AU2014253519B2

AU2014253519B2 - Release assembly and method of forming drilling tool

Info

Publication number: AU2014253519B2
Application number: AU2014253519A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Mauri Esko; Markku Keskiniva
Original assignee: Sandvik Mining and Construction Oy
Current assignee: Sandvik Mining and Construction Oy
Priority date: 2013-10-30
Filing date: 2014-10-23
Publication date: 2016-05-19
Anticipated expiration: 2034-10-23
Also published as: CA2864379A1; KR101659658B1; AU2014253519A1; JP2015086693A; JP5932942B2; US20150117940A1; KR20150050417A; CN104594820A; ES2706378T3; EP2868861A1; EP2868861B1; CL2014002931A1

Abstract

Abstract The invention relates to a release assembly and a method of forming a drilling tool for rock or overburden drilling. The release assembly (18) is arranged axially between two drilling tool components (14a, 14b). The release assembly comprises a release mechanism allowing an initial axial length (Li) to shorten (Ls) when a joint (15) of the drilling tool components (14) provided with connecting threads (20, 21) is turned in an opening direction (Ro). Then the release assembly has a decreased second axial length (L2) and friction forces in the joint decrease. (Figure 3) 5884676_1 (GHMatters) P98148.AU BELAG Rc -21 14a 19 22a24-- 2 R -28 29 22b D1 -- 32 14b 24 2628 9 Ls Ro8 FIG. 4 24-- 30- 31

