DE69835669T2 - DIRECTION DRILL - Google Patents

Abstract

A directional drilling apparatus (1) is disclosed. In particular, but not solely, directional drilling apparatus (1) which can be used in confined spaces or utilised in locations close to obstacles such as fences, houses, buildings, etc. Means (30) for pushing forward or advancing a drill head (20) are also disclosed. The means (30) for pushing forward or advancing a drill head (20) being of a design which provides a large amount of forward thrust for the size of the actuating unit (30) and the drilling apparatus (1). The drilling apparatus (1) is articulated from a source of power such as a prime mover (2) and thus can be used in confined spaces.

Description

Technical area

These The invention relates to a directional drilling apparatus, but in particular not exclusively a directional drill, which is used in a limited space or in places that are close to obstacles like fences, houses, buildings, etc. can be used.

Background of the invention

It is known, directional drilling rigs to provide a directional drilling by means of a drill head Provide an angled cutter or drill on it having the angled device in relation to its orientation monitor the axis of the drill is. A change of direction the drill is adjusted by adjusting or preventing the rotation of the Drill bit when the angled device is in a desired position Orientation, and then push forward the drill bit, so that the angled device causes the drill to deviate from its current orbit. The drilling can then be started again when the drill head in the desired new direction forward was pushed.

directional drilling (also as boring, axial thrusting and horizontal drilling) is a technology that allows utilities like power lines, shafts, To arrange underground water pipes, gas pipes, drainage pipes, etc. without the need to rip open the floor surface, such as it is required in the Aufriss- and Abdeckverfahren. The drill receives his directional ability by using a angewin celten control sheet on the drill head. Immediately behind the drill head is a transmitter (Probe), which forwards information to an operator on the earth's surface. Such information can include how deep the drill head is, the direction in which shows the drill and the orientation of the drill head, such as For example, the angle under which he moves up or down shows.

Such equipment are usually bulky and take up resources to the drill head turn and move forward to push or push and also to turn it. It is also known to provide means to extend the drill. For example rods are screwed together to provide the drill with an additional Length too Mistake. The energy demand of such a device is quite high, and because these devices absorb the power sources, the devices are large. This restricts the Applicability of the device because it is for a drilling, which is to be carried out substantially horizontally or parallel to the ground, is common, that it is carried out at a distance below the ground. As the above mentioned Device up ground level must rest, the drill from the earth's surface so at an angle be made flat at the required depth. The aforementioned drills are natural flexible to a degree. However, flexibility is limited. Therefore there the angle at which the drill penetrates the ground before that the drill in a reset Distance from the point must be arranged at which the horizontal Drilling begins. This is obviously annoying and can in some cases that Restrict drilling. It may be in other cases mean that the neighboring country has to be invaded and, because the final length of the Drill by such a device can be used, restricted is, can the length a useful drilling be somewhat limited.

The Document EP-A-0223575 describes a drilling apparatus mounted on a boom for limited rotational movement is attachable relative to the boom.

The patent US 5,226,488 describes a directional drill in which a drill is mounted on a turret on a vehicle frame so that the drill can be rotated azimuthally and tilted down to start the drill obliquely into the ground.

The patent US 5,709,276 describes a directional drilling machine for launching a directional drill bit in a number of different azimuthal directions obliquely into the ground using a single launch pit.

The German patent DE 197 32 532 describes a directional drilling rig in which a directional drill bit is launched obliquely from a vehicle into the ground, the drill being propelled with a turn to move forward along a straight path, and the drill without rotation but with a swing of the drill string is driven to change the drilling direction.

Short Summary the invention

According to one In the first aspect, the present invention consists of a drilling rig according to the claim 1.

Preferably, means are provided to monitor the location of the directional drilling head, and these means are provided for the orientation of the directional drilling head (and thus the direction forward movement when there is no rotation).

Preferably the prime mover is an excavator or a mechanical dredger.

Preferably becomes the directional drill of driven by the prime mover, most preferably by force, the above transfer hydraulic means becomes.

According to one In another aspect, it can generally be said that the present Invention consists of a directional drill according to claim 9.

Preferably is the directional drill with Power from a prime mover like an excavator or a mechanical Dredger supplies.

Preferably is the directional drill mounted in articulated to the prime mover.

