Modular thin seam miner and method of use
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SHANDONG UNIV OF SCI & TECH
- Filing Date
- 2022-12-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-23
Smart Images
Figure CN115822589B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of coal mining equipment technology, and specifically to a modular thin coal seam mining machine. Background Technology
[0002] In recent years, with the significant improvement in the mechanization, informatization, automation, and intelligentization of coal mines, coal mine production conditions have improved markedly, and the safety situation has significantly improved. However, due to the inherent realities of the coal industry, its development still faces a series of challenges. Influenced by coal seam occurrence conditions, thin coal seam resources are widely distributed and abundant in my country. The proven recoverable reserves of thin coal seams nationwide are approximately 61.5 × 10⁻⁶. 8 Thin coal seams account for approximately 20.4% of the total recoverable coal reserves. In some regions, thin coal seams represent a significant proportion of reserves. As a major coal-producing base globally, my country has achieved significant breakthroughs in fully mechanized mining and longwall mining of thick coal seams, placing it in a leading international position. However, fully mechanized mining of thin coal seams remains a relatively weak link. The main objective reasons are the limited mining space, low efficiency, high labor intensity for workers, numerous safety accidents, and low economic benefits of thin coal seam mining. This results in a large amount of thin coal seam resources remaining idle, with the recovered output accounting for only 10.4% of total output, far lower than the proportion of reserves, and showing a downward trend. The key reason lies in the lack of adaptable and highly efficient fully mechanized mining technology and equipment for thin coal seams. In particular, during the initial stages of production, mines typically prioritize mining medium-thick and thick coal seams, abandoning the mining of seams less than 1.2 meters thick. This wastes a large amount of valuable coal resources, shortens the service life of mines, and hinders the coordinated development of the entire coal industry.
[0003] Currently, there are four main methods for thin coal seam mining both domestically and internationally: fully mechanized mining with drum shearers, fully mechanized mining with planers, continuous miner mining, and auger mining. Among them:
[0004] Longwall mining with drum shearers in thin coal seams mainly includes two arrangements: normal layout and suspended body layout. The normal layout, due to its structural characteristics, suffers from drawbacks such as limited coal passage space, the cutting motor affecting the coal passage space, and insufficient head and tail clearance. The suspended body layout, with the shearer's center of gravity located on the coal face side, results in poor stability during operation, harsh stress conditions on the traveling system, and a susceptibility to malfunctions. Furthermore, it is unsuitable for downward mining and soft-bottom working faces.
[0005] The success of coal planer mining is mainly determined by factors such as the planer head's running speed, the chain speed of the scraper conveyor at the working face, and the planing depth. Coal planer mining technology has high requirements for the geological conditions of the working face and is suitable for mining soft to medium-hard brittle coal. Furthermore, the fixed planer mining height limits its operational flexibility and results in low coal mining efficiency.
[0006] Continuous mining machines have drawbacks such as low extraction rate and poor ventilation. They are rarely used in thin coal seam mining in my country.
[0007] In auger coal mining, the drilling process is susceptible to various geological conditions, the weight of the drill bit and drill rod, and unbalanced torques, often causing the drill bit and drill rod to deviate during drilling, limiting the drilling depth. The long loading and unloading time for drill rods severely impacts coal production efficiency. During drilling, a coal pillar of at least 0.2 meters width must be left in the borehole, depending on the roof conditions; a narrow drilling width results in low mining efficiency and low resource recovery rate.
[0008] Therefore, it is evident that the existing thin coal seam mining equipment described above still needs further improvement. Summary of the Invention
[0009] One of the objectives of this invention is to provide a modular thin coal seam mining machine that enables intelligent mining of underground thin coal seams, achieving high-efficiency, unmanned, and high-yield coal mining.
[0010] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:
[0011] A modular thin coal seam mining machine includes a cutting and mining module, a transportation module, a propulsion module, a loading and unloading module, and a moving and supporting module. The cutting and mining module is used to cut the thin coal seam and transfer the resulting coal blocks to the transportation module via a short-distance belt conveyor.
[0012] The transport module is used to control the length of the transport route and includes several sequentially connected sub-modules, wherein adjacent sub-modules are detachably connected. Each sub-module includes a cavity composed of an upper plate, a lower plate, a left side plate, and a right side plate. A rotating rod is set at the center of the cavity. The rotating rod has an internal hollow structure, and its two ends are fixed to the lower plate of the transport module. Spiral blades are welded to the periphery of the rotating rod. Power transmission lines, water pipelines, gas pipelines, and oil pipelines are respectively arranged around the periphery of the cavity. The cross-sectional area of the rotating rod increases sequentially from front to back.
[0013] When two adjacent sub-modules are connected, the rotating rods in the sub-modules are inserted together; adjacent power transmission lines, water pipelines, gas pipelines and oil pipelines are connected together accordingly.
[0014] The propulsion module, located inside the loading and unloading module, is used to propel the transport module and the coal cutting and mining module together toward the working face advancing direction;
[0015] The loading and unloading module includes a loading and unloading unit and a storage unit. The loading and unloading unit is used to load and unload the transport module, and the storage unit is used to store the disassembled transport module.
[0016] The aforementioned moving and supporting module is located at the bottom of the coal mining machine and moves and supports the coal mining machine.
[0017] The direct and beneficial technical effects of the above technical solution are as follows:
[0018] In the above technical solution, the intelligent mining of thin underground coal seams is achieved through the cooperation of the coal cutting and mining module, the transportation module, the propulsion module, the loading and unloading module, and the movement and support module. The propulsion module provides power to the transportation module and the coal cutting and mining module. The loading and unloading module and the transportation module cooperate to extend and shorten the transportation route. The length of the transportation module can be adjusted according to the actual situation. Therefore, the transportation module is a key inventive point of this invention. It consists of several sequentially detachable sub-modules. Through the cooperation of the loading and unloading module, the rapid installation and disassembly of adjacent sub-modules can be achieved to adapt to the working face. In addition, the transportation module can achieve automated transportation of coal mines through the setting of rotating rods, blades and surrounding power transmission lines, water pipelines, gas pipelines and oil pipelines.
