AU682534B2 - Rock bolter - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

(ORIGINAL)

Class Int. Class Application Number: Lodged: Complete Specification Lodged: Accepted: Published: Priority Related Art: 0 0 #see '.9*6

S

S.

*SSS

*4r S Name of Applicant: Cannon Industries, Inc.

Actual Inventor(s): Ward D. Morrison Perry L. Coombs Address for Service: PHILLIPS ORMONDE FITZPATRICK Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys 367 Collins Street Melbourne 3000 AUSTRALIA ftS S S. S Invention Title: ROCK BOLTER Our Ref 386727 POF Code: 102371/239530 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to applicant(s): -1- -I I ROCK BOLTER FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention relates to a rock bolter and, more particularly, to a rock bolter having the following: a single centralizer for all drilling and bolting operations which also serves as a stabilizer for a feed shell and a bolt delivery system which indexes bolts and positions them in line with a bolt driver.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A variety of rock bolters have been developed which employ a common feed shell. U. S. Patent 4,158,520, U.S.

Patent 4,226,559, and U.S. Patent 5,114,279 teach the use of a common feed shell. However, none of these patents employ a single element for stabilizing the feed shell which also serves as both a centralizer for a drill steel *9*e and a centralizer for other operations associated with bolt setting.

25 U.S. Patent 4,,226,.559 also teaches a cylindricalbolt magazine where the bolts transverse a path such that the bolts can be tangentially removed from the magazine. While such design simplifies bolt setting, the cylindrical shape limits -nie number of bolts that can be practically 9 30 employed.

9 Thus, there is a need for a rock bolter that will better facilitate maintaining alignment between the bolt hole and the bolt to be placed therein and provide a simplified bolt delivery system with greater bolt i capacity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is for a rock bolter and is directed to two elements of the bolter: a stinger/centralizer and a bolt system providing a multifunctional bolt magazine.

The term stinger, as used herein, is defined as a support attached to a feed shell having a feed shell axis of the rock bolter which engages the rock surface into which bolts are embedded. The stinger provides support to the feed shell and maintains it in a defined position.

The term centralizer as used herein is defined as an element through which a drill steel passes; equipment for subsequent operations either pass into or through the centralizer during these operations. Centralizers are positioned near the rock surface and direct the drill steel and other related equipment into the rock surface.

The present invention integrates the stinger and the centralizer into a single unit forming a stinger/centralizer.

The present invention, by integrating the improved stinger/centralizer with the bolt delivery system, 25 provides a rock bolter with reduced complexity and improved efficiency. While it is preferred that these improvements are employed in combination to maximize their cooperative nature, the improvements will have utility when employed independently.

The stinger/centralizer of the present invention provides two functions associated with the bolting operation, a support for fixing the position of the feed shell and a guide to centralize the position of the drill steel, the bolt and other bolt setting apparatus so that all are directed to the same location.

-i lillllll~slP~ During the drilling operation, rock engaging surfaces of the stinger/centralizer serve to provide additional support for the feed shell and to maintain its position with respect to the rock surface. A passage is provided through the stinger/centralizer. This passage guides the drill steel in a path substantially in line with of the advancing drill along the feed shell. While drilling a hole, this passage serves as the drill steel centralizer. After the drilling operation, the passage in the stinger/centralizer continues to serve as the centralizer for all subsequent drilling and bolt setting operations. Since the stinger/centralizer maintains contact with the rock being drilled, the position of the hole is known with certainty.

Since the stinger/centralizer is used for bolt setting, it is split, allowing the stinger/centralizer to open and a bolt plate, bolt head and bolt driver to pass through the centralizer during the bolt setting 20 operation.

The stinger/centralizer, in its simplest form, has a stinger base which attaches to the rock bolter. When a rock bolter having a single feed shell is employed, it is preferred that the base of the stinger/centralizer be attached to the feed shell of the rock bolter. This stinger base can form part of a transfer plate on which are mounted the additional elements employed in the rock bolting process.

In the stinger/centralizer, a first head element is provided which has a first rock engaging surface and a first head cavity having a cavity wall which intersects the first rock engaging surface. A first head arm attaches to the first head element and movably attaches to the stinger base.

i i A second head element is provided which has a second rock engaging surface. The second head element also has a second head cavity having a cavity wall which intersects the second rock engaging surface. A second head arm attaches to the second head element and movably attaches to the stinger base.

Means are provided for engaging the first head element with the second head element such that the first head cavity and the second head cavity provide i.

centralizer passage having a head axis therethrough, the head axis being substantially parallel to the drill path.

Preferably, the first head arm attaches to the stinger base with a first bracket while the second head arm attaches to the stinger base with a second bracket.

These brackets can be either an integral part of the stinger base or an attachment to the stinger base. The first head arm slidably engages the first bracket and the "20 second head arm slidably engages the second bracket.

In this embodiment, the head arms slidably engage the brackets, the sliding action of the arms in the brackets serves to engage the first head element with the second head element and the sliding action is regulated to assure that the first head cavity and the second head cavity meet to form a centralizer passage substantially parallel to the direction of travel of the drill. The .sliding action is induced by means for translating the S" 30 first head arm with respect to the second head arm. In one preferred embodiment, this means for translating is a linear actuator such as a pneumatic cylinder, which is attached to the first head arm and the second head arm.

