WO2014116159A1 - Dust controlling device for rock drilling - Google Patents

Dust controlling device for rock drilling Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2014116159A1
WO2014116159A1 PCT/SE2013/051489 SE2013051489W WO2014116159A1 WO 2014116159 A1 WO2014116159 A1 WO 2014116159A1 SE 2013051489 W SE2013051489 W SE 2013051489W WO 2014116159 A1 WO2014116159 A1 WO 2014116159A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
bristles
controlling device
sheet structure
circular hole
stem
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/SE2013/051489
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Carl SAMUELSON
Original Assignee
Trelleborg Industri Ab
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Trelleborg Industri Ab filed Critical Trelleborg Industri Ab
Publication of WO2014116159A1 publication Critical patent/WO2014116159A1/en

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B21/00—Methods or apparatus for flushing boreholes, e.g. by use of exhaust air from motor
    • E21B21/01—Arrangements for handling drilling fluids or cuttings outside the borehole, e.g. mud boxes
    • E21B21/015—Means engaging the bore entrance, e.g. hoods for collecting dust
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B21/00—Methods or apparatus for flushing boreholes, e.g. by use of exhaust air from motor
    • E21B21/01—Arrangements for handling drilling fluids or cuttings outside the borehole, e.g. mud boxes

Definitions

  • the present invention provides a dust controlling device for rock drilling, in particular a dust controlling device comprising a plurality of bristles.
  • the present invention also comprises a method of using such a dust- controlling device for protecting a rock drill unit, as well as a rock drill unit comprising such a dust controlling device.
  • the present invention generally aims at eliminating or at least reducing the problems discussed above as well as other problems known in the art. This is accomplished with a dust controlling device in accordance with the appended claims.
  • the present invention is realized by a dust controlling device for rock drilling comprising of an elastic sheet structure having an upper and a lower surface and a circular hole adapted for being penetrated by a drill bit of a rock drill, the circular hole having an edge, wherein a plurality of bristles is projecting from the edge of the circular hole, wherein each bristle projects toward a center of the circular hole, the plurality of bristles projecting in such a way that the inward ends of the bristles are adapted for engaging with a stem connected to the drill bit when the stem is accommodated in the center of the circular hole .
  • the term "dust controlling device” relates to a device for preventing dust from escaping in the vicinity of the drill stem of a rock drill.
  • the dust controlling device constitutes a part of a larger seal arrangement for preventing dust from coming out into the environment close to a rock drill unit.
  • the term "elastic sheet structure” relates to a flat structure made by a single elastic material.
  • At least one bristle of the plurality of bristles is made of a synthetic material.
  • all bristles are made of a synthetic material.
  • the sheet structure further comprises a second elastic sheet structure projecting from the edge of the circular hole towards the center of the circular hole, the second elastic sheet structure being positioned closer to the lower surface of the sheet structure compared to the plurality of bristles.
  • At least one bristle of the plurality of bristles projects further towards the center of the circular hole compared to the second elastic sheet structure.
  • the second elastic sheet structure may for example project only half way towards the stem.
  • each bristle of the plurality of bristles is fastened in a circular holder which is molded into the edge of the circular hole.
  • the second elastic sheet structure may be molded into the edge of the circular hole.
  • the elastic sheet structure may have a thickness within the range of 12 - 40 mm.
  • the present invention provides a use of a dust controlling device according to the first aspect of the present invention, for preventing rock dust from escaping a drill hole during rock drilling.
  • the present invention provides a rock drill unit comprising a partial enclosure, a drill stem having a drill bit at one end and a machinery for rotating the drill stem, wherein the drill bit and part of the drill stem is located in the partial enclosure which is adapted for sealing off the area in proximity to the drill stem together with the rock in which a hole is to be drilled, the enclosure having an opening adapted for receiving the drill stem, wherein a dust-controlling seal according to the first aspect of the present invention adapted for the drill stem has been arranged in the opening in such a way that the drill stem protrude through a circular opening of the dust-controlling seal, thereby preventing dust from escaping through the seal.
  • the second and third aspect may generally have the same features and advantages as the first aspect.
  • Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a dust controlling device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 2 is a sectional drawing of the dust controlling device of Fig. 1 .
  • Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a dust controlling device according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein an arcuate portion is cut away.
  • Fig. 4 illustrates the dust controlling device of Fig. 3 viewed from below.
  • Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a setup with the dust controlling device of Fig.3 in use.
  • Fig. 6 schematically illustrates a rock drill unit according to an aspect of the present invention.
  • the present invention is based on the idea of providing a dust controlling device wherein the material being put under stress when using the drill, i.e. the bristles, is flexible enough to not be broken but still resilient against being deformed when the drill bit is penetrating the dust controlling device or when the stem is rotated and jacked up and down while drilling.
