Ramp guiding trackless horizontal drilling machine

Abstract

A horizontal drilling rig may be used to dig horizontal boreholes in soil or other base layers without the use of tracks or other support equipment. The drilling rig may include a hydraulic motor or other power device for rotating the twist drill or other digging tool. A hydraulic motor is pivotally mounted to the drill rig and drives the drill string through an intermediate shaft including a universal joint. The degree of freedom provided by the universal joint and the motor mount prevents breakage due to deflection or recoil of the drill string. The front guide may be used to prevent over-steering of the universal joint. The drill rig may ride on a carriage that allows the drill rig to follow the working ramp and may include a spoil channel for directing excavated material around or away from the carriage foot to improve the accuracy of following the working ramp.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 301,015, filed on January 19, 2022, and entitled “HORIZONTAL DRILLING RIG,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention generally relates to the field of excavation equipment. More specifically, the present invention belongs to the sub-field of drilling equipment. Background Art

[0003] It is often necessary to lay pipes for water, drainage, power or other utilities underground in infrastructure, commercial and residential properties. Before the pipes can be buried underground, a surface channel or underground borehole must be excavated to allow for the placement of the pipe or conduit. Excavation of the channel is labor-intensive and time-consuming and may not be possible or feasible for existing structures or where a borehole must be drilled beneath an existing structure.

[0004] Existing drilling equipment can allow horizontal drilling, but generally requires the use of heavy and expensive tracks or other structures, and requires a large amount of space that may not be available in the area where the borehole is to be excavated. In addition, existing horizontal drilling and excavation equipment is greatly limited in the diameter and depth of the borehole because existing drilling equipment tends to easily break the augers and other boring tools, especially when rocks or other obstructions are encountered in the planned borehole. Therefore, there is a need in the art for improved drilling equipment that allows wider and deeper boreholes to be excavated with smaller support equipment without disturbing the top soil or surrounding materials, and prevents breakage of the excavation tools and drilling columns. Summary of the invention

[0005] One aspect of an embodiment of the present invention provides a horizontal drilling rig that can be used without tracks or other structural equipment and allows for the excavation of larger and deeper boreholes while minimizing the risk of auger breakage. The horizontal drilling rig may include a hydraulic motor or other rotary power source rotatably fixed to a base that travels along a ramp to guide and align the borehole. The horizontal drilling rig also includes a drive mechanism having a universal joint and a front guide to absorb deflection and impact of the auger during excavation. The drive mechanism allows for small misalignment and deflection of the auger without causing excessive stress on the hydraulic motor output shaft, the auger, or any other element in the drilling column. The horizontal drilling rig may also include a height adjustment member for aligning the borehole relative to the ramp and may be docked with standard equipment commonly used in the construction and development of infrastructure.

[0006] The horizontal drill rig of the present invention can use a ramp around and around the target borehole to align and guide the drill string into the ground, soil or other substrate. Because the horizontal drill rig does not require the laying of tracks or other support equipment, the horizontal drill rig can be easily connected to the equipment above or below the ramp where the borehole is to be excavated, including in a pit or other confined area. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects and embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description herein, are used to explain the principles of the present invention. The accompanying drawings are provided only for the purpose of illustrating selected embodiments of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0008] Figure 1 and 2 A schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a horizontal drilling rig for digging a horizontal borehole is provided.

[0009] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a horizontal drilling rig having equipment mountings for connection to construction equipment is provided.

[0010] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a horizontal drill rig used on a work ramp is provided.

[0011] Figure 5 and 6 Schematic diagrams of horizontal drilling rigs used with construction equipment on different ramps are provided.

[0012] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a lightweight horizontal drilling rig is provided.

