Device for handling wire mesh rolls and supplying mesh sheets

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for handling wire mesh rolls and supplying mesh sheets during the mounting of the mesh on the walls and roof of a tunnel, which comprises: a lower structure (1) formed by a first sidewall (3) and a second side wall (4), which are joined together by a rear elongate horizontal profile (5) and by a plurality of horizontal bars (6), wherein a plurality of first curved ribs (8) is distributed along the rear elongate horizontal profile (5) and the horizontal bars (6). According to the invention, a rotary shaft (9) is installed on the front portion of the lower structure (1), the rotary shaft (9) having disposed thereon a plurality of toothed opinions (10) and being connected to a motor (11) that is attached to a support structure (7) connected to the lower structure (1). The device of the invention also includes an upper structure (2), formed by a first horizontal bar (12) and a second horizontal bar (13) between which a second plurality of ribs (14) is disposed, the first horizontal bar (12) having ends that act as anchoring points for a second pivot (20) and a third pivot (24).

Description

[0001] DEVICE FOR HANDLING ROLLS OF WIRE MESH AND

[0002] SUPPLY MESH CLOTHS

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention relates to the technical field of tunnel construction, especially mining tunnels, where the walls and ceiling are reinforced with wire mesh to prevent rockfall. More specifically, the invention relates to a device for handling rolls of wire mesh and supplying mesh panels during the operation of installing said mesh on the walls and ceiling of a tunnel.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Wire mesh is installed on the walls and ceilings of mining tunnels to improve tunnel safety and stability. These meshes serve several important functions, including rockfall prevention. Wire mesh acts as a physical barrier that prevents rock fragments from breaking off the tunnel ceiling and falling on workers or machinery, thereby reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.

[0007] Likewise, in many cases, the walls and ceilings of mining tunnels are made of unstable rocks and minerals that can break away or collapse. Wire mesh provides additional reinforcement and support, preventing massive collapse and helping to maintain ground stability. During the tunnel excavation process, fractures can occur in the surrounding rock, which is why wire mesh also helps reduce fracture propagation. Wire mesh helps keep these fractures under control, preventing them from spreading and becoming hazardous areas.

[0008] In summary, installing wire mesh on the walls and ceilings of mining tunnels is a common practice to provide worker safety and maintain the tunnel's structural stability under potentially hazardous conditions.

[0009] The objective technical problem of the present invention is to provide a wire mesh handling device that is simplified and safe, keeping the wire mesh roll inside the device during the installation process on the walls and ceiling of a tunnel.

[0010] The prior art discloses various machines designed to install wire mesh on the walls and ceiling of a tunnel. For example, document CL202201824 discloses a device for supplying wire mesh, using a machine used in construction works, particularly in mining and / or tunnel excavation, with at least one mesh intake device designed to receive and at least partially surround a mesh unit and having a mesh intake opening and a mesh outlet opening. It is proposed that at least the mesh outlet opening be provided with at least one retaining element intended to prevent the mesh from being uncontrolledly ejected.Document CN218376497 relates to a device for suspending a steel wire mesh comprising a support column, a controller, and a first motor mounted on the support column, and an output shaft of the first motor connected to a worm gear. A second motor is mounted on a connecting plate, and a worm wheel is mounted on the connecting plate and connected to a hydraulic cylinder. A pressure sensor is mounted on a connecting frame connected to the hydraulic cylinder; a pressing plate is arranged on a connecting bar rotationally mounted on the side face of the connecting frame. A support shaft is rotationally mounted on the pressing plate. A winding roller is connected to one end of a steel wire mesh, and the support shaft supports the wire mesh in a winding mode.The steel wire mesh assembly device has the advantages that the mesh net is supported and stored through the winding roller and the support shaft, support is provided for the wire mesh assembly in cooperation with the rotation mechanism and the linear mechanism, the degree of wire mesh assembly tension is maintained, the occupied area of ​​the mesh is reduced, and the mesh assembly efficiency is improved.

