Patent Description:
<CIT> discloses a work machine that is used in the tunnel of a mine. This work machine includes a bucket that mines ore. The work machine moves in the tunnel to transport the ore in a state where the work machine holds the ore in the bucket.

<CIT> represents the closest prior art and discloses all the features of the preamble of claim <NUM>. According to this document, a mining system including a loading machine and a transport vehicle are used in the tunnel of a mine. The loading machine stays at a mining site to mine ore. The transport vehicle travels in the travel passage to transport the ore, which is loaded from the loading machine, to a dump site.

<CIT> concerns a transport machine which is provided with a traveling device, a vehicle body, a vessel, a support device and a load detection device. At least a portion of the vehicle body is arranged above the traveling device. The vessel is provided on the vehicle body. The support device includes a slide mechanism that moves the vessel in a lateral direction with respect to the vehicle body, the lateral direction intersecting with a traveling direction of the traveling device.

<CIT> describes a conveyor system for underground mines, consisting of a bridge conveyor that elevates material from near the floor to a haulage conveyor cantilevered from the wall near the roof. This system is designed to optimize space and efficiency by positioning the haulage conveyor at a significant height within the mine. <CIT> further includes a crusher to preprocess materials before transportation, thereby enhancing the system's functionality.

<CIT> details a mining system optimized for extracting coal from narrow seams. It employs mobile units and handling mechanisms, particularly slippers and guide rails, to efficiently collect and transport coal. The system is highlighted for its adaptability in handling coal without significant disruption to the seam structure, emphasizing its efficiency in narrow seam conditions.

Incidentally, various moving vehicles including a transport vehicle for ore travel in the tunnel. On the other hand, a loading machine reciprocates between a mining site and a travel passage in which a moving vehicle travels. For this reason, the loading machine hinders the movement of other moving vehicles in a case where the loading machine is positioned in the travel passage. As a result, a decrease in productivity is caused.

The present invention has been made in consideration of this problem and an object of the present invention is to provide a mining system that can improve productivity.

The aforementioned object is achieved through a mining system as defined in independent claim <NUM>, or alternatively through a mining system as defined in independent claim <NUM>. Further embodiments of the mining system are detailed in dependent claims <NUM> to <NUM>.

According to the mining system of the present invention, productivity can be improved.

A first embodiment not encompassed by the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to <FIG>.

A mining system <NUM> is used for underground mining for mining ore from the basement of a mine. In the present embodiment, ore is mined by a block caving method.

In a case where ore <NUM> is mined by a block caving method, a footprint <NUM> as a tunnel is formed below an ore deposit <NUM> (ore body) of a mine <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The footprint <NUM> is a stratum that becomes a production level. Further, holes are formed upward at an undercut level that is a stratum above the production level, and the lower portion of the ore body <NUM> is blasted (undercut) through the holes. Accordingly, the ore body <NUM> naturally collapses due to its own weight. Therefore, the ore <NUM> as a mined material falls on the draw bell of the footprint <NUM>. Areas where the ore <NUM> falls become mining sites <NUM>. As the ore <NUM> is mined at the mining sites <NUM>, the natural collapse of the ore body <NUM> spreads up to the upper portion of the ore body <NUM>. Accordingly, the ore <NUM> can be continuously mined.

As shown in <FIG>, the footprint <NUM> includes drifts <NUM> (first tunnel), crosscuts <NUM> (second tunnel), an outer peripheral passages <NUM> (third tunnel), mining sites <NUM>, and a dump site <NUM>.

The plurality of drifts <NUM> linearly extend at intervals. In the present embodiment, the plurality of drifts <NUM> extend in parallel to each other.

The crosscuts <NUM> extend so as to cross the drifts <NUM>. The crosscuts <NUM> extend over the crosscuts <NUM> adjacent to each other. The plurality of crosscuts <NUM> are formed at intervals in the extending direction of the drifts <NUM> between the drifts <NUM> adjacent to each other.

The outer peripheral passages <NUM> extend so as to connect the end portions of the plurality of drifts <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the outer peripheral passages <NUM> extend in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the drifts <NUM>. The outer peripheral passages <NUM> are connected to both ends of the plurality of drifts <NUM>, and the outer peripheral passage <NUM> may extend in an annular shape so as to surround each drift <NUM>.