[0013] Figure 8-11 A schematic diagram of a horizontal drilling rig having an adjustment plate for adjusting the height of the horizontal drilling rig relative to a working ramp is provided. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Figure 1 and 2A schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a trackless horizontal drill rig 10 for digging a pipe or conduit hole is provided. The horizontal drill rig 10 may include a hydraulic motor 12 in rotatable communication with one or more pivot plates 14, which in turn communicate with the top side of a base plate 16. A rear motor support 18 may also provide a rest or brace for the hydraulic motor 12, or prevent the hydraulic motor 12 from over-rotating about a pivot 20. The hydraulic motor 12 may include an output shaft 22 housed within a drive box 24, which may include an access plate 26 having an access hole 28. The output shaft 22 of the hydraulic motor 12 may be coupled or otherwise communicated to an intermediate shaft (as shown below), which passes through a front bearing 30 on the drive box 24 and may include a universal joint (as described below). A front guide 32 in communication with the base plate 16 provides additional support and limits deflection of the intermediate shaft when the horizontal drill rig 10 digs a borehole.

[0015] Still reference Figure 1 and 2 , the base plate 16 may be in communication with one or more skids 34, which may travel along a work grade at a construction site. The one or more skids 34 may include a base support 36 located at an upper portion of the skid 34 for mounting the base plate 16 and supporting the weight of the base plate, and a skid foot 38 located at a lower portion of the skid 34, providing a flat surface for traveling along the work grade. It should be understood that in certain exemplary embodiments, the skid 34 may be directly attached to the base plate 16 without the base support 36. A spoil channel 40 may be provided between the base support 36 and the skid foot 38. However, in an exemplary embodiment where the skid 34 is directly attached to the base plate 16 without the base support 36, the spoil channel 40 may be defined by the bottom side of the base plate 16 and the skid foot 38. In certain embodiments, the spoil channel 40 may face inwardly so that the spoil excavated by drilling is transported between the skids 34 under the base plate 16 of the horizontal drilling rig 10. During the excavation process, while the slide foot 38 of the slide 34 travels along the working ramp, the spoil travels over the slide foot 38 and is guided by the spoil channel 40. As a result, the slide foot 38 will always maintain contact with the working ramp, thereby digging a straight and correctly oriented borehole. It should be understood that the spoil channel 40 of the slide 34 can also be oriented toward the exterior of the horizontal drilling rig 10, thereby guiding the spoil outward and away from the horizontal drilling rig 10 for removal. In addition, in some embodiments, the slide 34 can be provided as a separate component attached to the floor 16 of the horizontal drilling rig 10, or the slide 34 can be integral with the floor 16 of the horizontal drilling rig 10.

[0016] When in use, the hydraulic motor 12 or other source of rotating power can rotate the output shaft 22, which in turn can rotate an intermediate shaft (described below) having a universal joint and a coupling. It should be understood that in some embodiments, the output shaft 22 can be integral with the hydraulic motor 12 or other source of rotating power, or the output shaft can be a separate component used with the hydraulic motor 12 and the intermediate shaft. The intermediate shaft can then be connected to or otherwise communicated with an auger or other excavation tool. When the horizontal drilling rig 10 is powered, the horizontal drilling rig 10 can be pushed into the earth, soil or other material to dig a borehole. During the excavation process, rocks, materials of different densities or other obstacles that appear in the drilling path may deflect the auger or cause shock to the auger. This deflection or shock can then cause the universal joint to deflect and absorb the shock transmitted back from the auger to the horizontal drilling rig 10. The universal joint allows deflection while the bore string continues to rotate, thereby protecting the hydraulic motor 12, the output shaft 22, the auger and the intermediate shaft from breakage. The front guide 32 of the horizontal drilling rig 10 is used to limit the deflection of the universal joint to prevent excessive misalignment of the bore string. As shown, the front guide 32 may have a generally V-shaped profile for controlling the deflection of the intermediate shaft and the bore string. However, it should be understood that the front guide 32 may have any profile, including but not limited to circular, oval, elliptical, or any other shape required or desired for a particular application. In addition, in some embodiments, the front guide 32 may include an upper portion that partially or completely surrounds the intermediate shaft, which provides control of deflection in all directions around the intermediate shaft. Similarly, the pivot 20 at the rear of the hydraulic motor 12 allows the hydraulic motor 12 to be operated to absorb vibrations, changes in drive power, motor torque reaction, or kickback from the bore string to provide freedom. This may help prevent damage to the hydraulic motor 12 , the drill string, or the structure of the horizontal drilling rig 10 .

