Inductive drive infrastructure

Abstract

A transportation system (10), typically in the form of an inductive drive system, used during hauling, such as raw material handling, aimed at improving system-level energy efficiencies. The transportation system (10) includes a route (12) extending between a first and second point (14, 16); at least a first self-propelled vehicle (18) operatively propelled along the route (12) to carry a payload between the first and second points (14, 16); and an external drive system (30) located along a predetermined portion (32) of the route (12) and configured to interact with the first self-propelled vehicle (18) when same is propelled proximate the predetermined portion (32).

Description

[0001] INDUCTIVE DRIVE INFRASTRUCTURE

[0002] BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0003] This invention relates to the field of raw materials handling. More particularly, the present invention relates to inductive drive infrastructure and an associated system, typically used during hauling, such as raw material handling, aimed at improving system-level energy efficiencies.

[0004] Increased focus on energy efficiency and environmental impact, also in the mining and construction industries, calls for efficiency improvements in excavation and raw materials handling processes. To this end, focus is shifting towards smaller, lighter and / or more efficient haul trucks (lighter in this case facilitates implementation of more energy efficient technologies, greater autonomy and, in some cases, renewable energy).

[0005] Drivetrains of current haul trucks represent a non-negligible proportion of the overall haul truck weight. Drivetrains need to be sized to allow haul trucks, when fully loaded, to ascend steep inclines. Suitable drivetrains are therefore relatively large and heavy (compared to the overall system weight). Furthermore, implementation of electrically powered drivetrains, which is in line with the objective of implementing more energy efficient and / or environmentally friendly drivetrain solutions, require large on-board batteries which, again, negatively impacts the system weight.

[0006] It is believed that a reduction in the overall weight of the haul truck could play a vital role in reducing a system-level environmental impact associated with raw material hauling. This may be achieved by an overall reduction in the energy expended during hauling, but furthermore, by bringing the total weight into an order more suitable for use of alternative, environmentally efficient and / or renewable energy resources.

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide inductive drive infrastructure with which the weight of on-board infrastructure could potentially be reduced without a reduction in overall system performance.

[0008] It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a transportation system, a vehicle used with such a system and a method of transporting a payload using the system that will, at least partially, address the above disadvantages.

[0009] It is also an object of the invention to provide a transportation system, a vehicle used with such a system and a method of transporting a payload using the system which will be a useful alternative to existing systems, vehicles and methods. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a transportation system including: a route extending between a first and second point; an external drive system, comprising: o an elongate and flexible conductor extending along a discrete predetermined portion of the route between a coupling location and a decoupling location of the portion, the conductor having first and second end regions which are retained relative to the coupling and decoupling locations, respectively; o an electrical supply source provided in electrical contact with the conductor for operatively suppling the conductor with electrical current; at least a first self-propelled vehicle operatively propelled along the route to carry a payload between the first and second points, the first self-propelled vehicle comprising a coupling mechanism for operatively coupling the first self-propelled vehicle to the flexible conductor when the first self-propelled vehicle is proximate the coupling location and decoupling the first self-propelled vehicle from the flexible conductor when the first self-propelled vehicle is proximate the decoupling location, wherein, when the first self-propelled vehicle is operatively coupled to the conductor, the first self-propelled vehicle and external drive system interact.

[0011] In some implementations of the system, the elongate flexible conductor may comprise a (typically conventional power transmission) cable or a Litz cable.

[0012] The external drive system may then typically be configured as an inductive drive system. The electrical supply source may supply the conductor with alternating current at a predetermined frequency.

[0013] The first vehicle may be provided with one or more stators. When the first self-propelled vehicle is operatively coupled to the conductor, the conductor may be arranged proximate the one or more stators, thereby facilitating interaction with the conductor.

[0014] The one or more stators may comprise coils of conductive material in which a current is inductively generated or induced in use. The one or more stators may typically be connected electrically to an electrical drive system of the vehicle.

[0015] The vehicle may define an “induction route” therewithin. The one or more stators may be located at least substantially along the induction route and once so coupled, the conductor may run or extend along the induction route and through axial openings of the one or more stators. The induction route may be defined between pulleys, rollers and / or bushes over which the conductor may operatively extend. The induction route may comprise at least one run associated with at least one separate stator. Typically, however, the induction route may comprise more than one run and each run may be associated with at least one separate but interconnected stator. The complement of stators associated with the vehicle may, in some cases, be interconnected.

[0016] The coupling mechanism may comprise a threading mechanism with which the conductor may operatively be threaded to extend along the induction route.

[0017] The threading mechanism may be configured to receive either an end of the conductor, but more typically, an intermediate portion of the conductor.

[0018] Each stator may comprise a first and second stator portion which may be displaceable between an inoperative open configuration, in which lateral access to the axial opening is provided, and an operative closed configuration. The first and second stator portions may comprise substantially semi-cylindrical portions. Furthermore, the first and second stator portions may be displaceable relative to each other in pivotable or lateral linear fashion. In some cases, the stator may be configured in a “clam shell” configuration.

