Cutting head for excavator and corresponding excavator

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cutting head (1) for an excavation machine (6) for forming a vertical trench, which: - At least two drums (8, 12) positioned side by side and configured to rotate each around two rotation axes extending substantially along the horizontal direction; and - A support member (2) intended to be mounted on the frame of an excavation machine from the upper side, wherein the drum is mounted on the lower side of the support member, - At least two motor assemblies (12, 14) having drive shafts (12a, 14a) and mounted on the upper part (2b) of a support and configured to rotate and drive the at least two drums, and - It includes means (16a, 16b) mounted on the upper part of the support body for mounting and detaching a cutting head on the frame. The mounting and detaching means (16a, 16b) are located between two planes defined by the first driving shaft (12a) and the horizontal direction, and by the second driving shaft (14a) and the horizontal direction, respectively. The present invention also relates to an excavation machine comprising such a cutting head.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of soil excavation and cutting machines equipped with rotary milling cutters, in particular to the field of machines for forming trenches and diaphragm walls in soil. More specifically, the present invention relates to the field of cutting heads for such excavation machines. Background Technology

[0002] To form a continuous underground wall, it is first necessary to excavate a trench corresponding to the geometric shape of the wall to be formed. Then, to obtain the continuous underground wall, the trench is filled with grout or, in some cases, concrete provided with reinforcement.

[0003] When a wall must be formed with a constant depth and high accuracy, a milling cutter type excavator equipped with two rotary assemblies, each with a cutting head and an excavation tool, is most commonly used. These tools crush soil or rock under the action of vertical thrust, which generates a significant amount of excavation debris. During the drilling operation, the trench is kept filled with drilling fluid. Then, the drilling debris present in the drilling fluid is discharged out of the trench by pumping.

[0004] One example is described specifically in document EP 1 486 620, wherein a carrier equipped with a boom comprises the excavator itself mounted at the end of a suspension cable passing through the end of the boom. The excavator comprises a vertical frame, and a cutting head is mounted at the lower end of the vertical frame. The cutting head consists of two rotary cutting assemblies having horizontal rotational axes (X - X') that are essentially parallel to each other. Preferably, each rotary cutting assembly consists of two milling cutters or drums mounted symmetrically on the frame. The excavator also comprises a suction port positioned at the lower end of the frame between the two rotary cutting assemblies for the purpose of bringing excavation debris to the surface, and a suction line connecting the suction port to a suction device, e.g., a pump.

[0005] The excavator of document EP 1 486 620 includes a frame combined with a detachable cutting head. The detachable cutting head includes two rotary assemblies mounted on the lower part of a plate, which is equipped with means for fixing to the frame of the excavator, together with an associated motor. This excavator allows the rotary assemblies of the excavator to be replaced quickly and easily, particularly by replacing the cutting head, so as to be adapted to the type of soil to be excavated.

[0006] However, even if such cutting heads are kept easy to replace, it is still difficult to change them themselves. In particular, due to constraints related to the detachable side of the cutting head assembly, the various means are not properly arranged, which limits their separation or replacement, whether for repair or adaptation to external constraints.

[0007] The present invention aims to solve the various technical problems mentioned above. In particular, the present invention aims to propose an excavation machine that facilitates maintenance work to be performed on the cutting head and enables rapid and easy adaptation to different types of soil.

[0008] Accordingly, according to one embodiment, a cutting head for an excavation machine for forming a vertical trench is proposed, which includes the following:

[0009] - At least a first drum and a second drum positioned side by side and in close proximity to each other and configured to rotate about a first rotation axis and a second rotation axis, respectively, wherein the first and second rotation axes are different from each other and extend substantially along a horizontal direction, and

[0010] - A support body comprising an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the support body is intended to be mounted on the frame of an excavation machine from the upper portion, and the first and second drums are mounted on the lower portion of the support body.

[0011] - At least a first motor assembly and a second motor assembly, particularly a hydraulic or electric motor assembly, each mounted on the upper part of the support and comprising a first drive shaft and a second drive shaft, respectively, wherein at least two drums are rotationally driven by at least two motor assemblies, and

[0012] - As a means for mounting and detaching a cutting head on the frame of an excavation machine, the mounting and detaching means, in particular all mounting and detaching means, are mounted on the upper part of the support.

