HYDRAULIC WRENCH AND METHOD

Abstract

A hydraulically operated breakout (“HOBO”) wrench is disclosed herein. The HOBO wrench comprises: a pedestal, a swing arm pivotably mounted to the pedestal having a first cylinder and a second cylinder, a fixed jaw connected to the swing arm and having a third cylinder, a clamping jaw configured to engage a plurality of fasteners and a plurality of rods, a plurality of proximity sensors, and a HOBO controller in communication with the plurality of proximity sensors. The HOBO controller is configured to actuate the HOBO wrench to and from a parked position, an engaged position, and a clamping position. The plurality of proximity sensors communicate signals to the HOBO controller to maintain a threshold clearance between the HOBO wrench and other components when moving to and from the parked position, the engaged position, and the clamping position.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to masts for drilling, and more particularly relates to wrenches for masts.

BACKGROUND

Hydraulically operated breakout wrenches are powerful tools that are used in the construction, agricultural, mining, and oil and gas industries to loosen n threaded connections on drill pipes, drill bits, adapters, subs, and other components of drilling equipment. These wrenches are commonly used on drilling rigs, and they work by using hydraulic pressure to apply torque to a threaded connection. Hydraulically operated breakout wrenches are an important tool for the drilling industry, helping to increase productivity and safety on drilling rigs.

Hydraulically operated breakout wrenches are typically attached to the rig's hydraulic system, and they are operated by an operator. The wrench is designed to grip the threaded connection securely, and then use hydraulic pressure to apply torque to the connection in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, depending on whether the connection needs to be tightened or loosened.

Hydraulic wrenches are much more powerful and efficient than manual wrenches, which require significant physical effort to operate. They can also be safer, as workers are not exposed to the high forces involved in manually tightening or loosening pipe connections.

Others have disclosed hydraulic wrenches but fail to protect the wrench from colliding with other components when moving the wrench in a mast. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,653,297 discloses a blast hole drill with an automatic breakout wrench. The breakout wrench includes a mechanism for pivoting the swing arm relative to the mast and between an extended position and a retracted position. When the swing arm is in its extended position, the pivot axis is coaxial with the drill hole axis. As can be seen, the prior art only provides for a breakout wrench and fails to provide means for preventing collisions with other components in the mast when moving between an extended and retracted position.

It can therefore be seen that a need exists for controls that prevent collision of a hydraulic breakout wrench when moving the hydraulic breakout wrench between positions.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, a mast for drilling is disclosed. The mast comprises: a frame, a plurality of rods connected by a plurality of fasteners, a tool bit fastened on an end of the plurality of rods, and a hydraulically operated breakout (“HOBO”) wrench pivotally coupled to the mast. The HOBO wrench includes: a pedestal, a swing arm pivotably mounted on the pedestal having a first cylinder and a second cylinder; a fixed jaw connected to the second cylinder and having a third cylinder; a clamping jaw configured to engage the plurality of fasteners; a hydraulic wrench circuit; a plurality of proximity sensors; and a HOBO controller in communication with the plurality of proximity sensors, the HOBO controller configured to actuate the HOBO wrench to and from a parked position, an engaged position, and a clamping position around the plurality of fasteners, the plurality of proximity sensors communicate signals to the HOBO controller to maintain a threshold clearance between the HOBO wrench and other components of the mast when moving to and from the parked position, the engaged position, and the clamping position.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a HOBO wrench is disclosed herein. The HOBO wrench comprises: a pedestal, a swing arm pivotably mounted on the pedestal having a first cylinder and a second cylinder, a fixed jaw connected to the swing arm and having a third cylinder, a clamping jaw configured to engage a plurality of fasteners and a plurality of rods, a plurality of proximity sensors, and a HOBO controller in communication with the plurality of proximity sensors. The HOBO controller is configured to actuate the HOBO wrench to and from a parked position, an engaged position, and a clamping position. The plurality of proximity sensors communicate signals to the HOBO controller to maintain a threshold clearance between the HOBO wrench and other components when moving to and from the parked position, the engaged position, and the clamping position.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a method of operating a hydraulic wrench in a mast is disclosed. The method comprises: providing the hydraulic wrench inside the mast, the hydraulic wrench including a pedestal, a swing arm, a fixed jaw, a clamping jaw, a first cylinder and a second cylinder in the swing arm, and a third cylinder in the fixed jaw, a first proximity sensor, a second proximity sensor, and a controller; actuating the first cylinder, the second cylinder, and the third cylinder to position the hydraulic wrench from a parked position to a clamping position around a rod in the mast; maintaining a threshold clearance between the hydraulic wrench, the rod, and a frame of the mast based on signals received by the controller from the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor while positioning the hydraulic wrench; clamping the rod; and fastening or unfastening the rod in the mast by actuating the third cylinder to rotate the clamping jaw around the rod.

