Mesh handling device for mining or tunnelling equipment

Abstract

A mesh handler for a mining machine includes a generally U-shaped frame arranged for receiving and positioning at least one mesh against a roof portion of an underground tunnel. The frame includes at least one generally U-shaped rail and a guide mechanism arranged for guiding the mesh along the rail in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the mining machine. Moreover, a mining machine including the mesh handler is provided.

Claims

1. A mesh handler for a mining machine, comprising: a generally U-shaped frame arranged to receive and position at least one mesh against a roof portion of an underground tunnel, the frame including at least two generally U-shaped rails arranged substantially in parallel and fixed to each other; and a guide mechanism arranged to guide the at least one mesh over the at least two generally U-shaped rails in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the mining machine, the guide mechanism including at least one pull-out mechanism arranged to pull the at least one mesh along the at least two generally U-shaped rails for arranging the at least one mesh over the frame.

2. The mesh handler according to claim 1, wherein the at least two generally U-shaped rails are interconnected by rods, wherein a position of the rods relative to the at least two rails generally U-shaped is adjustable.

3. The mesh handler according to claim 1, wherein each of the at least two generally U-shaped rails includes at least one hinge, such that a curvature of the at least two generally U-shaped rails is adjustable to meet a profile of the roof portion of the underground tunnel.

4. The mesh handler according to claim 1, wherein each of the at least two generally U-shaped rails include a fixed central portion and at least first and second arms pivotally hinged against the central portion.

5. The mesh handler according to claim 4, wherein each of the at least two generally U-shaped rails include third and fourth arms pivotally hinged against the first and second arms respectively.

6. The mesh handler according to claim 4, further comprising a drive for pivoting the first and second arms respectively.

7. The mesh handler according to claim 1, wherein at least one rail of the at least two generally U-shaped rails is formed to be extendable in a length direction thereof.

8. The mesh handler according to claim 1, wherein the at least one pull-out mechanism includes a traction mechanism having at least one traction device running along the at least one rail of the at least two generally U-shaped rails.

9. The mesh handler according to claim 8, wherein the at least one traction device is a chain.

10. The mesh handler according to claim 8, wherein a carrier is coupled to the at least one traction device to carry the at least one mesh when the at least one traction device moves along the at least one rail of the at least two generally U-shaped rails.

11. The mesh handler according to claim 10, wherein the carrier is formed as a bar extending at least from one of the at least two generally U-shaped rails to another one of the rails and having a holding device arranged to hold the at least one mesh.

12. The mesh handler according to claim 10, further comprising a sensor arranged to determine a position of the carrier with respect to the frame.

13. The mesh handler according to claim 1, further comprising a holding device arranged to receive a rolled mesh.

14. The mesh handler according to claim 1, further comprising a lifting device arranged to lift the frame against the roof portion.

15. The mesh handler according to claim 14, wherein the lifting device allows axial movement of the frame in a longitudinal direction of the mining machine for overlapping placement of a plurality of meshes.

16. A mining machine for creating tunnels or in subterranean roadways and the like, comprising: a drive unit arranged to move the mining machine in a longitudinal direction; and a mesh handler according to claim 1.

17. The mining machine according to claim 16, further comprising: a cutting arm configured for pivotal movement around at least one axis; a cutting head mounted to the cutting arm, the cutting head having at least one rotatable cutting element for detaching material from a rock face; and a device for the installation of rock bolts, wherein the mesh handler is arranged substantially above the device for the installation of rock bolts.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

(1) A specific implementation of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a mining machine, suitable for creating tunnels or subterranean roadways having a forward mounted cutting unit and a rearward control unit and a mesh handler according to the invention;

(3) FIG. 2 is a perspective detailed view of the portion of the mining machine of FIG. 1 which includes the mesh handler;

(4) FIG. 3 is a side view of the section of FIG. 2 with the mesh handler in a first axial position;

(5) FIG. 4 is the side view of FIG. 3 with the mesh handler in a second axial position;

(6) FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the section of the mining machine comprising the mesh handler with a mesh during a pull-out operation;

(7) FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the mesh handler only;

(8) FIG. 7 is a detailed view of a rolled mesh held in the holding device;

(9) FIG. 8 is a second view of the perspective of FIG. 7;

(10) FIG. 9 is a perspective view of holding device and a carrier engaging a mesh roll received in the holding device;

(11) FIG. 10 is a full cut through the mesh handler along the machine direction;

(12) FIG. 11 is a full cut through the mesh handler perpendicular to the machine direction;

(13) FIG. 12 is a rear-view of the mining machine of FIG. 1 within an underground tunnel and the mesh handler placed against the roof portion of the underground tunnel; and

(14) FIG. 13 is side view of the mining machine while placing a mesh against a roof portion of a tunnel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

(15) Referring to FIG. 1, mining machine 1000 includes a main frame 1020 mounting a plurality of cutting components configured to cut into a rock or a mineral face to create tunnels or subterranean roadways.

