EP0025811A1 - Material handling vehicle for use in a mine - Google Patents
Material handling vehicle for use in a mine Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0025811A1 EP0025811A1 EP19790301980 EP79301980A EP0025811A1 EP 0025811 A1 EP0025811 A1 EP 0025811A1 EP 19790301980 EP19790301980 EP 19790301980 EP 79301980 A EP79301980 A EP 79301980A EP 0025811 A1 EP0025811 A1 EP 0025811A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- end portion
- boom
- boom assembly
- mobile body
- assembly
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
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- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 60
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 abstract description 16
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 abstract description 16
- 238000011084 recovery Methods 0.000 abstract 1
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 12
- 210000005069 ears Anatomy 0.000 description 11
- 238000005065 mining Methods 0.000 description 10
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 4
- 208000027418 Wounds and injury Diseases 0.000 description 3
- 230000006378 damage Effects 0.000 description 2
- 208000014674 injury Diseases 0.000 description 2
- 238000009412 basement excavation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000010720 hydraulic oil Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21F—SAFETY DEVICES, TRANSPORT, FILLING-UP, RESCUE, VENTILATION, OR DRAINING IN OR OF MINES OR TUNNELS
- E21F13/00—Transport specially adapted to underground conditions
- E21F13/006—Equipment transport systems
Definitions
- This invention relates to a material handling vehicle for use in underground mining operations and more particularly to a self-propelled mine vehicle having a telescopic boom member that is arranged to position a material handling device secured to the end of the boom member in a preselected lateral and vertical position for performing material handling operations in a mine.
- a material handling vehicle for use in an underground mine, comprising a mobile body, a boom assembly extending from said mobile body, said boom assembly having a first end portion adjacent said mobile body and a second end portion spaced from said first end portion and extending from said mobile body, a pivot pin secured to said mobile body and extending upwardly therefrom, said boom assembly first end portion being pivotally connected to said upwardly extending pivot pin, first actuating means mounted on said mobile body and connected to said pivot pin for pivoting said boom assembly laterally relative to said mobile body, first connecting means for securing said boom assembly first end portion to said mobile body to permit upward and downward movement of said boom assembly relative to said mobile body, second actuating means being connected at one end to said upwardly extending pivot pin and connected at the other end to said boom assembly first end portion for raising and lowering said boom assembly to effect upward and downward movement of said boom assembly, independent of the pivotal movement of said boom assembly, material engaging means connected to the boom assembly second end portion for engaging material to be lifted and moved by said boom assembly
- the boom assembly first end portion is preferably formed by an elongated channel-shaped member that is pivotally secured by the connecting apparatus to the pivot arrangement.
- the channel-shaped member is pivotal through a vertical plane about a horizontal axis formed by the pivot arrangement.
- the boom channel-shaped first end portion has an open end opposite the end that is pivotally connected to the pivot arrangement.
- the boom assembly second end portion extends through this open end in a manner to permit slidable movement of the boom assembly second end portion relative to the boom assembly first end portion.
- the boom assembly second end portion preferably also has an elongated channel-shaped configuration similar to the boom assembly first end portion.
- the cross-sectional area of the boom assembly first end portion is greater than that of the boom assembly second end portion to permit extension and retraction of the second end portion relative to the first end portion.
- a piston and cylinder assembly is disposed within the boom assembly second end portion and is secured at its end portions to the respective portions of the boom assembly. With this arrangement actuation of the piston and cylinder assembly is operable to move the boom assembly second end portion in a telescoping manner relative to the boom assembly first end portion and thereby change the effective length of the boom member.
- the material engaging device is securely engaged to the outer end portion of the boom assembly second end portion.
- the device includes a hook member rotatably positioned within a socket that is pivotally connected to a bracket member secured to the end of the boom assembly.
- the hook member is operable to assist in performing a number of lifting and moving operations in a more efficient manner than presently available with conventional apparatus and methods now used in underground mining operations.
- the pivot arrangement includes a pin member that is preferably secured to a frame member that projects forwardly of the mobile body.
- a pivot housing surrounds the pin member and includes outwardly extending portions that are connected to a pair of piston and cylinder assemblies that are pivotally mounted on the mobile body.
- the boom assembly first end portion is connected for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis to the pivot housing.
- the pivot housing is pivoted about the vertical axis of pin member to, in turn, pivot the boom assembly about the vertical axis of the pin member. This arrangement permits the boom assembly to be swung laterally about the pin member at the forward end portion of the mobile body.
- the swinging movement of the boom assembly is accomplished independently of the upward and downward movement of the boom assembly.
- Upward and downward movement of the boom assembly is accomplished by operation of the second actuating device which preferably includes a piston cylinder assembly connected at one end to the pin member of the pivot arrangement and at the opposite end to the boom assembly first end portion.
- Extension and retraction of the second actuating device effects upward and downward movement of the entire boom assembly.
- the mobile body is propelled by ground traction devices which are driven by a suitable prime mover.
- An operator's station provided on the mobile body safely positions an operator for controlling tramming of the vehicle and the lateral and upward and downward movement of the boom assembly to perform a number of material handling operations.
- the material handling vehicle 10 includes a mobile body portion 12 having a longitudinally extending frame 14.
- the frame 14 has a front end 16 and a rearward end 18.