[0013] The mounting and detaching means is positioned between two planes defined by the first drive shaft and the horizontal direction and by the second drive shaft and the horizontal direction, respectively, when the cutting head is viewed along the horizontal direction of the first and second rotational axes, for example, between two planes that are substantially perpendicular to the first and second rotational axes.

[0014] In addition, all mounting and detaching means are mounted, specifically, fixed to the upper side of the support. Thus, the cutting head is designed to allow easy access to its motor assembly while maintaining its mounting and detaching functions to the frame of the excavator. More specifically, the motor assembly of the cutting head is located on the cutting head, on both sides of the mounting and detaching means, that is, on the upper side of the cutting head where the cutting head is mounted to the frame of the excavator. The motor assembly is no longer located inside the corresponding drum, which would require prior separation of the drum to access the motor assembly. Thus, the motor assembly is directly accessible after the cutting head is separated, or even when the cutting head is mounted to the frame, and the mounting and detaching means are gathered in the central part of the upper side of the cutting head along with other means for cooperation with the frame.

[0015] Preferably, the mounting and detaching means are located between the at least two motor assemblies when the cutting head is seen along the horizontal direction of the first and second rotational axes.

[0016] Preferably, mounting and detaching means are provided between the two motor assemblies of the cutting head: thus, lateral ends on the upper part of the cutting head are provided only for the motor assemblies.

[0017] Preferably, the cutting head also includes a suction port mounted between the first drum and the second drum. The connection area between the mounting and detaching means and the suction port is located between the two motor assemblies when the cutting head is viewed along the horizontal direction of the first and second rotational axes.

[0018] Accordingly, the connection area of ​​the features cooperating with the frame of the excavation machine, namely the mounting / detachment means and the suction port, is provided in the central part of the upper portion of the cutting head, while the ends are occupied solely or mainly by the motor assembly.

[0019] Preferably, two motor assemblies are mounted on the upper side of the support such that the drive shaft of each motor assembly, particularly a straight or linear one, intersects the rotation axis of the corresponding drum.

[0020] To limit the mechanical connection between the motor assembly and the drum driven by the motor assembly, the motor assembly includes a drive shaft, particularly straight or linear, that intersects the rotational axis of the corresponding drum. Then, at the intersection, it is sufficient to provide only one mechanical linkage between the drive shaft and the rotational axis, for example, a bevel gear and / or one or more reduction gears, particularly a planetary reduction gear.

[0021] Preferably, the drive shaft of each motor assembly extends substantially along a vertical direction or a direction inclined relative to the vertical direction.

[0022] In use, the excavation machine extends substantially along a vertical direction to form a trench: thus, the cutting head is positioned below the frame, and the upper part of the support is oriented higher than the lower part. Accordingly, the motor assembly is positioned substantially above the corresponding drum, and the drive shaft extends along a substantially vertical direction or a direction inclined relative to the vertical, intersecting the rotational axis of the corresponding drum.

[0023] Preferably, the drive shaft of each motor assembly extends in a plane substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis of the corresponding drum.

[0024] Therefore, when in use, since the rotational axis of the drum will be substantially parallel and horizontal, the drive shaft of the motor assembly will extend within a substantially vertical plane. While the drive shaft remains perpendicular to the rotational axis of the drum, it may be vertical or inclined relative to the vertical.

[0025] Preferably, the drive shaft of the motor assembly extends in the same plane along the secant direction such that the distance between the two drive shafts at the level of the motor assembly is greater than the distance between the rotation axis of the corresponding drum and the intersection points of the drive shafts.

[0026] For example, the drive shaft of each motor assembly may extend in a vertical plane along a direction inclined relative to the vertical, such that the distance between the two drive shafts decreases as it goes downward, that is, as it goes further away from the motor assembly toward the drum.

[0027] In order to increase the space provided for mounting / detaching means and any other means between two motor assemblies, they may be provided mounted in an inclined manner on the upper side of the cutting head such that their drive shafts are angled toward the direction in which the excavator in use extends, i.e., the vertical direction. The inclination of the mounting of the motor assemblies causes the motor assemblies to move apart from each other while maintaining a drive shaft that intersects the rotational axis of the corresponding drum, thereby allowing more space to be secured between them for mounting / detaching means and other means cooperating with the frame of the excavator.

