Related Applications

[001] This application claims priority from Australian provisional patent application no. 2020902098 filed on 24 June 2020 the contents of which are incorporated by reference.

Technical Field

[002] The invention relates to a guide, a drive chuck adaptor, also known as a “dolly” for a drilling rod, bolt or cable, and an associated method of drilling or actuating a bolt or cable using such as a drive chuck adaptor.

Background

[003] Drilling involves the use of a drilling machine and a series of drill rods that are connectable to form a drill rod string. The drill rods are rotated by the drilling machine as the drill rods are sequentially inserted and removed from a drilled hole to form and dissociate the drill rod string.

[004] The drilling machine includes a rotating drive chuck into which a removable chuck adaptor (also known as a dolly) is inserted. An end of one of the drill rods is inserted into the chuck adaptor and the chuck adaptor may directly drive the drill rod via external surfaces at the end of the rod that engage with corresponding internal surfaces of the chuck. Such an arrangement and method are known as direct drive and direct drive extension rod drilling, respectively.

[005] A similar arrangement may also be used to rotate rock or roof bolts, or cables that may be inserted into holes and then the bolt or cable, or an associated nut, may be rotated by the chuck adaptor, known in this use scenario as a “spanner” to secure the rock bolt or cable. [006] A problem with such extension rod drilling, actuating of bolts or cables is that an operator needs to guide the end of the drill rod, bolt or cable into the chuck adaptor. In particular, when the drill rod string is being added or dissociated, there may be a loose free end of the immediately upper one of the drill rods and this free end may need to be hand guided into the chuck adaptor. The operator is therefore at risk of injury such as a hand or arm of the operator being pinched or crushed attempting to guide the drill rod, bolt or cable into the chuck adaptor. Similar problems exist with the tightening and loosening of rock bolts and/or cables.

[007] The invention disclosed herein seeks to overcome one or more of the above identified problems or at least provide a useful or safer alternative.

Summary

[008] In accordance with a first broad aspect there is provided, a chuck adaptor for fitting between a drill head and an elongate member, the chuck adaptor including a first end with an aperture adapted to receive and rotatably engage with the elongate member in an engaged condition and a second end adapted to be driven by the drill head, wherein the chuck adaptor includes a guide shaped to guide an end of the elongate member toward the engaged condition.

[009] In accordance with a second broad aspect there is provided, a chuck adaptor for a drill to rotatably drive an elongate member, the chuck adaptor including a first end with an aperture adapted to receive and rotatably engage the elongate member in an engaged condition and a second end adapted to be driven by the drill, wherein the chuck adaptor includes a guide adapted to guide an end of a elongate member from a disengaged condition toward the engaged condition.

[0010] In an aspect, the guide includes a mouth wider than the aperture and at least one guide surface tapering between the mouth and the aperture.

[0011] In another aspect, the guide includes a rim relatively wider than the aperture and a tapered surface extending between the rim and an entry to the aperture. [0012] In yet another aspect, the guide includes a frusto-conical surface between a rim of the guide and the aperture.

[0013] In yet another aspect, the guide includes a rim that is flared outwardly beyond the aperture at the first end thereof.

[0014] In yet another aspect, the chuck adaptor includes a through -bore to allow the passage of a fluid between the first and second ends.

[0015] In yet another aspect, the aperture includes internal surfaces adapted to engage the elongate member in the engaged condition.

[0016] In yet another aspect, the second end of the chuck adaptor includes external surfaces adapted to be engaged and driven by the drill head.

[0017] In yet another aspect, the elongate member is one of a drill rod, cable or bolt.

[0018] In accordance with a third broad aspect there is provided, a method of fitting a elongate member with a chuck adaptor, the method including: positioning an end of the elongate member so as to be aligned with a guide of the chuck adaptor and moving the chuck adaptor and elongate member toward one another such that the end of the elongate member is guidable into an aperture of the chuck adaptor by a surface of the guide extending between a rim thereof and the aperture that is relatively narrower than the rim.

