TECHNICAL FIELD

[001 ] The present invention relates to the field of mining and quarrying. In particular, the present invention relates to power transmission cables for use in mining for supplying power to pumps, shovels, draglines, blasthole drills and other powered machines and apparatus on a mine site.

BACKGROUND

[002] Power transmission cables are used in above ground and below ground mines for supplying electric power to stationary and mobile mining pumps, shovels, draglines, blasthole drills and other powered machines and apparatus.

[003] Power transmission cables used on mine sites are referred to as trailing cables as in use they trail behind the mobile equipment to which they are attached and supply power. Such cables carry large amounts of electrical energy at voltages from 415V to 22kV and are used extensively in above ground and below ground mining operations. Typically, the cable trails out from behind the machine to some point in the rear where it is connected to a permanent electrical power line. As the machine advances cable is fed out from a cable reel to trail the machine, and when the machine retreats the cable is wound back on the reel.

[004] Trailing cables used on mine sites lie on the ground and are subject to damage from machines and vehicles running over the cable or from being impacted by falling rocks and other objects. Trailing cables are constructed to resist extreme mechanical abuse. However, damage to trailing cables can and does happen and this can result in the development of a short-circuit or other potentially hazardous outcomes such as exposure of conductors. Down time associated with repairing or replacing damaged cables is costly, not to mention to the material and labour costs associated with repairing or replacing damaged cables. [005] Trailing cables can be difficult to see on mine sites as they can be partially obscured by gravel or particulates. At night, trailing cables are particularly difficult to see. During the daytime or, in particular at night, operators of machines and vehicles on mine sites can fail to see trailing cables and as a result can run over the cables or otherwise impact them which can result in damage and downtime in order to repair or replace the cables.

[006] Existing trailing cables have bright colouring and other treatments applied to the sheathing to increase their visibility. However, the application of visibility enhancing treatments to the cable sheathing can be obscured by dust or mud adhering to the exterior of the cable sheath.

[007] Accordingly, the present invention aims to ameliorate the problem of trailing cables being damaged due to being run over or impacted by operators of machines and vehicles on mine sites. The invention aims to assist operators of machines and vehicles on mine sites to identify the location of trailing cables.

[008] Any discussion of background art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that any of the documents or other material referred to was published, known or forms part of the common general knowledge.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[009] Accordingly, in one aspect, the invention provides an apparatus for assisting in identifying the location of a cable on a mine site, the apparatus including: a connection device for connection to a cable; a signal portion including a reflective display medium; and an elongated member connecting the connection device with the signal portion and for spacing apart the signal portion from the cable.

[0010] In use, the apparatus is connected to a cable on a mine site, referred to herein as trailing cables, and maintains the signal portion comprising the reflective display medium at a distance above the cable (and above the ground supporting the cable) to assist operators of machines and vehicles on mine sites to identify the location of the cable, particularly in low light conditions or at night. Accordingly, the apparatus ameliorates the problem of trailing cables being damaged due to being run over or impacted by operators of machines and vehicles on mine sites because they cannot be seen or are obscured.

[001 1 ] Preferably, the connection device defines a recess adapted to receive a cable extending longitudinally therethrough.

[0012] Preferably, the recess is defined by a pair of spaced apart legs extending from a base.

[0013] Preferably, the legs have an arcuate profile to conform to the round exterior profile of a cable.

[0014] Preferably, the legs are deflectable from an original position to widen a gap between free ends of the legs for a cable to pass therethrough and into the recess, wherein the legs are configured to spring back towards their original position to thereby retain the cable within the recess.

[0015] In embodiments, the legs are rounded and deflect to receive and clip onto the cable.

[0016] Preferably, the recess is circular in shape and is configured to receive a cable longitudinally therewithin.

[0017] Preferably, the signal portion includes a facing area for the reflective display medium to be fixed thereto.

[0018] Preferably, the facing area includes a concave surface for the reflective display medium to be fixed thereto.

[0019] Preferably, the facing area includes a convex surface for the reflective display medium to be fixed thereto. [0020] Preferably, the facing area is disc shaped and the reflective display medium is disc shaped.

