U.S. patent application number 12/994000 was filed with the patent office on 2011-03-17 for mining machine and method of mining.
This patent application is currently assigned to NINE DOT SOLUTIONS (PTY) LTD.. Invention is credited to Anton Beukes, Chris Du Toit, Pieter Conrad Schoeman, Petrus Johannes Adriaan Van Zyl.
Application Number | 20110062768 12/994000 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41377631 |
Filed Date | 2011-03-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110062768 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Van Zyl; Petrus Johannes Adriaan ;
et al. |
March 17, 2011 |
Mining Machine and Method of Mining
Abstract
The invention provides a mining machine and a method of mining.
The mining machine includes a body, an arm mounted on the body for
angular displacement relative to the body, a mining head mounted on
an end region of the arm for rotation relative to the end region of
the arm, drive means for driving the mining head to rotate relative
to the end region of the arm while the mining head is in abutment
with a mining face, and drive means for driving the arm to displace
angularly relative to the body, such that, in use, the arm can be
driven to displace angularly relative to the body to sweep the
mining head across a mining face while the mining head is driven to
rotate and in abutment with the mining face, thereby to mine the
mining face.
Inventors: |
Van Zyl; Petrus Johannes
Adriaan; (Pretoria, ZA) ; Schoeman; Pieter
Conrad; (Pretoria, ZA) ; Du Toit; Chris;
(Ermelo, ZA) ; Beukes; Anton; (Ermelo,
ZA) |
Assignee: |
NINE DOT SOLUTIONS (PTY)
LTD.
Pretoria
ZA
|
Family ID: |
41377631 |
Appl. No.: |
12/994000 |
Filed: |
May 26, 2009 |
PCT Filed: |
May 26, 2009 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/ZA2009/000046 |
371 Date: |
November 22, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
299/10 ; 299/64;
299/75 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21C 27/24 20130101;
E21D 9/1026 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
299/10 ; 299/75;
299/64 |
International
Class: |
E21C 27/24 20060101
E21C027/24; E21C 25/06 20060101 E21C025/06; E21C 41/16 20060101
E21C041/16 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 26, 2008 |
ZA |
2008/4528 |
Claims
1. A mining machine including: a body; an arm mounted on the body
for angular displacement relative to the body; a mining head
mounted on an end region of the arm for rotation relative to the
end region of the arm; drive means for driving the mining head to
rotate relative to the end region of the arm while the mining head
is in abutment with a mining face; drive means for driving the arm
to displace angularly relative to the body, such that, in use, the
arm can be driven to displace angularly relative to the body to
sweep the mining head across a mining face while the mining head is
driven to rotate and in abutment with the mining face, thereby to
mine the mining face; and a wrist portion positioned between the
mining head and the rest of the arm, the wrist portion being
angularly displaceably mounted on the rest of the arm.
2. The mining machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the arm is
mounted on the body for generally horizontal angular and/or
generally vertical displacement relative to the body.
3. The mining machine as claimed in claim 1, further comprising
anchor means for anchoring the arm relative to a mining face when
the arm is driven to displace angularly relative to the body to
sweep the mining head across a mining face.
4. The mining machine as claimed in claim 3, wherein the anchor
means include a prop formation arranged to prop the mining machine
between a roof of a mine and a floor of a mine thereby to anchor
the arm relative to a mining face.
5. The mining machine as claimed in claim 4, wherein the prop
formation defines a prop axis and the arm is mounted on the body so
as to be angularly displaceable relative to the body about the prop
axis.
6. The mining machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wrist
portion is mounted on the rest of the arm for generally horizontal
angular displacement relative to the rest of the arm.
7. The mining machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wrist
portion is mounted on the rest of the arm for angular displacement
relative to the rest of the arm in a generally vertically extending
direction.
8. The mining machine as claimed in claim 1, further comprising
mined material removal means for removing mined material from a
mining face which mined material removal means includes one or more
arms on which the mined material removal means is mounted, wherein
the one or more arms are angularly displaceably mounted on the body
to be displaceable between a mined material removal position, in
which the arm is extended relative to the body and the mined
material removal means is in a position for removing mined material
from a mining face, and a retracted position, in which the arm is
retracted toward the body.
9. The mining machine as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a
cartridge for carrying the operating means or moving means of the
mining machine, the cartridge being retractably mounted at an end
opposite to the mining means.
10. A method of mining, the method including: providing a mining
machine defining a body, an arm mounted on the body for angular
displacement relative to the body and a mining head mounted on an
end region of the arm for rotation relative to the end region;
advancing the mining machine such that the mining head abuts
against a mining face; driving the mining head to rotate relative
to the end region of the arm while the mining head is in abutment
with the mining face; and driving the arm to displace angularly
relative to the body to sweep the mining head across the mining
face while the mining head is driven to rotate and in abutment with
the mining face, thereby to mine the mining face, and wherein where
the arm defines a wrist portion positioned between the mining head
and the rest of the arm, the wrist portion being angularly
displaceably mounted on the arm, the method further comprising:
driving the arm to displace angularly relative to the body to sweep
the mining head across the mining face to perform successive
sweeping strokes across the mining face and driving the wrist
portion to displace angularly relative to the rest of the arm
between successive sweeping strokes.
11. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the mining machine
defines anchor means for anchoring the arm relative to the mining
face as the arm is driven to displace angularly relative to the
body to sweep the mining head across the mining face, the method
then including anchoring the arm relative to the mining face, by
means of the anchor means, as the arm is driven to displace
angularly relative to the body to sweep the mining head across the
mining face.
12. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the arm is mounted
on the body for angular displacement relative to the body about a
pivot, anchoring the arm relative to the mining face, by means of
the anchor means, as the arm is driven to displace angularly
relative to the body to sweep the mining head across the mining
face then including anchoring the pivot relative to the mining
face, wherein the anchor means includes a prop formation, anchoring
the pivot relative to the mining face then including actuating the
prop formation to cause the prop formation to prop the pivot
between a roof of the mine and a floor of the mine thereby to
anchor the arm relative to the mining face and wherein the prop
formation defines a prop axis, driving the arm to displace
angularly relative to the body then including driving the arm to
displace angularly relative to the body about the prop axis.
13. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the wrist portion is
mounted on the rest of the arm for generally horizontal angular
displacement relative to the rest of the arm, driving the wrist
portion to displace angularly relative to the rest of the arm
between successive sweeping strokes then including driving the arm
to displace angularly relative to the rest of the arm in a
generally horizontal and/or vertical direction between successive
sweeping strokes.
14. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the wrist portion is
mounted on the rest of the arm for angular displacement relative to
the rest of the arm in a generally vertically extending direction,
further comprising: driving the wrist portion to displace angularly
in the generally vertically extending direction relative to the
rest of the arm between successive sweeping strokes.
15. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the mining head
provides an evenly scraped surface of a mining face during
operation.
16. A mining machine including: a body; an arm mounted on the body
for angular displacement relative to the body, the arm having an
end region and a rest; a mining head mounted on the end region of
the arm for rotation relative to the end region of the arm; a first
motor and corresponding transmission components for driving the
mining head to rotate relative to the end region of the arm while
the mining head is in abutment with a mining face; a second motor
and corresponding transmission components for driving the arm to
displace angularly relative to the body, such that, in use, the arm
can be driven to displace angularly relative to the body to sweep
the mining head across a mining face while the mining head is
driven to rotate and in abutment with the mining face, thereby to
mine the mining face; and a wrist portion positioned between the
mining head and the rest of the arm, the wrist portion being
angularly displaceably mounted on the rest of the arm.
17. The mining machine as claimed in claim 16, further comprising
an anchor for anchoring the arm relative to a mining face when the
arm is driven to displace angularly relative to the body to sweep
the mining head across a mining face, the anchor including a prop
formation arranged to prop the mining machine between a roof of a
mine and a floor of a mine thereby to anchor the arm relative to a
mining face, the prop formation defining a prop axis and the arm
being mounted on the body so as to be angularly displaceable
relative to the body about the prop axis.
18. The mining machine as claimed in claim 16, wherein the wrist
portion is mounted on the rest of the arm for generally horizontal
angular displacement relative to the rest of the arm.
19. The mining machine as claimed in claim 16, wherein the wrist
portion is mounted on the rest of the arm for angular displacement
relative to the rest of the arm in a generally vertically extending
direction.
20. The mining machine as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at
least one auger for removing mined material, the at least one auger
mounted on an arm angularly displaceably mounted on the body to be
displaceable between a mined material removal position, in which
the arm is extended relative to the body and the auger is in a
position for removing mined material from a mining face, and a
retracted position, in which the arm is retracted toward the body.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a mining machine. In
particular, the invention relates to a method of mining and to a
mining machine.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] It has been recognized for many years that mining machines
greatly improve productivity in underground mines. For this
purpose, continuous mining machines were developed fin particular
for usage in coal mines. These mining machines utilize rotating
teeth-faced drums or rotating borer heads that scrape coal from the
seam.
[0003] The inventors are aware of mining machines which date back
to the early years of 1940. In U.S. Pat. No. 2,565,528 one
particular example of such an early prior art mining machine is
described.
[0004] Another mining machine is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,669,560.
A continuous mining machine is described having an elongated
conveyor assembly for continuously conveying coal cut from a coal
seam rearwardly away from the face of the coal seam being cut
having a frame structure associated therewith. A power driven
cutting assembly is disposed forwardly with respect to the frame
structure for cutting coal from the coal seam for conveyance
rearwardly by the conveyor assembly.
[0005] A problem associated with this known prior art machine is
that often the walls of the seam are not evenly scraped, as for
example illustrated in FIG. 1 of the above disclosure.
[0006] Another mining machine is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,197,256.
There, a borer type cutting head is used in order to cut the coal
from the seam. A problem associated with this known prior art
machine is that the machine experience large forces on the drum
which have to be counter balanced by suitable anchoring of the
machine to the ground.
[0007] A further example of mining machines is described in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,871,260. A continuous mining machine is provided for
mining ultra thin coal seams, e.g. seams having a thickness of
about 24 inches or less. A chassis supported by crawler tracks has
a substantially horizontal axis powered cutter head mounted to its
front and a conveyor extending from a gathering head toward the
rear of the chassis. The conveyor includes a conveyor chain driven
by at least one motor near the rear of the chassis for driving a
sprocket.
[0008] Other mining machines are described in U.S. Pat. No.
4,341,424 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,037,875.