[0017] Figure 3 A description is provided of an embodiment of a horizontal drilling rig 10 with an equipment mount 46 for connection to a backhoe or other earth moving or construction equipment. The horizontal drilling rig 10 may include a hydraulic motor 12 in communication with an intermediate shaft 42 that may be coupled to an auger or other drilling or excavating equipment ( Figure 4-6) is connected. It should be understood that in some embodiments, the intermediate shaft 42 can be integral with the hydraulic motor 12 or the output of the hydraulic motor 12, or the intermediate shaft can be provided as a separate component. The coupling or other attachment between the output shaft 22 of the hydraulic motor 12 and the intermediate shaft 42 can be housed within the drive box 24, which can include an inspection plate 26 with an inspection hole 28 and a front bearing 30 for supporting the intermediate shaft 42. The intermediate shaft 42 can also include a universal joint 44 that allows deflection of the drilling column and provides damping and isolation to the hydraulic motor 12 and the horizontal drilling rig 10 to protect the hydraulic motor and the horizontal drilling rig from impact or deflection caused by the auger or excavation tool. The front guide 32 can limit the movement or deflection of the intermediate shaft 42 during operation. The hydraulic motor 12 can be rotatably connected to the bottom plate 16 of the horizontal drilling rig 10 through one or more pivot shafts 20 that are connected to one or more pivot plates 14, and the pivot plates 14 are in communication with the bottom plate 16. The horizontal drilling rig 10 may travel along a working ramp via one or more slides 34 in communication with the floor 16 .

[0018] The horizontal drilling rig 10 can be in communication with an equipment mount 46, which can be fixed or otherwise attached to the top of the drive box 24. The drive box 24 provides structure and support for the equipment mount 46 so that the horizontal drilling rig 10 can be coupled to an excavation device or other construction equipment, such as a backhoe or excavator. The drive box 24 can be constructed or otherwise configured to receive any number of equipment mounts 46 to allow the horizontal drilling rig 10 to be coupled to any available construction or excavation equipment. It should be understood that the horizontal drilling rig 10 can receive hydraulic, electrical or other power sources from the construction or excavation equipment coupled thereto. Once coupled, the construction or excavation equipment can be used to move, position, provide power to, and control the rotational speed, direction, and position of the horizontal drilling rig when excavating a borehole.

[0019] Figure 4A schematic diagram of a horizontal drill 10 coupled to a construction device 102 and an excavation tool is provided. The horizontal drill 10 may be coupled to an auger 50 or other excavation tool via a coupling 48 on an intermediate shaft 42. A universal joint 44 allows the horizontal drill 10 to deflect and absorb shocks during use to avoid breaking of the drill column or damage to the horizontal drill 10 and its associated components. As shown, the horizontal drill 10 may be coupled to the arm of an excavator or other construction device 102. The excavator 102 may then raise, extend, retract, or otherwise move the horizontal drill 10 as needed during drilling to position the horizontal drill 10 and advance the horizontal drill 10. During excavation, one or more slides 34 of the horizontal drill 10 may travel along a ramp 100. The slides 34 facilitate alignment and guidance of the drilling excavation using the ramp 100 as a guide during use while directing any spoil away from the horizontal drill 10. It should be appreciated that the excavator 102 may provide pressurized hydraulic fluid to the horizontal drilling rig 10 to drive the hydraulic motor and rotate the auger 50 or other excavation tool.

[0020] Figure 5 and 6 A schematic diagram of a horizontal drill 10 coupled to a ramp 100 different from that on which an excavator 102 is in use is provided. The horizontal drill 10 may be in communication with an auger 50 via a coupling 48 on an intermediate shaft 42. The intermediate shaft 42 may include a universal joint 44 that allows for deflection and absorption of vibration, shock, kickback, or other forces that may cause the drill string or the horizontal drill 10 to break. During the process of excavating a borehole, the horizontal drill 10 may receive pressurized hydraulic fluid from the excavator 102 and may be lifted, positioned, propelled, retracted, or otherwise moved by the excavator 102 as needed.

[0021] As shown, the horizontal drilling rig 10 can be placed on a ramp 100 separately from an excavator 102 that communicates with the horizontal drilling rig 10 and controls the excavation of the borehole. One or more slides 34 of the horizontal drilling rig 10 can travel along the ramp 100, which allows an operator to guide and control the excavation of the borehole. The horizontal drilling rig 10 can then be operated within an enclosed space or on the ramp 100 below (as shown) or above other equipment without the need for tracks or other guide devices.

