EP0513338B1 - Vehicule de positionnement pour appareil d'abattage en continu - Google Patents

Vehicule de positionnement pour appareil d'abattage en continu Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0513338B1
EP0513338B1 EP92902231A EP92902231A EP0513338B1 EP 0513338 B1 EP0513338 B1 EP 0513338B1 EP 92902231 A EP92902231 A EP 92902231A EP 92902231 A EP92902231 A EP 92902231A EP 0513338 B1 EP0513338 B1 EP 0513338B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
conveyor
launch vehicle
train
unit
set forth
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
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EP92902231A
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German (de)
English (en)
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EP0513338A1 (fr
Inventor
Larry C. Addington
Robert R. Addington
Larry M. Addington
Albert E. Lynch
John Susla (Nmi)
David L. Conley
John J. Sartaine
David E. Price
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MINING TECHNOLOGIES Inc
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MINING TECHNOLOGIES Inc
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Priority claimed from US07/625,211 external-priority patent/US5112111A/en
Priority claimed from US07/769,408 external-priority patent/US5232269A/en
Application filed by MINING TECHNOLOGIES Inc filed Critical MINING TECHNOLOGIES Inc
Publication of EP0513338A1 publication Critical patent/EP0513338A1/fr
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    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21C—MINING OR QUARRYING
    • E21C27/00—Machines which completely free the mineral from the seam
    • E21C27/20—Mineral freed by means not involving slitting
    • E21C27/24—Mineral freed by means not involving slitting by milling means acting on the full working face, i.e. the rotary axis of the tool carrier being substantially parallel to the working face
    • 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
    • E21F13/08—Shifting conveyors or other transport devices from one location at the working face to another
    • E21F13/083—Conveyor belts removing methods or devices

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to the art of mining and, more particularly to a launch vehicle for an apparatus adapted for the continuous mining of aggregate material, such as coal, in situ .
  • Coal formed from decomposed and compressed vegetable matter, is typically found in substantially horizontal seams extending between sedimentary rock strata such as limestone, sandstone or shale.
  • sedimentary rock strata such as limestone, sandstone or shale.
  • Surface and underground mining are the primary techniques used to recover this coal.
  • Underground mining application in such an instance is, typically, very limited. This may be due to a number of factors including the existence of poor roof support conditions, the thinness of the seam and/or the presence of insufficient quantities of coal to warrant the large capital investments characteristic of underground operations.
  • auger mining is often used to recover coal following a strip mining operation where the overburden becomes too costly to remove.
  • a large auger is used to bore into the face of the seam and recover the coal from beneath the overburden.
  • auger mining is very efficient providing more tons per man per day than any other form of state of the art mining techniques.
  • Auger mining may also be initiated quickly and requires a relatively low capital expenditure when compared to surface and underground mining. Auger mining has also been found to date to be the best method to use in relatively thin seams. Further, auger mining is safer than both surface and underground mining. Thus, auger mining may be used to effectively supplement a strip mining operation and recover small coal deposits that would otherwise be left behind.
  • Auger mining is, however, also not without its disadvantages. Auger mining provides a relatively low total coal recovery. Coal recovery for the resource area being augured is usually less than about 35%. Some of the lost recovery is due to the pillars of coal that are left standing to support the overburden between adjacent auger holes. The majority of the recovery shortfall, however, is due to the limited penetration depths achievable with even state of the art auger mining equipment.
  • each conveyor module includes a pair of parallel screw type conveyors that serve to convey fragments cut from the formation by the cutting head out of the hole.
  • the conveyor columns are extended by adding another module.
  • the mining operation is terminated and the power head is disconnected from the rearmost conveyor module.
  • a new conveyor module is then set in position directly behind the conveyor column by means of a crane.
  • the power head is then reattached to the column and the mining operation reinitiated.
  • no provision is made for adding a modular conveyor unit to a conveyor train.
  • a mining system and method has been recently developed to improve the coal recovery rate from a resource area. More particularly, this system and method is disclosed in United States Patent 5112111.
  • the mining system includes a continuous miner for cutting coal from a coal seam.
  • the cut coal is fed by the miner to a conveyor train comprised of a series of modular conveyor units serially connected end-to-end.
  • This system allows mining to depths far exceeding the 45 to 60 metres (150 to 200 feet) possible with conventional auger mining equipment. In fact, depths of over 396 metres (1300 feet) have been reached.
  • a launch vehicle 10 is also incorporated into this new system.
  • the launch vehicle includes a conveyor meachanism for receiving and conveying aggregate coal discharged by the conveyor train.
  • the launch vehicle also includes a guide track for supporting the end unit of the conveyor train and a conveyor unit to be added to the train.
  • individual drive assemblies are provided for (1) advancing/withdrawing the conveyor train with the miner and for (2) pushing the new conveyor unit into engagement with the conveyor train.
  • the system allows the aggregate coal to be cut and conveyed without interruption even when a conveyor unit is being added to the train.
  • the system not only provides significantly improved recovery from the resource area but also operates more efficiently than augering equipment and provides improved productivity.
  • the present invention relates to a launch vehicle for this type of mining system.
  • a launch vehicle for a mining system including a continuous miner that feeds aggregate material to a conveyor train comprising a number of modular conveyor units serially connected together.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a launch vehicle for a mining system that is specifically adapted to allow the cutting and conveying of aggregate material to a delivery location even as a modular conveyor unit is being added to the conveyor train. This serves to enhance the operating efficiency of the mining system and significantly improve productivity.
  • Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a launch vehicle including (1) a conveyor for receiving aggregate material from a conveyor train; (2) a mechanism for aiding in advancing and withdrawing the conveyor train into and from a coal seam face behind a continuous miner; and (3) a separate mechanism for adding the conveyor unit to the conveyor train as coal is being conveyed to a delivery location.