[0021 ] In embodiments, the signal portion includes an elongated pole and the facing area comprises an exterior surface of the pole.

[0022] Preferably, the reflective display material is fixed to the exterior surface of the pole and extends around the circumference of the pole. Embodiments in which the signal portion includes an elongated pole and the facing area comprises an exterior surface of the pole are advantageous as the reflective display material is visible from any direction.

[0023] Preferably, the elongated member includes a rod comprising first and second spaced apart ends, the first end being fixed to the connection device and the second end being fixed to the signal portion.

[0024] Preferably, the elongated member extends from the connection device in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the recess.

[0025] Preferably, one or more ground engaging support members for engaging the ground to thereby maintain the signal portion vertically above the cable.

[0026] Preferably, the one or more ground engaging support members includes one or more lateral support members for engaging the ground laterally and adjacent to the cable to thereby maintain the signal portion vertically above the cable.

[0027] Preferably, the one or more lateral support members are secured to the elongated member at a location spaced apart from the connection device.

[0028] Preferably, the one or more lateral support members are secured to the base or to the legs of the connection device. [0029] In another aspect, the invention provides a method for providing power to mobile mining equipment including: connecting one end of a power cable to a power supply and another end of the cable to the mobile mining equipment; connecting a plurality of apparatus along the length of the cable for assisting in identifying the location of the cable on the mine site, the apparatus including: a connection device for connection to a cable; a signal portion including a reflective display medium fixed thereto; and an elongated member connecting the connection device with the signal portion and for spacing apart the signal portion from the cable.

[0030] In embodiments, the method includes feeding the cable from a reel attached to the mobile mining equipment and attaching the plurality of the apparatus at locations spaced apart along the length of the cable.

[0031 ] Preferably, the method includes drawing the cable onto the reel and detaching the plurality of the apparatus from the cable as the cable is fed onto the reel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0032] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to preferred embodiments illustrated in the accompanying figures, wherein:

[0033] Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of an apparatus for assisting in identifying the location of a cable on a mine site according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0034] Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of the apparatus of Figure 1 in use connected to a cable to thereby maintain the signal portion vertically above and spaced apart from the cable;

[0035] Figure 3 illustrates a side view of the apparatus of Figure 1 ;

[0036] Figure 4 illustrates a front view of the apparatus of Figure 1 ; [0037] Figure 5 illustrates a top view of the apparatus of Figure 1 ;

[0038] Figure 6 illustrates a top view of a transverse section of the apparatus of Figure 1 take through section line B-B in Figure 3;

[0039] Figure 7 illustrates a top view of a transverse section of the apparatus of Figure 1 take through section line C-C in Figure 4;

[0040] Figure 8 illustrates an apparatus for assisting in identifying the location of a cable on a mine site according to another embodiment of the invention further including one or more lateral ground engaging support members for engaging the ground laterally and adjacent to the cable to thereby maintain the signal portion vertically above the cable;

[0041 ] Figure 9 illustrates an apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the invention including one or more lateral ground engaging support members for engaging the ground laterally and adjacent to the cable;

[0042] Figure 10 illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus for assisting in identifying the location of a cable on a mine site according to another embodiment of the invention;

[0043] Figure 1 1 illustrates a front view of the apparatus of Figure 10;

[0044] Figure 12 illustrates a perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 10 in use connected to a cable to thereby maintain the signal portion vertically above and spaced apart from the cable;

[0045] Figure 13 illustrates a drill rig including a reel of cable connected thereto wherein a plurality of the apparatus of the invention are attached to the cable and are removable therefrom upon being wound back onto the reel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Referring to Figures 1 to 7, there is shown an apparatus 10 for assisting in identifying the location of a cable 5 on a mine site. The apparatus 10 includes a connection device 20 for connection to a cable 5 and a signal portion 30 that includes a reflective display medium 7 fixed thereto and an elongated member 40 connecting the connection device 20 with the signal portion 30 and for spacing apart the signal portion 30 from the cable 5.

[0047] In use, as illustrated in Figure 2, the apparatus 10 is connected to the cable 5 and maintains the signal portion 30 comprising the reflective display medium 7 at a fixed distance above the cable 5 to assist operators of machines and vehicles on mine sites to identify the location of the cable 5, particularly in low light conditions or at night. Accordingly, the apparatus 10 ameliorates the problem of the cable 5 being damaged due to being run over or impacted by operators of machines and vehicles on mine sites.

