U.S. patent application number 17/484402 was filed with the patent office on 2022-03-31 for rod section of a ground drilling rod, drive element, rod section system, and ground drilling device.
The applicant listed for this patent is TRACTO-TECHNIK GmbH & Co. KG. Invention is credited to Tobias KLEIN, Christian LOHER.
Application Number | 20220098934 17/484402 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-03-31 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20220098934 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LOHER; Christian ; et
al. |
March 31, 2022 |
Rod section of a ground drilling rod, drive element, rod section
system, and ground drilling device
Abstract
The invention relates to a rod section of a ground drilling rod,
wherein the rod section is configured at the end side to form at
least one plug connection and has at one end (a) a male connector
with an outer contour or (b) a female connector with an inner
contour, wherein, in cross section, the outer contour or the inner
contour has a shape deviating from a circle.
Inventors: |
LOHER; Christian; (Eslohe,
DE) ; KLEIN; Tobias; (Lennestadt, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
TRACTO-TECHNIK GmbH & Co. KG |
Lennestadt |
|
DE |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
17/484402 |
Filed: |
September 24, 2021 |
International
Class: |
E21B 17/046 20060101
E21B017/046 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 30, 2020 |
DE |
102020005982.1 |
Claims
1. Rod section (5) of a ground drilling rod, wherein the rod
section (5) is configured at the end side to form at least one plug
connection (4) and has at one end (a) a male connector (12) with an
outer contour (25) or (b) a female connector (14) with an inner
contour (13), characterized in that, in cross section, the outer
contour (25) or the inner contour (13) has a shape deviating from a
circle.
2. Rod section (5) according to claim 1, characterized in that the
shape deviating from a circle is an oval shape, in particular an
elliptical shape.
3. Rod section (5) according to either claim 1 or claim 2,
characterized in that the shape of the outer contour (25) or the
inner contour (13) is asymmetrical in cross section.
4. Rod section (5) according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized
in that the male connector (12) or the female connector (14) has an
opening oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis of the rod
section (5) for inserting a bolt (16) which can be detachably
connected to the male connector (12) or to the female connector
(14), so that the oval shape is broken through.
5. Rod section (5) according to claim 4, characterized in that a
line intersects the opening which encloses an angle of less than
30.degree. with an axis of symmetry of the inner contour (13) or
the outer contour (25) or with an axis running perpendicular to the
axis of symmetry of the inner contour (13) or the outer contour
(25).
6. Rod section (5) according to claim 5, characterized in that the
line extends along a minor axis of an inner contour (13) or outer
contour (25) designed as an ellipse.
7. Rod section (5) according to any of claim 4 and 5 or 6, if
dependent on claim 4, characterized in that the opening (26, 27,
28, 29) is part of a through hole (17, 18) which protrudes
completely through the male connector (12) or the female connector
(14).
8. Rod section (5) according to any of claims 4 and 5 to 7, if
dependent on claim 4, characterized in that the opening (26, 27,
28, 29) is configured to be threadless.
9. Rod section (5) according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized
in that a latching element (15) for engaging the bolt (16) is
arranged in the male connector (12), the longitudinal extent of the
latching element (15) enclosing an angle of 0.degree. to 45.degree.
with the longitudinal axis of the rod section (5).
10. Rod section (5) according to any of claims 1 to 9,
characterized in that at least one marking (22) is provided on the
rod section (5) on an outwardly directed surface, which is in a
predetermined angular relationship to the angular position of the
shape of the inner contour (13) or the outer contour (25).
11. Drive element for driving a ground drilling rod into the
ground, which is configured to be brought into engagement with a
rod section (5), wherein the drive element engaging with the rod
section (5) is configured (a) as a male connector (12) or (b) as a
female connector (14), characterized in that, in cross section, the
outer contour (25) or the inner contour (13) has a shape deviating
from a circle.
12. Rod section system comprising two or more rod sections (5)
according to any of claims 1 to 10, characterized by a bolt (16)
having a circumferential groove (20) for inserting into the opening
(26, 27, 28, 29).
13. Ground drilling device having a drive element according to
claim 11.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a rod section of a ground drilling
rod, to a drive element for driving a ground drilling rod into the
ground, to a rod section system and to a ground drilling
device.