  • Still another object is the provision of a launch vehicle of shorter overall length so as to be more maneuverable when transporting to and operatively positioning at a mining site. This is achieved by providing the launch vehicle with an extensible front end that may be retracted during transport.
  • an improved launch vehicle for a continuous mining system including modular conveyor units that may be connected together to form a conveyor train.
  • the launch vehicle includes a main frame that holds a conveyor for receiving aggregate material from the conveyor train.
  • a drive mechanism is also provided on the main frame for selectively advancing and withdrawing the conveyor train.
  • an independent system is provided for adding a modular conveyor unit to the conveyor train.
  • a modular conveyor unit may be added to the conveyor train as the mining system continues to operate cutting and conveying aggregate material.
  • "real" continuous mining is provided.
  • the drive assembly for selectively advancing and withdrawing the conveyor train includes a pair of cooperating tandem drive cylinder sets; one tandem drive cylinder set being mounted to the main frame longitudinally aligned with and spaced from the other.
  • the tandem cylinders of each set are mounted to the main frame on opposing sides of the launch vehicle conveyor.
  • each tandem cylinder set has a left side and a right side cylinder. Both of the tandem cylinders of the forward set operate together as do both of the rearward cylinders.
  • each cylinder include a lever arm pusher unit for engaging a pin on a modular conveyor unit of the conveyor train.
  • the pusher unit includes a body and a substantially V-shaped arm pivotally mounted to the body.
  • the pusher arm is selectively positionable in one of two opposing operative positions. In one position, the arm engages the pin of a modular conveyor unit in a manner to allow the drive assembly to advance the conveyor train. In the other position the arm engages the pin of the modular conveyor unit so as to allow the drive assembly to aid in the withdrawing of the conveyor train from the coal face. In either operative position one end of the pusher arm engages the body to hold the arm in position.
  • the forward and rearward drive cylinder sets are operated in a counterreciprocating manner. More specifically, when the pusher arm units of the rearward cylinders are engaging a pair of pins on each side of a modular conveyor unit of the conveyor train, the rearward cylinders are actuated to advance (or withdraw) the conveyor unit/train into (or from) the seam. As this occurs, the forward cylinders are recycled. When the rearward cylinders reach the end of their stroke, the pusher arm units of the forward cylinders are in position to engage a pin on each side of a modular conveyor unit of the conveyor train. The forward cylinders are then actuated to further advance (or withdraw) the conveyor train while the rearward cylinders are recycled. This method of advancing or withdrawing the conveyor train by the above-described shuttling operation of the tandem cylinder sets is repeated as necessary to provide for the continuous operation of the mining system as is described in more detail below.
  • the assembly for adding a modular conveyor unit to the conveyor train includes a mechanism for positioning the conveyor unit to be added on the launch vehicle behind the conveyor train.
  • the positioning mechanism may include a winch arrangement mounted to the overhead canopy of the launch vehicle. More particularly, the winch arrangement may include a single power source or drive motor connected via a power output transmission to a pair of take-up reels.
  • One take-up reel is mounted to the canopy of the launch vehicle near the operator cab.
  • the other take-up reel is mounted to the canopy of the launch vehicle forward of the first one approximately the length of a conveyor unit.
  • Each take-up reel includes a line having a proximal end connected to the reel so as to allow paying out or taking-up as desired.
  • the distal end of each line is attached by means of a sling to a cross bar and hook arrangement. These hooks are adapted to engage and hold a conveyor unit.
  • the lines are taken-up on the reels to a raised position.
  • a modular conveyor unit is then placed between the cross bars at the ends of the lines by a front end loader.
  • the hooks are attached to the pins at the two ends of the conveyor unit which is then suspended on the winch lines as the front end loader is disengaged and backed away.
  • the conveyor unit is held by the lines overlying the conveyor train until the train is advanced sufficiently into the seam to provide clearance for the positioning of the new modular conveyor unit onto the launch vehicle floor.
  • the power and control lines of the conveyor unit being added to the train are coupled to the end unit of the train. This coupling initiates operation of the belt conveyor of the new conveyor unit.
  • winch lines are payed out until the modular conveyor unit held in the hooks rests on the launch vehicle platform.
  • the hooks are then released from the pins on the conveyor unit and the lines taken-up back to the original position.
  • the cross bars and hooks are then in position to receive from the front end loader the next modular conveyor unit that is to be added to the conveyor train.
  • a pushing mechanism is actuated. More specifically, a pusher cylinder is positioned on the launch vehicle behind the conveyor unit underneath the operator cab. A bumper on the forward end of the piston rod of this pusher cylinder engages the back of the conveyor unit. Thus, as the rod is extended from the cylinder, the conveyor unit is advanced into engagement with the rear of the conveyor train. Pins are then positioned in cooperating couplings to connect the new modular conveyor unit to the conveyor unit at the end of the conveyor train. Once the coupling is completed, the pusher cylinder of the pushing mechanism is recycled to the retracted, starting position. The above-described steps are repeated as required to add additional conveyor units to the train.
  • the launch vehicle be anchored to the ground. Any appropriate anchoring mechanism may be provided including stakes driven into the ground to which the launch vehicle is rigidly attached.
  • the launch vehicle also includes a support and guide mechanism in the form of a guide track adapted to maintain the modular conveyor units on the launch vehicle frame straddling the aggregate material conveyor.
  • the tracks may take the form of a pair of spaced floor grate sections adapted to support the ground engaging wheels of the modular conveyor units.
  • a pair of guide rails adjacent and outside the sides of the aggregate conveyor extend upwardly from the floor grate sections toward the inner surfaces of the ground engaging wheels. Should a conveyor unit be slightly out of alignment these rails engage the inner surfaces of the wheels to realign the unit of the conveyor train as necessary. Thus, proper alignment is insured.
  • aggregate material from the conveyor train is received and conveyed by the launch vehicle conveyor even as a modular conveyor unit is being added to the train.