It is further preferred that the first bracket and the second bracket be so positioned with respect to the stinger base that when the first head arm and the second head arm slide in the first bracket and the second I i, 1 e bracket respectively, a component of the sliding motion is parallel to the feed shell axis. This will move the head arms away from the rock as the head elements separate.

In a preferred embodiment, it is further preferred that a first flexible joint be provided between the first head element and the first head arm and that a second flexible joint be provided between the second head element and the second head arm.

To assure registry of the two head elements, it is further preferred that means be included for indexing the first head element with respect to the second head element and that a first retractable connector be used to slide the first head arm into the first bracket and that a second retractable connector be used to slide the second head arm into the second bracket. It is further preferred that these retractable connectors be ilydraulic 20 cylinders.

.oco For uneven surfaces, opening of the centralizer may be impaired by the surface. To overcome this impairment and allow the centralizer to open permitting the bolt plate to pass therethrough, it is preferred that the centralizer have one component of its motion be away from the rock surface into which bolts are being set.

When the stinger/centralizers employ head arms that ei 30 slidably engage the base and move in a plane parallel to the rock surface to open and close the head elements, opening of the head elements can be facilitated by first S"retracting the stinger/centralizer from the rock surface and then sliding the head arms to separate the head elements to provide for passage of the bolt plate. As discussed earlier, when the sliding action results in a component of the relative motion being parallel to the feed shell axis, the head elements, in addition to

-I,

separating, will be withdrawn from the rock surface.

This motion away from the rock will facilitate the opening of the head elements even if the surface is irregular.

It is further preferred that the first head arm be inclined with respect to the head axis by an angle of 0, where 0 is about 45°. Similarly, the second head arm is inclined with respect to the head axis by an angle 0, where a is about 45°. The inclined head elements minimize the probability of contact with irregularities in the rock surface.

The bolt delivery system of the present invention has particular utility when used in combination with the above described stinger/centralizer. However, it can also be used with other rock bolters not employing the stinger/centralizer of the present invention. The bolt delivery system of the present invention is designed to 20 align bolts with the bolt driver and the centralizer which directs the bolts into a bore hole. The system inserts the bolt into the centralizer before the bolt is released from the bolt delivery system.

The bolt delivery system, in its simplest form, has a bolt magazine with advancable peripheral surfaces. A shaft having a first wheel and a second wheel mounted thereon offers a simple magazine. Each of these wheels have rims which serve as the advancable peripheral 30 surfaces of the magazine. When the bolts are mounted on the advancable peripheral surface, they sweep out a bolt advance path. The bolt magazine is supported by a magazine holder. A magazine base is provided which is fixed with respect to the feed shell. The bolt magazine holder is pivotably mounted on the magazine base such that when a bolt is withdrawn from the bolt magazine, it is withdrawn substantially normal to the advancable peripheral surfaces of the bolt magazine.

i Irs I I In a preferred embodiment, the bolt magazine has an oval cross section and a magazine frame having a bolt entry region and a bolt exit region. The bolt magazine has a first bolt retaining shaft which is rotatably mounted with respect to the magazine frame and a second bolt retaining shaft which is spaced apart from the first bolt retaining shaft and is also rotatably mounted with respect to the magazine frtaie. A first pulley/sprocket is mounted on the first bolt retaining shaft while a second pulley/sprocket is mounted on the second bolt retaining shaft. A first belt/chain engages the first pulley/sprocket and the second pulley/sprocket. The terms pulley/sprocket and belt/chain will be defined as follows: pulley/sprockets will include the use of pulleys or wheels on which cables and belts can be engaged while sprockets will include gears and sprockets that will engage chains and belts. The belt/chain will include belts, both solid and woven as well as cables and chains. A third pulley/sprocket is mounted on the first 20 bolt retaining shaft and is spaced apart from the first pulley/sprocket. A fourth pulley/sprocket is mounted on the second bolt retaining shaft and is spaced apart from the second pulley/sprocket. A second belt/chain is engaged to the third pulley/sprocket and the fourth pulley/sprocket. The pulley/sprockets are so positioned that the first belt/chain is parallel to the second belt/chain. In this embodiment, the belt/chains provide the advancable peripheral surfaces.

Bolt mounts are provided in pairs for fastening the bolts to the belt/chains. Paired bolt mounts are pruvided along the belt/chains. Bolt clips are suitable for holding bolts in position on the belt/chains; however, it is preferred that the bolts be mounted with fingers that extend out from the belt/chains. When fingers are used, one or more bolt retaining bars are provided to maintain the bolts between the fingers. The bolt retaining bars are maintained substantially parallel ICI 41 i i Psi to the belt/chains with the spacing therebetween less than the finger length. Bolt retaining bar exit openings are provided to facilitate the removal of a bolt from the belt. When multiple retaining bars are used, it is preferred that one of the bolt retaining bars be located in the bolt entry region of the magazine frame to contain the head region of the bolts while the second bolt retaining bar be located in the bolt exit region of the magazine frame to contain the tip region of the bolts.

