Control for holding a transfer device for a rod of a boring device

Abstract

The invention relates to a control for at least one receiving device of a transfer device for a drill string section of an earth drilling direction, wherein the earth drilling device is designed to move a drill string, and the transfer device is designed to transfer the received drill string section from a position in a drill string magazine to a position on the drill string or vice versa, and the control is designed to move the receiving device between a position above the drill string magazine and the position on the drill string while the drill string is moving.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an earth drilling device with a transfer device and a method for transferring a rod section of an earth drilling device.

[0002] When drilling into the earth using a drill string composed of rod sections, it is common to remove the individual rod sections from a rod magazine using a transfer device and bring them into a position at the end of the drill string in order to extend the already drilled drill string with the brought-in rod section.

[0003] For example, DE 10 2009 035 277 A1 discloses a drilling device comprising a rod magazine with a plurality of rod sections stored therein, a drill carriage, and a transfer device for removing the rod sections from the rod magazine and positioning them in the drill carriage. The rod magazine is positioned next to a base support of the drill carriage. The rod magazine is cuboid in shape and is constructed from a plurality of interconnected frame profiles. The top of the rod magazine is open, allowing the transfer device to be moved into the rod magazine and remove a rod section. The transfer device is connected via a support frame to both an outer wall of the rod magazine and the base support of the drill carriage. Horizontally oriented racks are provided on the support frame, meshing with drive gears of a drive mechanism.A gripping unit of the transfer device can be moved horizontally along the horizontal racks.

[0004] EP 3 722 552 A2 discloses an earth drilling device according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method according to the preamble of claim 2.

[0005] DE 101 10 094 A1 and DE 102 06 645 A1 disclose transfer devices which have a higher degree of freedom compared to a transfer device similar to a telescopic crane.

[0006] It has been found that while known drilling devices achieve good results, users may find the time required to carry out an earth drilling operation too long.

[0007] The invention is based on the objective of creating an earth drilling device and a method for transferring a rod section of an earth drilling device, in which, in particular, the time required to drill an earth borehole is reduced.

[0008] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the respective dependent claims and the description.

[0009] The core idea of ​​the invention is to position the transfer device, even while the drill string is moving, to allow for faster drilling of the borehole. This is achieved using a simple drill string magazine from which the drill string sections can be removed from above. The transfer device can position at least one receptacle, capable of receiving, moving, and depositing the drill string section, advantageously during both the pulling and pushing phases of the drill string operation. This advantageous position is located between the interior of the drill string magazine and the position of the drill string section on the drill string. The receptacle can be brought close to the drill string even during the pulling or pushing phase of the drill string operation, in order to subsequently insert a new drill string section into the drill string.to remove a drill string shot from the end of the drill string.

[0010] The inventors recognized that the transfer device can be used not only for the direct path of the drill string between the drill string magazine and its position on the drill string, but also that there can be one or more intermediate positions to which the transfer device can move the drill string while it is being pulled or pushed through the drilling rig. While the prior art specifies a path for the drill string that essentially consists of several linear, particularly direct, movements, with at least one movement being an uninterrupted linear motion from above to the position on the drill string, the present device provides at least one or more "intermediate positions" with which...where at least one interruption of the continuous linear movement provided for in the prior art may be present, whereby the movement of the drill string section into this position(s) occurs while the drill string is still moving. During the actual drilling, pull-in, or reaming progress, the transfer device can simultaneously be moved to a position that, on the one hand, does not obstruct the travel path of the drive, and on the other hand, represents the shortest possible distance to the position on the drill string in order to move a drill string section to the end or a position on the drill string, or to remove a drill string section from the position on the drill string (end of the drill string). From the "intermediate position" or "intermediate positions," the transfer device can move the drill string or...to reach a position on the drill string so that the actual drilling or pulling progress hardly has to be interrupted for bringing in or taking out a new drill string section to be connected to the drill string or for taking out a drill string section that has been separated from the drill string.

[0011] The invention offers a significant advantage and added value by enabling faster drilling. Waiting or downtime, during which the drill string must first be transported, can be reduced. This can lead to shorter work cycles, as the actual drilling, pulling, or reaming process can continue in parallel for a large part of the transfer device's movement. Despite the shortened work cycle(s), no additional components are necessarily required.

