HK1149305B - Grapple attachment for use with drill pipes - Google Patents

Description

Grapple attachment for drill pipe

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a grapple for gripping and handling drill pipe for directional drilling equipment that may be connected to a track excavator (trackhoe), backhoe (backhoe), excavator or other component of heavy construction equipment. Background

Gas, water, electricity and data utility lines are typically buried underground. An increasingly common method of installing these pipelines is to drill holes using horizontal directional drilling techniques. This technique allows the hole to be drilled through existing structures (such as roads or sewers) and existing geographical features (such as rivers) without obstructing it.

A typical horizontal directional drilling apparatus includes a frame on which is mounted a drive mechanism which is slidably movable along the frame and which is adapted to rotate a drill string. Sliding the drive mechanism while rotating the drill string can advance the drill string into the ground to form a hole. The drill string includes a drill bit and a series of drill rods. As the hole gets deeper and deeper, the drill string needs to be extended to get the drill bit deeper into the ground. This is achieved by continuously connecting the drill pipe to the drill string as the drill rig enters the ground. The bore hole typically starts at an oblique angle relative to the ground. When the desired depth is reached, the drill bit is oriented to advance the hole in a substantially horizontal direction. Near the end of the hole, the drill bit is typically oriented at an angle upward until the drill string breaks the surface. When the drilling has been completed, the operation is reversed and the drill rods are continuously removed from the drill string so as to shorten the drill string as it is retracted.

In typical operation, the drill pipe is 32 feet long, has a diameter of 65/8 (6 and 5/8) inches, and weighs about 1325 pounds. The drill rods are towed by a truck to the drilling site, and each drill rod is lifted individually from the truck bed to manually connect it to the drill string. This operation is typically performed by an excavator. A hand clamp connected by a cable or nylon rope to the bucket of the excavator is secured around the drill pipe. To balance the drill pipe in the caliper, the operator uses an excavator to lift the drill pipe to the drilling rig. Two or more workers stabilize and guide the drill pipe as the excavator operator moves the drill pipe into a specified position. At the drilling rig, a worker manually tilts and turns the drill pipe into position. In normal operation, the drill rod may be held horizontal or may be tilted about 12 degrees. The drill pipe is typically tilted no more than 35 degrees. Once the drill pipe is set in place as desired by workers and excavator operators, the drill pipe is manually secured to the drill string. This is a cumbersome and dangerous operation because it requires three or more workers (e.g., one worker operating the excavator and at least two workers present). Therefore, there is a need for an apparatus that improves safety and facilitates use while reducing manpower. Disclosure of Invention

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a grapple attachment for an excavator or other suitable component of heavy machinery. The grapple attachment includes a bracket for attachment to a bucket assembly of an excavator; a rotating assembly allowing the body of the grapple device to rotate in either direction; and a body pivotably connected to the rotating assembly at a pivot point and having a hydraulic arm that allows the body to be angled up to 35 degrees. The body includes a pair of grips spaced apart on a rigid cross member. Each gripper includes first and second jaws. The gripping member may comprise a bracket having a curved contact surface and each jaw may comprise a curved gripping surface such that the gripping surface and the contact surface of the jaw are in contact with the drill rod when gripping the drill rod. The grapple attachment may be used to conveniently and efficiently move and angle the drill pipe into position for connection to the drill string with full control by the excavator operator without the need for assistance and manipulation by other workers.

The above summary of some example embodiments is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the present invention. Drawings

The present invention will be more fully understood from the detailed description of the embodiments given below, taken together with the drawings in which:

figure 1 is a schematic plan view of a grapple attachment according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the grapple attachment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic exploded plan view of the grapple attachment shown in FIG. 1; and

fig. 4 is a schematic orthogonal view of the body portion 16 of the grapple attachment.

While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the scope of the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention. Detailed Description

For the terms defined below, these definitions shall apply, unless a different definition is given in the claims or elsewhere in the specification.

All numerical values herein are deemed to be modified by the term "about", whether or not explicitly indicated. The term "about" generally refers to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value (i.e., having the same function or result). In many cases, the term "about" may be intended to include values rounded to the nearest significant figure.

The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers subsumed within that range (e.g. 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5).