[0019] The threading mechanism may comprise a guide arrangement for receiving the conductor and guiding the conductor towards the induction route. During threading, each stator may be displaced into the inoperative open configuration, allowing the conductor to be received into the axial opening of the respective stator, whereafter the respective stator may be displaced into the operative closed configuration, such that the first and second stator portions surround the conductor.

[0020] The external drive system may include a one or more makeup systems. In some cases, both ends or end regions of the flexible conductor, and therefore both the coupling and decoupling locations, are associated with a makeup system. In other cases, one end or end region of the flexible conductor, and therefore one of the coupling and decoupling locations, is associated with a makeup system.

[0021] At least one of the makeup systems may comprise a reeling mechanism for at least partially reeling the conductor onto the reeling mechanism.

[0022] The conductor may be carried by a linked assembly. In some implementations of such a case, more than one length of the conductor may be received in side-by-side fashion within the linked assembly.

[0023] The more than one lengths of conductor which are received in side-by-side fashion within the linked assembly may be integrally formed as part of a single conductor, may be interconnected portions of conductor connected in series or may be interconnected portions of conductor connected in parallel.

[0024] The elongate and flexible conductor may comprise a first elongate and flexible conductor and the discrete predetermined portion may comprise a first discrete predetermined portion. In such cases, the external drive system may comprise at least one further elongate and flexible conductor. Each such further elongate and flexible conductor may be associated with a further discrete predetermined portion and a respective coupling and decoupling location. The first and each further elongate and flexible conductors may be located successively along the route (but may be spaced apart). Furthermore, in such cases, the external drive system may comprise a main conductor to which the first and each further elongate and flexible conductor may individually be connected electrically.

[0025] Further in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, the discrete predetermined portion may comprise an inclining section of the route or a section of the route where the vehicle is operatively accelerated.

[0026] Wheels or tracks of the first self-propelled vehicle may be provided in contact with a road surface of the route during interaction with the external drive system.

[0027] In some cases, the external drive system may comprise a first external drive system and the predetermined portion comprises a first predetermined portion the system in accordance with the first aspect of the invention includes a plurality of external drive systems, each associated with a distinct one of a plurality of distinct predetermined portions.

[0028] The system may form part of a mining operation. In such cases, the vehicle may be a mining haul vehicle and the first and second points may be raw material loading and unloading points.

[0029] The system may include more than one self-propelled vehicle.

[0030] In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a self-propelled vehicle for use in a transportation system according to the first aspect of the invention, the self- propelled vehicle comprising: a main structure; an on-board drivetrain for operatively propelling the vehicle along a route; load compartment for operatively carrying a payload; and a coupling mechanism for operatively coupling the first self-propelled vehicle to a flexible conductor of an external drive system, forming part of the transportation system, when the first self-propelled vehicle is proximate a coupling location of the external drive system, and decoupling the first self-propelled vehicle from the flexible conductor when the first self-propelled is proximate a decoupling location of the external drive system, wherein the first self-propelled vehicle is configured such that, when the first self-propelled vehicle is operatively coupled to the conductor, the first self-propelled vehicle and external drive system interact.

[0031] The self-propelled vehicle may comprise one or more stators provided for interacting with the conductor. Each stator may define an axial opening through which the conductor may extend in use. The one or more stators may comprise coils of conductive material in which a current is inductively generated or induced in use. The one or more stators may typically be connected electrically to an electrical drive system of the vehicle. The electrical drive system may include one or more electrical motors.

[0032] The vehicle may define an “induction route” therewithin. The one or more stators may be located at least substantially along the induction route. Once the conductor is coupled to the vehicle, the conductor may run or extend along the induction route and through axial openings of the one or more stators. The induction route may be defined between pulleys, rollers and / or bushes over which the conductor may operatively extend.

[0033] The induction route may comprise at least one run associated with at least one separate stator. Typically, however, the induction route may comprise more than one run and each run may be associated with at least one separate but interconnected stator. The complement of stators associated with the vehicle may, in some cases, be interconnected.

[0034] The coupling mechanism may comprise a threading mechanism with which the conductor may operatively be threaded to extend along the induction route.

[0035] The threading mechanism may be configured to receive either an end of the conductor, but more typically, an intermediate portion of the conductor.

[0036] Each stator may comprise a first and second stator portion which may be displaceable between an inoperative open configuration, in which lateral access to the axial opening is provided, and an operative closed configuration. The first and second stator portions may comprise substantially semi-cylindrical portions. Furthermore, the first and second stator portions may be displaceable relative to each other in pivotable or lateral linear fashion. In some cases, the stator may be configured in a “clam shell” configuration.

[0037] The threading mechanism may comprise a guide arrangement for receiving the conductor and guiding the conductor towards the induction route. During threading, each stator may be displaced into the inoperative open configuration, allowing the conductor to be received into the axial opening of the respective stator, whereafter the respective stator may be displaced into the operative closed configuration, such that the first and second stator portions surround the conductor.

[0038] In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, there is provided an external drive system for use in a transportation system according to the first aspect of the invention, the external drive system comprising: an elongate and flexible conductor in the form of one of a cable and a Litz cable having first and second ends and operatively arranged to extend along a discrete predetermined portion of a route of the system between a coupling location and a decoupling location of the portion; and an electrical supply source provided in electrical contact with the conductor for operatively suppling the conductor with electrical current.

