Cutting tool for making a threaded pile in soil

The cutting tool addresses the energy and maintenance challenges of existing tools by using relative displacement to deploy and retract the groove tooth, resulting in a more efficient, lightweight, and low-maintenance solution for manufacturing threaded piles.

FR3154738A1Active Publication Date: 2025-05-02SOLETANCHE FREYSSINET SAS
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Patent Information

Application Number
FR2023011740
Authority / Receiving Office
FR · FR
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-10-27
Publication Date
2025-05-02
Estimated Expiration
2043-10-27

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing cutting tools for manufacturing threaded piles using the continuous auger method require electrical or hydraulic energy to deploy the grooved tooth, leading to increased size, weight, energy consumption, and maintenance needs, as well as risks associated with energy supply cables and mechanisms.

Method used

A cutting tool design that incorporates a grooved device with a mobile groove tooth, which is deployed or retracted through the relative displacement of the diving tube compared to the hollow soul, eliminating the need for external energy sources and reducing the number of parts and maintenance requirements.

Benefits of technology

The solution allows for efficient deployment and retraction of the groove tooth without external energy, reducing the tool's size, weight, and energy consumption, while minimizing maintenance needs and associated risks, thereby enhancing the manufacturing process for threaded piles.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

Cutting tool for manufacturing a threaded pile in soil Cutting tool (20) for manufacturing a threaded pile (P), comprising a cylindrical hollow core (22); a helical thread (24); a plunger tube (30) movable in translation inside said hollow core and comprising a lower tube portion (31) having a lateral wall (34) in which is formed an inclined groove as well as an injection orifice (35);and a grooving device (50) comprising a grooving tooth (52) movable between a retracted position and a deployed position, and an engagement portion (60), the cutting tool being configured to move from a first configuration to a second configuration by the relative translational movement of the plunger tube with respect to the hollow core, along said longitudinal direction, said engagement portion being configured to slide inside said groove, whereby the grooving tooth is moved between the retracted position and the deployed position, when the cutting tool is brought from the first configuration to the second configuration. Figure for the abbreviation: Fig. 1.;
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Description

Title of the invention: Cutting tool for manufacturing a threaded pile in soil Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of cutting tools for the manufacture of threaded piles in the ground, in particular by a method known as the continuous auger. The invention also relates to a machine comprising such a cutting tool.

[0002] Cutting tools for manufacturing threaded piles using the continuous auger method comprise a helical thread mounted on a cylindrical hollow core, allowing a cylindrical borehole to be made in the ground. In order to improve the anchoring of the pile in the ground, these cutting tools are further provided with a grooving tooth, also called a lug. This grooving tooth must be retractable so that it can be retracted during the drilling phase and thus avoid forming a groove in the ground during this stage. Indeed, the formation of a groove during drilling would have the consequence of destabilizing the surrounding ground, which would be detrimental to the good friction of the shaft of the threaded pile finally formed with the ground in place. When raising the cutting tool, the grooving tooth can be placed in the deployed position in order to form a helical groove in the internal face of the cylindrical borehole

[0003] The borehole and the groove formed in the inner face of the borehole are then immediately filled with concrete. This makes it possible to form a thread on the pile, without destabilizing the surrounding soil, with the result of improving the coefficient of friction of the pile with the soil. Concreting can be carried out by means of a plunger tube movable in translation inside the hollow core and provided with at least one injection orifice. In a known manner, the plunger tubes can take a retracted position and a deployed position in which the injection orifice opens out of the hollow core and allows the injection of concrete into the borehole. Prior art

[0004] Augers are known for making threaded piles which are equipped with retractable grooving teeth. These augers allow the grooving tooth to be deployed as needed, particularly when raising the auger, which makes it easier to make the groove.

[0005] In particular, an auger such as that described in document FR2889241 is known, comprising a hollow core and a helical thread. This auger further comprises a grooving lug having the shape of a cam pivotally mounted relative to the hollow core around a vertical axis. This grooving lug is driven in rotation by motor means, for example by a hydraulic cylinder, between a retracted position and a deployed position.

[0006] A disadvantage of this auger is that the motor means for deploying the grooving lug must be powered by electrical or hydraulic energy. The size, weight and energy consumption of the auger are therefore particularly significant. It is also necessary to provide the auger with hydraulic lines or electric cables, generally arranged inside the hollow core, in order to be able to supply these motor means with energy. These lines and / or cables further increase the size of the auger. In addition, the risk of incidents that could compromise the correct deployment of the grooving lug is increased, in particular given the electric cables and / or hydraulic lines that can be cut. The motor means also require regular maintenance.

[0007] Documents are also known describing a cutting head which makes it possible to dispense with the use of motor means for driving the grooving tooth, such as document EP2685006.

[0008] The cutting head of this document comprises a hollow core inside which is mounted a plunger tube movable in translation. The cutting head comprises a control system comprising a rack fixed on the plunger tube and a pinion configured to cooperate with the rack. The pinion is rotated by the rack during the translational movement of the plunger tube relative to the hollow core. Also, the grooving tooth is moved in translation by means of a connecting rod and a lever connected to the pinion.

[0009] A disadvantage of this control system is that it includes many parts that are susceptible to wear or breakage, potentially compromising the proper deployment of the grooving tooth. In addition, this control system requires regular maintenance to prevent the rack and pinion mechanism from seizing up. Furthermore, this control system is particularly heavy and bulky.

[0010] Furthermore, the document FR2854179 of the prior art provides for deploying a grooving tooth when moving a dip tube to the low position. This document, however, remains silent as to the solution for deploying the grooving tooth. Presentation of the invention

[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide a cutting tool for manufacturing a threaded pile in the ground which overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0012] To this end, the invention relates to a cutting tool for manufacturing a threaded pile in a ground, the cutting tool comprising: - a hollow cylindrical core having a lower end and extending in a longitudinal direction; - at least one helical thread mounted on an outer face of the hollow core and having a peripheral edge; - a dip tube configured to be connected to a fluid supply source, for example concrete, and being mounted to move in translation inside said hollow core, in said longitudinal direction, said dip tube comprising at least one lower tube portion having a side wall in which is formed a groove at least partly inclined relative to said longitudinal direction, an injection orifice being further provided in said side wall of the lower tube portion; and - a grooving device comprising a grooving tooth movable between a retracted position in which it extends inside a cylindrical volume defined by the peripheral edge of the helical thread, and a deployed position in which it protrudes outside said cylindrical volume, the grooving device further comprising an engagement portion integral with the grooving tooth, the cutting tool being configured to take at least a first configuration called drilling in which the dip tube is positioned so that said injection orifice extends inside the hollow core and a second configuration called injection in which the dip tube projects from the lower end of the hollow core, so that the injection orifice extends outside said hollow core,the cutting tool being configured to move from the first configuration to the second configuration by the relative translational movement of the dip tube relative to the hollow core, in said longitudinal direction, said engagement portion of the grooving device being configured to slide inside said groove of the dip tube, whereby the grooving tooth is moved between the retracted position and the deployed position, when the cutting tool is brought from the first configuration to the second configuration.

