AU2017204163A1 - Self-propelled drilling vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

File No. P4066US00 The present document describes a self-propelled drilling vehicle comprising a ground engaging means configured to propel the drilling vehicle, a drilling rod driving means configured to operate a drilling rod, a first engine powered by an onboard energy source, and a second engine powered by an external energy source. The first engine is configured to controllably drive the ground engaging means while the second engine is configured to power the drilling rod driving means. cov cni

Description

Australian Patents Act 1990

ORIGINAL COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT

Invention Title

Self-propelled drilling vehicle

The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us:-

BACKGROUND (a) Field [0001] The subject matter disclosed generally relates to apparatus and devices used in a drilling environment, and more specifically to exploration drilling vehicles. (b) Related Prior Art [0002] In the field of drill exploration, one existing challenge resides in placing an electric exploration drilling component into place to perform a drilling operation. An associated challenge resides in the electrical connection of the exploration drilling component, since it is fed with heavy high electric voltage cable.

[0003] One common practice to response to that challenge consists in having a drilling exploration component being towed or transported into place with a vehicle such as a tractor or a bulldozer to perform the drilling operation. Such an ensemble involves that each time the drill exploration component must be moved to explore in another location, the tractor or the bulldozer must return to the drill exploration component to move it.

[0004] Another existing solution consists in having a heavy operator-driven vehicle comprising a Roll Over Protection System (ROPS). Since the operator is on the vehicle driving the vehicle when the latter is moving, security requirements demands the presence of the ROPS. The vehicle is therefore heavy, and provide challenges in the operation of the vehicle, for instance dimensions of the vehicle and the view of the environment by the operator when operating the vehicle.

[0005] There is therefore a need for improvement in the field that would face the above challenges while overcoming at least some of the drawbacks of the existing solutions.

SUMMARY

[0006] According to an embodiment, there is provided a self-propelled drilling vehicle comprising ground engaging means adapted to propel the drilling vehicle, a drilling rod operating assembly comprising a drilling mast, a rod engaging means and a rod guiding means, a first engine powered by an onboard energy source, wherein the first engine is configured to controllably drive the ground engaging means and the vehicle stability means, and a second engine powered by an external energy source, wherein the second engine is configured to controllably drive the drilling rod operating assembly [0007] According to an aspect, the first engine comprises one of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor.

[0008] According to an aspect, the onboard energy source comprises one of combusting fuel and a battery pack.

[0009] According to an aspect, the onboard energy source comprises a battery pack, and wherein the self-propelled drilling vehicle is adapted to recharge the battery pack when the second engine is connected to the external energy source.

[0010] According to an aspect, the second engine comprises an electric motor.

[0011] According to an aspect, the drilling vehicle further comprises a releasable connection, wherein the external energy source is transmitted to the second engine through the releasable connection.

[0012] According to an aspect, the ground engaging means comprises at least one of wheels, tires and tracks.

[0013] According to an aspect, the ground engaging means comprises at least two independently driven propelling components, for driving independently the at least two independently driven propelling components to steer the self-propelled drilling vehicle.

[0014] According to an aspect, the drilling vehicle further comprises a remote controller controlling power transmitted to the ground engaging means.

[0015] According to an aspect, the remote controller comprises a first controller component mounted to the self-propelled drilling vehicle and a second controller component, in communication with the first controller component, configured to be operated remotely from the self-propelled drilling vehicle.

[0016] According to an aspect, the first controller component and the second controller component comprise one of WiFi communication capability, Bluetooth communication capability, infrared communication capability, and radio frequency communication capability.

[0017] According to an aspect, the first engine and the second engine are adapted to power a hydraulic system, wherein the hydraulic system is adapted to controllably power accessories comprising the ground engaging means when the second engine is not powered up, and powering accessories and the drilling rod driving means when the second engine is powered up.

[0018] According to an aspect, the accessories further comprise one of drilling vehicle stability means, a drilling mast positioning cylinder and a counteracting jack.

[0019] According to an aspect, the drilling vehicle further comprises a frame to which are mounted the ground engaging means, the first engine, the second engine and the drilling rod driving means.

