US20080142767A1 - Apparatus and Method For Retracting a Train of Equipment Parts From a High Wall Mining Shaft - Google Patents
Apparatus and Method For Retracting a Train of Equipment Parts From a High Wall Mining Shaft Download PDFInfo
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- US20080142767A1 US20080142767A1 US11/718,891 US71889104A US2008142767A1 US 20080142767 A1 US20080142767 A1 US 20080142767A1 US 71889104 A US71889104 A US 71889104A US 2008142767 A1 US2008142767 A1 US 2008142767A1
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- Prior art keywords
- retracting
- shaft
- train
- parts
- connection element
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- 238000005065 mining Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 23
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 21
- 239000003245 coal Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 4
- 229910052500 inorganic mineral Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000011707 mineral Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 210000003462 vein Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 238000010420 art technique Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000018109 developmental process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002452 interceptive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004575 stone Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21F—SAFETY DEVICES, TRANSPORT, FILLING-UP, RESCUE, VENTILATION, OR DRAINING IN OR OF MINES OR TUNNELS
- E21F13/00—Transport specially adapted to underground conditions
- E21F13/08—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 invention relates to an retracting apparatus for at least partially retracting from a substantial horizontal shaft a train of parts of a high wall mining apparatus which are located within said shaft.
- the invention also relates to a method for at least partially retracting from a substantial horizontal shaft a train of parts.
- Highwall mining is conducted for removing coal, minerals, ores or other materials from seams or veins under an overburden which may be accessed from an exposed edge of the seam or vein.
- Highwall mining is applicable where the appropriate machinery can be placed in a cut or bench to extend a cutterhead, followed by a succession of conveyor segments or units as the cutterhead advances, into a substantially horizontal shaft under the overburden.
- the conveyor segments are also known as push beams, as they are not self-propelled; rather they are as a train (the succession of conveyor segments including the cutterhead) pushed into the mine by a launching device.
- Each conveyor segment has augers or a conveyor belt to move coal from its lead end to its rear end and further onto the next rearward conveyor segment, and to the launching apparatus, also known as “launch bed”, ultimately.
- the augers or conveyor belts can be powered by shafts connected from one conveyor segment to the next, ultimately turned by a motor on the launching device or by a motor at the cutter head end of the train.
- connection element In case a connection element is used, the connection element needs a substantial pulling force which is cannot be generated by the launching device without undue modifications.
- the aim of the invention is to provide an apparatus and a method which are both suitable for retracting deep wall mining apparatuses from shafts with a higher capacity than the prior art technique, which method and apparatus are thus suitable for longer shafts, a larger number of conveyor segments, for rougher mining conditions and/or for steeper downwardly sloping shafts.
- an apparatus for at least partially retracting from a substantial horizontal shaft a train of parts of a high wall mining apparatus which train of parts is located within said shaft comprising: a connection element connectable to the train of parts, and a pulling device located outside the shaft and connected to the connection element for retracting the connecting element, wherein the pulling device is an individual unit separated from a launching device for the train of parts.
- Such an apparatus can retract the train of parts (a cutterhead, followed by a succession of conveyor segments) from the shaft either on its own or in combination with the launching device that was used in excavating the shaft or without help of the launching device.
- the use on its own allows to optimize the use of the launching device by using the launching device for other purposes at the time the retracting apparatus according the invention is used for the retraction of the train of parts.
- the retracting apparatus according the invention can be designed for only the purpose of retraction without other requirements to the equipment; this likewise applies for the launching device; the requirements for retraction the train from a shaft are not (or at least less) interfering with the launching requirements to the launching device. This enables an simpler and cheaper construction of the launching device.
- a further advantage is that existing mining equipment can be used with the improved mining method; only an individual extra apparatus according the invention is required. It is further possible to use the retraction apparatus to successively retract different trains of parts of plural high wall mining apparatuses. Also the retraction apparatus according the invention can be available from stock for specific occasions.
- the cooperation between the retraction apparatus according to the invention and the launching device allows an even heavier load of equipment parts to be removed from the shaft.
- the group of units adjacent to the launch device is retracted by the launch device by exerting a pulling force to the units which are transmitted from one unit to the next unit by the coupling between the units.
- the units further in the shaft are retracted by the retracting device through the pulling element.