Since the end portions of the drifts <NUM> are bifurcated in a curved shape in plan view in the present embodiment, each drift <NUM> is smoothly connected to the outer peripheral passage <NUM>. Each drift <NUM> forms an annular circuit together with the other drift <NUM> or the outer peripheral passages <NUM>.

The drifts <NUM>, the crosscuts <NUM>, and the outer peripheral passages <NUM> are formed by a tunnel boring machine.

The mining sites <NUM> are appropriately provided on the crosscuts <NUM>. The mining sites <NUM> are formed in a case where the undercut is performed over the entire area at an undercut level that is a stratum above the crosscuts <NUM> positioned at the production level. Accordingly, the crosscuts <NUM> are connected to the mining sites <NUM>.

The dump site <NUM> is provided on the outer peripheral passage <NUM>. A charging hole extending downward is formed in the dump site <NUM>, and the ore <NUM> can be discharged to the charging hole. The drifts <NUM> are connected to the dump site <NUM> through the outer peripheral passages <NUM>.

The mining system <NUM> of the present embodiment includes a frame <NUM>, a loading machine <NUM>, and a mined material-transport vehicle <NUM> as a moving vehicle, in addition to the drifts <NUM> and the crosscuts <NUM>.

In detail, as shown in <FIG>, each drift <NUM> has an inner peripheral surface <NUM> having a circular cross-sectional shape and a floor panel <NUM> and side supports <NUM> are provided on the inner peripheral surface <NUM>.

The floor panel <NUM> is a plate-like member that is laid in the extending direction of the drift <NUM> on the bottom of the inner peripheral surface <NUM> of the drift <NUM>. The upper surface of the floor panel <NUM> is a first road surface <NUM> continuous in the extending direction of the drift <NUM>. The first road surface <NUM> has a flat shape. A pair of guide grooves <NUM>, which is recessed from the first road surface <NUM> and extends in the extending direction of the first road surface <NUM>, is formed on the first road surface <NUM> of the present embodiment. The pair of guide grooves <NUM> is disposed with an interval therebetween in the width direction of the floor panel <NUM> and the first road surface <NUM> (a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the first road surface <NUM>).

A pair of side supports <NUM> is provided outside the floor panel <NUM> in the width direction on the lower portion of the inner peripheral surface <NUM> of the drift <NUM>. Each side support <NUM> is disposed with an interval between the floor panel <NUM> and each side support in the width direction. Like the floor panel <NUM>, the side supports <NUM> are laid in the extending direction of the drift <NUM>. The upper surface of each side support <NUM> is a placement surface <NUM> that extends in a flat shape in the extending direction of the first road surface <NUM>. The height position of the placement surface <NUM> is located above the height position of the first road surface <NUM>.

In detail, as shown in <FIG>, each crosscut <NUM> is connected to the drift <NUM> so as to communicate with the drift <NUM> in the width direction of the first road surface <NUM>. The crosscut <NUM> has an inner peripheral surface <NUM> having a circular cross-sectional shape. The inner diameter of the inner peripheral surface <NUM> of the crosscut <NUM> is the same as the inner diameter of the inner peripheral surface <NUM> of the drift <NUM>.

A road panel <NUM> is provided on the lower portion of the inner peripheral surface <NUM> having a circular cross-sectional shape, so that a second road surface <NUM> extending in a flat shape in the extending direction of the crosscut <NUM> is formed. Banking may be performed on the lower portion of the inner peripheral surface <NUM> so that the second road surface <NUM> is formed. The second road surface <NUM> is formed above the first road surface <NUM>, that is, the height position of the second road surface <NUM> is located above the height position of the first road surface <NUM>. The height position of the second road surface <NUM> is located above the placement surfaces <NUM> of the side supports <NUM> provided in the drift <NUM>. The height position of the second road surface <NUM> is located below the center of the inner peripheral surface <NUM> of the drift <NUM> having a circular cross-sectional shape.

