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Title:
OPPORTUNITY CHARGING SYSTEM FOR MINING APPLICATIONS
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2019/222607
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
An opportunity charging system for providing power from one mining machine to another. The mining machines may comprise mobile vehicles, such as for example a loader and a hauler. The charging system may involve charging the loader while it is loading the hauler, or vice-versa. A third machine, such as a miner, may also form part of the system. Related methods are also disclosed.

Inventors:
HINSHAW GREGORY (US)
KENDALL WILLIAM (US)
Application Number:
PCT/US2019/032836
Publication Date:
November 21, 2019
Filing Date:
May 17, 2019
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
J H FLETCHER & CO (US)
International Classes:
E21F13/00; H02J7/02
Domestic Patent References:
WO2016000963A12016-01-07
WO2006133074A22006-12-14
Foreign References:
FR2974653A12012-11-02
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
TORRE, Patrick, M. et al. (US)
Download PDF:
Claims:
In the Claims

1. An opportunity charging system, comprising:

a first mining machine including a first power source connected to a charger; and

a second mining machine having a second power source adapted for being charged by the charger.

2. The opportunity charging system of claim 1, wherein the first mining machine comprises a first mobile vehicle.

3. The opportunity charging system of claim 2, wherein the mobile vehicle comprises a loader.

4. The opportunity charging system of claim 2, wherein the second mining machine comprises a second mobile vehicle.

5. The opportunity charging system of claim 2, wherein the first mobile vehicle comprises a hauler.

6. The opportunity charging system of claim 1, wherein one of the first and second mining machines is selected from the group comprising a loader, a hauler, a bolter, a miner, or any combination of the foregoing.

7. The opportunity charging system of claim 1, wherein the charger comprises a power transfer mechanism for transferring power to a connector for connecting to the first power source to the second power source.

8. The opportunity charging system of claim 7, wherein the power transfer mechanism comprises an outlet, and the connector comprises a cable adapted for connecting to the outlet.

9. The opportunity charging system of claim 1, wherein the charger comprises an inductive system for transferring power from the first mining machine to the second mining machine.

10. The opportunity charging system of claim 1, wherein the first mining machine comprises a miner.

11. The opportunity charging system of claim 1 , further including a third mining machine adapted for charging one or both of the first and second mining machines.

12. The opportunity charging system of claim 11, wherein the third mining machine comprises a miner.

13. The opportunity charging system of claim 12, further including a mine power system connected to the miner.

14. An opportunity charging system, comprising:

a first mining machine having a first power source connected to a first charger;

a second mining machine having a second power source adapted for being charged by the first charger, the second mining machine including a second charger; and a third mining machine having a third power source adapted for being charged by the second charger.

15. The opportunity charging system of claim 14, wherein:

the first mining machine comprises a miner and the first power source comprises a mine power system connected to the miner; and

the second mining machine and third mining machine comprise mobile vehicles.

16. A method of opportunity charging a first mining machine using a second mining machine, comprising:

charging a first power source of the first mining machine from a second power source of the second mining machine.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the first mining machine comprises a loader, the second mining comprises a hauler, and the charging step is completed while the loader is loading the hauler.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the first mining machine comprises a miner, the first power source comprises a mine power system, the second mining machine comprises a mobile vehicle, and the charging step is completed by connecting the mobile vehicle to the miner.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein the charging step comprises inductively charging the first power source using the second power source.

20. The method of claim 16, further including the step of charging a third power source of a third mining machine using one or both of the first power source or the second power source.

Description:
OPPORTUNITY CHARGING SYSTEM FOR MINING APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/673,383, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Incorporation By Reference

[0001] All publications and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure is directed generally to the mining arts and, in particular, to a mining machine with an integrated opportunity charging system, which may be used for charging the battery of one or more vehicles.

Background

[0003] Haulage equipment is used to transfer material from a mining face to a loading point for removal from a mine. When loading is available at the face of the mine, specialized haulage cars and trucks are typically used to transfer materials. While haulage vehicles may be powered by diesel, electricity, or battery, the benefits of modern battery technology have broadened the scope of battery powered vehicles. Specifically, modern batteries are capable of rapidly charging and accepting partial charges without negatively impacting battery life.