[0002] In the case of rod-based drilling in the ground, in
particular for the production of so-called horizontal bores, which
can run substantially parallel to or at a relatively small angle of
inclination to the ground surface, a drill head is propelled by
means of a drilling rod by a drive device arranged on the ground
surface or in a construction pit. The drilling rods used in this
case usually consist of individual, interconnected rod sections,
which--according to the drilling path--are gradually attached to
the rear end of the drilling rod that has already been drilled and
connected thereto.
[0003] Different configurations are known for connecting the rod
sections or links of the drill string to one another. The rod
sections can be connected by means of a threaded connection and/or
a plug connection.
[0004] For example, it is known from DE 10 2011 010 958 A1 to
specify a possibility for connecting two rod sections of a drilling
rod which combines the advantages of the threaded connections known
from the prior art and the axial plug connections. A plug
connection is described which--similar to a threaded connection--is
based on helical projections/grooves running on a threaded male
connector with a circular cross section or in a corresponding
threaded female connector, the projections/grooves being designed
so that the self-locking characteristic of a threaded connection
does not occur.
[0005] It has been found that previous connections of the rod
sections, despite the advantages achieved by the corresponding
connection, are too complex in design, are difficult to construct
or manufacture, cannot be used for all types of ground drilling,
and/or are too complex to handle.
[0006] The invention was based on the object of specifying an
improved possibility for connecting two drill string links of a
drill string for ground drilling, which in particular allows for a
simpler configuration in the construction or manufacture and/or a
safe and/or simple connection.
[0007] This object is achieved by the subject matter of the
independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter
of the corresponding dependent claims and/or emerge from the
following description of the invention.
[0008] The invention is based on the idea of specifying a way of
connecting two drill string links of a drill string, which allows
plugging and uses a shape deviating from the circular shape with
regard to the cross-sectional contour (a contour transverse to the
longitudinal axis of the drill string link). By means of the
deviation from the circular shape, drill string links can be
plugged into one another in such a way that a non-rotatable
connection around the longitudinal axis of the respective drill
string links, in particular in both directions of rotation, can be
made possible. This allows the drilling rod to be turned both
clockwise and counter-clockwise. For example, so-called "paddling"
is possible, i.e. a ground drilling operation in which the drill
head can be rotated back and forth about the longitudinal axis of
the drill string in a specific, controlled angular range. The
rotation of the drill head back and forth in the specified angular
range can result in a higher propulsion speed during this
"paddling" compared to a purely static thrust of a drill head,
which is held at a predetermined rotational position (roll angle or
"time"). There is the possibility that, in the case of an
inexpensive production for the formation of a contour for one of
the plug-in links, a simple possibility is created to rotate the
drill string in both directions of rotation. Furthermore, a quick
connection of the drill string links can be achieved through the
plug connection, in which the drill string links do not have to
perform a large movement about the longitudinal axis of each drill
string link. In addition, a non-rotatable, unambiguous connection
can be made possible in which the position of the drill head can be
determined in terms of an angular position, i.e. the roll angle or
the "time" in which the drill head is located, since the connected
rod sections cannot rotate relative to one another. For example, an
expensive, otherwise necessary transmitter for determining the
angular position of the drill head can be omitted and, if
necessary, an inexpensive transmitter can be used, by means of
which only a depth determination of the drill head in the ground
can be used. By means of the shape of the plug connection or the
contour that deviates from the circular shape, a rotary assignment
of the angular position of the drill head is possible depending on
the position of the contour of the last rod section of the drill
string visible to the operator, which can correspond to the
position of the contour of the drive element. The angular position
of the rod section can be easily read by means of one or more
markings on the rod section, which can preferably be attached to
the outside of the rod section, particularly preferably distributed
over the circumference and in particular at the end side. The user
can obtain additional benefits from a plug connection that can be
easily planned, constructed and/or produced for a rod section, in
that a connection between the rod sections that is easy to handle
for the purposes of the application can be made possible.
[0009] The invention creates a rod section of a ground drilling
rod, wherein the rod section is configured at the end side to form
at least one plug connection. At one end, the rod section has (a) a
male connector with an outer contour or (b) a female connector with
an inner contour. In cross section, the outer contour or the inner
contour has a shape deviating from a circle.