The frame <NUM> is provided in an area that is a part of the drift <NUM> and includes a portion connected to the crosscut <NUM>. The frame <NUM> includes a horizontal plate part <NUM> (frame body) having the shape of a plate of which the longitudinal direction is the extending direction of the drift <NUM>, the lateral direction is the width direction (a direction orthogonal to the extending direction) of the drift <NUM>, and the plate thickness direction is a vertical direction. A lower plate surface of a pair of plate surfaces of the horizontal plate part <NUM> is referred to as a lower surface 31a. An upper plate surface of the pair of plate surfaces of the horizontal plate part <NUM> is referred to as an upper surface 31b. The upper surface 31b and the lower surface 31a extend along a horizontal plane in parallel to each other.

Both side portions of the lower surface 31a of the horizontal plate part <NUM> in the width direction are placed so as to be in contact with the placement surfaces <NUM> from above over the entire area in the extending direction of the horizontal plate part <NUM>. Accordingly, the horizontal plate part <NUM> is disposed above the first road surface <NUM> at interval with respect to the first road surface <NUM>. That is, a space is partitioned and formed between the lower surface 31a of the horizontal plate part <NUM> and the first road surface <NUM>. The space is a transport passage P that extends in the extending direction of the first road surface <NUM> below the horizontal plate part <NUM>.

The height position of the upper surface 31b of the horizontal plate part <NUM> is a position corresponding to the height position of the second road surface <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the height position of the upper surface 31b of the horizontal plate part <NUM> is the same as the height position of the second road surface <NUM>. A work road surface S continuously extending over the upper surface 31b and the second road surface <NUM> is formed by the upper surface 31b of the horizontal plate part <NUM> and the second road surface <NUM>. The height position of the upper surface 31b of the horizontal plate part <NUM> and the height position of the second road surface <NUM> may be slightly shifted from each other. These height positions may be different from each other as long as a loading machine <NUM> to be described later passes over a connection portion between the upper surface 31b of the horizontal plate part <NUM> and the second road surface <NUM>. That is, a difference between the height position of the upper surface 31b of the horizontal plate part <NUM> and the height position of the second road surface <NUM> is allowed as long as the loading machine <NUM> is capable of moving on the work road surface S over the horizontal plate part <NUM> and the second road surface <NUM>.

The upper surface 31b of the horizontal plate part <NUM> and the second road surface <NUM> are continued to be flush with each other in the present embodiment, but some gaps may be present between these. The dimensions of the gaps are allowed as long as the loading machine <NUM> is capable of moving on the work surface over the upper surface 31b of the horizontal plate part <NUM> and the upper surface 31b of the second road surface <NUM>.

Stoppers <NUM> are provided at both end portions of the upper surface 31b of the horizontal plate part <NUM> in the extending direction (longitudinal direction) of the horizontal plate part <NUM>, respectively. The pair of stoppers <NUM> protrudes from the upper surface 31b at both end portions of the horizontal plate part <NUM> and extends in the width direction (lateral direction) of the horizontal plate part <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the loading machine <NUM> is a so-called load-haul-dump machine. The loading machine <NUM> operates over the upper surface 31b and the second road surface <NUM> in a state where the upper surface 31b of the horizontal plate part <NUM> and the second road surface <NUM> serve as the work road surface S. The loading machine <NUM> is capable of being operated autonomously by a command that is output from a management device (not shown) through wireless communication. The loading machine <NUM> includes a vehicle body <NUM> and work equipment <NUM>.

The vehicle body <NUM> includes a front vehicle body <NUM> and a rear vehicle body <NUM>, and the front vehicle body <NUM> and the rear vehicle body <NUM>, which are adapted to be capable of moving forward and backward, are arranged side by side in a forward/backward direction. The front vehicle body <NUM> includes a pair of front wheels <NUM> that is disposed with an interval therebetween in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle body <NUM>. The rear vehicle body <NUM> includes a pair of rear wheels <NUM> that is disposed with an interval therebetween in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle body <NUM>. In a case where the front wheels <NUM> and the rear wheels <NUM> are driven by a travel motor (not shown), the vehicle body <NUM> moves forward and backward. Electric power may be supplied to the travel motor through a battery and an inverter provided in the vehicle body <NUM>, or electric power may be supplied to the travel motor through a cable and an inverter (not shown). Electric power may be supplied to the battery from rails laid on the first road surface <NUM> in a contactless manner.