[0009] What is ideally required is a mining machine and/or a method
of mining which is not only easier to operate but offers more even
scrapping of the mine's seam.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0010] It is an object of the present invention to provide a mining
machine and a method of mining which overcomes, at least partly,
the disadvantages associated with the state of the art mining
machines.
[0011] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a
new mining machine and a method of mining involving an inventive
step.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is
provided a method of mining, the method including: [0013] providing
a mining machine defining a body, an arm mounted on the body for
angular displacement relative to the body and a mining head mounted
on an end region of the arm for rotation relative to the end
region; [0014] advancing the mining machine such that the mining
head abuts against a mining face; [0015] driving the mining head to
rotate relative to the end region of the arm while the mining head
is in abutment with the mining face; and [0016] driving the arm to
displace angularly relative to the body to sweep the mining head
across the mining face while the mining head is driven to rotate
and in abutment with the mining face, thereby to mine the mining
face.
[0017] The arm may be mounted on the body for generally horizontal
angular displacement relative to the body, driving the arm to
displace angularly relative to the body to sweep the mining head
across the mining face then including driving the arm to displace
angularly relative to the body to sweep the mining head generally
horizontally across the mining face.
[0018] The mining machine may define anchor means for anchoring the
arm relative to the mining face as the arm is driven to displace
angularly relative to the body to sweep the mining head across the
mining face, the method then including anchoring the arm relative
to the mining face, by means of the anchor means, as the arm is
driven to displace angularly relative to the body to sweep the
mining head across the mining face.
[0019] The arm may be mounted on the body for angular displacement
relative to the body about a pivot, anchoring the arm relative to
the mining face, by means of the anchor means, as the arm is driven
to displace angularly relative to the body to sweep the mining head
across the mining face then including anchoring the pivot relative
to the mining face.
[0020] The anchor means may include a prop formation, anchoring the
pivot relative to the mining face then including actuating the prop
formation to cause the prop formation to prop the pivot between a
roof of the mine and a floor of the mine thereby to anchor the arm
relative to the mining face.
[0021] The prop formation may define a prop axis, driving the arm
to displace angularly relative to the body then including driving
the arm to displace angularly relative to the body about the prop
axis.
[0022] The arm may define a wrist portion positioned between the
mining head and the rest of the arm, the wrist portion being
angularly displaceably mounted on the arm, the method including
driving the arm to displace angularly relative to the body to sweep
the mining head across the mining face to perform successive
sweeping strokes across the mining face and driving the wrist
portion to displace angularly relative to the rest of the arm
between successive sweeping strokes.
[0023] The wrist portion may be mounted on the rest of the arm for
generally horizontal angular displacement relative to the rest of
the arm, driving the wrist portion to displace angularly relative
to the rest of the arm between successive sweeping strokes then
including driving the arm to displace angularly relative to the
rest of the arm in a generally horizontal direction between
successive sweeping strokes.
[0024] The arm may be mounted on the body for angular displacement
relative to the body in a generally vertically extending direction,
the method including driving the arm to displace angularly in the
generally vertically extending direction between successive
sweeping strokes.
[0025] The wrist portion may be mounted on the rest of the arm for
angular displacement relative to the rest of the arm in a generally
vertically extending direction, the method including driving the
wrist portion to displace angularly in the generally vertically
extending direction relative to the rest of the arm between
successive sweeping strokes.
[0026] The mining head may be generally elongate drum shaped
defining a longitudinally extending axis of rotation, driving the
mining head to rotate relative to the end region of the arm while
the mining head is in abutment with the mining face then including
driving the generally elongate drum shaped mining head to rotate
about the longitudinally extending axis of rotation.
[0027] The generally elongate drum shaped mining head may be
mounted on the end region of the arm such that the longitudinally
extending axis of rotation extends generally horizontally, driving
the mining head to rotate relative to the end region of the arm
while the mining head is in abutment with the mining face then
including driving the mining head to rotate about the generally
horizontal longitudinally extending axis of rotation.
[0028] The generally elongate drum shaped mining head may define
opposed generally truncated cone shaped portions, driving the arm
to displace angularly relative to the body to sweep the mining head
across the mining face to perform successive sweeping strokes
across the mining face and driving the wrist portion to displace
angularly relative to the rest of the arm between successive
sweeping strokes then including causing the opposed generally
truncated cone shaped portions alternately to abut against the
mining face between successive sweeping strokes.
[0029] According to another aspect of the invention, there is
provided a mining machine including: [0030] a body; [0031] an arm
mounted on the body for angular displacement relative to the body;
[0032] a mining head mounted on an end region of the arm for
rotation relative to the end region of the arm; [0033] drive means
for driving the mining head to rotate relative to the end region of
the arm while the mining head is in abutment with a mining face;
and [0034] drive means for driving the arm to displace angularly
relative to the body, such that, in use, the arm can be driven to
displace angularly relative to the body to sweep the mining head
across a mining face while the mining head is driven to rotate and
in abutment with the mining face, thereby to mine the mining
face.
[0035] The arm may be mounted on the body for generally horizontal
angular displacement relative to the body.
[0036] The mining machine may define anchor means for anchoring the
arm relative to a mining face when the arm is driven to displace
angularly relative to the body to sweep the mining head across a
mining face.
[0037] The anchor means may include a prop formation arranged to
prop the mining machine between a roof of a mine and a floor of a
mine thereby to anchor the arm relative to a mining face.