[0004] As a result of this technology, battery-powered haulage vehicles are commonly employed in mining operations. After a period of use, the battery on the vehicle becomes drained from a full charge, and must be charged or replaced with a charged battery. In order for a battery to be charged, the battery could be taken to a charging station, which is often located in an area of the mine away from roadways typically used by haulage equipment. Moreover, docking at a remote station takes the haulage vehicle out of commission, creating non-productive or wasted time.

[0005] Rather than utilizing charging stations, mine vehicles may benefit from opportunity charging. Opportunity charging is an established concept where a battery powered electric vehicle receives a brief charge whilst stationary at certain points along its predefined operational path or track. To achieve this, an opportunity charging system may be provided to allow the mobile vehicle to charge while it is working, such as by being loaded by another vehicle. The power from the loader or mining machine may be transferred to the haulage vehicle via the opportunity charging system, in a manner sufficient to optimize battery size and overall vehicle performance.

Summary

[0006] It is accordingly the primary objective of to provide an opportunity charging system involving mining vehicles.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the disclosure, an opportunity charging system is provided. The system may comprise a first mining machine including a first power source connected to a charger and a second mining machine having a second power source adapted for being charged by the charger.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first mining machine comprises a first mobile vehicle. In some embodiments, the mobile vehicle comprises a loader. The second mining machine may also comprise a second mobile vehicle, such as a hauler. In any embodiment, the first and second mining machines may be selected from the group comprising a loader, a hauler, a bolter, a miner, or any combination of the foregoing.

[0009] In some embodiments, the charger comprises a power transfer mechanism for transferring power to a connector for connecting to the first power source to the second power source. In one embodiment, the power transfer mechanism comprises an outlet, and the connector comprises a cable adapted for connecting to the outlet. Alternatively, the charger may comprise an inductive system for transferring power from the first mining machine to the second mining machine.

[0010] In some embodiments, the system may include a third mining machine adapted for charging one or both of the first and second mining machines. The third mining machine may comprise a miner, which may be connected to a mine power system, and thus may be used to charge the first or second mining machines.

[0011] A further aspect of the disclosure pertains to an opportunity charging system. The system comprises a first mining machine having a first power source connected to a first charger. The system further comprises a second mining machine having a second power source adapted for being charged by the first charger, the second mining machine including a second charger, and a third mining machine having a third power source adapted for being charged by the second charger.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first mining machine comprises a miner and the first power source comprises a mine power system connected to the miner. In one embodiment, the second mining machine and third mining machine comprise mobile vehicles.

[0013] According to yet a further aspect of the disclosure, a method of opportunity charging a first mining machine using a second mining machine is provided. The method comprises charging a first power source of the first mining machine from a second power source of the second mining machine.

[0014] In some embodiments, the mining machine comprises a loader, the second mining comprises a hauler, and the connecting step is completed while the loader is loading the hauler. In some embodiments, the first mining machine comprises a miner, the first power source comprises a mine power system, the second mining machine comprises a mobile vehicle, and the connecting step is completed by connecting the mobile vehicle to the miner. In some embodiments, the connecting step comprises inductively transferring power from the first power source to the second power source. The method may further include the step of charging a third power source of a third mining machine using one or both of the first power source or the second power source. Brief Description of the Drawing Figures

[0015] Figure 1 is a schematic view illustrating one embodiment of an opportunity charging system;

[0016] Figure 2 is a side view of a mining machine that may form part of an opportunity charging system according to the disclosure;

[0017] Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment of the opportunity charging system;

[0018] Figure 4 is a view of a possible control panel and a power transfer mechanism associated with one or each vehicle;

[0019] Figure 5 is a top plan view of an underground mine environment to illustrate various aspect of the opportunity charging system for mining machines;

[0020] Figure 6 is a side view illustrating another embodiment of an opportunity charging system;

[0021] Figure 7 is side view of another embodiment of an opportunity charging system; and

[0022] Figure 8 is a view of another vehicle for possible use in connection with an opportunity charging system.

