WO2006076776A1 - Underground mine vehicle with height adjustable cabin - Google Patents

Underground mine vehicle with height adjustable cabin Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2006076776A1
WO2006076776A1 PCT/AU2006/000084 AU2006000084W WO2006076776A1 WO 2006076776 A1 WO2006076776 A1 WO 2006076776A1 AU 2006000084 W AU2006000084 W AU 2006000084W WO 2006076776 A1 WO2006076776 A1 WO 2006076776A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
cabin
chassis
underground mine
mine vehicle
operator
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2006/000084
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Andrew John Perry
Original Assignee
Voest Alpine Mining & Tunnelling Pty Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2005900282A external-priority patent/AU2005900282A0/en
Application filed by Voest Alpine Mining & Tunnelling Pty Ltd filed Critical Voest Alpine Mining & Tunnelling Pty Ltd
Publication of WO2006076776A1 publication Critical patent/WO2006076776A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21D—SHAFTS; TUNNELS; GALLERIES; LARGE UNDERGROUND CHAMBERS
    • E21D9/00—Tunnels or galleries, with or without linings; Methods or apparatus for making thereof; Layout of tunnels or galleries
    • E21D9/12—Devices for removing or hauling away excavated material or spoil; Working or loading platforms
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D33/00—Superstructures for load-carrying vehicles
    • B62D33/06—Drivers' cabs
    • B62D33/063—Drivers' cabs movable from one position into at least one other position, e.g. tiltable, pivotable about a vertical axis, displaceable from one side of the vehicle to the other
    • B62D33/0636—Drivers' cabs movable from one position into at least one other position, e.g. tiltable, pivotable about a vertical axis, displaceable from one side of the vehicle to the other displaceable along a linear path
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
    • E02F9/00—Component parts of dredgers or soil-shifting machines, not restricted to one of the kinds covered by groups E02F3/00 - E02F7/00
    • E02F9/16—Cabins, platforms, or the like, for drivers
    • E02F9/166—Cabins, platforms, or the like, for drivers movable, tiltable or pivoting, e.g. movable seats, dampening arrangements of cabins