- the frame 14 of the mobile body 12 is mounted on ground engaging traction devices 20, such as a pair of propelling endless tracks 22 and 24.
- Each of the tracks 22 and 24 are reeved about a drive sprocket 26 and an idler sprocket 28 with idler rollers 30 supported by a frame 32 that extends between and is connected to the sprockets 26 and 28.
- the idler rollers 30 support the upper and lower reaches of the endless track as it turns in a preselected direction upon rotation of the driven sprocket 26.
- the drive sprocket 26 for each endless track 22 and 24 is drivingly connected, in a manner not shown, to a suitable prime mover 34, such as an electric motor which is secured to vehicle frame 14. Electrical power is supplied to the motor 34 through an electrical cable 36 wound upon a cable reel 38 by a spooling device 40.
- the cable reel 38 is mounted on the rearward end 18 of the frame 14 adjacent an operator's station generally designated by the numeral 42.
- the operator's station includes an overhead canopy 44 that is raised and lowered by piston and cylinder assemblies 46 as determined by the overhead clearance provided between the top of the vehicle 10 and the mine roof.
- the operator's station is provided with controls for propelling and steering the vehicle, as well as for carrying out the material handling operations performed by the vehicle 10 in accordance with the present invention.
- the motor 34 is also employed for operating a fluid pump 48 that supplies fluid under pressure to the various fluid operated devices on the vehicle 10, such as the fluid actuated piston and cylinder assemblies provided on the mobile body 12 and to be described later in detail.
- the fluid pump 48 supplies fluid, such as hydraulic oil, from a tank 50 mounted on the frame 12 through conventional hydraulic conduits (not shown) to the various fluid operating devices.
- the controls for supplying fluid to the fluid operated devices are provided at the operator's station 42, together with the electrical controls by which the speed and direction of movement of the vehicle 10 is controlled.
- a telescopic boom assembly extends forwardly from the front end 16 of frame 14 and is supported thereon by a pivot arrangement 54 for carrying out lateral swinging movement of the boom assembly 52.
- the boom assembly 52 includes a first portion 56 that is secured to the pivot arrangement 54 by connecting apparatus 58 in a manner to facilitate upward and downward movement of the entire boom assembly 52.
- a second end portion 60 of the boom assembly 52 is extensible out of and into the boom first end portion 56 and includes at its outer end portion a material engaging device, generally designated by the numeral 62. As will be described in greater detail, material engaging device 62 is utilized to perform a number of material handling operations encountered in underground mining.
- the material handling device 62 is moved by boom assembly 52 relative to the mobile body 12. Lateral movement of the boom assembly 52 is accomplished through the pivot arrangement 54 by operation of a pair of fluid actuated devices, such as piston and cylinder assemblies 64 and 66.
- Each of the assemblies 64 and 66 includes a cylinder portion 68.
- the cylinder portion 68 includes a connecting end portion 70 having a lug 72 extending upwardly therefrom, in which the lug is received within a longitudinal slot 74 of a bracket member 76.
- the bracket member 76 is securely mounted to the vehicle frame 14. This arrangement provides for pivotal movement of the cylinder portion 68 during its operation.
- the opposite end portion of each of the assemblies 64 and 66 includes a piston rod 78 that is extensible from the cylinder portion 68 and is secured at its outer end portion to the pivot arrangement 54.
- the piston and cylinder assemblies 64 and 66 are operable in pairs to effect lateral swinging movement of the boom assembly 52 at the front end 16 of frame 14.
- assembly 66 is actuated to extend its piston rod 78 from the cylinder 68; while the piston rod 78 associated with assembly 64 is retracted into the cylinder portion 68.
- a single control is operable to effect the co-ordinated extension and retraction of the piston rods of the assemblies 64 and 66.
- the piston rod of assembly 64 is extended and the piston rod of assembly 66 is simultaneously retracted.
- the boom assembly is also operable to move upwardly and downwardly to position the material handling device 62 at a preselected elevation relative to the frame 14 or relative to the mine floor and roof.
- Upward and downward movement of the boom assembly 52 is accomplished by a fluid actuated device, such as piston and cylinder assembly 80 having a cylinder portion 82 and a piston rod 84 movable into and out of the cylinder portion 82.
- the cylinder portion 82 is pivotally connected at its end portion 86 by a clevis-type connection 88 to the pviot arrangement 54.
- the outer end of the piston rod 84 is also connected by a clevis-type connection 89 to the boom assembly 52 and more specifically to the outer end of the boom assembly first end portion 56.
- extension and retraction of the piston rod 84 is operable to move the boom assembly 52 together with the material handling device 62 upwardly and downwardly as the end portion of the boom assembly 52 adjacent the pivot arrangement 54 pivots about the connecting apparatus 58 that connects the boom assembly 52 to the pivot arrangement 54.
- the boom assembly 52 is movable both vertically and laterally in an arcuate path at the front end of the mobile body 12.
- the boom assembly first end portion 56 has a channel configuration formed by laterally spaced side plates 90 and 92 which are suitably connected to a top plate 94 and a bottom plate 96.
- the top plate 94 has been removed in Figure 3 for purposes of illustration. This arrangement forms a rectangular shaped channel for receiving the boom assembly second end portion 60.