[0012] It was recognized that a synergistic effect can be achieved by modifying the drill string magazine to allow the drill string section to be moved while the drill string is in motion. This synergistic effect is particularly evident when transporting a drill string section from the magazine towards the drill string. The modification can be achieved by providing a recess in the drill string magazine through which the drill string section can be moved, especially without having to move it above the top edge of the magazine. The recess is preferably located in the end wall of the drill string magazine; furthermore, this wall is preferably oriented towards the point where the drill string enters the ground.The recess allows a drill string section to be advanced far enough, without having yet moved towards the drill string, that the end of the drill string facing the point where the drill string enters the ground is positioned essentially centrally above a clamping and releasing device of the earth drilling rig. This device clamps and releases the drill string. Using this clamping and releasing device, the drill string can be clamped during a drill string change—that is, when connecting to another drill string section or removing the previous section—without the drill string moving significantly along its length.The drill string section, which is to be attached to the drill string from the drill rod magazine, can be advanced through the recess to such an extent that only a short horizontal and a vertical movement are required to bring the drill string section into alignment with the longitudinal axis of the drill string and then connect it to the drill string. By providing a recess in the drill rod magazine, it is possible to leave the drill string section in a position advantageous for working. This position can be defined as a position above a surface resulting from a translational movement of a projection of the drill rod magazine frame or base along the longitudinal axis of the drill rod magazine in the direction of the drill string's entry into the ground.It may seem paradoxical at first that an advantage can be achieved without moving the drill string section out of the drill magazine along the longitudinal axis of the drill string. Nevertheless, a significant added value for the user can be achieved. The movement of the drill string section made possible by the recess in the drill magazine can be a translational movement out of the drill magazine along its longitudinal axis, specifically essentially parallel to the drill string.

[0013] For the purposes of this description, the term recess includes a passage, a breakthrough, an opening and / or a hole, whereby the passage, breakthrough, opening and / or the hole may be at least partially, and in particular completely, surrounded by material at its edges.

[0014] A control system for at least one receiver of a transfer device for a drill string section of an earth drilling rig is described. The earth drilling rig is designed to move a drill string. The transfer device is designed to transfer the received drill string section from a position in a drill string magazine to a position on the drill string, or vice versa. The control system is designed to move the receiver between a position above the drill string magazine and the position on the drill string while the drill string is moving.

[0015] The term "control system" as used in this description encompasses a hardware and / or software configuration that enables the directed control of the receiving and transfer devices during operation, i.e., for handling or moving the drill bit. The control system can comprise a hardware component and / or a software component. It can be a separate hardware component (module) that can be integrated into and / or functionally connected to the control system of an earth drilling rig. The hardware component can be electrical or electronic. A hardware component of the control system can also be at least partially implemented within the control system of the earth drilling rig. The hardware component can utilize a processor for operating the earth drilling rig, meaning that the hardware component can be at least partially identical or identical to the hardware used to control the earth drilling rig.The control system can alternatively or additionally comprise a sequence of instructions as a software component, which can be executed on a processor that may be designed as a separate processor (separate hardware component) or as the processor of the earth drilling device. A processor, as described, comprises an arithmetic unit that may be designed using electronic circuits to execute instructions, in particular a computer program. In a preferred embodiment, the control system also includes a sequence of instructions that can be executed on a processor. The sequence of instructions can be in the form of a (computer) program. The sequence of instructions can be directed at or selectively act upon the receiving and transfer devices to selectively move, grip, and / or place a drill bit.

[0016] The term "transfer device" as used in this description encompasses a device for picking up, lifting, moving, and / or setting down a drill string section, in particular by means of one or more receptacles, which may be part of the transfer device. The transfer device may be configured to transfer a drill string section from the string magazine to the drill string axis or a position on the drill string (pushing the drill string into the ground) as well as to transfer a drill string section from the drill string axis or a position on the drill string to the string magazine (pulling is applied to the drill string and the drill string is pulled out of the ground).