  • the dust controlling device must provide a sufficiently solid enclosure against rock dust while drilling.
  • the stem of the drill has a smaller diameter than the drill bit, it is required that an opening of the dust controlling device, wherein the stem will be accommodated while drilling, has a smaller diameter than the drill bit. Consequently, the drill will have to be forced through the dust controlling device; leading to that part of the dust controlling device is put under a lot of stress while the drill bit is forced through.
  • the dust controlling device may be more durable against such stress. Consequently an increased life time of the dust controlling device may be possible.
  • the dust controlling device since the dust controlling device needs to fit tightly around the stem while drilling, to prevent rock dust from being pushed out of the drill hole, the dust controlling device may need to engage with the stem while drilling. This may lead to that the material closest to the stem will be put under stress while drilling, since the stem will rotate and be jacked up and down. By using bristles as the material closest to the stem, the dust controlling device may be more durable against such stress. Consequently an increased life time of the dust controlling device may be possible.
  • a further advantage of the present invention may be that the plurality of bristles is held in place by an elastic sheet structure. If the drill, for some reason, starts to move unexpectedly in a lateral direction, the elastic sheet structure may help to protect the stem from being damaged until the operator of the drill has time to turn of the drill or until the drill is stabilizing again.
  • the elastic sheet structure may be made out of any material, such as any polymer, more flexible than the material of the stem. An advantage of using a polymer may be that it is cheap to produce.
  • the stem is often made out of steel but may be made out of any suitable material.
  • the bristle material should be resistant to wear, flexible and resilient against being deformed in both the direction in which the bristle projects from the elastic sheet structure and the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the bristle projects from the elastic sheet structure.
  • An exemplary material may be nylon, polypropylene or polyester.
  • natural material such as horsehair or hog's hair may be used. Since the bristles are projecting from an edge of a circular hole towards the center of the hole, the area from which the bristles projects are larger than the area where the bristles ends. Consequently, the bristles may be more spaced apart closer to the edge of the circular hole. This may lead to that rock dust may penetrate the bristles close to the edge of the circular hole.
  • a second elastic sheet structure may be placed beneath the bristles as a first seal from rock dust.
  • the material of the second elastic sheet structure may be a rubber material such as Natural Rubber, SBR, Nitrile, HNBR, Chloroprene, EPDM, Silicone, Viton, CPE, CSM, TPE or Vamac.
  • the second sheet structure is preferably very elastic, such as stretchable to an extent of 400-600%.
  • the second elastic sheet structure may for example project only half way towards the stem.
  • An advantage of this may be that the second elastic sheet structure is not put under the same amount of stress as the bristles while operating the drill since it is not engaged with the stem. This may be advantageous since the wear of the second elastic sheet structure may be reduced and consequently be more durable.
  • Each bristle of the plurality of bristles may be fastened in a circular holder which is molded into the edge of the circular hole. This may simplify the production process of the dust controlling device.
  • the circular holder may be glued in a cavity in the edge of the elastic sheet structure or fixed in such a cavity in any other suitable way.
  • the second elastic sheet structure may be an integral part of the sheet structure. This may improve the durability of the second elastic sheet structure.
  • the second elastic sheet structure may also be molded into the edge of the circular hole. This may simplify the production process of the dust controlling device.
  • FIGs. 1 and 2 show by way of example the structure of an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the shown dust controlling device 100 comprises an elastic sheet structure 101 having a circular hole 106.
  • a plurality of bristles 120 protrudes from an edge 1 10 of the circular hole 106.
  • the plurality of bristles is fastened in a circular holder 128 which is fixed in the elastic sheet structure.
  • the circular holder 128 may be fixed by ways of moulding or gluing or any other suitable way.
  • the bristles 120 may be fixed in the circular holder 128 in any suitable way.
  • the circular holder 128 may for example be a clip holding the bristles 120.
  • the bristles 120 projects from the edge 1 10 towards a center 122 of the circular hole 106 in such a way that the inward ends 124 of the bristles 120 forms a circular opening 108 in the dust controlling device 100.
  • the opening 108 has a diameter d-i.
  • the circular hole 106 has a diameter d 2 .
  • the diameter di of the circular opening 108 should be large enough such that the inward ends 124 of the bristles 120 will engage with a stem of a rock drill when accommodated in the circular opening 108.
  • the diameter d 2 should be large enough such that a drill bit of a rock drill can be forced through the circular hole 106.
  • the elastic sheet structure 101 may have a thickness within the range of 12 - 40 mm. These dimensions may comply with most of the rock drilling machines on the market. Moreover, a thickness below 12 mm may lead to reduced service life.
