EP0215998A2

EP0215998A2 - A pile driver, pile drawer and/or drilling machine

Info

Publication number: EP0215998A2
Application number: EP86100005A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Lam Ming Luen
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1985-09-25
Filing date: 1986-01-02
Publication date: 1987-04-01
Also published as: EP0215998A3

Abstract

A combined pile driver, pile drawer and drilling machine comprises a carriage (1), a turntable (1A) mounted on the carriage (1), support means (5), lifting means (4) and a mast system (5) comprising two mast units (3). The support means (2) comprises a tubular support bearing (9) which is hinged to the tumtable (1A) at (6A) and the lifting means (4) comprises two hydraulic cylinders (6) which are hinged to the turntable (1A) at (68) and to a bearing sleeve (9A) at (6C). The support means (2) further comprises a mast support (10) which surrounds the bearing (9) and extends through the sleeve (9A) and can be rotated about its own axis by means of an hydraulic cylinder (11) and a coupling (11 A). Each mast unit (3) is mounted on the mast support (10) by means of brackets 1141 and comprises a guide rail (13), a mast (12) which is slidable on the guide rail (13) by means of an hydraulic cylinder (15) and a cradle (30) which is movable on the mast (12) by means of an hydraulic feed cylinder (281. Each cradle (30) supports a rotary head or percussion head for a drilling tool or the like or a pneumatic hammer for pile driving. One of the masts (12) is also provided with a clamp (16) and a turning unit (17) for pile drawing. The machine can also be used as a crane. A hydraulic jack (37) is provided to support the weight of the mast system when the mast system is in a horizontal position.

Description

THIS INVENTION relates to a pile driver, pile drawer ond/or drilling machine for use in geological explorotion, mineral prospecting, mining, foundation engineering, building and the like.
Previously proposed drilling machines for small scale drilling operations comprise a collapsible most on a mobile chassis. One disadvantage of this arrangement is that a single most is inadequate when a large number of holes are to be drilled, so that a number of machines must be used.
Previously proposed pile drivers, on the other hand, comprise a frame which is erected above the spot where a pile is to be driven into the ground and is provided with one or more sets of guide rails along which a heavy weight is allowed to fall onto the pile, thus driving the pile into the ground. Such pile drivers can thus only operate when the guide rails ore substantially vertical, although drilling machines which can drill horizontally have been previously proposed.
A further disadvantage of previously proposed pile drivers and drilling machines is that the some machine cannot be used both for pile driving and for drilling.
It is an object of the present invention to enable the provision of a pile driver, pile drawer and/or drilling machine for use in geological exploration, mineral prospecting, mining, foundation engineering, building and the like whereby the above disadvantages may be overcome or at least mitigated.
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a machine which comprises a chassis carrying a turntable, on elongate lifting and/or tool carrying means and support means for the lifting ond/or tool carrying means, wherein the support means is mounted to a surface of the turntable so as to be rotatable relative to the turntable about two non-parallel axes irrespective of the orientation of the lifting and/or tool carrying means relative to the said surface, the orientation of one of the said axes of rotation being dependent on the rotation of the support means about the other of the said axes, and wherein the lifting and/or tool carrying means is rotatable with respect to the support means.
In a second aspect, the present invention provides a machine which comprises a lifting and/or tool-carrying means and support means therefor, wherein the support means is rotatable about two non-parallel axes and comprises two members, one of which members is rotatably mounted on the other, and wherein the lifting and/or tool carrying means is fixed to the said rotatable member, the said rotatable member being rotatable by hydraulic or pneumatic means comprising two piston and cylinder arrangements pivotally connected to a first gear and operable in opposition so that, in use, when the piston of one piston and cylinder arrangement is extended the first gear rotates in one direction and when the piston of the other piston and cylinder arrangement is extended the first gear rotates in the other direction, the first gear meshing with a second gear disposed at right angles thereto the second gear being connected for rotating the said rotatable member.
The invention also provides a machine which comprises a lifting and/or tool-carrying means and support means therefor, wherein the support means is rotatable about two mutually perpendicular axes and the lifting and/or tool carrying means is rotatable with respect to the support means.
The invention enables drilling of horizontal, slanting and vertical holes and holes of varied sizes.
For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show how the same may be put into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE I is a side elevational view of a combined pile driver, pile drawer and drilling machine in accordance with the invention,
FIGURE 2 is an end view of the machine of Figure I,
FIGURE 2A is a top view of the machine of Figure I when a mast thereof is in a vertical position,
FIGURE 3 is a partial side view of the machine of Figures I and 2,
FIGURE 4A is an enlarged partial side view of the machine of Figures I and 2,
FIGURE 4B is o cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV of Figure 4A,
FIGURE 5 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the line V-Vof Figure 3,
FIGURE 5A is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the arrow XX in Figure 5,
FIGURE 6 is a partial side view of the part of the machine shown in Figure 3, showing relative movement,
FIGURE 7 is a side view of the pert of the machine shown in Figures 4A and 4B, showing relative movement,
FIGURE 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIII-VIII of Figure I,
FIGURE 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IX-IX of Figure I,
FIGURE 10 is partial side view, partly in section, of support means of the machine of Figure I,
FIGURE I is a side view of the machine of Figure I, and
FIGURE 12 is a front view of the machine (without the mast) when the mast is in a vertical position.

Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to Figures I and 2, a two most combined pile driver, pile drawer and drilling machine comprises a movable carriage I, support means 2, a mast system 5 comprising two most units 3 and lifting means 4. The support means 2 is mounted on a turntable IA, which is in turn rotatably mounted on the carriage by means of large ball bearings, and supports the most system 5. The lifting means 4 comprises two hydraulic piston and cylinder arrangements 6 which are hinged to the turntable I A at 6B and to a support bearing sleeve 9A at 6C.
The carriage I includes a chassis 7 and wheels 8, and is also provided with an engine and hydraulic pump 34. The wheels 8 can be provided with tyres, but are more preferably chain wheels provided with endless chains or articulated tracks. The carriage I is drivable under power.
As can clearly be seen from Figures 10, lOA to 10F and 11, the support means 2 comprises a rotatable, raisable and swingable tubular mast support pipe 10 which is mounted to a main bearing pipe 9 as will be described below. The bearing pipe 9 is rotatably mounted to a bracket 6'A via a rotatable bearing 33. The bracket 6'A is hinged to the turntable at 6A. Thus, when the pistons of the two hydraulic piston and cylinder arrangements 6 are extended together, the support means 2, and therefore the masts, are tilted or rotated about an axis extending parallel to the surface of the turntable, whereas when one piston is extended more than the other, the support means 2 is rotated about the bearing 33.
The support pipe 10 is connected to the bearing pipe 9 via a flanged pipe 10A. Thus, a radially outwardly extending annular flange 10' of the support pipe is bolted at 10C to an annular flange or coupling plate 10B which is itself bolted at 10D to a radially inwardly extending flange at one end of the pipe IOA. The other end of the pipe IOA has a radially outwardly extending annular flange 10'A to which is bolted at 9Q an L-shaped collar IOF. The flange 10A and collar 10'F define an annular recess receiving a flange 9' at one end of the pipe 9 and a radially outwardly extending annular flange of a bearing pipe 9H mounted coaxially within the pipe IOA. The recess also receives an annular bronze bearing plate 9K for supporting the weight of the masts.
Each end of the bearing pipe 9H has a radially inwardly extending flange 9'H for mounting a support pipe 9D coaxially within the pipe IOA. Thus, corresponding flanges of the support pipe 9A and bearing pipe 9H are bolted together at 9J while the other flange of the bearing pipe 9H is bolted at 9G to a relatively short pipe or collor 9I within which is mounted the other end of the support pipe 9D. The bearing pipe 9H is connected to the support pipe 9 by bolts at 9F. Each end of the support pipe 9D is radially enlarged relative to the remainder of the support pipe 9D to receive a respective boll and race bearing 368.
The other end of the pipe 9 has an annular support plate 9M carrying a plate 9R bolted thereto at 9L.
The cylinder of each of two hydraulic piston and cylinder arrangements 11A and I IB is pivotably mounted to the plate 9R by means of a respective pivot arm extending through an aperture in the plate 9M and engaging a respective hole 11A I and 11B1 in the plate 9R. The piston of each of the hydraulic piston and cylinder arrangements I IA and I IB is pivotably connected to a drive bevel gear unit 35 by means of a respective pivot arm or hinqe I IA2 and 11B2 engaging a corresponding hole 35A and 35B in a respective pivot arm 35' of the drive bevel gear unit 35 (Figure IOB). A line joining the centres of the holes 11A1 and IIBlintersects the axis of the bearing pipe 9.
As shown in Figure IOB, the drive bevel gear unit 35 is mounted on a shaft each end of which is rotatably mounted to the bearing pipe 9 by means of a bearing unit comprising a tapered roller bearing 35D mounted in a bearing housing 35D and having a bearing cover 35E. Thus, the device bevel gear unit 35 may be rotated by actuation of the hydraulic piston and cylinder orronge- ments 11A and 11B as will be described below.
A bevel gear 35" of the drive bevel gear unit 35 meshes with a bevel gear of a driven bevel gear unit 36, the two bevel gears being disposed so as to be mutually perpendicular. The driven bevel gear unit 36 is splined to a coupling shaft 11D and locked in position thereon by a locking nut 36A. The coupling shaft 11D is rotatably supported in the pipe 9D hy the ball and race bearings 368, the outer races of which are fixed to the inner surface of the support pipe 9D so that the coupling shaft 11D is supported by the inner races thereof.