- the aim is also reached by a method for at least partially retracting from a substantial horizontal shaft a train of parts of a high wall mining apparatus which are located within said shaft, the method comprising the following steps: arranging a retracting apparatus, comprising a pulling device outside the shaft, connecting the pulling device, a connection element and the train of parts, and retracting the connecting element, wherein the pulling device is arranged separated from a launching device.
- the retracting apparatus comprises at least one supporting element to exert a supporting force against the wall in which the shaft has been excavated.
- the forces needed to generate a force sufficient to withdraw the cutter head and the conveyor segments from the shaft can be extremely large so that the retracting apparatus can tilt, can slide or even can be pulled into the shaft.
- the invention also relates to a method wherein the retracting apparatus comprises at least one supporting element which is arranged adjacent to the wall in which the shaft has been excavated before the pulling device is retracted.
- connection element is connectable to the train of parts at least one connection position and the intersection of the normal line of the connection position on the face of the wall is within the lines connecting the outer points of the supporting elements.
- a main advantage of high wall mining is the fact that the shafts need not to entered by humans, so that safety features are limited. Consequently it is not an option for an operator to enter the shaft bringing the connection element into the shaft and attach it to some position of the train, for instance the cutterhead that is the part furthest in the shaft.
- a preferred embodiment provides a method wherein the connection element is connected to the train of parts before it is inserted into the shaft.
- the conveyor segments appear from the shaft one by one. They have to be removed and stacked or disposed of otherwise. This is a function normally conducted by the launching apparatus. Consequently both the retracting apparatus according to the invention and the known launching apparatus are active simultaneously.
- the apparatus according to the invention is adapted to be located substantially sideways of the elongation of the shaft offering the launching device a position in front of the shaft. This allows both apparatuses to be positioned close to the aperture of the shaft so that they can function simultaneously.
- the manipulation of the components retracted from the shaft however does not require a launching device per se. It is also possible to handle the retracted component without the help of a launching device.
- connection element is flexible and that at the connection position a pulley has been located for guiding the connection element from the direction perpendicular to the wall to the retracting apparatus.
- rigid connection elements are not excluded, the advantageous when a flexible connection element is used, as the flexibility allows the connection element to be guided, e.g. along a pulley, form the direction parallel to the shaft to another direction for instance a direction perpendicular thereto. This feature eases the construction of the retracting apparatus when it is to be located sideways of the launching device.
- Another advantage of the flexible connection element is the fact that is can be wound on a winch, thus avoiding voluminous apparatuses especially in a non operative situation.
- the supporting elements are connected to the connecting apparatus through a pivotable lever.
- This lever functions as a compensating lever for uneven forces so that both connection elements bear the load for which they are designed.
- the retracting apparatus is moveable easily. Such an easy movement of the retracting apparatus can be realized when the pulling device is equipped with a vehicle which is adapted to propel itself.
- High wall mining takes place in rough areas. Besides the mining process leads to heaps of coal and mine stone lying around.
- it advantageously comprises tracked wheels and/or caterpillar tracks.
- the self propelled retracting apparatus advantageously has an engine.
- the same engine can be used for both retracting and transportation of the retracting apparatus. This is facilitated when the vehicle comprises an engine coupled with a hydraulic pump and that the winch and the wheels are adapted for hydraulic drive. Due to the fact that under normal conditions the power required to retract the parts from the shaft is lager than the power needed for moving, the engine has to be dimensioned for its retracting duties.
- FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a situation in which a retracting apparatus according to the invention is used
- FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a retracting apparatus according to the invention.
- FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the retracting apparatus according to the invention.
- the invention is related to high wall mining, wherein a launch vehicle 1 is arranged close to a vertical wall 2 of a geological structure 3 in which a mineral, like coal or ore is present.
- the launch vehicle 1 is adapted to propel a cutter head towards the vertical wall 2 of the geological structure 3 .
- the cutter head digs itself into the geological structure forming a shaft 4 and it ejects the dug out material outside the geological structure 3 .
- conveyor segments 5 are inserted between the cutter head and the launch vehicle. These conveyor segments 5 serve to fill up the distance between the launch vehicle 3 and the cutter head, to transmit drive power for the cutter head from the launch vehicle 3 , and to transport the material dug out from the shaft 4 out of the shaft 4 .