(16) Mining machine 1000 is configured specially for operation in undercutting mode in which a plurality of rotatable roller cutters 1270 may be forced into the rock to create a groove or a channel and then to be pivoted vertically upwards so as to overcome the reduced tensile force immediately above the groove or a channel and to break the rock. Accordingly, the present mining machine is optimized for forward advancement into the rock or a mineral utilizing less force and energy typically required for a conventional compression type cutters that utilize cutting bits or peaks mounted at rotatable heads. However, the present invention is not limited to such mining machines, but can also be used for other mining machines which advance in the rock or mineral for cutting a tunnel or subterranean roadway.

(17) The main frame 1020 has lateral sides 3020 to be orientated towards the wall or the tunnel; an upward facing region 3000 to be orientated towards a roof of the tunnel; a downward facing region 3010 orientated to be facing the floor of the tunnel; a forward facing end 3030, intended to be positioned facing the cutting face and a rearward facing end 3040 intended to be positioned facing away from the cutting face.

(18) An undercarriage 1090 is mounted generally below main frame 1020 and in turn mounts a pair of crawler tracks 1030 driven by a hydraulic (or electric) motor to provide forward and rearward movement of the mining machine 1000 over the ground, when in a non-cutting mode. A pair of rear ground-engaging jacking legs 1060 is mounted at frame sides 3020 towards rearward end 3040 and is configured to extend and retract linearly relative to frame 1020. A frame 1020 further includes a forward pair of jacking legs 1150 also mounted at each frame side 3020 and towards forward end 3030 and being configured to extend and retract to engage the floor tunnel. By actuating of legs 1060 and 1150, main frame 1020 and in particular tracks 1030 may be raised and lowered in the upward and downward direction so as to suspend tracks 1030 of the ground to position the mining machine 1000 in a cutting mode. A pair of roof engaging grippers 1050, 1080 project upwardly from main frame 1020 at frame rearward end 3040 and are extendable and retractable linearly in the upward and downward direction via control cylinders 1160. Grippers 1050, 1080 are therefore configured to be raised into contact with the tunnel roof and in extendable combination with jacking legs 1060, 1150 are configured to wedge the mining machine 1000 in a stationary position between the tunnel floor and roof when in the cutting mode.

(19) A sledge 1040 is coupled to a linear hydraulic cylinder (not shown in FIG. 1) such that by reciprocating extension and retraction of this cylinder, the sledge 1040 is configured to slide linearly between frame forward and rearward ends 3030, 3040.

(20) A pair of hydraulically actuated bolting units 900a, 900b are mounted at main frame 1020 between sledge 1040 and roof gripping unit 1050, 1160, relative to a lengthwise direction of the mining machine 1000. Bolting units 900a, 900b are configured to secure a mesh 100 (see in particular FIGS. 12 and 13) to the roof of the tunnel as the mining machine 1000 is advanced in a forward cutting direction. Above the pair of bolting units 900a, 900b, a mesh handler 1 is arranged. This mesh handler 1 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 13.

(21) For a more detailed description of the mining machine 1000, reference is made to the (non-disclosed) application PCT/EP2015/072842.

(22) In use, the mining machine 1000 is wedged between the tunnel floor and roof via jacking legs 1060, 1150 and roof grippers 1050, 1080. The sledge 1040 may then be displaced in a forward direction, relative to main frame 1020 to engage roller cutters 1270 onto the rock face. Cutting heads 1280 are rotated (in FIG. 1 only one cutting head is shown) via motors 1250 that create the initial groove or channel in the rock face at a lowermost position. A first arm is then pivoted about its pivot axis via the respective motor to raise roller cutters 1270 along a path to achieve a second stage under a cutting operation. A first support holding the first cutting head may then be slewed in the lateral sideways direction via pivoting about a vertical axis and combined with the raising and lowering rotation of roller cutters 1270 it creates a depression or a pocket within the rock immediately forward of the first cutting arm and the respective support. The second cutting arm and associated cutting head and cutters 1270 are then actuated according to the operation of the first cutting arm involving pivoting in both the vertical and horizontal planes. This sequential dual pivoting movement of the second arm is independent of the initial dual pivoting movement of the first cutting arm. A phasing and sequencing of the pivoting arms about the pivot axis and supports about the vertical axis is controlled via a respective control unit.