  • aggregate material from the last unit of the conveyor train is received directly by the launch vehicle conveyor until such time as it is intercepted by the conveyor on the modular unit being added to the train.
  • the conveyor on the newly added modular unit is already operating at the time of interception.
  • the intercepted aggregate material is advanced by the conveyor of the newly added modular unit until it is once again discharged onto the conveyor of the launch vehicle.
  • the conveyor of the launch vehicle then conveys the aggregate material to a discharge conveyor.
  • the discharge conveyor conveys the material to a delivery location such as a stockpile or bed of a truck that hauls the coal to another site.
  • the launch vehicle includes a mechanism allowing it to be advanced across the bench to a new mining site. More specifically, the launch vehicle may include a lift system that lifts the launch vehicle frame above the ground so that the frame is solely supported on two skids spaced along the base of the frame. Heavy equipment such as a bulldozer may then be used to push the launch vehicle on the skids to the new mining location. Alternatively, auger skids of a type known in the art may be utilized to move the launch vehicle to the next mining location.
  • the lift mechanism may again be activated to lower the frame into engagement with the ground. The lowering of the frame not only positions the guide tracks at the proper height for support of the modular conveyor units but also serves to further anchor the machine so as to hold its position when the drive mechanism is activated to aid in the advance/withdrawal of the conveyor train.
  • the launch vehicle may also be equipped with an extensible front end. More particularly, the launch vehicle many include an extensible framework having a series of track members adapted to support the mining machine or conveyor units of the conveyor train. The track members are received in sliding, interdigitating engagement with a second series of cooperating track members held stationary on the main frame. A pair of actuator cylinders are connected to the extensible framework. These actuator cylinders are adapted to displace the framework between two operative positions.
  • the extensible framework In the first operative position, the extensible framework is retracted so that the first series of track members are received between the second series of track members on the main frame. Thus, the overall length of the launch vehicle is shortened to aid in transportation to and placement at the mining site.
  • the extensible framework In the second operative position, the extensible framework is extended so that the first series of track members extend outwardly from the second series (eg. even beneath the highwall face on narrow benches as shown in Figure 1).
  • the extended track members of the first series serve as a stable base or floor to support the conveyor units of the conveyor train. This is a particularly important concern in the area of the highwall face where water tends to collect, significantly softening floor conditions.
  • the space between each of the first and second series of track members also advantageously serves to provide a waste area where dirt and debris may fall from the conveyor units before the conveyor units are actually positioned upon the main frame of the launch vehicle.
  • the launch vehicle 10 is adapted for utilization with a continuous mining system including a continuous mining machine M of a type known in the art.
  • the mining machine M includes a rotating cutter head drum D supporting a series of cutting bits on helical flights (not shown).
  • the cutter head drum D is rotatably mounted on a vertically moveable boom that is pivotally mounted on the main frame member of the mining machine M.
  • the mining machine is supported for movement along the floor of the mine by a pair of crawler assemblies N.
  • the mining machine M is preferably advanced into the seam face S with the boom raised and the cutter head drum D rotating. As the cutting begins at the top level or roof line of the seam, the mining machine M is advanced further forward and the boom is gradually lowered. As the mining machine M is advanced and the boom is raised and lowered, coal C is cut from the seam face S. The aggregate coal C is then collected by means of a conventional gathering head that serves to deliver the aggregate coal to a flight conveyor F.
  • the flight conveyor F delivers the aggregate coal C to the lead conveyor unit of a conveyor train generally designated by reference letter T.
  • the conveyor train also includes a series of modular conveyor units U identical to one another that are releasably coupled together in series behind the lead conveyor unit.
  • each of the conveyor units U includes a main structural frame supported for movement on the ground by a series of wheels W.
  • Each conveyor unit U also includes a centrally disposed, longitudinally extending inclined conveyor.
  • the conveyor which is preferably of the belt type, operates to convey aggregate coal C received at the low end to the high end where it is discharged from one conveyor unit to the next conveyor unit in the series.
  • Each conveyor unit also includes its own motor for driving the belt conveyor held therein.
  • the units U of the conveyor train T are also interconnected by means of control lines that are first routed from a power source such as a generator (not shown) on the bench to the mining machine M and back through the individual conveyor units U. Accordingly, the motors of the conveyor units are connected in series for simultaneous operation at a substantially consistent speed.
  • Each of the conveyor units U also includes a coupling mechanism G specifically adapted to allow the units to be coupled together in a rigid manner so that the units of the train T remain in completely straight alignment behind the mining machine M.
  • a coupling mechanism may, for example, include cooperating clevises on each conveyor unit that are received together in an interdigitating manner and connected by means of a pin.
  • the conveyor train T includes as many conveyor units U as are necessary to have the train extend out of the seam to the launch vehicle 10 on the bench B.
  • the bench is undercut below the bottom of the seam so as to receive the launch vehicle or platform 10.
  • the launch vehicle 10 includes a main structural framework 12 that supports an aggregate material conveyor 14, preferably of the belt type.
  • This conveyor 14 receives the aggregate coal C from the last conveyor unit U of the train T.
  • the coal C is then delivered by the aggregate material conveyor 14 up an incline 16, beneath the operator control cab 18, to a discharge conveyor 20.
  • the discharge conveyor 20 is also inclined and may, for example, be utilized to convey the aggregate coal C to a delivery location such as the bed of a truck which is used to haul the coal away for stockpiling or further processing.
  • the launch vehicle 10 includes a safety canopy 22.
  • the safety canopy 22 is connected to the main structural framework 12 by a series of spaced support posts 24 and braces 26.
  • Two series of jacks 28 are provided spaced along the length of the launch vehicle 10.