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a height adjustable cabin for an underground mine vehicle and in particular to a height adjustable cabin for an underground load haul dumper used in coal mines.
  • LHDs load haul dumpers
  • a typical LHD configuration locates the operator (or driver) sitting at right angles to the machine centreline, with the operator's eye level located just above the chassis top level.
  • the machine is driven bi-directionally.
  • a disadvantage with such a conventional LHD is poor operator visibility while in the seated position. This poor operator visibility is particularly apparent when the operator is operating attachments at a level lower than the top of the chassis or while navigating around objects located lower than the top of the chassis. In other words, under such conditions the operator encounters a blind spot.
  • variable height mine ceilings hi order for the machine to pass under the lowest roof line in the mine the machine overall height must be less than this minimum height. This minimum roof height may only apply in small sections of the mine passage.
  • the present invention seeks to overcome at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art underground mine vehicles by providing an underground mine vehicle with an adjustable height cabin.
  • the present invention consists of an underground mine vehicle comprising a chassis with a modular operator cabin mounted thereon, said cabin comprising a floor, sidewalls, a seat and operator controls, wherein said cabin is slidably mounted to said chassis to allow for height adjustability of said cabin relative to said chassis.
  • said cabin is mounted to a slideway on said chassis.
  • a plurality of wear pads are removably fixed to said cabin for engagement with said slideway.
  • a plurality of spacers are disposed between said cabin and said slideway.
  • a plurality of hydraulic lift cylinders are used to raise and lower said cabin relative to said chassis.
  • said cabin has a canopy.
  • the present invention consists of a modular operator cabin for an underground mine vehicle, said cabin comprising a floor, sidewalls, a seat and operator controls, wherein said cabin is adapted to be slidably mounted to the chassis of said underground mine vehicle to allow for height adjustability of said cabin relative to said chassis.
  • said cabin is mounted to a slideway on said chassis.
  • a plurality of wear pads are removably fixed to said cabin for engagement with said slideway.
  • a plurality of spacers are disposed between said cabin and said slideway.
  • a plurality of hydraulic lift cylinders are used to raise and lower said cabin relative to said chassis.
  • said cabin further comprises a canopy.
  • said cabin is retrofitted to said underground mine vehicle.
  • the present invention consists of an underground mine vehicle comprising a chassis with a modular operator cabin mounted thereon, said cabin comprising a floor, sidewalls, a seat and operator controls, wherein said cabin is slidably mounted to said chassis to allow for height adjustability of said cabin relative to said chassis, and a plurality of hydraulic lift cylinders are used to raise and lower said cabin relative to said chassis.
  • said cabin is mounted to a slideway on said chassis.
  • a plurality of wear pads are removably fixed to said cabin for engagement with said slideway.
  • a plurality of spacers are disposed between the said cabin and said slideway
  • Fig. 1 is a plan view of a load haul dumper with an adjustable height cabin in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 2 is an elevation view of the load haul dumper of Fig. 1 with the adjustable height cabin in an elevated configuration.
  • Fig. 3 is an elevation view of the load haul dumper of Fig. 1 with the adjustable height cabin in a lowered configuration.
  • Fig. 4 is an enlarged exploded view of the cabin and the various components used to slidably mount it to the load haul dumper of Fig. 1.
  • FIGS 1 to 3 depict a load haul dumper (or LHD) 1 for use in underground coal mining.
  • LHD 1 comprises a chassis 2 upon which is mounted an operator's cabin 3.
  • the cabin 3 is height adjustable relative to chassis 2.
  • An operator 4 is shown within cabin 3.
  • FIG. 4 depicts cabin 3 and the various components used to slidably mount it to chassis 2 in an exploded view.
  • Cabin 3 comprises a floor 5, sidewalls 6, a canopy 7, operator controls 8 and a seat 9.
  • One of the sidewalls 6a is parallel to a slideway 10 that is mounted on chassis 2.
  • a plurality of spacers 11 are disposed between slideway 10 and sidewall 6a of cabin 3.
  • a plurality of lateral wear pads 12 and longitudinal wear pads 17 are fixed to the cabin 3 and are used to slidably engage with the slideway 10.
  • prop members 13 At each of the four corners of cabin 3 are prop members 13 that extend upwardly from floor 5 and support canopy 7.
  • the cabin's height is adjusted by actuation of hydraulic lifting cylinders 15 that are pivotally connected to the two prop members 13 closest to the slideway 10.
  • backing plates 16 and internal cabin adjustment plates 18 are used to adjustably align the cabin 3 with slideway 10.
  • a slideway packing plate 19 and chassis strengthening component 20 is fitted to chassis 2 adjacent slideway 10.
  • cabin 3 is height adjustable relative to chassis 2 by the operator causing lifting cylinders 15 to actuate. This height adjustment may be variable to allow the operator to adjust the height of the canopy 7 relative to the chassis 2 as is required by the conditions at hand.
  • An advantage of the cabin 3 being modular and wholly moving relative to the chassis 2 is that the operator 4 may remain restrained within his seat 9 and ergonomically operate the controls at all times whilst being able to improve his visibility as need be.
  • the hydraulic lift cylinders 15 would preferably be powered by the hydraulic system typically provided on LHD I 5 and would be controlled by the operator 4 in cabin 3.
  • the abovementioned embodiment may be for an LHD 1 constructed with cabin 3 forming part of its design.
  • the height adjustable cabin 3 may be retrofitted to an existing LHD.
  • an existing LHD would need to have its cabin removed, and the adjustable cabin 3 and various components required to slidably mount it to chassis 2 such as slideway 10 etc, would need to be fitted thereto.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
  • Geology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Body Structure For Vehicles (AREA)

Abstract

An underground mine vehicle comprising a chassis with a modular operator cabin (3) mounted thereon. The cabin (3) comprises a floor (5), sidewalls (6), a seat (9) and operator controls (8), wherein the cabin (3) is slidably mounted to a slide way (10) on the chassis to allow for height adjustability of the cabin (3) relative to the chassis. In another embodimen a plurality of hydraulic cylinders (15) are used to raise and lower the cabin (3).

