CA2926972C

CA2926972C - Raise boring machine with changeable length, method and raise boring rig

Info

Publication number: CA2926972C
Application number: CA2926972A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Fredrik JORMVIK
Original assignee: Epiroc Rock Drills AB
Current assignee: Epiroc Rock Drills AB
Priority date: 2013-10-17
Filing date: 2014-09-29
Publication date: 2021-10-26
Anticipated expiration: 2034-09-29
Also published as: EP3066290A2; SE537573C2; AU2014337433B2; WO2015057130A3; RU2016118770A; WO2015057130A2; CN105637166A; SE1351234A1; CL2016000899A1; MX2016004607A; CA2926972A1; ZA201602391B

Abstract

Raise boring machine (1) for boring action in at least one boring direction (R1, R2) including a main frame (2) and an auxiliary frame (3) and a plurality of support means (4), a rotator unit (5) for rotational driving a drill string (10) through a region of the main frame (2), and torque transmitting support arms (6), which are rigidly connected to the rotator unit (5) and arranged slidable on at least two support arms (4) for transfer of torque from the rotator unit (5) to the body. The support means (4) are comprised of telescopic columns (7, 8) which allow change of a distance between the main frame (2) and the auxiliary frame (3) and thereby the length of the body (L, 1). The invention also relates to a method and a raise boring rig.

Description

RAISE BORING MACHINE WITH CHANGEABLE LENGTH, METHOD AND RAISE
BORING RIG
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a raise boring machine for boring action in at least one boring direction including a body and a rotator unit being drivable to and fro for rotational driving a drill string. The invention also relates to a method for setting up a raise boring machine.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There are previously know raise boring machines being adapted for excavation boring in the direction towards a body of the raise boring machine as well as for boring in the direction from the body of the raise boring machine. Raise boring machines are i.a. used for boring for example ventilation and draining shafts, for emptying, refilling and hauling shafts and for slot holes and inlet tubes for water power plants.
In previously known raise boring machines, the drill string is axially driven and rotated by a rotator unit, which is supported by a body being arranged to transfer torque exerted by the rotator unit to e.g. the floor in a tunnel where the machine is fastened.
After driving the drill string corresponding to the length of a drill string component, the rotator unit is reversed and a new tubular drill string component is added to the drill string. Correspondingly a drill string component is removed from the drill string during driving the drill string for reaming. Known raise boring machines thus typically operate in boring directions from the body (normally downwards, as well as towards the body during reaming (normally upwards). It should, however, be noted that

2 excavation boring in the direction from as well as towards the body can be in other directions than downwards and upwards.
The body of the previously known raise boring machine is typically equipped with columns comprising slide guides for axial slide bearings that are attached to the rotator unit for ensuring torque transfer while driving in the axial direction.
Driving in the axial direction in respect of the previously known raise boring machine is usually effected by a hydraulic cylinder arrangement, which can be position adjacent to said longitudinal guide. The rotator unit is usually a hydraulic rotation motor.
The previously known raise boring machines function well and are constructed in respect of size and capacity based on their intended use.
Existing raise boring machines on the market are for example marketed under the trade name "Robbins" and with serial numbers 34, 44, 53, 73 etc.
AIM AND MOST IMPORTANT FEATURES OF THE INVENTION
It is an aim of the present invention to provide a further development of previously known raise boring machines in the direction of a raise boring machine which can be adapted more flexibly to different uses and operational sites.
This aim is obtained in respect of a machine as indicated above in that the support means are comprised of telescopic columns which allow change of a distance between the main frame and the auxiliary frame and thereby the length of the body as seen in parallel to said at least one boring direction.
It should be noted that the length of the body is changeable between an extended condition corresponding to an operational condition of the raise boring machine and a