A universal coupling 11D I is connected to a flanged universal coupling plate 10B1 of the coupling shaft 11D. The coupling plate 10B1 is connected to a flange end of the pipe 10 by bolts at 10C and to a radially inwardly extending flange of the flanged pipe 10A by bolts at 10D.
The other end of the pipe 10 extends through a flanged bearing sleeve 9A and is supported therein by means of bronze bushes 9C and 9D. A shoulder 9E is provided on the pipe 10 to prevent the flanged sleeve 9A sliding down the pipe 10. A further bronze bearing plate 9B for supporting the masts during operation of the apparatus is engaged between radially outwardly extendinq flanges of the sleeve 9A and a further sleeve 14. The sleeve 14 is splined to the pipe 10 and locked in position by means of a locking nut 11C. A mild steel plate 10E mounted to the sleeve 14 supports two plates 14 A2 and 14B2 (Figure IOF) which plates in turn support the weight of the two masts. Two further mast support plates 14A 1 and 1481 are mounted to the flanged pipe 10A as shown in Figure 10C.
The support means 2 is pivotably mounted to the turntable I A (Figures I and 2) at pivot points 6A and 6C. Thus, as shown in Figures 10 and I OA, a pair of ears 6A and 6AR for receiving a pivot pin are welded to a round plate 6D. The round plate 6D is rotatably mounted to a round plate 33 fixed to the bearing pipe 9. As shown in Figure IOA, the round plates 60 and 33 have opposed central recesses receiving a ring bushing 6E and a L-cross section ring plate collar 33A is bolted at 9L to the plate 33 to define a race or guide groove for the round plate 6D. The bearing pipe 9 is welded to the plate 33 which may be made of steel so that the bearing plate 9 can pivot or swing about the axis of the round plate 6D.
Ears 6C are welded to the bearing pipe 9A for receiving a pivot pin to allow the support means to be oivotably connected to the hydraulic piston and cylinder arrangements 4 and 6 (Figure 1).
A foot in the form of a hydraulic piston and cylinder arrangement or jack 37 is provided on the bearing pioe 9 to suoport the weight of the support means and mast system when the mast system is a vertical position.
As shown in Figure 10 the piston red of the cylinder 11A is being retracted while the piston rod of cylinder 11B is being extended so the bevel gear 35' is being rotated in a clockwise direction. When the valve controlling oil flow (not shown) is turned to its other position, the piston rod of the cylinder 11B will be retracted and the piston rod of cylinder I IA will be extended so that bevel gear 35' will be rotated in on anti-clockwise direction. The smaller bevel gear 36 is driven by the bevel gear 35' so that, because of their different pitch diameters, the bevel gear 36 rotates through 90° as the bevel gear 35' rotates through 75°. The driven bevel gear 36 is connected to one end of the shaft 11D. The other end of the shaft 11D has a universal coupling 11D1 which drives the universal coupling IOBI. The universal coupling 10B1 is welded to the plate 10B while the plate 10B is mounted on the most support pipe 10 by bolts at IOP. Thus, when the bevel gear 36 rotates in a clockwise direction the most support pipe 10 also rotates in a clockwise direction. The most support flange sleeve 14 is splined to the flange pipe 10, so the sleeve 14 will rotate as the pipe 10 rotates. The most support tables 14A and 14A2 are disposed at an angle of 90⁰ to mast support tables 14B and 1482, respectively, and all the tables ore at the same level and with the same distance from the axis of the most support pipe 10. Thus the two masts will swing or rotate as the mast support pipe 10 swings or rotates.
Referring now to Figures 3 to 7, each mast unit 3 comprises a most 12 having a nose 33A, which most 12 slides on o respective guide rail 13 which is fixed to the mast support 10 by means of brackets 14 and surrounds a hydraulic piston and cylinder arrangement 15 for sliding the mast 12 along the rail 13, as shown in Figure 6. The mast 12 is of rectangular cross-section, for example 24" x 20" (6lcm x 51cm), and comprises, for example, structural steel or cast material welded together into a frame. Preferably, the mast 12 comprises angle bars and plate steel connected by nuts and bolts and, as can be seen in Figures 4A and 4B, is provided with a pair of feed cylinder guide rails 12A. The guide rail 13 may be constructed from a channel section beam and angle bars. also connected by nuts and bolts, as can be seen in Figures 5 and 5A. The power of the mast sliding piston and cylinder arranaement I depends on immediate requirements but the tractive force is typically about 15 tons (1.5 x 10⁵ N) forwards and about 20 tons (2 x 10⁵ N) backwards. The internal diameter of the cylinder 15 ranges from 2" to 6" (from 5 cm to 15 cm). When the internal diameter of the cylinder 15 is 5" (13 cm) the hydraulic pressure is 2200 p.s.i. (1.5 x 10⁷ N/m²).