The front vehicle body <NUM> and the rear vehicle body <NUM> are connected to each other so as to be rotatable relative to each other. That is, the front vehicle body <NUM> and the rear vehicle body <NUM> have articulated structure where the front vehicle body <NUM> and the rear vehicle body <NUM> can be bent in a horizontal direction at a connection portion therebetween as a joint.

The swing of the vehicle body <NUM> is performed by the drive of a steering cylinder. Hydraulic oil is supplied to the steering cylinder through a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic valve. The hydraulic pump is driven by a motor for hydraulic pressure. Electric power may be supplied to the motor for hydraulic pressure through the battery and inverter provided in the vehicle body <NUM>, or electric power may be supplied to the motor for hydraulic pressure through a cable and an inverter (not shown).

The work equipment <NUM> is provided at the front vehicle body <NUM>. The work equipment <NUM> extends further forward from the front vehicle body <NUM>. The work equipment <NUM> includes a bucket <NUM> that mines and is capable of accommodating the ore <NUM> of the mining site <NUM>. In a case where the work equipment <NUM> is driven, the mining of the ore <NUM> and the loading of the ore <NUM> in the mined material-transport vehicle <NUM> to be described later are performed. The work equipment <NUM> is driven by a hydraulic cylinder (not shown).

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the mined material-transport vehicle <NUM> is adapted to be capable of traveling on the first road surface <NUM> in the extending direction of the first road surface <NUM> and to be capable of accommodating the ore <NUM>. The mined material-transport vehicle <NUM> of the present embodiment includes a driving vehicle <NUM>, a loading vehicle <NUM>, and a connection unit <NUM>.

The driving vehicle <NUM> can self-travel on the first road surface <NUM> by a command that is output from the management device (not shown) through wireless communication. As shown in <FIG>, the driving vehicle <NUM> includes a vehicle body <NUM>, rollers <NUM>, and a drive unit <NUM>.

The vehicle body <NUM> has a rectangular shape of which the longitudinal direction is the extending direction of the drift <NUM> and the lateral direction is the width direction in plan view. The length of the vehicle body <NUM> in the longitudinal direction (the front/rear direction of the vehicle body <NUM>) is sufficiently smaller than the dimension of the horizontal plate part <NUM> of the frame <NUM> in the longitudinal direction. The length of the vehicle body <NUM> in the lateral direction (the width direction of the vehicle body <NUM>) is smaller than the interval between the pair of side supports <NUM>. The thickness of the vehicle body <NUM> in the vertical direction is smaller than a distance between the first road surface <NUM> and the lower surface 31a of the frame <NUM> facing each other. Accordingly, the vehicle body <NUM> is capable of being accommodated in the transport passage P.

The rollers <NUM> are supported by the lower surface of the vehicle body <NUM>. A pair of rollers <NUM> is provided with an interval therebetween in the width direction of the vehicle body <NUM>. The lower portions of the pair of rollers <NUM> are accommodated in the guide grooves <NUM>, respectively. A plurality of pairs of rollers <NUM> are provided at intervals in the front/rear direction of the vehicle body <NUM>. Each roller <NUM> is rotatable about an axis extending in the width direction of the vehicle body <NUM>.

The drive unit <NUM> is built in the vehicle body <NUM>. The drive unit <NUM> includes the battery, the inverter, the travel motor (not shown), and the like. Electric power supplied from the battery is supplied to the travel motor through the inverter, so that the travel motor is rotationally driven. The rollers <NUM> are rotated as the travel motor is rotationally driven. The rollers <NUM> are rotated in the guide grooves <NUM>. Thereby, the driving vehicle <NUM> is moved in the extending direction of the guide grooves <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the loading vehicle <NUM> is capable of being loaded with the ore <NUM> and is capable of traveling on the first road surface <NUM> using the power of the driving vehicle <NUM>. The loading vehicle <NUM> includes a vehicle body <NUM> and rollers (not shown). The vehicle body <NUM> and the rollers have the same configuration as the vehicle body <NUM> and the rollers <NUM> of the driving vehicle <NUM>. An accommodating portion <NUM> recessed from the upper surface of the vehicle body <NUM> over the entire upper surface is formed in the vehicle body <NUM> of the loading vehicle <NUM>. The ore <NUM> is accommodated in the accommodating portion <NUM>. The loading vehicle <NUM> is disposed adjacent to the driving vehicle <NUM> in the extending direction of the first road surface <NUM>.