[0020] According to an aspect, the drilling vehicle further comprises harnessing means, wherein the harnessing means is adapted to one of releasably attach a power cable to the self-propelled drilling vehicle and releasably attach the self-propelled driving vehicle to a towing vehicle.

[0021] According to an aspect, the drilling rod driving means comprises a drilling mast controllably orientable between a moving configuration and an operating configuration, wherein the moving configuration is more compact than in the operating configuration.

[0022] According to an aspect, the ground engaging means have a maximum height relatively to the ground, and wherein a center of gravity of the self-propelled drilling vehicle is lower than the maximum height of the ground engaging means.

[0023] According to an aspect, the drilling vehicle further comprises a frame, wherein the drilling rod driving means, the first engine and the second engine are mounted to the frame, and wherein the drilling rod driving means is mounted to the frame at a position distant from at least one of the first engine and the second engine.

[0024] According to an aspect, the first engine is adapted to provide a first output power, the second engine is adapted to provide a second output power and wherein a power ratio between the first output power and the second output power is about between 3 to 4 and 1 to 3.

[0025] According to another embodiment, there is provided a self- propelled drilling vehicle comprising a ground engaging means configured to propel the self-propelled drilling vehicle, a drilling rod driving means configured to operate a drilling rod, a first engine powered by an onboard energy source, wherein the first engine is configured to controllably drive the ground engaging means, and a second engine powered by an external energy source, wherein the second engine is configured to power the drilling rod driving means.

[0026] According to another embodiment, there is provided a self- propelled drilling vehicle adapted for operating a drilling rod driving means to be mounted thereto, the drilling rod driving means being adapted for operating a drilling rod. The drilling vehicle comprises a ground engaging means configured to propel the self-propelled exploration drilling vehicle, a first engine powered by an onboard energy source, wherein the first engine is configured to controllably drive the ground engaging means, and a second engine powered by an external energy source, wherein the second engine is configured to power the drilling rod driving means.

[0027] Features and advantages of the subject matter hereof will become more apparent in light of the following detailed description of selected embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying figures. As will be realized, the subject matter disclosed and claimed is capable of modifications in various respects, all without departing from the scope of the claims. Accordingly, the drawings and the description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive and the full scope of the subject matter is set forth in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Further features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in combination with the appended drawings, in which: [0029] Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective elevated view of a self-propelled drilling vehicle according to an embodiment; [0030] Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective elevated view of a self-propelled drilling vehicle in an operating configuration according to an embodiment; [0031] Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective elevated view of a self-propelled drilling vehicle in an operating configuration according to an embodiment; [0032] Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective exploded view of an embodiment of a self-propelled drilling vehicle; [0033] Fig. 5 illustrates a perspective elevated view of a frame of an embodiment of the self-propelled drilling vehicle; [0034] Figs. 6A and 6B illustrate top views of embodiments a self-propelled drilling vehicle, the illustrated embodiments schematically illustrating a range of operating configurations available to perform in; [0035] Fig. 7 illustrates a rear view of a self-propelled drilling vehicle schematically illustrating a range of operating configurations of an embodiment of the self-propelled drilling vehicle; and [0036] Fig. 8 is a schematically illustration of a hydraulic circuit of an embodiment of the self-propelled drilling vehicle.

[0037] It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, like features are identified by like reference numerals.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Embodiments of self-propelled drilling vehicles are disclosed, and more particularly self-propelled drilling vehicles adapted to be able to autonomously move to and between operations location(s) and to perform exploration processes, namely low-depth and medium-depth drilling operations.

[0039] The present invention will be more readily understood by referring to the following examples which are given to illustrate the invention rather than to limit its scope.

[0040] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to Fig. 1, an embodiment of a self-propelled drilling vehicle 10 comprises a frame 20, a set of wheels 30 mounted to the frame 20, and a drilling rod driving means 38, comprising a rod engaging means 374 and a rod guiding means 375. The drilling rod driving means 38, mounted to a drilling mast 40, is adapted to drive a drilling rod (not shown) when performing drilling operations. The wheels 30, in cooperation with the tires (308 - Fig. 2) mounted thereto, define ground engaging means that, when driven, are adapted to propel the self-propelled drilling vehicle 10. The self-propelled drilling vehicle 10 is further equipped with a series of engines and a hydraulic system 50, the functions of which will be explained further in details in relation to the following drawings.