[0022] Figure 7A description of an embodiment of a horizontal drill rig 10 suitable for digging shallower boreholes with light excavation equipment is provided. The horizontal drill rig 10 may include a base plate 16 that travels on one or more slides 34 that are adapted to slide along a ramp and guide the horizontal drill rig 10 during excavation of the borehole. The hydraulic motor 12 may be enclosed within a support frame 52 that may include a top mounting plate 54 for receiving equipment mountings that couple the horizontal drill rig 10 to excavation or construction equipment. The output shaft 22 of the hydraulic motor 12 may be coupled to an intermediate shaft 42 that may include or otherwise include a universal joint 44.

[0023] In order to be used with smaller diameter boreholes or shallower boreholes, the horizontal drill rig 10 can omit the front guide, inspection box and other features that support the use of excavation tools suitable for larger diameter and deeper boreholes and the higher torque associated therewith. Then, this smaller and lighter horizontal drill rig 10 can be used in more confined spaces and matched with smaller and lower power equipment. However, the operation of the horizontal drill rig 10 is basically similar, including attachment to various devices that can provide hydraulic, electric or other types of power, and using the slide 34 to guide the excavation of the borehole relative to the ramp. It should be understood that the universal joint 44 of the intermediate shaft 42 allows deflection of the auger or other excavation tool and absorbs the recoil, vibration and other forces encountered by the auger or other excavation tool to avoid breaking of the drilling column, hydraulic motor 12 or other components of the horizontal drill rig 10. In some embodiments, the support frame 52 can be constructed, shaped or adapted to provide functions similar to the front guide in other ways. The support frame 52 , and in particular the angled front bar, may provide some limitation on deflection of the universal joint 44 during use of the horizontal drilling rig 10 .

[0024] Figure 8-11A description of a horizontal drilling rig 10 having height adjustment relative to a ramp for aligning, directing, and guiding the excavation of a borehole is provided. The horizontal drilling rig 10 may include a hydraulic motor 12 that is rotatably connected to one or more pivot plates 14 via one or more pivot shafts 20. The one or more pivot plates 14 may be fixed or otherwise attached to the top side of a base plate 16, which may also support a front guide 32 having an upper frame 56 that completely surrounds a center shaft 42 at the opposite end of the horizontal drilling rig 10. The output shaft 22 of the hydraulic motor 12 may be coupled to the center shaft 42 and enclosed within a drive box 24, which may include an inspection panel 26 and an inspection hole 28 for viewing the coupling of the output shaft 22 of the hydraulic motor 12 to the center shaft 42 or for performing maintenance or repair on the coupling therebetween. The center shaft 42 may exit the drive box 24 via a front bearing 30, exposing a universal joint 44 of the center shaft 42. It should be understood that in certain embodiments, the output shaft 22 of the hydraulic motor 12 can extend through the front bearing 30 and couple with the intermediate shaft 42 outside the drive box 24. In alternative embodiments, the coupling of the intermediate shaft 42 with the output shaft 22 of the hydraulic motor 12 can be within the drive box 24, such that the intermediate shaft 42 is supported by the front bearing 30. The intermediate shaft 42 can then pass through the front guide 32 and the upper frame 56 and extend the coupling 48, which can be used to attach or secure an auger or other excavation tool to the intermediate shaft 42. It should be understood that the coupling 48 can be integral with the intermediate shaft 42, or the coupling can be provided as a separate and replaceable component to attach to different types of augers or excavation tools.

[0025] The horizontal drilling rig 10 may include one or more slides 34 fixed or otherwise attached to the base plate 16. The one or more slides 34 may be trough-shaped to allow spoil from the drilling excavation to be directed below and beneath the base plate 16 of the drilling rig 10, and may include slide feet 38 for traveling along a ramp for guiding and aligning the horizontal drilling rig 10 to a desired drilling location.

