A device in the form of a collet for manipulating the replacement tricone bits of a rock drill from the free end of a manipulator arm

Abstract

The present invention relates to a collet comprising a left and right portion respectively, which allows the assembly and disassembly of a triconic bit from the free end of the string of a rock drill machine, which is arranged at the free end of a manipulator arm controlled in a commercially available electrohydraulic manner, thereby improving the drawbacks and accidents that occur during replacement of the triconic bits normally used in the tasks. The hydraulic collet has a fastening semi-rectangular metal plate designed to be located at the free end of a hydraulic manipulator arm holding a rotation device. Said rotation device allows the collet to be rotated about the full 360° circumference so as to safely and accurately manipulate the triconic bit from the free end of a drill hammer. The manipulator arm is controlled from a control cabinet by means of a specialised operator without requiring said operator to interact with elements or forces on the outside of the rock drill machine, in order for a specialised operator to safely replace the same.

Description

[0001] A CLAMP-SHAPED DEVICE FOR HANDLING THE REPLACEMENT OF TRICONE DRILL BITS ON A DOWN-THROUGH ROCK DRILL FROM THE FREE END OF A MANIPULATOR ARM

[0002] Utility Model Field

[0003] The present utility model relates to the field of bottom-hole drilling using drilling machines which carry tricone bits at their end, specifically with a device comprising a mechanical arm with a rotating clamp at its end to safely handle the replacement of the tricone bits from the bottom-hole drill.

[0004] Background of the Utility Model

[0005] The aspects of this utility model are generally related to systems and devices for replacing tricone bits from a downhole drill, specifically with a manipulator arm that allows the tricone bit located at the lower end of a rock drill string to be manipulated and replaced semi-automatically without exposing operators to unnecessary risks.

[0006] When drilling rocks and stone material, whether in mineralized or non-mineralized zones and other hard and / or unconsolidated materials, surface drilling equipment is used. This equipment has tricone bits, which are tools that are screwed onto the lower end of the drill string (tricone adapter, stabilizers, percussion systems). These bits are equipped with cutting inserts or scrapers on their conical surface, arranged equidistantly and in rows. These inserts are generally made of steel, tungsten carbide, diamond, compact polycrystalline diamond, or thermally stable polycrystalline materials. They serve to penetrate the formations in the subsoil, establishing contact between the rock zone, hydrocarbons, minerals, and other materials to be drilled and the surface.The selection and operating conditions of the downhole drill are one of the most important problems that the drilling engineer and the rock drilling machine operators must face, and for this it is very important to know the design fundamentals in order to identify the differences between the drill bits available on the market as well as the most recent advances in the area of ​​drill bit design and the characteristics of the soil to be drilled.

[0007] Currently, in the case of rock drilling machines and the replacement of their technical bits located at the lower end of the drill string, methods range from slings to hold the technical bit with the string raised out of the well, to later carry out the removal of the technical bit manually by two operators, with the well-known risks that this implies for the personnel operating alongside the downhole drill, to large, complex and expensive devices for the automatic replacement of the technical bits.

[0008] In the state of the art there is a large number of patents related to devices for replacing technical drill bits.

[0009] There are certain disadvantages related to devices for replacing conical drill bits that exist on the market, related to the complexity and high cost of such devices or machinery.

[0010] The prior technique has suggested a modality of such a device for replacing technical drill bits from a downhole drill, as described, for example, in US patent publication N sUS20200217153A1, which relates to a bit-changing mechanism for a downhole drilling rig, specifically a conical bit changer assembly that includes a bit basket actuator assembly configured to attach to a drilling rig. The conical bit basket actuator assembly includes an actuator, a guide rail, and a conical bit basket that is movably coupled to the guide rail by the actuator. The conical bit changer assembly also includes a bit carousel configured to attach to the downhole drilling rig, such that the bit carousel can be rotated and moved vertically relative to the drilling rig.