[0039] The external drive system may be configured as an inductive drive system. The electrical supply source may supply the conductor with alternating current at a predetermined frequency.

[0040] The external drive system may include a one or more makeup systems. In some cases, both ends or end regions of the flexible conductor, and therefore both the coupling and decoupling locations, are associated with a makeup system. In other cases, one end or end region of the flexible conductor, and therefore one of the coupling and decoupling locations, is associated with a makeup system.

[0041] At least one of the makeup systems may comprise a reeling mechanism for at least partially reeling the conductor onto the reeling mechanism.

[0042] A linked assembly may carry the conductor. In some implementations of such a case, more than one length of the conductor may be received in side-by-side fashion within the linked assembly.

[0043] The more than one lengths of conductor which are received in side-by-side fashion within the linked assembly may be integrally formed as part of a single conductor, may be interconnected portions of conductor connected in series or may be interconnected portions of conductor connected in parallel.

[0044] The elongate and flexible conductor may comprise a first elongate and flexible conductor and the discrete predetermined portion may comprise a first discrete predetermined portion. In such cases, the external drive system may comprise at least one further elongate and flexible conductor. Each such further elongate and flexible conductor may be associated with a further discrete predetermined portion and a respective coupling and decoupling location. The first and each further elongate and flexible conductors may be located successively along the route (but may be spaced apart). Furthermore, in such cases, the external drive system may comprise a main conductor to which the first and each further elongate and flexible conductor may individually be connected electrically.

[0045] In accordance with a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of transporting a payload along a route extending between a first and second points, the method comprising: s1) providing a transportation system according to the first aspect of the invention; s2) loading the payload onto at least a first self-propelled vehicle at the first point; s3) propelling the at least first vehicle towards the second point; s4) upon the at least first vehicle reaching a coupling location of a predetermined discrete portion of the route, utilising a coupling arrangement of the at least first vehicle to couple the at least first vehicle to a flexible conductor of an external drive system; s5) utilising the external drive system to drive the at least first vehicle, at least partially, along the predetermined portion; s6) upon the at least first vehicle reaching a decoupling location of the predetermined discrete portion of the route, utilising the coupling arrangement of the at least first vehicle to decouple the at least first vehicle from the flexible conductor; and s7) upon the at least first vehicle reaching the second point, unloading the payload from the at least first vehicle.

[0046] Step s4) may comprises at least some of the sub-steps of: s4.1) utilising a threading mechanism of the coupling arrangement to thread the conductor along an induction route of the at least first vehicle; and s4.2) arranging the conductor relative to at least one stator of the at least first vehicle.

[0047] Sub-step s4.1) may comprise the further sub-step of receiving one of an end of the conductor and an intermediate portion of the conductor with the threading mechanism.

[0048] Sub-step step s4.2) comprises at least some of the further sub-steps of: s4.2.1) displacing a first and second stator portion of at least a first stator of the vehicle to an inoperative open configuration, such that lateral access to an axial opening of the at least first stator is provided; s4.2.2) receiving the conductor into the axial opening; and s4.2.3) displacing the first and second stator portions to an operative closed configuration to close the first and second stator portions around the conductor.

[0049] Step s5) may comprise at least some of the sub-steps of: s5.1) utilizing a power source to provide alternating electrical current at a predetermined frequency to the conductor; s5.2) inducing an electrical current in conductive coils of one or more stators of the at least first vehicle; and s5.3) utilising the induced current to drive onboard electrical motors of a drivetrain of the at least first vehicle.

[0050] Step s6) may comprise at least some of the sub-steps of: s6.1) displacing a first and second stator portion of at least a first stator of the vehicle to an inoperative open configuration to provide lateral access to an axial opening of the at least first stator; s6.2) removing the conductor from the axial opening of the stator; and s6.3) displacing the first and second stator portions to a closed configuration. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] The invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0052] Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of a transportation system in accordance with the invention;

[0053] Figure 2 shows a schematic top view of a first example embodiment of an external drive system with a number of self-propelled vehicles spaced there along, both of which forming part of the transportation system of Figure 1 ;

[0054] Figure 3 shows a schematic top view of a second example embodiment of an external drive system with a number of self-propelled vehicles spaced there along, both of which forming part of the transportation system of Figure 1 ;

[0055] Figure 4 shows a partial perspective view of an example embodiment of a linked assembly forming part of the system of Figure 1 ; and

[0056] Figure 5 shows a side view of the example embodiment of the linked assembly of Figure 6, in a rolled-up or spooled configuration.

[0057] DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

[0058] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms "mounted", "connected", "engaged" and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings and are thus intended to include direct connections between two members without any other members interposed therebetween and indirect connections between members in which one or more other members are interposed therebetween. Further, "connected" and "engaged" are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. Additionally, the words "lower", "upper", "upward", "down" and "downward" designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The terminology includes the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words or similar import. It is noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the," and any singular use of any word, include plural referents unless expressly and unequivocally limited to one referent. As used herein, the term “include” and its grammatical variants are intended to be non-limiting, such that recitation of items in a list is not to the exclusion of other like items that can be substituted or added to the listed items.

