U.S. patent application number 13/592394 was filed with the patent office on 2013-10-03 for launch vehicle for a mining system, a mining system and a method for mining.
This patent application is currently assigned to CATERPILLAR GLOBAL MINING HIGHWALL MINERS LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Cornelis Wilhelm In'T Hout. Invention is credited to Cornelis Wilhelm In'T Hout.
Application Number | 20130257137 13/592394 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44507487 |
Filed Date | 2013-10-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130257137 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
In'T Hout; Cornelis
Wilhelm |
October 3, 2013 |
LAUNCH VEHICLE FOR A MINING SYSTEM, A MINING SYSTEM AND A METHOD
FOR MINING
Abstract
The invention provides for a launch vehicle for a mining system
comprising a base frame provided with tracks, an upper frame
rotatably connected to the base frame around a substantially
vertical axis of rotation, a launch frame connecting to the upper
frame, a crane unit and drive means for driving the tracks, the
launch frame the crane unit, or a combination thereof.
Inventors: |
In'T Hout; Cornelis Wilhelm;
(Dordrecht, NL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
In'T Hout; Cornelis Wilhelm |
Dordrecht |
|
NL |
|
|
Assignee: |
CATERPILLAR GLOBAL MINING HIGHWALL
MINERS LLC
Backley
WV
|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20120319451 A1 |
December 20, 2012 |
|
|
Family ID: |
44507487 |
Appl. No.: |
13/592394 |
Filed: |
August 23, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/NL2011/050136 |
Feb 25, 2011 |
|
|
|
13592394 |
|
|
|
|
61308348 |
Feb 26, 2010 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
299/18 ; 299/64;
414/729 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21C 29/22 20130101;
E21C 25/58 20130101; E21C 27/24 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
299/18 ; 299/64;
414/729 |
International
Class: |
E21C 41/00 20060101
E21C041/00; E21C 35/00 20060101 E21C035/00; E21C 25/68 20060101
E21C025/68 |
Claims
1. A launch vehicle for a mining system comprising: a tracked
vehicle base frame; an upper frame rotatably mounted to the base
frame around a substantially vertical axis of rotation; a launch
frame connecting to the upper frame; a crane unit mounted to the
launch frame; and a drive system for driving at least one of the
tracks, launch frame, and crane unit.
2. The launch vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the crane unit
further comprises a gripper frame provided on an outer end
thereof.
3. The launch vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the tracked
vehicle base frame and the upper frame are connected with an
intermediate bearing ring.
4. The launch vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the tracked
vehicle base frame is provided with two tracks.
5. The launch vehicle according claim 4, wherein the drive system
comprises an internal combustion engine.
6. The launch vehicle according to claim 4 wherein, the drive
system comprises an electric drive that is powered by a separate
electric power source.
7. The launch vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the upper frame
is connected to the launch frame by segmented coupling arms
attached to dynamic coupling positions located thereon.
8. The launch vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the upper frame
is connected to the launch frame with at least one intermediate
cylinder for positioning the launch frame relative to the upper
frame.
9. A mining system comprising: a launch vehicle having a tracked
vehicle base frame; an upper frame rotatably mounted to the base
frame around a substantially vertical axis of rotation; a launch
frame connecting to the upper frame; a drive system for driving at
least one of the tracks, launch frame, and crane unit; at least one
conveyor segment connecting to the launch frame of the launch
vehicle; and a cutter head connecting to the conveyor segment
opposite the side connecting to the launch vehicle.
10. The mining system according to claim 9, wherein the mining
system comprises a train of conveyor segments connecting to the
launch vehicle.
11. The mining system according claim 10, wherein the mining system
comprises a gas feed running from the launch vehicle to the cutter
head for guiding inert gas to the environment of the cutter
head.
12. A method for using a launch vehicle for a mining system
comprising: providing a tracked vehicle base frame having an upper
frame rotatably mounted to the base frame around a substantially
vertical axis of rotation, a launch frame connecting to the upper
frame, a crane unit mounted to the launch frame, and a drive system
for driving at least one of the tracks, launch frame, and crane
unit; wherein the launch vehicle drives a train of conveyor
segments at an angle of about 0.degree. to about 35.degree.
relative to horizontal in a mining shaft.
13. The method defined in claim 12 further comprising: driving the
launch vehicle with a train of conveyor segments having with a
length of more than about 300 meters and preferably more than 350
meters in a mining shaft.
14. The method defined in claim 12 further comprising: driving the
launch vehicle with a train of conveyor segments with a length of
more than about 300 meters and preferably more than 500 meters in a
mining shaft.
15. The method defined in claim 12 further comprising: driving the
launch vehicle with a train of conveyor segments at step angles of
about 0.degree. to about 35.degree. relative to horizontal to
create at least one one-pass mining shaft from one global launch
position.