[0038] The prop formation may be displaceably mounted to the rest
of the mining machine to be displaceable between a deployed
condition, in which the prop formation is extended, and a collapsed
condition, in which the prop formation is retracted.
[0039] The mining machine may include drive means for selectively
driving the prop formation to displace between the deployed
condition and the retracted condition.
[0040] The prop formation may define a prop axis.
[0041] The arm may be mounted on the body to be angularly
displaceable relative to the body about the prop axis.
[0042] The arm may define a wrist portion positioned between the
mining head and the rest of the arm, the wrist portion being
angularly displaceably mounted on the rest of the arm.
[0043] The wrist portion may be mounted on the rest of the arm for
generally horizontal angular displacement relative to the rest of
the arm.
[0044] The mining machine may define drive means for driving the
wrist portion to displace angularly relative to the rest of the
arm.
[0045] The arm may be mounted on the body for angular displacement
relative to the body in a generally vertically extending
direction.
[0046] The mining machine may define drive means for driving the
arm to displace angularly in the generally vertically extending
direction.
[0047] The wrist portion may be mounted on the rest of the arm for
angular displacement relative to the rest of the arm in a generally
vertically extending direction.
[0048] The mining machine may define drive means for driving the
wrist portion to displace angularly in the generally vertically
extending direction relative to the rest of the arm.
[0049] The mining head may be generally elongate drum shaped.
[0050] The mining head may define a longitudinally extending axis
of rotation.
[0051] The drive means for driving the mining head to rotate
relative to the end region of the arm may be arranged to drive the
mining head to rotate about the longitudinally extending axis of
rotation.
[0052] The generally elongate drum shaped mining head may be
mounted on the end region of the arm such that the longitudinally
extending axis of rotation extends generally horizontally.
[0053] The generally elongate drum shaped mining head may define
opposed generally truncated cone shaped portions.
[0054] Mining elements may be provided to extend across an outer
surface of the elongate drum shaped mining head.
[0055] The mining elements may be in the form of mining picks.
[0056] The mining machine may further include mined material
removal means for removing mined material from a mining face.
[0057] The mined material removal means may include an auger.
[0058] The mining material removal means may further include an arm
on which the mined material removal means is mounted.
[0059] The arm may be angularly displaceably mounted on the body to
be displaceable between a mined material removal position, in which
the arm is extended relative to the body and the mined material
removal means is in a position for removing mined material from a
mining face, and a retracted position, in which the arm is
retracted toward the body.
[0060] The mining machine may include two opposed arms on each of
which mining material removal means is mounted, the arms being
displaceably mounted on the body to be displaceable between mined
material removal positions, in which the arms are extended relative
to the body and the mined material removal means are in positions
for removing mined material from a mining face, and retracted
positions, in which the arms are retracted toward the body.
[0061] The mining machine may include a cartridge for carrying
operating means or moving means of the mining machine, the
cartridge being retractably mounted at an end opposite to the
mining means.
[0062] The cartridge may include fastening means for retracting the
cartridge.
[0063] According to another aspect of the invention, there is
provided a mining vehicle being capable of carrying the mining
machine according to the invention.
[0064] The mining vehicle may comprise a cartridge for carrying the
operating means or moving means of the mining machine, the
cartridge being retractably mounted at an end opposite to the
mining means.
[0065] The cartridge may include fastening means for retracting the
cartridge.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0066] The invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting
example and drawings. The different embodiments of the invention
are now further illustrated with reference to the following
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0067] In the accompanying diagrammatic drawings:
[0068] FIG. 1 shows a schematic plan view of a major part of a
mining machine in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention;
[0069] FIG. 2 shows a part sectional side view of the mining
machine shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings;
[0070] FIG. 3 shows a schematic side view of the mining machine
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, a prop formation of the
mining machine being in a deployed condition and an arm of the
mining machine being shown in a lifted condition, in which the arm
is angularly displaced relative to the body in a generally
vertically extending direction;
[0071] FIG. 4 corresponds with FIG. 3 of the drawings, the prop
formation of the mining machine being in a collapsed condition and
the arm of the mining machine being in a lowered condition;
[0072] FIG. 5 shows a schematic plan view of the mining machine
shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 of the drawings, the arm of the mining
machine being in an initial position to displace angularly relative
to a body of the mining machine so as to sweep a mining head of the
mining machine across a mining face while the mining head is driven
to rotate and is in abutment with the mining face, thereby to mine
the mining face;
[0073] FIG. 6 shows a schematic plan view of the arm, the mining
head having been displaced angularly relative to the arm;
[0074] FIG. 7 shows a schematic plan view of the arm and shows the
arm being displaced angularly relative to the body of the mining
machine so as to sweep the mining head of the mining machine across
a mining face;
[0075] FIG. 8 shows a schematic plan view of the arm after the arm
has been displaced angularly relative to the body of the mining
machine and after the mining head of the mining machine has been
swept across a mining face; and
[0076] FIG. 9 shows a schematic plan view of the mining machine,
and indicates the operation of mined material removal means of the
mining machine;
[0077] FIG. 10 shows a part sectional side view of a mining vehicle
carrying the mining machine shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings;
[0078] FIG. 11 shows a schematic plan view of the mining machine,
and indicates the operation of mined material removal means of the
mining machine;
[0079] FIG. 12 shows a schematic front view of the mining machine,
and indicates the operation of mined material removal means of the
mining machine; and
[0080] FIG. 13 shows a schematic front view of the mining machine,
and indicates the operation of mined material removal means of the
mining machine.