  • the jacks 28 are supported on skids 30 and may be actuated to lift the main framework 12 of the launch vehicle 10 from the bench B so as to allow movement of the launch vehicle by heavy equipment or by auger skids to a mining location as described in greater detail below.
  • the launch vehicle 10 includes a pair of spaced guide tracks 31 in the form of spaced floor grate sections that are adapted to support the ground engaging wheels W of the modular conveyor units U. Additionally, a pair of guide rails 32 are provided adjacent and outside the sides of the aggregate conveyor 14. These guide rails 32 extend upwardly above the guide tracks 31 and outwardly from the aggregate material conveyor 14 toward the inner surfaces of the ground engaging wheels W of the conveyor units U. In the event a conveyor unit U is positioned on the launch vehicle 10 slightly out of alignment with the aggregate material conveyor 14, the inner surfaces of the wheels will engage the rails 32 thereby realigning the modular conveyor unit U with the conveyor train T as necessary to insure proper alignment.
  • aggregate material from the conveyor train is received and conveyed by the launch vehicle conveyor at all times of operation.
  • the launch vehicle 10 also includes a drive assembly, generally designated by reference numeral 34.
  • the drive assembly 34 is specifically adapted for selectively aiding in the advancement or withdrawal of the conveyor train T. More specifically, the drive assembly 34 includes a pair of cooperating tandem drive cylinder sets 36, 38. Only one drive cylinder of each set 36, 38 is shown in Figures 3a and 3b as the tandem cylinders of each set are mounted to the main framework 12 on opposing sides of the launch vehicle conveyor 14 (see also Figure 2a). As shown, the forward tandem drive cylinder set 36 is mounted longitudinally aligned with and spaced from the rearward drive cylinder set 38.
  • each tandem cylinder set 36, 38 has a left side and right side cylinder. Both of the tandem cylinders of the forward set 36 operate together. Similarly, both of the tandem cylinders of the rearward set 38 operate together.
  • Each drive cylinder of sets 36, 38 includes an extensible cylinder rod 40.
  • a pusher arm unit 42 is mounted to a distal end of each cylinder rod 40.
  • each pusher arm unit 42 includes a substantially V-shaped pusher arm 44 pivotally mounted to a base 46 by means of a pivot pin 48.
  • the pusher arm 44 may be selectively positioned in a first position (shown in full line in Figure 2b) for engaging a cooperating pin P on a conveyor unit U and advancing the conveyor train T into the coal seam S.
  • the pusher arm 44 may be selectively positioned in a second, opposite position (shown in phantom line in Figure 2b) for also engaging a cooperating pin P and withdrawing the conveyor train T from the coal seam S.
  • the drive assembly 34 is sufficiently powerful to aid in advancing (withdrawing) the conveyor train T and mining machine M into (from) the seam face F.
  • This is a particularly important advantage to the present system as in many mining areas soft bottom conditions, such as fire clay, exist.
  • the crawler assemblies N on a conventional mining machine M tend to dig ruts in the soft bottom until the main frame of the mining machine "high centers" and comes to rest on the undisturbed bottom material between the ruts. Accordingly, continuous mining machines M have a propensity to become stuck where soft bottom conditions are present. As such, mining of these types of seams was often avoided in the past. In contrast, with the present system, mining of these seams is now possible.
  • the present apparatus effectively opens new areas for mining thereby increasing recoverable coal reserves.
  • the launch vehicle may be anchored to the bench B. This may be achieved in any manner known in the art.
  • One approach is to drill a series of holes down into the bench B. Steel pipes up to six inches in diameter may then be extended down into the holes and a taut steel cable may then be attached between each pipe and the launch vehicle 10. Together, the cables and pipes serve to effectively hold the launch vehicle 10 in position during operation of the drive assembly 34.
  • the launch vehicle 10 of the present invention also includes a mechanism for adding individual modular conveyor units U to the conveyor train T as it is advanced into the coal seam.
  • the mechanism for adding a modular conveyor unit is generally designated by reference numeral 52 and best shown in Figures 3a, 3b and 5.
  • the conveyor unit adding mechanism 52 includes a power source or drive motor 54 connected via a power output transmission (not shown) to a pair of take-up reels 56.
  • Each take-up reel 56 is rotatably mounted upon a shaft 58 held in a cradle 59 mounted to the overlying canopy 22.
  • One take-up reel 56 is mounted adjacent the operator cab 18.
  • the other take-up reel 56 is mounted forward of the first one approximately the length of a conveyor unit (e.g. 45 feet).
  • a line or heavy duty cable 60 is mounted to each take-up reel 56. More particularly, the proximal end of each line 60 is attached to the associated take-up reel 56 so that rotation of the reel pays out or takes-up the line.
  • the distal end of each line 60 is attached by means of a yoke 62 to a sling 64 that holds a cross bar 66.
  • a pair of downwardly extending hooks 68 are attached to the cross bar 66 at each end. The hooks 68 are adapted to engage the pins P at the ends of a conveyor unit U to be suspended by the winch lines 60.
  • any other appropriate arrangement could be utilized that is adapted for connecting the winch lines 60 to a conveyor unit U.
  • the launch vehicle 10 may be equipped with an extensible front end generally designated by reference numeral 72 and shown in Figures 1, 4a and 4b.
  • the extensible front end 72 allows the launch vehicle 10 to be positioned for operation even on relatively narrow benches B.
  • the launch vehicle 10 when fully retracted, it should be appreciated that the launch vehicle 10 is significantly shorter in length thereby making it easier to transport the launch vehicle from one mine location to another. Further, the reduced length makes it easier to move the launch vehicle 10 along the bench B by means of heavy equipment such as a bulldozer from one mining position to the next.
  • the extensible front end 72 includes an extensible framework 74 having a series of track members 76 adapted to support the mining machine M or conveyor units U of the conveyor train T.
  • the track members 76 are each received in sliding, interdigitating engagement with a second series of cooperating track members 78 held stationary on the mainframe 12.