These and other aspects and features of the present disclosure will be better understood upon reading the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram that illustrates a drill machine, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective diagram of a drill mast of the drill machine of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram that illustrates the wrench of FIG. 2, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a perspective cut-out of a portion of the drill mast of FIG. 2, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a side cut-out view of the drill mast of FIG. 4, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram that illustrates the wrench of FIG. 2 in the drill mast in a parked position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram that illustrates the HOBO wrench in an engaged position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram that illustrates the HOBO wrench in a clamping position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a schematic of communication controls of the HOBO wrench in the work machine is illustrated, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a flow-chart of a method of operating a hydraulic wrench in a mast, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figures depict one embodiment of the presented invention for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, and with specific reference to the depicted example, a work machine 100 is shown, illustrated as an exemplary drill machine. Drill machines are heavy equipment having a drill mast 102 designed to dig or drive a plurality of rods 104 down bore holes in the ground or landscape at a work site in the construction, agricultural, oil and gas, and mining industries. While the following detailed description describes an exemplary aspect in connection with the drill machine, it should be appreciated that the description applies equally to the use of the present disclosure in other machines or apparatuses including, but not limited to, fastening or unfastening nuts, bolts, rods, adapters, subs, bushings, and the like.

Referring now to FIG. 1, the work machine 100 comprises a machine frame 106. The machine frame 106 is supported on ground engaging elements 108, illustrated as continuous tracks. It should be contemplated that the ground engaging elements 108 may be any other type of ground engaging elements 108 such as, for example, wheels, etc. The work machine 100 further includes a prime mover 110, such as an engine or electric motor, in the machine frame 106, a cab 112 for operator personnel, and the drill mast 102 extending from the machine frame 106 for conducting work, such as, for example, digging bore holes into landscapes or otherwise moving earth, soil, or other material at a drill site. The machine frame 106 may be an upper swiveling body common with drill machines and work machines in the agricultural, mining, oil & well, and construction industries. The work machine 100 may have autonomous capability and may not require the cab 112. A display interface 114 may be provided in the cab 112 for operator use to control operational parameters of various components in the work machine 100, as generally known in the arts. The work machine 100 may further comprise a controller 116. The controller 116 may be connected to the display interface 114 of the work machine 100.

Now referring to FIG. 2, a perspective diagram of the drill mast 102 of the work machine 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The drill mast 102 comprises a hydraulic operated breakout (“HOBO”) wrench 200. The HOBO wrench 200 is coupled to a portion of a mast frame 202 of the drill mast 102. The mast frame 202 includes a plurality of posts 204 which include vertical posts 206 supporting the mast frame 202. The mast frame 202 also includes a mast bottom plate 208 having a bore hole 210 surrounded by a deck bushing 212 in which the plurality of rods 104 enter for digging a hole into the earth. The plurality of rods 104 may be any type of drill rods, metal rods, or the like, used for drilling and other drill hole operations at a work site, as generally known in the arts.