[0059] Referring to the drawings, in which like numerals indicate like features, a non-limiting example of a transportation system (or just “system”), in accordance with the invention, is generally indicated by reference numeral 10.

[0060] The system 10 comprises a route 12 between a first point 14 and a second point 16. It will be appreciated that the system 10 can take various forms and that the type of route 12 and the type of first and second points (14, 16), will take different forms depending on the type of system 10. The present disclosure is not limited in terms of the type of system 10. It will also be appreciated that the system may comprise more than a first and second point, and that the route may comprise various routes, such as a network of roads, with intersections and the like. For the purpose of the present example only, the system 10 as described hereinafter will be taken to be located at a mining operation where the system is used to transport raw material between a loading point, being the first point 14 and an unloading point, being the second point 16. It will be appreciated that the system may alternatively be used to transport a wide variety of payloads.

[0061] The system 10 includes at least a first self-propelled vehicle 18 which, in the present example, takes the form of a haul truck. The vehicle 18 comprises a main structure 20, such as a chassis or frame and an on-board drivetrain 22 with which wheels 24 are driven in use. The drivetrain 22 typically includes one or more electric motors with batteries and other electrical components. In some cases, the wheels 24 may be replaced by tracks. The vehicle 18 is considered a “self-propelled” vehicle in that the onboard drivetrain 22 allows the vehicle 18 at least substantially to be propelled by internal means along the route 12. The vehicle 18 also includes a load compartment 26 for carrying or transporting a payload (not shown), such as raw material in the form of excavated ore.

[0062] In the present example, the first point 14 comprises a raw material loading station (not shown) such as a loading chute, surge loader, excavator or the like, while the second point 16 comprises an unloading station (not shown).

[0063] The system 10 furthermore comprises at least a first external drive system 30 or external energy or power transmission system. As will become apparent from what follows, the external drive system 30 does not extend along a whole length of the route 12. Instead, the external drive system 30 is a discrete subsystem of the system 10 which extends for a limited distance along the route 12. The external drive system 30 is strategically placed or installed (as discussed more fully below) at a predetermined portion 32 along the route 12. As will be discussed more fully below, the external drive system 30 or energy transmission system may take various forms. In general terms, the external drive system 30 is configured to interact with the vehicle 18 when same is propelled proximate or relative to the predetermined location 32. Therefore, during a discrete portion of the route 12, the external drive system 30 interacts with the vehicle 18.

[0064] As more fully discussed below, the interaction between the external drive system 30 and the vehicle 18 provides the vehicle 18 with electrical power with which electrical motors (not shown) forming part of the drivetrain 22 are driven. The external drive system therefore provides the vehicle 18 with electrical power from an external source, to replace or supplement the need for onboard storage in the form of onboard batteries or the like. The use of the external drive system 30, particularly in strategic locations along the route, reduces the required capacity, and therefore size, of onboard batteries of the vehicle 18. Additionally, or alternatively, onboard batteries may be charged using the external drive system 30.

[0065] It is foreseen that individual external drive systems 30 may be provided along the route in portions where relatively high amounts of power would be required to propel the vehicle 18. This may include inclining portions, flat portions or portions where the vehicle 18 typically needs to accelerate. By providing external drive systems 30 which are configured to supplement drive provided to the vehicle 18 whilst traversing specific portions of the route, on-board power requirements of the drivetrain 22 of the vehicle 18 may be reduced. Such a reduced on-board power requirement is associated with physically smaller batteries which are relatively lighter than the batteries typically required to drive vehicles not provided as part of a system 10 including external drive systems 30. By reducing an overall weight of the vehicle 18, same may be more effective and overall energy consumption requirements may be reduced.

[0066] The external drive system 30 takes the form of an inductive drive system, which includes an elongate and flexible conductor 34 extending along the predetermined portion 32 between a coupling location 36 and a decoupling location 38. The conductor 34 has first and second ends retained relative to the coupling and decoupling locations (36, 38) respectively. “Coupling” and “decoupling” in this context refers to the vehicle 18 operatively becoming coupled or decoupled to or from the conductor 34 as discussed more fully below. Generally, and as illustrated in the figures, the conductor 34 comprises a cable. That said, provision is made for the conductor 34 to take various other forms without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The conductor 34 is provided to an external electrical supply source (not shown) which operatively supplies electrical power, and more particularly, alternating current at a predetermined frequency (typically, a relatively high frequency). The supply source may take the form of a mobile substation or generator, a direct or indirect connection to a larger power distribution infrastructure or grid, or the like. In cases where the conductor takes the form of a cable, same may more particularly take the form of a Litz cable, which is a cable comprising individually enamelled or insulated strands which are braided together to reduce or minimize skin effect and high-frequency resistance or loss.

