MACHINE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a protective cover system configured for protecting electronics equipment. The disclosure also relates to a mining machine comprising such a cover system and an electronics equipment operating system for a mining machine, e.g., for an underground mining machine.

BACKGROUND

Mining and/or excavating processes often take place in harsh conditions, in e.g., mines and quarries. Such environments are normally wet and dirty, and there is a substantial risk of contamination due to the environment as well as a risk for falling objects. This can be problematic for the functionality, operation, and use of equipment during the mining and/or excavation process, particularly when the equipment comprises sensitive electronics equipment, such as sensors and scanners.

Reliability of electronics equipment during mining and/or excavating processes is important, e.g., during navigation. Excavating processes are highly dependent on proper navigation within the mine as well as accurate determination of direction and hole positioning in alignment with a predetermined drill plan. Electronics equipment used in mining may for example comprise different types of monitoring technology, including prism monitoring, LIDAR or radar equipment, and other geotechnical or environmental sensors. By means of an electronic scanning device and geo-referencing, 2D tunnel map views and 3D maps with cut planes of the mine may be presented and used for, e.g., positioning the drilling booms in line with the predetermined drill plan. Laser scanners may also be used for, e.g., measuring surfaces before and after blasting to determine volumes excavated. Thus, for efficient tunnelling, drilling and blast process control, accurate measuring and correct position data is crucial to be able to optimize the drilling and blasting cycle as well as keeping the environment in the mine safe. Furthermore, the surrounding temperature in underground environments may vary within an extensive temperature range, which may be stressful and damaging for sensitive electronics equipment, and/or reduce its accuracy and reliability. A mining machine may be exposed to temperatures in a range from far below zero when moving in a surface adjacent level of the mine to substantially warmer temperatures than room temperature when reaching lower levels of a mine. Most advanced scanning devices are often best suited for operation within normal room temperature. Lack of proper functionality of a scanning device may significantly impact operation of the carrying mining machine, e.g., resulting in lower production and higher costs while increasing the risk of property damages and personal injuries.

Hence, maintaining the electronics equipment both relatively clean, protected from falling obstacles, and at a humidity as well as a temperature allowing reliable operation of the electronics equipment is essential for an efficient and safe excavation processes.

One common way to manage harsh environment for sensitive electronics equipment is to design rugged hardware. Such solutions may for example comprise electronics equipment with thicker casings and/or with water and dust proof enclosures and connectors. Some equipment may also be equipped with specialised accessories, such as fixed shields arranged to protect the electronics equipment. However, while in part solving the problem of protecting sensitive electronics equipment from environmental conditions when using rugged hardware, a drawback with such solutions is that use of application specific electronics equipment will delay the ability to introduce state of the art scanning equipment in addition to driving equipment costs.

Consequently, there is a need for a solution that facilitates implementation of advanced scanning equipment also in an environment of a mining or excavation machine, i.e., without requiring re-design of the equipment hardware.

SUMMARY

It is therefore an object of the present disclosure to provide a solution for protection of sensitive electronics equipment on a mining and/or excavating machine that seeks to mitigate, alleviate, or eliminate the need for application specific electronics equipment.

More specifically, it is an object of the present disclosure to limit exposure of the electronics equipment during use in a mining environment. This and other objects are achieved by means of a cover system, an electronics equipment operating system, and a mining machine as defined in the appended independent claims.

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a cover system for electronics equipment on a mining machine is provided. The cover system is configured to support transitioning of the electronics equipment between a non-operational protection state and an operational deployment state. The cover system comprises first and second casing members, wherein the first casing member is arranged in a fitted abutting position against the second casing member during a protection state and wherein the first casing member is at least in part arranged at a distance from the second casing member in an equipment releasing position during a deployment state. The cover system further comprises a deployment arrangement configured to control transitioning of the first and/or second casing members between the protection state and the deployment state, and an elevating arrangement comprising an equipment stand that is configured to carry the electronics equipment. The equipment stand is vertically displaceable and arranged to adopt an elevated end position during the deployment state. The first and second casing members are configured to fully enclose the vertically displaceable equipment stand during the protection state and to at least in part expose the vertically displaceable equipment stand during the deployment state.

