A MINING MACHINE AND A METHOD FOR ROCK EXCAVATION
A mining machine (102) for rock excavation, comprising: a rotatable cutting head (104) having cutting elements (108); a holder (110) for holding the cutting head (104); a movable thrust unit (112) attached to the holder (110); a machine body (114) attached to the thrust unit (112); a thrust apparatus (118) for moving the thrust unit (112) between retracted and extended positions and for pushing the thrust unit (112) forward, thereby pushing the cutting elements (108) into a rock formation; a hydraulic pump (122); a hydraulic consumer (125); and a hydraulic line system (126) for connecting the hydraulic pump (122) to the hydraulic consumer (125). The hydraulic line system (126) comprises first hydraulic lines (126a) attached to the machine body (114), second hydraulic lines (126b) attached to the thrust unit (112), and two telescopic hydraulic line units (128). Each telescopic hydraulic line unit (128) connects one (126a) of the first hydraulic lines (126a) to one (126b) of the second hydraulic lines (126b). The telescopic hydraulic line unit (128) is retracted and extended with the movement of the thrust unit (112).
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Aspects of the present invention relate to a mining machine for rock excavation. The mining machine comprises a rotatable cutting head having an outer circumferential surface and a plurality of rock engaging cutting elements distributed on the outer circumferential surface, the outer circumferential surface having a width which constitutes the rock cutting width of the cutting head. Further, the mining machine comprises a holder for holding the cutting head, the mining machine being configured to rotate the cutting head in relation to the holder. The mining machine also comprises a thrust unit, which is attached to the holder, and a machine body attached to the thrust unit, the thrust unit being movable in relation to the machine body, wherein the holder is configured to hold the cutting head between the machine body and a rock formation to be excavated. Aspects of the present invention also relate to a method for conveying hydraulic fluid to and from a hydraulic consumer with the aid of a mining machine of the above-mentioned sort. Further, aspects of the present invention relate to a method for rock excavation with the aid of a mining machine of the above-mentioned sort.
BACKGROUNDInstead of fracturing rock and excavating and drilling tunnels or rooms under ground by means of drilling rigs having one or more drilling machines drilling into to a rock formation, or rock, and instead of blasting the rock formation, or rock, mining machines having rotatable cutting heads, such as rotatable cutting wheels having rock-engaging cutters, may be used. The mining machine brings the cutting head or wheel to sweep a meeting rock surface as well as linearly presses the rotating cutting head with high force into the rock formation. Conventionally, the mining machine having a rotatable cutting head is also provided with propelling means for propelling the mining machine in the mine and move the mining machine between different excavation positions or sites. Conventionally, a hydraulic system is used to operate the moving parts of the mining machine. For example, the moving parts of the mining machine may include the rotatable cutting head, a holder for holding the cutting head and the propelling means. The moving parts may be moved by means of hydraulic cylinders and hydraulic motors which are part of the hydraulic system. The transport tunnels and excavation sites of the mine may be limited in size, and parts of the conventional mining machines having a rotatable cutting head may be too bulky and take up much space.
SUMMARYAn object of embodiments of the invention is to provide a solution which mitigates or solves the drawbacks and problems of conventional solutions. The invention is defined by the claims.
According to a first aspect of the invention, the above-mentioned and other objects of the embodiments of present invention are attained by providing a mining machine for rock excavation, the mining machine comprising:
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- a rotatable cutting head having an outer circumferential surface and a plurality of rock-engaging cutting elements distributed on the outer circumferential surface, the outer circumferential surface having a width which constitutes the rock cutting width of the cutting head,
- a holder for holding the cutting head, the mining machine being configured to rotate the cutting head in relation to the holder,
- a thrust unit attached to the holder,
- a machine body attached to the thrust unit, the thrust unit being movable in relation to the machine body, wherein the holder is configured to hold the cutting head between the machine body and a rock formation to be excavated,
- a thrust apparatus for moving the thrust unit in relation to the machine body between a retracted position and an extended position, the thrust apparatus being configured to push the thrust unit in a forward direction, thereby pushing the cutting elements into the rock formation,
- a hydraulic pump,
- one or more hydraulic consumers, and
- a hydraulic line system for hydraulically connecting the hydraulic pump to the hydraulic consumer.
