Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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A Highwall mining system with mining and removal of coal (or ore).
The present invention relates to highwall mining
of aggregate material.
The present invention relates particularly,
although by no means exclusively, to a highwall mining
system for mining coal from a seam extending from as
exposed face in a wall of as open cut mice.
In basic terms, the known highwall mining systems
comprise a mining means for cutting coal from a seam to
form a drive, a conveying means for conveying coal from the
drive, and a driving means for driving the mining means and
the conveying mesas into the seam and thereafter from the
drive.
Highwall mining of coal offers the
potential for
low cost recovery of coal that cannot normally be recovered
economically by conventional surface or underground mining
operations.
One of the earliest highwall mining systems is
disclosed in U.S. patent 2,826,402 of Alspaugh et al. In
the Alspaugh system the driving means for the mining means
sad the conveying means is coupled to the mining means. In
addition, the conveying means comprises a plurality of
modular conveyor units releasably coupled together.
Furthermore, the Alspaugh system includes a launch vehicle
' positioned. at the entry of the drive, and the launch
vehicle includes a conveyor unit addition assembly which
lifts a new conveyor unit into position behind the rearmost
conveyor unit of the conveying mesas so that the new
conveyor unit can then be coupled to the rearmost conveyor
unit. It is necessary to stop the foxvsard movement of the
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mining means and the conveying means in order to add a sew i
conveyor unit to the conveying means.
Other known highwall mining systems are disclosed
in U.S. patent 2,780,451 of Alspaugh et al and U.S. patent ~ '
3,135,502 of Muehlmaa. In these highwall mining systems
the driving means for the mining means and the conveying
means is also coupled to the mining means. However, is
each case, the conveyor units are coupled together into a
continuous train and there is no need for a conveyor unit
a8ditioa assembly of the type proposed is Alspaugh U.S.
patent 2,826,402.
As the highwall mining industry has developed
there has been an increasing recognition that it is
preferable that the driving means be located outside rathe:
thaw inside a drive. As a consequence, the coupling
together of the conveyor units has become a more important
consideration in order to ensure effective transfer of the
force applied by the driving means to the mining means and
to ensure directional control of the mining mesas and the
conveying means.
An example of the increased emphasis oa the
coupling together of conveyor units is the highwall miaingl
system disclosed in Australian patent 638,367 and patent
application 644,257 of Addington Resources, Inc. The
conveyor units disclosed in the Addington patent/patent
application are of the same general type as proposed by
Alspaugh, Muehlmaa, and others, sad the conveyor units
comprise a framework mounted on a wheel assembly and a bell
conveyor extending the length of the conveyor unit. ~
However, the conveyor units are also characterised by a
clevis and tongue assembly to couple together the conveyor
units. The clevis/toague assembly requires a removable
locking pin to be manually inserted to complete the
assembly and to couple together the conveyor units.
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Similarly, it is necessary that the locking pin be manually
removed from the clevis/tongue assembly to uncouple the
~ conveyor units. The clevis/tongue assembly forms a semi-
rigid coupling which limits relative sideways movement of
~ 5 the conveyor units and thus provides a reasonable degree of
directional control.
t:
The driving mesas disclosed is Addingtoa patent
application 644,257 comprises two seta of tandem drive
cylinders, each set having one drive cylinder on each side
of the conveying means, and the drive cylinders oa each
side of the conveying mesas being longitudinally aligned
sad spaced apart. The arrangement is such that the two
sets of drive cylinders act co-operatively as a "walking"
system to advance by pushing the mining means and the
conveying means. The pushing force is transferred from the
8rive cylinders to the mining means and the conveying mesas
via "pusher arms" coupled to the drive cylinders which are
arraage8 to bear against lugs extending from the aides of
the conveying mesas.
In another known highwall mining system disclosed
in U.S. patent 4,014,574 of Todd, the conveyor units are of
a different construction and comprise rigid box sections
which transfer to a mining mesas the force applied by a
driving mesas located on a launch vehicle. A new conveyor
unit can only be added to the conveying means by
disengaging sad withdrawing the driving means to allow a
new conveyor unit to be positioned and coupled to the
rearmost conveyor unit of the conveying means and to the
driving means.
An object of the present invention is to provide
~ a highwall mining system which is an alternative system to
and alleviates at least some of the disadvantages of the
known highwall mining systems described in the preceding
paragraphs.
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According to the present invention there is
provided a highwall mining system for mining aggregate
material from a seam comprising: i
(a) a mining means for cutting aggregate
material from the seam and thereby forming
a drive is the seam;
(b) a conveying means for conveying mined
aggregate material from the drive, the
conveying means comprising a plurality of
modular conveyor units having a mesas for
releasably mechanically coupling together
the conveyor units; and
(c) a driving means for driving the mining
means sad the conveying means into the
to form the drive.
It is preferred that the coupling be a
coupling.
It is preferred that the coupling means of the
highwall mining system be formed to allow limited relative
rotation of adjacent conveyor units about a horizontal axi
that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the
conveying mesas and substantially no relative rotation
about a vertical axis.
It is preferred particularly that the coupling
means also be formed to allow limited relative rotation of I
adjacent conveyor units about the longitudinal axis of the
conveying means.
It is preferred more particularly that the
coupling means be formed to allow substantially no relati
translation of adjacent conveying units in longitudinal.
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horizontal sad vertical directions.
It can readily be appreciated that such an
arrangement allows a pushing force to be transferred from
. conveyor unit to conveyor unit along the length of the
conveying mesas to move the conveying means forward without
jackknifing or buckling the conveyor uaits while allowing
angular displacement in a vertical plane to allow the
conveying means to follow the contours of the drive and to
transfer a controlled pushing force oa to the back of the
mining means to increase or provide the "sumping" forces
for the cutting and mining of aggregate material.
It can also readily be appreciated that such an
arrangement minimises free-play is the general longitudinal
direction of the conveying mesas and the mining means and
hence the direction of advance. The minimising of free-
play is advisable to control the position and straight
alignment of the conveying means sad the mining mesas and
to control the forces acting on sad in them. For example,
the axial force within the conveying means may change from
tension to compression or from compression to tension in
the course of excavation of a drive due to changes in the
seam incline angle, the number of conveyor units used,
and/or the mining means operation, such as from "sumpiag"
to "shearing".
It is preferred that the limited relative
rotation be no more than 20°.
It is preferred particularly that the limited
~ relative rotation be no more than 8°.
The term "substantially no relative rotation" is
understood herein in the context of normal engineering
tolerances sad working clearances in the coal mining
industry.
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6
It is preferred that the mining means and the
conveyor units comprise a means of the type described abo
for releasably coupling together the mining means and the
conveyor units.
It is preferred that each conveyor unit of the
highwall mining system comprise a belt or a chain conveyor
extending over the length of the conveyor unit.
It is preferred that each conveyor unit comprise
a wheel assembly.
It is preferred particularly that each conveyor
I
wait comprise a single wheel assembly. I
It is preferred more particularly that the single
wheel assembly be located at one end of the conveyor unit.
It is preferred that each conveyor unit be
adapted to accommodate transverse slope of the drive.
It is preferred that the coupling means comprise
a male member and a complementary female member connected
to the conveyor units such that the male member of one
conveyor unit can be releasably received in the female
member of as adjacent conveyor unit to couple together the
conveyor units.
It is preferred that each male member be coupled
to an associated conveyor wait for pivotal movement about
horizontal axis of the conveyor unit.
It is preferred particularly that the horizontal
axis be coincident with or is the region of the axis of tb
wheel assembly.
It is preferred more particularly that the
WO 95130067 PCT/AU95/00242
horizontal axis be coincident with the axis of the wheel
assembly.
It is preferred that each male member sad each
- female member comprise cut-out sections that are arranged
ao that when the~male member of one conveyor unit is
received in the female member of an adjacent conveyor unit
by relative movement of the,coaveyor units towards each
other the cut-out sections form an opening that is
transverse to the longitudinal 8irectioa of the conveying
mesas.
With such an arrangement, it is preferred that
the coupling means further comprise a locking pin that is
moveable into the opening thereby to prevent disengagement
of the male and the female members.
It is preferred that the cut-out sections form a
circular opening.
It is preferred that the coupling means comprise
a means for moving the locking pin into sad from locking
engagement in the opening. It is noted that the locking
pin moving means may be actuated manually or automatically.
