EP4015761B1 - Protective cage for drilling machine with barrel, and corresponding protection method - Google Patents

Protective cage for drilling machine with barrel, and corresponding protection method Download PDF

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Publication number
EP4015761B1
EP4015761B1 EP21213191.6A EP21213191A EP4015761B1 EP 4015761 B1 EP4015761 B1 EP 4015761B1 EP 21213191 A EP21213191 A EP 21213191A EP 4015761 B1 EP4015761 B1 EP 4015761B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
barrel
drilling
frame
axis
cage
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP21213191.6A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP4015761A1 (en
Inventor
Richard PLOUX
Ludovic POYANT
Jérôme PANIER
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Soletanche Freyssinet SA
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Soletanche Freyssinet SA
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Publication of EP4015761A1 publication Critical patent/EP4015761A1/en
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Publication of EP4015761B1 publication Critical patent/EP4015761B1/en
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    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B19/00—Handling rods, casings, tubes or the like outside the borehole, e.g. in the derrick; Apparatus for feeding the rods or cables
    • E21B19/14—Racks, ramps, troughs or bins, for holding the lengths of rod singly or connected; Handling between storage place and borehole
    • E21B19/146—Carousel systems, i.e. rotating rack systems

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a protective cage for a drilling machine.
  • the present invention relates to a protection cage for a barrel drilling machine, as well as a method of protecting the drilling zone of such a barrel drilling machine.
  • drilling machines comprising tubular elements which are connected to each other during the progress of the drilling, in order to carry out a drilling whose depth is much greater than the length of a tubular element.
  • a drilling machine is described in the document EP 2239410 .
  • drilling machines comprising a mechanized system for handling said tubular elements.
  • a mechanized handling system is in particular the barrel which equips the drilling machine and in which the tubular elements are stored.
  • the drilling machine with barrel is designed to remove, during drilling, one of the tubular elements of the barrel in order to connect it to the preceding tubular element of the drilling.
  • the drilling machine is also designed to progressively disconnect and reposition each tubular element in the barrel.
  • the drilling machine with barrel can comprise holding means, or holding jaws, as well as clamping and loosening means, or clamping and loosening jaws, in order to connect and disconnect the tubular elements between them.
  • the cylinder of the drilling machine is generally mounted on the drilling machine, in order to allow it to position one of the tubular elements it contains, in the axis of the rotary drilling head.
  • barrels cause significant movements close to the drilling zone, or work zone, of the drilling machine. Indeed, at each change of tubular element, the barrel is caused to move in the axis of the drilling head in order to allow the unloading or the loading of one of the tubular elements which it contains, then the barrel is moved laterally to release the drilling zone, and also to allow an operator to intervene on the barrel, for example to load other tubular elements into it, or else to clean the tubular elements which have just been stored there by the head drilling.
  • such a protective cage is often cumbersome and prohibits any human intervention on the barrel during drilling operations.
  • such a cage prevents an operator from carrying out supply or cleaning operations on the barrel as long as the drilling operations are taking place.
  • the present invention aims to solve the various technical problems mentioned above.
  • the present invention aims to propose a protection system, and the corresponding protection method, which makes it possible to guarantee safety around the drilling zone of a drilling machine, while allowing maintenance operations on the barrel.
  • the present invention aims to provide a protection system making it possible to secure the drilling zone while leaving the barrel accessible for maintenance operations.
  • a protective cage for a barrel drilling machine comprising a frame, a rotary drilling head around a determined drilling axis and a mobile mounted barrel, and preferably pivoting relative to the frame between a first position in which part of the barrel comes into the drilling axis, and a second position, in which the barrel is moved transversely to the drilling axis.
  • the cage comprises at least one movable part configured to move, preferably simultaneously, relative to the frame when the barrel moves between the first position and the second position, and, when the barrel is in at least one of said first and second positions , the cage is configured to surround, with at least the barrel and possibly the frame, the drilling axis of the drilling machine in a plane perpendicular to said drilling axis.
  • the cage according to the present invention is designed on the one hand to allow securing of the drilling zone, and on the other hand to allow mobility of the barrel, in particular outside the protected drilling zone.
  • the cage comprises at least one movable part configured to move at the same time as the barrel when the latter moves between a first position allowing the loading or removal of the tubular element of the barrel, and a second position corresponding to the position for handling or waiting for the barrel.
  • the cage according to the present invention is configured to be positioned in the continuity of the barrel so as to surround, with the barrel and possibly the frame, in particular the mast, the drilling zone.
  • the cage according to the invention therefore does not surround the cylinder in each of its positions, and in particular in at least the second position for handling or waiting, so as to leave it accessible for the operator(s) during the operations of drilling.
  • the cage according to the present invention also has a much smaller footprint compared to existing cages and which completely surround the drilling zone and the barrel. Indeed, the cage according to the present invention does not need to completely surround the cylinder at least when the latter is in the second handling or waiting position, which makes it possible to provide it more compact and less bulky. .
  • the cage according to the invention is also configured not to surround the drilling zone alone, but to position itself in the continuity of the barrel in order to surround the drilling zone: the cage therefore also exploits the presence of the barrel to surround and protect the drilling area, which also makes it possible to reduce its size and therefore its size.
  • the protective cage and the barrel can, with part of the frame and in particular with the mast on which the rotary drilling head is mounted, surround the drilling zone.
  • the protective cage is configured to surround, with at least the barrel and possibly the frame, the drilling axis of the drilling machine in a plane perpendicular to said drilling axis, when the barrel is in the first position, in the second position and when the barrel moves between the first position and the second position.
  • the cage according to the invention can thus be designed to always cooperate with the barrel in order to surround the drilling zone, whether in the first position of the barrel, in the second position for handling or waiting for the barrel, or else when moving the barrel between the first and the second position.
  • THE barrel therefore always forms part of the barrier surrounding and protecting the drilling zone, in cooperation with the cage.
  • the cage and the barrel are both mounted to move relative to each other, in order to allow their cooperation, and the protection of the drilling zone, throughout the movement of the barrel between the first and the second position.
  • the protective cage is configured to be in contact with the barrel.
  • the cage according to the invention can be configured to be in contact with the barrel, and in particular to remain so throughout throughout the displacement of the barrel between the first and the second position.
  • This contact between the barrel and the cage allows the simultaneous and coordinated displacement of the cage with respect to the displacement of the barrel, which makes it possible to guarantee in a simple and effective manner, the continuous encirclement of the drilling zone by the cage and the barrel.
  • the protective cage also comprises a return means, for example a spring, configured to maintain contact between the protective cage and the barrel.
  • a return means for example a spring
  • the purpose of the return means is to keep the cage in contact with the barrel, in particular when moving.
  • the cage is not mounted integral with the barrel, but is kept in contact with it by a return means. It is then possible, when the drilling operations are completed, to easily separate the cage from the barrel if this is necessary for maintenance operations or for moving the drilling machine.
  • such an arrangement does not require any substantial modification of the barrel, but can on the contrary be implemented on existing barrel drilling machines without a protective cage.
  • the protective cage comprises a wheel with an axis of rotation intended to be positioned parallel to the drilling axis, the wheel being configured to roll on a track of the barrel, for example in the form of a circle, and in which the means return, for example a spring, is configured to maintain the wheel in contact with the track of the barrel.
  • the means return for example a spring
  • a wheel makes it possible to limit the friction and the mechanical stresses that can be exerted between the barrel and the cage, in particular during movements of the barrel between the first and the second position.
  • the wheel allows both continuous contact between the cage and the barrel, and easy relative movement of the barrel relative to the cage.
  • the protective cage comprises a first part configured to be fixedly mounted on the frame of the drilling machine and a second part configured to be movable, preferably pivoting, relative to the frame of the drilling machine, the second part being mounted at a free end of the first part of the cage.
  • the cage comprises a fixed part, and a mobile part intended to adapt to the movements of the barrel.
  • the movable part makes it possible to make the junction between the fixed part and the barrel, so as to guarantee, possibly with the frame, the continuous encirclement of the drilling zone by the cage and the barrel.
  • the movable part is thus mounted at the free end of the fixed part, and cooperates with the barrel while being able to pivot relative to the fixed part, in particular relative to an axis parallel to that of the borehole.
  • the mobile part of the cage can pivot when the barrel moves perpendicularly to the axis of the borehole.
  • the first part is configured to be fixed during drilling operations of the drilling machine, and to be retractable relative to the frame, in particular during maintenance operations of the drilling machine.
  • the first part is designed to be able to be moved relative to the frame, in particular when the drilling operations are finished and therefore it is no longer necessary to protect the drilling zone. This facilitates operations maintenance or other around the drill head, without being bothered by the fixed part of the cage.
  • the return means is mounted between the first part and the second part, and the wheel is mounted at the free end of the second part.
  • the return means keeps the wheel mounted at the free end of the movable part of the cage, in contact with the barrel, by exerting a force tending to press the wheel against the barrel. This ensures, in a simple and reliable manner, contact between the cage and the barrel and therefore the encirclement of the drilling zone. In particular, even in the event of dust or splashes of mud or the like on the barrel, the wheel can continue to maintain contact while rolling, if necessary, on said splashes without remaining blocked.
  • the axis of the drilling head is fixed relative to the frame.
  • the barrel which moves to allow withdrawal or positioning of the tubular elements, and not the drilling head.
  • a drilling machine comprising a chassis, a rotary drilling head around a determined drilling axis and a barrel mounted mobile, and preferably pivoting, relative to the chassis between a first position in in which part of the barrel comes into the drilling axis, and a second position, in which the barrel is moved perpendicular to the drilling axis.
  • the drilling machine also includes a protection cage as described previously.
  • a method for modifying a barrel drilling machine comprising a frame, a rotary drilling head around a determined drilling axis and a barrel mounted movable relative to the frame between a first position in which part of the barrel comes into the drilling axis, and a second position, in which the barrel is moved perpendicular to the drilling axis.
  • a protective cage is mounted on the drilling machine comprising at least one movable part configured to move relative to the frame when the barrel moves between the first position and the second position, and, when the barrel is in at least one of said first and second positions, the drilling axis of the drilling machine is surrounded, in a plane perpendicular to said drilling axis, with the barrel, said protective cage, and optionally the frame.