3 retracted condition, wherein the body is axially shorter and which is intended as a transport condition.
It is within the scope of the invention that the body can be more or less extended such that it is extended to different extent corresponding to a plurality of different operational conditions for the raise boring machine with the body extended to different lengths for operation in sites with more or less space for the machine and for co-operation with e.g. differently long drill string components.
Hereby it is possible to change the body length as seen in the boring direction which gives great advantages in respect of transport of the raise boring machine for mounting at an operating position.
Since this way the outside length of the body can be reduced, it has been made possible for the inventive raise boring machine to be transported in a mine in transport shafts of relatively small dimensions. This contributes to reduction of costs for transport and also makes it possible to use a bigger and more powerful raise boring machine in mines where otherwise the shaft section dimensions limit the size of machines intended for operation.
Reversely the advantage is achieved that the transport tunnels in the mine can be made with smaller dimensions than what would otherwise be required because of the intended machine size, which means that a smaller amount of rock has to be worked in the mine, which is a considerable advantage for the economy of the mine.
Given the same tunnel size in a mine, where practicable it is also possible to use a raise boring machine having greater stroke length, which means that longer drill string components can be used because of the increased stroke length, resulting in the possibility of higher productivity and longer distance bored per time unit.

4 Already reduction of the body length with 15 to 20%
results in substantial gain according to the above and such reductions are fully achievable according to the invention as well as even body length reductions exceeding 25%.
It is preferred that the telescopic columns are constructed with a respective outer part connected to one of the main frame and the auxiliary frame and a respective inner part being connected to the other one of the main frame and the auxiliary frame. It is particularly preferred that the telescopic columns are constructed as manoeuvrable hydraulic cylinders since hereby a simply length adjustable body is obtained, which is length adjusted through adequate hydraulic fluid feed to these manoeuvrable hydraulic cylinders.
It is also preferred that the support arms include bearing portions including slide bearings for co-operation with said respective inner part, which is typically on its outside provided with a suitable slide surface.
The bearing portions of the support arms are, when the respective outer part is connected to the main frame, preferably displaced in the direction from the main frame in respect of the rotator unit as seen in said at least one boring direction. This is the possibility of ensuring that the rotator unit can be brought forward in a position closed to the main frame without being hindered by these respective outer parts.
Preferably the rotator unit is drivable to and fro along the support means with the aid of a set of power cylinders acting between the body and the rotator unit. Most preferred said power cylinders act between the main frame and the rotator unit.
Said power cylinders with respective cylinder parts are preferably connected to said support arms and with respective piston rod parts with the main frame.

It is furthermore, suitable that said power cylinders include more than two telescopic parts to ensure sufficient stroke length.
For stability reasons, the main frame is suitably

5 provided with frame parts surrounding a central opening for passage of the drill string.
The invention also relates to a method for setting up a raise boring machine which includes:
- a body including a main frame and an auxiliary frame and a plurality of support means which connect the main frame and the auxiliary frame, - a rotator unit being drivable to and fro along the support means between the main frame and the auxiliary frame for rotational driving a drill string through a region of the main frame, and - torque transmitting support arms, which are rigidly connected to the rotator unit and arranged slidable on the support arms for transfer of torque from the rotator unit to the body.
In the inventive method, prior of transport to an operational site, a distance between the main frame and the auxiliary frame, and thereby the length of the body, is reduced for adapting to a space in a transport route through change of length of telescopic columns comprising said support means.
At the operation site, through renewed change of length of said telescopic columns, the length of the body in said at least one boring direction is increased to a length intended for operation of the raise boring machine. Advantages corresponding to the above advantages relating to the inventive machine are obtained in respect of the inventive method.

