Drill rod greasing magazine and method

A magazine for greasing drill rods includes a magazine assembly couplable with a drill assembly, for instance, a directional drill. The magazine assembly includes a magazine coupled with the drilling assembly. The magazine is sized and shaped to house a plurality of drill rods. The magazine further arranges the plurality of drill rods so a fitting of each drill rod is in a predetermined pattern relative to other drill rod fittings. A cover is moveably coupled with magazine and sized and shaped to conceal the fittings of the plurality of drill rods when in a closed position. A method for greasing drill rods includes positioning a plurality of drill rods within the magazine. The magazine is sized and shaped to arrange the plurality of drill rods so a fitting of each drill rod is in a predetermined pattern relative to other fittings. The method further includes pre-greasing two or more of the fittings of the plurality of drill rods at one time.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Greasing devices and in particular greasing devices for use in drill rods for ground drilling.

BACKGROUND

Devices such as directional drills are used in industry to bore openings underground for pipes, cables, etc. Directional drills typically use a number of drill rods to form a drill stem. The drill rods are inserted one at a time during a forward drilling operation, and are removed one at a time after the bore has reached a desired depth or length in order to remove the drill stem from the bore. Although an example of a directional drill is used in the following descriptions, other ground drills utilizing a number of drill rods to form a drill stem are also contemplated to be within the scope of the invention.

Drill rods are typically joined together to form the drill stem using a mating threaded joint formed with the ends of the drill rods. In one example, each drill rod includes a male fitting and a female fitting sized and shaped to engage with similar fittings on drill rods to form the drill stem. In this configuration, several drill rods can be housed in a small space (e.g., a magazine) prior to assembly along the drill stem. In some examples, the fittings of a drill rod are individually lubricated as the stem is assembled. The fittings are individually lubricate with, for instance, grease prior to coupling with another drill rod to form a portion of the drill stem. The lubrication of the fittings allows for easy coupling between the drill rods and also facilitates easy separation when the drill stem is removed from the bore.

Lubricating each fitting as needed to assemble the drill stem adds an additional step to the process of coupling a drill rod along the drill stem. This adds labor and cost to drilling. Moreover, it is easy for the operator to forget to grease the fittings or poorly grease the fittings thereby making coupling and uncoupling at the threaded joint difficult. Additionally, greasing is performed on the fittings with a wire brush and a container of grease, in some examples. This greasing technique can make a mess around the controls adjacent to the drill stem and around the driving unit for the directional drill making operation of the directional drill more difficult.

What is needed is a greasing apparatus and method that efficiently and cleanly applies grease to the fittings. What is also needed is a greasing apparatus and method that ensures application of grease to each fitting.

SUMMARY

The above described concerns such as labor, cost, ease of coupling and uncoupling are addressed by the drill rod magazine assembly and method. A magazine assembly is shown coupled with a directional drill assembly. The magazine assembly includes a magazine coupled with the drill assembly. The magazine is sized and shaped to house a plurality of drill rods and arrange the plurality of drill rods so a fitting of each drill rod is in a predetermined pattern relative to other drill rods. In one option, the fitting is a female fitting sized and shaped to receive a male fitting. The cover is moveably coupled with the magazine and is sized and shaped to conceal the fittings of the plurality of drill rods when the cover is in a closed position.

