AU2018201576A1 - Underground mining vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract An underground mining vehicle, comprising: forward and rearward parts that are articulated with respect to each other about a generally central articulation joint; hydraulic or electric actuators mounted on opposite sides of the joint for causing articulation of the forward and rearward parts to steer the vehicle; and at least one hydraulic or electric drive for powering front and/or rear wheels of the vehicle. Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3

Description

UNDERGROUND MINING VEHICLE

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to an underground mining vehicle.

Background

Commercially available road-going vehicles are commonly used in underground mines to transport people and light equipment. Such vehicles can be expensive to purchase and maintain and are typically over engineered to meet the market requirements of roadgoing vehicles. For example, such vehicles are commonly fitted with powerful engines capable of towing large loads, though are largely underutilised in underground mines where low speed limits exist. Sophisticated control and efficiency systems may also be provided, adding to the purchase cost, though can seldom be used in underground mines.

One commercial vehicle commonly used for underground mine use is the Toyota Landcruiser 70 Series Ute, which can cost over $90,000 Australian dollars. Its 4.5litre turbo diesel V8 engine, although very powerful, is largely underutilised in an underground mine.

Previously used vehicles also suffer from a number of other drawbacks that are highlighted in the tight confines of an underground mine, such as poor manoeuvrability, susceptibility to damage and high repair costs, and incompatible seating configuration.

It is desirable to provide a vehicle for underground mine use that is simple, cost effective, and better suited to underground mine conditions. Examples of the invention seek to solve, or at least ameliorate, one or more disadvantages of previous underground mining vehicles.

Summary

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided an underground mining vehicle, comprising: forward and rearward parts that are articulated with respect to each other about a generally central articulation joint; hydraulic or electric actuators mounted on opposite sides of the joint for causing articulation of the forward and rearward parts to steer the vehicle; and at least one hydraulic or electric drive for powering front and/or rear wheels of the vehicle.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, an engine of the vehicle is mounted in the rearward part, adjacent the joint, the engine configured to power a hydraulic pump in communication with the hydraulic actuators and hydraulic drives. The hydraulic drives are preferably connected to the front and rear wheels via a respective differential. Preferably, the engine is mounted below a line of sight of the driver.

Preferably, the articulation joint is disposed generally centrally of the vehicle. The forward part can have a cab mounted thereon, the cab being formed of a plurality of panels secured to a skeletal support structure. Preferably, the panels are polymer and formed of polyethylene.

In a preferred embodiment, the cab has three seats, of which a central seat is forward of two outermost seats. The cab is preferably provided with sliding doors on opposite sides thereof.

The rearward part can forms a load carrying tray, the tray having side panels that are inset from corner sections to reduce contact damage. The side panels may be pivotable about a base.

Brief description of the drawings

Preferred embodiments of the invention will be further described, by way of nonlimiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an underground mining vehicle of one embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a front view of the vehicle;

Figure 3 is a rear view of the vehicle;

Figure 4 is a plan view of Section A-A of Figure 5;

Figure 5 is a side view of the vehicle;

Figure 6 is an underneath view of the vehicle;

Figure 7 is a plan view of the vehicle in a turning configuration;

Figure 8 is a close perspective view of a cab mounted on a forward part of the vehicle;

Figure 9 is an exploded view of the cab;

Figure 10 is a perspective view of a rearward part of the vehicle with a tray removed for clarity;

Figure 11 is a front view of the rearward part of Figure 10;

Figure 12 is a plan view of the rearward part of Figure 10;

Figure 13 is a side view of the rearward part of Figure 10;

Figure 14 is an exploded view of the rearward part of Figure 10;

Figure 15 is a perspective view of a tray for fitment to the rearward part; and

Figure 16 is a perspective view of the tray with sides lowered.

Detailed description

With reference to Figure 1, there is shown a vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 is configured for use in an underground mine.

The vehicle 10 has forward and rearward parts 12, 14 respectively that are articulated with respect to each other about a generally central articulation joint 16, hydraulic actuators 18 mounted on opposite sides of the joint 16 for causing articulation of the forward and rearward parts 12,14 to steer the vehicle 10, and hydraulic drives 20 (refer Figure 6) for powering front and rear wheels of the vehicle.

The central articulation joint 16 allows the forward and rearward parts 12, 14 to pivot with respect to each other about a generally vertical axis to provide a highly manoeuvrable vehicle. As can be seen in Figure 5, the joint 16 includes upper portion 16a and lower portion 16b, each portion including a rigid member 17a extending from the forward part 12 and a pair of rigid members 17b extending from the rearward part 14 (as better illustrated in Figure 10), and having an aperture through which a central pin can be received to couple the rigid members 17a, 17b and allow articulation of the forward and rearward parts 12,14. Using the illustrated joint 16 with upper and lower portions 16a, 16b that are offset from each other provides for greater strength and constraint of movement between the forward and rearward parts 12, 14 to allow only pivoting movement about the generally vertical axis. However, although the vehicle 10 is illustrated as having a joint 16 with upper and lower portions 16a, 16b, it will be appreciated that the joint may be otherwise configured, such as for example with only a single rigid member extending from the forward and rearward parts 12, 14, or using a knuckle arrangement.

