Drill bit replacement apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to a drill bit replacement apparatus for replacing a drill bit on a drilling tool, the apparatus comprising: a drill bit holder comprising one or more drill bit receptacles, each drill bit receptacle adapted to receive at least one drill bit; and a positioning means adapted to move the drill bit holder between at least one storage position and one or more replacement positions, wherein each replacement position aligns at least one drill bit receptacle with the drilling tool.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The present invention relates to a drill bit replacement apparatus for replacing a drill bit on a drilling tool. More specifically, the apparatus of the present invention is adapted to store multiple drill bits and make them available for replacement on the drilling tool.BACKGROUND ART[0002]The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.[0003]Mobile drilling units are typically employed to drill holes for blasting in mining operations. Such units commonly comprise a pivoting mast mounted on a drill platform. A drill string is mounted within or onto the mast to drill into the earth. The drill string comprises a drilling tool and series of drill rods. The drilling tool is mounted on the working end of the drill st...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is related to drilling tools and accessories. The technical effects include: 1. The drill bit holder is integrally formed with the support assembly, allowing for easy loading and unloading of the drill bits. 2. The drilling platform has an aperture or deck bush through which the drilling tool passes, and the positioning means can be adapted to position the drill bit holder over the aperture. 3. The movement of the positioning means can be remotely operated or actuated by a control system, allowing for automated positioning of the support assembly or drill bit holder. 4. The drill bit receptacle has a non-slip material to prevent rotation of the drill bit during coupling / decoupling of the drill bit and the drilling tool. 5. Each drill bit has a separate protective cover to prevent dust and other foreign materials from fouling the thread of the drill bit.

Problems solved by technology

As the drill bit is driven into the earth, the mechanical force that is imparted on the drill bit eventually wears down and blunts the drill bit.

In certain circumstances, the drill bit may fracture and break.

Whilst these devices do assist with the replacement process, they do not allow for precise positioning of the drill bit and an operator is still required to complete the coupling or decoupling of the drill bit to the drill string.

This presents a significant danger to operators and injuries can occur as a result of uncontrolled movement of the drilling tools during the changeover process.

The risks increase with large diameter drilling operations where the increased size and weight of the drill bits make them much more difficult to manoeuvre.

Because of the need for manual intervention, the safety, capital, operational cost or production advantages offered by autonomous drilling rig are diminished during bit changes.

This is particularly problematic in hard rock drilling operations where multiple bit changes can be required during every drill shift.

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