Rock roofbolter and method for rock consolidation

Abstract

A roofbolter and method for rock consolidation. The roofbolter (1) comprises a movable carrier (2), a roofbolter boom (3) mounted to a boom mounting point (16), and a roofbolter unit (4) mounted to the roofbolter boom. Furthermore, a cable reel arrangement (9) is provided, which comprises a cable reel (18) loaded with a wound cable (26). The cable reel is disposed at a front portion of the vehicle and forward of the boom mounting point.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a rock anchor drilling machine for installing cable anchors into boreholes to reinforce rock surfaces.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a method for reinforcing rock surfaces.

[0003] The scope of the invention is further defined in the preamble of the independent claims. Background Technology

[0004] In mines, construction sites, and other work areas, there is a need to reinforce rock surfaces to ensure their safety and suitability for their intended use. A common method for rock reinforcement is rock bolting. In this system, multiple rock bolts are secured in boreholes using grouting material. This binds the rock strata together, reducing the risk of collapse. Various types of rock bolts and methods for their installation exist. One known and widely used type is the cable bolt. However, current solutions for installing cable bolts have shown some drawbacks. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a novel and improved solution for installing cable anchors to reinforce rock surfaces.

[0006] The anchor drilling machine according to the present invention is characterized by the feature portion of the independent device claim.

[0007] The method according to the invention is characterized by the characteristic features of the independent method claims.

[0008] One concept of the disclosed solution is that a rock bolting drill includes a carrier, at least one bolting boom mounted to a boom mounting point on the carrier, and at least one bolting unit mounted to the distal portion of the bolting boom. Furthermore, one or more cable reel arrangements for storing wound cable are provided, and a cable feeding device for feeding the cable from the cable reel arrangements to the bolting unit under the guidance of a guiding arrangement. Moreover, the cable reel arrangements are located in front of the boom mounting point. In other words, when viewed in the operating direction, the cable reel arrangements are located at the front of the carrier.

[0009] One advantage of the disclosed solution is that the stability of the rock bolting rig is improved when the cable reel arrangement is located at the front of the vehicle. This is because there are typically heavier components and equipment at the rear of the rock bolting rig, and the rig usually has a relatively long rear overhang. Therefore, the cable reel arrangement at the front can balance the vehicle.

[0010] Another advantage is that the distance between the cable reel arrangement and the anchor bolt unit can be relatively short, which makes cable feeding easier.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the cable reel is positioned independently of the operation of the bolting boom. Therefore, the cable reel is not located on the bolting boom of the bolting unit. When the cable reel arrangement does not move with the bolting boom, the structure can be simpler, and the weight of the cable does not affect the movement of the bolting boom.

[0012] According to one embodiment, in addition to cable delivery capability, the rock bolt drilling rig may also be equipped with rock bolt storage and manipulation equipment. Therefore, the rock bolt drilling rig may include a dual system allowing the installation of either rock bolts or cable reinforcements. A rock bolt storage bin for storing rock bolts and a manipulation arrangement for retrieving rock bolts from the bin may be provided.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the bolting boom is mounted to a support frame, which is secured to a carrier and projects vertically from the upper surface of the carrier. The bolting boom can be connected to a side surface facing the operating direction via a joint system.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the anchor bolt unit includes a cutter for cutting the cable. Therefore, the cable anchor bolt is formed by inserting the cable into a borehole and then cutting the cable.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the guiding arrangement includes at least one feed pipe for guiding the cable within the feed pipe from the cable reel arrangement to the bolting unit.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the cable reel arrangement includes a cable reel on which a cable is wound, and wherein the cable reel is rotatable about a vertical axis of rotation. In other words, the rotatable cable reel is horizontally oriented or primarily horizontally oriented. One advantage of a horizontally oriented cable reel is that, compared to a vertically oriented cable reel, its center of gravity is located at a lower horizontal level, which is beneficial for the stability of the rock bolt drilling rig. Furthermore, a horizontally oriented cable reel offers improved usability, thereby facilitating replacement, manipulation, and maintenance.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the cable reel can be slightly tilted relative to the horizontal direction to facilitate the cable feeding process. The degree of tilt is limited. Thus, also in this case, one end surface of the cable reel faces downwards towards the travel surface, while the opposite end surface faces upwards. In known rock bolt drilling rigs, the cable reel rotates about a horizontal axis of rotation, and the end surfaces of the cable reel face two opposite lateral directions.