[0067] The vehicle 18 is configured to facilitate interaction with the conductor 34 while the vehicle 18 is propelled along the predetermined portion 32. For this purpose, the vehicle is provided with at least one, but typically a number of, stators 40. In use, the conductor 32 extends proximate the stators 40 allowing interaction therebetween. Typically, an air gap of about 25mm or less is maintained between the conductor and inner surfaces of the stator. That said, air gaps of up to about 60mm could potentially be feasible. Typically, the stator (or “inductive shoe”) is spaced from the conductor by a relatively small gap, which could be maintained by roller guides or an aircushion, such that inductive coupling between the conductor and the stator is maximised. The stators 40 comprise coils (not shown) of a conductive material in which a current is inductively generated in use. In cases where more than one stator 40 is provided, the coils of the stators 40 are electrically interconnected. In this way, an effective length of the stator 40 and therefore also the coils, is increased, increasing the interaction between the conductor 32 and the stator 40. The coils of the stators 40 are, directly or indirectly, connected to the onboard electrical motors of the vehicle 18.

[0068] As mentioned, the conductor extends between coupling and decoupling locations (36, 38). In practice, the vehicle 18 is self-propelled along the route 12 and reaches the coupling location 36, where the vehicle 18 becomes coupled with the drive system 30, and more particularly, the conductor 34. As the vehicle is propelled along the predetermined portion 32, the drive system 30 provides external drive to the vehicle 18 as discussed before. Upon reaching the decoupling location 38 the vehicle 18 is decoupled from the conductor 34. The vehicle includes a coupling arrangement which facilitates the coupling and decoupling to and from the conductor. A threading or feeding mechanism (not shown) is provided for the purpose of coupling the vehicle 18 to the conductor 34. More particularly, the threading or feeding mechanism comprises a guide arrangement (not shown) with which an end or an intermediate portion of the conductor 34 is picked up and guided towards the vehicle 18.

[0069] The vehicle defines an induction route (generally referred to herein by reference numeral 42, with suffixes in figure 1 denoting different embodiments of the induction route). As shown in figure 1 , the stators 40 are spaced or located along the induction route. The induction route is typically defined between pulleys 44, rollers or bushes over which the conductor 34 extends when same is received within or along the induction route 42. The induction route 42 may have various configurations, such as a simple inverted “II” shape comprising a single run 46, as shown in the first example 42.1 or a more complex configuration, as shown in the second example 42.2 comprising various runs 46.

[0070] The stators 40 comprise axially extending openings through which the conductor 34 extends, in use. To facilitate receiving an intermediate portion of the conductor 34 and treading same into the induction route 42, the stators comprise first and second stator portions (not shown) which are displaceable (typically pivotably but also in some cases linearly) relative to each other between an inoperative or open configuration in which a lateral entry for the conductor 34 into the axially extending opening of the stator is provided, and an operative closed configuration. Upon receiving the conductor 34 within the axially extending opening of the first and second conductor portions may be configured towards the operative closed configuration to close around the conductor 34.

[0071] In use, various vehicles 18 may be received between the first and second points (14, 16) of the route 12, at any given point. Furthermore, in some cases, more than one vehicle 18 may be located along the predetermined portion 32 at a particular point in time. To facilitate this, the external drive system 30 may take various forms, two of which are shown in figures 2 and 3 respectively,

[0072] In figure 2, a number of vehicles 18 are simultaneously coupled to a single conductor 34 extending between a single coupling location 36 and a single decoupling location 38.

[0073] It will be appreciated that a certain free length of conductor 34 is required to allow coupling to each vehicle (due, for example, to the length of conductor 34 required to be coupled along the induction route 42). This means a free length of conductor 34 is required at the coupling location 36 for each vehicle 18. It further means that a length equal to the free length is deposited at the decoupling location 38 each time a vehicle decouples from the conductor 34 and leaves the predetermined portion 32. The deposited free length results in slack in the conductor 34.

[0074] To provide sufficient slack and free length at the coupling location 36, and to take up the slack at the decoupling location 38, the coupling and decoupling locations (36, 38) may be provided with conductor makeup arrangements 48. As best shown in figure 1 , the makeup arrangements 48 may comprise coils or spools 50 around which the conductor may be wound. It is feasible for the coil or spool 50 of the makeup arrangement 48 located at the coupling location 36 to be driven, so as to reel in deposited slack thereby allowing further vehicles 18 to be provided with free length of conductor, facilitating coupling thereof at the coupling location 36. In such cases, the conductor 34 will be reeled in relative to the various vehicles 18 in use. In some cases, some of the pulleys 40 of the vehicles 18 may be driven to reduce tension in the conductor 34 whilst being reeled in. In figure 3, the external drive system 30 comprises a main conductor 52 which spans the whole length of the predetermined portion. A number of conductors 34 are successively connected to the main conductor 52, along its length. Each such conductor 34 is associated with a coupling location 36 and a decoupling location. Typically, the various conductors 34 are coupled to the main conductor 52 in parallel. By providing more than one conductor, fewer vehicles 18, or even only a single vehicle, is coupled to the conductor at any given moment, reducing complexities surrounding the handling and management of free length and slack in the conductor 34.

[0075] It will be appreciated that the system 10 could comprise more than one external drive systems 30 located at more than one predetermined portions 32 between the first and second points (12, 14).

[0076] Since the wheels 24 of the vehicle 18 are provided in contact with a road surface 54 and driven by normal on-board electrical motors of the vehicle 18, inclinations along which the vehicle 18 can be driven and speeds and accelerations of the vehicle 18 are comparable to those of conventional vehicles. However, due to the external power supplied to the vehicles, the size and capacities of on-board batteries of the vehicles 18 may significantly be reduced. Alternatively, or in addition, a range of the vehicles may be significantly increased.