- the process thus described is continued under insertion of an increasing number of conveyor segments 5 until a certain length of the shaft 4 is attained.
- the invention provides in a retracting apparatus 6 for retracting the cutter head and the conveyor segments 5 from the shaft 4 .
- the retracting apparatus 6 is adapted to be substantially located besides the path between the launch vehicle 1 and the entrance of the shaft 4 to allow passing of the conveyor segments 5 and the minerals from the shaft 4 .
- the retracting apparatus comprises a main body 7 outside the path and a connection position where the retracting apparatus 7 is connected to the connection element. This connection position is located within said path, but above the conveyor elements 5 allowing the conveyor elements 5 to perform their function of transport of minerals and other materials.
- connection element 8 is formed by a cable, which is attached to the cutter element before it started to dug into the shaft 4 .
- a winch is incorporated in the main body 7 of the retracting apparatus 6 .
- the connection element 8 is guided by a pulley 9 to allow the cable 8 to be curved from the direction at which is leaves the shaft 4 to the direction perpendicular thereto at which it is wound onto a winch 12 .
- the pulley 9 is located on a shaft connected to a frame 10 attached to the main body 7 of the retraction apparatus 6 .
- the main body 7 of the retracting apparatus 6 comprises a frame 10 which is mounted on two sets of caterpillar tracks 11 . On the frame is further located the winch 12 and an engine 13 , for instance a diesel engine 13 and a cabin 14 in which the controls for the retracting apparatus 6 are located.
- the top of the frame 10 is connected to a beam 15 extending in the longitudinal direction of the retracting apparatus 6 .
- the beam 15 extends to the pulley 9 , and thus to the connection position.
- the beam 15 is heavily constructed to protect the retracting apparatus from debris falling from the vertical wall 2 of a geological structure 3 ,
- the retracting apparatus 6 comprises two vertical supporting elements 16 which are adapted to transmit a horizontal force to the wall 2 .
- the supporting elements 16 are connected to the frame 10 by means of hydraulic cylinders 17 .
- Other linear expansion elements can be used instead.
- the location of the elements 16 is chosen so that the they are at both sides of the connection position, so that the forces acting on the connection position cannot lead to a torque making the retracting apparatus 6 tilt or rotate.
- a pair of vertical supporting elements 18 is located at both sides of the connection position, or rather the pulley 9 . These supporting elements 18 are adapted to transmit vertical forces to the ground on which the retracting apparatus 6 rests. The supporting elements 18 can be moved in the vertical direction to allow uneven surfaces of the ground. The supporting elements 18 are connected to the frame 10 by means of hydraulic cylinders 19 . Other linear expansion elements can be used instead.
- the winch 12 can be used to retract the cutter head and the conveyor elements 5 from the shaft 4 .
- connection element 8 in the form of a cable 8 is used, together with a winch 12 .
- the use of a cable 8 can be combined with a grip device comprising a first gripper which is adapted to grip the cable 8 and transport it over a certain distance after which it is gripped by a second gripper, transported of a certain distance and so on.
- connection element 8 It is also possible to make use of a not flexible connection element 8 ; this requires the use of such a gripping apparatus. However this would also require that the gripping apparatus is located in the elongation of the shaft, as such a connection element cannot be bended.
- FIG. 3 depicts a retracting unit of a slightly different construction; the pulley is connected to a separate beam 21 instead of to the continuous beam 15 at the top of the frame 5 .
- the separate beam allows a greater flexibility of maneuvering.
- a separate lever 22 has been provided for transmitting the forces from the pulley straight to the supporting elements 16 which are connected to the lever. Consequently the beam 21 is only required to carry the weight of the lever 22 the pulley and the supporting elements 16 , and to withstand the pulling forces of the cable 8 .
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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)
Abstract
Description
- The invention relates to an retracting apparatus for at least partially retracting from a substantial horizontal shaft a train of parts of a high wall mining apparatus which are located within said shaft. The invention also relates to a method for at least partially retracting from a substantial horizontal shaft a train of parts.