In another example, a method for greasing drill rods includes positioning a plurality of drills rods within a magazine. As described above, the magazine is sized and shaped to arrange the plurality of drill rods so a fitting of each drill rod is in a predetermined pattern relative to other fittings. The method also includes opening a cover concealing the fittings of the plurality of drill rods. At least two of the fittings are collectively pre-greased at one time in a pattern, for instance, prior to operation of a directional drill. Optionally, the predetermined pattern is used for pre-greasing or another organized pattern is used to pre-grease the fittings. Pre-greasing the fittings in an easy-to-follow pattern ensures all the fittings are greased. As a result, ease of coupling and uncoupling at each threaded joint between drill rods is ensured. Additionally, pre-greasing the fittings is performed in one step and not repeated on multiple occasions as drill rods are added to the drill stem. The single step pre-greasing decreases labor and the cost of performing multiple greasing operations. In one option, the method further includes closing the cover to conceal the fittings including grease that is pre-applied to the fittings. Contaminants such as dust and dirt are substantially prevented from becoming embedded within the grease thereby facilitating easy coupling between the fittings prior to use or during transportation of the directional drill assembly.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1shows one example of a drilling assembly100. As stated above, although an example of a directional drill is used in the following description, other ground drills utilizing a number of sections of drill stem are also contemplated to be within the scope of this document. The drilling assembly100is shown on a track system102. In one example, the track system102facilitates transportation of the drilling assembly and positioning of the drilling assembly100. In another example, other systems (e.g., wheeled systems or a combination of wheels and tracks) are used for moving and positioning the drilling assembly100. In yet another example, the drilling assembly is stationary and does not include a system for moving and positioning.

As shown inFIG. 1, the drilling assembly100includes a drilling drive block104. The drive block104provides rotation to a drill stem and advances the drill stem during a drilling operation. In one example, the drill assembly100advances a drill stem at an angle of incidence to the ground.

FIG. 2shows a perspective view of the drill assembly100. The drill assembly100includes a magazine200sized and shaped to store a plurality of drill rods202. As shown inFIG. 2, a first portion204of the magazine200is sized and shaped to receive male fittings of the drill rods202. In one example, the first portion204includes a frame207sized and shaped to extend around the drill rods202and retain the drill rods202within the first portion204. Optionally, the first portion204is constructed with, but not limited to, steel or the like. The first portion204is coupled to the drill assembly100, in another example, with a flange210. The flange210is coupled to the directional drill by welding, fasteners, such as bolts or rivets, or the like. In another option, the flange210is integrally formed with at least a portion of the drill assembly100. The drills rods202are removed from the magazine200as needed and positioned along the axis of the drill stem206.

In one example, the drill assembly100includes a drill gripping device208. The drill stem206is shown passing through a portion of the drill gripping device208. Actuation of the drill gripping device208grasps and immobilizes the drill stem206to facilitate coupling off additional drill rods202with the drill stem206. In another example, actuation of the drill gripping device208immobilizes the drill stem206for removal of drill rods202therefrom, for instance when it is desirable to retract the drill stem206from the ground.

Referring again toFIG. 1, the magazine200further includes a second portion106sized and shaped to receive female fittings of the drill rods202(FIG. 2). In one example, the drill rods202extend between the first and second portions204,106. Similarly to the first portion204, the second portion106includes a frame108sized and shaped to receive female fittings of the drill rods202(FIG. 2). The first portion204and the second portion106are positioned apart from each other and cooperate to securely retain the drill rods202. The male and female fittings of the drill rods202extend into the first and second portions, respectively, when the drill rods202are positioned with the magazine200. As a result, the drill rods202are securely held by the magazine200until removed for coupling with the drill stem206(FIG. 2). In another example, the magazine200receives drill rods202uncoupled from the drill stem206.

FIG. 3shows a detailed perspective view of the second portion106. Similar to the first portioned204, the second portion106is coupled with the drill assembly100with a flange300. The flange300is integrally formed with the drill assembly100, in one example. In another example, the flange300is coupled to the drill assembly100with fasteners, welds, or the like. The frame207of the second portion106includes drain holes302to facilitate drainage of liquids (greases, water or the like) and contaminants (e.g., dirt).