In cases where head region and tip region bolt retaining bars are employed, openings for the extraction of bolts from the fingers are provided. There is also an open region in the head region bolt retaining bar to facilitate the insertion of bolts.

For magazines using fingers, one or more followers, which are pivotably mounted on the first bolt retaining shaft, are provided; the first bolt retaining shaft is the shaft closest to the exit position of the bolts. If 20 one follower is employed, it should be centrally located.

The followers engage the bolts as the bolts advance into the open regions in the bolt retaining bars provided to :"extract the bolts. A single retaining bar centrally located with respect to the bolts can be employed; however, multiple retaining bars can be used. The :i followers are biased and designed to engage the bolt while the bolt is still engaged with the bolt retaining bars.

30 When a hydraulic motor is used to advance the bolts, bolt stops are provided which stop the bolt when the bolt is positioned for engagement with the bolt driver. If an S"indexing motor is employed to advance the bolts, the stop may be eliminated.

It is further preferred that the bolt magazine also serve as a bolt plate magazine. When the bolt magazine serves as a bolt/ bolt plate magazine (referred to as a C' 111 bolt plate magazine), the bolts are passed through bolt holes in the plates and the plates ride on the bolts. To stabilize the bolt plates as they ride on the bolts, a bolt plate channel is incorporated into the magazine frame and positioned in the bolt exit region of the magazine frame and external to the belt/chains. The bolt plate channel provides a guide path for the bolt plates and attaches to the magazine frame of the bolt magazine.

It is further preferred that the bolt plate channel engage the bolt plates such that bolts are internal to the bolt plate channel and that the guide path be so positioned to serve to retain the bolt tips. A bolt plate opening is provided in the bolt plate channel of sufficient size to pass a bolt plate therethrough for unloading the bolts with the bolt plates thereon.

A bolt head rub-rail is preferably included in the bolt magazine. The bolt head rub-rail is attached to the head region of the magazine frame and is utilized to 20 engage the back of the bolt heads. The rub-rail is configured to trace out a path following the advance path S' of the bolts as they are advanced by the belt/chain. The rub-rail preferably has a component of its path that is parallel to the feed shell axis so as to advance the bolts toward the exit region of the frame as the bolts move through the magazine and into the exit opening.

If the rock bolter is to be employed for setting bolts in roofs of underground mines, it is preferred that 30 a magazine cap be provided to cover the bolt exit region of the frame. The magazine cap is solid except for an extended bolt exit port allowing the bolts to extend beyond the cap as they are advanced to the position where they align with the bolt driver and the centralizer. The magazine cap also preferably has a retainer section where the cross section has a sidewall that is parallel to the belt and separated from the belt by a distance of less than the finger length. The magazine cap can also I I I a 9a increase the rigidity of the frame. Additional skin can be provided to increase the rigidity of the bolt magazine.

A rear plate can also be provided to the bolt entry region of the frame.

When the magazine cap and the rear plate extend beyond the bolts, it is necessary that there be passages provided in the magazine cap to allow removal of the bolts and, in the rear plate, to allow the bolts to be engaged by the driver, These passages must at a minimum form a path that will allow the bolt to be withdrawn from the magazine. In a preferred embodiment, the passage will allow the bolt driver to enter the magazine frame.

Throughout the description anrid claims of this specification the word "comprise" and variations of that word, such as "comprises" and "comprising", are not intended to exclude other additives or components or integers.

a *i..o go a"a oo.

a..

I I irFrease the rigidity of the frame. Additional skin ca be provided to increase the rigidity of the bolt magazine.

A rear plate can also be provid to the bolt entry region of the frame. When the azine cap and the rear plate extend beyond the bol it is necessary that there be passages provided i he magazine cap to allow removal of the bolts and, Irthe rear plate, to allow the bolts to be engage y the driver. These passages must at a minimum m a path that will allow the bolt to be wit awn from the magazine. In a preferred embodiment, e passage will allow the bolt driver to enter the magazine frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a an elevation view of a carrier vehicle 20 on which a rock bolter is mounted. The rock bolter is shown in its roof bolting position. A stinger/centralizer and a bolt/plate magazine as well as a transfer plate are shown. In this embodiment, the stinger/centralizer and the bolt magazine with bolt plat handling capacity are mounted to the transfer plate whica in turn is attached to a boom mounted on the carrier vehicle.

Figure 2 is an isometric view of one embodiment of a stinger/centralizer of the present invention which employs a first head arm and a second head arm which slidably engage a base plate. The base is attached to a feed shell. The first head arm and the second head arm serve to open and close head elements to which the head arms are attached.

o Figure 3 is an isometric view of another embodiment of the invention similar to the embodiment for the 11~1-- stinger/centralizer of Figure 2. The odiment of Figure 3 differs from the embodiment of Figure 2 in that as the head elements separate, a component of the motion is parallel to tie axis of the feed shell.

