Abstract:
A hose release device allowing a length change of a pressure medium hose caused by expansion under high pressure is provided. A method of managing hoses and executing a deflection to the hose so that extra length is reserved in the system incorporates such a hose release device.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION DATA 
       [0001]    This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to EP Patent Application No. 14159157.8, filed on Mar. 12, 2014, which the entirety thereof is incorporated herein by reference. 
       TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates to a hose release device for supporting one or more pressure medium hoses, a hose arrangement, a rock drilling unit and a method of managing pressure medium hoses. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    In mines and at other work sites, rock drilling units are used for drilling bore holes into rock surfaces and soil. The rock drilling unit comprises a feed beam and a rock drilling machine arranged movably on it. The rock drilling machine comprises hydraulic actuators such as a rotating device and a percussion device. Hydraulic power is conveyed to the hydraulic actuators by means of hydraulic hoses, which are supported by guide rolls or corresponding support means. However, it has been noted that the present supports means are not sufficient and have some defects. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    The hose release device according to the disclosure is includes at least one support surface for supporting at least one pressure medium hose, the at least one support surface having an initial position and a movement range allowing movement away from the initial position. At least one force member generates a support force for maintaining the support surface in the initial position. The support surface is allowed to be moved away from the initial position when a force is directed to the support surface from the at least one hose. The hose release device is a protecting device that allows length compensation when length of the supported pressure medium hose is shortened due to expansion of an outer diameter of the pressure medium hose caused by high pressure prevailing inside the hose. 
         [0005]    The hose arrangement includes at least one pressure medium hose arranged between a first fastening point and second fastening point. The hose is led around at least one guide roll. At least one hose release device is located between the first fastening point and the guide roll. The hose release device deflects, in the initial position, the hose in a transverse direction from a shortest line between the first fastening point and the guide roll. 
         [0006]    The rock drilling unit is located between at least one of the hose clamps and the guide roll. The hose release device deflects, in the initial position, the hydraulic hose in transverse direction from a shortest line between the hose clamp and the guide roll. 
         [0007]    The method according to the disclosure includes implementing at least one hose release; deflecting the at least one pressure medium hose from a shortest straight distance between the supporting objects by the at least hose release device; and allowing the hose to move towards the straight line when the hose is pressurized and its length is decreased due to the pressurization. 
         [0008]    An aspect of the disclosed solution is that one or more hose release devices are arranged to support one or more hoses of a pressure medium system. The hose release device includes at least one support surface for supporting the pressure medium hose. The support surface has an initial position and it may move away from the initial position when a force is directed to the support surface from the hose. The hose release device also includes one or more force members for generating a support force for maintaining the support surface in the initial position. Further, the hose release device is a protecting device dedicated to allow length compensation when length of the supported pressure medium hose is shortened due expansion of an outer diameter of the hose caused by high pressure prevailing inside the hose. 
         [0009]    Another aspect of the disclosed solution is that the hose release device may serve as a preventive component in a pressure medium system. When a great tensioning force is directed to the hose, the hose release device may decrease the tensioning force by moving the support surface. Due to the releasing effect, damages to the supported hose may be prevented. Furthermore, extensive loadings directed to other components of the pressure medium system and guide elements of the hoses may be avoided. 
         [0010]    According to an embodiment, the hose release device is utilized in a pressure medium system for supporting one or more working pressure hoses. The working pressure hoses are utilized for transferring needed working energy and force to a pressure medium actuator. In the working pressure hoses may exist at high pressures. 
         [0011]    According to an embodiment, the hose release device is utilized in a hydraulic system for supporting one or more hydraulic hoses. The solution disclosed in this patent application is particularly advantageous in hydraulic systems since greater pressures and expansions exist in hydraulic hoses. However, in some cases a need for the disclosed solutions may also arise in pneumatic systems. 
         [0012]    According to an embodiment, the at least one force member is a spring. A mechanical spring is simple, durable and inexpensive component. 
         [0013]    According to an embodiment, the at least one force member is a leaf spring. 
         [0014]    According to an embodiment, the at least one force member is a coil spring. 