[0028] Preferably, each motor assembly includes a drive shaft substantially perpendicular to the bearing surface of the motor assembly located on the upper side of the support, and at least one motor assembly, preferably each motor assembly, is mounted obliquely on the upper side of the support, for example, mounted on an oblique portion of the upper side of the support.

[0029] Accordingly, the upper portion of the support may include inclined sections for mounting a motor assembly at a determined incline. In particular, such a support allows a conventional motor assembly, in which a drive shaft is perpendicular to the mounting surface, to be mounted therein, and enables the angle of inclination of the motor assembly at the level of the support to be determined by the geometric shape of the inclined section of the upper portion of the support.

[0030] Preferably, the mounting and detaching means comprises at least two pins or lugs that extend substantially along a vertical direction, preferably vertically to the upper part of the support.

[0031] Accordingly, the mounting and detaching means may be a mechanical means extending upward from the upper portion of the support in a protruding manner so as to cooperate with a corresponding means of the frame, e.g., a locking means. In particular, such a mechanical means is sufficiently rigid to enable a mechanical connection between the frame and the cutting head, while maintaining a small footprint at the level of the upper portion of the support. However, the mounting and detaching means is not limited to mechanical coupling means and may include electrical coupling means and / or hydraulic coupling means.

[0032] According to another embodiment, an excavation machine comprising a frame and a cutting head as described above is also proposed.

[0033] Therefore, this excavation machine allows the benefit of a detachable and easily changeable cutting head.

[0034] Preferably, the excavation machine also includes peripheral protection means located around the motor assembly between the upper part of the support and the frame.

[0035] To facilitate the replacement of one or more motor assemblies, they may be mounted on the upper portion so as to remain accessible when the cutting head is separated from the frame, or even when the cutting head is mounted on the frame. However, to protect the motor assembly during use, the excavator may include protective means positioned between the support and the frame that surround the motor assembly in the operating configuration. These peripheral protective means, in particular, may detach from the cutting head when the cutting head is separated from the frame, thereby making the motor assembly easily accessible again.

[0036] Preferably, the frame includes a locking means configured to cooperate with means for mounting and detaching a cutting head, for example, a key operated by a motor means such as a cylinder to be inserted into a corresponding orifice of the mounting and detaching means.

[0037] To secure the cutting head to the frame, the frame may include a locking means intended to cooperate with means for mounting and detaching the cutting head. For example, if the mounting and detaching means is a pin or lug extending vertically from the upper part of the support having a transverse through-orifice, the locking means may include a key having a geometric shape corresponding to the transverse through-orifice so as to cooperate with the transverse through-orifice. Thus, to mechanically lock the cutting head, it is sufficient to move the key into the orifice of the corresponding pin or lug, and to mechanically detach the cutting head, it is sufficient to remove the key from the corresponding orifice.

[0038] Preferably, the key and orifice have a complementary pyramidal or conical shape.

[0039] To facilitate the movement of the key within the orifice while limiting the clearance between the cutting head and the frame, the key and the orifice may have a pyramidal or conical shape. These shapes, in particular, provide a significant clearance when the key enters the orifice, and zero (0) or small clearance when the key is fully inserted into the orifice.

[0040] Preferably, the locking means moves along a direction substantially parallel to the horizontal direction to cooperate with the means for mounting and detaching the cutting head.

[0041] In order to secure space for the connection area of ​​the motor assembly and, in some cases, the suction port, the locking means may be configured to move along a direction substantially parallel to the rotational axis of the drum with respect to the means for mounting and detaching the cutting head. Thus, the occupied space along the direction passing through the two motor assemblies can be reduced. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0042] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a first embodiment of a cutting head according to the present invention; FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a second embodiment of a cutting head according to the present invention; FIG. 3 is a partially exploded schematic diagram of an excavation machine equipped with a cutting head as shown in FIG. 2; FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a cutting head schematically illustrated in FIG. 2; FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a portion of the cutting head of FIG. 4 having a locking means cooperating with a mounting and detaching means; and Figure 6 shows an overall drawing of a carrier including an excavation machine. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0043] FIG. 6 illustrates an overall track carrier (A) intended to form a substantially vertical trench for the purpose of forming a continuous underground wall preferably of a considerable depth, for example, at least 20 meters.

[0044] The crawler carrier (A) includes a boom (B), from which the excavator frame (C) is suspended by a cable. In particular, the cable allows the excavator to be lowered as the trench is formed by unwinding the reel (G).