  • the protection cage according to the present invention does not require many changes to the frame or the barrel of the drilling machine, it can therefore be installed on old drilling machines, without protection, in order to make them conform to the new regulations.
  • the installation of the cage on the drilling machine does not require substantially modifying the barrel insofar as the mobile part of the cage can only roll on a peripheral track of the barrel, for example a retaining circle radial, or peripheral, tubular elements in the barrel.
  • the cage according to the invention also makes it possible to retain a reduced size, and ease of use of the drilling machine thus modified.
  • THE figure 1 And 2 illustrate, from the side and from the front, a barrel drilling machine 1 comprising a protection cage 2 according to the present invention.
  • the barrel drilling machine 1 can be originally designed and manufactured with said protection cage 2, or it can be devoid of origin and subsequently modified to include such a protection cage 2.
  • the drilling machine 1 conventionally comprises a chassis 4 on which is mounted a rotary drilling head 6.
  • the chassis 4 comprises the various components of the drilling machine 1, such as: displacement means, or carrier machine, control means, energy sources, and a guide means, or mast 8, of the drilling head 6.
  • the frame 4 can comprise means of movement comprising drive tracks, such as a running gear.
  • Mast 8 defines the longitudinal direction along which drill head 6 can translate during drilling operations. The mast 8 is therefore parallel to the drilling axis.
  • the drilling machine 1 described here and for which the protective cage 2 according to the present invention is intended, is a drilling machine 1 comprising a cylinder 10.
  • the purpose of the cylinder 10 is to supply or store the tubular elements 12, or drill pipes 12, used by the drilling machine 1 during drilling operations.
  • barrel 10 comprises a plurality of individual slots 11 (see figures 4 to 6 ) for tubular elements 12, which are distributed, for example, around the periphery of barrel 10.
  • barrel 10 has a generally cylindrical shape.
  • the tubular elements 12 are thus designed to be able to be mounted one after the other, and can thus comprise, at one end, a thread and, at the other end, an internal thread in order to allow the screwing of a tubular element 12 at the end of another tubular element 12.
  • the drilling head 6 can, after being mounted at one end of a tubular element 12, rotate it so as to fix it to, or on the contrary to detach it from the end of the previous tubular element 12.
  • the frame 4 of the drilling machine 1 can also comprise, at the level of the opening of the drilling zone, clamping means 13a, 13b such as two pairs of clamping jaws.
  • the clamping means 13a, 13b are positioned adjacently along the drilling axis, and are intended respectively to hold the lower tubular element 12 in position and to tighten or loosen the upper tubular element 12 in rotation with respect to the lower tubular element 12.
  • the cylinder 10 In order to supply or recover the tubular elements 12, the cylinder 10 is configured to be in a first position (see figure 4 ), in which one of the individual slots 11 is positioned in the drilling axis A of the drilling head 6. It is then possible for the head 6 to be fixed to a tubular element 12 arranged in the individual slot 11 of the barrel 10, or else to place a tubular element 12 in the individual slot 11 of the barrel 10. Depending on whether said individual slot 11 is empty or already occupied, the barrel 10 is mounted in rotation on itself, i.e. say around an axis B corresponding to the axis of the generally cylindrical shape of the barrel 10, in order to position another individual location 11 in the axis of the drilling head 6.
  • the axis B of the barrel 10 is preferably parallel to the drilling axis A.
  • barrel 10 makes it possible to supply the drilling head 6 with tubular elements 12, or on the contrary to recover the tubular elements 12 supplied by the drilling head 6.
  • barrel 10 also comprises a peripheral track 18, or radial retaining circle, preferably in the lower part, radially surrounding the various individual locations 11 and thus making it possible to prevent the tubular elements 12 from coming out, involuntarily, radially from their individual location 11.
  • the drilling head 6 is configured to cause the tubular element 12 to slide along the drilling axis A, until the end bottom of the tubular element 12 passes above the peripheral track 18.
  • barrel 10 is configured to move laterally from the drilling axis A to allow the operations of drilling to continue. More precisely, the barrel 10 is configured to be able to move away from the drilling axis A in order to allow on the one hand the drilling operations to continue, and on the other hand to allow possible handling of the tubular elements 12 positioned in barrel 10.
  • barrel 10 is mounted to move between the first position in which it can supply or receive tubular elements 12, and a second position (see figure 5 ) in which it is located at a distance from the drilling axis A.
  • the frame 4 may comprise means for moving the barrel 10, for example a pivoting arm allowing the barrel 10 to be pivoted about an axis distinct from the drilling axis A and barrel axis B 10.
  • barrel 10 When barrel 10 is in the second position, it no longer cooperates with drilling head 6 and no longer participates in drilling operations. It is then in particular possible to carry out handling steps, such as filling the barrel 10 with tubular elements 12 or, on the contrary, such as removing the tubular elements 12 from the barrel 10. It is also possible to carry out cleaning operations tubular elements 12 when these have just been repositioned in the barrel 10 by the drilling head 6 and are still covered with mud and other dirt. In particular, it is important to be able to carry out such handling work quickly, i.e. during drilling operations, in particular in order to avoid the drying of mud on the tubular elements 12.
  • the drilling machine 1 comprises a protective cage 2 making it possible both to secure the drilling zone, and to leave at least partial access to the cylinder 10 in order to allow maintenance operations there.
  • the protective cage 2 is configured to surround the drilling zone, and in particular the drilling axis A, in cooperation with the barrel 10 and possibly the frame 4, more particularly the mast 8.
  • the cage protection 2 not only surrounds the drilling zone, but also allows the barrel 10 to form part of the physical barrier surrounding the drilling zone, which makes it possible to leave it at least partially accessible for maintenance operations.
  • the protective cage 2 comprises on the one hand a movable part 14 which comes in particular, in the example described below, resting on the barrel 10, to guarantee the continuity of the protection, and on the other hand a fixed part 16 which is directly mounted on the frame 4 and on which the movable part 14 is mounted.
  • the protective cage 2 is configured to surround, in a plane perpendicular to the drilling axis A, said drilling axis A, in association with the barrel 10 and, in the present case, a part of the frame 4, in l occurrence the mast 8 on which the fixed part 16 is mounted.
  • the movable part 14 is configured to move with the movements of the barrel 10 when the latter moves from the first to the second position, and from the second to the first position.
  • the movable part 14 may comprise, at the level of the articulated connection with the fixed part 16, a return means 20 configured to exert an elastic return force on the movable part 14 tending to maintain it in contact with the cylinder.
  • the return means 20 may comprise for example one or more springs mounted so as to fold the movable part 14 towards the barrel 10.
  • the return means 20 therefore makes it possible to guarantee that the movable part 14 of the protection cage 2 always remains close to the barrel 10 and does not leave a space between the mobile part 14 and the barrel 10 which would be likely to allow a person to enter the protection zone surrounding the drilling axis A.
  • the mobile part 14 of the protection cage 2 and the barrel 10 are in contact with each other, in particular whatever the position of the barrel 10 (first position, second position, intermediate position between the first and the second place).
  • the contact between the mobile part 14 and the barrel 10 makes it possible to guarantee the absence of space between the barrel 10 and the protective cage 2 through which a person would be likely to enter the protective zone surrounding the drilling axis A
  • the contact between the barrel 10 and the mobile part 14 must be sliding.
  • the mobile part 14 can comprise a means of contact with the cylinder 10 in the form of a wheel 22.
  • the wheel 22 is in particular intended to allow sliding contact with the barrel 10.
  • the wheel 22 is intended to roll on a peripheral portion, preferably continuous, of the barrel 10, in particular the peripheral track 18, or retaining circle radial, of the barrel 10 which makes it possible to retain the tubular elements 12 in their individual housings 11.
  • the peripheral track 18 can in particular comprise a groove, or chute, in order to ensure guidance of the wheel 22 when the latter rolls in the groove , THE along the peripheral track 18.
  • the wheel 22 reduces the mechanical forces at the contact between the barrel 10 and the protection cage 2, and also makes it possible to remain functional even when the peripheral track 18 of the barrel 10 is soiled by projections or others, since the wheel 22 can then continue to roll over it, including over the projections, while keeping the protective cage 2 in contact with the barrel 10.
  • the wheel 22 is mounted at a free end of the movable part 14, that is to say at the end of the movable part 14 which is opposite to that mounted on the fixed part 16.
  • the wheel 22 is thus mounted with its axis of rotation advantageously oriented parallel to the axis of rotation B of the barrel 10, and therefore advantageously oriented parallel to the drilling axis A.
  • the protective cage 2 makes it possible to guarantee the absence of access to the drilling zone, while allowing at least partial access to the barrel 10 for maintenance operations. It is thus possible to continue working on the barrel 10 without slowing down the drilling operations and while remaining safe.
  • the protection cage 2 also has a compact geometry, and therefore a small footprint, in particular due to the fact that it does not surround the drilling zone alone, but does so in cooperation with the barrel 10. It does not It is therefore no longer necessary to surround the barrel 10, which leads to a smaller protective cage 2.
  • the protection cage 2 requires few constraints to be installed on a drilling machine 1.
  • the protection cage 2 according to the invention requires only one fixing zone on the frame 4 of the drilling machine 1, and a peripheral track 18 on the barrel 10 to bring the wheel 22 to roll there, which remains not very restrictive.
  • the protective cage 2 can thus be easily installed on a large number of existing drilling machines and devoid of means of protection, in order to make them comply with safety standards, while benefiting from the advantages mentioned above.
  • the fixed part 16 of the protection cage 2 can comprise several portions hinged together in order to open access to the drilling area.
  • the fixed part 16 may comprise a first portion 16a intended to be mounted on the frame 4 of the drilling machine 1 and intended to remain fixed relative to the frame 4.
  • the first portion 16a may for example be mounted on the mast 8 , for example on one side of the mast 8 in which case the mast 8 will surround the drilling axis A with the protection cage 2 and the barrel 10.
  • the fixed part 16 may comprise a second portion 16b mounted on the end free of the first portion 16a, that is to say on the end opposite to that fixed to the chassis 4. It is on the free end of the second portion 16b that the movable part 14 of the protective cage 2 and up.
  • the second portion 16b can be mounted by a pivot connection on the first portion 16a, the pivot connection being able to be controlled by a cylinder for example.
  • the cylinder makes it possible to maintain the second portion 16b integral and fixed on the first portion 16a.
  • the cylinder makes it possible to retract the second portion 16b to leave free access to the drilling zone.
  • the fixed part 16 of the protective cage 2 can also comprise a third portion 16c also mounted on one side of the mast 8 of the frame 4, but opposite the first portion 16a, in order to block any access between the mast 8 and barrel 10.
  • the protective cage it becomes possible to have a barrel drilling machine making it possible to comply with safety standards during drilling operations, while allowing maintenance interventions on the barrel. In particular, it is possible to intervene on the barrel during drilling operations, so as not to slow them down.
  • the protective cage makes it possible to keep a small footprint for the drilling machine, in particular around the mast, which facilitates transport, as well as short trips under limited heights or in positions difficult to access on site, such as only along the walls or in angles, without requiring a preliminary removal of the cage.
  • the protection cage can also be mounted on existing drilling machines without a cage, in order to make them comply with safety standards.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Geology (AREA)
  • Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
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Description

Domaine TechniqueTechnical area

La présente invention a pour objet une cage de protection pour une machine de forage.The present invention relates to a protective cage for a drilling machine.

