GB2410730A

GB2410730A - Track system for use with at least one conductor bar for supplying power to a vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2410730A
Application number: GB0500539A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gregory David Roughley
Original assignee: INSUL 8 Ltd
Current assignee: INSUL 8 Ltd
Priority date: 2004-01-16
Filing date: 2005-01-12
Publication date: 2005-08-10
Also published as: GB0400955D0; GB0500539D0

Abstract

The system comprises one or more cooperating track sections. Each section is provided with a guide means for a vehicle pantograph roller, e.g. an inverted V7, and a means with which to engage the said conductor bar. The means comprise side extensions carrying hangers 6 supporting respective bars 16. Each bar 16 has an insulating cover 22 inside a hanger 6, the cover and hanger having downwardly diverging legs 26,27,37,38, providing a guide for a respective pantograph shoe.

Description

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24 1 0730

A TRACK SYSTEM

The present invention relates to a track and support system particularly suitable for use with conductor bars in a mine. The present invention also relates to conductor bars.

As tunnels in mines are produced large amounts of rubble is created. In order for mining to continue and the minerals and coal to be extracted this rubble needs to be removed.

Traditionally, rubble has been removed by a diesel powered steerable load haul dumper (LHD) or a JCB type machine.

However, these diesel powered vehicles produce heat and fumes and therefore, electrically powered vehicles have been introduced into mines. Initially, these vehicles were either battery powered or mains operated. But both had limitations. For example, battery operated vehicles require a large source of batteries, whilst the distance travelled by mains operated vehicles is greatly restricted by the length of the power cable.

In an attempt to overcome this, vehicles which are powered by a combination of mams electricity and battery power have been introduced. The vehicle runs on mains electricity where possible and the batteries are recharged as the vehicle draws mains electricity.

However, mains systems use a conductor bar support track which is similar to an l-beam.

This is heavy and difficult to install, a problem which is accentuated where non-linear sections are required. The I-beam also provides a means of connecting the LHD to the conductor bar. The vehicle is connected to the conductor bar by way of a trolley which travels along the I-beam. When the vehicle needs to be disconnected from the power supply the operator has to step out of the vehicle and manually disconnect the vehicle Bee e e.- cee e. e e C ë e e e e See from the trolley. Thus, the trolley is left behind. When disconnecting the vehicle the operator must manually disconnect an electrical plug and socket arrangement and a towing rope and hook arrangement. Once disconnected a live electrical extension cable is left trailing from the trolley. Clearly, this gives rise to a huge safety risk. Of course, when the operator wishes to connect the vehicle to the trolley he must step out of the vehicle and attach the live trailing extension cable to the vehicle. Once again this presents a potentially significant hazard.

Therefore, it is highly desirable to have a track assembly which is light and easy to construct and which can be fitted in a non-linear orientation thereby enabling the vehicle to travel in a non-linear manner whilst drawing mains power. It is also desirable to have a track system which is provided with a guide to facilitate connection of the vehicle to the track system without the need for the operator to step out of the vehicle.

According to the first aspect of the present invention there is provided a track system for use with at least one conductor bar for supplying electricity to a vehicle said system comprising one or more cooperating track sections each of which is provided with a guide means and a means with which to engage the said conductor bar.

Advantageously, the track system of the present invention is available in sections of upto 6m in length, shorter lengths can be connected together to form a curve. Therefore, the track assembly can be fitted to the roof of both a linear and a non-linear tunnel.

A further advantage of the present invention is that the individual sections of track are lightweight and are therefore easy to manoeuvre and fit to the roof of tunnels.

Furthermore, as the sections are not bespoke they can be reused. It is envisaged that as - 3 e e c. e

e e e ece mining continues the track sections can be disconnected from the rear of the track and refitted to the front of the track relative to the direction of travel of the LHD. Clearly, this increases the efficiency of the mining process.

A still further advantage of the present invention is the presence of a guide means present in each track section. This guide means facilitates safe and efficient connection of the vehicle to the track.

Preferably, the vehicle is able to draw electricity from the conductor bar by way of a collecting device which is mounted upon an elevating means. The elevating means is preferably a pantograph, although any suitable means which enable the engagement of the collecting device with the conductor bar is suitable.

The collecting device further comprises a means suitable for communicating with the guide means in order to assist in the connection of the collecting device with the track system.

Suitable connecting devices are well known to those skilled in the art.

The track sections are preferably composed of a lightweight material such as formed steel. Where the sections are composed of formed steel, the steel is preferably provided with a corrosion protection coating such as zinc.

Each track section may be provided with a means with which to support the section from the roof of the tunnel. The means is preferably an aperture which may receive a support rod or the like. In use, the support rods may be intermittently fitted and their frequency depends of the nature of the path taken by the assembled track sections.

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* e e e evee tee e e It is envisaged that the weight of the track together with the support system will not exceed 13kg/m.