[0019] The above technical solution, as a whole, has its various modules complementing each other to jointly complete the automated mining of thin coal seams.
[0020] In the aforementioned modular thin coal seam mining machine, the cross-sections of the left and right side plates are both V-shaped structures facing outwards from the cavity. The upper and lower plates are parallel to each other. Spring latches are provided on both sides of the rear end of the cavity of the front sub-module, and grooves are provided on both sides of the front end of the cavity of the rear sub-module. The front sub-module and the rear sub-module are connected together through the spring latches and grooves. A groove is provided at the bottom of the sub-module, and an opening is provided on the upper plate. During normal operation, the opening is in a sealed state.
[0021] The aforementioned modular thin coal seam mining machine includes a cutting and mining module comprising a cutting head, a conveyor, a hydraulic lifting device, a coal and rock identification device, a working face monitoring device, and a dust suppression device. The cutting head is a spiral roller cutting head. The conveyor is located below the cutting head and includes a scraper, a short-distance belt conveyor, and two crab-claw type coal scrapers. The coal cut by the cutting head is scraped onto the short-distance belt conveyor by the scraper and the two crab-claw type coal scrapers. The tail end of the short-distance belt conveyor is connected to the transportation module.
[0022] The hydraulic lifting device is connected to the oil pipeline in the transport module, and the power is provided by the hydraulic pump in the propulsion module. The hydraulic lifting device includes a rocker arm and a hydraulic support. The rocker arm is connected to the cutting head, and the hydraulic support is connected to the rocker arm. The lifting and lowering of the rocker arm is achieved through the hydraulic support.
[0023] The aforementioned modular thin coal seam mining machine includes a coal and rock identification device that uses force sensors to collect data on the force on the cutting head and the magnitude of the load current, analyzes the changes in these data, and uses negative feedback to adjust the height of the cutting head to achieve coal and rock identification. The working face monitoring device is used to inspect the smooth operation of the cutting and mining module, the transportation module, the propulsion module, the loading and unloading module, and the moving and supporting module.
[0024] The aforementioned modular thin coal seam mining machine includes a dust suppression device comprising a ventilation mechanism and a spray mechanism. The ventilation mechanism is connected to an air supply pipeline in the transport module, and the airflow in the air supply pipeline is provided by a ventilator in the propulsion module. The spray mechanism is connected to a water supply pipeline in the transport module, and the water in the water supply pipeline is pumped to it by a pressure water pump in the propulsion module.
[0025] The aforementioned modular thin coal seam mining machine includes a loading and unloading module comprising an axial guide rail, a loading and unloading unit, and a storage unit, wherein the transport module can move axially on the axial guide rail.
[0026] The loading / unloading unit and the transport module are axially aligned, and the transport module is located inside the loading / unloading unit. A belt conveyor is installed at the bottom of the loading / unloading unit, and the belt conveyor cooperates with the guide rail located on the bottom surface. The belt conveyor can drive the transport module to move left and right. The loading / unloading unit includes a "gate" type steel frame and at least one electro-hydraulic switch located on the "gate" type steel frame. The position of the electro-hydraulic switch corresponds to the position of the spring lock on the transport module. When the electro-hydraulic switch extends, the spring lock opens, and the transport module can be automatically unloaded.
[0027] The storage unit is located on one side of the loading and unloading unit. The storage unit includes a storage track and a gear motor. The gear of the gear motor engages with the groove. When the gear of the gear motor rotates, it can drive the transport module to move backward gradually. The storage track is used to store transport modules that have not yet entered the working surface.
[0028] The aforementioned modular thin coal seam mining machine includes a propulsion module comprising a main body, which is a rectangular vertical plate structure. An electric motor is located at the center of the main body, and a ventilator, a transmission motor, a hydraulic pump, and a water pump are respectively located at the four corners of the main body on the side opposite to the transport module. The ventilator is connected to an air transmission pipeline, the transmission motor is connected to a power transmission line, the hydraulic pump is connected to an oil transmission pipeline, and the water pump is connected to a water transmission pipeline.
[0029] An infrared aiming device is installed above the main body of the module, and a hydraulic push rod is installed on the other side of the main body of the module. The hydraulic push rod can push the main body of the module forward. An opening is provided on the main body of the module located below the motor. The opening is connected to a transfer machine, which is used to transfer the coal transported by the transport module.
[0030] The aforementioned modular thin coal seam mining machine includes a moving and supporting module comprising a rotatable tracked base, four horizontal hydraulic supports, and four vertical hydraulic supports. The rotatable tracked base is located at the bottom of the loading and unloading module, and the four horizontal hydraulic supports are located at the side ends of the mining machine. When extended, they can abut against the side walls of the roadways on both sides. The height of the mining machine is increased by extending the vertical hydraulic supports.
[0031] Another objective of this invention is to provide a method for using the aforementioned modular thin coal seam mining machine, which can not only achieve automatic coal mining but also complete the automatic filling of goaf areas.
[0032] The above-mentioned method of using a modular thin coal seam mining machine includes the following steps:
[0033] Step 1: After the coal mining machine enters the mining point, the machine is adjusted and fixed using the moving and supporting modules.
[0034] Step 2: The cutting and mining module is moved forward by the propulsion module to cut the opening. As the propulsion module pushes, the cutting and mining module moves forward continuously. When the forward distance of the propulsion module reaches the limit, the propulsion module moves backward and separates from the cutting and mining module. At this time, the cutting and mining module stops running, the propulsion module returns to the initial position, and the disassembled transport module stored in the storage unit enters the loading and unloading unit.
[0035] Step 3: By controlling the propulsion module, adjacent sub-modules of the transportation module are connected sequentially to complete the segmented connection of the transportation module, thereby realizing the forward movement of the working face and the extension of the transportation line;
[0036] Step 4: Start the cutting and mining module to mine coal. The cut coal is transferred to the transportation module via a short-distance belt conveyor. Inside the transportation module, the motor of the propulsion module provides power to the rotating rod. The rotating rod drives the blades to rotate in a spiral. Under the action of the rotating rod and the blades, the coal inside the transportation module is gradually transported out of the working face and transported to the transfer machine.