Description

- 1 Release assembly and method of forming drilling tool Background of the invention The invention relates to a release assembly of a drilling tool used in rock drilling and overburden 5 drilling. The release assembly is intended to be arranged axially between two drilling tool components, which can be connected together at a joint by means of connecting threads. The invention further relates to a use of the 10 release assembly and a method of forming a drilling tool for rock drilling or overburden drilling. The field of the invention is defined more specifically in the preambles of the independent claims. In mines and at other work sites, drilling machines 15 are used for drilling bore holes into rock surfaces and soil. The drilling machine comprises a rotating device for rotating a drilling tool during drilling. In many drilling applications the drilling machine also comprises a percussion device for generating impact pulses to the 20 tool. The drilling tool may be composed of several drilling tool components, which are arranged axially successively and connected to each other by means of connecting threads. Opening of the connecting threads between the drilling components after drilling procedures 25 has proven difficult. The connecting threads have a tendency to get stuck. The stuck joint causes loss of time and money. 5884676_1 (GHMatters) P98148.AU BELAG - 2 Brief description of the invention An object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved arrangement for release of connecting threads between drilling components. A further object is to 5 provide a novel and improved method of forming a drilling tool. According to the invention, there is provided a release assembly of a drilling tool for rock and overburden drilling, wherein the release assembly is to be arranged 10 axially between two drilling tool components connectable together at a joint by means of connecting threads; the release assembly comprises a first counter element and a second counter element; the first counter element and a second counter element are counter surfaces, which are 15 facing each other; at least one of the mentioned first and second counter elements is arranged in an intermediate component separate from the drilling tool components; the intermediate component has a contact surface facing the drilling component; and between the first counter element 20 and the second counter element is formed a release mechanism allowing an axial length of the release assembly to be shortened in response to turning the connecting threads of the joint in an opening direction; wherein the connecting threads of the joint have a first 25 handedness; and the first counter surface and second counter surface are both provided with at least one inclined flank surfaces having a second handedness opposite to the first handedness of the connecting threads, whereby the release assembly is arranged to be 30 lengthened when the first counter surface and the second counter surface are turned relative to each other in a closing direction of the first handedness, and is arranged to be shortened when turned in an opening direction of the first handedness. 7682202_1 (GHMatters) P98148.AU PCABRAL - 2a The method according to the invention is characterized by arranging between the successive drilling tool components the release assembly, which is in accordance with claim 1. 5 An idea of the disclosed solution is that a drilling tool is provided with at least one release assembly. The release assembly is arranged at a joint between two successive axial drilling tool components. The release assembly has an axial length. The release assembly 10 comprises a release mechanism, which allows the axial length of the release assembly to shorten when the joint is opened. 7682202_1 (GHMatters) P98148.AU PCABRAL - 3 Furthermore, connecting threads and counter surfaces of the release assembly are opposite in handedness regarding their opening and closing directions. The connecting threads of the joint have a first 5 handedness. The first counter surface and second counter surface are both provided with at least one inclined flank surface having a second handedness opposite to the first handedness of the connecting threads. Thus, the release assembly is arranged to be lengthened when the first 10 counter surface and the second counter surface are turned relative to each other in a closing direction of the first handedness, and is arranged to be shortened when turned in an opening direction of the first handedness. In other words, when the connecting threads are right handed, the 15 flank surfaces are left handed, and vice versa. An advantage of the disclosed solution is that the release assembly provides easy opening of the connection threads between the successive drilling tool components. When the release mechanism shortens in response to the 20 turning in the opening direction, friction forces are decreased and opening is facilitated. Furthermore, inclined flank surfaces are easy to manufacture and they endure forces and wear well. According to an embodiment, the release assembly 25 comprises at least one first intermediate component and at least one second intermediate component. Both of the intermediate components comprise counter surfaces facing each other, and contact surfaces facing the drilling components of the joint. Thanks to this embodiment, the 30 release assembly is a separate and independent piece, which may be placed between the connectable drilling components without any modifications to a basic design of the drilling tool components. 