- Highwall mining is conducted for removing coal, minerals, ores or other materials from seams or veins under an overburden which may be accessed from an exposed edge of the seam or vein. Highwall mining is applicable where the appropriate machinery can be placed in a cut or bench to extend a cutterhead, followed by a succession of conveyor segments or units as the cutterhead advances, into a substantially horizontal shaft under the overburden. The conveyor segments are also known as push beams, as they are not self-propelled; rather they are as a train (the succession of conveyor segments including the cutterhead) pushed into the mine by a launching device. Each conveyor segment has augers or a conveyor belt to move coal from its lead end to its rear end and further onto the next rearward conveyor segment, and to the launching apparatus, also known as “launch bed”, ultimately. The augers or conveyor belts can be powered by shafts connected from one conveyor segment to the next, ultimately turned by a motor on the launching device or by a motor at the cutter head end of the train.
- When a shaft has been mined exhaustively the train of equipment parts in the shaft has to be removed to be used for other shafts. In apparatuses known until now removal takes place by retracting the train from the shaft with the launching apparatus by exerting a pulling force to the conveyor segment adjacent the launching apparatus. By the connection between the conveyor segments the outer segment will pull the train from the shaft. This method work well with trains with a limited length.
- Recent developments lead to longer or rather deeper (e.g. over 300 meters) shafts and hence to larger trains. The retracting of such a longer train is increasingly difficult. This forms a limitation (bottle neck) in further optimising highwall mining. The prior art method of pulling the train by pulling from the rearmost conveyor segment leads to breakage of the connections between the couplings between adjacent train segments and/or fixation of the train in a shaft.
- In case a connection element is used, the connection element needs a substantial pulling force which is cannot be generated by the launching device without undue modifications. These problems are increased by the demand of mining in steeper downward sloping shafts (e.g. shafts sloping down over 12°).
- The aim of the invention is to provide an apparatus and a method which are both suitable for retracting deep wall mining apparatuses from shafts with a higher capacity than the prior art technique, which method and apparatus are thus suitable for longer shafts, a larger number of conveyor segments, for rougher mining conditions and/or for steeper downwardly sloping shafts.
- This aim is reached with an apparatus for at least partially retracting from a substantial horizontal shaft a train of parts of a high wall mining apparatus which train of parts is located within said shaft, the apparatus comprising: a connection element connectable to the train of parts, and a pulling device located outside the shaft and connected to the connection element for retracting the connecting element, wherein the pulling device is an individual unit separated from a launching device for the train of parts.
- Such an apparatus can retract the train of parts (a cutterhead, followed by a succession of conveyor segments) from the shaft either on its own or in combination with the launching device that was used in excavating the shaft or without help of the launching device. The use on its own allows to optimize the use of the launching device by using the launching device for other purposes at the time the retracting apparatus according the invention is used for the retraction of the train of parts.
- Also the retracting apparatus according the invention can be designed for only the purpose of retraction without other requirements to the equipment; this likewise applies for the launching device; the requirements for retraction the train from a shaft are not (or at least less) interfering with the launching requirements to the launching device. This enables an simpler and cheaper construction of the launching device. A further advantage is that existing mining equipment can be used with the improved mining method; only an individual extra apparatus according the invention is required. It is further possible to use the retraction apparatus to successively retract different trains of parts of plural high wall mining apparatuses. Also the retraction apparatus according the invention can be available from stock for specific occasions.
- Further it is emphasized that the cooperation between the retraction apparatus according to the invention and the launching device allows an even heavier load of equipment parts to be removed from the shaft. Herein the group of units adjacent to the launch device is retracted by the launch device by exerting a pulling force to the units which are transmitted from one unit to the next unit by the coupling between the units. The units further in the shaft are retracted by the retracting device through the pulling element.
- The aim is also reached by a method for at least partially retracting from a substantial horizontal shaft a train of parts of a high wall mining apparatus which are located within said shaft, the method comprising the following steps: arranging a retracting apparatus, comprising a pulling device outside the shaft, connecting the pulling device, a connection element and the train of parts, and retracting the connecting element, wherein the pulling device is arranged separated from a launching device.
