FR2780995A1 - Remote controlled control valve operating system for soil boring auger's filling material duct - Google Patents

Abstract

The drill rig (2) is jib-mounted on a wheeled or tracked vehicle (1) and comprises a power unit (7) supporting and driving a drill-table (8) whose vertical output shaft (3) is connected via a valve control unit (6) to one or more auger sections (4). Plug and socket connections (11) on the drive shaft sections allow the main rotating components to be easily assembled. Each shaft section is hollow, providing a central duct for bore-hole filling material e.g. concrete. The duct's extremity is opened and closed by a valve (5) operated from the control unit (6) through a hydraulic circuit (18). Separable connectors (21,22) allow the circuit to negotiate the shaft section points (11). Control unit components comprise a battery (15) powering the pump drive-motor (34) of the hydraulic controller (16) and a control unit (17,36) remotely operated by a hand-held (26) radio or infrared transmitter (25). The control unit base-plate (27) rotates with a short drive-shaft section interposed between the drill table and the top auger section, with either of which it is opt. integrally constructed.

Description

The invention relates to a device for operating a supply valve, a

  drilling equipment such as an auger, and

a drilling rig.

  The field of the invention is therefore that of pile drilling

  using so-called "hollow" or "continuous" augers.

  In these augers, a supply pipe for filling material to be injected into the borehole, such as concrete, is

  extended from one longitudinal end to the opposite end.

  This duct is connected on the one hand to a source of injection of filling material, and on the other hand opens into the

  borehole dug by the auger, to fill it.

  At the so-called lower end, where the conduit opens into the borehole, a valve is provided which is suitable for its position, ie for sealing the conduit, for example during the

auger work.

  Either the valve releases the low opening end of the duct, to allow the injection of the

  filling, for example at the end of drilling.

  Known devices ensure the hydraulic operation of such a valve, by routing to one or more cylinders, a pressurized fluid from a group

  hydraulic, installed on the chassis of the carrier device.

  This routing is carried out by means of driving the auger called "drilling table", and therefore involves providing at least one rotary hydraulic seal. With such devices, cleaning the pipe is tedious. Other known devices make it possible to operate such a valve by means of a hydraulic cylinder fixed above the

  drilling table, and of which a sliding tube is integral.

  This tube therefore passes, over the entire length of the auger, the filling supply line as well as the

drilling table.

  Here, too, it is necessary to pass through the

  pipe, a rotating joint or the like.

  Lack of robustness and a relatively low pressure value have been found with such devices

  allowable useful by the hydraulic rotating joint.

  In addition, the known devices do not allow rapid implementation and / or removal, and without modification of the drilling table, or of the equipment on / of the carrier device. The object of the invention is to overcome these drawbacks, in particular. The invention proves effective in the case of the permanent or temporary equipment of a continuous auger called "lost point", this type of drilling not currently receiving the approval of the

Project managers.

  Thanks to the invention, a maneuvering device, autonomous, remotely controlled by eliminating the connection of

  transmission with the carrier device is obtained.

  To this end, a first object of the invention is a device for operating at least one filling valve for filling material to be injected into a borehole, such as concrete, and intended for pile drilling equipment.

  such as a hollow or continuous auger.

  In these augers, a filling supply pipe is extended longitudinally from a high end to the opposite low opening end. At the lower end is provided at least one valve capable, depending on its positions, either of sealing the conduit or of releasing this lower end to allow injection. According to one characteristic, the device comprises a body with: - rigid mounting means, for example removable, on the one hand on a drilling table, and on the other hand for receiving at least a first high screw element of auger; - an attached duct section, intended to be placed in the continuity of respective duct sections of the table and the first screw element; - Means forming an autonomous electrical energy source, for example accumulators or the like; - means forming a micro-central hydraulic fluid supply, supplied with energy by the means forming a source; - on-board micro-central control means, forming a wireless transmitter / receiver module, for example with radio transmission; and - a hydraulic circuit, with at least two pipes

  supply of fluid, respectively connected to the micro-

  central and each having a free end; a static connection being intended to be connected to a hydraulic network on the drilling equipment, for actuating means for driving a valve between its positions

  sealing and clearing the duct.

