Mine bolter

Abstract

A machine ( 23 ) that is operable to drill passages in a surrounding rock layer and insert bolts therein. The machine ( 23 ) is operated by an operator ( 24 ) that stands on a platform ( 25 ) that is preferably secured to a rail upon which the machine ( 23 ) moves.

1 . A machine to drill a passage in a rock layer and insert a bolt therein, the machine including:
 a frame, the frame including spaced support portions upon which the frame rests;   a device mounted on the frame, the device being configured to receive a drill bit to form a passage in the rock layer, and to insert a bolt in the passage;   a pivot attaching the device to the frame for pivoting movement about a generally horizontal axis so that the device can move through an angle of at least 90°, with said angle including the device being generally upright;   a motor extending between the device and the frame to cause angular movement of the device about said axis; and wherein   said machine is configurable so as to have a centre of gravity located so that the machine remains supported by the support positions irrespective of the angular position of said device about said axis.   
     
     
         2 . The machine of  claim 1 , wherein said support portions include a plurality of wheels to support the frame for movement in a direction parallel to said axis. 
     
     
         3 . The machine of  claim 1 , wherein said frame is adapted to receive a weight so that the centre of gravity is displaced laterally of said axis in a direction towards said control. 
     
     
         4 . The machine of  claim 1 , wherein said frame includes a cradle, and said weight is located in said cradle. 
     
     
         5 . The machine of  claim 4 , wherein said weight includes a container and water located in said container. 
     
     
         6 . The machine of  claim 1  further including a drive assembly to cause movement of the machine relative to the rock layer. 
     
     
         7 . In combination, the machine of  claim 6  and a pair of generally parallel transversely spaced rails upon which the machine is mounted for movement relative to the rock layer. 
     
     
         8 . The combination of  claim 7 , wherein the drive assembly includes a rotatably driven gear, and one of the rails includes a rack gear engaged by the rotatably driven gear with engagement of the gears causing movement of the machine longitudinally of the rails relative to the rock layer. 
     
     
         9 . In combination, a main chock and the combination of  claim 8 , with the chock is fixed to the rail having the gear. 
     
     
         10 . The machine of  claim 2 , wherein said frame is adapted to receive a weight so that the centre of gravity is displaced laterally of said axis in a direction towards said control. 
     
     
         11 . The machine of  claim 2 , wherein said frame includes a cradle, and said weight is located in said cradle. 
     
     
         12 . The machine of  claim 11 , wherein said weight includes a container and water located in said container. 
     
     
         13 . The machine of  claim 2 , further including a drive assembly to cause movement of the machine relative to the rock layer. 
     
     
         14 . In combination, the machine of  claim 13  and a pair of generally parallel transversely spaced rails upon which the machine is mounted for movement relative to the rock layer. 
     
     
         15 . The combination of  claim 14 , wherein the drive assembly includes a rotatably driven gear, and one of the rails includes a rack gear engaged by the rotatably driven gear with engagement of the gears causing movement of the machine longitudinally of the rails relative to the rock layer. 
     
     
         16 . In combination, a main chock and the combination of  claim 15 , with the chock fixed to the rail having the gear. 
     
     
         17 . The machine of  claim 3 , wherein said frame includes a cradle, said weight is located in said cradle; and said weight includes a container and water located in said container, and said machine further includes a drive assembly to cause movement of the machine relative to the rock layer. 
     
     
         18 . In combination, the machine of  claim 17  and a pair of generally parallel transversely spaced rails upon which the machine is mounted for movement relative to the rock layer. 
     
     
         19 . The machine of  claim 18 , wherein the drive assembly includes a rotatably driven gear, and one of the rails includes a rack gear engaged by the rotatably driven gear with engagement of the gears causing movement of the machine longitudinally of the rails relative to the rock layer. 
     
     
         20 . In combination, a main chock and the combination of  claim 19 , with the chock fixed to the rail having the gear.