It is preferred that the coupling means comprise
a pair of the male members on each side at one end and a
pair of the female members on each side at the other end of
each conveyor unit.
With such an arrangement, it is preferred that
the openings formed when, in use, the male members of one
conveyor unit are received is the female members of an
~ adjacent conveyor unit be aligned.
It is preferred that the highwall mining system
further comprises a means for electrically coupling a new
~~g~~~2
WO 95/30067 ' PCT/AU95/00242
conveyor unit to the end conveyor unit of the conveying
means automatically as the male members of one conveyor
unit ate received in the female members of the other
conveyor unit.
It is preferred that the highwall mining system
further comprises a control means for actuating the supply
of electrical power to the new conveyor unit after a serfs
of pre-conditions for supply have been met.
It is noted that the supply of electrical power
may be manually or automatically actuated via the control
mesas.
It is preferred that the highwall mining system
further comprise a controlling means for controlling
forward movement of the mining mesas and the conveying
means so that the mining means and the conveying mesas can
move foxvrard together at a predetermined rate of advance
into the seam without there being any uncontrolled forward
movement of the mining means and/or the conveying means inl~
response to the incline of the seam and/or during the
addition of a new conveyor unit to the conveying means.
The controlling means is an important feature of
the present invention in order to operate the highwall
mining system in a dipping seam where it is necessary that
the mining means and the conveying means move forvrard
together in a controlled way. It is as important feature,
by way of example, in order to avoid the risk that the
conveying means, when on an inclined surface, may apply
excessive force onto the back of and thereby jam or damage
the mining means. It is also an important feature in orde
to prevent uncontrolled fox~aard movement of the mining
means on an inclined surface that may result in
uncontrolled cutting of aggregate material and unwanted
reaction forces acting on the mining means due to the
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mining means engaging the seam.
The controlling means is also an important
feature in order to control or restrain the conveying mesas
and the mining means, not only while advancing, but also on
withdrawal and/or while stationary and/or while adding or
removing conveyor units to extend or shorten the length of
the conveying mesas so that maintaining the position of the
conveying mesas and mining means does not rely only on
friction between the conveying means and the mining mesas
sad the ground.
The term "dipping seam° is understood herein to
mesa a seam that is inclined dowawardly or upwardly at an
average eagle of incline of at least 4° to the horizontal
over the length of the seam and/or in the region of the
seam where highwall mining is to be utilised.
It is noted that the term "dipping seam" is
ua8eratood herein to cover seams which undulate and have
sections Which are horizontal or slightly inclined
(upwardly or downwardly) provided that over the length of
the seam there is an average angle of incline downwardly or
upwardly of at least 4°.
It is also noted that the direction of advance of
highwall mining into the seam is understood to be generally
in the direction of the downward incline of the dipping
seam and typically at, but not limited to, a right angle to
the general direction of the highwall where the seam is
exposed.
It is preferred that the controlling means be
located externally to the drive.
It is preferred that the driving means of the
highwall mining system be located externally to the drive
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and arranged for pushing the mining mesas and the convey
means into the seam and for pulling the mining means and
the conveying means from the drive.
In one arrangement it is preferred that the
mining means of the highwall mining system be a coatiauous
miner that is not self-propelled.
Ia an alternative arrangement it is preferred
that the miai.ag means be a continuous miner that is self-
propelled so that the driving mesas comprises the
continuous miser.
It is preferred that the mining means be a high
capacity self-propelled continuous miser.
It is preferred that the mining means be a
continuous miner which comprises a plurality of cutting
picks on a rotatable cutting drum mounted oa the end of a
boom that is supported for pivotal movement about a
horizontal axis.
It is preferred particularly that the mining
means be remotely controlled and tele-operated from outs
the drive.
Ia addition, it is preferred particularly that
the mining means have side pusher pads for steering sad
bottom pusher pads for transverse levelling.
It is preferred that the highwall mining system
comprise a launch platform adapted to be positioned at the
entrance to the drive, the launch platform comprising a
deck for supporting and guiding the mining means initially .
into the seam to start the drive and thereafter for
supporting and guiding the conveying means into the drive
as the drive is extended into the seam.
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It is preferred that the launch platform
comprises a means for adjusting the angle of inclination of
the deck relative to a support frame of the launch
platform.
In one arrangement, it is preferred that the
launch platform further comprises a launch platform
conveyor for receiving and discharging aggregate material
from the end of the conveying mesas.
It is preferred particularly that the launch
platform conveyor be a belly conveyor.
In an alternative arrangement, it is preferred
that the launch platform comprises a side discharge
conveyor parallel to the deck for receiving aggregate
material discharged from the conveying means.
With such an arrangement it is preferred that the
launch platform further comprises a discharge assembly for
transferring aggregate material discharged from the
rearmost conveyor unit of the conveying means onto the aide
discharge conveyor.
It is preferred particularly that the discharge
assembly be adapted to be coupled to the rearmost conveyor
wait of the conveying mesas.
It is preferred that the launch platform comprise
the controlling mesas.
~ 25 Ia addition, or alternatively, it is preferred
that the launch platform comprise the driving means.
It is preferred that the controlling means and
the driving means be combined together.
WO 95130067 PCTIAU95100242
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In one arrangement, it is preferred that the
combined driving/coatrolling means comprise a rack and
pinion drive assembly.
with such an arrangement, it is preferred that
the rack sad pinion drive assembly comprises a rack bar
mounted to at least one side of the mining means and each
conveyor unit and a drive pinion on the launch platform for
engaging the rack bar. ~i
It is preferred that the drive pinion be
hydraulically driven.
It is preferred that the rack and pinion drive
assembly comprise a plurality of the drive pinions spaced
apart in a line.
It is preferred that the rack and pinion drive
assembly comprise a tack bar oa both sides o~ each conve
unit and a plurality of drive pinions for engaging each
rack bar.
In an alternative arrangement, it is preferred
that the combined driving/controlliag means comprise a
sliding plate assembly having a plate member located for
sliding movement below the mining means and the conveyor
units on the launch platform and a drive means for sliding
the plate member, with the plate member comprising a means
for engaging the mining mesas and/or one of the conveyor
units of the conveying means and/or a new conveyor unit to
be added to the conveying means.
In an alternative arrangement, it is preferred
that the combined driving/controlling means comprises two
sets of tandem drive cylinders, each set having one drive
cylinder on each side of the conveying means, and the dri
cylinders on each side of the conveying means being
WQi 95!30067 ~ PCT/AU95/00242
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lonffitudinally aligned and spaced apart.
~ It is preferred that the driving/coatrolling
means further comprises a means for engaging one of the
~ conveyor units coupled to each drive cylinder.
It is preferred that the engaging mesas comprises
a locking plate which is movable between an extendable
position at which the locking plate engages a luff exteadiag
from a side of the conveyor unit sad a retracted position
at which the locking plate is clear of the lug, sad the
locking plate comprises a recess for receiving the lug.
It is preferred that the two sets of drive
cylinders act co-operatively as a "walkinff" system to
advance by pushing, and to withdraw by pulling, the mining
means sad the conveying mesas. with such as arrangement,
during advance into the seam, and similarly oa withdrawal
from the seam, the two seta of drive cylinders act
cyclically so that one set retracts while the other set
controls the advance rate of the mining means and the
conveying means.
Alternatively, the combined driviag/coatrolliag
mesas may comprise reciprocating drive cylinders and/or
sets of linear tracks, linear and/or rotary drives, chains,
cables or other mechanical devices driven by electric or
hydraulic means.
It is preferred that the launch platform comprise
as anchoring means to releasably anchor the launch platform
against a pit floor and/or a highwall to react against
pushing and pulling forces generated on the launch
platform.
By way of example, the anchoring mesas may
comprise:
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t '.
(a) grousez~ylates supporting the base of the
launch platform;
(b) ground engaging pins on the launch
platform; and
(c) means of reacting back into the highwall
its toe and above the seam.
It is preferred that the launch platform compri
self-propelled tracks for mobility. It is noted that the
tracks may act as a form of the anchoring means.
It is preferred that the launch platform com
as extensible and/or removable front for providing a
supporting structure for the mining mesas sad the cony
means between the launch platform and the drive entry.
