GB2167378A

GB2167378A - Apparatus for clearing support frames

Info

Publication number: GB2167378A
Application number: GB08522817A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Curt Brandis; Gerhard Thiele; Siegfried Pirags
Original assignee: Maschinenfabrik Scharf GmbH
Current assignee: Maschinenfabrik Scharf GmbH
Priority date: 1984-10-24
Filing date: 1985-09-16
Publication date: 1986-05-29
Also published as: GB8522817D0; GB2167378B; FR2572128A1; DE3438866C1

Abstract

A pivotable and locatable abutment beam (14) enables shield type support frames (2) to be pulled by chain hosts (23, 24, 25) onto a platform (7), to be secured to the abutment beam (14) and to be pivoted thereby into a position in which the frame (2) can be transferred to a conveying vehicle (6) movable lengthwise of the face (1). This is also performed by means of the chain hoists (23, 24, 25). <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Apparatus for clearing support frames This invention relates to apparatus for clearing support frames, particularly support frames of the shield type.

DE-PS 31 07 190 and DE-AS 26 10 298 disclose proposals for the mechanised introduction of face support frames into a face or opening. These two publications descri6tkrlhow support frames which have been conveyed to the intended place of use lengthwise of the face or opening can be pivoted and positioned by means of pivoting tables having pushing cylinders or pivoted brackets.

However, the prior art is silent as to how face support frames, such as support frames of the shield type, can be withdrawn safely after a face has run out.

It is, therefore, one object of the present invention to improve the apparatus described in DE-PS 31 07 190 so that the same can be used with advantage to withdraw face support frames.

Accordingly, the present invention provides an apparatus for clearing support frames from a mineral face, which apparatus comprises a beam which is pivotable about a substantially vertical axis in use and provided with at least one tension transmitting means.

Typically, the apparatus further comprises a platform which is movable lengthwise of the face in use and provided with a ramp to receive a support frame.

To clear a support frame, the platform is positioned, with a lateral ramp, in an operative position in which the ramp extends towards the frame which is to be withdrawn but which is still clamped between the roof and the floor. The tension transmitting means associated with the abutment beam are then made fast to the support frame, the pivotability of the abutment beam ensuring that the tension transmitting means can always be disposed in the optimum position during withdrawal of the frame. The now retracted frame is then pulled over the ramp onto the platform to the extent permitted by the abutment beam.The frame, which is also connected by way of the tension transmitting means to the abutment beam, is then turned by the abutment beam pivoting with respect to the platform uritiPthe frame is aligned lengthwise of the face, whereafter the tension transmitting means can place the frame, for example, on a conveying vehicle for removal thereby. It may be necesary both while the frame is being pulled up onto the platform and while the frame is being transferred to the conveying vehicle to change the position of the tension transmitting means with respect to the support frame to ensure that stressing is always optimal.

Combining the pivotable abutment beam, which can be fixed in a desired angular position, with tension transmitting means leads to reliable and safe withdrawal of support frames from their operative positions and the transfer of such frames to conveying means moving lengthwise of the face.

Although it has been stated in the foregoing that at least one tension transmitting means is associated with the abutment beam, a number of such means can readily be provided if required for first drawing the frames onto the platform, then securing them to the abutment beam for pivoting, then transferring them from the platform to a face conveyor.

Preferably, the beam is in plan L-shaped, having a short arm serving as an abutment for the front edges of the support frame runners and a longer arm serving as a lateral abutment for the support frame itself. In the withdrawal position the abutment beam is so pivoted that the long arm is aligned substantially parallel to the support frame to be withdrawn. The short arm then extends substantially lengthwise of the face. This operating position ensures satisfactory transfer of the frame over the ramp onto the platform even in the case of mineral faces having a fairly steep dip. The height of the beam arms is such that the support frame can readily be secured to and pivoted on the abutment beam.

The abutment beam can be pivoted in various ways. For instance, a pivoting drive can be provided. Highly advantageously, a hydraulic cylinder may be provided. The cylinder preferably has one end connected to the long arm of the abutment beam and the other pivotally connected to a mounting.

In this connection it is convenient to provide the pivotal mounting for the abutment beam and the mounting for the pivot cylinder on a support frame immediately adjacent the platform. The support frame can be of the selfadvancing kind and comprise two support units. A second such support frame can be disposed on the other side of the platform, the support frames serving in this case to secure the roof near the platform. The -support frames can be interconnected.

Depending upon local circumstances, the tension transmitting means associated with the abutment beam can be a hydraulic cylinder. A hydraulic cylinder can be used more particularly with advantage when the displacement distances are comparatively short.

