TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention falls within the field of drilling structures and apparatus,
such as a drilling machine, more particularly a drilling machine with top hammers,
even more particularly a drilling machine with top hammers for cutting rock masses
in order to obtain blocks with dimensional measurements.
SCOPE OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In recent years, the evolution and adaptation of new technologies in quarries has
been considerable and have contributed to reducing costs and environmental impacts,
as well as increasing safety. The Dimensional Stone drilling, with measures and shapes
commonly accepted in the market, is obtained with recourse to cutting machines in
which the cutting means may be diamond wire or by drilling, these being used in operations
designed for demolition of a quarry, in particular the cutting operations. For a better
understanding of the scope, the demolition of a quarry includes the following operations:
- a) drilling: consists in executing horizontal and vertical holes for delimitation
of the mass to be demolished and through which a diamond wire will pass, a step which
may not take place if step b) is directly executed;
- b) first cut: execution of longitudinal, transversal, horizontal and vertical cuts,
forming separate rock masses (blocks) with diamond wire cutters or mechanical saws;
- c) overturning: after the rock masses have been detached, the bench overturning is
performed;
- d) second cut: after the bench overturning in the quarry front, the benches, or large
rock masses, are detached as individual blocks of transportable dimensions, by using
stationary diamond wire cutters or stationary pneumatic or hydraulic drilling machines.
[0003] The present invention may be suitable to the operation d) mentioned above as second
cut, which allows the current requirements to be met, with adequate technologies and
greater yields, in particular a drilling machine provided with top hammers for cutting
rock masses, in order to obtain blocks with dimensional measurements capable to adjust
to the operating parameters of the hammers and intrinsic characteristics of the rock
masses, thus ensuring higher productivity and overall efficiency/effectiveness of
the system.
[0004] The following prior disclosures, consisting of patent documents, have been identified
as having several limitations:
- the US patent document US5437341 discloses a multiple drilling system with two hammers, presenting a spacing between
hammers which is too high to constructively have individual movement guidance systems,
not allowing for compensation between the drilling hammers, and presenting a high
number of components, thus increasing the activation and the construction costs;
- the Portuguese patent document PT106115, which discloses a drilling system comprised of a support structure that includes
three mechanically-linked hammers, presenting losses of performance, wherein the drilling
performance may be higher in each hammer, such that, for a given hammer, the drilling
rod and that same hammer are put under strain when the other two hammers present a
higher penetration rate into the rock; In a related way, when there are discontinuities
or quality differences in the rock mass, that section of the rock will affect the
performance of the rod and consequently also that of the associated hammer, which
in the future may lead to the premature failure of the hammers, to the premature failure
of the drilling rods, or to drilling deviations (differences caused by the distinct
forward forces of each hammer).
[0005] The present invention addresses the various drawbacks described above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide drilling machines with top hammers
with the ability to selectively operate the sections of rock mass being drilled. This
may configure a system of adjustment to the rock mass, for example with adjustment
of the drilling power of each hammer, promoting the following advantages comparatively
to the state of the art:
- the ability to control the drilling power (forward force, rotation and percussion)
to obtain gains in yield and overall performance;
- increasing the overall performance particularly when there are discontinuities or
different morphological characteristics in the rock mass, as this rock section will
affect the performance of the rod and consequently that of the hammer which is drilling
the said section;
- eliminating premature failure of the hammers;
- eliminating premature failure of the drilling rods;
- eliminating drilling deviations (differences caused by the distinct forward forces
of each hammer;
- in case the drilling rod becomes blocked, it allows stopping that hammer temporarily,
reversing its rotation temporarily and restarting the drill operation.
[0007] In the above case, where there are discontinuities or different morphological characteristics
in the rock mass, it is possible that as the rod is drilling, it will encounter distinct
hardnesses in the rock mass in the various hammers, which cause variations in yield.
This can be a problem when several hammers are working side by side, since they may
be working on different sections of material, which may have different hardnesses,
as mentioned. This is particularly relevant, since harder material leads to lower
drilling efficiency, which can lead to delays between the various hammers, with one
hammer lagging behind in a harder section of rock.
