Anchoring device and method for fixation of a launching unit for highwall mining

1. An assembly, the assembly comprising:

a launching unit for highwall mining;

an anchoring device for fixation of the launching unit; and

a coupler for coupling the anchoring device to the launching unit; the anchoring device comprising:

a hollow cylindrical body to be axially driven into a surface, wherein a distal end of the cylindrical body is provided with a cutting edge and the cylindrical body is configured to retain surface material within the hollow body in a driven position;

a linear motion system for connecting the hollow cylindrical body to the launching unit to provide for absorption of horizontal and vertical vibrations and shock loads from the launching unit while providing for raising and lowering of the hollow cylindrical body relative to the launching unit for highwall mining; and

a guide for guiding axial displacement of the hollow cylindrical body while allowing for axial and rotational movement of the cylindrical body during driving of the hollow cylindrical body into the surface.

2. An assembly according to claim 1 , characterised in that the anchoring device also comprises driving means for axial driving of the cylindrical body.

3. An assembly according claim 2 , characterised in that the anchoring device also comprises driving means for rotation of the cylindrical body around the axis of the cylinder in co-operation with the driving means for axial driving.

4. An assembly according to claim 1 , characterised in that the cylindrical body is detachably attached to the linear motion system.

5. An assembly according to claim 1 , characterised in that the radial thickness of the cutting edge is greater than the radial thickness of the cylindrical body.

6. An assembly according to claim 1 , characterised in that the cutting edge is jagged.

7. An assembly according to claim 1 , characterised in that the anchoring device is provided with at least one support member for resting on the surface.

8. An assembly according claim 7 , characterised in that the support member is provided with a drive for displacement of the support member with respect to the surface.

9. An assembly according to claim 1 , characterized in that the anchoring device is provided with a vacuum system for instantaneous removal of debris produced by the cutting edge during driving the hollow cylindrical body into the surface.

10. An assembly, comprising: a launching unit for highwall mining, a launching unit anchor that is used to anchor the launching unit against the high lateral loads encountered by the launching unit during highwall mining, a coupler for coupling the anchor to the launching unit, the anchor comprising a cylindrical body configured to be axially driven into a surface, wherein the cylindrical body is essentially hollow so that, when the cylindrical body is driven into the surface, surface material will be retained within the cylindrical body whereby the cylindrical body will absorb horizontal vibrations and movements from the launching unit in cooperation with the surface material retained within the cylindrical body, and wherein a distal end of the cylindrical body is provided with a cutting edge, the anchor further comprising a guide for guiding axial displacement of the cylindrical body while allowing for axial and rotational movement of the cylindrical body during driving of the cylindrical body into the surface, and a drill for rotating the cylindrical body, and a linear motion system for raising and lowering the cylindrical body relative to the launching unit.

11. An assembly according to claim 10 , characterised in that the assembly comprises multiple anchors.

12. A method for stabilisation of an assembly, comprising the steps:

positioning and orienting the launching unit on a surface,

fixing the launching unit by driving the anchor into the surface.

13. A method according to claim 12 , further comprising instantaneously removing debris produced by the cutting edge during driving the anchor into the surface using a vacuum system.

14. A method of relocating an assembly after being stabilized by the method of claim 12 , comprising the steps:

pulling the anchor free from the surface, and

moving of the assembly to a new location.

15. A method of relocating an assembly after being stabilized by the method of claim 12 , comprising the steps:

cutting of the anchor, leaving a part of the anchor stuck in the surface, and

moving of the rest of the assembly to a new location.