[0037] Step 5: Complete the mining task at the working face, recover the equipment, and shorten the transportation route.
[0038] The propulsion module moves backward to its initial position. The gear motor of the loading and unloading module starts and rotates clockwise, causing the gears on the gear motor to engage one by one in the groove at the bottom of the sub-module. The entire traction transport module gradually moves backward. When the spring locks on both sides of the transport module pass through the "gate"-shaped steel frame of the loading and unloading module, the electric hydraulic switch located on the "gate"-shaped steel frame is activated. The hydraulic push rod located on the propulsion module extends, presses down the spring locks, opens the spring locks, and realizes automatic unloading of the transport module.
[0039] After the transportation module is unloaded, several sub-modules are stored in the storage unit of the loading and unloading module;
[0040] Step Six: When it is necessary to complete the next working face mining task, repeat Steps One through Five in this cycle.
[0041] In the above-mentioned modular thin coal seam mining machine, when the goaf needs to be filled, the propulsion module advances and connects with the transportation module. The gangue material for filling is transferred to the transportation module by a transfer machine. The rotating rod inside the transportation module rotates in the opposite direction, causing the gangue material inside to rotate in the opposite direction and be transported from the roadway to the goaf working face. The crab claw type mining machine of the cutting mining module reverses, spreading the gangue material flat on the goaf to complete the filling.
[0042] Compared with the prior art, the present invention brings the following beneficial technical effects:
[0043] This invention provides a modular thin coal seam mining machine, including a cutting and mining module comprising a cutting head, a conveyor, a hydraulic lifting device, a coal and rock identification device, a working face monitoring device, and a dust suppression device. The cutting head is a spiral-type drum cutting head. When cutting coal using this invention, the cutting head rotates clockwise, generating an upward cutting force. The reaction force of the coal seam on the mining machine is always downward, preventing the mining machine from being lifted and deviating from its original path due to the upward force. Simultaneously, the clockwise rotation of the spiral causes the cut coal to fall into the conveyor. The conveyor includes a scraper, a short-range belt conveyor, and two crab-claw type scrapers. The scraper and the two crab-claw type scrapers scrape the coal cut by the cutting head onto the short-range belt conveyor, the tail end of which is connected to the transport module. The coal and rock identification device can automatically classify coal and rock, effectively solving subsequent steps in coal processing and improving coal production efficiency. The working face monitoring device can be used to inspect the operation of each module, thereby monitoring the smooth operation of each module. The dust suppression device is connected to the ventilation fan, which can introduce fresh air into the working area.
[0044] Coal entering the transport module is transported into the roadway after passing through multiple sequentially connected sub-modules. The transport module is composed of multiple detachable sub-modules, and the cross-sectional area of the rotating rods within each sub-module increases sequentially from front to back. When two adjacent sub-modules are connected, the rotating rods within the sub-modules can be quickly inserted for connection. The blades in the rear sub-module drive the blades in the front sub-module to rotate, enabling torque transmission between the rotating rods. Power transmission lines, water pipelines, gas pipelines, and oil pipelines are connected to corresponding devices in the propulsion module, and adjacent lines and pipelines are seamlessly connected to prevent leaks, ensuring the automated operation of the coal mining machine. During filling, the rotating rods of each sub-module rotate in opposite directions, and the coal gangue used for filling in the roadway is gradually transported to the working face to be filled via the transport module, thus achieving the filling of the working face.
[0045] The loading and unloading module is mainly divided into a loading and unloading unit and a storage unit. The loading and unloading unit completes the installation and disassembly of the transport module, and the storage unit completes the storage of the disassembled sub-modules. The loading and unloading unit can automatically open the lock of the transport module through the electric hydraulic switch set in the "gate" type steel frame, so as to achieve the purpose of automatic unloading of the transport module. When it is necessary to extend the transport route, the storage unit and the loading and unloading unit work together to complete the rapid installation of each sub-module.
[0046] The movement and support module is located at the bottom of the coal mining machine, enabling the machine to be fixed and moved. Attached Figure Description
[0047] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings:
[0048] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the thin coal seam mining machine of the present invention;
[0049] Figure 2 This is a side view of the thin coal seam mining machine of the present invention;
[0050] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the transportation module of the present invention;
[0051] Figure 4 This is an internal diagram of the transportation module of the present invention;
[0052] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the disassembly of a submodule of the present invention;
[0053] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the spring lock structure of the present invention;
[0054] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection of water pipelines, gas pipelines, and oil pipelines in adjacent sub-modules of the present invention.
[0055] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the propulsion module structure of the present invention;
[0056] In the picture:
[0057] 1-Cutting head; 2-Transportation module; 3-Gateway steel frame; 4-First belt conveyor; 5-Belt conveyor; 6-Vertical hydraulic support; 7-Horizontal hydraulic support; 8-Electro-hydraulic switch; 9-Propulsion module; 10-Axial guide rail; 11-Storage guide rail; 12-Crawler; 13-Coal and rock identification device; 14-Crab claw type scraper; 15-Short-range belt conveyor; 16-Hydraulic lifting device; 17-Gear motor; 18-Groove one; 19-Rotating crawler base; 20-Working face monitoring device and dust suppression device; 22-Power transmission line; 23-Water pipeline; 24- 25-Gas pipeline; 26-Oil pipeline; 27-Rotating rod; 28-Opening; 29-Groove; 30-Spring lock; 31-Power line interface; 32-Water pipeline interface; 33-Gas pipeline interface; 34-Oil pipeline interface; 35-Blade; 36-Socket; 37-Spring; 38-Lock; 39-Power plug; 40-Female socket; 41-Female socket; 42-Ventilator; 43-Power motor; 44-Hydraulic pump; 45-Water pump; 46-Motor; 47-Guide rail groove; 48-Lower opening; 49-Hydraulic push rod; 50-Infrared sight. Detailed Implementation
[0058] This invention proposes a modular thin coal seam mining machine and its usage method. To make the advantages and technical solutions of this invention clearer and more explicit, the invention will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments.