[0041] Now referring additionally to Fig. 2, the self-propelled drilling vehicle 10 comprises four wheels 30, two front wheels and two back wheels, with a pair on each side of the frame 20; the four (4) wheels 30 perform together as a ground engaging means and are able, when driven, to propel the self-propelled drilling vehicle 10 forth, back and to turn the self-propelled drilling vehicle 10. The wheels 30 are each adapted to mount twin tires 308, or in an alternate embodiment (not shown) wide tires. Further, in an alternate embodiment (not shown), specifically designed wheels are used; these wheels are adapted to engage directly with the ground beneath. In another alternate embodiment (not shown), tracks are mounted on each side of the frame 20 to the wheels 30. The tracks are engaging with the ground. For each track, at least one driven wheel 30 per side of the self-propelled drilling vehicle 10 drives the track and thus participate in propelling the self-propelled drilling vehicle 10.

[0042] Back to Fig. 1, the self-propelled drilling vehicle 10 is equipped with a towing structure 106 that may be releasably attached at one end to the self-propelled drilling vehicle 10 and at the other end to a towing vehicle (not shown) to tow the self-propelled drilling vehicle 10 over long distances and/or for fast displacements that would exceed the speed capability of the self-propelled drilling vehicle 10.

[0043] In Fig. 1, the self-propelled drilling vehicle 10 is illustrated in a moving, or compact, configuration, wherein the moving section area, or passthrough area, defining the minimum dimensions of a tunnel for instance for the self-propelled drilling vehicle 10 to pass through, is at a minimum. The self-propelled drilling vehicle 10 will therefore have the capability to drive through relatively small tunnels and other passages having relatively small openings.

[0044] In Fig. 2, the self-propelled drilling vehicle 10 is illustrated in an operating configuration, wherein the moving section area, or pass-through area, is greater than in its moving configuration. The operating configuration in Fig. 2 features the drilling vehicle in contact with the ground over the tires 308. In Fig. 3, the self-propelled drilling vehicle 10 is illustrated in another operating configuration in which the self-propelled drilling vehicle 10 is raised above the ground over four (4) hydraulic jacks 449 defining a drilling vehicle stability means. In Figs. 1 and 3, the drilling mast 40 is illustrated having moved from a moving configuration (see Fig. 1) to an operating configuration (see Figs. 1 and 3) where a drilling rod (not illustrated) may be driven by the drilling rod driving means 38 into the ground to drill an exploration hole at some distance from the frame 20. In an assembled perspective, a drilling rod operating assembly (not numbered) comprises the drilling mast 40, a rod engaging means 374 and a rod guiding means 375. To move the drilling mast 40 between moving and operating configurations, and further between different operating configurations, positioning cylinders, among which the positioning cylinder 480 illustrated in Figs. 1 and 3, operate on the drilling mast 40 to potentially change both positions and orientations of the drilling mast 40 according to exploration requirements.

[0045] One must note that drilling vehicle requirements for an operating configuration versus another may vary. Figs. 1 and 3 differ in the self-propelled drilling vehicle 10 being in contact with the ground through the tires 308 or through the bottom extremity of the hydraulic jacks 449. Requirements for operating conditions may also involve additional components such as means for stabilization of the drilling mast 40, for example a mast stabilizer in the form of counter-acting hydraulic jacks, a.k.a. ram jacks (not shown) located at an opposite end of the drilling mast 40 pressing over a solid surface opposed to the intended drilling direction or with mast mounting plate which is being bolted into the ground or the surface to be drilled. It must, therefore, be understood that operating configurations comprise any configuration of the self-propelled drilling vehicle 10 wherein safety and operating requirements are respected and wherein the drilling rod driving means 38 is able to operate a drilling rod to perform a drilling operation.