[0081] In all drawings, like reference numerals refer to like
parts, unless otherwise indicated.
[0082] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4 of the drawings, a mining machine,
in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, is generally
indicated by reference numeral 10.
[0083] The mining machine 10 includes a body 12. An arm 14 is
mounted on the body 12 for angular displacement relative to the
body 12, as indicated by arrows AA in FIG. 1 of the drawings. The
arm 14 is mounted on the body 12 for generally horizontal angular
displacement relative to the body 12. A mining head 16 is mounted
on an end region 14.1 of the arm 14 for rotation relative to the
end region 14.1 of the arm 14, as indicated by arrow B in FIG. 2 of
the drawings.
[0084] Drive means for driving the mining head 16 to rotate
relative to the end region 14.1 of the arm 14, is generally
indicated by reference numeral 18. The mining head 16 is driven to
rotate while the mining head 16 is in abutment with a mining face,
so as to perform a mining operation against the mining face. The
drive means 18 can include, an electric motor, a hydraulic motor,
or the like, for example. The drive means 18 can be positioned at
any appropriate position, such as on the body 12, on the arm 14, or
the like, for example.
[0085] The mining head 16 is generally elongate drum shaped. The
mining head 16 defines a longitudinally extending axis of rotation
16.1. The drive means for driving the mining head 16 to rotate
relative to the end region 14.1 of the arm 14 is arranged to drive
the mining head 16 to rotate about the longitudinally extending
axis of rotation 16.1.
[0086] The generally elongate drum shaped mining head 16 is mounted
on the end region 14.1 of the arm 14 such that the longitudinally
extending axis of rotation 16.1 extends generally horizontally.
[0087] The generally elongate drum shaped mining head 16 defines
opposed generally truncated cone shaped head portions 16.2, 16.3.
It will be appreciated that, instead of the opposed generally
truncated cone shaped head portions 16.2, 16.3, opposed generally
barrel shaped portions, or opposed generally cylindrically shaped
portions, or the like, for example, can be used. Mining elements
16.4 are provided to extend across an outer surface of the elongate
drum shaped mining head 16. Typically, the mining elements 16.4 are
in the form of mining picks.
[0088] In use, the arm 14 is driven to displace angularly relative
to the body 12, as indicated by arrows AA, to sweep the mining head
16 across a mining face while the mining head 16 is driven to
rotate and in abutment with the mining face, thereby to mine the
mining face.
[0089] Drive means for driving the arm 14 to displace angularly
relative to the body 12, as indicated by arrows AA, is generally
indicated by reference numeral 20. The drive means 20 can include,
an electric motor, a hydraulic motor, or the like, for example.
Typically, the drive means 20 is positioned on the body 12.
[0090] It will be appreciated that the drive means 18, 20 can
include corresponding transmission components, such as, gears,
chains, hydraulic conduits, hydraulic pumps, or the like, for
example.
[0091] The mining machine 10 further includes anchor means,
generally indicated by reference numeral 22, for anchoring the arm
14 relative to a mining face when the arm 14 is driven to displace
angularly relative to the body 12 to sweep the mining head 16
across a mining face. The anchor means 22 includes a prop formation
24 arranged to prop, or wedge, the mining machine 10 between a roof
of a mine and a floor of a mine thereby to anchor the arm 14
relative to a mining face. The prop formation 22 is displaceably
mounted on the rest of the mining machine 10 to be displaceable
between a deployed condition, in which the prop formation 22 is
extended, as can best be seen with reference to FIG. 3 of the
drawings, and a collapsed condition, in which the prop formation 22
is retracted, as can best be seen with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2
of the drawings. The mining machine 10 includes drive means,
generally indicated by reference numeral 24, for selectively
driving the prop formation 22 to displace between the deployed
condition and the retracted condition, as indicated by arrows CC in
FIG. 3. The drive means 24 can include an electric motor, a
hydraulic motor, or the like, for example, and corresponding
transmission components, such as, gears, chains, hydraulic
conduits, hydraulic pumps, or the like, for example.
[0092] The arm 14 is mounted on the body 12 for angular
displacement relative to the body 12 about a pivot 27. The anchor
means 22 is arranged to anchor the arm 14 relative to the mining
face 40 at the pivot 27, thereby to anchor the arm 14 relative to
the mining face 40. Accordingly, when the prop formation 22 is
actuated the prop formation 22 props the pivot 27 between a roof of
the mine and a floor of the mine thereby to anchor the arm 12
relative to the mining face 40.
[0093] The prop formation 22 defines a prop axis 26.
Advantageously, the arm 14 is mounted on the body 12 to be
angularly displaceable relative to the body 12 about the prop axis
26. Accordingly, an axis 25 of angular displacement of the arm 14
is coaxial with the prop axis 26.
[0094] By mounting the arm 14 on the body 12 such that the arm 14
is anchored at the pivot 27, the rest of the mining machine 10
other than the arm 14, is relatively isolated from stresses and
strains during a mining operation.