[0011] Document US2022162940 relates to a method for mounting a roll of protective mesh material on an underground rock drill comprising at least one drill boom. The method comprises at least the following steps: inserting a first end of a first rod from a first lateral side of the roll of protective mesh material into a center of the roll of protective mesh material, securing the first rod directly or indirectly to the drilling boom, inserting a first end of a second rod from a second lateral side of the roll of protective mesh material opposite the first lateral side into the center of the roll of protective mesh material, securing the second rod directly or indirectly to the drilling boom at a location that is spaced apart from the first rod, securing the roll of protective mesh material against autonomous unwinding.

[0012] Document US2021222553 discloses an apparatus for controllably deploying a continuous flexible mesh for lining a mine tunnel. The apparatus includes a wire mesh roll storage rack, a height adjustment post, a mesh winding shaft, and a flexible mesh. The flexible mesh includes a mesh roll and a deployed mesh. The mesh roll and the deployed mesh are an integrated structure. The mesh roll is located in a mesh roll storage compartment. The deployed mesh is held on the mesh winding shaft and pressed onto an unsupported cut tunnel roof via a roof bolt. The mesh winding shaft is rotatably connected to an upper portion of the height adjustment post. The mesh roll storage rack and the height adjustment post are mounted on the mesh deploying apparatus.The mesh winding shaft is located at the rear end of the mesh roll storage frame. A limit mechanism and a damping mechanism are arranged on the mesh winding shaft.

[0013] None of the prior art documents disclose a wire mesh handling device that is simplified and safe, keeping the wire mesh roll within the device during the installation process on the walls and ceiling of a tunnel.

[0014] Likewise, the device of the present invention is capable of installing rolls of compacted netting without having an axis in the center of the roll. Some prior art devices require that the netting rolls be non-compact and, in addition, be manufactured with a PVC tube in their center so that a steel tube can be passed through it, serving as an axis. A compacted roll is smaller, with advantages in transport, handling, and storage.

[0015] With the aforementioned, the mesh roll does not require a PVC pipe and, therefore, does not require the installation of a shaft in the field, which could cause potential accidents during this operation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the device of the present invention uses compacted mesh rolls, although it can also operate with a standard mesh roll.

[0016] REVIEW OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The present invention relates to a device for handling rolls of wire mesh and supplying mesh panels during the installation of said mesh on the walls and ceiling of a tunnel. The device is composed of a lower structure and an upper structure which, when joined together, create an interior cavity to accommodate the roll of wire mesh, which will be deployed when a mesh panel is installed on the walls and ceiling of the tunnel.

[0018] The lower structure consists of a first curved side wall and a second curved side wall, which are connected to each other by an elongated rear horizontal profile and a plurality of horizontal bars. A plurality of first curved ribs are distributed along said elongated profile and said horizontal bars. A rotating shaft is installed at the front end of the lower structure, on which a plurality of toothed pinions are arranged. The rotating shaft is connected to a motor attached to a support structure attached to the lower structure. On the external faces of the side walls are hydraulic cylinders that, when extended or retracted, cause the lower structure to move relative to the upper structure.The upper structure consists of a first horizontal bar and a second horizontal bar between which a second plurality of ribs are arranged.

[0019] Centrally, the upper structure has a splicing structure attached that is connected to the arm of the vehicle that maneuvers the device of the present invention.

[0020] The connecting structure consists of at least one upper rectangular plate connected to the vehicle's arm. Alternatively, the connecting structure may consist of a rectangular plate and two triangular side plates, one on each side of the upper rectangular plate, forming a coupling cavity with the vehicle's arm.

[0021] When the motor is activated, the rotating shaft, together with the plurality of toothed pinions, begins to turn and its teeth engage the cavities of the wire mesh, allowing it to be deployed in the form of panels, facing the wall and ceiling of the tunnel. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a better understanding of the invention and constitute part of this description and show one of the preferred embodiments.

[0023] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the device of the present invention in the open position.

[0024] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the device of the present invention in the closed position.

[0025] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the device of the present invention, facing the wire mesh roll to introduce it into the cavity of said device.

[0026] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the device of the present invention in the open position with the wire mesh roll inside.

[0027] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the device of the present invention in the closed position with the wire mesh roll inside.

[0028] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a vehicle carrying the device of the present invention installed on one of its arms, unfolding the wire mesh that is wound inside the device.

[0029] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] The present invention relates to a device for handling rolls of wire mesh and supplying mesh panels during the operation of mounting said mesh on the walls and ceiling of a tunnel.