Preferably the means are provided, the orientation and thus the forward direction to monitor when the directional drill head is not rotated.

In Embodiments of the invention are actuating means provided so that it allows a user, the side tilt of the drill adjust.

In alternative embodiments of the invention are actuating means attached to or beside the means for rotating the extensible drill, wherein the actuating means are oriented so that when pressed a thrust in the forward direction is provided, that is in the direction towards the drill head; and second actuating means are provided, which at the extendable Drills are attachable, and capable of forward thrust on the extendable To provide drills; characterized in that the drill head in the following way, with first and second actuating means in a non-actuated Condition to be arranged; the actuating means then into one State of operation brought become; then the second actuating means in a state of actuation are brought, then the actuating means be brought back into a state of non-actuation.

Preferably comprise the actuating means a pair of actuators, which are substantially parallel to each other.

Preferably comprise the actuating means and the second actuating means a hydraulic piston.

Preferably comprise the second actuating means Means to selectively hold the drill while pushing forward with thrust.

the One skilled in the art to which the invention relates will be many changes the construction and diversified embodiments and applications of the invention without departing from the field Deviate from the invention as defined in the dependent claims. The revelations and the descriptions herein are for illustration only and it is not intended that they should be restrictive in some sense.

Short description of drawings

preferred exemplary forms according to the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which wherein

1 a directional drilling apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the directional drill articulated to the prime mover or other power source 2 is attached, such a hinge connection by means of a hinge assembly 3 can be achieved, suitable joint arrangements to those skilled in the field to which the invention relates, will be apparent, the present invention, the advancing a boring bar 7 in a desired direction, the advantage of the invention over the prior art (the "prior art" will be briefly described) is that the useful length 5 the boring bar 7 larger than that of the prior art, because it is easier to start drilling at the required height, providing a relatively small opening or "starting pit" 4 it the device 1 allowed to be located at or near the desired drilling depth;

2 shows a prior art arrangement in which the boring bar 7 from a device 10 such a device is a source of power and means for rotating and changing the direction of the boring bar 7 Together, such a device is obviously bulky and the angle 11 under which the drill is to penetrate the soil, the useful length 5 the boring bar 7 limits;

3 a drill head 20 For example, such as a drill bit incorporated in the present invention, such drill bits are known in the art to which the invention pertains, and the primary function of such a drill head is to move forward substantially in a straight line when he's in the right direction is rotated, however, the drill head 20 his direction along with 23 designated direction changes when the rotation of the drill head 20 is stopped and the drill head itself in the with 22 designated direction is pushed forward because of the drill head 20 an angled blade 21 at its cutting surface, after which rotation of the drill head is commenced, with drilling in the new direction continuing, such known drill heads receive means by which an operator or user adjusts the orientation of the angled sheet 21 Of course, the orientation can be determined by turning the drill head 20 can be modified. As soon as the drill head 20 in the desired orientation, it can be propelled so that the direction of the drill changes;

4 shows a directional drill according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The device takes funds 30 for turning the extendible drill and drill head 7 and 20 and the apparatus also receives means to advance the extensible drill bit and drill bit so that the direction of the directional drill bit can be modified; the means for rotating the drill rod 7 may include a means to the outside of the drill rod 7 to grab and turn this. The means for advancing the boring bar 7 may comprise means hinged to push the drill forward, preferably using a means around the outside of the drill rod 7 which is attached to the means for rotating the drill 30 is provided;

5 a particularly preferred form according to the invention, wherein operating parts are provided to the stability of the drill in use 1 to increase this preferred form of the device on the prime mover or the excavator by means of a quick-pass cup closure 54 attached, a warehouse 57 is provided to a 360 ° ± 80 rotation of the drill 1 to allow an operating part 56 is provided to the lateral tilt of the drill 1 to enable; the stabilizers 50 . 51 and 52 are extendable. When the actuators, such as hydraulic actuators, are extended, the stabilizers move 50 . 51 and 52 and push against the inner surfaces of the opening or the starting pit 4 , or they may be extended against an excavator blade, wall or other suitable surface or other suitable device. In this way, additional stability is ensured, which allows greater accuracy in drilling. In forms of the invention, the stabilizers may simply comprise flat plates, but they may be textured to provide additional grip, or in preferred forms of the invention may comprise a series of, for example, three spikes to increase the "bite" of the stabilizers ;

