The invention relates to a method for sucking dust in connection with a rock drilling rig comprising a movable carrier, control cabin, at least one drilling boom provided with a drilling unit and a dust collection system, in which method dust produced in drilling is sucked from the drilling point with the dust collection system.
The invention further relates to a rock drilling rig comprising: a movable carrier provided with at least one drilling boom at the outer end of which is a rock drilling unit comprising at least a feed beam and a rock drilling machine; a control cabin; and a dust collection system containing at least a suction device, filters and a first suction channel, the dust collection system being arranged to suck dust through a first suction channel from a drill hole drilled with the rock drilling machine.
When holes are drilled into rock, a great deal of dust is produced. A rock drilling rig may be provided with a dust collection system that sucks the dust and takes it away from the drilling site. However, some of the dust may spread around in the drilling site. The control cabin of the rock drilling rig is usually sealed to keep away dust. However, from time to time the operator of the drilling apparatus must leave the cabin and move about in the drilling site, whereby dust and mud consisting of dust and water sticks to his footwear and clothing. When returning to the cabin, the operator then carries the dust in there too, thus causing dry stone dust or dust from the dried mud to spread inside the cabin. The fine particles contained in the stone dust may cause severe damage, such as pneumoconiosis and asthma, in the respiratory organs of the operator. The current means aiming to prevent the dust problem consist of cleaning the footwear before going into the cabin and cleaning the cabin floor from time to time. However, according to observations obtained in this matter, this is not efficient enough to keep dust away from the operator's breathing air.
It is an object of the invention to provide a novel and improved method and arrangement for sucking dust in connection with a rock drilling rig to allow problems caused by dust to be prevented.
The method of the invention is characterized by using a conventional dust collection system of the rock drilling rig to remove dust from at least one predetermined second location other than the drilling point; and directing exhaust suction produced to the second location by means of at least one control unit.
The rock drilling rig of the invention is characterized in that the rock drilling rig comprises at least one second suction channel connected to the dust collection system; and that the suction device of the dust collection system is configured to produce a suction effect through the second suction channel at least to one predetermined second location other than the drill hole; and that the rock drilling rig comprises at least one control unit enabling the suction effect produced to the second location to be controlled.
A basic idea of the invention is that a conventional dust collection system of a rock drilling rig is provided with at least one second suction channel, the dust collection system in the rock drilling rig being thus used for removing dust from at least one predetermined second location. This second suction location is other than the drill hole. In addition, the exhaust suction of the second suction channel is controlled by means of one or more control units.
An advantage of the invention is that it allows the conventional dust collection system of the rock drilling rig to be used for removing dust not only at the drill hole but also elsewhere. This makes it possible to remove dust from predetermined locations in connection with the rock drilling rig and thereby allows dust-related problems to be efficiently prevented. Further, since the invention makes use of a dust collection system already available in the rock drilling rig, the system of the invention is relatively simple to construct and does not cause significant additional costs. In other words, the invention makes more versatile use of the existing dust collection system.
An embodiment of the invention is based on the idea that the conventional dust collection system of a rock drilling rig is connected by means of a second suction channel to the control cabin of the apparatus or to the vicinity thereof. This allows the exhaust suction generated by the dust collection system to be used to remove dust carried by the operator.
An embodiment of the invention is based on the idea of producing an exhaust air flow at the lower part of the control cabin by means of the dust collection system and guiding air currents inside the cabin to flow from top to bottom. In this case the second suction channel connects the conventional dust collection system of the rock drilling rig to at least one exhaust air nozzle in the lower part of the control cabin, the exhaust air flow causing the air inside the cabin to flow from top to bottom. An advantage of this is that dust carried into the cabin does not spread around therein but moves from top to bottom with the air currents inside the cabin. Therefore dust does not get into the operator's breathing air but is sucked away from the cabin through the exhaust air nozzle in the leg room. Clean breathing air protects the operator from dust-related illnesses and allergies. In addition, the arrangement of the invention improves the operator's working efficiency and comfort at work. A further advantage is that the arrangement of the invention allows good air quality to be obtained in the cabin essentially irrespective of the actions of the operator.
An embodiment of the invention is based on the idea that the rock drilling rig comprises at least one control unit configured to control the exhaust suction from the cabin on an automated basis. The control unit is provided with at least one control strategy for sucking dust from the cabin. An advantage of automated equipment is that air quality in the cabin does not depend on how careful the operator is, i.e. how well the operator cleans his footwear and clothes before entering the cabin.