  • a pair of actuator cylinders 80 are connected to the extensible framework 74 by means of yokes 82. These actuator cylinders 80 are adapted to displace the extensible framework 74 between two operative positions.
  • the extensible framework 74 In the first operative position, the extensible framework 74 is retracted so that the first series of track members 76 are received between the second series of track members 78 on the mainframe 12. Thus, the overall length of the launch vehicle is shortened. In the second operative position, shown in full line in Figure 4a, the extensible framework 74 is extended so that the first series of track members 76 extend outwardly from the second series 78.
  • the extended track members 78 serve as a stable base or floor to support the conveyor units U of the conveyor train.
  • the bench B is prepared with a bulldozer and/or other heavy equipment by undercutting below the bottom of the seam floor a sufficient distance for the proper positioning of the launch vehicle 10, if possible.
  • the launch vehicle 10 is then transported to the mining site and positioned on the bench B.
  • the extensible front end 72 is fully retracted so as to reduce the length of the launch vehicle as much as possible for ease in handling.
  • the launch vehicle 10 is moved directly into position for mining by means of heavy equipment such as a bulldozer. During this operation, the launch vehicle 10 is raised on the jacks 28 so as to be resting on the skids 30 with the framework 12 raised from contact with the bench B.
  • the jacks 28 are retracted until the main structural framework 12 rests securely on the bench B. If desired, the extensible framework 74 may then be extended so that the first series of tracks 76 extend, for example, underneath the highwall as shown in Figure 1. There, the tracks 76 provide a firm, stable base or floor to support the mining machine M and conveyor units U of the train T as they advance underground into the seam.
  • the launch vehicle may also be anchored to the bench B. This may be achieved in any manner known in the art.
  • One approach is to drill a series of holes down into the bench. Steel pipes (not shown) may then be extended down into the holes and a taut steel cable (not shown) is then attached between each pipe and the launch vehicle 10. Together, the cables and pipes serve to effectively hold the launch vehicle in position during operation of the drive assembly 34.
  • the mining machine M and the lead conveyor unit U of the conveyor train are preferably positioned on the launch vehicle 10 prior to moving the launch vehicle into position on the bench B.
  • the boom of the mining machine With the crawler assemblies N of the mining machine M aligned with and resting in the guide tracks 31, the boom of the mining machine is raised to align the cutter head drum D with the top of the seam.
  • the cutter head drum D, gathering head and flight conveyor F of the mining machine M are all then activated.
  • the crawler assemblies N are engaged to advance the mining machine M toward the face and into the seam.
  • the mining machine M is operated in a manner known in the art from the operator cab 18 to win aggregate coal C from the seam face S.
  • the lead conveyor unit U follows along in the guide tracks 31.
  • a front end loader L may be utilized to lift a modular conveyor unit U and hold it for connection to the hooks 68 of the conveyor lift mechanism 52 as shown in Figures 3a and 5.
  • the conveyor unit U is held by the front end loader L in a position with the ends of the unit directly under the cross bars 66.
  • the hooks 68 are then attached to the four pins P adjacent the corners of the conveyor unit U.
  • the winch lines 60 are then taken-up slightly to remove all slack.
  • the front end loader L is then disengaged from the new conveyor unit U (note action arrow Q) that is now suspended by the winch lines 60.
  • control lines of the new modular conveyor unit U held on the winch lines 60 are connected to the control lines of the last conveyor unit of the conveyor train T (in this instance, the lead conveyor unit). This initiates operation of the belt conveyor on the new conveyor unit U. Again, throughout this operation it should be realized that the mining of coal is continuously taking place.
  • the drive motor 54 is actuated so as to evenly pay-out the winch lines 60 and lower the new conveyor unit U until the ground engaging wheels W rest upon the guide tracks 31 (note action arrow H in Figure 5). It should be appreciated that the wheels W straddle the launch vehicle conveyor 14 (see Figures 2a and 5).
  • the hooks 68 are manually disengaged from the pins P and the winch lines 60 are taken-up to the original raised position for subsequent receipt of the next conveyor unit U.
  • a pusher cylinder 88 mounted to the framework 12 of the launch vehicle 10 beneath the operator cab 18 is then activated to push (note action arrow X in Figure 3b) the new conveyor unit U into engagement with the rear of the conveyor train T (again, in this instance into engagement with the lead conveyor unit directly behind the mining machine).
  • the pusher cylinder 88 includes an extensible rod 89 having a bumper 90 at the distal end that engages the rear of the new conveyor unit U. This serves to drive the new conveyor unit U into engagement with the rear of the conveyor train T where it may be coupled thereto in a manner described above.
  • the pusher cylinder 88 is recycled to the fully retracted position shown in Figure 3a.
  • the first conveyor unit U is being positioned on the launch vehicle 10
  • aggregate coal cut from the seam S by the mining machine M is being passed by the flight conveyor F to the lead conveyor unit of the conveyor train T. From there the coal is delivered to each succeeding unit U of the conveyor train T until it is discharged by the end conveyor unit of the train onto the receiving conveyor 14 of the launch vehicle 10.
  • the receiving conveyor 14 then conveys the aggregate coal under the new conveyor unit U, that is to be added to the train, to the discharge conveyor 20.
  • the discharge conveyor 20 conveys the coal C to a delivery location, such as the bed of a coal truck (not shown) for haulage to a stock pile or for further processing.
  • the receiving end of the new conveyor unit begins to intercept the coal C being discharged by the conveyor of the end unit of the conveyor train.
  • the conveyor of the new unit is already operating when this occurs. Accordingly, at interception the coal C is conveyed along the conveyor of the new conveyor unit to the discharge end where it is still delivered to the receiving conveyor 14 of the launch vehicle 10. From there the aggregate coal is conveyed to the delivery location as described above.
