Cutting head for excavation machine, and corresponding excavation machine

Abstract

Cutting head for excavation machine, and corresponding excavation machine The invention relates to a cutting head (1) for an excavation machine (6) for making vertical trenches, comprising: - at least two drums (8, 12) positioned side by side, and configured to rotate respectively around two axes of rotation extending in a substantially horizontal direction, and - a support (2) intended to be mounted, by its upper side, on a frame of the excavation machine, and the drums being mounted on the lower side of said support, - at least two motor assemblies (12, 14) with a drive shaft (12a, 14a) and mounted on the upper side (2b) of the support, configured to drive said at least two drums in rotation, and - means for mounting and dismounting (16a, 16b) the cutting head on the frame, mounted on the upper side of the support.The mounting and dismounting means (16a, 16b) are positioned between the two planes defined respectively by the first drive axis (12a) and the horizontal direction, and by the second drive axis (14a) and the horizontal direction. The invention also relates to an excavation machine comprising such a cutting head. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 3.

Description

Title of the invention: Cutting head for excavation machine, and corresponding excavation machine technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of soil excavation and cutting machines with rotary cutters, particularly for the construction of trenches and diaphragm walls in the ground. More specifically, the present invention relates to the cutting heads for such excavation machines. Previous technique

[0002] To construct diaphragm walls, it is first necessary to excavate a trench whose geometry corresponds to the wall to be constructed. Then, the trench is filled with grout or concrete, possibly reinforced, to obtain the diaphragm wall.

[0003] When the wall has a certain depth and must be excavated with high precision, milling cutters are most often used, in which the cutting head is equipped with two rotating assemblies fitted with excavation tools. These tools, under the effect of vertical thrust, break up the soil or rock, producing significant quantities of cuttings. During the drilling operation, the trench is kept filled with drilling fluid. The drilling cuttings present in the drilling fluid are then removed from the trench by pumping.

[0004] An example is described in particular in document EP 1 486 620, in which a carrier, equipped with a boom, includes an excavation machine itself mounted at the end of support cables passing through the end of the boom. This excavation machine comprises a vertical frame at the lower end of which a cutting head is mounted. The cutting head essentially consists of two rotating cutting assemblies with horizontal axes of rotation, parallel to each other. Preferably, each rotating cutting assembly consists of two cutters or drums mounted symmetrically on the frame. The excavation machine also includes, to allow the removal of excavated material, a suction inlet located at the lower end of the frame between the two rotating cutting assemblies, and a suction line connecting the suction inlet to a suction device, for example, a pump.

[0005] The excavation machine of document EP 1 486 620 includes, in particular, a chassis associated with a detachable cutting head. The detachable cutting head includes, in particular, the two rotating assemblies, with the associated motors, mounted on the part lower part of a plate equipped with means for securing it to the chassis of the excavation machine. Such an excavation machine allows, in particular, for quick and easy replacement of the rotating assemblies of the excavation machine, thanks to the change of the cutting head, in order to adapt them to the type of soil to be excavated.

[0006] However, such cutting heads, even if they remain easy to replace, are difficult to modify themselves. In particular, due to the constraints related to the removable nature of the entire cutting head assembly, the various means of these parts are not arranged appropriately and limit their disassembly or replacement, whether for repair or adaptation to external constraints. Description of the invention

[0007] The present invention aims to solve the various technical problems stated above. In particular, the present invention aims to provide an excavation machine that allows for quick and easy adaptation to different types of soil, while also facilitating maintenance operations on the cutting head.

[0008] Thus, according to one aspect, a cutting head for an excavation machine for the creation of vertical trenches is proposed, comprising: - at least one first drum and a second drum positioned side by side, close to each other and configured to rotate respectively around a first axis of rotation and a second axis of rotation, the first and second axes of rotation being different and extending substantially in a horizontal direction, and - a support comprising an upper side and a lower side, the support being intended to be mounted, by its upper side, on a chassis of the excavation machine, and the first and second drums being mounted on the lower side of said support, - at least one first motor assembly and a second motor assembly, in particular hydraulic or electric, mounted on the upper side of the support and comprising respectively a first drive shaft and a second drive shaft, said at least two drums being driven in rotation by said at least two motor assemblies, and - means for mounting and dismounting the cutting head on the chassis of the excavation machine, said mounting and dismounting means being mounted on the upper side of the support.