It is preferred that the launch platform comprise
a means for adjusting the eagle of inclination of the deck,
such as hydraulic jacks, so that the deck can be adjusted
to be:
(a) substantially horizontal, for example, for
operations such as maintenance; or
(b) inclined at as angle suitable for entry of
the mining means and the conveying means
into a drive in a dipping seam.
It is preferred that the highwall mining system
further comprise a means for adding conveyor units to the
conveyor train.
Ia this connection, it is preferred that the
launch platform comprise, a guide track or guide rollers
for guiding additional conveyor units in turn to the end of
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the conveying means and into the drive, and
delivery/discharge platforms on opposite sides of the guide
track or guide rollers for storing conveyor units prior to
addition to or after removal from the conveying means.
It is preferred that the launch platform further
comprises pinch rollers to engage each conveyor unit being
added/removed from the conveying means to align, guide,
control and drive the conveyor unit while on the launch
platform.
It can readily be appreciated that the pinch
rollers provide a means of preventing uncontrolled movement
of the conveyor units in response to the inclination of the
launch platform.
It is preferred that the delivery/diacharge
platforms prevent uncontrolled movement of the conveyor
units while supporting the conveyor units. As a
consequence, it may be possible to stack more than one
conveyor unit on each of the delivery/discharge platforms.
It is preferred that the conveyor unit addition
mesas comprise an overhead crane or other suitable mesas
mounted on the launch platform for selectively transferring
conveyor units from the delivery/discharge platforms to the
end of the conveying means and from the end of the
conveying means to the delivery/discharge platforms.
It is preferred that the overhead crane, or other
suitable means, has sufficient rigidity and holds the
conveyor unit in such a manger as to prevent uncontrolled
movement of the conveyor units while being handled by the
crane.
It is preferred that the launch platform be
adapted to receive delivery or discharge of conveyor units
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from either side of the launch platform conveyor and
comprise a means for preventing uncontrolled movement of
the conveyor units not coupled to the conveying means but
supported by the launch platform,
It is preferred that the highwall mining system
further comprise a loading/ualoading machine for
transferring conveyor units between the launch platform a
the pit area.
It is preferred particularly that the
loadiag/ualoadiag machine be a wheeled or tracked machine
with a loading head for lifting and engaging the conveyor
units is such a manner as to prevent uncontrolled movement
of one or more conveyor units While being handled by the
machine.
In addition, it is preferred that the loading
head be adjustable to tilt longitudinally and/or
transversely and/or rotate about a horizontal and/or a
vertical axis to handle the conveyor units. These loading
head motions are particularly desirable where the
loadiag/ualoading machine is operating on a different
inclined angle to the inclined angle of the launch
platform.
It is preferred that the launch platform comprise
safety head rails or fences or other safety devices along
both sides of the launch platform conveyor.
It is preferred particularly that the hand rails
or fences be removable or have openings or moving sections,
such as sliding gates, to allow access for the
loading/unloadiag of the conveyor units over the belly
conveyor directly by the loading machine or other mesas.
It is preferred that the highwall mining system
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further comprises:
(a) a circulation means located oa or is the
region of the mining means for circulating
the atmosphere at least at the forward end
of the drive;
(b) an inertisatioa means for maintaining the
concentration of oxygen in the atmosphere
is the drive lower than the concentration
of oxygen required for explosion of methane
gas and/or dusts and/or other flammable
materials in the drive, the inertisation
mesas comprising:
(i) an inertisatioa gas injection means
for injecting an inertisation gas
into the drive, the inertisation gas
injection mesas having an outlet for
fnertisation gas located during the
early stages of forming the drive
(a) on or in the region of the mining
mesas and, thereafter, (b) on or is
the region of the mining means and/or
at the entrance of the drive and/or
between the entrance of the drive sad
the mining means; and
(ii) a barrier means to restrict gas flow
into and from the drive.
The term ~~iaertisation gas" is understood to mean
a gas that contains either no oxygen or a concentration of
- oxygen that is low enough to maintain the concentration of
oxygen in the drive below that required for explosion of
methane gas and/or dusts and/or other flammable materials
in a drive.
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It is noted that t_he circulation means and the I
inertisation means are desc=ibed is more detail is
International applic~Gi.on PCT/AU94/00385 of the applicant I '
cad the disclosure in the provisional applications is
incorporated herein by reference.
The present invention is described hereinafter b'
way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings
in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view, largely in
schematic form, of the mining means, the conveying mesas,
and the launch platform (with substantial detail omitted)
of one embodiment of a highwall mining system is accordan
With the present invention located in an open-cut mine;
Figure 2 is a side elevation of the launch
platform of the highwall mining system as viewed is the
direction of the arrow A is Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a top plan view of the launch
platform shown in Figure 2 with the upper section of the
launch platform removed;
Figure 4 is a section along the line 4-4 is
Figure 3 and shows in side elevation the forward end of a
new conveyor unit to be added to the conveying means and
the rearward end of the rearward conveyor unit of the
conveying means prior to tha new conveyor unit being added
to the conveying means;
Figure 5 is a aide elevation similar to that
shown in Figure 4 but after the new conveyor unit has been
added to the conveying means;
Figure 6 is a section along the line 6-6 in
3D Figure 5;
W~ 95130067 PCT/AU95100242
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Figure 7 is a section along the line 7-7 in
Figure 4;
Figure 8 is a section along the line 8-8 is
Figure 5;
Figures 9 and 10 are sections which illustrate is
detail the coupling means shown on the right-hand side of
Figures 7 and 8, respectively, modified to include an
alternative embodiment of a means for moving the locking
pin between the unlocked position as shown is Figure 9 and
the locked position as shown in Figure i0;
Figures li to 15 are a series of schematic side
elevations which illustrate various stages is a sequence
for adding a new conveyor unit to the reaztaard end of the
rearward conveyor unit of the conveying mesas when the
mining mesas sad the conveying mesas of the highwall mining
system are driven/controlled by a sliding plate assembly in
addition to or alternatively to the rack and pinion system
shown in Figures 2 to 6;
Figure 16 is a section along the lice 16-16 is
Figure 15;
Figure 17 is a section along the line 17-17 in
Figure 16 with the contact aims of the sliding plate
assembly is an operative position in which the contact arms
engage lugs oa the underside of the new conveyor unit and
the mining means;
Figure 18 is a section similar to that shown in
Figure 17 with the contact arms in a retracted position;
Figure 19 is a schematic side elevation of the
highwall mining system that is similar to the aide
elevations of Figures 11 to 15 which illustrate an
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alternative embodiment of a means for driving/controlliag
the movement of the mining mesas and the conveying means
which is based oa as assembly of tandem drive cylinders
carrying locking plates for~"sngaging the conveyor units;
'..
Figure 20 is a side elevation which illustrates
in detail the locking plate on one of the tandem drive
cylinders shows is Figure 19 in the extended position with
the locking plate engaging a lug extending from one aide o,
a conveyor unit of the conveying means;
Figure 21 is a aide elevation similar to that
shown is Figure 20 with the locking plate in a retracted
position;
Figure 22 is a section along the line 22-22 in
Figure 20;
Figure 23 is a schematic side elevation of the
highwall mining system that is similar to the aide
elevation of Figure 18 which illustrates as alternative
embodiment of a mesas for driving/controlliag the movement
of the mining mesas and the conveying means;
Figure 24 is a aide elevation showing in detail
the coupling means for coupling together the foxtvard
conveyor unit of the conveying means sad the mining means;
Figure 25 is a top plan view, is diagrammatic
form, which illustrates in detail the coupling means shown
oa the right-hand side of Figures 7 and 8, respectively,
modified to include an alternative embodiment of a means
for moving the locking pin.
Figure 26 is a partially sectional, side
elevation of another embodiment of a highwall mining system
in accordance with the present invention located in an
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open-cut mine;
Figure 27 is an end elevation of the launch
platform of the highwall mining system as viewed in the
direction of the arrow ~~X° in Figure 26;
Figure 28 is an end eievatioa of the launch
platform of the highwall mining system as viewed is the
direction of the arrow ~~Y~r is Figure 27;
Figure 29 is a cross-section along the line A-A
is Figure 26; and
Figure 30 is a cross-section along the line B-B
in Figure 26;
Figure 31 is a cross-section along the lice C-C
is Figure 26; and
Figure 32 is a partly sectioned side elevation,
with considerable detail removed, of another embodiment of
a tiltable deck of a highwall mining system to that shows
is Figures 26 to 31.
