Cutting tool for making a threaded pile in soil

The cutting tool addresses the inefficiencies of existing augers by using a flexible dip tube with an inclined groove mechanism to deploy the grooving tooth, enhancing pile anchorage and reducing energy consumption and maintenance through a simplified, lightweight design.

FR3154738B1Active Publication Date: 2025-11-28SOLETANCHE FREYSSINET SAS
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Patent Information

Application Number
FR2023011740
Authority / Receiving Office
FR · FR
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-10-27
Publication Date
2025-11-28
Estimated Expiration
2043-10-27

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing cutting tools for manufacturing threaded piles using the continuous auger method require complex and energy-intensive drive mechanisms for deploying grooving teeth, which are prone to wear, breakage, and require frequent maintenance, and they increase the tool's size and weight due to the need for hydraulic or electrical lines.

Method used

A cutting tool design that deploys and retracts a grooving tooth using a flexible dip tube with an inclined groove mechanism, allowing the grooving tooth to move between retracted and deployed positions through relative translational movement of the plunger tube within the hollow core, eliminating the need for external drive means and reducing the tool's size, weight, and maintenance requirements.

Benefits of technology

The solution enables efficient and reliable deployment of the grooving tooth without external power sources, reducing energy consumption, tool size, and maintenance needs, while ensuring stable pile anchorage by forming a groove in the borehole for improved friction with the soil.

✦ 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 manufacturing threaded piles in the ground, particularly by a method known as the continuous auger method. 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, enabling the creation of a cylindrical bore in the ground. To improve pile anchorage in the ground, these cutting tools are also equipped with a grooving tooth, also called a lug. This grooving tooth must be retractable so that it can be withdrawn during the drilling phase and thus avoid forming a groove in the ground during this step. Indeed, the formation of a groove during drilling would destabilize the surrounding soil, which would impair the friction between the shaft of the threaded pile ultimately formed and the existing soil. During the retraction of the cutting tool, the grooving tooth can be placed in the deployed position to form a helical groove in the inner face of the cylindrical borehole.

[0003] The borehole and the groove formed in its inner face are then immediately filled with concrete. This creates a thread on the pile without destabilizing the surrounding soil, thereby improving the coefficient of friction between the pile and the soil. The concreting can be carried out using a tremie pipe that moves in translation within the hollow core and is equipped with at least one injection port. In a known manner, the tremie pipes can assume a retracted position and a deployed position in which the injection port opens out of the hollow core, allowing concrete to be injected into the borehole. Prior art

[0004] Augers for the production of threaded piles are known which are equipped with retractable grooving teeth. These augers allow the grooving tooth to be deployed as needed, particularly when the auger is being raised, which facilitates the creation of the groove.

[0005] 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 in the form of a cam mounted to pivot about a vertical axis relative to the hollow core. This grooving lug is driven rotation by motor means, for example by a hydraulic cylinder, between a retracted position and a deployed position.

[0006] One drawback of this auger is that the drive means for deploying the grooving lug must be powered by electricity or hydraulics. The auger's size, weight, and energy consumption are therefore particularly significant. Furthermore, the auger must be equipped with hydraulic lines or electrical cables, generally located inside the hollow core, to supply power to these drive means. These lines and / or cables further increase the auger's size. Moreover, the risk of incidents that could compromise the proper deployment of the grooving lug is increased, particularly given the potential for the electrical cables and / or hydraulic lines to be severed. The drive means also require regular maintenance.

[0007] We also know of documents describing a cutting head that makes it possible to do without 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 a plunger tube is mounted for translational movement. The cutting head includes a control system comprising a rack fixed to the plunger tube and a pinion configured to cooperate with the rack. The pinion is driven in rotation by the rack during translational movement of the plunger tube relative to the hollow core. The grooving tooth is also moved in translation by means of a connecting rod and a lever connected to the pinion.

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

[0010] Furthermore, the prior art document FR2854179 describes deploying a grooving tooth when a plunger tube moves to its lowered position. However, this document remains silent regarding the deployment method for the grooving tooth. Description of the invention

[0011] One object of the present invention is to provide a cutting tool for manufacturing a threaded pile in the ground, remedying the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0012] To this end, the invention relates to a cutting tool for manufacturing a threaded pile in soil, 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 flexibly in translation inside said hollow core, along said longitudinal direction, said dip tube comprising at least a lower tube portion having a lateral wall in which a groove is formed at least partially inclined with respect to said longitudinal direction, an injection orifice being further provided in said lateral wall of the lower tube portion; and - a grooving device comprising a movable grooving tooth 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 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 protrudes 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 plunger tube with respect to the hollow core, along 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.