  The device comprises separately from the body, independent external means of wireless control, such as a transmitter box with radio transmission, making it possible, via the control means, to control the micro-central and therefore

  the supply of fluid to the hydraulic circuit.

  According to one embodiment, the body comprises a plate rigidly fixed radially on a section of conduit, near mounting means on a first element of auger screw, and a cover, for example in cylinder section, rigidly assembled and removable. on the

  plate and / or duct section.

  This device forms, with the exception of the external autonomous wireless control means, a unitary or "monoblock" assembly, mounted on the auger drilling screw, and

  driven in rotation therewith.

  According to another characteristic, the rigid mounting means are removable and comprise at least one hexagonal head, for example on the one hand female for mounting on a drilling table, and on the other hand male for the

  receiving at least a first auger element.

  According to another characteristic, the rigid mounting means are removable between the drilling table and the first auger element, and are polarizing means, respectively different in their geometry

and / or their dimensions.

  According to one characteristic, the rigid mounting means, for example removable, protrude longitudinally from the body,

respectively on both sides.

  According to another characteristic, the rigid mounting means, for example removable, are respectively rigidly integral on either side longitudinally each of one end of the attached section of conduit, which thus opens out through these means, at the top and at low

of the device.

  According to another characteristic, the means forming an autonomous electrical energy source comprise at least one

  rechargeable and / or removable accumulator.

  According to one embodiment, the means forming an autonomous electrical energy source, comprise at least one accumulator, at the output of which is connected a static converter capable of generating an alternating voltage current to be delivered to the means forming a micro-central fluid supply

hydraulic.

  According to one characteristic, the means forming micro-

  hydraulic fluid supply unit include: - an electrical connection connector to the means forming the electrical source and to the on-board means forming the control module; - an electric motor, coupled to fluid pumping means, supplied with electricity via the connectors and arranged to respond to a receiver module of the on-board control means; - a micro-fluid reservoir, connected to the pumping means so as to deliver and / or store hydraulic fluid. This micro-reservoir is connected and supplies, via

  the pumping means, the hydraulic circuit.

  According to one embodiment, the on-board control means comprise a receiver module connected to the motor, so as to control the direction of rotation, and thus the direction

  circulation of the fluid in the pumping means.

  In the case where the means forming an autonomous electrical energy source comprise at least one accumulator and a static converter capable of generating an alternating voltage current for the means forming a microcentral, the reversal of the direction of circulation of the hydraulic fluid is carried out by a hydraulic distributor mounted on the

  body, for example within the micro-forming means

  central, and controlled by the means forming a transmitter / receiver module. According to one embodiment, the on-board control means of the wireless micro-power station comprise a module with

  radio and / or radio and / or infrared transmission

  red. For example, the modulation and / or propagation mode is

other than the one used.

  According to one embodiment, the device comprises signaling means, such as a light display and / or acoustic transmitter, for example mounted externally on the body and / or on a housing of the autonomous external wireless control means, and capable of rendering position account

  plugged or released from the valve to be operated.

  A second object of the invention is drilling equipment such as an auger. This equipment includes in particular: - support and rotation means by a carrying device, including a drilling table; - At least a first auger screw element, traversed by a conduit, and for example several contiguous elements, respectively first, second, third, etc .; and - at least one shutter valve connected to the hydraulic circuit of the operating device, via the static connections and the hydraulic network for actuating means

  drive the valve between its two positions.

  According to one embodiment, the body is an integral part of the drilling table, and the corresponding mounting means

  are irremovable and therefore not removable.

  According to another embodiment, the body is an integral part of the first auger screw element, and the corresponding mounting means are irremovable and therefore

not removable.

  A third object of the invention and a drilling apparatus.