  • the reciprocating drive assembly 34 may be operated to aid in advancing the mining machine M and conveyor train T into the coal seam S.
  • the forward tandem cylinders 36 are recycled from the fully extended position to the fully retracted position.
  • the forward tandem cylinders 36 are moving in the reverse direction and recycled as indicated by action arrow V.
  • each pusher arm 44 of the forward tandem cylinders 36 pivot down under the pins P on the sides of the conveyor units U as they move in the direction of action arrow V so as to allow passage. More specifically, as best shown in Figure 2c, each pusher arm 44 is mounted on a pivot pin 48 in base 46. Accordingly, when the rear face engages a pin P, the pusher arm 44 is cammed downwardly and pivots as shown by the action arrow J to allow passage of the arm under the pin. After passing under the pin P, the arms 44 of the forward tandem cylinders 36 are manually returned to the upright, pin engaging and pushing position shown in Figure 2b. This may be done, for example, by pushing downwardly on the trailing section 49 and pivoting the arms 44 about the pivot pin 48.
  • the already fully retracted forward tandem cylinders 36 are activated to begin extending the cylinder rods 40 in the direction of action arrow Z.
  • the arms 44 of the forward tandem cylinders 36 engage the intermediate pins P on the next-to-last conveyor unit U of the conveyor train T.
  • Continued extension of the forward tandem drive cylinders 36 serves to continue to aid in the advance of the mining machine M and conveyor train T.
  • the rearward tandem cylinders 38 are recycled and move in the opposite direction as shown by action arrow R.
  • the conveyor train T and mining machine M may be backed from the seam. This process is done a conveyor unit U at a time.
  • the arms 44 of the pusher arm units 42 are disengaged from the cooperating pins P of the conveyor units U resting on the launch vehicle 10.
  • the arms 44 are then pivoted over to the phantom line position shown in Figure 2b (note action arrow K) so that the trailing sections 49 extend vertically and the leading sections 47 extend horizontally.
  • the tandem drive cylinders 36, 38 are manipulated so as to bring one drive set of arms 44 into engagement with the sides of the pins P nearest the coal seam face S.
  • the other set of arms 44 is driven to a fully recycled position.
  • the drive assembly 34 is then utilized in conjunction with the crawler assemblies N of the mining machine M to back the conveyor train T and mining machine M from the seam.
  • the cylinder rods 40 are retracted. This action serves to aid the mining machine in moving the conveyor train away from the seam face and back toward the operator cab 18.
  • the rearward cylinder set 38 is being extended.
  • the arms 44 are cammed under any pins P with which they come into contact without adversely effecting movement of the conveyor train.
  • the rearward cylinder set 38 begins retracting. Accordingly, the arms 44 of the rearward cylinder set 38 are positioned to engage pins P on a conveyor unit U so as to provide assistance in withdrawing the conveyor train T and mining machine M from the coal seam. Hence, the trailing sections 49 are positioned to extend vertically with the leading sections 47 engaging the base 46. As this is done, the forward cylinders 36 are re-extended (recycled), once again, with the arms 44 of the forward units pivoting down beneath and passing under any pins P that they engage during the process. The arms 44 are then manually reset as already described to engage the pins P as required.
  • the launch vehicle framework 12 is again lowered by the jacks 28 until it engages with the bench B.
  • the anchoring system is then reset , the extensible framework 74 is re-extended if desired, and mining operations proceed in the manner described above.
  • the launch vehicle 10 may be utilized in a system to provide continuous, uninterrupted cutting and conveying of coal from a seam face so as to maximize production.
  • the cutting and conveying of the aggregate material continues even as additional modular conveyor units U are being added to the conveyor train T.
  • the launch vehicle 10 includes a drive assembly 34 that aids in selectively advancing or withdrawing the mining machine and the conveyor train into or from the coal seam. This is a major advantage in areas with soft bottom material such as fire clay.
  • the launch vehicle 10 allows efficient mining of such areas which was not truly possible in the past. Further, since this is achieved without tearing up the mine floor, recovered product is not contaminated with bottom material.
  • the positioning unit 52 may be a hydraulic cylinder set rather than the winch system described.
  • the embodiments were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally and equitably entitled.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
  • Geology (AREA)
  • Excavating Of Shafts Or Tunnels (AREA)
  • Drilling And Exploitation, And Mining Machines And Methods (AREA)
  • Structure Of Belt Conveyors (AREA)
  • Intermediate Stations On Conveyors (AREA)

Abstract

On décrit un véhicule de positionnement (10) utilisé dans un système d'abattage continu comprenant des unités de transport modulaires (U) qui peuvent être accouplées pour former un train de transport (T). Le véhicule de positionnement (10) comprend un châssis allongé (12) qui soutient un convoyeur à bande (14) servant à transporter un matériau sous forme d'agrégat reçu à partir du train de transport (T). Un ensemble d'entraînement (34) servant à faire avancer ou reculer sélectivement le train est aussi inclus sur le véhicule de positionnement. En outre, ce véhicule comporte un mécanisme (52) servant à ajouter une unité de transport modulaire au train. Plus particulièrement, l'ensemble d'entraînement (34) du train de transport comprend une paire de vérins (36, 38) d'entraînement en tandem coopérants. Chaque vérin comprend une unité à bras de poussée (42) conçue pour s'engager dans l'une des unités modulaires du train de transport. Le mécanisme d'accouplement d'unité de transport comporte un mécanisme de positionnement qui retient et place une unité sur le véhicule de lancement. Un cylindre de poussée sert en outre à pousser la nouvelle unité de transport de façon qu'elle s'accroche à l'arrière du train de transport. Le véhicule de lancement comprend aussi une extrémité avant extensible.

Claims (21)

  1. Véhicule de lancement (10) pour un système d'exploitation minière continue comprenant plusieurs unités de transport modulaires (U) qui peuvent être reliées ensemble, bout à bout, pour former un train de transport (T) de longueur requise, comprenant :
    une ossature principale (12) ;
    des moyens de transport (14) montés sur ladite ossature principale (12) ;
    ladite ossature principale (12) supportant, en vue de son déplacement, une partie de déchargement arrière desdits trains de transport (T) au dessus desdits moyens de transport (14) ;
    des moyens (34) fixés à ladite ossature principale (12) pour faire avancer et retirer, de manière sélective, ledit train de transport (T) ;
       ledit véhicule de lancement (12) étant caractérisé par :
    un mécanisme (52) pour ajouter une unité de transport modulaire (U) audit train de transport (T) pour prolonger ladite longueur dudit train de transport (T), comprenant des moyens (W ;31) pour supporter ladite unité de transport modulaire (U) sur ledit moyen de transport (14), de telle sorte qu'un matériau agrégé d'exploitation minière peut être fourni le long dudit train de transport (T) à ladite unité de transport ajoutée (U) et, à son tour, audit moyen de transport (14) sans interrompre les opérations d'exploitation minière.
  2. Véhicule de lancement (10) selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que ledit moyen de transport (14) est un convoyeur à bande.
  3. Véhicule de lancement (10) selon la revendication 1 ou la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que ledit moyen (34) pour faire avancer et retirer, de manière sélective, ledit train de transport (T) comprend des moyens (44) pour mettre en prise une unité de transport modulaire (U) dudit train de transport (T) avec des moyens (36, 38) pour entraîner ledit train de transport (T) par l'intermédiaire desdits moyens de mise en prise (44).
  4. Véhicule de lancement (10) selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que ledit moyen de mise en prise comprend une unité de bras de poussée (44) pour relier ledit moyen d'entraînement (36,38) à ladite unité de transport modulaire (U) dudit train de transport (T).
  5. Véhicule de lancement (10) selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que ledit moyen d'entraînement comprend deux ensembles de cylindres (36,38) de transmission tandem, chaque ensemble comprenant un cylindre de transmission de chaque côté dudit moyen de transport (14) fixé à ladite ossature principale (12).
  6. Véhicule de lancement (10) selon la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que lesdits cylindres de transmission desdits deux jeux de cylindres de transmission tandem (36,38) montés de chaque côté desdits moyens de transport (14) sont alignés dans le sens longitudinal et espacés l'un de l'autre.
  7. Véhicule de lancement (10) selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que ledit mécanisme (52) comprend des moyens pour pousser (88) ladite unité de transport modulaire (U) pour assurer sa mise en prise avec ledit train de transport (T).
  8. Véhicule de lancement (10) selon la revendication 7, caractérisé en ce que ledit mécanisme (52) comprend, en outre, des moyens de positionnement (54, 56, 58, 59, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68) pouvant être déplacés, de manière sélective, entre une première position pour maintenir une unité de transport (U), devant être ajoutée ensuite audit train de transport (T), dans une position adjacente audit train de transport (T) sur ledit véhicule de lancement (10) et une deuxième position pour placer ladite unité de transport (U) à ajouter audit train de transport (T) sur ledit véhicule de lancement (10) derrière ledit train de transport (T).
  9. Véhicule de lancement (10) selon la revendication 8, caractérisé en ce que ledit moyen de positionnement comprend une source de puissance (54), une paire de bobines d'enroulement (56) entraînées par ladite source de puissance (54), une ligne (60) fixée à chaque bobine (56) et une barre transversale (66), comprenant une paire de crochets (68) pour se mettre en prise avec ladite unité de transport (U,) fixée sur une extrémité distale de chaque ligne (60).
  10. Véhicule de lancement (10) selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend, en outre, des moyens d'extrémité avant extensibles (72) comprenant un chassis (74) extensible se mettant en prise par coulissement avec ladite ossature principale (12) et des moyens (80) pour déplacer ledit chassis extensible (74) entre des positions étendues et rétractées.
  11. Véhicule de lancement (10) selon la revendication 10, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend, en outre, des moyens pour supporter et guider (31, 32) des unités de transport modulaires (U) sur ladite ossature principale (12) au dessus desdits moyens (14) de transport du matériau agrégé.
  12. Véhicule de lancement (10) selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend, en outre, des moyens pour supporter et guider (31, 32) des unités de transport modulaires (U) sur ladite ossature principale (12) au dessus desdits moyens de transport (14) du matériau agrégé.
  13. Véhicule de lancement (10) selon la revendication 1, caractérisé, en ce qu'il comprend, en outre, un convoyeur de déchargement (20) pour amener le matériau agrégé à un emplacement de livraison.
  14. Véhicule de lancement (10) selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend, en outre, des moyens pour lever (28), de manière sélective, ladite ossature principale (12) au dessus du sol et abaisser ladite ossature principale pour la mettre en prise avec le sol.
  15. Véhicule de lancement (10) selon la revendication 14, comprenant des moyens pour supporter (30) ladite ossature principale (12) lors de son levage en vue de son déplacement le long du sol (13).
  16. Véhicule de lancement (10) selon la revendication 15, caractérisé en ce que ledit moyen de support est constitué d'une série de patins (30) espacés le long de ladite ossature principale (12).
  17. Véhicule de lancement (10) selon la revendication 8, caractérisé en ce que ledit moyen de positionnement comprend une source de puissance (54), une paire de bobines d'enroulement (56) entraînées par la dite source de puissance (54) et fixées à ladite ossature (12) du véhicule de lancement, une ligne (60) fixée à chaque bobine d'enroulement (56) et des moyens au niveau d'une extrémité distale de chaque ligne pour se mettre en prise (68) avec une unité de transport (U).
