Drill with modular electric skid

Abstract

A horizontal directional drill including a frame configured for modular attachment of either a diesel power pack or an electric power pack. The frame defines mounting features for securing the selected power pack. Each power pack includes a hydraulic pump driven respectively by a combustion engine or an electric drive motor. The hydraulic pumps of the interchangeable power packs are connectable to the same hydraulic power connections on the frame, enabling operation of the drill using either combustion-based or electrically supplied power.

Description

SUMMARY

[0001] The present invention is directed to a horizontal directional drill. The drill comprises a frame, a spindle, a carriage configured to move the spindle along the frame, and hydraulic power connections. The hydraulic power connections are supported on the frame and configured to supply hydraulic power to the spindle and the carriage. The frame includes mounting features configured to position either of an electric power pack or a diesel power pack such that, when selected, the selected one of the electric power pack or the diesel power pack is configured to drive the hydraulic power connections

[0002] In another embodiment the invention is directed to a kit. The kit comprises a horizontal directional drill, an electric power pack, and a diesel power pack. The horizontal directional drill comprises a frame comprising mounting features, a carriage, and a spindle. The carriage is configured to move the spindle relative to the frame. The hydraulic power connections are configured to receive hydraulic fluid to drive operation of the carriage and the spindle.

[0003] The electric power pack is configured to be mounted to the mounted features. The electric power pack comprises a first hydraulic pump and an electric drive motor. The first hydraulic pump is configured to be driven by the electric drive motor and to provide hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic power connections. The diesel power pack is configured to be mounted to the mounting features. The diesel power pack comprises a second hydraulic pump and a combustion engine. The second hydraulic pump is configured to be driven by the combustion engine and to provide hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic power connections.

[0004] In another embodiment the invention is directed to a method of reconfiguring a horizontal directional drill having a frame with mounting features and hydraulic power connections configured to supply hydraulic power to a carriage and a spindle. The method comprises removing a diesel power pack from the mounting features, wherein the diesel power pack comprising a combustion engine configured to drive a hydraulic pump of the diesel power pack, and disconnecting the hydraulic power connections from fluid communication with the hydraulic pump of the diesel power pack.

[0005] Thereafter, the method comprises mounting an electric power pack to the mounting features, wherein the electric power pack comprises an electric drive motor configured to drive a hydraulic pump of the electric power pack, and placing the hydraulic pump of the electric power pack in fluid communication with the hydraulic power connections.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 is a side view of a horizontal directional drill from a right side. Cover elements are in place, and drilling components such as a carriage, spindle, and wrench are on the left side of the frame.

[0007] FIG. 2 is a front top left side view of a horizontal directional drill having a traditional power pack and drill frame, with a cover and drilling components removed.

[0008] FIG. 3 is the front top left side view of the horizontal directional drill, but with an electric power pack.

[0009] FIG. 4 is a top right view of the substructure on which the drilling components and either the electric or traditional power pack is seated.

[0010] FIG. 5 is a right side view of the electric power pack with a cover removed, and drilling components present.

[0011] FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 are left side and top left front views, respectively, of electrical subsystems for use with the electric power pack of the present invention.

[0012] FIG. 8 is a top view of a horizontal directional drill with neither the traditional nor electric power pack attached, showing hydraulic lines attached to motors for performing functions of the drilling machine.

[0013] FIG. 9 is detail A from FIG. 8, showing hydraulic connections configured to provide pressurized hydraulic fluid from a selected power pack to the drilling machine.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Electrification of vehicles, including work vehicles, has rapidly been adopted in many countries, as electrical grids provide a reliable source of power with less price fluctuation than diesel or gasoline sources. In addition, many governments are incentivizing or requiring work vehicles to become electrified, with the policy goal of shifting emissions from less efficient small combustion engines to more efficient power plants.

[0015] Combustion engines, however, still have significant advantages over electrified machines. An engine using diesel or gasoline is inherently portable, as no direct connection to an electrical grid is required. Grids provide power in alternating current, requiring conversion from alternating current (“AC”) to direct current (“DC”). Batteries can be used to enhance portability, but battery packs capable of delivering the power associated with many work machines are large and heavy, and batteries in need of charge must be returned to a location where the batteries can either be recharged by the grid or a generator.

