Fluid filter for mining machine

Abstract

A frame for a longwall shearer includes a body, an internal compartment, a reservoir, and an opening. The body has an upper surface. The internal compartment is configured to support a pump. The reservoir is configured to house a liquid and includes a tank wall which is adjacent the internal compartment. The opening extends through the upper surface and into the reservoir. A filter extends into or is positioned within the reservoir. The filter is in fluid communication with the pump.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A frame for a longwall shearer comprising:
 a body including an upper surface;   an internal compartment configured to support a pump;   a reservoir configured to house a liquid, the reservoir adjacent the internal compartment and including a tank wall; and   an opening extending through the upper surface into the reservoir and a filter extending into or positioned within the reservoir, in fluid communication with the pump.   
     
     
         2 . The frame of  claim 1 , wherein the opening and the filter are circular. 
     
     
         3 . The frame of  claim 1 , further comprising a cover secured to the filter and removably coupled to the upper surface of the frame, the cover selectively covering the opening. 
     
     
         4 . The frame of  claim 1 , wherein a filter medium of the filter is self-contained and sealed against the liquid within the reservoir. 
     
     
         5 . The frame of  claim 1 , wherein the pump is in communication with the filter and the reservoir. 
     
     
         6 . The frame of  claim 1 , wherein the internal compartment is enclosed within the body and includes an opening in a first side, the first side adjacent the upper surface. 
     
     
         7 . The frame of  claim 1 , wherein the liquid stored in the reservoir is configured to flow through the pump, and then through the filter. 
     
     
         8 . A frame for a longwall shearer comprising:
 a body;   an internal compartment enclosed within the body and open on a first side of the body, the internal compartment supporting a pump;   a reservoir adjacent the internal compartment and separated from the internal compartment by a tank wall, the reservoir including an opening in an upper surface of the body adjacent the first side; and   a filter removably inserted into the opening and positioned within the reservoir.   
     
     
         9 . The frame of  claim 8 , wherein the pump is in communication with the filter and the reservoir. 
     
     
         10 . The frame of  claim 8 , wherein the filter is sealed from a hydraulic fluid contained within the reservoir. 
     
     
         11 . The frame of  claim 8 , wherein the pump causes a hydraulic fluid to flow from the reservoir, to a pump inlet, through the pump and to a pump outlet, through a filter inlet, through the filter and to a filter outlet. 
     
     
         12 . The frame of  claim 8 , further comprising a bracket secured to the filter and removably coupled to the upper surface. 
     
     
         13 . The frame of  claim 8 , wherein the opening and a cover configured to couple to the filter and selectively cover the opening are circular. 
     
     
         14 . A mining machine comprising:
 a frame including a first side, second side, and an upper surface, the upper surface between the first surface and the second surface;   a cutting assembly including an arm and a cutting drum, the arm pivotably coupled to the frame about an arm axis;   an internal compartment including a pump; and   a reservoir separate the internal compartment, the reservoir including a filter removably coupled to the upper surface.   
     
     
         15 . The mining machine of  claim 14 , wherein the filter is aligned with an opening in the upper surface, the opening in communication with the reservoir. 
     
     
         16 . The mining machine of  claim 14 , wherein a filter medium of the filter is sealed from a hydraulic fluid inside of the reservoir. 
     
     
         17 . The mining machine of  claim 14 , further comprising a cover secured to the filter and removably coupled to the upper surface. 
     
     
         18 . The mining machine of  claim 17 , wherein the cover and the filter have a rounded shape. 
     
     
         19 . The mining machine of  claim 14 , wherein the pump causes a hydraulic fluid to flow from the reservoir, to a pump inlet, through the pump and to a pump outlet, through a filter inlet, through the filter and to a filter outlet. 
     
     
         20 . The mining machine of  claim 14 , wherein the internal compartment and the reservoir are separated by a tank wall, and the pump is in fluid communication with the filter and the reservoir.