AU2013201251A1 - An Apparatus for Coupling High Power Electrical Connectors in Underground Mines - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract An apparatus for coupling high power cables (i.e. "a coupler") for use in the interconnection of first and second connector assemblies of respective first and second electrical cables, the coupler including: a cable coupling assembly arranged to mate the first and second connector assemblies and fast with a platform for a human operator to oversee operation of the cable coupling assembly, the cable coupling assembly being hingedly mounted to the platform for pivoting to a retracted position for transportation; and a vehicle attachment for connection to a vehicle to thereby transport said coupler the vehicle attachment being connected by a pivot to a support member for the platform and the coupler assembly; wherein the cable coupling assembly is arranged to swivel relative to the vehicle attachment. U') C)? CCo Co Ce)

Description

AUSTRALIA PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION AN APPARATUS FOR COUPLING HIGH POWER ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS IN UNDERGROUND MINES The following statement is a description of the invention: 1 AN APPARATUS FOR COUPLING HIGH POWER ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS IN UNDERGROUND MINES TECHNICAL FIELD [001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for assisting in the connecting together of electrical connectors for very heavy duty cables in situations where space is constrained, such as an underground mine. BACKGROUND [002] The discussion of any prior art documents, techniques, methods or apparatus is not to be taken to constitute any admission or evidence that such prior art forms, or ever formed, part of the common general knowledge. [003] Very heavy duty electrical cables are found in a number of contexts including mining. These cables are capable of meeting the very high power requirements of large electrical machines. For example, cables capable of carrying 800 Amp currents at 22,000V may be used in such environments. [004] The cables are typically terminated with specially made electrical connectors. In order to join one length of cable to another the corresponding end connectors must be appropriately manipulated so that they can be interconnected. [005] However, cables of this type are very heavy and have little flexibility. For example, heavy duty power cables used in underground or open cut mines are frequently made with lead insulation and steel wire armor over copper conductors. In order to 2 manipulate the cables so that they can be interconnected a number of workers are typically required to lift and align the cables and connectors. [006] It will be realized that this presents a laborious and time intensive job which has the potential to injure to workers. [007] Furthermore, the workers have been known to inadvertently rupture the electrical connection inside a connector so that once the connectors are interconnected, correct functionality of the joined cables is lost. [008] The applicant has found that there is a need for a coupling apparatus that is capable of deployment in environments where space is restricted, for example an underground mine or a tunnel. [009] It is an object of the present invention to provide a coupling apparatus that addresses the problem of coupling high power cables in an environment where space is restricted, such as an underground mine or a tunnel. [0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0011] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a high power cable coupler for use in the interconnection of first and second connector assemblies of respective first and second electrical cables, the coupler including: a. a cable coupling assembly arranged to mate the first and second connector assemblies; b. a platform for a human operator to oversee operation of the cable coupling assembly; and c. a vehicle attachment for connection to a vehicle to thereby transport said coupler; 3 d. wherein the cable coupling assembly is arranged to swivel relative to the vehicle attachment. [0012] Preferably the platform and the coupling assembly are mounted fast with each other. [0013] In a preferred embodiment of the invention a border of the platform is formed as an arc to accommodate rotation of the platform relative to the coupling assembly. [0014] Preferably the cable coupling assembly is hingedly mounted to the platform for pivoting to a retracted position for transportation. [0015] In a preferred embodiment the cable coupling assembly includes arms for retrieving and deploying the cables which are arranged to be withdrawn to a retracted position for transportation. [0016] In a preferred embodiment of the invention the vehicle attachment is connected by a pivot to a support member for the platform and the coupler assembly. [0017] Preferably platform pivot actuators are provided for powered pivoting of the support member relative to the attachment formation. [0018] In a preferred embodiment of the invention the platform supports a number of controls for an operator to control various actuators of the coupler and the platform pivot actuators. [0019] According to a further embodiment of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for coupling high power cables (i.e. "a coupler") for use in the interconnection of first and second connector assemblies of respective first and second electrical cables, the coupler including: 4 a. a cable coupling assembly arranged to mate the first and second connector assemblies and fast with a platform for a human operator to oversee operation of the cable coupling assembly, the cable coupling assembly being hingedly mounted to the platform for pivoting to a retracted position for transportation; and b. a vehicle attachment for connection to a vehicle to thereby transport said coupler the vehicle attachment being connected by a pivot to a support member for the platform and the coupler assembly; c. wherein the cable coupling assembly is arranged to swivel relative to the vehicle attachment. [0020] According to a further embodiment of the present invention there is provided a method for connecting high power electrical cable connectors in an underground mine comprising the steps of: a. transporting a platform for a human operator to a location of said connectors by means of a mine vehicle; and b. operating a power actuated cable connecting assembly with controls accessible from the platform to engage and couple said electrical cable connectors. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0021] The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings. In the following drawings figures 1 to 8 and 13 to 15 illustrate first and second embodiments of the invention respectively whereas Figures 16 to 27 depict a preferred embodiment of the invention. [0022] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a coupling apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