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

[0014] Preferably, the cutting tool allows the manufacture of a threaded pile in soil 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 maintained substantially vertically.

[0016] The hollow core is configured to be driven in rotation around the longitudinal direction. The helical thread mounted on the outer face of the hollow core is thus driven in rotation, which makes it possible to perform drilling.

[0017] The hollow core advantageously has a proximal end configured to engage with a rotating head of a machine for manufacturing a threaded pile in soil. Said rotating head allows the hollow core to be driven in rotation around the longitudinal direction.

[0018] The dip tube extends along said longitudinal direction inside the hollow core. Preferably, but not exclusively, the dip tube is rotationally blocked inside the hollow core. Advantageously, the hollow core has an internal housing whose shape corresponds to that of the dip tube and which is 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] Without limitation, the lower portion of the dip tube may have a circular cross-section or a rectangular, square, or any other polygonal cross-section. Advantageously, the dip tube has a length greater than the length of the hollow core.

[0021] Without limitation, the dip tube may comprise several tube portions. Without limitation, these tube portions may have different cross-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 cross-section.

[0022] The dip tube is preferably configured to be connected to the fluid supply source via a feed 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 feed line. The fluid is preferably concrete or grout. The fluid supply source is preferably a concrete or grout supply source.

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

[0024] The injection port allows the injection of fluid, particularly concrete, into the borehole, preferably during the ascent of the cutting tool. The fluid is thus injected in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the hollow core. The fluid is brought to the injection port via the inside of the tremie pipe. Advantageously, the fluid is routed from the proximal end of the tremie pipe. The fluid is injected into the borehole from the lower portion of the tremie pipe. The fluid is advantageously injected from a position close to the distal end of the dip tube. The groove formed in the lateral wall of the lower portion of the dip tube is shaped like a groove or a furrow in said lateral wall. The groove advantageously has a depth on the order of a few centimeters. The groove advantageously has a width on the order of a few centimeters.

[0025] Advantageously, the groove has a length that is greater than one-quarter of the length of the lower tube portion of the dip tube. Preferably, the groove has a length greater than half the length of the lower tube portion of the dip tube, and even more preferably, is 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 with respect to the longitudinal direction, said groove extends in a general direction that is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the hollow core. By inclined, it is understood that the groove has at least one portion that is not parallel to the longitudinal direction. In other words, said groove has at least one portion that is inclined with respect to the vertical, and is therefore not vertical. In other words, viewed in projection onto a vertical plane passing through the groove, the groove has at least one portion inclined with respect 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 with respect to the vertical considered in said vertical plane.

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

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

[0030] According to a first non-limiting embodiment, 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, along the longitudinal direction. Alternatively, according to a second non-limiting embodiment, 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, along the longitudinal direction. According to yet another non-limiting alternative, the transition from the first configuration to the second configuration of The cutting tool is made 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 with respect 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, referred to as the drilling configuration, the immersion tube extends essentially inside the hollow core, preferably substantially entirely within the hollow core. In this first configuration, the immersion tube is in a retracted position. In this first configuration, the injection port opens into the hollow core and is masked, thus preventing the injection of fluid into the borehole.

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

[0034] Preferably, but not exclusively, the plunger tube includes a cutting tip configured to seal the distal end of said plunger tube. Advantageously, said cutting tip is configured to seal 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, known as the injection configuration, the plunger tube extends at least partially outside the hollow core, so that the injection orifice opens outside the hollow core and is not obscured. In this 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, this groove extends at least partially outside the hollow core.

[0036] It is understood that during the transition from the first configuration to the second configuration and vice versa, said groove formed in the lateral wall of the lower portion of the tube of the plunger describes a relative translational movement along said longitudinal direction with respect to the hollow core.

[0037] The cutting tool is advantageously placed in the second configuration during the raising of the latter.

[0038] The grooving tooth is also called a lug. The grooving tooth is advantageously positioned at a portion of the end 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 inner face of the borehole, nor does it form any contact therewith. Therefore, no groove. The grooving tooth is advantageously held in a retracted position during drilling, and therefore during the descent of the cutting tool.