Figure 4 is a front view of another embodiment, similar to that of Figure 3, for a stinger/centralizer.

The head of the centralizer, in this embodiment, is mounted to arms with a flexible coupling. In this embodiment, one arm is fully extended and another is contracted. In this embodiment, each of the arms are driven by a separate hydraulic cylinder.

Figure 5 is a side view of the embodiment of Figure 4.

Figure 6 is a top view of the embodiment of Figure 4.

20 Figure 7 is an exploded isometric view illustrating both the use of tabs to assure registry between the head elements such as shown in Figures 4, 5 and 6. Bevels are provided which facilitate the engagement of the drill steel, bolts and other bolt setting operations.

Figure 8 is an isometric view of one embodiment of the present invention for a bolt delivery system where the bolts are mounted on wheels employed to advance the 0* bolts.

**see: Figure 9 is an isometric view of an embodiment of the present invention for a bolt delivery system including a bolt magazine. In this embodiment, belt/chains are employed to advance the bolts. Fingers, in combination with bolt retaining bars are used to hold and advance the bolts on the belt/chains.

I Is Figure 10 is an isometric view of a second embodiment of the bolt magazine of the present invention which employs a magazine cap. This embodiment employs a magazine which has clips holding and advancing the bolts being transported on belts.

Figure 11 is a side cross sectional view of a region of a bolt magazine similar to the embodiment of Figure 9.

This embodiment uses chains with fingers to advance the bolts.

Figure 12 is a side cross sectional view of a bolt magazine which employs chains having clips to advance the bolts. The magazine is similar to the embodiment illustrated in Figure Figure 13 is an isometric view of a section of a transfer platform for the rock bolter showing a bolt driver stop which limits the advance of the bolt driver 20 until such time as the bolt magazine is parked and S: removed from the path of the bolt driver.

Figures 14 and 15 are two views of a drill steel guide that form part of the present invention. The drill steel guide simultaneously directs the drill steel away from the feed shell and away from the rock surface into which the bolts are being set.

fo

U

30 BEST MODE OF CARRYING THE INVENTION INTO PRACTICE Figure 1 illustrates a rock bolter 10 of the present invention which has a bolt magazine 12 and a stinger/centralizer 14 mounted on a stinger base 16 which is part of a transfer system 17 which in turn is mounted to a boom 18 which is attached to a carrier vehicle I II Figure 2 is an isometric view of one of the embodiments of the present invention for a stinger/centralizer 100 which serves a dual purpose. The stinger/centralizer 100 stabilizes a feed shell 102, which has a feed shell axis 103, and serves as a guide for all bolt setting operations. The stinger/centralizer 100 has a base 104 which is attached to the feed shell 102. The stinger/centralizer 100 has a first head element 106 having a first head rock engaging surface 108 and a first head cavity 110. A first head arm 112 has a first head arm first end 114 and a first head arm second end 116. The first head arm first end 114 attaches to the first head element 106. The first head arm 112 slidably engages a first bracket 118 which forms a sleeve which is attached to the base 104. The first head arm 112, in combination with the first bracket 118, serves as a means for movably attaching the first head element 106 to the base 104. Similarly, a second head element 120 having a second head rock engaging surface 122 and a 20 second head cavity 124 are provided for the stinger/centralizer 100. A second head arm 126 having a second head arm first end (not shown) and a second head arm second end 130 slidably engages a second bracket 132 forming a sleeve. The second head arm first end (not shown) is attached to the second head element 120. The second head arm 126, in combination with the second bracket 132, serves as a means for movably attaching the second head element 1?0RO to the base 104.

30 A double action hydraulic cylinder 134 is provided.

The hydraulic cylinder 134 has a stem 136 which is ivotably attached to the first head arm second end 116 and a cylinder end 138 which is pivotably attached to the second head arm second end 130. The hydraulic cylinder 134 and the stem 136 serve as the means for engaging the first head element 106 and the second head element 120.

The first bracket 118, in combination with the second bracket 132, directs the path of the first head arm 112 and the second head arm 126 such that when the first head element 106 is in contact with the second head element 120, the first head element cavity 110 and the second head element cavity 124 form a passage parallel to the feed shell axis 103.

For the stinger/centralizer 100 to function as a stabilizing element for the feed shell 102 when the first head element 106 is in contact with the second head element 120, the first head rock engaging surface 108 and the second head rock engaging surface 122 must be positioned ahead of the feed shell 102 so that they will be in contact with the rock which will be drilled. When the first head element 106 and the second head element 120 move in a plane that is normal to the feed shell 102, they will rub on the rock. Thus, before the centralizer formed by the head elements (106, 120) is opened, it is preferred that the feed shell 102 be moved away from the rock surface.

Figure 3 is an isometric view of another embodiment similar to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2. In this embodiment, a first head element 202 and a second head element 204 are provided which are positioned with respect to a feed shell 206 having a feed shell axis 208 such that the head elements 202 and 204 meet in front of the feed shell 206 and align with the feed shell axis 208. The first head element 202 has a first rock engaging surface 214 and a first head cavity 216.