[0018] The cable reel can be tilted vertically by a limited amount relative to the tilt joint using a tilt actuator.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the cable reel arrangement is located at the front of the vehicle. In other words, the cable reel arrangement is located at a certain distance from the foremost point of the vehicle. The advantage of this embodiment is that no space needs to be reserved on the vehicle for the cable reel arrangement. Therefore, the vehicle layout is easier to design.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the cable reel is arranged in an operating position during the bolting process, in which the cable reel is positioned below the bolting boom. Advantageously, the cable reel is horizontally oriented and thus occupies only a small amount of space in the vertical direction.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the cable reel arrangement is located in front of the front axle of the vehicle. Therefore, the cable reel arrangement can be located at the front of the vehicle, or it can be located entirely or partially at the very front of the vehicle.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the vehicle is wheeled and includes a front axle and a rear axle. A cable reel arrangement is located in front of a boom mounting point, which is situated between the front and rear axles of the vehicle. In other words, the cable reel arrangement may be entirely or partially located between the front and rear axles.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the cable reel arrangement is movably supported to the carrier by means of at least one rotary joint and a rotary actuator. In other words, the position of the cable reel arrangement can be varied relative to the carrier.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the cable reel arrangement is movable at least in the lateral direction of the vehicle. Therefore, the cable reel arrangement can be moved from an operating position to one side of the vehicle where more space is available and where cable reel replacement and necessary maneuvering and maintenance operations are more easily performed.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the cable reel arrangement is capable of vertical movement relative to the carrier. This vertical movement can replace or supplement lateral movement. An advantage of this vertical movement feature is that the height of the cable reel arrangement can be adjusted to ensure smooth cable delivery to the bolting unit. For example, this vertical movement can also be implemented when changing cable reels.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the cable reel arrangement is supported by a control arm connected to the front of the vehicle and configured to project from the vehicle in the longitudinal direction. In other words, the control arm supports the cable reel arrangement at a distance from the front of the vehicle. The advantage of this embodiment is that it eliminates the need for space and support structures on the upper surface of the vehicle for the cable reel arrangement. Furthermore, the control arm and the provided distance from the vehicle facilitate cable reel replacement and maintenance operations.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the first end of the control arm is connected to the front of the carrier via one or more joints, thereby enabling the control arm and the cable reel arrangement located at the second end of the control arm to move in multiple ways. This allows the operator of the rock bolt drilling rig to perform their work more easily, safely, and efficiently.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the first end of the control arm is connected at the front of the vehicle at a lateral distance from the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle. The control arm can be mounted at the mounting point at the maximum lateral distance from the centerline. Therefore, the control arm can be rotated to a transport position in which the control arm points laterally or substantially laterally relative to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Consequently, the arrangement of the control arm and the cable reel at its distal end does not increase the length of the vehicle and does not create visual obstruction when driving and positioning the bolting rig.

[0029] Furthermore, the control arm can be rotated relative to the vehicle to the desired angular orientation, thereby allowing the cable reel to be positioned in the desired location relative to the bolting unit during bolting operations. When the control arm is mounted close to one side of the vehicle, it has sufficient lateral reach when rotated to one side of the vehicle, for example, for changing the cable reel.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the cable reel arrangement includes a cable box, and the cable reel is arranged within the cable box, thereby forming a surrounding and support structure for the cable reel with the cable wound on it. In other words, the cable box can receive the cable reel within a protective housing, and the cable box has support members that allow the cable reel to rotate and move. The advantage of the cable box is that it can protect the cable reel from falling rocks, dust, and moisture in harsh operating environments, thereby improving operational reliability.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the cable reel is a replaceable component that can be arranged within a cable box. Therefore, an empty cable reel can be easily removed from the cable box and replaced with a new cable reel wound with the required amount of cable. The cable reels can be delivered to the anchor bolting site as pre-wound units. The cable reels can be wound in a separate facility outside the anchor bolting site, or they can be provided by the cable supplier as ready-to-use units.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the cable box includes a quick-locking element for connecting the cable reel. The connection can also be automated, enabling unattended replacement of the cable reel.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the cable reel arrangement is a replaceable unit. Therefore, the cable box and the cable reel located within it can be easily removed and replaced as a whole. This allows the cable reel arrangement to be removed when it is not needed, and also for maintenance purposes.