[0016] Thus, owners of large machinery, such as horizontal directional drills, are faced with a choice of two power supplies, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. The attached disclosure describes a machine having a drilling frame with an operator station. The machine's components-such as a wrench for making up and breaking out drill pipe, a spindle for rotating the drill pipe, and a carriage for translating the spindle along the drill frame-are powered by hydraulic motors or otherwise by pressurized hydraulics.

[0017] The hydraulic motors of the drill frame may be powered either by a traditional diesel fuel power pack, or by an electric power pack. The diesel fuel power pack comprises a combustion engine for driving a hydraulic pump, which provides power to the components, including hydraulic motors. The diesel fuel power pack has access to a fuel tank, which stores fuel for use in the combustion engine.

[0018] Likewise, the electric power pack includes a number of batteries capable of driving hydraulic pumps, providing fluid to the various hydraulic features of the drilling frame. A “power conversion tank” is also provided, including the necessary power conversion hardware for rapid charging of batteries and, if possible, driving the functions of the drilling frame itself.

[0019] Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 is a drill unit 10 mounted on a frame 12. The frame 12 is shown from a first side with tracks 14, a cab 16, a drilling assembly 18, and a wrench unit 20. Drill anchors 22 are also provided, but elevated for translation of the frame 12.

[0020] In FIG. 8, the drill unit 10 is shown with no power pack and no cab 16 attached. Mounting features 42 are provided for connection to the described power packs. The drilling assembly 18 is supported on the frame 12 with a spindle 23 positioned to rotate a drill string (not shown) during drilling operations. The spindle 23 may be a single rotating element, or may have inner and outer rotating elements for connection to a dual-member pipe segment.

[0021] A carriage 24 is provided to translate the spindle 23 along a provided rack 26, allowing the spindle 23 and thus a terminal end of the drill string to move relative to the frame 12. The wrench unit 20 provides high torque for connecting and disconnecting adjacent pipe segments.

[0022] Each of the wrench unit 20, the spindle 23, the carriage 24, and the drill anchors 22 (FIG. 1) require power to operate. Typically, and in the Figures, power is provided to hydraulic motors by a hydraulic pump included on an attached power pack. As shown in FIGS. 8-9, a hydraulic connection assembly 90 is provided for connection to a plurality of hydraulic lines 92. The hydraulic lines extend between the hydraulic connection assembly 90 and individual powered components 20, 22, 23, 24.

[0023] For example, hydraulic power travelling to and from the carriage 24 enters hydraulic lines 92 at a thrust hydraulic connection 94. Hydraulic power to the spindle 23 may be provided at an inner rotation connection 96 and an outer rotation connection 98. The connections shown in FIG. 9 are non-limiting, as any number of hydraulic motors may be provided power by a hydraulic pump through the hydraulic connection assembly 90, and hydraulic fluid returns through the assembly 90 as well.

[0024] The frame 12 of FIG. 1 is configured for use with either a traditional power pack 30B or an electric power pack 30A. In FIG. 2, a traditional power pack 30B is shown with drilling components and the cab 16 removed. A fuel tank 32 is connected to an engine 34. Typically, the fuel used is diesel. Byproducts of the combustion reaction are removed from the traditional power pack 30B by an exhaust system 36. The engine 34 provides power to a hydraulic pump 38. A first hydraulic pump 38 powers hydraulic components of the drill unit 10 through the hydraulic connection assembly 90 and through hydraulic lines 92.

[0025] In FIG. 3, the same frame 12 has been used to mount the electric power pack 30A. The electric power pack 30A is seated on a frame substructure 40 which is identical to the substructure 40 shown in FIG. 2. A second hydraulic pump 38 drives hydraulic fluid. However, instead of being powered by an engine as in the traditional power pack 30B, the electric power pack comprises a battery bank 50 which powers a drive motor 51. The electric drive motor 51 drives the second hydraulic pump 38, which in turn provides hydraulic power through the hydraulic connection assembly 90 to components of the drill unit 10, such as the wrench unit 20, the spindle 23, the drill anchors 22, and the like.