30 Similarly, the second head element 204 has a second rock engaging surface 210 and a second head cavity 212.

As illustrated in Figure 3, the first head element 202 is in its fully extended position while the second head element 204 is in its retracted position. When retracting the head elements 202 and 204, not only do they move in a plane normal to the feed shell axis 208, but they have a component of their motion parallel to the II L L-~ feed shell axis 208. This component of motion parallel to the feed shell axis 208 results from the placement of a first head arm 220 and a sscond head arm 218; the first head arm 220 attaches to the first head element 202 while the second head arm 218 attaches to the second head element 204.

The first head arm 220 and the second head arm 218 in turn slidably engage a first bracket 222 and a second bracket 224 which in turn attach to a base 226.

Additional support for the first bracket 222 is provided by a first brace 228 between the first bracket 222 and the base 226. A second brace (not shown) provides additional support for the second bracket 224.

Figures 4 through 7 illustrate another embodiment of the stinger/centralizer that has the same head arm arrangement as is employed in the embodiment of Figure 3.

Referring to Figure 4, a stinger/centralizer 300 is illustrated having a first head element 302 and a second head element 304 with a flexible coupling 306 located between the head elements 302 and 304 and head arms 308 and 310. The head arms 308 and 310 slidably engage "brackets 312 and 314. The head arms 308 and 310 are positioned in the brackets 312 and 314. Each of the brackets 312 and 314 contains a hydraulic cylinder which is shown in phantom lines; a first bracket hydraulic cylinder 316 resides in the first bracket 312 and a second bracket hydraulic cylinder 318 resides in the 30 second bracket 314.

Referring to Figure 5, the first head arm 308 has a first head arm first end 320 which engages the flexible coupling 306. A first head arm second end 322 of the first head arm 308 engages the first bracket hydraulic cylinder 316. The position of the first bracket hydraulic cylinder 316 is such that, at full extension of the cylinder 316, the first head element 302 (shown in I I Figure 4) will be positioned such that its first head cavity 324 can be aligned with an axis 325 for a tool (not shown) which is directed by a feed shell 326. The positioning of the first head cavity 324 will be properly aligned when the second head element 304 is engaged with the first head element 302.

Referring to Figure 6, the second head arm 310 has a second head arm first end 328 which engages the flexible coupling 306 and a second head arm second end 330 which engages the second bracket hydraulic cylinder 318. The location of the second bracket hydraulic cylinder 318 is such that a second head element 304 would extend beyond the path of the first head element 302 if the first head element 302 were in its retracted position.

Figure 7 is a rear exploded isometric view of the first head element 302 and the second head element 304 illustrating tabs which are preferably employed to 20 maintain registry between the first head element 302 and the second head element 304, each sharing a common head axis 335. A top head tab 340 is attached to the top of the first head element 302 and extends therebeyond to be "engaged by the second head element 304. A back head tab 342 is attached to the back of the second head element 304 to engage the back of the first head element 302.

These tabs serve to maintain the alignment between the two head elements 302 and 304. A bevel 344 is provided oo\ on the back of the first and second head elements (302 and 304) to facilitate the engagement of the head elements by the drill steel, bolts and other bolt setting operations.

Referring again to Figures 4 through 6, to further facilitate the opening of the head elements (302, 304) when the bolter is placing bolts on uneven surfaces, it is advantageous to have the head arms (308, 310) displace as far as possible from the rock surface. For this -I I I reason, it is also preferred that a first head arm axis 350 of the first head arm 308 be inclined with respect to the axis 325 for the tool by an angle 8 of about 45° as shown in Figure 6. Similarly, the second head arm 310 is inclined at an angle of about 450.

Figure 8 illustrates an isometric view of one embodiment of a bolt delivery system 400 of the present invention. The delivery system 400 has a bolt magazine 402 which has advancable peripheral surfaces 404 which support and transport bolts 406. The bolt magazine 402 has a first bolt retaining shaft 420 which is rotatably mounted in a bolt magazine holder 408. The first bolt reta.ning shaft 420 has a first wheel 422 mounted thereon which has a rim which serves as one of the advancable peripheral surfaces 404 of the bolt magazine 402.

Mounted on the first bolt retaining shaft 420 and spaced apart from the first wheel 422 is a second wheel 424 having a rim which provides another of the advancable 20 peripheral surfaces 404 of the bolt magazine 402.

Clips 426 are mounted on the first wheel 422 and the 'second wheel 424 and are positioned on the peripheral 'surfaces 404 of the wheels (422, 424) providing paired clips thereon. The clips 426 are paired so that the bolts 406, mounted in paired clips 426, are parallel to the first bolt retaining shaft 420. When the bolts 406 are mounted on the advancable peripheral surfaces 404 by the clips 426, they sweep out a bolt advance path. The bolt magazine 402 is supported by the magazine holder 408 which in turn is pivotably mounted to a magazine base 410. The magazine base 410 is mounted in fixed relationship to a feed shell 412. The magazine holder 408 is mounted such that when the bolt 406', which is engaged by a bolt driver 416 and a bolt centralizer 418, is removed from the bolt magazine 402, it will be withdrawn substantially normal to the peripheral surfaces 404 of the bolt magazine 402. Having the bolt 406' so I I positioned facilitates the removal of the bolt 406' from the clips 426 since the line of force will be along the radius of the wheels (422, 424).