The connection unit <NUM> connects the driving vehicle <NUM> to the loading vehicle <NUM>. The connection unit <NUM> is provided between the driving vehicle <NUM> and the loading vehicle <NUM>. The connection unit <NUM> is adapted to allow the driving vehicle <NUM> and the loading vehicle <NUM> to be attachably and detachably connected to each other by, for example, the supply of current to an electromagnet or the cutoff thereof.

In a case where ore <NUM> is to be mined by the mining system <NUM> having the above-mentioned configuration, the loading machine <NUM> enters the crosscut <NUM> from the drift <NUM> and mines the ore <NUM> of the mining site <NUM> by the bucket <NUM>. Then, the loading machine <NUM> moves to the upper surface 31b of the frame <NUM> as shown in <FIG> by swinging while moving backward in a state where the ore <NUM> is accommodated in the bucket <NUM>. In this case, since the stoppers <NUM> are present on the front and rear sides of the frame <NUM>, it is possible to avoid that the loading machine <NUM> carelessly falls from the frame <NUM>.

The mined material-transport vehicle <NUM> travels on the first road surface <NUM> of the circuit including the drifts <NUM>. In this case, the mined material-transport vehicle <NUM> travels on the first road surface <NUM> while passing through the transport passage P as a tunnel. That is, the mined material-transport vehicle <NUM> is capable of passing below the frame <NUM> without being hindered by the frame <NUM> provided in the drift <NUM>. A plurality of the mined material-transport vehicles <NUM> are operated at the same time as shown in <FIG>.

In a case where the ore <NUM> is to be loaded in the mined material-transport vehicle <NUM>, the loading vehicle <NUM> of the mined material-transport vehicle <NUM> is disposed at a loading position as shown in <FIG>. The loading position is a position where the loading vehicle <NUM> is exposed from the end portion of the frame <NUM> positioned on the bucket <NUM> side of the loading machine <NUM> in the extending direction of the first road surface <NUM> in plan view. In the present embodiment, the driving vehicle <NUM> at the loading position is positioned below the frame <NUM>, that is, in the transport passage P.

Then, in a state where the mined material-transport vehicle <NUM> is disposed at the loading position, the ore <NUM> is loaded so as to fall into the accommodating portion <NUM> of the loading vehicle <NUM> from the bucket <NUM> of the loading machine <NUM>. The loading machine <NUM> mines ore <NUM> at the mining site <NUM> and loads the ore <NUM> in the loading vehicle <NUM> multiple times while reciprocating on the upper surface 31b of the frame <NUM> and the second road surface <NUM> as the work road surface S.

In a case where the amount of the ore <NUM> loaded in the loading vehicle <NUM> is sufficient, the mined material-transport vehicle <NUM> travels in the drift <NUM> toward the dump site <NUM>. Then, the mined material-transport vehicle <NUM> discharges the ore <NUM> at the dump site <NUM>. In a case where the configuration is discharged to the dump site <NUM>, the connection between the driving vehicle <NUM> and the transport vehicle using the connection unit <NUM> may be released. Further, a device for lifting up the transport vehicle to discharge ore <NUM> may be provided at the dump site <NUM>.

In a case where the mined material-transport vehicle <NUM> transports the ore <NUM> to the dump site <NUM>, the other mined material-transport vehicle <NUM> moves to the loading position and is loaded with the ore <NUM> by the loading machine <NUM>. The mined material-transport vehicle <NUM> having discharged the ore <NUM> to the dump site <NUM> travels in the circuit as shown in <FIG> to move to a loading site and is loaded with ore <NUM> again. Accordingly, the continuous mining and transport of ore <NUM> are performed.

According to the mining system <NUM> of the present embodiment, since the lower portion of the drift <NUM> is used as the transport passage P of the mined material-transport vehicle <NUM> as described above, a space in the tunnel can be effectively used. Further, mining and transport can be efficiently performed without interference between the travel of the mined material-transport vehicle <NUM> and the operation of the loading machine <NUM>.

Furthermore, since the loading machine <NUM> and the mined material-transport vehicle <NUM> are used, the loading machine <NUM> can be used exclusively for the mining and loading of ore <NUM> only on the work road surface S. Moreover, since the plurality of mined material-transport vehicles <NUM> are caused to travel at the same time, the loading machine <NUM> can operate continuously without waiting time. For this reason, productivity can be improved.