[0046] Back to Fig. 2, the self-propelled drilling vehicle 10 comprises a housing 3 mounted to the frame 20. According to an embodiment, the frame defines a longitudinal axis defining a general orientation according substantially to which the wheels 30 are adapted to propel the self-propelled drilling vehicle 10. Substantially to one extremity of the frame 20 is mounted the drilling mast 40, while substantially to the other extremity is mounted the housing 3 configured as a cage housing mechanical components of the self-propelled drilling vehicle 10.

[0047] The mechanical components comprise a first engine, which according to the illustrated embodiment is a diesel engine 134, and an onboard energy-stocking component, illustrated as a diesel fuel tank 278. The first engine is configured to operate in cooperation with the energy-stocking component so that the first engine may operate using the onboard energy source available in the energy-stocking component. In the illustrated embodiment, the diesel engine 134 is fluidly connected to diesel fuel tank 278.

[0048] The mechanical components further comprise a second engine, namely an electric motor 1. The second engine is able to operate when connected to a vehicle-external power source. According to an embodiment, the electric motor is adapted to be fed with electric alternating current of between 400-1000 volts through a feeding power cable 85 (see Fig. 8) connected at its other extremity to a power grid, a generator, or any other available and appropriate electrical power source (not shown).

[0049] The self-propelled drilling vehicle 10 further comprises a hydraulic system (see Figs. 4 and 5) driven by at least one of the first engine and the second engine. The self-propelled drilling vehicle 10 illustrated further comprises an electric box 44, a series of hydraulic valves 312 and a hydraulic block 360.

[0050] Now referring additionally to Fig. 4, the exploded view illustrates the configurations of the components of the self-propelled drilling vehicle 10, which results in the self-propelled drilling vehicle 10 combining an auto-propelling capability, a very low moving section area, or pass-through area, requirement and a very low vertical gravity center.

[0051] The exploded view of the self-propelled drilling vehicle 10 of Fig. 4 shows the electric motor 1, the diesel engine 134 and the diesel fuel tank 278 outside the housing 3 while respecting the height of these components when in an operating configuration. One must note that the housing 3 features side openings 32 on both sides for improved serviceability. Typically, the side openings 32 are closed with grid doors (see Fig. 1) to prevent foreign objects from entering into contact with any of the electric motor 1 and the diesel engine 134 when in operation while ensuring efficient ventilation inside the housing 3. The embodiment of Fig. 4 comprises additional components, namely a liquid tank and a hydraulic pump (see Fig. 8), not shown in that view, operating in combination with the diesel engine 134. One must note that the heaviest components, namely the electric motor, the liquid tank, hydraulic pump 295, and the diesel fuel tank 278 are located substantially close to the bottom of the housing 3; the diesel engine 134 and additional serviceable components (not identified specifically) being located above these other components. This configuration is specifically chosen as lowering in an optimum manner the center of gravity of the components. Furthermore, the housing 3 extends according to its bottom at a level substantially equivalent to the bottom level of the frame 20 relatively to the ground. That configuration once again optimizes the gravity center of the self-propelled drilling vehicle 10 at its lowest possible position.

[0052] According to an embodiment, the center of gravity of the self-propelled drilling vehicle 10 is lower than the maximum height of the ground engaging means, namely the height of the tires 308.

[0053] According to an embodiment, the center of gravity of the self-propelled drilling vehicle 10 is lower than half the maximum height of the ground engaging means, namely the height of the tires 308.

[0054] According to an embodiment, the electric motor 1 and the diesel engine 134 both power a distinct hydraulic pump part of the hydraulic system. The diesel engine 134 powers a hydraulic pump 295 (not shown in the figure and schematically illustrated on Fig. 8 as hydraulic pump 295). The electric motor 1 powers a hydraulic pump (not shown on the figure, schematically illustrated as pump 2 in Fig. 8). The diesel engine 134 is conceived to provide the necessary power to power a setup phase, while the electric motor 1 is capable of providing the power necessary to perform any operation of the self-propelled drilling vehicle 10 during the operating phase, or out of the operating phase as long as the electric motor 1 is electrically connected to a proper power source.