[0026] Still refer to Figure 8-11 The horizontal drill rig 10 may include one or more adjustment plates 58 to allow the height of the base plate 16, and thereby the horizontal drill rig 10 and any attached auger or excavation tool, to be raised or lowered relative to a work ramp used to align and position the horizontal drill rig 10. The height adjustment allows the horizontal drill rig 10 to achieve multiple positions for drilling holes on a single ramp and provides additional clearance for the horizontal drill rig 10 to accept larger augers or excavation tools for excavating larger diameter boreholes.

[0027] One or more adjustment plates 58 may be movably fixed or attached to the horizontal drilling rig 10 to allow the adjustment plates 58 to move vertically relative to the base plate 16 of the horizontal drilling rig 10. The adjustment plates 58 may then further include adjustment plate feet 60 adapted to travel along a ramp to allow alignment and positioning of the horizontal drilling rig 10 and the accompanying auger or other excavation tool and excavation borehole. As shown, the adjustment plate feet 60 may be directed toward the exterior of the horizontal drilling rig 10. However, it should be understood that the adjustment plate feet 60 may also be directed toward the interior of the horizontal drilling rig 10 in the same direction as the slide foot 38. The slide foot 38 may then be nested within the adjustment plate feet 60. In certain embodiments, one or more adjustment plates 58 may replace one or more slides 34 such that the adjustment plate feet 60 provide a travel surface for the horizontal drilling rig 10 in all vertical positions of the adjustment plates 58.

[0028] One or more adjustment plates 58 may be fixed or attached to the horizontal drilling rig 10 via one or more plate supports 62 by a plurality of bolts 68, 72. As shown, the plate support 62, which may include several different bosses 64 for receiving the plurality of bolts 68, 72 at different positions, may be in communication with the base plate 16 of the horizontal drilling rig 10. The one or more adjustment plates 58 may include a plurality of holes 70, adjustment slots 66, or both. The one or more adjustment plates 58 may in turn be held in place against the plate support 62 by a plurality of bolts 68, 72. As shown, one or more locking bolts 68 may be installed into the bosses 64 on the plate support 62 through the holes 70 or openings in the upper portion of the one or more adjustment plates 58. These locking bolts 68 may then secure the one or more adjustment plates 58 in a fixed position for shipping, transportation, lifting, or attachment to other construction or excavation equipment. Similarly, one or more adjustment bolts 72 may be installed into the bosses 64 on the plate support 62 or the slide 34 through the adjustment slots 66 in the adjustment plates 58. It should be understood that although the adjustment slot 66 is shown below the hole 70, the adjustment slot 66 and hole 70 can be positioned on the adjustment plate 58 in any relationship to each other as desired to accommodate the particular configuration of the slide 34, base plate 16, plate support 62, or other attachment locations on the horizontal drill rig 10.

[0029] To change the height of the horizontal drill 10 relative to the work ramp, the user can remove the locking bolt 68 that holds the one or more adjustment plates 58 in a fixed position, loosen the adjustment bolt 72, and then move the one or more adjustment plates 58 vertically relative to the horizontal drill 10. When the one or more adjustment plates 58 are positioned as desired to achieve the correct height for the intermediate shaft 42 and the auger or other excavating tool, the adjustment bolt 72 can be tightened again in the adjustment slot 66 to secure the one or more adjustment plates 58 in place. The locking bolt 68 can then be set aside, returned to the boss 64 where it was originally located for storage during use, or installed in another boss 64 that can be aligned with the adjustment slot 66 on the one or more adjustment plates 58 to more securely hold the one or more adjustment plates 58 in place.

[0030] Still reference Figure 8-11 , a variety of modifications or variations of adjusting the height of the horizontal drill 10 are also possible. For example, the adjustment slot 66 on the one or more adjustment plates 58 can be formed in the plate support 62 or other parts of the horizontal drill 10. The one or more adjustment plates 58 can also be fixed or attached to the horizontal drill 10 or any part thereof by other fastening means, such as cam locks or other mechanical fastening means that allow the one or more adjustment plates 58 to be repositioned relative to the horizontal drill 10. In some embodiments, the locking bolt 68, the adjustment bolt 72 or other fasteners can be fixed with nuts instead of being screwed into the boss 64 on the horizontal drill 10. In addition, the one or more adjustment plates 58 can take any shape, size or configuration as desired or required for a particular application. For example, the one or more adjustment plates 58 can be provided as separate components to allow for easier transportation, storage or adjustment of the height of the horizontal drill 10. In further embodiments, the horizontal drill 10 can have the following features: one or more jack screws or other threaded adjustment members between the base plate 16 and the slide 34 of the drill 10. The user can then turn the jack screw or other threaded adjustment member to raise the base plate 16 of the horizontal drill 10 relative to the slide 34 and adjust the overall height of the auger or other excavation tool. In addition, the jack screw or other threaded adjustment member can be self-supporting, or they can include a locking nut to fix the position of the base plate 16 of the horizontal drill 10 relative to the slide 34 in place.

[0031] Reference Figure 1-11, the horizontal drilling rig 10 may include a number of other features or necessary modifications to suit a particular application or use case. For example, the horizontal drilling rig 10 may include a hydraulic motor 12, an electric motor, or any other mechanism that may be powered or activated by a construction or excavation equipment coupled to the horizontal drilling rig 10. In certain embodiments, the hydraulic motor 12 or electric motor of the horizontal drilling rig 10 may include a gear reduction device, a valve body, or other mechanism to provide torque multiplication, speed control, or torque control. These mechanisms may be controlled directly on the horizontal drilling rig 10 or through a connection to other construction or excavation equipment. In further embodiments, the slide 34 of the horizontal drilling rig 10 may have additional features to enhance functionality. For example, the spoil channel 40 of the slide 34 of the horizontal drilling rig 10 may have a different geometry, or may include a geometry near the front of the slide 34 to more effectively guide the spoil and maintain full contact with the working ramp. The front of the slide 34 may be angled so that the slide feet 38 or floor supports 36 are further forward to maintain the angle of attack of the slide 34 .

[0032] In summary, although the present invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, many modifications, variations, changes, substitutions and equivalents are apparent to those skilled in the art. The present invention is not limited to the scope of any specific embodiment described herein. In fact, various modifications of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on the above description and accompanying drawings, in addition to those described herein. Therefore, the present invention is limited only by the spirit and scope of the appended claims, including all modifications and equivalents.

[0033] It should be understood that any element, component, part, sub-part, or component described above with reference to any particular embodiment may be combined, integrated, or otherwise adapted for use with any other embodiment described herein, unless otherwise specifically noted or if it should render the embodiment apparatus inoperative. Likewise, any step described with reference to a particular method or process may be integrated, combined, or otherwise combined with other methods or processes described herein, unless otherwise specifically noted or if it should render the embodiment method inoperative. In addition, multiple embodiment apparatus or embodiment methods may be combined, combined, or otherwise integrated with one another to construct or develop other embodiments of the invention described herein.

[0034] For those skilled in the art, by reading the above detailed description and drawings of certain exemplary embodiments, other embodiments will become apparent. It should be understood that many variations, modifications and additional embodiments are possible, and therefore, all of these variations, modifications and embodiments are considered to be within the spirit and scope of the present application. For example, regardless of the content of any part of the present application (e.g., the title of the invention, the field, the background technology, the content of the invention, the abstract, the drawings, etc.), unless explicitly specified to the contrary, it is not required to include any specific described or illustrated activities or elements in any claim herein or any application claiming its priority, any specific order of these activities, or any specific mutual relationship of these elements. In addition, any activity can be repeated, any activity can be performed by multiple entities, and / or any element can be copied. In addition, any activity or element can be excluded, the order of activities can be changed, and / or the mutual relationship of elements can be changed. Unless explicitly pointed out to the contrary, any specific description or illustrated activities or elements, any specific sequence or these activities, any specific size, speed, material, size or frequency, or any specific mutual relationship of these elements are not necessary. Therefore, the specification and the drawings are considered to be illustrative in nature, rather than restrictive. In addition, when any number or range is described herein, unless otherwise expressly stated, the number or range is approximate. When any range is described herein, unless otherwise expressly stated, the range includes all values ​​therein and all subranges therein. Any information in any material (e.g., U.S. / foreign patents, U.S. / foreign patent applications, books, articles, etc.) is incorporated herein by reference only to the extent that such information does not conflict with other statements and drawings set forth herein. In the event of such a conflict, including a conflict that would invalidate any claim herein or seek priority thereto, any such conflicting information in such references incorporated by reference is specifically not incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A drilling rig, comprising: a bottom plate comprising a first end and a second end, a top side and a bottom side; a first slide, the first slide comprising an upper end and a lower end; a second slide, the second slide comprising an upper end and a lower end; wherein the upper end of the first slide is in communication with the bottom side of the bottom plate, and the upper end of the second slide is in communication with the bottom side of the bottom plate; A first slide foot and a second slide foot, wherein the first slide foot is connected to the lower end of the first slide, and the second slide foot is connected to the lower end of the second slide; at least one pivot plate in communication with the top side of the bottom plate proximate the second end of the bottom plate, the at least one pivot plate including at least one pivot; a rotational power source in communication with the top side of the bottom plate through the at least one pivot of the at least one pivot plate; The rotational power source is in communication with an intermediate shaft, the intermediate shaft including a universal joint; and a front guide member, wherein the first end of the front guide member close to the bottom plate is in communication with the top side of the bottom plate; The first and second slide feet are configured to slide along a ramp to support the drilling rig, the rotary power source is capable of rotating the intermediate shaft, and the front guide is capable of limiting the deflection of the universal joint of the intermediate shaft.