The disclosed cover system has the advantage of enabling easy transitioning between a protection state and a deployment state by controlling elevation of a vertically displaceable equipment stand.

Optionally, the deployment arrangement is configured to control movement of the equipment stand.

Optionally, the deployment arrangement comprises a displacement mechanism configured to move the vertically displaceable equipment stand between the protection state and the deployment state. Optionally, the cover system further comprises a base platform, and wherein at least one of the first casing member and the second casing member is pivotally connected to the base platform.

The combination with one or both casing members being pivotally connected to a base platform provides the advantage of a simple and robust design capable of easy and rapid transitioning between the protection state and the deployment state.

Optionally, the displacement mechanism comprises at least one elongated bottom element extending longitudinally between a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of a first bottom element is connected to the first casing member and the distal end extends towards the second casing member. The displacement mechanism is configured to interact with a portion of the vertically displaceable equipment stand during transitioning between the non-operational protection state and the elevated operational deployment state.

Optionally, the displacement mechanism further comprises a second elongated bottom element extending longitudinally between a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the second bottom element is connected to the second casing member and the distal end extends towards the first casing member.

Optionally, the distal end of the first and/or second bottom element is configured to be released when the vertically displaceable equipment stand is in an elevated operational deployment state.

Thus, the mechanical design of the cover system may be such that transitioning is enabled through interoperability of the displacement mechanism and the first and/or second casing member.

Optionally, the first casing member and the second casing member comprises insulation.

Optionally, the cover system further comprises a heating arrangement.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, an electronics equipment operating system for a mining machine is provided. The electronics equipment operating system comprises a cover system according to the first aspect, electronics equipment, and processing circuitry configured to control transitioning of the electronics equipment between a non-operational state and an operational state, wherein the operational state of the electronics equipment is configured to be activated during the transitioning of the cover system from the protection state to the deployment state, and wherein the non- operational state of the electronics equipment is configured to be activated during transitioning of the cover system from the deployment state to the protection state.

The disclosed electronics equipment operating system has the advantage of limiting exposure of sensitive electronics equipment to correspond to a time-period when the electronics equipment is operational. The disclosed arrangement enables easy transitioning between an operational state and a non-operational state, while ensuring adequate protection of the electronics equipment.

Optionally, the electronics equipment is a laser scanner arranged to determining distances in one or more line of sight directions of the electronics equipment operating system, and wherein the laser scanner is unobscured in said one or more line of sight directions during the deployment state of the cover system.

Optionally, the processing circuitry is configured to receive a control signal from a rig or traffic control system of the underground mining machine, and to actuate transitioning of the electronics equipment between the non-operational state and the operational state based on the control signal.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a mining machine is provided. The mining machine comprises the electronics equipment operating system according to the second aspect.

In some examples, the mining machine is a mining vehicle e.g., a truck, loader, hauler, or dumper. In some examples, the mining machine is an underground mining machine. In some examples, the underground mining machine is a rock drilling rig, a production drill rig, or a bolting rig used in an underground mining application.

The disclosed mining machine has the advantage of being capable of offering significant improvements in the protection of electronics equipment; thereby enabling use of a wider range of electronics equipment for machines that operate in harsh environments. In particular, a mining machine carrying the electronics equipment operation arrangement may advantageously be used in an underground mining environment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing will be apparent from the following more particular description of the example embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the example embodiments.

Figure 1 a. illustrates an exemplary cover system during elevation, b. illustrates the exemplary cover system of Figure la during a protection state,

Figure 2 a. illustrates an alternative exemplary cover system during elevation, b. illustrates the alternative exemplary cover system of Figure 2a during a protection state,

Figure 3 a. illustrates an exemplary electronics equipment operating system, processing circuitry excluded. b. illustrates a top view of the exemplary electronics equipment operating system of Figure 3a,

Figure 4 a. illustrates a sectional view an exemplary electronics equipment operating system, processing circuitry excluded, b. illustrates the exemplary electronics equipment operating system of Figure 4a in a side view, c. illustrates a sectional view of an exemplary electronics equipment operating system, processing circuitry excluded, during transitioning to an operational state, d. illustrates a sectional view of an exemplary electronics equipment operating system, processing circuitry excluded, in the operational state,

Figure 5 Illustrates a mining machine carrying an electronics equipment operating system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. The cover system, electronics equipment operating system, and mining machine disclosed herein can be realized in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the aspects set forth herein. Like numbers in the drawings refer to like elements throughout.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects of the disclosure only and is not intended to limit the invention. It should be emphasized that the term "comprises/comprising" when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, and/or components, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, components, or groups thereof. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described and exemplified more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. The solutions disclosed herein can, however, be realized in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the illustrated examples.