[0095] The arm 14 defines a wrist portion 14.2 positioned between
the mining head 16 and the rest of the arm 14. The wrist portion
14.2 is angularly displaceably mounted on the rest of the arm 14,
as indicated by arrows DD, as can best be seen with reference to
FIG. 1 of the drawings. The wrist portion 14.2 is mounted on the
rest of the arm 14 for generally horizontal angular displacement
relative to the rest of the arm 14, as indicated by arrows DD.
Drive means for driving the wrist portion 14.2 to displace
angularly relative to the rest of the arm 14 is provided, as
indicated generally by reference numeral 28. The drive means 28 can
include an electric motor, a hydraulic motor, or the like, for
example, and corresponding transmission components, such as, gears,
chains, hydraulic conduits, hydraulic pumps, or the like, for
example.
[0096] The arm 14 is mounted on the body 12 for angular
displacement relative to the body 12 in a generally vertically
extending direction, as indicated by arrows EE, as can best be seen
with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 of the drawings. Drive means for
driving the arm 14 to displace angularly in the generally
vertically extending direction, as indicated by arrows EE, is
generally indicated by reference numeral 30. The drive means 30 can
include an electric motor, a hydraulic motor, or the like, for
example, and corresponding transmission components, such as, gears,
chains, hydraulic conduits, hydraulic pumps, or the like, for
example. Conveniently, the arm 14 is mounted on the body 12 for
angular displacement relative to the body 12 in the generally
vertically extending direction, as indicated by arrows EE, by means
of a parallelogram type linkage generally indicated by reference
numeral 32.
[0097] The wrist portion 14.2 is mounted on the rest of the arm 14
for angular displacement relative to the rest of the arm 14 in a
generally vertically extending direction, as can best be seen with
reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 of the drawings and as indicated by
arrows FF. The wrist portion 14.2 is caused to displace angularly
relative to the rest of the arm 14 automatically by means of the
parallelogram type linkage 32 in response to the drive means 30
driving the arm 14 to displace angularly in the generally
vertically extending direction, as indicated by arrows EE.
[0098] Instead of a parallelogram type linkage 32, a rigid arm can
be used. In such a case, drive means can be provided for driving
the wrist portion 14.2 to displace angularly in a generally
vertically extending direction relative to the rest of the arm
14.
[0099] The mining machine 10 further includes mined material
removal means, generally indicated by reference numeral 50, for
removing mined material from a face of a mine. The mined material
removal means 50 includes an auger 52. The auger 52 is mounted for
rotation on an arm 54. The arm 54 is angularly displaceably mounted
on the body 12 to be displaceable between a mined material removal
position, in which the auger 52 can be driven to rotate to remove
mined material from the face of a mine, and a retracted position,
as indicated in FIG. 1 of the drawings. Typically, as can best be
seen with reference to FIG. 9 of the drawings, the mining machine
10 includes two opposed arms 54.1, 54.2 on each of which an auger
52.1, 52.2 is mounted for rotation. The arms 54.1, 54.2 are
displaceably mounted on the body 12 to be displaceable between
mined material removal positions, in which the arms 54.1, 54.2 are
extended relative to the body 12 and angularly displaced away from
one another as indicated in solid lines in FIG. 9, in which the
mined material removal means 50 are in positions for removing mined
material from a mining face, and retracted positions, in which the
arms 54.1, 54.2 are angularly displaced toward one another and
retracted toward the body 12, as indicated in dashed lines in FIG.
9. In the retracted positions, the arms 54.1, 54.2 are positioned
in a snug position adjacent the body 12 to render the mining
machine 10 more maneuverable in a mine when the mined material
removal means 50 is not in use. The arms 54.1, 54.2 can have
wheeled formations at free ends for rollingly engaging a floor of a
mine when angularly displaced relative to the body 12. The wheeled
formations can define driven wheels, or free rotating wheels.
[0100] It will be appreciated that a scraper, or scraper chain, or
the like, for example, can be provided instead of, or in addition
to, the augers 52.1, 52.2.
[0101] In use, the mining machine 10 can be used in a method of
mining, in accordance with another aspect of the invention, as will
now be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 9 of the drawings, in
which like reference numerals have been used to designate similar
parts, or features, unless otherwise stated.
[0102] In accordance with the method, the mining machine 10 is
advanced such that the mining head 16 abuts against a mining face,
as indicated by reference numeral 40, in FIG. 5 of the drawings.
The wrist portion 14.2 is displaced angularly in a generally
horizontal plane relative to the rest of the arm 14, as indicated
by arrow D in FIG. 5 of the drawings, such that a trailing one of
the truncated cone shaped head portions, in this case the one
indicated by reference numeral 16.3, engages the mining face 40, as
can best be seen with reference to FIG. 6 of the drawings. The
mining head 16 is driven to rotate relative to the end region 14.1
of the arm 14 while the mining head 16 is in abutment with the
mining face 40.
[0103] The anchor means is actuated to anchor the arm 14 relative
to the mining face 40. In consequence, the prop formation 24 is
displaced from the collapsed condition, as can best be seen with
reference to FIG. 4 of the drawings, into the deployed condition,
as can best be seen with reference to FIG. 3 of the drawings. When
in the deployed condition, the prop formation 24 props, or wedges,
the mining machine 10 between a roof of the mine and a floor of a
mine thereby to anchor the arm 14 relative to a mining face 40.