2. The drilling rig according to claim 1, wherein: The rotational power source includes a hydraulic motor.

3. The drilling machine according to claim 1, further comprising an output shaft in communication with the rotary power source and the intermediate shaft, wherein: The output shaft transmits rotational power from the rotational power source to the intermediate shaft.

4. The drilling rig according to claim 1, further comprising a rear motor support, wherein the second end of the rear motor support proximate the bottom plate is in communication with the top side of the bottom plate; in, The rear motor support is capable of engaging the rotational power source when the rotational power source deflects or rotates about the at least one pivot axis of the at least one pivot plate.

5. The drilling rig according to claim 1, wherein: The first slide, the first slide foot and the bottom side of the bottom plate define a first spoil channel; and Wherein, the second slide seat, the second slide seat foot and the bottom side of the bottom plate define a second spoil channel.

6. The drilling rig according to claim 5, wherein: The first spoil channel is arranged toward the second spoil channel.

7. The drilling rig according to claim 5, wherein: The first spoil channel is arranged away from the second spoil channel.

8. The drilling rig according to claim 1, further comprising a drive box; in, The drive case encloses the connection between the source of rotary power and the intermediate shaft.

9. The drilling rig according to claim 8, wherein: The drive box also includes an inspection plate having an inspection hole; The inspection hole is configured to enable the connection between the rotary power source and the intermediate shaft to be observed or inspected.

10. The drilling machine according to claim 8, further comprising a front bearing; in, The front bearing is disposed in the drive box and communicates with the intermediate shaft.

11. The drilling rig according to claim 1, wherein: The front guide has a V-shape that limits deflection of the universal joint.

12. The drilling rig of claim 1, further comprising an upper frame; in, The upper frame is communicated with the front guide, and the upper frame and the front guide surround the intermediate shaft.

13. The drilling rig of claim 8, further comprising an equipment mounting member in communication with the drive box; in, The equipment mount is adapted to be releasably attached to an excavating equipment.

14. The drilling rig of claim 1, further comprising a coupling in communication with the intermediate shaft; in, The coupling is adapted to releasably secure the intermediate shaft to an excavating tool, and the coupling is located at a distal end of the rotary power source.

15. The drilling rig of claim 1, further comprising a height adjustment mechanism adapted to adjust a vertical clearance between the base plate and the ramp.

16. The drilling rig of claim 15, wherein: The height adjustment mechanism comprises: one or more plate supports in communication with the floor of the drilling rig; a first adjustment plate, the first adjustment plate being in communication with the first adjustment plate foot; and a second adjustment plate, the second adjustment plate being in communication with the second adjustment plate foot; Wherein, the first adjustment plate and the second adjustment plate are movably fixed to the one or more plate supports so that the relative vertical positions of the first adjustment plate and the second adjustment plate can be changed, and the first adjustment plate foot and the second adjustment plate foot are configured to slide along the ramp to support the drilling rig.

