and the motor, the cover coupled to the motor and coupled to the piston. 
     
     
         12 . The mining machine of  claim 7 , wherein the drill includes an outer surface and a hollow core.