[0008] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a drilling structure
for cutting a rock mass comprising a support structure, driving means coupled to the
support structure, and at least two top hammers operable by the driving means, the
structure being configured so that each of the two (or more) top hammers is operable
and thus movable independently of the other top hammer. The structure, by comprising
driving means and being configured so that each of the two top hammers is operable
and thus movable independently of the other top hammer, makes it possible to obtain
the aforementioned advantages, in particular because it allows the operation of each
hammer to be adjusted. In addition to the above-mentioned advantages as regards the
rock sections of different hardnesses, the independent control of the hammers of the
structure of the present invention also makes it possible to address situations of
low performance of one or more of the hammers comparatively to the others, adjusting
the operation of the various hammers so that - also in this case - there are no delays
between them.
[0009] Top hammers are suitable for drilling into rock masses. The support structure configures
a physical base to which various elements, such as driving means that move the top
hammers, are coupled. In a preferred embodiment, the drilling structure of the present
invention comprises more than two hammers, optionally three to six hammers, more preferably
three hammers.
[0010] It is also an object of the present invention a drilling apparatus for cutting rock
masses, comprising the drilling structure of the present invention as described in
any of its embodiments, one tower and second driving means, the said tower being arranged
parallel to a direction of movement of the hammers and coupled to the drilling structure,
the second driving means being configured to move the drilling structure along the
tower.
[0011] In one embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, the drilling apparatus
additionally comprises third driving means, the third driving means being configured
to move the drilling structure perpendicularly to a direction of movement of the hammers.
This is the implementation of the drilling structure, consisting of a modular element,
in a drilling apparatus, with said drilling machines with top hammers. The third driving
means allow the movement of the drilling structure, and therefore the horizontal adjustment
of its position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0012]
- (1)
- vertical tower;
- (2)
- support structure;
- (3)
- vertical guides;
- (4)
- vertical drive mechanism of the hammer (6);
- (5)
- hammer's (6) connecting support with the vertical drive mechanism (4);
- (6)
- hammer;
- (7)
- support structure guide (2) on the vertical tower (1);
- (8)
- springs.
[0013] Figure 1 - Front view of the apparatus of the present invention, highlighting the
vertical tower (1) and the support structure (2) which is an integral part of the
drilling structure (100).
[0014] Figure 2 - Top view of the drilling structure (100), including the support structure
(2), and wherein three hammers (6) are shown, which move vertically along their respective
guides (3), this movement being actuated by the drive mechanisms (4), these drive
mechanisms (4) being connected to each of the hammers (6) through their respective
connecting elements (5).
[0015] Figure 3 - Detail, inner and perspective view of the drilling structure, showing
the support structure (2) and a hammer (6), which is connectable to a drive mechanism
(4) by means of a connecting element (5). The hammer (6) has its (said vertical) movement
in solidarity with at least one connecting element (5) which in turn moves along two
guides (3). Additionally, the support structure (2) is movable along a guide of the
support structure (7), which in its turn is coupled to the tower (1).
[0016] Figure 4 - Sectional view of figure 3, in which, in addition to all the components
shown in figure 3, the springs (8) are also illustrated.
[0017] Figure 5 - Representation of the controller operation, including the reading parameters,
which include data obtained and made available to the controller, and the control
parameters, the said control parameters including the operation/movement parameters
of each hammer (6) which are controlled by the controller independently from the other
hammers (6).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] More general configurations of this invention are described in the Summary of the
invention. Such configurations are detailed below according to other advantageous
and/or preferred embodiments for implementation of the present invention.
[0019] In an advantageous embodiment of the drilling structure (100) of the present invention,
the driving means comprise at least one driving assembly associated with each hammer
(6), wherein each driving assembly comprises:
- a drive mechanism (4),
- at least one connecting element (5), and
- a pair of hammer guides (3), the guides (3) being parallel to each other, and wherein
the driving assemblies are aligned with each other such that the movement of each
of the hammers (6) is parallel to those of the other hammers (6), and each connecting
element (5);
- being movable by the drive mechanism (4) along the hammers guides (3), and
- being coupled to a hammer (6), the hammer moving in solidarity with the respective
connecting element (5).