[0010] If it is described that a male connector or a female
connector is provided at one end of the rod section, it can be
provided that a male connector is present at one end of the rod
section and a female connector is present at the other end. It is
possible to form a plug connection at both ends of one and the same
rod section, wherein, in cross section, the outer contour or the
inner contour have a shape deviating from a circle. However, it is
also possible that a rod section according to the invention has an
aforementioned male connector with an outer contour or a previously
described female connector with an outer contour only at one end,
the other end being able to be configured as desired. A
configuration of a rod section in which only one end has a male
connector or a female connector with a contour as described allows
the configuration that it is possible to switch to a different
connection system.
[0011] The term "rod section" in the context of the description
comprises an element which extends along a longitudinal axis and
which is part of the ground drilling rod or a drill string for
ground drilling. The rod section can be designed as an element with
an assigned function (transmitter housing or the like, for example
for a transmitter to allow the depth of the drill head to be
determined), which element is arranged on the front side in the
ground drilling rod or drill string, or can be designed as an (only
mechanical) element extending the ground drilling rod or the drill
string as a rod section. The rod section can comprise mechanical
channels, for example for drilling fluid, electrical lines,
electrical elements and/or electronic elements, which can
preferably be arranged in its interior. The rod section can also be
designed as an "ground drilling tool," which can be a drill head
arranged at the front-side end of the drill string. The drill head
can be a drill head with moving parts. However, it can also be
provided that the ground drilling tool has an immovable or rigid or
largely immovable or rigid outer contour.
[0012] In a preferred embodiment, a rod section within the context
of the description can have an outer diameter of 25 mm to 65 mm,
preferably 30 mm to 60 mm, preferably 35 mm to 55 mm, preferably 40
mm to 50 mm. In a preferred embodiment, a rod section within the
context of the description can have an overall length of 450 mm to
650 mm, preferably 500 mm to 600 mm, preferably 520 mm to 580 mm.
In a preferred embodiment, a rod section within the context of the
description can have a useful length which, in particular, takes
into account the length of the female connector and male connector.
The useful length can result from the total length reduced by the
length of the connecting element or elements and can be 400 mm to
600 mm, preferably 450 mm to 550 mm, preferably 475 mm to 525 mm.
In a preferred embodiment, a rod section within the context of the
description can have a groove for engaging an engaging element for
moving the drill string, for example a (locking) pawl, which can
have an outer diameter of 15 mm to 55 mm, preferably 20 mm to 50
mm, preferably 25 mm to 45 mm, preferably 30 mm to 40 mm. In a
particularly preferred embodiment, the total length of the rod
section can be 550 mm and the outer diameter of the rod section can
be 45 mm. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the useful length
of the rod section can be 500 mm. In a particularly preferred
embodiment, the outer diameter of a groove for engaging an engaging
element for moving the drill string can have an outer diameter of
35 mm. The stated values for the outside diameter of the rod
section, the (total) length of the rod section, the useful length
of the rod section and the outside diameter of a groove on the rod
section are not restrictive values; in particular, the size of the
construction pit or the shaft for the arrangement of the auger
device and/or the nature of the ground can be adapted in order to
carry out a ground drilling operation efficiently.
[0013] In the context of the description, the term "ground drilling
rod" or drill string comprises a string which has a ground drilling
tool and a rod and which can be moved by means of a ground drilling
device or a drive device in order to drill a borehole through the
ground.
[0014] The term "ground drilling device" in the context of the
description comprises any device that can move a drill string with
rod sections in an existing channel or in a channel to be created
in the ground in order to create or widen a bore, in particular a
horizontal bore, or to drive pipes or other elongate bodies into
the ground. The ground drilling device can be arranged in a
construction pit or a shaft, in particular a sewer shaft. A ground
drilling device can comprise a drive device or drive which drives a
drill string in a pulling and/or pushing manner. It can also be
provided that the drive device drives the drill string in a
rotational manner. A rotary drive is understood to mean a rotation
of the drill string--at least in portions--in one or both
directions of rotation about the longitudinal axis of the drill
string. For example, a constant left-hand or right-hand rotation
can be impressed on the drill string. In one embodiment, it is
additionally or alternatively possible that the drill string can
first be rotated by a predetermined angle in one direction of
rotation and then rotated back by the same angle or another angle,
for example to allow for ground drilling in "paddle" mode.
