Handling vehicle for transporting, handling, loading and collecting drill rods and/or pipes and/or tools

Abstract

A handling vehicle for transporting and handling, in general, drilling rods/pipes and/or tools and/or reinforcement pipes, particularly suited to serve one or more drilling machines, includes at least one storage compartment for one or more of the drilling rods/pipes/tools, and at least one arm for coupling the at least one storage compartment to the vehicle, wherein the coupling arm allows the selective coupling and uncoupling of the storage compartment.

Claims

1. A handling vehicle (1) for transporting and handling drilling rods, pipes, tools, or reinforcement pipes, the handling vehicle being adapted to serve one or more drilling machines (M), comprising: at least one self-propelled frame (11), with tracks (12), wheels or maneuvering members; at least one articulated arm (6) directly or indirectly mounted on said frame (11); at least one handling device (7) mounted on said articulated arm (6) and comprising at least one holding member (71, 72, 73) for at least one drilling rod, pipe, tool, or reinforcement pipe; at least one storage compartment (2, 3, 4, 5) for one or more of said drilling rods, pipes, tools, or reinforcement pipes; and at least one coupling arm (8) for coupling said at least one storage compartment (2, 3, 4, 5) with said handling vehicle (1), wherein said coupling arm (8) allows at least a selective coupling and uncoupling of said storage compartment (2, 3, 4, 5) to transport and handle said storage compartment.

2. The handling vehicle (1) according to claim 1, wherein said coupling arm (8) is directly or indirectly hinged at one end (81) to said frame (11) and is configured to vary inclination with respect to said frame (11) at least on a vertical plane, moving downwards or upwards in order to lift or lower said storage compartment (2, 3, 4, 5) for transporting the storage compartment and positioning the storage compartment on the ground, and of handling said storage compartment (2, 3, 4, 5) in order to vary an orientation thereof in space.

3. The handling vehicle (1) according to claim 1, wherein said handling device (7) comprises at least one rocker arm (74) to which said at least one holding member (71, 72, 73) is fixed and a constraining member (75, 76, 77, 78) constraining said rocker arm (74) to said arm (6), wherein said constraining member (75, 76, 77, 78) comprises at least one first articulated joint (77) or a hinge having a first rotation axis (Z1) that lies on a plane of said articulated arm (6) and configured to enable rotation of said rocker arm (74) of an angle (a) included between +90° and −90°, clockwise or counterclockwise with respect to said articulated arm (6).

4. The handling vehicle (1) according to claim 3, wherein said constraining member (75, 76, 77, 78) of said handling device (7) comprises at least one articulated joint (76) or a hinge having a rotation axis (X1) that lies on the plane of said articulated arm (6) and allowing the rotation of said rocker arm (74) of an angle included between +180° and −180° on a plane that is orthogonal to said articulated arm (6).

5. The handling vehicle (1) according to claim 3, wherein said constraining member (75, 76, 77, 78) of said handling device (7) comprise at least one articulated joint or a hinge (75) having a rotation axis (Y1) that is orthogonal to the plane on which said articulated arm (6) lies, configured to oscillate the rocker arm (74) with respect to the articulated arm (6).

6. The handling vehicle (1) according to claim 3, wherein said constraining member (75, 76, 77, 78) of said handling device (7) comprises at least one articulated joint (78) connecting said handling device (7) to said articulated arm (6) and configured to allow the rotation of said handling device (7) on the plane on which the arm (6) lies, through a series of lever mechanisms (65, 66) present on the articulated arm (6).

7. The handling vehicle (1) according claim 1, wherein said handling device (7) comprises at least two holding members configured as clamps (71, 72) grasping a same single rod, pipe, or tool (A, B), or wherein one of said clamps (72) grasps a jacket pipe (B) and another one of said clamps (71) grasps a rod (A) inserted in said corresponding jacket pipe (B).

8. The handling vehicle (1) according to claim 1, wherein said handling device (7) is modular and comprises a number of said holding members configured as clamps (71, 72, 73) depending on size, weight, or type of a rod, pipe, tool, or reinforcement pipe to be moved.

9. The handling vehicle (1) according to claim 1, wherein said articulated arm (6) comprises: a first portion (61) directly or indirectly constrained to said frame (11) and adapted to perform a rotary motion on a vertical plane with respect to said frame (11), in order to vary an inclination of said articulated arm with respect to the ground (S), and to perform a rotary motion around a vertical axis (Z), in order to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise on a horizontal plane; and a second portion (62) constrained to said first portion (61) through at least one hinge (63) whose axis (Y) is horizontal and orthogonal to said first portion (61), such that said second portion (62) is enabled to rotate with respect to said first portion (61) on the vertical plane.