- the second end portion 60 has laterally spaced side plates 98 and 100 connected to laterally spaced top and bottom plates 102 and 104 respectively.
- the plates 98 - 104 thus form a rectangular shaped channel having a cross-sectional area which is less than the cross-sectional area formed by the plates of the boom assembly first end portion 56. This permits slidable movement of the boom assembly second end portion 60 relative to the boom assembly first end portion 56 to provide the telescoping feature of the boom assembly 52.
- the boom assembly second end portion 60 is shown retracted within the boom assembly first end portion 56 and the top plates 94 and 102 removed to illustrate a fluid actuated device, such as piston and cylinder assembly 106.
- the assembly 106 is operable upon actuation to extend and retract the second end portion 60 relative to the first end portion 56 and thereby change the effective length of the boom assembly 52.
- the assembly 106 includes a piston cylinder 108 and an extensible piston rod 110.
- the cylinder 108 has an end portion 112 with a bore therethrough, and the end portion 112 is aligned with a pair of coaxially positioned bosses 114.
- the bosses 114 are secured to the inner surfaces of side plates 90 and 92.
- a pin member 116 extends through aligned bores of the side plates 90 and 92, the bosses 114 and the end portion 112. With this arrangement the end portion of the piston and cylinder assembly 106 is secured for movement with the boom assembly first end portion 56.
- the outer end of the piston rod 110 of assembly 106 includes an enlarged end portion 120 having a bore therethrough, which is aligned with bores extending through a pair of ears 122.
- the ears 122 are secured to the boom second end portion 60.
- a pin 124 illustrated in Figure 4, extends through aligned bores of rod end portion 120 and ears 122 to secure the piston rod 110 to the boom second end portion 60.
- the material handling device 62 is secured to the outer end of the boom assembly second end portion 60.
- the outer end of the boom assembly second end portion 60 includes a plate member 126 that is suitably secured to the side plates 98 and 100 and the top and bottom plates 102 and 104.
- a plate 128 is secured by bolts 130 to the plate 126.
- the pair of ears 122 extend through aligned slots cut in plates 126 and 128 and are suitably welded thereto to secure the pair of ears 122 to the plates 126 and 128.
- the end portion of the ears 122 that extends beyond the plate 128 is connected to the material handling device 62.
- the material handling device 62 includes a hook member 132 having a shank portion 134 extending upwardly from the hooked end with an enlarged end portion 136 at the upper end of the shank 134.
- the shank portion 134 extends through a bore of a retainer 138 having a socket 140 for receiving the end portion 136 so that the end portion 136 is rotatably positioned within the socket 140 to permit 360° rotation of the hook 132.
- the upper portion of the retainer 138 is pivotally connected by a pin 142 to the outer end of the pair of ears 122.
- the pin 142 extends through the bore of the retainer 138 and the bores of the ears 122 that extend beyond the plate member 128.
- the hook member 132 may be swung upwardly and downwardly about the horizontal axis formed by the pin 142, as well as rotated about the axis of the shank 134.
- This arrangement provides a versatile means by which a number of lifting, pulling and other material handling operations may be performed. It should be understood, however, that the hook member 132 is only an illustration of one type of material handling device that may be incorporated in the present invention, and other suitable devices may be utilized with the present invention to perform various material handling operations encountered in underground mining operations.
- the piston rod 84 of piston and cylinder assembly 80 is connected as above discussed to the outer end of the boom assembly first end portion 56 by the clevis-type connection 89.
- the connection 89 includes an enlarged end portion 143 of the end of piston rod 84.
- a flange 144 extends around the end of the boom assembly first end portion 56 and includes an upper end portion with a pair of laterally spaced projections 146 having aligned bores therethrough.
- the piston rod end portion 143 includes a bore which is axially aligned with the bores of projections 146 so as to permit a pin 148 to be extended through the aligned bores to thereby secure the piston rod end portion 143 to the projections 146 and thereby connect the end of the piston and cylinder assembly 80 to the boom assembly 52.
- the cylinder portion 82 of the assembly 80 is connected by the cleveis-type connection 88 to the pivot arrangement 54.
- the pivot arrangement 54 includes a vertically extending pin 148 that is secured at its lower end portion to the front end 16 of mobile body frame 14.
- the connection 88 includes a collar 150 that is positioned in surrounding relation with the upper end portion of pin 148 and rotatable relative thereto.
- a pair of ears 152 of the collar 150 extend forwardly from the pin and the end 86 of cylinder portion 82 is positioned between the ears 152 so that bores extending through the ears and cylinder end portion 86 are aligned to receive a pivot pin 154.
- the cylinder portion 82 is connected to the collar 150, and the collar 150 is arranged to pivot about the pin 148 to permit the piston and cylinder assembly 80 to move laterally with the boom assembly 52 upon actuation of the piston and cylinder assemblies 64 and 66.
- the pivot pin 148 is securely mounted to the front end 16 of mobile body frame 14 by a pair of brace members 156 and 158.
- One end of each brace member 156 and 158 is secured to the frame 14 and the opposite end portion is suitably secured to a plate member 160 that is secured as by welding to the pin member 148 and extends rearwardly therefrom.
- the end portions of the brace members 156 and 158 may be secured to the plates 160 by bolting. With this arrangement the pivot pin 148 is securely supported in a vertical position on the front end 16 of the mobile body frame 14.
