A ROCK CRUSHING UNIT FOR WIDENING A PILOT HOLE MADE ON ROCKY TERRAIN

Abstract

Using a rock crushing system for widening a pilot hole on rocky terrain includes taking a plurality of crushing elements, for example roller bits and/or cutter discs, pressing the crushing elements against the lateral wall of the pilot hole and at the same time rolling the crushing elements along a cylindrical portion of the lateral wall, widening the pilot hole. The crushing elements, free to rotate with respect to an axis thereof, are radially pushed by hydraulic cylinders. Stabilising means exemplarily include a basket abutting the lateral wall to keep a main body bearing the hydraulic cylinders centered with respect to an axis of the pilot hole during the rock crushing.

Claims

1. A rock crushing unit for widening a pilot hole realised on rocky terrain, comprising: a main body dimensioned so as to insert in a pilot hole realised on rocky terrain and activatable in rotation with respect to the axis thereof; first actuator means which are borne by the main body and which comprise a plurality of hydraulic cylinders; a first plurality of arms which are borne by the main body and which are activatable by the hydraulic cylinders of the plurality of hydraulic cylinders in order each to move between a retracted position and an extended position with a planar movement that is perpendicular to the axis of the main body; a first plurality of crushing elements for crushing rock, each of which is borne by an arm of the first plurality of arms, is rotatable with respect to the cited arm of the first plurality of arms and is arranged in order to be able to press against, and roll along, the lateral wall of the pilot hole during use of the rock crushing unit, when the main body is inserted in the pilot hole and is drawn in rotation with respect to the axis thereof and when the hydraulic cylinders of the plurality of hydraulic cylinders activate the first plurality of arms so that they move towards the extended position; the rock crushing unit being configured so that when in use, the action exerted by the crushing elements of the first plurality of crushing elements on the lateral wall of the pilot hole determines the crushing of the lateral wall of the pilot hole and thus the widening of the pilot hole; and the arms of the first plurality of arms being arranged in such a way that when the crushing unit is in use, the reaction forces which are generated on the arms of the first plurality of arms, and which are due to the pressure exerted by the crushing elements of the first plurality of crushing elements on the lateral wall of the pilot hole, compensate one another.

2. A rock crushing unit for widening a pilot hole realised on rocky terrain, comprising: a main body dimensioned so as to insert in a pilot hole realised on rocky terrain and activatable in rotation with respect to the axis thereof; first actuator means which are borne by the main body and which comprise a hydraulic cylinder; an arm which is borne by the main body and which is activatable by the hydraulic cylinder in order to move between a retracted position and an extended position with a planar movement that is perpendicular to the axis of the main body; a first plurality of crushing elements for crushing rock, each of which is borne by the arm, is rotatable with respect to the cited arm and is arranged in order to be able to press against, and roll along, the lateral wall of the pilot hole during use of the rock crushing unit, i.e. when the main body is inserted in the pilot hole and is drawn in rotation with respect to the axis thereof and when the hydraulic cylinder activates the arm so that it moves towards the extended position; stabilising means borne by the main body and which are configured to be able to abut the lateral wall of the pilot hole with the aim of keeping the main body centred with respect to the axis of the pilot hole during use of the rock crushing unit; and the rock crushing unit being configured so that when in use, the action exerted by the crushing elements of the first plurality of crushing elements on the lateral wall of the pilot hole determines the crushing of the lateral wall of the pilot hole and thus the widening of the pilot hole.

3. The rock crushing unit of claim 2, wherein: the first actuator means comprise a plurality of hydraulic cylinders; the rock crushing unit comprises a first plurality of arms which are borne by the main body and which are activatable by the hydraulic cylinders of the plurality of hydraulic cylinders in order each to move between a retracted position and an extended position with a planar movement which is perpendicular to the axis of the main body; each crushing element of the first plurality of crushing elements is rotatable and borne by an arm of the first plurality of arms and is arranged in order to be able to press against, and roll along, the lateral wall of the pilot hole during use of the rock crushing unit, when the main body is inserted in the pilot hole and is drawn in rotation with respect to the axis thereof and when the hydraulic cylinders of the plurality of hydraulic cylinders activate the first plurality of arms so that they move towards the extended position.

4. The rock crushing unit of claim 3, wherein: each arm of the first plurality of arms comprises a rod of a hydraulic cylinder of the plurality of hydraulic cylinders; the hydraulic cylinders of the plurality of hydraulic cylinders are angularly equidistanced from one another so that the reaction forces mutually compensate; and each crushing element of the first plurality of crushing elements is arranged at the free end of a rod of a hydraulic cylinder of the plurality of hydraulic cylinders.