Although the present disclosure discloses certain suitable dimensional ranges and/or values for various components, features and/or specifications, those skilled in the art will appreciate from the present disclosure that desirable dimensions, ranges and/or values may deviate from those expressed herein.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term "or" as used in this specification and the appended claims is generally understood to include "and/or" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings, in which like elements in different drawings are numbered the same. The detailed description and drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, illustrate exemplary embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The example embodiments shown are merely illustrative. Selected features of any example embodiment may be incorporated into other embodiments unless clearly indicated to the contrary.

The grapple attachment 10 of the present invention is shown in schematic form in the plan view of fig. 1, in the side view of fig. 2, and in the exploded plan view of fig. 3. The grapple attachment includes a bracket assembly 12, a swivel assembly 14, and a body 16.

The terms "horizontal", "vertical", "transverse (lateral)" and similar terms are used herein with respect to the grapple attachment shown in fig. 1. Thus, "horizontal" and "lateral" are the left-right directions of fig. 1, and "vertical" is the up-down directions of fig. 1. For example, the body 16 may be described as extending primarily in a lateral direction. This use of terminology should not be construed as implying that the components described must always be as described in an absolute sense. The grapple attachment is connected to a hydraulic arm of a part of the heavy equipment and can, for example, be manipulated such that the body 16 is substantially vertical in an absolute sense. However, for ease of discussion, the vertical direction extends through the holder assembly, the rotating assembly and the body, while the horizontal direction is perpendicular to the vertical direction.

The grapple attachment is connected to another component of the excavator or heavy equipment. For simplicity, the term excavator is used throughout this specification, but other parts of heavy equipment may also be suitable for use with the grapple attachment of the present invention. For example, the grapple attachment may be used with a track excavator, a backhoe, or any other component of an apparatus having a suitable arm.

The bracket means 12 includes an aperture 18 to provide a mechanical interface with a boom arm (boom arm). The bracket is thus rigidly connected to the end of the lever arm without freedom. The illustrated bracket arrangement is adapted to be connected to a standard lever arm. Any support suitable for rigid connection to a lever arm is within the scope of the present invention. The bracket assembly may also include a pin sized to span the width of the bracket and fit within the aperture 18. The size and location of the holes 18 can be varied as desired to adapt the bracket to a particular excavator model.

The rotating group 14 includes a rotating group housing 20 and a hydraulic rotation control 22. A rotation control 22 is centrally disposed in the housing 20 and rigidly attached thereto with bolts or other suitable fasteners. One end of the rotation control is connected to the bracket device 12 with a bolt or other suitable fastener. The rotation control 22 is operable to rotate the rotating group 14 about a vertical axis relative to the holder assembly. The rotation control preferably includes a hollow central throat (not shown) that extends through the apparatus along a vertical axis to allow a hydraulic line or other conduit to be directed through the center of the hydraulic rotation control 22. The rotating group housing 20 includes a housing 22 for housing a hydraulic rotation control and a bottom bracket 24 for pivotally connecting the rotating group to the main body 16.

In an alternative embodiment, the grapple attachment may include a "parking brake" (not shown) mounted between the rotating assembly and the bracket assembly. The parking brake may include a ring mounted on the rotating assembly and a spring-loaded hydraulic caliper mounted on the bracket assembly. This feature prevents rotational creep between the bracket assembly and the rotating assembly when the grapple assembly is not in use. Of course, other devices that provide similar features are contemplated. For example, the parking brake may be electric rather than hydraulic, or may be manually activated or deactivated, for example, with a lever. Other alternatives are also contemplated, such as a manually activated lock system extending between the holder assembly and the rotating assembly.

The body 16 is pivotally connected to a bottom bracket 24 of the swivel assembly and is also connected to the swivel assembly by a tilt arm 26 disposed on one side of the swivel assembly 14. The pivot connection comprises a central pin, a bushing, such as a rubber bushing or a steel bushing, and/or other elements suitable for this type of load bearing pivot connection. The tilt arm 26 is pivotally connected to the swivel assembly housing 20 and the body and is preferably a hydraulic arm. The two connections work together to ensure that the body can pivot about a horizontal axis to a maximum position of about 30 degrees off horizontal. In some embodiments, the maximum position is 40 degrees from horizontal; in another embodiment, the maximum position is 25 degrees from horizontal.