- a swivel housing 162 surrounds the lower end portion of the pivot pin 148 and includes a base member 164 that is movably positioned on the frame 14 to permit pivoting of the housing 162 about the pivot pin 148.
- the base member 164 includes outwardly extending end portions 166 and 168.
- the end portions 166 and 168 are connected to the end portions of piston rods 78 of the piston and cylinder assemblies 64 and 66 respectively.
- Each of the base member portions 166 and 168 includes an elongated slot 170 arranged to receive a pin 172 that is secured to and extends upwardly from the end portion of each of the piston rods 78. With this arrangement the pins 172 are movable in the slots 170 to permit the piston and cylinder assemblies 64 and 66 to pivot relative to the base member portions 166 and 168 as the assemblies are extended and retracted to pivot the base member 164 and swing the boom assembly 52 laterally on the frame 14.
- the boom assembly 52 is also arranged for upward and downward pivotal movement about a horizontal pivotal axis formed by the connection of the boom assembly 52 to the pivot arrangement 54.
- This connection is illustrated in detail in Figures 3 and 4.
- the end of the boom assembly first end portion 56 adjacent the vertical pivot pin 148 includes a pair of rearwardly projecting portions 174 that are received within slots formed by a conventional clevis 176.
- the clevis 176 extends forwardly from the pivot housing 162.
- the projection portions 174 and clevis 176 have aligned bores for receiving a pivot pin 178 that is securely retained within the aligned bores in a conventional manner. With this arrangement the boom assembly first end portion 56 is arranged to pivot about the horizontal axis formed by the pivot pin 178 upon actuation of the piston and cylinder assembly 80.
- the boom assembly 52 is safely and efficiently operated to position the hook member 132 for engaging the piece of equipment to be moved. Movement of the equipment is accomplished by tramming of the vehicle 10 where the vehicle operator has a clear view of the equipment to control its movement in a safe manner through the mine. At all times movement of the boom assembly 52 and the vehicle 10 is controlled by the operator from the protected operator's station 52. This arrangement substantially reduces the hazards encountered with conventional material handling devices and techniques used in the past in underground mining operations.
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Abstract
Description
- This invention relates to a material handling vehicle for use in underground mining operations and more particularly to a self-propelled mine vehicle having a telescopic boom member that is arranged to position a material handling device secured to the end of the boom member in a preselected lateral and vertical position for performing material handling operations in a mine.
- In underground mining operations it is the customary practice to move equipment and materials into and out of the mine by conventionally known methods using devices such as chains, pulleys, hoists and the like. Particularly in the assembly and disassembly of longwall mining systems various components such as pans, cribbing, roof supports and conveyors must be transported into the mine entry and manoeuvred into position adjacent the mine face. This requires a number of material handling operations which require the co-ordinated effort of the erection crew. In a mine where the working area is limited and the visibility is restricted, substantial precautions must be taken in co-ordinating the movement of men and materials in order to prevent serious injury to operating personnel. Such is the case when material and equipment are towed into position by conventional block and tackle means extending a considerable distance in the mine where the conditions make it difficult for the operator of the prime mover to make certain that the entry is clear before the equipment is moved. Consequently, due to the disadvantages of conventional known material handling devices and methods that are utilized in the mine, serious injuries to operating personnel have occurred while moving equipment in the mine.
- Therefore, there is need for a multipurpose, self-propelled material handling device that is manoeuvrable in a mine to safely and efficiently perform a variety of material handling operations.
- According to the present invention there is provided a material handling vehicle for use in an underground mine, comprising a mobile body, a boom assembly extending from said mobile body, said boom assembly having a first end portion adjacent said mobile body and a second end portion spaced from said first end portion and extending from said mobile body, a pivot pin secured to said mobile body and extending upwardly therefrom, said boom assembly first end portion being pivotally connected to said upwardly extending pivot pin, first actuating means mounted on said mobile body and connected to said pivot pin for pivoting said boom assembly laterally relative to said mobile body, first connecting means for securing said boom assembly first end portion to said mobile body to permit upward and downward movement of said boom assembly relative to said mobile body, second actuating means being connected at one end to said upwardly extending pivot pin and connected at the other end to said boom assembly first end portion for raising and lowering said boom assembly to effect upward and downward movement of said boom assembly, independent of the pivotal movement of said boom assembly, material engaging means connected to the boom assembly second end portion for engaging material to be lifted and moved by said boom assembly, said material engaging means including a hook member having an elongated shank and a hooked end portion, a retainer pivotally connected to said boom assembly second end portion for upward and downward pivotal movement about a horizontal axis, said retainer having a socket for rotatably receiving said hook member shank, said hook member being supported by said retainer for rotational movement about the elongated axis of said shank, second connecting means for connecting said retainer to said boom member second end portion, said second connecting means being secured to said boom member second end portion, extensible means for extending and retracting said boom assembly second end portion relative to said boom assembly first end portion, and said extensible means having an end portion secured to said second connecting means.
- The boom assembly first end portion is preferably formed by an elongated channel-shaped member that is pivotally secured by the connecting apparatus to the pivot arrangement. The channel-shaped member is pivotal through a vertical plane about a horizontal axis formed by the pivot arrangement. The boom channel-shaped first end portion has an open end opposite the end that is pivotally connected to the pivot arrangement. The boom assembly second end portion extends through this open end in a manner to permit slidable movement of the boom assembly second end portion relative to the boom assembly first end portion.