[0026] It should be understood that the first hydraulic pump and second hydraulic pump convert the provided power from the diesel power pack 30B and the electric power pack 30A, respectively, into hydraulic fluid pressure. The same hydraulic lines extend from either of the hydraulic pumps to the hydraulic connection assembly 90, but the first hydraulic pump and second hydraulic pump need not be identical, as each will be driven by a distinct power source.

[0027] The battery bank 50 is configured to provide power directly, but is also connected to a power conversion tank 52, which is mounted within the substructure 40 in the same location beneath the horizontal directional drill as fuel tank 32 in the traditional configuration. The power conversion tank 52 is a high voltage AC to DC conversion unit, configured to connect to an electrical grid. The DC power provided by the power conversion tank 52 may directly power the drive motor 51, and may also (or alternatively) charge the battery bank 50.

[0028] FIG. 5 shows the electric power pack 30A from a second side with its cover removed and the frame 12 components such as the cab 16 and the drilling assembly 18 shown. The electric drive motor 51 is more visible from this side, coupled to the battery bank 50.

[0029] With reference to FIG. 4, the frame substructure 40 is shown without any power pack 30A, 30B. The substructure 40 has power pack mounting points 42. As shown, there are four such mounting points 42. The traditional power pack 30B and electric power pack 30A each will mount to these mounting points 42. In addition, the substructure 40 has connection points 44 for features of the drilling assembly 18 itself that are visible, though the drilling assembly 18 will not be exchanged with the power pack 30A, 30B. The cab 16 is supported by a plate 46.

[0030] In FIGS. 6-7, the electrical system of the electric power pack 30A is shown in more detail. The battery bank 50 is coupled to the power conversion tank 52 via a power distribution unit 58. Both the battery bank 50 and the power conversion tank 52 are coupled to the drive motor 51 via the power distribution unit 58. The drive motor 51 powers hydraulic pumps. The power distribution unit 58 is provided to distribute high-voltage DC power to various high voltage components including a cabin heater 54 and a cabin refrigerant compressor 56.

[0031] Because the battery bank 50 life and performance is highly correlated with proper operating temperatures (depending upon the type of battery used), a thermal management system comprising a refrigerant compressor 60 and heater 62 is provided. A battery management system connection module 64 connects the battery bank 50 with the power system.

[0032] No matter which power pack 30A, 30B is used, hydraulic power connection assembly 90 and hydraulic lines 92 attached to operative components of the drilling assembly 18 will be the same. As an example, hydraulic connectors for a thrust 94 (provided by a carriage moving along the frame 12) inner rotation of the spindle 23, and outer rotation of the spindle 23 are shown. These connection points 44 will be consistent irrespective of the particular power pack used.

[0033] Thus, the same drilling assembly 18 may be utilized in a manner which best fits a particular operation. For example, the drilling assembly 18 may be utilized at a remote location, with limited or no access to a power grid. In such a circumstance, power pack 30B, with provided diesel or other combustible fuel, is utilized. The first hydraulic pump 38, as shown in FIG. 2, is driven by the engine 34, which is providing motive force from the combustion of fuel from fuel tank 32. The power pack 30B is mounted on the frame 12, and the drilling assembly 18 is structurally connected to the frame 12 and the substructure 40 at the connection points 44.

[0034] Hydraulic fluid is provided to the various components of the drilling assembly 18 at the connection points 44 on the power pack 30B. The carriage 24, the spindle 23, the drill anchors 22, and the like may all thus be powered by power pack 30B when conducting drilling operations.

[0035] After the drilling operations are complete, the drill unit 10 may be removed from the first, remote location, and brought to a location proximate an electric grid. Conditions at the drill site may be such that noise or exhaust are restricted during operations, or the cost of operation makes using electricity from the grid preferable to diesel fuel.