  • the dust controlling device 100 comprises several layers of bristles 120. This is only an exemplary distribution of bristles 120. In other embodiments, the dust controlling device 100 comprises only one layer of bristles 120. In further embodiments, the bristles that constitute one layer of bristles may overlap each other towards the inward ends 124 of the bristles.
  • the material of the bristles 120 may be any material that is resistant to wear, flexible and resilient against being deformed.
  • the plurality of bristles may be made out of the same material or different materials. Synthetic materials such as nylon or natural material such as horsehair may be used. An advantage of using a synthetic material such as nylon may be that it is a comparably cheap material.
  • wire material such as beryllium copper or carbon steel may be used. An advantage of using wire materials may be their wear resistance.
  • Figs. 3 and 4 show by way of example the structure of a further embodiment of the present invention.
  • the dust controlling device 100 is similar to the dust controlling device 100 shown in Figs. 1 and 2 and may thus possess the same advantages and properties described above.
  • the dust controlling device in Figs. 3 and 4 further comprises a second elastic sheet structure 126 projecting from the edge 1 10 of the circular hole 106 towards the center 122 (as best seen in Fig. 2) of the circular hole 106.
  • the second elastic sheet structure 126 is positioned beneath the plurality of bristles 120, i.e. closer to a lower surface 104 of the elastic sheet structure 101 compared to the plurality of bristles 120.
  • Figs. 1 the dust controlling device 100
  • the dust controlling device in Figs. 3 and 4 further comprises a second elastic sheet structure 126 projecting from the edge 1 10 of the circular hole 106 towards the center 122 (as best seen in Fig. 2) of the circular hole 106.
  • the second elastic sheet structure 126 is
  • the second elastic sheet structure 126 does not project as far towards the center 122 of the circular hole 106. Since a stem of a rock drill, in normal cases, will be accommodated in the circular opening 108, this means that the second elastic sheet structure 126 normally will not engage with the stem, thus prolonging the durability of the sheet structure 126.
  • a further advantage of not having the second elastic sheet structure 126 protrude as far as the plurality of bristles 120 may be that the area of the second elastic sheet structure 128 being pushed away by a drill bit of the rock drill when forced through the dust controlling device 100 is smaller. Consequently, the compressive stress of the second elastic sheet structure 126 is smaller and thus the durability of the second elastic sheet structure 126 may be prolonged.
  • the second elastic sheet structure 126 may be made of any material with a sufficient elasticity.
  • the material of the second elastic sheet structure 126 is the same as the material of the elastic sheet structure 101 .
  • the second elastic sheet structure 126 may be an integral part of the elastic sheet structure 101 .
  • the materials of the two elastic sheet structures 101 , 126 differ.
  • the second elastic sheet structure 126 may be molded into the elastic sheet structure 101 or fastened in any other suitable way such as gluing.
  • the second elastic sheet structure 126 may be positioned above the plurality of bristles 120, i.e. closer to a upper surface 102 of the elastic sheet structure 101 compared to the plurality of bristles 120. As best seen in Fig.
  • the bristles are more spaced apart closer to the edge of the circular hole compared to the distribution of the bristles close to the center of the circular hole 106. This may lead to that rock dust may penetrate the bristles close to the edge of the circular hole.
  • the second elastic sheet structure may be placed either beneath or above the bristles as a first or second seal from rock dust.
  • the elastic sheet structure 101 in Figs. 1 -4 may comprise a single sheet or it may comprise several superposed elastic sheets which are mutually joined together.
  • the circular holder 128 and/or the second elastic sheet structure 126 may be fastened between two such layers.
  • the bristles 120 are directly fastened between two such layers.
  • the several superposed elastic sheets may be mutually joined to each other in adhesions zones positioned on upper and/or lower surfaces of the sheets.
  • the adhesion zones may be located along the outer and/or the inner edges of the sheets and have a width within the range of 15 - 40 mm.
  • the above exemplary way of producing a dust controlling device 100 from several superposed elastic sheets may be a simple production method which reduces the need of molding.
  • the elastic sheet structure 101 may be made of any material more flexible than the material of a stem of a rock drill which uses the dust controlling device 100.
  • the elastic sheet structure 101 may be made of one or several materials.
  • the one or several materials may for example be a polymer, a plastic, Polyurethane, TPE and/or other flexible synthetic materials.
  • the material may be textile reinforced to improve the durability of the elastic sheet structure 101 .
  • the textile reinforcement may of course be applied to the material of the second elastic sheet element 126 and/or the material of the bristles 120.
  • the elastic sheet structure 101 may have several functions. One function may be to support the plurality of bristles 120 or the circular holder 128 in which the bristles 120 are fastened.
  • FIG. 5 shows by way of example a setup with the dust controlling device 100 in use according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the dust controlling device 100 is fastened in a larger dust controlling structure 132 arranged to handle the dust controlling at a distance from the stem 1 12. In Fig. 5, only a part of the larger dust controlling structure 132 is shown.