(23) When the maximum forward travel of sledge 1040 is achieved, jacking legs 1060, 1150 are retracted to engage tracks 1030 onto the ground. The tracks 1030 are orientated to be generally declined (at an angle of approximately 10 relative to the floor) such that when ground contact is made, the roller cutters 1270 are raised vertically so as to clear the tunnel floor. The mining machine 1000 may then be advanced forward via tracks 1030. Jacking legs 1060, 1150 may then be actuated again to raise tracks 1030 off the grounds and grippers 1050, 1080 move into contact with the tunnel roof to repeat the cutting cycle. The forwardmost roof gripper 1080 is mounted above slat 1040 to stabilize the mining machine 1000, when sledge 1040 is advanced in the forward direction via linearly actuating cylinders.

(24) After each cutting operation, when the mining machine 1000 is moved forward, it is necessary to place a mesh at the tunnel roof and to fix this mesh via respective bolts. The bolts are implemented by means of the bolting units 900a, 900b after the mesh 100 has been placed by means of the mesh handler 1.

(25) The mesh handler 1, according to this present invention, is preferably arranged between the foremost gripper 1080 and the rearmost grippers 1050 above the bolting units 900a, 900b. However, it should be understood that in other mining machines, which may comprise a different structural design, the mesh handler 1 may be placed at a different position, nevertheless it is preferred to mount the mesh handler over a respective bolting unit.

(26) The mesh handler 1 includes a generally U-shaped frame 2 for receiving and positioning a mesh 100 against a generally U-shaped roof 110 portion of an underground tunnel (see FIG. 12). The frame 2 has first and second generally U-shaped rails 4, 6. The frame 2 furthermore includes a guide means 8 for guiding the mesh 100 along the rails 4, 6 in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction A of the mining machine 1000. The mesh 100 is substantially guided along each rail 4, 6, thus along the arc-shape defined by the U-shaped rails 4, 6.

(27) The U-shaped rails 4, 6 are interconnected by means of rods 10 (in FIG. 2 only one rod 10 depicted with reference sign) which will be described later.

(28) The mesh handler 1 includes a central body portion 12 housing a drive (see FIGS. 10, 11). The body portion 12 provides also a structural frame. The mesh handler 1 furthermore includes two mounting supports 14, 16 by means of which the mesh handler 1 is mounted against respective portions of the mining machine 1000. In this embodiment (see FIG. 2) the mounting supports 14, 16 are fixed against bridges 1052, 1082 of the grippers 1050, 1080. Thus, when the grippers 1050, 1080 are raised, also the mesh handler 1 is raised. The body portion 12 also houses an axial displacement arrangement 18 for moving the frame 2 in an axial direction along the axis A. This can be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4. The axial displacement arrangement 18 has two bars 20a, 20b, which connect the mounting supports 14, 16 with each other. On the bars 20a, 20b, the frame 2 with the rails 4, 6 and the body portion 12 is slideable arranged. According to FIG. 3, the frame 2 is in a first axial position P1, in which the frame 2 is moved to the rearmost mounting support 14 close to the rearmost grippers 1050, and in FIG. 4, the frame 2 is shown in a second position P2, in which the frame 2 is moved to the foremost mounting support 16 at the foremost gripper 1080. This allows that the mesh 100 is being placed in different axial positions without moving the mining machine 1000. Therefore, accurate placement of the mesh 100 is feasible.

(29) When a desired axial position is found (see FIG. 5), e.g. a position P3 which does not need to be one of the extreme positions P1, P2 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, but may also be an intermediate position P3 as shown in FIG. 5, the mesh 100 can be placed on the frame 2. In FIG. 5, an intermediate position is shown and the mesh is partially guided along the rails 4, 6. Deployment of the mesh 100 and guiding the mesh 100 along the rails 4, 6 will be described later in particular with respect to FIGS. 7 and 11.

(30) In FIG. 6 a perspective view of the mesh handler 1 is shown. Again, the mesh handler 1 includes a frame 2, first and second rails 4, 6, as well as a body portion 12. Via the two bars 20a, 20b, the frame 2 is mounted to the mounting supports 14, 16. The mounting supports 14, 16 have a lifting device 22 including hydraulic cylinders 24 for lifting the bars 20a, 20b and thus the frame 2.