By articulating the forward and rearward parts 12, 14 with respect to each other about a generally central articulation joint 16, excellent manoeuvrability of the vehicle can be achieved. Figure 7 illustrates the turning circle A of the vehicle 10 compared to the turning circle B of a commonly used commercial vehicle. To optimise manoeuvrability of the vehicle 10, the articulation joint 16 is disposed generally centrally of the vehicle 10.

Vehicle 10 includes hydraulic actuators 18 in the form of hydraulic rams mounted on opposite sides of the joint 16 for causing articulation of the forward and rearward parts 12, 14 to steer the vehicle 10. As illustrated in Figure 6, the hydraulic actuators 18 extend from underneath the forward part 12, being secured to a transversely extending chassis member, to a front section of the rearward part 14. They are laterally offset from the joint 16 to improve leverage and steering control. It will be appreciated that moving the hydraulic actuators 18 closer to or further from the joint 16 will vary the steering characteristics of the vehicle 10, as will varying the operating parameters of or the type of hydraulic rams used.

As illustrated in Figure 6, the vehicle 10 also includes hydraulic drives 20 for powering front and rear wheels of the vehicle 10. Although only the front or rear wheels may be driven in other embodiments, preferably both the front and rear wheels are driven to provide sufficient traction for use in underground mine environments. The hydraulic drives 20 are connected to the front and rear wheels via a respective differential to enable the wheels connected to each differential to turn at different speeds to facilitate turning, particularly the tight radius turning provided by articulation. Selectively operable differential locks may also be provided for applications requiring greater traction and selective drive to all four wheels. Although hydraulic drives may be limited in the speeds that can be achieved, they can provide sufficient speed for an underground mine vehicle and a drive system at a much lower cost than those used in present underground mine vehicles.

The vehicle 10 has an engine 22 mounted in an enclosure 24 of the rearward part 14. The engine 22 is mounted adjacent the joint so as to maximise room available in tray 26. It will be appreciated that the location of the engine in the rearward part 14 may be varied, for example by mounting it closer to the rear axle, to achieve a desired weight distribution over the vehicle 10.

The engine 22 is configured to power a hydraulic pump in communication with the hydraulic actuators 18 and hydraulic drives 20 so that steering and powering of the vehicle 10 can be achieved. Preferably, the engine 22 is mounted below a line of sight of an operator so as to allow rearward vision from the forward part.

It will be appreciated that an electric drive system may be used instead of a hydraulic one. In this regard, engine 22 may drive an electric generator, which could include a dynamo or alternator. In addition, electric actuators may be used instead of hydraulic actuators 18 and electric motors used instead of hydraulic drives 20.

The forward part 12 has a cab 28 mounted on a chassis of the forward part 12, The cab 28 is formed of a plurality of panels 30 secured to a skeletal support structure 32 that is mountable onto a chassis of the forward part 12. Underneath the chassis of the forward part 12, a drive unit 34 is fitted, including wheels, a differential and suspension components. Although the vehicle 10 is illustrated as having a simple trailing/leading arm suspension system, it will be appreciated that other forms may also be used.

Panels 30 include a roof panel 30a, which includes a viewing window 31. Bars 36a, 36b may be fitted to the roof panel 30a to enable fitment of additional lights. Panels 30 also include door panels 30b, front quarter panels 30c, rear quarter panels 30d, a windscreen mounting panel 30e in which windscreen 38 is mounted, a front nose 30f and a rear panel 30g in which rear windscreen 40 is mounted.

By providing individual panels 30 that are secured to the structure 32, each individual panel can be easily removed and replaced as required. This is particularly advantageous as underground mining vehicles can be prone to damage due to the tight confines of an underground mine and previously used vehicles can be expensive to repair. With vehicle 10, in the event of panel damage, panels can be easily removed and replaced as required, minimising repair costs and time that the vehicle is off the road.

Panels 30 are preferably polymer panels, though could also be formed of steel. In a preferred form, the polymer panels are formed of polyethylene, though it will be appreciated that other polymers with similar performance characteristics could also be used. The panels 30 may be formed of a single sheet of polyethylene, or may be of a composite construction, which may include a number of layers that could also include materials other than polyethylene. Advantageously, with polyethylene panels, no external insulation or noise insulation may be required.