The highwall mining system, generally identified
by the numeral 3, shown in Figures 1 to 25 is positioned in
an open cut mine 5 to cut coal from a coal seam 8 extending
from the exposed face of the highwall 6 of the mine 5.
The basic components of the highwall mining
system 3 are:
(a) a mining means 9 for cutting coal from the
seam 8 to form a drive 10 in the seam 8;
(b) a conveying means 11 formed from a
plurality of conveyor units 13 releasably
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coupled together for conveying coal from
the drive 10;
(c) a launch platform 15 located at the
entrance to the drive 10:
(i) for supporting and guiding the
mining means 9 initially into th
seam 8 to start the drive 10 and
thereafter for supporting and
guiding the conveying means 11
into the drive 10 as the drive li
is extended into the seam 8;
(ii) for adding new conveyor units 13
to the conveying means 11 and;
(iii) for discharging coal from the
drive 10 into a surge bin or
truck 12 for transportation from
the mine 5; and
(d) a combined driviag/controlliag means (not
shown in Figure 1) located on the launch
platform 15 for driving the mining means 9
and the conveying means 13 into the seam 8
and thereafter for withdrawing the mining
means 9 sad the conveying mesas 11 from the
drive 10 in a controlled manner without
there being any uncontrolled movement of
the mining means 9 and the conveying mesas
11 in response to the incline of the seam 8
and/or during the addition of a new
conveyor unit 13a to the conveying means
11.
The launch platform 15 is mounted on an assembly
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of caterpillar tracks 17 and is movable along the exposed
face of the highwall 6 so that the highwall mining system 3
can form a plurality of drives 10 in the seam 8 which are
separated by support pillars 14 of unmixed material.
The mining mesas 9 comprises a track-mounted
continuous miner having a cutting assembly of a plurality
of cutting picks (not shows) on a rotatable cutting drum 19
(which comprises 3 separate segments 19a, 19b, 19c) mounted
on the end of a boom 21 that is supported for pivotal
movement about a horizontal axis. The cutting assembly of
the mining mesas 9 is electrically powered from the launch
platform 15 by mesas of as electrical cable 25 wound onto a
reel 101 (Figure 2).
It is noted that whilst the mi.ni.ng mesas 9 is
described as being driven (together with the conveying
mesas 13) by the combined drivixg/coxtrolling mesas ox the
launch platform 15, the present invention is not so
restricted to such an arrangement. In particular, it is
Within the scope of the present invention for the mining
means 9 to include a drive means.
With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the launch
platform 15 comprises a rigid support frame which includes
an overhead continuous shield 16 as a safety measure for
operators working on the launch platform 15.
With particular reference to Figures 2 and 3, the
launch platform 15 comprises, a receiving conveyor 27
(generally known as a "belly conveyor") for receiving coal
discharged from the rearmost conveyor unit 13 of the
conveying mesas 11.
with reference to Figures 1 to 3, the launch
platform 15 further comprises a side discharge conveyor 28
for receiving coal from the receiving conveyor 27 sad
wo 9s/soos7 ~ ~' $ ~ ~'
PCT/AU95100242
- 2d -
discharging the coal onto a truck loading conveyor 29 and
into the surge bin or truck 12 (Figure 1).
. #_
,.
The dimensions of the launch platform 15 are
selected so that there is sufficient space for a new
conveyor unit 13a to be positioned on the launch platform
as shown is Figures 1 to 3 and moved into engagement
with the rearmost conveyor unit 13 of the conveying mesas
11 as the mining mesas 9 and the conveying means 11 move
forwardly into the drive.
10 The conveyor unit addition assembly of the launc:
platform 15 comprises an overhead crane 31 having a hoist
assembly 33 for supporting a new conveyor unit 13a and for
moving the new conveyor unit 13a from a loading station 35
on ona side of the launch platform 15 to a conveyor unit
15 addition position. When located at the conveyor unit
a88itioa position, the new conveyor unit 13a is positioned
oa a guide track 169 fos the mining means 9 sad the
conveying means 11 sad is aligned with the reaxmoat
conveyor unit 13 of the conveying means il.
The conveyor unit addition assembly further
comprises pinch rollers 171 (Figures 2 and 3) which are
pivotally mounted to move to positions on the sides of the
guide track 169 to contact the new conveyor unit 13a and to
align, guide, control and drive the new conveyor unit 13a
towards the rearmost conveyor unit 13 of the conveying
means 11.
With reference to the figures generally, and in
particular Figure 3, each conveyor unit 13 comprises a belt
or a chain conveyor 51 which extends between the forward
and the rearward ends of the conveyor unit 13 and is
operable to receive coal from an immediately upstream
conveyor unit 13 and to deliver the coal to as immediately
downstream conveyor unit 13.
WQ 95f30067 PCT/AU95100141
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It is noted that the conveyor unit addition
assembly may include a means to connect electrical power to
a new conveyor unit 13a so that the belt 51 is operating
prior to connection of that new conveyor unit 13a to the
. 5 conveying means 11. This enables the highwall mining
system to operate to add a new conveyor unit 13a to the
conveying means il without interrupting the flow of
aggregate material from the conveying means 11.
Each conveyor unit 13 further comprises a single
wheel assembly 91 located towards one end of the conveyor
unit 13. As can best be seen is Figures 17 and 18, the
wheel assembly 91 comprises an axle 53 (Figures 4 and 5)
which supports a pair of wheels 55.
Each conveyor unit 13 further comprises a
coupling mesas for mechanically coupling the conveyor unit
13 to a forward and/or rearward conveyor unit 13 and/or to
the mining means 9.
With reference to Figures 3 to 8, a preferre8
embodiment of the coupling mesas comprises a pair of male
members 57 oa each side at one end of each conveyor unit 13
sad a pair of female members 59 oa each aide at the other
end of each conveyor unit 13.
The pairs of male and female members 57, 59 are
arranged so that When a new conveyor unit 13a is moved
towards the rearmost conveyor unit 13 of the conveying
mesas 11 the male members 57 are received in the female
members 59 to couple together the conveyor units 13, 13a.
The male members 57 are mounted for limited
pivotal movement, typically of the order of 8°, about the
axle 53 of the wheel assembly 91 in order:
(a) to facilitate coupling of the male members
WO 95/30067 ~ ~ ~ ~ , PCTlAU95/00242
,' , . ~ t,2 6 -
6
57 and~the corresponding female members 59
and
(b) to allow limited scope for the conveyor
units I3 to follow undulations along the
length of the drive.
The female members 59 are fixed to the conveyor
units 13.
With further reference to Figures 4 to 8, each
male member 57 comprises 3 co-planar prongs 61 which era
separated by 2 cavities 63, and each female member 59
comprises 2 prongs 65 separated by a central cavity 67.
The arrangement is such that:
(a) the central prong 61 of each male member 57
is adapted to be received in the central
cavity 67 of a corresponding female member
59; and
(b) simultaneously, the prongs 65 of each
female member 59 are adapted to be received
in the cavities 63 of the male member 57.
It can readily be appreciated that once the male
members 57 are received in the female members 59 by
relative movement of adjacent conveyor units 13 towards
each other (and are locked in position as described
hereinafter) the coupling formed does not allow relative
rotation of the adjacent conveyor units 13 about a vertical
axis.
The prongs 61, 65 and the cavities 63, 67 are
tapered in order to assist alignment of the male and female
members 57, 59 as a new conveyor unit 13a is moved towards
the rearmost conveying unit 13 of the conveying means 11.
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It is noted that the alignment of the male and
female members 57, 59 is further assisted by the rack sad
pinion drive system described hereinafter as one embodiment
of the combined driving/controlling means.
In addition, with reference to Figures 4 and 5,
it is note8 that the alignment of the male and female
members 57, 59 is further assisted by roller assemblies
240, 242 mounted to the launch platform 15.
The lower edge of the central prong 61 of each
male member 57 comprises a semi-circular cut-out section
71, and the upper edge of the lower prong 65 of each female
member 59 comprises a semi-circular cut-out section 73.
The arrangement of the cut-out sections 71, 73 is such that
when the male members 57 are received is the female members
59 the cut-out sections 71, 73 form circular openings.
In an alternative arrangement the male and/or
female members 57, 59 may comprise complete circular
openings which are brought into alignment when the male
members 57 are received in the female members 59.