[0055] Accordingly, for explanatory purposes, firstly for the operation of the self-propelled drilling vehicle 10 a setup phase takes place during which the self-propelled drilling vehicle 10 is disconnected from any proper power source. In consequence, during the setup phase, the only energy source available for operating the self-propelled drilling vehicle 10 is the onboard energy source, namely the diesel fuel contained in the diesel fuel tank 278. Actions performed during the setup phase include displacement of the self-propelled drilling vehicle 10 to an operating location, raising the self-propelled drilling vehicle 10 on the hydraulic jacks 449, moving the drilling mast in an operating position, etc.

[0056] Typically, when the self-propelled drilling vehicle 10 is self-propelled using the diesel engine 134, an electric cable is releasably attached to the self-propelled drilling vehicle 10 using a harness, a hook or any other alternate component configured to secure releasably a section of the electric cable. Therefore, the extremity of the electric cable can be pulled by the moving self-propelled drilling vehicle 10. Once stopped, the electric cable can be detached from the harness and connected to the electric motor 1. Hence operators do not have to pull manually, or use another pulling device, to carry the heavy electric cable behind the self-propelled drilling vehicle 10. Operators rather only have to handle the extremity of the electric cable to connect it to the electric motor 1. However, it is to be understood that the electric cable can be releasably detached from the self-propelled drilling vehicle 10 during the movement of said vehicle or during the setup phase.

[0057] Thus, during or at the end of the setup phase, the electrical cable is connected to the electric motor 1 to power up the electric motor 1. Once connected, the electric motor 1, through its hydraulic pump, may provide power to complete the setup phase, or may provide power to perform actions of the operating phase. Specifically, the operating phase consists in exploration drilling. Thus, the hydraulic pump, powered by the electric motor 1, powers the drilling rod driving means 38 which drive the drilling rod (not shown) into the ground for exploration drilling.

[0058] At the end of the operating phase, based on the requirements associated with placing the self-propelled drilling vehicle 10 into a new operating configuration, and more specifically regarding if it is necessary to disconnect the electric cable from the electric motor 1 that would disconnect the electric motor 1 from the electric power source, accessories such as the wheels 30, the hydraulic jacks 449 and the positioning cylinders 480 may be powered by either the diesel engine 134 or the electric motor 1.

[0059] Still on Fig. 4, one must see that the drilling mast 40 is mounted to the frame over a series of rotatable and pivotal plates. Such a solution allows the drilling mast 40 to take place in a plurality of operating positions while the self-propelled drilling vehicle 10 remains at the same location. Figs. 6A and 6B, and 7 provide examples of the range of operating positions of the drilling mast 40.

[0060] Now referring additionally to Fig. 5, the frame 20 houses a hydraulic fluid tank 306 integral to the frame 20. The hydraulic fluid tank 306 is adapted to hold a substantial portion of the fluid used by the hydraulic system, thus necessary for operating of self-propelled drilling vehicle 10. It must be noted that once again the self-propelled drilling vehicle 10 is configured so as to optimize the height of the center of gravity of its components. It is further designed to optimize the serviceability of the components, having the low-service requirement heavy components located under the higher-service requirement lighter components. The hydraulic fluid tank 306 is thus located at the bottom of the frame 20, with serviceable lighter components, namely valves, pipes, etc., located above.

[0061] The illustration of the frame of Fig. 5 shows four (4) openings 302 on the sides the frame 20 for the wheels 30. The openings 302 are for releasable mounting the wheels 30 on the frame 20. The wheels 30 are hydraulically driven planetary wheel drives. So, by controllably transmitting fluid to one of the wheels 30, an operator drives the tire 308 mounted on the specific wheel to engage the ground. By controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid individually for each one of the four (4) wheels, the operator controls both the direction (back vs forth) and its orientation (the self-propelled drilling vehicle 10 turning left vs moving straight ahead vs turning right). For instance, by having the right wheels driven forward while blocking the left wheels, the operator forces the self-propelled drilling vehicle 10 to turn left. Thus, even though the illustrated wheels 30 have no steering capability, by driving differently and independently the wheels, the solution provides a steering capability for the self-propelled drilling vehicle 10.