[0015] The term "horizontal drilling" in the context of the
description comprises in particular any type of, preferably
horizontal, channels existing or to be created in a body, in
particular underground channels including underground bores, rock
bores, or underground lines as well as underground or above-ground
pipelines and water channels that can be created or dug in
particular in portions that run horizontally using a corresponding
ground drilling device.
[0016] In the context of the description, the terms "male
connector" and "female connector" comprise a configuration as one
element of a pair of mechanical coupling elements, one of which
("male connector") can be inserted at least partially into the
other ("female connector") in order to form the plug
connection.
[0017] If the description substantially focuses on the inner
contour for forming the plug connection for the female connector,
the outer contour of the female connector can in principle assume
any shape. In a preferred embodiment, in cross section, the female
connector has a circular outer contour. In a particularly preferred
embodiment, the outer contour of the rod section is substantially
the same outside the region and in the region of the female
connector and is particularly preferably circular.
[0018] The term "cross section" in the context of the description
comprises a section transverse to the longitudinal axis of the
respective element under consideration in the region of the plug
connection, i.e. for the rod section or the drive element in the
end-side region of the rod section or the drive element, which is
provided for the connection with the element to be connected. The
cross section is preferably viewed at an angle of 90.degree. to the
longitudinal axis. Slight deviations around the right angle to the
longitudinal axis are possible.
[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the male connector is straight
cylindrical with a base area which has the cross section of the
shape deviating from a circle. The male connector can thus have an
outer side which extends in a direction along the longitudinal axis
of the rod section at a substantially constant distance from the
longitudinal axis. The delimitation of the male connector or the
cross section runs along the longitudinal axis of the rod section,
at least in portions, substantially parallel to the longitudinal
axis of the rod section, in particular in an end region with which
the male connector is inserted or plugged into the female
connector. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the male
connector has an outer contour at the end, with which the male
connector is inserted into the female connector, which outer
contour runs parallel along the longitudinal axis of the rod
section. The outer contour of the male connector can be unchanged
over the length of the male connector.
[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the female connector is designed
as a body with a corresponding cavity which has a delimitation, the
distance of which from the longitudinal axis in the direction along
the longitudinal axis of the rod section is substantially constant.
The delimitation of the cavity of the female connector or the inner
contour of the female connector runs along the longitudinal axis of
the rod section, at least in portions, substantially parallel to
the longitudinal axis of the rod section, so that the surface
delimiting the cavity can be straight in the direction of the
longitudinal axis of the rod section, i.e. it substantially does
not enclose an angle with the longitudinal axis. In a very
particularly preferred embodiment, the female connector has an
inner contour at the end into which the male connector is inserted,
which inner contour runs parallel along the longitudinal axis of
the rod section. The inner contour of the female connector can be
unchanged over the length of the female connector.
[0021] In a preferred embodiment, a rod section has a male
connector at one end and a female connector at the other end. This
allows for a simple connection to be established when the rod
sections are in a specific orientation. In a particularly preferred
embodiment, the inner contour and the outer contour of the female
connector or the male connector are in a predetermined angular
position to one another, so that the respective contours at the two
ends of the rod section are flush with one another or aligned so
that they can be plugged into one another. However, it can also be
provided that the rod section has plug-in elements of the same
shape at its end side, so that the rod section has, for example, a
male connector at both ends or a female connector at both ends,
which can have the corresponding contour described.
[0022] In the context of the description, a "shape deviating from a
circle" is any geometric shape that does not have a circular shape.
The shape, which is a shape deviating from a circle, thus not only
includes points of a plane (the cross section that is being
considered) which are at a constant distance from a given point of
this plane (center point). There is the possibility that the shape
deviating from a circle has straight lines at least in portions.
The shape can additionally or alternatively have curved or arched
lines. As described below, the shape deviating from a circle can
also have a known, easily named configuration.