De façon plus précise, la présente invention concerne une cage de protection pour une machine de forage à barillet, ainsi qu'un procédé de protection de la zone de forage d'une telle machine de forage à barillet.More specifically, the present invention relates to a protection cage for a barrel drilling machine, as well as a method of protecting the drilling zone of such a barrel drilling machine.

Technique antérieurePrior technique

Il existe des machines de forage comportant des éléments tubulaires qui sont connectés les uns aux autres pendant l'avancement du forage, afin de réaliser un forage dont la profondeur est très supérieure à la longueur d'un élément tubulaire. Par exemple, une telle machine de forage est décrite dans le document EP 2239410 .There are drilling machines comprising tubular elements which are connected to each other during the progress of the drilling, in order to carry out a drilling whose depth is much greater than the length of a tubular element. For example, such a drilling machine is described in the document EP 2239410 .

Afin de permettre la mise en oeuvre du forage de manière plus simple et plus rapide, ou lorsque les éléments tubulaires présentent un poids supérieur à 25kg, il est connu, voire obligatoire, d'avoir des machines de forage comportant un système mécanisé de manutention desdits éléments tubulaires. Un exemple d'un tel système mécanisé de manutention est notamment le barillet qui équipe la machine de forage et dans lequel sont entreposés les éléments tubulaires. En particulier, la machine de forage avec barillet est conçue pour retirer, lors du forage, un des éléments tubulaires du barillet afin de le connecter à l'élément tubulaire précédent du forage. De même, en fin de forage, la machine de forage est également conçue pour, au fur et à mesure, déconnecter et repositionner chaque élément tubulaire dans le barillet.In order to allow the implementation of the drilling in a simpler and faster way, or when the tubular elements have a weight greater than 25 kg, it is known, even obligatory, to have drilling machines comprising a mechanized system for handling said tubular elements. An example of such a mechanized handling system is in particular the barrel which equips the drilling machine and in which the tubular elements are stored. In particular, the drilling machine with barrel is designed to remove, during drilling, one of the tubular elements of the barrel in order to connect it to the preceding tubular element of the drilling. Similarly, at the end of drilling, the drilling machine is also designed to progressively disconnect and reposition each tubular element in the barrel.

Ainsi, la machine de forage avec barillet peut comprendre des moyens de maintien, ou mors de maintien, ainsi que des moyens de serrage et desserrage, ou mors de serrage et desserrage, afin de connecter et déconnecter les éléments tubulaires entre eux. De même, le barillet de la machine de forage est généralement monté mobile sur la machine de forage, afin de lui permettre de positionner un des éléments tubulaires qu'il contient, dans l'axe de la tête rotative de forage.Thus, the drilling machine with barrel can comprise holding means, or holding jaws, as well as clamping and loosening means, or clamping and loosening jaws, in order to connect and disconnect the tubular elements between them. Similarly, the cylinder of the drilling machine is generally mounted on the drilling machine, in order to allow it to position one of the tubular elements it contains, in the axis of the rotary drilling head.

Cependant, de tels barillets entraînent des mouvements importants à proximité de la zone de forage, ou zone de travail, de la machine de forage. En effet, à chaque changement d'élément tubulaire, le barillet est amené à se déplacer dans l'axe de la tête de forage afin de permettre le déchargement ou le chargement d'un des éléments tubulaires qu'il contient, puis le barillet est déplacé latéralement pour libérer la zone de forage, et permettre également à un opérateur d'intervenir sur le barillet, par exemple pour charger d'autres éléments tubulaires dedans, ou bien pour nettoyer les éléments tubulaires qui viennent d'y être rangés par la tête de forage.However, such barrels cause significant movements close to the drilling zone, or work zone, of the drilling machine. Indeed, at each change of tubular element, the barrel is caused to move in the axis of the drilling head in order to allow the unloading or the loading of one of the tubular elements which it contains, then the barrel is moved laterally to release the drilling zone, and also to allow an operator to intervene on the barrel, for example to load other tubular elements into it, or else to clean the tubular elements which have just been stored there by the head drilling.

Or, les nouvelles réglementations en matière de sécurité imposent une protection des personnes contre les risques d'emprisonnement, cisaillement ou écrasement. De tels risques sont notamment importants dans la zone de forage et nécessitent ainsi d'en limiter l'accès aux personnes.However, the new safety regulations require people to be protected against the risks of trapping, shearing or crushing. Such risks are particularly significant in the drilling area and thus require limiting access to people.

Ainsi, il est connu de prévoir une cage de protection entourant la zone de forage ainsi que le barillet de la machine de forage, afin de permettre le déplacement et l'utilisation du barillet par la machine de forage, de manière sécurisée.Thus, it is known to provide a protective cage surrounding the drilling zone as well as the barrel of the drilling machine, in order to allow the movement and the use of the barrel by the drilling machine, in a secure manner.

Cependant, une telle cage de protection est souvent encombrante et interdit toute intervention humaine sur le barillet lors des opérations de forage. En particulier, une telle cage empêche un opérateur d'effectuer les opérations d'approvisionnement ou de nettoyage sur le barillet tant que les opérations de forage ont lieu.However, such a protective cage is often cumbersome and prohibits any human intervention on the barrel during drilling operations. In particular, such a cage prevents an operator from carrying out supply or cleaning operations on the barrel as long as the drilling operations are taking place.

Pour pallier un tel inconvénient, il est connu de prévoir une cage de protection débrayable qui est configurée pour permettre un accès aux personnes lorsque la machine de forage fonctionne dans un mode dit « mode de fonctionnement réduit », ou « mode dégradé », dans lequel les vitesses de rotation et de déplacement, par exemple, sont limitées.To overcome such a drawback, it is known to provide a disengageable protective cage which is configured to allow access to people when the drilling machine is operating in a mode called "reduced operating mode", or "degraded mode", in which the speeds of rotation and movement, for example, are limited.

Cependant, un tel mode dégradé de fonctionnement de la machine de forage, même s'il permet une intervention d'un opérateur dans la zone de forage, augmente malgré tout la durée des travaux effectués par la machine de forage.However, such a degraded mode of operation of the drilling machine, even if it allows intervention by an operator in the drilling zone, nevertheless increases the duration of the work carried out by the drilling machine.

Il existe donc un réel besoin de disposer d'une machine de forage à barillet permettant l'intervention sécurisée d'un opérateur sur le barillet, tout en permettant aux opérations de forage de continuer.There is therefore a real need to have a barrel drilling machine allowing the safe intervention of an operator on the barrel, while allowing the drilling operations to continue.

Exposé de l'inventionDisclosure of Invention

La présente invention vise à résoudre les différents problèmes techniques énoncés précédemment. En particulier la présente invention vise à proposer un système de protection, et le procédé de protection correspondant, qui permet de garantir la sécurité autour de la zone de forage d'une machine de forage, tout en permettant des opérations de maintenance sur le barillet. Plus précisément, la présente invention vise à proposer un système de protection permettant de sécuriser la zone de forage tout en laissant accessible le barillet pour les opérations de maintenance.The present invention aims to solve the various technical problems mentioned above. In particular, the present invention aims to propose a protection system, and the corresponding protection method, which makes it possible to guarantee safety around the drilling zone of a drilling machine, while allowing maintenance operations on the barrel. More specifically, the present invention aims to provide a protection system making it possible to secure the drilling zone while leaving the barrel accessible for maintenance operations.

Ainsi, selon un aspect, il est proposé une cage de protection pour machine de forage à barillet, la machine de forage à barillet comportant un châssis, une tête de forage rotative autour d'un axe de forage déterminé et un barillet monté mobile, et de préférence pivotant, par rapport au châssis entre une première position dans laquelle une partie du barillet vient dans l'axe de forage, et une deuxième position, dans laquelle le barillet est déplacé transversalement à l'axe de forage. La cage comprend au moins une partie mobile configurée pour se déplacer, de préférence simultanément, par rapport au châssis lorsque le barillet se déplace entre la première position et la deuxième position, et, lorsque le barillet est dans au moins une desdites première et deuxième positions, la cage est configurée pour entourer, avec au moins le barillet et éventuellement le châssis, l'axe de forage de la machine de forage dans un plan perpendiculaire audit axe de forage.Thus, according to one aspect, there is proposed a protective cage for a barrel drilling machine, the barrel drilling machine comprising a frame, a rotary drilling head around a determined drilling axis and a mobile mounted barrel, and preferably pivoting relative to the frame between a first position in which part of the barrel comes into the drilling axis, and a second position, in which the barrel is moved transversely to the drilling axis. The cage comprises at least one movable part configured to move, preferably simultaneously, relative to the frame when the barrel moves between the first position and the second position, and, when the barrel is in at least one of said first and second positions , the cage is configured to surround, with at least the barrel and possibly the frame, the drilling axis of the drilling machine in a plane perpendicular to said drilling axis.

Ainsi, la cage selon la présente invention est conçue d'une part pour permettre une sécurisation de la zone de forage, et d'autre part pour permettre une mobilité du barillet, notamment en-dehors de la zone protégée de forage. A cet effet, la cage comporte au moins une partie mobile configurée pour se déplacer en même temps que le barillet lorsque celui-ci se déplace entre une première position permettant le chargement ou le retrait d'élément tubulaire du barillet, et une deuxième position correspondant à la position de manutention ou d'attente du barillet. La cage selon la présente invention est configurée pour se positionner dans la continuité du barillet de manière à entourer, avec le barillet et éventuellement le châssis, notamment le mât, la zone de forage. La cage selon l'invention n'entoure donc pas le barillet dans chacune de ses positions, et en particulier dans au moins la deuxième position de manutention ou d'attente, de manière à le laisser accessible pour le ou les opérateurs pendant les opérations de forage.Thus, the cage according to the present invention is designed on the one hand to allow securing of the drilling zone, and on the other hand to allow mobility of the barrel, in particular outside the protected drilling zone. To this end, the cage comprises at least one movable part configured to move at the same time as the barrel when the latter moves between a first position allowing the loading or removal of the tubular element of the barrel, and a second position corresponding to the position for handling or waiting for the barrel. The cage according to the present invention is configured to be positioned in the continuity of the barrel so as to surround, with the barrel and possibly the frame, in particular the mast, the drilling zone. The cage according to the invention therefore does not surround the cylinder in each of its positions, and in particular in at least the second position for handling or waiting, so as to leave it accessible for the operator(s) during the operations of drilling.

