Excavation machine having grab bucket chassis with quick release cutting device

Abstract

The present invention relates to an excavation machine (10) including a grab frame (12) with a body (16) extending along a longitudinal direction (L), a movable member (32), a first arm (34) pivotable relative to the movable member (32), a second arm (36) pivotable relative to the movable member (32), the second arm having a lower end, and at least one actuator device (37) connected to the body for moving at least the first arm (34) relative to the body. The present invention is characterized in that the excavation machine (10) includes a removable cutting device (100) including a first removable fastening device (120) for removably mounting the support (110) to the body (16) and a second removable fastening device (150) for removably mounting the support (110) to the first arm, whereby the cutting device can be easily removed from the frame.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of earth excavation, in particular to an excavation machine with a cutting device. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, several methods have been implemented in the past to excavate trenches in the ground for the purpose of constructing diaphragm walls. One known method involves using an excavation tool called a "diaphragm wall clamshell grab," which includes a grab frame at its lower end to which two buckets are attached. The grab frame includes a mechanism for opening and closing the buckets. Actuation of the buckets can be achieved using hydraulic actuators. In this case, the excavation tool is generally referred to as a "hydraulic grab."

[0003] Traditionally, grab frames have been a body extending longitudinally between upper and lower ends, the body having a translation guide device extending longitudinally; a movable member cooperating with said guide arrangement to allow said movable member to move relative to said body along said longitudinal direction; a first arm pivotable relative to the movable member, the first arm having a lower end; a second arm pivotable relative to the movable member, the second arm having a lower end, the first and second arms pivotable relative to one another; at least one actuator device connected to the body for moving at least the first arm relative to the body; It is equipped with:

[0004] The movable member is movable parallel to the longitudinal direction relative to the body.

[0005] Additionally, the movement of the first arm relative to the body can be a rotational movement, a translational movement, or a combination of rotational and translational movement.

[0006] Conventionally, the bucket is carried by the frame and by the arms, which allows the bucket to be opened and closed.

[0007] To excavate a hole, the bucket is opened and the grab is dropped into the hole, then the bucket is closed and the grab is raised to collect cuttings.

[0008] Difficulties arise when the grab encounters hard ground, such as a rock formation that the grab cannot dig into.

[0009] To overcome this difficulty, it is known to use a drill bit to break up the hard area. The drawback of the drill bit is that its effectiveness decreases with each release due to the gradual accumulation of shavings in the impact area, which has the effect of absorbing the impact of the drill bit. Also, the drill bit can only break up a few centimeters of the hard ground. Furthermore, using this tool is very slow because the hard area must be hit with a handler made of the same material that allows for digging, and this requires picking up what has been broken up with the grab, without any visibility of what has been done. The use of drill bits has other drawbacks, in particular the generation of noise pollution and vibration.

[0010] Another method is to use a hydromill, which is equipped with a rotatable cutting drum that can excavate the rock. However, this method is time-consuming to implement and particularly expensive. Furthermore, the installation of the hydromill requires the presence of a grit trap, which is particularly space-consuming, so this method can sometimes be difficult to implement on small-area construction sites. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] One object of the invention is to propose an excavation machine with a grab frame that makes it possible to facilitate excavation in hard areas while carrying out the clamshell grab excavation method. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] To do so, the excavation machine according to the invention comprises: at least one first mill drum; at least one first motor that rotates the first mill drum about a first rotation axis; a removable cutting device including a support carrying the first mill drum and the first motor; The excavation machine includes: a first removable fastening device for removably attaching the support to the lower end of the body; a second removable fastening device for removably attaching the support to the lower end of the first arm; whereby the cutting device can be easily removed from the frame.

[0013] Thanks to the present invention, and more particularly thanks to the first and second removable fastening devices, the removable cutting device can be easily attached and detached, for example, to replace the bucket, particularly when it is necessary to excavate a hard area of ​​the ground. Once the hard area is excavated, the operator removes the cutting device and replaces it with the bucket.

[0014] It should therefore be appreciated that the present invention allows for the elimination of the use of drill bits or hydromills to excavate localized hard areas. As discussed above, the operator simply removes the buckets and replaces them with the removable cutting devices.

[0015] Preferably, the first motor is hydraulic. The support includes at least one first hydraulic junction box connected to the first motor.

[0016] More preferably, the excavating machine includes at least one hydraulic line passing longitudinally through the grab frame for supplying hydraulic energy to the first motor.