Now referring to FIG. 3, is a schematic diagram that illustrates the HOBO wrench 200 of FIG. 2, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The HOBO wrench 200 comprises a swing arm 300, a fixed jaw 302, and a clamping jaw 304. The swing arm 300 includes a swing cylinder 306, a rotate cylinder 308, and a first proximity sensor 310. The fixed jaw 302 includes a clamp cylinder 312 and a second proximity sensor 314. The swing arm 300 may be move by actuation of the swing cylinder 306. The fixed jaw 302 may extend out of the swing arm 300 by actuation of the rotate cylinder 308. The clamping jaw 304 may be actuated by the clamp cylinder 312 for engaging nuts, bolts, bushings, rods, adapters, subs, and other fasteners. The swing arm 300 may connect the HOBO wrench 200 to the mast frame 202 of the drill mast 102. The HOBO wrench 200 may be coupled to the drill mast 102 near the bottom of the drill mast 102.

The HOBO wrench 200 may comprise a hydraulic wrench circuit 316 that couples to the hydraulic drill circuit in the drill mast 102 having a hydraulic fluid supply (not shown) provided in a tank (not shown). The hydraulic fluid supply may be provided and circulated by a hydraulic machine circuit (not shown) provided in the work machine 100, as generally known in the arts. The operation of the HOBO wrench 200 may be controlled via a HOBO controller 318 that actuates the hydraulic wrench circuit 316 and communicates to the controller 116 in the work machine 100. The controller 116 may be provided in the drill mast 102 if there is no work machine 100 provided. The swing arm 300 of the HOBO wrench 200 may be pivotably mounted to a pedestal 320 provided in the drill mast 102. The pedestal 320 may be a base or stand that supports the HOBO wrench 200, as generally known in the arts. The hydraulic wrench circuit 316 and the HOBO controller 318 may be provided within or on the pedestal 320 for support of operation of the HOBO wrench 200. The first proximity sensor 310 may be provided on the pedestal 320 and the second proximity sensor 314 may be provided on the swing arm 300.

The swing cylinder 306, the rotate cylinder 308, and the clamp cylinder 312 may each be cylinders that produce linear actuation utilizing hydraulic pressure to extend and retract for either pushing or pulling, as generally known in the arts. The swing cylinder 306, the rotate cylinder 308, and the clamp cylinder 312, may extend and retract based on actuation signals received from the HOBO controller 318, the controller 116, or both to push or pull the swing arm 300, the fixed jaw 302 the clamping jaw 304, and to perform a clamping operation. The HOBO controller 318 and the controller 116 may be configured to extend and retract the swing cylinder 306, the rotate cylinder 308, and the clamp cylinder 312 based on signals received from the first proximity sensor 310 and/or the second proximity sensor 314.

The swing cylinder 306 may be extended and retract to push and pull the swing arm 300 to rotate the HOBO wrench 200 in a radial direction. The rotate cylinder 308 may be actuated to extend and retract thereby pushing and pulling the fixed jaw 302 to rotate out or to “break-out” of the swing arm 300 towards the plurality of rods 104 above the bore hole 210. The clamp cylinder 312 may be extended and retracted to actuate the clamping jaw 304 against the plurality of rods 104 to perform a fastening or unfastening operation. The clamping operation may by hydraulically actuated by actuating the clamp cylinder 312 or in combination with the rotate cylinder 308 so that the fixed jaw 302 and the clamping jaw 304 perform a clockwise or counterclockwise, fastening or unfastening operation, as generally known in the arts.