- The boom assembly second end portion preferably also has an elongated channel-shaped configuration similar to the boom assembly first end portion. The cross-sectional area of the boom assembly first end portion is greater than that of the boom assembly second end portion to permit extension and retraction of the second end portion relative to the first end portion. A piston and cylinder assembly is disposed within the boom assembly second end portion and is secured at its end portions to the respective portions of the boom assembly. With this arrangement actuation of the piston and cylinder assembly is operable to move the boom assembly second end portion in a telescoping manner relative to the boom assembly first end portion and thereby change the effective length of the boom member.
- The material engaging device is securely engaged to the outer end portion of the boom assembly second end portion. Preferably, the device includes a hook member rotatably positioned within a socket that is pivotally connected to a bracket member secured to the end of the boom assembly. The hook member is operable to assist in performing a number of lifting and moving operations in a more efficient manner than presently available with conventional apparatus and methods now used in underground mining operations.
- The pivot arrangement includes a pin member that is preferably secured to a frame member that projects forwardly of the mobile body. A pivot housing surrounds the pin member and includes outwardly extending portions that are connected to a pair of piston and cylinder assemblies that are pivotally mounted on the mobile body. The boom assembly first end portion is connected for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis to the pivot housing. Upon the co-ordinated extension and retraction of the pair of piston cylinder assemblies, the pivot housing is pivoted about the vertical axis of pin member to, in turn, pivot the boom assembly about the vertical axis of the pin member. This arrangement permits the boom assembly to be swung laterally about the pin member at the forward end portion of the mobile body.
- The swinging movement of the boom assembly is accomplished independently of the upward and downward movement of the boom assembly. Upward and downward movement of the boom assembly is accomplished by operation of the second actuating device which preferably includes a piston cylinder assembly connected at one end to the pin member of the pivot arrangement and at the opposite end to the boom assembly first end portion. Extension and retraction of the second actuating device effects upward and downward movement of the entire boom assembly. By extending the boom assembly a preselected length, the material engaging device at the end of the boom assembly is moved to a preselected height relative to the mobile body. This movement is co-ordinated with the lateral swinging movement of the boom assembly to position the material engaging device at a preselected vertical and lateral position at the front of the mobile body.
- The mobile body is propelled by ground traction devices which are driven by a suitable prime mover. An operator's station provided on the mobile body safely positions an operator for controlling tramming of the vehicle and the lateral and upward and downward movement of the boom assembly to perform a number of material handling operations.
- An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of an example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-
- Figure 1 is a top plan view of a self-propelled vehicle for use in underground mining operations for performing material handling operations, illustrating a telescopic boom assembly having a material engaging device secured to the end portion thereof and movable upwardly and downwardly and laterally on the vehicle,
- Figure 2 is a view in side elevation of the material handling vehicle shown in Figure 1, illustrating the boom assembly in a retracted position and extending substantially horizontally and forwardly of the vehicle,
- Figure 3 is a fragmentary plan view, partially in section taken along line 3-3 of Figure 2, illustrating a piston and cylinder assembly housed within the boom assembly and operable to extend and retract the boom assembly to position the material engaging means a preselected distance from the vehicle,
- Figure 4 is a fragmentary view in side elevation of the front end of the material handling vehicle, illustrating in phantom the piston and cylinder assembly for extending the boom assembly and the piston and cylinder assembly for raising and lowering the boom assembly,
- Figure 5 is a fragmentary top plan view of the front end of the material handling vehicle, illustrating the boom assembly pivoted laterally in a retracted position from a position illustrated in phantom line,
- Figure 6 is a fragmentary view in side elevation of the boom assembly, illustrating the boom assembly in a retracted position and a hook member which comprises the material engaging device and is secured to the end of the boom assembly, and
- Figure 7 is a fragmentary end view of the boom assembly shown in Figure 6, illustrating the arrangement for pivotally rotatably connecting the hook member to the end of the boom assembly.