[0036] In such a scenario, the power pack 30B is disconnected from the mounting points 42 on the substructure 40, and the fuel tank 32 is removed. The electric power pack 30A is then mounted to the mounting points 42, and the power conversion tank 52 replaces the fuel tank 32. If necessary, the drilling assembly 18 may be lifted or temporarily removed to enable connection of components to the substructure 40.

[0037] Then, the power conversion tank 52 is connected to the grid and converts alternating current to direct current power. The direct current is used to charge batteries in the battery bank 50 located on the electric power pack 30A. The battery bank 50 drives a drive motor 51, which, in turn, drives a hydraulic pump 38. The second hydraulic pump 38 is connected to the same hydraulic connections, which drive individual features of the drilling assembly 18 such as the carriage 24, the spindle 23, the drill anchors 22, and the like.

[0038] An artisan will appreciate that the opposite conversion may take place as well, with the electric power pack 30A being removed and the power pack 30B being used.

[0039] The various features and alternative details of construction of the apparatuses described herein for the practice of the present technology will readily occur to the skilled artisan in view of the foregoing discussion, and it is to be understood that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of various embodiments of the present technology have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of various embodiments of the technology, this detailed description is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of structure and arrangements of parts within the principles of the present technology to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0014]Electrification of vehicles, including work vehicles, has rapidly been adopted in many countries, as electrical grids provide a reliable source of power with less price fluctuation than diesel or gasoline sources. In addition, many governments are incentivizing or requiring work vehicles to become electrified, with the policy goal of shifting emissions from less efficient small combustion engines to more efficient power plants.

[0015]Combustion engines, however, still have significant advantages over electrified machines. An engine using diesel or gasoline is inherently portable, as no direct connection to an electrical grid is required. Grids provide power in alternating current, requiring conversion from alternating current (“AC”) to direct current (“DC”). Batteries can be used to enhance portability, but battery packs capable of delivering the power associated with many work machines are large and heavy, and batteries in need of charge must be returned to a location where th...

SUMMARY

[0001] The present invention is directed to a horizontal directional drill. The drill comprises a frame, a spindle, a carriage configured to move the spindle along the frame, and hydraulic power connections. The hydraulic power connections are supported on the frame and configured to supply hydraulic power to the spindle and the carriage. The frame includes mounting features configured to position either of an electric power pack or a diesel power pack such that, when selected, the selected one of the electric power pack or the diesel power pack is configured to drive the hydraulic power connections

[0002] In another embodiment the invention is directed to a kit. The kit comprises a horizontal directional drill, an electric power pack, and a diesel power pack. The horizontal directional drill comprises a frame comprising mounting features, a carriage, and a spindle. The carriage is configured to move the spindle relative to the frame. The hydraulic power connections are configured to receive hydraulic fluid to drive operation of the carriage and the spindle.

[0003] The electric power pack is configured to be mounted to the mounted features. The electric power pack comprises a first hydraulic pump and an electric drive motor. The first hydraulic pump is configured to be driven by the electric drive motor and to provide hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic power connections. The diesel power pack is configured to be mounted to the mounting features. The diesel power pack comprises a second hydraulic pump and a combustion engine. The second hydraulic pump is configured to be driven by the combustion engine and to provide hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic power connections.

[0004] In another embodiment the invention is directed to a method of reconfiguring a horizontal directional drill having a frame with mounting features and hydraulic power connections configured to supply hydraulic power to a carriage and a spindle. The method comprises removing a diesel power pack from the mounting features, wherein the diesel power pack comprising a combustion engine configured to drive a hydraulic pump of the diesel power pack, and disconnecting the hydraulic power connections from fluid communication with the hydraulic pump of the diesel power pack.

[0005] Thereafter, the method comprises mounting an electric power pack to the mounting features, wherein the electric power pack comprises an electric drive motor configured to drive a hydraulic pump of the electric power pack, and placing the hydraulic pump of the electric power pack in fluid communication with the hydraulic power connections.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 is a side view of a horizontal directional drill from a right side. Cover elements are in place, and drilling components such as a carriage, spindle, and wrench are on the left side of the frame.