  This device includes an operating device and / or drilling equipment as mentioned. It is arranged so that the duct is connected on the one hand to a source of injection of filling material, and on the other hand opens into the cavity dug by the

auger.

  Other characteristics of the invention are described

  now referring to the accompanying drawings.

  In these drawings, FIG. 1 is a schematic view in longitudinal perspective and partially cut away, of a drilling rig with auger equipment equipped with the operating device according to the invention, in a state separated from the body and, respectively, of the table of

  drilling and the first drilling screw member.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic view in longitudinal perspective and partially cut away, of an auger device with the operating device according to the invention, in a state secured to the body and respectively, of the drilling table and of the first element

of drilling screws.

  In the figures, mutually orthogonal directions L and T are shown. The direction T, called transverse, is substantially horizontal. While the direction L called longitudinal,

is substantially vertical.

  The invention is described here with reference to these directions L and T. The constituents of the invention are described in their current positions and orientations of use. But it goes without saying that they can take various positions or orientations. This is particularly the case for movable components

or mobile.

  Similarly, the storage positions and orientations of

  components of the invention may be different.

  These positions and orientations are therefore indicated

only for explanatory purposes.

  It is specified here that the terms "lower" and "upper" are considered in the longitudinal direction L, respectively as indicating a

low and high location.

  And that the terms "longitudinally" and "transversely" refer to the corresponding directions. By "radial" is designated any direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. In Figure 1 is schematically and partially shown (top), a drilling rig 1, also

called carrier device.

  This device 1 is in embodiments, a motor vehicle, wheeled or tracked, with an arrow articulated on its chassis, which supports at least one

drilling equipment 2.

  The apparatus 1 here comprises drilling equipment 2 of

  piles using so-called "hollow" or "continuous" augers.

  The equipment 2 is in turn arranged so that a conduit 3 allows the supply of material (not shown) from

  filling to be injected into the borehole, such as concrete.

  The conduit 3 is extended from one end to the opposite end of the equipment 2, in the longitudinal direction L. On the apparatus 1, the supply conduit 3 is connected on the one hand to a source (not shown ) injection

filling material.

  On the other hand, the conduit 3 is arranged so as to open towards the bottom the cavity dug by the equipment 2 or

  auger, i.e. in drilling.

  At one end 4, the so-called low opening, of the conduit 3, where the latter opens into the borehole when it is produced, a valve 5 is provided, suitable according to its position: - either to seal the conduit 3, for example during auger 2 work; - or the valve 5 releases the low opening end 4 of the conduit 3, to allow the injection of the material of

  filling, for example at the end of drilling.

  In Figure 1, the valve 5 is shown in position

  closing the end 4 of the filling conduit 3.

  In the figures, the general reference numeral 6 designates a device which ensures the operation of the valve 5, and therefore its movement between the released and shutter positions.

  This device is described below.

  According to the invention, the drilling equipment 2, in particular here comprises: - means 7 for supporting and rotating by the carrying device 2, which includes a drilling table 8; - an element 9 of auger screw, crossed by the conduit 3; and - the shutter valve 5 to be maneuvered between its two positions.

  In the figures, only a first element 9 is illustrated.

  It is a higher or higher element 9, the closest

  of the table 8 rotation means 7.

  In other embodiments, the auger screw of the equipment 2 comprises from top to bottom longitudinally, several contiguous elements, respectively first, second, third, etc. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, let us now describe

  more particularly this operating device 6.

  This device 6 allows the operation of at least one valve 5, in order to control the supply of material

  filling to be injected into a borehole.

  In Figures 1 and 2 the device 6 comprises a body

designated in 10.