In addition, since the mined material-transport vehicle <NUM> is positioned below the upper surface 31b of the frame <NUM> on which the loading machine <NUM> is positioned, a loading height is not restricted by the cross-sectional shape of the drift <NUM> or the size of the loading machine <NUM> and work for loading ore <NUM> can be smoothly performed.

Next, a second embodiment encompassed by the present invention will be described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. In the second embodiment, the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment and the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a mining system includes frame transport vehicles <NUM> as a moving vehicle.

Each frame transport vehicle <NUM> includes a vehicle body <NUM>, a drive unit <NUM>, rollers <NUM>, a connection unit <NUM>, and lifting units <NUM>. The vehicle body <NUM>, the drive unit <NUM>, and the rollers <NUM> have the same configuration as the vehicle body <NUM>, the drive unit <NUM>, and the rollers <NUM> of the driving vehicle <NUM> of the first embodiment. Two frame transport vehicles <NUM> of the present embodiment are provided with an interval therebetween in the extending direction of the first road surface <NUM>, and each of the frame transport vehicles <NUM> is provided with a drive unit <NUM> and rollers <NUM>. The two vehicle bodies <NUM> are connected to each other by the connection unit <NUM>.

The lifting units <NUM> are provided at four corners of each vehicle body <NUM> in plan view. The lifting unit <NUM> of the present embodiment is a lift-up cylinder that is capable of protruding from the upper surface of the vehicle body <NUM>. In normal times, the lift-up cylinders are accommodated in the vehicle body <NUM> in a state where the lift-up cylinders retract without protruding from the upper surface of the vehicle body <NUM>. The lifting units <NUM> are driven so as to protrude upward from the upper surface of the vehicle body <NUM> by a command that is output from a management device through wireless communication. For example, the lift-up cylinder may be adapted to be driven by the supply of electric power from a battery of the drive unit <NUM> or may be adapted to be driven by hydraulic pressure. The plurality of lift-up cylinders are adapted to protrude and retract in synchronization.

The frame transport vehicles <NUM> can transport the frame <NUM> in a state where the loading machine <NUM> is placed on the frame <NUM>. In a case where the frame transport vehicles <NUM> transport the frame <NUM>, the frame transport vehicles <NUM> moves through the transport passage P. Then, the frame transport vehicles <NUM> cause the lift-up cylinders, which retract and sink in the vehicle body <NUM>, to protrude upward. Accordingly, since the lower surface 31a of the frame <NUM> is lifted up, the frame <NUM> floats from the placement surfaces <NUM> of the side supports <NUM>. That is, the frame <NUM> is changed into a transport state where the frame <NUM> is lifted up by the lift-up cylinders from a placement state where the frame <NUM> is placed on the placement surfaces <NUM>.

Since the frame transport vehicles <NUM> travel in a state where the frame <NUM> is lifted up by the lift-up cylinder, the frame transport vehicles <NUM> can transport the frame <NUM> to an arbitrary site. Then, the lift-up cylinders retract downward, so that the frame <NUM> can be placed at an arbitrary site.

Accordingly, the frame <NUM> can be installed at a connection portion between the drift <NUM> and the other crosscut <NUM> from a connection portion between the drift <NUM> and the crosscut <NUM> where the frame <NUM> is provided originally. Therefore, since the frame <NUM> and the loading machine <NUM> can be transferred to a new mining site <NUM>, mining from a mining site <NUM> can be efficiently performed at each mining site.

Next, a third embodiment not encompassed by the present invention will be described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. In the third embodiment, the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment and the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a mining system includes self-traveling units <NUM> for the frame <NUM>.

The self-traveling units <NUM> are for causing the frame <NUM> to self-travel and are provided at both ends of the horizontal plate part <NUM> of the frame <NUM> in the longitudinal direction.

Each self-traveling unit <NUM> includes a Self-traveling unit body <NUM>, roller support parts <NUM>, a hydraulic pressure supply part <NUM>, rollers <NUM>, and a roller drive unit <NUM>.

