摘要 |
A rock drilling appartatus wherein the rock drill is a cluster of independent rock drills arranged in a circular pattern about a central axis for rotation. The cluster drill is drawn into a hole to be drilled by a drill string in a previously drilled smaller diameter hole. The drill string provides pressure fluid to operate the cluster drill and rotation as well as the tractive force to draw the cluster drill into the hole to form a large diameter straight drilled hole. Pressure fluid and rock cuttings exit the larger diameter hole and discharge of rock particles is further aided by use of a trailing auger rotated by the cluster drill. A particular application of this device is in the production of horizontal bored holes of moderate diameter under, for example, roadways, foundations, and the like. The drill string acting as a centering device produces a straight hole in difficult rock formations. |