6 The invention also relates to a raise boring rig including a power aggregate and a control system and a raise boring machine according to the above.
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a raise boring machine for boring action in at least one boring direction including: a body including a main frame and an auxiliary frame and a plurality of support means which connect the main frame with the auxiliary frame and which extend in parallel to said at least one boring direction, a rotator unit being drivable to and fro along the support means between the main frame and the auxiliary frame for rotational driving a drill string in said at least one boring direction through a region of the main frame, and torque transmitting support arms, which are rigidly connected to the rotator unit and arranged slidable on at least two support means for transfer of torque from the rotator unit to the body, wherein the support means are comprised of telescopic columns which allow change of a distance between the main frame and the auxiliary frame and thereby the outside length of the body as seen in parallel to said at least one boring direction, and the outside length of the body is changeable between an extended, operational condition and a retracted, axially shorter, transport condition.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for setting up a raise boring machine for boring action in at least one boring direction including: a body including a main frame and an auxiliary frame and a plurality of support means which connect the main frame with the auxiliary frame and which extend in parallel to said at least one boring direction, a rotator unit being drivable to and fro along the support means between the main frame and the 6a auxiliary frame for rotational driving a drill string in said at least one boring direction through a region of the main frame, and torque transmitting support arms, which are rigidly connected to the rotator unit and arranged slidable on at least two support means for transfer of torque from the rotator unit to the body, wherein prior to transport to an operational site, a distance between the main frame and the auxiliary frame, and thereby the length of the body in said at least one boring direction is reduced for adapting to a space in a transport route through change of length of telescopic columns comprising said support means, and at the operation site, through renewed change of length of said telescopic columns, the length of the body in said at least one boring direction is increased to a length intended for operation of the raise boring machine.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The invention will now be described in greater detail by way of embodiments and with reference to the annexed drawings, wherein:
Figs. 1 and 2 show a raise boring machine in perspective views in two different positions, Fig. 3 shows the raise boring machine (with interrupted lines) in Figs. 1 and 2 supported by a transport vehicle during transport, Figs. 4 and 5 show alternatively constructed raise boring machines with two and three support means, Fig. 6 shows a detail of the raise boring machine in Figs. 1, 2 and 3 in greater detail, and Fig. 7 is a diagrammatic block diagram of a sequence of a method according to the invention.
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-17 6b DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
Corresponding and like elements in the different embodiments have been appointed the same reference numerals.
Fig. 1 shows a raise boring machine 1 which comprises a body including a main frame 2 and an auxiliary frame 3, which are separated by four elongated support means 4, which are in the form of telescopic hydraulic cylinders with a respective outer part 7 and a respective inner part 8. The support means 4 are extendable through supply of a hydraulic fluid for variation of the length of the support means 4. The raise boring machine 1 is shown in Fig. 1 in an extended position wherein the machine, after fastening to ground and

7 connecting and activating drive feed equipment, is ready for operation.
Each support means is with its respective outer ends rigidly connected to the main frame 2 and to the auxiliary frame 3 such that the respective outer part 7 of the support means 4 is rigidly connected to the main frame 2 and the respective inner part 8 is rigidly connected to the auxiliary frame 3. The connections between the support means 4 and the main frame 2 as well as with the auxiliary frame 3 are constructed rigid and torsionally stiff for making it possible to take up drive torque from the rotator unit 5 which is moveable to and fro between the auxiliary frame 3 and the main frame 2 for rotation drive and axial drive of a drill string 10 which passes a central opening 11 in the main frame 2. The drill string is hereby capable of driving in a first boring direction R1 for driving a (not shown) drill bit from the body and in a second boring direction R2 for driving a drill bit towards the body.
The rotator unit 5 is connected to a pair of support arms 6, each one having a respective bearing portion 13 containing (not shown) slide bearing for surrounding two inner parts 8 of the support means 4. Furthermore, each support arm 6 comprises an attachment portion 14 (one being shown) for co-operation with a housing of the rotator unit 5.
The attachment portions 14 are axially displaced (as seen in a direction of the drill string 10) in respect of the bearing portion 13, a distance Ax for allowing the rotator unit 5 to be brought down between the outer parts 7 of the support means 4 in an advanced position of the rotator unit 5 where it has come closer to the main frame 2 and where said outer parts 7 of the support means 4 are located sideways of (radially outside/laterally in respect of) the rotator unit 5 as seen along said boring directions R1 and R2.

8 Fig. 1 furthermore, shows two power cylinders 9 including three telescopic parts 9', 9", 9"', whereof an outermost telescopic cylinder part 9' is connected to or integrated with the respective support arm 6 and the innermost telescopic cylinder part 9"' is rigidly connected to the main frame 2.
Activating the power cylinders 9 for driving a rotator unit 5 and thereby the drill string 10 in the first boring direction R1, that is downwardly as seen in Fig. 1, is effected by supply of hydraulic fluid to (not shown) first working spaces in the power cylinders 9 for driving the rotator unit 5 in the direction of the main frame 2.
Boring in the second direction R2, that is upwardly as seen in Fig. 1, which means driving of the rotator unit 5 .. in the direction from the main frame 2, is achieved by supply of hydraulic fluid to (not shown) second working spaces of the power cylinders 9.
In the condition according to Fig. 1, the raise boring machine 1 is shown with the support means 4 extended to a maximum with the support arms 6 and thereby the rotator unit 5 in positions most separated from the main frame 2. This position corresponds to an operational position of the raise boring machine 1 when it is located at a boring or operation site with the main frame 2 attached (for example with bolts) to the ground in a per se known manner. Further, a free drill string component 10' is shown which is to be added to the drill string in a per se known manner which is not described in more detail here.
The boring process includes that after driving the .. drill string in the first boring direction R1 corresponding to the length of one drill string component 10', the rotator unit is reversed for adding a new tubular drill string component 10' to the drill string. Thereupon driving of the drill string