The guide means preferably comprises one or more longitudinal recesses which are present in each track section such that when several track sections are connected together at least one channel is formed. When the section is orientated for use the or each channel may appear as any suitable shape when viewed in cross-section for example, generally an inverted 'V' shape, semi-circular, generally square. Where the guide means comprises more than one recess, each recess may have a different cross-sectional shape.

Thus, when several track sections are connected together each channel may also have a different cross-sectional shape.

One end of the track section is such that it cooperates with the end of a second track section. The track sections may have a male and female end or they may utilise a jointing plate. The smaller sections which are used to form curves in the tracks preferably have male and female ends. In either case the track sections are preferably secured together with conventional nuts and bolts.

When connected together the track sections may form a curve or other nonlinear orientation. Where a curved track is formed the track sections are angularly displaced relative to each other. Preferably, the smaller track sections are such that a curve having a radius of at least 5m may be formed.

The means with which to engage the conductor bar is preferably one or more apertures located in the track section. The apertures are such that they receive a plastic hanger, or *en . . '. . .. ..

. . . . . * . * . * - ** * the like, said hanger is preferably secured in place by way of a nut and bolt arrangement.

Such hangers are well known to those skilled in the art.

The present invention also provides a conductor bar assembly.

Thus, according to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a conductor bar assembly comprising a conductor bar and wherein said conductor bar a generally V- shaped slot entry to its contact surface.

As referred herein a conductor bar assembly comprises a metallic conductor bar together with an insulating cover.

Preferably, the said slot runs the entire length of the conductor bar of the assembly.

Advantageously the slot enables a moving contact to be made with the collecting device associated with the elevating means.

The V-shaped slot further assists with locating the collecting device associated with the elevating means during connection of the vehicle to the track.

Suitable moving contacts include a sliding contact or a rolling contact.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a track system comprising at least one conductor bar assembly, one or more cooperating track sections each of which is provided with a guide means and a means with which to engage said conductor bar assembly.

The number of conductor bars present is dependent upon the type of electricity supply required. For example, where three phase electricity is required the track assembly will comprise 4 conductor bar assemblies.

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. . . . Each conductor bar is insulated by way of an insulating cover and comprises a conducting material such as copper. The conductor bar is such that the copper is at least partially exposed in order that the elevating means, via a collecting means, can make a moving contact with the copper and therefore draw a power supply.

It is envisaged that the system of the present invention can be fitted with a laser positioning device which further assists the vehicle operator in the positioning of the collecting means by way of the guide means. A camera may also be utilised to assist in this operation. A screen would be fitted in the vehicle for the operator's convenience.

In order that the present invention be more readily understood the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the following drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a track assembly according to the present invention; Figure 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the conductor bar assemblies and assembled curved track section of figure 1; Figure 3 is a side cross-sectional view of a vehicle disconnected from the track of figure 1; Figure 4 is a front cross-sectional view of the connection means of figure 5.

Figure 5 is a side cross-sectional view of a vehicle connected to the track assembly of figure 1;and Figure 6 is a front cross-sectional view of the connection means of figure 3.

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a conductor bar assembly of figure 2.

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ë.e a e . ase Figure I shows a plurality of track sections 1 connected together to form a curve together with a longer length 2 of track section for the construction of a linear portion of track.

Each track section is provided with apertures 3 with which to receive a support rod 4.

The support rods 4 extend upwardly relative to the track sections when in use and are positioned at appropriate intervals along the length of track in order to suspend the track sections from the roof of the tunnel (not shown). Conductor bars 5 are located on the opposite side of the track sections and are supported by hangers 6.

Figure 2 shows part of a track section I having a centrally positioned triangular guide means 7 which appears as an undulation in the profile of the track section 1. Extending from each side of the guide means is a horizontal section 8a and 8b having two apertures 9 and 10 with which to receive conductor bar hangers 6. The hangers 6 are secured in place by way of a nut 11. The upright internal walls 12 and 13 of each hanger are provided with opposing lateral protrusions 14 and 15 creating a substantially I-shaped channel in which is secured a conductor bar. The conductor bar has a slot 17 in the top surface, each vertical side thereof having an indentation 18, the lower surface is formed to create two legs 19 and 20 which together define a cavity 21 thus providing a contact surface. The metallic conductor bar 16 is provided with an insulating cover 22. The insulating cover 22 is of the same general shape as the external surface of the metallic conductor. The insulating cover 22 has indentations 23 coincident with those of the metallic conductor bar 16. The lower portions 24 and 25 of the insulating cover 22 are provided with outwardly inclined legs 26 and 27 which define a slot 28 in the lower region of the insulating cover 22 which is generally 'V' shaped in cross section. The 8 I. .: . . ::: : ë I:: ::: purpose of the slot is to guide a sliding contact. The conductor bar 16 is supported by individual hangers 6. The hangers 6 comprise an upper body 29 which is secured to supporting bracketry, in a lower portion of the upper body 29 is a slot with opposing rectangular protrusions 14 and 15 which give rise to a generally 'T' shaped slot 32. The lower body 33 of the hanger 6 comprises a pair of support blocks 34 and 35. The top portion 36 of the support blocks fit together to form a 'T' shape which corresponds to the T' shape of the upper body 29. The support blocks 34 and 35 are provided with legs 37 and 38 which define an internal shape similar to that of the lower region of the insulating cover 22 such that the insulating cover 22 communicates with the legs 37 and 38 of the support blocks.