16. The method defined in claim 15 wherein the driving of the
launch vehicle can be accomplished without pit-floor and earth
moving preparations.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of
priority from International Application No. PCT/NL11/50136 by
Cornelis Wilhelm In't Hout, filed Feb. 25, 2011, the contents of
which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] Exemplary embodiments of the invention relate to a launch
vehicle for a mining system. The invention also relates to a mining
system including such a launch vehicle as well as a method for
mining.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Mining and, more specifically, high-wall mining may be
conducted for removing coal, minerals, ores or other materials in
seams or veins under an overburden that may be accessed from an
exposed edge of the material seam or vein. Such type of mining is
applicable where the appropriate machinery can be placed in-line
with the vein to be mined (e.g. in a cut or bench), to extend a
cutterhead. For deeper penetration of the cutter head in the vein,
as is practiced in high-wall mining, the cutter head is followed by
a train 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 pushed into the mine. Each onveyor
segment has transporting means such as one or more screw conveyors
("augers"), conveyor belts or chain/scraper conveyors to move the
mined material from its lead end to its rear end and further onto
the next rearward conveyor segment and, ultimately, to the launch
bed. The screw conveyors, conveyor belts or chain/scraper conveyors
can be powered by shafts connected from one conveyor segment to the
next that are ultimately turned by a motor on the launch vehicle,
by a separate power generating unit that is connected to the launch
vehicle or by a motor at the cutterhead end of the train.
[0004] The prior art launch vehicles may comprise a frame structure
including a conveyor segment transfer mechanism that handles the
conveyor segments with a gripper frame as well a launch frame. The
frame structure is detachable in multiple segments to be
transported to and from mining locations, as the structure as a
whole is too large for transportation in its entirety over longer
distances. For self propelled relocation of a launch vehicle over
shorter distances on a mining location and on relative flat
surfaces the frame structure is normally carried by at least four
tracks that support the frame structure at its corners. Such prior
art launch vehicles are among others known from WO 95/300676, WO
2005/116402 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,682,807. Optionally the launch
vehicle also may comprise anchoring mechanisms, a gas supply and/or
discharge equipment
[0005] The present invention has for its object to provide a launch
vehicle for a mining system, a mining system and a method for
mining that provides an enhanced manoeuvrability and that enable
mining at reduced costs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In an exemplary embodiment a launch vehicle for a mining
system comprises a base frame provided with tracks, an upper frame
rotatably connected to the base frame around a substantially
vertical axis of rotation, a launch frame connecting to the upper
frame, a crane unit mounted to the launch frame and a drive system
for driving the tracks, the launch frame the crane unit or a
combination thereof.
[0007] The above features and advantages, and other features and
advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the
following detailed description of the best modes for carrying out
the invention when taken in connection with the accompany
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] Other objects, features, advantages and details appear, by
way of example only in the following detailed description of the
embodiments, the detailed description referring to the drawings in
which:
[0009] FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a launch vehicle as part of
a mining system according the invention used in surface mining;
[0010] FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of the mining system as
partially shown in FIG. 1 modified for use in steep, directional
high wall mining, and
[0011] FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of the mining system as
partially shown in FIG. 2 now used in horizontal directional high
wall mining.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and
is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application or
uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings,
corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding
parts and features.
[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, a mining vehicle for a mining
system as disclosed herein, use can be made of a standard base of
existing high performance shovels or cranes, (e.g. with a power of
1500, 1600 or 2000 kW). Instead of a dedicated designed launching
vehicle, the invention disclosed herein provides for the use of
relatively easy to acquire and relatively easy to service
equipment. The disclosed launch vehicle is also far more
manoeuvrable than the prior art launching vehicles leading to
serious savings in time and cost during repositioning. For example,
instead of dismantling, moving and reassembling a launch frame, the
disclosed launch vehicle can easily be moved as a complete unit,
even on sloping surfaces.
[0014] Another advantage of the launching vehicle as disclosed
herein is that it may also be dismantled by detaching the launch
frame and/or a crane unit and may be reequipped with other features
(e.g. booms, sticks, buckets, backhoe) to be able to execute
differing functions from the same launch vehicle. An example of
such an alternative use may be as a shovel to prepare contour
benches.
[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, an advantage of the launch
vehicle according the invention is that it enables a broader use or
field of application especially steep and deep mining. With the
known launching equipment for high wall mining, only mining of
seams up to 8.degree. relative to horizontal has been possible. The
disclosed invention provides the opportunity for mining up to seams
up to 30.degree., or more, relative to horizontal. Likewise with
prior art launching equipment for high wall mining, only mining of
seams up to 300 meters in length was possible. The present
invention provides the opportunity for mining of seams up to seams
up to 500 meters length, or more.
[0016] In an exemplary embodiment a crane unit is mounted to the
launch frame. The advantage of such a connection is that the launch
frame and crane unit are even simpler to connect and disconnect
with the upper frame. A further advantage is that the forces
exerted by the crane unit will be absorbed by the launch unit and
have thus less influence on the upper frame. For easy handling of
equipment parts such as cutter head and conveyor segments like push
beams, the crane may, in an exemplary embodiment, be provided with
a gripper frame or unit on the free end of a boom. A gripper unit
is already known to be used in mining equipment but now the gripper
unit may simply be attached to a boom (stick) of a crane arm to
provide all the desired equipment handling.