         [0015]    According to an embodiment, the at least one force member is a resilient element, which may be made of, for example, rubber or elastic plastic material. One possible material for the resilient element is polyurethane. 
         [0016]    According to an embodiment, the at least one force member is a resilient strap or string, which may be arranged to generate a pull force for one or more hoses in an initial position of the release device in order to deflect the hoses from their natural line. 
         [0017]    According to an embodiment, the at least one force member is an actuator, such as a pneumatic cylinder or bellow. The actuator may serve as a passive spring element, or alternatively, the actuator may be controlled by controlling feed and discharge of pressure medium. 
         [0018]    According to an embodiment, the support force of the force member is directed in a transverse direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the hose being supported. Thus, the hose release device allows the hose to be moved in the transverse direction when it is subjected to high tension load. The support surface or element of the release device may move in the transverse direction and may then produce transverse release effect. The supported one or more hoses may be deflected by the hose release device in an initial position, and the release device allows the hose to straighten when being tensioned. 
         [0019]    According to an embodiment, the hose release device is configured to deflect one or more hoses from a shortest straight line between guide rolls or corresponding supporting surfaces or objects by means of the hose release device. When the hose is pressurized and its length is decreased due to the pressurization, the release device will execute release function and allow the hose to move towards the shortest straight line. The release device may reserve hose length and may release it when needed. 
         [0020]    According to an embodiment, the support force of the force member is directed in a longitudinal direction of the hose being supported. The hose release device permits the hose to move in the longitudinal direction. The movement serves as a longitudinal release effect. The release device may be integrated with a structure of a hose coupling. Alternatively, the release device may be a separate component arranged between two hose parts and may include two or more nested parts, which may slide relative to each other in the longitudinal direction. In an additional embodiment, the release device may include a coupling box where the hydraulic hose is connected and which coupling box may slide longitudinally and may thus cause the desired release effect. 
         [0021]    According to an embodiment, the hose release device may affect only one single hose. Thus, the hose release device includes one support surface for supporting one hose. 
         [0022]    According to an embodiment, the hose release device may affect several hoses. Thus, the hose release device includes several support surfaces for supporting the hoses. 
         [0023]    According to an embodiment, the hose release device includes a body and one or more longitudinal arms protruding from the body. A distal end portion of an arm(s) is provided with one or more connecting elements for connecting the hose to the arm. The distal end portion of the arm serves as a support surface for the hose. The longitudinal arm serves as a leaf spring and is arranged to bend relative to the body when a force is directed to it. The bending of the arm generates a release effect. Due to the bending of the one or more longitudinal arms, the structure of the hose release device may be simple and no separate pieces with pivotal coupling are needed. Since the longitudinal arm serves as a leaf spring, the structure may be without any separate force members. 
         [0024]    According to an embodiment, a longitudinal axis of the arm is in an initial angle position relative to the body. When a force is directed from a hose to the arm, the arm bends and as a consequence of that, the initial angle decreases. Since the arm is in the initial angular position, the arm may deflect the hose from its natural route, whereby the structure reserves hose length and releases it when needed. The arm being in the initial angle position also serves as a force member for generating a support force for resisting the bending and maintaining a support surface of the arm in the initial position. 
         [0025]    Furthermore, the hose release device has plate-like configuration. The plate like structure is easy to manufacture, simple, durable and inexpensive. 
         [0026]    According to an embodiment, the hose release device is a plate-like object including a body and one or more longitudinal arms protruding from the body. The body and the one or more arms are one integrated unity. The hose release device may be formed of one single plate element, whereby the structure is very simple. 
         [0027]    According to an embodiment, the hose release device is a plate-like object comprising a body and one or more longitudinal arms protruding from the body. The support force of the arm is defined by a cross-sectional dimension of the arm and a distance between the body and the connecting element. Thus, support properties of the arm may be affected by choosing thickness and strength of the plate material, and width and length of the arm. The disclosed plate-like hose release device may be formed by cutting and bending techniques, whereby the manufacture is cost-effective and allows easily modifications to the structure. A preform of the hose release device may be flame cut, plasma cut or laser cut, and the preform may be bent in a pressing machine to a desired angle. 