[0017] Advantageously, the first removable fastening device comprises a first part belonging to the body and a second part arranged on the removable cutting device, and preferably the first part of the first removable fastening device is also adapted to be connected to the first bucket, and more particularly to the first connection part of the first bucket.

[0018] Also preferably, the first portion of the first removable fixing device can be used to be attached to the body of the first bucket or to be attached to the body of the removable cutting device.

[0019] It will be appreciated that the excavating machine according to the present invention is modular in that it can be used as a clamshell grab or a cutting machine, depending on the tool attached to the frame.

[0020] Advantageously, the support is a first support portion; a second support movable relative to the first support, the first mill drum and the first motor being mounted to the second support; Including, The first removable fixing device is configured to removably attach the first support to the body, and the second removable fixing device is configured to removably attach the second support to the lower end of the first arm, whereby actuation of the actuator device has the effect of moving the first mill drum relative to the frame.

[0021] It will be appreciated that the actuation of the actuator device has the effect of moving the first arm relative to the body, the movement being directed along a direction perpendicular to the first axis of rotation of the first mill drum, and the actuation of the actuator device enables the first mill drum to be deployed laterally relative to the frame.

[0022] It will be appreciated that when the second support is attached to the first arm while being movable relative to the first support, the first support is fixed to the body and actuation of the actuator device has the effect of causing the first mill drum to move the second support relative to the body of the frame.

[0023] One advantage is that the length of the trench can be locally increased in the horizontal plane, which also makes it possible to locally and laterally excavate the ground adjacent to the trench being excavated.

[0024] Another advantage is that it can bite into the vertical edges of one or two panels already present in the ground.

[0025] Yet another advantage is that notch joints can be easily formed in the vertical edges.

[0026] Preferably, the movable member is disposed above the first support portion when considered along the longitudinal direction.

[0027] Preferably, the first hydraulic junction box is fixed to the second support.

[0028] According to one preferred embodiment, the second support is pivotally mounted to the first support about a first pivot axis; The actuation of the actuator device thereby has the effect of pivoting the first mill drum relative to the frame about the first pivot axis.

[0029] It should be understood that the first pivot axis is spaced apart from and spaced apart from the first axis of rotation. Preferably, the first pivot axis is parallel to the first axis of rotation.

[0030] Preferably, when considered along the longitudinal direction, the movable member is arranged on the first pivot axis.

[0031] Preferably, retraction of the actuator device has the effect of pivoting the second support relative to the first support in a direction that causes the first mill drum to deploy laterally away from the main body of the frame, and conversely, deployment of the actuator device has the effect of moving the first mill drum closer to the main body of the frame.

[0032] Again preferably, at least in the deployed position, the second removable fixation device is arranged on the first pivot axis.

[0033] Advantageously, said first removable fixing device comprises: a mounting element disposed on a lower portion of the body; at least one first opening formed in the mounting element; a first mounting stud attached to the first support and configured to engage the first opening; a first locking device cooperating with the first mounting stud to retain the first support against the mounting element; a first attachment member comprising: Includes.

[0034] After engagement of the first mounting stud with the first opening, the first mounting stud passes through the mounting element, and the first locking device is, for example, a key on a plate introduced into an orifice of the first mounting stud to hold the first support against the mounting element.

[0035] The mounting element preferably includes a plate having at least the first opening formed therein.

[0036] Preferably, the first removable fixation device comprises: a second opening formed in the mounting element, a first mounting member secured to the first support and further comprising a second mounting stud configured to engage the second opening; a second locking device cooperating with the second mounting stud to block the first support relative to the mounting element; Further includes:

[0037] The second locking device is, for example, a key that is introduced into an orifice of the second mounting stud on the mounting element. The first and second mounting studs preferably make it possible to block the first support relative to the mounting element.

[0038] Advantageously, the second removable fixing device includes a first pivot element connected to the second support and a first orifice formed in the lower end of the first arm, the first pivot element being configured to engage with the first orifice.

[0039] It will be appreciated that cooperation of the first pivot element and the first orifice allows for the formation of a pivot hinge between the first arm and the second support, the pivot link preferably being oriented parallel to and along the first pivot axis.

[0040] When the excavator is operating in a grab mode, the first orifice cooperates with the first bucket.

[0041] The first orifice in the first arm corresponds to the first portion of the second removable fixation device described above.