Description

UNDERGROUND MINE VEHICLE WITH HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE CABIN
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a height adjustable cabin for an underground mine vehicle and in particular to a height adjustable cabin for an underground load haul dumper used in coal mines.
BACKGROUND
Conventional load haul dumpers (LHDs) for use in underground coal mines typically operate in restricted space envelopes having low and variable height ceilings. A typical LHD configuration locates the operator (or driver) sitting at right angles to the machine centreline, with the operator's eye level located just above the chassis top level. Typically the machine is driven bi-directionally. A disadvantage with such a conventional LHD is poor operator visibility while in the seated position. This poor operator visibility is particularly apparent when the operator is operating attachments at a level lower than the top of the chassis or while navigating around objects located lower than the top of the chassis. In other words, under such conditions the operator encounters a blind spot.
This problem is further compounded by variable height mine ceilings, hi order for the machine to pass under the lowest roof line in the mine the machine overall height must be less than this minimum height. This minimum roof height may only apply in small sections of the mine passage.
In order to overcome this problem the operator sometimes temporarily stands for a better view while driving the LHD. Although having the operator standing up was never intentionally part of the standard operational procedure for LHD 's, this practice was started and is common in the field of operation in Australia. Recent reforms in Australia to rollover protection and operator safety requirements, as a result of a debilitating injury sustained to an operator involved in a machine roll-over," require that the operator must be restrained to a seated position while operating the LHD. This now means that the operator's view is severely restricted. Attempts have been made to adjust both the height of the seated operator and roll-over protective structure (ROPs) simultaneously. One solution included moving the operator seat and canopy simultaneously, while all operator controls remain stationary. "Whilst this design is relatively simple, problems arise for operator and canopy movements over 100mm from the nominal seated position. This is because the relative position of operator to steering and pedal controls becomes unusable.
The present invention seeks to overcome at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art underground mine vehicles by providing an underground mine vehicle with an adjustable height cabin.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with a first aspect the present invention consists of an underground mine vehicle comprising a chassis with a modular operator cabin mounted thereon, said cabin comprising a floor, sidewalls, a seat and operator controls, wherein said cabin is slidably mounted to said chassis to allow for height adjustability of said cabin relative to said chassis.
Preferably, said cabin is mounted to a slideway on said chassis.
Preferably, a plurality of wear pads are removably fixed to said cabin for engagement with said slideway.
Preferably, a plurality of spacers are disposed between said cabin and said slideway. Preferably, a plurality of hydraulic lift cylinders are used to raise and lower said cabin relative to said chassis.
Preferably, said cabin has a canopy.
In accordance with a second aspect the present invention consists of a modular operator cabin for an underground mine vehicle, said cabin comprising a floor, sidewalls, a seat and operator controls, wherein said cabin is adapted to be slidably mounted to the chassis of said underground mine vehicle to allow for height adjustability of said cabin relative to said chassis.
Preferably, said cabin is mounted to a slideway on said chassis.
Preferably, a plurality of wear pads are removably fixed to said cabin for engagement with said slideway.
Preferably, a plurality of spacers are disposed between said cabin and said slideway.
Preferably, a plurality of hydraulic lift cylinders are used to raise and lower said cabin relative to said chassis.
Preferably, said cabin further comprises a canopy.
Preferably, said cabin is retrofitted to said underground mine vehicle.
In accordance with a third aspect the present invention consists of an underground mine vehicle comprising a chassis with a modular operator cabin mounted thereon, said cabin comprising a floor, sidewalls, a seat and operator controls, wherein said cabin is slidably mounted to said chassis to allow for height adjustability of said cabin relative to said chassis, and a plurality of hydraulic lift cylinders are used to raise and lower said cabin relative to said chassis.
Preferably, said cabin is mounted to a slideway on said chassis.
Preferably, a plurality of wear pads are removably fixed to said cabin for engagement with said slideway.
Preferably, a plurality of spacers are disposed between the said cabin and said slideway
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a plan view of a load haul dumper with an adjustable height cabin in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 2 is an elevation view of the load haul dumper of Fig. 1 with the adjustable height cabin in an elevated configuration.
Fig. 3 is an elevation view of the load haul dumper of Fig. 1 with the adjustable height cabin in a lowered configuration.
Fig. 4 is an enlarged exploded view of the cabin and the various components used to slidably mount it to the load haul dumper of Fig. 1.
BEST MODE OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Figures 1 to 3 depict a load haul dumper (or LHD) 1 for use in underground coal mining. LHD 1 comprises a chassis 2 upon which is mounted an operator's cabin 3. The cabin 3 is height adjustable relative to chassis 2. An operator 4 is shown within cabin 3.
Figure 4 depicts cabin 3 and the various components used to slidably mount it to chassis 2 in an exploded view. Cabin 3 comprises a floor 5, sidewalls 6, a canopy 7, operator controls 8 and a seat 9. One of the sidewalls 6a is parallel to a slideway 10 that is mounted on chassis 2. A plurality of spacers 11 are disposed between slideway 10 and sidewall 6a of cabin 3. A plurality of lateral wear pads 12 and longitudinal wear pads 17 are fixed to the cabin 3 and are used to slidably engage with the slideway 10. At each of the four corners of cabin 3 are prop members 13 that extend upwardly from floor 5 and support canopy 7. The cabin's height is adjusted by actuation of hydraulic lifting cylinders 15 that are pivotally connected to the two prop members 13 closest to the slideway 10. In order to assist in the correct alignment of the cabin and slideway 10, backing plates 16 and internal cabin adjustment plates 18 are used to adjustably align the cabin 3 with slideway 10.
Preferably a slideway packing plate 19 and chassis strengthening component 20 is fitted to chassis 2 adjacent slideway 10.
In use cabin 3 is height adjustable relative to chassis 2 by the operator causing lifting cylinders 15 to actuate. This height adjustment may be variable to allow the operator to adjust the height of the canopy 7 relative to the chassis 2 as is required by the conditions at hand. An advantage of the cabin 3 being modular and wholly moving relative to the chassis 2 is that the operator 4 may remain restrained within his seat 9 and ergonomically operate the controls at all times whilst being able to improve his visibility as need be.
The hydraulic lift cylinders 15 would preferably be powered by the hydraulic system typically provided on LHD I5 and would be controlled by the operator 4 in cabin 3.
The abovementioned embodiment may be for an LHD 1 constructed with cabin 3 forming part of its design. Alternatively the height adjustable cabin 3 may be retrofitted to an existing LHD. Obviously for retrofitting purposes an existing LHD would need to have its cabin removed, and the adjustable cabin 3 and various components required to slidably mount it to chassis 2 such as slideway 10 etc, would need to be fitted thereto.
It should be understood that whilst the abovementioned embodiment is described with reference to a LHD, the present invention may be used on any underground mine vehicle with an operator's cabin.
The term "comprising" as used herein is used in the inclusive sense of "having" or "including", and not in the exclusive sense of "consisting only of.