Par ailleurs, la cage selon la présente invention présente également un encombrement beaucoup plus réduit par rapport aux cages existantes et qui entourent complètement la zone de forage et le barillet. En effet, la cage selon la présente invention n'a pas besoin d'entourer complètement le barillet au moins lorsque celui-ci se trouve dans la deuxième position de manutention ou d'attente, ce qui permet de la prévoir plus compacte et moins volumineuse. De plus, la cage selon l'invention est également configurée pour ne pas entourer seule la zone de forage, mais pour se positionner dans la continuité du barillet afin d'entourer la zone de forage : la cage exploite donc également la présence du barillet pour entourer et protéger la zone de forage, ce qui permet également d'en diminuer la taille et donc l'encombrement. Par ailleurs, la cage de protection et le barillet peuvent, avec une partie du châssis et notamment avec le mât sur lequel est montée la tête de forage rotative, entourer la zone de forage.Furthermore, the cage according to the present invention also has a much smaller footprint compared to existing cages and which completely surround the drilling zone and the barrel. Indeed, the cage according to the present invention does not need to completely surround the cylinder at least when the latter is in the second handling or waiting position, which makes it possible to provide it more compact and less bulky. . In addition, the cage according to the invention is also configured not to surround the drilling zone alone, but to position itself in the continuity of the barrel in order to surround the drilling zone: the cage therefore also exploits the presence of the barrel to surround and protect the drilling area, which also makes it possible to reduce its size and therefore its size. Furthermore, the protective cage and the barrel can, with part of the frame and in particular with the mast on which the rotary drilling head is mounted, surround the drilling zone.

Préférentiellement, la cage de protection est configurée pour entourer, avec au moins le barillet et éventuellement le châssis, l'axe de forage de la machine de forage dans un plan perpendiculaire audit axe de forage, lorsque le barillet est dans la première position, dans la deuxième position et lorsque le barillet se déplace entre la première position et la deuxième position.Preferably, the protective cage is configured to surround, with at least the barrel and possibly the frame, the drilling axis of the drilling machine in a plane perpendicular to said drilling axis, when the barrel is in the first position, in the second position and when the barrel moves between the first position and the second position.

La cage selon l'invention peut ainsi être conçue pour toujours coopérer avec le barillet afin d'entourer la zone de forage, que ce soit dans la première position du barillet, dans la deuxième position de manutention ou d'attente du barillet, ou bien lors du déplacement du barillet entre la première et la deuxième position. Le barillet forme donc toujours une partie de la barrière entourant et protégeant la zone de forage, en coopération avec la cage. En particulier, la cage et le barillet sont tous les deux montés mobiles l'un par rapport à l'autre, afin de permettre leur coopération, et la protection de la zone de forage, tout au long du déplacement du barillet entre la première et la deuxième position. Ainsi, il n'est pas nécessaire d'activer un mode dégradé de fonctionnement de la machine de forage lors des déplacements du barillet mais, au contraire, la machine de forage peut continuer de fonctionner de manière optimale même lorsque le barillet se déplace, ce qui permet de ne pas ralentir les opérations de forage.The cage according to the invention can thus be designed to always cooperate with the barrel in order to surround the drilling zone, whether in the first position of the barrel, in the second position for handling or waiting for the barrel, or else when moving the barrel between the first and the second position. THE barrel therefore always forms part of the barrier surrounding and protecting the drilling zone, in cooperation with the cage. In particular, the cage and the barrel are both mounted to move relative to each other, in order to allow their cooperation, and the protection of the drilling zone, throughout the movement of the barrel between the first and the second position. Thus, it is not necessary to activate a degraded mode of operation of the drilling machine when the drum moves but, on the contrary, the drilling machine can continue to operate optimally even when the drum moves, this which does not slow down drilling operations.

Préférentiellement, la cage de protection est configurée pour être en contact avec le barillet.Preferably, the protective cage is configured to be in contact with the barrel.

Afin de coopérer efficacement avec le barillet, et notamment de pouvoir se déplacer de manière synchronisée avec le barillet pour toujours entourer la zone de forage, la cage selon l'invention peut être configurée pour être contact avec le barillet, et notamment pour le rester tout au long du déplacement du barillet entre la première et la deuxième position. Ce contact entre le barillet et la cage permet le déplacement simultané et coordonné de la cage par rapport au déplacement du barillet, ce qui permet de garantir de manière simple et efficace, l'encerclement en continu de la zone de forage par la cage et le barillet.In order to cooperate effectively with the barrel, and in particular to be able to move in a synchronized manner with the barrel to always surround the drilling zone, the cage according to the invention can be configured to be in contact with the barrel, and in particular to remain so throughout throughout the displacement of the barrel between the first and the second position. This contact between the barrel and the cage allows the simultaneous and coordinated displacement of the cage with respect to the displacement of the barrel, which makes it possible to guarantee in a simple and effective manner, the continuous encirclement of the drilling zone by the cage and the barrel.

Préférentiellement, la cage de protection comprend également un moyen de rappel, par exemple un ressort, configuré pour maintenir le contact entre la cage de protection et le barillet.Preferably, the protective cage also comprises a return means, for example a spring, configured to maintain contact between the protective cage and the barrel.

Le moyen de rappel a pour but de maintenir la cage en contact avec le barillet, notamment lors des déplacements. Ainsi, la cage n'est pas montée solidaire du barillet, mais est maintenue en contact avec lui par un moyen de rappel. On peut alors, lorsque les opérations de forage sont terminées, désolidariser facilement la cage du barillet si cela est nécessaire pour les opérations de maintenance ou de déplacement de la machine de forage. De plus, un tel agencement ne nécessite pas de modification substantielle du barillet, mais peut au contraire être mis en oeuvre sur des machines de forage à barillet existantes et dépourvues de cage de protection.The purpose of the return means is to keep the cage in contact with the barrel, in particular when moving. Thus, the cage is not mounted integral with the barrel, but is kept in contact with it by a return means. It is then possible, when the drilling operations are completed, to easily separate the cage from the barrel if this is necessary for maintenance operations or for moving the drilling machine. Moreover, such an arrangement does not require any substantial modification of the barrel, but can on the contrary be implemented on existing barrel drilling machines without a protective cage.

Préférentiellement, la cage de protection comprend une roue avec un axe de rotation destiné à être positionné parallèlement à l'axe de forage, la roue étant configurée pour rouler sur une piste du barillet, par exemple sous forme de cercle, et dans laquelle le moyen de rappel, par exemple un ressort, est configuré pour maintenir la roue en contact avec la piste du barillet.Preferably, the protective cage comprises a wheel with an axis of rotation intended to be positioned parallel to the drilling axis, the wheel being configured to roll on a track of the barrel, for example in the form of a circle, and in which the means return, for example a spring, is configured to maintain the wheel in contact with the track of the barrel.

L'utilisation d'une roue permet de limiter les frottements et les contraintes mécaniques pouvant s'exercer entre le barillet et la cage, en particulier lors des déplacements du barillet entre la première et la deuxième position. Ainsi, la roue permet à la fois un contact continu entre la cage et le barillet, et un mouvement relatif facilité du barillet par rapport à la cage.The use of a wheel makes it possible to limit the friction and the mechanical stresses that can be exerted between the barrel and the cage, in particular during movements of the barrel between the first and the second position. Thus, the wheel allows both continuous contact between the cage and the barrel, and easy relative movement of the barrel relative to the cage.

Préférentiellement, la cage de protection comprend une première partie configurée pour être montée fixe sur le châssis de la machine de forage et une deuxième partie configurée pour être mobile, de préférence pivotante, par rapport au châssis de la machine de forage, la deuxième partie étant montée à une extrémité libre de la première partie de la cage.Preferably, the protective cage comprises a first part configured to be fixedly mounted on the frame of the drilling machine and a second part configured to be movable, preferably pivoting, relative to the frame of the drilling machine, the second part being mounted at a free end of the first part of the cage.

Dans un tel mode de réalisation, la cage comporte une partie fixe, et une partie mobile destinée à s'adapter aux mouvements du barillet. Ainsi, la partie mobile permet de faire la jonction entre la partie fixe et le barillet, de manière à garantir, avec éventuellement le châssis, l'encerclement continu de la zone de forage par la cage et le barillet. La partie mobile est ainsi montée à l'extrémité libre de la partie fixe, et vient coopérer avec le barillet en pouvant pivoter par rapport à la partie fixe, notamment par rapport à un axe parallèle à celui du forage. Ainsi, la partie mobile de la cage peut pivoter lorsque le barillet se déplace perpendiculairement à l'axe du forage.In such an embodiment, the cage comprises a fixed part, and a mobile part intended to adapt to the movements of the barrel. Thus, the movable part makes it possible to make the junction between the fixed part and the barrel, so as to guarantee, possibly with the frame, the continuous encirclement of the drilling zone by the cage and the barrel. The movable part is thus mounted at the free end of the fixed part, and cooperates with the barrel while being able to pivot relative to the fixed part, in particular relative to an axis parallel to that of the borehole. Thus, the mobile part of the cage can pivot when the barrel moves perpendicularly to the axis of the borehole.

Préférentiellement, la première partie est configurée pour être fixe lors des opérations de forage de la machine de forage, et pour être escamotable par rapport au châssis, notamment lors des opérations de maintenance de la machine de forage.Preferably, the first part is configured to be fixed during drilling operations of the drilling machine, and to be retractable relative to the frame, in particular during maintenance operations of the drilling machine.

Ainsi, la première partie est conçue pour pouvoir être déplacée par rapport au châssis, notamment lorsque les opérations de forage sont terminées et donc qu'il n'est plus nécessaire de protéger la zone de forage. Cela facilite les opérations de maintenance ou autres autour de la tête de forage, sans être gêné par la partie fixe de la cage.Thus, the first part is designed to be able to be moved relative to the frame, in particular when the drilling operations are finished and therefore it is no longer necessary to protect the drilling zone. This facilitates operations maintenance or other around the drill head, without being bothered by the fixed part of the cage.