The body comprises a rigid cross member 28 on which first and second gripping members 30 are provided. Each grip 30 may include first and second brackets 32 and first and second jaws 36 spaced apart by a bar 34. Each jaw has a first hole for mounting the jaw on the rod 34 and rotating the jaw about the rod 34; and a bracket for mounting to one end of the hydraulic piston 38. The other end of the hydraulic piston is mounted on another rod 34. A hydraulic piston is used to drive the jaws between the open and closed positions. The first and second jaws of each gripper may be laterally spaced from each other as shown in fig. 4, or may be aligned to open and close in the same plane.

Preferably, each bracket has a concave contact surface 40, the radius of the contact surface 40 being equal to half the diameter of the drill rod. One common embodiment is for drill pipe having an outside diameter of nominally 6 and 5/8 inches. Alternatively, the concave contact surface may have a radius slightly larger than half the diameter of the drill rod. Preferably, each jaw has a curved gripping surface (indicated at 42) which also has a radius of half the diameter of the drill rod. Each gripping member may be positioned such that the bracket contact surface 40 and the gripping surfaces 42 of the first and second jaws 36 contact the drill rod when closed around the drill rod. Preferably, and as shown in fig. 2, each jaw 36 is contoured to slope rapidly toward the free end. Since the free ends of the illustrated jaws have a convex face (side) (gripping surface 40) and a concave face (side), the free ends of the jaws may be described as having a profile like a crescent. Of course, other sloped profiles are contemplated. For example, a claw having a snub nose shape may be suitable for use with some embodiments of the invention.

The grips are arranged so that they open and close simultaneously. When open, the gripping surface of the jaws preferably extends from a central vertical plane that extends across the width of the body no greater than the diameter of the drill rod. For example, for a typical embodiment for a drill rod diameter of 6 and 5/8 inches, each jaw may extend no more than 6 inches or no more than 5 and 1/2 inches from the central vertical plane of the body. In that case, when viewing an end view of the grip as shown in FIG. 2, the maximum distance between the free ends of the first and second jaws of the grip is 12 or 11 inches, respectively. This limitation on the maximum expansion of the grip may be performed by selecting and designing the components of the grip such that it is physically impossible to further expand the jaws of the grip, or may be achieved by electronic control and software.

Of course, it is contemplated that other embodiments may be applicable to drill rods of other diameters. Other standard drill pipe diameters (all in inches) are 23/8, 27/8, 31/2, 4, 41/2, 51/2, 65/8, 75/8, and 85/8. The gripping member comprising jaws and brackets may be particularly suitable for one or more of these standard drill rod sizes or for drill rods having different diameters as envisaged.

Hydraulic rotation control 22, hydraulic arm 26 and hydraulic piston 38 require a hydraulic power source. In a preferred embodiment, the grapple attachment 10 further includes a hydraulic manifold (not shown). Hydraulic power lines, electrical power lines and control lines are connected to the manifold and hydraulic pressure is delivered through the manifold as needed to operate the hydraulic accessories. Hydraulic lines may be directed through the throat of the hydraulic rotation control to retain them within the grapple device and protect them during operation.

The grapple attachment of the present invention may also include controls that may be attached to the control panel of the cab of the excavator using conventional methods.

In contemplated alternative embodiments, the rotational control, tilt arm and pawl do not require hydraulic operation. For example, in one contemplated embodiment, the rotational controller is an electric motor or may be an electrically driven ring gear mechanism. In addition, power may be transmitted through the rotation controller using the brush so that the main body may be continuously rotated with respect to the holder device. The tilting arm may be a hydraulic arm, a screw actuator or other actuator for this purpose. In an alternative embodiment, the tilting arm is replaced by a motor arranged at the pivot point. Similarly, in some alternative embodiments, the jaws may be actuated using a screw-type actuator, a cam shaft, or other suitable system. Thus, it can be seen that the present invention is not limited to hydraulically actuated embodiments.

In use, an excavator operator may unhook the bucket from the boom arm using controls on the control panel in the excavator cab and then may manipulate the free end of the boom arm to the grapple attachment and mechanically connect the grapple attachment to the boom arm. Then, some people establish hydraulic or electrical connection between the grapple attachment and the auxiliary line of the excavator, and the controller is installed on the excavator control panel to complete the setup procedure.