[0077] It will be appreciated that the above description only provides example embodiments of the invention and that there may be many variations without departing from the spirit and / or the scope of the invention.

[0078] For example, it will be appreciated that if sufficient transmission can be achieved with the cable remaining relatively stationary and physically on the ground (for example, by providing hardware which carries the stator and ensures same can be maintained in close proximity with the conductor), the need for threading the cable (and associated hardware) may be eliminated, reducing complexity of the system.

[0079] Furthermore, in another example shown in figures 4 and 5, the elongate flexible conductor (in the form of a cable or embedded inductive coils) may be carried by a chain-type linked assembly 60. The linked assembly 60 typically has a depth of 10-20cm to facilitate carrying the inductive conductor.

[0080] Due to the width of the linked assembly 60, a number of runs or lengths of the conductor 34 are received in side-by-side fashion within the linked assembly, which increases the surface area of the conductor 34 exposed to the vehicle 18 (or rather the stators), thereby improving interaction between the stators and the conductor. In this way, the length of the induction route 42 may be reduced, potentially to the point where the need for the vehicle to pick up and thread the conductor 34 may be eliminated. Since the conductor 34 is carried by the linked assembly 60, the conductor may still be spooled, reeled or rolled up. This facilitates quick, easy and cost-effective deployment, disassembly or redeployment throughout the mining environment (especially during route changes and expansion of the mining operations).

[0081] It is believed the linked assembly 60 may be provided in sections spanning between 50 m and 100 m lengths. Various lengths may be coupled together as the need dictates.

[0082] It will be appreciated that the system 10 provides several advantages. For example, the flexible nature of the conductor makes quick easy deployment and redeployment possible. It also allows the conductors to be spooled when not in use, for easy storage and transport, while unspooling allows for quick deployment and installation. This ensures ease of use during expansion of mining operations. The coupling arrangement with which the flexible conductor is “picked up” from the ground, facilitates this use. Furthermore, the stators, being configurable into an open configuration to allow lateral threading of the conductors and enables dynamic threading onto the conductor.

[0083] It will easily be understood from the present description that the particular features of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged and designed according to a wide variety of different configurations. In this way, the description of the present invention and the related figures are not provided to limit the scope of the invention but simply represent selected embodiments.

[0084] For example, the system 10 may find application outside of mining environments and may theoretically be deployed in a wide range of industries. For example, the route may be a train track and the additive or supplementary drive may be supplied to a train when ascending inclines or when accelerating.

[0085] The skilled person will understand that the technical characteristics of a given embodiment can in fact be combined with characteristics of another embodiment, unless otherwise expressed or it is evident that these characteristics are incompatible. Also, the technical characteristics described one embodiment can be isolated from the other characteristics of this embodiment unless otherwise expressed.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A transportation system including: a route extending between a first and second point; an external drive system, comprising: o an elongate and flexible conductor extending along a discrete predetermined portion of the route between a coupling location and a decoupling location of the portion, the conductor having first and second end regions which are retained relative to the coupling and decoupling locations, respectively; o an electrical supply source provided in electrical contact with the conductor for operatively suppling the conductor with electrical current; at least a first self-propelled vehicle operatively propelled along the route to carry a payload between the first and second points, the first self-propelled vehicle comprising a coupling mechanism for operatively coupling the first self-propelled vehicle to the flexible conductor when the first self-propelled vehicle is proximate the coupling location and decoupling the first self-propelled vehicle from the flexible conductor when the first self-propelled vehicle is proximate the decoupling location, wherein, when the first self-propelled vehicle is operatively coupled to the conductor, the first self-propelled vehicle and external drive system interact.

2. The transportation system according to claim 1 , wherein the elongate flexible conductor comprises one of a cable and a Litz cable;3. The transportation system according to claim 2, wherein the external drive system comprises an inductive drive system and wherein the electrical supply source supplies the conductor with alternating current at a predetermined frequency.

4. The transportation system according to claim 3, wherein the first vehicle is provided with one or more stators and wherein, when the first self-propelled vehicle is operatively coupled to the conductor, the conductor is arranged proximate the one or more stators, thereby facilitating interaction with the conductor.

5. The transportation system according to claim 4, wherein each of the one or more stators comprises coils of conductive material in which a current is inductively generated or induced in use.

6. The transportation system according to claim 4, wherein the one or more stators are connected electrically to an electrical drive system of the vehicle.

7. The transportation system according to claim 4, wherein the vehicle defines an induction route therewithin, wherein the one or more stators are located at least substantially alongthe induction route, and wherein, once coupled, the conductor extends along the induction route and through axial openings of the one or more stators.

8. The transportation system according to claim 7, wherein the induction route is defined between at least one of pulleys and bushes over which the conductor operatively extends.

9. The transportation system according to claim 7, wherein the induction route comprises at least one run associated with at least one separate stator.

10. The transportation system according to claim 9, wherein the induction route comprises more than one runs, wherein each run is associated with at least one separate but interconnected stator.