The bolt magazine holcder 408, as illustrated, is in the work position. In this position, a bolt 406' is aligned with the bolt driver 416 and will be advanced as the bolt driver 416 moves along the feed shell 412. When the bolt 406' has been engaged by the bolt driver 416 and the bolt centralizer 41,8, the bolt magazine holder 408 is raised to a park position by rotating it on the magazine base 410. A hydraulic cylinder 430 is pivotably connected to the bolt magazine holder 408 and the magazine base 410. When the hydraulic cylinder 430 is extended, the bolt magazinc 402 will pivot as illustrated by the arrow R, raising the bolt magazine 402 to a park 20 position. The park position allows the bolt driver 416 to pass by the bolt magazine 402 and the bolts 406 to be driven into the drilled holes in the rock.

a Figure 9 is an isometric view of another embodiment a.

for a bolt delivery system 500 of the present invention.

In this embodiment, the cross section of a bolt magazine 502 is oval rather than circular. Oval cross sections allow a greater number of bolts per unit cross section than the circular cross section of Figure 8. The bolt magazine 502 has a magazine frame 503 which has a bolt S" head region 504 and a bolt exit region 505. The bolt magazine 502 is attached to a magazine holder 506 which is pivotably attached to a magazine base 508 which is mounted in a fixed relationship with a feed shell 510 on which a bolt driver 512 rides. The magazine holder 5C6 .s is pivotably mounted to the magazine base 508. The bolt f magazine 502 has a first bolt retaining shaft 514 a6 r uj rotatably mounted on the magazine frame 503 and powered by a motor 515. A second bolt retaining shaft 516, spaced apart from the first bolt retaining shaft 514, is also rotatably mounted on the magazine frame 503. A first pulley/sprocket 518 is mounted on the first bolt retaining shaft 514, while a second pulley/sprocket 520 is mounted on the second bolt retaining shaft 516. A first belt/chain 522 engages the first pulley/sprocket 518 and the second pulley/sprocket 520. Belts are usually used in combination with pulleys while sprockets will be used in combination with chains.

Similarly, a third pulley/sprocket 524 is mounted on the first bolt retaining shaft 514 and is spaced apart from the first pulley/sprocket 518. A fourth pulley/sprocket 526 is mounted on the second bolt retaining shaft 516 and is spaced apart from the second pulley/sprocket 520. A second belt/chain 528 engages the third pulley/sprocket 524 and the fourth pulley/sprocket 526. The pulley/sprockets are so positioned that the 20 first belt/chain 522 and the second belt/chain 528 are parallel.

In the embodiment of Figure 9, fingers 530 are employed in combination with bolt retaining bars 532 and serve as the bolt mounts for holding bolts 534 as the belts (522, 528) are advanced. If a single bolt retaining bar is employed, it should be centrally located between the first belt/chain 522 and the second belt/chain 528. When two bolt retaining bars 532 are employed, one bolt retaining bar should be located in the bolt head region 504 of the magazine frame 503 while the other bolt retaining bar 532 should be in the bolt exit region 505 of the magazine frame 503. The bolt retaining bars 532 are provided with exit openings (not shown) to allow the bolts 534 to be withdrawn from the bolt magazine 502. The fingers 530 are attached in a pairwise manner to the first belt/chain 522 and the second belt/chain 528 such that the bolts 534 will be parallel I -L8lr sPI to the first bolt retaining shaft 514 and the second bolt retaining shaft 516.

Bolt followers 536 are pivotably mounted on the first bolt retaining shaft 514 and are biased by springs (not shown) that engage the bolt 534' when it reaches the bolt retaining bar exit opening (not shown) in the bolt retaining bars 532. The bolt follower 536 maintains the bolt 534' between the fingers 530 while the bolt 534' advances to the position where it is engaged by the bolt driver 512. Bolt stops (not shown) which are supported by brackets 538 attach to the magazine frame 503. The bolt stops are positioned to engage the bolt 534' and position it for engagement with the bolt driver 512 and the stinger/centralizer. Bolt stops are shown and discussed in greater detail with respect to Figure 11.

Figure 10 illustrates another embodiment of a bolt delivery system 600 of the present invention. A bolt 20 magazine 602 has a magazine frame 603, having a bolt head region 604 and a bolt exit region 605. The bolt magazine 602 is attached to a magazine holder 606 which is pivotably attached to a magazine base 608, which in turn is mounted in a fixed relationship to a feed shell 610.

The feed shell 610 directs the tools which are selectively mounted on the feed shell 610 to perform l various rock bolting operations. During the bolt driving operation, a bolt driver 612 is slidably engaged with respect to the feed shell 610. The magazine frame 603 has a rear panel 614 which forms a terminal surface of the magazine frame 603. The rear panel 614 has a bolt driver passage 616. In this embodiment of the invention, the bolt exit region 605 has an open central region 618 through which bolts 620 can freely rotate. The open central region 618 is provided so that the bolts 620 can be advanced as they move along an oval bolt advance path to the position where they will be engaged by the bolt driver 612. A removable magazine cap 622 attaches to the I 21 bolt exit region 605 of the magazine frame 603. The magazine cap 622 can be attached with screws (not shown).