[0013] The cutting tool according to the invention is particularly suitable for the manufacture of threaded piles extending vertically in the ground. The cutting tool is preferably configured to equip a machine intended for the manufacture of a threaded pile in a ground.

[0014] Preferably, the cutting tool allows the manufacture of a threaded pile in a ground by the continuous auger method.

[0015] The assembly formed by the hollow core and the helical thread forms an auger. Preferably, the longitudinal direction of the hollow core is kept substantially vertical.

[0016] The hollow core is configured to be rotated about the longitudinal direction. The helical thread mounted on the outer face of the hollow core is thus rotated, which allows drilling to be carried out.

[0017] The hollow core advantageously has a proximal end configured to engage with a rotation head of a machine intended for manufacturing a threaded pile in a ground. Said rotation head makes it possible to drive the hollow core in rotation about the longitudinal direction.

[0018] The dip tube extends in said longitudinal direction, inside the hollow core. Preferably, but in a non-limiting manner, the dip tube is locked in rotation inside the hollow core. The hollow core advantageously has an internal housing, the shape of which corresponds to that of the dip tube and configured to receive said dip tube.

[0019] The dip tube has transverse dimensions, considered transversely to said longitudinal direction, which are less than the diameter of the hollow core.

[0020] In a non-limiting manner, the lower tube portion of the dip tube may have a circular section or a rectangular, square or any other polygonal shape. The dip tube advantageously has a length greater than the length of the hollow core.

[0021] In a non-limiting manner, the dip tube may comprise several tube portions. In a non-limiting manner, said tube portions may have different sections. Preferably, the dip tube comprises an upper tube portion and a lower tube portion. The upper tube portion of the dip tube advantageously has a circular section.

[0022] The dip tube is preferably configured to be connected to the fluid supply source via a supply line cooperating with the dip tube. The dip tube preferably has a proximal end configured to be connected to said fluid supply source, preferably via a supply line. The fluid is preferably concrete or a grout. The fluid supply source is preferably a concrete or grout supply source.

[0023] The dip tube advantageously has a distal end which is closed.

[0024] The injection orifice allows the injection of the fluid, in particular concrete, into the borehole, preferably during the raising of the cutting tool. The fluid is therefore injected in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the hollow core. The fluid is brought to the injection orifice via the interior of the dip tube. The fluid is advantageously conveyed from the proximal end of the dip tube. The fluid is injected into the borehole from the lower tube portion of the dip tube. The fluid is advantageously injected from a position close to the distal end of the dip tube. The groove formed in the side wall of the lower portion of the dip tube has the shape of a groove or a furrow formed in said side wall. The groove advantageously has a depth of around a few centimeters. The groove advantageously has a width of around a few centimeters.

[0025] The groove advantageously has a length which is greater than a quarter of the length of the lower tube portion of the dip tube. The groove preferably has a length greater than half the length of the lower tube portion of the dip tube, more preferably, substantially equal to three-quarters of the length of the lower tube portion of the dip tube.

[0026] Although it has at least one portion inclined relative to the longitudinal direction, said groove extends in a general direction which is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the hollow core. By inclined, it is meant that the groove has at least one portion which is not parallel to the longitudinal direction. In other words, said groove has at least one portion which is inclined relative to the vertical, and which is therefore not vertical. In other words, considered in projection in a vertical plane passing through the groove, the groove has at least one portion inclined relative to the longitudinal direction. Preferably, said groove has at least one portion parallel to the longitudinal direction of the hollow core.

[0027] Preferably, the groove extends in a vertical plane. Preferably, said groove has at least one portion inclined relative to the vertical considered in said vertical plane.

[0028] Preferably, the side wall of the lower tube portion of the dip tube comprises a plurality of side faces, said groove being provided in one of said side faces. Preferably, the dip tube comprises a single groove. Preferably, said groove and said injection orifice are provided in two different side faces of said side wall.

[0029] Preferably, said groove extends above said injection orifice. Preferably, the groove extends from an upper portion of the lower tube portion of the dip tube. Preferably, the groove extends to above the injection orifice.

[0030] According to a first non-limiting variant, the transition from the first configuration to the second configuration of the cutting tool is achieved by moving the plunger tube inside the hollow core, in the longitudinal direction. Alternatively, according to a second non-limiting variant, the transition from the first configuration to the second configuration of the cutting tool is achieved by moving the hollow core relative to the plunger tube, in the longitudinal direction. According to another non-limiting alternative, the transition from the first configuration to the second configuration of the cutting tool is achieved by jointly moving the plunger tube and the hollow core relative to each other.

[0031] Preferably, the distal end of the dip tube is kept in contact with the ground, at the bottom of the borehole, during the relative movement of the dip tube in relation to the hollow core, and therefore during the transition from the first configuration to the second configuration, and vice versa.

[0032] In the first configuration, called drilling, said dip tube extends essentially inside the hollow core, preferably substantially entirely inside the hollow core. In this first configuration, the dip tube is in a retracted position. In the first configuration, the injection orifice opens into the hollow core and is masked, thus preventing the injection of the fluid into the borehole.

[0033] In the first configuration the dip tube is advantageously in a high position. The cutting tool is advantageously placed in the first configuration during drilling.

[0034] Preferably, but not limited to, the dip tube comprises a cutting tip configured to close the distal end of said dip tube. Advantageously, said cutting tip is configured to close the hollow core when the cutting tool is in the first configuration. The cutting tip is advantageously provided with cutting teeth.

[0035] In the second configuration, called the injection configuration, the plunger tube extends at least partially outside the hollow core, so that the injection orifice opens out of the hollow core and is not masked. In the second configuration, the distal end of the plunger tube extends below the lower end of the hollow core. In other words, the plunger tube is then deployed at least partially outside the hollow core. Preferably, when the cutting tool is in the second configuration, said groove extends at least partially outside the hollow core.

[0036] It is understood that when passing from the first configuration to the second configuration and vice versa, said groove formed in the side wall of the lower tube portion of the dip tube describes a relative translational movement in said longitudinal direction relative to the hollow core.

[0037] The cutting tool is advantageously placed in the second configuration when the latter is raised.

[0038] The grooving tooth is also called a lug. The grooving tooth is advantageously positioned at an end portion of the helical thread. In the retracted position, said grooving tooth is retracted. This retracted position corresponds to a rest position, in which the grooving tooth is not protruding and does not come into contact with the internal face of the drilling and therefore does not form a groove there. The grooving tooth is advantageously held in the retracted position during drilling, and therefore during the descent of the cutting tool.

[0039] In the deployed position, the grooving tooth projects outside said cylindrical volume. It extends radially beyond the peripheral edge of the helical thread and therefore comes into contact with the internal face of the borehole. In this deployed position, the grooving tooth allows a groove to be formed in the internal face of the borehole, when the cutting tool is moved.

[0040] In a non-limiting manner, the engagement portion and the groove tooth may form a single-piece assembly. Alternatively, the engagement portion may be a separate part from the grooving tooth. The engagement portion is advantageously fixed to the grooving tooth.