  This body 10 encloses or comprises, in general: - means 11 for rigid mounting on the one hand on the drilling table 8, and on the other hand for receiving the first high element 9 of auger screw; - An added section 12 of the conduit, intended to be placed in the continuity of the upper 13 and lower 14 sections of the conduit 3, respective of the table 8 and the first screw element 9; - Means 15 forming an autonomous source of electrical energy; - Means 16 forming micro-central hydraulic fluid supply, supplied with energy by the source means 15; - On-board means 17 for controlling the micro-central 16, forming a wireless transmitter / receiver module; and - a hydraulic circuit 18, with at least two pipes 19, for supplying fluid, respectively connected to the

micro-central 16.

  Each pipe 19, 20 has at an opposite free end

  at the micro-central 16, a static connection 21, 22.

  Each of these connections 21, 22 is intended to be connected to a hydraulic network 23 on the drilling equipment 2, for actuating drive means (not shown) of the valve 5 between its closed and closed positions.

conduit clearance.

  These drive means are in one example a motor

linear hydraulics.

  In Figure 1, we notice on the micro-central 16, that are installed two pressure switches 24, respectively on the pipe 19 and 20 of the circuit 18, of which they are part. Their

function is explained below.

  It also appears from FIGS. 1 and 2, that the device 6 comprises, independently of the body 10, autonomous means 25

external wireless control.

  These means 25 are here a transmitter box with radio transmission, allowing via the control means 17, to control the micro-central 16 and therefore the supply of

fluid to the hydraulic circuit 18.

  An operator 26 (of which only one hand is illustrated) can hold the housing of the means 25, to control the maneuver

  valve 5, at an appropriate distance from device 1.

  Before describing more precisely the constituents and the functioning of the device 6, let us return to the body 10, which comprises in the figures: - a plate 27 rigidly fixed radially on the added section 12 of the conduit, near mounting means 11 on the first auger screw element 9; and - a cover 28, here in cylinder section, rigidly assembled and removable on the plate 27 and the

duct section 12.

  This rigid assembly of the cover 28, is in the example illustrated, obtained using mechanical elements such as

  support stops and screw and tapping systems.

  It is understood that the device 6 thus forms, with the obvious exception of the external wireless means 25, a unitary or "monoblock" assembly, mounted on the same drilling screw as the

  auger, and rotated therewith.

  According to an embodiment not shown, the body 10 is an integral part of the drilling table 8, and the corresponding mounting means 11 are irremovable and therefore not

removable.

  According to another embodiment not shown, the body 10 is an integral part of the first element 9 of auger screw, and the corresponding mounting means 11 are

  irremovable and therefore not removable.

  In either case, the means l1 are

solders or the like.

  In FIGS. 1 and 2 on the other hand, the rigid mounting means 11 are removable, so that the body 10 is a

  auxiliary component of the equipment 2.

  These means 11 here comprise hexagonal heads 29 and 30. The upper head 29 is in the female example for mounting on the drilling table 8, via a corresponding male socket 31 of the means 7, at the end of the section 13

of conduit.

  While the lower head 30 allows the reception and the maintenance of the first auger element 9, via a socket

  lower 32 female, at the end of section 14 of conduit.

  Since here the mounting means 11 are respectively rigidly integral on either side longitudinally each of one end of the attached section 12 of conduit, this section thus opens out through these means

  11, at the top and bottom of the device 6.

  Also, the removable mounting means 11 are keying means, respectively different in their geometry. The same keying effect is obtained in realizations,

by differences in dimensions.

  Note here that the mounting means 11 here protrude longitudinally from the cover 28 of the body 10, respectively

  on both sides, above and below.

  In the figures, the means 15 forming an autonomous electrical energy source, comprise an accumulator

rechargeable and removable.

  In the embodiment of FIG. 2, at the output of the accumulator of the means 15 is connected a static converter 33 capable of generating an alternating voltage current to be delivered to the means 16 forming a micro-power plant

  hydraulic fluid supply.

  Furthermore, the means 16 forming a micro-central for supplying hydraulic fluid comprise: - a connector (not shown) for electrical connection to the means forming an electrical source 15 and to the on-board means 17 forming a control module; - an electric motor 34, coupled to fluid pumping means, supplied with electricity via the connectors and arranged to respond to the receiver module of the on-board control means 17; - a micro-fluid reservoir (not shown), connected to the pumping means 35 so as to deliver and / or

store hydraulic fluid.