[0039] In the deployed position, the grooving tooth protrudes from the cylindrical volume. It extends radially beyond the peripheral edge of the helical thread and thus comes into contact with the inner face of the borehole. In this deployed position, the grooving tooth forms a groove in the inner face of the borehole during the movement of the cutting tool.

[0040] By way of exception, the engagement portion and the groove tooth may form a single unit. Alternatively, the engagement portion may be a separate part from the groove tooth. The engagement portion is advantageously fixed to the groove tooth.

[0041] The engagement portion of the grooving device advantageously extends transversely to the grooving tooth. Preferably, but not exclusively, the grooving tooth has a through hole within which the engagement portion extends. The engagement portion advantageously has the shape of a pin configured to engage in the groove.

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

[0043] Preferably, the grooving tooth is translationally movable between the retracted and deployed positions along a deployment direction that is transverse to a vertical plane passing through the longitudinal direction. The grooving device is advantageously blocked in translation along the longitudinal direction.

[0044] Thanks to the invention, during the relative translational movement of the plunger tube with respect to the hollow core, along the longitudinal direction, the engagement portion of the grooving device is displaced within the groove, along said groove. Taking into account the inclination of the groove and the relative displacement of the plunger tube with respect to the grooving device, and more specifically with respect to the deployment portion, the grooving tooth is moved between its retracted and deployed positions. According to the invention, it is the relative displacement of the plunger tube with respect to the hollow core, when the cutting tool moves from the first configuration to the second configuration, that allows the grooving tooth to be deployed or retracted.

[0045] More specifically, insofar as the groove of the plunger tube is at least partially inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction, said grooving tooth describes at least a transverse displacement to said longitudinal direction during the sliding of the engagement portion in this inclined portion of the groove. This movement allows the grooving tooth to be displaced until it exits the cylindrical volume defined by the peripheral edge of the helical thread.

[0046] During its sliding in the inclined portion of the groove, the engagement portion is advantageously displaced laterally considered in a plane passing through the lateral face of the lateral wall of the lower tube portion of the plunger 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 deployed position.

[0048] The invention allows the grooving tooth to be easily deployed or retracted solely by relative movement of the plunger tube with respect to the hollow core. The invention eliminates the need for specific drive means located at the bottom of the cutting tool, and in particular hydraulic cylinders, to deploy the grooving tooth. The energy consumption required to move the grooving tooth is therefore reduced, and the weight and size of the cutting tool are also reduced. Furthermore, the invention eliminates the problems associated with hydraulic lines or electrical power cables that must be routed to the drive means positioned at the bottom of the cutting tool, as found in prior art systems.

[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 prior art systems employing gears, racks, cranks, and levers. This reduces the risk of wear or breakage that could compromise the proper deployment of the grooving tooth. Furthermore, the grooving device according to the invention requires little maintenance, and the risk of it seizing is particularly low.

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

[0051] Thanks to the invention, during drilling and the descent of the cutting tool, the cutting tool can be placed in the first configuration, so that the grooving tooth is held in a retracted position. The plunger and the grooving tooth then do not interfere with the drilling. When drilling is complete, the cutting tool can be placed in the second configuration, which results in the grooving tooth being brought into the deployed position and the injection port being exposed in the hollow core.

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

[0053] During the ascent of the cutting tool, the grooving tooth forms a groove in the inner face of the borehole. The fluid, particularly concrete, can then be immediately injected, via the injection port of the tremie pipe, into the groove. This results in the formation of a threaded pile under optimal conditions.

[0054] Preferably, but not limited to, said groove has at least one straight portion of the groove parallel to the longitudinal direction of the hollow core. One advantage is that it allows adjustment of the position of the plunger tube relative to the hollow core when the cutting tool is in the second configuration, without altering the position of the grooving tooth. When the tube is extended beyond the position reached when the cutting tool is in the second configuration, the engagement portion of the grooving device slides within said straight portion of the groove. Advantageously, said straight portion of the groove extends in line with and above the inclined portion of the groove.

[0055] Preferably, said grooving tooth is mounted to move in translation along a deployment direction that is transverse to the longitudinal direction of the hollow web. The grooving tooth is advantageously mounted to move in translation relative to the helical thread or the hollow web.