A travelling cradle 30 is provided on each of the masts 12 and can be moved along the respective most 12 by means of a feed hydraulic piston and cylinder arrangement 28. A head 18A such as a rotary head or a percussion head is mounted on the cradle 30 of one of the two masts 12, and a drilling tool 27, including a drill rod and a drill bit, is connected to the head 18A. Alternatively, a jet grouting tool or other tool could be connected to the head 18A.
Referring now to Figure 7, a hose reel 19 for hydraulic hose is mounted on a hose reel cradle 32 which is connected to a hose reel cradle wire 31. The travelling cradle 30, which is movable with respect to the most 12 by means of the feed cylinder 28, is connected to a feed wire 29. The arrangement is such that movement of the cradle 30 through a distance S is accompanied by movement of the hose reel cradle 32 through a distance S/₂.
Referring now to Figures 8, 8A and 8R an hydraulic clamp 16 is mounted near the nose of the mast 12 carrying the drilling tool 27 and comprises a pair of hydraulic piston and cylinder arrangements 25, 26 and a frame 20C which is fixed on the mast 12. The clamp. 16 can clamp a drilling pipe, a pile or the like of between 2½" and 9" (6 cm and 23 cm) external diameter.
Turning now to Figures 9, 9A and 9C a turning unit 17 is mounted between the clamp 16 and the head 18A and includes four hydraulic piston and cylinder arrangements 21, 22, 23, 24 and a U-shaped frame 20. Two of the piston and cylinder arrangements 21, 22 are mounted on the frame 20 to clamp a drilling pipe, a pile or the like. The other two piston and cylinder arrangements 23, 24 are mounted on a frame 20R which is fixed on the mast 12. The U-shaped frame 20 is rototably supported by a bearing plate 20A and can be rotated by one piston and cylinder arrangement 23, 24 pushing and the other piston and cylinder arrangement 23, 24 pulling simultaneously on an axle CC of the U-shaped frame 20 so as to achieve either a clockwise or an anti-clockwise movement. The maximum angle of the swing is limited to an angle α and the clamped pile or the like can thus be set into reciprocating motion by the two cylinders 23, 24. Within the limits imposed by the tensile strength of the mast 12, the larger the power of the cylinders 23, 24, the larger will be the torque produced. The torque of the turning unit thot can be achieved is five tons (5 x 10⁴ N). The external diameter of the pile or the like which can be turned ranges from 2½" to 9" (6 cm to 23 cm).
In use, the clamp 16 clamps a drilling pipe or the like, the most piston and cylinder arrangement 15 generates a large pulling force to pull out the pipe from the bore. hole, and, if the pipe cannot be pulled out, the clamp 16 is loosened and the turning unit 17 is used to effect a reciprocal rotating motion. The pipe can then be loosened and pulled out. This arrangement can also be used for pile drawing.
A pneumatic hammer 18B is mounted on the travelling cradle 30 of the other mast 12 and can be used for driving I-section beams, C-section channels, steel pipes, steel shafts, precast round or square-section concrete columns, piles and the like into the ground.
Returning now to Figure I, two or more mast units can be mounted at any desired angle on the outside of the mast support 10, so that a large number of holes can be drilled in half the time on ordinary one-mast machine takes. Productivity can therefore be increased. As shown, the angle between the two mast units 3 is about 90°. This angle is preferred for this size and capacity of machine and also ensures that the most units 3 are not too close together or far apart. Preferably, the mast support 10 can rotate 45⁰ clockwise and 45° anticlockwise, giving a maximum turning angle of 90°. The drilling position can thus be adjusted without moving the machine which also improves efficiency and productivity. The support means 2 can be moved by the two hydraulic piston and cylinder arrangement 6, the lengths of which can be adjusted to achieve different angles of inclination to the ground. The angle of inclination of each mast 12 to the ground can thus vary between 0° and 90°, for drilling at different angles. Also, the support means 2 is rotatable from side to side on a bearing 33, by extending one piston and cylinder arrangement 6 more than the other, 15° clockwise and 15⁰ anticlockwise. Thus, the machine can work in any direction and at any inclination. This machine can further be used as a crone to lift weight up to 2 tons (2032 Kg), as well as for shield drilling, horizontal piling, water well drilling, dewatering, anchoring, grouting, overburden drilling and so on. It will be appreciated that each cradle 30 can be used to support various tools and drive means therefor.