  This micro-reservoir is connected and supplies, via the pumping means 35, the hydraulic circuit 18, and therefore the network 23. The receiver module 36 (FIG. 1) of the on-board control means 17 is connected to the motor 34, so as to control the direction of rotation, as indicated by arrow 37. Thus the direction of circulation of the fluid in the means of

  pumping is modified by the motor 34.

  In the example (FIG. 2) o the means 15 forming an autonomous source of electrical energy comprise an accumulator and a static converter 33, the reversal of the direction of circulation of the hydraulic fluid is carried out by a hydraulic distributor 38 mounted on the body 10 (in fact

here on the means 16).

  This hydraulic distributor 38 is controlled by the means

  forming transmitter / receiver module 17.

  In the figures, the on-board means 17 for controlling the wireless micro-central include a module with

radio transmission.

  In realizations, the transmission is by radio waves or

infrared.

  For example, the modulation and / or propagation mode is

other than the one used.

  Note also on the device 6, means of

signage 39.

  These means 39, here comprise a luminous display and

acoustic transmitter.

  These means 39 are mounted externally on the body 10.

  In one embodiment, signaling means 39 are mounted on a box of external autonomous means of

wireless control 25.

  In either case, these signaling means are capable of accounting for the closed position or

disengaged from the valve to be operated.

  These means 39 are in fact controlled by the pressure switches 24, to determine as a function of the fluid pressure

measured, the condition of the valve 5.

  Thus, in FIG. 1, a rear lamp is lit (for example by flashing), to indicate that the valve 5 is closed. In FIG. 2, on the other hand, a front lamp is lit (for example by flashing), to indicate that the valve 5

  is open, although this is not illustrated.

  Thanks to the means 39, the operator 26 is informed of the position of the valve 5. This information increases the

  safe use of equipment 2.

  It goes without saying that the connections 21, 22 as well as the mounting means, are determined to withstand the mechanical stresses and the requirements for sealing the equipment.

drilling 2.

  But due to the fact that the mechanical seals and connections are static, the joints and connections are simple

allow to assume these functions.

  This is not the case with the known devices mentioned above. Finally, note that the filling material is according to the

  grout, concrete or the like.

Claims (17)