[0007] FIG. 2 is a front top left side view of a horizontal directional drill having a traditional power pack and drill frame, with a cover and drilling components removed.

[0008] FIG. 3 is the front top left side view of the horizontal directional drill, but with an electric power pack.

[0009] FIG. 4 is a top right view of the substructure on which the drilling components and either the electric or traditional power pack is seated.

[0010] FIG. 5 is a right side view of the electric power pack with a cover removed, and drilling components present.

[0011] FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 are left side and top left front views, respectively, of electrical subsystems for use with the electric power pack of the present invention.

[0012] FIG. 8 is a top view of a horizontal directional drill with neither the traditional nor electric power pack attached, showing hydraulic lines attached to motors for performing functions of the drilling machine.

[0013] FIG. 9 is detail A from FIG. 8, showing hydraulic connections configured to provide pressurized hydraulic fluid from a selected power pack to the drilling machine.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Electrification of vehicles, including work vehicles, has rapidly been adopted in many countries, as electrical grids provide a reliable source of power with less price fluctuation than diesel or gasoline sources. In addition, many governments are incentivizing or requiring work vehicles to become electrified, with the policy goal of shifting emissions from less efficient small combustion engines to more efficient power plants.

[0015] Combustion engines, however, still have significant advantages over electrified machines. An engine using diesel or gasoline is inherently portable, as no direct connection to an electrical grid is required. Grids provide power in alternating current, requiring conversion from alternating current (“AC”) to direct current (“DC”). Batteries can be used to enhance portability, but battery packs capable of delivering the power associated with many work machines are large and heavy, and batteries in need of charge must be returned to a location where the batteries can either be recharged by the grid or a generator.

[0016] Thus, owners of large machinery, such as horizontal directional drills, are faced with a choice of two power supplies, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. The attached disclosure describes a machine having a drilling frame with an operator station. The machine's components-such as a wrench for making up and breaking out drill pipe, a spindle for rotating the drill pipe, and a carriage for translating the spindle along the drill frame-are powered by hydraulic motors or otherwise by pressurized hydraulics.

[0017] The hydraulic motors of the drill frame may be powered either by a traditional diesel fuel power pack, or by an electric power pack. The diesel fuel power pack comprises a combustion engine for driving a hydraulic pump, which provides power to the components, including hydraulic motors. The diesel fuel power pack has access to a fuel tank, which stores fuel for use in the combustion engine.

[0018] Likewise, the electric power pack includes a number of batteries capable of driving hydraulic pumps, providing fluid to the various hydraulic features of the drilling frame. A “power conversion tank” is also provided, including the necessary power conversion hardware for rapid charging of batteries and, if possible, driving the functions of the drilling frame itself.

[0019] Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 is a drill unit 10 mounted on a frame 12. The frame 12 is shown from a first side with tracks 14, a cab 16, a drilling assembly 18, and a wrench unit 20. Drill anchors 22 are also provided, but elevated for translation of the frame 12.

[0020] In FIG. 8, the drill unit 10 is shown with no power pack and no cab 16 attached. Mounting features 42 are provided for connection to the described power packs. The drilling assembly 18 is supported on the frame 12 with a spindle 23 positioned to rotate a drill string (not shown) during drilling operations. The spindle 23 may be a single rotating element, or may have inner and outer rotating elements for connection to a dual-member pipe segment.

[0021] A carriage 24 is provided to translate the spindle 23 along a provided rack 26, allowing the spindle 23 and thus a terminal end of the drill string to move relative to the frame 12. The wrench unit 20 provides high torque for connecting and disconnecting adjacent pipe segments.

[0022] Each of the wrench unit 20, the spindle 23, the carriage 24, and the drill anchors 22 (FIG. 1) require power to operate. Typically, and in the Figures, power is provided to hydraulic motors by a hydraulic pump included on an attached power pack. As shown in FIGS. 8-9, a hydraulic connection assembly 90 is provided for connection to a plurality of hydraulic lines 92. The hydraulic lines extend between the hydraulic connection assembly 90 and individual powered components 20, 22, 23, 24.