The coupling means further comprises a locking
pin 79 which is adapted to be positioned is the openings to
lock together the male and female members 57, 59.
The locking pin 79 is arranged for sliding
movement between an unlocked position (Fiflure 7) and a
locked position (Figures 6 and 8). In the locked position
the locking pin 79 extends into the openings formed by each
pair of male and female members 57, 59. It can readily be
appreciated that once the locking pins 79 are engaged the
coupling allows substantially no relative translation of
adjacent conveyor units 13.
With reference to Figure 7, it is noted that, in
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the unlocked position, the locking piss 79 are clear of the
openings formed by the maleT..and female members 57, 59 on
the outer sides of eacti.pair of male and female members 57,
59 but are not clear of and extend into the openings formed
by the male and female members 57, 59 on the inner sides of
each pair of male and female members 57, 59. Ia this
position, the locking pins 79 do not interfere With
movement of the male and female members 57, 59 into a
position is which the male members 57 are received is the
female members 59 because each locking pin 79 comprises a
cut-out section 81 which defines a gap to allow the central
prongs 63 of the male member 57 to move relative to the
corresponding female member 59.
with reference to Figures 6 to 8, the coupling
means further comprises a mesas for moving each locking pin
79 between the unlocked and locked positions.
The locking pin moving means comprises a tongue
103 which is supported for movement in the direction of
movement of the mining means 9 and the conveying means 11
and has a slot 105 at as angle, typically 45°, to the
direction of movement of the conveying means 11. The
locking pin 79 comprises a horizontal slot i07 and a
vertical pin 109 which extends through the mid-point of the
slot 107. The tongue 103 is positioned in the slot 107
with the vertical pin 109 extending through the slot 105.
The locking pin 79 is retained so that it can only slide
between the locked and unlocked positions. It can readily
be appreciated that, with such an arrangement, movement of
the tongue 103 is the direction of movement of the
conveying means 11 (towards the right in Figure 6) will
cause the vertical pin 109 in the locking pin 79 to slide
is the slot 105 and thereby move the locking pin 79
sideways into or from the locked and unlocked positions.
The locking pin moving means further comprises a compressed
gas assembly 111 for moving the tongue 103.
W O 95130067 ~ PCT/AU95100242
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With reference to Figures 9 and 10, an
alternative form of the locking pin moving mesas comprises
a cylindrical housing 83 extending between and connected to
the female members 59 of each pair of male and female
members 57, 59 such that the associated locking pin 79
extends co-axially through the housing 83.
An annular sleeve assembly 97 is mounted via an
annular face plate 99 to the locking pin 79 and is
constructed so that the outer surfaces of the sleeve
assembly 97 contact sad can slide against the internal wall
102 of the housing 83. The sleeve assembly 97 includes
annular surfaces 116 and 118.
The locking pin moving means further comprises
sources of gas or hydraulic fluid (not shows) which are in
separate fluid commuaicatiog with the sleeve assembly 97
via inleta/outlets 103, 104. The arrangement is such that
the supply of gas or hydraulic fluid to the sleeve assembly
97 via ialet/outlet 103, whilst the i.nlet/outlet 104 is
open, acts against the angular surface 116 and causes the
sliding pin 79 to move to the right from the unlocked
position shows in Figure 9 to the locked position shown is
Figure 10. In addition, the arrangement is such that the
supply of gas or hydraulic fluid to the sleeve assembly 97
via inlet/outlet 104, whilst inlet/outlet 103 is open, acts
against the angular surface 118 and causes the sliding pin
79 to move to the left from the locked position shown in
Figure 10 to the unlocked position shown in Figure 9.
The locking pin moving means further comprises a
radially mounted lockigg pin 106 which is received i.n a
recess 107 in the sleeve assembly 97 when the locking pin
79 is is the locked position as shows in Figure 10.
With reference to Figure 25, an alternative form
of the locking pin moving means comprises a housing 251
WO 95130067
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positioned between each pair of male and female members 57;
59 such that the associated locking pin 79 extends co-
axially through the housiag._261. The housing 251 defines
an angular chamber 253,.and an annular plate 255 connected
to the locking pin 79 divides the chamber 253 into volumes)
257a, 257b. The locking pin 79 moving means further
comprises separate sources of compressed gas (not shows)
which can be selectively connected via retractable
valve/head assemblies 261a, 261b sad conduits 263a, 263b to
the volumes 257x, 257b. I
In an alternative arrangement (not shown) the
retractable valve/head assemblies 87a, 87b are not used a
the source of compressed gas is connected manually to the
conduits 263a, 263b.
The arrangement shows in Figure 25 is such that
when the valve/head assembly 261a is is a forward position
and communicates with the conduit 263a, and the other
valve/head assembly 261b is in a rearward position spaced
from the conduit 263b, the compressed gas supplied along
the conduits 261a, 263a causes volume 257a to expand and
thereby moves the locking pin 79 into the locked position.
Similarly, when the valve/head assembly 261b is in a
forward position and communicates with the conduit 263b,
and the other valve/head assembly 261a is in a rearward
position spaced from the conduit 263x, the compressed gas
supplied along the conduits 261b, 263b causes the volume
257b to expand and thereby moves the locking pin 79 into
the unlocked position. Aa additional gas-actuated locking
pin (not shown) is provided to hold the locking pin 79 in
the unlocked or locked positions.
In an alternative arrangement the locking pin
moving means comprises an accumulator (not shown) in the
conduit 263a which stores a pre-charge of compressed gas
that is released when the male members 57 are received in
W0 95/30067 PCT/AU95/00242
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the female members 59 to cause sudden expansion of the
volume 257a to move the locking pin 79 quickly into the
locked position.
It is noted that the locking pin moving means may
comprise any other suitable means, including mechanically
actuated mesas.
The coupling means described is the foregoing
description relates to the coupling together of adjacent
conveyor units 13. A modified form of the coupling means
is used to couple together the mining mesas 9 sad the first
conveyor unit 13.
With reference to Figure 24, the modified
coupling mesas comprises the coupling mesas as shown in
Figures 3 to 8 sad further comprises a lick member 215 oa
each side of the mining means 9 which is pivotally
connected at one end indicated by the arrow Plto the main
frame of the mining means 9 and at the other cad indicated
by the arrow Pa to the axle 53 of the rear wheel assembly
of the mining mesas 9.
With reference to Figures 2 to 6, one preferred
embodiment of the combined driviag/controlliag mesas
comprises a rack and pinion drive system for driving the
mining means 9 sad the conveying means 11 into the seam 8
sad from the drive 10 thus formed in the seam 8.
The rack and pinion drive system comprises, rack
bars 43 mouate8 oa each side of the mining means 9 and the
conveyor units 13, and 8 hydraulically powered drive
pinions 45 mounted on the launch platform 15 and arranged
to engage the rack bars 43 sad thereby to drive the mining
means 9 and the conveying means 11.
With particular reference to Figure 3, the drive
W O 95/30067
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pinions 45 are arrang~d,'~yri~Z parallel lines with 4 drive
pinions 45 in each liae'so that there are 4 drive pinions
45 on one side and 4 drive pinions 45 on the other side of
the mining mesas 9 and the conveying means 11.
A feature of the rack sad pinion drive system is
that it provides drive to the mining means 9 and the
conveying means 11 at a number of points along each aide c
the path of movement of the mixing mesas 9 sad the
conveying means 11.
Another feature of the rack sad pinion drive
system is that it does not interfere with the conveyor unit
addition assembly, and therefore a new conveyor unit 13a
can be added to the conveying means 11 Without
disconnecting the drive to the mining means 9 sad the
conveying means 11. Thin is particularly important when
the highwall mining system operates is °dipping" seams to
avoid the risk that the conveying means 11 may apply
excessive force onto the back of and thereby jam or damage
the mining mesas 9. This is also particularly important
when the highwall mining system operates to add a new
conveyor unit 13 to the conveying means 11 without
interrupting the flow of aggregate material from the
conveying means 11.
It can also readily be appreciated that in
addition, in more general terms, the rack sad pinion system
drives the mining means 9 and the conveying means 11 in a
controlled manner and prevents any uncontrolled forward
and/or rearward movement. In these circumstances, the rack
and pinion system is a combined driving and controlling
means.