[0011] Another example can be found in Australian patent No. AU2018251778A1, relating to a tricone bit changing system for a downhole drilling rig that includes a bit storage carrier assembly arranged to be movably mounted on the drilling rig. The tricone bit assembly includes a tricone bit storage carrier, a plurality of tricone bit holder receptacles located within the bit storage carrier, and a plurality of bit adapter assemblies arranged in the bit holder receptacles.Each adapter assembly includes an adapter with opposite ends, one end of which is arranged to connect to a drill string of the drilling rig, and the other end of which is connectable to a drill bit. The adapter has a rounded section between the opposite ends, which is connected by means of an adapter arm of the drill bit holder assembly for attaching and detaching the drill bit adapter assembly from the drill string. A method for changing a drill bit is also described.

[0012] Where there is still a need for a device for replacing tricone bits from a rock drill, that is economical, simple to use, low maintenance, does not require large equipment for such a task, does not require a prolonged stoppage of the rock drill and that additionally provides safety to the operators in charge of replacing said tricone bits.

[0013] Utility Model Summary

[0014] The aspects of the present utility model may be advantageously used to provide a device comprising a mechanical arm with a rotating clamp at its end for safely manipulating the replacement of tricone drill bits from the rock drill.

[0015] The mechanical arm is electro-hydraulically controlled and allows manipulation of the set of accessories required for the replacement of the tricone bit located at the lower end of the drill string. It can also manipulate all the accessories used for changing the tricone bit (guide bushing, short cone, adapter, and others) located on a rock drilling machine.

[0016] The manipulator system can be placed on the platform of the drilling equipment or on an auxiliary truck, where its extension and spectrum of movements are close to the center of drilling, allowing the degrees of freedom of movement required to fulfill the function of changing tricone bits, and is controlled by means of a control cabinet located inside the operator's cabin of the drill or outside the cabin depending on the model of drill and the physical space available, and can even be controlled remotely (wireless control).

[0017] The quick-assembly hydraulic manipulator arm can be assembled by a small, specialized team of assembly personnel, so that it becomes fully operational in a short time.

[0018] Generally, all terms used in the claims should be interpreted according to their customary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references to “a / an / the [element, device, component, feature, step, and others.]” should be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of such element, device, component, feature, step, and others, unless expressly stated otherwise. The steps of any method described herein need not be performed in the exact order described, unless explicitly stated.

[0019] As used herein, the term "comprising" and variations of that term are not intended to exclude other additives, components, whole numbers, or stages.

[0020] Brief Description of the Figures

[0021] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the hydraulic clamping clamp, according to the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 is a top plan view of the hydraulic clamping clamp, according to the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 is a front elevation view of the hydraulic clamping clamp, according to the present invention.

[0024] Figure 4 is a rear elevation view of the hydraulic clamping clamp, according to the present invention.

[0025] Figure 5 is a rotated top plan view of the hydraulic clamping clamp, according to the present invention.

[0026] Figure 6 is a side elevation view of the hydraulic clamping clamp, according to the present invention.

[0027] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the folded manipulator arm and a control cabinet, according to the present invention. Figure 8 is a perspective view of the extended manipulator arm, which carries the gripping clamp at its end, according to the present invention.

[0028] Figure 9 is a detailed view of the tricone drill disassembly operation and a schematic shed for storing damaged or replacement tricone drills, according to the present invention.

[0029] Detailed Description of the Utility Model

[0030] The present description will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying figures, which show currently preferred modes of description. However, the present description can be carried out in many different ways and should not be interpreted as limited to the modes set forth herein; rather, these modes are provided to be thorough and complete, and to fully convey the scope of the description to the expert recipient. Similar reference characters refer to similar elements throughout.

[0031] In Figure 1, a side elevation view of the hydraulic clamping clamp (1) can be observed, adapted to be located at the end of a commercially available hydraulic manipulator arm (2), which is controlled from a control cabinet (3) by a specialized operator (4) without the need for him to interact with elements or energies outside the equipment or drill string (5) of the downhole drilling machine (WP).

[0032] Towards the rear of the clamping clamp (1 a upper and lower left and 1 b upper and lower right), the hydraulic rotation device (25) can be seen which allows the clamping clamp (1 a and 1 b) to be rotated around 360° of the circumference, being located at the free end of the manipulator arm (2), so as to allow total and safe manipulation of the tricone drill bit (6) located at the end of the drill string (5) and subsequent unscrewing of this, for its replacement.