Detailed Description

[0023] With reference to Figure 1, a charging system 10 for charging one mining machine using a second mining machine, such as on an opportunistic basis, is disclosed. As schematically illustrated, a first mining machine 12 includes a first power source 14 connected to a charger 16. Furthermore, a second mining machine 18 includes a second power source 20 adapted for being charged by the charger 16. As will be understood further upon reviewing the description that follows, the ability to charge one mining machine using a second one, such as for example while one of the machines is working adjacent to the other (which as noted below could be connected to the mine power system), allows for a measure of opportunity charging to be provided, thus potentially prolonging the ability of the machines to operate without undesirable downtime, and enhancing profitability. [0024] An example of one specific embodiment of the opportunity charging system 100 is described with reference to Figures 2-5. In this example, a first mining machine is in the form of a mobile vehicle. The vehicle may be for use in loading material won as a result of mining, such as coal, onto another vehicle, which type of vehicle is commonly referred to as a loader 112. The loader 112 includes a power source, such as a battery 118, and a charger 120.

[0025] The second mining machine in need of charging in this example may also comprise a mobile vehicle for receiving material from the loader, which may be considered a haulage vehicle or hauler 114. The hauler 114 also includes a power source, such as a battery 122.

[0026] Each of the vehicles 112, 114 may include a power transfer mechanism, such as an outlet 124, for transferring electrical power between the power sources (batteries 118, 122) associated therewith. As is demonstrated in Figure 2, a connector, such as a cable 126, may be used to establish a connection for transferring power between the vehicles 112, 114. A control panel 130 controls the operation of the cable 126 to connect the loader battery 118 to the source of charging current. The power transfer may be controlled using the control panel 130 as a function of one or more parameters of the loader battery 118, such as the state of charge of the loader battery, or the amount of power being drawn from the loader battery, for example. As indicated in Figure 4, the control panel 130 may comprise a display 134 which can be used to monitor the charging status of a vehicle engaged in opportunity charging, as well as inputs, such as buttons 136, for controlling various aspects of the system (if not automated).

[0027] Referring to Figure 5, in operation in an underground mining environment, the hauler 114 may be driven to or otherwise located at a loading point for being loaded with materials won and ready to be removed from the mining operation. During the loading process, the hauler 114 may be connected, such as via cable 126, to the loader 112 for purposes of transferring power from one to the other (typically, from the loader 112 to the haulage vehicle 114, but the opposite arrangement is possible, and may be manually controlled by an operator or instead controlled automatically based on the respective charges of the associated batteries 118, 122). The vehicle being charged may draw power for being fully charged, at which point charging may cease. It is also possible for the vehicle being charged to remain charging until the battery is only partially charged, or for some other predetermined amount of time.

[0028] Referring to Figure 6, the opportunity charging system may also be configured as a dual opportunity charging system 200. In this configuration, a mobile vehicle, such as loader 212, may benefit from opportunity charging when connected to a second mining machine, such as a continuous miner 230, which may be powered by the existing mine power supply 240. The mobile vehicle, such as loader 212, may be connected to the power transfer mechanism, such as outlet 218 located on the miner 230 via a connector, such as cable 222, or a wireless (inductive) system may be used (see, e.g., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0273756). As with the first embodiment, the charging cycle may be initiated through control panel 224 or automatically. The loader 212 may continue to draw power from mine power system 240 until the battery 218 is sufficiently charged.

[0029] Once the loader 212 is charged, it may then be used to provide an opportunity charge to a second mobile vehicle, such as the haulage vehicle 214. For example, the haulage vehicle 214 may include a charger 216, which may be connected to a second power transfer mechanism, or outlet 228 associated with the loader 212, using a cable 242 (which could be the same cable as 222 used in connection with the miner 230). The haulage vehicle 214 may draw power from the loader 212 until it is fully or partially charged, as desired, at which point charging may cease.