Préférentiellement, le moyen de rappel est monté entre la première partie et la deuxième partie, et la roue est montée à l'extrémité libre de la deuxième partie.Preferably, the return means is mounted between the first part and the second part, and the wheel is mounted at the free end of the second part.

Le moyen de rappel permet de maintenir la roue montée à l'extrémité libre de la partie mobile de la cage, en contact avec le barillet, en exerçant une force tendant à plaquer la roue contre le barillet. On s'assure ainsi, de manière simple et fiable, du contact entre la cage et le barillet et donc de l'encerclement de la zone de forage. En particulier, même en cas de poussière ou de projections de boue ou autre sur le barillet, la roue peut continuer à maintenir le contact en roulant, le cas échéant, sur lesdites projections sans rester bloquée.The return means keeps the wheel mounted at the free end of the movable part of the cage, in contact with the barrel, by exerting a force tending to press the wheel against the barrel. This ensures, in a simple and reliable manner, contact between the cage and the barrel and therefore the encirclement of the drilling zone. In particular, even in the event of dust or splashes of mud or the like on the barrel, the wheel can continue to maintain contact while rolling, if necessary, on said splashes without remaining blocked.

Préférentiellement, l'axe de la tête de forage est fixe par rapport au châssis. Ainsi, c'est bien le barillet qui se déplace pour permettre un retrait ou un positionnement des éléments tubulaires, et non la tête de forage.Preferably, the axis of the drilling head is fixed relative to the frame. Thus, it is indeed the barrel which moves to allow withdrawal or positioning of the tubular elements, and not the drilling head.

Selon un autre aspect, il est également proposé une machine de forage comportant un châssis, une tête de forage rotative autour d'un axe de forage déterminé et un barillet monté mobile, et de préférence pivotant, par rapport au châssis entre une première position dans laquelle une partie du barillet vient dans l'axe de forage, et une deuxième position, dans laquelle le barillet est déplacé perpendiculairement à l'axe de forage. La machine de forage comprend également une cage de protection telle que décrite précédemment.According to another aspect, there is also proposed a drilling machine comprising a chassis, a rotary drilling head around a determined drilling axis and a barrel mounted mobile, and preferably pivoting, relative to the chassis between a first position in in which part of the barrel comes into the drilling axis, and a second position, in which the barrel is moved perpendicular to the drilling axis. The drilling machine also includes a protection cage as described previously.

Selon un autre aspect, il est également proposé un procédé de protection de la zone de forage d'une machine de forage à barillet, la machine de forage à barillet comportant un châssis, une tête de forage rotative autour d'un axe de forage déterminé et un barillet monté mobile par rapport au châssis entre une première position dans laquelle une partie du barillet vient dans l'axe de forage, et une deuxième position, dans laquelle le barillet est déplacé perpendiculairement à l'axe de forage. Selon le procédé :

  • lorsque le barillet est dans au moins une desdites première et deuxième positions, on entoure l'axe de forage de la machine de forage, dans un plan perpendiculaire audit axe de forage, avec le barillet, une cage de protection et éventuellement le châssis, et
  • on déplace au moins une partie mobile de ladite cage de protection par rapport au châssis lorsque le barillet se déplace entre la première position et la deuxième position.
According to another aspect, there is also proposed a method for protecting the drilling zone of a barrel drilling machine, the barrel drilling machine comprising a frame, a rotary drilling head around a determined drilling axis and a barrel mounted movable relative to the frame between a first position in which part of the barrel comes into the drilling axis, and a second position, in which the barrel is moved perpendicularly to the drilling axis. According to the process:
  • when the barrel is in at least one of said first and second positions, the drilling axis of the drilling machine is surrounded, in a plane perpendicular to said drilling axis, with the barrel, a protective cage and possibly the frame, and
  • at least one movable part of said protective cage is moved relative to the frame when the cylinder moves between the first position and the second position.

Selon un autre aspect, il est également proposé un procédé de modification d'une machine de forage à barillet, la machine de forage à barillet comportant un châssis, une tête de forage rotative autour d'un axe de forage déterminé et un barillet monté mobile par rapport au châssis entre une première position dans laquelle une partie du barillet vient dans l'axe de forage, et une deuxième position, dans laquelle le barillet est déplacé perpendiculairement à l'axe de forage. Selon le procédé, on monte sur la machine de forage une cage de protection comprenant au moins une partie mobile configurée pour se déplacer par rapport au châssis lorsque le barillet se déplace entre la première position et la deuxième position, et, lorsque le barillet est dans au moins une desdites première et deuxième positions, on entoure l'axe de forage de la machine de forage, dans un plan perpendiculaire audit axe de forage, avec le barillet, ladite cage de protection, et éventuellement le châssis.According to another aspect, there is also proposed a method for modifying a barrel drilling machine, the barrel drilling machine comprising a frame, a rotary drilling head around a determined drilling axis and a barrel mounted movable relative to the frame between a first position in which part of the barrel comes into the drilling axis, and a second position, in which the barrel is moved perpendicular to the drilling axis. According to the method, a protective cage is mounted on the drilling machine comprising at least one movable part configured to move relative to the frame when the barrel moves between the first position and the second position, and, when the barrel is in at least one of said first and second positions, the drilling axis of the drilling machine is surrounded, in a plane perpendicular to said drilling axis, with the barrel, said protective cage, and optionally the frame.

La cage de protection selon la présente invention ne nécessitant pas beaucoup de changements sur le châssis ou le barillet de la machine de forage, elle peut donc être installée sur d'anciennes machines de forage, dépourvues de protection, afin de les rendre conformes aux nouvelles réglementations. En particulier, l'installation de la cage sur la machine de forage ne nécessite pas de modifier substantiellement le barillet dans la mesure où la partie mobile de la cage peut ne faire que rouler sur une piste périphérique du barillet, par exemple un cercle de retenu radiale, ou périphérique, des éléments tubulaires dans le barillet. Ainsi, il est possible de modifier facilement, et à moindre coût, une machine de forage existante, afin de la faire respecter les exigences de sécurité. Par ailleurs, la cage selon l'invention permet de conserver également un encombrement réduit, et une facilité d'usage de la machine de forage ainsi modifiée.The protection cage according to the present invention does not require many changes to the frame or the barrel of the drilling machine, it can therefore be installed on old drilling machines, without protection, in order to make them conform to the new regulations. In particular, the installation of the cage on the drilling machine does not require substantially modifying the barrel insofar as the mobile part of the cage can only roll on a peripheral track of the barrel, for example a retaining circle radial, or peripheral, tubular elements in the barrel. Thus, it is possible to modify easily, and at a lower cost, an existing drilling machine, in order to make it comply with safety requirements. Furthermore, the cage according to the invention also makes it possible to retain a reduced size, and ease of use of the drilling machine thus modified.

Brève description des dessinsBrief description of the drawings

  • [Fig. 1] La figure 1 représente une vue schématique de côté d'une machine de forage à barillet comportant une cage de protection selon l'invention ;[ Fig. 1 ] There figure 1 shows a schematic side view of a barrel drilling machine comprising a protective cage according to the invention;
  • [Fig. 2] La figure 2 représente une vue schématique de face de la machine de forage à barillet selon l'invention ;[ Fig. 2 ] There picture 2 shows a schematic front view of the barrel drilling machine according to the invention;
  • [Fig. 3] La figure 3 est une vue en perspective de la cage de protection selon l'invention ;[ Fig. 3 ] There picture 3 is a perspective view of the protective cage according to the invention;
  • [Fig. 4] La figure 4 est une vue de dessus de la cage de protection illustrée à la figure 2, avec le barillet dans une première position ;[ Fig. 4 ] There figure 4 is a top view of the roll cage shown in figure 2 , with the barrel in a first position;
  • [Fig. 5] La figure 5 est une vue de dessus de la cage de protection illustrée à la figure 2, avec le barillet dans une deuxième position ;[ Fig. 5 ] There figure 5 is a top view of the roll cage shown in figure 2 , with the barrel in a second position;
  • [Fig. 6] La figure 6 est une vue de dessus de la cage de protection illustrée à la figure 2, avec le barillet dans une position intermédiaire entre la première et la deuxième position[ Fig. 6 ] There figure 6 is a top view of the roll cage shown in picture 2 , with the barrel in an intermediate position between the first and the second position
  • [Fig. 7] La figure 7 est une vue agrandie de la roue équipant la cage de protection selon l'invention ; et[ Fig. 7 ] There figure 7 is an enlarged view of the wheel equipping the protective cage according to the invention; And
  • [Fig. 8] La figure 8 est une vue agrandie du moyen de rappel équipant la cage de protection selon l'invention.[ Fig. 8 ] There figure 8 is an enlarged view of the return means fitted to the protective cage according to the invention.
Description des modes de réalisationDescription of embodiments

Les figures 1 et 2 illustrent, de côté et de face, une machine de forage à barillet 1 comportant une cage de protection 2 selon la présente invention. La machine de forage à barillet 1 peut être conçue et fabriquée d'origine avec ladite cage de protection 2, ou bien peut en être dépourvue d'origine et modifiée par la suite pour comprendre une telle cage de protection 2.THE figure 1 And 2 illustrate, from the side and from the front, a barrel drilling machine 1 comprising a protection cage 2 according to the present invention. The barrel drilling machine 1 can be originally designed and manufactured with said protection cage 2, or it can be devoid of origin and subsequently modified to include such a protection cage 2.

La machine de forage 1 comporte de manière classique un châssis 4 sur lequel est montée une tête de forage rotative 6. Le châssis 4 comporte les différents organes de la machine de forage 1, tels que : des moyens de déplacement, ou engin porteur, des moyens de commande, des sources d'énergie, et un moyen de guidage, ou mât 8, de la tête de forage 6. En particulier, le châssis 4 peut comprendre des moyens de déplacement comportant des chenilles motrices, tels qu'un chenillard. Le mât 8 définit la direction longitudinale le long de laquelle la tête de forage 6 peut se translater lors des opérations de forage. Le mât 8 est donc parallèle à l'axe de forage.The drilling machine 1 conventionally comprises a chassis 4 on which is mounted a rotary drilling head 6. The chassis 4 comprises the various components of the drilling machine 1, such as: displacement means, or carrier machine, control means, energy sources, and a guide means, or mast 8, of the drilling head 6. In particular, the frame 4 can comprise means of movement comprising drive tracks, such as a running gear. Mast 8 defines the longitudinal direction along which drill head 6 can translate during drilling operations. The mast 8 is therefore parallel to the drilling axis.