11. The transportation system according to claim 7, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises a threading mechanism with which the conductor is operatively threaded to extend along the induction route.

12. The transportation system according to claim 11 , wherein the threading mechanism is configured to receive one of: i) an end of the conductor; and ii) an intermediate portion of the conductor.

13. The transportation system according to claim 12, wherein each stator comprises a first and second stator portion which are displaceable between an inoperative open configuration, in which lateral access to the axial opening is provided, and an operative closed configuration.

14. The transportation system according to claim 13, wherein the first and second stator portions comprise substantially semi-cylindrical portions.

15. The transportation system according to claim 13, wherein the first and second stator portions are displaceable relative to each other in one of: i) pivotable fashion; and ii) lateral linear fashion.

16. The transportation system according to claim 13, wherein the threading mechanism comprises a guide arrangement for receiving the conductor and guiding the conductor towards the induction route, and wherein, during threading, each stator is displaced into the inoperative open configuration, allowing the conductor to be received into the axial opening of the respective stator, whereafter the respective stator is displaced into the operative closed configuration, such that the first and second stator portions surround the conductor.

17. The transportation system according to claim 2, wherein the external drive system comprises one of: makeup system located towards one of the coupling and the decoupling locations; and a first and second makeup system located towards the coupling and decoupling location, respectively.

18. The transportation system according to claim 17, wherein at least one makeup system comprises a reeling mechanism for at least partially reeling the conductor onto the reeling mechanism.

19. The transportation system according to claim 2, wherein a linked assembly carries the conductor.

20. The transportation system according to claim 19, wherein more than one length of the conductor is received in side-by-side fashion within the linked assembly.

21. The transportation system according to claim 20, wherein the more than one lengths of conductor which are received in side-by-side fashion within the linked assembly are one of: i) integrally formed as part of a single conductor; ii) interconnected portions of conductor connected in series; and iii) interconnected portions of conductor connected in parallel.

22. The transportation system according to claim 1 , wherein: the elongate and flexible conductor comprises a first elongate and flexible conductor and the discrete predetermined portion comprises a first discrete predetermined portion; the external drive system comprises at least one further elongate and flexible conductor, each further elongate and flexible conductor associated with a further discrete predetermined portion and a respective coupling and decoupling location; the first and each further elongate and flexible conductors are located successively along the route; the external drive system further comprises a main conductor; and the first and each further elongate and flexible conductors are individually connected electrically to the main conductor.

23. The transportation system according to claim 1 , wherein the discrete predetermined portion comprises one of: i) an inclining section of the route; and ii) a section of the route where the vehicle is operatively accelerated.

24. The transportation system according to claim 1 , wherein wheels or tracks of the first self- propelled vehicle are provided in contact with a road surface of the route during interaction with the external drive system.

25. The transportation system according to claim 1 , wherein: the external drive system comprises a first external drive system and the predetermined portion comprises a first predetermined portion; and the system includes a plurality of external drive systems, each associated with a distinct one of a plurality of distinct predetermined portions.

26. The transportation system according to claim 1 , wherein the system forms part of a mining operation, wherein the vehicle is a mining haul vehicle and wherein the first and second points are raw material loading and unloading points.

27. The transportation system according to claim 1 , comprising more than one self-propelled vehicle.

28. A self-propelled vehicle for use in a transportation system according to claim 1 , the self- propelled vehicle comprising: a main structure; an on-board drivetrain for operatively propelling the vehicle along a route; load compartment for operatively carrying a payload; and a coupling mechanism for operatively coupling the first self-propelled vehicle to a flexible conductor of an external drive system, forming part of the transportation system, when the first self-propelled vehicle is proximate a coupling location of the external drive system, and decoupling the first self-propelled vehicle from the flexible conductor when the first self-propelled is proximate a decoupling location of the external drive system, wherein the first self-propelled vehicle is configured such that, when the first self-propelled vehicle is operatively coupled to the conductor, the first self-propelled vehicle and external drive system interact.

29. The self-propelled vehicle according to claim 28, comprising one or more stators provided for interacting with the conductor and wherein each stator defines an axial opening through which the conductor extends in use.

30. The self-propelled vehicle according to claim 29, wherein the one or more stators comprise coils of conductive material in which a current is inductively generated or induced in use.

31. The self-propelled vehicle according to claim 29, wherein the one or more stators are connected electrically to one an electrical drive system of the vehicle, which electrical drive system includes one or more onboard electrical motors.

32. The self-propelled vehicle according to claim 29, defining an internal induction route and wherein the one or more stators are located at least substantially along the internal induction route.

33. The self-propelled vehicle according to claim 32, wherein the induction route is defined between one of pulleys and bushes over which the conductor operatively extends.

34. The self-propelled vehicle according to claim 32, wherein the induction route comprises at least one run associated with at least one separate stator.

35. The self-propelled vehicle according to claim 34, wherein the induction route comprises more than one runs, wherein each run is associated with at least one separate but interconnected stator.

36. The self-propelled vehicle according to claim 32, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises a threading mechanism configured for operatively threading the conductor to extend along the induction route.

37. The self-propelled vehicle according to claim 36, wherein the threading mechanism is configured to receive one of: i) an end of the conductor; and ii) an intermediate portion of the conductor.

