A system for connecting a mining vehicle 100 to an overhead power structure 1 comprises a chassis, a cable 110 transmitting electrical power from the overhead power structure 1 to the chassis, a connector 120 coupled to the chassis receiving one end of the cable, a sensor for detecting a condition of the cable and generating a first signal, and a controller receiving the first signal and generating a second signal in response. The overhead power structure 1 (figure 3A) comprises a trolley 10 running along a track formed of parallel tubular segments 2,3 and having a connected power source, a cable 110 connected to the trolley 10, a sensor and a controller. The sensor may detect an angle or tension of the cable 110. The connector may include a cable reel for reeling in and paying out cable and is operated by the controller in response to a sensed cable condition. The connector 120 may be rotatable 360 degrees relative to the chassis. The outer tubular segments 3 of the track may be rail segments along which wheels 11a of the trolley 10 run. The inner tubular segments 2 may be conductor tubes forming conductors for a power grid.
Overhead power grid for mobile mining machines
2015-08-19
Patent
Electronic Resource
English
IPC: | B60L PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES , Antrieb von elektrisch angetriebenen Fahrzeugen / B60M Speiseleitungen oder Vorrichtungen am Gleis für elektrisch angetriebene Fahrzeuge , POWER SUPPLY LINES, OR DEVICES ALONG RAILS, FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES / E21F Sicherheitsvorrichtungen, Förderung, Auffüllen oder Bergversatz, Rettungswesen, Bewetterung oder Entwässerung in oder von Gruben oder Tunnels , SAFETY DEVICES, TRANSPORT, FILLING-UP, RESCUE, VENTILATION, OR DRAINAGE IN OR OF MINES OR TUNNELS |