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

[0057] The grooving device advantageously comprises a housing inside which the grooving tooth is mounted for translational movement. Preferably, said housing is located at the lower end of the hollow web. Said housing may be mounted on the hollow web or on the helical thread. In the retracted position, the grooving tooth extends at least partially inside the housing. In the extended position, the grooving tooth protrudes from the housing. Preferably, the tooth extends in the direction of deployment.

[0058] Advantageously, the deployment direction of the grooving tooth is inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hollow core. One advantage is that the grooving tooth is not positioned perpendicular to the inner face of the borehole when deployed. Given this inclined angle of attack relative to the inner face of the borehole, the grooving tooth penetrates the inner face of the borehole more easily, 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 with respect to the horizontal.

[0060] Advantageously, said engagement portion of the grooving device extends perpendicularly to the grooving tooth. Preferably, said engagement portion extends perpendicularly to the deployment direction of the tooth. The The engagement portion advantageously extends perpendicularly to the lateral face of the lateral wall of the lower tube portion of the plunger 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, with the injection orifice located between said distal end and the throat. The injection orifice therefore advantageously extends under said throat.

[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 that allows the grooving tooth to move from the retracted position to the deployed position during the deployment of the dip tube.

[0064] Preferably, the lower tube portion of the dip tube has a polygonal cross-section, preferably square or rectangular, the lateral wall of the lower tube portion of the dip tube having a plurality of lateral faces, the groove being formed in one of said lateral faces. This configuration makes it possible to lock the dip tube against rotation about the longitudinal direction of the hollow core, by matching the shape of 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 lateral wall of the lower tube portion of the dip tube has four lateral faces. The groove then extends substantially in a vertical plane passing through said lateral face of the lateral wall of the lower tube portion of the dip tube.

[0065] Alternatively, and without departing from the scope of the invention, the lower portion of the tube of the dip tube may have a circular cross-section. In this case, its lateral wall then presents only a single lateral 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 the lateral face of the side wall of the lower tube portion of the plunger tube in which the groove is formed. The plunger tube then guides the deployment of the grooving tooth. Even more preferably, the grooving tooth has a lateral surface configured to contact the lateral face of the side wall of the lower tube portion of the plunger tube in which the groove is formed. Preferably, the grooving tooth slides on the lateral face of the side wall of the lower tube portion of the plunger tube as it moves from the retracted position to the deployed position.

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

[0069] Advantageously, the engagement portion of the grooving device extends substantially perpendicularly to the lateral face of the lateral wall of the lower tube portion of the plunger tube in which the groove is formed. This improves the interaction between the engagement portion and the groove, thereby facilitating the sliding of the engagement portion within the groove. Preferably, the engagement portion of the grooving device extends perpendicularly to the lateral face in which the groove is formed.

[0070] Advantageously, said lateral face of the lateral wall of the lower tube portion of the plunger tube in which said groove is formed has a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge opposite to the first lateral edge, and said groove has at least a first portion of the groove 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 portion of the throat 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 plunger tube and a second end, preferably an upper end, located on the second lateral edge of said lateral face.

[0072] Said first portion of the groove is therefore inclined relative to the longitudinal direction of the hollow core. During its sliding in the first portion of the groove, said engagement portion is displaced from said first lateral edge to said second lateral edge and vice versa, according to the direction of movement of the plunger tube. This results in a lateral displacement of the grooving tooth between the first and second lateral edges. Said first portion of the groove is preferably curved.

[0073] By way of non-limitation, when switching from the first configuration to the second configuration, the engagement portion may also slide into another portion of the groove, for example a longitudinal portion of the groove located under said first portion of the groove.

[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 plunger tube when the cutting tool is brought from the first configuration to the second configuration.

[0075] Preferably, the grooving tooth is away from the first lateral edge of said lateral face of the lower tube portion of the plunger tube when it is deployed.

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

[0077] Preferably, said first portion of the groove describes a curvature extending 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 friction between the engagement portion and the plunger tube during the latter's translational movement. This improves the guidance of said engagement portion and facilitates the deployment of the grooving tooth.