5 [0023] Figure 2 is a side plan view of the coupling apparatus of Figure 1. [0024] Figure 3 is a top plan view of the coupling apparatus of Figure 1. [0025] Figure 4 is an end view of the coupling apparatus of Figure 1. [0026] Figure 5 is an end view of the coupling apparatus of Figure 1 in a tilted configuration with retracted arms. [0027] Figure 6 is an end view of the coupling apparatus of Figure 1 in a tilted configuration with extended arms. [0028] Figure 7 is a non-planar view of the coupling apparatus of Figure 1 in use during the raising of a connector assembly. [0029] Figure 8 is an end view of the coupling apparatus of Figure 1 in a non-tilted configuration with open yokes. [0030] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a sleeve or adaptor used in the implementation of an embodiment of the present invention. [0031] Figure 10 is a side view of the adaptor of Figure 9. [0032] Figure 11 is a front plan view of the adaptor of Figure 9. [0033] Figure 12 is a cross-section through the adaptor of Figure 9. [0034] Figure 13 is an isometric view of a coupling apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention and intended primarily for use in underground mines.

6 [0035] Figure 14 is a top plan view of a slight variation of the coupling apparatus of Figure 13 wherein a gate has been replaced with a vehicle mounting bracket. [0036] Figure 15 is a side view of the coupling apparatus of Figure 13. [0037] Figures 16 to 27 comprise various views of a coupling area for use in a constrained space, such as an underground mine or tunnel, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0038] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0039] Referring now to Figures 1 to 5, there are shown isometric, rear, top and end views of a coupling apparatus 64. [0040] Coupler 64 is intended to be mounted to a vehicle by means of brackets 60 and 62 so that it may be moved to a location on site where it is required. The various hydraulic rams and motors are hydraulically powered by the vehicle to which it is mounted. [0041] A motor 55 is provided to power the rotation pinion 2. Similarly, a translation assembly in the form of hydraulic actuators 25 and 26 are provided to bring the first retaining assembly 12 and the second retaining assembly 11 toward and away from each other by sliding them along a member of frame 39.

7 [0042] Furthermore, with reference to Figure 2, yoke actuators 21 are provided to open and close the yokes so that no hands-on operator intervention is required. [0043] Hydraulic rams 23 and 24 are also provided as part of riser assemblies at opposite ends of the coupler which also includes telescopic arms 66 and 68. The hydraulic rams 23 and 24 are arranged to extend telescopic arms 66 and 68 which terminate at their upper ends in lateral beams 70 and 72 on which pulleys 74 and 76 are mounted respectively. Lines 78 and 80 are threaded through pulleys 74 and 76 and frame-mounted pulleys 82 and 84. At one end the lines 78 and 80 are fixed to a frame of the coupler whereas at their opposite free ends they terminate in lifting hooks 86 and 88. Consequently, extending the telescopic arms causes the hooks to rise and retracting the arms causes the hooks to lower. In an alternative embodiment the lines may be wound on a powered winch fast with frame 39. [0044] With reference to Figure 4, frame 39 of the coupler is connected to tilt assembly 53 by a shaft 41 in order that it can be tilted about the shaft to assist in raising connector assemblies to be coupled as will be described shortly. A power actuator in the form of a hydraulic ram 29 is provided to power the tilting operation. [0045] With reference to Figures 5 to 8, in use the tilt actuator 29 is operated to tilt the coupler toward the ground as shown in Figure 5. In this position the cable guides 69 and 67 are lowered. The cable guides are useful in guiding the cables onto the cable support sheaves 9 and 10. Telescopic arms 66 and 68 are extended by operation of rams 23 and 24 as shown in Figure 6 so that they reach past the yokes 1A, 1B. The yokes 1A, 1B are also opened by operation of rams 21 (which are visible in Figure 2).