[0031] As shown in figures 1 to 5, the device is composed of a lower structure (1) and an upper structure (2) which when joined together leave an interior cavity to house the roll of wire mesh that will be deployed when a mesh cloth is installed on the walls and ceiling of the tunnel.

[0032] The lower structure (1 ) is made up of a first side wall (3) with a curved contour and a second side wall (4) with a curved contour, which are connected to each other by an elongated rear horizontal profile (5) and by a plurality of horizontal bars (6). A plurality of first curved ribs (8) are distributed along said plate (5) and said horizontal bars (6). At the front end of the lower structure (1 ) a rotating shaft (9) is installed on which a plurality of toothed pinions (10) are arranged. The rotating shaft (9) is connected to a motor (1 1 ) which is attached to a support structure (7) which is connected to the lower structure (1 ).

[0033] The first side wall (3) has a first perimeter rim (17) to which a plurality of first radial bars (16) are coupled, on which a first hydraulic cylinder (19) is connected, whose bar is connected to a first pivot (20), at least one of the first radial bars (16) being connected to a second pivot (18).

[0034] The second side wall (4) has a second perimeter rim (22) to which a plurality of second radial bars (21) are coupled, on which a second hydraulic cylinder (23) is connected, whose bar is connected to a third pivot (24), at least one of the second radial bars (21) being connected to a fourth pivot (25).

[0035] The upper structure (2) is made up of a first horizontal bar (12) and a second horizontal bar (13) between which a second plurality of ribs (14) are arranged. The first horizontal bar (12) has ends (12a, 12b) that act as an anchor point for the second pivot (20) and the third pivot (24). Centrally attached to the upper structure (2) is a splicing structure (15) that is connected to the arm (30) of the vehicle (29) that maneuvers the device of the present invention.

[0036] The splicing structure (15) has at least one upper rectangular plate (15a) for coupling to the arm (30) of the vehicle (29). The shape of the splicing structure (15) will depend on the type of arm (30) that the vehicle has. However, in one of its embodiments, the upper rectangular plate (15a) has two triangular side plates (15b, 15c) located one on each side of the upper rectangular plate (15a) forming a cavity where the arm (30) joins.

[0037] In the extended position of the bars of the first and second hydraulic cylinders (19, 23) the device is in the open position ready to receive the roll of wire mesh. When the bars of the first and second hydraulic cylinders (19, 23) are in the retracted position the device is closed leaving the roll of wire mesh inside.

[0038] The first, second, third and fourth pivots (18, 20, 24, 25) allow the lower structure (1) to move relative to the upper structure (2), thus the lower structure (1) being mobile and the upper structure (2) fixed. In a second embodiment (not shown in the figures) the upper structure has on its sides a first side wall with a curved contour and a second side wall with a curved contour. The first side wall has a first peripheral rim to which a plurality of first radial bars are coupled on which a first hydraulic cylinder is connected, said bar being connected to a first pivot, at least one of the first radial bars being connected to a second pivot.The second side wall has a second perimeter rim to which a plurality of second radial bars are coupled, to which a second hydraulic cylinder is connected, said bar being connected to a third pivot, at least one of the second radial bars being connected to a fourth pivot. The first, second, third, and fourth pivots allow the upper structure to move relative to the lower structure, thus making the upper structure mobile and the lower structure fixed.

[0039] By activating the motor (1 1 ) the rotating shaft (9) together with the plurality of toothed pinions (10) begin to rotate and their teeth engage in the cavities of the wire mesh, allowing it to be deployed in the form of cloths, facing the wall and ceiling of the tunnel. The motor (11 ) can rotate clockwise and counterclockwise allowing the rotating shaft (9) to move in both directions whereby the cloth (28) of the wire mesh (27) can be deployed as if retracted into the interior of the device.