The hydraulic line system comprises first hydraulic lines attached to the machine body and second hydraulic lines attached to the thrust unit. The hydraulic line system comprises two telescopic hydraulic line units. Each telescopic hydraulic line unit hydraulically connects one of the first hydraulic lines to one of the second hydraulic lines. Each telescopic hydraulic line unit comprises a first tube and a second tube movable in relation to one another. The first tube is configured to telescope into the second tube. One of the first and second tubes is attached to the machine body and the other one of the first and second tubes is attached to the thrust unit. The mining machine, for example by means of the thrust apparatus, is configured to move the thrust unit and the cutting head back and forth in cutting strokes to cut the rock formation, thereby retracting and extending the telescopic hydraulic line unit with the movement of the thrust unit.
A hydraulic consumer is a hydraulic entity or hydraulic actuator that is operated by means of the hydraulic fluid supplied by the hydraulic pump or the hydraulic fluid pressure provided by the hydraulic pump. In general, the hydraulic consumer may in turn control or operate a movable member, for example make the member move in relation to its environment. For example, the hydraulic actuator operated by the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic pump or by the hydraulic fluid pressure provided by the hydraulic pump may be a hydraulic cylinder or a hydraulic motor, which in turn may control or operate a member, for example a member in the form of an excavating arm or a bucket of an excavator, for example an excavator in the form of an excavating mining machine.
The holder may be called a cutting head holder or a carrying unit. The thrust unit may be indirectly or directly attached or connected to the holder. The holder and the thrust unit may together form one single unit, i.e. the holder may be integral with the thrust unit, or the holder and the thrust unit may be separate parts attached to one another. The machine body may be indirectly or directly attached or connected to the thrust unit. The thrust apparatus may comprise at least one hydraulic cylinder. The front end of the mining machine holds the cutting head. When the thrust unit is pushed or pressed in a forward direction, the thrust unit is pushed in a direction toward the cutting head or in a direction toward the rock formation to be engaged by the rock-engaging cutting elements of the cutting head.
The inventor has found that parts of the conventional hydraulic lines, such as hydraulic conduits or hoses, which hydraulically connect the various hydraulic consumers and the hydraulic pump of the hydraulic system of a conventional mining machine, are too bulky, especially when two units holding hydraulic hoses are movable, for example linearly movable, in relation to each other. Then, an additional hydraulic hose length is needed to compensate for the movement between the two units holding the hydraulic hoses. This additional hydraulic hose length must be carried and stored by the movable mining machine when the two units holding hydraulic hoses are adjacent to one another, which makes the conventional hydraulic system of the mining machine bulky. For example, one reason is that a hydraulic hose with dimensions applicable to a mining machine having a rotatable cutting head cannot be bent or curved too much. An advantage of the mining machine according to the first aspect is that the bulky additional hydraulic hose length can be excluded as a result of the innovative hydraulic line system including the telescopic hydraulic line units of the mining machine according to the first aspect. Thus, the mining machine according to the first aspect is more compact or can be made more compact. Further, the moving conventional additional hydraulic hose length is subjected to wear, when the two units holding the hydraulic hoses are moving in relation to one another. Thus, an advantage of the mining machine according to the first aspect is that the wear on the hydraulic lines or hoses is reduced, whereby a more robust hydraulic system of the mining machine is provided. An additional advantage of the mining machine according to the first aspect is that longer cutting strokes back and forth can be performed by the thrust unit and the cutting head, i.e. the cutting stroke length of the thrust unit and the cutting head can be extended, because conventional bulky hydraulic conduits or hoses can be excluded by way of the innovative arrangement of the telescopic hydraulic line units and thus will not hinder or block the cutting strokes back and forth. Thus, according to the mining machine of the first aspect, a more robust and durable mining machine subjected to less wear is provided. Consequently, the excavation performed by the mining machine having a rotatable cutting head is improved by means of the mining machine according to the first aspect.