An embodiment of the invention is based on the idea of carrying out dust suction always after the operator has entered the cabin and closed the door. This allows the dust that also enters the cabin through the open door and on the operator's footwear to be removed immediately, before it spreads around in the cabin.
An embodiment of the invention is based on the idea that dust suction takes place cyclically after the operator has entered the control cabin and closed the cabin door. This provides a means to remove dust that is produced when the mud consisting of dust and water on the operator's footwear dries, falls off onto the cabin floor and begins to spread. Cyclic suction also enables to remove dust and dirt that gets caught in the tread of the footwear and later falls off.
An embodiment of the invention is based on the idea that the control unit is configured to control both the supply air and the exhaust air of the cabin. In this case the control cabin is provided with an automated air control system that may comprise automated dust removal, air current management and temperature control.
An embodiment of the invention is based on the idea that the bottom part of the control cabin at the operator's leg room is formed into a downward convergent suction space. This suction space is connected to the second suction channel. Dust and other impurities carried on the footwear may drop from the leg room into the suction space and be sucked from there into the dust collection system. The suction space may be shaped so as to have an impact on dust removal and management of air currents.
An embodiment of the invention is based on the idea that the bottom part of the control cabin is provided with a suction space below the operator's leg room. Between the suction space and the leg room there is provided cleaning means, such as a broom, carpet, grate, or the like. The cleaning means remove dust and dirt from the footwear when the operator moves his legs in the leg room and the footwear rubs against the cleaning means. There may be a continuous suction in the suction space to suck the dust and dirt removed by the cleaning means through the cleaning means into the suction space from where the dust is conveyed to the dust collection system.
An embodiment of the invention is based on the idea that the rock drilling rig is associated with a cleaning device that the operator can use to clean his footwear. The cleaning device comprises a cleaning space into which the footwear can be placed for the duration of the cleaning. Further, the second suction channel connects the cleaning space to the dust collection system in the rock drilling rig, which allows the suction effect provided by the existing dust collection system to be utilized for cleaning the footwear. An advantage of the suction device is that it reduces the amount of dust entering the cabin, which may improve breathing air and comfort in the cabin. Moreover, the cleaning devices provide an efficient, rapid and easy means for cleaning footwear, and the cleaning result is not essentially dependent on the motivation or carefulness of the operator.
An embodiment of the invention is based on the idea that the control cabin is associated with at least one hand-held suction unit connected to the dust collection system. The suction unit may be arranged outside the control cabin to allow the operator to clean his clothes and footwear before entering the cabin. The hand-held suction unit may also be inside the control cabin, thus allowing the operator to clean the cabin or his clothing from dust.
An embodiment of the invention is based on the idea that at least one hand-held suction unit is arranged to the vicinity of a critical component or device belonging to the rock drilling rig. This suction unit can then be used to clean the component, such as a radiator, from dust in connection with servicing or before each work shift.
The invention will be described in greater detail in connection with the following drawings, in which
For the sake of clarity some embodiments of the invention disclosed in the Figures is simplified. Like parts are indicated with like reference numerals.
The mine vehicle 1 may further comprise a control cabin 15 for the operator and the control devices. The cabin 15 may be sealed to prevent dust from entering there. The cabin 15 may also be equipped with a supply air device 16, such as a ventilator, an air conditioner, or the like. The supply air device 16 enables filtered air to be supplied into the control cabin 15. It is also possible to arrange a slight positive pressure inside the control cabin 15 to prevent dust from entering the cabin between sealing gaps and the like.
The control cabin 15 of
The rock drilling rig 1 may be provided with one or more control units 26 that may be configured to control the supply of air into the cabin 15 and the removal of air from the cabin 15. The control unit 26 may be configured to control the supply air device 16 and the supply air nozzles 20. Further, the control unit 26 may control the control device 18 arranged to the second suction channel 17 and adjust the air current leaving the control cabin 15 into the suction channel 12. The control device 18 may comprise a valve or another similar member, for example, suitable for flow control. The control unit 26 may be provided with one or more control strategies according to which the air currents 23 in the control cabin 15 are to be controlled. According to one control strategy a strong suction is applied after the operator has entered the control cabin and closed the door 27 of the cabin 15. This enables to immediately remove dust carried into the cabin in the operator's footwear and dust that enters as the door is opened from the cabin 15, before the dust spreads to the level of the operator's breathing air 24. The door 27 may be connected to a sensor 28 conveying detection data to the control unit 26. It is also possible to apply a control strategy according to which a strong cyclic suction is carried out at predetermined intervals after the operator has entered the cabin 15 and closed the cabin door 27. This allows also dust resulting from dried mud built up from liquid and dust and carried into the cabin 15 in the footwear to be removed from the cabin 15. A continuous weak suction may be applied through the exhaust air nozzle 22 to ensure that the direction of the air currents 23 is towards the leg room 25. The suction can be increased according to the control strategy.