[0078] Advantageously, the cutting tool is further configured to take 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 move from the second configuration to the third configuration by the relative translational movement of the plunger tube with respect to the hollow core, along 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 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 deployed further, compared to the second configuration. It is deployed 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 embodiment, the transition from the second to the third configuration of the cutting tool is achieved by moving the plunger tube downwards inside the hollow core, along the longitudinal direction. Alternatively, according to a second non-limiting embodiment, the transition from the second to the third configuration of the cutting tool is achieved by moving the hollow core upwards relative to the plunger tube, along the longitudinal direction. According to yet another alternative, the transition from the second to the third configuration of the cutting tool is achieved by simultaneously moving the plunger tube and the hollow core relative to each other.

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

[0083] It is therefore possible to retract the grooving tooth by extending the plunger tube further relative to the hollow core. This third configuration has the advantage to allow the grooving tooth to be retracted even if the plunger tube is blocked, preventing it from being retracted by "pulling it out" further, compared to the second configuration.

[0084] During the transition 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 the groove extending from the second lateral edge to the first lateral edge of said lateral face of the lateral wall of the lower tube portion of the plunger tube in which the groove is formed, the engagement portion sliding in said second portion of the groove when the cutting tool is brought from the second to the third configuration.

[0086] In other words, the second portion of the groove 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 portion of the tube of the plunger 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. During its sliding in the second groove portion, said engagement portion is displaced from said second lateral edge to said first lateral edge of the lateral face of the plunger tube and vice versa, depending on the direction of movement of the plunger tube. This results in a displacement of the grooving tooth.

[0088] Preferably, the engagement 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 plunger 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 plunger tube when switching from the second to the third configuration.

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

[0091] Preferably, the second portion of the groove is symmetrical to the first portion of the groove 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 portion of the groove is located between the second portion of the groove and the distal end of the dip tube. Preferably, the second portion of the groove is arranged above the first portion of the groove.

[0093] Without limitation, the groove may include a straight portion of the groove connecting the first portion of the groove and the second portion of the groove. Advantageously, the straight portion of the groove extends along said longitudinal direction.

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

[0095] The cutting tool is moved from the first configuration to the intermediate configuration by relative displacement of the plunger tube with respect to the hollow core along 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, such that the injection orifice is brought out of the hollow core. The grooving tooth is not, however, 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 the deployment of said grooving tooth.

[0096] One advantage is that the groove is formed in the inner face of the borehole only over a reduced height. Another advantage is that it allows fluid to be injected into the borehole, via the injection port, even if the soil type does not allow the grooving tooth to be deployed, for example in the case of excessively hard soil.

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

[0098] Advantageously, said groove has a longitudinal groove portion extending parallel to said longitudinal direction and in which slides the engagement portion of the grooving device 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 during the transition from the first configuration to the intermediate configuration, and in the first groove portion during the transition 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 orifice injection. 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 plunger tube in which said groove is formed.

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

[0101] The invention also relates to a machine for manufacturing a threaded pile in soil comprising a cutting tool as described above and a fluid supply source, for example concrete, connected to the plunger tube.

[0102] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a threaded pile in soil, the method comprising the steps according to which: - a cutting tool is provided as described previously; - the dip tube is connected to a fluid supply source, for example concrete; - a borehole is drilled 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 held in the retracted position during drilling; - the cutting tool is moved from the first configuration to the second configuration by relative translation of the plunger tube with respect to the hollow core along the longitudinal direction of the hollow core, whereby the engagement portion of the grooving device slides inside the groove of the plunger tube, so that the grooving tooth is moved into the deployed position; and - the cutting tool is extracted from the borehole in a helical motion around said longitudinal direction, so that the grooving tooth forms a groove in an internal face of the borehole, while injecting fluid into the borehole from the injection port, via the dip tube.

[0103] The injected fluid is preferably concrete or 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 upon reading the following description of embodiments of the invention given by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0106] [Fig.1] [Fig.1] shows a machine for the manufacture of 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 plunger tube of the cutting tool of [Fig. 1];

[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 top cross-sectional view of the cutting tool of [Fig.2];

[0110] [Fig. 5] [Fig. 5] shows the drilling of a hole using the cutting tool according to the invention, placed in a first configuration known as 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 making 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.10] [Fig.10] shows a second embodiment of a cutting tool according to the invention placed in the first configuration;