[0009] The mounting and dismounting means are positioned, particularly when the cutting head is observed along said horizontal direction of the first and second axes of rotation, between the two planes defined respectively by the first drive axis and said horizontal direction, and by the second drive axis and said direction horizontal, for example between the two substantially vertical planes passing through the said first and second axes of rotation.

[0010] Thus, the cutting head is designed to allow easy access to its drive assemblies, while retaining its mounting and dismounting functions on the chassis of an excavator. More specifically, the cutting head's drive assemblies are positioned on the cutting head on either side of the mounting and dismounting means, that is, on the upper side of the cutting head by which it is mounted on the chassis of the excavator. In particular, the drive assemblies are no longer positioned inside the corresponding drums, which would have required prior dismounting of the drum to access the drive assembly. The drive assemblies are therefore directly accessible after dismounting the cutting head, or even when the cutting head is mounted on the chassis, as the mounting and dismounting means are grouped, along with other means of interaction with the chassis, in a central section on the upper side of the cutting head.

[0011] Preferably, the mounting and dismounting means are positioned, when the cutting head is observed along said horizontal direction of the first and second axes of rotation, between said at least two motor assemblies.

[0012] Preferably, the means for mounting and dismounting are provided between the two motor assemblies of the cutting head: the lateral ends on the upper side of the cutting head are therefore provided only for the motor assemblies.

[0013] Preferably, the cutting head also includes a suction inlet mounted between the first and second drums. The mounting and dismounting means, and a connection area for the suction inlet, are positioned, when the cutting head is viewed along the horizontal direction of the first and second axes of rotation, between the two motor assemblies.

[0014] Thus, the functionalities cooperating with the chassis of the excavation machine, namely the means of mounting / dismounting and the connection area of ​​the suction nozzle, are provided in the central part of the upper side of the cutting head, while the ends are occupied solely or mainly by the motor assemblies.

[0015] Preferably, the two motor assemblies are mounted on the upper side of the support so that the drive shaft of each motor assembly intersects the rotation shaft of the corresponding drum.

[0016] In order to limit the mechanical connections between the drive assemblies and the drums driven by said drive assemblies, the drive assemblies include a drive shaft that intersects the axis of rotation of the corresponding drum. It is then sufficient to provide only one mechanical connection between the drive shaft and the axis of rotation, at the point of intersection, for example a bevel gear. and / or one or more reducers, in particular epicycloidal ones.

[0017] Preferably, the drive axis of each of the motor assemblies extends in a substantially vertical direction or inclined with respect to the vertical direction.

[0018] In use, the excavation machine extends in a substantially vertical direction to create the trench: the cutting head is thus positioned under the chassis, with the upper side of the support oriented above the lower side. The drive assemblies are therefore positioned substantially above the corresponding drums, with the drive shafts extending in a substantially vertical direction or inclined with respect to the vertical, while intersecting the axis of rotation of the corresponding drums.

[0019] Preferably, the drive axis of each motor assembly extends in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the corresponding drum.

[0020] Thus, in operation, the drive axes of the motor assemblies will extend in a substantially vertical plane, since the rotation axes of the drums will be substantially parallel and horizontal. The drive axes may be vertical or inclined with respect to the vertical, while remaining perpendicular to the rotation axes of the drums.

[0021] Preferably, the drive axes of the motor assemblies extend, in the same plane, along intersecting directions, so that the distance separating the two drive axes, at the level of the motor assemblies, is greater than the distance separating the points of intersection of the drive axes with the axes of rotation of the corresponding drums.

[0022] For example, the drive axis of each of the motor assemblies can extend in a vertical plane, in a direction inclined with respect to the vertical direction, so that the distance separating the two drive axes decreases as one moves downwards, that is to say as one moves away from the motor assemblies towards the drums.

[0023] In order to increase the space provided for the mounting / dismounting means, and any other means, between the two drive assemblies, the latter can be mounted on the upper side of the cutting head at an angle, so that their drive axis is angled relative to the direction in which the excavator extends during operation, i.e., relative to the vertical direction. The inclined mounting of the drive assemblies, while maintaining a drive axis intersecting the axis of rotation of the corresponding drums, allows the drive assemblies to be moved further apart, thus freeing up more space between them for the mounting / dismounting means and other means cooperating with the chassis of the excavator.