5. The rock crushing unit of claim 3, wherein: the first plurality of arms comprises a first arm and a second arm; the first arm is rotatably coupled to the main body at a first hinge axis; the second arm is rotatably coupled to the main body at a second hinge axis; the first actuator means comprise a first hydraulic cylinder and a second hydraulic cylinder; the first hydraulic cylinder comprises a jacket which is rotatably coupled to the main body at the first hinge axis, and a rod which is rotatably coupled to the second arm so that the first hydraulic cylinder can move the second arm between the retracted position and the extended position; and the second hydraulic cylinder comprises a jacket which is rotatably coupled to the main body at the second hinge axis, and a rod which is rotatably coupled to the first arm so that the second hydraulic cylinder can move the first arm between the retracted position and the extended position.

6. The rock crushing unit or claim 3, wherein: the first actuator means comprise an actuator, a first cogwheel which is drawn in rotation by the actuator and which is rotatably coupled with the main body, a second cogwheel which enmeshes with the first cogwheel and which is rotatably coupled with the main body, and a third cogwheel which enmeshes with the first cogwheel and which is rotatably coupled with the main body; the first plurality of arms comprises a first arm and a second arm; the first arm is solidly constrained to the second cogwheel; the second arm is solidly constrained to the third cogwheel; and the rock crushing unit is configured so that the activation of the actuator can determine the contemporary movement of the first arm and the second arm between the retracted position and the extended position.

7. The rock crushing unit of claim 3 wherein at least a part of the crushing elements borne by an arm of the first plurality of arms are arranged at different heights with respect to at least a part of the crushing elements borne by another arm of the first plurality of arms so that, overall, the crushing elements of the first plurality of crushing elements are able to remove a single cylindrical volume of material from the lateral wall of the pilot hole when the main body is inserted in the pilot hole and is stationary at a depth.

8. The rock crushing unit of claim 1 comprising stabilising means borne by the main body, and which are configured to be able to abut the lateral wall of the pilot hole with the aim of keeping the main body centred with respect to the axis of the pilot hole during use of the rock crushing unit.

9. The rock crushing unit of claim 2, wherein the stabilising means are rotatable and borne by the main body.

10. The rock crushing unit of claim 2, wherein the stabilising means comprise a plurality of abutments for abutting the lateral wall of the pilot hole, the distance of the abutments from the axis of the main body being adjustable so as to adapt the stabilising means to different diameters of the pilot hole.

11. The rock crushing unit of claim 2, wherein the stabilising means comprise a cylindrical body which is dimensioned so as to insert in the pilot hole and to abut the lateral wall of the pilot hole.

12. The rock crushing unit of claim 11, wherein the cylindrical body is a basket for collection of rocky material which is arranged inferiorly of the first plurality of crushing elements and which comprises at least an opening so as to internally receive the material which is progressively removed from the lateral wall of the pilot hole.

13. The rock crushing unit of claim 3 comprising deflecting means, which are borne by the first plurality of arms, which are lower than the first plurality of arms and which are designed to deflect the rocky material which is progressively removed by the crushing elements of the first plurality of crushing elements towards the axis of the pilot hole when the rock crushing unit is in use.

14. The rock crushing unit of claim 3, comprising a third plurality of arms, which are rotatable and borne by the main body, which are arranged superiorly of the main body and which project from the main body so as to inferiorly abut the rocky material to be removed.

15. A rock crushing method for widening a pilot hole realised on rocky terrain, comprising following steps: bringing a first plurality of crushing elements for crushing rock internally of a pilot hole realised on rocky terrain; and pressing the crushing elements of the first plurality of crushing elements against the lateral wall of the pilot hole and at the same time cause the crushing elements of the first plurality of crushing elements to roll along a cylindrical portion of the lateral wall of the pilot hole, so that the action exerted by the crushing elements of the first plurality of crushing elements on the lateral wall of the pilot hole determines the crushing of the lateral wall of the pilot hole and thus the widening of the pilot hole.

16. The rock crushing unit of claim 1, wherein: each arm of the first plurality of arms comprises a rod of a hydraulic cylinder of the plurality of hydraulic cylinders; the hydraulic cylinders of the plurality of hydraulic cylinders are angularly equidistanced from one another so that the reaction forces mutually compensate; and each crushing element of the first plurality of crushing elements is arranged at the free end of a rod of a hydraulic cylinder of the plurality of hydraulic cylinders.

17. The rock crushing unit of claim 1, wherein: the first plurality of arms comprises a first arm and a second arm; the first arm is rotatably coupled to the main body at a first hinge axis; the second arm is rotatably coupled to the main body at a second hinge axis; the first actuator means comprise a first hydraulic cylinder and a second hydraulic cylinder; the first hydraulic cylinder comprises a jacket which is rotatably coupled to the main body at the first hinge axis, and a rod which is rotatably coupled to the second arm so that the first hydraulic cylinder can move the second arm between the retracted position and the extended position; and the second hydraulic cylinder comprises a jacket which is rotatably coupled to the main body at the second hinge axis, and a rod which is rotatably coupled to the first arm so that the second hydraulic cylinder can move the first arm between the retracted position (R) and the extended position.

18. The rock crushing unit of claim 1, wherein: the first actuator means comprise an actuator, a first cogwheel which is drawn in rotation by the actuator and which is rotatably coupled with the main body, a second cogwheel which enmeshes with the first cogwheel and which is rotatably coupled with the main body, and a third cogwheel which enmeshes with the first cogwheel and which is rotatably coupled with the main body; the first plurality of arms comprises a first arm and a second arm; the first arm is solidly constrained to the second cogwheel; the second arm is solidly constrained to the third cogwheel; and the rock crushing unit is configured so that the activation of the actuator can determine the contemporary movement of the first arm and the second arm between the retracted position and the extended position.

19. The rock crushing unit of claim 1, wherein at least a part of the crushing elements borne by an arm of the first plurality of arms are arranged at different heights with respect to at least a part of the crushing elements borne by another arm of the first plurality of arms so that, overall, the crushing elements of the first plurality of crushing elements are able to remove a single cylindrical volume of material from the lateral wall of the pilot hole when the main body is inserted in the pilot hole and is stationary at a depth.

20. The rock crushing unit of claim 1, comprising deflecting means, which are borne by the first plurality of arms, which are lower than the first plurality of arms and which are designed to deflect the rocky material which is progressively removed by the crushing elements of the first plurality of crushing elements towards the axis of the pilot hole when the rock crushing unit is in use.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Specific embodiments of the invention will be described in the following part of the present description, according to what is set down in the claims and with the aid of the appended tables of drawings, in which:

[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rock crushing machine of known type, comprising a rock crushing unit and a plurality of compressors; and a portion of rocky terrain in section, in which the rock crushing machine is creating a hole;

[0022] FIG. 1A is a larger-scale view of K1 in FIG. 1;

[0023] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a rock crushing machine of known type which comprises a rock crushing unit in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention; and of a portion of rocky terrain in section, in which a pilot hole to be widened is made;

[0024] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the rock crushing unit of FIG. 2 in a first operating configuration;

[0025] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a part of the rock crushing machine of FIG. 2 during a first step of widening the pilot hole up to a first diameter; and of the portion of rocky terrain in section view of FIG. 2;

[0026] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the rock crushing unit of FIG. 2 in a second operating configuration;

[0027] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a part of the rock crushing machine of FIG. 2 during a second step of widening the pilot hole up to the first diameter; and of the portion of rocky terrain in section view of FIG. 2;

[0028] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the rock crushing unit of FIG. 2 in a third operating configuration;

[0029] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a part of the rock crushing machine of FIG. 2 during a third step of widening the pilot hole up to the first diameter; and of the portion of rocky terrain in section view of FIG. 2;

[0030] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the larger-scale detail K2 of FIG. 4A, partly-sectioned;

[0031] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a part of the rock crushing machine of FIG. 2 during a fourth step of widening the pilot hole up to a second diameter larger than the first diameter, in which the rock crushing unit uses a basket of greater dimensions; and of the portion of rocky terrain in section view of FIG. 2;

[0032] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a part of the rock crushing machine illustrated in FIG. 6 during a fifth step of widening the pilot hole up to the second diameter; and of the portion of rocky terrain in section view of FIG. 2;

[0033] FIGS. 8A, 8B are respectively a perspective view and a lateral view of the rock crushing unit of FIG. 2 in which the basket has been replaced by a plurality of abutment plates that are in a first operating configuration to abut the lateral wall of the pilot hole;

[0034] FIGS. 9A, 9B are respectively a perspective view and a lateral view of the rock crushing unit of FIGS. 8A, 8B in which the plurality of abutment plates are in a second operating configuration to abut the lateral wall of the pilot hole after the pilot hole has been widened to reach the first diameter;

[0035] FIGS. 10A-10C are three perspective views showing a first variant of the detail illustrated in FIG. 4B, in three operating configurations;

[0036] FIGS. 10D-10F are transversal section views respectively of the detail illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10C.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0037] In the following, reference will be made to figures from 2 onwards.

[0038] A rock crushing unit (1) for widening a pilot hole (3) realised on rocky terrain (4) is described according to a first invention and a second invention.

[0039] The rock crushing unit (1) according to the first invention comprises: a main body (2) (see FIGS. 4B, 10A-10F, 11A-11F) dimensioned so as to insert in a pilot hole (3) (FIGS. 2, 3) realised on rocky terrain (4) and activatable in rotation with respect to the axis thereof; first actuator means (5) which are borne by the main body (2) and which comprise a plurality of hydraulic cylinders (55, 63, 64); a first plurality of arms (51) which are borne by the main body (2) and which are activatable by the hydraulic cylinders of the plurality of hydraulic cylinders (55, 63, 64) in order each to move between a retracted position (R) (FIGS. 2, 2A, 8A, 8B, 10A, 10D, 11A, 11D) and an extended position (E) (FIGS. 4, 4A, 4B, 9A, 9B, 10C, 10F, 11C, 11F) with a planar movement that is perpendicular to the axis of the main body (2) (compare FIGS. 2A, 3A, 4A, FIGS. 10A-10F and FIGS. 11A-11F); a first plurality of crushing elements (21) for crushing rock, each of which is borne by an arm of the first plurality of arms (51), is rotatable with respect to the cited arm of the first plurality of arms (51) and is arranged in order to be able to press against, and roll along, the lateral wall of the pilot hole (3) during use of the rock crushing unit (1), i.e. when the main body (2) is inserted in the pilot hole (3) and is drawn in rotation with respect to the axis thereof and when the hydraulic cylinders of the plurality of hydraulic cylinders (55, 63, 64) activate the first plurality of arms (51) so that they move towards the extended position (E); the rock crushing unit (1) being configured so that when in use, the action exerted by the crushing elements of the first plurality of crushing elements (21) on the lateral wall of the pilot hole (3) determines the crushing of the lateral wall of the pilot hole (3) and thus the widening of the pilot hole (3) (compare FIGS. 3 and 4, and FIGS. 6 and 7); the arms of the first plurality of arms (51) being arranged in such a way that when the crushing unit is in use, the reaction forces which are generated on the arms of the first plurality of arms (51), and which are due to the pressure exerted by the crushing elements of the first plurality of crushing elements (21) on the lateral wall of the pilot hole (3), compensate one another (for example, in the embodiment of FIGS. 2-9 the arms are angularly equidistanced with respect to one another).

[0040] In other words, when the arms of the first plurality of arms (51) are in the extended position (E), then they project more greatly from the main body (2) with respect to when they are in the retracted position (R).

[0041] The pilot hole (3) is a hole that has been made previously on rocky terrain (4) using known modalities, see FIG. 2. The pilot hole (3) can have a diameter starting from about 700 mm-1000 mm. This diameter has been chosen so as to reduce the number of compressors eventually necessary for realising the pilot hole and to enable the main body (2) to insert therein.

[0042] The rotation velocity of the main body (2) can be 20 revolutions per minute and the modalities for drawing the main body (2) in rotation are generally of known type.

[0043] When the arms of the first plurality of arms (51) are in a retracted position (R), the main body (2) can be inserted in the pilot hole (3).

[0044] The crushing elements of the first plurality of crushing elements (21) can comprise roller bits, FIGS. 2-9: as is known, a roller bit comprises a truncoconical portion provided with crushing buttons. Each roller bit is preferably arranged so that the relative axis is inclined with respect to the lateral wall of pilot hole (3); see for example FIGS. 4B, 9B.

[0045] These crushing elements of the first plurality of crushing elements (21) can comprise cutter discs (FIGS. 10-11): a cutter disc, as is known, comprises a disc (or plurality of discs one above another and solidly constrained to one another, for example in a single body) which is peripherally provided with cutting tips.

[0046] These crushing elements of the first plurality of crushing elements (21) can comprise crushing rollers, not illustrated: a crushing roller comprises a cylindrical portion provided with crushing buttons. Each crushing roller is preferably arranged so that the relative axis is parallel to the axis of the pilot hole (3).

[0047] The rock crushing unit (1) can also comprise a second plurality of crushing elements (22) for crushing rock, each of which is borne by an arm of the first plurality of arms (51) and is arranged in order to be able to press against the lateral wall of the pilot hole (3) during use of the rock crushing unit (1). These crushing elements of the second plurality of crushing elements (22) can comprise rock picks, see FIGS. 10-11.

[0048] Each crushing element (21) of the first plurality of crushing elements is preferably rotoidally coupled to a corresponding arm of the first plurality of arms (51), and is thus free to rotate with respect to an axis thereof.

[0049] In accordance with a first embodiment of the rock crushing unit (1), each arm of the first plurality of arms (51) comprises a rod (6) (FIG. 4B) of a hydraulic cylinder of the plurality of hydraulic cylinders (55); the hydraulic cylinders of the plurality of hydraulic cylinders (55) are angularly equidistanced from one another so that the reaction forces which are generated when the crushing unit is in use mutually compensate; each crushing element of the first plurality of crushing elements (21) is arranged at the free end of a rod (6) of a hydraulic cylinder of the plurality of hydraulic cylinders (55).

[0050] If the hydraulic cylinders are two in number, they can be arranged at 180° from one another; if the hydraulic cylinders are three in number, they can be arranged at 120° to one another; if the hydraulic cylinders are four in number, they can be arranged at 90° to one another; and so on.

[0051] In the case illustrated in the figures of the drawings, the rock crushing unit (1) comprises a first pair of hydraulic cylinders (31) which is arranged at a first height and a second pair of hydraulic cylinders (32) , which is arranged at a second height: the hydraulic cylinders of each pair of hydraulic cylinders are however arranged opposite one another, i.e. arranged at an angle of 180°.

[0052] When the crushing elements of the first plurality of crushing elements (21) (or the crushing element, if only one is provided) borne by a rod (6) of a hydraulic cylinder of the plurality of hydraulic cylinders (55) press against the lateral wall of the pilot hole (3) then a corresponding reaction force is generated, in an opposite direction: the fact that the cylinders of the plurality of hydraulic cylinders (55) are angularly equidistanced from one another is advantageous, as the reaction forces generated by the rods (6) of each cylinder of the plurality of hydraulic cylinders (55) thus tend to reciprocally compensate.

[0053] The hydraulic cylinders of the plurality of hydraulic cylinders (55) are preferably double-acting, so that the return of the rods (6) of the hydraulic cylinders is easy once the pilot hole (3) has been widened.

[0054] Once the rock crushing unit (1) has widened the pilot hole (3) where the crushing elements of the first plurality of crushing elements (21) have been active (see FIGS. 2, 3, 4), then the hydraulic cylinders of the plurality of hydraulic cylinders (55) can retract the rods (6) and the rock crushing unit (1) can be moved along the axis of the pilot hole (3) to widen the pilot hole (3) in another zone having a different depth in which the pilot hole (3) still has its original diameter. FIG. 5 shows the rock crushing unit (1) after it has widened the pilot hole (3) up to a first diameter and to a determined depth.

[0055] Each arm of the first plurality of arms (51) can comprise (FIG. 4B) a plate (7) which is fixed to the end of a corresponding rod (6), which is orientated perpendicularly to the axis of the rod (6) and to which one or more crushing elements of the first plurality of crushing elements (21) have been fixed (in FIGS. 2-9 these are three in number).

[0056] To further widen to the pilot hole (3) from the first diameter to a second diameter which is greater than the first diameter, FIGS. 6, 7, the rock crushing unit (1) can comprise a plurality of extensions (8) for arms. Each extension of the plurality of extensions (8) is fixable to a rod (6) of a hydraulic cylinders of the plurality of hydraulic cylinders (55) and can bear one or more crushing elements of the first plurality of crushing elements (21). For example, it is possible to decouple the plate (7) with the crushing elements of the first plurality of crushing elements (21) from the rod (6) (the plate (7) and crushing elements of the first plurality of crushing elements (21) are clearly visible in FIG. 4B), fix the plate (7) with the crushing elements of the first plurality of crushing elements (21) to the extension (8) and fix the extension (8) to the rod (6). In this way, for example, when the rods (6) of the hydraulic cylinders of the plurality of hydraulic cylinders (55) are retracted, the crushing elements of the first plurality of crushing elements (21) can operate against the lateral wall of the pilot hole (3) having the first diameter (FIG. 6); once the pilot hole (3) has been widened to reach the second diameter, the rods (6) of the hydraulic cylinders of the plurality of hydraulic cylinders (55) can be extended (FIG. 7).

[0057] At least a part of the crushing elements (see FIG. 9) of the crushing elements of the first plurality of crushing elements (21) borne by an arm of the first plurality of arms (51) is preferably arranged at different heights with respect to at least a part of the crushing elements of the first plurality of crushing elements (21) borne by another arm of the first plurality of arms (51) so that, overall, the crushing elements of the first plurality of crushing elements (21) are able to remove a single cylindrical volume of material from the lateral wall of the pilot hole (3) when the main body (2) is inserted in the pilot hole (3) and is stationary at a depth. In other words, the crushing elements of the first plurality of crushing elements (21) borne by an arm of the first plurality of arms (51) can be staggered in height with respect to the crushing elements borne by another arm of the first plurality of arms (51), so that a crushing element of one arm can be interposed, in height, between two crushing elements of another arm.

[0058] For example, a rod (6) of a first hydraulic cylinder of the plurality of hydraulic cylinders (55) can bear a first crushing element (41), a second crushing element (42) and a third crushing element (43), while the rod (6) of a second hydraulic cylinder of the plurality of hydraulic cylinders (55) can bear a fourth crushing element (44), a fifth crushing element (45) and a sixth crushing element (46). All of these crushing elements are arranged at staggered and consecutive heights to one another, in the sense that: the first crushing element (41) is higher than the fourth crushing element (44); the fourth crushing element (44) is higher than the second crushing element (42); the second crushing element (42) is higher than the fifth crushing element (45); the fifth crushing element (45) is higher than the third crushing element (43); the third crushing element (43) is higher than the sixth crushing element (46) (see FIGS. 4B, 9B). If the hydraulic cylinders of the plurality of hydraulic cylinders (55) are only two in number, then all the above-mentioned crushing elements concur to remove a single volume of rocky material. In this way, once the pilot hole (3) has been widened to the desired diameter, the rock crushing unit (1) can be lowered to a greater depth to newly widen the pilot hole (3).

[0059] The rock crushing unit (1) preferably comprises stabilising means (9) borne by the main body (2), and which are configured to be able to abut the lateral wall of the pilot hole (3) with the aim of keeping the main body (2) centred with respect to the axis of the pilot hole (3) during use of the rock crushing unit (1).

[0060] The stabilising means (9) have advantageously been designed to exploit the pilot hole (3) as a centring guide of the main body (2).

[0061] The stabilising means (9) preferably comprise a cylindrical body (10) which is dimensioned so as to insert in the pilot hole (3) and to abut the lateral wall of the pilot hole (3). Still more preferably, the cylindrical body (10) is a basket (10) for collection of rocky material which is arranged inferiorly of the first plurality of crushing elements (21) and which comprises at least an opening (12) so as to internally receive the rocky material which is progressively removed from the lateral wall of the pilot hole (3). Therefore the rock crushing unit (1) must be periodically withdrawn from the pilot hole (3) in order to unload the rocky material present in the basket (10). FIGS. 2-5 show a basket (10) having a diameter just smaller than the diameter of the pilot hole (3) to be widened. After the pilot hole (3) has been widened up to the first diameter, FIG. 6, the basket (10) can be replaced with one having a larger diameter and slightly smaller than the first diameter (see FIGS. 6 and 7).

[0062] Alternatively, the stabilising means (9) comprise, instead of the above-described basket (10), a plurality of abutments (13) for abutting the lateral wall of the pilot hole (3): the distance of the plurality of abutments (13) from the axis of the main body (2) is adjustable so as to adapt the stabilising means (9) to different diameters of the pilot hole (3). In this regard, see FIGS. 8A, 8B in which the abutments of the plurality of abutments (13) are distanced from one another by a little less than the original diameter of the pilot hole (3) to be widened, and FIGS. 9A, 9B, in which the abutments of the plurality of abutments (13) are distanced from one another by a little less than the first diameter of the pilot hole (3).

[0063] The stabilising means (9) preferably comprise a second plurality of arms (52) which are arranged radially, which are telescopic and which bear the abutments of the plurality of abutments (13). Each abutment of the plurality of abutments (13) is preferably arranged at the free end of an arm of the second plurality of arms (52). The abutments of the plurality of abutments (13) are preferably angularly equidistanced to one another. The abutments of the plurality of abutments (13) are preferably plates; these plates can be arched (FIGS. 8A, 9A) to adapt to the curvature of the lateral wall of the pilot hole (3).

[0064] The stabilising means (9) are preferably rotatable and borne by the main body (2). During the use of the rock crushing unit (1), the rocky material which is progressively crushed can be not uniform, with the consequence that the main body (2) tends to displace from the axis of the pilot hole (3) towards the area of rocky material which is more easily crushed: to keep the main body (2) centred, the stabilising means (9) abut the pilot hole (3), generating friction. In such a circumstance, the stabilising means (9) are solidly constrained to the main body (2), then the friction generated by contact of the stabilising means (9) with the lateral wall of the pilot hole (3) gives rise to a resistant torque that is opposite to the activating torque of the main body (2). To prevent this drawback, the stabilising means (9) can advantageously be rotatable and borne by the main body (2), i.e. can be idle.

[0065] The rock crushing unit (1) preferably comprises deflecting means (14) (FIGS. 3A, 4A), which are borne by the first plurality of arms (51), which are lower than the first plurality of arms (51) and which are designed to deflect the rocky material which is progressively removed by the crushing elements of the first plurality of crushing elements (21) towards the axis of the pilot hole (3) when the rock crushing unit (1) is in use. The rocky material, progressively crushed, is thus advantageously conveyed towards the underlying mouth of the pilot hole (3). If the rock crushing unit (1) comprises a basket (10) for collecting the rocky material that is borne by the main body (2) and which is arranged inferiorly of the main body (2), then the rocky material can be collected in the basket (10) and periodically be unloaded to the outside by raising the rock crushing unit (1). If there is no basket (10), the rocky material can be conveyed to inside the pilot hole (3) in order to then be collected using known methods, so as not to obstruct the functioning of the rock crushing unit (1).

[0066] The deflecting means (14) preferably comprise a plurality of blades (14). The blades of the plurality of blades (14) can be fixed to the lower walls of the arms of the first plurality of arms (51), for example by welding.

[0067] The rock crushing unit (1) preferably comprises a third plurality of arms (53) (FIGS. 2-9), which are rotatable and borne by the main body (2), which are arranged superiorly of the main body (2) and which project from the main body (2) so as to inferiorly abut the rocky material to be removed. The arms of the third plurality of arms (53) are preferably extensible, still more preferably telescopic. The arms of the third plurality of arms (53) can form a four-arm cross arranged at 90° to each other.

[0068] In a second embodiment of the rock crushing unit (1), illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10F: the first plurality of arms (51) comprises a first arm (61) and a second arm (62); the first arm (61) is rotatably coupled to the main body (2) at a first hinge axis (A1); the second arm (62) is rotatably coupled to the main body (2) at a second hinge axis (A2); the first actuator means (5) comprise a first hydraulic cylinder (63) and a second hydraulic cylinder (64); the first hydraulic cylinder (63) comprises a jacket which is rotatably coupled to the main body (2) at the first hinge axis (A1), and a rod (6) which is rotatably coupled to the second arm (62) so that the first hydraulic cylinder (63) can move the second arm (62) between the retracted position (R) (FIGS. 10A, 10D) and the extended position (E) (FIGS. 10C, 10F); the second hydraulic cylinder (64) comprises a jacket which is rotatably coupled to the main body (2) at the second hinge axis (A2), and a rod (6) which is rotatably coupled to the first arm (61) so that the second hydraulic cylinder (64) can move the first arm (61) between the retracted position (R) (FIGS. 10A, 10D) and the extended position (E) (FIGS. 10C, 10F). In the example illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10F the crushing elements of the first plurality of crushing elements (21) comprise cutter discs; further, the rock crushing unit (1) comprises crushing elements of the second plurality of crushing elements (22) which comprise rock picks. The rod (6) of the first hydraulic cylinder (63) can be rotatably coupled to the second arm (62) at an intermediate portion of the second arm (62), while the rod (6) of the second hydraulic cylinder (64) can be rotatably coupled to the first arm (61) at an intermediate portion of the first arm (61).

[0069] The rock crushing unit (1) according to the second invention comprises: a main body (2) dimensioned so as to insert in a pilot hole (3) realised on rocky terrain (4) and activatable in rotation with respect to the axis thereof; first actuator means (5) which are borne by the main body (2) and which comprise a hydraulic cylinder (55, 63, 64); an arm (51) which is borne by the main body (2) and which is activatable by the hydraulic cylinder (55, 63, 64) in order to move between a retracted position (R) and an extended position (E) with a planar movement that is perpendicular to the axis of the main body (2); a first plurality of crushing elements (21) for crushing rock, each of which is borne by the arm, is rotatable with respect to the cited arm and is arranged in order to be able to press against, and roll along, the lateral wall of the pilot hole (3) during use of the rock crushing unit (1), i.e. when the main body (2) is inserted in the pilot hole (3) and is drawn in rotation with respect to the axis thereof and when the hydraulic cylinder (55, 63, 64) activates the arm so that it moves towards the extended position (E); stabilising means (9) borne by the main body (2) and which are configured to be able to abut the lateral wall of the pilot hole (3) with the aim of keeping the main body (2) centred with respect to the axis of the pilot hole (3) during use of the rock crushing unit (1); the rock crushing unit (1) being configured so that when in use, the action exerted by the crushing elements of the first plurality of crushing elements (21) on the lateral wall of the pilot hole (3) determines the crushing of the lateral wall of the pilot hole (3) and thus the widening of the pilot hole (3).

[0070] The first actuator means (5) preferably comprise a plurality of hydraulic cylinders (55, 63, 64); the rock crushing unit (1) comprises a first plurality of arms (51) which are borne by the main body (2) and which are activatable by the hydraulic cylinders of the plurality of hydraulic cylinders (55, 63, 64) in order each to move between a retracted position (R) and an extended position (E) with a planar movement which is perpendicular to the axis of the main body (2); each crushing element of the first plurality of crushing elements (21) is rotatable and borne by an arm of the first plurality of arms (51) and is arranged in order to be able to press against, and roll along, the lateral wall of the pilot hole (3) during use of the rock crushing unit (1), i.e. when the main body (2) is inserted in the pilot hole (3) and is drawn in rotation with respect to the axis thereof and when the hydraulic cylinders of the plurality of hydraulic cylinders (55, 63, 64) activate the first plurality of arms (51) so that they move towards the extended position (E).

[0071] All the considerations already elaborated for the first invention are also valid for the second invention.