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

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

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

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

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

[0121] The invention relates to a cutting tool for manufacturing a threaded pile and to a machine comprising such a cutting tool. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a threaded pile in soil 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] Figure 1 illustrates a machine 10 for manufacturing a threaded pile in soil, comprising a first embodiment of a cutting tool 20 according to the invention. The machine 10 includes a carrier 12 and a vertical guide mast 14. The machine further includes a carriage 16 carrying a rotating head 18 for the cutting tool 20. The carriage 16 is configured to move linearly along the mast. It is therefore possible to control the rotational speed of the cutting tool 20 using the rotating head 18, as well as the linear 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 having a lower end 22a and an upper end 22b. The hollow core is shaped like a hollow tube. The upper end 22b of the hollow core 22 cooperates with the rotating head 18. The hollow core 22 extends along a longitudinal direction L, which is 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 its upper end 22b to its lower end 22a. The helical thread 24 has a peripheral edge 26 defining a cylindrical volume V, as illustrated in [Fig. 5].

[0126] Referring to [Fig.6], showing the cutting tool in side view, with the hollow core hidden for greater visibility, it can be seen that the cutting tool 20 further comprises a plunger tube 30 mounted movable in translation along 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 along the longitudinal direction L.

[0127] In [Fig. 1], it can be seen that, in this non-limiting example, the cutting tool 20 includes cylinders 29, arranged between the rotating head 18 and a platform linked to the plunger tube 30. These cylinders 29 allow the plunger tube 30 to be moved in translation relative to the hollow core 22, along the longitudinal direction L of the hollow core.

[0128] The dip tube 30 also extends along the longitudinal direction of the hollow core 22. The hollow core 22 includes an internal housing 27 with a square cross-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. 1]. The dip tube 30 is hollow and defines an internal conduit C for conveying 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 has a circular cross-section.

[0130] Referring to [Fig. 3], which shows said lower tube portion 31 of the tremie pipe 30, with the hollow core concealed for greater visibility, an injection orifice 35 is provided in said lower tube portion 31 of the tremie pipe, near the distal end 30a of said tremie pipe. The injection orifice 35 opens into the inner conduit C and allows the injection of concrete towards the inner face of the borehole. The tremie pipe 30, and more specifically the lower tube portion 31, is further provided with a cutting tip 32 sealing the distal end 30a of the tremie pipe. The cutting tip 32 is provided with cutting teeth.

[0131] The lower tube portion 31 of the dip tube 30 has a lateral wall 34. As can be seen in the top cross-sectional view of [Fig. 4], the lower tube portion 31 of the dip tube 30 has a square cross-section in this non-limiting example. The lateral 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 port is located in the second lateral face 37. The first lateral face 36 of the lateral 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 and 36b extend vertically.

[0132] As illustrated in [Fig. 6], a groove 40 is formed in the first lateral face 36 of the lateral wall 34 of the lower tube portion 31 of the dip tube. The groove 40 has a depth on 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 portion of the groove 42 which is inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction L of the hollow core 22. The groove further comprises a straight portion of the groove 43, extending in line with the first portion of the groove 42. The straight portion of the groove 43 extends 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 straight portion of the groove 43 extends above the first portion of the groove 42. The first portion of the groove 42 is curved and convex. The groove 40, and more precisely the first portion of the groove 42, extends from the first lateral edge 36a of the lateral face 34 of the plunger tube to the second lateral edge 36b of said lateral face.The said groove is therefore partly inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction L of the web, and with respect to the vertical.

[0134] As illustrated in [Fig. 3], where the hollow core 22 is hidden for clarity, the cutting tool 20 further comprises a grooving device 50. The grooving device 50 includes a grooving tooth 52. The grooving tooth 52 extends along a principal direction and has a pointed end portion 52a configured to contact the inner face of the bore to form a groove. A through hole 54 is provided in the grooving tooth. This through hole 54 is perpendicular to the principal 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 includes an engagement portion 60 in the form of a lug whose length is greater than the length of the through hole 54 in the grooving tooth 52. The engagement portion 60 is fixed to the grooving tooth 50 and extends perpendicularly to said grooving tooth. More precisely, the engagement portion 60 extends perpendicularly 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 web 22 and 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 within this housing 62, along a deployment direction X. The deployment direction X is inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L of the hollow core 22, and therefore with respect to the horizontal. The deployment direction X is parallel to the first lateral face 36 of the side wall 34 of the dip tube. The housing 62 extends in line with the helical thread 24. It forms a recess for the grooving tooth. A vertical plane passing through said deployment direction is parallel to the first lateral face 36 of the side wall 34 of the dip tube 30.