[0033] The control mode will be semi-automatic and will not alter the normal use of currently used cutting tools such as the short cone, shoe, alligator clip, table clamps, floor wrench, and others.

[0034] In parallel, the hydraulic manipulator arm (2) has a specially equipped shed (7) to hold a stock of new tricone drill bits (6) for replacement and storage of decommissioned tricone drill bits (6).

[0035] In Figures (2 and 3) you can see views of the clamping gripper (1 a and 1 b) located in the clamping system (8) adapted to be positioned at the free end (9) of a conventional crane or manipulator arm (2) available on the market.

[0036] The clamping system (8) consists of two movable clamping clamps (1 a and 1 b) (see figures 2 to 6) that open (10) and close (1 1 ) hydraulically to allow precise and safe handling of the conical drill bit (6) screwed onto the lower end of a rock drill string (5), where the clamping clamp (1 ) on the left side (Ll) is formed by an upper (12) and lower (13) metal piece formed by a semi-circular metal plate that reduces its dimension upwards to form a tapered end (14), said upper (12) and lower (13) metal pieces are joined in a sandwich fashion by means of a first metal plate (15) which at its free end has a gripping surface (16) specially arranged for holding the conical drill bit (6),The clamping clamp (1 b) on the right side face (LD) is identical to the clamping clamp (1 a) on the left side face (Ll) previously described, except that it is arranged in the opposite direction, that is to say, closing (1 1 ), instead of opening (10).,

[0037] Both pre-assembled left clamping clamps

[0038] (a) and right clamp (1 b), are joined on their lower face (I) by means of a second upper clamping plate (17) and a second lower clamping plate (18) in a sandwich-like, semi-rectangular shape, with rounded edges, towards their upper end both left and right, there is a cylindrical perforation (19) both towards the left side face (Ll) and towards the right side face (LD) said cylindrical perforation (19) allows the passage of a first cylindrical fixing pin in the form of a bushing (20) respectively, for each of the clamps both left (1 a) and right

[0039] (lb), which additionally allows said clamps (1 a) and (1 b) to pivot by opening (10) or closing (11 ) around each pivoting fixing pin in the form of a bushing (20). Towards the lower end of this clamping system (8) is located a second cylindrical bushing (21 ) respectively on each side of the clamping system (8), which works together with the first fixed cylindrical pins (20) so that the clamping clamp (1 a and 1 b) opens (10) or closes (11 ), thereby releasing or fixing the tricone drill bit (6) located at the lower end of the drill string (5).

[0040] Attached by welding to the upper rear face of the clamping clamp (1 b) on the right side face (LD) is a flat metal portion bent into a rectangular handle (22), which allows the opening (10) or closing (1) movement of the clamping clamp system (1 a and 1 b).

[0041] Towards the lower end of both the first metal plate (17) and the second metal plate (18) of semi-rectangular shape are located two perforations in the shape of a truncated pyramid (23) that allow the connection with the hydraulic manipulator arm (2) of square section which allows the passage of the hydraulic pipes and hoses (24) for the rotation action around 360°, by connecting the clamping system (8) of the clamping clamps (1 a and 1 b) by means of bolts to a hydraulic rotation device

[0042] (25) which allows a rotation around 360° of the circumference of the clamping system (8).

[0043] On the rear face (P) of the clamping system (8) of the clamping pliers (1 a and 1 b), (see figure 4) a third metal plate (26) is located transversely, semi rectangular in shape, with its upper and lower flat faces parallel to the X axis, on its lateral faces there is an inclined cutout or recess (S) that opens towards the lower face of the third metal plate

[0044] (26), so as to allow adjustment of the position for proper location of the clamping system (8), so that the free actuation of each clamping clamp (1 a and 1 b) connected to the first cylindrical pin as a bushing (21) left and right respectively occurs, on this third semi-rectangular plate (26) there are located four semi-cylindrical perforations as smaller recesses (27), which allow the passage of fixing bolts (not shown) and additionally allow an upward or downward adjustment in the direction of the Y axis, of the clamping system (8), this third semi-rectangular metal plate (26) allows the fixing to the clamping system (8) arranged at the free end of the hydraulic manipulator arm (2), together with the hydraulic rotation device (25) supported at the end of the manipulator arm (2).