Preferably, the tension transmitting means comprise at least one chain hoist actuable by means of a hydraulic drive, which is particularly tailored to underground mining requirements. A chain hoist has the advantage of being very rugged and flexible. During the withdrawal of a support frame a chain hoist can readily be repositioned repeatedly in accordance with the position of the support frame relative to the platform or to the abutment beam, with a view to ensuring that stressing is always optimal. In this connection, preferably three chain hoists are provided on the abutment beam. The advantage of using a number of chain hoists is that both the transfer of the frames to the platform and the securing of a frame on the abutment beam during pivoting is simplified since the chain hoists do not need to be repeatedly repositioned.

Conveniently, the chain hoist drives, which are preferably hydraulic motors, are disposed in the short arm of the abutment beam. Accordingly, the same can be of box construction and can have additional and possibly interchangeable reversing rollers over which the chain hoists can be guided so that the loading position is always optimal in accordance with their function at the time (pulling or clamping).

It is also advantageous if the idle runs of the chain hoists are biased by resilient storage elements. The chains are then always tensioned.

Each storage element can be a spring. It is advantageous in this case if the storage spring is disposed in the long arm of the abutment beam. The spring can then be protected together with the idle run of the corresponding chain hoist. Accordingly, the long arm of the abutment beam is also preferably of box type construction.

According to another preferred aspect of the invention, the storage element can take the form of a spring motor. If, for example, when there are two or more chain hoists there is insufficient space for storage springs in the long arm of the abutment beam, then an additional spring motor can be disposed in the transition zone between the long arm of the abutment beam and the short arm thereof.

Preferably, the idle run(s) of the chain hoist(s) is/are stored by means of relatively thin wire ropes or chains, to help reduce chain costs and to decrease the space needed to stored the idle runs.

Advantageously, the operative run of the chain hoist is guided by means of the long arm of the beam, to enable pulls to be exerted both from the short arm of the abutment beam and the end of its long arm.

Since in this case the operative run of the chain hoist can take up different physical positions relative to the abutment beam, it is advantageous if a rotatable sprocket wheel is provided at the free end of the long arm, the chain hoist running over the sprocket. The rotational axis of the sprocket preferably extends lengthwise of the long arm of the abutment beam.

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show how the same may be put into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figures 1 to 3 show the inner end portion of a face supported by shield type frames, a frame withdrawal apparatus in accordance with the invention being shown diagrammatically in three different operating positions, Figure 4 is a side view of the apparatus taken on the line IV-IV of Fig. 3, Figure 5 is a side view of an abutment beam associated with the withdrawal apparatus, and Figure 6 is a plan view of the beam shown in Fig. 5.

Referring to Figs. 1 to 3, a mineral face 1 was kept open by shield type support frames 2. It is now required to remove the frames 2 after the face 1 has run out. Accordingly, the working face 3 is separated from the frames 2 by a distance greater than the extended length of one frame (see Fig. 1). The face zone between the frames 2 and the working face 3 is supported by individual props 4. A rail or track 5 on which a conveying vehicle 6 can move is laid lengthwise of the face 1 between the frames 2 and the coal face 3.

Disposed at one end of the rail 5 is a platform 7 which has a lateral ramp 8 (as can be seen in Figs. 1 to 4). The ramp 8 is in two parts, to correspond to the runners or skids or the like 9 of the frames 2.

Self-advancing supports frames 10 having floor runners 11, roof runners 12 and props 13 separating them from one another are provided adjacent the platform 7. The frames 10 enable the platform 7 and the end portion of the rail 5 to be located. The platform 7 can be moved lengthwise of the face 1 by means of the frames 10. For further space securing during withdrawal and as an abutment for any lifting tackle which may be necessary and for reversing rollers of tension-transmitting means, a shield type support frame 2' is also provided lengthwise of the track 5 and follows the same during withdrawal as the track 5 shortens. The support frame 10 between the rail 5 and the coal face 3 serves to support a pivotally mounted substantially L-shaped abutment beam 14 which can be seen in Figs. 1 to 6.The beam 14 is pivotable about a vertical axis 15 by means of a hydraulic cylinder 16 articulated at one end to the long arm 17 of the beam 14 and at the other end to a bracket 18 associated with the frame 10. The long arm 17 is of box construction.

The short arm 19 of the beam 14 is also of box construction and receives a total of three hydraulic drive units 20 to 22 for chain hoists 23 to 25 (see also Figs. 5 and 6). Two of these units 20, 21 have a vertical axis of rotation and the third unit 22 has a horizontal axis of rotation. The chain hoists 23 to 25 serve, as will be described in greater detail hereinafter, to pull the frames to be cleared onto the platform 7, turn them thereon, then transfer them to the vehicle 6.