[0017] Due to its structural design, the transfer device can provide a means of moving at least one receptacle by means of which a drill string section, particularly in the drill string magazine, can be picked up or gripped and moved to a position on the drill string. It is also possible for the transfer device to move a drill string section from a position on the drill string into the drill string magazine. The receptacle is movable vertically and horizontally, both transversely and longitudinally parallel to the drill string or the drill string axis. The transfer device can, in particular, be designed essentially like the transfer device known from DE 10 2009 035 277 A1.

[0018] The term "receiver" as used in this description encompasses a means for lifting and / or moving a rod section, which can be brought into contact with or into engagement with the rod section. In particular, a "receiver" can be designed as a gripping device; however, other embodiments are also possible, either without a gripping device or additionally in combination with one. A receptacle can, for example, include a magnet or electromagnet with which the rod section, or a magnet or magnetized section arranged on the rod section, can interact to form at least a temporary, releasable connection between the receptacle and the rod section. The rod section can be picked up and placed down by means of the receptacle. If the receptacle moves with a picked-up rod section, the receptacle can move together with the rod section.

[0019] A fixture can typically be designed as a gripping device. The gripping device can grasp a rod section, at least partially, along a circumferential segment. For this purpose, the gripping device can have one, two, or more gripping elements that move towards or away from a fixed element, or towards or away from each other, for example, in the form of gripping jaws, clamping jaws, gripping clamps, fingers, or similar devices.

[0020] The transfer device can have at least one, preferably more than one, and in particular two, receptacles. One or more receptacles can be designed as gripping devices. The gripping devices, in particular the two, can be arranged on a common element, for example a beam, of the transfer device at a longitudinal axial distance from each other.

[0021] The term "drill string section" as used in this description encompasses individual, particularly rigid, drill string sections that can be connected to one another directly or indirectly to form a drill string or drill string in the longitudinal axial direction. The drill string sections can be joined by means of a mechanical intermediate element, either plugged together or screwed together without such an intermediate element. Combinations of plugging and screwing together are also possible. The connection can be secured by a locking element that prevents the drill string sections from being unplugged or screwed together. The locking element can be inserted and / or screwed into one or both of the connected drill string sections.In the case of a thread on the locking element, the linkage section or sections may have a corresponding (counter-)thread; however, it may also be provided that at least one of the linkage sections does not have a (counter-)thread and a further element is inserted into at least one of the linkage sections which has the (counter-)thread.

[0022] The term "drill string" as used in this description comprises several interconnected drill sections. The drill string can have, at one end, particularly the front end, a drill head and an optional drill head tip, which may be configured as a drilling tool (for example, as a reaming head), or a section adjacent to the drill head, which may, in particular, have the same orientation as the drill head. In a particularly preferred embodiment, a front section of a drill string is configured as a drill head or drilling tool. The drill string can also include a sensor section or a sensor housing in which a sensor is arranged that enables position and / or orientation determination of the drill head or of a section adjacent to the drill head.The drill string extends longitudinally along the longitudinal axes of the drill string sections in a drill string axis that is essentially congruent with or coincides with the longitudinal axes of the drill string sections. The drill string axis can essentially be formed by the longitudinal axes of the individual drill string sections.

[0023] The term "earth drilling device" encompasses, for the purposes of this description, any device capable of moving a drill string, particularly one comprising drill sections, within an existing or planned channel in the ground, in order to create or enlarge a borehole, especially a horizontal borehole (HD), or to install pipelines or other long objects in the ground. The earth drilling device may, in particular, be an HD device. An earth drilling device can be a device that drives a drill string and is capable of displacing soil. The drill string can be inserted into the ground translationally and / or rotationally in its longitudinal direction. The drill string can be moved through the ground by applying tension or compression.