An extended bolt exit port 623 is provided which allows the bolts 620 to protrude beyond the magazine cap 622 as the bolts 620 advance to the position where they are engaged by the bolt driver 612. The bolts 620 are advanced as they proceed along the extended bolt exit port 623 by a rub rail 624 which has a forward sloping segment 625 forming a ramp. The rub rail 624 displaces the bolts 620 as they pass through the extended bolt exit port 623 and advance to the position where they are engaged by the bolt driver 612.

The bolts 620 are held in position by bolt clips 626 which attach to belt/chains 628 that are mounted on pulley/sprockets 630 which are discussed in greater detail with regard to Figure 9. Pulley/sprockets 630 are in turn mounted on shafts (631, 632). The shafts (631, 632) in turn are mounted on the rear panel 614 and the 20 magazine cap 622. Since the clips 626 are employed to hold the bolts 620 in place, there is no need for bolt followers as VLsed in the embodiment of Figure 9.

When the bolt clips 626 are replaced with fingers such as used in the embodiment of Figure 9, the rub rail i"i 624 provides another function which is to prevent the bolts 620 from slipping through the open region of the rear panel 614. Also, when fingers are used, a bolt retaining bar (not shown but similar to the bolt retaining bar illustrated in Figure 9) is employed. If a stepping motor 638 is used to drive the belt/chains 628 through the shaft 631, then the stops, such as required in the embodiment of Figure 9, are not required.

It is further preferred that the bolt magazine 602 serve in the dual capacity of a bolt and bolt plate magazine in which case a bolt plate channel 642 is provided and positioned in the bolt exit region 605 of r Llr--~qb the magazine frame 603. (The bolt plate channel 642 has been shown with a section deleted to reveal the underlying structure.) The bolt plate channel 642 serves as a bolt plate guide. The bolt plate chann-il 642 has a bolt plate opening 644 of sufficient size that a bolt plate 640' will pass therethrough. The bolt plate channel 642 can also serve the function of a bolt retaining bar when contoured to embrace the bolts 620 as they advance through the bolt magazine 602.

Alternatively, the removable magazine cap 622 can serve as a bolt retaining bar, provided that it has a cap sidewall 627 contoured to embrace the bolts 620 as they advance through the bolt magazine 602.

Figure 11 illustrates details of a follower 700 and a bolt stop 702 employed with a bolt magazine 706 having chains 708 which engage sprockets (not shown). The bolt magazine 706 is similar to the bolt magazine illustrated in Figure 9. As illustrated in Figure 11, the chains 708 "20 are used to transport bolts 710 with fingers 712 that are attached to individual links 714. A bolt retaining bar 716, in combination with the fingers 71:. confines the bolts 710 as they advance towards the position where one of the bolts 710' is engaged by a bolt driver (not shown). The follower 700 is pivotably mounted on a bolt retaining shaft 718. The follower 700 is biased with a spring (not shown) pivoting to engage the bolts 710 before contact of the bolt 710' with the bolt retaining bar 716 is lost. The follower 700 will be rotated by the advancing bolt 710' holding it against the finger 712' by the spring tension until such time as the bolt 710' is stopped by the bolt stop 702, where the bolt 710' will be engaged by the bolt driver (not shown in Figure 11). The follower 700 is contoured with a slope such that as the bolt magazine 706 is pivoted to rfeiiove thr bolt 710' from the bolt magazine 706, the follower 700 will pivot on the retaining shaft 718 allowing the bolt 710' to be released. The finger 712', in contact with the bolt

L

23 710', will also pivot due to the flexibility in the chain 708, allowing the bolt 710' to be released.

Figure 12 is a bolt magazine 750 similar to the bolt magazine of Figure 10; however, sprockets 752 are used to engaged chains 754. Clips 756 are provided to hold bolts 758 in position on the chains 754. When the clips 756 are employed, their gripping action eliminates the necessity of a follower, in which case, only a bolt stop 760 will be employed. The bolt stop 760 is adjustable and attaches to a brace 762 which forms part of a magazine frame 764. The elasticity of the clips 756 will facilitate the release of the bolts 758 as the magazine 750 is pivoted away from its work position. The release is also facilitated by having the bolt 758 being removed from the clip 756 substantially normal to the chains 754.

It should be noted that it is preferred that the powered sprocket for the bolt magazine be the sprocket 20 supporting the chain 754 where the bolt is being removed, thereby reducing any backlash associated with the chain 754 as illustrated in Figures 9 and In addition to the features discussed above, there are two additional features worthy of note: a tool steel guide and a bolt driver stop.

Figure 13 shows a platform 800 having a feed shell 802 and a bolt magazine 804. The feed shell 802 has a cradle 806 which slidably engages the feed shell 802. As illustrated, a bolt driver 808 is positioned on the cradle 806. Other working tools can be positioned on the cradle as is taught in U.S. Patent 5,114,279.