8 [0046] As shown in Figure 7, the lifting hooks 86, 88 at the end of lines 78, 80 are then attached to the end of the first connector assembly 90 which has already had an adaptor sleeve 31 fitted about it. [0047] The connector adaptor in the form of a split sleeve 31, as shown in Figures 9 to 12 can then be inserted into the open yoke as will be discussed. The sleeve is formed of two interlocking and detachable parts that cooperate to define a space shaped to snugly retain the connector. Since the sleeve is preferably made of a synthetic material, e.g. polypropylene or polyurethane or nylon, it prevents metal-to-metal contact between the connector and the inner ring of the yoke 1. It will be realized that a number of sleeves 31 may be made, all having the same outer configuration, but with different inner configurations to accommodate the profiles of different types of connectors. Consequently, the sleeve 31 comprises an adaptor between different shaped electrical connectors and the coupling apparatus. [0048] The lines 78 and 80 are then withdrawn, by extending arms 66 and 68 to raise the connector assembly 90 as shown in Figure 7. By varying the length of lines 78 and 80 the connector 90 and adapter sleeve 31 can be positioned over the open yoke 1A. The lines 78 and 80 are then loosened to lower the connector and adapter sleeve 31 into the open yoke 1A in the position as depicted in Figure 8. [0049] A similar operation is then carried out to lift and maneuver the other connector assembly including its fitted adapter sleeve 31 into yoke 1 B. The top portions of the yokes are then swung down and locked. This entails using the hydraulic actuators 21 to open and close the yokes. It is preferred that the hydraulic circuit that controls 9 the yokes requires an operator to use both hands, e.g. one to power the circuit and one to initiate an open or close command, in order to reduce the risk of an operator's hand being caught during yoke closure. [0050] Once the first and second connectors are captured in their respective yokes, motor 55 is operated so that pinion 2 rotates and thereby rotates the sleeve, with which it meshes and so the connector that are installed within retaining assembly 11. Rotation continues until the connectors are correctly aligned, i.e. the socket portions of the connectors are lined up collinear with dowel portions of the opposing connector. The connectors are then brought together by operating rams 25 and 26 (Figure 3) to slide retaining assemblies 12 and 11 along the rails of frame 39. [0051] Once the connectors have been rotationally aligned and drawn together by operating the rams 25 and 26 until they are interconnected, they are then bolted together in place. The yokes 1A, 1B are then opened and the interconnected cable can be lifted from the yokes and placed in a support cradle. [0052] This last operation includes the use of operating rams 23 and 24 to thereby lift the telescopic arms 66 and 68 and lines 80 and 86 to lower the coupled connectors. After the coupled connectors have been removed from the coupling apparatus the adaptor sleeves are then split to remove them so that they can be used for the next coupling. [0053] Referring now to Figures 13 to 15, there is depicted a coupling apparatus 90 according to a third embodiment of the invention which is intended for use in underground mines where the mine roof may be sloping. The electrical cables are typically strung along the mine roof and so this embodiment of the coupler is 10 designed to accommodate for that slope. The coupling apparatus 90 comprises a platform portion 17 which is pivotally connected to coupling assembly 92 that is very similar to the coupling apparatus 64 of Figure 1. However, whereas the coupling apparatus 64 included a pair of brackets for attachment to a vehicle, the coupling assembly 92 is coupled to the platform 17 by a pivot 22. As will be explained [0054] Vehicle attachment brackets 94 are fastened about the platform so that the platform can be readily secured to a mining vehicle. [0055] With reference to Figure 13, the platform 17 is pivotally coupled to tilt assembly 53 by pivot 22. An actuator is provided so that the tilt assembly 53 can be rolled about the pivot 22 as desired. In the embodiment shown in Figure 15 an actuator in the form of a hydraulic ram 96 is used. Alternatively a stepper or indexing motor might also be used for the actuator in some embodiments. [0056] Referring to Figure 15, frame 39 of the coupler is connected to tilt assembly 53 by a shaft 41 in order that it can be tilted about the shaft in the manner previously described with reference to Figures 5 to 8. [0057] A power actuator in the form of a hydraulic ram 29 is provided to power the tilting operation. [0058] In use, platform 17 will typically be mounted to a vehicle. Once the vehicle is at the required location the tilt assembly 53 and so the coupler frame and coupler assembly are rolled about pivot 22 so that the frame is brought to the horizontal or a desired slope. This operation compensates for any steep sloping of the ground on which the vehicle rests.