A variety of possible proximity sensors, limit switches, inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors, ultrasonic sensors, and the like may be used as the first proximity sensor 310 and/or the second proximity sensor 314. There are a number of different ways for the first proximity sensor 310 and the second proximity sensor 314, generally, and the individual sensors, specifically, to be constructed and/or mounted to the work machine 100, the machine frame 106, the cab 112, the drill mast 102, or other portions of the work machine 100. This may depend, in part, on the design and assembly of the work machine 100. Generally, the first proximity sensor 310 and/or the second proximity sensor 314 range in complexity from simplistic proximity devices to more complicated devices which include their own onboard computer processors, wired or wireless technology, memory, and the communication adapters. The work machine 100 or the drill mast 102 may use the first proximity sensor 310 and/or the second proximity sensor 314 for actuating the swing cylinder 306, the rotate cylinder 308, and the clamp cylinder 312 to maneuver the HOBO wrench from a parked position, to an engaged position, and to a clamping position for conducting a fastening or unfastening operations on the plurality of rods 104 in the drill mast 102. The first proximity sensor 310 and/or the second proximity sensor 314 may be calibrated to various reference points in the drill mast 102. For example, the vertical posts 206 may be used as a reference point for either the first proximity sensor 310 and/or the second proximity sensor 314 when measuring positions of the HOBO wrench 200 in the drill mast 102 and for communicating signals that actuate the swing cylinder 306, the rotate cylinder 308, and the clamp cylinder 312.

Now referring to FIGS. 4-5. FIG. 4 is a perspective diagram of the HOBO wrench 200 of FIG. 3 in a cut-out of the drill mast 102, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the drill mast of FIG. 4, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. During operation of the drill mast 102, the plurality of rods 104 may be operated to drive down the bore hole 210 in the ground. The plurality of rods 104 may be connected to each other by a plurality of fasteners 400 having a tool bit 402 fastened to one end. For example, the plurality of rods 104 may have a drill bit, as the tool bit 402, fastened at one end of the plurality of rods 104 which digs the bore hole 210 in the ground. As the tool bit 402 digs down the bore hole 210, additional drill rods are fastened to a free end of the plurality of rods 104 by one of the plurality of fasteners 400 to continue digging deeper down into the bore hole 210, as generally known in the arts.

The HOBO wrench 200 remains in a parked position in the drill mast 102 during a drill operation. The HOBO wrench 200 is utilized when: (1) an additional drill rod is required to be fastened to the plurality of rods 104; (2) the tool bit 402 is required to be fastened to the plurality of rods 104; (3) unfastening of one of the plurality of rods 104 and plurality of fasteners 400 from the plurality of rods 104 is required after completion of a drill operation; and (4) unfastening the tool bit 402 from the plurality of fasteners 400.

Now referring to FIGS. 6-7. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram that illustrates the HOBO wrench 200 in a parked position around one of the plurality of rods 104, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram that illustrates the HOBO wrench 200 in an engaged position around one of the plurality of fasteners 400, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The HOBO wrench 200 may be in clamped position for different sized bushings, rods, adapters, subs, and fasteners, as generally known in the arts. The plurality of fasteners 400 may have different diameters for attaching additional drill rods or tool bits to the plurality of rods 104. The HOBO wrench 200 may accommodate fastening and unfastening of the plurality of fasteners 400. The plurality of fasteners 400 may each have different diameters for connecting the plurality of rods 104 during the same drill operation. The HOBO wrench 200 may engage different diameters of the plurality of fasteners 400 connecting the each of the plurality of rods 104 and the tool bit 402.