As mentioned in the background section, mining and/or excavating processes often take place in challenging environments under harsh conditions. The environments are normally wet and dirty, and there is a substantial risk of contamination due to the environment as well as a risk for falling objects. Functionality, operation, and use of equipment during the mining and/or excavation process must be adapted to meet these conditions. When the equipment comprises sensitive electronics equipment, such as sensors and scanners, there is a strong need for protection from environmental conditions.

It is an object of the present invention to achieve significant improvements in the lifetime of electronics equipment for use in a mining environment by limiting exposure of the equipment to correspond to the time-period when the electronics equipment needs to be operational. This object is achieved through a protective cover system supporting transitioning between a non-operational protection state and an operational deployment state of the electronics equipment.

Turning to Figures la and b, an example cover system 10 is disclosed during elevation and in the protection state. The cover system 10 is configured to cover electronics equipment 8 on a mining machine; the electronics equipment 8 not forming part of the cover system 10. When carrying electronics equipment 8, the cover system 10 is configured to transition the electronics equipment 8 between a non-operational protection state and an operational deployment state.

The cover system 10 comprises first and second casing members 11, 12 forming a mutually fitted pair of casing members. In the disclosed example, the first casing member 11 has a trough shape and is arranged to abut against an essentially wall-shaped second casing member. The first casing member 11 and the second casing member 12 may be configured to be connected to a base arrangement 50, wherein the first casing member 11 is pivotable in relation to the base arrangement 50. During elevation and following transition to an operational deployment state, the first casing member 11 is at least in part arranged at a distance from the second casing member 12 during an equipment releasing position as illustrated in Figure la. When reaching the deployment state, the first and second casing members are separated from one another to such a degree that the electronics equipment may be fully operative and unobscured by the first and/or the second casing member, e.g., to be capable of performing a scanning operation of its environment. During the non- operational protection state, the first casing member 11 is arranged in a fitted abutting position against the second casing member 12 as illustrated in Figure lb. The first casing member 11 and the second casing member 12 are configured to form a cavity when joined together in the fitted abutting position. The cavity, formed between the first and second casing members 11, 12, is configured to accommodate the electronic device 8. The first and second casing members 11, 12 may further be configured to enclose the electronic device 8 and at least a part of an elevating arrangement. The cover system 10 may also comprise a sealing arrangement arranged between abutting surfaces of the first and second casing members 11, 12. The sealing arrangement may provide additional protection against humidity, dust, or other environmental conditions that may impact the functionality of the electronics equipment.

The cover system 10 comprises a deployment arrangement 20 that is configured to control transitioning of the first and second casing members between the protection state and the deployment state. In the example illustrated in Figures la and b, the deployment arrangement 20 comprises a displacement mechanism, i.e., a first elongated bottom element 21. The first elongated bottom element 21 extends longitudinally between a proximal end 24 and a distal end 25, wherein the proximal end 24 of the first elongated bottom element 21 is connected to the first casing member 11 and the distal end 25 extends towards the second casing member 12.

An elevating arrangement, comprising an equipment stand 35, forms part of the cover system. The equipment stand 35 is fully enclosed by the first and second casing members 11, 12 when the first casing member 11 is arranged in the fitted abutting position against the second casing member 12, i.e., during the protection state. The first and second casing members 11, 12 are further configured to at least in part expose the equipment stand 35 during the deployment state.

The elevating arrangement, comprising the equipment stand 35, is arranged to adopt an elevated end position during the deployment state illustrated in Figure lb. The deployment arrangement 20 may be configured to control movement of the equipment stand 35. Optionally, raising or lowering of the equipment stand 35 may mechanically impact the displacement mechanism of the deployment arrangement. . The displacement mechanism, i.e., the first elongated bottom element 21 is configured to move the vertically displaceable equipment stand 35 between the protection state and the deployment state. The distal end 25 of the first and/or second bottom element 21, 22 is released when the equipment stand 35 is in an elevated operational deployment state. Thus, the displacement mechanism is configured to interact with a portion of the equipment stand 35 during transitioning between the non-operational protection state and the elevated operational deployment state.

