Protective shield for underground mining operation has laterally expanding sections linked to a common hydraulic feed

摘要

A protective shield for covering the cutting equipment for underground mining, e.g. coalface operations, has several linked sections each fitted with laterally expanding sections (15) that seal the shield against the adjacent shields that protect the working face. The lateral sections are driven by rams (160 that are linked to a common pressure supply and to a common return duct. This ensures that each shield is correctly positioned and, with the adjacent shields, provides a seamless cover for the cutting equipment and operators.