- According to a preferred embodiment the retracting apparatus comprises at least one supporting element to exert a supporting force against the wall in which the shaft has been excavated. The forces needed to generate a force sufficient to withdraw the cutter head and the conveyor segments from the shaft can be extremely large so that the retracting apparatus can tilt, can slide or even can be pulled into the shaft. The preferred features above avoid these disadvantages with a relatively simple construction that also requires minimal operator attention.
- The invention also relates to a method wherein the retracting apparatus comprises at least one supporting element which is arranged adjacent to the wall in which the shaft has been excavated before the pulling device is retracted.
- According to another preferred embodiment the connection element is connectable to the train of parts at least one connection position and the intersection of the normal line of the connection position on the face of the wall is within the lines connecting the outer points of the supporting elements. These features lead to a stability during pulling process so that tilting of the apparatus is avoided.
- A main advantage of high wall mining is the fact that the shafts need not to entered by humans, so that safety features are limited. Consequently it is not an option for an operator to enter the shaft bringing the connection element into the shaft and attach it to some position of the train, for instance the cutterhead that is the part furthest in the shaft. A preferred embodiment provides a method wherein the connection element is connected to the train of parts before it is inserted into the shaft.
- During the functioning of the retracting apparatus according to the invention the conveyor segments appear from the shaft one by one. They have to be removed and stacked or disposed of otherwise. This is a function normally conducted by the launching apparatus. Consequently both the retracting apparatus according to the invention and the known launching apparatus are active simultaneously. To allow these apparatuses to work simultaneously the apparatus according to the invention is adapted to be located substantially sideways of the elongation of the shaft offering the launching device a position in front of the shaft. This allows both apparatuses to be positioned close to the aperture of the shaft so that they can function simultaneously. The manipulation of the components retracted from the shaft however does not require a launching device per se. It is also possible to handle the retracted component without the help of a launching device.
- Yet another embodiment provides the feature that the connection element is flexible and that at the connection position a pulley has been located for guiding the connection element from the direction perpendicular to the wall to the retracting apparatus. Although rigid connection elements are not excluded, the advantageous when a flexible connection element is used, as the flexibility allows the connection element to be guided, e.g. along a pulley, form the direction parallel to the shaft to another direction for instance a direction perpendicular thereto. This feature eases the construction of the retracting apparatus when it is to be located sideways of the launching device.
- Another advantage of the flexible connection element is the fact that is can be wound on a winch, thus avoiding voluminous apparatuses especially in a non operative situation.
- Preferably the supporting elements are connected to the connecting apparatus through a pivotable lever. This lever functions as a compensating lever for uneven forces so that both connection elements bear the load for which they are designed.
- When the axis of the pivotable lever coincides with the axis of the pulley which is a further preferred embodiment, forces are restricted within the lever. Consequently no forces are transmitted to the beam.
- When all parts of a mining apparatus have been retracted from the shaft, the operation is normally moved to a next shaft. Thus it is advantageous that the retracting apparatus is moveable easily. Such an easy movement of the retracting apparatus can be realized when the pulling device is equipped with a vehicle which is adapted to propel itself.
- High wall mining takes place in rough areas. Besides the mining process leads to heaps of coal and mine stone lying around. To make the moving of the retracting apparatus easier, it advantageously comprises tracked wheels and/or caterpillar tracks.
- The self propelled retracting apparatus advantageously has an engine. As moving of the retracting apparatus normally will not take place at the same time as the retracting of the parts of the mining apparatus from the shaft, the same engine can be used for both retracting and transportation of the retracting apparatus. This is facilitated when the vehicle comprises an engine coupled with a hydraulic pump and that the winch and the wheels are adapted for hydraulic drive. Due to the fact that under normal conditions the power required to retract the parts from the shaft is lager than the power needed for moving, the engine has to be dimensioned for its retracting duties.