9 in the first baring direction R1 with the extended drill string is resumed and this process is repeated as many times as the intended hole length requires.
Correspondingly, removal of a drill string component

10' from the drill string is effected during driving the drill string in the second boring direction R2 corresponding to the length of a drill string component. After completing this removal, the rotator unit is forwarded in the first boring direction R1 for connection to the shortened drill string and resumed driving in the second boring direction R2. This procedure is thereupon repeated as long as the intended hole length requires.
Fig. 2 shows the raise boring machine 1 in a second position, wherein the support means 4 have been retracted such that the length 1 of the raise boring machine 1, as seen in parallel to the boring directions R1 and R2 is essentially reduced, compared to the dimension L in axial direction shown in Fig. 1. The power cylinders 9 have here driven the support arms 6 in the direction of the main frame 2 such that the support arms 6 lie against end surfaces of the respective outer part 7 of the support means 4.
The position shown in Fig. 2 is a position which is suitable for i.a. transport of the raise boring machine 1 through narrow tunnels and the like. It also corresponds to a position of the raise boring machine 1 in the retracted position immediately after having been delivered by a transport vehicle.
Fig. 3 shows the raise boring machine 1 carried by a transport vehicle 15. As can be understood from Fig. 3, the raise boring machine 1 is here in its retracted, compact condition, which means that transport can be carried out in relatively narrow shafts and tunnels.

The raise boring machine 1 is in Fig. 3 shown supported by the transport vehicle 15 over a lower transport frame 16 co-operating with the main frame 2 and over an upper transport frame 17 which co-operates with the auxiliary frame 5 3. The transport vehicle supports includes a yoke construction 18 including engagement means for engaging said lower and upper transport frames 17 and 18.
Fig. 4 shows very diagrammatically a raise boring machine 1 in a view from above with an auxiliary frame removed 10 for clarity reasons. The alternatively constructed raise boring machine 1 shown in Fig. 4 only has two support means 4, which are positioned diagonally in respect of a rotator unit 5. Radially outside the two support means 4, as seen from a rotational axis from the rotator unit 5, there are arranged the respective power cylinders 9. This positioning gives plenty of space for insertion and removal of drill string components in a drill string position of the raise boring machine 1.
Fig. 5 shows very diagrammatically another alternatively constructed raise boring machine 1 in a view from above and also with an auxiliary frame removed for clarity reasons.
The raise boring machine 1 shown in Fig. 5 has three support means 4 which are positioned radially outside and evenly distributed in respect of a rotator unit 5 as seen from a rotational axis of the rotator unit 5. Two power cylinders 9 are positioned diagonally in respect of the rotator unit 5.
The raise boring machines in Figs. 4 and 5 basically works in the same way as the one shown in Figs. 1 and 2 with .. telescopic support means (not shown in Figs. 4 and 5). The support arms 6 having the corresponding function are indicated with reference numeral 6.

11 Fig. 6 shows, partly in section, a portion of a raise boring machine 1 for illustrating the principle how a telescopic power cylinder 9 being divided in three (with the parts 9', 9", 9"') for use in an inventive raise boring machine can be constructed. This Fig. shows a main frame 2, an auxiliary frame 3 and intermediate support means 4. A support arm 6 connects the power cylinder 9 on the one hand with a rotator unit 5, on the other hand with a bearing arrangement for the co-operation with the support means corresponding to what is described in connection with Figs. 1 and 2.
Fig. 6 illustrates diagrammatically a block diagram over a sequence of a method according to the invention.
Position 20 indicates the start of the sequence.
Position 21 indicates that the length of the body is retracted for adaption to a space in a transport route by change of length of telescopic columns comprising said support means.
Position 22 indicates connecting the body to a transport vehicle for transport to an operation site.
Position 23 indicates unloading and disconnecting the body from the transport vehicle at the operational site.
Position 24 indicates that, at the operational site, the length of the body is extended to a length intended for operation of the raise boring machine.
Position 25 indicates the end of the sequence.
The number of columns can be from two or more. In case the number exceeds two, the support arms can be arranged to co-operate with at least two but also with more of the telescopic columns. It is preferred that the number of telescopic columns is four and that each support arm cooperates with two of these telescopic columns.