10. The handling vehicle (1) according to claim 1, wherein said storage compartment includes rods or pipes (A, B) that are positioned vertically, wherein said rods or pipes (A, B) are positioned inside a container (91) to be orthogonal to a bottom (93) of the container, or that are positioned horizontally, wherein said rods or pipes (A, B) are positioned inside said container (91) to be parallel to a bottom (93) of the container.

11. The handling vehicle (1) according to claim 10, wherein said storage compartment (2) has a variable inclination and comprises members (21) inclining said container (91) with respect to said coupling arm (8) and consequently with respect to said vehicle (1) to which said storage compartment is coupled, and wherein steps of collecting or re-positioning one of the rods or pipes (A, B) are carried out with said storage compartment (2) still coupled to the vehicle (1), and wherein the inclination of said container (91) is varied to allow a withdrawal or repositioning of said rods or pipes (A, B) through said handling device (7).

12. The handling vehicle (1) according to claim 10, wherein said storage compartment (3) is has a fixed inclination, wherein said container (91) maintains its position with respect to said coupling arm (8), and wherein steps of collecting or repositioning one of said rods or pipes (A, B) are carried out with said storage compartment (3) released and positioned on the ground.

13. The handling vehicle (1) according to claim 10, wherein said storage compartment (4, 5) receives the rods or pipes positioned horizontally therein and maintains its position with respect to said coupling arm (8), wherein said storage compartment is adapted to be positioned in a varying manner in space by handling said storage compartment with said coupling arm (8), and wherein steps of collecting or repositioning one of said rods or pipes (A, B) are carried out with said storage compartment (3) either coupled to the handling vehicle (1) or not.

14. The handling vehicle (1) according to claim 10, wherein said storage compartment (4, 5) comprises one or more partitions (51) dividing an inside of said container (91) into several subcompartments (52, 53).

15. The handling vehicle (1) according to claim 1, wherein said handling device is configured as an excavator, comprising a maneuvering cab (13) constrained to said frame (11), said at least one articulated arm (6) being directly or indirectly constrained to said cab (13), and wherein said cab (13) rotates integrally with said articulated arm (6) with respect to an undercarriage around an axis (Zo) orthogonal to the ground (S).

Description

[0037] The characteristics of the new handling vehicle are highlighted in greater detail in the following description with reference to the attached drawings, which are enclosed by way of non-limiting example.

[0038] FIG. 1 shows a side view of the new handling vehicle (1), a storage compartment (2) of the type where the rods are positioned vertically and with variable inclination, a storage compartment (3) of the type where the rods are positioned vertically and with fixed inclination, a storage compartment (4) of the type where the rods are positioned horizontally and a storage compartment (5) of the type where the rods are positioned horizontally provided with means (51) for separating the subcompartments (52, 53).

[0039] FIG. 2 shows a side view of the new handling vehicle (1), with a storage compartment (2) of the type where the rods are positioned vertically and with variable inclination, coupled to the vehicle (2) at the back of the latter, while FIG. 2a shows said storage compartment (2) in an inclined position, during the step of collection/repositioning of the rods (A) or pipes (B) through said articulated arm (6) and said handling device (7).

[0040] FIG. 3 shows a side view of the new handling vehicle (1), with a storage compartment (3) of the type where the rods are positioned vertically and with fixed inclination, positioned on the ground for the operations of collection/repositioning of the rods (A) or pipes (B). FIG. 3a shows said new handling vehicle (1), with a storage compartment (3) of the type where the rods are positioned vertically and with fixed inclination, coupled and lifted during transport.

[0041] FIG. 4 shows a side view of the new handling vehicle (1), with a storage compartment (4) of the type where the rods are positioned horizontally coupled to it.

[0042] FIG. 5 shows a side view of the new handling vehicle (1), with a storage compartment (5) of the type where the rods are positioned horizontally, with subcompartments (52, 53), wherein said storage compartment (5) rests on the ground for the operations of collection/repositioning of the rods (A) or the pipes (B).

[0043] FIGS. 4 and 5 also show a schematic view of the possible movement of the handling device (7) with respect to the articulated arm (6).

[0044] FIG. 6 schematically shows the loading/collection procedure from a position at the side of the drilling machine (M), where it is possible to see the rotation of the handling device (7) of an angle (α) included between +90° and −90° on the horizontal plane.

[0045] FIG. 7 shows only the handling device (7) with an indication of the possible movements. FIG. 7a shows how the handling device (7) can also comprise three clamps (71, 72, 73), according to the size, weight and type of the rods and pipes (A, B).

[0046] The invention is a handling vehicle (1) for transporting and handling drilling rods (A) and/or pipes (B) and/or tools in general and/or additional reinforcement pipes, especially for loading/collecting said rods/pipes (A, B) on/from one or more drilling machines (M), wherein the latter do not belong to the present invention.

[0047] The new handling vehicle (1) comprises a self-propelled frame (11), for example provided with tracks (12) and/or wheels, and preferably a manoeuvring cab or station (13) for the operator.

[0048] According to the invention, said vehicle (1) is preferably of the type commonly used as a small excavator, also comprising at least one articulated arm (6), mounted for example on the front (14) of said cab (13) or said frame (11) in general, and wherein said frame (11) makes it possible to rotate said cab (13) and therefore also said articulated arm (6) around a vertical axis (Zo), meaning an axis that is orthogonal to the ground (S).

[0049] Said articulated arm (6) comprises, for example, a first portion (61) directly or indirectly constrained to said cab (13) and/or said frame (11) in general, and suited to perform a rotary movement on the vertical plane in order to vary its inclination with respect to the ground (S), and to perform a rotary movement around a vertical axis (Z), in order to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise on the horizontal plane.

[0050] Said articulated arm (6) preferably comprises also a second portion (62) constrained to said first portion (61) through at least one hinge (63) with horizontal axis (Y) and orthogonal to said first portion (61), in such a way that said second portion (62) can rotate with respect to said first portion (61) on the vertical plane.

[0051] The new vehicle (1) comprises at least one handling device (7) hinged to the free end (64) of said arm (6), wherein said handling device (7) in turn comprises at least one holding means or clamp (71, 72, 73) for at least one drilling rod (A) and/or pipe (B) or member in general, at least one rocker arm (74) to which said at least one clamp (71, 72, 73) is constrained, constraining means (75, 76, 77, 78) suited to constrain said rocker arm (74) to said arm (6) and in particular to said free end (64) of said articulated arm (6).

[0052] Said constraining means (75, 76, 77, 78) preferably comprise a first constraining means (78) positioned on said end (64) of the articulated arm (6), which makes it possible to rotate said handling device (7) on the plane where the arm (6) lies, through a series of lever mechanisms (65, 66) present on the articulated arm (6).

[0053] Said constraining means (75, 76, 77, 78) also comprise at least one first articulated joint (77) or hinge having a first rotation axis (Z1) lying on the plane of said articulated arm (6), suited to allow said rocker arm (74) to be rotated of an angle (α) included at least between +90° and −90°, clockwise or counterclockwise with respect to said arm (6), as schematically shown in FIG. 6.

[0054] In this way the vehicle (1) can be positioned at the side of the drilling machine (M) to be fed and can provide for loading/collecting the rods/pipes (A, B) and/or the reinforcement pipes laterally by rotating the arm (6) laterally and rotating the handling device (7) with respect to said articulated arm (6) towards the drilling machine (M).

[0055] Said constraining means (75, 76, 77, 78) also comprise at least one second articulated joint (76) or hinge having a second rotation axis (X1) lying on the plane of said articulated arm (6) and orthogonal to said first axis (Z1), suited to allow the rotation of said rocker arm (74) of an angle included at least between +180° and −180° on a plane orthogonal to said articulated arm (6) in order to provide for properly handling the rods/pipes (A, B) grasped by said clamps (71, 72, 73) of the handling device (7).

[0056] Said constraining means preferably comprise also at least one third articulated joint or hinge (75) having a third rotation axis (Y1) orthogonal to said first and second axis (Z1, X1), suited to oscillate the rocker arm (74) forward and backward with respect to the arm (6), for example of an angle included between at least +15° and −15°, useful during the lateral feeding of the drilling machine in order to compensate for any misalignments and inclination of the worktable, or even during the steps of collecting/repositioning the rods/pipes (A, B) with the container with variable inclination correspondingly inclined (FIG. 2a).

[0057] As schematically shown in FIGS. 7 and 7a, said handling device (7) preferably comprises at least two of said clamps (71, 72), for example to handle a rod (A) inserted in the corresponding jacket pipe (B).

[0058] In order to be able to adapt to the size/weight/type of object to be handled, said handling device (7) can be modular, meaning that it may comprise even three or more of said clamps (71, 72, 73).

[0059] The new handling vehicle (1) also comprises at least one storage compartment (2, 3, 4, 5) for one or more of said drilling rods (A) and/or pipes (B) and/or drilling tools in general and at least one arm for removably and selectively coupling said at least one storage compartment (2, 3, 4, 5), wherein said coupling arm (8) makes it possible to couple and uncouple said storage compartment (2, 3, 4, 5), to lift and lower it for the transport operations and for positioning it on the ground, and for handling it in general in order to vary its orientation in space.