- The present invention will be further elucidated with reference to the non-limitative embodiments shown in the following figures, in which:
-
FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a situation in which a retracting apparatus according to the invention is used; -
FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a retracting apparatus according to the invention; and -
FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the retracting apparatus according to the invention. - The invention is related to high wall mining, wherein a
launch vehicle 1 is arranged close to avertical wall 2 of ageological structure 3 in which a mineral, like coal or ore is present. Thelaunch vehicle 1 is adapted to propel a cutter head towards thevertical wall 2 of thegeological structure 3. The cutter head digs itself into the geological structure forming ashaft 4 and it ejects the dug out material outside thegeological structure 3. To allow further digging into thegeological structure 3conveyor segments 5 are inserted between the cutter head and the launch vehicle. Theseconveyor segments 5 serve to fill up the distance between thelaunch vehicle 3 and the cutter head, to transmit drive power for the cutter head from thelaunch vehicle 3, and to transport the material dug out from theshaft 4 out of theshaft 4. The process thus described is continued under insertion of an increasing number ofconveyor segments 5 until a certain length of theshaft 4 is attained. - To use the cutter head and the
conveyor segments 5 for the digging ofother shafts 4, they will have to retracted. Until recently the retracting was executed by a retracting the conveyor segments with thelaunch vehicle 1. The trend goes towardsdeeper shafts 4 requiringmore conveyor segments 5 to be inserted into theshaft 4 and hence to retracted from theshaft 4. This requires a large force, not only as caused by the increased mass, but also by the increased friction between the side walls (substantially the bottom) of theshaft 4 and theconveyor segments 5. With increased control of the cutter heads it becomes possible to dig slopingshafts 4 if the geological situation dictates such. In case downwardly slopingshafts 4 the retraction force is enlarged by the gravity forces. It is difficult to increase the power installed in thelaunch vehicle 1 as this would lead to an undue increase of mass of thelaunch vehicle 1 and hence the handling capabilities thereof. Also theconveyor segments 5 need to be reinforced to handle such heavy loads. - To avoid these problems the invention provides in a
retracting apparatus 6 for retracting the cutter head and theconveyor segments 5 from theshaft 4. The retractingapparatus 6 is adapted to be substantially located besides the path between thelaunch vehicle 1 and the entrance of theshaft 4 to allow passing of theconveyor segments 5 and the minerals from theshaft 4. However the retracting apparatus comprises amain body 7 outside the path and a connection position where the retractingapparatus 7 is connected to the connection element. This connection position is located within said path, but above theconveyor elements 5 allowing theconveyor elements 5 to perform their function of transport of minerals and other materials. - In the present embodiment the
connection element 8 is formed by a cable, which is attached to the cutter element before it started to dug into theshaft 4. In the present embodiment a winch is incorporated in themain body 7 of the retractingapparatus 6. Theconnection element 8 is guided by apulley 9 to allow thecable 8 to be curved from the direction at which is leaves theshaft 4 to the direction perpendicular thereto at which it is wound onto awinch 12. Thepulley 9 is located on a shaft connected to aframe 10 attached to themain body 7 of theretraction apparatus 6. - The
main body 7 of the retractingapparatus 6 comprises aframe 10 which is mounted on two sets ofcaterpillar tracks 11. On the frame is further located thewinch 12 and anengine 13, for instance adiesel engine 13 and acabin 14 in which the controls for the retractingapparatus 6 are located. The top of theframe 10 is connected to abeam 15 extending in the longitudinal direction of the retractingapparatus 6. Thebeam 15 extends to thepulley 9, and thus to the connection position. Thebeam 15 is heavily constructed to protect the retracting apparatus from debris falling from thevertical wall 2 of ageological structure 3, - To withstand the pulling forces generated by the pulling process, the retracting
apparatus 6 comprises two vertical supportingelements 16 which are adapted to transmit a horizontal force to thewall 2. The supportingelements 16 are connected to theframe 10 by means ofhydraulic cylinders 17. Other linear expansion elements can be used instead. The location of theelements 16 is chosen so that the they are at both sides of the connection position, so that the forces acting on the connection position cannot lead to a torque making the retractingapparatus 6 tilt or rotate. - To give extra support a pair of vertical supporting
elements 18 is located at both sides of the connection position, or rather thepulley 9. These supportingelements 18 are adapted to transmit vertical forces to the ground on which theretracting apparatus 6 rests. The supportingelements 18 can be moved in the vertical direction to allow uneven surfaces of the ground. The supportingelements 18 are connected to theframe 10 by means ofhydraulic cylinders 19. Other linear expansion elements can be used instead. - It will be clear that by driving the
winch 12 by theengine 13 thewinch 12 can be used to retract the cutter head and theconveyor elements 5 from theshaft 4. - In the above embodiment a
connection element 8 in the form of acable 8 is used, together with awinch 12. The use of acable 8 can be combined with a grip device comprising a first gripper which is adapted to grip thecable 8 and transport it over a certain distance after which it is gripped by a second gripper, transported of a certain distance and so on. - It is also possible to make use of a not
flexible connection element 8; this requires the use of such a gripping apparatus. However this would also require that the gripping apparatus is located in the elongation of the shaft, as such a connection element cannot be bended. - Finally
FIG. 3 depicts a retracting unit of a slightly different construction; the pulley is connected to a separate beam 21 instead of to thecontinuous beam 15 at the top of theframe 5. The separate beam allows a greater flexibility of maneuvering. Further aseparate lever 22 has been provided for transmitting the forces from the pulley straight to the supportingelements 16 which are connected to the lever. Consequently the beam 21 is only required to carry the weight of thelever 22 the pulley and the supportingelements 16, and to withstand the pulling forces of thecable 8. - It will be clear that many variations can be applied to the embodiment described above without departing from the scope of the invention.