         [0028]    According to an embodiment, the includes several parallel arms. The adjacent arms may be similar. Alternatively the adjacent arms may have a different length, width and bending angle, for example, whereby they may have different release ability. Since the release device has a plate-like structure, it is relatively simple to modify the arms on a case-by-case basis. 
         [0029]    According to an embodiment, at a distal end portion of the arm is a flexible strap serving as a connecting element. The flexible strap may be arranged around the hose for tying the hose to the arm. At its simplest, the flexible strap may be a plastic cable tie. Alternatively, any other tying straps provided with a locking mechanism may be used. This embodiment provides an easy and inexpensive, but still reliable solution for connecting the hose to the release device. 
         [0030]    According to an embodiment, at the distal end portion of the arm is a guiding element for keeping the arm and the hose aligned. 
         [0031]    According to an embodiment, the hose release device is arranged in connection with a hose clamping device. The hose clamping device is designed to fasten the one or more hoses to an object. The embodiments simplifie the structure, since same fastening elements may be used for the hose release device and the clamping device. 
         [0032]    According to an embodiment, the hose release device includes one or more rolls having an outer periphery. The outer periphery of the roll serves as a support surface in the release device. At least one force member is arranged to keep the roll in an initial position, and the roll is allowed to be moved towards a second position when subjected to a force directed from the hose to the support force. 
         [0033]    According to an embodiment, the outer peripheries of the rolls may serve as support surfaces for the hoses. Structure of the roll may include at least one portion made of resilient material, which compresses when a force greater than the support force is directed to the roll. The outer periphery of the roll may be of resilient material. Alternatively, the roll is supported by an axle and the roll includes a ring-shaped outer portion and inner portion. The inner portion may be of resilient material, whereby it may provide the release device with the desired release effect. 
         [0034]    According to an embodiment, the hose release device includes at least one tubular element through which the hose is arranged. The tubular element is of a flexible material and has a bent initial form. The bent tubular element is arranged to straighten when tension force is formed to the hose. The straightening of the tubular element and the supported hose executes the desired release effect. The tubular element may be made of plastic material, rubber or it may also be metallic material. 
         [0035]    According to an embodiment, the hose release device includes a slide mechanism allowing linear movement in the longitudinal direction of the hose. 
         [0036]    The above-disclosed embodiments can be combined to form desired solutions provided with necessary features disclosed. 
         [0037]    The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the embodiments, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. It should be understood that the embodiments depicted are not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0038]      FIG. 1  is a side view of a rock drilling rig provided with a drilling unit. 
           [0039]      FIG. 2   a  is a cross-sectional view of a pressure medium hose when subjected to low pressure, and  FIG. 2   b  shows the hose when high pressure is acting inside the hose. 
           [0040]      FIG. 3   a  is a schematic top view of a rock drilling unit provided with a hose release device, which is in an initial position, and in  FIG. 3   b  the same release device is in a release position. 
           [0041]      FIG. 4  is a schematic view of a hose release device provided with several arms. 
           [0042]      FIG. 5  is a schematic view showing operation of a bendable arm of a hose release device. 
           [0043]      FIG. 6  is a schematic view showing principles of several feasible hose release mechanisms. 
           [0044]      FIG. 7   a  is a schematic view of a roll assembly provided with several rolls. 
           [0045]      FIG. 7   b  is a schematic view of spring supported rolls of a roll assembly. 
           [0046]      FIGS. 7   c  and  7   d  are schematic views of rolls of a hose release device, wherein the rolls are provided with annular sections made of resilient material. 
           [0047]      FIGS. 8   a  and  8   b  are schematic views of a tubular hose release device through which the hose is arranged. 
           [0048]      FIG. 9  is a schematic view of a hose connecting element such as a coupling box, which may slide in a longitudinal direction of the hose. 
           [0049]      FIG. 10  is a schematic view of a separate coupling component arranged between two hose parts and is provided with two nested parts, which may slide relative to each other in the longitudinal direction and cause desired release effect. 