- Referring to the drawings, and particularly to Figures 1 and 2, there is illustrated a material handling vehicle generally designated by the
numeral 10 for use in underground mining operations or in any type of underground excavation work. The material handlingvehicle 10 includes amobile body portion 12 having a longitudinally extendingframe 14. Theframe 14 has afront end 16 and arearward end 18. Theframe 14 of themobile body 12 is mounted on groundengaging traction devices 20, such as a pair of propellingendless tracks tracks idler rollers 30 supported by aframe 32 that extends between and is connected to thesprockets idler rollers 30 support the upper and lower reaches of the endless track as it turns in a preselected direction upon rotation of the drivensprocket 26. - The drive sprocket 26 for each
endless track prime mover 34, such as an electric motor which is secured tovehicle frame 14. Electrical power is supplied to themotor 34 through anelectrical cable 36 wound upon acable reel 38 by a spoolingdevice 40. Thecable reel 38 is mounted on therearward end 18 of theframe 14 adjacent an operator's station generally designated by thenumeral 42. The operator's station includes anoverhead canopy 44 that is raised and lowered by piston andcylinder assemblies 46 as determined by the overhead clearance provided between the top of thevehicle 10 and the mine roof. The operator's station is provided with controls for propelling and steering the vehicle, as well as for carrying out the material handling operations performed by thevehicle 10 in accordance with the present invention. - The
motor 34 is also employed for operating afluid pump 48 that supplies fluid under pressure to the various fluid operated devices on thevehicle 10, such as the fluid actuated piston and cylinder assemblies provided on themobile body 12 and to be described later in detail. Thefluid pump 48 supplies fluid, such as hydraulic oil, from atank 50 mounted on theframe 12 through conventional hydraulic conduits (not shown) to the various fluid operating devices. The controls for supplying fluid to the fluid operated devices are provided at the operator'sstation 42, together with the electrical controls by which the speed and direction of movement of thevehicle 10 is controlled. - A telescopic boom assembly, generally designated by the
numeral 52, extends forwardly from thefront end 16 offrame 14 and is supported thereon by apivot arrangement 54 for carrying out lateral swinging movement of theboom assembly 52. Theboom assembly 52 includes afirst portion 56 that is secured to thepivot arrangement 54 by connectingapparatus 58 in a manner to facilitate upward and downward movement of theentire boom assembly 52. Asecond end portion 60 of theboom assembly 52 is extensible out of and into the boomfirst end portion 56 and includes at its outer end portion a material engaging device, generally designated by thenumeral 62. As will be described in greater detail, materialengaging device 62 is utilized to perform a number of material handling operations encountered in underground mining. - The
material handling device 62 is moved byboom assembly 52 relative to themobile body 12. Lateral movement of theboom assembly 52 is accomplished through thepivot arrangement 54 by operation of a pair of fluid actuated devices, such as piston andcylinder assemblies assemblies cylinder portion 68. Thecylinder portion 68 includes a connecting end portion 70 having alug 72 extending upwardly therefrom, in which the lug is received within alongitudinal slot 74 of abracket member 76. Thebracket member 76 is securely mounted to thevehicle frame 14. This arrangement provides for pivotal movement of thecylinder portion 68 during its operation. The opposite end portion of each of theassemblies piston rod 78 that is extensible from thecylinder portion 68 and is secured at its outer end portion to thepivot arrangement 54. - The piston and
cylinder assemblies boom assembly 52 at thefront end 16 offrame 14. Thus in a manner to be explained further in greater detail to swing theboom assembly 52 laterally in a clockwise direction on theframe 14,assembly 66 is actuated to extend itspiston rod 78 from thecylinder 68; while thepiston rod 78 associated withassembly 64 is retracted into thecylinder portion 68. Preferably, a single control is operable to effect the co-ordinated extension and retraction of the piston rods of theassemblies boom assembly 52 laterally in a counterclockwise direction the piston rod ofassembly 64 is extended and the piston rod ofassembly 66 is simultaneously retracted. - Independently of the laterally swinging movement of the
boom assembly 52, the boom assembly is also operable to move upwardly and downwardly to position thematerial handling device 62 at a preselected elevation relative to theframe 14 or relative to the mine floor and roof. Upward and downward movement of theboom assembly 52 is accomplished by a fluid actuated device, such as piston andcylinder assembly 80 having acylinder portion 82 and apiston rod 84 movable into and out of thecylinder portion 82. Thecylinder portion 82 is pivotally connected at itsend portion 86 by a clevis-type connection 88 to thepviot arrangement 54. The outer end of thepiston rod 84 is also connected by a clevis-type connection 89 to theboom assembly 52 and more specifically to the outer end of the boom assemblyfirst end portion 56. With this arrangement extension and retraction of thepiston rod 84 is operable to move theboom assembly 52 together with thematerial handling device 62 upwardly and downwardly as the end portion of theboom assembly 52 adjacent thepivot arrangement 54 pivots about the connectingapparatus 58 that connects theboom assembly 52 to thepivot arrangement 54. Thus theboom assembly 52 is movable both vertically and laterally in an arcuate path at the front end of themobile body 12. - Referring to Figures 3 and 4 there is illustrated in greater detail the construction of the