According to embodiments of the mining machine according to the first aspect, in addition to the first and second tubes, the telescopic hydraulic line unit may comprise one or more additional tubes movable in relation to one another and movable in relation to the first and second tubes. Each additional tube is configured to telescope with one or more other tubes, i.e. to telescope into one or more other tubes and/or to be telescoped or entered by one or more other tubes. Consequently, each of the first and second tubes may telescope with one or more additional tubes, i.e. to telescope into one or more additional tubes and/or to be telescoped or entered by one or more additional tubes. Thus, the telescopic hydraulic line unit may comprise three, four, five or more telescoping tubes, which are thus movable in relation to one another.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the mining machine according to the first aspect, each telescopic hydraulic line unit forms a hydraulic channel, wherein each hydraulic channel is hydraulically connected to one of the first hydraulic lines by means of a first hydraulic block having hydraulic channels, and wherein each hydraulic channel is hydraulically connected to one of the second hydraulic lines by means of a second hydraulic block having hydraulic channels. An advantage of this embodiment is that an efficient connection of the telescopic hydraulic line units to the first and second hydraulic lines is provided, whereby a robust hydraulic system of the mining machine is provided. Therefore, the excavation performed by the mining machine is further improved.
According to a further advantageous embodiment of the mining machine according to the first aspect, the mining machine comprises one or more propelling units for propelling the mining machine, wherein the propelling unit is configured to rest on a floor of a tunnel during the rock excavation.
According to another advantageous embodiment of the mining machine according to the first aspect, the mining machine comprises one or more first stabilizing units movable in relation to the machine body, wherein the first stabilizing unit is configured to engage a roof of a tunnel to secure the mining machine and counteract forces created during the rock excavation. An advantage of this embodiment is that a controlled and efficient excavation performed by the mining machine is provided.
According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the mining machine according to the first aspect, the mining machine comprises one or more second stabilizing units movable in relation to the machine body and configured to engage a floor of the tunnel to secure the mining machine and counteract forces created during the rock excavation. An advantage of this embodiment is that a controlled and efficient excavation performed by the mining machine is provided.
According to still another advantageous embodiment of the mining machine according to the first aspect, at least one of the first stabilizing unit and the second stabilizing unit is attached to the machine body. An advantage of this embodiment is that a controlled and efficient excavation performed by the mining machine is provided.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the mining machine according to the first aspect, the hydraulic consumer or one of the hydraulic consumers is attached to the cutting head. A plurality of the hydraulic consumers may be attached to the cutting head.
According to a further advantageous embodiment of the mining machine according to the first aspect, the hydraulic consumer or one of the hydraulic consumers is attached to the holder. A plurality of the hydraulic consumers may be attached to the holder.
According to another advantageous embodiment of the mining machine according to the first aspect, the mining machine comprises one or more hydraulic motors for rotating the cutting head in relation to the holder, the hydraulic motor comprising the hydraulic consumer or one of the hydraulic consumers. An advantage of this embodiment is that a controlled and efficient excavation executed by the mining machine is provided. The hydraulic motor may be attached to the cutting head and/or to the holder. The hydraulic motor may be located in the centre of the cutting head, for example close to or at the axis of rotation of the cutting head. The mining machine may comprise a plurality of hydraulic motors for rotating the cutting head in relation to the holder, each hydraulic motor comprising one of the hydraulic consumers. There may also be a gearbox, a variable gear or a variable transmission between each hydraulic motor and the cutting head.
According to still another advantageous embodiment of the mining machine according to the first aspect, the hydraulic consumer or one of the hydraulic consumers is attached to the thrust unit. A plurality of the hydraulic consumers may be attached to the thrust unit.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the mining machine according to the first aspect, the mining machine comprises one or more guide apparatuses for guiding the thrust unit in relation to the machine body between the retracted position and the extended position, each guide apparatus comprising a guide. An advantage of this embodiment is that a controlled and efficient movement of the thrust unit in relation to the machine body is provided.
According to a further advantageous embodiment of the mining machine according to the first aspect, the guide is substantially linear, wherein the guide apparatus is configured to linearly move the thrust unit in relation to the machine body between the retracted position and the extended position. An advantage of this embodiment is that a controlled and efficient movement of the thrust unit in relation to the machine body is provided.
According to another advantageous embodiment of the mining machine according to the first aspect, the holder is movable in relation to the thrust unit, wherein the mining machine comprises a positioning apparatus for moving and positioning the holder and the cutting head in relation to the thrust unit in a horizontal direction and/or a vertical direction when the propelling unit rests on the floor of the tunnel. An advantage of this embodiment is that the holder can be moved and positioned in an efficient manner.