[0059] This invention proposes a modular thin coal seam mining machine, which mainly achieves automated mining of thin coal seams through the cooperation of various modules, enabling unmanned mining. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, it includes: a coal cutting and mining module, a transportation module 2, a propulsion module 9, a loading and unloading module, and a moving and supporting module.
[0060] Among the aforementioned modules, the main function of the cutting and mining module is to cut thin coal seams and transfer the resulting coal blocks to the transportation module via a short-range belt conveyor. Specifically, the cutting and mining module mainly includes a cutting head 1, a conveyor, a hydraulic lifting device 16, a coal and rock identification device 13, a working face monitoring device, and a dust suppression device 20. The cutting head is a spiral-type drum cutting head. During cutting, the cutting head drum rotates clockwise, generating an upward cutting force. The reaction force of the coal seam on the mining machine is always downward, preventing the mining machine from being lifted and deviating from its original advance path due to the upward force. At the same time, the clockwise rotation of the spiral head drops the cut coal blocks into the center of the bottom conveyor, and finally, they are transported to the transportation module via a short-range belt conveyor, completing the coal block loading.
[0061] The conveyor is located below the cutting head and includes a scraper, a short-distance belt conveyor 15, and two crab-claw type coal scrapers 14. The scraper and the two crab-claw type coal scrapers scrape the coal cut by the cutting head onto the short-distance belt conveyor 15, the tail end of which is connected to the transport module. During operation, the two crab-claw type coal scrapers continuously scrape the cut coal into the short-distance belt conveyor, which then transports the coal into the transport module. After the working face is excavated, the spiral continuous conveyor, the short-distance belt conveyor, and the crab-claw type coal scrapers all run in reverse, gradually transporting the coal gangue used for backfilling from the roadway to the working face to achieve backfilling.
[0062] The hydraulic lifting device is connected to the oil pipeline 25 in the transport module. The power is provided by the hydraulic pump 44 in the propulsion module. The hydraulic lifting device includes a rocker arm and a hydraulic support. The rocker arm is connected to the cutting head, and the hydraulic support is connected to the rocker arm. The rocker arm is raised and lowered through the hydraulic support to cut the bottom coal and the top coal, thus completing the full-section coal cutting.
[0063] Coal and rock identification devices are crucial because coal and rock often exhibit irregular distributions due to their occurrence conditions. Simple linear mining methods frequently result in the mixing of coal and gangue during coal seam extraction. Therefore, effective coal and rock classification can significantly improve subsequent coal processing and increase production efficiency. Currently, remote video monitoring technology is widely used in coal production to separate coal and gangue. However, this technology is often affected by the working face environment, where cameras are easily covered by coal dust, rendering them ineffective. This invention aims to identify coal and rock by utilizing the different hardness properties of coal and rock. Specifically, force sensors collect data on the force and load current of the cutting head, analyze these changes, and use negative feedback to adjust the cutting head height, thus achieving coal and rock identification. The working face monitoring device is primarily used to inspect the operation of each module, thereby monitoring its smooth operation. The dust suppression device mainly includes a ventilation mechanism and a spray mechanism. The ventilation mechanism is connected to the air supply pipeline 24 in the transport module. The airflow in the air supply pipeline is provided by the ventilator 42 in the propulsion module to achieve ventilation of the working face. The spray mechanism is connected to the water supply pipeline 23 in the transport module. The water in the water supply pipeline 23 is pumped to it by the pressure water pump 45 in the propulsion module.
[0064] Combination Figures 3 to 5As shown, the transport module is used to control the length of the transport route and includes several sequentially connected sub-modules, wherein adjacent sub-modules are detachably connected; each sub-module is approximately 2-3 meters long, with a width approximately 4-5 meters, roughly the same as the length of the cutting head, and approximately 50-60 cm high. The side plates of two adjacent modules are embedded, i.e., the rear of the front sub-module is a socket 35, and the front baffle of the rear sub-module is a straight plate. Each sub-module includes a cavity composed of an upper plate, a lower plate, a left side plate, and a right side plate. A rotating rod 26 is set in the center of the cavity. The rotating rod 26 has an internal hollow structure, and both ends of the rotating rod are fixed to the lower plate of the transport module. Spiral blades 34 are welded around the rotating rod, preferably three blades; and the cavity is surrounded by... It is equipped with power transmission lines, water pipelines, gas pipelines, and oil pipelines. The power transmission lines are equipped with power transmission line interfaces 30, the water pipelines with water pipeline interfaces 31, the gas pipelines with gas pipeline interfaces 32, and the oil pipelines with oil pipeline interfaces 33. The power transmission lines are located in the upper left corner of the sub-module and are hidden in the top plate of the sub-module. The power transmission lines between adjacent sub-modules are connected through power transmission sockets 39 and power transmission plugs 38. The gas pipeline is laid in the upper right corner of the sub-module and is hidden in the top plate of the sub-module. The gas pipelines are connected through female ports 40 and female ports 41. That is, the rear end of the sub-module located in front is the female port 41, which has a larger diameter, and the front end of the sub-module located behind is the female port, which has a smaller diameter. The female ports and female ports can effectively ensure the seamless connection of the gas pipeline and ensure that there is no gas leakage. The oil pipeline is located in the lower right corner of the module. The oil pipeline is hidden inside the bottom plate of the sub-module. The oil pipelines between adjacent sub-modules are connected through female and female ports. For specific connection methods, please refer to the connection method of the gas pipeline mentioned above.