[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the shape deviating from a circle
is an oval shape, in particular a round convex figure, wherein the
figure can be an ellipse as a special case. In a particularly
preferred embodiment, the shape deviating from a circle is an
elliptical shape. In the context of the description, an ellipse is
understood to mean a closed oval curve that can be represented as a
conic section. Usually, an ellipse is a shape with points in which
the sum of the distances between a point and two predetermined
points, the so-called focal points, is the same for all points. In
the case of an ellipse, the straight line through the focal points
of the ellipse is usually designated as the major axis and the
straight line orthogonal thereto through the center of the ellipse
is designated as the minor axis.
[0024] It can be provided that the, in particular oval, shape,
which is designed in particular as an ellipse, is configured in
such a way that the shape has no symmetry, whereby it can be
achieved that the male connector and female connector can only be
plugged together in an angular position to one another
[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the male connector or the female
connector has an opening oriented transversely to the longitudinal
axis of the rod section for inserting a bolt which can be
detachably connected to the male connector or the female connector,
so that the oval shape is broken through. This makes it possible to
lock rod sections inserted into one another, in particular in the
longitudinal direction of the rod sections. It can be achieved that
a bolt, which is arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis of
the rod sections, can transmit thrust and/or tensile forces. By
means of the opening and the inserted bolt, a simple possibility
can be selected by means of which thrust and/or tensile forces can
be transmitted. It can be provided that only the tensile forces are
transmitted through the bolt, whereby a simple element can be
selected which is arranged as a securing element in a recess or the
opening in the male connector or the female connector. It can be
provided that a thrust force is transmitted by means of abutting
contact surfaces from two adjacent rod sections in the drill
string, so that when the plug connection is formed, the mutually
adjacent contact surfaces of the adjacent rod sections are arranged
for direct transmission of the thrust force. In particular, contact
surfaces for the transmission of thrust forces can be designed as
shoulders or as an end region of each rod section, for example a
contact surface can be a shoulder in the foot region of the male
connector and a corresponding contact surface can be the end region
or head region of a female connector.
[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the securing element or the bolt
is configured to be reusable. In particular, the securing element
is not necessarily reshaped to form the securing means. The
securing element or the bolt can be made solid. The bolt can have a
latching groove which, in particular in the middle, can be formed
between the ends of the bolt. The latching groove can be formed on
the entire circumference of the securing element or bolt, so that
no preferred angular position has to be maintained in which the
securing element or the bolt has to be inserted. The securing
element or the bolt preferably has a circular cross section; bolts
or securing elements of this type can be easily planned and
manufactured and the application does not require any increased
requirements.
[0027] In order to apply a thrust or tensile force from a drive to
the drill string, the rod section can have at least one recess or
groove, which preferably extends on the outside in portions or
completely along an outer circumference. An element of the drive,
for example in the form of a (locking) pawl, can engage in the
recess or groove and exert a thrust or tensile force. More than one
recess or groove can be provided on a rod section, in particular
two or more recesses or grooves can be provided, which can be at a
distance from one another in the longitudinal direction of the rod
section.
[0028] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the openings are
provided on the male connector and the female connector, which can
be arranged such that after the plug connection of two adjacent rod
sections has been formed, the openings are arranged in relation to
one another in such a way that the opening on the male connector
and the opening on the female connector are flush with one another.
The bolt can then be inserted into the flush opening of the male
connector and female connector.
[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the opening on the male connector
is a through opening. In a preferred embodiment, the opening on the
female connector is a through opening. The term "through opening"
corresponds to an opening which penetrates each connecting element
completely transversely to the longitudinal direction of the
connecting element. In particular for the through opening on the
female connector, this can mean that two through openings, which
can extend between the inner contour and the outer contour of the
female connector, can be provided in the edge that can form the
cavity of the female connector, which through openings are on a
straight line or can be formed along a straight line; the two
through openings of the female connector can thus form an entire
through opening. If the male connector with its through opening is
inserted into the female connector with its through opening, an
entire through opening can be formed in that the through openings
of the male connector and the female connector are flush and lie on
a straight line into which through opening the securing element or
the bolt can be inserted.
[0030] The openings in the connecting elements can in particular
have a circular cross section. Such a shape of the opening is both
easy to plan and to produce. The assembly for the production of the
securing means, i.e. an insertion of the bolt or securing element,
can be done easily.