La machine de forage 1 décrite ici et à laquelle est destinée la cage de protection 2 selon la présente invention, est une machine de forage 1 comportant un barillet 10. Le barillet 10 a pour but de fournir ou de stocker les éléments tubulaires 12, ou tubes de forage 12, utilisés par la machine de forage 1 lors des opérations de forage. A cet effet, le barillet 10 comporte une pluralité d'emplacements individuels 11 (voir figures 4 à 6) pour des éléments tubulaires 12, qui sont répartis, par exemple, sur le pourtour du barillet 10. Avantageusement, le barillet 10 présente une forme générale cylindrique.The drilling machine 1 described here and for which the protective cage 2 according to the present invention is intended, is a drilling machine 1 comprising a cylinder 10. The purpose of the cylinder 10 is to supply or store the tubular elements 12, or drill pipes 12, used by the drilling machine 1 during drilling operations. To this end, barrel 10 comprises a plurality of individual slots 11 (see figures 4 to 6 ) for tubular elements 12, which are distributed, for example, around the periphery of barrel 10. Advantageously, barrel 10 has a generally cylindrical shape.

Les éléments tubulaires 12 sont ainsi conçus pour pouvoir être montés les uns à la suite des autres, et peuvent ainsi comprendre, à une extrémité, un filetage et, à l'autre extrémité, un taraudage afin de permettre le vissage d'un élément tubulaire 12 à l'extrémité d'un autre élément tubulaire 12. En particulier, la tête de forage 6 peut, après être montée à une extrémité d'un élément tubulaire 12, le faire tourner de manière à le fixer à, ou au contraire à le détacher de, l'extrémité de l'élément tubulaire 12 précédent. Préférentiellement, le châssis 4 de la machine de forage 1 peut également comprendre, au niveau de l'ouverture de la zone de forage, des moyens de serrage 13a, 13b tels que deux paires de mors de serrage. Les moyens de serrage 13a, 13b sont positionnés de manière adjacente selon l'axe de forage, et sont destinés respectivement à maintenir en position l'élément tubulaire 12 inférieur et à serrer ou desserrer en rotation l'élément tubulaire 12 supérieur par rapport à l'élément tubulaire 12 inférieur.The tubular elements 12 are thus designed to be able to be mounted one after the other, and can thus comprise, at one end, a thread and, at the other end, an internal thread in order to allow the screwing of a tubular element 12 at the end of another tubular element 12. In particular, the drilling head 6 can, after being mounted at one end of a tubular element 12, rotate it so as to fix it to, or on the contrary to detach it from the end of the previous tubular element 12. Preferably, the frame 4 of the drilling machine 1 can also comprise, at the level of the opening of the drilling zone, clamping means 13a, 13b such as two pairs of clamping jaws. The clamping means 13a, 13b are positioned adjacently along the drilling axis, and are intended respectively to hold the lower tubular element 12 in position and to tighten or loosen the upper tubular element 12 in rotation with respect to the lower tubular element 12.

Afin de fournir ou de récupérer les éléments tubulaires 12, le barillet 10 est configuré pour être dans une première position (voir figure 4), dans laquelle un des emplacements individuels 11 est positionné dans l'axe de forage A de la tête de forage 6. Il est alors possible pour la tête 6 de venir se fixer à un élément tubulaire 12 disposé dans l'emplacement individuel 11 du barillet 10, ou bien de placer un élément tubulaire 12 dans l'emplacement individuel 11 du barillet 10. Selon que ledit emplacement individuel 11 est vide ou déjà occupé, le barillet 10 est monté en rotation sur lui-même, c'est-à-dire autour d'un axe B correspondant à l'axe de la forme générale cylindrique du barillet 10, afin de positionner un autre emplacement individuel 11 dans l'axe de la tête de forage 6. L'axe B du barillet 10 est de préférence parallèle à l'axe A de forage.In order to supply or recover the tubular elements 12, the cylinder 10 is configured to be in a first position (see figure 4 ), in which one of the individual slots 11 is positioned in the drilling axis A of the drilling head 6. It is then possible for the head 6 to be fixed to a tubular element 12 arranged in the individual slot 11 of the barrel 10, or else to place a tubular element 12 in the individual slot 11 of the barrel 10. Depending on whether said individual slot 11 is empty or already occupied, the barrel 10 is mounted in rotation on itself, i.e. say around an axis B corresponding to the axis of the generally cylindrical shape of the barrel 10, in order to position another individual location 11 in the axis of the drilling head 6. The axis B of the barrel 10 is preferably parallel to the drilling axis A.

Ainsi, la première position du barillet 10 permet d'alimenter la tête de forage 6 en éléments tubulaires 12, ou au contraire de récupérer les éléments tubulaires 12 fournis par la tête de forage 6. Afin de maintenir les éléments tubulaires 12 dans leur emplacement individuel 11, le barillet 10 comporte également une piste périphérique 18, ou cercle de retenu radiale, de préférence en partie basse, entourant radialement les différents emplacements individuels 11 et permettant ainsi d'empêcher les éléments tubulaires 12 de sortir, de manière involontaire, radialement de leur emplacement individuel 11. Ainsi, pour extraire un élément tubulaire 12 du barillet 10, la tête de forage 6 est configurée pour faire coulisser l'élément tubulaire 12 le long de l'axe A de forage, jusqu'à ce que l'extrémité inférieure de l'élément tubulaire 12 passe au-dessus de la piste périphérique 18.Thus, the first position of the barrel 10 makes it possible to supply the drilling head 6 with tubular elements 12, or on the contrary to recover the tubular elements 12 supplied by the drilling head 6. In order to maintain the tubular elements 12 in their individual location 11, barrel 10 also comprises a peripheral track 18, or radial retaining circle, preferably in the lower part, radially surrounding the various individual locations 11 and thus making it possible to prevent the tubular elements 12 from coming out, involuntarily, radially from their individual location 11. Thus, to extract a tubular element 12 from the barrel 10, the drilling head 6 is configured to cause the tubular element 12 to slide along the drilling axis A, until the end bottom of the tubular element 12 passes above the peripheral track 18.

Lorsque la tête de forage 6 a récupéré un élément tubulaire 12 du barillet 10, ou bien a déposé un élément tubulaire 12 dans le barillet 10, celui-ci est configuré pour se déporter latéralement de l'axe de forage A pour permettre aux opérations de forage de continuer. Plus précisément, le barillet 10 est configuré pour pouvoir se déplacer à distance de l'axe de forage A afin de permettre d'une part aux opérations de forage de se poursuivre, et d'autre part de permettre une manutention éventuelle des éléments tubulaires 12 positionnés dans le barillet 10. Ainsi, le barillet 10 est monté mobile entre la première position dans laquelle il peut fournir ou recevoir des éléments tubulaires 12, et une deuxième position (voir figure 5) dans laquelle il se trouve à distance de l'axe de forage A. Le châssis 4 peut comprendre des moyens de déplacement du barillet 10, par exemple un bras pivotant permettant de faire pivoter le barillet 10 autour d'un axe distinct de l'axe A de forage et de l'axe B du barillet 10.When the drilling head 6 has recovered a tubular element 12 from the barrel 10, or has deposited a tubular element 12 in the barrel 10, the latter is configured to move laterally from the drilling axis A to allow the operations of drilling to continue. More precisely, the barrel 10 is configured to be able to move away from the drilling axis A in order to allow on the one hand the drilling operations to continue, and on the other hand to allow possible handling of the tubular elements 12 positioned in barrel 10. Thus, barrel 10 is mounted to move between the first position in which it can supply or receive tubular elements 12, and a second position (see figure 5 ) in which it is located at a distance from the drilling axis A. The frame 4 may comprise means for moving the barrel 10, for example a pivoting arm allowing the barrel 10 to be pivoted about an axis distinct from the drilling axis A and barrel axis B 10.

Lorsque le barillet 10 est dans la deuxième position, il ne coopère plus avec la tête de forage 6 et ne participe plus aux opérations de forage. Il est alors notamment possible d'effectuer des étapes de manutention, telles que le remplissage du barillet 10 en éléments tubulaires 12 ou au contraire telles que le retrait des éléments tubulaires 12 du barillet 10. Il est également possible d'effectuer des opérations de nettoyage des éléments tubulaires 12 lorsque ceux-ci viennent d'être repositionnés dans le barillet 10 par la tête de forage 6 et sont encore recouverts de boues et autres saletés. En particulier, il est important de pouvoir effectuer de tels travaux de manutention rapidement, c'est-à-dire pendant les opérations de forage, notamment afin d'éviter le séchage des boues sur les éléments tubulaires 12.When barrel 10 is in the second position, it no longer cooperates with drilling head 6 and no longer participates in drilling operations. It is then in particular possible to carry out handling steps, such as filling the barrel 10 with tubular elements 12 or, on the contrary, such as removing the tubular elements 12 from the barrel 10. It is also possible to carry out cleaning operations tubular elements 12 when these have just been repositioned in the barrel 10 by the drilling head 6 and are still covered with mud and other dirt. In particular, it is important to be able to carry out such handling work quickly, i.e. during drilling operations, in particular in order to avoid the drying of mud on the tubular elements 12.

Cependant, dans les machines de forage actuelles, la proximité de l'axe de forage A limite l'accès au barillet 10, même lorsque celui-ci est en position déportée. Ainsi, il reste dangereux d'intervenir sur le barillet en position déporté tant que les opérations de forage continuent, et les machines de forage actuelles empêchent l'accès au barillet, qui est entouré par une cage au même titre que la zone de forage, et n'en permettent l'accès que lorsque les opérations de forage ont été préalablement ralenties voire arrêtées, ce qui augmente considérablement la durée du forage.However, in current drilling machines, the proximity of the drilling axis A limits access to the barrel 10, even when the latter is in an offset position. Thus, it remains dangerous to intervene on the barrel in an offset position as long as the drilling operations continue, and the current drilling machines prevent access to the barrel, which is surrounded by a cage in the same way as the drilling zone, and only allow access when the drilling operations have previously been slowed down or even stopped, which considerably increases the duration of the drilling.