[0060] Said coupling arm (8), for example, is directly or indirectly hinged with one end (81) to said frame (11) and/or to the undercarriage of the vehicle, for example preferably to the back (15) of said frame (11), and is suited to vary its inclination at least on the vertical plane, moving downwards and/or upwards.

[0061] Said coupling arm (8) comprises at its opposite free end (82) means (83) suited to be removably connected to said at least one storage compartment (2, 3, 4, 5).

[0062] Said storage compartment (2, 3, 4, 5) can be of the type where the rods/pipes (A, B) are positioned vertically or of the type where they are positioned horizontally, and can have fixed or variable inclination.

[0063] Said storage compartment (2, 3, 4, 5) comprises at least one container (91) suited to carry drilling rods or pipes (A, B) or tools in general, suited to contain a plurality of said rods (A) and/or of said pipes (B) and/or of rods (A) coupled with corresponding pipes (B) and/or of drilling screws or drilling tools in general. Said storage compartment (2, 3, 4, 5) also comprises at least one connection element (92) for connection to said coupling arm (8) mounted on said vehicle (1).

[0064] Said container (91) in turn comprises supporting means (93, 94) for said rods/pipes (A, B), like for example a bottom (93) and containment sides (94).

[0065] In the solution shown in FIGS. 2 and 2a, said storage compartment (2) is of the type where the rods/pipes (A, B) are positioned vertically, wherein said rods/pipes (A, B) are positioned inside said container (91) so that they are orthogonal to the bottom (93).

[0066] Said storage compartment (2) is of the type with variable inclination, meaning that it comprises also means (21) suited to incline said container (91) with respect to said connection element (92) and consequently with respect to said vehicle (1) to which it is coupled.

[0067] Said inclination means (21) comprise, for example, hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders or mechanical/electrical/electromechanical means in general.

[0068] Said coupling arm (8) of the vehicle (1) can thus be connected to said storage compartment (2) of the type with variable inclination and lift it for the transport operations, as shown in FIG. 2, wherein the steps of collecting or repositioning a rod/pipe (A, B) are performed with said storage compartment (2) still coupled to the vehicle (1), rotating the cab (13) and said articulated arm (6) by 180° towards the back (15) of the frame and manoeuvring said articulated arm (6) and said handling device (7) as shown in FIG. 2a.

[0069] During said collection or repositioning steps, the inclination of said container (91) is changed correspondingly in order to allow said rods/pipes (A, B) to be withdrawn/repositioned by means of said handling device (7).

[0070] In the solution shown in FIGS. 3 and 3a, said storage compartment (3) is of the type where the rods/pipes (A, B) are positioned vertically, wherein said rods/pipes (A, B) are positioned inside said container (91) so that they are orthogonal to the bottom (93).

[0071] Said storage compartment (3) is of the type with fixed inclination, meaning that said container (91) maintains its position with respect to said connection element (92).

[0072] Said coupling arm (8) of the vehicle (1) can thus take hold of said storage compartment (3) of the type with fixed inclination and lift it for the transport operations, as shown in FIG. 3a, wherein the steps of collection or repositioning of a rod/pipe (A, B) are performed with said storage compartment (3) released and positioned on the ground, as shown in FIG. 3. Once said storage compartment (3) has been positioned on the ground, the handling device (7) and the articulated arm (6) of the vehicle (1) are manoeuvred to collect and/or reposition and/or handle said rods and pipes (A, B) in general.

[0073] In the solution shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, said storage compartment (4, 5) is of the type where the rods/pipes (A, B) are positioned horizontally, wherein said rods/pipes (A, B) are positioned inside said container (91) in such a way that they are parallel to the bottom (93).

[0074] Said storage compartment (4, 5) is of the type with fixed inclination, meaning that said container (91) maintains its position with respect to said connection element (92), while it can be variously positioned in space by handling it through said coupling arm (8).

[0075] Said coupling arm (8) of the vehicle (1) can thus take hold of said storage compartment (4, 5) of the type with fixed inclination, lift it for the transport operations, as shown in FIG. 4, and lift/lower it and thus variously incline it in space in order to perform the steps of collection or repositioning of a rod/pipe (A, B) that are carried out with said storage compartment (4) preferably coupled to the vehicle (1), as shown in FIG. 5.

[0076] Said storage compartment (4, 5) where the rods/pipes (A, B) are positioned horizontally may comprise one or more partitions (51) suited to divide the inside of said container (91) into several subcompartments (52, 53), for example in order to alternatively contain the rods (A) and/or the pipes (B).

[0077] In the case where the handling device is used to handle reinforcement pipes, these are generally stacked on the ground in horizontal position.

[0078] Therefore, with reference to the above description and the attached drawings, the following claims are expressed.