[0041] Said engagement portion of the grooving device advantageously extends transversely to the grooving tooth. Preferably, but in a non-limiting manner, the grooving tooth has a through orifice inside which the engagement portion extends. The engagement portion advantageously has the shape of a pin configured to engage in said groove.

[0042] Preferably, the grooving tooth is mounted on the hollow core or on the helical thread. Preferably, the grooving tooth is movable in translation between the retracted position and the deployed position.

[0043] Preferably, the grooving tooth is movable in translation between the retracted position and the deployed position in a deployment direction which is transverse to a vertical plane passing through the longitudinal direction. The grooving device is advantageously locked in translation in the longitudinal direction.

[0044] Thanks to the invention, during the relative translational movement of the plunger tube relative to the hollow core, in the longitudinal direction, the engagement portion of the grooving device is moved inside the groove, along said groove. Taking into account the inclination of the groove, and the relative movement of the plunger tube relative to the grooving device, and more precisely relative to the deployment portion, the grooving tooth is moved between its retracted position and its deployed position. According to the invention, it is the relative movement of the plunger tube relative to the hollow core, when the cutting tool passes from the first configuration to the second configuration, which makes it possible to deploy or retract the grooving tooth.

[0045] More specifically, to the extent that the groove of the dip tube is at least partly inclined relative to the longitudinal direction, said grooving tooth describes at least one displacement transverse to said longitudinal direction during the sliding of the engagement portion in this inclined portion of the groove. This movement makes it possible to move the grooving tooth until it leaves the cylindrical volume defined by the peripheral edge of the helical thread.

[0046] When sliding in the inclined portion of the groove, the engagement portion is advantageously moved laterally considered in a plane passing through the lateral face of the lateral wall of the lower tube portion of the dip tube in which said groove is formed.

[0047] It is understood that when the cutting tool is in the first configuration, the grooving tooth is in the retracted position and when the cutting tool is in the second configuration, the grooving tooth is in the extended position.

[0048] The invention makes it possible to easily deploy or retract the grooving tooth solely by relative movement of the plunger tube with respect to the hollow core. The invention makes it possible to dispense with specific motor means arranged in the lower part of the cutting tool, and in particular hydraulic cylinders, to carry out the deployment of the grooving tooth. The energy consumption necessary for the movement of the grooving tooth is therefore reduced and the weight and size of the cutting tool are less. In addition, the invention makes it possible to dispense with the problems linked to hydraulic lines or electrical power cables which must be routed to the motor means positioned in the lower part of the cutting tool of the systems according to the prior art.

[0049] The cutting tool according to the invention also has the advantage of comprising a reduced number of parts and a simplified mechanism compared to systems according to the prior art using pinions, racks, cranks and levers. This makes it possible to reduce the risk of wear or breakage which could compromise the correct deployment of the grooving tooth. In addition, the grooving device according to the invention requires little maintenance and the risk of it seizing up is particularly low.

[0050] The invention proposes a system for easy deployment of the grooving tooth.

[0051] By virtue of the invention, during drilling and lowering of the cutting tool, the cutting tool can be placed in the first configuration, so that the grooving tooth is held in the retracted position. The dip tube and the grooving tooth then do not disturb the drilling. When drilling is completed, the cutting tool can be placed in the second configuration, which has the effect of bringing the grooving tooth into the deployed position and the injection orifice out of the hollow core.

[0052] The second configuration is called the injection configuration because this configuration allows the injection of fluid, in particular concrete, into the borehole.

[0053] When the cutting tool is raised, the grooving tooth forms a groove in the inner face of the borehole. The fluid, in particular concrete, can be immediately injected, via the injection port of the dip tube, towards the groove. This results in the formation of a threaded pile under optimal conditions.

[0054] Preferably, but in a non-limiting manner, said groove has at least one rectilinear groove portion which is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the hollow core. An advantage is to allow the position of the plunger tube to be adjusted relative to the hollow core, when the cutting tool is in the second configuration, without however modifying the position of the grooving tooth. When the tube is deployed beyond the position reached when the cutting tool is placed in the second configuration, the engagement portion of the grooving device slides in said rectilinear groove portion. Said rectilinear groove portion advantageously extends in the extension of the inclined portion of the groove and above said inclined portion of the groove.

[0055] Preferably, said grooving tooth is mounted to be movable in translation in a deployment direction which is transverse to the longitudinal direction of the hollow core. The grooving tooth is advantageously mounted to be movable in translation relative to the helical thread or to the hollow core.

[0056] Preferably, said direction of deployment is transverse to a vertical plane passing through the longitudinal direction of the hollow core. Preferably, the direction of deployment extends in a plane passing through the lateral face of the lateral wall of the lower tube portion of the dip tube in which said groove is formed.

[0057] The grooving device advantageously comprises a housing inside which the grooving tooth is mounted so as to be movable in translation. Preferably, said housing is arranged at the lower end of the hollow core. Said housing may be mounted on the hollow core or on the helical thread. In the retracted position, the grooving tooth extends at least partially inside the housing. In the deployed position, the grooving tooth projects out of the housing. Preferably, the tooth extends in the direction of deployment.

[0058] Advantageously, said direction of deployment of the grooving tooth is inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hollow core. An advantage is that the grooving tooth is not positioned perpendicular to the internal face of the borehole when it is deployed. Given this angle of attack inclined relative to the internal face of the borehole, the grooving tooth penetrates all the more easily into said internal face of the borehole and the formation of the groove is facilitated. The grooving tooth is advantageously inclined downwards.

[0059] Said plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hollow core is advantageously horizontal. The grooving tooth is advantageously inclined relative to the horizontal.

[0060] Advantageously, said engagement portion of the grooving device extends perpendicular to the grooving tooth. Preferably, said engagement portion extends perpendicular to the direction of deployment of the tooth. The engagement portion advantageously extends perpendicular to the lateral face of the lateral wall of the lower tube portion of the dip tube in which the groove is formed.

[0061] Preferably, the engagement portion cooperates with a central portion of the grooving tooth.

[0062] Preferably, the dip tube has a distal end, said orifice injection being located between said distal end and the groove. The injection orifice therefore advantageously extends under said groove.

[0063] One advantage is to reduce the deployment distance of the dip tube relative to the hollow core required to bring the injection orifice out of the hollow core. This results in a reduction in the length of the groove allowing the grooving tooth to be brought from the retracted position to the deployed position, when deploying the dip tube.

[0064] Preferably, the lower tube portion of the dip tube has a polygonal section, preferably square or rectangular, the side wall of the lower tube portion of the dip tube having a plurality of side faces, said groove being formed in one of said side faces. This configuration makes it possible to lock the dip tube in rotation about the longitudinal direction of the hollow core, by correspondence of shape with the hollow core. One advantage is to improve the guidance of the sliding of the engagement portion of the grooving device in the groove of the dip tube. In this configuration, the side wall of the lower tube portion of the dip tube has four side faces. Said groove then extends substantially in a vertical plane passing through said side face of the side wall of the lower tube portion of the dip tube.

[0065] Alternatively, and without departing from the scope of the invention, the lower tube portion of the dip tube may have a circular section. In this case, its side wall then has only a single side face.

[0066] Preferably, said grooving tooth extends substantially parallel to said lateral face in which said groove is formed.