6 a rear view of a directional drill 1 according to a preferred form of the invention;

7 another rear view of the directional drill 1 according to a preferred form of the invention;

8th a plan view of a directional drill 1 according to a preferred form of the invention;

9 a side view of a directional drill 1 a preferred form according to the invention;

10 a perspective view of a directional drill according to a preferred form of the invention shows, wherein the directional drill a drill 1 comprising, by means of a hinged arm on a prime mover 2 is attached;

11 a partial perspective view of the directional drill according to a preferred form of the invention shows, wherein it is shown that the boring bar 7 penetrates into the ground; and

12 a diagrammatic view of the thrust sequence of the actuators 200 and 201 and the second actuator 300 according to a preferred form of the invention. Those skilled in the art to which the invention relates will appreciate that a variety of actuators, such as hydraulic or air pistons, may be used.

Detailed description

Preferred forms of the invention see a directional drill 1 in front. This directional drill is by means of an arm 3 on a prime mover or other power source 2 hinged. The power source or the prime mover 2 is preferably but not necessarily easily movable.

In preferred forms according to the invention provides the prime mover 2 Force and possibly a control of the directional drill 1 ready, and in preferred forms, the force is provided by means of a hydraulic circuit or connection. Such compounds will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the inventions tion, be familiar.

The device itself comprises means 30 to the boring bar 7 to turn. Such a means may comprise a hydraulic motor and may receive jaws or staplers which define the outer surface of the boring bar 7 hold.

The Richtungsbohrfähigkeit a drill is made by using an angled control blade reached on the drill head. A transmitter passes information to the operator on the surface of the earth. The transferred Information can consist of a variety of species, for example, how deep the drill head is in which direction it shows the orientation, i.e. the angle at which the drill head tilts up or down is. This information is used by the operator, to control or control the drill. For example the operator requests that the drill steer to the right, to bypass an underground utility, the Above-ground operator instruct the drill operator who Turn the drill head to 3 o'clock and push the drill forward (with thrust to move), which will cause the drill to turn turns and points to the right. Once the drill head in the desired direction shows and is required that the drill head a straight direction follows, rotates or rotates (a combination of pushing and turning) the drill operator over the requested distance, until another direction change required is. The use of a combination of turning and pushing or Under thrust moving and rotating makes it possible to under, over or to steer around obstacles and at the desired endpoint with a huge Accuracy to arrive. Of course, the degree of accuracy depends on the soil conditions encountered.

As soon as the drill head has reached its end point, for example the drilling from a street side be done to the other, would the Drill head for usually be removed and a cutting part and / or pack with a Supply line, for example a mounted / attached Power cable, shaft part, water pipe, gas pipe or drainage pipe, would be on the drill, drill pipe or string. The drill or the boring bars would then pulled out of the ground while the drill is rotating, so that the cutting part and / or packing part is given a cutting action, which allows for an opening with a sufficient diameter for the installable pipe to be installed, cable duct or supply line is formed.

preferred inventive forms can especially used in residential areas, where the distance, which is to be drilled, often not exceeding 100 meters. Of the Access to the place of execution is often difficult and it is quite often the case that there is no insertion space gives. This means, that it is often not possible is, a big distance back from the initial one Return entry point, to ensure access to the required drilling depth.

drill According to these preferred embodiments of the invention can be of a be compact size and this can be the number of execution locations increase, which can be used. In particular, drills according to preferred forms of the invention can both be started uphill as well as downhill. At least some preferred inventive forms can be set up to drill at right angles to a road which restricts traffic interruptions.

One Inventive example generates 8,000 pounds (35585 N) thrust and about 10,500 pounds (46,706 N) retraction force from a power source with 18 horsepower (13.4 kW).

preferred inventive forms have a drive mechanism that has no push chains, gears or Rolls used. This restricts the extent required maintenance.

preferred inventive forms with hydraulic pumps use a liquid supply, which uses a main source of pressurized water, such as a Garden hose.

As previously mentioned, can at least preferred forms of the invention under the ground or over Starting from the ground, moving up or down demonstrate. Up to ± 80 Degrees start angle are possible.

In preferred forms of the invention can the unitary drill swiveled through 360 ° ± 80 if it is with a dredger or a prime mover with an ability to 360 ° ± 80 too turn, is used. And the ability to the boom of the dredger puts a big deal Measure flexibility ready.