11 [0059] The tilt actuator 29 is then operated to tilt the coupler toward the ground and the connectors are loaded into the yokes as previously described with reference to Figures 5 to 8. [0060] A problem associated with the previously described coupler is that it is somewhat difficult to maneuver in a confined space such as a tunnel or underground mine. [0061] A coupler according to a preferred embodiment of the invention that addresses this problem will now be described with reference to Figures 16 to 27. [0062] Figure 16 shows the coupler directly parallel to the QDS attachment (loader pickup hitch) it has both access doors in the closed position with the coupling assembly's cable retrieval / deployment arms in an engaged position ready to work. [0063] Figures 17 and 18 show the deployment arms raised to allow for a cable to be deployed. In use, the degree to which the arms are raised is determined by the operator to better negotiate the terrain the cable is being hung in, e.g. to take into account the height of the roof in the current location. The actual cable when brought up into the coupler assembly rests on the sheaves that are positioned at the top of the rounded guide bars. From that position the cable and the cable plug assembly can be raised by use of the deployment rollers to elevate the cable and or the plug assembly to the roof. The positions of the cable and/or the plug assembly can be angled by adjusting each end to maintain the correct angle that the heading or main drive is on. [0064] It will be observed that the platform, or "basket", has been pivoted through 90 degrees from the QDS attachment as shown in Figure 18, relative to Figure 17. The pivoting feature allows full 12 movement through 180 degrees or 90 degrees in both directions from being parallel to the QDS attachment, and allows the operators to work either side of the carry vehicle, which is attached via the QDS attachment, depending on which side the electrical services are in relation to the machine. [0065] Figure 19 shows the coupling assembly hinged over 90 degrees to the QDS attachment into a compacted Travel state. In this state the coupler is easily manoeuvrable when traversing in a mine and negotiating corners. [0066] The compacted configuration also acts as protection to the extremities of the coupling assembly so that an operator of the vehicle has better vision and is able to better percept his turning circle. [0067] Figure 20 is a front view of the machine in un-compacted, ready for use state. [0068] Figure 21 shows a rear view of the machine in the ready for use state. [0069] Figure 22 is an underside bottom view of the man basket and the pivot actuating cylinders and attachment detail to sub-frame. [0070] Figure 23 shows a side view of coupler revealing the central pivot arrangement in relation to the QDS pickup point and how the frame strength is achieved for tool support and pivot mounting, pivot pin location and actuator cylinder attachment location in relation to the pivot area. [0071] Figure 24 shows a top view which allows a view of the hidden sub-frame that provides pivotal slew movement.