[0024] Preferably, each motor assembly includes a drive shaft substantially perpendicular to a bearing surface of said motor assembly on the upper side of the support, and at least one motor assembly, preferably each motor assembly, is mounted inclined on the upper side of the support, for example is mounted on an inclined portion of the upper side of the support.

[0025] Thus, the upper side of the support may have inclined portions for mounting motor assemblies at a specific angle. Such a support makes it possible, in particular, to mount conventional motor assemblies with a drive axis perpendicular to the support surface, and to determine the angle of inclination of the motor assemblies relative to the support by the geometry of the inclined portions on the upper side of the support.

[0026] Preferably, the mounting and dismounting means comprise at least two pins, or lugs, extending in a substantially vertical direction, preferably perpendicular to the upper side of the support.

[0027] The mounting and dismounting means can thus be mechanical means extending projecting upwards from the upper side of the support, so as to cooperate with corresponding means of the chassis, for example, locking means. Such mechanical means make it possible, in particular, to maintain a small footprint on the upper side of the support, while being sufficiently robust to allow the mechanical connection between the chassis and the cutting head. However, the mounting and dismounting means are not limited to mechanical coupling means, but may also include electrical coupling means and / or hydraulic coupling means.

[0028] According to another aspect, an excavation machine comprising a chassis and a cutting head as described above is also proposed.

[0029] Such an excavation machine therefore allows the benefit of a cutting head that is both removable and easy to modify.

[0030] Preferably, the excavation machine also includes a peripheral protection means positioned around the motor assemblies, between the upper side of the support and the chassis.

[0031] To facilitate the replacement of one or more motor assemblies, these can be mounted on the upper side to remain accessible when the cutter head is disengaged from the chassis, or even when the cutter head is mounted on the chassis. However, to protect the motor assemblies during operation, the excavator may include a protective means surrounding the motor assemblies in their operating configuration and positioned between the support and the chassis. Such a peripheral protective means may, in particular, detach itself from the cutter head when the latter is separated from the chassis, so as to allow for easy reattachment. accessible to said engine assemblies.

[0032] Preferably, the chassis includes locking means configured to cooperate with the means for mounting and dismounting the cutting head, for example keys actuated by motor means such as cylinders, to insert into a corresponding orifice of the mounting and dismounting means.

[0033] In order to secure the cutting head to the frame, the latter may include locking means designed to cooperate with the means for mounting and dismounting the cutting head. For example, where the mounting and dismounting means are pins or lugs extending perpendicularly to the upper side of the support, with a transverse through hole, the locking means may include keys with a geometry corresponding to that of the transverse through hole, so as to cooperate with it. Thus, to mechanically lock the cutting head, it is sufficient to move the keys into the holes of the corresponding pins or lugs, and to mechanically separate the cutting head, it is sufficient to remove the keys from the corresponding holes.

[0034] Preferably, said keys and orifices have complementary pyramidal or conical shapes.

[0035] To limit play between the cutting head and the frame, while facilitating the movement of the keys in the holes, the keys and holes may have pyramidal or conical shapes. Such shapes offer, in particular, significant play when the keys are entering the holes, and zero or minimal play when the keys are fully inserted into the holes.

[0036] Preferably, said locking means move, to cooperate with the means for mounting and dismounting the cutting head, in a direction substantially parallel to said horizontal direction.

[0037] In order to free up space for the motor assemblies and possibly the connection area for the suction nozzle, the locking means can be configured to move, relative to the mounting and dismounting means for the cutting head, in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the drums. This makes it possible to reduce the overall size in the direction passing through the two motor assemblies. Brief description of the drawings

[0038] [Fig-1] Fig. 1 represents, schematically, a first mode of rea modification of a cutting head according to the invention;

[0039] [Fig.2] Fig.2 schematically represents a second embodiment of a cutting head according to the invention;

[0040] [Fig. 3] [Fig. 3] is a schematic, partially exploded view of a machine excavation with a cutting head as illustrated in [Fig.2];

[0041] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a perspective view of the cutting head schematically illustrated in [Fig.2];

[0042] [Fig. 5] [Fig. 5] is an enlargement of a portion of the cutting head of [Fig. 4], with locking means cooperating with the mounting and dismounting means; and

[0043] [Fig.6] Fig.6 represents a general view of a carrier comprising an excavation machine. Description of the implementation methods

[0044] Fig. 6 illustrates in general a tracked carrier A intended to carry out substantially vertical trenches in order to create diaphragm walls, preferably of great depths, for example at least 20 meters.