boom assembly 52 and the manner in which the boom assembly is extended and retracted. As stated hereinabove, the boom assemblyfirst end portion 56 has a channel configuration formed by laterally spacedside plates top plate 94 and abottom plate 96. Thetop plate 94 has been removed in Figure 3 for purposes of illustration. This arrangement forms a rectangular shaped channel for receiving the boom assemblysecond end portion 60. Thesecond end portion 60 has laterally spacedside plates bottom plates first end portion 56. This permits slidable movement of the boom assemblysecond end portion 60 relative to the boom assemblyfirst end portion 56 to provide the telescoping feature of theboom assembly 52. - In Figure 3, the boom assembly
second end portion 60 is shown retracted within the boom assemblyfirst end portion 56 and thetop plates cylinder assembly 106. Theassembly 106 is operable upon actuation to extend and retract thesecond end portion 60 relative to thefirst end portion 56 and thereby change the effective length of theboom assembly 52. Theassembly 106 includes apiston cylinder 108 and anextensible piston rod 110. Thecylinder 108 has anend portion 112 with a bore therethrough, and theend portion 112 is aligned with a pair of coaxially positionedbosses 114. Thebosses 114 are secured to the inner surfaces ofside plates pin member 116 extends through aligned bores of theside plates bosses 114 and theend portion 112. With this arrangement the end portion of the piston andcylinder assembly 106 is secured for movement with the boom assemblyfirst end portion 56. - It is to be noted, as illustrated in Figure 4, that the ends of
side plates second end portion 60 are provided witharcuate recesses 118. with this arrangement therecesses 118 permit the boomsecond end portions 56 without interference by thepin 116 at the inner end of the boomsecond end portion 60. - The outer end of the
piston rod 110 ofassembly 106 includes anenlarged end portion 120 having a bore therethrough, which is aligned with bores extending through a pair ofears 122. Theears 122 are secured to the boomsecond end portion 60. Apin 124, illustrated in Figure 4, extends through aligned bores ofrod end portion 120 andears 122 to secure thepiston rod 110 to the boomsecond end portion 60. Thus upon actuation of the piston andcylinder assembly 106, extension of thepiston rod 110 from thecylinder 108 extends the boomsecond end portion 60 relative to the boomfirst end portion 56. Accordingly, retraction of thepiston rod 110 into thecylinder 108 retracts the boomsecond end portion 60 into the boomfirst end portion 56. In this manner theboom assembly 52 is adjustable to a preselected length. - As illustrated in Figures 3 and 4 and in greater detail in Figures 6 and 7, the
material handling device 62 is secured to the outer end of the boom assemblysecond end portion 60. The outer end of the boom assemblysecond end portion 60 includes aplate member 126 that is suitably secured to theside plates bottom plates plate 128 is secured bybolts 130 to theplate 126. The pair ofears 122 extend through aligned slots cut inplates ears 122 to theplates ears 122 that extends beyond theplate 128 is connected to thematerial handling device 62. - The
material handling device 62, as illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, includes ahook member 132 having ashank portion 134 extending upwardly from the hooked end with anenlarged end portion 136 at the upper end of theshank 134. Theshank portion 134 extends through a bore of aretainer 138 having asocket 140 for receiving theend portion 136 so that theend portion 136 is rotatably positioned within thesocket 140 to permit 360° rotation of thehook 132. The upper portion of theretainer 138 is pivotally connected by apin 142 to the outer end of the pair ofears 122. Thepin 142 extends through the bore of theretainer 138 and the bores of theears 122 that extend beyond theplate member 128. - The
hook member 132 may be swung upwardly and downwardly about the horizontal axis formed by thepin 142, as well as rotated about the axis of theshank 134. This arrangement provides a versatile means by which a number of lifting, pulling and other material handling operations may be performed. It should be understood, however, that thehook member 132 is only an illustration of one type of material handling device that may be incorporated in the present invention, and other suitable devices may be utilized with the present invention to perform various material handling operations encountered in underground mining operations. - As illustrated in greater detail in Figures 6 and 7, the
piston rod 84 of piston andcylinder assembly 80 is connected as above discussed to the outer end of the boom assemblyfirst end portion 56 by the clevis-type connection 89. Theconnection 89 includes anenlarged end portion 143 of the end ofpiston rod 84. Aflange 144 extends around the end of the boom assemblyfirst end portion 56 and includes an upper end portion with a pair of laterally spacedprojections 146 having aligned bores therethrough. The pistonrod end portion 143 includes a bore which is axially aligned with the bores ofprojections 146 so as to permit apin 148 to be extended through the aligned bores to thereby secure the pistonrod end portion 143 to theprojections 146 and thereby connect the end of the piston andcylinder assembly 80 to theboom assembly 52. - The
cylinder portion 82 of theassembly 80 is connected by the cleveis-type connection 88 to thepivot arrangement 54. Thepivot arrangement 54 includes a vertically extendingpin 148 that is secured at its lower end portion to thefront end 16 ofmobile body frame 14. Theconnection 88 includes acollar 150 that is positioned in surrounding relation with the upper end portion ofpin 148 and rotatable relative thereto. A pair ofears 152 of thecollar 150 extend forwardly from the pin and theend 86 ofcylinder portion 82 is positioned between theears 152 so that bores extending through the ears andcylinder end portion 86 are aligned to receive apivot pin 154. In this manner thecylinder portion 82 is connected to thecollar 150, and thecollar 150 is arranged to pivot about thepin 148 to permit the piston andcylinder assembly 80 to move laterally with theboom assembly 52 upon actuation of the piston andcylinder assemblies - The
pivot pin 148 is securely mounted to thefront end 16 ofmobile body frame 14 by a pair ofbrace members brace member frame 14 and the opposite end portion is suitably secured to aplate member 160 that is secured as by welding to thepin member 148 and extends rearwardly therefrom. The end portions of thebrace members plates 160 by bolting. With this arrangement thepivot pin 148 is securely supported in a vertical position on thefront end 16 of themobile body frame 14. - A