In situations where it is required that the
m3.niag means 9 and the conveying mesas 11 be held
stationary it is the rack and pinion drive system, and more
Wm 95130067 PCT/AU95/00242
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particularly the hydraulic, motors (not shows), that hold
the mining means 9 sad the conveying means 11 in position.
It is also preferred that the rack and pinion
drive system further comprises friction or other brakes
(sot shown) to provide emergency braking should there be a
failure of the hydraulic motors of the drive pinions 45.
In this context it is noted that, by providing 8 drive
pinions 45, the rack and pinion drive system has a high
level of redundancy if there is a failure of one or more
drive pinions 45.
It is also preferred that the mining means 9 and
the conveyor units 13 comprise friction or other brakes
(not shown) to provide additional emergency braking, if
required, in the event of a failure of the hydraulic motors
of the drive pinions 45.
With reference to Figures 11 to 18, another
preferred embodiment of the combined driviag/controlliag
means comprises a sliding plate assembly on the launch
platform 15. The sliding plate assembly can be used in
place of or is conjunction with the rack and pinion system
sad, as is the case with the rack and pinion system, allows
only controlled movement of the mining mesas 9 and the
conveying mesas 11.
With particular reference to Figures 16 to 18,
the sliding plate assembly comprises a plate member 123
Which is positioned for sliding movement above the belly
conveyor 27 and below the conveyor units 13 on the launch
platform 15. The plate member 123 comprises L-shaped guide
surfaces 125 which bear against and are thereby supported
by guide rails 127 that are welded to I-beams 129. The I-
beams 129 form part of the rigid support frame of the
launch vehicle 15 and, as shown in the figures, support and
are parallel to the guide track 169 for the mining means 9
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and the conveying means 11. As will be apparent from
Figures 16 to 18, the guide railss 127 support the plate
member 123 for sliding movement in the direction of
movement of the mining means 9 and the conveying means 11.
The plate member 123 comprises a mesas to engaged
a conveyor unit 13. The engaging means coa4prises 4 contact
arms 135. Each contact arm 135 is pivotally mounted at one
end 137 to the plate member 123 and at the other end 139 tq
the free end of a piston arm 141 of a piatoa/cylinder
assembly 43. The piston/cylinder assembly 143 is also
pivotally connected to the plate member 123. The
arrangement is such that extension or retraction of the
piston arm 141 causes the contact arm 139 to awing about
the end 137 and such movement, assuming the appropriate
positioning of a conveyor unit 13 as shoran is Figure 17,
moves the contact arm 135 into line with a lug 147 which
depends downwardly from the underside of the conveyor unit
13. As a consequence, when is this operative position,
sliding movement of the plate member 123 causes the contact
arm 135 to bear against the lug 147.
The sliding plate assembly 121 further co~rises
a drive assembly for sliding the plate member 123. The
drive assembly comprises a continuous chain drive 131
connected to each side of the plate member 123.
The operation of the sliding plate assembly is
described hereinafter with reference to Figures 11 to 15
the context of the addition of a new conveyor unit 13a to
the rearward end of the last conveyor unit 13 of the
conveying means 11 sad in the context that the sliding
plate assembly is used in conjunction with the rack and
pinion system.
In each of Figures 11 to 15, the mining means
(not shown) and the conveying means 11 are moving towards
W0 95130067 PCT/AU95/002.12
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the right-hand aide of the figure into a drive 10 and coal
is being transferred from the drive 10 along the conveyor
units 13 of the conveying means 11.
With reference to Figure 11 the arrows identified
by the arrow X indicate the flow of coal from the last
conveyor unit 13 of the conveying means li onto the belly
conveyor 27. The coal is thereafter moved by the belly
conveyor 27 towards the left of the figure sad is
discharged at the location identified by the arrow Y onto
the discharge conveyor 28. The figure also shows a new
conveyor unit 13a is a position ready to be added to the
conveying means 11.
In Figure 11, the plate member 123 is positioned
with the contact arm 135 in an operative position engaging
the rearmost conveyor unit 13 of the conveying mesas 11.
Ia this position, the sliding plate assembly sad the rack
sad pinion system, or other push/pull drive system, operate
together to move the mining means 9 sad the conveying mesas
11 forward in a controlled manner.
Ia order to add the new conveyor unit 13a shown
in the figures to the rearmost conveyor unit 13 of the
conveying means il, the plate member 123 is disengaged from
the rearmost conveyor unit 13 by moving the contact arms
135 to the inoperative position shown in Figure 18 and
thereafter moving the plate member 123 to the left of
Figure 12 as indicated by the arrow P in Figure 12.
It is noted that during this process, the mining
means 9 and the conveying means 11 are held in a controlled
and secure manner by means of the rack and pinion system
(or other device - not shown). In this connection, the
arrangement is such that the rack and pinion system may be
holding the mining means 9 and the conveying means 11
stationary or driving the assembly forward into the seam 8.
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In addition, it is doted that the plate member
123 is an obstruction to ~he~flow of coal from the rearmost
conveyor unit 13 of the conveying means 11 into the belly
conveyor 27 and therefore during the recycling step shown
in Figure 12 it is necesaazy that there be ao coal being '
discharged from the rearmost conveyor wait 13 of the
conveying mesas 11.
The purpose of the recycling step shown is Fig
12 is to rapositioa the plate member 123 underneath the
conveyor unit 13a and, as is shown is Figures 13 and 14,
thereafter to engage the new conveyor unit 13 via the
contact arms 135 and to move the new conveyor unit 13a
forward to be coupled to the rearmost unit 13 of the
conveying means 11. At that point, the sliding plate
assembly and the rack sad pinion or other drive system
operate again in conjunction to move the mining means 9
the now lengthened conveying means 11 into the drive 10.
with reference to Figure 15, the final step in
the procedure involves operation of the conveyor unit
addition assembly described previously to position another
new conveyor unit 13b.
With reference to Figures 19 to 22, another
preferred embodiment of the combined driviag/coatrolling
means comprises a forward set and a rearward set of tandem
drive cylinders on the launch platfo.tm 15, with one drive
cylinder of each set on each side of the guide track 169 of
the launch platform 15.
The side elevation of Figure 19 illustrates one
of the drive cylinder 119a of the fozward set and one of
the drive cylinders 119b of the reaxvaard set. It can
readily be appreciated that there are correspondingly
positioned drive cylinders 119a, 119b on the other side of
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PCT/AU95/00242
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the conveying means 11 on the launch platform 15.
The driving/coatrolling means further comprises a
means for engaging pins 163 extending from the sides of the
conveyor units il. The engaging means is connected to the
forward end of the piston of each drive cylinder 119a, 119b
and includes a support frame 66 having a flange 167 Which
is arranged for sliding contact on the guide track 169 for
the mining mesas and the conveying means 11 in response to
actuation of the respective drive cylinder 119a, 119b. The
engaging mesas further comprises a locking plate 168 having
a cut-out section 170 for receiving and engaging a pin 163
of a conveyor unit 13. The cut-out section 170 is formed
is the upper end of the locking plate 168 and is defined
by
aides 217 and a base 219. The locking plate 168 is
supported by the support frame 66 to be vertically movable
between a retracted position as shown in Figure 21 in which
the locking plate 168 is clear of the pin 163 and a locked
position as shown in Figures 19, 20, 22 is which the
locking plate 168 engages the pin 163 of a conveyor unit
11. It can readily ba appreciated that the locking plate
168 and, in particular, the construction of the cut-out
section 170 with the sides 217, prevents uncontrolled
forward and/or rearward movement of the conveyor unit 13.
In use, the two sets of drive cylinders 119a,
119b act co-operatively as a walkiag system to advance by
pushing and to withdraw by pulling the mining means 9 and
the conveying mesas 11. with such an arrangement, during
advance into the seam 8, the two sets of drive cylinders
119a, 119b act cyclically so that one set retracts while
the other set controls the advance rate of the mining means
9 and the conveying means 11.
with reference to Figure 23, another preferred
embodiment of the combined driving/controlling means is
I
i
WO 95130067 PCT/AU95/00242
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similar to that shown in Figures 19 to 22 and comprises:
i SS 1 :;.:~
(a) a single "set of drive cylinders 203, with '
one drive cylinder 203 on each side of the
guide track 169 for the mining means 9 and '
the conveying means 11;
(b) the engaging means shown in Figures 19 to
22 connected to the drive cylinders 203;
sad
(c) an additional engaging means of the type
shown in Figures 19 to 22 but modified so
as to be fixed to the guide track 169.