[0024] To drive the drill string, a drive unit is generally provided in or on the drilling rig, capable of exerting a translational and / or rotational force on the drill string. The drill string may have recesses on its outer surface into which an engagement element, movable by the drive unit, can engage to move the drill string essentially along its longitudinal axis. The recesses provided on the outer surface of the drill string may be designed as grooves on the outer surface of the drill string sections. A recess may extend at least partially along the circumference; in particular, a recess may extend completely around the circumference of the drill string section. More than one recess per drill string section may be provided.The engagement element can be designed as a pawl that engages in a recess on the drill string (rod section). More than one engagement element can engage the drill string and be moved by the drive. The pawl(s) can be arranged on a reciprocating carriage or a linear drive. In the case of a reciprocating carriage, the drive force can be applied to the drill string in one direction, for example, the "forward" direction. Then, by moving in the "reverse" direction, the carriage is moved without engaging the pawl(s) to return to a position for further engagement. The "forward" direction corresponds to a "working stroke," and the "reverse" direction to a "free stroke."

[0025] The drive unit can be mounted on a drill rig, which may be designed as a mobile frame. Alternatively, the drive unit can be mounted on or attached to a frame. A drive unit with a carriage can move back and forth on the drill rig or frame in the direction of the drill string axis to push or pull the drill string through the ground. The drill rig or frame can have one or more clamping devices by which the drill string or a newly inserted drill section can be secured. A clamping device may be provided on the drill rig or frame by means of which the free end of the drill string can be secured to allow a newly inserted drill section to be connected to the already drilled section.

[0026] The term "soil" as used in this description encompasses any type of material, in particular earth, sand, rock, stone, and / or stone, in which existing or to be created, preferably at least partially horizontal, channels or boreholes can be installed. An underground arrangement of the soil is preferred, but not mandatory.

[0027] A "barrel magazine" as described above can be a volume or space defined by at least one partially defined frame, in which bar sections, particularly in a horizontal position, can be stored. The volume or space can be enclosed by surfaces that are at least partially open, but need not be completely closed. The barrel magazine is open at the top. It can have two end pieces or head sections, on which dividers can be provided. These dividers can be directed towards each other to create compartments or rows for the bar sections within the magazine. The dividers can extend over the entire length between the end pieces. It is also possible that the dividers, or some of them, extend only over a portion of the length between the two end pieces.The term "linkage magazine" as used in the description also includes a linkage magazine as known from DE 10 2009 035 277 A1.

[0028] A rod magazine allows for the arrangement of rod sections in a substantially horizontal configuration. Within the magazine, rod sections can be in direct contact with each other, with two sections resting directly against one another. Adjacent rod sections within a compartment, particularly those arranged one above the other, can also be in direct contact. The width of the compartments, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rod magazine (which may coincide with or run parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rod sections), can essentially correspond to the width of a rod section. The compartments can be one rod section diameter wide (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rod magazine or the longitudinal axis of a rod section stored within it) and several rod section diameters high.

[0029] In a boom magazine, compartments can be used to define positions where a boom section can be positioned, arranged, or stored. Due to the horizontal arrangement of the boom sections, not all defined positions are possible when the boom magazine is not fully loaded, as there cannot be empty spaces between two adjacent boom sections. Because the boom sections can rest on top of each other, empty intermediate positions are eliminated. However, only the uppermost boom section of a compartment or column can be accessed (initially). The positions defined in the boom magazine by the compartments and the diameter or thickness of the boom sections can be indexed and / or numbered for visualization and / or identification purposes. The index and / or number allows for the unambiguous assignment of a position within the boom magazine.An assignment can be made, or already exists, indicating whether and which linkage section is located at a specific position in the linkage magazine. This assignment can be tracked by the control system, particularly when a new linkage section is added to the linkage magazine, a linkage section is relocated within the linkage magazine, and / or a linkage section is removed from the linkage magazine.

[0030] The term "above the drill string magazine," referring to the position of a drill string section gripped and moved by the receiver(s), encompasses a position of the receiver(s) that is higher than the height of the drill string magazine. In particular, the term can include a position that lies above the volume enclosed by the drill string magazine. The term "above the drill string magazine" describes not only a specific position of the receiver(s), but also a range in which the receiver(s) can be positioned or arranged. The position indicates that the receiver(s) have exited the drill string magazine upwards. The receiver(s) may be moving towards a position along the drill string axis.