According to still another advantageous embodiment of the mining machine according to the first aspect, each cutting element comprises a disc-shaped cutter, wherein the cutting head comprises a cutting head frame having a cutter seat for each cutter, and wherein the cutter is seated in the cutter seat and is rotatable in relation to the cutting head frame. An advantage of this embodiment is that an efficient excavation performed by the mining machine is provided. The distance between two neighbouring disc-shaped cutters in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the cutting head may be set or adjusted based on the rock to be cut, for example based on the type of rock, the structure of the rock, the condition of the rock etc. Said axial distance between two neighbouring cutters is set such that cracks, which extend from a cut or groove, for example a vertical groove, cut by the cutters to a neighbouring cut or groove, for example a vertical groove, cut by the cutters, are formed when the cutting head is rotating, which facilitates the rock excavation. However, other rock cutting processes may be executed or performed by the mining machine according to the first aspect.
According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the mining machine according to the first aspect, the cutting head has a first side between the outer circumferential surface and an axis of rotation of the cutting head and a second side between the outer circumferential surface and the axis of rotation of the cutting head, wherein the holder comprises a first arm extending at least partly along the first side and holding the cutting head, whereas the second side of the cutting head is without any such arm, or free from such an arm or support structure. An advantage of this embodiment and the one-sided holder is that an efficient excavation performed by the mining machine is provided.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the mining machine according to the first aspect, the hydraulic pump is attached to the machine body.
According to a further advantageous embodiment of the mining machine according to the first aspect, the mining machine comprises a first part and a second part, wherein the first part comprises the cutting head, the holder, the thrust unit and the machine body, wherein the second part comprises the hydraulic pump, and wherein the first and second parts are connectable, or attachable, attached or connected, to one another. An advantage of this embodiment is that an efficient excavation performed by the mining machine is provided.
According to another advantageous embodiment of the mining machine according to the first aspect, at least one of the first and second the stabilizing units is configured to secure the first part to counteract forces on the first part created during the rock excavation. An advantage of this embodiment is that a controlled and efficient excavation executed by the mining machine is provided.
According to still another advantageous embodiment of the mining machine according to the first aspect, the second part comprises control equipment for controlling the mining machine. Thus, the control equipment can be installed with a distance to the rock-cutting region, i.e. the region where the cutting elements of the cutting head cut or engage the rock or rock formation. An advantage of this embodiment is that an efficient excavation performed by the mining machine is provided.
According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the mining machine according to the first aspect, the mining machine comprises an operator cabin attached to the second part of the mining machine, and wherein the mining machine is controllable from the operator cabin. Thus, the operator cabin can be situated with a distance to the rock-cutting region. An advantage of this embodiment is that an efficient excavation performed by the mining machine is provided.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the mining machine according to the first aspect, the mining machine is controllable from a remote location. An advantage of this embodiment is that an efficient excavation performed by the mining machine is provided.
According to a further advantageous embodiment of the mining machine according to the first aspect, the mining machine is configured to operate at least partly autonomously. An advantage of this embodiment is that an efficient excavation performed by the mining machine is provided.
According to a second aspect of the invention, the above-mentioned and other objects of the embodiments of present invention are attained by providing a method for conveying hydraulic fluid to and from a hydraulic consumer with the aid of a mining machine comprising:
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- a rotatable cutting head having an outer circumferential surface and a plurality of rock-engaging cutting elements distributed on the outer circumferential surface, the outer circumferential surface having a width which constitutes the rock cutting width of the cutting head,
- a holder for holding the cutting head, the mining machine being configured to rotate the cutting head in relation to the holder,
- a thrust unit attached to the holder,
- a machine body attached to the thrust unit, the thrust unit being movable in relation to the machine body, wherein the holder is configured to hold the cutting head between the machine body and a rock formation to be excavated,
- a thrust apparatus for moving the thrust unit in relation to the machine body between a retracted position and an extended position, the thrust apparatus being configured to push the thrust unit in a forward direction, thereby pushing the cutting elements into the rock formation,
- a hydraulic pump,
- the hydraulic consumer, and
- a hydraulic line system for hydraulically connecting the hydraulic pump to the hydraulic consumer.