The self-traveling units <NUM> are integrally fixed to both end faces of the horizontal plate part <NUM> of the frame <NUM> in the longitudinal direction, respectively. The self-traveling units <NUM> extend in the width direction of the horizontal plate part <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, side lower surfaces <NUM>, which are lower surfaces of both side portions of the self-traveling unit <NUM> in the width direction, are side lower surfaces <NUM> placed on the placement surfaces <NUM> of the side supports <NUM>. An accommodating recess <NUM> is formed on each side lower surface <NUM> so as to be recessed upward. Each self-traveling unit <NUM> is provided with a pair of accommodating recesses <NUM> in the width direction.

Engagement protrusions <NUM> are formed on both sides of an opening of each of the accommodating recesses <NUM> of the side lower surfaces <NUM> in the width direction. The engagement protrusions <NUM> are formed so as to protrude downward from the side lower surface <NUM>. Locking holes <NUM> into which the engagement protrusions <NUM> are inserted from above are formed on the placement surface <NUM> of each side support <NUM>. Since the engagement protrusions <NUM> are inserted into the locking holes <NUM>, the movement of the frame <NUM> in the horizontal direction, particularly, the movement of the frame <NUM> in the extending direction of the first road surface <NUM> is restricted.

The roller support part <NUM> is accommodated in each accommodating recess <NUM>. The roller support part <NUM> is provided so as to be movable in the vertical direction in the accommodating recess <NUM>. Hydraulic oil is supplied to a closed space that is partitioned and formed by the bottom of the accommodating recess <NUM> and the upper end of the roller support part <NUM>. Hydraulic oil is supplied by the hydraulic pressure supply part <NUM> provided in the self-traveling unit <NUM>. The hydraulic pressure supply part <NUM> is adapted to be capable of supplying/discharging hydraulic oil to/from the closed space.

The rollers <NUM> are supported under the roller support parts <NUM>. The rollers <NUM> are rotatable about an axis extending in the width direction.

As shown in <FIG>, the lower end of the roller <NUM> is positioned above the side lower surface <NUM> and is accommodated in the accommodation space in a state where hydraulic oil is not supplied to the closed space, that is, a state where hydraulic oil is discharged from the closed space. This state is the placement state of the self-traveling units <NUM> and the frame <NUM>.

On the other hand, since the hydraulic oil presses the upper end of the roller support part <NUM> downward as shown in <FIG> in a case where hydraulic oil is supplied to the closed space, the roller support part <NUM> is moved downward. As a result, the lower surface of the roller <NUM> is in contact with the placement surface <NUM>, and the side lower surface <NUM> is separated upward from the placement surface <NUM> so that the engagement protrusions <NUM> are disengaged from the engagement holes. Accordingly, each self-traveling unit body <NUM> is in a state where the self-traveling unit body <NUM> floats from the placement surfaces <NUM>, and the frame <NUM> integrally fixed to the self-traveling unit bodies <NUM> is also in a state where the frame <NUM> floats from the placement surfaces <NUM> likewise. This state is the movable state of the self-traveling units <NUM> and the frame <NUM>.

The rollers <NUM> is capable of being rotationally driven by the roller drive unit <NUM> built in the self-traveling unit body <NUM>. In a case where the self-traveling units <NUM> and the frame <NUM> are in the movable state as described above and the rollers <NUM> are rotated, the self-traveling units <NUM> and the frame <NUM> can be moved to an arbitrary portion in a state where the loading machine <NUM> is placed on the frame <NUM>.

Accordingly, since the frame <NUM> and the loading machine <NUM> can be transferred to a new mining site <NUM> as in the second embodiment even in the present embodiment, mining work can be efficiently performed.

Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG>. In the fourth embodiment, the same components as those of the third embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the third embodiment and the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The fourth embodiment is different from the third embodiment in that a mining system includes a frame towing vehicle <NUM>.

The frame towing vehicle <NUM> is adapted to be capable of towing the frame <NUM>, which is in a movable state, for each loading machine placed on the frame <NUM>. The frame towing vehicle <NUM> includes a vehicle body <NUM>, a drive unit <NUM>, and a connection unit <NUM>. The vehicle body <NUM> and the drive unit <NUM> have the same configuration as the vehicle body <NUM> and the drive unit <NUM> of the driving vehicle <NUM> of the mined material-transport vehicle <NUM>. The connection unit <NUM> allows the vehicle body <NUM> of the frame towing vehicle <NUM> and the frame <NUM> to be attachably and detachably connected to each other like the connection unit <NUM> of the mined material-transport vehicle <NUM>.