[0138] The grooving tooth 52 is capable of assuming a retracted position, as illustrated in Figures 2 to 6, in which it extends within the cylindrical volume V defined by the peripheral edge 26 of the helical thread 24. This is particularly visible in Figure 5, which shows the cutting tool mounted in a side view. The grooving tooth 52 is also capable of assuming an extended position, as 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 process of manufacturing a threaded pile in a soil 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 plunger 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 seals the hollow core. The engagement portion 60 of the grooving device is then engaged in the first groove portion 42 of the groove 40 and extends near the first lateral edge 36a of the first lateral face 36 of the lateral wall 34 of the lower tube portion 31 of the plunger 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], drilling is carried out by rotating 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 rotating head 18. The cutting tool is driven into the soil S. During the descent of the cutting tool 20, the helical thread 24 cuts the soil S to form the borehole. The grooving tooth 52 does not come into contact with the soil during drilling, so that it does not destabilize the surrounding soil.

[0143] When drilling is complete, the cutting tool is brought into a second configuration by the relative translational movement of the immersion tube 30 with respect 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 extending the immersion tube. This is illustrated by the transition from Figures 5 and 6 to Figures 7 and 8. The distal end 30a of the immersion tube 30 is kept in contact with the bottom of the borehole during this relative movement of the immersion tube with respect to the hollow core. In this non-limiting example, the immersion tube 30 is moved using the jacks 29. As illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, in the second configuration, the immersion tube 30 protrudes from the lower end 22a of the hollow core 22, so that the injection port 35 extends out of said hollow core. The distal end 30a of the dip tube is away from the lower end 22a of the hollow core.

[0144] The relative translational displacement of the plunger tube 30 with respect to the hollow core 22, when the cutting tool 20 moves from the first configuration to the second configuration, results in the engagement portion 60 sliding of the grooving device 50 in the first portion of the groove 42 of the groove 40. Given the inclination and curvature of this first portion of the groove 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 plunger tube 30. Consequently, the grooving tooth 52 is moved translationally along the deployment direction X. It is brought from the retracted position to the deployed position during the deployment of the tube, and therefore when the cutting tool moves from the first configuration to the second configuration. The deployment of the grooving tooth 52 is thus achieved by the relative movement of the plunger tube 30 with respect to the hollow core, and is therefore facilitated.In the deployed position, the grooving tooth 52 protrudes out of the cylindrical volume V so that it comes into contact with the inner face of the borehole, as can be seen in figures 7 and 8.

[0145] By way of non-limitation, although not shown, the plunger 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 straight 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 port 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 returned to its initial configuration by moving the plunger tube 30 into the hollow core to retract it. This results in the grooving tooth 52 being moved from the extended 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 with respect 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 straight groove portion 43, which here connects the first groove portion 42 and the second portion of groove 44. The second portion of groove 44 and the first portion of groove 42 are symmetrical with respect to each other considered with respect to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L of the hollow core 22.

[0149] Similar to the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 8, in this second embodiment, when the cutting tool is moved from the first configuration to the second configuration by the relative movement of the plunger tube 30 with respect to the hollow core 22, the grooving tooth 52 is moved 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 transition from the first configuration to the second configuration, resulting in the deployment of the grooving tooth 52, is illustrated by the transition from [Fig. 10] to [Fig. 11]. In [Fig. 11], it can be seen that the plunger tube 30 has been deployed such 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 with respect to the hollow core 22, beyond the position illustrated in [Fig. 11]. During the transition 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 port 35 and the lower end 22a of the hollow core is greater than that distance in the second configuration. The plunger tube is more fully extended than in the second configuration. During the transition from the second to the third configuration, the engagement portion 60 of the grooving device 50 slides within the second groove portion 44, which is inclined. Due to 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 plunger tube 30. Consequently, the grooving tooth 52 is displaced translationally along the deployment direction X.It is brought from the deployed position to the retracted position when the cutting tool 20 is moved from the second configuration to the third configuration, and therefore when the plunger tube 30 is further extended. One advantage is being able to bring the grooving tooth 52 into the retracted position, even if retracting the plunger tube 30 were impossible and it would not be possible to move the cutting tool 20 from the second to the first configuration.

[0152] The relative translational displacement of the plunger tube 30 with respect to the hollow core 22, during the transition from the second to the third configuration, resulting in the passage of the groove tooth 52 from the deployed position to the retracted position, is illustrated by the passage 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 disposed below the first groove portion 42, between said first groove portion and the injection port 35. The first groove portion 42 extends in line with 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 lower tube portion 31 of the plunger tube 30. In [Fig. 13], the cutting tool is disposed in the first configuration.

[0155] In this third embodiment, the cutting tool 20 can also be placed in an intermediate configuration, between the first and second configurations. This intermediate configuration is illustrated in [Fig. 14]. The transition from the first configuration to the intermediate configuration is achieved by a relative translational movement of the plunger tube 30 with respect to the hollow core 22 along the longitudinal direction. This movement results in the plunger tube 30 being extracted from the hollow core 22. Consequently, the engagement portion 60 of the grooving device 50 slides within the 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. As a result, 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 moves 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. Fluid injection can therefore be carried out even if it is not desirable or possible to deploy the grooving tooth, for example if the nature of the soil does not permit it.

[0157] The transition from the intermediate configuration to the second configuration is also achieved by relative displacement of the plunger 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 portion of the groove 42, which has the effect of bringing the grooving tooth 52 from the retracted position to the deployed position, as is the case in the embodiments described above.

[0158] Figure 15 illustrates a fourth embodiment of a cutting tool 20 according to the invention. Figure 15 is a side view of this variant of the cutting tool 20, the hollow core 22 having been concealed for greater visibility. In this variant, as in the second embodiment of Figures 10 to 12, the groove 40 includes 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 more extended than in the second configuration. Furthermore, as in the embodiment of Figures 13 and 14, the groove 40 also includes a longitudinal groove portion 46 allowing the cutting tool to be placed in an intermediate configuration.

Claims

1. Demands Cutting tool (20) for manufacturing a threaded pile (P) in soil (S), the cutting tool comprising: - a hollow cylindrical core (22) having a lower end (22a) and extending along 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 within said hollow core, along said longitudinal direction, said dip tube comprising at least a lower tube portion (31) having a lateral wall (34) in which a groove is formed at least partially inclined with respect to said longitudinal direction, an injection orifice (35) being further provided in said lateral 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) integral with 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 protrudes 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 plunger tube with respect to the hollow core, along 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 moved from the first configuration to the second configuration.

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

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

4. Cutting tool according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said engagement portion (60) of the grooving device (50) extends perpendicularly to the grooving tooth (52).

5. Cutting tool according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plunger tube (30) has a distal end (30a), said injection orifice (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 cross-section, preferably square or rectangular, 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. Cutting tool according to claim 6, in which 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 plunger tube (30) in which said groove (40) is formed.

8. Cutting tool according to claim 6 or 7, wherein said engagement portion (60) of the grooving device (50) extends substantially perpendicularly 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. 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 in which said groove has at least a first portion of groove (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. Cutting tool according to claim 9, wherein said first portion of groove (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. 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 plunger tube with respect to the hollow core, along said longitudinal direction, said engagement portion (60) of the grooving device (50) being configured to slide inside said groove (40) of the plunger tube, whereby the grooving tooth (52) is moved between the deployed position and the retracted position when the cutting tool is brought from the second configuration to the third configuration.

12. 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 lateral wall (34) of the lower tube portion (31) of the plunger 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. 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 plunger tube (30) is positioned such that said injection orifice (35) extends to the outside of the hollow core (22) while the grooving tooth (52) is held in a retracted position.

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

15. 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 soil (S) comprising a cutting tool (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 15 and a fluid supply source, for example concrete, connected to the tremie tube (30).

17. Method for manufacturing a threaded pile (P) in soil (S), the method comprising the steps in which: - a cutting tool (20) is provided according to any one of claims 1 to 15; - the tremie pipe (30) is connected to a fluid supply source, for example concrete; - a borehole is drilled in the soil 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 held in the retracted position during drilling;- the cutting tool is brought from the first configuration to the second configuration by relative translational displacement of the plunger tube with respect to the hollow core along the longitudinal direction of the hollow core, whereby the engagement portion of the grooving device slides inside the groove (40) of the plunger tube, so that the grooving tooth is moved into the deployed position; and - the cutting tool (20) is extracted from the borehole by a helical movement around said longitudinal direction, so that the grooving tooth forms a groove (R) in an internal face of the; drilling, while injecting the fluid into the borehole from the injection port, via the dip tube.