12 Change of distance between the main frame 2 and the auxiliary frame 3 and thereby the length L, 1 of the body can be effected by separate power means or even with said power cylinders 9 after adequate reconnection such that during set up and before removal, instead of acting between the main frame 2 and the rotator unit 5, are temporarily switched to act between the main frame and the auxiliary frame. Also other means for achieving the length change can be used. It is, however, that the support means are hydraulic cylinders which are manoeuvrable for obtaining this length change.
The main frame and the auxiliary frame can be constructed otherwise and be connected to the support means in other ways than what is shown in the Figures and is described above.

Claims

13

1. Raise boring machine for boring action in at least one boring direction including:
- a body including a main frame and an auxiliary frame and a plurality of support means which connect the main frame with the auxiliary frame and which extend in parallel to said at least one boring direction, - a rotator unit being drivable to and fro along the support means between the main frame and the auxiliary frame for rotational driving a drill string in said at least one boring direction through a region of the main frame, and - torque transmitting support arms, which are rigidly connected to the rotator unit and arranged slidable on at least two support means for transfer of torque from the rotator unit to the body, wherein - the support means are comprised of telescopic columns which allow change of a distance between the main frame and the auxiliary frame and thereby the outside length of the body as seen in parallel to said at least one boring direction, and - the outside length of the body is changeable between an extended, operational condition and a retracted, axially shorter, transport condition.

2. Raise boring machine according to claim 1, wherein the telescopic columns are constructed with a respective outer part connected to one of the main frame and the auxiliary frame and a respective inner part being connected to the other one of the main frame and the auxiliary frame.
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-17

3. Raise boring machine according to claim 1, wherein the telescopic columns are constructed as maneuverable hydraulic cylinders.

4. Raise boring machine according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the support arms include bearing portions including slide bearings for co-operation with said respective inner part.

5. Raise boring machine according to claim 4, wherein the bearing portions of the support arms are displaced in the direction from the main frame in respect of the rotator unit as seen in said at least one boring direction.

6. Raise boring machine according to any one of claims 1 - 5, wherein the rotator unit is drivable to and fro along the support means with the aid of a set of power cylinders acting between the body and the rotator unit.

7. Raise boring machine according to claim 6, wherein said power cylinders act between the main frame and the rotator unit.

8. Raise boring machine according to claim 6 or 7, wherein said power cylinders with respective cylinder parts are connected to said support arms and with respective piston rod parts with the main frame.

9. Raise boring machine according to any one claims 6 - 8, wherein said power cylinders include more than two telescopic parts.
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-17

10. Raise boring machine according to any one of claims 1 - 9, wherein the main frame includes frame parts surrounding a central opening for passage of the drill string.

11. Method for setting up a raise boring machine for boring action in at least one boring direction including:
- a body including a main frame and an auxiliary frame and a plurality of support means which connect the main frame with 10 the auxiliary frame and which extend in parallel to said at least one boring direction, - a rotator unit being drivable to and fro along the support means between the main frame and the auxiliary frame for rotational driving a drill string in said at least one boring 15 direction through a region of the main frame, and - torque transmitting support arms, which are rigidly connected to the rotator unit and arranged slidable on at least two support means for transfer of torque from the rotator unit to the body, wherein - prior to transport to an operational site, a distance between the main frame and the auxiliary frame, and thereby the length of the body in said at least one boring direction is reduced for adapting to a space in a transport route through change of length of telescopic columns comprising said support means, and - at the operation site, through renewed change of length of said telescopic columns, the length of the body in said at least one boring direction is increased to a length intended for operation of the raise boring machine.
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-17

12. Raise boring rig including a power aggregate and a control system and a raise boring machine according to any one of claims 1 - 10.
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-17