The first proximity sensor 310 and the second proximity sensor 314 communicate signals to the controller 116 for controlling the actuation of the swing cylinder 306, rotate cylinder 308, and clamp cylinder 312 so that the HOBO wrench 200 may maintain a threshold clearance between the plurality of rods 104, the plurality of fasteners 400, a deck bushing 212, the tool bit 402, the drill mast 102, the mast frame 202, and the plurality of posts 206 to avoid collision by the HOBO wrench 200 with each of these. The first proximity sensor 310 communicates signals to the controller 116 to actuate the swing cylinder 306 to move the swing arm 300 of the HOBO wrench 200 from the parked position, shown in FIG. 4, towards the plurality of rods 104. The first proximity sensor 310 also communicates signals to the controller 116 to actuate the rotate cylinder 308 to extend the fixed jaw 302 out of the swing arm 300, as shown in FIG. 7. The fixed jaw 302 may rotate out of the swing arm 300 by the rotate cylinder 308. The swing cylinder 306 and the rotate cylinder 308 may operate in sequence, contemporaneously, or simultaneously during movements from the parked position, illustrated in FIG. 6, to the engaged position, illustrated in FIG. 7, while avoiding collisions with the plurality of rods 104 and the mast frame 202. The swing cylinder 306 may be actuated to swing the swing arm 300 towards the plurality of rods 104, then the rotate cylinder 308 may be actuated to extend the fixed jaw 302 to extend past the vertical posts 206 to avoid collisions with the mast frame 202.

The swing cylinder 306 may also be actuated to retract or extend when the rotate cylinder 308 has been partially extended. The HOBO controller 318 may further prevent the swing cylinder 306, the rotate cylinder 308, and/or the clamp cylinder 312 from retracting or extending when the HOBO wrench 200 is in certain positions to maintain a threshold clearance to avoid collision or contact with the drill mast 102, the vertical posts 206, or the plurality of rods 104. For example, when the swing cylinder 306 is fully retracted, the HOBO controller 318 may prevent actuation of the rotate cylinder 308 or the clamp cylinder 312, so that the rotate cylinder 308 or the clamp cylinder 312 are not extended and do not collide with the vertical posts 206.

The HOBO wrench 200 will maneuver from the parked position, shown in FIG. 6, to the engaged position, shown in FIG. 7, so that the fixed jaw 302 is positioned around the plurality of rods 104 by extending and retracting, wholly or partially, in sequence or simultaneously, each of the swing cylinder 306, the rotate cylinder 308, and the clamp cylinder 312 to avoid colliding the HOBO wrench 200 with any other component in the drill mast 102.

FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic diagram of the HOBO wrench 200 in a clamping position around one of the plurality of rods 104, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The HOBO wrench 200 will maneuver between the parked position of FIG. 6, the engaged position of FIG. 7, and the clamping position of FIG. 8, according to signals received by the first proximity sensor 310 and the second proximity sensor 314. The first proximity sensor 310 and the second proximity sensor 314 signal to the HOBO controller 318 and the controller 116 to extend and retract, wholly or partially, in sequence or simultaneously, each of the swing cylinder 306, the rotate cylinder 308, and the clamp cylinder 312 to avoid colliding the HOBO wrench 200 with any other component in the drill mast 102. A threshold clearance is maintained between the HOBO wrench 200 and each of the mast frame 202, the plurality of posts 204, and vertical posts 206.

Once the HOBO wrench 200 is in the engaged position, the HOBO controller 318 may actuate the clamp cylinder 312 to actuate the clamping jaw 304 to securely engage one of the plurality of fasteners 400 which may be a nut, bushing, adapter, sub, or the like each having the same or different diameters. The HOBO wrench 200 may then be actuated to perform an unfastening or fastening operation on the plurality of fasteners 400. For example, after a drill operation has been completed the drill rods in the plurality of rods 104 must be disassembled by unfastening nuts or fasteners that connect each drill rod. In another example, after a drill operation has been completed the tool bit 402 connected to the plurality of rods 104 must be disassembled by unfastening the plurality of fasteners 400 that connects the tool bit 402 to the end of the plurality of rods 104. In another example, whenever the tool bit 402 is worn out, it requires replacement with a new tool bit 402. The worn-out tool bit 402 is swapped out for the new tool bit 402 by unfastening the plurality of fasteners 400 connecting the worn-out tool bit 402 to the end of the plurality of rods 104. The new tool bit 402 is subsequently fastened to the end of the plurality of rods 104, replacing the worn-out tool bit 402.