The hydraulic line system comprises first hydraulic lines attached to the machine body and second hydraulic lines attached to the thrust unit. The hydraulic line system comprises two telescopic hydraulic line units. Each telescopic hydraulic line unit hydraulically connects one of the first hydraulic lines to one of the second hydraulic lines. Each telescopic hydraulic line unit comprises a first tube and a second tube movable in relation to one another. The first tube is configured to telescope into the second tube. One of the first and second tubes is attached to the machine body and the other one of the first and second tubes is attached to the thrust unit. The mining machine is configured to move the thrust unit and the cutting head back and forth in cutting strokes to cut the rock formation, thereby retracting and extending the telescopic hydraulic line unit with the movement of the thrust unit. The method of the second aspect comprises:
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- Conveying hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic pump to the hydraulic consumer by means of the hydraulic line system and the telescopic hydraulic line units; and
- Conveying hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic consumer to the hydraulic pump by means of the hydraulic line system and the telescopic hydraulic line units.
The advantages of the method according to the second aspect correspond to the advantages and positive effects mentioned above in connection with the mining machine according to the first aspect.
According to a third aspect of the invention, the above-mentioned and other objects of the embodiments of present invention are attained by providing a method for rock excavation with the aid of a mining machine comprising:
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- a rotatable cutting head having an outer circumferential surface and a plurality of rock-engaging cutting elements distributed on the outer circumferential surface, the outer circumferential surface having a width which constitutes the rock cutting width of the cutting head,
- a holder for holding the cutting head, the cutting head being rotatable in relation to the holder,
- a thrust unit attached to the holder,
- a machine body attached to the thrust unit, the thrust unit being movable in relation to the machine body, wherein the holder is configured to hold the cutting head between the machine body and a rock formation to be excavated,
- a thrust apparatus for moving the thrust unit in relation to the machine body between a retracted position and an extended position, the thrust apparatus being configured to push the thrust unit in a forward direction, thereby pushing the cutting elements into the rock formation,
- a hydraulic pump,
- one or more hydraulic consumers, and
- a hydraulic line system for hydraulically connecting the hydraulic pump to the hydraulic consumer.
The hydraulic line system comprises first hydraulic lines attached to the machine body and second hydraulic lines attached to the thrust unit. The hydraulic line system comprises two telescopic hydraulic line units, wherein each telescopic hydraulic line unit hydraulically connects one of the first hydraulic lines to one of the second hydraulic lines. Each telescopic hydraulic line unit comprises a first tube and a second tube movable in relation to one another, wherein the first tube is configured to telescope into the second tube. One of the first and second tubes is attached to the machine body and the other one of the first and second tubes is attached to the thrust unit. The mining machine is configured to move the thrust unit and the cutting head back and forth in cutting strokes to cut the rock formation, thereby retracting and extending the telescopic hydraulic line unit with the movement of the thrust unit. The method of the third aspect comprises:
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- Pushing the thrust unit in a forward direction by means of the thrust apparatus, thereby pushing the cutting elements of the cutting head into the rock formation;
- Conveying hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic pump to the hydraulic consumer, which is a hydraulic motor for rotating the cutting head in relation to the holder, by means of the hydraulic line system and the telescopic hydraulic line units;
- Conveying hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic consumer to the hydraulic pump by means of the hydraulic line system and the telescopic hydraulic line units; and
- Rotating the cutting head by means of the hydraulic motor.
The advantages of the method according to the third aspect correspond to the advantages and positive effects mentioned above in connection with the mining machine according to the first aspect.
The above-mentioned features and embodiments of the mining machine and the method, respectively, may be combined in various possible ways providing further advantageous embodiments.
Further advantageous embodiments of the present invention and further advantages with the embodiments of the present invention emerge from the dependent claims and the detailed description of embodiments.
Aspects of the present invention will now be described, for exemplary purposes, in more detail by way of embodiments and with reference to the enclosed drawings, in which:
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The excavation process by means of the mining machine 102 as disclosed above can be performed as follows. With reference to
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- Pushing 401 the thrust unit 112 in a forward direction by means of the thrust apparatus 118, thereby pushing the cutting elements 108 of the cutting head 104 into the rock formation;
- Conveying 402, or deliver, hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic pump 122 to the hydraulic consumer 125, which is a hydraulic motor 136 for rotating the cutting head 104 in relation to the holder 110, by means of the hydraulic line system 126 and the telescopic hydraulic line units 128;
- Conveying 403, or deliver, hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic consumer 125 to the hydraulic pump 122 by means of the hydraulic line system 126 and the telescopic hydraulic line units 128; and
- Rotating 404 the cutting head 104 by means of the hydraulic motor 136.