[0045] A cutting head (1) equipped with two pairs of drums or milling wheels (D) having a horizontal axis is located at the bottom of the frame (C). The drums (D) are driven by an electric or hydraulic motor and are equipped with teeth distributed around their circumference intended to excavate soil.

[0046] In addition, a hydraulic or electric pump (E) is installed on the drum (D) on the frame (C). This pump (E) sucks in particles cut by the drum and allows them to be discharged to the surface through the discharge pipe (F).

[0047] The cutting head (1) will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5.

[0048] The cutting head (1) includes a support (2) intended to enable mounting of various members of the cutting head (1), and the support is also configured to enable connection to a frame (4) to form an excavation machine (6) as shown in FIG. 3.

[0049] The cutting head (1) includes two drums (8, 10) that are driven by two motor assemblies (12, 14) that are mounted on the support (2) in particular and are also mounted on the support (2).

[0050] For the sake of clarity of explanation, the following description will assume that the excavator (6) extends substantially along a vertical direction and that the drums (8, 10) rotate around a rotation axis that is substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the direction of the excavator (6), that is, substantially horizontal and therefore extends along the same horizontal direction. However, the following description is not limited to this configuration and includes other geometric shapes and corresponding adaptations.

[0051] In the following description, the support member (2) is to be considered to include, in particular, a plate (2a), an upper portion (2b), and a lower portion (2c). In particular, the upper portion (2b) of the support member (2) may correspond to the upper surface of the plate (2a), while the lower portion (2c) may include, for example, an extension perpendicular to the plate (2a) and mounted on the lower surface of the plate (2a).

[0052] The first drum (8) is mounted on the support (2), more specifically on the lower part (2c) of the support (2), that is, under the plate (2a) of the support (2). The first drum (8) has an overall cylindrical shape and is configured to rotate around a rotation axis (8a).

[0053] The first drum (8) typically comprises a proximal end substantially extending in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation (8a), and a distal end substantially extending in a plane opposite to the proximal end and parallel to the plane of the proximal end. The proximal end and the distal end substantially limit the width of the first drum (8) in the direction of the axis of rotation (8a). Thus, since the axis of rotation (8a) of the first drum (8) is intended to be substantially horizontal during use, the proximal end and the distal end extend substantially vertically when the first drum (8) is mounted on the cutting head (1) and used.

[0054] In order to enable mounting and rotational driving of the first drum (8), the cutting head (1) includes a cooperative means (not shown) on which the first drum (8) is mounted. More specifically, the first drum (8) is mounted to the cutting head (1) by its proximal end, while its distal end extends to the opposite side of the cutting head (1).

[0055] Additionally, the first drum (8) also includes a excavation tool, for example, a tooth (see FIG. 4) mounted on a tooth holder along its circumference, which is rotatably driven by the first drum (8) to excavate soil during excavation. The tooth and the tooth holder may extend within different excavation planes distributed across the width of the first drum (8) and perpendicular to the rotational axis (8a) of the first drum (8). The tooth holder and the tooth may form a ring extending along the entire circumference of the first drum (8), or may form only a segment that partially surrounds the first drum (8).

[0056] Therefore, the teeth at the distal end enable excavation at the sidewall position of the trench formed by the excavation machine, while the teeth located at the level of the proximal end or between the proximal and distal ends enable excavation of the interior of the trench formed by the excavation machine.

[0057] The first drum (8) is rotated by the first motor assembly (12). The first motor assembly (12) is mounted on the support (2), particularly on the upper portion (2b). The first motor assembly (12) includes a drive shaft (12a) that is particularly linear or straight and connected to the first drum (8), thereby causing the motor assembly (12) to rotate the first drum (8). As the first motor assembly (12) is positioned on the first drum (8) in this manner, the drive shaft (12a) extends in a plane (R) that is perpendicular and substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis (8a) of the first drum (8).

[0058] For example, the drive shaft (12a) may intersect the rotational axis (8a) of the first drum (8) at a first intersection, where the mechanical connection may be implemented by a bevel gear and / or reduction gear, particularly a planetary reduction gear. Then, a direct mechanical connection exists between the motor assembly (12) and the corresponding drum (8).

[0059] Although the above description was made for a single drum (8) mounted on a rotation axis (8a) and driven by a motor assembly (12), the cutting head (1) may include two first drums (8) mounted on the same rotation axis (8a) on both sides of the lower part (2c), for example, and both driven by a first motor assembly (12).