Afin de pallier un tel inconvénient, et permettre un accès en toute sécurité au barillet 10 lors des opérations de forage, la machine de forage 1 selon la présente invention comporte une cage de protection 2 permettant à la fois de sécuriser la zone de forage, et de laisser un accès au moins partiel au barillet 10 afin d'y permettre des opérations de maintenance. A cet effet, la cage de protection 2 est configurée pour entourer la zone de forage, et notamment l'axe de forage A, en coopération avec le barillet 10 et éventuellement le châssis 4, plus particulièrement le mât 8. Dit autrement, la cage de protection 2 n'entoure pas seule la zone de forage, mais laisse également le barillet 10 former une partie de la barrière physique entourant la zone de forage, ce qui permet de le laisser au moins partiellement accessible pour des opérations de maintenance.In order to overcome such a drawback, and allow safe access to the barrel 10 during drilling operations, the drilling machine 1 according to the present invention comprises a protective cage 2 making it possible both to secure the drilling zone, and to leave at least partial access to the cylinder 10 in order to allow maintenance operations there. To this end, the protective cage 2 is configured to surround the drilling zone, and in particular the drilling axis A, in cooperation with the barrel 10 and possibly the frame 4, more particularly the mast 8. In other words, the cage protection 2 not only surrounds the drilling zone, but also allows the barrel 10 to form part of the physical barrier surrounding the drilling zone, which makes it possible to leave it at least partially accessible for maintenance operations.

La figure 3 illustre une vue en perspective de la cage de protection 2 seule. Plus précisément, et afin de s'adapter aux déplacements du barillet 10 entre la première position et la deuxième position, la cage de protection 2 comporte d'une part une partie mobile 14 qui vient notamment, dans l'exemple décrit ci-dessous, en appui sur le barillet 10, pour garantir la continuité de la protection, et d'autre part une partie fixe 16 qui est directement montée sur le châssis 4 et sur laquelle est montée la partie mobile 14. Comme cela est visible sur les figures 4 à 6, la cage de protection 2 est configurée pour entourer, dans un plan perpendiculaire à l'axe de forage A, ledit axe de forage A, en association avec le barillet 10 et, dans le cas présent, une partie du châssis 4, en l'occurrence le mât 8 sur lequel est montée la partie fixe 16.There picture 3 illustrates a perspective view of the roll cage 2 alone. More precisely, and in order to adapt to the displacements of the cylinder 10 between the first position and the second position, the protective cage 2 comprises on the one hand a movable part 14 which comes in particular, in the example described below, resting on the barrel 10, to guarantee the continuity of the protection, and on the other hand a fixed part 16 which is directly mounted on the frame 4 and on which the movable part 14 is mounted. figures 4 to 6 , the protective cage 2 is configured to surround, in a plane perpendicular to the drilling axis A, said drilling axis A, in association with the barrel 10 and, in the present case, a part of the frame 4, in l occurrence the mast 8 on which the fixed part 16 is mounted.

Le barillet 10 étant amené à se déplacer entre la première et la deuxième position, la partie mobile 14 est configurée pour se déplacer avec les mouvements du barillet 10 lorsque celui-ci se déplace de la première à la deuxième position, et de la deuxième à la première position. A cet effet, la partie mobile 14 peut comprendre, au niveau de la liaison articulée avec la partie fixe 16, un moyen de rappel 20 configuré pour exercer une force élastique de rappel sur la partie mobile 14 tendant à la maintenir en contact avec le barillet 10. Comme illustré sur la figure 8, le moyen de rappel 20 peut comprendre par exemple un ou plusieurs ressorts montés de manière à rabattre la partie mobile 14 vers le barillet 10. Le moyen de rappel 20 permet donc de garantir que la partie mobile 14 de la cage de protection 2 reste toujours à proximité du barillet 10 et ne laisse pas un espace entre la partie mobile 14 et le barillet 10 qui serait susceptible de permettre à une personne de rentrer dans la zone de protection entourant l'axe de forage A.The barrel 10 being caused to move between the first and the second position, the movable part 14 is configured to move with the movements of the barrel 10 when the latter moves from the first to the second position, and from the second to the first position. For this purpose, the movable part 14 may comprise, at the level of the articulated connection with the fixed part 16, a return means 20 configured to exert an elastic return force on the movable part 14 tending to maintain it in contact with the cylinder. 10. As shown in the figure 8 , the return means 20 may comprise for example one or more springs mounted so as to fold the movable part 14 towards the barrel 10. The return means 20 therefore makes it possible to guarantee that the movable part 14 of the protection cage 2 always remains close to the barrel 10 and does not leave a space between the mobile part 14 and the barrel 10 which would be likely to allow a person to enter the protection zone surrounding the drilling axis A.

Préférentiellement, la partie mobile 14 de la cage de protection 2 et le barillet 10 sont en contact l'un avec l'autre, notamment quelle que soit la position du barillet 10 (première position, deuxième position, position intermédiaire entre la première et la deuxième position). Le contact entre la partie mobile 14 et le barillet 10 permet de garantir l'absence d'espace entre le barillet 10 et la cage de protection 2 par lequel une personne serait susceptible de rentrer dans la zone de protection entourant l'axe de forage A. Cependant, en raison des mouvements du barillet 10, que ce soit les déplacements entre la première et la deuxième position, ou les rotations autour de son axe B, le contact entre le barillet 10 et la partie mobile 14 doit être glissant. Ainsi, et afin de limiter les efforts et les frottements entre la partie mobile 14 et le barillet 10 lors des mouvements de ce dernier, la partie mobile 14 peut comprendre un moyen de contact avec le barillet 10 sous la forme d'une roue 22. La roue 22 est notamment destinée à permettre un contact glissant avec le barillet 10. En particulier, la roue 22 est destinée à venir rouler sur une portion périphérique, de préférence continue, du barillet 10, notamment la piste périphérique 18, ou cercle de retenu radial, du barillet 10 qui permet de retenir les éléments tubulaires 12 dans leurs logements individuels 11. La piste périphérique 18 peut notamment comprendre une rainure, ou goulotte, afin d'assurer un guidage de la roue 22 lorsque celle-ci roule dans la rainure, le long de la piste périphérique 18. La roue 22 réduit les efforts mécaniques au niveau du contact entre le barillet 10 et la cage de protection 2, et permet également de rester fonctionnelle même lorsque la piste périphérique 18 du barillet 10 est salie par des projections ou autres, puisque la roue 22 peut alors continuer à rouler dessus, y compris sur les projections, tout en maintenant la cage de protection 2 en contact avec le barillet 10.Preferably, the mobile part 14 of the protection cage 2 and the barrel 10 are in contact with each other, in particular whatever the position of the barrel 10 (first position, second position, intermediate position between the first and the second place). The contact between the mobile part 14 and the barrel 10 makes it possible to guarantee the absence of space between the barrel 10 and the protective cage 2 through which a person would be likely to enter the protective zone surrounding the drilling axis A However, due to the movements of the barrel 10, whether it is the movements between the first and the second position, or the rotations around its axis B, the contact between the barrel 10 and the mobile part 14 must be sliding. Thus, and in order to limit the forces and friction between the mobile part 14 and the cylinder 10 during the movements of the latter, the mobile part 14 can comprise a means of contact with the cylinder 10 in the form of a wheel 22. The wheel 22 is in particular intended to allow sliding contact with the barrel 10. In particular, the wheel 22 is intended to roll on a peripheral portion, preferably continuous, of the barrel 10, in particular the peripheral track 18, or retaining circle radial, of the barrel 10 which makes it possible to retain the tubular elements 12 in their individual housings 11. The peripheral track 18 can in particular comprise a groove, or chute, in order to ensure guidance of the wheel 22 when the latter rolls in the groove , THE along the peripheral track 18. The wheel 22 reduces the mechanical forces at the contact between the barrel 10 and the protection cage 2, and also makes it possible to remain functional even when the peripheral track 18 of the barrel 10 is soiled by projections or others, since the wheel 22 can then continue to roll over it, including over the projections, while keeping the protective cage 2 in contact with the barrel 10.

Comme illustré sur la figure 7, la roue 22 est montée à une extrémité libre de la partie mobile 14, c'est-à-dire à l'extrémité de la partie mobile 14 qui est opposée à celle montée sur le partie fixe 16. La roue 22 est ainsi montée avec son axe de rotation orienté avantageusement parallèle à l'axe de rotation B du barillet 10, et donc orienté avantageusement parallèle à l'axe de forage A.As illustrated on the figure 7 , the wheel 22 is mounted at a free end of the movable part 14, that is to say at the end of the movable part 14 which is opposite to that mounted on the fixed part 16. The wheel 22 is thus mounted with its axis of rotation advantageously oriented parallel to the axis of rotation B of the barrel 10, and therefore advantageously oriented parallel to the drilling axis A.

Comme on peut le constater, la cage de protection 2 selon l'invention permet de garantir l'absence d'accès à la zone de forage, tout en permettant d'accéder au moins partiellement au barillet 10 pour des opérations de maintenance. Il est ainsi possible de continuer à intervenir sur le barillet 10 sans ralentir les opérations de forage et en restant en sécurité. Par ailleurs, la cage de protection 2 présente également une géométrie compacte, et donc un faible encombrement, notamment en raison du fait qu'elle n'entoure pas seule la zone de forage, mais le fait en coopération avec le barillet 10. Il n'est donc plus nécessaire d'entourer le barillet 10, ce qui conduit à une cage de protection 2 plus petite.As can be seen, the protective cage 2 according to the invention makes it possible to guarantee the absence of access to the drilling zone, while allowing at least partial access to the barrel 10 for maintenance operations. It is thus possible to continue working on the barrel 10 without slowing down the drilling operations and while remaining safe. Furthermore, the protection cage 2 also has a compact geometry, and therefore a small footprint, in particular due to the fact that it does not surround the drilling zone alone, but does so in cooperation with the barrel 10. It does not It is therefore no longer necessary to surround the barrel 10, which leads to a smaller protective cage 2.

Enfin, la cage de protection 2 nécessite peu de contraintes pour être installée sur une machine de forage 1. En effet, pour être opérationnelle, la cage de protection 2 selon l'invention ne nécessite qu'une zone de fixation sur le châssis 4 de la machine de forage 1, et une piste périphérique 18 sur le barillet 10 pour venir y faire rouler la roue 22, ce qui reste peu contraignant. La cage de protection 2 peut ainsi être facilement installée sur un grand nombre de machines de forage existantes et dépourvues de moyen de protection, afin de les rendre conformes aux normes de sécurité, tout en bénéficiant des avantages mentionnés précédemment.Finally, the protection cage 2 requires few constraints to be installed on a drilling machine 1. In fact, to be operational, the protection cage 2 according to the invention requires only one fixing zone on the frame 4 of the drilling machine 1, and a peripheral track 18 on the barrel 10 to bring the wheel 22 to roll there, which remains not very restrictive. The protective cage 2 can thus be easily installed on a large number of existing drilling machines and devoid of means of protection, in order to make them comply with safety standards, while benefiting from the advantages mentioned above.