The vehicle 10 also includes a floor panel 42 on which seats 44 are fitted. The cab 28 is provided with three seats 44. A central seat, which accommodates the driver, is forward of the two outermost seats, so as to increase the room available to passengers and allow them to wear safety equipment, such as emergency self rescuers. Previous vehicles used in underground mines have been fitted with a three person bench seat, though such a configuration typically only allows two large passengers Or when transporting 3 5 passengers mining belts have to be removed and placed on laps due to limited room.

To further customise the vehicle 10 for underground mine use, doors 30b are sliding doors on opposite sides of the cab 28, which allow for entry and exit in confined situations and to all passengers from both sides of the cab 28.

As previously discussed, the rearward part 14 includes an enclosure 24. As illustrated in Figures 10 to 13, the enclosure 24 has a vent 46 and access panels 48 that can be opened or removed for access and servicing of the engine 22. The enclosure 24 is mounted directed onto a chassis of the rearward part 14 and may be removable to allow greater access and or removal. A rearward half of the upper and lower portions 16aa, 16ba of joint 16 can also be seen in more detail, as can mounting points 50, to which the hydraulic actuators 18 for steering are fitted.

With reference to Figure 14, the enclosure 24 is also formed of a plurality of polymer panels 52 secured to a skeletal support structure 54, Underneath a chassis of the rearward part 14, a drive unit 56 is fitted, including wheels, a differential and suspension components. Again, although the vehicle 10 is illustrated as having a simple trailing/leading arm suspension system, it will be appreciated that other forms may also be used.

Polymer panels 52 includes an upper panel 52a, side panels 52b in which vents 46 are fitted, a front panel 52c in which access panels 48 are fitted, and a rearward panel 52d. A lower panel (not shown) may also be fitted and configured to sit below the engine 22 for sealing and creating an engine bay, though it will be appreciated that it may also be desirable to leave a lower portion of the engine bay open to allow increased ventilation.

Polymer panels 52 are preferably formed of polyethylene, though it will be appreciated that other polymers with similar performance characteristics could also be used. Again, the panels 52 may be formed of a single sheet of polyethylene, or may be of a composite construction, which may include a number of layers that could also include materials other than polyethylene. Advantageously, in the event of panel damage, panels can be easily removed and replaced as required, minimising repair costs and time off the road.

As illustrated in Figure 1, the rearward part 14 includes a load carrying tray 26. Figures 15 and 16 illustrate tray 26 in more detail. Tray 26 has side panels 54 that are inset from corner sections 56 to reduce contact damage, which can occur frequently when vehicle 10 runs up against an obstacle. With previous vehicles, damage to side tray panels can result in the panels no longer being operable, so that the tray is no longer able to be used to transport loads.

Preferably, side panels 54 are also formed of polyethylene so that in the event of panel damage, side panels 54 can be easily removed and replaced as required, minimising repair costs and time off the road. Again, it will be appreciated that other polymers with similar performance characteristics could also be used. Corner sections 56 are preferably formed of a material which is stronger than the side panels 54, such as steel or aluminium for example.

To facilitate loading of the tray 26, the side panels 54 are pivotable about a base, as illustrated in Figure 16.

The embodiments have been described by way of example only and modifications are possible within the scope of the invention disclosed.

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

Claims (11)

1. CLAIMS:

   1. An underground mining vehicle, comprising: forward and rearward parts that are articulated with respect to each other about a generally central articulation joint; hydraulic or electric actuators mounted on opposite sides of the joint for causing articulation of the forward and rearward parts to steer the vehicle; and at least one hydraulic or electric drive for powering front and/or rear wheels of the vehicle.
2. 2. A vehicle according to claim 1, wherein an engine of the vehicle is mounted in the rearward part, adjacent the joint, the engine configured to power a hydraulic pump in communication with the hydraulic actuators and hydraulic drives.
3. 3. A vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the hydraulic drives are connected to the front and rear wheels via a respective differential.
4. 4. A vehicle according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the engine is mounted below a line of sight of the driver.
5. 5. A vehicle according to any preceding claim, wherein the articulation joint is disposed generally centrally of the vehicle.
6. 6. A vehicle according to any preceding claim, wherein the forward part has a cab mounted thereon, the cab being formed of a plurality of polymer panels secured to a skeletal support structure.
7. 7. A vehicle according to claim 6, wherein the polymer panels are formed of polyethylene.
8. 8. A vehicle according to claim 6 or claim 7, the cab having three seats, of which a central seat is forward of two outermost seats.
9. 9. A vehicle according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the cab is provided with sliding doors on opposite sides thereof.
10. 10. A vehicle according to claim, wherein the rearward part forms a load carrying tray, the tray having side panels that are inset from corner sections to reduce contact damage.
11. 11. A vehicle according to claim 10, wherein the side panels are pivotable about a base