[0019] In accordance with a fourth broad aspect there is provided, a method for hands free alignment of an elongate member with an aperture of a chuck adaptor, the method including: locating an end of the elongate member proximate a mouth of a guide of the chuck adaptor that is relatively wider than the aperture, and moving the chuck adaptor and elongate member toward one another such that the end of the elongate member is guidable into alignment with the aperture of the chuck adaptor by a surface of the guide extending between the mouth and the aperture.

[0020] In accordance with a fifth broad aspect there is provided, a chuck adaptor for an elongate member, the chuck adaptor including a first end with an aperture adapted to receive and rotatably engage with the elongate member in an engaged condition and a second end adapted to be driven, wherein the chuck adaptor includes a guide shaped to guide an end of the elongate member into aligned engagement with the aperture in the engaged condition.

[0021] In accordance with a sixth broad aspect there is provided, a guide for a chuck adaptor, the chuck adaptor including a first end with an aperture adapted to receive and rotatably engage with an elongate member in an engaged condition and a second end adapted to be driven by a drill head, wherein the guide shaped to guide an end of the elongate member toward the engaged condition.

[0022] In accordance with a seventh broad aspect there is provided, a guide for an apparatus to rotate a member, wherein the guide is shaped to guide an end of the member toward an engaged condition in which the end of the member is received by and rotatably engagable with an aperture of the apparatus.

[0023] In an aspect, the guide includes a mouth wider than the aperture and at least one guide surface tapering between the mouth and the aperture.

[0024] In yet another aspect, the guide includes a rim relatively wider than the aperture and at least one angled surface extending between the rim and an entry to the aperture.

[0025] In yet another aspect, the guide includes a frusto-conical surface between a rim of the guide and the aperture.

[0026] In yet another aspect, the guide includes a rim that is flared outwardly beyond the aperture at a first end thereof.

[0027] In yet another aspect, the guide is removable.

[0028] In yet another aspect, the guide is formed integrally with the apparatus.

[0029] In yet another aspect, the apparatus is a chuck adaptor.

[0030] In yet another aspect, the apparatus is a spanner. [0031] In yet another aspect, the apparatus is adapted to fit with a rotating drive.

[0032] In yet another aspect, the apparatus includes a body with the aperture therein and the guide extends from the body proximate the aperture.

Brief Description of the Figures

[0033] The invention is described, by way of non-limiting example only, by reference to the accompanying figures, in which;

[0034] Figure la is perspective view illustrating a chuck adaptor fitted between a drill head and an elongate member;

[0035] Figure lb is an exploded parts view illustrating the chuck adaptor removed from the drill head and the elongate member;

[0036] Figure 2a is perspective view illustrating a chuck adaptor fitted between a drill head and a threaded bolt;

[0037] Figure 2b is an exploded parts view illustrating the chuck adaptor removed from the drill head and the threaded bolt;

[0038] Figure 3a is a top view illustrating a first example of the chuck adaptor;

[0039] Figure 3b is a side view illustrating the first example of the chuck adaptor; [0040] Figure 3c is a sectional view illustrating the first example of the chuck adaptor;

[0041] Figure 3d is a first end view illustrating the first example of the chuck adaptor;

[0042] Figure 3e is a second end view illustrating the first example of the chuck adaptor;

[0043] Figure 4a is a top view illustrating a second example of the chuck adaptor; [0044] Figure 4b is a side view illustrating the second example of the chuck adaptor;

[0045] Figure 4c is a sectional view illustrating the second example of the chuck adaptor;

[0046] Figure 4d is a first end view illustrating the second example of the chuck adaptor;

[0047] Figure 4e is a second end view illustrating the second example of the chuck adaptor;

[0048] Figure 5a is a top view illustrating a third example of the chuck adaptor;

[0049] Figure 5b is a side view illustrating the third example of the chuck adaptor; [0050] Figure 5c is a sectional view illustrating the third example of the chuck adaptor;

[0051] Figure 5d is a first end view illustrating the third example of the chuck adaptor; and

[0052] Figure 5e is a second end view illustrating the third example of the chuck adaptor.