[0062] The self-propelled drilling vehicle is configured to be remotely operated. Practically, it involves an operator verifying the operating state of the self-propelled drilling vehicle 10 and the electric cable being appropriately attached to the self-propelled drilling vehicle 10. It further comprises the operator powering up the diesel engine 134. Afterward, the operator controls, using a remote control (not shown), the accessories, namely the wheels, the stabilization jacks, etc. for the setup phase. The operator may be at some distance from the self-propelled drilling vehicle 10, for example, one hundred (100) feet, during the operation, ensuring its safety. Such a remote control comprises a first controller component 91 (see Fig. 8), illustrated in a perspective view as located in the electric box 44, mounted to the self-propelled drilling vehicle 10, and a second controller component 92 (see Fig. 8), in communication with the first controller component 91 and configured to be operated remotely from the drilling vehicle by an operator. The first controller component 91 and the second controller component 92 operate cooperatively as a controller 90 in operating communication with hydraulic controls as illustrated on Fig. 8.

[0063] The technology used to remotely control the drilling vehicle may vary according to embodiments. Exemplary embodiments involve use of a cable-linked remote control, or the first and second controller components having WiFi communication capability, Bluetooth communication capability, infrared communication capability, or radio communication capability without any physical component linking them.

[0064] According to another embodiment (not shown), the first engine is an electric motor and the onboard energy source is a battery pack. With that embodiment, the electric motor powered by the battery pack powers the accessories, comprising the ground engaging means. When the second engine, namely the electric motor 1, is connected to a power source, the electricity from the electric cable is used to power the electric motor and to charge the battery pack. Though, the battery pack is always charged at the end of an operating phase.

[0065] According to an embodiment, the ratio of output power of the first engine and the second engine is about between 3 to 4 to 1 to 3. According to an embodiment, the maximum output power of the first engine is between about 49 and 100 HP (horsepower). The maximum output power of the second engine in between about 100 HP and 150 HP.

[0066] According to an embodiment, the self-propelled drilling vehicle is adapted for a drilling mast to be mounted thereto, including fluidly connected to the hydraulic system. Once the drilling mast mounted, the drilling vehicle is adapted to perform drilling operations, for example exploration drilling operations.

[0067] Fig. 8 schematically illustrates the hydraulic circuit of the self-propelled drilling vehicle 10 with engines powering it. First, either one of the diesel engine 134 and the electric motor 1 powers the hydraulic system 50; that is, for the diesel engine 134, the hydraulic pump 295, and, for the electric motor 1, the hydraulic pump 2. The hydraulic pump 2 is fluidly connected to the hydraulic fluid tank 306 and to the controls 51 which are operated to controllably drive the fluid either to the drilling rod driving means 38 or to the accessories such as the wheels 30. The hydraulic pump 295 is fluidly connected to the hydraulic fluid tank 306 and to a controller. The hydraulic pump 295 is operated to controllably drive the fluid to the accessories such as the wheels 30.

[0068] It is to be noted that the hydraulic system is schematically illustrated therethrough and many details are omitted. For instance, the use of electronically control valves connected to the controller, the use of one-way valve to ensure operation of the system regardless of the engine operating on the hydraulic circuit, the use directional control valves, etc.

[0069] While preferred embodiments have been described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that modifications may be made without departing from this disclosure. Such modifications are considered as possible variants comprised in the scope of the disclosure.

[0070] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0071] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavor to which this specification relates.