Now referring to FIG. 9, a schematic of the communication controls of the HOBO wrench 200 in the work machine 100 is illustrated, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The HOBO wrench 200 may be actuated inside the work machine 100 from the cab 112 by selecting operational parameters on the display interface 114 for the HOBO wrench 200. The display interface 114 may be communicably connected to the controller 116 and/or HOBO controller 318. The display interface 114 may be replaced by a mobile remote such as a phone, tablet, or the like connected to the controller 116 via an off-board network, as generally known in the arts. The controller 116 and the HOBO controller 318 may also be provided as one single controller. The controller 116 and the HOBO controller 318 may be configured to receive signals from the first proximity sensor 310 and the second proximity sensor 314 for actuating the HOBO wrench 200, the hydraulic wrench circuit 316, the swing cylinder 306, the rotate cylinder 308, and the clamp cylinder 312, while maintaining the threshold clearance while the HOBO wrench 200 moves positions to and from the parked position, engaged position, and the clamping position. The controller 116 and the HOBO controller 318 may control when the HOBO wrench conducts a fastening & unfastening operation after the HOBO controller 318 is in the clamping position shown in FIG. 8. The controller 116 and the HOBO controller 318 may only allow the HOBO wrench 200 to contact a component in the drill mast 102 when the HOBO wrench 200 is positioned into the clamping position to engage one of the plurality of rods 104.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

In operation, the present disclosure may find applicability in many industries including, but not limited to, the construction, oil & gas, earth-moving, mining, and agricultural industries. Specifically, the technology of the present disclosure may be used for fastening & unfastening operations in work machines including, but not limited to, drill machines, excavators, backhoes, skid steers, wheel loaders, tractors, and the like, comprising valuable and critical components, systems, work tools, and the like. While the foregoing detailed description is made with specific reference to drill machines for use in boring, drilling, fracking, and blasting holes for mining, fracking, oil wells, water wells, or other landscapes, it is to be understood that its teachings may also be applied onto the other work machines such as backhoes, skid steers, wheel loaders, tractors, mulchers, and the like that may utilize a hydraulic wrench for fastening and unfastening operations of tools and equipment of drill masts or a working mechanism of a work machine.

Now referring to FIG. 10, a method 1000 of operating a hydraulic wrench in the drill mast 102 is illustrated, according to one embodiment of the disclosure. In a step 1010, the HOBO wrench 200 is provided inside the drill mast 102, including the pedestal 320, the swing arm 300, the fixed jaw 302, the clamping jaw 304, the swing cylinder 306 and the rotate cylinder 308 in the swing arm 300, and the clamp cylinder 312 in the fixed jaw 302 coupled to the clamping jaw 304, the first proximity sensor 310, the second proximity sensor 314, and the HOBO controller 318. There may also be a plurality of HOBO wrenches provided in the drill mast 102.

In a step 1020, the swing cylinder 306, the rotate cylinder 308, and the clamp cylinder 312 are actuated to position the HOBO wrench 200 from a parked position, to an engaged position, and to a clamping position around the plurality of rods 104 in the drill mast 102.

In a step 1030, a threshold clearance is maintained between the HOBO wrench 200, the plurality of rods 104, and the mast frame 202 of the drill mast 102 based on signals received by the HOBO controller 318 from the first proximity sensor 310 and/or the second proximity sensor 314. The threshold clearance is maintained as the HOBO wrench 200 moves to and from the parked position shown in FIG. 6, the engaged position, shown in FIG. 7, and the clamping position shown in FIG. 8. In a step 1040, the plurality of rods 104 is clamped by the clamping jaw 304 after the HOBO wrench 200 is repositioned into the clamping position shown in FIG. 8.