5884676_1 (GHMatters) P98148.AU BELAG According to an embodiment, the release assembly comprises one single intermediate component. Then the intermediate component is provided with the first counter surface and a contact surface. Further, one of the 5 connectable drilling components of the joint is provided with the second counter surface. Thus, the second counter surface is an integrated part of the drilling tool component. This embodiment may be beneficial when the number of components or axial length of the release 10 assembly needs to be minimized, for example. According to an embodiment, the connecting threads and the inclined flank surfaces of the counter surfaces are opposite in handedness regarding their opening and closing directions. The connecting threads have a first 15 pitch angle and the inclined flank surfaces have a second pitch angle. The second pitch angle is greater than the first pitch angle. Thanks to this embodiment even rather a small turning motion in the opening direction may decrease tightening force of the flank surfaces and generate needed 20 axial shortening. However, the second pitch angle should be less than fivefold relative to the first pitch angle. This way, unintended opening of the release assembly may be avoided due to the influence of dynamic forces during the use of the drilling tool. 25 According to an embodiment, the second pitch angle of the inclined flank surfaces is 2 to 3 fold relative to the first pitch angle of the connecting threads. This embodiment has shown to be usable when tested in practice. According to an embodiment, the second pitch angle 30 of the inclined flank surfaces is smaller than the first pitch angle of the connecting threads. Thus, this embodiment is contrary to what has been described in the previous two paragraphs above. This embodiment may be 5884676_1 (GHMatters) P98148.AU BELAG - 5 usable in situations where an unintentional opening of the release assembly is a problem. According to an embodiment, the first counter surface is provided with one or more first transverse 5 surfaces and the second counter surface is provided with one or more second transverse surfaces. The transverse surfaces are transverse relative to the inclined flank surfaces. The transverse surfaces may be in axial direction, perpendicular to the flank surfaces or in a 10 desired angular direction. The first transverse surface is facing the second transverse surface and one or more flexible member is arranged between them. The flexible member occupies a distance between the transverse surfaces. The flexible member prevents the transverse 15 surfaces from being positioned in contact with each other. In other words, the flexible member allows the counter elements or surfaces to be turned in their opening direction relative to each other. According to an embodiment, the above mentioned 20 flexible member is made of one or more resilient materials, such as rubber or elastic polymer. When the release assembly is turned in the opening direction, the resilient material may be temporarily compressed or reshaped. 25 According to an embodiment, the above mentioned flexible member is a separate element, which is installed between the transverse surfaces facing each other. The separately manufactured flexible member is easy to place between the transverse surfaces and it can be changed 30 later if need be. At its simplest implementation the separate flexible member may be a rubber piece. 5884676_1 (GHMatters) P98148.AU BELAG - 6 According to an embodiment, one or both of the opposing transverse surfaces are covered by a resilient material, which serves as the flexible member. Between the transverse surfaces there may be a space filled with the 5 resilient material. Alternatively, the faces of the transverse surfaces may be coated with the resilient material. The resilient material may be rubber or rubber -like material. Some polymers, such as polyurethane PU, are also suitable for the purpose. In this embodiment the 10 flexible member is prearranged or integrated in the release assembly, thus allowing easy and fast mounting of the release assembly. According to an embodiment, the transverse surfaces are held at a distance from each other by means of one or 15 more spring members. When the release assembly is turned towards the opening direction, then the spring member will compress and allow the release assembly to be shortened in the axial direction. In some situations it may be more convenient to use the spring member as a flexible member 20 instead of the above mentioned resilient material. According to an embodiment, the contact surface of the intermediate component is provided with one or more friction zones having an intentionally increased friction coefficient. The friction zone may be provided with 25 intentionally increased surface roughness. The friction zone may comprise a knurling, for example. Alternatively, the friction zone may be covered with friction material having a greater friction coefficient compared to the basic material of