[0045] This assembled clamping system (8) is designed to be securely positioned and fixed to the free end of the manipulator arm (2) known in the art. With the clamping system (8) already assembled, this arm allows the technical drill bit tool (6) to be removed from the drill string (5) without endangering a skilled operator (4), and to handle similar elements such as drilling accessories; guide ring, tricone cutter, technical drill bit and others with weights from 200 kilos to 990 kilos.

[0046] The manipulator arm (2) comprises a hydraulic stabilizer, an electronic load limiter, and an infinitely adjustable rotation clamping system (8).

[0047] A person skilled in the art will realize that the present description is in no way limited to the previously described preferred embodiments. On the contrary, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the accompanying claims. Furthermore, a person skilled in the art can understand and implement variations of the described embodiments from a study of the accompanying figures, description, and claims.

[0048] Industrial Application

[0049] The present utility model, according to its application, finds use in the field of downhole drilling, metal / mechanical industry in the manufacture of parts, mechanical industry, hydraulic industry, rubber industry in the manufacture of pipes and hoses, and electronics industry in the manufacture of the control cabinet.

[0050] Reference list

[0051] FP Bottom-hole drilling

[0052] Left side

[0053] LD Right back

[0054] P Posterior surface

[0055] S Sout or inclined recess Hydraulic clamping clamp (upper and lower left and upper and lower right b)

[0056] Hydraulic manipulator arm

[0057] Control cabinet

[0058] Specialized operator

[0059] Drill string

[0060] Conical drill bit

[0061] Damaged tricone drill bit case for replacement

[0062] Fastening system

[0063] Free end of manipulator arm

[0064] Action of opening

[0065] Action of closing

[0066] Top metal plate of clamp

[0067] Lower metal plate of clamp

[0068] Tapered end

[0069] First metal plate joining clamps

[0070] Tapered drill bit grip surface

[0071] Second upper clamping plate Second lower clamping plate Cylindrical perforation in second plate First cylindrical fixing pin as a bushing Second cylindrical fixing pin as a bushing Flat metal portion bent into a rectangular handle Truncated pyramid-shaped perforations Hydraulic pipes and hoses

[0072] Hydraulic rotation device

[0073] Third semi-rectangular metal plate. Perforations in the form of a semi-cylindrical cutout or recess.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A clamping clamp (1) comprising a left portion (1a) and a right portion (1b) respectively, which allows a tricone bit (6) to be removed or mounted from the free end of a drill string (5) of a rock drilling machine, which is arranged at the free end of a commercially available manipulator arm (2), which improves upon the inconveniences and accidents that occur during the replacement of tricone bits (6) normally used in the work, CHARACTERIZED in that the hydraulic clamping clamp (1) has a semi-rectangular metal clamping plate (26) adapted to be located at the free end of a hydraulic manipulator arm (2) which carries a rotation device (25) that allows the rotation of the clamping clamp (1) mounted on a fixing system (8) allowing a 360° rotation of the circumference so as to safely and precisely manipulate the tricone bit (6),From the free end of the drill string (5), the manipulator arm (2) is controlled from a control cabinet (3) by a specialized operator (4) without the need for this operator to interact with elements or energies outside the drill string (5) of the downhole drilling machine. Towards the rear of the clamping jaw (1), a rotation device (25) can be observed that allows the clamping jaw (1) to rotate around 360° of the circumference, being located at the free end of the manipulator arm (2), in order to allow total and safe manipulation of the tricone bit (6) located at the end of the drill string (5) or on a platform and subsequent removal of this bit for replacement.