38. The self-propelled vehicle according to claim 37, wherein each stator comprises a first and second stator portion which are displaceable between an inoperative open configuration, in which lateral access to the axial opening is provided, and an operative closed configuration.

39. The self-propelled vehicle according to claim 38, wherein the first and second stator portions comprise substantially semi-cylindrical portions.

40. The self-propelled vehicle according to claim 38, wherein the first and second stator portions are displaceable relative to each other in one of: i) pivotable fashion; and ii) lateral linear fashion.

41. The self-propelled vehicle according to claim 36, wherein the threading mechanism comprises a guide arrangement for receiving the conductor and guiding the conductor towards the induction route, and wherein, in use, during threading, each stator is displaced into the inoperative open configuration, allowing the conductor to be received into the axial opening of the respective stator, whereafter the respective stator is displaced into the operative closed configuration, such that the first and second stator portions surround the conductor.

42. An external drive system for use in a transportation system according to claim 1 , the external drive system comprising: an elongate and flexible conductor in the form of one of a cable and a Litz cable having first and second ends and operatively arranged to extend along a discrete predetermined portion of a route of the system between a coupling location and a decoupling location of the portion; and an electrical supply source provided in electrical contact with the conductor for operatively suppling the conductor with electrical current.

43. The external drive system according to claim 42, configured as an inductive drive system and wherein the electrical supply source supplies the conductor with alternating current at a predetermined frequency.

44. The external drive system according to claim 42, further comprising one of: makeup system located towards one of the coupling location and the decoupling location; and a first and second makeup system located towards the coupling and decoupling location, respectively.

45. The external drive system according to claim 44, wherein each makeup system comprises a reeling mechanism for at least partially reeling the conductor onto the reeling mechanism.

46. The external drive system according to claim 42, wherein a linked assembly carries the conductor.

47. The external drive system according to claim 46, wherein more than one length of the conductor is received in side-by-side fashion within the linked assembly.

48. The external drive system according to claim 47, wherein the more than one lengths of the conductor which are received in side-by-side fashion within the linked assembly are one of: i) integrally formed as part of a single conductor; ii) interconnected portions of conductor connected in series; and iii) interconnected portions of conductor connected in parallel.

49. The external drive system according to claim 42, wherein: the elongate and flexible conductor comprises a first elongate and flexible conductor and the discrete predetermined portion comprises a first discrete predetermined portion; the external drive system comprises at least one further elongate and flexible conductor, each further elongate and flexible conductor associated with a further discrete predetermined portion and a respective coupling and decoupling location; the first and each further elongate and flexible conductors are operatively located successively along the route; the external drive system further comprises a main conductor; and the first and each further elongate and flexible conductors are individually connected electrically to the main conductor.

50. A method of transporting a payload along a route extending between a first and second points, the method comprising: s1) providing a transportation system according to claim 1 ; s2) loading the payload onto at least a first self-propelled vehicle at the first point; s3) propelling the at least first vehicle towards the second point; s4) upon the at least first vehicle reaching a coupling location of a predetermined discrete portion of the route, utilising a coupling arrangement of the at least first vehicle to couple the at least first vehicle to a flexible conductor of an external drive system; s5) utilising the external drive system to drive the at least first vehicle, at least partially, along the predetermined portion; s6) upon the at least first vehicle reaching a decoupling location of the predetermined discrete portion of the route, utilising the coupling arrangement of the at least first vehicle to decouple the at least first vehicle from the flexible conductor; and s7) upon the at least first vehicle reaching the second point, unloading the payload from the at least first vehicle.

51. The method according to claim 50, wherein step s4) comprises at least some of the substeps of: s4.1) utilising a threading mechanism of the coupling arrangement to thread the conductor along an induction route of the at least first vehicle; and s4.2) arranging the conductor relative to at least one stator of the at least first vehicle.

52. The method according to claim 51, wherein sub-step s4.1) comprises the further sub-step of receiving one of an end of the conductor and an intermediate portion of the conductor with the threading mechanism.

53. The method according to claim 51, wherein sub-step step s4.2) comprises at least some of the further sub-steps of: s4.2.1) displacing a first and second stator portion of at least a first stator of the vehicle to an inoperative open configuration, such that lateral access to an axial opening of the at least first stator is provided; s4.2.2) receiving the conductor into the axial opening; and s4.2.3) displacing the first and second stator portions to an operative closed configuration to close the first and second stator portions around the conductor.

54. The method according to claim 50, wherein step s5) comprises at least some of the substeps of: s5.1) utilizing a power source to provide alternating electrical current at a predetermined frequency to the conductor; s5.2) inducing an electrical current in conductive coils of one or more stators of the at least first vehicle; and s5.3) utilising the induced current to drive onboard electrical motors of a drivetrain of the at least first vehicle.

55. The method according to claim 50, wherein step s6) comprises at least some of the substeps of: s6.1) displacing a first and second stator portion of at least a first stator of the vehicle to an inoperative open configuration to provide lateral access to an axial opening of the at least first stator; s6.2) removing the conductor from the axial opening of the stator; and s6.3) displacing the first and second stator portions to a closed configuration.

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