Detailed Description

[0053] Referring to Figures la to 2b, there are shown examples of an apparatus 5 in the form of a self-guiding chuck adaptor 10 for fitting with a drive chuck 9 of a rotating means, drive or drill head 12 of a drilling machine (not shown) to drive an elongate member 14 that may be a drill rod 14a, as shown in Figures la and lb or a rock bolt 14b with a threaded nut as shown in Figures 2a and 2b. Other forms of elongate members may also be used such as cables. The chuck adaptor 10 may take various forms including a first example as shown in Figures 3a to 3 e, a second example as shown in Figures 4a to 4e, and a third example as shown in Figures 5a to 5e. [0054] Such a drilling machine may include those used in underground mining or civil construction, and the elongate member 14 may be one adapted to form a string of interconnected drill rods (not shown) having a drill bit (not shown) carried by the furthest most rod to bore a hole in material such as rock. Such an arrangement and method may be referred to as extension rod drilling. Such drilling machines and drill rods are well-known and not described further herein.

[0055] Referring in addition to Figures 3a to 3e, 4a to 4e and 5a to 5e, like numerals are used to denote like parts. The apparatus 5 in the example form of the chuck adaptor 10 may include a body 11 having a first end 16 with an drive aperture 18 adapted to receive and engage the elongate member 14 and a second end 20 adapted to be driven by the drill head 12. The drive aperture 18 has internal surfaces 19 adapted to engage with external surfaces 21 of a first or drive end 23 of the elongate member 14 to facilitate the chuck adaptor 10 to rotatably drive the elongate member 14. The chuck adaptor 10 may include a through-hole 33 passing between the first end 16 and the second end 20 to allow the passage of a fluid to the rod 14. Further through-holes or other apertures for fluid passage and drainage may also be added, as need be.

[0056] The drive end 23 of the elongate member 14 may be a female end with the external driven surface 21 and a second end (not shown) of the elongate member 14 may be a male end adapted to be received by the drive end 23 allow the string of drill rods to be connected end to end.

[0057] The apparatus 5, in this example the chuck adaptor 10, includes a guide 22 shaped to guide or direct the end 23 of the elongate member 14 toward and into the drive aperture 18 of the body 11 of the chuck adaptor 10. The guide 22 may take various forms and ultimately includes one or more guide surfaces 24 that assist to centre the end 23 of the elongate member 14 with the drive aperture 18 during engagement between the elongate member 14 and the chuck adaptor 10. The guide 22 may be a removable part coupled to the body 11 or may be integrally formed therewith.

[0058] Turning to the guide 22 in more detail, in the examples provided here in Figures 3a to 5e inclusive, the guide 22 stands proud or extends beyond an entry 26 of the drive aperture 18. The guide 22 may be wider in dimension than an intermediate girth 27 of the body 11 and the guide surfaces 24 may be arranged to taper inwardly from a rim 28 toward the entry 26 of the drive aperture 18. The guide 22 thereby providing a relatively wider mouth 29 from the rim 28 to the entry 26 of the drive aperture 18. The length of the guide 22 in the axial direction from the aperture 18 and width may vary depending on the angle or slope of the tapered guide surfaces 24.

[0059] In the provided examples, the one or more guide surfaces 24 may be frusto- conical shaped or of an inverted cone shape that leads to the entry 26. The side profile of the chuck adaptor 10 may therefore be flared at the first end 16 having a generally trumpet like side profile. The additional width of the rim 28 and taper toward the entry 26 of the drive aperture 18 serves to locate, self-centre and guide the end 23 of the elongate member 14 toward and into drive aperture 18.