As will be apparent in particular from Figs.

4 to 6, the operative run 26 of the drive unit 22 having a horizontal axis of rotation extends from the drive unit 22 over a horizontal-axis reversing roller 27 through the long arm 17 of the beam 14. Disposed at the end of the arm 17 is a sprocket wheel 28 which is pivotable about an axis extending lengthwise of the arm and over which the operative run 26 extends.

The idle rub 29 of the chain hoist 25 also extends, by way of another reversing roller 30, into the long arm 17 and is secured there to a spring-like accumulator or storage element 31.

The idle run 32 of the chain hoist 23 also extends, by way of two reversing rollers 33, 34 in the short arm 19, into the long arm 17 and is secured therein to a spring-like storage or accumulator element 35.

The idle run 36 of the chain hoist 24 is wound on a spring motor 37 which can be seen in Fig. 6 and which is so disposed in the transition zone between the long arm 17 and the short arm 19 as to be rotatable about a vertical axis.

In order to withdraw a support frame 2, the beam 14 is first moved, as can be seen in Fig. 1, into a position in which the long arm 17 thereof extends substantially parallel to the length of the support frames 2. Then, for example, the chain hoists 23, 24 are connected to whichever frame 2 is last in the withdrawal direction RR. The beam 14 can be pivoted so as to ensure optimal positioning for the withdrawal operation relative to the operative runs of the chain hoists 23, 24. The drive units 20, 21 of the chain hoists 23, 24 are actuated to draw the frame 2 over the ramp 8 onto the platform 7 until the front edges of the runners 9 contact the short arm 19 and the sides of the frame 2 contact the short arm 17 (see Figs. 1, 4 and 6). The frame 2 is secured in this position to the beam 14 by means of all three chain hoists 23 to 25.

The pivoting cylinder 16 is actuated so that the frame 2 on the platform 7 then pivots from the position shown in Fig. 1 through the intermediate position of Fig. 2 into the transfer position of Fig. 3, in which latter position the frame 2 is in alignment with the length of the track 5. By appropriate actuation of the hoists 23 to 25, whereby if necessary they are rearranged on the frame 2, the same is transferred from the platform 7 to the vehicle 6 and secured in position thereon, whereafter the frame 2 can be removed via the track 5 and the withdrawal apparatus restored to the initial position shown in Fig. 1.

Claims

1. An apparatus for clearing support frames from a mineral face, which apparatus comprises a beam which is pivotable about a substantially vertical axis in use and provided with at least one tension transmitting means.

2. An apparatus according to Claim 1, further comprising a platform which is movable lengthwise of the face in use and provided with a ramp to receive a support frame.

3. An apparatus according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the tension transmitting means are hydraulically operable.

4. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the beam is in plan L-shaped.

5. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the beam is pivotable by means of at least one hydraulic cylinder.

6. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the beam is pivotally mounted with respect to a support frame which is adjacent the platform in use.

7. An apparatus according to Claim 5 and 6, wherein the hydraulic cylinder is connected to the support frame.

8. An apparatus according to Claim 6 or 7, wherein the support frame is self-advancing and locatable by means of props.

9. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tension transmitting means comprise at least one cylinder.

10. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the tension transmitting means comprises at least one chain hoist actuable by means of a hydraulic drive.

11. An apparatus according to Claims 4 and 10, wherein the chain drive is disposed in the short arm of the beam.

12. An apparatus according to Claim 10 or 11, wherein the idle run of the chain hoist is biased by a resilient storage element.

13. An apparatus according to Claim 12, wherein the storage element comprises a spring.

14. An apparatus according to Claims 4 and 13, wherein the spring is disposed in the long arm of the beam.

15. An apparatus according to Claim 13, wherein the storage element comprises a spring motor.

16. An apparatus according to Claims 4 and 15, wherein the spring motor is disposed in the transition zone between the long arm and the short arm of the beam.

17. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 12 to 16, wherein the idle run(s) of the chain hoist(s) is/are stored by means of relatively thin wire ropes or chains.

18. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 10 to 17 and Claim 4, wherein the operative run of the chain hoist is guided by means of the long arm of the beam.

19. An apparatus according to Claim 18, wherein the operative run of the chain hoist is guided by means of a chain sprocket rotatably mounted at one end of the long arm of the beam.

20. Apparatus for clearing support frames from a mineral face, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.

21. Any novel feature or combination of features described herein.