The excavator operator can manipulate the grapple attachment by bending and moving the excavator's boom and can also operate the hydraulic rotation controls, the tilt arm and the grab of the grapple attachment. Operating the hydraulic rotation control causes the rotating assembly and the body to rotate in a horizontal plane. Preferably, the rotating assembly and the body may be continuously rotated in either direction. Operating the tilting arm causes the body to pivot out of the horizontal plane. In some embodiments, the body may rotate out of the horizontal plane by up to 35 degrees, 30 degrees, or 25 degrees. Operating the grip causes the jaws to open and close.

Once the grapple attachment is installed on the excavator, it may be used to move the drill pipe. The drill pipe can be gripped with the grapple attachment and moved to the drilling rig. The grapple attachment is configured to assist an operator in gripping the drill pipe. The maximum width between the jaws prevents the grip from crossing the top of more than one drill rod. The profile of the jaws guides the jaws down the curved outer surface between two drill rods as the grip is lowered, and the narrow free ends of the jaws allow the jaws to more easily fit between adjacent drill rods. Once the jaws have passed the centre line of the drill pipe, the operator can lift the drill pipe up into the grapple attachment. Alternatively, the operator may lower the grapple attachment completely onto the drill pipe. The drill pipe is then moved to the drilling rig and set at an angle for connection to the drill string. The operation can be conveniently repeated and reversed when the drill string is withdrawn and disassembled.

It will thus be appreciated that the grapple attachment of the present invention may be used to conveniently and efficiently lift and maneuver heavy and bulky drill pipe to any location required by horizontal directional drilling equipment.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention may take many forms other than the specific embodiments described and contemplated herein. Accordingly, departures in form and detail may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention as described in the appended claims.

Claims (14)

1. A grapple attachment for a drill pipe having a diameter, comprising:

first and second gripping members disposed on a rigid cross member, each of the first and second gripping members being movable between an open position and a closed position;

a rotating assembly connected to the cross member by a first joint having one degree of rotational freedom;

a bracket device connected to the rotating assembly by a second joint having one degree of freedom of rotation;

a driven extendable arm connected at a first end to a cross member between the first joint and the first grip and at a second end to the rotating assembly, the arm moving the cross member up to 35 degrees about the first joint relative to the rotating assembly; and

a motor disposed in the rotating assembly, the motor being capable of rotating the rotating assembly about the second joint,

wherein a first axis extends through the cross member, the rotating assembly, and the bracket, and wherein a degree of freedom of the first joint is perpendicular to the first axis and a degree of freedom of the second joint is parallel to the first axis,

wherein each of the first and second gripping members has first and second jaws each having a gripping surface, and a bracket having a contact surface, wherein the contact surface of the bracket and the gripping surfaces of the first and second jaws are in contact with the drill rod when the gripping members are in the closed position.

2. The grapple attachment of claim 1 wherein the contact surface is concave and has a radius that is one-half of a diameter of a drill pipe.

3. The grapple attachment of claim 2 wherein the gripping surface of each of the first and second jaws of the first and second gripping members is concave and has a radius equal to the radius of the contact surface.

4. The grapple attachment of claim 1 wherein each of the first and second gripping members has a maximum distance from a central vertical plane of the grapple attachment that is less than a diameter of a drill rod.

5. The grapple attachment of claim 1 wherein the first grip is spaced at least 2 feet from the second grip.

6. The grapple attachment of claim 1 wherein each of the first and second jaws of the first and second gripping members has a free end shaped like a crescent.

7. The grapple attachment of claim 1 wherein the swivel assembly is rotatable at least 450 degrees relative to the bracket assembly from the first position.

8. The grapple attachment of claim 7 wherein the swivel assembly is continuously rotatable relative to the bracket assembly.

9. The grapple attachment of claim 1 wherein the maximum freedom of movement between the cross member and the rotating assembly is 35 degrees.

10. The grapple attachment of claim 1 further comprising a control assembly having a controller that simultaneously moves the first and second gripping members between their open and closed positions.

11. The grapple attachment of claim 1 wherein the extendable arm is hydraulically powered.

12. The grapple attachment of claim 1 wherein the grapple attachment is configured to be operably coupled to a location of a bucket attachment of an excavator.

13. The grapple attachment of claim 1 wherein each of the first and second gripping members are hydraulically actuated between open and closed positions.

14. The grapple attachment of claim 1 wherein in each of the first and second gripping members, the first jaw is spaced from the second jaw along the first axis.