[0034] According to one embodiment, a cable reel arrangement is positioned at the distal end of a control arm, which is mounted to the front end of a vehicle. A quick-connect element is provided between the cable reel arrangement and the control arm to facilitate quick and easy removal and reconnection.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the cable reel arrangement is equipped with a cable feeding device for feeding cables. In other words, the cable reel arrangement is a structurally and operationally independent module capable of feeding cables from a cable reel arranged within a cable box.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the cable reel arrangement includes a rotating device for rotating the cable reel within a cable box. This rotating device can provide at least auxiliary rotational movement to the cable reel, which, in conjunction with cable feeding, is sufficient to rotate the cable reel and allow the cable to be unwound from the cable reel.

[0037] According to one embodiment, a bolt drilling rig may include a feeding device mounted in association with a bolt drilling unit or a bolt drilling boom. Furthermore, several feeding devices may be used. Thus, a first feeding device associated with a cable reel arrangement and a second feeding device associated with the bolt drilling unit may be provided. The first feeding device can apply thrust to the cable, and the second feeding device can apply tension to the cable.

[0038] It has been noted that applying tension to the cable being fed is generally beneficial. Therefore, compared to solutions in which only thrust is applied, it is possible to feed the cable with a smaller force.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the bolt drilling rig includes two or more cable reels. Therefore, the guiding arrangement includes branched guiding elements to allow selective, sequential feeding of cable from one cable reel at a time. In other words, this embodiment allows cable feeding from two or more individual cable reels, thereby improving operational reliability. If one cable reel fails or runs out of cable, another cable reel can be activated.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the disclosed cable reel arrangement serves as the main cable reel, and one or more additional cable reels can be placed in other locations, such as the rear or middle of the vehicle. Therefore, the rear and middle reels can be used as spare cable reels.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the branched guide element has a Y-shaped configuration and includes two receiving branches and one delivery branch. The cable can be selectively delivered from an alternative cable reel via the receiving branches toward the delivery branch, which is connected to a feed tube or another type of guide element for guiding the cable to the bolting unit.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the disclosed solution can also be implemented in rock drilling rigs primarily designed for drilling blasting holes on the surface of rock cavities or on face surfaces of tunnels and mine roadways. Therefore, the drilling boom can be equipped with a bolting unit, or alternatively, the rock drilling rig can be configured with a bolting boom equipped with a bolting unit. In this regard, the term "bolting drilling rig" also refers to a rock bolting drilling rig equipped with the disclosed cable bolting scheme.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the disclosed solution also relates to a method for rock reinforcement. The method includes: using a rock bolt drilling rig, which includes a carrier, a rock bolt boom, a rock bolt unit, and a cable reel; drilling a hole in the rock surface using a rock drilling machine of the rock bolt unit; feeding grouting material into the hole; feeding a cable bolt from the cable reel into the hole using a feeding device; and cutting the cable bolt outside the hole. The method also includes supporting the cable reel at the front of the carrier and allowing the cable reel to operate independently of the rock bolt boom.

[0044] The disclosed embodiments described above can be combined with each other to form a suitable solution that possesses the desired features described above. Attached Figure Description

[0045] Some embodiments are described in more detail in the figures, which are shown in the accompanying drawings:

[0046] Figure 1 This is a schematic side view of a rock drilling rig used to install cable anchors onto a rock surface;

[0047] Figures 2 to 4 It is a schematic top view of an anchor drilling rig with different layouts;

[0048] Figure 5 It is a schematic side view of the front of an anchor drilling rig equipped with a cable reel arrangement, which is movably arranged in front of the vehicle.

[0049] Figure 6 This is a schematic top view of the front of the anchor bolt drilling rig, which is equipped with an operating arm for moving the cable reel arrangement.

[0050] For clarity, these figures illustrate some embodiments of the disclosed solutions in a simplified manner. In the figures, the same reference numerals identify the same elements. Detailed Implementation

[0051] Figure 1 A bolt drilling rig 1 is disclosed, comprising a movable carrier 2 and at least one bolt drilling boom 3, with a bolt drilling unit 4 located at the free end of the boom 3 for installing cable anchors 5 within a borehole 6. The bolt drilling unit 4 may include a rock drilling unit 7 for drilling into the borehole 6, or alternatively, the borehole 6 may be pre-drilled. The bolt drilling unit 4 includes means 8 for feeding, cutting, and tensioning the cable anchors 5, as well as for installing necessary accessories such as anchors and surface plates. The carrier 2 is provided with a cable reel arrangement 9 for storing wound cable. Furthermore, a guide arrangement 10 is provided for guiding the cable from the cable reel arrangement 9 to the bolt drilling unit 4. For example, the guide arrangement 10 may be a tubular element.