[0060] The geometry of the chuck adaptor 10 may vary, as shown in, but not limited to, Figures 3a to 3e, 4a to 4e and 5a to 5e. The alterations in geometry may include the size, shape, width, taper and length of the guide 22, the shape of the internal surfaces 19 of the drive aperture 18 that may be square or otherwise arranged to engage with the end 23 of the elongate member 14 to facilitate the chuck adaptor 10 to rotatably drive the elongate member 14. The second end 20 of the chuck adaptor 10 is shaped to be received by the drill head 12 and includes outer surface 31 shaped to be driven by the drill head 12, and in this example is generally square in shape. In particular, the length of the body 11 may vary and the “waved” lines in the figures indicate indefinite length.

[0061] It is noted the diameter of the rim 28 is much wider than the entry 26 of the drive aperture 18, and may be, for example, about twice or greater than the diameter of the entry 26 of the drive aperture 18. The shape, more specifically the taper, of the guide 22 is such that the elongate member 14 may slide along the guide 22 into and out of the drive aperture 18. The angle of taper may be any suitable angle, in particular an acute angle, measured relative to an elongate axis of the chuck adaptor 10. For example, as shown in Figures 3b, 4b and 5b the angle may be about 20 degrees to 70 degrees from the elongate axis and preferably about 30 to 60 degrees and in some examples more preferably about 45 degrees.

[0062] The chuck adaptor 10 may be formed from a single piece of material such as a metal. And, it is noted that in some examples the guide 22 may be a separate part that is secured to an existing or bespoke chuck adaptor 10. In this situation, the chuck adaptor 10 may be two parts and the guide 22 may be, for example, a machined frusto- conical part that is welded or otherwise secured to the body 11 of the chuck adaptor 10 either at point of manufacture or as a retro-fitted part. The chuck adaptor 10, more specifically the guide 22, may find use in other applications such as with or part of a spanner namely a roof bolting spanner or dolly, or another tool for similar purposes. As a retro-fitted part the guide 22 may be, for example, a frusto-conical collar fitted about an existing chuck, chuck adaptor or spanner. The guide 22 therefore may be produced and sold as a separate retrofittable part.

[0063] An example method of use may include fitting the chuck adaptor 10 to the drill head 12 of a drilling machine and moving the free ends 23 of the drill rods 14 into and out of engagement with the chuck adaptor 10 by moving the rods 14 and/or the drill head 12. In one use scenario, a string of the drill rods 14 may have been fitted together, end to end, having been used to bore a hole in a surface with the furthest most rod carrying the drill bit. The drill rod string is then required to be removed with each elongate member 14 sequentially removed from the drill string. This requires that the first end 23 of the elongate member 14 is moved within the bounds of or into general alignment with the guide 22 and then allowed to be moved within or slide along the guide 22 towards and into the drive aperture 18. The chuck adaptor 10 may then be rotated to decouple the elongate member 14 from the next rod in the string. This method may continue until all rods are removed from the hole.

[0064] Advantageously, the guide 22 of the chuck adaptor 10 provides the wide mouth 29 that extends beyond the drive aperture 18 and a tapered surface 24 to guide and centre the elongate member 14 toward and into the drive aperture 18, and this allows self-guiding of the elongate member 14 toward and into the drive aperture 18 thereby requiring no or little operator interaction at the time of engagement. The guide 22 may also assist in controlled removal of the elongate member 14 from the drive aperture 18. As such, there is a reduced risk of injury as the operator may be more removed and there is less risk of, for example, pinching of a hand or arm of the operator between the chuck adaptor 10 and the elongate member 14.

[0065] The term “chuck adaptor” is intended to include all similar parts or fittings (i.e a dolly, a spanner, a tool or the like) that may be used to drive or rotate an elongate member or other rotatable parts such as, but not limited to, rods, bolts and cables. The guide may also be applied to other similar structures.

[0066] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0067] The reference in this specification to any known matter or any prior publication is not, and should not be taken to be, an acknowledgment or admission or suggestion that the known matter or prior art publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the field to which this specification relates.

[0068] While specific examples of the invention have been described, it will be understood that the invention extends to alternative combinations of the features disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein.

[0069] Many and various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein.