Tunnel support installation apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus to install structural supports in a mine tunnel is conveniently mountable on a mining machine having a cutting head mounted at one end of a boom. An extendable and slewing manipulator arm of the apparatus is mounted on a support platform that is slidable in the axial forward and rearward direction and includes a grasping device to hold the structural supports in a plurality of different positions.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to apparatus to install structural supports in a mine tunnel and in particular, although not exclusively, to a mining machine mounted assembly having an extendable arm to transport and hold the supports for attachment to the tunnel roof or walls.BACKGROUND ART[0002]Mobile mining machines have been developed to provide both direct cutting at the rock face and rapid road and tunnel development within the mine. Typically, a mobile tunnel development machine comprises a rotatable cutting head having bits provided on rotating drums to break the rock face. The cutting head is mounted at a movable boom to create the tunnel with the desired width and height. As the cutting head is rotated and advanced into the face, extracted material is gathered by a gathering head and conveyed rearwardly via machine mounted conveying apparatus.[0003]To secure the tunnel as the mining machine is advanced, it is common to support the roof and walls with ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a lightweight apparatus for safely and efficiently maneuvering roof and wall lining members in mining machines. The apparatus includes a manipulator arm and a working platform that are mounted onto a fixed base in a movable manner. The arm has a great range of movement, allowing for the effective and reliable support of roof and wall members. The apparatus also includes a cutting boom pivotally mounted at the mainframe of the machine, which provides support for a rotatable cutting head. The base of the machine is mounted on the mainframe, allowing the working platform to be positioned vertically above the cutting boom and cutting head. A sliding guiderail is provided to extend the range of travel of the arm and working platform in the forward and rearward direction, providing a telescopic sliding support arrangement. The guiderail is mounted on the base via a plurality of guiderail support mounts, which allows for the safe transfer of the load to the underlying base. The invention has a simplified design and offers a greater range of movement, making it more efficient and reliable for carrying and supporting roof and wall members in mining machines.

Problems solved by technology

However, conventional mining machine arrangements are disadvantageous for a number of reasons.

Due to the positional and movement limitations of such personnel working platforms, mounted at the machine, it is often difficult for the personnel to work safely and comfortably for sustained periods.

Existing structural support manipulators are therefore heavy and add considerable load and stress to the machine frame and motor.

In particular, it is not uncommon for parts of the machine frame or components of the motor to crack due to stress concentrations when supporting the considerable mass of the manipulator assembly.

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