[0023] For example, hydraulic power travelling to and from the carriage 24 enters hydraulic lines 92 at a thrust hydraulic connection 94. Hydraulic power to the spindle 23 may be provided at an inner rotation connection 96 and an outer rotation connection 98. The connections shown in FIG. 9 are non-limiting, as any number of hydraulic motors may be provided power by a hydraulic pump through the hydraulic connection assembly 90, and hydraulic fluid returns through the assembly 90 as well.

[0024] The frame 12 of FIG. 1 is configured for use with either a traditional power pack 30B or an electric power pack 30A. In FIG. 2, a traditional power pack 30B is shown with drilling components and the cab 16 removed. A fuel tank 32 is connected to an engine 34. Typically, the fuel used is diesel. Byproducts of the combustion reaction are removed from the traditional power pack 30B by an exhaust system 36. The engine 34 provides power to a hydraulic pump 38. A first hydraulic pump 38 powers hydraulic components of the drill unit 10 through the hydraulic connection assembly 90 and through hydraulic lines 92.

[0025] In FIG. 3, the same frame 12 has been used to mount the electric power pack 30A. The electric power pack 30A is seated on a frame substructure 40 which is identical to the substructure 40 shown in FIG. 2. A second hydraulic pump 38 drives hydraulic fluid. However, instead of being powered by an engine as in the traditional power pack 30B, the electric power pack comprises a battery bank 50 which powers a drive motor 51. The electric drive motor 51 drives the second hydraulic pump 38, which in turn provides hydraulic power through the hydraulic connection assembly 90 to components of the drill unit 10, such as the wrench unit 20, the spindle 23, the drill anchors 22, and the like.

[0026] It should be understood that the first hydraulic pump and second hydraulic pump convert the provided power from the diesel power pack 30B and the electric power pack 30A, respectively, into hydraulic fluid pressure. The same hydraulic lines extend from either of the hydraulic pumps to the hydraulic connection assembly 90, but the first hydraulic pump and second hydraulic pump need not be identical, as each will be driven by a distinct power source.

[0027] The battery bank 50 is configured to provide power directly, but is also connected to a power conversion tank 52, which is mounted within the substructure 40 in the same location beneath the horizontal directional drill as fuel tank 32 in the traditional configuration. The power conversion tank 52 is a high voltage AC to DC conversion unit, configured to connect to an electrical grid. The DC power provided by the power conversion tank 52 may directly power the drive motor 51, and may also (or alternatively) charge the battery bank 50.

[0028] FIG. 5 shows the electric power pack 30A from a second side with its cover removed and the frame 12 components such as the cab 16 and the drilling assembly 18 shown. The electric drive motor 51 is more visible from this side, coupled to the battery bank 50.

[0029] With reference to FIG. 4, the frame substructure 40 is shown without any power pack 30A, 30B. The substructure 40 has power pack mounting points 42. As shown, there are four such mounting points 42. The traditional power pack 30B and electric power pack 30A each will mount to these mounting points 42. In addition, the substructure 40 has connection points 44 for features of the drilling assembly 18 itself that are visible, though the drilling assembly 18 will not be exchanged with the power pack 30A, 30B. The cab 16 is supported by a plate 46.

[0030] In FIGS. 6-7, the electrical system of the electric power pack 30A is shown in more detail. The battery bank 50 is coupled to the power conversion tank 52 via a power distribution unit 58. Both the battery bank 50 and the power conversion tank 52 are coupled to the drive motor 51 via the power distribution unit 58. The drive motor 51 powers hydraulic pumps. The power distribution unit 58 is provided to distribute high-voltage DC power to various high voltage components including a cabin heater 54 and a cabin refrigerant compressor 56.

[0031] Because the battery bank 50 life and performance is highly correlated with proper operating temperatures (depending upon the type of battery used), a thermal management system comprising a refrigerant compressor 60 and heater 62 is provided. A battery management system connection module 64 connects the battery bank 50 with the power system.