The cover system further comprises a base platform 50; the deployment arrangement 20 being mechanically connected to the base platform 50. At least one of the first casing member 11 and the second casing member 12 is pivotally connected to the base platform 50 at a pivot point Pl.

The first and/or second casing member 11, 12 may be pivoted into the storing state by a force exerted by the elevating arrangement when adjusting the height of the equipment stand 35, i.e., when lowering the equipment stand 35. The equipment stand 35 may be height-adjustable through vertical displacement.

The deployment arrangement 20 may further comprise at least one roller bearing 1 arranged between the elevating arrangement and the first elongated bottom element 21 during the non-operational protection state. The at least one roller bearing T1 may be arranged at a lower portion of the elevating arrangement, e.g., at a lower portion of the equipment stand 35. Thus, the lower portion of the elevating arrangement may cooperate with the first and second casing member to protect the electronics equipment. According to an example, the at least one roller bearing T1 may be arranged between an upper surface of the first elongated bottom elements 21 and a lower surface of the equipment stand 35. The at least one roller bearing T1 may be configured to facilitate the relative motion of the equipment stand 35 and the first elongated bottom elements 21. Thus, the at least one roller bearing T1 may be configured to assist in the pivotal movement of the first and/or second casing member 11, 12 in relation to the base arrangement 50.

Turning to Figures 2 a and b, an alternative example cover system is disclosed during elevation and in the protection state. The cover system 10 is configured to cover electronics equipment 8 on a mining machine; the electronics equipment 8 not forming part of the cover system 10.

The cover system comprises a base platform 50, first and second casing members 11, 12 connected to the base arrangement 50, a deployment arrangement 20 and an elevating arrangement comprising an equipment stand 35. The first and second casing members 11, 12 are mechanically linked to the base arrangement around respective pivot points Pl, P2. The deployment arrangement 20 is configured to control the pivotal movement of the first casing member 11 around pivot point Pl and the second casing member 12 around pivot point P2 in relation to the base arrangement 50. The deployment arrangement 20 comprises a displacement mechanism, i.e., a first elongated bottom element 21 extending longitudinally between a proximal end 24 and a distal end 25. The proximal end 24 of the first elongated bottom element 21 is connected to the first casing member 11 and the distal end 25 extends towards the second casing member 12. The deployment arrangement 20 interacts with a portion of the elevating arrangement, i.e., with a portion of the equipment stand 35. When lowering the electronics equipment to the protection state, the first and second casing members 11, 12 are pivoted into the protection state, the equipment stand 35 being lowered to a horizontal position immediately adjacent or resting upon the first elongated bottom element 21. The equipment stand 35 is height-adjustable and vertically displaceable.

The deployment arrangement 20 may comprise at least actuator 70, here represented as a tension spring 70. Tension springs 70 may for example be arranged between the base arrangement 50 and the first casing member 11 and between the base arrangement 50 and the second casing member 12 as illustrated. In some examples, the tension spring is a pretensioned torsion spring. Optionally, the actuator 70 may be a hydraulic, pneumatic, or electronic actuator.

The cover system 10 comprises first and second casing members 11, 12 forming a mutually fitted pair of casing members. The first casing member 11 and the second casing member 12 are configured to form a cavity configured to accommodate the electronic device 8. As disclosed in Figures 2 a and b, the first and second casing members 11, 12 may have essentially matching shape, e.g., a trough shape. The first and second casing members 11, 12 may at least in part overlap along their edges when arranged in the protection state.

Figure 3a discloses a perspective view of an exemplary electronics equipment operating system 5 that will be further explained below. Figure 3b discloses a top view of the same exemplary electronics equipment operating system 5.

In its most general concept, the electronics equipment operating system 5 comprises a cover system 10, e.g., as disclosed above, electronics equipment 8, and processing circuitry (not disclosed) configured to control transitioning of the electronics equipment 8 between a non-operational state and an operational state. The operational state of the electronics equipment is configured to be activated during the transitioning of the cover system 10 from a protection state to a deployment state. The non-operational state of the electronics equipment is configured to be activated during transitioning of the cover system from the deployment state to the protection state.