[0067] Preferably, the grooving tooth is configured to bear against said lateral face of the lateral wall of the lower tube portion of the dip tube in which said groove is formed. The dip tube then makes it possible to guide the deployment of the grooving tooth. More preferably, the grooving tooth has a lateral surface configured to come into contact with said lateral face of the lateral wall of the lower tube portion of the dip tube in which said groove is formed. Preferably, said grooving tooth slides on said lateral face of the lateral wall of the lower tube portion of the dip tube during its passage from the retracted position to the deployed position.

[0068] The direction of deployment of the grooving tooth is advantageously parallel to said lateral face of the lateral wall of the lower tube portion of the dip tube in which said groove is formed.

[0069] Advantageously, said engagement portion of the grooving device extends substantially perpendicular to said lateral face of the lateral wall of the lower tube portion of the dip tube in which said groove is formed. interest in improving the cooperation between said engagement portion and the groove and thus facilitating the sliding of the engagement portion in the groove. Preferably, the engagement portion of the grooving device extends perpendicular to said lateral face in which the groove is formed.

[0070] Advantageously, said lateral face of the lateral wall of the lower tube portion of the dip tube in which said groove is formed has a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge opposite the first lateral edge, and said groove has at least a first groove portion extending from the first lateral edge to the second lateral edge and in which the engagement portion slides when the cutting tool is brought from the first configuration to the second configuration.

[0071] In other words, the first groove portion has a first end, preferably a lower end, located on the first lateral edge of said lateral face of the lower tube portion of the dip tube and a second end, preferably an upper end, located on the second lateral edge of said lateral face.

[0072] Said first groove portion is therefore inclined relative to the longitudinal direction of the hollow core. When sliding in the first groove portion, said engagement portion is moved from said first lateral edge to said second lateral edge and vice versa, depending on the direction of movement of the dip tube. This results in a lateral movement of the grooving tooth between the first and second lateral edges. Said first groove portion is preferably curved.

[0073] In a non-limiting manner, when moving from the first configuration to the second configuration, the engagement portion can further slide in another groove portion, for example a longitudinal groove portion located under said first groove portion.

[0074] Preferably, the engagement portion is moved from said first lateral edge to said second lateral edge of the lateral face of the lower tube portion of the dip tube when the cutting tool is brought from the first configuration to the second configuration.

[0075] Preferably, the grooving tooth is spaced from the first lateral edge of said lateral face of the lower tube portion of the dip tube during its deployment.

[0076] The first and second lateral edges are advantageously vertical.

[0077] Preferably, said first groove portion describes a curvature going from the first lateral edge to the second lateral edge of said lateral face in which the groove is formed. One advantage is to reduce the friction between the engagement portion and the dip tube during the translational movement of the latter. This makes it possible to improve the guidance of said engagement portion and facilitates the de- bending of the grooving tooth.

[0078] Advantageously, the cutting tool is further configured to assume a third configuration in which the distance between the injection orifice and the lower end of the hollow core is greater than in the second configuration, the cutting tool being configured to pass from the second configuration to the third configuration by the relative translational movement of the dip tube with respect to the hollow core, in said longitudinal direction, said engagement portion of the grooving device being configured to slide inside said groove of the dip tube, whereby the grooving tooth is moved between the deployed position and the retracted position when the cutting tool is brought from the second configuration to the third configuration.

[0079] The distance between the injection orifice and the lower end of the hollow core when the cutting tool is in the third configuration is greater than said distance when the cutting tool is in the second configuration.

[0080] In the third configuration, the dip tube is extended further, compared to the second configuration. It is extended beyond the position reached in the second configuration. In the third configuration, a larger portion of the dip tube extends out of the hollow core.

[0081] According to a first non-limiting variant, the transition from the second configuration to the third configuration of the cutting tool is achieved by moving the dip tube downwards inside the hollow core, in the longitudinal direction. Alternatively, according to a second non-limiting variant, the transition from the second configuration to the third configuration of the cutting tool is achieved by moving the hollow core upwards relative to the dip tube, in the longitudinal direction. According to another alternative, the transition from the second configuration to the third configuration of the cutting tool is achieved by jointly moving the dip tube and the hollow core relative to each other.

[0082] It is understood that the conformation of the groove allows the grooving tooth to be retracted when the cutting tool passes from the second configuration to the third configuration.

[0083] It is therefore possible to retract the grooving tooth by extending the dip tube further relative to the hollow core. This third configuration has the advantage of allowing the grooving tooth to be retracted even in the event of the dip tube being blocked, preventing it from being retracted by “extending” it further, compared to the second configuration.

[0084] When moving from the second to the third position, the distal end of the dip tube is moved away from the lower end of the hollow core.

[0085] Advantageously, said groove further has a second portion of groove extending from the second lateral edge to the first lateral edge of said lateral face of the side wall of the lower tube portion of the dip tube in which the groove is formed, the engagement portion sliding in said second groove portion when the cutting tool is brought from the second to the third configuration.

[0086] In other words, the second groove portion has a first end, preferably a lower end, located on said second lateral edge and a second end, preferably an upper end, located on the first lateral edge of the lateral face of the lower tube portion of the dip tube in which the groove is formed.

[0087] Said second groove portion is therefore inclined relative to the longitudinal direction of the hollow core. The inclination of the second groove portion and the inclination of the first groove portion are advantageously opposite to each other. When sliding in the second groove portion, said engagement portion is moved from said second lateral edge to said first lateral edge of the lateral face of the dip tube and vice versa, depending on the direction of movement of the dip tube. This results in a movement of the grooving tooth.

[0088] Preferably, the engaging portion of the grooving device is moved from said second lateral edge to said first lateral edge of the lateral face of the lower tube portion of the dip tube when the cutting tool is brought from the second configuration to the third configuration.

[0089] Preferably, the grooving tooth is brought closer to the first lateral edge of said lateral face of the dip tube when changing from the second to the third configuration.

[0090] Said second groove portion is preferably curved. Said second groove portion advantageously describes a curvature similar to the curvature of the first groove portion. Preferably, the length of the second groove portion is substantially equal to the length of the first groove portion.

[0091] Preferably, the second groove portion is symmetrical to the first groove portion considered with respect to a plane of symmetry perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hollow core. Said plane of symmetry is advantageously horizontal.

[0092] Advantageously, the first groove portion is located between the second groove portion and the distal end of the dip tube. Preferably, the second groove portion is arranged above the first groove portion.

[0093] In a non-limiting manner, the groove may comprise a rectilinear groove portion connecting the first groove portion and the second groove portion. The rectilinear groove portion advantageously extends in said longitudinal direction.

[0094] Preferably, the cutting tool is further configured to assume a configuration intermediate between the first configuration and the second configuration, wherein the dip tube is positioned so that said injection port extends outside the hollow core while the grooving tooth is held in the retracted position.

[0095] The cutting tool is brought from the first configuration to the intermediate configuration by relative displacement of the plunger tube with respect to the hollow core in said longitudinal direction. It is understood that during the transition from the first configuration to the intermediate configuration, the plunger tube describes a relative translational movement with respect to the hollow core, so that the injection orifice is brought out of the hollow core. The grooving tooth is however not deployed. During the transition from the first configuration to the intermediate configuration, the engagement portion of the grooving device slides inside said groove without however causing a deployment of said grooving tooth.