  • Fig. 5 shows by way of example a setup with the dust controlling device 100 in use according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the dust controlling device 100 is fastened in a larger dust controlling structure 132 arranged to handle the dust controlling at a distance from the stem 1 12. In Fig. 5, only a part of the larger dust controlling structure 132 is shown.
  • Fig. 5 shows by way of example a setup with the dust controlling device 100 in use according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the dust controlling device 100 is fastened in a larger dust controlling structure 132 arranged to handle the dust controlling at a distance from the stem 1 12. In Fig. 5, only a part of the larger dust controlling structure 132 is shown
  • FIG. 5 shows a dust controlling device which is accommodating a stem 1 12 connected to a drill bit 130.
  • the stem 1 12 has a diameter d 3 which may be equal or slightly larger than the diameter di of the circular opening 108 shown in Fig. 2. This may cause the bristles 120 of the dust controlling device 100 to engage with the stem while drilling and thereby preventing rock dust from the drilling to pierce thorough the dust controlling device 100 close to the stem 1 12.
  • the diameter d 4 of the drill bit 130 should be smaller than the diameter d 2 of the circular hole 106 of the elastic sheet structure, as best seen in Fig. 2, to be able to be forced through the dust controlling device 100 without breaking it.
  • FIG. 6 shows by way of example a rock drill unit according to an aspect of the present invention.
  • a rock drill 1 16 comprises a machinery 134 for controlling a stem 1 12, i.e. rotating it and jacking it up and down.
  • the larger dust controlling structure 132 is in this embodiment a partial enclosure 132 which together with the rock 136 is adapted for sealing off the area in proximity to the stem 1 12.
  • the partial enclosure 132 is in some embodiments connected to a suction apparatus (not shown) that will remove rock dust that is captured by the partial enclosure 132.
  • a part of the stem 1 12 and a drill bit 130 are enclosed by the partial enclosure 132 such that rock dust produced while drilling is prevented from polluting the area around the enclosure 132.
  • the partial enclosure has an opening (not shown) adapted for receiving the drill stem 1 12.
  • a dust controlling device 100 (not shown) is positioned in the opening of the partial enclosure which handles the sealing of the opening as explained above.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dust controlling device (100) forrock drilling comprising of an elastic sheet structure (101) having a circular hole (106) adapted for being penetrated by a drill bit (130) of a rock drill (116), the circular hole having an edge (110), whereina plurality of bristles (120) is projecting from the edge (110) of the circular hole (106), wherein each bristle (120) projects toward a center (122) of the circular hole (106), the plurality of bristles (120) projecting in such a way that the inward ends (124) of the bristles will engage with a stem (112) connected to the drill bit (130) when accommodated in the center (122) of the circular hole (106). For publication: Fig

Description

DUST CONTROLLING DEVICE FOR ROCK DRILLING
Technical field
The present invention provides a dust controlling device for rock drilling, in particular a dust controlling device comprising a plurality of bristles. The present invention also comprises a method of using such a dust- controlling device for protecting a rock drill unit, as well as a rock drill unit comprising such a dust controlling device.
Background of the invention
When drilling rock, stones and sand particles, rock dust is forced out from the drilled hole and contaminates the surrounding area. Efforts have been made to seal off the area closest to the drilled hole using different types of sealing equipment. It is comparatively easy to seal at a distance from the drill but it is more challenging to seal in the vicinity of the drill stem. Typically, the drill bit has a larger diameter than the drill stem and the drill rotates when drilling. The sealing equipment must therefore be able to receive and be penetrated by the drill bit and still be able to provide good sealing when accommodating the narrower drill stem.
For many years this sealing has been done by an elastic disc with a hole in the center of the disc which is adapted for receiving the stem. This solution is effectively preventing rock dust from escaping the drill hole and polluting the area around the drill equipment. However, this solution has another problem. The durability of this elastic disc is limited to around 1 -2 days of service. After this time period, the seal brake since the material in the disc is not flexible or strong enough to allow the drill from passing without being damaged. This is forcing the operator to stop drilling and replace the seal. The short replacement intervals are costly and unsatisfactory.
Summary of the invention
The present invention generally aims at eliminating or at least reducing the problems discussed above as well as other problems known in the art. This is accomplished with a dust controlling device in accordance with the appended claims.
According to a first aspect, the present invention is realized by a dust controlling device for rock drilling comprising of an elastic sheet structure having an upper and a lower surface and a circular hole adapted for being penetrated by a drill bit of a rock drill, the circular hole having an edge, wherein a plurality of bristles is projecting from the edge of the circular hole, wherein each bristle projects toward a center of the circular hole, the plurality of bristles projecting in such a way that the inward ends of the bristles are adapted for engaging with a stem connected to the drill bit when the stem is accommodated in the center of the circular hole .