Claims

1. An underground mine vehicle comprising a chassis with a modular operator cabin mounted thereon, said cabin comprising a floor, sidewalls, a seat and operator controls, wherein said cabin is slidably mounted to said chassis to allow for height adjustability of said cabin relative to said chassis.
2. An underground mine vehicle as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said cabin is mounted to a slideway on said chassis.
3. An underground mine vehicle as claimed in claim 2, wherein a plurality of wear pads are removably fixed to said cabin for engagement with said slideway.
4. An underground mine vehicle as claimed in claims 2 or 3, wherein a plurality of spacers are disposed between said cabin and said slideway.
5. An underground mine vehicle as claimed in claims 2 or 3, wherein a plurality of hydraulic lift cylinders are used to raise and lower said cabin relative to said chassis.
6. An underground mine vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said cabin has a canopy.
7. A modular operator cabin for an underground mine vehicle, said cabin comprising a floor, sidewalls, a seat and operator controls, wherein said cabin is adapted to be slidably mounted to the chassis of said underground mine vehicle to allow for height adjustability of said cabin relative to said chassis.
8. A modular operator cabin as claimed in claim 7, wherein said cabin is mounted to a slideway on said chassis.
9. A modular operator cabin as claimed in claim 8, wherein a plurality of wear pads are removably fixed to said cabin for engagement with said slideway.
10. A modular operator cabin as claimed in claims 8 or 9, wherein a plurality of spacers are disposed between said cabin and said slideway.
11. A modular operator cabin as claimed in claims 8 or 9, wherein a plurality of hydraulic lift cylinders are used to raise and lower said cabin relative to said chassis.
12. A modular operator cabin as claimed in claim 7, wherein said cabin further comprises a canopy.
13. A modular operator cabin as claimed in claim 7, wherein said cabin is retrofitted to said underground mine vehicle.
14. An underground mine vehicle comprising a chassis with a modular operator cabin mounted thereon, said cabin comprising a floor, sidewalls, a seat and operator controls, wherein said cabin is slidably mounted to said chassis to allow for height adjustability of said cabin relative to said chassis, and a plurality of hydraulic lift cylinders are used to raise and lower said cabin relative to said chassis.
15. An underground mine vehicle as claimed in claim 14, wherein said cabin is mounted to a slideway on said chassis.
16. An underground mine vehicle as claimed in claim 15, wherein a plurality of wear pads are removably fixed to said cabin for engagement with said slideway.
17. An underground mine vehicle as claimed in claim 16, wherein a plurality of spacers are disposed between the said cabin and said slideway.
PCT/AU2006/000084 2005-01-24 2006-01-24 Underground mine vehicle with height adjustable cabin WO2006076776A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2005900282A AU2005900282A0 (en) 2005-01-24 Underground Mine Vehicle With Height Adjustable Cabin
AU2005900282 2005-01-24