[0096] One advantage is to only form a groove in the internal face of the borehole over a reduced height of the latter. Another advantage is to allow the injection of fluid into the borehole, via the injection orifice, even if the nature of the soil does not allow the grooving tooth to be deployed, for example in the case of soil that is too hard.

[0097] The cutting tool is brought from the intermediate configuration to the second configuration by relative displacement of the dip tube with respect to the hollow core in said longitudinal direction.

[0098] Advantageously, said groove has a longitudinal groove portion extending parallel to said longitudinal direction and in which the engagement portion of the grooving device slides when the cutting tool is brought from the first configuration to said intermediate configuration.

[0099] Preferably, said engagement portion slides in the longitudinal groove portion when changing from the first configuration to the intermediate configuration, and in the first groove portion when changing from the intermediate configuration to the second configuration. Preferably, said longitudinal groove portion extends under the first groove portion. Said longitudinal groove portion preferably extends between the first groove portion and the injection orifice. The longitudinal groove portion advantageously extends along the first lateral edge of said lateral face of the lateral wall of the lower tube portion of the dip tube in which said groove is formed.

[0100] Advantageously, said grooving device is mounted on said helical thread. Preferably, the grooving device is mounted at a lower end portion of the helical thread.

[0101] The invention further relates to a machine intended for the manufacture of a threaded pile in a ground comprising a cutting tool as described previously and a fluid supply source, e.g. concrete, connected to the dip tube.

[0102] The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a threaded pile in a ground, the method comprising the steps of: - a cutting tool as described above is provided; - the dip tube is connected to a fluid supply source, for example concrete; - drilling is carried out in the ground using the cutting tool by rotating said helical thread, the cutting tool being placed in the first configuration, so that the injection orifice extends inside the hollow core and the grooving tooth is maintained in the retracted position during drilling; - the cutting tool is brought from the first configuration to the second configuration by relative translational movement of the dip tube relative to the hollow core in the longitudinal direction of the hollow core, whereby the engagement portion of the grooving device slides inside the groove of the dip tube, so that the grooving tooth is moved to the deployed position; and - the cutting tool is extracted from the borehole in a helical movement around said longitudinal direction, so that the grooving tooth forms a groove in an internal face of the borehole, while injecting the fluid into the borehole from the injection orifice, via the dip tube.

[0103] The injected fluid is preferably concrete or a grout.

[0104] Once the cutting tool is out of the bore, the latter can be brought into the first configuration in order to bring the grooving tooth into the retracted position. Brief description of the drawings

[0105] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description of embodiments of the invention given as non-limiting examples, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0106] [Fig.l] [Fig.l] shows a machine for manufacturing threaded piles, comprising a first embodiment of a cutting tool according to the invention;

[0107] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] shows the lower tube portion of the cutting tool plunger tube of [Fig.l];

[0108] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] shows the cutting tool of [Fig.2], the hollow core having been hidden;

[0109] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a sectional view, from above, of the cutting tool of [Fig.2];

[0110] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] shows the drilling using the cutting tool according to the invention, placed in a first configuration called drilling;

[0111] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a side view of the cutting tool in the first configuration of [Fig.5], the hollow core having been hidden;

[0112] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] shows the production of a groove using the cutting tool according to the invention, placed in a second configuration called injection;

[0113] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a side view of the cutting tool in the second configuration of [Fig.7], the hollow core having been hidden;

[0114] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] shows a threaded pile made in soil using the cutting tool according to the invention;

[0115] [Fig.l0] [Fig.10] shows a second embodiment of a cutting tool according to the invention placed in the first configuration;

[0116] [Fig.ll] [Fig. 11] shows the cutting tool of [Fig. 10] placed in the second configuration;

[0117] [Fig.l2] [Fig. 12] shows the cutting tool of [Fig. 10] placed in a third configuration;

[0118] [Fig.l3] [Fig. 13] shows a third embodiment of a cutting tool according to the invention placed in the first configuration;

[0119] [Fig.l4] [Fig. 14] shows the cutting tool of [Fig. 13] placed in an intermediate configuration; and

[0120] [Fig.l5] [Fig.15] shows a fourth embodiment of a cutting tool according to the invention placed in the first configuration. Description of the embodiments

[0121] The invention relates to a cutting tool for manufacturing a threaded pile as well as to a machine comprising such a cutting tool. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a threaded pile in a ground implemented using a cutting tool according to the invention.

[0122] A first non-limiting embodiment of a cutting tool according to the invention and of a machine comprising such a cutting tool will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 9.

[0123] [Fig.l] illustrates a machine 10 intended for manufacturing a threaded pile in a ground comprising a first embodiment of a cutting tool 20 according to the invention. The machine 10 comprises a carrier 12 and a vertical guide mast 14. The machine further comprises a carriage 16 carrying a rotation head 18 of the cutting tool 20. The carriage 16 is configured to move in translation along the mast. It is therefore possible to control the rotation speed of the cutting tool 20 using the rotation head 18, as well as the linear displacement speed of the cutting tool 20, by controlling the movement of the carriage 16.

[0124] The cutting tool 20 is capable of taking a first configuration and a second configuration which will be described later.

[0125] The cutting tool 20 comprises a cylindrical hollow core 22 which has a lower end 22a and an upper end 22b. The hollow core has the shape of a hollow tube. The upper end 22b of the hollow core 22 cooperates with the rotation head 18. The hollow core 22 extends in a longitudinal direction L, which is here substantially vertical. The hollow core has an outer face 23 on which a helical thread 24 is mounted. The helical thread 24 has a pitch. It extends along the hollow core 22, from the upper end 22b to the lower end 22a of the latter. The helical thread 24 has a peripheral edge 26 defining a cylindrical volume V illustrated in [Fig.5].

[0126] Referring to [Fig.6], showing the cutting tool in side view, the hollow core having been hidden for greater visibility, it can be seen that the cutting tool 20 further comprises a plunger tube 30 mounted to move in translation in the longitudinal direction L inside the hollow core 22. The plunger tube 30 and the hollow core 22 are configured to describe a relative translational movement in the longitudinal direction L.

[0127] In [Fig. 1], it can be seen that, in this non-limiting example, the cutting tool 20 comprises jacks 29, arranged between the rotation head 18 and a platform linked to the plunger tube 30. These jacks 29 make it possible to move the plunger tube 30 in translation relative to the hollow core 22, in the longitudinal direction L of the hollow core.

[0128] The dip tube 30 also extends in the longitudinal direction of the hollow core 22. The hollow core 22 comprises an inner housing 27 of square section, visible in [Fig.4], in which the dip tube extends. The dip tube 30 has a distal end 30a and a proximal end 30b. This proximal end 30b is configured to be connected to a concrete supply source, via a supply line Ca visible in [Fig.l]. The dip tube 30 is hollow and defines an inner conduit C for conveying the concrete from its proximal end 30b to its distal end 30a.