[0042] During the actuation of the actuator device, the first arm moves relative to the body, which causes the second support to pivot about the first pivot axis relative to the body, and the second support also pivots about the first pivot axis relative to the first arm.

[0043] Advantageously, the cutting device comprises: The second mill drum, a second motor that rotationally drives the second mill drum about a second rotation axis, the second mill drum and the second motor being supported by the support; Further includes:

[0044] It will be appreciated that the cutting device may include one or two mill drums depending on the nature of the work being performed.

[0045] Advantageously, the excavating machine according to the invention further comprises a third removable fixing device for removably attaching the support to the lower end of the second arm, preferably the third removable fixing device being similar to the second removable fixing device.

[0046] Advantageously, the support is a third support pivotally mounted to the first support about a second pivot axis, the second mill drum and the second motor being mounted to the third support; The third removable fastener is configured to removably attach the third support to the lower end of the second arm.

[0047] In this variant, the distance between the first and second rotation axes of the first and second mill drums can be changed by actuating the actuator device, and the two mill drums can be moved away from each other. Preferably, each of the mill drums can be deployed laterally relative to the frame independently of the other.

[0048] Preferably, the second motor is hydraulic, and the third support further includes a second hydraulic junction box connected to the second motor.

[0049] Preferably, the second pivot axis is parallel to the second axis of rotation of the second mill drum.

[0050] More preferably, the first and second pivot axes are parallel. The first and second pivot axes may be coincident without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0051] Advantageously, the third removable fixing device includes a second pivot element connected to the third support and a second orifice formed in the lower end of the second arm, the second pivot element being configured to engage with the second orifice.

[0052] It will be appreciated that the cooperation of the second pivot element and the second orifice allows for the formation of a pivotal hinge between the second arm and the third support, the pivot link being oriented along a second pivot axis that is preferably parallel to the second pivot axis.

[0053] According to one exemplary embodiment, the actuator device includes a first actuator connected to the body and the first arm.

[0054] Additionally, the first actuator acts directly on the first arm.

[0055] Preferably, in this first exemplary embodiment, the actuator device further includes a second actuator connected to the body and the second arm to move the second arm relative to the body.

[0056] In this first exemplary embodiment, the first and second arms are pivotally attached to one another about a connecting axis of the movable member, which constitutes a roller that can be translated relative to the body along the longitudinal direction while being translationally guided by an elliptical guide device housed therein.

[0057] It should be appreciated that the movable member is preferably disposed on the body of the frame.

[0058] Without departing from the scope of the present invention, the actuator device may include a primary actuator connected to the body and the movable member to move the movable member relative to the body, in this embodiment the primary actuator acts directly on the movable member, which in turn acts on the first and second arms.

[0059] The present invention also provides First and second mill drums; first and second motors that rotate the first and second mill drums about first and second rotation axes; a first support provided with a first member for mounting on the frame; a second support movable relative to the first support, the first mill drum and the first motor being mounted to the second support, the second support being provided with a second member for mounting on the frame; a third support movable relative to the first support, the second mill drum and the second motor being mounted to the third support, the third support being provided with a third member for mounting on the frame; a support comprising: The present invention also relates to a variable configuration removable cutting device for a grab frame, comprising:

[0060] It should be understood that the first mounting member is intended to be attached to a mounting element located at the lower end of the frame, the second mounting member is configured to be attached to a first arm of the grab frame, and at the same time, the third mounting member is configured to be attached to a second arm of the grab frame.

[0061] The cutting device has a retracted position in which the distance between the first and second mill drums is minimum, and in this retracted position, the second and third supports preferably abut one another, which allows a minimum spacing to be maintained between the mill drums to prevent the mill drums from hitting one another, which could damage the mill drums.

[0062] Advantageously, the second support is pivotally mounted to the first support about a first pivot axis, and the third support is pivotally mounted to the first support about a second pivot axis.

[0063] The swing amplitude of the second support is preferably comprised between 0° and 60°.

[0064] Preferably, the first and second pivot axes are parallel to the axis of rotation of the first mill drum.

[0065] According to one variant of embodiment, the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis are coincident.

[0066] Advantageously, the second and third members for mounting on the frame are disposed on the first and second pivots.

[0067] Advantageously, the second mounting member includes a first pivot element extending parallel to the first pivot axis, the first pivot element being adapted to cooperate with a first orifice in the first arm of the grab frame.

[0068] Advantageously, the third mounting member includes a second pivot element extending parallel to the second pivot axis, the second pivot element being adapted to cooperate with a second orifice in the second arm of the grab frame.