[0032] No matter which power pack 30A, 30B is used, hydraulic power connection assembly 90 and hydraulic lines 92 attached to operative components of the drilling assembly 18 will be the same. As an example, hydraulic connectors for a thrust 94 (provided by a carriage moving along the frame 12) inner rotation of the spindle 23, and outer rotation of the spindle 23 are shown. These connection points 44 will be consistent irrespective of the particular power pack used.

[0033] Thus, the same drilling assembly 18 may be utilized in a manner which best fits a particular operation. For example, the drilling assembly 18 may be utilized at a remote location, with limited or no access to a power grid. In such a circumstance, power pack 30B, with provided diesel or other combustible fuel, is utilized. The first hydraulic pump 38, as shown in FIG. 2, is driven by the engine 34, which is providing motive force from the combustion of fuel from fuel tank 32. The power pack 30B is mounted on the frame 12, and the drilling assembly 18 is structurally connected to the frame 12 and the substructure 40 at the connection points 44.

[0034] Hydraulic fluid is provided to the various components of the drilling assembly 18 at the connection points 44 on the power pack 30B. The carriage 24, the spindle 23, the drill anchors 22, and the like may all thus be powered by power pack 30B when conducting drilling operations.

[0035] After the drilling operations are complete, the drill unit 10 may be removed from the first, remote location, and brought to a location proximate an electric grid. Conditions at the drill site may be such that noise or exhaust are restricted during operations, or the cost of operation makes using electricity from the grid preferable to diesel fuel.

[0036] In such a scenario, the power pack 30B is disconnected from the mounting points 42 on the substructure 40, and the fuel tank 32 is removed. The electric power pack 30A is then mounted to the mounting points 42, and the power conversion tank 52 replaces the fuel tank 32. If necessary, the drilling assembly 18 may be lifted or temporarily removed to enable connection of components to the substructure 40.

[0037] Then, the power conversion tank 52 is connected to the grid and converts alternating current to direct current power. The direct current is used to charge batteries in the battery bank 50 located on the electric power pack 30A. The battery bank 50 drives a drive motor 51, which, in turn, drives a hydraulic pump 38. The second hydraulic pump 38 is connected to the same hydraulic connections, which drive individual features of the drilling assembly 18 such as the carriage 24, the spindle 23, the drill anchors 22, and the like.

[0038] An artisan will appreciate that the opposite conversion may take place as well, with the electric power pack 30A being removed and the power pack 30B being used.

[0039] The various features and alternative details of construction of the apparatuses described herein for the practice of the present technology will readily occur to the skilled artisan in view of the foregoing discussion, and it is to be understood that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of various embodiments of the present technology have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of various embodiments of the technology, this detailed description is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of structure and arrangements of parts within the principles of the present technology to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0014]Electrification of vehicles, including work vehicles, has rapidly been adopted in many countries, as electrical grids provide a reliable source of power with less price fluctuation than diesel or gasoline sources. In addition, many governments are incentivizing or requiring work vehicles to become electrified, with the policy goal of shifting emissions from less efficient small combustion engines to more efficient power plants.

[0015]Combustion engines, however, still have significant advantages over electrified machines. An engine using diesel or gasoline is inherently portable, as no direct connection to an electrical grid is required. Grids provide power in alternating current, requiring conversion from alternating current (“AC”) to direct current (“DC”). Batteries can be used to enhance portability, but battery packs capable of delivering the power associated with many work machines are large and heavy, and batteries in need of charge must be returned to a location where th...

Claims

1. A horizontal directional drill comprising:a frame;a spindle;a carriage, configured to move the spindle along the frame; andhydraulic power connections supported on the frame and configured to supply hydraulic power to the spindle and the carriage;wherein the frame includes mounting features configured to position either of an electric power pack or a diesel power pack such that, when selected, the selected one of the electric power pack or the diesel power pack is configured to drive the hydraulic power connections.

2. The horizontal directional drill of claim 1, further comprising an electric power pack supported on the frame such that the electric power pack provides power to the hydraulic power connections.