In a step 1050, a fastening operation may be conducted to fasten or unfasten the plurality of rods 104 from the plurality of fasteners 400 and the tool bit 402. The fastening or unfastening of the plurality of rods 104 by the HOBO wrench 200 in the drill mast 102 may conducted by actuating the clamp cylinder 312 to actuate the clamping jaw 304. The rotate cylinder 308 may also help facilitate the clamp cylinder 312 in fastening or unfastening one of the plurality of fasteners 400 in a clockwise or counter-clockwise motion. The clamp cylinder 312 may engage the plurality of rods 104, the plurality of fasteners 400, or the tool bit 402 with enough force to allow for applying sufficient torque when performing a fastening or unfastening operation, as generally known in the arts.

The method 1000 may further include mounting the HOBO wrench 200 to the drill mast 102 to allow for the swing arm 300 to be pivotally coupled and allow for pivotal or radial movement of the HOBO wrench 200. The method 1000 may further comprise coupling the hydraulic wrench circuit 316 to the hydraulic circuit of a mast or work machine.

The unfastening operation by the HOBO wrench may occur after the tool bit 402 has been raised above the bore hole 210. The plurality of rods 104 may include the tool bit 402 on an end of the plurality of rods 104. The plurality of rods 104 may be clamped on by the clamping jaw 304 to engage one of the plurality of fasteners 400 coupling the tool bit 402 to the plurality of rods 104. The fixed jaw 302 may also break out and rotate in and out of the swing arm 300 via actuation of the rotate cylinder 308 so that the HOBO wrench 200 may unfasten the tool bit 402 from the plurality of rods 104. The HOBO wrench 200 may also unfasten one of the rods from the plurality of rods 104 by unfastening one of the plurality of fasteners 400 connecting each of the plurality of rods 104. The HOBO wrench 200 may fasten and unfasten different diameters in the plurality of fasteners 400. For example, the fastener connecting the tool bit 402 to the plurality of rods 104 may be a bushing having a different diameter than one of the plurality of fasteners 400 that connect each rod in the plurality of rods 104. The tool bit 402 may also be a smaller or larger diameter than the plurality of rods 104.

From the foregoing, it can be seen that the technology disclosed herein has industrial applicability in a variety of settings such as, but not limited to construction, oil & gas, earth-moving, mining, and agricultural industries that utilize hydraulic wrenches.

Claims

1. A mast for drilling comprising: a frame;a plurality of rods connected by a plurality of fasteners mounted to the frame;a tool bit fastened on an end of the plurality of rods;a hydraulically operated breakout (“HOBO”) wrench pivotally coupled to the mast, the HOBO wrench including: a pedestal;a swing arm pivotally mounted on the pedestal having a first cylinder and a second cylinder;a fixed jaw connected to the second cylinder and having a third cylinder;a clamping jaw configured to engage the plurality of fasteners;a hydraulic wrench circuit;a plurality of proximity sensors; anda HOBO controller in communication with the plurality of proximity sensors, the HOBO controller configured to actuate the HOBO wrench to and from a parked position, an engaged position, and a clamping position around the plurality of fasteners, the plurality of proximity sensors communicate signals to the HOBO controller to maintain a threshold clearance between the HOBO wrench and other components of the mast when moving to and from the parked position, the engaged position, and the clamping position.

2. The mast of claim 1, wherein the first cylinder is a swing cylinder, the second cylinder is a rotate cylinder, the third cylinder is a clamp cylinder, and the plurality of proximity sensors include: a first proximity sensor mounted on the pedestal; anda second proximity sensor mounted on the swing arm.

3. The mast of claim 2, wherein: the first proximity sensor communicates signals to the HOBO controller to allow extension and retraction of the rotate cylinder, the rotate cylinder is actuated to rotate the fixed jaw out of the swing arm; andthe second proximity sensor communicates signals to the HOBO controller to allow extension and retraction of the clamp cylinder.

4. The mast of claim 3, wherein the HOBO controller maintains a minimum threshold clearance of 50 mm preventing the HOBO wrench from colliding with the frame, plurality of fasteners, the tool bit, and the plurality of rods when transitioning positions to and from the parked position, the engaged position, and the clamping position.