As disclosed herein, the term "dust controlling device" relates to a device for preventing dust from escaping in the vicinity of the drill stem of a rock drill. Typically, the dust controlling device constitutes a part of a larger seal arrangement for preventing dust from coming out into the environment close to a rock drill unit.
As disclosed herein, the term "elastic sheet structure" relates to a flat structure made by a single elastic material.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one bristle of the plurality of bristles is made of a synthetic material. In one embodiment, all bristles are made of a synthetic material.
According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the sheet structure further comprises a second elastic sheet structure projecting from the edge of the circular hole towards the center of the circular hole, the second elastic sheet structure being positioned closer to the lower surface of the sheet structure compared to the plurality of bristles.
According to a further embodiment of the present invention, at least one bristle of the plurality of bristles projects further towards the center of the circular hole compared to the second elastic sheet structure. The second elastic sheet structure may for example project only half way towards the stem.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, each bristle of the plurality of bristles is fastened in a circular holder which is molded into the edge of the circular hole.
According to further embodiments, the second elastic sheet structure may be molded into the edge of the circular hole.
The elastic sheet structure may have a thickness within the range of 12 - 40 mm.
In a second aspect, the present invention provides a use of a dust controlling device according to the first aspect of the present invention, for preventing rock dust from escaping a drill hole during rock drilling.
In a third aspect, the present invention provides a rock drill unit comprising a partial enclosure, a drill stem having a drill bit at one end and a machinery for rotating the drill stem, wherein the drill bit and part of the drill stem is located in the partial enclosure which is adapted for sealing off the area in proximity to the drill stem together with the rock in which a hole is to be drilled, the enclosure having an opening adapted for receiving the drill stem, wherein a dust-controlling seal according to the first aspect of the present invention adapted for the drill stem has been arranged in the opening in such a way that the drill stem protrude through a circular opening of the dust-controlling seal, thereby preventing dust from escaping through the seal.
The second and third aspect may generally have the same features and advantages as the first aspect.
It is noted that the invention relates to all possible combinations of features recited in the claims. Generally, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field unless explicitly defined otherwise herein.
Other objectives, features and advantages of the present invention will appear from the following detailed disclosure as well as from the drawings.
Brief description of the drawings
This and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the appended drawings showing
embodiments of the invention, wherein:
Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a dust controlling device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 2 is a sectional drawing of the dust controlling device of Fig. 1 . Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a dust controlling device according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein an arcuate portion is cut away.
Fig. 4 illustrates the dust controlling device of Fig. 3 viewed from below.
Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a setup with the dust controlling device of Fig.3 in use.
Fig. 6 schematically illustrates a rock drill unit according to an aspect of the present invention.
Detailed description
The present invention is based on the idea of providing a dust controlling device wherein the material being put under stress when using the drill, i.e. the bristles, is flexible enough to not be broken but still resilient against being deformed when the drill bit is penetrating the dust controlling device or when the stem is rotated and jacked up and down while drilling. At the same time, the dust controlling device must provide a sufficiently solid enclosure against rock dust while drilling.
Since the stem of the drill has a smaller diameter than the drill bit, it is required that an opening of the dust controlling device, wherein the stem will be accommodated while drilling, has a smaller diameter than the drill bit. Consequently, the drill will have to be forced through the dust controlling device; leading to that part of the dust controlling device is put under a lot of stress while the drill bit is forced through. By using bristles as material for preventing rock dust from being pushed out from the drill hole, the dust controlling device may be more durable against such stress. Consequently an increased life time of the dust controlling device may be possible.
Moreover, since the dust controlling device needs to fit tightly around the stem while drilling, to prevent rock dust from being pushed out of the drill hole, the dust controlling device may need to engage with the stem while drilling. This may lead to that the material closest to the stem will be put under stress while drilling, since the stem will rotate and be jacked up and down. By using bristles as the material closest to the stem, the dust controlling device may be more durable against such stress. Consequently an increased life time of the dust controlling device may be possible.
A further advantage of the present invention may be that the plurality of bristles is held in place by an elastic sheet structure. If the drill, for some reason, starts to move unexpectedly in a lateral direction, the elastic sheet structure may help to protect the stem from being damaged until the operator of the drill has time to turn of the drill or until the drill is stabilizing again. The elastic sheet structure may be made out of any material, such as any polymer, more flexible than the material of the stem. An advantage of using a polymer may be that it is cheap to produce. The stem is often made out of steel but may be made out of any suitable material.