[0031] The openings can be formed in a solid portion of the rod
section itself. The openings can be fixed or immovable in the rod
section. In particular, the openings can be formed in the solid
region of the rod section. In particular, the openings can be
formed in the body of the rod section itself.
[0032] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the length of the
bolt is adapted to the outside diameter of the female connector, so
that the length of the bolt substantially corresponds to the
outside diameter of the female connector. With regard to the length
of the bolt, it can be provided that the bolt has a length which
corresponds to the distance between the two secants for openings on
the female connector, which openings are opposite one another. The
length of the bolt can also be (slightly) less than the distance
between the secants of the openings in the female connector.
[0033] In a preferred embodiment, a line intersects the opening
which encloses an angle of less than 30.degree. with the axis of
symmetry of the inner contour or the outer contour or with an axis
running perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of the inner contour
or the outer contour. In this way, an improved connection in terms
of the transmission of the tensile and/or compressive forces can be
achieved. The closer the line of the axis of symmetry approaches
the inner contour or the outer contour or an axis running
perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of the inner contour or outer
contour, an improved transmission of the forces can be achieved. In
a particularly preferred embodiment, the angle under consideration
between the line that intersects the opening and the axis of
symmetry or the axis perpendicular to the axis of symmetry is less
than 25.degree., preferably <20.degree., more preferably
<15.degree., more preferably <10.degree., more preferably
<5.degree.. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the line
that intersects the opening is substantially congruent with the
axis of symmetry of the inner contour or the outer contour or is
substantially congruent with an axis running perpendicular to the
axis of symmetry of the inner contour or the outer contour.
[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the line which intersects the
opening extends along a major or minor axis for an inner contour or
outer contour designed as an ellipse, the minor axis being
preferred. As a result, the pressing and cross-sectional surfaces
and thus the strength of the female connector, male connector, and
bolt can be selected to be almost the same, whereby preferably
almost the same material can be present for the rod section and the
bolt. An optimized transmission of tensile and/or compressive
forces is possible.
[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the opening is part of a through
hole which extends completely through the male connector or the
female connector. In this way, it can be achieved that the thrust
and/or pressure forces can be transmitted symmetrically. The entire
diameter of the male connector or female connector can be used to
transmit the thrust and/or pressure forces. In particular for the
female connector, a through hole can be a hole that completely
traverses the female connector, so that a through hole is present
in the contour at two opposite points in the female connector.
[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the opening and/or the through
hole is configured to be threadless. This allows for simplified
handling of the rod sections to be achieved. A tool, in particular
for a screw connection, for forming the connection between two
adjacent rod sections, in particular for transmitting a thrust
and/or compressive force, can be dispensed with. If the focus is on
the fact that the opening or the through hole can be threadless, a
threadless design of the opening or through hole can also include a
threadless configuration of the bolt in a rod section system.
[0037] In a preferred embodiment, a latching element for engaging
the bolt is arranged in the male connector, the longitudinal extent
of the latching element enclosing an angle of 0.degree. to
45.degree. with the longitudinal axis of the rod section. In this
way, an improved securing of a bolt can be achieved. A loss
protection for the bolt can be created, so to speak, which
simplifies handling. In particular in conjunction with the
configuration that the opening can be threadless, both improved
safety and improved handling are achieved. A latching element, in
particular acted upon by a spring, which can engage in an outer
structure of the bolt when it is inserted, can fix the position of
the bolt in the through hole or through holes. The securing or
latching can be canceled by applying a compressive force, in
particular in the longitudinal direction of the bolt, so that the
bolt can also be easily removed from the opening and the rod
sections can be detached from one another again. By means of the
arrangement of the latching element opposite the longitudinal axis
of the rod section, a good latching of the bolt is possible.
Preferably, the longitudinal extent of the latching element with
the longitudinal axis of the rod section can be an angle of
0.degree. to 35.degree., more preferably an angle of 0.degree. to
25.degree., more preferably an angle of 0.degree. to 15.degree.,
more preferably an angle of 0.degree. to 10.degree., more
preferably an angle of 0.degree. to 5.degree., more preferably an
angle of 0.degree..
[0038] In order to bring the latching element into engagement on
the bolt, the bolt can preferably have a groove which can be formed
on the bolt over its entire circumference. The latching element can
in particular be adapted to the groove; the tip of the latching
element which comes into engagement with the groove is very
particularly preferably adapted to the groove. For a low-wear
configuration, the latching element can have a rounded, in
particular spherical, segment-shaped tip.