[0031] The term "a position on the drill string," referring to the position of a drill string section gripped and moved by the receiver(s), encompasses a position at the end of the drill string where a drill string section held or gripped by the receiver(s) would be essentially aligned with the drill string axis. The term "a position on the drill string" does not necessarily describe a specific location or position in space, but rather a range where a drill string section gripped by the receiver(s) would be aligned with the drill string axis; in particular, a translational displacement of the receiver(s) in a direction parallel to the drill string axis is possible without leaving its position on the drill string.

[0032] If it is described that the drill is located between the aforementioned positions, this includes, within the meaning of the description, the possibility that the drill can remain stationary or at rest in a position between the two positions. However, it may also be provided that the drill can be moved "dynamically" between the aforementioned positions by traveling a distance and / or several positions between the aforementioned positions ("above the drill string magazine" and "a position on the drill string").

[0033] A position between "above the drill string magazine" and "a position on the drill string" may in particular be one or more positions where at least one of the following criteria is met: outside the drill string magazine, laterally between the drill string magazine (i.e. outside of it) and the drill string axis, some diameters or thicknesses of drill string sections above the drill string axis, some diameters or thicknesses of drill string sections laterally next to the drill string axis and / or laterally next to the drill string magazine below the top edge of the drill string magazine.

[0034] The term "at least" together with the indefinite article "a", which is grammatically adapted to the gender of the following noun, encompasses, in the sense of description, the possibility that one, two, three, four or another integer number of the parts or elements designated by the noun is taken into account or is present.

[0035] It is described that the mounting bracket can be moved to at least one intermediate position, which is a lowered position located on a travel path between the position above the drill string magazine and the position on the drill string. This provides a particularly simple and efficient positioning for the mounting bracket. Only minimal movement is required to move the bracket into its position on the drill string. Here, the term "position" refers specifically to the height to which the mounting bracket is raised.

[0036] It is described that at least one intermediate position is located above a collection container for drilling fluid. This allows for the return of drilling fluid that may escape from the drill string due to previous use at one or more intermediate positions specified by the control system, thus preventing it from contaminating the ground on which the drilling rig is located. The collection container can be designed as a trough, basin, or similar structure. It can have a drain or overflow for discharging the collected drilling fluid. The drilling fluid collected by the container can, for example, be directed into an anchor plate. The container and the anchor plate can be connected by a fluid channel.It may also be provided that the drilling fluid can reach the outlet or overflow "by gravity" without a predetermined fluid channel by "simply running down or dripping".

[0037] An intermediate position can be, in particular, a position located between a position above the drill string magazine and a position on the drill string. The term "intermediate position" is primarily a simplification of the description.

[0038] The transfer device has a crane-like structure, similar to a gantry crane. Such transfer devices are easy to construct and easy to handle.

[0039] It is described that on the travel path between the position above the drill string magazine and the position on the drill string there is a storage area for a drill string section, onto which a drill string section can be placed and picked up again.

[0040] The additional storage area for drill rod sections can further increase drilling efficiency. This extra storage area provides greater flexibility in handling the drill rod sections. It can also serve as an intermediate sorting point, for example.

[0041] It is described that the control system is designed for sorting the drill string sections in the drill string magazine. This allows, among other things, the automatic selection of specific drill string sections from the magazine without requiring operator interaction. The control system can select a drill string section intended for extending the drill string already in the ground. This selection can be based on various criteria and / or specifications. For example, the selection can be made by removing the drill string sections from the magazine in a predetermined sequence, defined by the control system, to extend the drill string. In this respect, the selection can be predetermined by a specific removal sequence.Sorting can help optimize the predetermined extraction sequence, ensuring that the initially unsorted drill string sections are sorted according to the prescribed sequence. The criterion or guideline for selecting and connecting drill string sections to the drill string can be the duration the drill string section has already been used for drilling a borehole. Other criteria or guidelines are possible, and it is also possible to consider more than one criterion. Sorting can further optimize the drilling process. Sorting can be performed during the storage of a drill string section, for example, when pulling in or out the drill string (especially during reaming).This allows a frequently and / or heavily used drill string section to be sorted to the bottom of the drill string magazine, instead of resting in a compartment at the top and "blocking" access to the sections below. A drill string section sorted to the bottom—unless it is moved back to the top for access—can therefore only be used after the other drill string sections above it, and specifically only when the other drill string sections in the magazine have reached a similar or worse state of wear than the drill string parameters. As the drill drive continues to pull the drill string out of the ground, the last drill string section pulled out can be optimally sorted and stored in the drill string magazine.