[0129] In this non-limiting example, and as can be seen in [Fig.5], the dip tube comprises a lower tube portion 31 and an upper tube portion 33. The upper tube portion 33 is of circular section.

[0130] Referring to [Fig. 3], which shows said lower tube portion 31 of the dip tube 30, the hollow core having been hidden for greater visibility, it can be seen that an injection orifice 35 is provided in said lower tube portion 31 of the dip tube, close to the distal end 30a of said dip tube. The injection orifice 35 opens into the inner conduit C and allows the injection of concrete towards the internal face of the borehole. The dip tube 30, and more precisely the lower tube portion 31, is further provided with a cutting tip 32 closing the distal end 30a of the dip tube. The cutting tip 32 is provided with cutting teeth.

[0131] The lower tube portion 31 of the dip tube 30 has a side wall 34. As as can be seen in the sectional view, from above, of [Fig.4], the lower tube portion 31 of the dip tube 30 has in this non-limiting example a square section. Also, the side wall 34 of the lower tube portion 31 of the dip tube has a first lateral face 36, a second lateral face 37, a third lateral face 38 and a fourth lateral face 39. The injection orifice is formed in the second lateral face 37. The first lateral face 36 of the side wall 34 of the lower tube portion 31 of the dip tube has a first lateral edge 36a and a second lateral edge 36b opposite the first lateral edge. These lateral edges 36a, 36b extend vertically.

[0132] As illustrated in [Fig.6], a groove 40 is formed in the first lateral face 36 of the side wall 34 of the lower tube portion 31 of the dip tube. The groove 40 has a depth of the order of a few centimeters. This groove 40 extends in a general direction parallel to the longitudinal direction L of the hollow core 22. The groove 40 has a lower end 40a located on the first lateral edge 36a of the first lateral face 36. The groove has an upper end 40b located on the second lateral edge 36b.

[0133] In this non-limiting embodiment, the groove 40 comprises a first groove portion 42 which is inclined relative to the longitudinal direction L of the hollow core 22. The groove further comprises a rectilinear groove portion 43, extending in the extension of the first groove portion 42. The rectilinear groove portion 43 extends here parallel to the longitudinal direction L of the hollow core 22, along the second lateral edge 36b of the first lateral face 36 of the lateral wall 34 of the dip tube 30. The rectilinear groove portion 43 extends above the first groove portion 42. The first groove portion 42 is curved and convex. The groove 40, and more precisely the first groove portion 42, extends from the first lateral edge 36a of the lateral face 34 of the dip tube to the second lateral edge 36b of said lateral face.The said groove is therefore partly inclined relative to the longitudinal direction L of the core, and relative to the vertical.

[0134] As illustrated in [Fig. 3], where the hollow core 22 is hidden for better understanding, the cutting tool 20 further comprises a grooving device 50. The grooving device 50 comprises a grooving tooth 52. The grooving tooth 52 extends in a main direction and has a pointed end portion 52a configured to come into contact with the inner face of the borehole in order to form a groove therein. A through-hole 54 is provided in the grooving tooth. This through-hole 54 is perpendicular to the main direction of the grooving tooth. The grooving tooth 52 further comprises an inner lateral face 56 and an outer lateral face 58, opposite the inner lateral face 56.

[0135] The grooving device 50 further comprises an engagement portion 60 having the shape of a lug whose length is greater than the length of the through-hole 54 of the grooving tooth 52. The engagement portion 60 is fixed to the grooving tooth 50 and extends perpendicular to said grooving tooth. More precisely, the engagement portion 60 extends perpendicular to the inner and outer lateral faces 56, 58 of the grooving tooth 52. The engagement portion 60 has an end portion 60a projecting from the inner lateral face 56 of the grooving tooth 52.

[0136] As illustrated in [Fig.2] showing the lower part of the cutting tool 20 according to the invention, the grooving tooth 52 is mounted on the hollow core 22 as well as on the helical thread, by means of a housing 62. It extends opposite the first lateral face 36 of the lateral wall 34 of the plunger tube, in which the groove 40 is formed. The inner lateral face 56 of the grooving tooth bears against the first lateral face 36 of the lateral wall of the plunger tube 30.

[0137] The grooving tooth 52 is mounted to move in translation inside this housing 62, in a deployment direction X. The deployment direction X is inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L of the hollow core 22, and therefore relative to the horizontal. The deployment direction X is parallel to the first lateral face 36 of the lateral wall 34 of the dip tube. The housing 62 extends in the extension of the helical thread 24. It forms a housing for the grooving tooth. A vertical plane passing through said deployment direction is parallel to the first lateral face 36 of the lateral wall 34 of the dip tube 30.

[0138] The grooving tooth 52 is able to take a retracted position illustrated in Figures 2 to 6, in which it extends inside the cylindrical volume V defined by the peripheral edge 26 of the helical thread 24. This is particularly visible in [Fig. 5] showing the cutting tool in side view. The grooving tooth 52 is further able to take a deployed position illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, in which it protrudes outside said cylindrical volume V.

[0139] The end portion 60a of the engagement portion 60 of the grooving device is configured to engage in the groove 40 and to slide inside this groove, when the plunger tube 30 is moved in translation along the longitudinal direction L of the hollow core 22.

[0140] The steps of the method of manufacturing a threaded pile in a ground S according to the invention will now be described with reference to Figures 5 to 8.

[0141] The cutting tool is initially placed in a first configuration, as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6. In this first configuration, the dip tube 30 is retracted and extends essentially inside the hollow core 22, so that the injection orifice 35 also extends inside the hollow core 22. The cutting tip 32 further closes the hollow core. The engagement portion 60 of the device grooving is then engaged in the first groove portion 42 of the groove 40 and extends close to the first lateral edge 36a of the first lateral face 36 of the side wall 34 of the lower tube portion 31 of the dip tube 30. When the cutting tool is in this first configuration, the grooving tooth 52 is in the retracted position, so that it does not protrude from the cylindrical volume V.

[0142] As illustrated in [Fig.5], the drilling is carried out by pivoting the cutting tool 20 placed in this first configuration, and in particular the helical thread 24, around the longitudinal direction L of the hollow core, by means of the rotation head 18. The cutting tool is driven into the ground S. During the descent of the cutting tool 20, the helical thread 24 makes it possible to cut the ground S in order to form the drilling. The grooving tooth 52 does not come into contact with the ground when drilling, so that it does not destabilize the surrounding ground.

[0143] When the drilling is completed, the cutting tool is brought into a second configuration by the relative translational movement of the dip tube 30 relative to the hollow core 22 in the longitudinal direction. In other words, the transition from the first configuration to the second configuration is achieved by deploying the dip tube. This is illustrated by the transition from Figures 5 and 6 to Figures 7 and 8. The distal end 30a of the dip tube 30 is kept in contact with the bottom of the borehole during this relative movement of the dip tube relative to the hollow core. In this non-limiting example, the dip tube 30 is moved using the jacks 29. As illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, in the second configuration, the dip tube 30 projects from the lower end 22a of the hollow core 22, so that the injection orifice 35 extends out of said hollow core. The distal end 30a of the dip tube is spaced from the lower end 22a of the hollow core.