Even in the present embodiment, since the frame towing vehicle <NUM> self-travels while towing the frame <NUM> being in a movable state through the connection unit <NUM>, the frame <NUM> and the loading machine <NUM> can be transferred to a new mining site <NUM>. In the fourth embodiment, the self-traveling units <NUM> may not be provided with the roller drive units <NUM>.

For example, each moving vehicle has been adapted to travel in the guide grooves <NUM> of the first road surface <NUM> in the embodiments, but is not limited thereto. Each moving vehicle may travel on rails laid on the first road surface <NUM>. Further, wheel guides may be formed on the first road surface <NUM> to guide a moving vehicle.

The loading machine <NUM> is not limited to a load-haul-dump machine, and various loading machines can be employed. It is preferable that the loading machine is a vehicle having at least an excavation function and a swing function. For example, a telescopic loader including a bucket provided at an end of a telescopic slide arm thereof may be used as the loading machine <NUM>.

An example where each of the connection units <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> uses an electromagnet attachable and detachable by a magnetic force has been described, but a mechanical connection unit and the like may be used as long as connection and disconnection can be performed.

An example where the cross-sectional shape of the inner peripheral surface <NUM> of the drift <NUM> is a circular shape has been described in the embodiments, but the cross-sectional shape of the inner peripheral surface <NUM> is not limited thereto and may be other shapes, such as an elliptical shape and a polygonal shape. It is preferable that the cross-sectional shape of the inner peripheral surface of the first tunnel is a shape of which the dimension in the width direction is increased toward the upper side between the bottom and a predetermined position.

The loading machine <NUM> and the moving vehicle are not limited to an electric type, and may be adapted to be capable of traveling using an internal combustion engine, such as a diesel engine.

Cleaning blades, which is capable of removing crushed stones, sand, dust, and the like present on the first road surface <NUM>, may be provided at the end portions of each moving vehicle in the forward/backward direction.

The moving vehicle is not limited to a battery type, and may be adapted to be capable of traveling while electric power is directly supplied from the rails provided on the first road surface <NUM>.

Further, the mined material-transport vehicle <NUM> may be adapted so that three or more loading vehicles <NUM> are connected.

Furthermore, the mined material-transport vehicle <NUM> may include a plurality of driving vehicles <NUM>.

In addition, in the mined material-transport vehicle <NUM>, the driving vehicle <NUM> may be positioned on the front side of the loading vehicle <NUM> in the traveling direction.

The mined material-transport vehicle <NUM> can also be used to transport waste in a case where the drifts <NUM>, the crosscuts <NUM>, the outer peripheral passages <NUM>, and the like are formed by a tunnel boring machine.

The block caving method described in the embodiment is a method that is mainly used for hard rock mining, but may be used for soft rock mining to apply the present invention.

Further, in the case of soft rock mining, ore <NUM> may be mined by a room-and-pillar method. The present invention may be applied thereto.

Claim 1:
A mining system (<NUM>), comprising:
a first tunnel (<NUM>) that reaches a dump site (<NUM>) and includes a first road surface (<NUM>);
a second tunnel (<NUM>) that crosses the first tunnel (<NUM>), reaches a mining site (<NUM>), and includes a second road surface (<NUM>); and
a first type of moving vehicle (<NUM>) that is capable of traveling on the first road surface (<NUM>),
wherein the second road surface (<NUM>) is positioned above the first road surface (<NUM>),
wherein the mining system (<NUM>) further comprises a frame (<NUM>) that is provided above the first road surface (<NUM>) of the first tunnel (<NUM>) and that includes a lower surface (31a) forming a transport passage (P) between the first road surface (<NUM>) and the lower surface (31a) and an upper surface (31b) forming a work road surface (S), on which a loading machine (<NUM>) operates, together with the second road surface (<NUM>), and
wherein the first type of moving vehicle (<NUM>) is capable of passing through the transport passage (P),
characterized in that
a frame transport vehicle (<NUM>) that lifts and is capable of transporting the frame (<NUM>) in the transport passage (P) is provided as the first type of moving vehicle (<NUM>).