[0060] The second drum (10) is mounted on the support (2), more specifically on the lower part (2c) of the support (2), that is, below the plate (2a) of the support (2). The second drum (10) has an overall cylindrical shape and is configured to rotate around a rotation axis (10a).

[0061] The second drum (10) typically comprises a proximal end substantially extending in a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis (10a), and a distal end substantially extending in a plane opposite to the proximal end and parallel to the plane of the proximal end. The proximal end and the distal end substantially limit the width of the second drum (10) in the direction of the rotation axis (10a). Thus, since the rotation axis (10a) of the second drum (10) is intended to be substantially horizontal during use, the proximal end and the distal end extend substantially vertically when the second drum (10) is mounted on the cutting head (1) and used.

[0062] In order to enable mounting and rotational driving of the second drum (10), the cutting head (1) includes a cooperative means (not shown) on which the second drum (10) is mounted. More specifically, the second drum (10) is mounted to the cutting head (1) by its proximal end, while its distal end extends to the opposite side of the cutting head (1).

[0063] Additionally, the second drum (10) also includes a excavation tool along its circumference, for example, a tooth mounted on a tooth holder (see FIG. 4), which is rotatably driven by the second drum (10) to excavate soil during excavation. The tooth and the tooth holder may extend within different excavation planes distributed across the width of the second drum (10) and perpendicular to the rotational axis (10a) of the second drum (10). The tooth holder and the tooth may form a ring extending along the entire circumference of the second drum (10), or may form only a segment that partially surrounds the second drum (10).

[0064] Therefore, the teeth at the distal end enable excavation at the level of the sidewall of the trench formed by the excavation machine, while the teeth located at the level of the proximal end or between the proximal and distal ends enable excavation of the interior of the trench formed by the excavation machine.

[0065] The second drum (10) is rotationally driven by the second motor assembly (14). The second motor assembly (14) is mounted on the support (2), particularly on the upper portion (2b). The second motor assembly (14) includes a drive shaft (14a) that is particularly linear or straight and connected to the second drum (10), thereby causing the motor assembly (14) to rotationally drive the second drum (10). As the second motor assembly (14) is positioned on the second drum (10) in this manner, the drive shaft (14a) extends in a plane (R) that is perpendicular and substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis (10a) of the second drum (10).

[0066] For example, the drive shaft (14a) may intersect the rotational axis (10a) of the second drum (10) at the first intersection, where the mechanical connection may be implemented by a bevel gear. Then, between the motor assembly (14) and the corresponding drum (10), there exists a direct mechanical connection through a single gear without requiring another mechanical connection that may or may not limit the transmission of power.

[0067] The above description was made for a single second drum (10) mounted on a rotation axis (10a) and driven by a motor assembly (14), but the cutting head (1) may include two second drums (10) mounted on the same rotation axis (10a) on both sides of the lower part (2c), for example, and both driven by a second motor assembly (14).

[0068] The first and second drums (8, 10) are mounted side by side on the support (2), that is, their respective rotational axes are substantially parallel to each other and are in the same horizontal plane.

[0069] The cutting head (1) is detachably mounted to the frame (4). Accordingly, the cutting head (1) includes mounting / detachment means (16), particularly mechanical means, for reversibly securing the cutting head (1) to the frame (4). In particular, these mounting / detachment means (16) allow for the rapid replacement of the cutting tool used for soil excavation, particularly depending on the type of soil, by simply replacing the cutting head (1) instead of separating and replacing the various drums and / or teeth of the cutting head (1).

[0070] The mounting / detaching means (16) may include two lugs or pins (16a, 16b) intended to cooperate with, for example, a corresponding locking means (18) provided on the frame (4) (see FIG. 3 and FIG. 5). To facilitate cooperation of the pins (16a, 16b) within the corresponding locking means (18), the pins (16a, 16b) may have a generally conical shape to provide a greater displacement clearance at the start of insertion than at the end of insertion. The pins (16a, 16b) may also include transverse through-openings (20a, 20b) (see FIG. 4) for locking with the locking means (18) of the frame (4).