swivel housing 162 surrounds the lower end portion of thepivot pin 148 and includes abase member 164 that is movably positioned on theframe 14 to permit pivoting of thehousing 162 about thepivot pin 148. Thebase member 164 includes outwardly extendingend portions end portions piston rods 78 of the piston andcylinder assemblies - Each of the
base member portions elongated slot 170 arranged to receive apin 172 that is secured to and extends upwardly from the end portion of each of thepiston rods 78. With this arrangement thepins 172 are movable in theslots 170 to permit the piston andcylinder assemblies base member portions base member 164 and swing theboom assembly 52 laterally on theframe 14. - The lateral swinging movement of the
boom assembly 52 by operation of thepivot arrangement 54 is illustrated in greater detail in Figure 5 where theboom assembly 52 is illustrated in phantom extending forwardly from theframe 14 in a position aligned with the longitudinal axis of theframe 14. Actuation of thepiston cylinder assemblies boom assembly 52 in a clockwise direction from the position illustrated in phantom by extension of the piston rod ofassembly 66 and retraction of the piston rod ofassembly 64. Extension and retraction of the respective assemblies takes place simultaneously. Thecylinder portions 68 of each assembly pivot about their connections to the mountingbrackets 76 as thepiston rods 78 are extended and retracted and thehousing 162 pivots about thepivot pin 148. As theboom assembly 52 pivots about the vertical axis formed bypivot pin 148, thepiston cylinder assembly 80 connected at one end to theboom assembly 52 pivots at its opposite end about thepivot pin 148. - The
boom assembly 52 is also arranged for upward and downward pivotal movement about a horizontal pivotal axis formed by the connection of theboom assembly 52 to thepivot arrangement 54. This connection is illustrated in detail in Figures 3 and 4. The end of the boom assemblyfirst end portion 56 adjacent thevertical pivot pin 148 includes a pair of rearwardly projectingportions 174 that are received within slots formed by aconventional clevis 176. Theclevis 176 extends forwardly from thepivot housing 162. Theprojection portions 174 andclevis 176 have aligned bores for receiving apivot pin 178 that is securely retained within the aligned bores in a conventional manner. With this arrangement the boom assemblyfirst end portion 56 is arranged to pivot about the horizontal axis formed by thepivot pin 178 upon actuation of the piston andcylinder assembly 80. - As illustrated in Figure 4, retraction of the
piston rod 84 into thecylinder portion 82 pivots theentire boom assembly 52 upwardly about thepivot pin 178 to thereby raise thehook member 132 at the end of the boom assemblysecond end portion 60. Lowering the boom to the position illustrated in Figure 2 is accomplished by extending thepiston rod 84 from thecylinder portion 82. As discussed hereinabove the upward and downward pivotal movement of theboom assembly 52 is accomplished independently of the lateral swinging movement of theboom assembly 52. In this manner thehook member 132 is selectively positioned at a preselected elevation and at a preselected lateral position relative to themobile body frame 14. - Thus, in operation for example in moving the components of a longwall mining system into position at the mine face, the
boom assembly 52 is safely and efficiently operated to position thehook member 132 for engaging the piece of equipment to be moved. Movement of the equipment is accomplished by tramming of thevehicle 10 where the vehicle operator has a clear view of the equipment to control its movement in a safe manner through the mine. At all times movement of theboom assembly 52 and thevehicle 10 is controlled by the operator from the protected operator'sstation 52. This arrangement substantially reduces the hazards encountered with conventional material handling devices and techniques used in the past in underground mining operations.
Claims (11)
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
DE7979301980T DE2965859D1 (en) | 1979-09-24 | 1979-09-24 | Material handling vehicle for use in a mine |
EP19790301980 EP0025811B1 (en) | 1979-09-24 | 1979-09-24 | Material handling vehicle for use in a mine |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP19790301980 EP0025811B1 (en) | 1979-09-24 | 1979-09-24 | Material handling vehicle for use in a mine |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0025811A1 true EP0025811A1 (en) | 1981-04-01 |
EP0025811B1 EP0025811B1 (en) | 1983-07-13 |
Family
ID=8186434
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP19790301980 Expired EP0025811B1 (en) | 1979-09-24 | 1979-09-24 | Material handling vehicle for use in a mine |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0025811B1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE2965859D1 (en) |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2656152A (en) * | 1949-01-03 | 1953-10-20 | Jeffrey Mfg Co | Truck for drill and mining machines |
DE1758165A1 (en) * | 1968-04-13 | 1971-01-14 | Gewerk Eisenhuette Westfalia | Device for advancing a loading machine used in underground operations |
GB1492735A (en) * | 1974-11-27 | 1977-11-23 | Liftec Eng Ltd | Drilling machines |
US4091934A (en) * | 1977-04-01 | 1978-05-30 | Ruger Equipment, Inc. | Swivel mounted pump with integral valve means |
-
1979
- 1979-09-24 EP EP19790301980 patent/EP0025811B1/en not_active Expired
- 1979-09-24 DE DE7979301980T patent/DE2965859D1/en not_active Expired
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2656152A (en) * | 1949-01-03 | 1953-10-20 | Jeffrey Mfg Co | Truck for drill and mining machines |
DE1758165A1 (en) * | 1968-04-13 | 1971-01-14 | Gewerk Eisenhuette Westfalia | Device for advancing a loading machine used in underground operations |
GB1492735A (en) * | 1974-11-27 | 1977-11-23 | Liftec Eng Ltd | Drilling machines |
US4091934A (en) * | 1977-04-01 | 1978-05-30 | Ruger Equipment, Inc. | Swivel mounted pump with integral valve means |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DE2965859D1 (en) | 1983-08-18 |
EP0025811B1 (en) | 1983-07-13 |
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