the intermediate component. The contact 30 surface may have one or several smaller friction zones, and one or more additional zones without the disclosed feature, or alternatively, the entire contact surface is treated for obtaining the increased friction coefficient for the entire area. The idea of the friction zone is to 5884676_1 (GHMatters) P98148.AU BELAG prevent unintentional opening of the connecting threads by increasing friction forces between the intermediate component and the connectable drilling tool component. According to an embodiment, the contact surface of 5 the intermediate component has a tapered shape. Thanks to the tapered shape, contact area between the intermediate piece and the connectable drilling tool component may be increased. The intermediate component may comprise the tapered contact surface on an outer periphery, or 10 alternatively on an inner periphery of the intermediate component. According to an embodiment, the intermediate component has an outer periphery and an inner periphery, which both comprise one or more curved surfaces. The outer 15 periphery and the inner periphery may both have closed form. According to an embodiment, the intermediate component has a ring shaped configuration, whereby it has an outer circumference and an inner circumference. The 20 intermediate component may have a circular or elliptical shape, for example. According to an embodiment, the intermediate component is formed of two or more separate pieces. The intermediate component may be sleeve like piece which is 25 formed of two halves, for example. According to an embodiment, the counter surface of the intermediate component is formed of two or more separate pieces. The intermediate piece may be provided with several counter pieces mounted in recesses on the 30 counter surface. 5884676_1 (GHMatters) P98148.AU BELAG - 8 According to an embodiment, the release assembly is intended to be used in a down-the-hole drilling (DTH). Then the release assembly is arranged between a drill bit assembly and a down-the-hole percussion device. The drill 5 bit assembly comprises a drill bit and fastening members for fastening the drill bit. The down-the-hole percussion device is also known as a DTH -hammer. According to an embodiment, the release assembly is used in the DTH -drilling. The release assembly is 10 arranged between a locking nut of the drill bit assembly and the DTH -hammer. The locking nut is also known as a driver sub. According to an embodiment, the release assembly is intended to be used in an extension drilling. Then the 15 release assembly is arranged between two successive drilling tool components. The drilling tool component may be a drill bit, a drill rod or a drill pipe, for example. According to an embodiment, the release assembly is intended to be used in a rotary drilling. Then the release 20 assembly is located between rotating unit and a drill bit. Between the rotating unit and the drill bit there may be one or more drill tubes or rods provided with connecting threads. According to an embodiment, the release assembly is 25 intended to be used in a top-hammer drilling. Then the release assembly is located between a drilling machine and a drill bit, which are located at opposite ends of the drilling equipment. Between the drilling machine and the drill bit there may be one or more drill tubes or rods 30 provided with connecting threads. 5884676_1 (GHMatters) P98148.AU BELAG - 9 According to an embodiment, the release assembly is without any connection threads. Instead two drilling tool components are provided with needed connection threads for connecting them in a joint. Thus, surfaces of the release 5 assembly that are arranged against the connectable drilling tool components are not provided with connection threads. The release assembly may be an intermediate piece arranged between the two connectable drilling tool components without being fastened to the drilling tool 10 components by means of connection threads. The above-disclosed embodiments can be combined to form suitable solutions provided with necessary features disclosed. Brief description of the figures 15 Some embodiments are described in more detail in the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a side view of a rock drilling rig provided with a drilling unit, Figure 2 shows schematically the principle of DTH 20 drilling, Figure 3 is a schematic and partly sectional side view of a release assembly arranged between two consecutive drilling tool components, Figure 4 is a schematic side view of a release 25 assembly when turned in an opening direction, Figure 5 is a schematic side view of a release assembly wherein a spring serves as a flexible member, 5884676_1 (GHMatters) P98148.AU BELAG - 10 Figure 6 is a schematic side view of a release assembly wherein a flexible, formable or resilient filling material serves as a flexible member, Figures 7a - 7c show schematically and in axial 5 direction intermediate components comprising several sections each provided with inclined flank surfaces and transverse surfaces in their counter surfaces, Figures 8a and 8b show schematically contact surfaces of the intermediate component provided with one 10 or more friction zones, Figure 9 is a schematic side view of a release assembly comprising two intermediate