[0065] The cross-sectional area of the rotating rods increases sequentially from front to back. When two adjacent sub-modules are connected, the rotating rods within the sub-modules are interlocked. Specifically, the tail end of the rotating rod in the front sub-module is slightly larger, while the front end of the rotating rod in the rear sub-module is slightly smaller. When the two sub-modules are connected, the front end of the rear sub-module inserts into the tail end of the front sub-module. Simultaneously, as the rotating rod of the rear sub-module gradually rotates, its blades gradually rotate until they contact the blades of the front sub-module. The blades of the rear sub-module drive the blades of the front sub-module to rotate, thus transmitting torque between the rotating rods. During transport, as the blades on the rotating rods of each sub-module gradually rotate, the cut coal chunks are gradually transported into the roadway. During filling, the rotating rods of each module rotate in opposite directions, and the coal gangue used for filling in the roadway is gradually transported to the working face to be filled via the transport module, thus achieving the filling of the working face.
[0066] Adjacent power transmission lines 22, water pipelines, gas pipelines, and oil pipelines are connected together. The cross-sections of the left and right side plates are both V-shaped structures facing outwards from the cavity. The upper and lower plates are parallel to each other. Spring latches 29 are provided on both sides of the rear end of the cavity of the front sub-module, and grooves 28 are provided on both sides of the front end of the cavity of the rear sub-module. The front sub-module and the rear sub-module are connected together through the spring latches and grooves. A groove 18 is provided at the bottom of the sub-module, and an opening 27 is provided on the upper plate. During normal operation, the opening is in a sealed state. Opening the opening can be used for the inspection and maintenance of subsequent modules. The modules are pushed forward by the side baffles.
[0067] The loading and unloading module, including the loading and unloading unit and the storage unit, is L-shaped overall with a U-shaped cross-section. The front of the loading and unloading module has a roller lifting device for adjusting the transport module and ensuring smooth docking of each sub-module.
[0068] The loading and unloading unit is used to load and unload the transport module, and the storage unit is used to store the disassembled transport module. The loading and unloading module includes an axial guide rail 10, a storage guide rail 11, a loading and unloading unit, and a storage unit. The transport module can move axially on the axial guide rail.
[0069] The loading / unloading unit and the transport module are axially aligned, with the transport module located inside the loading / unloading unit. A belt conveyor 5 is installed at the bottom of the loading / unloading unit, cooperating with a guide rail on the bottom surface. The belt conveyor can drive the transport module to move left and right. The loading / unloading unit includes a "gate"-shaped steel frame 3 and at least one electro-hydraulic switch 8 located on the "gate"-shaped steel frame, preferably four electro-hydraulic switches 8. The electro-hydraulic switches correspond to the positions of spring locks on the transport module. When the electro-hydraulic switch extends, the spring lock opens, automatically unloading the transport module.
[0070] The storage unit is located on one side of the loading and unloading unit. The storage unit includes a first belt conveyor 4, a storage track, and two geared motors 17 located on either side of the bottom of the loading and unloading unit. The gears of the geared motors engage with the grooves, and clockwise rotation of the gears drives the transport modules to gradually move backward, thus pulling the recovery sub-modules. Simultaneously, an axial guide rail is provided on the bottom surface, allowing the propulsion module to move axially along the guide rail. Transport modules that have not yet entered the working surface are stored on the storage track.
[0071] Each of the aforementioned electro-hydraulic switches corresponds to a spring latch on either side of the transport module. When the electro-hydraulic switch extends, it presses down the spring latch, opening latch 37 and automatically unloading the transport module. For example... Figure 6The diagram shows the structure of spring 36 and latch 37. The right side of the module is the storage track for the transport module. Transport modules not yet in the working area are stored in the track. The conveyor at the bottom of the track moves the transport modules using friction, pulling them into the loading / unloading section for loading and unloading. The specific process is as follows: When the working area advances to the length of one transport module, the push module retracts to its initial position. At this time, the conveyor on the storage guide rail starts, pulling the transport module gradually to the loading / unloading section. The hydraulic push rod of the push module operates, pushing the push module forward. Its interfaces connect to the pipelines of the transport module, gradually pushing the transport module forward to connect with the front transport module, thus realizing the forward movement of the working area and the extension of the transport line. When the last working face is finished and the transport module needs to be retrieved, the two gear motors located on the bottom of the module start, and the gears engage with the grooves one by one, pulling the transport module backward. When the spring locks on both sides of the transport module pass the electro-hydraulic switch located on the steel frame, the electro-hydraulic switch is activated, the hydraulic column extends, compresses the spring locks, and unlocks them, thus separating the two transport modules. The gear motors continue to rotate, pulling the transport module backward. After returning to the retrieval point, the gear motor at the bottom ends its engagement with the bottom groove, separating it from the transport module. The belt conveyor on the storage guide rail starts, pulling the transport module to gradually move into the storage guide rail on the right. This process is repeated until the equipment is gradually retrieved.
[0072] The propulsion module, located inside the loading and unloading module, is used to propel the transport module and the cutting and mining module together towards the working face. The propulsion module includes a main body, which is a rectangular vertical plate structure. A high-power motor 46 is located at the center of the main body. During operation, the motor connects to the rotating rod of the sub-module at the end, gradually transmitting power to the rotating rod of each sub-module to achieve continuous transport. A ventilation fan, a transmission motor 43, a hydraulic pump, and a water pump are respectively installed at the four corners of the main body on the side opposite to the transport module. Interfaces matching the oil pipeline, water pipeline, gas pipeline, and power line of the transport module are also installed at the four corners of the main body. The ventilation fan is connected to the gas pipeline, the transmission motor is connected to the power line, the hydraulic pump is connected to the oil pipeline, and the water pump is connected to the water pipeline.
[0073] An infrared aiming device 50 is installed above the main body of the module. The infrared aiming device can accurately aim at the edge sensors on each module to ensure accurate docking of each module. A guide rail groove 47 is provided below the main body of the module. There are two guide rail grooves, which allow the propulsion module to move axially along the guide rails within the loading and unloading module. A hydraulic push rod 49 is provided on the other side of the main body of the module. There are two hydraulic push rods 49. The two hydraulic push rods are connected to the loading and unloading module. The hydraulic push rods can push the transport module and the cutting and mining module forward together to realize the advancement of the working face.