13 [0072] Figure 25 is a further top view with the coupling assembly compacted into its travel state. [0073] Figure 26 shows outside envelope dimensions in the travel state. [0074] Figure 27 shows outside envelope dimensions in the ready to use state. [0075] To recap, with reference to Figures 16 to 27, a coupling apparatus 100 (i.e. a coupler) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is provided for use in the interconnection of first and second connector assemblies of respective first and second electrical cables. The coupler including: a. a cable coupling assembly 102 arranged to mate the first and second connector assemblies. A platform or "basket" 104 for a human operator to oversee operation of the cable coupling assembly; and b. a vehicle attachment 106 for connection to a vehicle to thereby transport said coupler. Wherein the cable coupling a 102 assembly is arranged to swivel relative to the vehicle attachment by means, for example, of pivot 108 (Figures 22 and 23). [0076] Preferably the platform and the coupling assembly are mounted fast with each other, e.g. by common member 110 as shown in Figure 23. [0077] In a preferred embodiment of the invention a border 112 of the platform 104 is formed as an arc to accommodate rotation of the platform 104 relative to the coupling assembly 102.

14 [0078] Preferably the cable coupling assembly 102 is hingedly mounted to the platform 104 (e.g. by hinge point 114 shown in Figure 23) for pivoting to a retracted position for transportation as shown in Figure 26. [0079] In a preferred embodiment the cable coupling assembly includes arms 116 for retrieving and deploying the cables which are arranged, e.g. by pivots 118, to be withdrawn to a retracted position for transportation. [0080] In a preferred embodiment of the invention the vehicle attachment is connected by the pivot 108 to a support member, e.g. member 110, for the platform 104 and the coupler assembly. [0081] Preferably platform pivot actuators 102 are provided for powered pivoting of the support member relative to the attachment formation. [0082] In a preferred embodiment of the invention the platform supports a number of controls 122 for an operator to control various actuators of the coupler and the platform pivot actuators. [0083] It will be realised that by providing a coupler wherein the coupling assembly may pivot relative to the vehicle attachment, the operator is better able to manoeuvre the cables in environments which are constrained for space. [0084] Furthermore, since the coupler assembly may be pivoted over the operator platform it may be effective folded in to reduce the outside envelope of the coupler and make it more compact for easier and safer movement within a constrained space such as an underground mine or a tunnel.

15 [0085] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. The term "comprises" and its variations, such as "comprising" and "comprised of" is used throughout in an inclusive sense and not to the exclusion of any additional features. [0086] It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. [0087] The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (9)

1. According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a apparatus for coupling high power cables (i.e. a coupler) for use in the interconnection of first and second connector assemblies of respective first and second electrical cables, the coupler including: a cable coupling assembly arranged to mate the first and second connector assemblies; a platform for a human operator to oversee operation of the cable coupling assembly; and a vehicle attachment for connection to a vehicle to thereby transport said coupler; wherein the cable coupling assembly is arranged to swivel relative to the vehicle attachment.

2. A cable coupler according to claim 1, wherein the the platform and the coupling assembly are mounted fast with each other.

3. A cable coupler according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a border of the platform is formed as an arc to accommodate rotation of the platform relative to the vehicle attachment.

4. A cable coupler according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the cable coupling assembly is hingedly mounted to the platform for pivoting to a retracted position for transportation.

5. A cable coupler according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle attachment is connected by a pivot to a support member for the platform and the coupler assembly.

6. A cable coupler according to claim 5, wherein platform pivot actuators are provided for powered pivoting of the support member relative to the attachment formation. 17

7. A cable coupler according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the platform supports a number of controls for an operator to control various actuators of the coupler.

8. An apparatus for coupling high power cables (i.e. a coupler) for use in the interconnection of first and second connector assemblies of respective first and second electrical cables, the coupler including: a cable coupling assembly arranged to mate the first and second connector assemblies and fast with a platform for a human operator to oversee operation of the cable coupling assembly, the cable coupling assembly being hingedly mounted to the platform for pivoting to a retracted position for transportation; and a vehicle attachment for connection to a vehicle to thereby transport said coupler the vehicle attachment being connected by a pivot to a support member for the platform and the coupler assembly; wherein the cable coupling assembly is arranged to swivel relative to the vehicle attachment.

9. a method for connecting high power electrical cable connectors in an underground mine comprising the steps of: transporting a platform for a human operator to a location of said connectors by means of a mine vehicle; and operating a power actuated cable connecting assembly with controls accessible from the platform to engage and couple said electrical cable connectors.