components and being arranged in a shoulder contact in a joint between two drill rods, 15 Figure 10 is a schematic side view of a release assembly comprising only one intermediate component and being arranged in a shoulder contact in a joint between two drill rods, Figure 11 is a schematic side view of a release 20 assembly arranged inside a coupling sleeve of a joint between two drill rods and having a bottom contact, Figure 12 is a schematic side view of a drill bit assembly of a DTH -drilling device, Figure 13 is a schematic and partially sectional 25 side view of a joint between a DTH -hammer and a drill bit assembly, wherein a release assembly has a shoulder contact, 5884676_1 (GHMatters) P98148.AU BELAG - 11 Figure 14 is a schematic and partially sectional side view of an alternative joint between a DTH -hammer and a drill bit assembly, wherein a release assembly has a bottom contact, and 5 Figure 15 is a schematic and partially sectional side view of an alternative joint between a DTH -hammer and a drill bit assembly, wherein a release assembly has an intermediate component provided with a tapered contact surface facing a drilling tool component. 10 For the sake of clarity, the figures show some embodiments of the disclosed solution in a simplified manner. In the figures, like reference numerals identify like elements. Detailed description of some embodiments 15 Figure 1 shows a rock drilling rig 1, comprising a rock drilling unit 2 which may be connected by means of a boom 3 to a movable carrier 4. The drilling unit 2 may comprise a feed beam 5 and a rock drilling machine 6 supported on it. The rock drilling machine 6 may be moved 20 on the feed beam 5 by means of a feed device 7. The rock drilling machine 6 comprises a shank 8 at a front end of the rock drilling machine 6 for connecting a tool 9. The tool 9 may comprise one or more drill rods 10 and a drill bit 11 located at a distal end of the tool 9. The rock 25 drilling machine 6 further comprises a rotating device 12 for rotating the shank 8 and the tool 9 connected to the shank 8. When the rock drilling is based on rotation R and feed F of the tool then the drilling is known as rotary drilling. However, the rock drilling machine 6 may also 30 comprise an impact device or percussion device 13 for generating impact pulses to the tool 9. When the rock drilling machine 6 is provided with the percussion device 5884676_1 (GHMatters) P98148.AU BELAG - 12 13, which is located on an opposite end of the tool 9 as compared to the drill bit 11, the drilling is known as top-hammer drilling. The tool 9, the drill rods 10 of the tool and the 5 drill bit 11 are drilling tool components 14, which are arranged axially and consecutively. Between the consecutive drilling tool components 14 are joints 15 for interconnecting the components. The joint 15 may comprise connecting threads allowing mounting and dismounting of 10 the joint by screwing the drilling tool components 14 relative to each other around the centre line of the tool 9. Further, the front end of the tool 9 may be connected to the shank 8 by means of a joint 15 comprising connecting threads. The connecting threads of the joints 15 15 may stuck, wherefore the joints 15 may be provided with a release assembly described in this application. At a drilling site, one or more drill holes 16 are drilled with the drilling unit 2. The drill holes 16 may be drilled in a vertical direction, as is shown in Figure 20 1, or alternatively, in a horizontal direction or in an angular direction. The drill holes 16 may be drilled to a rock material or soil. Figure 2 shows a drilling unit 2 for DTH -drilling. The drilling unit 2 differs from the one in Figure 1 in 25 such a way that the percussion device 41 is at the opposite end of the tool 9 in relation to the rotating device 12 or rotation unit. During drilling, the percussion device 41 is in the drill hole 16, and the drill bit 11 may be connected directly to the percussion 30 device 41. The drill bit 11 or a drill bit assembly may be connected to the percussion device 13 by means of a locking nut 37, known also as a driver sub. As it is shown in Figure 2, the tool 9 may comprise one or more drill 5884676_1 (GHMatters) P98148.AU BELAG - 13 rods 10 or tubes, which may be connected consecutively by means on joints 15 provided with connecting threads. Further, the rear end of the tool 9 may be connected to the shank 8 by means of a joint 15 also comprising 5 connecting threads. Between the locking nut 37 and a front end of the percussion device 41 is also a joint 15 with connecting threads. The connecting threads of the joints 15 may stuck, wherefore the joints 15 may be provided with a release assembly described in this application. The 10 tool, the extension drill tubes, the drill bit assembly and the percussion piston are all drilling tool components 14, which are arranged axially and one after the other and are used during drilling. Between the consecutive drilling tool components 14 are joints 15 for connecting the 15 components to each other. Figure 3 discloses a release assembly 18 in a simplified manner. In this embodiment the release assembly 18 is arranged in a joint 15 between two consecutive axial drilling tool components 14a and 14b, which are in this 20 particular example a drill tube 10 and a