[0030] Referring back to Figure 5, it can be readily understood that the opportunity charging system 100 may be converted into the dual opportunity charging system by simply repositioning the vehicles 112, 114. Thus, in the example shown, one or both of the mobile vehicles 112, 114 may traverse through the mine passages P (see arrow A) to interface with a third mining machine, such as a continuous miner 230 connected to the mine power supply 240. In this manner, one or both of the vehicles 112, 114 may be moved about for being opportunity charged at various locations in a mining environment. [0031] Either charging system 100, 200 may utilize a different form of a mobile mining vehicle, such as for example a bolter 300 in place of haulage vehicle 114, as shown in Figure 7. The mobile vehicle may additionally take the form of a feeder 400, as demonstrated in Figure 8. Other vehicles may be used, without limitation.

[0032] Each of the following terms written in singular grammatical form:“a”,“an”, and the”, as used herein, means“at least one”, or“one or more”. Use of the phrase One or more” herein does not alter this intended meaning of“a”,“an”, or“the”. Accordingly, the terms“a”,“an”, and“the”, as used herein, may also refer to, and encompass, a plurality of the stated entity or object, unless otherwise specifically defined or stated herein, or the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the phrases:“a unit”,“a device”,“an assembly”,“a mechanism”,“a component,“an element”, and“a step or procedure”, as used herein, may also refer to, and encompass, a plurality of units, a plurality of devices, a plurality of assemblies, a plurality of mechanisms, a plurality of components, a plurality of elements, and, a plurality of steps or procedures, respectively.

[0033] Each of the following terms: “includes”, “including”, “has”, “having”, “comprises”, and“comprising”, and, their linguistic/grammatical variants, derivatives, or/and conjugates, as used herein, means“including, but not limited to”, and is to be taken as specifying the stated components), feature(s), characteristic(s), parameter(s), integer(s), or step(s), and does not preclude addition of one or more additional component(s), feature(s), characteristic(s), parameter(s), integer(s), step(s), or groups thereof. Each of these terms is considered equivalent in meaning to the phrase“consisting essentially of.” Each of the phrases“consisting of’ and“consists of, as used herein, means“including and limited to”. The phrase“consisting essentially of’ means that the stated entity or item (system, system unit, system sub-unit device, assembly, sub-assembly, mechanism, structure, component element or, peripheral equipment utility, accessory, or material, method or process, step or procedure, sub-step or sub-procedure), which is an entirety or part of an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed invention, or/and which is used for implementing an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed invention, may include at least one additional feature or characteristic” being a system unit system sub-unit device, assembly, sub-assembly, mechanism, structure, component or element or, peripheral equipment utility, accessory, or material, step or procedure, sub-step or sub-procedure), but only if each such additional feature or characteristic” does not materially alter the basic novel and inventive characteristics or special technical features, of the claimed item.

[0034] The term“method”, as used herein, refers to steps, procedures, manners, means, or/and techniques, for accomplishing a given task including, but not limited to, those steps, procedures, manners, means, or/and techniques, either known to, or readily developed from known steps, procedures, manners, means, or/and techniques, by practitioners in the relevant field(s) of the disclosed invention.

[0035] Terms of approximation, such as the terms about, substantially, approximately, etc., as used herein, refer to ± 10 % of the stated numerical value.

[0036] It is to be fully understood that certain aspects, characteristics, and features, of the invention, which are, for clarity, illustratively described and presented in the context or format of a plurality of separate embodiments, may also be illustratively described and presented in any suitable combination or sub-combination in the context or format of a single embodiment. Conversely, various aspects, characteristics, and features, of the invention which are illustratively described and presented in combination or sub combination in the context or format of a single embodiment may also be illustratively described and presented in the context or format of a plurality of separate embodiments.

[0037] Although the invention has been illustratively described and presented by way of specific exemplary embodiments, and examples thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, or/and variations, thereof, will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended that all such alternatives, modifications, or/and variations, fall within the spirit of, and are encompassed by, the broad scope of the appended claims.