ZA200904409B

ZA200904409B - Raise rig

Info

Publication number: ZA200904409B
Application number: ZA200904409A
Authority: ZA
Inventors: Peter Duncan Fraser
Original assignee: Hydro Power Equipment Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2008-07-03
Filing date: 2009-06-24
Publication date: 2010-05-26

Description

0 22009704499

RAISE RIG

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a raise rig that can be movably mounted to an overhead monorail assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

When drilling underground, it is often advantageous to reduce operator discretion and yet simultaneously ensure that the drill is correctly aligned. This is particularly so when drilling on a steep incline or decline of less than 34° relative to a horizontal.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION it is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide an underground raise ng arrangement that addresses the above requirements.

L£2009/044¢99

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention there is provided an underground raise rig comprising: a frame member that is movably mountable to an overhead monorail assembly; a boom for carrying an underground drill; a first pivot arrangement for connecting the boom to the frame member, and first actuating means for vertically moving the first pivot arrangement, and thus the boom, relative to the frame member. in an example embodiment, the first pivot arrangement comprises an unequal pantograph so that when the first actuating means moves the first pivot arrangement, the tip of the drill defines a fanning motion.

In an example embodiment, the frame member comprises a first vertically extending member to which the first pivot arrangement is mounted and a second horizontally extending member that can move in line with the overhead monorail assembly, the first vertically extending member being rotationally mounted to the second horizontally extending member.

In an example embodiment, a second actuating means is provided to horizontally rotate the first vertically extending member relative to the second horizontally extending member.

In an example embodiment, the pantograph comprises a pair of upper spaced apart arms and a pair of lower spaced apart arms, the ends of the upper and p

Le009/04409 lower arms at a first end of the pantograph being pivotally mounted to a bracket fitted to the first vertically extending member of the frame member.

In an example embodiment, the ends of the upper and lower arms at a second end of the pantograph are pivotally mounted to a bracket to which the end of the boom is fitted.

In an example embodiment, the first actuating means extends between a bracket fitted to an upper end of the first vertically extending member and the pair of lower spaced apart arms of the pantograph, with the connection between the first actuating means and the pair of lower spaced apart arms of the pantograph defining a gimbals pivot.

In an example embodiment, the first actuating means comprises a lift plunger and reversing mechanism, with a mechanical ratchet latch being provided to facilitate the vertical movement of the pair of lower spaced apart arms of the pantograph relative to the frame member.

In an example embodiment, an operator station is pivotally fitted to a lower end of the first vertically extending member of the frame member, with the opposite end of the operator station being fitted with a strut that is arranged to run along the overhead monorail assembly via a carriage arrangement.

In an example embodiment, a lever for operating the first actuating means is in arms length from an operator seated in the operator station.

In an example embodiment, the boom comprises a first boom portion that is in line and stationary relative to the first pivot arrangement and a second boom portion that is pivotally mounted to the first boom portion for carrying the underground drill.

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In an example embodiment, a third actuating means is provided to horizontally rotate the second boom portion relative to the first boom portion.

In an example embodiment, a fourth actuating means is provided to vertically rotate the second boom portion relative to the first boom portion.

In an example embodiment, the first, second, third and fourth actuating means comprise hydraulic actuators.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows a side view of a raise rig according to an example embodiment of the present invention, with a first actuating means being shown vertically lifting an unequal pantograph to which a drill-carrying boom is connected,

Figure 2 shows top and end views of the raise rig shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows a top view of the rig shown in Figure 1, with a second actuating means being shown horizontally shifting the pantograph and boom;

Figure 4 shows a top view of the rig shown in Figure 1, with a third actuating means being shown horizontally rotating an end portion of the boom;

Figure 5 shows a top view of the rig shown in Figure 1, with a fourth actuating means being shown vertically rotating an end portion of the boom so as to define a roof bolting mode; and

Figure 6 shows a top view of the rig shown in Figure 1 in a travelling way configuration

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring first to Figures 1 and 2, an underground raise rig 10 comprises an L- shaped frame member 12 that is movably mountable to an overhead monorail assembly 14. The overhead monorail assembly 14 comprises a rail 16 formed by lengths of pipe 18 joined end to end, with a rack 20 being fitted to an operatively lower section of each length of pipe 18.

The raise rig 10 further comprises a boom 22 for carrying an underground drill and drill steel 24, a first pivot arrangement 26 for connecting the boom 22 to the frame member 12, and first actuating means 28 for vertically moving the first pivot arrangement 26, and thus the boom 22, relative to the frame member 12. The first actuating means 28 is best shown in Figure 5.