[0052] The cable reel arrangement 9 includes a rotatable cable reel 11. Figure 1 In the image, the cable reel 11 is horizontally arranged at the rear end of the vehicle 2, thus illustrating a prior art solution in this respect.

[0053] The anchor drilling rig 1 also includes a grouting system, for clear reasons. Figure 1 The grouting system is not disclosed in the document. Typically, a grouting system includes a grout reservoir, a grout delivery device, and a hose reel for injecting grout material into the borehole 6. The disclosed apparatus and system can be automatically controlled under the control of one or more control units (CUs), or controlled in conjunction with the operator of the bolt drilling rig 1.

[0054] Figure 1 It is also disclosed that the anchor drilling rig 1 can be used to install cable anchors 5 to the pit top surface 12 of a rock space. Alternatively or as a supplement, rock reinforcement can be performed on the pit wall surface 13, the pit surface, and any other rock surface that needs to be reinforced. The anchor drilling rig 1 operates in the operating direction OD at the work site and can also be moved and positioned in the opposite direction RD.

[0055] Figures 2 to 4An anchor bolt drilling rig 1 is disclosed, wherein the carrier 2 employs a frame-type steering mechanism and includes a front frame 2a and a rear frame 2b interconnected by a steering joint 14. Both the front frame 2a and the rear frame 2b are equipped with tires 15. A cable reel arrangement 9 is mounted to the front frame portion 2a, which also includes boom mounting points 16 for supporting the anchor bolt boom 3. For clarity reasons, Figure 2 The anchor bolt boom 3 is partially shown by dashed lines, while Figure 3 and Figure 4 The bolting boom is not disclosed in the text. Boom mounting point 16 includes a frame, support surface, or any other robust structure capable of supporting the bolting boom 3. Boom mounting point 16 faces the operating direction OD. Figures 2 to 4 In the diagram, the connector 17 for attaching the bolting boom is shown in a simplified manner, potentially located on a surface facing the operating direction OD. Alternatively, the bolting boom can be mounted on top of the structure at boom mounting point 16. Cable reel arrangement 9 is mounted on carrier 2 and positioned in front of boom mounting point 16.

[0056] exist Figure 2 In the cable reel arrangement 9, there is a cable reel 18 that is rotatable about a vertical axis of rotation. The cable reel arrangement 9 is located in the area between the foremost part of the front frame 2a and the boom mounting point 16.

[0057] exist Figure 3 In the middle, the cable reel arrangement 9 includes a cable reel 18 that is rotatable relative to a horizontal axis of rotation. The cable reel arrangement 9 is mainly located in front of the front axle 19 of the front frame 2a.

[0058] exist Figure 4 The diagram shows two adjacent cable reel arrangements 9a and 9b, where cable reel 18 is rotatable relative to the vertical axis of rotation. The cable reel arrangements 9a and 9b are located between the front axle 19 of the front frame 2a and the boom mounting point 16. Alternatively, the cable reel arrangements 9a and 9b can also be mounted in front of the front axle 19. The cable reel arrangements 9a and 9b can also be arranged sequentially in the operating direction OD. In some cases, the number of cable reel arrangements can be three or more.

[0059] Figure 4 Further disclosure reveals that the bolt drilling rig 1 can be equipped with an additional cable reel arrangement 20 mounted to the rear frame 2b. Therefore, one or more cable arrangements 9a, 9b can be provided in front of the boom mounting point 16, and one or more additional cable reel arrangements 20 can be provided behind the boom mounting point 16. In this case, the guide arrangement 10 is provided with branched guide elements 21 for connecting several guide branches 10a, 10b, and 10c, and allows selective feeding of cable from one cable reel of cable reel 18 at a time.

[0060] Figure 5 A rock drilling rig 1 is disclosed, wherein a cable reel arrangement 9 is supported to an operating arm 22, which is connected to the front of a carrier 2 and configured to protrude from the carrier 2 in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the cable reel arrangement 9 can be moved relative to rotary joints 23, 24 by means of one or more rotary actuators (not shown for clarity). Figure 5 The arrows indicate that cable reel arrangement 9 can be raised and lowered, as well as tilted and moved laterally.

[0061] In addition, the cable reel arrangement 9 includes a cable box 25, within which a cable reel 18 is arranged. The cable reel 18 is replaceable and can be replaced with a new reel when the cable 26 is used up.