The method for rock excavation with the aid of a mining machine 102 may also include the step of moving the thrust unit 112 in a backward direction to disengage the cutting head 104 from the rock formation in order to move the cutting head 104 to a new cutting region.
The invention shall not be considered limited to the embodiments illustrated, but can be modified and altered in many ways by one skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the appended claims, which define the invention.
Claims
1. A mining machine for rock excavation, the mining machine comprising a machine body, a rotatable cutting head, a holder for holding the rotatable cutting head, a thrust unit attached to the holder, and a thrust apparatus for moving the thrust unit in relation to the machine body; the mining machine further comprising: characterized in,
- a hydraulic pump, one or more hydraulic consumers, and
- a hydraulic line system for hydraulically connecting the hydraulic pump to the hydraulic consumer, wherein the hydraulic line system comprises two telescopic hydraulic line units, wherein each telescopic hydraulic line unit hydraulically connects one of first hydraulic lines attached to the machine body to one of second hydraulic lines attached to the thrust unit,
- that each telescopic hydraulic line unit comprises a first tube and a second tube movable in relation to one another, wherein the first tube is configured to telescope into the second tube, and wherein one of the first and second tubes is attached to the machine body and the other one of the first and second tubes is attached to the thrust unit, and
- that the mining machine is configured to move the thrust unit and the cutting head back and forth in cutting strokes to cut the rock formation, thereby retracting and extending the telescopic hydraulic line unit with the movement of the thrust unit.
2. A mining machine according to claim 1,
- the mining machine being configured to rotate the cutting head in relation to the holder,
- the holder being configured to hold the cutting head between the machine body and a rock formation to be excavated,
- the rotatable cutting head having an outer circumferential surface and with a plurality of rock-engaging cutting elements distributed on the outer circumferential surface, the outer circumferential surface having a width which constitutes the rock cutting width of the cutting head, and
- the thrust unit being movable in relation to the machine body between a retracted position and an extended position, the thrust apparatus being configured to push the thrust unit in a forward direction, thereby pushing the cutting elements into the rock formation.
3. A mining machine according claim 2, wherein each telescopic hydraulic line unit forms a hydraulic channel, wherein each hydraulic channel is hydraulically connected to the one of first hydraulic lines by means of a first hydraulic block having hydraulic channels, and wherein each hydraulic channel is hydraulically connected to the one of second hydraulic lines by means of a second hydraulic block having hydraulic channels.
4. A mining machine according to claim 1, wherein the mining machine comprises one or more propelling units for propelling the mining machine, and wherein the propelling unit is configured to rest on a floor of a tunnel during the rock excavation.
5. A mining machine according to claim 1, wherein the mining machine comprises one or more first stabilizing units movable in relation to the machine body, and wherein the first stabilizing unit is configured to engage a roof of the tunnel to secure the mining machine and counteract forces created during the rock excavation.
6. A mining machine according claim 5, wherein the mining machine comprises one or more second stabilizing units movable in relation to the machine body and configured to engage a floor of the tunnel to secure the mining machine and counteract forces created during the rock excavation.
7. A mining machine according to claim 5, wherein at least one of the first stabilizing unit and the second stabilizing unit is attached to the machine body.
8. A mining machine according to claim 1, wherein the hydraulic consumer or one of the hydraulic consumers is attached to the cutting head.
9. A mining machine according to claim 1, wherein the hydraulic consumer or one of the hydraulic consumers is attached to the holder.
10. A mining machine according to claim 1, wherein the mining machine comprises one or more hydraulic motors for rotating the cutting head in relation to the holder, the hydraulic motor comprising the hydraulic consumer or one of the hydraulic consumers.
11. A mining machine according to claim 1, wherein the hydraulic consumer or one of the hydraulic consumers is attached to the thrust unit.
12. A mining machine according to claim 1, wherein the mining machine comprises one or more guide apparatuses for guiding the thrust unit in relation to the machine body between the retracted position and the extended position, each guide apparatus comprising a guide.
13. A mining machine according to claim 12, wherein the guide is substantially linear, and wherein the guide apparatus is configured to linearly move the thrust unit in relation to the machine body between the retracted position and the extended position.