5. The mast of claim 3, wherein the clamping jaw may engage with the plurality of fasteners, each of the plurality of fasteners having different diameters.

6. The mast of claim 3, the mast is coupled to a machine frame of a work machine having a prime mover supported by the machine frame, ground engaging elements supporting the frame, and a hydraulic machine circuit coupled to the hydraulic wrench circuit of the HOBO wrench.

7. The mast of claim 6, wherein the work machine has a controller and a display interface in a cab communicable with the HOBO controller.

8. The mast of claim 6, wherein a plurality of HOBO wrenches are mounted in the mast.

9. A hydraulically operated breakout (“HOBO”) wrench comprising: a pedestal;a swing arm pivotably mounted on the pedestal having a first cylinder and a second cylinder;a fixed jaw connected to the swing arm and having a third cylinder;a clamping jaw configured to engage a plurality of fasteners and a plurality of rods;a plurality of proximity sensors; anda HOBO controller in communication with the plurality of proximity sensors, the HOBO controller configured to actuate the HOBO wrench to and from a parked position, an engaged position, and a clamping position around a plurality of fasteners, the plurality of proximity sensors communicate signals to the HOBO controller to maintain a threshold clearance between the HOBO wrench and other components when moving to and from the parked position, the engaged position, and the clamping position.

10. The HOBO wrench of claim 9, wherein the first cylinder is a swing cylinder, the second cylinder is a rotate cylinder, the third cylinder is a clamp cylinder, and the plurality of proximity sensors include: a first proximity sensor mounted on the pedestal; anda second proximity sensor mounted on the fixed jaw.

11. The HOBO wrench of claim 10, wherein the first proximity sensor communicates signals to actuate the swing cylinder, clamp cylinder, and the rotate cylinder, the second proximity sensor communicates signals to actuate the swing cylinder.

12. The HOBO wrench of claim 10, wherein the threshold clearance is 50 mm or greater.

13. The HOBO wrench of claim 10, wherein the clamping jaw may engage with the plurality of fasteners, the plurality of rods, each of the plurality of fasteners and each of the plurality of rods having different diameters.

14. The HOBO wrench of claim 11, wherein the clamping jaw engage with a bushing of a tool bit that connects the tool bit to the plurality of rods.

15. The HOBO wrench of claim 12, wherein the swing arm is pivotally coupled to a mast frame of a drill mast, the drill mast having a hydraulic circuit coupled to the HOBO wrench.

16. A method of operating a hydraulic wrench in a mast, the method comprising: providing the hydraulic wrench inside the mast, the hydraulic wrench including a pedestal, a swing arm, a fixed jaw, a clamping jaw, a first cylinder and a second cylinder in the swing arm, and a third cylinder in the fixed jaw, a first proximity sensor, a second proximity sensor, and a controller;actuating the first cylinder, the second cylinder, and the third cylinder to position the hydraulic wrench from a parked position to a clamping position around a rod in the mast;maintaining a threshold clearance between the hydraulic wrench, the rod, and a frame of the mast based on signals received by the controller from the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor while positioning the hydraulic wrench;clamping the rod; andfastening or unfastening the rod in the mast by actuating the third cylinder to rotate the clamping jaw around the rod.

17. The method of claim 16, the method further comprising: mounting the hydraulic wrench to the mast, the swing arm pivotally coupled to the pedestal; andcoupling a hydraulic wrench circuit to a hydraulic machine circuit of the mast or work machine.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the mast includes a plurality of rods, the method further comprising: raising the rod above a bore hole, the rod having a fastener and a tool bit on an end of the rod fastened to the tool bit;clamping the fastener via the clamping jaw to engage the fastener of the tool bit; andunfastening the tool bit from the fastener.

19. The method of claim 18, the method further comprising: providing a series of hydraulic wrenches in the mast to perform fastening and unfastening operations.

20. The method of claim 18, the method further comprising: fastening or unfastening the rod in the mast by actuating the second and the third cylinder.