[0039] In a preferred embodiment, at least one marking is provided
on the rod section on an outwardly directed surface, which is in a
predetermined angular relationship to the angular position of the
shape. In the context of the description, an outward-facing surface
is a surface that is visible from the outside. Among other things,
a simple assignment can be made as to how rod sections must be
rotationally aligned in order to be able to be plugged into one
another. The rotational alignment of the rod section in relation to
its longitudinal axis can be recognized. The angular position of
the shape can also be recognized from a direction in which the
observer is not in an extension of the longitudinal axis of the rod
section. It is possible that the marking is arranged on a surface
which has a surface normal that runs transversely to the
longitudinal axis of the rod section or has a surface normal that
includes a sufficiently large angle with the direction that runs
transversely to the longitudinal axis of the rod section, e.g.
greater than 10.degree.. Even in the case of non-symmetrical
shapes, quick alignment to form the plug connection is possible. In
the case of a symmetrical shape of the inner or outer contour, it
is possible by means of the marking to distinguish whether the
ground drilling rod has rotated through an angle of symmetry. For
example, in the case of a shape configured as an ellipse, the
marking can be used to determine whether the rod section or the
ground drilling rod has rotated, in particular, by 180.degree.. The
12 o'clock position of the drill string can be tracked or set by
means of the marking. By means of the rotation of the drill string,
for example, conclusions about the angular position of the drill
head can be made.
[0040] The invention also provides a drive element for driving a
ground drilling rod into the ground. The drive element is
configured to be brought into engagement with a rod section. The
drive element that engages with the rod section is configured (a)
as a male connector or (b) as a female connector. In cross section,
the outer contour or the inner contour has a shape deviating from a
circle. In cooperation with a rod section, in particular the one
described above, a drill string can be introduced into the ground,
which can be better handled and/or constructed in a simpler
manner.
[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the male connector or the female
connector has an opening oriented transversely to the longitudinal
axis of the rod section for inserting a bolt which can be
detachably connected to the male connector or the female connector,
so that the oval shape is broken through. This allows tensile
and/or compressive forces to be transmitted. A bolt provides the
possibility of a simple configuration and can, for example, be
replaced inexpensively and easily in the event of wear.
[0042] The invention also provides a rod section system which
comprises two or more rod sections which are configured in
accordance with the present description. The rod section system
also has a bolt that has a circumferential groove. The inner
contour of the female connector of a rod section is adapted to the
outer contour of the male connector of a further rod section in
such a way that a form-fitting plug connection can be achieved. The
shape and size of the inner contour and the outer contour are such
that the male connector and the female connector can easily be
plugged into one another and play--with a tolerance-related
deviation--is prevented as far as possible.
[0043] For easy handling, the rod section system has a plurality of
rod sections, i.e. two, three or more, configured identically with
regard to the respective ends as male connector or female
connector.
[0044] The invention further provides a ground drilling device
which has a drive element as described.
[0045] Numbers in the context of the description are specifications
that can be subject to a tolerance of +/-10%, so that the numbers
not only denote one value, but also describe a range of values, in
particular to take account of tolerance ranges that may be
production-related.
[0046] The statements on the individual aspects of the invention,
as they are described in relation to the rod section, the drive
element, the rod section system, and the ground drilling device,
are to be understood as mutually complementary statements.
Statements on one aspect also apply to the statements on one of the
other aspects.
[0047] Like the following description of embodiments, the above
statements do not constitute a waiver of specific embodiments or
features.
[0048] The invention is explained in more detail below with
reference to an embodiment shown in the drawings, in which:
[0049] FIG. 1 is a side view in a partially sectioned illustration
of a portion of a ground drilling device with a drill string having
rod sections;
[0050] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of an enlarged view of two rod
sections which can be plugged into one another with a female
connector and a male connector;
[0051] FIG. 3 is an enlarged illustration of a connection of two
rod sections in a sectional illustration; and
[0052] FIG. 4 is a section transverse to the line A-A from FIG. 3
in the region of the male connector, female connector, and
bolt.