[0071] The lower part of the frame (4) includes a locking means (18). Thus, the locking means (18) may include a lower opening intended to receive pins (16a, 16b). Near this lower opening, the locking means (18) may also include a cylinder, for example, a hydraulic cylinder (22), configured to move a metal key (24) fixed to the rod of each cylinder. The metal key (24) may have a width substantially smaller than the width of the transverse through-opening (20a, 20b) of the corresponding pin (16a, 16b), and a length extending along the same horizontal direction as the rotation axis (8a, 10a) of the drum (8, 10).

[0072] In addition to the mounting and detaching means (16), the cutting head (1) may also include a suction port that is opened between two drums (8, 10) at the lower part (2c) of the support (2) to suck up excavated debris formed by the drums (8, 10), and is connected to a connection area (26) located between two motor assemblies (12, 14) at the upper part (2b) of the support (2), enabling connection of a suction layer to a suction pump mounted on the frame (4) through a suction line.

[0073] Finally, to protect the motor assembly (12, 14) of the cutting head (1), the excavating machine (6) may include a peripheral protection means (28) configured to be positioned between the frame (4) and the cutting head (1) locked to the frame (4) and extend over at least a portion of the perimeter of the motor assembly (12, 14). Thus, this peripheral protection means (28) allows the motor assembly (12, 14) to be protected without complicating separation or replacement from the support (2), as the peripheral protection means (28) is blocked between the frame (4) and the cutting head (1) and can therefore be kept in place within the complete excavating machine without requiring additional fixing means.

[0074] In the first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the drive shafts (12a, 14a) are oriented substantially vertically. Accordingly, the drive shaft (12a) of the first drive assembly (12) extends within a first vertical plane (P) including a rotation axis (8a), while the drive shaft (14a) of the second drive assembly (14) extends within a second vertical plane (P') including a rotation axis (10a). Each of the motor assemblies (12, 14) includes a seating surface (12b, 14b) that is mounted on the upper portion (2b) of the support and is substantially perpendicular to the corresponding drive shaft (12a, 14a).

[0075] To facilitate replacement of the motor assembly (12, 14), these are provided at the distal ends of the support (2), while the mounting and detaching means (16) as well as the connection area (26) of the suction port are provided in the central area of ​​the support (2).

[0076] More specifically, the mounting and detaching means (16), that is, all means for mounting and detaching the cutting head to the frame, as well as the connection area (26) connecting the suction port to the suction line, can be positioned between vertical planes (P, P') passing through the rotation axis (8a, 10a) of the drum at the upper part (2b) of the support (2), and can be fixed in particular. Thus, the mounting and detaching means (16) as well as the connection area (26) of the suction port are gathered at the center of the support (2), while the motor assembly is maintained in a position on the side for easy access.

[0077] However, depending on the size of the motor assembly (12, 14), this space between the planes (P and P') may be too small to allow the mounting and detaching means (16) as well as the connection area (26) of the intake port to be located therein.

[0078] In the second embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the drive shafts (12a, 14a) are maintained within a vertical plane (R) and are inclined with respect to the vertical direction while intersecting the corresponding rotational axis lines (8a, 10a). Thus, the drive shaft (12a) of the first drive assembly (12) defines a first plane (Q) inclined with respect to the vertical, together with the substantially horizontal direction of the first rotational axis line (8a) of the first drum (8), while the drive shaft (14a) of the second drive assembly (14) defines a second plane (Q') inclined with respect to the vertical, together with the substantially horizontal direction of the second rotational axis line (10a) of the second drum (10). The drive shafts (12a, 14a) of the drive assemblies (12, 14) extend within substantially the same vertical plane (R) perpendicular to the rotational axis (8a, 10a), but intersect at the level of the upper part (2b) of the support (2) such that the distance between the two drive shafts (12a, 14a) of the two motor assemblies (12, 14) is greater than the distance between the two rotational axis (8a, 10a). Thus, the space left free between the two motor assemblies (12, 14) at the upper part (2b) of the support (2) becomes larger, which facilitates the positioning of the mounting and detaching means (16).

[0079] For example, the upper portion (2b) of the support (2) may include two inclined portions intended to allow the motor assembly (12, 14) to be mounted by its seating surface (12b, 14b). These inclined portions are also provided to allow the driving shaft to be positioned in a direction that intersects the rotational axis of the corresponding drum when the motor assembly is mounted thereon.