The frame207of the second portion106is sized and shaped to retain drill rods202(FIG. 2) in a predetermined pattern. In one example, the dimensions of the frame207(e.g., the height and width) correspond to multiples of the diameters of the drill rods202. That is to say, the frame207is sized and shaped so at least the female fittings of the drill rods202stack within the second portion106in an orderly predetermined pattern relative to each other. In another example, the frame207is sized and shaped so the male fittings of the drill rods stack within the second portion106in a predetermined pattern. The second portion106includes slots304extending through a surface306. The slots304are sized and shaped to align with the female fittings of the drill rods202(FIG. 2) when the drill rods202are stored within the second portion106in the predetermined pattern. The slots304thereby expose the female fittings for inspection and efficient application of grease. Because the frame207is dimensioned as described above, the slots304expose the female fittings in the predetermined pattern defined by the frame207. Grease is applied through the slots304to the female fittings at a single time and in an easy-to-use and orderly pattern prior to use of the drill rods202(FIG. 2), in one option. The predetermined pattern and correspondingly organized exposed slots304facilitate pre-greasing of the female fittings (in the predetermined pattern or another organized pattern) without missing a fitting. Additionally, pre-greasing the fittings minimizes getting grime and grease residue on the drill assembly100(FIG. 1) controls. In one example, grease is applied in an up and down pattern along the slots with, for instance, a grease gun. Optionally, the grease is applied with a grease gun fitting sized and shaped to snugly fit within the slots304. In another option, the grease gun fitting is sized and shaped to slidably couple with the surfaces defining the slots304. The grease gun fitting ensures the grease is applied to the female fittings and not applied laterally away from the fittings. Additionally, the grease gun fitting permits continuous greasing of the female fittings exposed by the slot304with a continuous stream of grease as the grease gun is steadily moved along the slot304. The up and down pattern follows the predetermined pattern created by the frame207, in another example. In yet another example, the frame207and the slots304cooperate to expose the female fittings in another predetermined pattern (e.g., side-to-side, diagonal or the like).

In another example, the second portion106includes a cover308moveably coupled to the frame207. The cover308is moveably coupled to the frame207by a hinge311in one example. The cover308is sized and shaped to move between a first open position and a second closed position. In the closed position the cover308substantially covers the slots304and the female fittings of the drill rods202(FIG. 2). In one example, the cover308includes skirts310sized and shaped to extend over at least a portion of the frame207. The cover308substantially prevents the ingress of contaminants, such as dirt, dust and the like into the female fittings. Moreover, the cover308prevents ingress of moisture, such as rain water, snow or the like. The skirts310assist in preventing the ingress of contaminants and moisture by extending partially around the frame207. Additionally, the cover308substantially prevents contaminants from lodging within the grease where the drill rods202are pre-greased prior to use. During at least transportation and storage of the drill assembly100the cover308is optionally positioned in the closed position to substantially cover the female fittings of the drill rods202. In yet another example, at least one of the cover308and the frame207includes a positioning mechanism (e.g., torsion springs, descents or the like) that retains the cover308in the open position to provide access to the slots304and the female fittings for greasing.

Example ends400,402of two respective drill rods202A, B are shown inFIGS. 4A, B. As shown inFIG. 4A, the end400of drill rod202A includes a female fitting404sized and shaped to receive the male fitting406of the drill rod202B. In one example, the female fitting404includes threading408sized and shaped to cooperate with threading410of the male fitting406. As shown inFIG. 4B, when the female fitting404is coupled with the male fitting406, the threading408,410engage each other to securely fasten the drill rods202A, B together. Referring again toFIGS. 1 and 2the drive unit104and the drill gripping device208cooperate to couple and uncouple drill rods202A, B with the drill stem206. For example, the drill gripping device208grasps the drill stem206including the drill rod202A and the drive unit104disengages therefrom to allow positioning of the drill rod202B coincidently with the drill stem206. The drive unit104engages the drill rod202B at a female fitting and rotates the male fitting406into engagement with the female fitting404of the drill rod202A immobilized by the drill gripping device208. The drill gripping device208then releases the drill rod202A to permit further drilling by the drill stem206. This process is repeated in reverse order to remove the drill rods202from the drill stem206.