In preferred forms of the invention is the drill on a prime mover or a dredger or an excavator attached or attachable. This means that a user has a less specialized equipment need and lower costs.

Around the direction of the boring bar 7 to control must, as described above, the orientation of the cutting blade 21 be set and then the drill to be driven without rotation. In the preferred form of the invention, this propelling is by an agent 30 provided for advancing the drill and drill head. Such a means may comprise a hydraulic piston or may use chains and suitable gears to ensure the forward movement of the drill.

Monitoring the orientation of the cutting blade 21 can be achieved by radio transmission or a communication means, which may be provided by a hollow center of the drill rod.

In preferred forms of the invention is the boring bar 7 formed of connectors that are either solid rods or preferably pipes. Of course, the tube has an aperture, and in preferred forms of the invention, the aperture may be used to guide the cutting head 20 either a cutting fluid or simply water to supply. Such a supply of water allows for the flushing of material to the drill bit.

In preferred forms of the invention is the boring bar 7 formed from drill bits, which are screwed together via a threaded portion.

Prior art directional drills use couplings made from boring bars 7 of 3 ½ and sometimes 4 meters in length. Preferred forms of the invention use a boring bar 7 made of rod or pipe joints less than 3 ½ meters in length.

When in use, the present invention provides for adding additional connectors to the drill rod 7 by releasing the device gripping the outer surface of the drill, retracting the means for rotating the drill, disposing an additional length of boring bar 7 in the apparatus, attaching the additional length of the drill to the previous length of the drill and then again gripping the outer surface of the drill rod 7 at a rear portion of the additional drill joint by the device for gripping.

Preferred forms of the invention, in particular those in the 5 illustrated form, allow the quick attachment of the drill to the prime mover. Also, this preferred form according to the invention has a bearing 57 on. This bearing allows a 360 ° ± 80 turn of the drill 1 , Those skilled in the art to which the invention relates will appreciate that a variety of different bearings will be suitable.

An actuating part 56 allows the side slope of the drill 1 , The actuating part can be operated hydraulically.

Preferred forms according to the invention, which are as in 12 Using the disclosed floating piston system, provide a system in which the actuators 200 and 201 First, the device is moved to position two, as in 12 is shown; then the second actuator 300 extended into its actuated position or condition, the device is brought into position three, as in 12 is shown; the actuators and second actuators are then withdrawn so that the apparatus returns to position one, as shown in FIG 12 is shown. In position one can a new boring bar 7 and the process described above is repeated.

As soon as the drill rods be pulled from the ground and the pipe, cable or other Supplies are pulled into the ground, is the above work sequence in reverse order.

Devices that accommodate this preferred form of the present invention allow the length of the drill rod connectors 7 in some cases, for example, be reduced to 2.1 meters and allow the use of a 1 meter boring bar. The weight of the device may possibly be reduced by 30%, possibly down to 210 kilos, resulting in an improved performance-to-weight ratio. It is believed that the powertrain is more reliable than those using gears, gears or ropes.

At the Comparison of the performance of such a system with the former Technology was found to be 8,000 pounds (35585 N) thrust and 10,500 pounds (46,706 N) retreat force of a machine with 18 horsepower (13.4 kW), which is the one mentioned above preferred form according to the invention used, can be generated while using a machine with 55.4 horsepower (41.27 kW) using known powertrains only 7,200 pounds (32026 N) thrust and 8,000 pounds (35585 N) of recoil force are generated.

In the in the 5 . 10 and 11 The inventive form shown are stabilizers 50 . 51 and 52 by means of operating parts, such as hydraulic actuation parts, ahead pushed and pressed against against the inner surfaces of the opening or starting pit 4 , The stabilizers have the effect of the drill 1 in the opening 4 to lock so that the accuracy of the drill is increased. The stabilizers 50 . 51 and 52 are preferably remotely controlled by an operator.

As can be shown in the figures, the present invention provides a unitary directional drilling apparatus that is housed in a small opening 4 or above ground can be arranged. In this way, the length of the drill is maximized.