[0042] Sorting the drill sections in the drill magazine can also be done, or alternatively, during the start-up of the drilling rig. Even in this state, the time can be used effectively to optimize the position of the drill sections in the magazine.

[0043] Sorting and / or optimized storage of a drill string section in the drill string magazine can be performed simultaneously with the start-up and / or movement of the drill string by the drive, so that the sorting and / or optimized storage does not interfere with the actual drilling or withdrawal of the drill string. This leads to further optimization of the drilling time and thus to increased added value for the operator of the drilling rig.

[0044] A transfer device for a drill string section of an earth drilling rig is described. The earth drilling rig is designed to move a drill string. The transfer device has at least one receptacle for a drill string section and is designed to transfer the retrieved drill string section from a position in a drill string magazine to a position on the drill string or vice versa. The transfer device can be controlled by a control system, which is designed to move the receptacle between a position above the drill string magazine and the position on the drill string while the drill string is moving.

[0045] The invention provides an earth drilling device with a control system, as described in particular above, and a transfer device, as described in particular above. The earth drilling device is designed for moving a drill string. The transfer device has at least one receptacle for a drill string section and is designed for transferring the received drill string section from a position in a drill string magazine to a position on the drill string or vice versa. The control system is designed to move the receptacle between a position above the drill string magazine and the position on the drill string even while the drill string is moving.

[0046] The invention also provides a method for transferring a drill string section of an earth drilling rig by means of a transfer device that receives the drill string section by means of at least one receptacle. The earth drilling rig is designed to move a drill string, and the drill string section is transferred from a position in a drill string magazine to a position on the drill string or vice versa. The receptacle is moved between a position above the drill string magazine and the position on the drill string while the drill string is moving.

[0047] This document describes the use of a control device for a drill string transfer unit of an earth drilling rig. The earth drilling rig is designed to move a drill string. The transfer device has at least one receptacle for a drill string and is used to transfer the retrieved drill string from a position in a drill string magazine to a position on the drill string, or vice versa. The control device is used to move the receptacle between a position above the drill string magazine and the position on the drill string while the drill string is moving.

[0048] The invention is described with respect to several aspects relating to an earth drilling device and a method. The descriptions of the individual aspects complement each other. The description of the earth drilling device also includes actions within the meaning of the method or method steps relating to the method for transferring a drill string section of an earth drilling device. The same applies to the description of the aforementioned use, which is also disclosed by means of the other aspects with regard to features of such use.

[0049] The foregoing statements, as well as the following description of exemplary embodiments, do not constitute a waiver of certain embodiments or features.

[0050] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to an embodiment shown in the drawings.

[0051] The drawings show: Fig. 1 a schematic view of an earth drilling device with a drill string in a side view in a partially cutaway representation; Fig. 2 a more detailed representation of the earth drilling device in the area of ​​a rod magazine and a drive with a transfer device; Fig. 3 a more detailed representation of the linkage magazine, drive and transfer device in a front view; Fig. 4 a flow diagram of a borehole designed as a pilot borehole; and Fig. 5 A flowchart of an earth borehole designed as a reaming borehole.

[0052] Fig. 1 Figure 1 schematically shows an earth drilling device 1 for trenchless installation of lines, such as water, sewage, power, or data lines, during the so-called pilot drilling process. The earth drilling device 1 is equipped with a rotary drive 2 and a feed drive 3 to move a drill head 4 or a drilling tool through the ground 5 by pushing or pulling. The drill head 4, which is asymmetrically designed to execute controlled drilling paths, is arranged at the front end of a drill string 6, which has individual rod sections 7.