The bolt magazine 804 has a stop plate 810 which when the magazine 804 is rotated into the work position, protrudes into the path of the bolt driver 808 as illustrated. A base stop support 812 is attached to the III I I platform 800 and serves as a back stop for the stop plate 810 reducing the load borne by the bolt magazine 804.

The base stop support 812 is positioned such that the cradle 806 and the tool carried thereon will pass thereby. When the bolt driver 808 is hydraulically driven, as the bolt driver 808 advances, it will be stopped by interference with the stop plate 810, which in turn is stabilized by the base stop support 812. The stop plate 810 is positioned to remain in the path of the bolt driver 808 until such time as the bolt magazine 804 is cleared from the path of the bolt driver 808, thereby eliminating damage which could result from stress induced by the bolt driver 808 on the bolt magazine 804 or its related elements.

Figures 14 and 15 show respectively a side view and a bottom view of an improved drill steel guide 850. The drill steel guide 850 has an arm 852 having a first end 853 and a second end 854. The first end 853 has a 20 passage 855 therethrough. The passage 855 engages a pivot axis 856. This pivot axis 856 is illustrated in Figure 6, and is so positioned that the arm 852 pivots in a plane which is not normal to the feed shell 326. This motion results in the arm 852 moving away from the rock surface being drilled thereby minimizing the likelihood of damage from impact. In order to avoid a torsional force on a drill steel passing through the drill steel guide 850, the second end 854 of the arm 852 is fitted with a sleeve 858 mounted on an axis 860 through which a drill steel 862 passes.

S*o While the novel features of the present invention have been described in terms of particular embodiments and preferred applications, it should be appreciated by one skilled in the art that substitution of materials and details obviously can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Claims (9)

1. A stinger/centralizer for a rock bolter having a feed shell with a feed shell axis, the stinger/centralizer serving to centralize drilling and bolt setting operations while providing support for the feed shell to maintain the position of the feed shell with respect to a rock surface, the stinger/centralizer comprising: a stinger base affixed with respect to the feed shell; a first head element having a first head rock engaging surface for engaging the rock surface to support the feed shell and a first head cavity therein; a first head arm attached to said first head element, said first head arm slidably engaged with said stinger base; a second head element having a second head rock engaging surface for engaging the rock surface to support the feed shell and a second head oo.. cavity therein; 20 a second head arm attached to said second head element, said second head arm slidably engaged with said stinger base; and means for engaging said first head element with said second head element such that said first head cavity and said second head cavity provide a 25 centralizer passage which is substantially parallel to the feed shell axis.

2. The stinger/centralizer of claim 1 further comprising: a first bracket forming part of said stinger base, said first head arm slidably engaging said first bracket; c-j C MI0 C.WINWORDXKYLIEPWGNODET\P7S86. ,OOC I i IPI a second bracket forming part of said stinger base, said second head arm slidably engaging said second bracket; and further wherein said means for engaging said first head element and said second head element further comprises: means for translating said first head arm with respect to said second head arm.

3. The stinger/centralizer of claim 2 wherein said means for translating said first head arm with respect to said second head arm further comprises: a linear actuator attached to said first head arm and said second head arm.

4. The stinger/centralizer of claim 2 wherein said first head arm and said second head arm are positioned such that said first head arm and said second head arm have a component of their motion parallel to the feed shell axis. The stinger/centralizer of claim 4 further comprising: S 30 a first flexible joint between said first head element and said first head arm; and a second flexible joint between said second head element and said second head arm.

I, s

6. The stinger/centralizer of claim 5 wherein said means for translating said first head arm with respect to said second head arm further comprises: a first linear actuator attached to said first head arm; and a second linear actuator attached to said second head arm.

7. The stinger/centralizer of claim 6 wherein said first linear actuator and said second linear actuator are hydraulic cylinders.

8. The stinger/centralizer of claim 7 further comprising: 20 means for indexing said first head element with said second head element assuring registry is maintained when said first head element is engaged with said second head element. o

9. The stinger/centralizer of claim 8 wherein said means .e S for indexing said first head element with said second head element further comprises: at least one tab on one of said head elements. A rock bolt delivery system having a rock bolte a feed shell on which a bolt driver t comprising: a bo azine having advancable peripheral surfaces defining a bolt path, I- r A stinger/centralizer for a rock bolter substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. DATED: 16 July, 1997 PHILLIPS ORMVONDE FITZPATRICK Attorneys for: CANNON INDUSTRIES, INC. V C!%WINWORD\1(YUE\PWG\NCOEL\P75B64.DOC ROCK BOLTER ABSTRACT OF INVENTION The present invention relates to a device for setting rock bolts. The device employs a common element for affixing the end of a feed shell with respect to a rock surface, stabilizing the feed shell and providing a common centralizer for centering all subsequent bolt setting operations. The device also has a bolt magazine which stores, advances and positions the bolts in line with a bolt driver. 0*00 *00o ogoo ee I I