3. The horizontal directional drill of claim 2, wherein the electric power pack comprises:a battery bank; anda drive motor powered by the battery bank and configured to provide power to the hydraulic power connections.

4. The horizontal directional drill of claim 2, further comprising an alternating current to direct current electrical conversion unit configured for attachment to an electrical grid.

5. The horizontal directional drill of claim 1, further comprising a diesel power pack supported on the frame such that the diesel power pack provides power to the hydraulic power connections.

6. The horizontal directional drill of claim 5, in which the diesel power pack comprises a combustion engine and a hydraulic pump, wherein the combustion engine is configured to drive the hydraulic pump.

7. The horizontal directional drill of claim 6, further comprising a fuel tank in fluid communication with the combustion engine.

8. The horizontal directional drill of claim 1, in which the hydraulic power connections are at a fixed position on the frame irrespective of which selected one of the electric power pack or the diesel power pack is selected.

9. A kit, comprising:a horizontal directional drill comprising:a frame, comprising mounting features;a spindle;a carriage, wherein the carriage is configured to move the spindle relative to the frame; andhydraulic power connections configured to receive hydraulic fluid to drive operation of the carriage and the spindle;an electric power pack configured to be mounted to the mounting features, the electric power pack comprising a first hydraulic pump and an electric drive motor, wherein the first hydraulic pump is configured to be driven by the electric drive motor and to provide hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic power connections; anda diesel power pack configured to be mounted to the mounting features, the diesel power pack comprising a second hydraulic pump and a combustion engine, wherein the second hydraulic pump is configured to be driven by the combustion engine and to provide hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic power connections.

10. The kit of claim 9, wherein the electric power pack is mounted to the mounting features, and the first hydraulic pump is in fluid communication with the hydraulic power connections.

11. The kit of claim 9, wherein the diesel power pack is mounted to the mounting features, and the second hydraulic pump is in fluid communication with the hydraulic power connections.

12. The kit of claim 9, wherein the horizontal directional drill further comprises a frame substructure, and the mounting features comprise mounting points on the frame substructure configured to align with corresponding mounting points on each of the electric power pack and the diesel power pack.

13. The kit of claim 9, wherein the electric power pack further comprises:a battery bank, configured to supply power to the electric drive motor; anda power conversion unit configured to receive an alternating current from a power grid and to supply a direct current to the battery bank.

14. The kit of claim 13, in which the electric power pack is mounted to the mounting features, and the power conversion unit is disposed at a position below the horizontal directional drill.

15. The kit of claim 11, in which the diesel power pack comprises a fuel tank, and in which the fuel tank is disposed at a position below the horizontal directional drill.

16. The kit of claim 9, in which:the electric power pack comprises a power conversion unit; andthe diesel power pack comprises a fuel tank;wherein the frame defines a substructure disposed beneath the mounting points, wherein the substructure defines a first mounting location, wherein each of the power conversion unit and the fuel tank are configured to be attached to the frame at the first mounting location.

17. A method of reconfiguring a horizontal directional drill having a frame with mounting features and hydraulic power connections configured to supply hydraulic power to a carriage and a spindle, the method comprising:removing a diesel power pack from the mounting features, the diesel power pack comprising a combustion engine configured to drive a hydraulic pump of the diesel power pack;disconnecting the hydraulic power connections from fluid communication with the hydraulic pump of the diesel power pack;thereafter, mounting an electric power pack to the mounting features, the electric power pack comprising an electric drive motor configured to drive a hydraulic pump of the electric power pack; andplacing the hydraulic pump of the electric power pack in fluid communication with the hydraulic power connections.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising disconnecting a fuel tank from the frame, the fuel tank being in fluid communication with the combustion engine of the diesel power pack, before mounting the electric power pack to the mounting features.

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising mounting a power conversion unit to the frame after removing the diesel power pack, the power conversion unit configured to receive an alternating current from an electrical grid and to supply a direct current to a battery bank of the electric power pack.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising connecting the power conversion unit to the electrical grid.

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