[0045] The tracked carrier A includes a boom B on which an excavation machine chassis C is suspended by means of cables. The cables allow the excavation machine to be lowered as the trench is being dug, by unwinding a reel G.

[0046] A cutting head 1 equipped with two pairs of drums, or milling wheels, D with horizontal axes is positioned at the lower end of the frame C. The drums D are driven by electric or hydraulic motors and are equipped with teeth distributed around their periphery and intended to dig the ground.

[0047] A hydraulic or electric pump E is also installed on the chassis C, above the drums D. This pump E allows the particles cut by the drums to be sucked up and evacuated to the surface via the discharge pipe F.

[0048] The cutting head 1 will be described in more detail below, with reference to Figures 1 to 5.

[0049] The cutting head 1 includes a support 2 intended to allow the mounting of the various components of the cutting head 1, the support also being configured to allow connection to a chassis 4 in order to form an excavation machine 6 as illustrated in [Fig.3].

[0050] The cutting head 1 includes in particular two drums 8, 10 mounted on the support 2, and driven by two motor assemblies 12, 14 also mounted on the support 2.

[0051] For the sake of simplification, in the following description it will be assumed that the excavation machine 6 extends in a substantially vertical direction, and that the drums 8, 10 rotate around axes of rotation substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the direction of the excavation machine 6, i.e. substantially horizontal and therefore extending in the same horizontal direction. However, the description below is not limited to such a configuration, but also encompasses other geometries and their corresponding adaptations.

[0052] In the following description, the support 2 will be considered to include, in particular, a plate 2a, an upper side 2b and a lower side 2c. In particular, the upper side 2b of the support 2 may correspond to an upper face of the plate 2a, while the lower side 2c may include an extension, for example perpendicular to the plate 2a, mounted on an lower face of the plate 2a.

[0053] The first drum 8 is mounted on the support 2, and more precisely on the lower side 2c of the support 2, that is to say under the plate 2a of the support 2. The first drum 8 has a general cylindrical shape, and is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation 8a.

[0054] The first drum 8 conventionally comprises a proximal end extending substantially in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation 8a, and a distal end opposite the proximal end and extending substantially in a plane parallel to that of the proximal end. The proximal and distal ends substantially define the width of the first drum 8 in the direction of its axis of rotation 8a. Thus, since the axis of rotation 8a of the first drum 8 is intended to be substantially horizontal in use, the proximal and distal ends extend substantially vertically when the first drum 8 is mounted and used on the cutting head 1.

[0055] In order to allow the mounting and rotational drive of the first drum 8, the cutting head 1 includes cooperation means (not shown) on which the first drum 8 is mounted. More specifically, the first drum 8 is mounted on the cutting head 1 by its proximal end, while the distal end extends opposite the cutting head 1.

[0056] Furthermore, the first drum 8 also includes, along its periphery, digging tools, for example, teeth mounted on tooth holders (see [Fig. 4]), driven in rotation by the first drum 8 and enabling the digging of the soil during excavation. The teeth and tooth holders can extend in different digging planes that are perpendicular to the axis of rotation 8a of the first drum 8 and are distributed across the width of the first drum 8. The tooth holders and teeth can form a ring extending along the entire periphery of the first drum 8, or they can form only segments partially surrounding the first drum 8.

[0057] The teeth at the distal end therefore allow digging at the lateral wall of the trench made by the excavation machine, while the teeth located at the proximal end or between the proximal and distal ends allow digging inside the trench made by the excavation machine.

[0058] The first drum 8 is driven in rotation by the first motor assembly 12. The first motor assembly 12 is mounted on the support 2, in particular on the upper side 2b. The first motor assembly 12 includes in particular a drive shaft 12a connected to the first drum 8 and by means of which the motor assembly 12 drives said first drum 8 in rotation. The first motor assembly 12 being thus positioned above the first drum 8, the drive shaft 12a extends in a plane R substantially vertical and perpendicular to the axis of rotation 8a of the first drum 8.