[0069] Advantageously, the first mounting member includes at least one mounting stud projecting from the board of the first support, the mounting stud being configured to engage a first opening in a mounting element of the body of the frame. Preferably, the first mounting member includes two mounting studs.

[0070] Preferably, the first and second pivot axes are disposed between the first and second pivot axes when considered along a lateral direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and perpendicular to the first pivot axis.

[0071] Again preferably, when considered projectively in a plane perpendicular to the first pivot axis, the first and second pivot axes are disposed above the first and second pivot axes, and the first and second rotation axes are disposed below the first and second pivot axes.

[0072] Preferably, the cutting device further comprises a first locking device intended to cooperate with the first mounting stud.

[0073] According to one preferred embodiment, the first motor is a hydraulic motor, and at least the second support further includes a first hydraulic junction box connected to the first motor.

[0074] Preferably, the second motor is also a hydraulic motor, and the third support includes a second hydraulic junction box connected to the second motor.

[0075] The first and second hydraulic junction boxes are adapted to be connected to hydraulic hoses disposed on the grab frame.

[0076] Advantageously, the cutting device has a deployed position and a retracted position in which the gap between the first and second mill drums is minimum, and the cutting device further includes an abutment device for maintaining the minimum gap between the first and second mill drums when the cutting device is in the retracted position.

[0077] One advantage is that it prevents the mill drums from hitting each other when the cutting devices are in the retracted position, which could damage the mill drums.

[0078] Preferably, but not exclusively, the second and third support portions are configured to contact each other when the cutting device is in the retracted position, the contact being constituted by an abutment surface disposed opposite each of the second and third support portions. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0079] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description of embodiments of the invention given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] 1 is a front view of one embodiment of the excavation machine according to the present invention; [Figure 2] 2 shows the machine of FIG. 1 with the cutting device removed from the frame. [Figure 3] 1 is a front view of a first exemplary embodiment of the removable cutting device according to the present invention; [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a detailed view of the second mounting member according to section IV-IV. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the frame of the excavator of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] 10 is a perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of the removable cutting device in the retracted position. FIG. [Figure 7] 7 shows the cutting device of FIG. 6 in the deployed position. [Figure 8] 2 shows the excavating machine of FIG. 1 at the bottom of the trench with the cutting equipment in the retracted position for excavating hard terrain. [Figure 9] 2 shows an example of an application of the excavating machine of FIG. 1 for forming localized holes in bands at different depths, with the cutting device in the deployed position; [Figure 10] 2 shows an example of an application of the excavator of FIG. 1, showing the process during which the cutting device bites into the vertical edges of two adjacent panels. [Figure 11] 11 is a view taken in a horizontal plane showing the wedged area during the process of FIG. 10. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows a variation of FIG. 11 in which the panel is wedged through part of its thickness to form a notch joint. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0080] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of an excavation device 10 for digging trenches in the ground.

[0081] The mining machine 10 is suspended from the end of the mast of a carrier (not shown here) in known manner.

[0082] The excavator 10 in this embodiment includes a grab frame 12 suspended from the mast of the carrier by a suspension element 14. In this non-limiting embodiment, the suspension element is connected to a block 15 which is itself attached to a revolute joint 17.

[0083] The grab frame 12 further includes a body 16 extending along a longitudinal direction L between an upper end 16a and a lower end 16b.

[0084] The frame 12 further includes two guide modules 20, 22 located on either side of the body 16. These guide modules are intended to abut against the side walls of the trench to guide the vertical movement of the excavating machine 10. In this non-limiting example, the height of the guide modules is greater than the height of the body.

[0085] The body 16 further includes a translation guide 24 disposed substantially centrally therein. In this embodiment, the guide 24 is in the form of a plate 26 having an oval opening 28 extending along the length thereof. The translation guide 24 will be described in more detail below.

[0086] The grab frame 12 further includes a movable member 32 that cooperates with the translation guide device 24 to allow the movable member 32 to move along the longitudinal direction L relative to the body 16. The movable member 32 is disposed within the body 16. In this embodiment, the movable member 32 is in the form of a roller 33 that is slidably mounted relative to the body within the oval opening 28 along the longitudinal direction L.

[0087] The grab frame 12 further includes a first arm 34 having an upper end 34a connected to the movable member 32 so that the first arm 34 can pivot relative to the movable member 32 about an axis X perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. The first arm further includes a lower end 34b opposite the upper end 34a.