In addition to the sensor monitoring the door 27, the control cabin 15 may be provided with other detecting elements providing detection data on the basis of which exhaust air suction can be controlled. For example, the control cabin 15 may be provided with a motion sensor enabling the presence of the operator inside the cabin 15 to be detected. The control cabin 15 may also be provided with a switch which the operator may use to manually switch on an exhaust suction of a greater intensity when he notices dust in the cabin. For the sake of clarity,
The control cabin 15 may be provided with a suction space 31 below the leg room 25, the second suction channel 17 being connected to the suction space via the exhaust air nozzle 22. The bottom of the suction space 31 may be downward convergent to enhance the moving of dust and dirt towards the exhaust air nozzle 22 that may be placed to the lower part of the suction space 31. It is also possible that the bottom of the suction space 31 is formed by the bottom 32 of the control cabin 15 that may be designed in a desired manner to guide dust, dirt and air currents. Thus the bottom of the control cabin 15 may be provided with a downward convergent portion, for example. The suction space 31 may comprise a cover part 33, in which case a continuous negative pressure may be arranged in the suction space 31. However, the cover part 33 enables dust to be sucked from the leg room 25.
In the control cabin 15 of
Further, the rock drilling rig 1 may comprise one or more hand-held suction units 38 that may be connected to the suction unit 39 or the suction channel 12 via a suction channel 17b. The suction unit 38 may be arranged in connection with the control cabin 15 to allow the operator to use it to clean his clothes and footwear. The suction unit 38 may be provided with a suction nozzle or a brush for cleaning. The suction channel 17b may be a flexible hose. The suction unit 38 may be arranged outside the control cabin 15, in connection with the entrance 40, for example. The operator can thus use the suction unit 38 for cleaning himself before entering the cabin 15. This enables to reduce the amount of dust carried into the control cabin 15. Further, a suction unit 38 may also be provided inside the cabin 15 for the operator to clean his clothes and footwear. In addition, the suction unit 38 can be used for cleaning the cabin 15. Yet another possibility is to arrange the suction unit 38 to the vicinity of a critical device, such as a radiator, electric switch box, air filters, or the like. The critical component can then be cleaned during servicing and downtime.
In the control cabin 15 of
In connection with the suction space 31 there may be provided a nozzle 37 through which liquid mist may be supplied to flush the suction space 31. Liquid mist can also be used for binding dust in the suction space 31. The nozzle 37 is connected through a spray channel 19 to a spraying device 14 provided in the rock drilling rig 1. It is also possible that the suction unit 38 of
In the application of
Further, the rock drilling rig 1 may comprise one or more hand-held suction units 38 that may be connected through the suction channel 17b to the second suction channel 17a leading to the cleaning device 41 or, alternatively, the suction unit 38 may be connected by a separate suction channel 17c directly to the suction unit 39. The exhaust suction of a separate suction unit 38 may be controlled manually or, in some cases, by means of the control unit 26 or 48.
In the application of
The rock drilling rig 1 may be provided with means forcing the operator 42 to use the cleaning device 41 before he is able to start working in the control cabin 15. According to one arrangement the cleaning device 41 is arranged at the entrance 40 such that the operator 42 is unable to enter the cabin 15 without cleaning his footwear 43 in the cleaning device 41. The cleaning device 41 may thus be placed in front of the door 27 of the control cabin 15 or in the stairs 45. It is also possible to arrange detection data to be relayed from the detecting device 47 arranged in connection with the cleaning device 41 to the control unit of the rock drilling rig 1 that may raise an alarm if the operator 42 does not clean his footwear 43 in the cleaning device 41. Another possibility is to prevent the opening of the door 27, for example, or some other action, if the cleaning of the footwear 43 is neglected.
The control unit 26, 48 shown in
It should be noted that the different embodiments and features of the invention presented in this application may be combined to produce different variations. In some cases it is also possible to apply the disclosed solutions as such, irrespective of other disclosed features.
The drawings and the related specification are only intended to illustrate the inventive idea. The details of the invention may vary within the scope of the claims.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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20045435 | Nov 2004 | FI | national |
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
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PCT/FI2005/050404 | 11/9/2005 | WO | 00 | 10/23/2007 |
Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
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WO2006/051168 | 5/18/2006 | WO | A |
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Number | Date | Country | |
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20080135301 A1 | Jun 2008 | US |