Afin de toujours permettre un accès à la zone de forage, notamment lorsque les opérations de forage ne sont pas en cours, la partie fixe 16 de la cage de protection 2 peut comprendre plusieurs portions articulées entre elles afin d'ouvrir l'accès à la zone de forage. Ainsi, la partie fixe 16 peut comprendre une première portion 16a destinée à être montée sur le châssis 4 de la machine de forage 1 et destinée à rester fixe par rapport au châssis 4. La première portion 16a peut par exemple être montée sur le mât 8, par exemple sur un côté du mât 8 auquel cas le mât 8 entourera l'axe de forage A avec la cage de protection 2 et le barillet 10. Par ailleurs, la partie fixe 16 peut comprendre une deuxième portion 16b montée sur l'extrémité libre de la première portion 16a, c'est-à-dire sur l'extrémité opposée à celle fixée sur le châssis 4. C'est sur l'extrémité libre de la deuxième portion 16b que la partie mobile 14 de la cage de protection 2 et montée.In order to always allow access to the drilling zone, in particular when the drilling operations are not in progress, the fixed part 16 of the protection cage 2 can comprise several portions hinged together in order to open access to the drilling area. Thus, the fixed part 16 may comprise a first portion 16a intended to be mounted on the frame 4 of the drilling machine 1 and intended to remain fixed relative to the frame 4. The first portion 16a may for example be mounted on the mast 8 , for example on one side of the mast 8 in which case the mast 8 will surround the drilling axis A with the protection cage 2 and the barrel 10. Furthermore, the fixed part 16 may comprise a second portion 16b mounted on the end free of the first portion 16a, that is to say on the end opposite to that fixed to the chassis 4. It is on the free end of the second portion 16b that the movable part 14 of the protective cage 2 and up.

La deuxième portion 16b peut être montée par une liaison pivot sur la première portion 16a, la liaison pivot pouvant être commandée par un vérin par exemple. Ainsi, lorsque les opérations de forage ont lieu, le vérin permet de maintenir la deuxième portion 16b solidaire et fixe sur la première portion 16a. Par contre, lorsque les opérations de forage sont finies, et qu'il est possible d'accéder à la zone de forage, alors le vérin permet d'escamoter la deuxième portion 16b pour laisser libre l'accès à la zone de forage.The second portion 16b can be mounted by a pivot connection on the first portion 16a, the pivot connection being able to be controlled by a cylinder for example. Thus, when the drilling operations take place, the cylinder makes it possible to maintain the second portion 16b integral and fixed on the first portion 16a. On the other hand, when the drilling operations are finished, and it is possible to access the drilling zone, then the cylinder makes it possible to retract the second portion 16b to leave free access to the drilling zone.

Enfin, dans le cas représenté aux figures 4 à 6, la partie fixe 16 de la cage de protection 2 peut également comprendre une troisième portion 16c montée également sur un côté du mât 8 du châssis 4, mais à l'opposé de la première portion 16a, afin de bloquer un éventuel accès entre le mât 8 et le barillet 10.Finally, in the case shown in figures 4 to 6 , the fixed part 16 of the protective cage 2 can also comprise a third portion 16c also mounted on one side of the mast 8 of the frame 4, but opposite the first portion 16a, in order to block any access between the mast 8 and barrel 10.

Ainsi, grâce à la cage de protection selon la présente invention, il devient possible d'avoir une machine de forage à barillet permettant de respecter les normes de sécurité pendant les opérations de forage, tout en autorisant des interventions de maintenance sur le barillet. Il est notamment possible d'intervenir sur le barillet pendant les opérations de forage, afin de ne pas ralentir ces dernières. De plus, la cage de protection permet de garder un encombrement réduit pour la machine de forage, notamment autour du mât, ce qui facilite le transport, ainsi que les courts déplacements sous hauteurs limitées ou dans des positions difficiles d'accès sur chantier, telles que le long des murs ou dans des angles, sans nécessiter un retrait préalable de la cage. Enfin, la cage de protection peut également être montée sur des machines de forage existantes et dépourvues de cage, afin de les rendre conformes aux normes de sécurité.Thus, thanks to the protective cage according to the present invention, it becomes possible to have a barrel drilling machine making it possible to comply with safety standards during drilling operations, while allowing maintenance interventions on the barrel. In particular, it is possible to intervene on the barrel during drilling operations, so as not to slow them down. In addition, the protective cage makes it possible to keep a small footprint for the drilling machine, in particular around the mast, which facilitates transport, as well as short trips under limited heights or in positions difficult to access on site, such as only along the walls or in angles, without requiring a preliminary removal of the cage. Finally, the protection cage can also be mounted on existing drilling machines without a cage, in order to make them comply with safety standards.

Claims (11)

  1. A protective cage (2) for a barrel drilling machine (1), the barrel drilling machine (1) including a frame (4), a drilling head (6) rotatable about a determined drilling axis (A) and a barrel (10) movably mounted, and preferably pivotally mounted, relative to the frame (4) between a first position in which part of the barrel (10) comes into the drilling axis (A), and a second position in which the barrel (10) is moved transversely to the drilling axis (A),
    the cage (2) comprising at least one movable part (14) configured to move, preferably simultaneously, relative to the frame (4) when the barrel (10) moves between the first position and the second position, and wherein, when the barrel (10) is in at least one of said first and second positions, the cage (2) is configured to surround, with at least the barrel (10) and possibly the frame (4), the drilling axis (A) of the drilling machine (1) in a plane perpendicular to said drilling axis (A).
  2. The protective cage (2) according to claim 1, configured to surround, with at least the barrel (10) and possibly the frame (4), the drilling axis (A) of the drilling machine (1) in a plane perpendicular to said drilling axis, when the barrel (10) is in the first position, in the second position and when the barrel (10) moves between the first position and the second position.
  3. The protective cage (2) according to claim 1 or 2, configured to be in contact with the barrel (10).
  4. The protective cage (2) according to the preceding claim, also comprising a return means (20), for example a spring, configured to maintain the contact between the protective cage (2) and the barrel (10).
  5. The protective cage (2) according to the preceding claim, comprising a wheel (22) with an axis of rotation intended to be positioned parallel to the drilling axis (A), the wheel (22) being configured to roll on a track (18) of the barrel (10), for example in the form of a circle, and wherein the return means (20), for example a spring, is configured to maintain the wheel (22) in contact with the track (18) of the barrel (10).
  6. The protective cage (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a first part (16) configured to be fixedly mounted on the frame (4) of the drilling machine (1) and a second part (14) configured to be movable, preferably pivotable, relative to the frame (4) of the drilling machine (1), the second part (14) being mounted at a free end of the first part (16) of the cage (2).
  7. The protective cage (2) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first part (16) is configured to be fixed during drilling operations of the drilling machine (1), and to be retractable relative to the frame (4), in particular during maintenance operations of the drilling machine (1).
  8. The protective cage (2) according to claims 5 and 6, wherein the return means (20) is mounted between the first part (16) and the second part (14), and wherein the wheel (22) is mounted at the free end of the second part (14).
  9. A drilling machine (1) including a frame (4), a drilling head (6) rotatable about a determined drilling axis (A) and a barrel (10) movably mounted, and preferably pivotally mounted, relative to the frame (4) between a first position in which a part of the barrel (10) comes into the drilling axis (A), and a second position in which the barrel (10) is moved perpendicularly to the axis drilling axis (A),
    wherein the drilling machine (1) also comprises a protective cage (2) according to any one of the preceding claims.
  10. A method for protecting the drilling area of a barrel drilling machine (1), the barrel drilling machine (1) including a frame (4), a drilling head (6) rotatable about a determined drilling axis (A) and a barrel (10) movably mounted relative to the frame (4) between a first position in which a part of the barrel (10) comes into the drilling axis (A), and a second position in which the barrel (10) is moved perpendicularly to the drilling axis (A),
    wherein:
    - when the barrel (10) is in at least one of said first and second positions, the drilling axis (A) of the drilling machine (1) is surrounded, in a plane perpendicular to said drilling axis (A), with the barrel (10), a protective cage (2) and possibly the frame (4), and
    - at least one movable part (14) of said protective cage (2) is moved relative to the frame (4) when the barrel (10) moves between the first position and the second position.
  11. A method for modifying a barrel drilling machine, the barrel drilling machine (1) including a frame (4), a drilling head (6) rotatable about a determined drilling axis (A) and a barrel (10) movably mounted relative to the frame (4) between a first position in which a part of the barrel (10) comes into the drilling axis, and a second position in which the barrel (10) is moved perpendicularly to the drilling axis (A),
    wherein a protective cage (2) comprising at least one movable part (14) configured to move relative to the frame when the barrel (10) moves between the first position and the second position, is mounted on the drilling machine (1),
    and wherein, when the barrel (10) is in at least one of said first and second positions, the drilling axis (A) of the drilling machine is surrounded, in a plane perpendicular to said drilling axis, with the barrel (10), said protective cage (2), and possibly the frame (4).
EP21213191.6A 2020-12-18 2021-12-08 Protective cage for drilling machine with barrel, and corresponding protection method Active EP4015761B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR2013630A FR3118091B1 (en) 2020-12-18 2020-12-18 Protective cage for barrel drilling machine, and corresponding protection method

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4015761A1 EP4015761A1 (en) 2022-06-22
EP4015761B1 true EP4015761B1 (en) 2023-08-23

Family

ID=74759031

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP21213191.6A Active EP4015761B1 (en) 2020-12-18 2021-12-08 Protective cage for drilling machine with barrel, and corresponding protection method

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP4015761B1 (en)
FR (1) FR3118091B1 (en)

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
IT1401728B1 (en) * 2009-03-26 2013-08-02 Soilmec Spa PERFORATING MACHINE PROVIDED WITH A DEVICE FOR DRIVING DRILL RODS CONTAINED IN A LOADER.
SE536651C2 (en) * 2010-11-17 2014-04-29 Atlas Copco Rock Drills Ab Procedure, systems and rock drilling systems for installation of pipes at rock drilling
FR3010727B1 (en) * 2013-09-18 2015-10-02 Soletanche Freyssinet DRILLING MACHINE COMPRISING A BARREL PROVIDED WITH MULTIPLE CARROUSELS

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR3118091A1 (en) 2022-06-24
FR3118091B1 (en) 2022-12-23
EP4015761A1 (en) 2022-06-22

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