The bristle material should be resistant to wear, flexible and resilient against being deformed in both the direction in which the bristle projects from the elastic sheet structure and the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the bristle projects from the elastic sheet structure. An exemplary material may be nylon, polypropylene or polyester. In further embodiments, natural material such as horsehair or hog's hair may be used. Since the bristles are projecting from an edge of a circular hole towards the center of the hole, the area from which the bristles projects are larger than the area where the bristles ends. Consequently, the bristles may be more spaced apart closer to the edge of the circular hole. This may lead to that rock dust may penetrate the bristles close to the edge of the circular hole. To prevent such penetration, a second elastic sheet structure may be placed beneath the bristles as a first seal from rock dust. The material of the second elastic sheet structure may be a rubber material such as Natural Rubber, SBR, Nitrile, HNBR, Chloroprene, EPDM, Silicone, Viton, CPE, CSM, TPE or Vamac. The second sheet structure is preferably very elastic, such as stretchable to an extent of 400-600%.
In the case the plurality of bristles forms the required dust seal close to the stem, there is no need for the second elastic sheet structure to project as long as the bristles. The second elastic sheet structure may for example project only half way towards the stem. An advantage of this may be that the second elastic sheet structure is not put under the same amount of stress as the bristles while operating the drill since it is not engaged with the stem. This may be advantageous since the wear of the second elastic sheet structure may be reduced and consequently be more durable.
Each bristle of the plurality of bristles may be fastened in a circular holder which is molded into the edge of the circular hole. This may simplify the production process of the dust controlling device. In further embodiments the circular holder may be glued in a cavity in the edge of the elastic sheet structure or fixed in such a cavity in any other suitable way.
The second elastic sheet structure may be an integral part of the sheet structure. This may improve the durability of the second elastic sheet structure. The second elastic sheet structure may also be molded into the edge of the circular hole. This may simplify the production process of the dust controlling device.
The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which currently preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness, and fully convey the scope of the invention to the skilled person. Figs. 1 and 2 show by way of example the structure of an embodiment of the present invention. The shown dust controlling device 100 comprises an elastic sheet structure 101 having a circular hole 106. A plurality of bristles 120 protrudes from an edge 1 10 of the circular hole 106. The plurality of bristles is fastened in a circular holder 128 which is fixed in the elastic sheet structure. The circular holder 128 may be fixed by ways of moulding or gluing or any other suitable way. The bristles 120 may be fixed in the circular holder 128 in any suitable way. The circular holder 128 may for example be a clip holding the bristles 120. The bristles 120 projects from the edge 1 10 towards a center 122 of the circular hole 106 in such a way that the inward ends 124 of the bristles 120 forms a circular opening 108 in the dust controlling device 100. The opening 108 has a diameter d-i. The circular hole 106 has a diameter d2. As will be shown below, the diameter di of the circular opening 108 should be large enough such that the inward ends 124 of the bristles 120 will engage with a stem of a rock drill when accommodated in the circular opening 108. The diameter d2 should be large enough such that a drill bit of a rock drill can be forced through the circular hole 106. An advantage of using bristles 120 in the way described in Figs. 1 and 2 may be that the durability of the dust controlling device 100 is prolonged. Since each individual bristle 120 has such a small area being put under stress when forcing the drill bit past the bristle 120 or when operating the drill, the risk of deforming or breaking the bristle 120 may be reduced. Moreover, since the seal consists of a plurality of bristles 120, the sealing properties of the seal may still be sufficiently good even if one or more bristle 120 is deformed or broken.
The elastic sheet structure 101 may have a thickness within the range of 12 - 40 mm. These dimensions may comply with most of the rock drilling machines on the market. Moreover, a thickness below 12 mm may lead to reduced service life.
In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the dust controlling device 100 comprises several layers of bristles 120. This is only an exemplary distribution of bristles 120. In other embodiments, the dust controlling device 100 comprises only one layer of bristles 120. In further embodiments, the bristles that constitute one layer of bristles may overlap each other towards the inward ends 124 of the bristles.
The material of the bristles 120 may be any material that is resistant to wear, flexible and resilient against being deformed. The plurality of bristles may be made out of the same material or different materials. Synthetic materials such as nylon or natural material such as horsehair may be used. An advantage of using a synthetic material such as nylon may be that it is a comparably cheap material. In further embodiments, wire material such as beryllium copper or carbon steel may be used. An advantage of using wire materials may be their wear resistance.
