Overhead power grid for mobile mining machines

摘要

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.

主权项

1. A system for providing electrical power to a vehicle, the system comprising:
a first track including a first conducting portion carrying a current having a first phase configuration, the first conducting portion in electrical communication with a power source, the first conducting portion including a first end; a second track including a second conducting portion carrying a current having a second phase configuration different from the first phase configuration, the second conducting portion including a second end associated with and positioned proximate the first end; a trolley movable sequentially along the first track and the second track, the trolley including a contact, the contact in electrical communication with the first conducting portion while the trolley moves along the first track, the contact in electrical communication with the second conducting portion while the trolley moves along the second track, the contact conditioned to receive current having the first phase configuration while the contact is in electrical communication with the first conducting portion; and a connector positioned between the first conducting portion and the second conducting portion, wherein when the contact of the trolley engages the connector, the contact is conditioned to receive current having the second phase configuration when the contact is in electrical communication with the second conducting portion.