  1. Device (6) for operating at least one valve (5) for supplying filling material such as concrete, intended for equipment (2) for drilling piles such as a hollow auger, with a conduit (3) supply of filling material at a low through end from which the valve (5) is provided which, according to its positions, sealingly tightens the conduit (3) or releases it; characterized in that this device (6) comprises a body (10) with: means (11) for rigid mounting on the one hand on a drilling table (8) and on the other hand for receiving at least a first element (9) top of auger screw; an attached duct section (12), intended to be placed in the continuity of respective duct sections (13, 14) of the table (8) and the first element (9); means (15) forming an autonomous electrical energy source; means (16) forming a micro-central for supplying hydraulic fluid, supplied by the means (15); on-board micro-control means (17), forming a wireless transmitter / receiver module; and a hydraulic circuit (18), with at least two pipes (19, 20) of   supply of fluid, respectively connected to the micro-   central unit (16) and each comprising at a free end a static connection (21, 22) intended to be connected to a hydraulic network of the equipment (2), for actuating means for driving the valve (5) between its two positions; the device (6) comprising separately from the body (10), external autonomous means (25) for wireless control of the micro-power plant. 2. Device (6) according to claim 1, characterized in that the body (10) comprises a plate (27) rigidly fixed radially on a section of conduit (12), near mounting means (11, 30) on a first auger screw element (9), and a cover (28), for example in cylinder section, rigidly assembled   and removable on the plate and / or the duct section.   3. Device (6) according to claim 1, characterized in that the rigid mounting means (11) are removable and comprise at least one hexagonal head (29, 30), for example on the female part for mounting on a drilling table, and on the other hand male for the reception of at least a first auger element.   4. Device (6) according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that the rigid mounting means (11) are removable between the drilling table and the first auger element, and are polarizing means, respectively different from their geometry and / or their dimensions.   5. Device (6) according to one of claims 1 to 4,   characterized in that the rigid mounting means (11), removable or not, protrude longitudinally from the body (10), respectively on both sides.   6. Device (6) according to one of claims 1 to 5,   characterized in that the rigid mounting means (11), for example removable, are respectively rigidly integral on either side longitudinally each of one end (29, 30) of the attached section (12) of conduit (3) , which thus leads through these means (11),   at the top and bottom of the device (6).   7. Device (6) according to one of claims 1 to 6,   characterized in that the means (15) forming an independent source of electrical energy, comprise at least one   rechargeable and / or removable accumulator.   8. Device (6) according to one of claims 1 to 7,   characterized in that the means (15) forming an autonomous electrical energy source, comprise at least one accumulator, at the outlet of which is connected a static converter (33) capable of generating a voltage current   alternative to deliver to the means (16) forming micro-   hydraulic fluid supply center.   9. Device (6) according to one of claims 1 to 8,   characterized in that the means forming a micro-central (16) for supplying hydraulic fluid comprise: - an electrical connection connector to the means forming an electric source (15) and to the on-board means forming a control module (17); - an electric motor (34), coupled to fluid pumping means (35), supplied with electricity via the connectors and arranged to respond to a receiver module (36) of the on-board control means (17); a micro-reservoir of fluid, connected to the pumping means so as to deliver and / or store hydraulic fluid, this micro-reservoir being connected and supplying,   via the pumping means, the hydraulic circuit (18).   10. Device (6) according to one of claims 1 to 9,   characterized in that the on-board control means (17) comprise a receiver module (36) connected to the motor, so as to control the direction of rotation, and thus the direction   for circulation of the fluid in the pumping means (35).   11. Device (6) according to one of claims 1 to 9,   characterized in that, in the case where the means forming an autonomous electrical energy source (15) comprise at least one accumulator and a static converter (33) capable of generating an alternating voltage current for the means forming a micro-power station (16 ), the reversal of the direction of circulation of the hydraulic fluid is carried out by a hydraulic distributor (38) mounted on the body (10), for example within the means forming a micro-central, and controlled by the means forming a transmitter / receiver module. (17).   12. Device (6) according to one of claims 1 to 11,   characterized in that the on-board means (17) for controlling the wireless micro-power station include a module   radio and / or radio and / or infrared transmission   red, for example, the modulation and / or propagation mode is other than the one used.   13. Device (6) according to one of claims 1 to 12,   characterized in that it (6) comprises signaling means (39), such as a light display and / or acoustic transmitter, for example mounted externally on the body and / or on a housing of the autonomous external means (25) wireless control, and able to report the closed or cleared position of the valve (5) to be operated.   14. Drilling equipment (2) such as an auger, comprising at least one operating device (6) according to one of   Claims 1 to 13, characterized in that it (2) comprises:   - Support and rotation means by a carrying device, including a drilling table; - at least a first auger screw element, traversed by a conduit (3), and for example several contiguous elements, respectively first, second, third, etc .; and - at least one shutter valve (5) connected to the hydraulic circuit of the operating device (6), via the static connections and the hydraulic means actuation network   driving the valve (5) between its two positions.   15. Equipment (2) according to claim 14, characterized in that the body is an integral part of the drilling table, and the corresponding mounting means are irremovable and therefore not removable.   16. Equipment (2) according to claim 14, characterized in that the body is an integral part of the first auger screw element, and the corresponding mounting means are   irremovable and therefore not removable.   17. A drilling rig (1) characterized in that it (1) comprises at least one device (6) for maneuvering according to   one of claims 1 to 13 and / or at least one   drilling equipment (2) according to one of claims 14 to 16.