(31) Each rail has a fixed central portion 30a, 30b connected to the body portion 12. The central portions 30a, 30b comprise ring guides 32 (only 2 shown in FIG. 6) for guiding the central portions 30a, 30b along the bars 20a, 20b.

(32) Against the central portions 30a, 30b, first and second arms 34a, 34b, 36a, 36b are connected via first hinges 38a, 38b and second hinges 39a, 39b, respectively. In some applications it might be sufficient to only have the first arms 34a, 34b and the second arms 36a, 36b, however as shown in FIG. 6, additional arms are provided.

(33) In this exemplary embodiment, a third arm 40a, 40b is connected to the first arm 34a, 34b via a third hinge 41a, 41b. Respectively, a fourth arm 42a, 42b is connected to the third arm 36a, 36b via a respective fourth hinge 43a, 43b. Moreover, a fifth arm 44a, 44b is connected via a fifth hinge 45a, 45b to the third arm 40a, 40b. Respectively, a sixth arm 46a, 46b is connected to the fourth arm 42a, 42b via a sixth hinge 47a, 47b (see FIG. 11).

(34) Each arm 34a, 34b, 36a, 36b, 40a, 40b, 42a, 42b, 44a, 44b, 46a, 46b is connected with its respective counterpart of the first and second rails 4, 6, respectively via a rod 10. Each rod 10 includes at its axial ends respective fixing plates 11 which can be screwed against the respective arm. At the arms, a plurality of screw-threaded bolts 48 (in FIG. 6 only 2 are depicted with a reference sign) are provided, such that the position of the rods 10 can be adjusted. The rods 10 provide a certain degree of stiffness to the frame 2 and also support the mesh 100 laying on them.

(35) Now, turning to FIG. 11, the drive for pivoting the arms 34a, 34b, 36a, 36b, 40a, 40b, 42a, 42b, 44a, 44b, 46a, 46b will be described.

(36) In FIG. 11, a cut through the second arm 36b is shown, viewed in a direction away from the first arm 4. The second arm 36b is formed as described before and includes a fixed central portion 30b, first and second arms 34b, 36b, third and fourth arms 40b, 42b and fifth and sixth arms 44b, 46b. Rail 6 is provided with a drive 50 for pivoting the arms 34b, 36b, 40b, 42b, 44b, 46b. The drive 50 includes a first drive spindle 52 for mechanical adjustment and be as flexible as possible, which is supported at the central portion 30b and a portion of the first arm 34b and a second pneumatic drive cylinder 54, supported between the central portion 30b and a portion of the second arm 36b. When extending the spindle 52 and the cylinder 54, the first and second arms 34b, 36b are pivoted upwardly with respect to FIG. 11, and downwardly when the spindle 52 and/or the cylinder 54 is retracted, respectively. Moreover, angle adjustment means 56, 58 are provided between the first arm 34b and third arm 40b, as well as between the second arm 36b and the fourth arm 42b. These angle adjustment means 56, 58 comprise a screw-threaded bolt and a respective housing, such that the angular relationship between the first and third arms 34b, 40b as well as the second end fourth arm 36b, 42b can be adjusted.

(37) Similarly, angle adjustment means 60, 62 are provided between the third and fifth arms 40b, 44b as well as between the fourth and sixth arms 42b, 46b. They are similar to the angle adjustment means 56, 58 or the spindle 52 and cylinder 54.

(38) As can be seen in FIG. 11, the fifth arm 44b is provided with a holding device 70, holding a rolled mesh 100. This holding device 70 can best be seen in FIGS. 7 to 9. The holding device 70 includes a support bar 72, being received in respective clamping openings 74a, 74b at axial ends of the fifth arms 44a, 44b. It shall be understood, when a lower number of arms is used, the respective clamping openings 74a, 74b can be provided at e.g. the third arm 40b, or also the second arm 36b for instance.

(39) At both axial ends of the support bar 72, respective holding fingers 76a, 76b are fixed. These holding fingers 76a, 76b include an engagement section 78a, 78b for engaging the rolled mesh 100 in such a manner that it is turnable about its axis M (see FIG. 8). The holding fingers 76a, 76b are formed such that an operator can easily remove an empty roll and place a new rolled mesh 100 within the holding device 70.

(40) A free end 101 of the mesh 100 is received clamping bar 80 which itself is pivotally fixed against bar 82. Together the clamping bar 80 and the bar 82 form a carrier 81 which is part of a pull-out mechanism 84.