[0048] Referring to Figures 1 , 2 and 4, the connection device 20 defines a recess 22 adapted to receive the cable 5 extending longitudinally therethrough. The recess 22 is defined by a pair of spaced apart legs 21 , 23 extending from a base 25. The legs 21 have an arcuate profile to conform to the round exterior profile of the cable 5. The recess 22 that is defined by the base 25 and the pair of legs 21 , 23 is circular in shape and is configured, in use, to receive the cable 5 longitudinally therewithin.

[0049] The legs 21 , 23 have free ends 27, 29 that are spaced apart by a gap 24 that is substantially less that the maximum diameter of the recess 22. The legs 21 , 23 are adapted to resiliently flex so as to be deflectable from an original resting position to widen the gap 24 between free ends 27, 29 of the legs 21 , 23 for the cable 5 to pass therethrough and into the recess 22. The legs 21 , 23 are configured to spring back towards their original position to thereby retain the cable 5 within the recess 22. Accordingly, the connection device 20 is adapted to operate as a clip to securely maintain the connection device 20 to the cable 5.

[0050] The elongated member 40 includes a shaft or rod 44 comprising first and second spaced apart ends 41 , 43. The first end 41 of the rod 44 is fixed to the base 25 of the connection device 20. The second end 43 of the rod 44 is fixed to a peripheral edge of the signal portion 30, which is comprised of a disc shaped member. Referring to Figures 1 , 2 and 4, in particular, it can be seen that the elongated member 40 extends from the connection device 20 in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the recess 22. Thus, the elongated member 40 extends perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the cable 5.

[0051 ] As illustrated in Figure 2, the signal portion 30 includes a facing area

32 for a reflective display material 7, which in embodiments forms the reflective display medium, to be fixed thereto. Referring to Figures 5 and 6, which illustrate plan and cross section views respectively of the signal portion 30, the facing area 32 includes a concave surface 34 on one side and a convex surface

33 on an opposite side. The reflective display material 7 is fixed to the concave surface 34 and the reflective display material can also be affixed to the convex surface 33. The facing area 32 is disc shaped and the reflective display material 7 is also disc shaped.

[0052] Accordingly, in embodiments, the signal portion 30 includes two discs of the reflective display material 7 adhered to the opposite sides of the signal portion 30. One of the discs of reflective material 7 is adhered to the concave surface 34 and another one of the discs of reflective material 7 is adhered to the convex surface 33.

[0053] The reflective display material 7, which in embodiments forms the reflective display medium, is preferably a retroreflective material that reflects light back to its source with minimum scattering and at a wide range of angles of incidence. The retroreflective material includes glass beads or prismatic reflectors embedded in a base sheeting layer. Accordingly, in use, the connection device 20 is connected to the cable 5 and the signal portion 30 is maintained a distance vertically above the cable 5 equivalent to the length of the elongated member 40.

[0054] Light emitted from the headlights or other lights of vehicles manoeuvring in the vicinity of the cable, particularly in low light or night-time conditions, will be reflected by the reflective display material 7 fixed to the signal portion 30. The signal portion 30 will thereby be clearly visible to operators of such vehicles in order that the can avoid running over or otherwise damaging the cable 5.

[0055] In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, the apparatus 10 further includes one or more and preferably a pair of ground engaging support members for engaging the ground to orient the apparatus 10 vertically relative to the ground. In particular, to orient the apparatus 10 so that the signal portion 30 is located or oriented vertically above the cable. The one or more ground engaging support members includes one or more lateral support members 52, 54 for engaging the ground laterally and adjacent to the cable 5 to thereby maintain the elongated member 40 oriented vertically from the connection device 20 and the cable 5 and thereby maintain the signal portion vertically above the cable 5.

