GB2172918A - Excavating equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

Excavating equipment for excavating rock or mineral from a working face to extend an underground tunnel or roadway comprises an excavating machine (1) advanceable along the tunnel or roadway and having a cutter (2) for excavating rock or mineral from the working face, and a floor mounted shield assembly (3) extending over at least a portion of the mining machine. Releasable connector means e.g. a latch mechanism are provided for connecting the machine to the shield assembly such that, in operation, the shield assembly is advanceable with the machine. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Excavating equipment This invention relates to excavating equipment for excavating rock or mineral to extend underground tunnels or roadways.

In particular, the present invention relates to excavating equipment comprising an excavating machine having cutter means, and a shield assembly installed in the roadway and extending over at least a portion of the machine.

With prior known excavating equipment a shield assembly is provided over a portion of the excavating machine with a rotary cutter mounted on a forwardly extending boom pivotally carried on the machine body. It is adopted practice with such prior known equipment for permanent arch roadway roof supports to be erected and installed behind a short canopy provided on the machine. Thus after advancement of the machine including the canopy, before the rotary cutter can be traversed over the working rock or mineral face to extend the tunnel or roadway by a required preselected distance, it is necessary to install permanent arch supports. The short length of the known canopy would make it unsafe for men to erect and install the arch supports while cutting is in progress.Thus operation of the machine is cyclic with the cutting operation delayed until the roadway supports are erected and installed.

Once the shield assembly is installed in the newly advanced position the machine can start to excavate the next web of the working face to further advance the tunnel or roadway. Throughout the cutting operation the machine operators are protected beneath the-shield assembly.

Unfortunately, the prior known excavating equipment suffers from the disadvantage that its operation is cyclic. Actual cutting periods when rock or mineral is excavating from the working face is stricted to periods between arch support erecting and installing periods. The cyclic operation of the prior known excavating equipment resulted in relatively slow rates of tunnel of roadway advance being achieved.

An object of the present invention is to provide excavating equipment which tends to overcome or reduce the above mentioned disadvantage, enabling substantially non-cyclic operation of the machine to be achieved.

According to the present invention excavating equipment for excavating rock or mineral from a working face to extend an underground tunnel or roadway comprises an excavating machine advanceable along the tunnel or roadway and having a cutter for excavating rock or mineral from the working face, a floor mounted shield assembly adapted to be installed in the tunnel or roadway and extending over at least a portion of the excavating machine, and connector means for connecting the machine to the shield assembly such that, in operation, the shield assembly is advanceable with the machine.

Preferably, the connector means is releasable allowing the machine to move independently of the shield assembly.

Preferably, the connector means comprises a latch mechanism.

Conveniently, the latch mechanism comprises a latch component pivotally mounted on the machine and an abutment for engagement by the latch component provided on the shield assembly.

Advantageously, the latch component is movable into or out of its latched mode under the action of a hydraulic ram.

Preferably, the shield assembly comprises a generally arched shaped shielding component and floor mounted pontoons mounted below the downwardly extending limbs of the generally arched shaped shielding component.

Preferably, hydraulic rams extend between each portion and the associated limb of the shielding component.

Preferably, machine anchoring rams are provided for anchoring the machine during its cutting operation.

Conveniently, the anchoring rams are carried by pontoons.

Preferably, the anchoring rams are mounted in cross passages extending through the pontoons such that in operation when the machine is anchored each anchoring ram extends between the machine and the adjacent side wall of the tunnel or roadway.

Preferably, the shield assembly comprises retractable fore-poling means extendable from the generally arched shaped shielding component.

Preferably, the shield assembly comprises a tail canopy section extending rearwardly from the generally arch shaped shielding assembly and under which, in use, permanent tunnel or roadway roof supports can be erected.

Preferably, the shield assembly comprises air flow ducting means for extracting induced air flow from the vicinity of the cutter.

Conveniently, the air flow ducting includes fan means and dust filter means.

Preferably, the fan means and/or the dust filter means are mounted on the excavating machine.

The present invention also provides a shield assembly for use with excavation equipment.

One embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of excavating equipment constructed in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is an incomplete rear end view of the excavating equipment of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a plan of a detail of the excavating equipment; and Figure 4 is a rear end view of the detail of Figure 3.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2 the excavating equipment for excavating rock or mineral from a working face to extend an underground tunnel or roadway comprises an excavating machine 1 advanceable along the tunnel or roadway and having a rotary cutter head 2 for excavating rock or mineral from the working face, and a floor mounted shield assembly 3 adapted to be installed in the tunnel or roadway and extending over at least a portion of the excavating machine. The machine comprises a base 4 supported on crawler tracks 5, and a forwardly extending boom 6 pivotally mounted in a turret 7 slidably mounted on the body, the boom carrying the rotary cutter head.A downwardly inclined loading ramp 8 mounted on the front of the base is provided with gathering arms 9 and a conveyor 10 for conveying cut rock or mineral from the tunnel or roadway floor towards other suitable conveyor means (not shown) provided atthe rear of the machine. The outwardly extending side end portions 11 of loading ramp are either detachable from the main central portion of the ramp or pivotally mounted for movement to within the cross dimension of the central portion to permit the machine to negotiate travel along the roadway between erected and permanently intalled arch supports 12 extending along the length of the tunnel or roadway.

The shield assembly 3 comprises a rigid, generally arched shaped shielding component 15 and floor mounted pontoons 16 mounted belowthetwo downwardly extending limbs of the generally arched shaped shielding components. Hydraulic rams 17 extend between each pontoon and the associated limb ofthe shielding component. As shown in Figure 1 each pontoon comprises two slide members 18 articulatedlyconnected buy a horizontal hinge pin 19 and arranged for sliding along the tunnel or roadway mine floor. The front of the shielding component is provided with a number of retractable fore poling units 20 extendable from the upper region of the generally arch shaped shielding component towards the working face and over the cutter carrying boom.

Each unit 20 is provided with a downwardly hinged flap 21 (only one of which is shown) for retaining the working face during machine maintenance operations. The shielding component also provides two air flow ducts 22 for extracting induced airflow from the vicinity of the cutter. The airflow ducts extended from the forwardly directed mouths longitudinally along the shield assembly to a cross ducting arrangement 23 (see Figure 2) towards airflow inducing fan means and dust filter means 24 (indicated generally in Figure 2) mounted on the aforementioned discharge conveyor 10. The arrangement 23 converts the generally rectangular ducting provided within the shielding component to a generally circular ducting leading to the fan and filter means.

The shield assembly also comprises a rearwardly extending tail canopy section 25 extending rearwardly from the generally arch shaped shielding component and under the protection which the aforementioned permanenttunnel or roadway roof supports 12 are erected and installed. Upon the shield assembly being advanced along the tunnel or roadway to a new location (as will be explained later in this specification) an arch support is erected beneath the tail section, the crown section of the arch support currently being erected is located in a cross saddle 26 mounted on the duct extraction equipment (as seen in Figure 2). With the crown section located in the saddle leg sections of the arch support are loosely bolted on each end of the crown section, the foot of each leg section being located at the required installed site.It will be appreciated that during erection the arch support is laid across the tunnel or roadway within reach of the erectors. Once the assembly is complete a winch 27 mounted in the shield component is used to haui the crown section from its reclined position up towards the shielding assembly.

Upon the arch support reaching the upright position a vertical ram 28 (see Figure 2) is used to urge the arch support into contact with the tail section and pads 29 (not shown in Figure 1) are placed under each foot of the support. Lagging boards 30 and struts (not shown) then are located between the newly erected arch support and the last set arch support. As shown in Figure 1 the rearward extent of the tail section is sufficient to cover two installed arch supports thereby providing full protection for the operators during installation of the permanent supports. Upon the shield assembly being further advanced along the tunnel or roadway the tail section slides between the recently installed arch supports and the mine roof and the installed supports are undisturbed by the advance.

The pontoons 16 are provided with machine anchoring arms 31 for anchoring the machine during its cutting operation. The anchoring rams are mounted in the cross passages extending through the pontoons such that in operation when the machine is anchored each anchoring ram extends between the machine and the adjacent side wall of the tunnel or roadway. Each anchoring ram is extendable outwards on both sides of the pontoon.

However, the mountingforthe ram is a floating arrangement such that no side force acts on the pontoon. Figure 1 shows the outwardly directed face of the anchoring rams which during the anchoring operation are urged into contactwith the side wall of the tunnel or roadway.

The excavating equipment also comprises connector means for connecting the machine to the shield assembly such that, in operation, the shield assembly is advanceable with the machine. One embodiment of the connector means is shown in Figures 3 and 4. The connector means is releasable allowing the machine to move along the tunnel or roadway independently of the shield assembly. In the connected mode no cutting forces are transmitted from the machine to the shield assembly. As seen in Figures 3 and 4 the connector means is constituted by a latch mechanism comprising a latch component 32 pivotally mounted on the machine's crawler tracks 5, and a recess 33 provided on the pontoon 16 and defining an abutment 34 for engagement by the latch component in its latched mode. The latch mechanism is movable into or out of its latched mode under the action of a hydraulic ram 35 mounted between pivot pins 36 on the track and 37 on the latch mechanism. Figure 4 shows that the vertical extent of the latch mechanism is less than the vertical extent of the recess thus permitting a vertical movement of the machine relative to the shield assembly. Thus, during the advancing operation the machine is able to negotiate an undulating mine floor without binding on the shield assembly.

