Pin handling device, coupling pin and method for pin handling in high wall mining

A pin handling device, for coupling and decoupling conveyor segments to and from a train of conveyor segments in high wall mining;

• the pin handling device comprising:
• a base frame;
• a base frame drive system for moving the base frame relative to the conveyor segments;
• a connector element, for holding pins to be handled;
• a rotational drive system attached to the base frame and connected to the connector element;
• and
• a lift system attached to the base frame and carrying the connector element for linear movement of the connector element.

A conveyor segment for use in a train of such conveyor segments in high wall mining, comprising:

• at least one first opening at a first end of the conveyor segment, and
• at least one second opening located at a second end of the conveyor segment, opposite to the first end,
• wherein first and second opening are suited for receiving a coupling plug, and the first and second opening both connect to a pin opening that is perpendicular to the first and second opening, which pin openings lead towards a flat side of the conveyor segment,
• wherein a coupling plug is to be linked to the conveyor segment by placing a coupling pin from the flat side of the conveyor segment though the pin opening such that it cooperates with the coupling plug.

A method of coupling conveyor segments for high wall mining using a pin handling device, wherein the method comprises the steps of:

• A) bringing a first conveyor segment with a secured coupling plug in contact with a second conveyor segment such that the coupling plug which is already connected to one of the conveyor segments is placed in the opening for receiving the coupling plug,
• B) linking the pin handling device with the assembly of the first and second conveyor segments such that is moves along with the movement of the assembly,
• C) moving a connector element of the pin handling device that holds a connecting pin with a lift mechanism towards the assembly of first and second conveyor segments such that the connecting pin is placed in a pin opening of one of the conveyor segments and connects to the coupling plug, and
• D) rotating the connector element such that the coupling pin is detached from the connector element.

A method of releasing conveyor segments for high wall mining using a pin handling device, wherein the method comprises the steps of:

• A) linking the pin handling device with an assembly of connected first and second conveyor segments such that the pin handling device moves along with the movement of the assembly,
• B) moving a connector element of the pin handling device pin with a lift mechanism towards the assembly of connected first and second conveyor segments such that the connector element contacts the coupling pin,
• C) rotating the connector element such that the connector elements connects to a coupling pin that is to be detached from the connected first and second conveyor segments, and
• D) lifting the connector element such that the connection pin is pulled out of a coupling plug and a pin opening of one of the conveyor segments.