Vibratory drilling apparatus

[0001] This invention relates to drilling equipment and, more particularly, to a vibratory/impulse apparatus for selectable use with an earth-penetrating device, such as an auger, without interference with its normal operation.

[0002] The addition of vibratory and impulse actions to an earth-penetrating device, such as a pile driver, auger, hammer or the like, enhances penetration. However, past mechanisms are relatively complex in configuration and require incorporation of the elements with the drilling apparatus. It is therefore desirable to provide an apparatus which is releasably interposed between the drive mechanism and earth-penetrating device so as to provide upon demand a vibratory, hammer-like action during the earth-penetrating action.

[0003] In response thereto I have invented a vibratory drilling apparatus which is releasably interposable between the drive unit of the drilling apparatus, such as a planetary drive, and the earth-penetrating device, such as an auger. The device needs no modifications and is easily attached to the accompanying support vehicle, such as skid loader or tractor. My device generally comprises a housing having a hydraulically controlled vibration/impulse producing mechanism therein. The housing is interposed between the drive unit and the earth penetrator displaced therefrom by an elongated Kelly bar. Operator control of the mechanism, via the hydraulic system commonly found on the support vehicle, produces vibratory and hammer-like forces which are transmitted to the earth-penetrating device.

[0004] It is therefore a general object of this invention to provide an apparatus which transmits vibratory and hammer-like forces to an earth-penetrating device, e.g., an auger, to enhance penetration.

[0005] Another object of this invention is to provide an apparatus, as aforesaid, which is releasably interposed between the earth-penetrating device and its drive unit.

[0006] A still further object of this invention is to provide an apparatus, as aforesaid, which is controlled by the hydraulic system found on support vehicles, e.g., tractors, loaders, skid steer apparatus and the like.

[0007] Another object of this invention is to provide an apparatus, as aforesaid, wherein the forces are provided by a hydraulically-controlled shaker plate driven by a shaft having eccentrically mounted weights thereon.

[0008] Still a more particular object of this invention is to provide an apparatus, as aforesaid, which allows operator control of the earth-penetrating device independent of the vibratory unit.

[0009] A still further object of this invention is to provide an apparatus, as aforesaid, which does not interfere with the function of the drive mechanism.

[0010] Another object of this invention is to provide an apparatus, as aforesaid, which does not require internal modification of either the drive mechanism or the earth-penetrating device.

[0011] Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein is set forth by way of illustration and example, a now preferred embodiment of this invention.

[0019] Turning more particularly to the drawings, FIG. 6 shows the vibratory drilling apparatus 100 releasably connected between a planetary drive system 1000 and the earth-penetrating device in the form of an auger 2000.

[0020] As best shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus 100 comprises a generally rectangular housing 110 including a cover 120 and a base plate 130. Extending from the base plate 130 are guide pins 140 at the four corners of plate 130. A vibration/impulse assembly 200 comprises a mounting or shaker plate 210 having a plurality of apertures 212 allowing for extension of the guide pins 140 therethrough. Rings 214 are welded atop pins 140 to retain plate 210 along pins 140. The length of each pin 140 is greater than the thickness of the plate 210 so as to allow a slidable, reciprocal movement of plate 210 along pins 140 and towards and away the bottom plate 130.

[0021] Atop mounting plate 210 are pillow block bearings 220, 230 mounted atop riser blocks 222, 232. Laterally spaced apart from bearings 220, 230 is a motor mounting plate 250 for attachment of a hydraulic motor 260 thereto such as a GearTek hydraulic motor.

[0022] A rotatable shaft 282 is coupled to the motor shaft via a Lovejoy coupler 280. Shaft 282 extends between the bearing plates 220, 230 in rotatable support therethrough. A pair of cylindrical weights 284, 286 is mounted off center to shaft 282. This off center mounting presents a cam-like or eccentric relationship between the weights 284, 286 and shaft 282. I now use six-inch diameter weights of approximately 20 pounds mounted one inch off center.

[0023] Positioned within the base plate 130, mounting plate 210 and top wall 122 of the cover are aligned apertures 290a, 290b, 290c for extension of a Kelly bar 300 therethrough. One end of the Kelly bar extends beyond cover 120 and is attached to the planetary drive mechanism 1000 in a conventional manner. The other end, which extends beyond base plate 130, is attached to the earth-penetrating device, such as the auger 2000, in a conventional manner, e.g., by a pin coupling or other suitable fastener. The Kelly bar 300 displaces the earth-penetrating auger 200 from the planetary drive mechanism 1000 so as to allow for the vibratory apparatus 100 to be interposed therebetween.

[0024] As diagrammatically shown (FIG. 7), hydraulic input 902 and return hoses 904 communicate with the hydraulic reservoir 950 found on the support vehicle 3000 and are part of the hydraulic drive system. These hoses are part of a hydraulic drive system commonly found on the tractor, skid loader or the like so as to drive various attachments. Hose 902 is directed to the planetary drive 1000 and then selector valve 910 so as to provide controlled branches 902a, 904a. At a first position, valve 910 will direct fluid to motor 260 via branch 902a to power the same. Fluid returns to reservoir from motor 260 via line 904b as controlled by check valve 906. This return fluid flows through tee 908 for diversion to return line 904. A drain line between motor 260 and reservoir 950 is provided. When valve 910 is at a second position, the fluid is directed through line 904a, tee 908 and thus the same return line 904. Motor 260 is thus inactive.

[0025] In use, the mounting plate 1100, which supports the planetary drive 1000, is connected to the arms 1300 of the tractor or skid loader. The hydraulic lines are then connected as shown in FIG. 7. A flange 292 surrounding the housing 1010 of the planetary drive mechanism is bolted to the housing cover 120 via apertures in flange 292 and the apertures 294a surrounding aperture 290c. Auger 200 is placed in its ground contact position and rotated by delivery of hydraulic fluid to the planetary mechanism 1000. When desired the operator operates valve 910 to deliver the hydraulic flow to the motor 260 which rotates the coupled shaft 282. As the weights 284, 286 are eccentrically mounted to the shaft 282, the rotation causes shaking/vibration of plate 210 and movement of plate 210 along pins 140.

[0026] It is understood that such eccentric mounting can be accomplished in various manners including mounting a circular weight off center, mounting variously configured weights at a position displaced from their center of mass or using cam-like configurations. The goal is to provide a mounting of the weight to the shaft 282 so as to provide vibratory and impulse forces during rotation of shaft 282. The plate 210 movement includes slidable movement along pins 140 and towards base plate 130 for contact/striking therewith. This plate contact, due to the plate mass, produces significant hammer-like forces which are transmitted to the auger 2000 via the Kelly bar 300. The combination of vibratory and impulse forces are primarily directed to the auger 2000 as forces in the opposed direction are resisted by downward forces acting on the assembly 100, such as by the weight of the planetary drive assembly 1000 and the downward forces being exited by the hydraulically-controlled mounting arms 1300 of the tractor, skid steerer or the like. Thus, vibratory and/or impulse forces, as directed to the rotating auger 2000, enhance its earth-penetrating action.

[0027] Accordingly, it can be seen that the vibratory drilling apparatus 100 is easily interposed between the drive assembly and earth-penetration apparatus without need for their modification. Significant vibratory and hammer-like forces are ultimately delivered to the auger 2000 upon demand as the unit 100 can be selectively energized without interference with operation of the earth-penetration device.

[0028] It is to be understood that while certain forms of this invention have been illustrated and described, it is not limited thereto, except in so far as such limitations are included in the following claims.