[0074] A lower opening 48 is provided on the main body of the module located below the motor. The opening is connected to a transfer machine, which is used to transfer the coal transported out by the transport module.
[0075] The moving and supporting module, located at the bottom of the coal mining machine, moves and supports the machine. It includes tracks 12, a rotatable track base 19, four horizontal hydraulic supports 7, and four vertical hydraulic supports 6. The rotatable track base is located at the bottom of the loading and unloading module, and the four horizontal hydraulic supports are located at the sides of the coal mining machine. When extended, they can abut against the side walls of the roadways on both sides. The height of the coal mining machine is increased by extending the vertical hydraulic supports.
[0076] During movement, the tracks are parallel to the roadway, and the equipment moves along the roadway. After reaching the desired mining location, four horizontal hydraulic supports extend and abut against the side walls of the roadway, while vertical hydraulic supports extend, raising the entire equipment and ensuring it remains stationary. When mining is completed and the equipment needs to move to the next working face, the rotatable track base at the bottom rotates 90 degrees, causing the tracks, originally parallel to the roadway, to rotate perpendicular to it. The four horizontal and vertical hydraulic supports retract, lowering the entire equipment. The tracks then contact the roadway floor, and the tracks start moving, causing the equipment to reverse. Once the entire equipment has exited the working face and entered the roadway, the four vertical hydraulic supports extend again, raising the equipment. The track base then rotates 90 degrees in the opposite direction, making it parallel to the roadway again. After this rotation, the four hydraulic supports retract, lowering the equipment. The tracks then contact the roadway floor, allowing the equipment to move along the roadway to the next mining location, thus transferring the working face.
[0077] The above-mentioned method of using a modular thin coal seam mining machine includes the following steps:
[0078] Step 1: After the coal mining machine enters the mining point, the machine is adjusted and fixed using the moving and supporting modules.
[0079] Step 2: The cutting and mining module is moved forward by the propulsion module to cut the opening. As the propulsion module pushes, the cutting and mining module moves forward continuously. When the forward distance of the propulsion module reaches the limit, the propulsion module moves backward and separates from the cutting and mining module. At this time, the cutting and mining module stops running, the propulsion module returns to the initial position, and the disassembled transport module stored in the storage unit enters the loading and unloading unit.
[0080] Step 3: By controlling the propulsion module, adjacent sub-modules of the transportation module are connected sequentially to complete the segmented connection of the transportation module, thereby realizing the forward movement of the working face and the extension of the transportation line;
[0081] Step 4: Start the cutting and mining module to mine coal. The cut coal is transferred to the transportation module via a short-distance belt conveyor. Inside the transportation module, the motor of the propulsion module provides power to the rotating rod. The rotating rod drives the blades to rotate in a spiral. Under the action of the rotating rod and the blades, the coal inside the transportation module is gradually transported out of the working face and transported to the transfer machine.
[0082] Step 5: Complete the mining task at the working face, recover the equipment, and shorten the transportation route.
[0083] The propulsion module moves backward to its initial position. The gear motor of the loading and unloading module starts and rotates clockwise, causing the gears on the gear motor to engage one by one in the groove at the bottom of the sub-module. The entire traction transport module gradually moves backward. When the spring locks on both sides of the transport module pass through the "gate"-shaped steel frame of the loading and unloading module, the electric hydraulic switch located on the "gate"-shaped steel frame is activated. The hydraulic push rod located on the propulsion module extends, presses down the spring locks, opens the spring locks, and realizes automatic unloading of the transport module.
[0084] After the transportation module is unloaded, several sub-modules are stored in the storage unit of the loading and unloading module;
[0085] Step Six: When it is necessary to complete the next working face mining task, repeat Steps One through Five in this cycle.
[0086] The present invention will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments.
[0087] Example 1:
[0088] After the tunnel excavation is completed, the operator guides the equipment to the designated mining location according to the planned mining area construction drawing. Four vertical hydraulic supports extend outwards, raising the equipment to a horizontal position. Once horizontal, the four horizontal hydraulic supports extend outwards and press against the tunnel walls, fixing the equipment in a stable position. The propulsion module then pushes the front cutting and mining module forward to cut and open the cut-out. As the propulsion module advances, the cutting and mining module continues to move forward.
[0089] When the forward movement distance of the propulsion module reaches its limit, the propulsion module retracts, separating from the cutting and mining module, cutting off the power input to the mining module, and the cutting and mining module stops operating. The propulsion module returns to its initial position, the belt conveyor on the storage track starts, pulling the transport module located on the storage track into the loading and unloading module. The infrared aiming device on the propulsion module starts aiming, the transport module aligns with the interface of the front module, the propulsion module moves forward, pushing the transport module forward gradually. The side baffles of the rear sub-module engage with the inner grooves of the side baffles of the front sub-module. The four grooves on the side baffles of the transport module gradually move, and the four spring locks on both sides of the baffles of the front sub-module engage with the grooves of the side baffles of the rear sub-module. The interfaces of the power transmission lines, oil pipelines, water pipelines, and gas pipelines of the rear sub-module connect with the interfaces of the front sub-module. The four interfaces of the front-end sub-modules are connected to achieve power transmission, segmented connection of the spiral continuous transport module, forward movement of the working face and extension of the transport line, and activation of the coal cutting module at the working face. The spiral drum coal cutting head starts, and the coal mining machine first cuts the bottom coal, then gradually raises the cutting head to cut the top coal. As the cutting head approaches the top rock, the reaction force and internal load current of the cutting module change due to the difference in hardness between the rock and the coal. The coal and rock identification device analyzes the changing data and ultimately adjusts the cutting height of the cutting head to achieve coal-rock separation mining and reduce the gangue content in the coal mine. The cut coal is fed into a short-range belt conveyor and transferred to the transport module. The motor drives the rotating rods inside each sub-module to rotate, and the coal inside the transport module is gradually transported out of the working face by the rotating rods to the transfer machine at the rear of the equipment, and finally transferred to the belt conveyor in the roadway to realize coal transportation.