Claims (15)
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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PCT/NL2004/000794 WO2006052124A1 (en) | 2004-11-11 | 2004-11-11 | Apparatus and method for retracting a train of equipment parts from a high wall mining shaft |
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US20080142767A1 true US20080142767A1 (en) | 2008-06-19 |
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US11/718,891 Abandoned US20080142767A1 (en) | 2004-11-11 | 2004-11-11 | Apparatus and Method For Retracting a Train of Equipment Parts From a High Wall Mining Shaft |
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US (1) | US20080142767A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2006052124A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN104279003A (en) * | 2014-09-18 | 2015-01-14 | 中国煤炭科工集团太原研究院有限公司 | Rapid transporting device for underground single hydraulic prop and transporting method finished thereof |
US11788412B2 (en) * | 2018-07-19 | 2023-10-17 | Underground Extraction Technologies Pty Ltd. | Recovering conveyor systems and continuous miners from mined plunge tunnels in underground mines |
Citations (5)
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US5299674A (en) * | 1991-12-20 | 1994-04-05 | Westfalia Mining Progress, Inc. | Conveyor system and method employing a mobile belt support structure |
US5692807A (en) * | 1995-08-09 | 1997-12-02 | Joy Mm Delaware, Inc. | Highwall mining apparatus |
US5863101A (en) * | 1996-03-28 | 1999-01-26 | Seear; Peter Kenneth | Auger mining machine and mine launch device |
US5992941A (en) * | 1997-07-23 | 1999-11-30 | Delli-Gatti, Jr.; Frank | Conveyor for ultra thin seam coal mining |
US6109699A (en) * | 1998-08-24 | 2000-08-29 | Dm Technologies, Ltd. | Tow line equipped remote mining machine and method |
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2004
- 2004-11-11 WO PCT/NL2004/000794 patent/WO2006052124A1/en active Application Filing
- 2004-11-11 US US11/718,891 patent/US20080142767A1/en not_active Abandoned
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Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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CN104279003A (en) * | 2014-09-18 | 2015-01-14 | 中国煤炭科工集团太原研究院有限公司 | Rapid transporting device for underground single hydraulic prop and transporting method finished thereof |
US11788412B2 (en) * | 2018-07-19 | 2023-10-17 | Underground Extraction Technologies Pty Ltd. | Recovering conveyor systems and continuous miners from mined plunge tunnels in underground mines |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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WO2006052124A1 (en) | 2006-05-18 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SUPERIOR HIGHWALL MINING SYSTEMS N.V., NETHERLANDS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:ANTOLINE, STEVEN ALLEN;VAN ES, PAUL EMILE;REEL/FRAME:019527/0864 Effective date: 20051228 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SUPERIOR HIGHWALL ACQUISITION, INC., WEST VIRGINIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:SUPERIOR HIGHWALL MINING SYSTEMS N.V.;REEL/FRAME:019606/0973 Effective date: 20060526 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SUPERIOR HIGHWALL MINERS, INC., WEST VIRGINIA Free format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:SUPERIOR HIGHWALL ACQUISITION, INC.;REEL/FRAME:019634/0230 Effective date: 20060710 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |