Drill assembly and valve

Abstract

The present invention provides a drill assembly that includes a drill for drilling rock, a support for supporting the drill, and a valve for releasably securing the support and drill together. The valve is adapted to receive a fluid from a pump means and controllably provide the drill and the support with the fluid for operation of the drill and the support.

Claims

1. A drill assembly comprising a drill for drilling rock, a support for supporting the drill, a valve for releasably securing the support and drill together, whereby, in use, the valve receives a fluid from a pump that supplies fluid to the drill assembly and receives fluid from the drill assembly and controllably provides the drill and the support with the fluid for operation of the drill and the support, wherein the pump is in fluid communication with the valve, the valve is in fluid communication with the drill, the valve is in fluid communication with the support, and the drill is in fluid communication with the pump, wherein the drill has three modes of operation, a forward mode wherein a force exerted through a drill bit drives the drill bit forward, a neutral mode wherein no force is exerted through the drill bit, and a reverse mode wherein the drill is rotated in a reverse direction to decouple the drill from the drill bit.

2. The drill assembly of claim 1, wherein the support is a support leg, the support leg having a first end adapted to be releasably secured to the valve, and a second end adapted to engage with or be supported upon a surface.

3. The drill assembly of claim 2, wherein the valve has a second valve outlet, the second valve outlet being in fluid communication with a support inlet for delivering fluid to the support leg, wherein the fluid from the power pack flows through tea first valve inlet, through the second valve outlet and into the support leg through the support inlet to activate the support leg.

4. The drill assembly of claim 3, wherein the pump is a portable hydraulic power pack and wherein the fluid from the support leg returns to the valve, passing through a support outlet and into a second valve inlet of the valve, before passing through a return outlet back to the portable hydraulic power pack.

5. The drill assembly of claim 4, wherein the fluid from the valve enters and exits the support leg through the same pathway, the support outlet and the support inlet being provided at the same opening of the support leg, and the second valve inlet and the second valve outlet being provided at the same opening of the valve.

6. The drill assembly of claim 2, wherein the valve has a throttle for regulating a flow of fluid to the support leg, the throttle allowing for rapid extension and contraction of the support leg.

7. The drill assembly of claim 1, wherein the drill comprises a housing which supports the drill bit, the housing threadingly engages a drill steel, whereby the drill steel has the drill bit at an opposed end for engaging a rock formation.

8. The drill assembly of claim 1, wherein the pump is a portable hydraulic power pack, the portable hydraulic power pack provides a pressurized hydraulic fluid to the drill assembly.

9. The drill assembly of claim 8, wherein the valve comprises a first valve inlet for receiving the fluid from the portable hydraulic power pack.

10. The drill assembly of claim 9, wherein the first valve inlet is in fluid communication with a first valve outlet, and the first valve outlet is in fluid communication with a drill inlet.

11. The drill assembly of claim 10, wherein the fluid from the power pack flows through the first valve inlet, through the first valve outlet and into the drill inlet to operate the drill.

12. The drill assembly of claim 10, wherein the valve comprises a three-way joiner, wherein a first branch provides the first valve outlet, a second branch is connected to the power pack and a third branch provides the first valve inlet.

13. The drill assembly of claim 10 wherein the valve incorporates an adjustable regulator to prevent a flow of fluid to the drill inlet when a pressure of the fluid being delivered to the support is outside predetermined set parameters.

14. The drill assembly of claim 8, wherein the drill has a drill outlet, the drill outlet being in fluid communication with the power pack whereby the fluid flows through the drill outlet back to the power pack.

15. The drill assembly of claim 8, wherein the valve has a dump valve for dumping fluid back to the power pack, whereupon operation of the dump valve causes the fluid to pass straight through the valve without flowing to the drill or support leg.

16. The drill assembly of claim 1 wherein the drill is adapted to be driven by the fluid entering the drill in both directions, such that when the drill is driven in one direction the drill is in forward mode and when the drill is driven in the other direction the drill is in reverse mode.

17. A drill assembly comprising: a drill for drilling rock; a support for supporting the drill; a valve for releasably securing the support and drill together; and a pump to deliver fluid to, and receive the fluid from the drill; wherein while in use the valve receives a fluid from the pump and controllably provides the drill and the support with the fluid for operation of the drill and the support; and wherein the pump is in fluid communication with the valve, the valve is in fluid communication with the drill, the valve is in fluid communication with the support, and the drill is in fluid communication with the pump; and wherein the drill has three modes of operation, a forward mode wherein a force exerted through a drill bit drives the drill bit forward, a neutral mode wherein no force is exerted through the drill bit, and a reverse mode wherein the drill is rotated in a reverse direction to decouple the drill from the drill bit.

18. A drill assembly comprising: a drill for drilling rock and having a drill inlet and a drill outlet; a support for supporting the drill; a valve for releasably securing the support and the drill together such that they value operably supplies a fluid to the drill and the support and receives fluid from the drill and the support and wherein the valve comprises a three way joiner, wherein a first branch provides a first valve outlet in fluid communication with the drill inlet to allow fluid into the drill, a second branch, which is connected to a fluid source, and a third branch that includes a first valve inlet; wherein the drill outlet is in fluid communication with the fluid source such that the fluid flows through the drill outlet back to the fluid source; and wherein the drill has three modes of operation, a forward mode wherein a force exerted through a drill bit drives the drill bit forward, a neutral mode wherein no force is exerted through the drill bit, and a reverse mode wherein the drill is rotated in a reverse direction to decouple the drill from the drill bit.

19. The drill assembly of claim 18, wherein the support further comprise a support inlet and a support outlet and wherein the valve further comprises a second valve outlet, the second valve outlet in fluid communication with the support inlet for delivering fluid to a support leg, wherein the fluid flows through the first valve inlet, through the second valve outlet and into the support leg through the support inlet to activate the support leg and wherein the fluid from the support leg returns to the valve, passing through the support outlet and into a second valve inlet of the valve, before passing through a return outlet as the fluid returns to the fluid source and wherein the valve further comprises an adjustable regulator to prevent a flow of fluid to the drill inlet when a pressure of the fluid being delivered to the support leg is outside a predetermined set of parameters; and wherein the valve further comprises a throttle for regulating the flow of fluid to the support leg, the throttle allowing for rapid extension and contraction of the support leg; and wherein the drill is adapted to be driven by the fluid entering the drill in both directions, such that when the drill is driven in one direction the drill is in a forward mode and when the drill is driven in the other direction the drill is in a reverse mode.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of a specific embodiment thereof as shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of a drill assembly according to an embodiment of the invention wherein a drill bit is in a rock formation; and

(3) FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 showing only the drill, support and valve of the drill assembly;

(4) FIG. 3 is a closer view of FIG. 2;

(5) FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the fluid pathways of FIG. 1;

(6) FIG. 5 is a plan view of the valve shown in FIG. 1;

(7) FIG. 6 is a view of the valve in FIG. 5 taken through section AA;

(8) FIGS. 7a, 7b are cross sectional views of the support shown in FIG. 1;

(9) FIGS. 8, 9 are views of the power pack shown in FIG. 1.

(10) In the attached drawings like structures are referred to by like numerals throughout the several views. The drawings shown are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the present invention.

BEST MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

(11) Referring to the figures, the invention according to an embodiment is in the form of a drill assembly 11. In this embodiment the drill assembly 11 comprises a drill 13 for driving a drill steel 14, the drill 13 particularly adapted to be used for rock drilling in underground mining. However, it is to be appreciated that the present invention may have other applications such as a jackhammer and as an impact wrench. These and similar alternatives are considered to be within the scope of this invention.

(12) As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 the drill assembly 11 comprises the drill 13, a support in the form of a support leg 15 for supporting the drill 13, and a valve 17 which releasably secures the drill 13 to the support leg 15.

(13) The valve 17 controls the flow of fluid from a pump means, which in this embodiment is in the form of a portable hydraulic power pack 19, to the drill 13 and support leg 15. In this embodiment the hydraulic power pack 19 provides hydraulic power to the drill assembly by supplying and receiving fluid in the form of oil.

(14) Referring to FIG. 4, the hydraulic power pack 19 has a first fluid supply line 21, for supplying fluid to the valve 17. The hydraulic power pack 19 also has a first fluid return line 25 for receiving returned fluid from the valve 17, and a second fluid return line 27 for receiving returned fluid from the drill 13.

(15) Also shown in FIG. 4 is a flushing fluid supply line 29 for supplying water to the drill 13.

(16) Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the valve 17 comprises a body 31 having a number of inlets and outlets which control the delivery of hydraulic fluid to the drill 13 and the support leg 15.

(17) The valve 17 comprises a first valve inlet 33 which is connected to the power pack 19 by first fluid supply line 21. The first valve inlet 33 is connected to a chamber 35 located within the valve body 31. A return outlet 37 is also connected to the chamber 35 and allows fluid to flow from the valve 17 to return to the power pack 19 through first fluid return line 25.

(18) The valve 17 also provides a first valve outlet 39 having a second fluid supply line 41 fitted thereto. The second fluid supply line 41 supplies fluid from the first valve outlet 39 to a drilling inlet 43. This fluid drives the drill 13. The drill has a drill outlet 45 to which is fitted the second fluid return line 27 through which fluid is returned to the power pack 19 from the drill 13. In this embodiment, the valve 17 incorporates a tee-piece (not shown) having one end connected to the first valve outlet 39. The tee piece is connected to the first valve inlet 33, whereby the first fluid supply line 21 is connected to the other branch of the tee-piece for supplying the fluid from the power pack 19.

(19) The valve 17 also has a second valve outlet 47 for supplying fluid to the support leg 15. The fluid enters the support leg 15 at an upper end 49 thereof. In this embodiment the fluid flow to and from the support leg 15 is through the second valve outlet 47. This enables the support leg 15 to be readily extended and contracted as required. Furthermore, as the hydraulic power is provided by the power pack, the pressure required by the support leg (and drill) is available as soon as it is required, the support leg does not need to wait for the pressure in the supply line to build up to the required pressure before the support leg can be adjusted, as is the case with the prior art.

(20) The valve 17 also provides a throttle 51 which is associated with the second valve outlet 47. The throttle 51 can be readily adjusted by an operator to control the amount of fluid passing into and out of the support leg 15. When drilling, an operator can operate the throttle 51 to extend (or contract) the support leg 15 as required.

(21) The valve 17 also incorporates a regulator 52 which sets a parameter which, if exceeded, results in the flow of fluid to the drill 13 being blocked. Such an event may occur where the pressure in the support leg 15 exceeds a certain pressure. When this happens the fluid is prevented from flowing to the drill, and therefore suspending the drilling operation.

(22) The valve further comprises a dump valve 53 located within the chamber 35. When in a dumped position, the fluid passes straight through the chamber 35 to return directly to the power pack 19. In this position no fluid passes to the support leg 15 or the drill 13.

(23) The support leg 15 is of the telescopic type, as shown in FIGS. 7a, 7b. In operation fluid enters the support leg 15 and fills voids 55. By opening the throttle 51, a greater volume of fluid enters the support leg 15 causing the support leg 15 to extend. To contract the support leg 15 the dump valve 53 is placed in its dump position to allow fluid to escape the support leg 15 and return to the power pack 19.

(24) The support leg 15 has a first end 57 releasably secured to the valve 17. Once secured to the valve the support leg can be rotatably adjusted relative to the drill 13. The support leg 15 comprises a second end 59 adapted to engage a surface, such as the floor.

(25) In operation, the power pack 19 is activated and fluid is supplied to the drilling assembly 11. Once the power pack is in operation the drilling assembly 11 has a ready supply of fluid at the required pressure. With the present invention there is no requirement to install infrastructure to supply pressurised air/fluid from the surface. This saves on significant infrastructure costs. Furthermore, as both the support leg and drill operate on hydraulic power, there is a significant reduction in noise and dust, as well as exhaust, which would otherwise be experienced if the drill and/or support leg were of the pneumatic type.

(26) As the present invention is operable under its own mobile power pack, the drilling assembly 11 can be set up and used for drilling very quickly without the need for significant infrastructure works. It can also be readily utilised where only a small amount of drilling is required.

(27) Before drilling commences the throttle 51 on the valve 17 is adjusted to set the support leg 15 at the required length. The operator can then control the drill throttle to commence the drilling operation.

(28) The valve is connected to the power pack through a tee piece: fluid in port 1 is from the power pack, fluid to the valve is through port 2, and fluid from port 3 goes to the drill.

(29) Fluid to support leg on entering valve port 2 is fed to the support leg by way of a flow adjuster valve. The fluid enters the support leg through the valve outlet/intel port the exiting fluid from the support leg goes through a discharge port by way of a discharge valve.

(30) The pressure between the flow adjuster and the support leg is regulated to a predetermined pressure by a pre-set pressure reducing valve. When the pressure exceeds the predetermined value fluid is dumped directly into the return port back to the power pack.

(31) There is a valve fitted to facilitate fluid return to the power pack when the support leg is manually retracted.

(32) Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to the skilled addressee are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.

(33) While the invention has been shown and described with reference to certain exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

(34) Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.

(35) The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprise”, “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” or variations thereof are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

(36) Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

(37) Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath”, “below”, “lower”, “above”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

(38) Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.