(41) The guide means 8 include the pull-out mechanism 84. Besides the bar 82, the pull-out mechanism 84 includes traction means 85a, 85b which are formed as chains. The chains 85a, 85b run in respective grooves 86a, 86b, formed along the rails 4, 6. Within the rails 4, 6, a drive sprocket 87a, 87b is provided and a plurality of pulleys 88a, 88b, 88c, 88d (see FIG. 11). The sprocket 87a, 87b are mounted on a common drive shaft 89 which is driven by means of a motor 90 (see FIG. 10). Motor 90 is housed within the housing 12. The bar 82 is connected in a fixed manner to the chains 85a, 85b, thus drivable by means of the chains 85a, 85b along the rails 4, 6 from one end to the other end. As for example, shown in FIG. 5, bar 82 is moved to an intermediate position and the mesh 100 is partially pulled out. The drive sprocket 87b is provided with a sensor 92 sensing the revolutions of sprocket 87b, such that when the pitch of the chains 85a, 85b is known, also the position of the bar 82 along the rails 4, 6 is known.

(42) Since the chains 85a, 85b are not elastic, however, the curvature of the bars 4, 6 may vary due to the drive 50, the sixth arm 46a, 46b is formed as an extendable arm. This can best be seen in FIG. 11. Arm 46b includes first and second portions 94a, 94b and a mechanical tensioning spindle 95 acting on both portions 94a, 94b. The arm portions 94a, 94b are telescopable to each other, thus a length of the arms 46b is adjustable. It shall be understood that the sixth arm 46a of the first rail 4 is formed in the same manner. This helps keeping the chains 85a, 85b under tension, even if the curvature of the rails 4, 6 varies. It also is desirable to have the same mesh length on both sides. Shown in FIG. 12, with this variation it is possible to reach the mesh with the last bolts.

(43) Moreover, also the fifth arms 44a, 44b may be formed in such a telescopic manner and comprise mechanical tensioning spindle 96 (see FIG. 10). Nevertheless, it is not essential that both, the fifth and the sixth arms 44a, 44b, 46a, 46b are formed in a telescopic manner.

(44) When a mesh 100 shall be applied to a roof portion 110 of the underground tunnel (see FIG. 12), first a rolled mesh 100 is fixed to the holding device 70 by means of the fingers 76a, 76b. A free end portion 101 is fixed to the clamping bar 80 in a manual manner, in that an operator wedges the end portion 101 into the clamping bar 80. Now, the drive 90 is switched on and bar 82 is moved along the rails 4, 6 by means of the chains 85a, 85b which are driven by the drive sprockets 87a, 87b. While moving along the rails 4, 6, the bar 82 guides the mesh along the rails 4, 6, at the same time clears the rails 4, 6 off fragmented rock materials lying on the rails 4, 6. The bar 82 is thus formed as a shield. When the bar 82 has moved from its initial position (see FIGS. 7, 8 and 11, for example) to the end position in which the bar 82 is substantially at the position of pulley 88a, the frame 2 will be raised by means of the lifting device 22 and positioned in an axial way by means of the axial displacement arrangement 18. It is important that the meshes 100 are placed in an overlapping manner, such that an overlapping portion 102 is formed (see FIG. 13). According to FIG. 13, the first mesh 100 on the left hand side has already been placed and fixed to the roof 110 and currently, the second, subsequent, mesh 100 on the right hand side is placed and will be fixed by bolting in the next step. An overlapping portion 102 is provided such that no gaps are present between two meshes 100. It is also important that bolts are implemented in this overlapping portion 102, such that the meshes 100 are commonly fixed.

(45) FIG. 12 illustrates the bolting implementation. The frame 2 has already been raised against the roof portion 110 of the tunnel, such that the mesh 100 is positioned against this roof portion 110. Now, the bolting rigs 900a, 900b will be activated and bolts will be implemented according to a predetermined bolting pattern 104, indicated by the lines 105 (only one line indicated with reference sign in FIG. 12) above the roof portion 110 in FIG. 12. It shall be understood that not one bolt is being implemented for every line 105, but that also a subgroup of the lines 105 forms a bolting pattern 104.

(46) When the bolting operation is finished, the frame 2 can be lowered again, such that it is not in contact with the roof portion 110 of the tunnel. Subsequently, the bar 82 can be moved backwards again to the initial position (see FIGS. 7 and 8). The empty mesh roll is detached from the holding device 70, a new roll is placed in the holding device 70 and again a free end portion 101 is clamped in the clamping bar 80. Now the next mesh can be set.