[0020] The various elements of this improved configuration of the drilling structure of
the present invention are in the more specific embodiment shown in Figures 2 to 4.
The driving assemblies comprise various elements which allow, in a simple but efficient
construction, controlling each of the hammers (6) independently. The driving assemblies
are aligned with each other in such a way that the movement of each of the hammers
(6) is parallel to those of the remaining hammers (6). Each pair of hammer (6) guides
promotes this parallel movement, also guaranteeing the aligned movement of the connecting
elements (5) and, consequently, of the hammers (6), since the connecting elements
(5) are moved by the drive mechanism along the guides (3) and are coupled to a hammer
(6), which thus moves in solidarity with the respective connecting element (5). Each
connecting element (5) is coupled to the respective drive mechanism, which moves it
along the guides (3). In addition, the connecting element (5) is on the other hand
coupled to the respective hammer (6), thus causing it to move. Preferably, as this
embodiment effectively simplifies the construction of the drilling structure (100),
the drive mechanisms (4), the connecting element (5) (at least one) and the pairs
of hammer guides (3) are arranged in the same first plane, this first plane being
parallel to a second plane formed by a base of the support structure (2). This ensures
proper alignment between the various elements.
[0021] Preferably, the support structure (2) comprises two sections parallel to each other
and perpendicular to the base of the support structure (2), the said guides (3) and
the said drive mechanism (4) being coupled to said sections of the base structure
(2) which are parallel to each other. This allows an effective coupling between the
support structure (2), the guides (3) and the drive mechanism (4), these being elements
which require an adequate mechanical fixation, by promoting the movement of the connecting
elements (5) and the hammers (6).
[0022] In an advantageous embodiment of the drilling structure (100), the latter additionally
comprises at least one controller configured to control the driving means. The controller
may be installed in the support structure (2), or in another device separate therefrom,
and connected to the driving means via wired or wireless communication means.
[0023] In an advantageous aspect of the drilling structure, the controller is configured
to adjust the alignment of at least one of the hammers (6) with one or more of the
remaining hammers (6), based upon movement data of the hammers (6). This solution
makes it possible to address situations in which one of the hammers encounters a section
of rock whose hardness is distinct from the others, or situations of lower performance
of one or more of the hammers (6) comparatively to the others, adjusting the operation
of the various hammers (6) so that - also in this case - there are no delays between
them.
[0024] In an inventive aspect, the controller is additionally configured to implement a
movement of each of the hammers (6) dependently on at least one parameter associated
with the rock mass to be drilled. This allows an adjustment, based on specific information
of the rock mass to be drilled, of the movement parameters, thereby taking full advantage
of the independent movement capacity of each of the hammers (6) of the drilling structure
(100) of the present invention.
[0025] In a further inventive aspect of the drilling structure (100), the controller is
additionally configured to implement a movement of each of the hammers (6) dependently
on at least one parameter associated with the section of rock that each of the hammers
is drilling. This allows for even greater suitability to the rock mass to be drilled,
as each of the hammers (6) is moved according to a parameter or characteristic of
the rock mass section associated with it. The parameter may, for example, be the rock's
hardness or its chemical composition. On the other hand, this information may be obtained
by readings based on appropriate sensors. Additionally, the section of rock that each
of the hammers (6) is drilling may be understood as the section that is in a position
drillable by the respective hammer (6), being aligned or alignable with it.
[0026] In an advantageous embodiment of the drilling structure (100), which allows the control
of specific operating parameters of each hammer (6), the controller is additionally
configured to control one or several of the following parameters, for each hammer
(6) and independently of the other hammers (6):
- rotation speed and pressure of the hammer (6),
- percussion rate and pressure of the hammer (6),
- compensation of the position of the hammer (6), and
- feed pressure of the hammer (6).