       
    
    
       [0050]    For the sake of clarity, the Figures show some embodiments of the disclosed solution in a simplified manner. In the Figures, like reference numerals identify like elements. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0051]      FIG. 1  shows a rock drilling rig  1 , including a rock drilling unit  2 , which may be connected by a boom  3  to a movable carrier  4 . The drilling unit  2  may include a feed beam  5  and a rock drilling machine  6  supported on it. The rock drilling machine  6  may be moved on the feed beam  5  by a feed device  7 . The rock drilling machine  6  includes a shank  8  at a front end of the rock drilling machine  6  for connecting a tool  9 . The tool  9  may have one or more drill rods  10  and a drill bit  11  located at a distal end of the tool  9 . 
         [0052]    The rock drilling machine  6  further includes a rotating device for rotating the shank  8  and the tool  9  connected to the shank  8 . When the rock drilling is based on rotation R and feed of the tool, then the drilling is known as rotary drilling. However, the rock drilling machine  6  may also include an impact device or percussion device for generating impact pulses to the tool  9 . At a drilling site, one or more drill holes  12  are drilled with the drilling unit  2 . 
         [0053]    The rock drilling machine  6  may have one or more hydraulic actuators. The percussion device and the rotation device may be hydraulic actuators. Hydraulic power may be generated in a hydraulic pumping unit  13 , which may be located on the carrier  4 . The hydraulic power may be transmitted by one or more hydraulic hoses  15  to the rock drilling machine  6 . Since the rock drilling machine  6  is moved on the feed beam  5  in a drilling direction and reverse direction, the hose  14  is supported on the feed beam  5  by a hose support system  16 , which allows the movements of the rock drilling machine  6 . 
         [0054]    The hose support system  16  may include a first hose clamp  17  connected to the feed beam  5  and a second hose clamp  18  arranged in connection with the rock drilling machine  6 . The second hose clamp  18  may be arranged directly on the rock drilling machine  6  or it may arranged on a cradle  19  or any other mounting base or frame between the rock drilling machine  6  and the feed beam  5 . 
         [0055]    The hose support system  16  may further include one or more guide rolls  20  arranged movably relative to the feed beam  5 . The guide roll  20  may be located at a distal end of the feed beam  5  and may have a slide  21  or corresponding mechanism allowing the guide roll  20  to move in the longitudinal direction of the feed beam  5  in response to the feed movement of the rock drilling machine  6 . 
         [0056]    The rock drilling unit  2  may be provided with one or more hose release devices disclosed above and shown in  FIGS. 3   a - 10 . The hose release device may be located between the first hose clamp  17  and the guide roll  20 , between the guide roll  20  and the second hose clamp  18 , in connection with the guide roll  20 , or in connection with either of the hose clamps  17  and  18 , for example. 
         [0057]      FIG. 2   a  discloses a hydraulic hose  15  inside which low hydraulic pressure P 1  is acting. An outer diameter D 1  of the hydraulic hose  15  is in initial dimension. When the hydraulic hose  15  is pressurized with high hydraulic pressure P 2 , the outer dimension D 2  expands as is shown in  FIG. 2   b . Variations in the outer dimensions of the hydraulic hose  15  may cause changes in the length of the hose  15 , when the hose  15  is supported by the hose support system. The hose release device of the present disclosure provides solutions for the length change problems faced by the hydraulic hoses  15 . 
         [0058]      FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b  show a principle of a hose release device  22 . In  FIG. 3   a  the hose release device  22  is in an initial position, wherein a support surface of the device deflects the hydraulic hose  15  between a guide roll  20  and a second hose clamp  18 , so that extra length of the hose is accumulated between them. In  FIG. 3   b  the hose  15  is pressurized and the hose  15  is expanded causing the length to shorten, the hose release device  22  is bent away from the initial position and the deflecting feature is decreased or totally removed causing release affect for the hose  15 , and the hose moves towards the shortest straight line between the guide roll  20  and the second hose clamp  18 . In  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b  the hose release device  22  acts in a transverse direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the hydraulic hose  15 . The structure of the hose release device  15  may be in accordance with  FIGS. 4 and 5 , which are described further herein. 