In operation, the rotary cutter head 2 is traversed over the working face to extend the tunnel or roadway by a preselected desired amount. Simultaneously, a permanent arch support 12 is erected and installed under the tail section 25 of the shield assembly.

During the cutting operation the dust extraction system is operating and the anchoring arms 31 are extended to secure the machine against excess vibration or other undesired movement. Material cut by the cutter is loaded by the ramp 8 and discharged by the conveyor 10 onto further conveyor means for outbye conveyance along the tunnel or roadway.

Upon all the working face being extracted to the desired depth the turret is slide back along the base 1 allowing the excavating machine to be advanced towards the working face. The connector means is in the latched mode such that the shield assembly is advanced with the machine. Before advancing the rams 17 are lowered to release the shielding componentfrom its set mode. Upon reaching the fully advanced position the shield assembly is reset to the mine roof, the machine anchors in position by action of the rams 31 and cutting is quickly recommenced.

Another permanent arch support being erected and installed under the advanced tail section of the shield assembly.

Thus, it will be appreciated that the present invention provides excavating equipment which is capable of substantially continuous cutting operations, the permanent arch supports being erected and installed during the cutting operation.

In other embodiments of the invention the latch mechanism is replaced by any other suitable connector means as for example a pin and slot arrangement or a chain device.

In modifications to the machine the crawler tracks may be replaced by other forms of mobile base, as for example, a walking base.

Claims (1)

1. Excavating equipment for excavating rock or mineral from a working face to extend an underground tunnel or roadway comprising an excavating machine advanceable along the tunnel or roadway and having a cutter for excavating rock or mineral from the working face, a floor mounted shield assembly adapted to be installed in the tunnel or roadway and extending over at least a portion of the excavating machine, and connector means for connecting the machine to the shield assembly such that, in operation, the shield assembly is advanceable with the machine.

2. Equipment as claimed in claim 1, in which the connector means is releasable allowing the machine to move independently of the shield assembly.

3. Equipment as claimed in claim 2, in which the connector means comprises a latch mechanism.

4. Equipment as claimed in claim 3, in which the latch mechanism comprises a latch component pivotally mounted on the machine and an abutment for engagement by the latch component provided on the shield assembly.

5. Equipment as claimed in claim 4, in which the latch component is movable into or out of its latch mode under the action of a hydraulic ram.

6. Equipment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the shield assembly comprises a generally arched shaped shielding component and floor mounted pontoons mounted below the downwardly extending limbs of the generally arched shaped shielding components.

7. Equipment as claimed in claim 6, in which hydraulic rams extend between each pontoon and the associated limb of the shielding component.

8. Equipment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which machine anchoring rams are provided for anchoring the machine during its cutting operation.

9. Equipment as claimed in claim 8, in which the anchoring rams are carried by pontoons.

10. Equipment as claimed in claim 9, in which the anchoring rams are mounted in cross passages extending through the pontoons such that in operation when the machine is anchored each anchoring ram extends between the machine and the adjacent side wall of the tunnel or roadway.

11. Equipment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the shield assembly comprises retractable forepoling means extendable from the generally arch shaped shielding component.

12. Equipment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the shield assembly comprises a tail canopy section extending rearwardly from the generally arch shaped shielding assembly and under which, in use, permanent tunnel or roadway roof supports can be erected.

13. Equipment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the shield assembly comprises air flow ducting means for extracting induced airflow from the vicinity of the cutter.

14. Equipment as claimed in claim 13, in which the air flow ducting includes fan means and dust filter means.

15. Equipment as claimed in claim 14, in which the fan means and/or the dust filter means are mounted on the excavating machine.

16. Excavating equipment for excavating rock or mineral from a working face to extend an underground tunnel or roadway, substantially as described herein and substantially as shown in the accompanying drawings.

17. A shield assembly for use with excavating equipment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

Amendments to the claims have been filed, and have the following effect: (a) Claims 1 and 2 above have been deleted or textually amended.

(b) New or textually amended claims have been filed as follows: (c) Claims 3 to 17 above have been re-numbered as 2 to 16 and their appendancies corrected.

1. Excavating equipment for excavating rock or mineral from a working face to extend an underground tunnel or roadway comprising an excavating machine advanceable along the tunnel or roadway and having a cutter for excavating rock or mineral from the working face, a floor mounted shield assembly adapted to be installed in the tunnel or roadway and extending over at least a portion of the excavating machine, and connector means for connecting the machine to the shield assembly such that, in one operation and mode, the shield assembly is advanceable with the machine, the connector means being releasable allowing the machine to move independently of the shield assembly.