Summary of the invention

I. A machine which comprises a chassis carrying a turntable, an elongate lifting and/or tool carrying means and support means for the lifting ond/or tool carrying means, wherein the support means is mounted to a surface of the turntable so as to be rotatable relative to the turntable about two non-parallel axes irrespective of the orientation of the lifting and/or tool carrying means relative to the said surface, the orientation of one of the said axes of rotation being dependent on the rotation of the support means about the other of the said axes, and wherein the lifting and/or tool carrying means is rotatable with respect to the support means.

2. A machine according to No. I, wherein the said two axes are interrelated so that, in use, when the support means is rotated through 90° about the other one of the said axes, the said one axis is rotated through 90°.
3. A machine according to No. I or 2, wherein, when the axis of the elongate lifting and/or tool carrying means lies parallel to the turntable surface, the said one axis extends perpendicularly of the turntable surface, the said other axis lying in or parallel to the turntable surface.
4. A machine according to No. 3 wherein the support means is rotatable about the said other axis by means of raising means.
5. A machine according to No. 4, wherein the support means is rotatable about the said other axis through not more than 90°.
6. A machine according to No. 4 or 5, wherein the support means is rotatable about the said one axis by means of the said raising means.
7. A machine according to No. 6. wherein the support means is rotatable through not more than 30° about the said one axis.
8. A machine according to No. 4, 5, 6 or 7, wherein the raising means comprises one or more hydraulic or pneumatic piston and cylinder arrangements.
9. A machine according to No. 6 or 7, wherein the raising means comprises one or more hydraulic or pneumatic piston and cylinder arrangements, one of the piston and cylinder of the or each arrangement beinq pivotably connected to the turntable and the other of the piston and cylinder of the or each arrangement being pivotally connected to the support means, the support means being elongate and being connected to the turntable ot a point remote from the pivotal connection(s) between the support means and the piston and cylinder arrangement(s) by o mounting capable of rotation about the said two non-parallel axes.
10. A machine according to No. 9 wherein the mounting comprises a rotatable bearing fixed to a pivotal connection mounted to the turntable.
11. A machine according to any one of the preceding Nos., wherein the support means comprises two members, one of which members is rotatably mounted on the other, and wherein the lifting and/or tool carrying means is fixed to the said rotatable member.
12. A machine according to No. I wherein the said rotatable member is rotatable by hydraulic or pneumatic meons.
13. A machine accordinq to No. 12, wherein the hydraulic or pneumatic means comprises two piston and cylinder arrangements pivotally connected to a first gear and operable in opposition so that, in use, when the piston of one piston and cylinder arrangement is extended the first gear rotates in one direction and when the piston of the other piston and cylinder arrangement is extended the first gear rotates in the other direction, the first gear meshing with a second gear disposed at right angles thereto, the second gear being connected to rotate the said rotatable member.