[0059] For example, the drive shaft 12a can intersect the rotation axis 8a of the first drum 8, at a first point of intersection where the mechanical connection can be implemented by bevel gears and / or by reducers, in particular epicyclic gears. There is then a direct mechanical connection between the motor assembly 12 and the corresponding drum 8.

[0060] The above description was made with a single drum 8 mounted on the rotation axis 8a and driven by the motor assembly 12, but the cutting head 1 may include two first drums 8 mounted on the same rotation axis 8a, on either side of the lower side 2c for example, and driven both rotations by the first motor assembly 12.

[0061] The second drum 10 is mounted on the support 2, and more specifically on the lower side 2c of the support 2, i.e. under the plate 2a of the support 2. The second drum 10 has a general cylindrical shape, and is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation 10a.

[0062] The second drum 10 conventionally comprises a proximal end extending substantially in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation 10a, and a distal end opposite the proximal end and extending substantially in a plane parallel to that of the proximal end. The proximal and distal ends substantially define the width of the second drum 10 in the direction of its axis of rotation 10a. Thus, since the axis of rotation 10a of the second drum 10 is intended to be substantially horizontal in use, the proximal and distal ends extend substantially vertically when the second drum 10 is mounted and used on the cutting head 1.

[0063] In order to allow the mounting and rotational drive of the second drum 10, the cutting head 1 includes cooperation means (not shown) on which the second drum 10 is mounted. More specifically, the second drum 10 is mounted on the cutting head 1 by its proximal end, while the distal end extends opposite the cutting head 1.

[0064] Furthermore, the second drum 10 also includes, along its periphery, excavation tools, for example teeth mounted on tooth holders (see [Fig. 4]), driven in rotation by the second drum 10 and enabling the digging of the soil during excavation. The teeth and tooth holders can extend in different digging planes that are perpendicular to the axis of rotation 10a of the second drum 10 and are distributed across the width of the second drum 10. The tooth holders and teeth can form a crown extending along the entire periphery of the second drum 10, or they can form only segments partially surrounding the second drum 10.

[0065] The teeth at the distal end allow digging at the lateral wall of the trench made by the excavation machine, while the teeth located at the proximal end or between the proximal and distal ends allow digging inside the trench made by the excavation machine.

[0066] The second drum 10 is driven in rotation by the second motor assembly 14. The second motor assembly 14 is mounted on the support 2, in particular on the upper side 2b. The second motor assembly 14 includes, in particular, a drive shaft 14a connected to the second drum 10 and by means of which the motor assembly 14 drives said second drum 10 in rotation. The second motor assembly 14 being thus positioned above the second drum 10, the drive shaft 14a extends in a plane R substantially vertical and perpendicular to the axis of rotation 10a of the second drum 10.

[0067] For example, the drive shaft 14a can intersect the rotation axis 10a of the second drum 10, at a first point of intersection where the mechanical connection can be implemented by means of bevel gears. There is then a direct mechanical connection, via a single gear, between the motor assembly 14 and the corresponding drum 10, without requiring other mechanical connections that could limit the transmission of forces and / or be prone to breakage.

[0068] The above description was made with a single second drum 10 mounted on the rotation axis 10a and driven by the motor assembly 14, but the cutting head 1 may include two second drums 10 mounted on the same rotation axis 10a, on either side of the lower side 2c for example, and driven both rotations by the second motor assembly 14.

[0069] The first and second drums 8, 10 are mounted side by side on the support 2, that is to say that their respective axes of rotation are substantially parallel to each other and in the same horizontal plane.

[0070] The cutting head 1 is removably mounted on the frame 4. Thus, the cutting head 1 includes mounting / dismounting means 16, in particular mechanical means, for reversibly attaching the cutting head 1 to the frame 4. In particular, such mounting / dismounting means 16 allow for quick tool changes. cutting tool used for digging the ground, particularly depending on the type of soil, by simply changing the cutting head 1, instead of dismantling and replacing the various drums and / or teeth of the cutting head 1.

[0071] The mounting / dismounting means 16 may, for example, include two lugs, or pins, 16a, 16b, intended to cooperate with corresponding locking means 18 (see Figures 3 and 5) provided on the frame 4. To facilitate the cooperation of the pins 16a, 16b with the corresponding locking means 18, the pins 16a, 16b may have a generally conical shape providing a greater degree of play at the beginning of insertion than at the end. The pins 16a, 16b may also include a through transverse opening 20a, 20b (see [Fig. 4]) for locking with the locking means 18 of the frame 4.