[0104] As can best be seen with reference to FIG. 7 of the
drawings, and as indicated by arrow A, the arm 14 is then driven to
displace angularly relative to the body 12, in a generally
horizontal plane, to sweep the mining head 16 across the mining
face 40 while the mining head 16 is driven to rotate and in
abutment with the mining face 40. In this way the mining face 40 is
mined. The arm 14 is driven to displace angularly relative to the
body 12 about the prop axis 26. Typically, the arm 14 is driven to
displace angularly relative to the body 12 about the prop axis 26
by about 140.degree..
[0105] After the arm 14 has been driven to displace angularly
relative to the body 12 to sweep the mining head 16 across the
mining face 40, as indicated by arrow A, so as to be positioned as
indicated in dashed lines in FIG. 7 of the drawings, the arm 14 is
driven to displace angularly relative to the body 12 in a generally
vertically extending direction, as can best be seen with reference
to FIGS. 3 and 4 of the drawings as indicated by arrows EE. At
generally the same time, the wrist portion 14.2 is driven to
displace angularly in the generally vertically extending direction
relative to the rest of the arm 14, as can best be seen with
reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 of the drawings as indicated by arrows
FF. In this way, the position of the mining head 16 is raised or
lowered relative to the body 12. It will be appreciated that the
mining head 16 is raised or lowered relative to the body 12 in this
way while being driven to rotate, thereby to mine the mining face
40 while being raised or lowered relative to the body 12.
[0106] The wrist portion 14.2 is then displaced angularly in a
generally horizontal plane relative to the rest of the arm 14, as
indicated by the dashed arrow D in FIG. 7 of the drawings, such
that a trailing one of the truncated cone shaped head portions, in
this case the one indicated by reference numeral 16.2, engages the
mining face 40, as can best be seen with reference to FIG. 8 of the
drawings. Typically, the wrist portion 14.2 is driven to displace
angularly relative to the rest of the arm 14 by about
20.degree..
[0107] As can best be seen with reference to FIG. 8 of the
drawings, and as indicated by arrow A, the arm 14 is then driven to
displace angularly relative to the body 12, in a generally
horizontal plane, to sweep the mining head 16 across the mining
face 40 while the mining head 16 is driven to rotate and in
abutment with the mining face 40. In this way the mining head
performs another sweep across the mining face, this sweep being
above or below the prior sweep. Accordingly, the mining head 16 is
driven across the mining face 40 to perform successive sweeping
strokes across the mining face 40, one above the other, and the
wrist portion 14.2 is driven to displace angularly relative to the
rest of the arm 14 between successive sweeping strokes and the
mining head 16 is raised or lowered relative to the body 12 between
successive sweeping strokes.
[0108] After the successive sweeping strokes have been performed,
the prop formation 24 is displaced from the deployed condition, as
can best be seen with reference to FIG. 3 of the drawings, into the
collapsed condition, as can best be seen with reference to FIG. 4
of the drawings. The mining machine 10 is then advanced closer to
the mining face 40 and the process is repeated.
[0109] The mining machine 10 can be mounted on a mining vehicle,
part of which is schematically indicated in dashed lines at 51 in
FIG. 1 of the drawings. The mining vehicle is then used to advance
the mining machine 10 closer to the mining face 40 to repeat the
process. Instead, the mining machine 10 can be self propelled to
advance closer to the mining face 40 to repeat the process.
[0110] As can best be seen with reference to FIG. 3 of the
drawings, the mining machine 10 can be provided with opposed
apertures 55 and opposed piston and cylinder assemblies 57. Only
one of each aperture 55 and piston and cylinder assembly 57 is
shown, the opposed aperture and the opposed piston and cylinder
assembly being positioned behind the aperture 55 and the piston and
cylinder assembly 57 shown in FIG. 3. Typically, the mining machine
10 can be mounted on a mining vehicle so as to be angularly
displaceable about the apertures 55 which then serve to define
opposed pivots. The piston and cylinder assemblies 57 are connected
to the mining vehicle to enable the mining machine 10 to displace
angularly relative to the mining vehicle about the pivots then
defined at the apertures 55, as indicated by arrows II. By
angularly displacing the mining machine 10 relative to the mining
vehicle about the pivots at 55 in this way, the inclination of the
mining machine 10 relative to the mining vehicle can be varied.
Accordingly, the inclination can be varied when it is desired to
mine at an angle or when it is desired to move, or manoeuvre, the
mining machine 10.
[0111] The arm 14 can be radially outwardly extendable relative to
the pivot 27 so that a to and fro mining sweep operation can be
performed as described above and the arm 14 can then be extended to
repeat the process. Then, only after an end of a range of the arm
14 has been reached, is the prop formation displaced into the
collapsed condition and the mining machine 10 is advanced closer to
the mining face 40 to repeat the process.
[0112] During such a mining operation, the mined material removal
means 50 can be actuated periodically to remove mined material from
the mining face 40. This is achieved by displacing the arms 54.1,
54.2 from the retracted positions into the mined material removal
positions and driving the augers 52.1, 52.2 to rotate. The arm 14
when performing a sweep while in a lower position serves to
displace mined material toward the augers 52.1, 52.2, as indicated
schematically at 53 in FIG. 5 of the drawings. When the mining
machine 10 is then advanced toward the mining face 40 to perform
another mining sweep operation, the augers 52.1, 52.2 advance
across the mined material after the mined material has been
displaced toward the augers 52.1, 52.2 during a previous mining
sweep operation. In this way, the arm 14 serves as a scraper to
enable mined material readily to be removed from the mining face 40
by the augers 52.1, 52.2.