14. A machine which comprises a lifting and/or tool-carrying means and support means therefor, wherein the support means is rotatable about two non-parallel axes and comprises two members, one of which members is rotatably mounted on the other, and wherein the lifting and/or tool carrying means is fixed to the said rotatable member, the said rotatable member being rotatable by hydraulic or pneumatic means comprising two piston and cylinder arrangements pivotally connected to a first gear and operable in opposition so that, in use, when the piston of one piston and cylinder arrangement is extended the first gear rotates in one direction and when the piston of the other piston and cylinder arrangement is extended the first gear rotates in the other direction, the first gear meshing with a second gear disposed at right angles thereto the second gear being connected for rotating the said rotatable member.
15. A machine according to No. 13 or 14, wherein the second gear is fixed to a support shaft which is joined to the said rotatable member by means of a universal coupling.
16. A machine according to any one of the preceding Nos., wherein the lifting and/or tool carrying means is rotatable with respect to the support means through not more than 90°.
17. A machine according to any one of the preceding Nos. which comprises more than one lifting and/or tool carrying means.
18. A machine according to No. 17, which comprises two lifting and/or tool carrying means having a mutual angular separation with respect to the support means of 90°.
19. A machine according to any one of the preceding Nos. wherein the or each lifting and/or tool carrying means comprises a mast which is rotatable with respect to the support means about its axis or about an axis which is parallel to the most.
20. A machine according to No. 19, wherein the or each lifting and/or tool carrying means further comprises a guide rail along which the mast is slidable, and means for sliding the mast along the guide rail.
21. A machine according to No. 20, wherein the sliding means comprises an hydraulic or pneumatic piston and cylinder arrangement.
22. A machine according tc No. 19, 20 or 21 wherein clamping means are mounted to the mast of the or each lifting and/or tool carrying means.
23. A machine according to No. 22 wherein the clamping means comprises two hydraulic or pneumatic piston and cylinder arrangements.
24. A machine according to No. 19, 20, 21, 22 or 23, which further comprises gripping and turning means mounted on the most.
25. A machine according to No. 24, wherein the gripping and turning means comprises gripping means consisting of a frame which is rototably mounted on the mast and first and second hydraulic or pneumatic piston and cylinder arrangements mounted on the frame, and turning means consisting of third and fourth hydraulic or pneumatic piston and cylinder arrangements for effecting rotation of the frame relative to the mast.
26. A machine according to any one of Nos. 19 to 25, wherein the or a mast is a drilling mast having means for suoporting and driving a drilling tool.
27. A machine according to any one of the preceding . wherein a pneumatic hammer is mounted on the or one of the lifting and/or tool carrying means for pile driving.
28. A machine according to any preceding No. wherein the turntable is mounted on a carriage which is powered for moving the machine across a surface.
29. A pile drawer, pile driver and drilling machine, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.
30. Any novel feature or combination of features described herein.