14. A mining machine according to claim 1, wherein the holder is movable in relation to the thrust unit, wherein the mining machine comprises a positioning apparatus for moving and positioning the holder and the cutting head in relation to the thrust unit in a horizontal direction and/or a vertical direction when the propelling unit rests on the floor of the tunnel.
15. A mining machine according to claim 1, wherein each cutting element comprises a disc-shaped cutter, wherein the cutting head comprises a cutting head frame having a cutter seat for each cutter, and wherein the cutter is seated in the cutter seat and is rotatable in relation to the cutting head frame.
16. A mining machine according to claim 1, wherein the cutting head has a first side between the outer circumferential surface and an axis of rotation of the cutting head and a second side between the outer circumferential surface and the axis of rotation of the cutting head, wherein the holder comprises a first arm extending at least partly along the first side and holding the cutting head, whereas the second side of the cutting head is without any such arm.
17. A mining machine according to claim 1, wherein the hydraulic pump is attached to the machine body.
18. A mining machine according to claim 1, wherein the mining machine comprises a first part and a second part, wherein the first part comprises the cutting head, the holder, the thrust unit and the machine body, wherein the second part comprises the hydraulic pump, and wherein the first and second parts are connectable to one another.
19. A mining machine according to claim 18, wherein at least one of the first and second the stabilizing units is configured to secure the first part to counteract forces on the first part created during the rock excavation.
20. A mining machine according to claim 18, wherein the second part comprises control equipment for controlling the mining machine.
21. A mining machine according to claim 18, wherein the mining machine comprises an operator cabin attached to the second part of the mining machine, and wherein the mining machine is controllable from the operator cabin.
22. A mining machine according to claim 1, wherein the mining machine is controllable from a remote location.
23. A mining machine according to claim 1, wherein the mining machine is configured to operate at least partly autonomously.
24. A method for conveying hydraulic fluid to and from a hydraulic consumer with the aid of a mining machine comprising a machine body, a rotatable cutting head, a holder for holding the rotatable cutting head, a thrust unit attached to the holder, a thrust apparatus for moving the thrust unit in relation to the machine body, wherein a hydraulic line system comprising two telescopic hydraulic line units is comprised in the mining machine, of which each telescopic hydraulic line unit hydraulically connects one of first hydraulic lines attached to the machine body to one of second hydraulic lines attached to the thrust unit and wherein each telescopic hydraulic line unit comprises a first tube and a second tube movable in relation to one another, wherein the first tube is configured to telescope into the second tube, wherein the method comprises:
- conveying hydraulic fluid from a hydraulic pump to the hydraulic consumer by means of the hydraulic line system and the telescopic hydraulic line units; and
- conveying hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic consumer to the hydraulic pump by means of the hydraulic line system and the telescopic hydraulic line units.
25. A method for rock excavation with the aid of a mining machine comprising: a machine body, a rotatable cutting head, a holder for holding the rotatable cutting head, a thrust unit attached to the holder, a thrust apparatus for moving the thrust unit in relation to the machine body, wherein a hydraulic line system comprising two telescopic hydraulic line units is comprised in the mining machine, of which each telescopic hydraulic line unit hydraulically connects one of first hydraulic lines attached to the machine body to one of second hydraulic lines attached to the thrust unit and wherein each telescopic hydraulic line unit comprises a first tube and a second tube movable in relation to one another, wherein the first tube is configured to telescope into the second tube, wherein the method comprises:
- pushing the thrust unit in a forward direction by means of the thrust apparatus, thereby pushing cutting elements of a cutting head into the rock formation;
- conveying hydraulic fluid from a hydraulic pump to a hydraulic consumer of the mining machine, which hydraulic consumer is a hydraulic motor for rotating the cutting head in relation to the holder, by means of the hydraulic line system and the telescopic hydraulic line units;
- conveying hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic consumer to the hydraulic pump by means of the hydraulic line system and the telescopic hydraulic line units; and
- rotating the cutting head by means of the hydraulic motor.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 17, 2020
Publication Date: Oct 27, 2022
Applicant: EPIROC ROCK DRILLS AKTIEBOLAG (Örebro)
Inventor: Hans KERFSTEDT (Örebro)
Application Number: 17/634,448