[0113] Making now reference to FIG. 10, an embodiment of the
invention is shown wherein the mining machine 10 is mounted on a
mining vehicle 60. It should be noted that part of the mining
vehicle 60 is schematically indicated in dashed lines at 51 in FIG.
1 of the drawings. The mining vehicle 60 is used to advance the
mining machine 10 closer to the mining face 40 to repeat the
process.
[0114] As shown in FIG. 10, the mining vehicle 60 includes a main
frame 62. The main frame 62 includes a support structure 64 which
is capable of accommodating the mining machine 10. Furthermore, a
pair of crawlers 66 is present so as to advance the mining machine
10 closer to the mining face 40 when in operation. Furthermore, the
mining vehicle 60 includes a cartridge 68 for carrying operating
means 70 or moving means 72 of the mining vehicle 60. Operating
means 70 can be operated by an operator an allow controlling the
mining vehicle 60. Moving means 72 can be a motor, which is
operatively connected to the pair of crawlers 66 so as to advance
the mining machine 10 closer to the mining face 40.
[0115] The cartridge 68 is retractably mounted at an end opposite
to the mining means. In order to enhance maintenance operations of
the mining vehicle 60, the cartridge 68 includes fastening means 74
for retracting the cartridge. Fastening means 74 can be provided in
the form of a hook, for example. Retracting the cartridge can also
be helpful during a break-down of the mining vehicle 60 because
most of the parts of the mining vehicle 60 become accessible for
repair.
[0116] In another embodiment (not explicitly shown in FIG. 10), the
mining machine 10 is self propelled to advance closer to the mining
face 40 during the mining process. It is also conceivable that
operating means 70 and the moving means 72 are mounted in the
retractable cartridge 68.
[0117] Making now reference to FIG. 11, operation of the mining
machine 10 is shown in a top view. The mining machine 10 is
advanced such that the mining head 16 abuts against the mining
face, as indicated by reference numeral 40, in FIG. 11 of the
drawings. The mining head 16 is driven to rotate relative to the
end region 14.1 of the arm 14 while the mining head 16 is in
abutment with the mining face 40. During such a mining operation,
mined material from the mining face 40 is periodically removed by
displacing the arms 54.1, 54.2 from the retracted positions into
the mined material removal positions and driving the augers 52.1,
52.2 to rotate. Furthermore, nozzles 80 are present on both sides
of the end region 14.1 of the arm 14. While the mining head 16 is
mining the mining face 40, water streams 82 from the nozzles 80 are
used to bind coal dust during operation of the mining machine 10.
The mining machine 10 generally achieves a circular shaped mining
face 40, when viewed from above, as depicted in FIG. 11.
[0118] Making now reference to FIG. 12, operation of the mining
machine 10 during the lower sweep of the mining head 16 is shown in
a schematic front view. The front view of FIG. 12 follows the line
FF, as indicated in FIG. 11. As can be seen from FIG. 12, the
mining head 16 achieves an arc shaped cross section of the mining
face 40 during mining.
[0119] In one example, the width 90 of the mining face 40 can be 7
m. The height 92 of the mining face 40 can be 0.8 m in the lower
sweep. The distance 94 of the arms 54 to the top of mining face 40
can be below 0.30 m while the end tips of the arms 54 are located
at a distance 96 below 0.5 m from the mining face.
[0120] Making now reference to FIG. 13, operation of the mining
machine 10 during the upper sweep of the mining head 16 is shown in
a schematic front view. The front view of FIG. 12 follows the line
FF, as indicated in FIG. 11.
[0121] In one example, the width 90 of the mining face 40 can be 7
m. The height 92 of the mining face 40 can be 1.2 m in the upper
sweep. The distance 94 of the arms 54 to the top of mining face 40
can be below 0.70 m. When the prop formation 22 is actuated the
prop formation 22 props the pivot 27 between the roof of the mine
and the floor of the mine thereby to anchor the arm 12 relative to
the mining face 40. The prop formation 22 is covering a distance 98
of approximately 0.4 m between the mining machine 10 and the roof
of the mining face 40.
[0122] It should be noted that the above example is merely
illustrative to indicate the dimensions of the mining machine 10.
The mining machine 10 can be adapted for other dimensions,
depending upon the specific requirements in an underground
mine.
[0123] As can be seen from FIGS. 12 and 13, the mining head 16
achieves an arc shaped cross section of the mining face 40 during
mining. Accordingly, the walls of the seam, i.e. the mining face
40, are evenly scraped, which greatly reduces the risk of coal dust
induced explosions.
[0124] Although certain embodiments only of the invention have been
described herein, it will be understood by any person skilled in
the art that other modifications, variations, and possibilities of
the invention are possible. Such modifications, variations and
possibilities are therefore to be considered as falling within the
spirit and scope of the invention and hence forming part of the
invention as herein described and/or exemplified.
[0125] This invention having been described in its preferred
embodiment, it is clear that it is susceptible to numerous
modifications and embodiments within the ability of those skilled
in the art and without the exercise of the inventive faculty.
Accordingly, the scope of the invention is defined by the scope of
the following claims.
* * * * *