[0072] The lower part of the frame 4 includes locking means 18. Such locking means 18 may thus include lower openings for receiving pins 16a, 16b. Near such lower openings, the locking means 18 may also include cylinders, for example hydraulic cylinders, 22 configured to move a metal key 24 fixed to the rod of each cylinder. The metal keys 24 may have a width substantially less than the width of the transverse through opening 20a, 20b of the corresponding pins 16a, 16b, and a length extending in the same horizontal direction as the axes of rotation 8a, 10a of the drums 8, 10.

[0073] In addition to the mounting and dismounting means 16, the cutting head 1 may also include a suction opening on the lower side 2c of the support 2, between the two drums 8, 10, to suction the debris formed by the drums 8, 10, and connected on the upper side 2b of the support 2, to a connection area 26 located between the two motor assemblies 12, 14, to allow a connection of the suction layer to a suction pump mounted in the chassis 4, via a suction line.

[0074] Finally, and in order to protect the motor assemblies 12, 14 of the cutting head 1, the excavation machine 6 may include a peripheral protection means 28 configured to be positioned between the chassis 4 and the cutting head 1 locked onto said chassis 4, and to extend over at least a part of the peripheral perimeter of the motor assemblies 12, 14. Such a peripheral protection means 28 thus makes it possible to protect the motor assemblies 12, 14, without complicating their removal from the support 2 or their replacement, since said peripheral protection means 28 is locked between the chassis 4 and the cutting head 1, and can therefore be kept in place in the complete excavation machine without requiring additional fastening means.

[0075] In a first embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 1], the drive axes 12a, 14a are oriented substantially vertically. Thus, the drive axis 12a of the first drive assembly 12 extends in a first vertical plane P comprising the rotation axis 8a, while the drive axis 14a of the second drive assembly 14 extends in a second vertical plane P' comprising the rotation axis 10a. The motor assemblies 12, 14 each have a bearing surface 12b, 14b by which they are mounted on the upper side 2b of the support and which is substantially perpendicular to the corresponding drive axis 12a, 14a.

[0076] In order to facilitate the replacement of the motor assemblies 12, 14, these are provided on the distal ends of the support 2, while the mounting and dismounting means 16, as well as the connection area 26 of the suction mouth, are provided in a central area of ​​the support 2.

[0077] More specifically, the mounting and dismounting means 16, as well as the connection area 26 of the suction inlet to a suction line, can be arranged on the upper side 2b of the support 2, between the vertical planes P and P' passing through the rotation axes 8a, 10a of the drums. The mounting and dismounting means 16, as well as the connection area 26 of the suction inlet, are thus grouped in the center of the support 2, while the motor assemblies remain positioned on the sides for easy access.

[0078] However, depending on the size of the motor assemblies 12, 14, such a space between the planes P and P' may be too small to allow the mounting and dismounting means 16 to be positioned there, as well as the connection area 26 of the suction mouth.

[0079] In a second embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 2], the drive axes 12a, 14a are inclined with respect to the vertical direction, while remaining in a vertical plane R and intersecting the corresponding rotation axes 8a, 10a. Thus, the drive axis 12a of the first drive assembly 12 defines, with the substantially horizontal direction of the first rotation axis 8a of the first drum 8, a first plane Q inclined with respect to the vertical, while the drive axis 14a of the second drive assembly 14 defines, with the substantially horizontal direction of the second rotation axis 10a of the second drum 10, a second plane Q' inclined with respect to the vertical.The drive axes 12a, 14a of the drive assemblies 12, 14 extend substantially in the same vertical plane R perpendicular to the rotation axes 8a, 10a, but intersect each other so that, at the upper side 2b of the support 2, the distance between the two drive axes 12a, 14a of the two motor assemblies 12, 14 is greater than the distance between the two rotation axes 8a, 10a. The space thus left free on the upper side 2b of the support 2, between the two motor assemblies 12, 14, is therefore larger, which makes it easier to position the mounting and dismounting means 16.

[0080] For example, the upper side 2b of the support 2 may include two inclined portions on which the motor assemblies 12, 14 are intended to be mounted by their bearing surface 12b, 14b. Such inclined portions are also provided so that the mounting of a motor assembly on them allows the drive shaft to be positioned in a direction intersecting the axis of rotation of the corresponding drum.