Figs. 3 and 4 show by way of example the structure of a further embodiment of the present invention. The dust controlling device 100 is similar to the dust controlling device 100 shown in Figs. 1 and 2 and may thus possess the same advantages and properties described above. The dust controlling device in Figs. 3 and 4 further comprises a second elastic sheet structure 126 projecting from the edge 1 10 of the circular hole 106 towards the center 122 (as best seen in Fig. 2) of the circular hole 106. The second elastic sheet structure 126 is positioned beneath the plurality of bristles 120, i.e. closer to a lower surface 104 of the elastic sheet structure 101 compared to the plurality of bristles 120. As can be seen in Figs. 3 and 4, the second elastic sheet structure 126 does not project as far towards the center 122 of the circular hole 106. Since a stem of a rock drill, in normal cases, will be accommodated in the circular opening 108, this means that the second elastic sheet structure 126 normally will not engage with the stem, thus prolonging the durability of the sheet structure 126. A further advantage of not having the second elastic sheet structure 126 protrude as far as the plurality of bristles 120 may be that the area of the second elastic sheet structure 128 being pushed away by a drill bit of the rock drill when forced through the dust controlling device 100 is smaller. Consequently, the compressive stress of the second elastic sheet structure 126 is smaller and thus the durability of the second elastic sheet structure 126 may be prolonged. The second elastic sheet structure 126 may be made of any material with a sufficient elasticity. In one embodiment, the material of the second elastic sheet structure 126 is the same as the material of the elastic sheet structure 101 . In this embodiment, the second elastic sheet structure 126 may be an integral part of the elastic sheet structure 101 . In further embodiments, the materials of the two elastic sheet structures 101 , 126 differ. The second elastic sheet structure 126 may be molded into the elastic sheet structure 101 or fastened in any other suitable way such as gluing. In a further embodiment, the second elastic sheet structure 126 may be positioned above the plurality of bristles 120, i.e. closer to a upper surface 102 of the elastic sheet structure 101 compared to the plurality of bristles 120. As best seen in Fig. 3, the bristles are more spaced apart closer to the edge of the circular hole compared to the distribution of the bristles close to the center of the circular hole 106. This may lead to that rock dust may penetrate the bristles close to the edge of the circular hole. To prevent such penetration, the second elastic sheet structure may be placed either beneath or above the bristles as a first or second seal from rock dust.
The elastic sheet structure 101 in Figs. 1 -4 may comprise a single sheet or it may comprise several superposed elastic sheets which are mutually joined together. In the later case, the circular holder 128 and/or the second elastic sheet structure 126 may be fastened between two such layers. In another embodiment, the bristles 120 are directly fastened between two such layers. The several superposed elastic sheets may be mutually joined to each other in adhesions zones positioned on upper and/or lower surfaces of the sheets. The adhesion zones may be located along the outer and/or the inner edges of the sheets and have a width within the range of 15 - 40 mm. The above exemplary way of producing a dust controlling device 100 from several superposed elastic sheets may be a simple production method which reduces the need of molding.
As described above, the elastic sheet structure 101 may be made of any material more flexible than the material of a stem of a rock drill which uses the dust controlling device 100. The elastic sheet structure 101 may be made of one or several materials. The one or several materials may for example be a polymer, a plastic, Polyurethane, TPE and/or other flexible synthetic materials. In other embodiments, the material may be textile reinforced to improve the durability of the elastic sheet structure 101 . The textile reinforcement may of course be applied to the material of the second elastic sheet element 126 and/or the material of the bristles 120. The elastic sheet structure 101 may have several functions. One function may be to support the plurality of bristles 120 or the circular holder 128 in which the bristles 120 are fastened. Another function may be to support the second elastic sheet structure 126. Yet another function may be to function as a safety structure in the case where the stem accommodated in the elastic sheet structure 101 starts to move in a lateral direction and thereby engages with the edge 1 10 of the circular hole 106. An advantageous feature in this case is that the elastic sheet structure 101 breaks before the stem breaks, since it is both easier and cheaper to replace the dust controlling device 100 than to replace the stem. Fig. 5 shows by way of example a setup with the dust controlling device 100 in use according to an embodiment of the present invention. The dust controlling device 100 is fastened in a larger dust controlling structure 132 arranged to handle the dust controlling at a distance from the stem 1 12. In Fig. 5, only a part of the larger dust controlling structure 132 is shown. Fig. 5 shows a dust controlling device which is accommodating a stem 1 12 connected to a drill bit 130. The stem 1 12 has a diameter d3 which may be equal or slightly larger than the diameter di of the circular opening 108 shown in Fig. 2. This may cause the bristles 120 of the dust controlling device 100 to engage with the stem while drilling and thereby preventing rock dust from the drilling to pierce thorough the dust controlling device 100 close to the stem 1 12. The diameter d4 of the drill bit 130 should be smaller than the diameter d2 of the circular hole 106 of the elastic sheet structure, as best seen in Fig. 2, to be able to be forced through the dust controlling device 100 without breaking it.