[0017] In another exemplary embodiment the base frame and the upper
frame are connected through an intermediate bearing ring. Such
construction is long-lasting and robust while still providing the
desired freedom of movement. In an exemplary embodiment, the base
frame will be provided with two tracks as this enhances the
manoeuvrability relative to known base frames with more than two
tracks.
[0018] The drive system may comprise an internal combustion engine
but, as an alternative, may also comprise an electric drive that is
powered by an independent electric power source. Normally the
internal combustion engine/electric drive is used to at least
partly convert the available energy to hydraulic.
[0019] The upper frame may simply be connected to the launch frame
at dynamic couplings that are normally standard parts of existing
high performance shovel or crane units. For providing a further
enhances manoeuvrability of the launch frame (e.g. with the
intention to mine seams under steep angles) the upper frame may be
connected to the launch frame with at least one intermediate
cylinder thus providing the possibilities for positioning the
launch frame relative to the upper frame.
[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the invention also provides a
mining system that comprises a launch vehicle as disclosed above
with at least one conveyor segment connecting to the launch frame
of the launch vehicle and a cutterhead connecting to the train of
conveyor segments opposite the side connecting to the launch
vehicle. Such a system may be applied for surface mining. In case
the mining system also comprises a train of conveyor segments
connecting to the launch vehicle the system may be used for high
wall mining. Further advantages may be realized by providing the
mining system with a gas feed running from the base structure to
the cutterhead for guiding inert or venting gas to the environment
of the cutterhead thus to reduce the risk of gasses or dust
igniting in the environment of the cutterhead.
[0021] An exemplary embodiment of the invention further relates to
a method for mining using a launch vehicle as disclosed herein
wherein the launch vehicle is driving a train of conveyor segments
at an angle of about 8.degree. to about 30.degree. relative to
horizontal in a mining shaft and, more preferably at an angle of
about 0.degree. to about 35.degree. relative to horizontal. Also
the launch vehicle may be driving a train of conveyor segments with
a length of more than 300 meters, preferably more than 350 in a
mining shaft.
[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, FIG. 1 shows a view of a launch
vehicle 1 as part of a mining system provided with a tracked base
frame 2. An upper frame 3 is rotatably connected to the base frame
1 around a substantially vertical axis 4 of rotation. A launch
frame 5 is mounted to the upper frame 3 and a rear support beam 5.3
of the launch frame 5 extends transversely of the launch frame and
may include a crane unit 6 mounted thereon. A drive system (not
shown) for operating the launch vehicle 1 may be integrated in the
upper frame 3. On the upper frame 3 a cabin 7 for an operator is
provided as is an engine-generator room 23 containing power and
gearing systems (not shown).
[0023] The mined material will be fed to the back side of the
launch frame 5 where is may be discharge with a transporting system
16 or by directly dumping the material in trucks 18. For handling
any equipment the crane unit 6 may, on it outer end, be provided
with a gripper frame 8. The launch vehicle 1 is shown in an open
pit 9 where the material to be mined 10 is excavated.
[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, FIG. 2 illustrates a mining
system 19 comprising the launch vehicle1, as show in FIG. 1, but
now driving a cutterhead 11 in a steep shaft 12 in an overburden
13. As is only partially visible in FIG. 2, the mining system 19 is
provided with a train of conveyor segments 14 connecting to the
launch frame 5 of the launch vehicle 1. The launch frame front
support beam 5.2 extends transversely of the launch frame 5 and may
be support reels 15 for a power line and a hose. The power line may
be used to provide electric or hydraulic power to the train of
conveyor segments 14 or to the cutterhead 11. The hose may be for
feeding inert or venting gasses to the environment of the
cutterhead 11 and/or for the discharge of fluid (dewatering) from
the shaft 12.
[0025] FIG. 3 shows the mining system 19 of FIG. 2 adapted for use
in a horizontal mining shaft 20. A rear discharge boom 24 may be
mounted between the tracks 2 of the launch vehicle 1 in the area 28
defined by the undercarriage ground clearance for further transport
of mined material by means of an additional stacker belt with
hopper (not shown). FIG. 3 is useful for illustrating the
connection between the upper frame 3 and the launch frame 5. The
upper frame 3 is provided with dynamic coupling positions 21
holding segmented coupling arms 22 that incorporate cylinders 26
(ex. Hydraulic cylinders) for positioning the segmented coupling
arms 22.
[0026] While the invention has been described with reference to
exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in
the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be
substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope
of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to
adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the
invention without departing from the essential scope thereof.
Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the
particular embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for
carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include
all embodiments falling within the scope of the present
application.
* * * * *