         [0059]      FIG. 3   a  discloses an alternative position for a hose release device  22   e . The hose release device  22   e  may be arranged in connection with a first hose clamp  17  and it operates in a similar manner as the device  22 . 
         [0060]      FIG. 4  discloses a hose release device  22  including a body  23  and several elongated arms  24  protruding from the body part. In  FIG. 4  there are five arms  24 , but the amount of arms may be 1 to 6, for example. At a distal portion of the arm  24  there may be notches  25  or other fastening portions allowing mounting of a connecting element  26 , which is shown in  FIG. 5 . A hydraulic hose  15  may be connected to the arm  24  by the connecting element  26 . 
         [0061]    As can be seen in  FIG. 5 , the structure of the release device  22  may be plate-like.  FIG. 5  also discloses that the arm  24  may be bent to an initial angular position relative to the body  23 . A bend line  27  of the arms is shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . When the hose  15  is pressurized with high pressure, the arm  24  may bend (B) away from the initial position. 
         [0062]      FIG. 4  further discloses fastening holes  28  allowing the release device  22  to be fastened by means of fastening bolts, for example. The fastening holes  28  may be designed so that the release device  22  may be fastened using the same fastening bolts as a hose clamp. 
         [0063]      FIG. 6  is a simplified presentation showing basic principles of some hose release mechanisms according to the present disclosure. A release device  22   a  may produce a release effect in a longitudinal direction of the hose  15 . A release device  22   b  may be arranged in connection with the guide roll assembly and may also produce a longitudinal release effect. A release device  22   c  causes a deflection to the hose  15  and thus affects the hose  15  in a transverse direction. One single release device, or alternatively a combination of two or more release devices may be implemented. 
         [0064]      FIG. 7   a  discloses a roll assembly  29  provided with several rolls  20 , which may be supported by spring elements  30  shown in  FIG. 7   b . The roll assembly may then serve as a release device  22   b  shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0065]      FIGS. 7   c  and  7   d  disclose rolls  20  of a hose release device  22   b , wherein the rolls  20  are provided with annular sections  31  made of resilient material. The sections  31  made of the resilient material may compress and thereby cause desired release effect for the hose being supported by means of the rolls  20 . 
         [0066]      FIGS. 8   a  and  8   b  disclose a tubular element  32 , which may serve as a hose release device  22 . A hose  15  may be arranged through the tubular element  32 , which may be made of flexible material. In  FIG. 8   a , the tubular element  32  is in an initial curved position and in  FIG. 8   b , the shape of the tubular element  32  has been straightened due tension forces acting in the hose  15 . 
         [0067]      FIG. 9  discloses a hose connecting element, such as a coupling box  33 , which may be arranged on a slide  34  and may move in a longitudinal direction of a hose  15 . The disclosed hose release device  22  is kept in an initial position by a spring element  30 . The movable coupling box  33  may be located between two hose parts  35  and  15 . 
         [0068]      FIG. 10  discloses a separate coupling component  36  arranged between two hose parts  35  and  15 . The component  36  is provided with two nested parts  37  and  38 , which may slide relative to each other in the longitudinal direction and cause the desired release effect. The component  36  is kept in an initial position by spring element  30 . 
         [0069]    In  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the hose support system  16  may be in accordance with solutions shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  3   a  and  3   b  and may thus include the disclosed guide rolls  20  and hose clamps  18 . 
         [0070]    As can be seen in  FIGS. 3   a ,  3   b ,  6 ,  9  and  10 , the hose  15  is supported at three support points, namely at the ends of the hose and between the ends. The support points at the ends may include the first hose clamp  17  and the second hose clamp  18 , and between the hose clamps may be the guide roll  20 . Because of the three support points, varying outer dimensions of the hose  15  causes changes in length of the hose. 
         [0071]    Although the present embodiment(s) has been described in relation to particular aspects thereof, many other variations and modifications and other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art. It is preferred therefore, that the present embodiment(s) be limited not by the specific disclosure herein, but only by the appended claims.