GB1049413A - Method and apparatus for the mechanical underground mining of clay or similar minerals - Google Patents

Abstract

1,049,413. Clay mining. DEMAG A.G. March 19, 1964, No. 11755/64. Heading E1F. A cutting tube 15 is pushed into a clay seam 4 and then rotated, whereby a wire or bar (22) across its forward cutting edge (Fig. 8, not shown) severs a cylindrical piece, which is discharged rearwards on to conveyer 9 when tube 15 is again pushed into the seam to cut the next piece. Cutting tube 15 is mounted on rotary tube 14, which is rotated within advance tube 13 by one of cylinders 20, which carry the ends of rope 19 turned round tube 14, being retracted, the other cylinder 20 acting as a brake. Cylinders 16 move advance tube 13 longitudinally within guide tube 12. Guide tube 12 is pivoted vertically by cylinder 27, mounted on frame 6, which rotates horizontally on under-frame 5, whereby tube 15 covers a wide range in two planes (Figs. 1, 2, not shown). The apparatus rides on tracks or on wheels 5a on rails 3, and is fixed during cutting by roof-engaging hydraulic props 8, which bear on levers 36 which carry ground-engaging skids 37. Springs 38 lift skids 37 off the ground when props 8 are released. Fig. 6 (not shown) illustrates how frame 6, secured to disc 29, is rotated by reciprocating cylinder 32 and pawl (31), one tooth movement corresponding to one diameter of cutting tube 15. Spring (34) is switched over to the other end of pawl (31) to effect movement the other way. The tube 15 carries tensioning means (Fig. 8) for wire (22) and air holes (Fig. 9, not shown) opening on a widening portion behind the cutting edge. Figs. 10, 11 (not shown) illustrate percussive equipment acting on tube 15 to assist its driving. The bar or wire (22) may be replaced by a wire loop, tightening across tube 15 to sever the clay.