2. The hydraulic clamping clamp (1), according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the clamping system (8) is formed by two movable clamps (1a and 1b) that open (10) and close (11) hydraulically so as to allow manipulation of the tricone bit (6) disposed in the short tricone pot at the lower end of the drill string (5), wherein the clamping clamp (1b) on the left side (Ll) is formed by an upper metal plate (12) and a lower metal plate (13) formed by a semi-circular metal plate that reduces its dimension upwards to forming a tapered end (28) said upper (12) and lower (13) metal plates are joined in a sandwich-like fashion by means of a metal plate (15) which at its outer end has a gripping surface for the tapered drill bit (16) specially arranged for the clamping of the tapered drill bit (6), the clamping clamp (1 ) of the right side face (LD) is identical to the clamping clamp (1 ) of the left side face (Ll) previously described, with the exception that it is arranged in the opposite direction, that is to say in the closing action (1 1 ), rather than the opening action (10).

3. The hydraulic clamping clamp (1), according to claim 2, CHARACTERIZED in that both previously assembled left clamping clamps (1a) and right clamp (1b) are joined by their rear surface (P) to an upper metal clamping plate (12) and a lower metal plate (13) in a sandwich-like fashion with a semi-rectangular shape, with rounded edges. Towards their upper end, both left and right, a cylindrical perforation (19) is located both towards the left side face (Ll) and towards the right side face (LD). This cylindrical perforation (19) allows the passage of a first and a second cylindrical fixing pin in the form of a bushing (20) respectively, for each of the clamps, both left (1a) and right (1b), which additionally allows said clamps (1a) and (1b) to pivot, opening (10) or closing (11) around each pivoting fixing pin in the form of a bushing. (20).

4. The hydraulic clamping clamp (1 ), according to claim 3, CHARACTERIZED in that between the left clamping clamp (1 a) and right clamp (1 b), a second cylindrical fixing pin in the form of a bushing (21 ) is located respectively on each side of the clamping system (8), which collaborates together with the fixed cylindrical pins (21 ) so that the clamping clamp (1 a and 1 b) are opened (10) or closed (1 1 ), thereby releasing or fixing the tapered drill bit (6).

5. The hydraulic clamping clamp (1), according to claim 4, CHARACTERIZED in that it is attached by means of welding to On the upper rear face of the clamping clamp (1 b) on the right side face (LD) there is a flat metal portion bent into a rectangular handle (22), which allows the opening (10) or closing (1 1 ) movement of the clamping system (8).

6. The hydraulic clamping clamp (1 ), according to claim 5, CHARACTERIZED in that at the lower end of the first metal plate joining clamps (15) as well as the second lower semi-rectangular plate (15) there are two perforations in the form of a truncated pyramid (23) that allow connection with the hydraulic manipulator arm (2) which allows the passage of hydraulic pipes and hoses (28) for the rotation action around 360°, so as to open (10) and close (1 1 ) each clamping clamp (1 a and 1 b).

7. The hydraulic clamping clamp (1), according to claim 6, CHARACTERIZED in that on the rear face (P) of the clamping system (8) of the clamping clamps (1 a and 1 b), a third semi-rectangular metal plate (26) is located transversely, with its upper and lower flat faces parallel to the X-axis, where its lateral faces form a recess or cutout (27) so as to allow the free operation of each clamping clamp (1 a and 1 b) connected to the first cylindrical fixing pin in the form of a bushing (20) and to the second cylindrical fixing pin in the form of a bushing (21), on this third semi-rectangular metal plate (26) there are located four perforations in the form of a semi-cylindrical recess or cutout (27), which allow the passage of fixing bolts (not shown) and additionally allow an upward or downward adjustment in the direction of the Y-axis, of the clamping system (8),This third semi-rectangular metal plate (26) allows attachment to the clamping system (8) arranged at the free end of the hydraulic manipulator arm (2), together with a hydraulic rotation device (25) that allows rotation around 360° of the circumference of the clamping system (8) which comprises the clamping grippers (1 a and 1 b), supported at the end of the manipulator arm (2).

8. The hydraulic clamping clamp (1), according to claim 7, CHARACTERIZED in that the assembled clamping system (8) is designed to be securely positioned and fixed at the free end of the manipulator arm (2) known in the art, with the clamping system (8) already assembled this arm allows the removal of the conical drill bit (6) from the drill string (5) without endangering the skilled operator (4), and also allows the manipulation of elements such as drilling accessories; guide ring, short conical drill bit, conical drill bit and others with weights from 200 kilos to 990 kilos.

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