Turning back to Figure 3a, a cover system 10 is disclosed that comprises first and second casing members 11, 12 forming a mutually fitted pair of casing members. The first casing member 11 and the second casing member 12 may be configured to be connected to a base arrangement 50, wherein both the first casing member 11 and the second casing member 12 is pivotable in relation to the base arrangement 50. The first casing member 11 and the second casing member 12 are configured to form a cavity when joined together in the fitted abutting position. The cavity, formed between the first and second casing members 11, 12, is configured to accommodate the electronic device 8.

The cover system 10 comprises a deployment arrangement 20 that is configured to control transitioning of the first and second casing members 11, 12 between the protection state and the deployment state. The deployment arrangement 20 comprises a displacement mechanism comprising first and second elongated bottom elements 21, 22. The first and second elongated bottom elements 21, 22 extend in respective longitudinal directions between a proximal end 24, 42, and a distal end 25, 52. The proximal end 24 of the first elongated bottom element 21 is connected to the first casing member 11 and the distal end 25 extends towards the second casing member 12. The proximal end 42 of the second elongated bottom element 22 is connected to the second casing member 22 and the distal end 52 extends towards the first casing member. The first and second elongated bottom elements 21, 22 are arranged in a cross configuration, i.e., an essential symmetrical arrangement capable of mechanically transitioning the electronics equipment from a default protection state to a deployment state. The deployment arrangement 20 comprises at least one actuator 70. The actuator may be a hydraulic, pneumatic, or electronic actuator. A torsion spring, as illustrated in Figures 2a and b may also serve as an actuator.

The first and second casing members 11, 12 are pivoted between the protection state and the deployment state, e.g., by a force exerted by an elevating arrangement 30 acting on an equipment stand 35 and the deployment arrangement 20. The elevating arrangement 30 is height adjustable, e.g., by means of pistons 31 or similar suspension mechanism that is vertically displaceable to enable elevation and height adjustment of the equipment stand 35.

The elevating arrangement 30 cooperates with the deployment arrangement 20. The elevating arrangement may comprise one or more pistons 31, a bracket 32 mechanically linked to the one or more pistons, and an attachment device 33 connected to the bracket 32. The attachment device 33 is attached to the equipment stand 35. The electronics equipment 8 is fastened on the equipment stand 35 and may in some examples also be attached to the attachment device 33. As previously disclosed, the processing circuitry is configured to receive a control signal from a rig or traffic control system of the mining machine, and to effect transitioning of the electronics equipment 8 between the non- operational state and the operational state based on the control signal. In some examples, the processing circuitry is configured to activate elevation of pistons 31 of the elevating arrangement, thereby causing movement in an upward direction of the equipment stand 35.

During the protection state, the electronics equipment is maintained in a position wherein the equipment stand may 35 exert pressure on the displacement mechanism, thereby fixating the first and second elongated bottom elements 21, 22. When initiating an elevation of the electronics equipment 8, pressure on first and second elongated bottom elements 21, 22 will successively be released as the equipment stand 35 is raised. When releasing pressure on the first and second elongated bottom elements 21, 22, the actuators, e.g., tension springs as disclosed with reference to Figures 2a and 2b, will act upon the first and/or second casing member 11, 12, or on the first and/or second elongated bottom elements 21, 22 to separate the first casing member 11 from the second casing member 12 to allow exposure of the electronics equipment 8. The electronics equipment 8 is elevated to an operational deployment state. During the operational deployment state, the first and second casing members 11, 12 are separated to the extent that the equipment stand 35 is at least partly exposed, so that operation of the electronics equipment 8 is unhindered. The electronics equipment 8 may be a laser scanner arranged to determine distances in one or more line of sight directions of the electronics equipment, e.g., to model the mining environment based on obtained laser scanning data, i.e., creating point clouds.