Claims (21)

1. THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

   1. A self-propelled drilling vehicle comprising: - ground engaging means adapted to propel the drilling vehicle; - a drilling rod operating assembly comprising a drilling mast, a rod engaging means and a rod guiding means; - a first engine powered by an onboard energy source, wherein the first engine is configured to controllably drive the ground engaging means; and - a second engine powered by an external energy source, wherein the second engine is configured to controllably drive the drilling rod operating assembly.
2. 2. The self-propelled drilling vehicle of claim 1, wherein the first engine comprises one of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor.
3. 3. The self-propelled drilling vehicle of any of claims 1 and 2, wherein the onboard energy source comprises one of combusting fuel and a battery pack.
4. 4. The self-propelled drilling vehicle of claim 1, wherein the onboard energy source comprises a battery pack, and wherein the self-propelled drilling vehicle is adapted to recharge the battery pack when the second engine is connected to the external energy source.
5. 5. The self-propelled drilling vehicle of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second engine comprises an electric motor.
6. 6. The self-propelled drilling vehicle of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a releasable connection, wherein the external energy source is transmitted to the second engine through the releasable connection.
7. 7. The self-propelled drilling vehicle of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the ground engaging means comprises at least one of wheels, tires and tracks.
8. 8. The self-propelled drilling vehicle of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the ground engaging means comprises at least two independently driven propelling components, for driving independently the at least two independently driven propelling components to steer the self-propelled drilling vehicle.
9. 9. The self-propelled drilling vehicle of any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a remote controller controlling power transmitted to the ground engaging means.
10. 10. The self-propelled drilling vehicle of claim 9, wherein the remote controller comprises a first controller component mounted to the self-propelled drilling vehicle and a second controller component, in communication with the first controller component, configured to be operated remotely from the self-propelled drilling vehicle.
11. 11. The self-propelled drilling vehicle of claim 10, wherein the first controller component and the second controller component comprise one of WiFi communication capability, Bluetooth communication capability, infrared communication capability, and radio frequency communication capability.
12. 12. The self-propelled drilling vehicle of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first engine and the second engine are adapted to power a hydraulic system, wherein the hydraulic system is adapted to controllably power accessories comprising the ground engaging means when the second engine is not powered up, and powering accessories and the rod engaging means when the second engine is powered up.
13. 13. The self-propelled drilling vehicle of claim 12, wherein the accessories further comprise one of drilling vehicle stability means, a drilling mast positioning cylinder and a counter-acting jack.
14. 14. The self-propelled drilling vehicle of any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a frame to which are mounted the ground engaging means, the first engine, the second engine and the drilling rod operating assembly.
15. 15. The self-propelled drilling vehicle of any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising harnessing means, wherein the harnessing means is adapted to one of releasably attach a power cable to the self-propelled drilling vehicle and releasably attach the self-propelled driving vehicle to a towing vehicle.
16. 16. The self-propelled drilling vehicle of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the drilling rod operating assembly comprises the drilling mast, wherein the drilling mast is controllably orientable between a moving configuration and an operating configuration, and wherein the moving configuration is more compact than the operating configuration.
17. 17. The self-propelled drilling vehicle of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the ground engaging means have a maximum height relatively to the ground, and wherein a center of gravity of the self-propelled drilling vehicle is lower than the maximum height of the ground engaging means.
18. 18. The self-propelled drilling vehicle of any one of claims 1 to 17, further comprising a frame, wherein the drilling rod operating assembly, the first engine and the second engine are mounted to the frame, and wherein the drilling rod operating assembly is mounted to the frame at a position distant from at least one of the first engine and the second engine.
19. 19. The self-propelled drilling vehicle of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the first engine is adapted to provide a first output power, the second engine is adapted to provide a second output power and wherein a power ratio between the first output power and the second output power is about between 3 to 4 and 1 to 3.
20. 20. A self-propelled drilling vehicle comprising: - a ground engaging means configured to propel the self-propelled drilling vehicle; - a drilling rod driving means configured to operate a drilling rod; - a first engine powered by an onboard energy source, wherein the first engine is configured to controllably drive the ground engaging means; and - a second engine powered by an external energy source, wherein the second engine is configured to power the drilling rod driving means.
21. 21. A self-propelled drilling vehicle adapted for operating a drilling rod driving means to be mounted thereto, the drilling rod driving means adapted for operating a drilling rod, comprising: - a ground engaging means configured to propel the self-propelled drilling vehicle; - a first engine powered by an onboard energy source, wherein the first engine is configured to controllably drive the ground engaging means; and - a second engine powered by an external energy source, wherein the second engine is configured to power the drilling rod driving means.