With such as arrangement, the engaging means is
operable whey the drive cylinders 203 reach the limit of
their forward travel to engage and hold pins 163 on a
conveyor unit 13 of the conveying means 9 while the drive
cylinders 203 are recycled to engage and move forward a
rear conveyor unit 13a and thereafter move forward the
mining mesas 9 and the now-lengthened conveying means 11.
The highwall mining system further comprises a
means for supplying electrical power to operate the mining
mesas 9 and the conveying means 11.
With reference to Figure 2 the electrical power
supply means comprises the continuous electrical cable 25
which is wound onto the reel 101 on the launch platform 15
and is connected to the miser end of the mining means 9 and
the conveying mesas 11.
During advance of the mining means 9 and the
conveying means II into a seam 8 the electrical cable 25 is
automatically fed from the reel 101 on the launch platform
WO 95130067 ~ - - PCTlAU95100242
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15 and is guided into and supported by receptacles (not
shown) is each conveyor unit 13 in the conveying means 11.
During withdrawal of the mining means 9 and the
conveying means 11 from the seam 8 the electrical cable 25
is removed automatically from the receptacles in the
conveyor units 13 and wound back on the reel 101 on the
launch platform 15.
As a consequence, manual handling of these
electrical cables and hoses is avoided.
With reference to Figures 4 and 5, the electrical
power received at the miner end is distributed back along
the conveying mesas 11 to operate the belt or chain
conveyor 51 through cables 115 extending along the length
of each conveyor unit 13 and electrical couplings 1I7, 119
at the end of each conveyor unit 13.
The electrical couplings 117, 119 on each
conveyor unit 13 are arranged such that, when the
male/female members 57, 59 of a new conveyor unit 13a
engage the corresponding male/female members 57, 59 of the
rearmost conveyor unit 13 of the conveying means 11, the
electrical couplings i17, 119 on the new conveyor unit 13
also engage the rearmost conveyor unit 13 so that
electrical power can be supplied via the rearmost conveyor
unit 13 to power the belt or chain conveyor 51 of the new
conveyor unit 13a.
The highwall mining system further comprises an
on-board controller (not shown) on the launch platform 15
and microprocessors (not shown) on each conveyor unit 13.
Control signals from the on-board controller and the
microprocessors are transmitted through the various
electrical cables using conventional methods of electrical
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control signal transmission including a down-line carrier
system of transmission (not shown).
The microproce$sorY,on the rearmost conveyor unit
13 on the conveying means 11 actuates the supply of
electrical power to a new conveyor unit 13a after the new
conveyor unit 13a is connected to the rearmost conveyor
wait 13 after a series of pre-conditions have been
satisfied. The conditions may include, by Way of example:
(a) sensing completion of the engagement of the
locking pins 79 to thereby complete
mechanical coupling of the sew conveyor
unit 13a to the conveying means il;
(b) sensing connection of the electrical cable
coupling 117, 119; and
(c) sensing the correct positioning of flame-
proof equipment.
The main features of the above-described
mechanical and electrical couplings of the highwall mining
system are as follows:
(a) mechanical coupling:
(i) automatic, mechanised or manual
operation-(of the locking pin 79 -
no manual handling of the locking
pin 79;
(ii) automatically aligned for coupling
by rack sad pinion drive system and
by guide (and "pinch") rollers on
the launch platform 15;
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- 41 -
(iii) coupling allows limited rotation
around the conveyor unit axle
' centreline (this assists in the use
of the rack sad pinion drive system
' S - the rack bars 43 pass over the
centreline of the axle);
(iv) allows for one degree of freedom
(vertical rotation around
approximately horizontal axle)
while minimises free-play is the
other 5 degrees of freedom to
facilitate:
(1) °roller chain" type action
to follow the seam roll;
(2) minimal longitudinal free
play for control of
coaveyor/miaer positions
(viz. the relationship
between freeplay, control
and movement lag due to
clearance take up) and
axial forces;
(3) minimal lateral rotation or
twisting in the horizontal
plane to maintain straight
alignment of the conveying
means 11 (which is very
important for maintaining
pillar thicknesses and for
the push-to-advance type
drive system);
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(4) minimum twisting or
rotation in the vertical
..;:.'.v'plane around the
longitudinal axis of the
conveying means 11 (to
maintain overlapping
conveyor pulley
alignments); and
(b) electrical coupling:
(i) aligned and coupled automatically
(no manual handling and
connection);
(ii) power to a new conveyor unit 13 is
switched on automatically by
control circuity (not by manually
operated switch);
(iii) incorporates control cable (no
separate cable - no manual haadlin
and connection);
(iv) coincides with mechanical coupling
and
(v) held or locked in position by the
mechanical coupling.
With reference to Figures 26 to 31, another
embodiment of the highwall mining system, generally
identified by the numeral 303, is positioned in an open cut
mine 305 to cut coal from a coal seam extending from the
exposed face of the highwall 306 of the mine 305.
The basic components of the highwall mining
system 303 are:
(a) a mining means 309 for cutting coal from
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the seam to form a drive 310 in the seam;
(b) a conveying means 311 formed from a
plurality of conveyor units (only one of
which is shown is the figures) releasably
coupled together and with a forward
conveyor unit releasably couple8 to the
mining means 309 for conveying coal from
the drive 310;
(c) a launch platform 315 located at the
entrance to the drive 310, the launch
platform 315 including:
(i) a tiltable deck 313 which extends
the length of the launch platform
315 for supporting and guiding the
mining mesas 309 and the conveying
mesas 311 into the drive 310;
(i.i) a means for discharging coal from
the drive 310 for transportation
from the mice 305;
(iii) an assembly for adding new conveyor
units to the conveying mesas 311;
and
(d) a combined driving/controlliag means
located on the launch platform 315 for
driving the mining mesas 309 and the
conveying means 311 into the seam sad
thereafter for withdrawing the mining means
309 and the conveying mesas 311 from the
drive 310 in a controlled manner without
there being any uncontrolled movement of
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the mining means 309 and the conveying
means 311 in response to the inclination
the seam and/or during the addition of a
new conveyor unit to the conveying means
311.
The mining means 309 comprises a track-mounted
continuous miner having a plurality of cutting picks (not
shown) on a rotatable cutting drum 319 mounted on the end
of a boom 321 that is supported for pivotal movement about
a horizontal axis. Whilst not shown is detail, it is
preferred that the mining means 309 be of the type
described above in relation to Figures 1 to 25.
In addition, the mixing means 309 also comprises
a pair of pistoa/cyliader assemblies (not shown) which
extend from opposite sides of the miser sad can be
separately and selectively exteaded/retracted to vary the
contact with the aides of the drive 310 and thereby to
steer the miner.
Each conveyor unit of the conveying means 311
comprises a belt or a chain conveyor 351 which extends
between the foxtaard and the rearward ends of the conveyor
unit sad is operable to receive coal from an immediately
upstream conveyor unit and to deliver the coal to an
immediately downstream conveyor unit. Whilst not shown in
detail, it is preferred that each conveyor unit be of the
type described above in relation to Figures 1 to 25.
In addition, each conveyor unit further comprises
a coupling means (not shown) for mechanically coupling the
conveyor unit to a foxzaard and/or reaxvrard conveyor unit
and/or to the mining means 309. Whilst not shown is
detail, it is preferred that the coupling means be of the
type described above in relation to Figures 1 to 25.
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- 45 -
The launch platform 315 is mounted on an assembly
of skids 317 and is movable along the exposed face of the
highwall 306 so that the highwall mining system 303 can
form a plurality of drives 310 in the seam which are
separated by support pillars of unmined material.
The launch platform 315 comprises a rigid support
frame which includes an overhead shield 316 and a front
face shield (not shown) as a safety measure for operators
working oa the launch platform 315.
The tiltable deck 313 of the launch platform 315
is pivotally mounted to the support frame by pivot
connections 338 at a central section on each side of the
deck 313.
A pair of hydraulic piston/cylinder assemblies
330 (Figures 26 and 30) is provided at the rear end of the
launch platform 315 for raising, lowering, and locking in a
selected position, the rear section of the tiltable deck
313 thereby to tilt the deck 313. Each piston/cylinder
assembly 330 is connected at an upper end 332 to the
support frame and at a lower end 334 to the tiltable deck
313.