[0080] In particular, the inclined portion of the support (2) allows a conventional motor assembly, i.e., a motor assembly having a mounting surface perpendicular to the drive shaft, to be installed on the cutting head (1), while also improving the available space, particularly for mounting / removing means. This facilitates maintenance of the motor assembly of the cutting head, not only for easy installation and removal of the motor assembly but also for the use of a standard motor assembly.

[0081] Accordingly, thanks to the cutting head according to the present invention, it becomes possible to have a cutting head that is easy to repair or maintain, and to have a cutting head that is easy and quick to detach and replaceable in order to adapt the excavation machine to the specifics of the soil to be excavated. In particular, the arrangement of various elements on the cutting head, particularly the motor assembly, facilitates access to different parts of the cutting head for possible replacement or maintenance.

Claims

Claim 1 A cutting head (1) for an excavation machine (6) for forming a vertical trench, comprising: at least a first drum (8) and a second drum (10) positioned side by side and in close proximity to each other and configured to rotate about a first rotation axis (8a) and a second rotation axis (10a), respectively, wherein the first and second rotation axes are different from each other and extend substantially along a horizontal direction; and a support (2) comprising an upper portion (2b) and a lower portion (2c), wherein the support is intended to be mounted on the frame (4) of the excavation machine from the upper portion, and the first and second drums are mounted on the lower portion (2c) of the support; and at least one first motor assembly (12) and a second motor assembly (14), particularly a hydraulic or electric assembly, which are mounted on the upper portion (2b) of the support and each comprise a first drive shaft (12a) and a second drive shaft (14a), respectively, wherein the at least two drums (8, 10) are A cutting head (1) that is rotatably driven by at least two motor assemblies (12, 14), and a mounting and detaching means (16) for mounting and detaching the cutting head to the frame of the excavation machine, wherein the mounting and detaching means (16) is mounted on the upper portion (2b) of the support, and wherein the mounting and detaching means (16) is positioned between two planes (Q, Q') defined by the first drive shaft (12a) and the horizontal direction and by the second drive shaft (14a) and the horizontal direction, respectively, when the cutting head (1) is viewed along the horizontal direction of the first and second rotational axes (8a, 10a), for example, between two planes (P, P') that are substantially perpendicular to the first and second rotational axes (8a, 10a). Claim 2 In claim 1, the mounting and detaching means (16) is a cutting head (1) positioned between the at least two motor assemblies (12, 14) when the cutting head is viewed along the horizontal direction of the first and second rotational axes. Claim 3 A cutting head (1) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a suction port mounted between the first and second drums (8, 10), wherein the connection area between the mounting and detaching means (16) and the suction port is located between the two motor assemblies (12, 14) when the cutting head (1) is viewed along the horizontal direction of the first and second rotational axes. Claim 4 A cutting head (1), wherein, in any one of claims 1 to 3, the two motor assemblies are mounted on the upper part (2b) of the support such that the drive shaft of each motor assembly intersects the rotation axis (8a, 10a) of the corresponding drum, and the drive shafts of the motor assemblies extend in the same plane (R) along the intersecting direction such that the distance between the two drive shafts (12a, 14a) at the level of the motor assemblies (12, 14) is greater than the distance between the intersection points of the drive shafts and the rotation axis (8a, 10a) of the corresponding drum. Claim 5 A cutting head (1), wherein the mounting and detaching means (16) comprises at least two pins (16a, 16b) extending substantially in a vertical direction, preferably perpendicular to the upper portion (6b) of the support. Claim 6 An excavation machine (6) comprising a frame (4) and a cutting head (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5. Claim 7 An excavation machine (6) according to claim 6, further comprising a peripheral protection means (28) positioned around a motor assembly (12, 14) between the upper part (2b) of the support and the frame (4). Claim 8 A digging machine (6) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the frame (4) comprises a locking means (18) configured to cooperate with a mounting and detaching means (16) for mounting and detaching the cutting head (1), and a key (24) operated by a motor means such as a cylinder (22) to be inserted into a corresponding orifice (20a, 20b) of the mounting and detaching means (16). Claim 9 In claim 8, the excavation machine (6) wherein the key (24) and the orifice (20a, 20b) have a complementary pyramidal or conical shape. Claim 10 In claim 8 or 9, the locking means (18) is a digging machine (6) that moves along a direction substantially parallel to the horizontal direction to cooperate with a mounting and detaching means (16) for mounting and detaching the cutting head.

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