When returning to the protection state, the electronics equipment 8, resting on the equipment stand 35, is lowered from the elevated operational state to the protection state, e.g., by activating a lowering operation from the processing circuitry. The lowering operation may be initiated by lowering the equipment stand 35, i.e., by means of returning the pistons 31 to a base position and/or by actuating the deployment arrangement, e.g., by allowing actuators 70 to act upon the first and second elongated bottom elements 21, 22. When the equipment stand 35 contacts the first and second elongated bottom elements 21, 22, pressure on these elements may result in a pivoting motion of the elements to return to an essentially horizontal base state wherein the first and second casing members 11,12 are returned to the fitted abutting position. Thus, pivotal movement of the first and second elongated bottom elements 21, 22 may be mechanically linked to the positioning of the first and second casing members 11, 12. The pivotal movement of the first and second elongated bottom elements 21, 22 may also be achieved through actuators 70 acting upon the elements, thereby pulling the equipment stand 35 to return to an essentially horizontal position on the first and second elongated bottom elements 21, 22. In some examples, the equipment stand 35 may comprise a damper arrangement, e.g., a wire damper or a rubber damper to protect the electronic equipment against vibrations, e.g., during driving of a mining machine. As discussed, the electronics equipment operating system 5 also comprises processing circuitry (not disclosed) configured to control transitioning of the electronics equipment 8 between a non-operational state and an operational state, e.g., by controlling operation of the actuators 70 and/or by controlling movement of the pistons 31. Thus, the processing circuitry of the electronics equipment is configured to receive a control signal from a rig or traffic control system of the mining machine, and to actuate transitioning of the electronics equipment between the non-operational state and the operational state based on the control signal. When there is a need to deploy the electronics equipment, the processing circuitry responds to control signals from the mining machine by initiating elevation of the electronics equipment 8. Similarly, when deployment of the electronics equipment 8 has been concluded, the processing circuitry is configured to respond to control signals from the mining machine to return the electronics equipment to the non-operational protection state. However, while transitioning of the states is induced through operator control, the actual transitioning is configured to be carried out through mechanical interaction between the deployment arrangement and the elevating arrangement.

The electronics equipment 8 may be a laser scanner capable of determining distances to obstacles in one or more line of sight directions of the electronics equipment operating system 5. In some examples, the laser scanner is arranged to model the mining environment based on obtained laser scanning data, i.e., creating point clouds. When the cover system is in the deployment state, the laser scanner is unobscured in said one or more line of sight directions.

Figure 3b discloses aspects of the electronics equipment operating system 5 from a top view, illustrating aspects of the elevating arrangement. The elevating arrangement may comprise one or more pistons 31, a bracket 32 mechanically linked to the one or more pistons, and an attachment device 33 connected to the bracket 32. The attachment device 33 is attached to the equipment stand 35. The electronics equipment 8 is fastened on the equipment stand 35 and may in some examples also be attached to the attachment device 33. As previously disclosed, the processing circuitry is configured to receive a control signal from a rig or traffic control system of the mining machine, and to effect transitioning of the electronics equipment 8 between the non-operational state and the operational state based on the control signal.

Turning to Figures 4a to 4d, aspects of the cover system is disclosed for an electronics equipment operating system 5 during various transitioning states.

Figure 4a discloses the electronics equipment operating system 5 in a side-view during a non-operational state. A cover system 10 is mechanically connected to a base platform 50.

Turning to Figures 4b and 4c, the cover system 10 is disclosed in greater detail. The cover system comprises a deployment arrangement, e.g., as previously explained, that is configured to control transitioning of the first and second casing members 11, 12 between a protection state and a deployment state. The first and second casing members 11, 12 are pivoted between the protection state and the deployment state, e.g., by a force exerted by an elevating arrangement acting on an equipment stand 35 and the deployment arrangement. The elevating arrangement is height adjustable, e.g., by means of a piston 31 that is vertically displaceable to enable elevation and height adjustment of the equipment stand 35.

The elevating arrangement cooperates with the deployment arrangement. An electronics equipment 8, e.g., a laser scanner, is fastened on the equipment stand 35, As previously explained, processing circuitry (not disclosed) is configured to receive a control signal from a rig or traffic control system of the mining machine, and to effect transitioning of the electronics equipment 8 between the non-operational state and the operational state based on the control signal. In some examples, the processing circuitry is configured to activate elevation of pistons 31, thereby causing movement in an upward direction of the equipment stand 35.