[0056] In the embodiment of Figure 8, the lateral support members 52, 54 are secured to the elongated member 40 at a location spaced apart from the connection device 20. In the embodiment of Figure 9, the one or more lateral support members 52, 54 are secured to the connection device 20. The lateral support members 52, 54 are secured to the legs 21 , 23 of the connection device 20 but they could otherwise be secured to the base 25. In such embodiments, the lateral support members operate in the manner of outriggers to maintain the orientation of the apparatus 10 relative to the horizontal while connected to the cable 5.

[0057] Figures 10 to 12 illustrate another embodiment of the apparatus 1 10. The apparatus 10 includes a connection device 120 for connection to a cable 5 and a signal portion 130 that includes a reflective display medium 107 fixed thereto. An elongated member 140 connects the connection device 120 with the signal portion 130 and spaces apart the signal portion 130 from the cable 5. [0058] The signal portion 130 includes an elongated pole 131 and the facing area 132 comprises an exterior surface 133 of the pole 131 . In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 10 to 12, the exterior surface 133 of the pole 131 is cylindrical in shape. In other embodiments, the exterior surface 133 of the pole 131 is comprised of facets. Preferably, the facets are planar and the pole 131 preferably has a polygonal profile along at least a portion of its length. In embodiments, the pole 131 has a square profile comprising four planar facets, a hexagonal profile comprising 6 planar facets or an octagonal profile comprising 8 planar facets.

[0059] Preferably, the reflective display material 107 is fixed to the exterior surface 133 of the pole 131 and extends around the circumference of the pole 131 . The pole 131 includes two segments of the reflective display material 107 fixed to the exterior surface 133 of the pole 131 . A first segment 137 located proximally to the connection device 120 and a second segment 138 located distally to the connection device 120. The first segment 137 and the second segment 138 are spaced apart from each other by a gap.

[0060] Light emitted from the headlights or other lights of vehicles manoeuvring in the vicinity of the cable, particularly in low light or night-time conditions, will be reflected by the reflective display material 107 fixed to the signal portion 130. The embodiment of Figures 10 to 12, in which the signal portion includes an elongated pole 131 and the reflective display material 107 extends around the circumference of the pole 131 are advantageous as the reflective display material 107 is visible from any direction.

[0061 ] In the apparatus 110 of Figures 10 to 12, the connection device 120 defines a recess 122 adapted to receive the cable 5 extending longitudinally therethrough. The recess 122 is defined by a pair of spaced apart legs 121 , 123 extending from a base 125. The legs 121 , 123 have a complex profile comprising an arcuate lower section 127 and a substantially linear upper section 128. The arcuate lower section 127 conforms to the round exterior profile of the cable 5 and the substantially linear upper section 128 extends between the base 125, to which the elongated member 140 is fixed, and the arcuate lower section 127. The linear upper sections 128 of the legs 121 , 123 define a substantially V shaped recess therebetween and are adapted to resiliently flex so the legs 121 , 123 move apart from each other to receive the cable 5 longitudinally between the arcuate lower sections 127 of the legs 121 , 123. The legs 121 , 123 are thereby configured to spring back towards their original position to thereby retain the cable 5 within the recess 122.

[0062] Figure 13 illustrates a drill rig 200 including a reel 210 holding a length of the cable 5. The reel 210 is adapted to feed out or withdraw the cable 5 as the drill rig 200 moves around the bench. One end of the cable 5 is connected to the drill rig 200 and the other end of the cable 5 is connected to a power supply (not shown). As the cable 5 is fed from the reel 210, an operator attaches a plurality of the apparatus 10, 110 at locations along the length of the cable 5. As the cable 5 is drawn back onto the reel 210 the cable 5 passes through a channel 215 that is adapted to wind the cable 5 evenly onto the reel 210. The channel 215 is also configured to remove the apparatus 10, 1 10 from the cable 5. The removed apparatus 10, 110 falls into a receptacle 218 located below the channel 215. Accordingly, the embodiment of Figure 10 is operable to automatically remove each of the of the apparatus 10, 1 10 from the cable 5 when it is wound onto the reel 210. The apparatus 10, 110 that fall into the receptacle 218 can be attached to the cable 5 by an operator as the cable 5 is fed from the reel 210.

[0063] Although the disclosure has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the disclosure may be embodied in many other forms, in keeping with the broad principles and the spirit of the disclosure described herein.