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2006076776A1 true WO2006076776A1 (en) 2006-07-27

Family

ID=36691928

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/AU2006/000084 WO2006076776A1 (en) 2005-01-24 2006-01-24 Underground mine vehicle with height adjustable cabin

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2006076776A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9969283B2 (en) 2013-09-10 2018-05-15 General Electric Company Battery changing system and method

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4146106A (en) * 1977-07-29 1979-03-27 Ray Childress Operator's station and protective canopy for mine vehicle
US4250975A (en) * 1979-04-16 1981-02-17 Schroeder Brothers Corporation Cab mounting for mining machine
US4556117A (en) * 1982-11-01 1985-12-03 Joy Manufacturing Company Free floating operator compartment

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4146106A (en) * 1977-07-29 1979-03-27 Ray Childress Operator's station and protective canopy for mine vehicle
US4250975A (en) * 1979-04-16 1981-02-17 Schroeder Brothers Corporation Cab mounting for mining machine
US4556117A (en) * 1982-11-01 1985-12-03 Joy Manufacturing Company Free floating operator compartment

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9969283B2 (en) 2013-09-10 2018-05-15 General Electric Company Battery changing system and method

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US4988258A (en) Car catcher
US7594562B2 (en) Construction machine with articulated running gear
CA2121320C (en) Car catcher for a roll-off hoist
EP1829815A2 (en) A forklift truck
CN101023223A (en) Work machine with boom stop
US5848870A (en) Single person catering vehicle
EP2406169B1 (en) An impact-protection canopy
AU2008316060B2 (en) Track building vehicle having a roofed loading space
CN1981094A (en) Relocatable position operator seat station for loader
US11383647B2 (en) Earth working machine having a climbing device that is variable in length and has a plurality of different climb-ready operating positions
JP6026862B2 (en) Cranes for rail vehicles
JP6146107B2 (en) Riding mower
KR101035476B1 (en) Vehicle with loading boxes or loading surfaces
DE102011016841A1 (en) High rack truck, in particular picking truck, with a driver's seat and side armrests
WO2006076776A1 (en) Underground mine vehicle with height adjustable cabin
RU2520630C1 (en) Working vehicle with height-adjustable cabin
US3937517A (en) Protective canopy
CN111511991A (en) Self-propelled ground milling machine
JP6249038B2 (en) Riding mower
EP1375224A2 (en) Gas spring and air cylinder for lifting a variable height roller assembly
US4146106A (en) Operator's station and protective canopy for mine vehicle
US7927061B2 (en) Mounting system for mounting a forklift on a vehicle
JP6361759B2 (en) How to remove and mount the collector of a riding lawn mower
JP5937405B2 (en) Cranes for rail vehicles
KR200431799Y1 (en) High place works vehicles

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 06701251

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

WWW Wipo information: withdrawn in national office

Ref document number: 6701251

Country of ref document: EP