During the protection state, Figure 4b, the electronics equipment is maintained in a lowered position Turning to Figure 4c, elevation of the electronics equipment has been initiated and the electronics equipment 8 is elevated to an operational deployment state disclosed in Figure 4d. Figure 4d illustrates an elevated operational deployment state of the electronics equipment operating system 5. The electronics equipment 8 is supported on an equipment stand 35. The equipment stand 35 is connected to a bracket 32 by means of an attachment device 27. The bracket is mechanically linked to two pistons 31 arranged on respective sides of the bracket 32. First and second casing members 11, 12 are connected to a base platform 50 and pivotally connected to the base platform. Hydraulic actuators 70 are connected between the base platform and respective first and second casing member 11, 12; acting on the respective casing member to bring about a pivoting movement of the respective casing member 11, 12. When the first and second casing members 11, 12 are in the illustrated deployment state, a displacement mechanism comprising first and second elongated bottom elements 21, 22 is released. An opening 28 is formed between the first and second casing members 11, 12 that supports full release of the electronics equipment from the protected environment of the casing members 11, 12.

As illustrated in Figure 4d, the cover system may be configured to lift the equipment stand 35 to an elevated position where the equipment stand 35 is at a height above the first and second casing members 11, 12. The first and second casing members 11, 12 are configured to remain in an open deployment state for as long as the equipment stand 35 is raised to support an operational state of the electronics equipment 8.

During the operational deployment state, the first and second casing members 11, 12 are separated so that operation of the electronics equipment 8 is unhindered. The electronics equipment may be a laser scanner arranged to determine distances in one or more line of sight directions of the electronics equipment, e.g., to model the mining environment based on obtained laser scanning data, i.e., creating point clouds.

The disclosed electronics equipment operating system 5 has the advantage of limiting exposure of sensitive electronics equipment to correspond to a time-period when the electronics equipment is operational. The disclosed arrangement enables easy transitioning between an operational state and a non-operational state, while ensuring adequate protection of the electronics equipment. Figure 5 discloses a mining machine 1 comprising the electronics equipment operating system 5. The electronics equipment operating system 5 may be mechanically connected to the mining machine, e.g., bolted on the mining machine. The mining machine is an underground mining machine, e.g., a rock drilling rig, a bolting rig, or any other type of drill rig configured to perform rock drilling operations in an underground mining environment. The mining machine comprises an electronics equipment operating system 5 as disclosed in the above description of Figures 3a-b, and Figures 4a-d. The electronics equipment operating equipment 5 is disclosed during an operational elevated deployment state.

During the operational elevated deployment state, the electronics equipment 8 is raised to an elevated position higher than the height of the mining machine 1 and associated equipment. Sensors signals of the electronics equipment may be obtained to determine a preferred height of the electronics equipment; the height being limited by the height possible to reach with the elevating arrangement by adjustable up to this point. Thus, if the mining machine is performing a stationary operation supported by the electronics equipment, the height may be adjusted based on sensor signals indicating the ceiling of the tunnel wherein the mining machine is operative. Prior to tramming of the machine, the electronics equipment may be returned to the protection state, during which the first and second casing member offers environmental protection. Tramming may also be performed with the electronics equipment in an intermediary position, providing a larger distance to the ceiling of the tunnel but still enabling deployment of the electronics equipment.

In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed exemplary aspects of the disclosure. However, many variations and modifications can be made to these aspects without substantially departing from the principles of the present disclosure. Thus, the disclosure should be regarded as illustrative ratherthan restrictive, and not as being limited to the particular aspects discussed above. Accordingly, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Hence, it should be understood that the details of the described embodiments are merely examples brought forward for illustrative purposes, and that all variations that fall within the scope of the claims are intended to be embraced therein. Generally, all terms used herein are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the relevant technical field, unless a different meaning is clearly given and/or is implied from the context in which it is used. The description of the example embodiments provided herein have been presented for purposes of illustration. The description is not intended to be exhaustive orto limit example embodiments to the precise form disclosed; modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of various alternatives to the provided embodiments. The examples discussed herein were chosen and described in order to explain the principles and the nature of various example embodiments and its practical application to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the example embodiments in various manners and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Reference has been made herein to various examples. However, a person skilled in the art would recognize numerous variations to the disclosed examples that would still fall within the scope of the claims.