drill bit 11 provided with a fastening part 19. An outer surface of the fastening part 19 is provided with outer connecting threads 20 and the drill tube 10 is provided with inner connecting threads 21. The connecting threads 20, 21 match 25 to each other and they have a first pitch angle Pl. The release assembly 18 may comprise a first intermediate component 22a and a second intermediate component 22b, which are separate from the drilling tool components 14a, 14b. The intermediate components 22a, 22b have contact 30 surfaces 24 facing the drilling tool components 14. The intermediate components 22a, 22b comprise counter elements facing towards each other and comprising a release mechanism 25 allowing an initial axial length Li to be shortened in response to turning the connecting threads 35 20, 21 of the joint 15 in an opening direction Ro. The 5884676_1 (GHMatters) P98148.AU BELAG - 14 shortened axial length L2 after execution of the release mechanism 25 is shown in Figure 3, too. A closing direction Rc is also indicated in the Figure. In the disclosed embodiment of Figure 3 the counter 5 elements of the release mechanism 25 are a first counter surface 26 and a second counter surface 27, which are facing each other. The first counter surface 26 and the second counter surface 27 are both provided with one or more inclined flank surfaces. The connecting threads 20, 10 21 have a first handedness and the inclined flank surfaces of the counter surfaces 27, 28 have a second handedness. When the connecting threads are right-handed, the inclined flank surfaces are left-handed, and vice versa. The inclined flank surfaces of the counter surfaces 26, 27 15 have a second pitch angle P2. The second pitch angle P2 is greater than the first pitch angle P1 of the connecting threads 20, 21, as is clearly shown in Figure 3. The first counter surface 26 may comprise a first transverse surface 28 and the second counter surface 27 20 may comprise a second transverse surface 29, which are facing each other. The transverse surfaces 28, 29 define a space 30 inside which is arranged a flexible member 31. The flexible member 31 occupies a distance Dl between the transverse surfaces 28, 29. 25 When the first counter surface 26 and the second counter surface 27 are turned relative to each other in a closing direction Rc, the axial length of the release assembly 18 is lengthened. The release assembly 18 then has the initial length Li. When the joint 15 opened and 30 the first counter surface 26 is turned relative to the second counter surface 27 in an opening direction Ro, the axial length of the release assembly 18 is shortened. The release assembly 18 then has the second axial length L2 5884676_1 (GHMatters) P98148.AU BELAG - 15 and as a consequence of that, friction forces are decreased in the joint 15 allowing easy opening of the joint 15. The flexible member 31 allows the relative movement of the intermediate components 22a, 22b towards 5 the opening direction Ro. The flexible member 31 may be a separate piece arranged in the space 30. The flexible member may be a rubber piece, for example. Let it further be mentioned that the intermediate components 22a, 22b may be sleeve-like pieces having an 10 outer diameter 32 and an inner diameter 33. However, other shapes and forms are also possible. An additional embodiment may comprise only one intermediate component 22a or 22b since one of the drill tool components 14a or 14b may have an integrated counter surface 26 or 27. 15 In Figure 4 the release assembly 18 is turned towards the opening direction Ro whereby the transverse surfaces 28 and 29 are moved towards each other and the space 31 occupied by the flexible member 30 has a decreased distance D2. The flexible member 31 may change 20 its shape or may compress, depending on the structure and material used. In this embodiment the flexible member 31 is flattened allowing the relative movement of the intermediate components 22a, 22b and shortening Ls of length of the release assembly 18. The initial position of 25 the first transverse surface 28 is shown in dotted lines. In Figure 5 the flexible member 31 of the release assembly 18 is a spring arranged in the space 30. The spring may be a spiral spring, for example. In Figure 6 the flexible member 31 is a flexible 30 material cast, injected or otherwise arranged in the space 30. The flexible material filling the space 30 may be polyurethane, for example. The flexible material may 5884676_1 (GHMatters) P98148.AU BELAG - 16 combine the transverse surfaces 28, 29 together, whereby the intermediate components 22a, 22b are connected to form one uniform object. Figure 6 further differs from the solutions disclosed in Figures 3 - 5 in that the inclined 5 flank surfaces of the counter surfaces 26, 27 are opposite in handedness. The handedness of the inclined flank surfaces may be designed according to the handedness of the connecting threads. The handedness is shown in Figures of this application only by way of example. The handedness 10 of the release assembly 18 has no effect on other features shown in the Figures. Figure 7a shows that the intermediate component 22 may comprise several inclined flank surfaces and transverse surfaces 29 in the counter surface 27. In the 15 solution shown in Figure 7a the counter surface 27 is divided into four sections, but the number of sections may be 2 or 3, or more than 4. In Figure 7b the intermediate component 22 is formed of two halves 23a and 23b. It is also possible to 20 form the intermediate component of even more than two pieces. Figure 7b further shows that the transverse surfaces 29 may be coated with a flexible material, whereby the flexible member 31 is integrated to the intermediate component. 