17. The drilling rig of claim 16, further comprising at least one first adjustment slot disposed in the first adjustment plate and at least one second adjustment slot disposed in the second adjustment plate; in, The first adjustment plate is in communication with the one or more plate supports via the at least one first adjustment slot, and the second adjustment plate is in communication with the one or more plate supports via the at least one second adjustment slot.

18. A drilling rig, comprising: a bottom plate comprising a first end and a second end, a top side and a bottom side; a first slide, the first slide comprising an upper end and a lower end; a second slide, the second slide comprising an upper end and a lower end; Wherein, the upper end of the first slide seat is communicated with the bottom side of the bottom plate, and the upper end of the second slide block is communicated with the bottom side of the bottom plate; A first slide foot and a second slide foot, wherein the first slide foot is connected to the lower end of the first slide, and the second slide foot is connected to the lower end of the second slide; a rotary power source in communication with the top side of the bottom plate, the rotary power source in communication with an intermediate shaft, the intermediate shaft including a universal joint; a support frame in communication with the top side of the base plate, wherein the rotational power source is disposed within the support frame; a top mounting plate, the top mounting plate being in communication with the support frame and being disposed above the rotary power source; wherein the first slide foot and the second slide foot are configured to slide along a ramp to support the drilling rig; and The first slide, the first slide foot and the bottom side of the bottom plate define a first spoil passage, and the second slide, the second slide foot and the bottom side of the bottom plate define a second spoil passage; and The rotational power source can rotate the intermediate shaft or apply rotational power to the intermediate shaft, and the universal joint can absorb deflection or impact during use of the drilling rig.

19. The drilling rig of claim 19, wherein: The rotational power source includes a hydraulic motor.

20. A drilling rig, comprising: a bottom plate comprising a first end and a second end, a top side and a bottom side; a rear motor support, wherein the second end of the rear motor support close to the bottom plate is in communication with the top side of the bottom plate; a first slide, the first slide comprising an upper end and a lower end; a second slide, the second slide comprising an upper end and a lower end; wherein the upper end of the first slide is in communication with the bottom side of the bottom plate, and the upper end of the second slide is in communication with the bottom side of the bottom plate; A first slide foot and a second slide foot, wherein the first slide foot is connected to the lower end of the first slide, and the second slide foot is connected to the lower end of the second slide; wherein the first slide seat, the first slide seat foot and the bottom side of the bottom plate define a first soil abandonment channel, and the second slide seat, the second slide seat foot and the bottom side of the bottom plate define a second soil abandonment channel; at least one pivot plate in communication with the top side of the bottom plate proximate the second end of the bottom plate, the at least one pivot plate including at least one pivot; a hydraulic motor including an output shaft in communication with the top side of the bottom plate through the at least one pivot of the at least one pivot plate; The hydraulic motor is in communication with an intermediate shaft via the output shaft, and the intermediate shaft includes a universal joint; a drive box including a front bearing and an inspection plate having an inspection hole, the drive box enclosing the connection between the output shaft and the intermediate shaft, and the inspection hole is arranged so that the connection between the output shaft and the intermediate shaft can be inspected, and the front bearing is in communication with the intermediate shaft; one or more plate supports in communication with the base plate; a first adjustment plate, the first adjustment plate comprising at least one first adjustment slot disposed in the first adjustment plate and communicating with the first adjustment plate foot; a second adjustment plate, the second adjustment plate comprising at least one second adjustment slot disposed in the second adjustment plate and communicating with the second adjustment plate foot; The first adjustment plate is in movably communication with the one or more plate supports via the at least one first adjustment slot, and the second adjustment plate is in movably communication with the one or more plate supports via the at least one second adjustment slot; a front guide member including a V-shape communicating with the top side of the bottom plate at the first end proximate the bottom plate; and an upper frame, the upper frame being in communication with the front guide member; wherein the first slide foot and the second slide foot are configured to slide along a ramp to support the drilling rig, the hydraulic motor is capable of rotating the intermediate shaft, the front guide and the upper frame are capable of limiting the deflection of the universal joint of the intermediate shaft, and the rear motor support is capable of engaging the hydraulic motor when the hydraulic motor deflects or rotates around the at least one pivot of the at least one pivot plate.

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