The tiltable deck 313 enables the mining mesas
309 and the conveying means 311 to be aligned as required
to mine a coal seam without having to adjust the
inclination of the whole of the launch platform 315. As a
consequence, it is possible to ensure that walkways and
other work platforms of the launch platform 315 are
horizontal and not inclined. This is an important feature
from the viewpoint of safety.
The forward end of the tiltable deck 313 includes
a pair of extendible members 340 for contacting the toe of
21~~13~.
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the hiQhwall 306 and reacting against the pushing and
pulling forces generat~d,oa;the launch platform 315. Each
extendible member 340.comprises an inner element 342 with
forward contact surface 344 which telescopes in an outer
element 346.
The coal discharge mesas of the launch platform
315 includes a conveyor assembly 350 (Figures 26 sad 31)
positioned oa the tiltable deck 313 and a side discharge
conveyor assembly 352 which rugs parallel to the tiltable
deck 313.
The conveyor assembly 350 includes a chain
conveyor 354 sad a cross chain conveyor 356. The conveyor
354, 356 are arranged so that the chain conveyor 354
receives coal from the rearmost conveyor unit of the
conveying means 311 and transfers the coal to the cross
chain conveyor 356. The cross chain conveyor 356 delivers
coal to the side discharge conveyor assembly 352 which
transports the coal to a surge bin or truck or other means
(sot shown) for removing the coal from the mice.
With reference to Figures 26 sad 30, the conveyo
unit addition assembly of the launch platform 315 comprise
a side loading platform 390 Which is pivotally mounted at
forward end to the support frame by pivot connections 392.
A hydraulic piston/cyliader assembly 394 is provided at th
rear end of the side loadiaQ platform 390 for raising sad
lowering the side loading platform 390 between the
horizontal position shown is Figure 26 sad as inclined
position at which the side loading platform 390 is at the
same angle of inclination as the tiltable deck 313.
The purpose of the side loading platform 390 is
to receive and support a new conveyor unit to be added to
the conveying means 311 (or removed from the conveying
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means 311 during withdrawal of the mining means 309 and the
conveying mesas 311 from, the drive 310). In this
connection, the conveyor unit addition assembly further
comprises a mechanism 391:
(i) for initially gripping a new conveyor ua:i.t
when the side loading platform 390 is at
the horizontal position and, thereafter;
(ii) for transferring the new conveyor unit to
the tiltable deck 313 and aligning the new
conveyor unit correctly on the tiltable
deck 313 when the side loading platform 390
is in the raised position.
The combined driving/coatrolliag means of the
launch platform 315 comprises:
(i) a sliding plate assembly which allows only
controlled pushiag/pulliag movement of the
mining mesas 309 and the conveying means
311; and
(ii) a brake means (not shown) which is operable
during the procedure for adding a new
conveyor unit while advancing or for
removing a conveyor unit while withdrawing,
as described below.
Whilst not clearly shown in the figures, the
sliding plate assembly is of the type described above is
relation to Figures 1 to 25.
The highwall mining system further comprises a
means for supplying electrical power to the conveying means
311.
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- 48 -
The electrical power supply means comprises a
continuous electrical cable 325 which is wound onto a reel
301 on the launch platform 315 and is connected to the
miner end of the miniag.;means 309 and the conveying means
311.
During advance of the mining means 309 and the
conveying means 311 into a seam the electrical cable 325 i
automatically fed from the reel 301 oa the launch platform
315 sad is guided into sad supported by receptacles (not
shown) in each conveyor unit of the conveying mesas 311.
During withdrawal of the mining means 309 and th
conveying means 311 from the seam the electrical cable 325
is removed automatically from the receptacles in the
conveyor units sad wound back on the reel 301 on the launc
platform 315.
As a consequence, manual handling of these
electrical cables and hoses is avoided.
The electrical power received at the miser end i
distributed back along the conveying mesas 3I1 through
cables (not shown) extending along the length of each
conveyor unit and electrical couplings (not shown) at the
nad of each conveyor unit 313.
The electrical couplings oa each conveyor unit
313 are arranged such that, when a new conveyor unit
mechanically engages the rearmost conveyor unit of the
conveying means 311, the electrical couplings oa the new
conveyor unit also engage the rearmost conveyor unit so
that electrical power can be supplied via the rearmost
conveyor unit to power the belt or chain conveyor of the
new conveyor unit.
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PCT/AU95/00242
_ 49 _
The highwall mining system further comprises an
on-board controller (not shown) on the launch platform 315
and microprocessors (not shown) on each conveyor unit 313.
Control signals from the on-board controller and the
microprocessors are transmitted through the various
electrical cables using conventional methods of electrical
control signal transmission including a down-line carrier
system of transmission (not shown).
The microprocessor oa the rearmost conveyor unit
oa the conveying means 311 actuates the supply of
electrical power to a new conveyor unit after the new
conveyor unit is connected to the rearmost conveyor unit
after a series of pre-conditions have bees satisfied.
Ia use of the highwall mining system described
above, under normal operating conditions, the conveyor
assembly 350 is coupled to the rearmost conveyor unit of
the conveying means 311 and, in response to the forward
movement of the sliding plate assembly, the mining means
309, the conveying means 311, sad the discharge conveyor
350 are pushed and move along the tiltable deck 313 and
progressively into the drive 310.
when the reaxinost conveyor unit reaches a forward
position at which it is necessary to add a new conveyor
unit to the conveying means 311, the sliding plate assembly
is disengaged from the rearmost conveyor unit after the
brake means is applied to prevent uncontrolled forvrard
movement of the mining means 309 and the remainder of the
conveying means 3I1.
Simultaneously, the flow of coal oa the conveying
means 311 is interrupted and the conveyor assembly 350 is
disconnected from the rearmost conveyor unit and moved
rearwardly by the sliding plate assembly along the tiltable
WO 95130067 PCT/AU95/00242
- 50 -
deck 313.
A new conveyor unit is then positioned by the
conveyor unit addition assembly,on'rthe deck 313 is the gap
between the conveyor assembly''350 and the rearmost conveyo
unit of the conveying means.311.
Thereafter, the eliding plate assembly is eagag
with the new conveyor unit, and the conveyor assembly 350
is coupled to the sew conveyor unit, and the combined
assembly is then coupled to the previously rearmost
conveyor unit. During this sequence of steps, the aide
loading platform 390 of the conveyor unit addition assent
is lowered to the horizontal position shown in Figure 1 a
a new conveyor unit is loaded onto the side loading
platform 390 by a front end loader (sot shown).
Finally, the flow of the coal is re-commenced,
and the sliding plate assembly is actuated to push the
m9.niag means 309 and the extended conveying means 311
forward into the drive 310 to resume mining of coal.
Figure 32 illustrates an alternative embodiment
of the tiltable deck 313 shown in Figures 26 to 31.
With reference to Figure 32, the tiltable deck,
generally identified blr the numeral 465, comprises a front
deck 403 and a rear deck 413.
The frost deck 403 is mounted to pivot around
horizontal pivots 405 in the direction of the arrow W aha
in the figure. A pair of hydraulic cylinders 407 is
provided at a foxlaard part of the launch platform 315 for
raising, lowering, or locking in a selected position, the
front deck 403 to adjust the inclination of the front dec
403 to suit the dip of a seam.
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As with the tiltable deck 313, the front deck 403
includes a pair of extendible members 340 for contacting
the toe of the highwall 306 and reacting against the
pushing and pulling forces generated on the launch platform
401.
The rear deck 413 may be fixed in an
approximately horizontal position as shown in Figure 32.
Alternatively, the rear deck 413 may be mounted to pivot
around the horizontal pivots 405 and thereby raised or
lowered from the rear by a pair of hydraulic cylinders (not
shown) of the type shown in Figures 26 to 31. As a
consequence, the rear deck 413 may be raised to be aligned
with the front deck 403 for adding, per arrow Z, a sew
conveyor unit 450 to the conveying means 311. is addition,
the rear deck 413 may be positioned as shows in Figure 32
to simplify the procedure for positioning a sew conveyor
unit on the rear deck 413.
The above described highwall mining system 303
has significant advantages over the known highwall mining
systems.
Many modifications may be made to the preferred
embodiment described above without departing from the
spirit and scope of the present invention.