Claims

1. A pile driver, pile drawer and/or drilling machine which comprises a chassis, particularly on a self-propelled carriage movable on the ground, carrying a turntable (1A), at least one elongate lifting and/or tool caryying means (5) and support means (2) for the lifting and/or tool carrying means, characterized in that the support means (2) is mounted to a surface of a turntable so as to be rotatable relative to the turntable (lA) about two non-parallel axes irrespective of the orientation of the lifting and/or tool carrying means (5) relative to the said surface, the orientation of one of the said axes of rotation being dependent on the rotation of the support means (2) about the other of the said axes, and in that the lifting and/or tool carrying means is rotatable with respect to the support means.

2. A machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the said two axes are interrelated so that, in use, when the support means (2) is rotated through 90° about the other one of the said axes, the said one axis is rotated through 90°.

3. A machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the support means (2) is rotatable about the said other axis, in particular through not more than 90°, by means of raising means (4,6).

4. A machine according to claim 3, characterized in that the support means (2) is rotatable about the said one axis, particularly through not more than 30°, by means of the said raising means (4,6).

5. A machine according to claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the raising means comprises one or more hydraulic or pneumatic piston and cylinder arrangements (4,6).

6. A machine according to claim 5, characterized in that one of the piston and cylinder of the or each arrangement (4,6) is pivotably connected to the turntable (lA) and the other of the piston and cylinder of the or each arrangement is pivotably connected to the support means (2) and in that the support means are elongate and connected to the turntable at a point (6B) remote from the pivotal connection(s) between the support means and the piston and cylinder arrangement(s) by a mounting capable of rotation about the said two non-parallel axes, said mounting preferably comprising a rotatable bearing fixed to a pivotal connection mounted to the turntable.

7. A machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support means (2) comprises two members (6A, 10), one (10) of which members is rotatably mounted on the other (6A), and wherein the lifting and/or tool carrying means is fixed to the said rotatable member.

8. A machine according to claim 7, characterized in that a hydraulic or pneumatic means for rotating said rotatable member (10) comprises two piston and cylinder arrangements (11A, 11B) pivotably connected to a first gear (35) and operable in opposition so that, in use, when the piston of one piston and cylinder arrangement (11A) is extended the first gear (35) rotates in one direction and when the piston of the other piston and cylinder arrangement (11B) is extended the first gea (35) rotates in the other direction, the first gear meshing with a second gear (36) disposed at right angles thereto, the second gear being connected to rotate the said rotatable member.

9. A machine according to claim 7, characterized in that the second gear (36) is fixed to a support shaft (11D) which is joined to the said rotatable member (10) by means of a universal coupling (llDl).

10.A machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two lifting and/or tool carrying means (12) are provided having a mutual angular separation with respect to the support means (2) of 90°.

11.A machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the or each lifting and/or tool carrying means comprises a mast (12) which is rotatable with respect to the support means (12) about its axis or about an axis which is parallel to the mast.

12.A machine according to claim 11, characterized in that the or each lifting and/or tool carrying means (2) further comprises a guide rail (13) along which the mast (12) is slidable, and means, in particular an hydraulic or pneumatic piston and cylinder arrangement (15), for sliding the mast along the guide rail (13).

13.A machine according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that clamping means (16), in particular two hydraulic or pneumatic piston and cylinder arrangements (25,26), are mounted to the mast of the or each lifting and/or tool carrying means (2).

14.A machine according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized by gripping and turning means (17) mounted on the mast, in which the gripping means (20,21,22) preferably comprise a frame (20) which is rotatably mounted on the mast (12) and first and second hydraulic or pneumatic piston and cylinder arrangements (21,22) mounted on the frame, and turning means (20B,23,24) comprising third and fourth hydraulic or pneumatic piston and cylinder arrangements (23,24) for effecting rotation of the frame (20) relative to the mast.

15.A machine according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the or a mast (12) has means for supporting and driving a drilling tool or a driving tool, like a pneumatic hammer.