In an example embodiment, the first pivot arrangement 26 comprises an unequal pantograph 26 so that when the first actuating means 28 moves the first pivot arrangement 26, the tip of the drill 24 defines a fanning motion as clearly shown in Figure 1. This fanning motion ensures that the holes that are drilled into the rock face wall 30 accordingly also have a fanned configuration, which is desirable. The drill 24 typically comprises an extendible collar guide 32. in an example embodiment, the frame member 12 comprises a first vertically extending member 34 to which the first pivot arrangement 26 is mounted and a second horizontally extending member 36 that can move in line with the overhead monorail assembly 14. The first vertically extending member 34 is rotationally mounted to the second horizontally extending member 36, which will be explained in more detail further on in the specification. The second horizontally extending member 36 is connected to a pair of spaced apart carriage members 38, 40, the carriage members 38, 40 being arranged to run along the overhead monorail assembly 14.

The carriage member 38 houses drive means (not shown) for moving the carriage member 38 and thus the entire raise rig 10 along the overhead monorail assembly 14. The drive means comprises a turbine for balancing thrust against gravity, a toothbelt, a speed limiter, which may make use of a centrifugal brake, a gearbox, a chain reduction and a pinion that can engage the rack 20 of the overhead monorail assembly 14. The drive means may also include an overspeed sensor, which, if triggered, can engage the brake.

The carriage member 38 may be fitted with a SAHR (spring applied, hydraulically released) rear latch 41A and a SAHR front latch 41B. in an example embodiment, as best shown in Figure 3, a second actuating means 42, which may take the form of a linear actuator, is provided to horizontally rotate the first vertically extending member 34 relative to the second horizontally extending member 36. Turning back to Figure 1, bearings 43 are provided on either end of the first vertically extending member 34 to facilitate rotation of the first vertically extending member 34 relative to the second horizontally extending member 36.

In an example embodiment, the pantograph 26 comprises a pair of upper spaced apart arms 44 and a pair of lower spaced apart arms 46, the ends of the upper and lower arms 44, 46 at a first end 48 of the pantograph 26 being pivotally mounted to a bracket 50 fitted to the first vertically extending member 34 of the frame member 12.

In an example embodiment, the ends of the upper and lower arms 44, 46 at a second end 52 of the pantograph 26 are pivotally mounted to a bracket 54 to which the end of the boom 22 is fitted.

In an example embodiment, the first actuating means 28 extends between a bracket 56 fitted to an upper end of the first vertically extending member 34 and the pair of lower spaced apart arms 46 of the pantograph 26. The connection between the first actuating means 28 and the pair of lower spaced apart arms 46 of the pantograph 26 define a gimbals pivot 58.

In an example embodiment, the first actuating means 28 comprises a lift plunger and reversing mechanism 60, with a mechanical ratchet latch 62 (best shown in Figure 5), in conjunction with tie rods 64, being provided to facilitate the vertical movement of the pair of lower spaced apart arms 46 of the pantograph 26 relative to the frame member 12.

In an example embodiment, a C-shaped operator station 66 is pivotally fitted to a lower end of the first vertically extending member 34 of the frame member 12, with the opposite end of the operator station 66 being fitted with a strut 68 that is pivotally fitted to a carriage arrangement 70 that is arranged to run along the overhead monorail assembly 14. The strut 68 is typically fitted to an end of a vent pipe 71. Advantageously, the operator station 66 defines pivot point 72 for allowing the operator station 66, and thus an operator 73 seated within the operator station 66, to remain substantially horizontal irrespective of the incline or decline in which the rig 10 is operating.

In an example embodiment, a ratchet release lever 74 for operating the first actuating means 28 is in arms length from the operator 73 seated in the operator station 66.

The boom 22 comprises a first boom portion 76 that is in line and stationary relative to the first pivot arrangement 26 and a second boom portion 78 that is pivotally mounted to the first boom portion 76 for carrying the underground drill

#2009/044q09

In an example embodiment, with reference now to Figure 4, a third actuating means 80, which may comprise a linear actuator motor and screw, is provided to horizontally rotate the second boom portion 78 relative to the first boom portion 76, around pivot point 82. As shown, the second boom portion 78 may be rotated through 70° on either side of a vertical plane. in an example embodiment, with reference now to Figure 5, a fourth actuating means 84 is provided to vertically rotate the second boom portion 78 relative to the first boom portion 76, around pivot point 86. Figure 5 in particular shows a roof bolting configuration in which the boom 22 and drill 24 extends vertically for allowing holes to be drilled into the hanging wall. The fourth actuating means 84 may comprise a hydraulic cylinder and associated brake. In an example embodiment, the height from the floor to the hanging wall is approximately 3 m, and the length of the boom 22 is approximately 2 9 m. in an example embodiment, the first, second, third and fourth actuating means comprise hydraulic actuators.