A more complete example of the larger dust controlling structure 132 is shown in Fig. 6. Fig. 6 shows by way of example a rock drill unit according to an aspect of the present invention. A rock drill 1 16 comprises a machinery 134 for controlling a stem 1 12, i.e. rotating it and jacking it up and down. The larger dust controlling structure 132 is in this embodiment a partial enclosure 132 which together with the rock 136 is adapted for sealing off the area in proximity to the stem 1 12. The partial enclosure 132 is in some embodiments connected to a suction apparatus (not shown) that will remove rock dust that is captured by the partial enclosure 132. A part of the stem 1 12 and a drill bit 130 are enclosed by the partial enclosure 132 such that rock dust produced while drilling is prevented from polluting the area around the enclosure 132. The partial enclosure has an opening (not shown) adapted for receiving the drill stem 1 12. A dust controlling device 100 (not shown) is positioned in the opening of the partial enclosure which handles the sealing of the opening as explained above.
The person skilled in the art realizes that the present invention by no means is limited to the preferred embodiments described above. On the contrary, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims. For example, the outer geometry of the elastic sheet structure 101 is just shown by way of example to be cylindrical. Other geometries, such a rectangular geometry, are equally possible. Additionally, variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by the skilled person in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage

Claims

1 . A dust controlling device (100) for rock drilling comprising an elastic sheet structure (101 ) having an upper (102) and a lower (104) surface and a circular hole (106) adapted for being penetrated by a drill bit (130) of a rock drill (1 16), the circular hole having an edge (1 10), wherein a plurality of bristles (120) is projecting from the edge (1 10) of the circular hole (106), wherein each bristle (120) projects toward a center (122) of the circular hole (106), the plurality of bristles (120) projecting in such a way that the inward ends (124) of the bristles are adapted for engaging with a stem (1 12) connected to the drill bit (130) when the stem (1 12) is accommodated in the center (122) of the circular hole (106).
2. A dust controlling device according to claim 1 , wherein at least one bristle of the plurality of bristles (120) is made of a synthetic material.
3. A dust controlling device (100) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the sheet structure (101 ) further comprising a second elastic sheet structure (126) projecting from the edge (1 10) of the circular hole (106) towards the center (122) of the circular hole (106), the second elastic sheet structure being positioned closer to the lower (104) surface of the sheet structure (101 ) compared to the plurality of bristles (120).
4. A dust controlling device according to claim 3, wherein at least one bristle of the plurality of bristles (124) projects further towards the center (122) of the circular hole (106) compared to the second elastic sheet structure (126).
5. A dust controlling device according to claim 4, wherein at least one bristle of the plurality of bristles (124) projects twice as long towards the center (122) of the circular hole (106) compared to the second elastic sheet structure
6. A dust controlling device (100) according to claims 1 -5, wherein each bristle of the plurality of bristles (124) is fastened in a circular holder (128) which is molded into the edge of the circular hole.
7. A dust controlling device according to claims 3-6, wherein the second elastic sheet structure (126) is molded into the edge of the circular hole.
8. A dust controlling device according to any of claims 1 - 7, wherein the elastic sheet structure has a thickness within the range of 12 - 40 mm.
9. Use of a dust controlling device according to any of claims 1 - 8, for preventing rock dust from escaping a drill hole during rock drilling.
10. A rock drill unit comprising a partial enclosure (132), a stem (1 12) having a drill bit (130) at one end and a machinery (134) for rotating the drill stem, wherein the drill bit (130) and part of the stem (1 12) is located in the partial enclosure (132) which is adapted for sealing off the area in proximity to the drill stem together with the rock (136) in which a hole is to be drilled, the enclosure (132) having an opening adapted for receiving the drill stem (1 12) wherein a dust controlling device (100) according to any of claims 1 - 8 adapted for the stem (1 12) has been arranged in the opening in such a way that the stem (1 12) protrude through a circular opening (108) of the dust- controlling seal (100), thereby preventing dust from escaping through the opening.
PCT/SE2013/051489 2013-01-28 2013-12-11 Dust controlling device for rock drilling WO2014116159A1 (en)

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SE1350088-9 2013-01-28
SE1350088A SE537383C2 (en) 2013-01-28 2013-01-28 Dust control device for rock drilling, use of such device and rock drilling unit including such device

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Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1477272A1 (en) * 2003-03-21 2004-11-17 BLACK & DECKER INC. Cordless hand held power tool with power accessory
US20080314640A1 (en) * 2007-06-20 2008-12-25 Greg Vandersnick Hydrocarbon recovery drill string apparatus, subterranean hydrocarbon recovery drilling methods, and subterranean hydrocarbon recovery methods

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1477272A1 (en) * 2003-03-21 2004-11-17 BLACK & DECKER INC. Cordless hand held power tool with power accessory
US20080314640A1 (en) * 2007-06-20 2008-12-25 Greg Vandersnick Hydrocarbon recovery drill string apparatus, subterranean hydrocarbon recovery drilling methods, and subterranean hydrocarbon recovery methods

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SE537383C2 (en) 2015-04-14

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