[0027] In a further advantageous embodiment of the drilling structure (100), which allows
obtaining data relevant to the operation of the controller, providing improved determination
and with feedback of control parameters to be adapted for each hammer (6), the controller
is additionally configured to obtain one or more of the following data from each hammer
(6):
- rotation speed and pressure of the hammer (6),
- percussion rate and pressure of the hammer (6),
- at least one additional drilling parameter, and
- position of the hammer relative to at least one reference point of the support structure
(2).
[0028] Some advantageous embodiments of the drilling apparatus for cutting rock masses of
the present invention are described below.
[0029] In an inventive aspect, the apparatus of the present invention additionally comprises
a tower (1) and second driving means, the tower (1) being arranged parallel to said
direction of movement of the hammers (6) and coupled to the drilling structure (100),
the second driving means being configured to move the drilling structure (100) along
the tower (1). This makes it possible to move the drilling structure (100) along the
tower (1), this being an additional adjustment, which promotes the height adjustment
of all hammers (6) to the same extent, since these are all part of the drilling structure
(100).
[0030] Preferably, the apparatus of the present invention additionally comprises at least
a second guide (7), the said second guide (7) being configured such that it guides
said movement of the drilling structure (100) along the tower (1), the second guide
(7) being aligned with and coupled to the tower (1).
[0031] In a further aspect of the apparatus of the present invention, the latter comprises
a second controller, the said second controller consisting of the controller of the
drilling structure (100) or of an additional controller, being configured to control
the second driving means. In an advantageous embodiment, the controller is additionally
configured to control one or more movement parameters of the support structure (2)
relative to the tower (1), including the feed pressure of the support structure (2)
relative to the tower (1).
EMBODIMENTS
[0032] The apparatus of the present invention comprises a tower (1) said to be vertical,
in which a drilling structure (100) is moved, connected to the tower by means of a
support structure (2), this movement being directed by at least a second guide (7).
The drilling structure (100) of the present invention comprises at least two sets
of two hammer guides (3) in which connecting elements (5) - which may be referred
to as connecting supports - are moved, each connecting element (5) (at least one)
being associated with two guides (3).
[0033] The present invention discloses at least two hammers (6) associated with at least
one connecting element or support (5). Preferably, said hammer (6) is mechanically
fixed to the respective connecting element (5), and therefore its vertical movements
are in solidarity with and guided by the guides (3) on which the connecting element
(5) moves. The movement of each of the connecting elements (5) is actuated by a respective
drive mechanism (4) (said to be vertical). The drilling structure (100) of the present
invention may additionally comprise springs (8), which connect each of the connecting
elements to the respective drive mechanism (4), whereby the springs (8) reduce the
vibrations resulting from the movement of the hammers (6) against the rock mass being
drilled.
[0034] When starting to drill, the hammer (6) is in the lower working position with the
drive mechanism (4) in a so-called fully open position.
[0035] During the operation of the drilling structure (100), and therefore the movement
of the connecting elements (5) and of the respective hammers (6), the springs (8)
make the necessary adjustment in order to reduce the vibration of the hammer (6).
[0036] The controller of the drilling structure (100) is configured to receive input signals
from:
- the hammer's (6) rotation speed and pressure reading,
- the hammer's (6) percussion rate and pressure reading;
- the drilling parameters;
- the position of the hammer (6) inside the support structure (2);
[0037] The controller of the drilling structure (100) is configured to operate on the:
- control of rotation speed and pressure of the hammer (6), individually,
- control of percussion rate and pressure of the hammer (6), individually,
- compensation of the position of the hammer (6), individually,
- control of the feed pressure of the support structure (2).
[0038] The second controller, which may consist of the (first) controller, is configured
to operate on the control of the feed pressure of the hammer (6).
[0039] As will be evident to a person skilled in the art, the present invention should not
be limited to the embodiments described herein, with a number of changes being possible,
which remain within the scope of this invention.