  18. Véhicule de lancement (10) selon la revendication 17, caractérisé en ce que chaque dit moyen pour se mettre en prise avec une unité de transport (U) comprend une élingue de support (64) et un étrier (62) en vue de sa fixation à ladite ligne (60) et une barre transversale (66) et une paire d'organes formant crochets (68) pour se mettre en prise avec ladite unité de transport (U).
  19. Véhicule de lancement (10) selon la revendication 18, caractérisé en ce que ledit mécanisme (52) comprend des moyens pour pousser (88) ledit train de transport (T) vers sa mise en prise avec ledit train de transport.
  20. Dans un système d'exploitation minière continue, procédé pour ajouter une unité de transport modulaire (U) à un train de transport (T) pour prolonger la longueur dudit train (T) lors de la progression des opérations d'exploitation minière, consistant :
    (i) à supporter l'unité de transport modulaire (U) devant être ajoutée, sur un moyen de transport inférieur (14) ; et d'une manière juxtaposée par rapport à une partie de déchargement surélevée dudit train de transport (T) telle que l'unité de transport modulaire (U) qui est ajoutée intercepte le matériau agrégé (C) déchargé depuis la partie de déchargement dudit train (T), et que ladite unité de transport modulaire (U) qui est ajoutée décharge, à son tour, ledit matériau agrégé (C) sur ledit moyen de transport (14), et
    (ii) à coupler ladite unité de transport modulaire (U) à ladite extrémité de déchargement dudit train de transport (T), ladite unité de transport modulaire ainsi couplée (U) constituant alors ladite partie de déchargement dudit train de transport (T),
       ledit train de transport (T) étant ainsi prolongé sans interrompre les opérations d'exploitation minière.
  21. Procédé selon la revendication 20, caractérisé en ce que ladite unité de transport modulaire (U) est initialement supportée sur ledit moyen de transport (14) par un système de suspension à partir d'un mécanisme (52), lequel mécanisme dépose ensuite ladite unité de transport modulaire (U) sur des voies de guidage (31) espacées.
EP92902231A 1990-12-10 1991-12-09 Vehicule de positionnement pour appareil d'abattage en continu Expired - Lifetime EP0513338B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US07/625,211 US5112111A (en) 1990-12-10 1990-12-10 Apparatus and method for continuous mining
US625211 1990-12-10
US07/769,408 US5232269A (en) 1991-10-01 1991-10-01 Launch vehicle for continuous mining apparatus
US769408 1991-10-01
PCT/US1991/009234 WO1992010644A2 (fr) 1990-12-10 1991-12-09 Vehicule de positionnement pour appareil d'abattage en continu

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0513338A1 EP0513338A1 (fr) 1992-11-19
EP0513338B1 true EP0513338B1 (fr) 1997-01-22

Family

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP92902231A Expired - Lifetime EP0513338B1 (fr) 1990-12-10 1991-12-09 Vehicule de positionnement pour appareil d'abattage en continu

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EP (1) EP0513338B1 (fr)
AU (1) AU644257B2 (fr)
CA (1) CA2075638C (fr)
DE (1) DE69124364T2 (fr)
ES (1) ES2096746T3 (fr)
PL (1) PL167642B1 (fr)
WO (1) WO1992010644A2 (fr)

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AU683672B2 (en) * 1993-07-12 1997-11-20 Moura Highwall Mining Pty Ltd Highwall mining system
US5609397A (en) * 1993-07-12 1997-03-11 The Broken Hill Proprietary Company Limited Highwall mining system with driven conveyor units
AU701678B2 (en) * 1994-04-29 1999-02-04 Broken Hill Proprietary Company Limited, The A highwall mining system with mining and removal of coal (or ore)
GB2302350B (en) * 1994-04-29 1997-11-26 Broken Hill Pty Co Ltd A highwall mining system for mining aggregate material
CA2357274C (fr) 2001-08-30 2008-07-22 Nova Construction Company Limited Methode d'exploitation pour paroi de mine elevee
US20090039695A1 (en) * 2005-02-18 2009-02-12 Superior Highwall Miners, Inc. Guide frame for guiding conveyor segments in high wall mining
EP1869255A4 (fr) * 2005-03-21 2010-04-21 Kalman Floor Co Dalle de plancher en beton a retrait compense non arme
EP2444450A1 (fr) 2010-10-19 2012-04-25 Hinterwaldner Consulting & Partner (Gbr) Compositions destinées à la fabrication de revêtements antiadhésifs
RU2600579C2 (ru) * 2014-08-01 2016-10-27 Александр Глебович Нецветаев Способ комбинированной разработки пологозалегающих угольных пластов
CN109915146A (zh) * 2019-03-22 2019-06-21 中国煤炭科工集团太原研究院有限公司 一种远程控制边帮采煤机边帮巷道式开采方法
CN113218246B (zh) * 2021-05-20 2022-11-08 鲁东大学 一种海上火箭热发射起竖装置及起竖方法

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US3135502A (en) * 1959-07-16 1964-06-02 Union Carbide Corp Mining machine launching and conveyor storage system
US4014574A (en) * 1975-04-10 1977-03-29 Browning & Bushman Mining machine having rectangular thrust transmitting conveyor column
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US4953915A (en) * 1989-07-31 1990-09-04 Metec, Inc. Roof fall separating and removing apparatus and method for use in thin seam highwall mining

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU644257B2 (en) 1993-12-02
EP0513338A1 (fr) 1992-11-19
WO1992010644A3 (fr) 1992-07-23
CA2075638C (fr) 1997-05-27
CA2075638A1 (fr) 1992-06-11
DE69124364T2 (de) 1997-07-31
DE69124364D1 (de) 1997-03-06
PL295643A1 (en) 1993-07-12
AU9127291A (en) 1992-07-08
WO1992010644A2 (fr) 1992-06-25
PL167642B1 (pl) 1995-10-31
ES2096746T3 (es) 1997-03-16

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