Overhead power grid for mobile mining machines
AssigneeJoy Global Underground Mining LLC
InventorsJoseph J. Zimmerman, Garrett L. Lowman, Andrew W. Struthers
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A vehicle is provided that connects to an power structure for powering and guiding the vehicle. The power structure includes a trolley, a track along which the trolley runs, a power source connected to the track, and a cable connected to the trolley and configured to attach to the vehicle moving on a surface. The vehicle includes a chassis and a cable connected to the chassis and configured to mechanically and electrically connect the vehicle to the power structure. The chassis includes a connector rotatable 360 degrees, and the cable connects to the chassis through the connector.
Claims20
A system for connecting a vehicle to an overhead power structure, the system comprising:
- a chassis;
- a cable for transmitting electrical power from the overhead power structure to the chassis, the cable having a first end mechanically and electrically coupled to the chassis and a second end configured to mechanically and electrically connect to the overhead power structure;
- a connector coupled to the chassis and receiving the first end of the cable;
- a sensor for detecting a condition of the cable;
- and
- a control system capable of interrupting a flow of power to the chassis if the sensed condition exceeds a predetermined threshold.
A method of controlling a vehicle having a chassis, the method comprising:
- providing an overhead power structure, a connector coupled to the chassis, and a cable extending between the overhead power structure and the connector to provide electrical communication between the overhead power structure and the chassis;
- sensing a condition of the cable as the chassis is moved;
- and
- interrupting the electrical communication between the chassis and the overhead power structure in response to the sensed condition of the cable exceeding a predetermined value.
A system for connecting a vehicle to an overhead power structure, the system comprising:
- a chassis;
- a cable connected to the chassis and configured to mechanically and electrically connect the chassis to the overhead power structure, at least one of a mechanical connection and an electrical connection between the cable and the chassis being interrupted when a condition of the cable exceeds a predetermined threshold;
- and
- a connector coupled to the chassis and rotatable 360 degrees relative to the chassis, and the connector including a socket for receiving the cable, the connector releasably coupling the cable to the chassis.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.