[0072] A further aim of the present invention is rock crushing method for widening a pilot hole (3) realised on rocky terrain (4), comprising following steps: bringing a first plurality of crushing elements (21) to crush rock internally of a pilot hole (3) realised on rocky terrain (4); pressing the crushing elements of the first plurality of crushing elements (21) against the lateral wall of the pilot hole (3) and at the same time causing the crushing elements of the first plurality of crushing elements (21) to roll along a cylindrical portion of the lateral wall of the pilot hole (3), so that the action exerted by the crushing elements of the first plurality of crushing elements (21) on the lateral wall of the pilot hole (3) determines the crushing of the lateral wall of the pilot hole (3) and thus the widening of the pilot hole (3).

[0073] The hole obtained can have various shapes, for example cylindrical or conical.

[0074] The method preferably includes repeating the previous steps, taking the first plurality of crushing elements (21) to different depths, so that overall a cylindrical volume of rocky material is removed.

[0075] The rock crushing unit (1) according to the first invention and the second invention is part of a rock crushing machine (80), see FIG. 2. The rock crushing machine (80) can comprise: a supply source of hydraulic oil (not illustrated); a hydraulic joint (81) for passage of hydraulic oil towards and away from the hydraulic cylinders (55, 63, 64) (first and third embodiments of the rock crushing unit (1)) borne by the main body (2); second actuator means (82) for drawing the main body (2) in rotation; hydraulic tubes (83) which are connected to the hydraulic cylinders (55, 63, 64) borne by the main body (2); raising means (84) for raising and lowering the rock crushing unit (1); one or more winders (85) (two in the figures) which are solidly constrained to the main body (2) to envelop the hydraulic tubes (83) when the rock crushing unit (1) is raised or to unwind the hydraulic tubes (83) as the rock crushing unit (1) is progressively lowered.

[0076] The following is a description of the rock crushing unit (1) illustrated in FIGS. 2-7.

[0077] FIG. 2 illustrates the pilot hole (3) realised on rocky terrain (4), having an original diameter. Each rod (6) of a hydraulic cylinder of the plurality of hydraulic cylinders (55) is in the retracted position (R), FIG. 2A.

[0078] Thereafter, FIG. 3, the rock crushing unit (1) is lowered to a first depth (immediately below the level of the terrain) so that the main body (2) inserts in the pilot hole (3) until the third plurality of arms (53) (i.e. the cross) abuts against the rocky material to be removed, which forms the edges of the pilot hole (3): then, the main body (2) is drawn in rotation with respect to the axis thereof and the hydraulic cylinders of the plurality of hydraulic cylinders (55) are activated to take the relative rods (6) towards the extended position (E), with the consequence that the roller bits press against, and roll along, the lateral wall of the pilot hole (3), and start to crush it and widen the pilot hole (3). FIG. 3A shows how each rod (6) of a hydraulic cylinder of the plurality of hydraulic cylinders (55) is in a position comprised between the retracted position (R) and the extended position (E).

[0079] FIG. 4 shows that at the first depth the rock crushing unit (1) has widened the pilot hole (3) from the original diameter up to a first diameter; the rods (6) of the hydraulic cylinders of the plurality of hydraulic cylinders (55) have reached the extended position (E). In general terms, the first diameter (which is a predetermined value) can be reached even when the rods (6) of the hydraulic cylinders of the plurality of hydraulic cylinders (55) have reached a position comprised between the retracted position (R) and the extended position (E).

[0080] Subsequently, the rock crushing unit (1) is lowered to a further depth and the above-described cycle is repeated.

[0081] FIG. 5 shows the rock crushing unit (1) at a determined depth and which is ready to remove rocky material, to take the pilot hole (3) from the original diameter up to the first diameter.

[0082] In a case where the rods (6) of the hydraulic cylinders of the plurality of hydraulic cylinders (55) are too short to obtain a desired final diameter of the pilot hole (3), then extensions (8) for the arms can be fitted, to be fixed to the rods (6) of the hydraulic cylinders of the plurality of hydraulic cylinders (55), see FIG. 6, so as to bring the diameter of the pilot hole (3) from the first diameter to the second diameter. In this case it is necessary also to replace the basket (10) with one of bigger dimensions and lengthen the arms of the third plurality of arms (53).

[0083] FIG. 7 shows the pilot hole (3) widened up to the second diameter at the first depth.

[0084] In general terms, the second diameter (which is also a predetermined value) can be reached even when the rods (6) of the hydraulic cylinders of the plurality of hydraulic cylinders (55), on which the extensions (8) have been fitted, have reached a position comprised between the retracted position (R) and the extended position (E).

[0085] It is understood that the foregoing has been described by way of non-limiting example, and that any eventual constructional variations are understood to fall within the protective scope of the present technical solution, as claimed in the following.