[0090] After the mining task at this working face is completed, the equipment needs to be retrieved to shorten the transportation route. The propulsion module retreats to its initial position, the gear motor at the bottom of the loading / unloading module starts and rotates clockwise, and the gears engage with the grooves at the bottom of the transportation module one by one, pulling the transportation module gradually backward. When the spring locks on both sides of the transportation module pass through the "gate"-shaped steel frame, the electric hydraulic switches on the four sides of the steel frame are activated, the hydraulic push rods extend and press down the spring locks, disconnecting them from the sub-module in front. The gear motor continues to rotate, pulling the disconnected transportation module backward to the equipment retrieval point, located on the belt conveyor of the loading / unloading module. The belt conveyor starts and moves to the right, and the storage track belt conveyor starts, pulling the transportation module located at the loading / unloading module into the storage track. As the transportation module is gradually disassembled, it is retrieved into the storage track, realizing the removal of the working face and the shortening of the transportation route. For mining areas with special mining requirements that require backfilling, the goaf needs to be backfilled during the equipment recovery process. The specific construction method is as follows: After the transport module has been withdrawn a certain distance, the propulsion module moves forward and connects with the transport module. The rotating rod inside the transport module rotates in the opposite direction. The gangue material used for backfilling is transferred to the transport module through the transfer machine at the rear of the power propulsion part. The rotating rod inside the transport module rotates in the opposite direction, causing the gangue material inside to rotate in the opposite direction and gradually transported from the roadway to the goaf working face. The crab claw of the scraper reverses, spreading the gangue backfilling material flat on the goaf to complete the backfilling process.
[0091] After the mining task at this working face is completed, according to the planned construction schedule, the equipment needs to be moved to the next working face. Once the last transport module is returned to the storage track, the base of the equipment's moving support module rotates 90 degrees, and the track rotates to be perpendicular to the roadway direction. The track then starts, pulling the entire equipment backward, allowing it to exit the working face and enter the roadway. After the equipment enters the roadway, the four vertical hydraulic supports start, extending and raising the equipment, causing the track to leave the roadway surface. The track then rotates 90 degrees in the opposite direction, aligning its direction with the roadway direction, gradually lowering the height of the hydraulic supports until the track gradually contacts the roadway surface. The track then starts, pulling the equipment along the roadway to the next working face, thus completing the working face relocation.
[0092] In summary, this invention primarily utilizes continuous coal mining machine technology and spiral continuous conveying technology to achieve unmanned operation of thin coal seam mining faces. The main technical concept lies in dividing the coal mining machine into various small modules, including: a cutting and mining module, a conveying module, a propulsion module, a loading and unloading module, and a moving and supporting module. The conveying module is connected through multiple sub-modules, and the continuous assembly of these sub-modules enables the continuous advancement of the working face while ensuring that the main power supply unit remains in the same position within the roadway, avoiding the difficulties in instrument operation caused by the confined space in thin coal seam working faces. Furthermore, the loading and unloading processes between modules are all completed by the instruments, reducing manpower input; and continuous conveying ensures efficient transportation.
[0093] For any parts not mentioned in this invention, existing technologies can be used or referenced.
[0094] Although this document frequently uses terms such as cutting head 1, transport module 2, "gate" type steel frame 3, and first belt conveyor 4, the possibility of using other terms is not excluded. These terms are used merely for the convenience of describing and explaining the essence of the invention; interpreting them as any additional limitation would contradict the spirit of the invention.
[0095] It should be further noted that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative examples to illustrate the spirit of the invention. Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains may make various modifications or additions to the described specific embodiments or use similar methods to substitute them, without departing from the spirit of the invention or exceeding the scope defined by the appended claims.
Claims
1. A modular thin coal seam mining machine, comprising a cutting and mining module, a transportation module, a propulsion module, a loading and unloading module, and a moving and supporting module, characterized in that: The cutting and mining module is used to cut thin coal seams and transfer the resulting coal blocks to the transportation module via a short-distance belt conveyor. The transport module is used to control the length of the transport route and includes several sequentially connected sub-modules, wherein adjacent sub-modules are detachably connected. Each sub-module includes a cavity composed of an upper plate, a lower plate, a left side plate, and a right side plate. A rotating rod is set at the center of the cavity. The rotating rod has an internal hollow structure, and its two ends are fixed to the lower plate of the transport module. Spiral blades are welded to the periphery of the rotating rod. Power transmission lines, water pipelines, gas pipelines, and oil pipelines are respectively arranged around the periphery of the cavity. The cross-sectional area of the rotating rod increases sequentially from front to back. When two adjacent sub-modules are connected, the rotating rods in the sub-modules are inserted together; adjacent power transmission lines, water pipelines, gas pipelines and oil pipelines are connected together accordingly. The propulsion module, located inside the loading and unloading module, is used to propel the transport module and the coal cutting and mining module together toward the working face advancing direction; The loading and unloading module includes a loading and unloading unit and a storage unit. The loading and unloading unit is used to load and unload the transport module, and the storage unit is used to store the disassembled transport module. The aforementioned moving and supporting module is located at the bottom of the coal mining machine and moves and supports the coal mining machine. The cutting and mining module includes a cutting head, a conveyor, a hydraulic lifting device, a coal and rock identification device, a working face monitoring device, and a dust suppression device. The cutting head is a spiral roller cutting head. The conveyor is located below the cutting head and includes a scraper, a short-distance belt conveyor, and two crab claw type coal scrapers. The coal cut by the cutting head is scraped to the short-distance belt conveyor by the scraper and the two crab claw type coal scrapers. The tail end of the short-distance belt conveyor is connected to the transportation module. The hydraulic lifting device is connected to the oil pipeline in the transport module, and the power is provided by the hydraulic pump in the propulsion module. The hydraulic lifting device includes a rocker arm and a hydraulic support. The rocker arm is connected to the cutting head, and the hydraulic support is connected to the rocker arm. The lifting and lowering of the rocker arm is achieved through the hydraulic support. The coal and rock identification device uses force sensors to collect the force on the cutting head and the magnitude of the load current, analyzes its changes, and uses negative feedback to adjust the height of the cutting head to achieve coal and rock identification; the working face monitoring device is used to inspect the smooth operation of the coal cutting module, transportation module, propulsion module, loading and unloading module, and movement and support module.