25 Figure 7c further shows that the intermediate component 22 may have a form different from a basic sleeve. The intermediate component 23 may have a slot 32, whereby the outer periphery is not closed. On the other hand the outer surface of the release assembly 18 needs 30 not to be circular but may have any suitable form. Figures 8a and 8b show that the contact surface 24 of the intermediate component 22 may comprise one or more 5884676_1 (GHMatters) P98148.AU BELAG - 17 friction zones 33, which all have an increased friction coefficient compared to a friction coefficient of the basic material of the intermediate component. The friction zone 33 may comprise a knurling or other surface 5 treatment, or alternatively, it may comprise a coating. Figure 9 shows a release assembly 18 arranged in a joint 15 between two drill rods or tubes of an extension drilling tool. The first drill tool component 14a may have a shoulder 34 against which the release assembly 18 is 10 arranged. Figure 10 shows an alternative embodiment of the solution of Figure 9. The release assembly 18 comprises only one intermediate component 22b since the first counter surface 26 and the first transverse surface 28 are 15 integrated to an end face of the first drilling tool component 14a. Figure 11 shows a joint 15 wherein the second drill tool component 22b comprises a connecting sleeve 35. The release assembly 18 may be located at the bottom of the 20 connecting sleeve 35. Figures 9 - 11 may relate to top-hammer solutions, where the connecting threads are typically left-handed wherefore the inclined surfaces of the release assembly 18 are right-handed. 25 Figure 12 discloses a drilling tool assembly 36 comprising a drill bit 11 and a locking nut 37. The drill bit 11 may comprise a fastening part 19 around which a fastening portion 38 of the locking nut 37 may be arranged. The fastening portion 38 is provided with 30 connecting threads 20. The locking nut 37 may further comprise a gripping portion 39. At a distal end of the 5884676_1 (GHMatters) P98148.AU BELAG - 18 fastening part 19 of the drill bit 11 is an impact surface 40 for receiving impact pulses. The fastening part 19 may slide axially relative to the locking nut 37 during the operation of the percussion device 41. 5 Figure 13 shows that a release assembly 18 may be placed between a down-the-hole percussion device 41 and a drilling tool assembly 36. The DTH percussion device 41 comprises a percussion piston 42 arranged to strike the impact surface 40 of the drilling tool assembly 36. The 10 connecting threads 20 of the drilling tool assembly 36 are connected to connecting threads provided on an inner surface of the percussion device 41. The release assembly 18 allows easy opening of the connecting threads according to the principles described above in this application. 15 In Figure 14 the release assembly 18 is located in an alternative position as compared to the solution of Figure 13. The release assembly 18 is inside the percussion device 41 between a retaining element 43 and an end surface 44 of the fastening portion 38 of the locking 20 nut 37. In Figure 14 the release assembly 18 has a bottom contact with the drilling tool components 14a, 14b of the joint 15, whereas in Figure 13 a shoulder contact is applied. In Figures 13 and 14 the second intermediate 25 component 22b of the release assembly 18 may be an integrated part of the locking nut 37. Then an upper surface of the gripping portion 39 may comprise elements needed for acting as a part of the release mechanism. Figure 15 shows a joint 15, which has almost the 30 same features as shown in the solution of Figure 13. However, in Figure 15 the second intermediate component 22b of the release assembly 18 has a tapered contact 5884676_1 (GHMatters) P98148.AU BELAG - 19 surface 24t against the gripping part 39 of the locking nut 37. Alternatively or in addition to, the contact surface 24 of the first intermediate component 22a may also have a tapered shape. Then, of course, the 5 corresponding surfaces of the drilling tool components 14a, 14b facing the release assembly need to be tapered too. Furthermore, one could consider applying the disclosed tapered contact surfaces also at least in solutions of Figures 3, 9 and 10. 10 Figures 12 - 15 relate to DTH -hammer solutions, where the connecting threads are typically right-handed wherefore the inclined surfaces of the release assembly 18 are left-handed. The drawings and the related description are only 15 intended to illustrate the idea of the invention. In its details, the invention may vary within the scope of the claims. In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context 20 requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further 25 features in various embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia 30 or any other country. 5884676_1 (GHMatters) P98148.AU BELAG