Finally, with reference to Figure 6, a top view of the rig shown in Figure 1 is shown in a travelling way configuration, in which the frame 12 is rotated relative to the overhead monorail assembly 14 and the second boom portion 78 1s horizontally rotated relative to the first boom portion 76. In addition, although not shown, the second boom portion 78 may also be vertically rotated relative to the first boom portion 76. This configuration is well suited when working on angles of not more than 34°.

Further notable features of the rig 10 include the following: 1. It can be seen from Figure 1 how most of the weight of the rig 10 is behind the dashed line 88. This ensures stability, especially when operating in the travelling way configuration shown in Figure 6.

2. The pantograph 26, and in particular, the tie rods 64, can compress sufficiently to dislodge the drill 24 if the drill 24 gets hooked during drilling. 3. As best shown in the side views of Figure 2, a bucket 90 and a carrier 92 are provided for carrying roof bolts and drill steels and pipes, respectively. 4. As also best shown in the side views of Figure 2, it can be seen how the operator 73 is offset relative to the overhead monorail assembly 14, and substantially in the centre of the rig 10, so as to provide the operator 73 with a clear view of the wall 30 on which he is working. 5. As best shown in Figures 4 and 6, side wall stabilizers 94, 96 may be provided to stabilize the rig 10 relative to adjacent side walls.

In an example embodiment, side wall stabilizer 94 comprises a manual, pin- operated stabilizer, and side wall stabilizer 96 comprises a hydraulic stabilizer. 6. An extension rail 98, which also serves as a blast protector, may be fitted to an end of the overhead monorail assembly 14

Claims

1. An underground raise rig comprising: a frame member that is movably mountable to an overhead monorail assembly; a boom for carrying an underground drill; a first pivot arrangement for connecting the boom to the frame member; and first actuating means for vertically moving the first pivot arrangement, and thus the boom, relative to the frame member.

2. The underground raise rig of claim 1, wherein the first pivot arrangement comprises an unequal pantograph so that when the first actuating means moves the first pivot arrangement, the tip of the drill defines a fanning motion.

3. The underground raise rig of claim 2, wherein the frame member comprises a first vertically extending member to which the first pivot arrangement is mounted and a second horizontally extending member that can move in line with the overhead monorail assembly, the first vertically extending member being rotationally mounted to the second horizontally extending member.

4, The underground raise rig of claim 3, wherein a second actuating means is provided to horizontally rotate the first vertically extending member relative to the second horizontally extending member.

5. The underground raise rig of either claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the pantograph comprises a pair of upper spaced apart arms and a pair of lower spaced apart arms, the ends of the upper and lower arms at a first end of the pantograph being pivotally mounted to a bracket fitted to the first vertically extending member of the frame member.

6. The underground raise rig of claim 5, wherein the ends of the upper and lower arms at a second end of the pantograph are pivotally mounted to a bracket to which the end of the boom is fitted

7. The underground raise rig of either claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the first actuating means extends between a bracket fitted to an upper end of the first vertically extending member and the pair of lower spaced apart arms of the pantograph, with the connection between the first actuating means and the pair of lower spaced apart arms of the pantograph defining a gimbals pivot.

8. The underground raise rig of any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the first actuating means comprises a lift plunger and reversing mechanism, with a mechanical ratchet latch being provided to facilitate the vertical movement of the pair of lower spaced apart arms of the pantograph relative to the frame member.

9. The underground raise rig of any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein an operator station is pivotally fitted to a lower end of the first vertically extending member of the frame member, with the opposite end of the operator station being fitted with a strut that is arranged to run along the overhead monorail assembly via a carriage arrangement.

10. The underground raise rig of claim 9, wherein a lever for operating the first actuating means is in arms length from an operator seated in the operator station.

1. The underground raise rig of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the boom comprises a first boom portion that is in line and stationary relative to the first pivot arrangement and a second boom portion that is pivotally mounted to the first boom portion for carrying the underground drill.

12. The underground raise rig of claim 11, wherein a third actuating means is provided to horizontally rotate the second boom portion relative to the first boom portion.

13. The underground raise rig of claim 12, wherein a fourth actuating means is provided to vertically rotate the second boom portion relative to the first boom portion.

14. The underground raise rig of claim 13, wherein the first, second, third and fourth actuating means comprise hydraulic actuators

15. An underground raise rig substantially as herein described and illustrated. DATED THIS 24™ DAY OF JUNE 2009 FE ‘ BOWMAN GILFILLAN INC. (JOHN & KERNICK) FOR THE APPLICANT