Claims (19)

Directional drill ( 1 ), which can be attached to a mechanical arm ( 3 ), the directional drilling apparatus comprising: a directional drilling head ( 20 ); an extendable drill bit ( 7 ); Medium ( 30 ) for rotating the extensible drill and the drill head; Medium ( 200 . 201 . 300 ) for axially advancing the extensible drill so that the drill moves in the direction of the directional drill head; characterized in that it further comprises: attachment means ( 57 ) located at one end of a mechanical arm ( 3 ), the attachment means being a bearing ( 57 ), the 360 degree rotation of the drill ( 1 ) relative to the arm ( 3 ) to one to the drill ( 7 ) provides vertical axis; and stabilizing agents ( 50 . 51 . 52 ), from the drill ( 1 ) are extendable and adapted to press against the interior of an opening or other solid surface to stabilize the drill. Directional drilling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said stabilizing means comprises a pair of opposed extendable plates (14). 50 . 51 ) at the front end of the drill and an extendable plate ( 52 ) at the rear end of the drill. Directional drilling apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the attachment means further comprises an actuating means ( 56 ) for controlling the lateral inclination of the directional drilling apparatus. A directional drilling apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the means for advancing the extensible drill comprises: first actuating means (10); 200 . 201 ) attached to the drill; and second actuating means ( 300 ) connected to the first actuating means ( 200 . 201 ) and is attachable to the extendable drill. A directional drilling according to claim 4, wherein the first actuating means and the second actuating means each comprise a hydraulic piston. A directional drilling according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drill less than 3.5 meters long. Directional drilling apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the drill bit ( 7 ) comprises a number of drill sections and each drill section is less than 3.5 meters long. A directional drilling according to claim 7, wherein each drill section is about 1 meter long. Directional drilling apparatus comprising a prime mover with a mechanical arm ( 3 ), which is attached at one of its ends to the drive machine, and a drill ( 1 ) at the free end of the arm ( 3 ) by means of an attachment ( 57 ), wherein the drilling device ( 1 ) comprises: a directional drilling head ( 20 ); an extendable drill bit ( 7 ); Medium ( 30 ) for rotating the extensible drill and the drill head; Medium ( 200 . 201 . 300 ) for axially advancing the extensible drill so that the drill moves in the direction of the directional drill head; characterized in that the attachment means is a bearing ( 57 ), the 360 degree rotation of the drill ( 1 ) relative to the arm ( 3 ) to one to the drill ( 7 ) provides vertical axis; and the drill stabilizer ( 50 . 51 . 52 ), which depends on the drill ( 1 ) are extendable and adapted to press against the interior of an opening or against another solid surface so as to stabilize the drill. Directional drilling apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said stabilizing means comprises a pair of opposed extendable plates (Figs. 50 . 51 ) at the front end of the drill ( 1 ) and an extendable plate ( 52 ) at the rear end of the drill. A directional drilling according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the prime mover is a Excavator or a mechanical dredger is. A directional drilling according to one of the claims 9 to 11, wherein the prime mover is adapted to power the drill supply. Directional drilling apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the means ( 30 ) is a hydraulic motor for rotating the extensible drill and drill head and the means ( 200 . 201 . 300 ) to advance the extensible drill a hydraulic ram to and the power supplied by the prime mover is hydraulic power. A directional drilling apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the means for advancing the extensible drill comprises: first actuating means (10); 200 . 201 ) attached to the drill; and a second actuating means ( 300 ) connected to the first actuating means ( 200 . 201 ) is mounted and which is attachable to the extendable drill. A directional drilling according to claim 14, wherein the first actuating means and the second actuating means each comprise a hydraulic piston. A directional drilling according to claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the second actuating means Means includes to keep the drill optional. Directional drilling apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 16, wherein the drilling apparatus ( 1 ) detachable at the free end of the arm ( 3 ) is attached. A directional drilling method using a directional drilling apparatus according to any of claims 9 to 16, comprising the steps of: controlling the mechanical arm ( 3 ) to the directional drill ( 1 ) in a drill start position and orient the drill in a drill start direction; Extension of stabilizing agents ( 50 . 51 . 52 ) from the directional drill; and optionally rotating and advancing the directional drilling head to perform a directional drilling operation. The method of claim 18, wherein the directional drilling apparatus is located in a launch pit as the drilling start position, and wherein the stabilizing means ( 50 . 51 . 52 ) are extended to intervene in walls of the starting pit.