[0062] For feeding cable 26, a cable feeding device 27 associated with the bolting unit 4 may be provided. The cable feeding device 27 may be part of the bolting device 28 of the bolting unit 4, or it may be a separate device connected to the bolting unit 4. Alternatively, the cable reel arrangement 9 may be provided with a cable feeding device 27a. The cable feeding device 27 can drag cable 26, and the cable feeding device 27a can push cable 26.

[0063] In addition, the anchor bolt unit 4 is equipped with a cutting device 29 for cutting the cable after it has been inserted into the borehole. The system 30 for delivering grouting material or resin injection material is disclosed only in a simplified form. The system 30 delivers the grouting material to the anchor bolt unit 4 via a hose 31 or pipe. The operation of the anchor bolting process can be controlled under the control of the control unit CU.

[0064] Figure 6 The disclosed bolt drilling rig 1 includes a cable reel arrangement 9 mounted on the control arm 22, enabling the cable reel arrangement 9 to pick up a full cable reel 18a from a first side and place an empty cable reel 18b to a second side. Therefore, the operation of the cable reels can be efficient and safe, without the need for any external transport vehicles or equipment operating below the bolt drilling boom 3.

[0065] The disclosed control arm 22 allows the cable reel arrangement 9 to be moved to a transport position close to the vehicle 2, and also allows the cable reel arrangement 9 to be moved according to the position and orientation of the bolting boom 3 and the bolting unit 4, thereby improving cable feeding.

[0066] Figure 6 Further details disclose that the cable reel arrangement 9 may include a cable feeding device 27a. Additionally, a rotating device 28 may be provided to rotate the cable reel 18 within the cable box 25, thereby assisting in the feeding of the cable 26.

[0067] The accompanying drawings and related descriptions are intended only to illustrate the concept of the invention. The invention may vary within the scope of the claims in its specific details.

Claims

1. A rock anchor drilling rig (1) for installing cable anchors (5) into a borehole (6) to reinforce the rock surface, in, The anchor drilling rig (1) includes: The vehicle (2) is capable of moving in the operating direction (OD) and the opposite reverse direction (RD); At least one anchor bolt boom (3) is mounted to a boom mounting point (16) on the vehicle (2) and configured to face the operating direction (OD). At least one anchor bolt unit (4) is installed on the distal portion of the anchor bolt boom (3); At least one cable reel arrangement (9) is supported on the carrier (2) and is capable of storing wound cables (26). At least one cable feeding device (27, 27a) for feeding the cable from the cable reel arrangement (9) to the anchor bolt unit (4); and Guide arrangement (10) for guiding the cable (26) from the cable reel arrangement (9) to the anchor bolt unit (4). Its features are, The cable reel arrangement (9) is located in front of the boom mounting point (16).

2. The anchor drilling machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cable reel arrangement (9) includes a cable reel (18) on which the cable (26) is wound, and wherein the cable reel (18) is rotatable about a vertical axis of rotation (V).

3. The anchor drilling machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The cable reel arrangement (9) is located in front of the vehicle (2).

4. The anchor drilling rig according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The cable reel arrangement (9) is movably supported to the carrier (2) by means of at least one rotary joint (22, 23) and a rotary actuator.

5. The anchor drilling rig according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The cable reel arrangement (9) is supported to the control arm (22), which is connected to the front of the vehicle (2) and configured to protrude from the vehicle (2) along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (2).

6. The anchor drilling machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The cable reel arrangement (9) includes a cable box (25) and a cable reel (18) is arranged inside the cable box (25) to form a surrounding and support structure for the cable reel (18) on which the cable (26) is wound.

7. The anchor drilling rig according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The cable reel arrangement (9) is provided with a cable feeding device (27a) for feeding the cable (26).

8. The anchor drilling machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The anchor drilling rig (1) includes at least two cable reels (18); and The guide arrangement (10) includes a branched guide element (21) that allows selective feeding of cable from one cable reel of the cable reel (18) one by one.

9. A method for rock reinforcement, wherein the method comprises: An anchor drilling rig (1) is used, which includes a carrier (2), an anchor boom (3), an anchor unit (4) and a cable reel (18). The rock drilling machine (7) of the anchor bolt unit (4) drills a hole (6) on the rock surface. The grouting material is delivered into the borehole (6); Cable anchors (5) are fed from the cable reel (18) to the borehole (6) using feeding devices (27, 27a). Cut the cable anchor (5) outside the borehole (6); Its features include, The cable reel (18) is supported at the front of the vehicle (2) and the cable reel (18) is operated independently of the anchor boom (3).

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