Figure 3 shows a pantograph 39 mounted upon a vehicle 40. The pantograph 39 is in a folded configuration such that the track assembly and pantograph are disconnected.

The pantograph, as shown in figure 4, comprises a frame 41 to which is connected four electrical current collector shoes 42, 43, 44 and 45. The shoes are positioned on a spring loaded arm 46 and are of a shape which corresponds to the contact surface of the conductor bars. The pantograph is also provided with roller 47 which is pivotally mounted about a horizontal axis 48. The roller 47 extends in an upright manner beyond the shoes 42 to 45. The roller 47 is shaped in a manner which corresponds with the shape of the channel of the track system.

Figure 5 shows the pantograph 39 mounted upon a vehicle 40. The pantograph 39 is in an extended position where the roller 47 is engaged with the guide means of track system 9 : . .: : : :e : .. I:: ::: e. . of fig.2. Figure 6 shows a roller and electrical current collector shoes engaged with the channel of the track and the channels of the conductor bars sections, respectively.

Figure 7 shows an enlarged view of a conductor bar assembly of the present invention.

The assembly comprises a conductor bar 16, having a slot 17 in its upper surface. The lower surface is formed to create two legs l9 and 20 which together define a cavity thus providing a contact surface 21. The insulating cover 22 is of the same general shape as the external surface of the conductor bar. The lower portions 24 and 25 of the insulating cover 22 are provided with outwardly inclined legs 26 and 27 which together with legs 19 and 20 form a generally V shaped slot 28.

In use, in order to disconnect the electrical current collector shoes 42 to 45 from the conductor bar 5 the pantograph 39 is simply lowered. This will cause the electrical current collectors 42 to 45 and roller 47 to be lowered out of contact and clear of the conductor bar 5 and track, respectively. The vehicle 40 can then be driven away under battery power. As the roller 47 leaves contact with the channel 48 of the track a IS mechanism captures the electrical current collector shoes 42 to 45 to control their movement and hold them in a known position for subsequent re-connection.

To reconnect to conductor bar power (i.e mains power) the roller 47 is crudely aligned underneath the channel of the track section and then the pantograph 39 is raised. This firstly engages the roller 47 with the channel 48 of the track section which aligns the electrical current collector shoes 42 to 45 with the inverted 'V' form at the lower edge of the conductor bar and, when the electrical current collector shoes are so aligned, the pantograph continues to raise thus pushing the contact shoes of the electrical current . . . e . . . collectors into contact with the contact surface of the conductor bar and at the same time releasing the control mechanism such that the electrical current collectors are free to track the contact surface of the conductor bar.

It is of course to be understood that the present invention is not intended to be restricted to the above embodiment which is described by way of example only.

Claims

. .:: . ë:::. . . . . CLAIMS

1. A track system for use with at least one conductor bar for supplying electricity to a vehicle, said system comprising one or more cooperating track sections each of which is provided with a guide means and a means with which to engage the said conductor bar.

2. A track system for supplying electricity to a vehicle, said system comprising at least one conductor bar, one or more cooperating track sections each of which is provided with a guide means and a means with which to engage said conductor bar.

3. A track system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the sections are formed from steel.

4. A track system according to claim 2, wherein the steel is provided with a corrosion protection coating.

5. A track system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sections do not exceed 13 kg/m in weight.

6. A track system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide means is a longitudinal recess located in the section.

12 . . : . ':: :: .: . . . -

7. A track system according to claim 6, wherein when in use the recess is generally an inverted v-shaped in cross-section.

8. A track system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in use S several track sections cooperate such that their respective guide means form a channel which extends throughout the length of the cooperating sections.

9. A track system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in use the track sections cooperate by way of male and female connecting joints.

10. A track system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in use the track sections cooperate by way of a jointing plate.

11. A track system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a curve 1 S having a radius of at least Sm is formed.

12. A track system according to claim 9, wherein the curve comprises a plurality of angularly displaced track sections.

13. A track system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each track section is provided with at least one aperture for attachment of at least one conductor bar.

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14. A track system according to claim 12, wherein the system comprises 4 conductor bars for the supply of three phase electricity.

15. A track system according to claim 2 or claim 14, wherein said conductor bar comprise a generally V-shape slot.

16. A track system according to claim 15, wherein the slot runs the entire length of the bar.

17. A conductor bar system comprising a conductor bar wherein the said conductor bar comprises a generally V-shaped slot entry to its contact surface.

18. A track system as hereinbefore described with reference to figures 1 to 7.