2. A modular thin seam shearer according to claim 1 wherein: Both the left and right side plates have V-shaped cross-sections facing outwards from the cavity. The upper and lower plates are parallel to each other. Spring latches are provided on both sides of the rear end of the cavity of the front sub-module, and grooves are provided on both sides of the front end of the cavity of the rear sub-module. The front sub-module and the rear sub-module are connected together by the spring latches and grooves. A groove is provided at the bottom of the sub-module, and an opening is provided on the upper plate. During normal operation, the opening is in a sealed state.
3. A modular thin seam shearer according to claim 1 wherein: The dust suppression device includes a ventilation mechanism and a spraying mechanism. The ventilation mechanism is connected to the air supply pipeline in the transport module, and the airflow in the air supply pipeline is provided by the ventilator in the propulsion module. The spraying mechanism is connected to the water supply pipeline in the transport module, and the water in the water supply pipeline is pumped to it by the pressure water pump in the propulsion module.
4. A modular thin seam shearer according to claim 2 wherein: The loading and unloading module includes an axial guide rail, a loading and unloading unit, and a storage unit. The transport module can move axially on the axial guide rail. The loading / unloading unit and the transport module are axially aligned, and the transport module is located inside the loading / unloading unit. A belt conveyor is installed at the bottom of the loading / unloading unit, and the belt conveyor cooperates with the guide rail located on the bottom surface. The belt conveyor can drive the transport module to move left and right. The loading / unloading unit includes a "gate" type steel frame and at least one electro-hydraulic switch located on the "gate" type steel frame. The position of the electro-hydraulic switch corresponds to the position of the spring lock on the transport module. When the electro-hydraulic switch extends, the spring lock opens, and the transport module can be automatically unloaded. The storage unit is located on one side of the loading and unloading unit. The storage unit includes a storage track and a gear motor. The gear of the gear motor engages with the groove. When the gear of the gear motor rotates, it can drive the transport module to move backward gradually. The storage track is used to store transport modules that have not yet entered the working surface.
5. A modular thin seam shearer according to claim 1 wherein: The propulsion module includes a main body, which is a rectangular vertical plate structure. An electric motor is located at the center of the main body. A ventilator, a transmission motor, a hydraulic pump, and a water pump are respectively located at the four corners of the main body on the side opposite to the transport module. The ventilator is connected to an air transmission pipeline, the transmission motor is connected to a power transmission line, the hydraulic pump is connected to an oil transmission pipeline, and the water pump is connected to a water transmission pipeline. An infrared aiming device is installed above the main body of the module, and a hydraulic push rod is installed on the other side of the main body of the module. The hydraulic push rod can push the main body of the module forward. An opening is provided on the main body of the module located below the motor. The opening is connected to a transfer machine, which is used to transfer the coal transported by the transport module.
6. A modular thin seam shearer according to claim 1 wherein: The moving and supporting module includes a rotatable tracked base, four horizontal hydraulic supports, and four vertical hydraulic supports. The rotatable tracked base is located at the bottom of the loading and unloading module, and the four horizontal hydraulic supports are located at the side ends of the coal mining machine. When they are extended, they can abut against the side walls of the roadways on both sides. The height of the coal mining machine is increased by extending the vertical hydraulic supports.
7. A method of using a modular thin coal seam mining machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The steps are as follows: Step 1: After the coal mining machine enters the mining point, the machine is adjusted and fixed using the moving and supporting modules. Step 2: The cutting and mining module is moved forward by the propulsion module to cut the opening. As the propulsion module pushes, the cutting and mining module moves forward continuously. When the forward distance of the propulsion module reaches the limit, the propulsion module moves backward and separates from the cutting and mining module. At this time, the cutting and mining module stops running, the propulsion module returns to the initial position, and the disassembled transport module stored in the storage unit enters the loading and unloading unit. Step 3: By controlling the propulsion module, adjacent sub-modules of the transportation module are connected sequentially to complete the segmented connection of the transportation module, thereby realizing the forward movement of the working face and the extension of the transportation line; Step 4: Start the cutting and mining module to mine coal. The cut coal is transferred to the transportation module via a short-distance belt conveyor. Inside the transportation module, the motor of the propulsion module provides power to the rotating rod. The rotating rod drives the blades to rotate in a spiral. Under the action of the rotating rod and the blades, the coal inside the transportation module is gradually transported out of the working face and transported to the transfer machine. Step 5: Complete the mining task at the working face, recover the equipment, and shorten the transportation route. The propulsion module moves backward to its initial position. The gear motor of the loading and unloading module starts and rotates clockwise, causing the gears on the gear motor to engage one by one in the groove at the bottom of the sub-module. The entire traction transport module gradually moves backward. When the spring latches on both sides of the transport module pass through the "gate"-shaped steel frame of the loading and unloading module, the electric hydraulic switch located on the "gate"-shaped steel frame is activated. The hydraulic push rod located on the propulsion module extends, presses down the spring latches, opens the spring latches, and realizes automatic unloading of the transport module. After the transportation module is unloaded, several sub-modules are stored in the storage unit of the loading and unloading module; Step Six: When it is necessary to complete the next working face mining task, repeat Steps One through Five in this cycle.
8. The method of using a modular thin coal seam mining machine according to claim 7, characterized in that: When the goaf needs to be filled, the advance module connects with the transport module. The gangue material for filling is transferred to the transport module via a transfer machine. The rotating rod inside the transport module rotates in the opposite direction, causing the gangue material inside to rotate in the opposite direction and be transported from the roadway to the goaf working face. The crab claw type coal cutter of the coal cutting module reverses, spreading the gangue material evenly on the goaf to complete the filling.