[0144] The relative translational movement of the dip tube 30 relative to the hollow core 22, when the cutting tool 20 passes from the first configuration to the second configuration, has the consequence of sliding the engagement portion 60 of the grooving device 50 in the first groove portion 42 of the groove 40. Taking into account the inclination and the curvature of this first groove portion 42, the engagement portion 60 is brought closer to the second lateral edge 36b of the first lateral face 36 of the lateral wall 34 of the lower tube portion 31 of the dip tube 30. Consequently, the grooving tooth 52 is moved in translation in the deployment direction X. It is brought from the retracted position to the deployed position during deployment of the tube, and therefore when the cutting tool passes from the first configuration to the second configuration.The deployment of the grooving tooth 52 is therefore achieved by the relative movement of the dip tube 30 with respect to the hollow core, and is therefore facilitated. In the deployed position, the grooving tooth 52 projects out of the cylindrical volume V so that it comes into contact with the face. internal borehole, as can be seen in figures 7 and 8.

[0145] In a non-limiting manner, although this is not shown, the dip tube can be deployed further out of the hollow core 22. This then causes the engagement portion 60 of the grooving device to slide in the rectilinear groove portion 43 of the groove 40. The engagement portion 60 is then moved in translation along the longitudinal direction L of the hollow core without the position of the grooving tooth 52 being modified.

[0146] As illustrated in [Fig.7], the cutting tool 20 in the second configuration can be raised while being pivoted about the longitudinal direction L, so that the grooving tooth 52 forms a groove R in the inner face of the borehole. At the same time, during the raising of the cutting tool, concrete is injected into the borehole, from the injection orifice 35. The concrete is projected towards the groove previously formed by the grooving tooth 52.

[0147] The cutting tool 20 is extracted from the borehole and a threaded pile P is thus formed in the ground, as illustrated in [Fig.9]. This pile P has a thread F. The cutting tool 20 can then be brought back into the first configuration, by moving the dip tube 30 towards the inside of the hollow core in order to retract it. As a result, the grooving tooth 52 is brought from the deployed position to the retracted position.

[0148] Figures 10, 11 and 12 illustrate a second embodiment of a cutting tool 20 according to the invention. In this embodiment, the groove 40 further comprises a second groove portion 44. This second groove portion 44 is curved and inclined relative to the longitudinal direction L of the hollow core. The second groove portion 44 describes a curvature similar to the curvature of the first groove portion 42. The second groove portion 44 has a length substantially equal to the length of the first groove portion 42. As in the first embodiment, the groove 40 also comprises a rectilinear groove portion 43, which here connects the first groove portion 42 and the second groove portion 44. The second groove portion 44 and the first groove portion 42 are symmetrical relative to each other considered relative to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L of the hollow core 22.

[0149] Similar to the first embodiment of Figures 1 to 8, in this second embodiment, when the cutting tool is brought from the first configuration to the second configuration by the relative movement of the dip tube 30 with respect to the hollow core 22, the grooving tooth 52 is brought from the retracted position to the deployed position, taking into account the sliding of the engagement portion 60 in the first groove portion 42. This passage from the first configuration to the second configuration, causing the deployment of the grooving tooth 52, is illustrated by the passage from [Fig. 10] to [Fig. 11]. In [Fig. 11], finds that the dip tube 30 has been deployed so that the engagement portion 60 of the grooving device has been moved beyond the first groove portion 42 until it extends into the straight groove portion 43.

[0150] In this second embodiment, the cutting tool 20 can further be brought into a third configuration, by the relative translational movement of the plunger tube 30 relative to the hollow core 22, beyond the position illustrated in [Fig.l 1]. When moving from the second configuration to the third configuration, the distal end 30a of the plunger tube 30, as well as the injection orifice 35, are further away from the lower end 22a of the hollow core.

[0151] In the third configuration, illustrated in [Fig. 12], the distance between the injection orifice 35 and the lower end 22a of the hollow core is greater than said distance in the second configuration. The dip tube is deployed further than in the second configuration. When moving from the second configuration to the third configuration, the engagement portion 60 of the grooving device 50 slides in the second groove portion 44 which is here inclined. Given the inclination of the second groove portion 44, the engagement portion 60 is brought closer to the first lateral edge 36a of the first lateral face 36 of the lateral wall 34 of the lower tube portion 31 of the dip tube 30. Consequently, the grooving tooth 52 is moved in translation along the deployment direction X.It is brought from the deployed position to the retracted position when the cutting tool 20 is brought from the second configuration to the third configuration, and therefore when the plunger tube 30 is further deployed. An advantage is to be able to bring the grooving tooth 52 into the retracted position, even if the retraction of the plunger tube 30 would be impossible and it would not be possible to bring the cutting tool 20 from the second to the first configuration.

[0152] The relative translational movement of the dip tube 30 with respect to the hollow core 22, during the transition from the second to the third configuration, causing the grooving tooth 52 to move from the deployed position to the retracted position, is illustrated by the transition from [Fig.11] to [Fig.12].

[0153] Figures 13 and 14 illustrate a third embodiment of a cutting tool 20 according to the invention. [Fig. 13] is a side view of this variant of the cutting tool 20, the hollow core 22 having been hidden for greater visibility.

[0154] In this embodiment, the groove 40 further comprises a longitudinal groove portion 46 arranged under the first groove portion 42, between said first groove portion and the injection orifice 35. The first groove portion 42 extends in the extension of the longitudinal groove portion 46. The longitudinal groove portion 46 extends parallel to the longitudinal direction L, along the first lateral edge 36a of the first lateral face 36 of the lateral wall 34 of the portion of lower tube 31 of the dip tube 30. In [Fig. 13], the cutting tool is arranged in the first configuration.

[0155] In this third embodiment, the cutting tool 20 can further be placed in an intermediate configuration, between the first configuration and the second configuration. This intermediate configuration is illustrated in [Fig. 14]. The transition from the first configuration to the intermediate configuration is achieved by relative translational movement of the plunger tube 30 relative to the hollow core 22 in the longitudinal direction. This movement has the consequence of extracting the plunger tube 30 from the hollow core 22. Consequently, the engagement portion 60 of the grooving device 50 slides in said longitudinal groove portion 46 of the groove 40.Since this longitudinal groove portion 46 extends parallel to the longitudinal direction, the engagement portion 60 is moved along this longitudinal direction L and is maintained at a constant distance from the first and second lateral edges 36a, 36b of the first lateral face 36 of the lateral wall 34 of the lower tube portion 31 of the plunger tube 30. Consequently, the grooving tooth 52 is not moved laterally and is maintained in the retracted position, during this deployment of the plunger tube 30, and therefore when the cutting tool passes from the first configuration to the intermediate configuration.

[0156] In the intermediate configuration, the injection orifice 35 extends outside the hollow core 22 while the grooving tooth 52 is retracted. The injection of fluid can therefore be carried out, even if it would not be desirable or possible to deploy the grooving tooth, for example if the nature of the ground does not allow it.

[0157] The transition from the intermediate configuration to the second configuration is also achieved by relative displacement of the dip tube 30 with respect to the hollow core 22, beyond the intermediate configuration. The engagement portion 60 of the grooving device 50 then slides in said first groove portion 42, which has the consequence of bringing the grooving tooth 52 from the retracted position to the deployed position, as is the case in the embodiments described previously.

[0158] [Fig. 15] illustrates a fourth embodiment of a cutting tool 20 according to the invention. [Fig. 15] is a side view of this variant of the cutting tool 20, the hollow core 22 having been hidden for greater visibility. In this variant, as in the second embodiment of FIGS. 10 to 12, the groove 40 comprises a second inclined groove portion 44, allowing the cutting tool to be brought into a third configuration in which the grooving tooth 52 is retracted and the plunger tube 30 is further extended than in the second configuration. Furthermore, as in the embodiment of FIGS. 13 and 14, the groove 40 further comprises a longitudinal groove portion 46 allowing the cutting tool to be placed in a intermediate configuration.

Claims

Claims

1. Cutting tool (20) for manufacturing a threaded pile (P) in a ground (S), the cutting tool comprising: - a hollow cylindrical core (22) having a lower end (22a) and extending in a longitudinal direction (L); - at least one helical thread (24) mounted on an outer face (23) of the hollow core and having a peripheral edge (26); - a dip tube (30) configured to be connected to a fluid supply source, for example concrete, and being mounted to move in translation inside said hollow core, in said longitudinal direction, said dip tube comprising at least one lower tube portion (31) having a side wall (34) in which is formed a groove at least partly inclined relative to said longitudinal direction, an injection orifice (35) being further provided in said side wall of the lower tube portion; and - a grooving device (50) comprising a grooving tooth (52) movable between a retracted position in which it extends inside a cylindrical volume (V) defined by the peripheral edge of the helical thread, and a deployed position in which it protrudes outside said cylindrical volume, the grooving device further comprising an engagement portion (60) secured to the grooving tooth,the cutting tool being configured to take at least a first configuration called drilling in which the plunger tube is positioned so that said injection orifice extends inside the hollow core and a second configuration called injection in which the plunger tube projects from the lower end of the hollow core, so that the injection orifice extends outside said hollow core, the cutting tool being configured to pass from the first configuration to the second configuration by the relative translational movement of the plunger tube with respect to the hollow core, in said longitudinal direction, said engagement portion of the grooving device being configured to slide inside said groove of the plunger tube, whereby the grooving tooth is moved between the retracted position and the deployed position, when the cutting tool is brought from the first configuration to the second configuration.,

2. Cutting tool according to claim 1, in which said grooving tooth (52) is mounted to move in translation in a direction of deployment (X) which is transverse to the longitudinal direction (L) of the hollow core (22).

3. A cutting tool according to claim 2, wherein said deployment direction (X) of the grooving tooth (52) is inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L) of the hollow core (22).

4. A cutting tool according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said engaging portion (60) of the grooving device (50) extends perpendicular to the grooving tooth (52).

5. A cutting tool according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plunger tube (30) has a distal end (30a), said injection port (35) being located between said distal end and the groove (40).

6. Cutting tool according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the lower tube portion of the plunger tube (30) has a polygonal, preferably square or rectangular, section, the side wall (34) of said lower tube portion (31) of the plunger tube having a plurality of side faces (36, 37, 38, 39), said groove (40) being formed in one of said side faces (36).

7. A cutting tool according to claim 6, wherein said grooving tooth (52) extends substantially parallel to said lateral face (36) of the lateral wall (34) of the lower tube portion (31) of the dip tube (30) in which said groove (40) is formed.

8. A cutting tool according to claim 6 or 7, wherein said engagement portion (60) of the grooving device (50) extends substantially perpendicular to said lateral face (36) of the lateral wall (34) of said lower tube portion (31) of the plunger tube (30) in which said groove (40) is formed.

9. A cutting tool according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein said lateral face (36) of the lateral wall (34) of said lower tube portion (31) of the plunger tube (30) in which said groove (40) is formed has a first lateral edge (36a) and a second lateral edge (36b) opposite the first lateral edge, and wherein said groove has at least a first groove portion (42) extending from the first lateral edge to the second lateral edge and in which the engagement portion (60) slides when the cutting tool is brought from the first configuration to the second configuration.

10. A cutting tool according to claim 9, wherein said first groove portion (42) describes a curvature going from the first lateral edge (36a) to the second lateral edge (36b) of said lateral face (36) in which the groove (40) is formed.

11. A cutting tool according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the cutting tool (20) is further configured to assume a third configuration in which the distance between the injection orifice (35) and the lower end (22a) of the hollow core (22) is greater than in the second configuration, the cutting tool being configured to move from the second configuration to the third configuration by the relative translational movement of the dip tube with respect to the hollow core, in said longitudinal direction, said engagement portion (60) of the grooving device (50) being configured to slide inside said groove (40) of the dip tube, whereby the grooving tooth (52) is moved between the extended position and the retracted position when the cutting tool is brought from the second configuration to the third configuration.

12. A cutting tool according to claim 11 in combination with claim 9 or 10, wherein said groove (40) further has a second groove portion (44) extending from the second lateral edge (36b) to the first lateral edge (36a) of said lateral face (36) of the side wall (34) of the lower tube portion (31) of the dip tube (30) in which the groove is formed, the engagement portion (60) sliding in said second groove portion when the cutting tool is brought from the second to the third configuration.

13. A cutting tool according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the cutting tool (20) is further configured to assume an intermediate configuration between the first configuration and the second configuration, wherein the dip tube (30) is positioned such that said injection port (35) extends outside the hollow core (22) while the grooving tooth (52) is held in the retracted position.

14. A cutting tool according to claim 13, wherein said groove (40) has a longitudinal groove portion (46) extending parallel to said longitudinal direction (L) and in which the engagement portion (60) of the grooving device (50) slides when the cutting tool is brought from the first configuration to said intermediate configuration.

15. A cutting tool according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein said grooving device (50) is mounted on said helical thread (24).

16. Machine (10) for manufacturing a threaded pile (P) in a ground (S) comprising a cutting tool (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 15 and a source of supply of fluid, for example concrete, connected to the dip tube (30).

17. A method of manufacturing a threaded pile (P) in a ground (S), the method comprising the steps of: - providing a cutting tool (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 15; - connecting the dip tube (30) to a fluid supply source, for example concrete; - drilling into the ground using the cutting tool by rotating said helical thread (24), the cutting tool being placed in the first configuration, so that the injection orifice (35) extends inside the hollow core (22) and the grooving tooth (52) is maintained in the retracted position during drilling;- the cutting tool is brought from the first configuration to the second configuration by relative translational movement of the dip tube relative to the hollow core in the longitudinal direction of the hollow core, whereby the engagement portion of the grooving device slides inside the groove (40) of the dip tube, so that the grooving tooth is moved to the deployed position; and - the cutting tool (20) is extracted from the borehole in a helical movement around said longitudinal direction, so that the grooving tooth forms a groove (R) in an internal face of the borehole, while injecting the fluid into the borehole from the injection orifice, via the dip tube.;

Citation Information

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