[0040] The device of the present invention when in a closed position with the lower structure (1) and upper structure (2) together, produce a gap (26) that allows the mesh to exit from inside the device. The wire mesh is installed on the walls and ceiling of the tunnel. For this purpose, the device of the present invention is located in a vehicle (29) that has a first arm (30) that has hoses that connect to the device to supply it with hydraulic fluid and operate the hydraulic cylinders (19, 23). When maneuvering the arm (30), the device of the present invention is also maneuvered, such as the height and rotation. The vehicle (29) has a hydraulic unit (not shown) which through the arm (30) supplies fluid to the cylinders and the motor (11), whereby the operator of the vehicle (29) can raise or lower the cloth (28) of the wire mesh (27).The vehicle (29) has a second arm (31) at the end of which the anchor bolts (32) are placed to secure the wire mesh to the walls and ceiling of the tunnel.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A device for handling rolls of wire mesh and supplying mesh panels during the operation of mounting said mesh on the walls and ceiling of a tunnel, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises: a lower structure (1 ) consisting of a first side wall (3) and a second side wall (4), which are connected to each other by a rear horizontal elongated profile (5) and by a plurality of horizontal bars (6); wherein along said rear horizontal elongated profile (5) and said horizontal bars (6) a plurality of first curved ribs (8) are distributed; wherein in the front portion of the lower structure (1 ) a rotating shaft (9) is installed on which a plurality of toothed pinions (10) are arranged, the rotating shaft (9) being connected to a motor (1 1 ) which is attached to a support structure (7) which is connected to the lower structure (1 );wherein the first side wall (3) has a first perimeter rim (17) to which a plurality of first radial bars (16) are coupled, on which a first hydraulic cylinder (19) is connected, the bar of which is connected to a first pivot (20), at least one of the first radial bars (16) being connected to a second pivot (18); wherein the second side wall (4) has a second perimeter rim (22) to which a plurality of second radial bars (21) are coupled, on which a second hydraulic cylinder (23) is connected, which bar is connected to a third pivot (24), at least one of the second radial bars (21) being connected to a fourth pivot (25); an upper structure (2) is constituted by a first horizontal bar (12) and a second horizontal bar (13) between which a second plurality of ribs (14) is arranged, the first horizontal bar (12) having ends (12a, 12b) that act as an anchor point for the second pivot (20) and the third pivot (24); and wherein the upper structure (2) has a splice structure (15) centrally attached that has at least one upper rectangular plate (15a) to be connected to an arm (30) of a vehicle (29). 2.- The device of claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that said at least one upper rectangular plate (15a) has two triangular side plates (15b, 15c) located on each of its sides forming a coupling cavity with said arm (30) of said vehicle (29). 3.- The device of claim 1 or claim 2, CHARACTERIZED in that the first side wall (3) has a curved contour and the second side wall (4) has a curved contour. 4.- The device of any of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED in that in the extended position of the bars of the first and second hydraulic cylinders (19, 23) the device is in the open position. 5.- The device of any of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED in that in the retracted position of the bars of the first and second hydraulic cylinders (19, 23) the device is in a closed position. 6.- The device of any of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED in that the first, second, third and fourth pivots (18, 20, 24, 25) allow the lower structure (1) to move relative to the upper structure (2). 7.- The device of any of the previous claims, CHARACTERIZED in that when the motor (1 1) is activated, the rotating shaft (9) together with the plurality of toothed pinions (10) begin to rotate and their teeth engage in the cavities of the wire mesh, allowing it to be deployed in the form of cloths, facing the wall and ceiling of the tunnel. 8.- The device of any of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED in that the motor (11) rotates clockwise and counterclockwise allowing the rotary shaft (9) to move in both directions with whereby the cloth (28) of the wire mesh (27) can be deployed as if retracted into the interior of the device. 9.- The device of any of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED in that said device, when in the closed position with the lower structure (1) and upper structure (2) together, produce a gap (26) that allows the mesh to exit from the inside of the device.

10. The device of any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper structure has on its sides a first side wall with a curved contour and a second side wall with a curved contour, wherein said first side wall has a first perimeter flange to which a plurality of first radial bars are coupled, on which a first hydraulic cylinder is connected, said bar being attached to a first pivot, at least one of the first radial bars being attached to a second pivot; wherein said second side wall has a second perimeter flange to which a plurality of second radial bars are coupled, on which a second hydraulic cylinder is connected, said bar being attached to a third pivot, at least one of the second radial bars being attached to a fourth pivot; and wherein said first, second, third and fourth pivots allow the upper structure to move relative to the lower structure, thus the upper structure being mobile and the lower structure fixed.

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