[0040] Of course, the preferred embodiments above described are combinable in the different
possible forms, the repetition of all such combinations being herein avoided.
1. Drilling structure (100) for cutting a rock mass, comprising a support structure (2),
driving means coupled to the support structure (2), and at least two top hammers (6)
operable by the driving means, the structure being configured so that each of the
two top hammers (6) is operable and thus movable independently of the other top hammer
(6).
2. Drilling structure (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the driving means
comprise at least one driving assembly associated with each hammer (6), each driving
assembly comprising:
- a drive mechanism (4),
- at least one connecting element (5), and
- a pair of hammer guides (3), the guides (3) being parallel to each other, and wherein
the driving assemblies are aligned with each other such that the movement of each
of the hammers (6) is parallel to those of the other hammers (6), each connecting
element (5):
- being movable by the drive mechanism along the hammer guides (3), and
- being coupled to a hammer (6), the hammer moving in solidarity with the respective
connecting element (5).
3. Drilling structure (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the drive mechanisms
(4), the connecting element (5) and the pairs of hammer guides (3) are arranged in
a same first plane, said first plane being parallel to a second plane formed by a
base of the support structure (2).
4. Drilling structure (100) according to any one of claims 2-3, wherein said support
structure (2) comprises two sections parallel to each other and perpendicular to said
base of said support structure (2), said guides (3) and said drive mechanism (4) being
coupled to said sections parallel to each other of said base structure (2).
5. Drilling structure (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising
more than two hammers (6), preferably three to six hammers (6), more preferably three
hammers (6).
6. Drilling structure (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising
at least one controller configured to control the driving means.
7. Drilling structure (100) according to the preceding claim, the controller being additionally
configured to adjust the alignment of at least one of the hammers (6) with one or
more of the remaining hammers (6), based on movement data of the hammers (6).
8. Drilling structure (100) according to any one of claims 6-7, the controller being
additionally configured to implement a movement of each of the hammers (6) dependent
on at least one parameter associated with the rock mass to be drilled.
9. Drilling structure (100) according to the preceding claim, the controller being additionally
configured to implement a movement of each of the hammers (6) dependent on at least
one parameter associated with the section of rock that each one of the hammers is
drilling.
10. Drilling structure (100) according to any of claims 6-9, wherein the controller is
additionally configured to control one or more of the following parameters, for each
hammer (6) and independently of the other hammers (6):
- rotation speed and pressure of the hammer (6),
- percussion rate and pressure of the hammer (6),
- compensation of the position of the hammer (6), and
- feed pressure of the hammer (6).
11. Drilling structure (100) according to any one of claims 6-10, wherein the controller
is additionally configured to obtain one or more of the following data from each hammer
(6):
- rotation speed and pressure of the hammer (6),
- percussion rate and pressure of the hammer (6),
- at least one additional drilling parameter, and
- position of the hammer relative to at least one reference point of the support structure
(2).
12. Drilling apparatus for cutting rock masses, comprising the drilling structure (100)
of any one of the preceding claims, a tower (1) and second driving means, the tower
(1) being arranged parallel to a direction of movement of the hammers (6) and coupled
to the drilling structure (100), the second driving means being configured to move
the drilling structure (100) along the tower (1).
13. Apparatus according to the preceding claim, comprising third driving means, the said
third driving means being configured to move the drilling structure (100) perpendicular
to said direction of movement of the hammers (6).
14. Apparatus according to the preceding claim, additionally comprising at least a second
guide (7), the said second guide (7) being configured such that it guides said movement
of the drilling structure (100) along the tower (1), the second guide (7) being aligned
with and coupled to the tower (1).
15. Apparatus according to any one of claims 12-14, wherein a second controller, the latter
consisting of the controller of the drilling structure (100) or of an additional controller,
is configured to control the second driving means.
16. Apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein the controller is additionally
configured to control one or more movement parameters of the support structure (2)
relative to the tower (1), including the feed pressure of the support structure (2)
relative to the tower (1).