Claims

1. A release assembly of a drilling tool for rock and overburden drilling, wherein the release assembly is to be arranged 5 axially between two drilling tool components connectable together at a joint by means of connecting threads; the release assembly comprises a first counter element and a second counter element; the first counter element and a second counter 10 element are counter surfaces, which are facing each other; at least one of the mentioned first and second counter elements is arranged in an intermediate component separate from the drilling tool components; the intermediate component has a contact surface 15 facing the drilling component; and between the first counter element and the second counter element is formed a release mechanism allowing an axial length of the release assembly to be shortened in response to turning the connecting threads of the joint in 20 an opening direction; whe r e in the connecting threads of the joint have a first handedness; and the first counter surface and second counter 25 surface are both provided with at least one inclined flank 7682202_1 (GHMatters) P98148.AU PCABRAL - 21 surfaces having a second handedness opposite to the first handedness of the connecting threads, whereby the release assembly is arranged to be lengthened when the first counter surface and the second counter surface are turned 5 relative to each other in a closing direction of the first handedness, and is arranged to be shortened when turned in an opening direction of the first handedness.

2. The release assembly as claimed in claim 1, whe r e in 10 the release assembly comprises at least one first intermediate component and at least one second intermediate component, which both comprise counter surfaces facing each other, and which both comprise contact surfaces facing the drilling components of the 15 joint.

3. The release assembly as claimed in claim 1, whe r e in the release assembly comprises one single intermediate component; 20 the intermediate component is provided with the counter surface and the contact surface; and one of the connectable drilling components of the joint is provided with the second counter surface, whereby the second counter surface is an integrated part of the 25 drilling component.

4. The release assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, whe r e in 7682202_1 (GHMatters) P98148.AU PCABRAL - 22 the connecting threads have a first pitch angle; the inclined flank surfaces have a second pitch angle; and the second pitch angle is greater than the first 5 pitch angle.

5. The release assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, whe r e in the first counter surface is provided with at least one first transverse surface and the second counter 10 surface is provided with at least one second transverse surface, which are transverse to the inclined flank surfaces; the at least one first transverse surface is facing the at least one second transverse surface; and 15 at least one flexible member is between the at least one first transverse surface and the at least one second transverse surface thus occupying a distance between the transverse surfaces.

6. The release assembly as claimed in claim 5, 20 wherein at least one separate resilient element serves as the flexible member.

7. The release assembly as claimed in claim 5, whe r e in 7682202_1 (GHMatters) P98148.AU PCABRAL - 23 at least one of the transverse surfaces is covered by a resilient material, which serves as the flexible member.

8. The release assembly as claimed in any one of 5 the preceding claims, whe r e in at least one contact surface is provided with at least one friction zone having intentionally increased surface roughness or is covered with material having a greater friction coefficient compared to the basic 10 material of the intermediate component.

9. The release assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, whe r e in at least one contact surface is tapered.

10. A use of the release assembly as claimed in any 15 one of the preceding claims, in clu din g using the release assembly in down-the-hole drilling, wherein the release assembly is arranged between a drill bit assembly and a down-the-hole percussion 20 device, and wherein the drill bit assembly comprises a drill bit and fastening members for fastening the drill bit.

11. The use according to claim 10, in clu din g arranging the release assembly between a locking 25 nut of the drill bit assembly and the down-the-hole percussion device. 7682202_1 (GHMatters) P98148.AU PCABRAL - 24

12. A use of the release assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, in clu din g using the release assembly in extension drilling, 5 wherein the release assembly is arranged between two successive drilling components.

13. A use of the release assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, including using the release assembly in rotary drilling, 10 wherein the release assembly is between a rotating unit and a drill bit.

14. A method of forming a drilling tool for rock or overburden drilling; the method comprising: connecting and detaching at least two drilling tool 15 components to each other by means of a thread joint comprising connecting threads; turning the drilling tool components relative to each during the connection and detaching; ensuring opening of the thread joint by arranging a 20 release assembly to the joint between the successive drilling tool components; and rotating the thread joint in an opening direction and allowing simultaneously an axial length of the release assembly to shorten, whereby frictional forces in the 25 thread joint decrease; 7682202_1 (GHMatters) P98148.AU PCABRAL - 25 including arranging between the successive drilling tool components the release assembly, which is in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 9. 5 7682202_1 (GHMatters) P98148.AU PCABRAL