[0053] The individual drill rod sections 7 are stored in a drill rod magazine 8 and, during drilling operations, are extended by means of a Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 The transfer device 9, as shown in more detail, is removed from the drill string magazine 8 and moved into the longitudinal axis L of the drill string 6 in order to be installed in it for the extension of the drill string 6. As shown in Fig. 3 As can be seen, the transfer device 9 can move a drill string section 7 both transversely (X-axis X) and perpendicularly (Y-axis Y) to the longitudinal axis L of the drill string 6, move into the drill string magazine 8, and grasp a drill string section 7 with the gripper-like receptacles 10. It then moves the drill string section 7 out of the drill string magazine 8 and transports it along the longitudinal axis L of the drill string 6 by moving it along the X- and Y-axes. The receptacles 10 are moved to a position on the drill string 6 where the drill string section 7 can be added to the drill string 6, which is already mostly underground 5, to extend it. Finally, a movement along the longitudinal axis L (also referred to as the Z-axis) is performed to bring the drill string section 7 into contact with the drill string 6, which is already mostly underground.To execute this last direction of movement, the transfer device 9 has a push unit 11.

[0054] To shorten dead times, the transport of a bolt shot 7 first takes place from the bolt magazine 8 into a [unclear - possibly referring to a specific location or component] in the Fig. 2 and 3 The intermediate position shown is near the longitudinal axis L of the drill string 6. During the movements of the transfer device 9, the pilot drilling can continue without interruption. For the final insertion of another drill string section 7 into the drill string 6, the travel distance from the intermediate position to the longitudinal axis L, and thus also the dead time during which no drilling progress occurs, is now very short, enabling significantly more efficient work.

[0055] Below the position where a drill string section 7 is moved into an intermediate position by means of the transfer device 9, a drip tray 12 is provided for residual drilling fluid escaping from the deposited drill string sections 7. If a drill string section 7 is removed from the drill string 6 during retraction, a certain residual amount of drilling fluid remains in such a drill string section 7. Normally, the carriage of the earth drilling rig 1 is tilted slightly forward (towards the target), so that the residual amount of drilling fluid from each drill string section 7 deposited in the intermediate position would leak out and contaminate the earth drilling rig 1 and the surrounding soil. A collection tray 12, designed as a drip tray, captures the escaping residual amount of drilling fluid and directs it into an anchor plate 13 below. From here, the drilling fluid can be pumped away and returned to the drilling process.

[0056] The procedures for a pilot borehole are in Fig. 4 described. After completion of the pilot bore, a pipe to be laid is usually pulled in, or the existing pilot bore is widened to allow for the installation of pipes with larger diameters.

[0057] The processes involved take place more or less in the reverse direction of what is described in Fig. 5This is explained. Before a drill string section 7 is removed from the drill string 6 to shorten it, the transfer device 9 again assumes the previously described intermediate position. This allows it to reach the longitudinal axis L of the drill string 6 quickly and therefore in a short time to grasp the withdrawn drill string section 7. The drill string section 7 is then placed down parallel to the progress of the pull-in, i.e., without interrupting the actual work steps. The intermediate position is chosen so that any residual amount of drilling fluid leaking from a drill string section 7 is collected when this drill string section 7 is removed from the drill string 6 and returned to the drilling process.

Claims

1. Earth boring device (1) with - a transfer device (9) and - a control for a holder (10) of the transfer device (9) for a rod section (7), wherein the control is also designed to control the earth boring device (1) and the transfer device (9) is designed to transfer a held rod section (7) from a position in a rod magazine (8) to a position on the drill string (6) or vice versa, wherein the transfer device is formed like a gantry crane and the holder (10) is moved vertically and horizontally both transversely and in the longitudinal direction parallel to the drill string or the drill string axis, characterised in that the control is designed to move the holder (10) between a position above the rod magazine (8) and the position on the drill string (6) during the movement of the drill string (6).

2. Method for transferring a rod section (7) of an earth boring device (1) designed to move a drill string (6), wherein the earth boring device (1) has a control for a holder (10) of a transfer device (9) for the rod section (7) of the earth boring device (1) and the transfer device (9), wherein the control is also designed to control the earth boring device (1) and the transfer device is formed like a gantry crane and the holder (10) is moved vertically and horizontally both transversely and in the longitudinal direction parallel to the drill string or the drill string axis, characterised in that the holder (10) is moved during the movement of the drill string (6) between a position above the rod magazine (8) and the position on the drill string (6).

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