[0053] FIG. 1 shows, in a side view, schematically in a partially
sectioned illustration, a section of a ground drilling device 2
which is inserted in a construction pit 3. By means of a drive, the
ground drilling device 2 can move a ground drilling rod, which has
rod sections 5 and a drill head 6, which is followed by a
transmitter receptacle 7, into the ground 8 in a pushing or pulling
manner.
[0054] The movement is carried out by two hydraulic cylinders 1 of
the drive, to which a pawl 10 is fastened, which can engage the rod
sections 5 via circumferential grooves 9 of the rod sections 5 in
order to push the ground drilling rod into the ground 8. The pawl
10 is connected to cylinder tubes 11 of the hydraulic cylinders 1.
The pawl 10 pushes itself out of a groove 9 during the retraction
(idle stroke) of the hydraulic cylinder 1 and, when it reaches a
further groove 9, falls into this groove, so that the hydraulic
cylinder 1 can push the ground drilling rod having the drill head
6, the transmitter receptacle 7, and the rod sections 5 further in
a next working stroke.
[0055] The ground drilling device can move the ground drilling rod
in the ground by pulling or pushing, and in the embodiment shown in
FIG. 1, the hydraulic cylinders 1 can be rotated together with the
pawl 10 in their effective direction.
[0056] FIG. 2 shows, in an isometric illustration, two rod sections
5 connected to one another via a plug connection 4 to form part of
a ground drilling rod. The rod section 5 has two grooves 9 which
are at a distance from one another in the longitudinal direction
and in which the pawl 10 can engage. FIG. 2 shows a male connector
12 at one end (right) and a female connector 14 at the other end
(left) for the rod section 5. In the left edge region of FIG. 2, it
can be seen that a further rod section 5, of which only one end is
shown, is inserted with its male connector 12 into the female
connector 14. The region of the plug connection 4 is provided with
a circle marked X.
[0057] FIG. 3 shows a section in the region X of the plug
connection 4 of FIG. 2. The male connector 12, which has an
elliptical outer contour 25 in cross section and is arranged at one
end of the rod section 5, is pushed into an elliptical inner
contour 13 of the female connector 14 of a further rod section
5.
[0058] An opening 28 and an opening 29, which are part of a through
hole 17, are provided on the male connector 12. Furthermore, an
opening 26 and an opening 27, which are part of a through hole 18,
are provided on the female connector 14. When forming the plug
connection of the female connector 14 and the male connector 12,
the through holes 17, 18 are congruent and a bolt 16 can be
inserted into the openings (26, 27, 28, 29) of the through holes
17, 18.
[0059] A securing of the bolt 16 or a slipping of the bolt 16 out
of the through holes 17, 18 is achieved by means of a spring-loaded
latching element 15 which is configured as a pressure piece. The
latching element 15 is screwed into a sleeve having an external
thread in the front end of the male connector 12. The latching
element 15 engages with one end 19, which is configured spherically
in the illustrated embodiment, into a circumferential groove 20 of
the bolt 16.
[0060] To separate the rod sections 5, which are connected by means
of the plug connection 4 and the bolt 16, the bolt 16 can easily be
pushed out counter to the latching action of the latching element
15, in this case in the illustrated embodiment the spring force of
the latching element 15, which spring force acts on the spherical
end 19 of the latching element 15.
[0061] FIG. 4 shows, in a section A-A from FIG. 3, the arrangement
of the bolt 16 in the direction of the minor axis X-X of the
elliptical male connector 12 of the rod section 5. As a result of
this arrangement and the configuration (extension of the elliptical
shape in the direction of the major and minor axes), the pressing
surfaces 21, but also the cross-sectional surfaces of the male
connector 12, female connector 14, and bolt 16 are almost
identical.
[0062] In FIG. 2, a marking "12," which is provided with the
reference sign 22, can be seen on the outside of the female
connector 14 on the end-side circumference. The marking 22 is in a
predetermined angular relationship to the shape of the inner
contour 13 of the female connector 14. The marking 22 is arranged
on the outer circumference at the point of the female connector 14
at which the minor axis of the elliptical shape of the inner
contour 13 intersects the outer circumference. The marking 22
indicates how the rod section 5 is aligned in a rotational manner
with respect to its longitudinal axis.
* * * * *