As described above, female fittings404of a plurality of drill rods202are exposed within the slots304to facilitate pre-greasing of the female fittings404prior to use of the drill assembly100(FIG. 1). The female fittings404are arranged in the predetermined pattern relative to each other and are thereby easily greased at a single time. Greasing the female fittings404at one time facilitates quick coupling and uncoupling of the drill rods202without greasing each fitting404prior to use of the drill rods202. Additionally, greasing the female fittings404at one time and in a pattern (e.g., the predetermined pattern created by the magazine200) reduces the chance of forgetting to grease the female fittings404, for instance, at the time each drill rod202is used. Further, greasing the female fittings404at one time minimizes the application of residue grease to the controls of the drill assembly100. In another example, male fittings406of the drill rods202are exposed in the slots304and organized in a predetermined pattern. The male fittings406may then be greased in a similar manner as described above for the female fittings404.

FIG. 5is a block diagram illustrating a method500for greasing drill rods within a magazine. One example of a magazine (e.g., magazine200) is shown inFIGS. 1 and 2and is referred to below. At502, a plurality of drills rods202are positioned within the magazine200and the magazine200is sized and shaped to arrange the plurality of drill rods202so a fitting of each drill rod202is in a predetermined pattern relative to other fittings. At504, the method500includes pre-greasing two or more of the fittings of the plurality of drill rods202at one time. In one example, the method500includes opening a cover308(FIG. 3) concealing the fittings of the plurality of drill rods. In another example, the cover308is closed and the fittings including grease therein are concealed. In still another example, the method500includes substantially isolating the fittings from contaminants.

Optionally, the method500includes positioning the plurality of drills rods202wherein the magazine200is sized and shaped to arrange the plurality of drill rods202so a female fitting404(FIG. 4) of each drill rod202is in a predetermined pattern relative to other female fittings202of additional drill rods202. In one example, pre-greasing of the fittings is performed with a grease gun. The two or more fittings are pre-greased in a predetermined pattern, in another example. The two ore more fittings are pre-greased in a linear predetermined pattern (e.g., the pattern defined by the frame207and the slots304of the magazine200), in yet another example.

In another example, the method500includes removing a first drill rod202A from the magazine200, where a female fitting404of the first drill rod202is pre-greased. A second drill rod202B is removed from the magazine200. The second drill rod202B includes a male fitting406sized and shaped to engage with the pre-greased female fitting of the first drill rod202A. The male fitting406of the second drill rod202B is engaged with the pre-greased female fitting of the first drill rod202A. In yet another example, drilling is performed with the first drill rod202A, and the first drill rod202A is engaged by a drive unit (e.g., drive unit104). The first drill rod202A is grasped with a drill gripping device (e.g., drill gripping device208). The drive unit104is disengaged from the first drill rod202A and the pre-greased female fitting404of the first drill rod202A is exposed.

CONCLUSION

The examples of drill rod magazines and drill assemblies described herein provide an efficient and easy-to-use assembly for greasing drill rods. One advantage includes a magazine that organizes the fitting of drill rods in a predetermined pattern and provides access through slots to the fittings. Providing access through the slots allows for pre-greasing of the fittings at a single time to reduce labor. Additionally, a simple pattern may be followed by the operator during greasing to ensure all fittings are greased because of the predetermined pattern of the fittings. Ensuring all fittings are greased helps to prevent coupling and difficult uncoupling of ungreased fittings. Further, pre-greasing of the fittings minimizes the accumulation of grease residue on the controls for the drill assembly by greasing the fittings in a single step prior to use of the drill assembly.

Another advantage of the drill rod magazine examples includes a magazine having a cover sized and shaped to cover the fittings of the drill rods otherwise exposed through the slots in the magazine. After pre-greasing the cover is moved into a closed position to cover the fittings and prevent accumulation of contaminants, such as dirt and the like. Additionally, the cover allows pre-greasing and storage of the drill rods during transportation or during inclement weather.

Although selected advantages are detailed above, the list is not intended to be exhaustive. Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement which is calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiment shown. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the present invention. It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention includes any other applications in which the above structures and fabrication methods are used.