[0081] In particular, the inclined portions of the support 2 allow conventional motor assemblies, i.e., those with a bearing surface perpendicular to the drive axis, to be installed on the cutting head 1, while also improving the available space for mounting / dismounting means. This facilitates maintenance of the cutting head's motor assemblies, both for easy installation and removal, and also for the use of standard motor assemblies.

[0082] Thus, thanks to the cutting head according to the present invention, it becomes possible to have both a removable and interchangeable cutting head that can be easily and quickly adapted to the specific characteristics of the soil to be excavated, while maintaining a cutting head that is easy to repair or maintain. In particular, the arrangement of the various elements on the cutting head, and especially the motor assemblies, facilitates access to the different components of the cutting head for their possible replacement or maintenance.

Claims

Demands

1. Cutting head (1) for an excavation machine (6) for making vertical trenches, comprising: - at least one first drum (8) and a second drum (10) positioned side by side, close to each other and configured to rotate respectively about a first axis of rotation (8a) and a second axis of rotation (10a), the first and second axes of rotation being different and extending substantially in a horizontal direction, and - a support (2) having an upper side (2b) and a lower side (2c), the support being intended to be mounted, by its upper side, on a frame (4) of the excavation machine, and the first and second drums being mounted on the lower side (2c) of said support, - at least one first motor assembly (12) and a second motor assembly (14), in particular hydraulic or electric,mounted on the upper side (2b) of the support and comprising respectively a first drive axis (12a) and a second drive axis (14a), said at least two drums (8, 10) being driven in rotation by said at least two motor assemblies (12, 14), and - means for mounting and dismounting (16) the cutting head on the chassis of the excavator, said mounting and dismounting means (16) being mounted on the upper side (2b) of the support, characterized in that the mounting and dismounting means (16) are positioned, in particular when the cutting head (1) is observed along said horizontal direction of the first and second axes of rotation (8a, 10a), between the two planes (Q, Q') defined respectively by the first drive axis (12a) and said horizontal direction, and by the second drive axis (14a) and said horizontal direction, for example between the two planes (P,P') substantially vertical passing through the said first and second axes of rotation (8a, 10a).

2. Cutting head (1) according to claim 1, wherein the mounting and dismounting means (16) are positioned, when the cutting head is observed along said horizontal direction of the first and second axes of rotation, between said at least two motor assemblies (12, 14).

3. Cutting head (1) according to claim 1 or 2, also comprising a suction inlet mounted between the first drum and the second drum (8, 10), and wherein the mounting and dismounting means (16), and a connection zone for the suction mouth are positioned, when the cutting head (1) is observed along said horizontal direction of the first and second axes of rotation, between said two motor assemblies (12, 14).

4. Cutting head (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the two drive assemblies are mounted on the upper side (2b) of the support so that the drive shaft of each drive assembly intersects the rotation axis (8a, 10a) of the corresponding drum, and wherein the drive shafts of the drive assemblies extend, in the same plane (R), in intersecting directions, so that the distance separating the two drive shafts (12a, 14a), at the level of the drive assemblies (12, 14), is greater than the distance separating the points of intersection of the drive shafts with the rotation axes (8a, 10a) of the corresponding drums.

5. Cutting head (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mounting and dismounting means (16) comprise at least two pins (16a, 16b) extending in a substantially vertical direction, preferably perpendicular to the upper side (6b) of the support.

6. Excavation machine (6) comprising a chassis (4) and a cutting head (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

7. Excavation machine (6) according to claim 6, also comprising a peripheral protection means (28) positioned around the motor assemblies (12, 14), between the upper side (2b) of the support and the chassis (4).

8. Excavation machine (6) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the chassis (4) has locking means (18) configured to cooperate with the mounting and dismounting means (16) of the cutting head (1), for example keys (24) actuated by motor means such as cylinders (22), to fit into a corresponding orifice (20a, 20b) of the mounting and dismounting means (16).

9. Excavation machine (6) according to claim 8, wherein said keys (24) and orifices (20a, 20b) have complementary pyramidal or conical shapes.

10. Excavation machine (6) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein said locking means (18) move, to cooperate with the mounting and dismounting means (16) of the cutting head, in a direction substantially parallel to said horizontal direction.