[0088] The grab frame 12 further includes a second arm 36 having an upper end 36a connected to the movable member 32 so that the second arm 36 can pivot relative to the movable member 32 about an axis X perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. The second arm further includes a lower end 36b opposite the upper end 36a. It should be understood that the first and second arms 34, 36 can also pivot relative to each other about the axis X.

[0089] The grab frame 12 further includes an actuator device 37 which in this embodiment comprises a first actuator 38 pivotally connected by its first end 38a to the body 16 and by its second end 38b to the lower end 34b of the first arm 34. The first end 38a in this embodiment is disposed above the oval opening.

[0090] It should be understood that the first actuator 38 enables the first arm 34 to move relative to the body 16. In this embodiment, the first actuator is a hydraulic cylinder.

[0091] It should further be appreciated that in this embodiment, the actuation of the first actuator 38 has the effect of pivoting the first arm 34 about the axis X relative to the body 16 while moving the first arm 34 along the longitudinal direction L. The relative motion of the first arm 34 with respect to the body 16 is a combination of rotation about the axis X and translation along the longitudinal direction L.

[0092] The actuator device 37 further includes a second actuator 40, also constituted by a hydraulic cylinder. The second actuator 40 includes a first end 40a pivotally connected to the body 16 and a second end 40b pivotally connected to the second arm 36 to move the second arm 36 relative to the body 16. Again, with reference to FIG. 1 , it will be understood that the actuation of the second actuator 40 has the effect of pivoting the second arm 40 about the axis X relative to the body and moving the second arm 40 along the longitudinal direction L. The movement of the second arm 36 relative to the body 16 under operation of the second actuator 40 is a combination of rotational movement about the connection axis X and translational movement along the longitudinal direction L.

[0093] In accordance with the present invention, the excavating machine 10 further includes a removable cutting device 100 attached to the lower portion of the grab frame 12, as shown in FIG.

[0094] The removable cutting device 100 can be easily and quickly removed from and attached to the grab frame 12. As described above, the operator can easily and quickly attach the removable cutting device 100 onto the frame 12 after removing the grab bucket, which is conventionally attached to the first and second arms 34, 36 and to the body 16 of the frame 12.

[0095] The removable cutting device 100 includes a first mill drum 102 rotatable about a first axis of rotation A1. The first mill drum 102 is driven to rotate about the first axis of rotation A1 by a first motor, not shown, disposed inside the first mill drum 102. Such mountings, called "floating supports," are otherwise known and will not be described in detail here.

[0096] The removable cutting device 100 further includes, in this embodiment, a second mill drum 104 that is rotatable about a second axis of rotation A2 parallel to the first axis of rotation A1. The second mill drum 104 is rotationally driven by a second motor (not shown) that is also disposed inside the second mill drum.

[0097] The first and second motors could be located on the first and second drums, external to the first and second mill drums, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0098] In this embodiment, the first and second motors are hydraulic motors.

[0099] 3 and 5, which show the removable cutting device 100 in more detail, it can be seen that the first and second mill drums 102, 104 each consist of two half-drums carrying cutting tools 103 mounted on retaining plates 105, 107. These plates are crossed by hydraulic lines (not shown) that connect to a first hydraulic junction box 106 and a second hydraulic junction box 108, respectively, for those parts that connect to hydraulic hoses (not shown) that extend into the frame and serve to supply hydraulic energy to the first and second motors.

[0100] The removable cutting device 100 further includes a support 110 that carries the first mill drum 102, the first motor, the second mill drum 104, and the second motor.

[0101] It should be appreciated that the support also carries the first and second hydraulic junction boxes 106,108.

[0102] 1 and 2, it should be noted that the excavating machine 10 further includes a first removable fastening device 120 for removably attaching the support 110 to the lower end 16b of the body 16.

[0103] In this embodiment, the first removable fastening device 120 includes a mounting element 122 that resides on the body of the frame 12 and a first mounting member 124 that resides on the removable cutting device 100 .

[0104] In this embodiment, the mounting element 122 is located at the lower end of the body and includes a first opening 126 and a second opening 128 formed in a plate 125 of the mounting element 123.

[0105] 3, it can be seen that the cutting device further includes a first mounting stud 140 fixed to the support 110 and configured to engage the first opening 126, and a first locking device 142 cooperating with the first mounting stud 140 to hold the support against the plate of the mounting element. In this embodiment, the first locking device 142 includes a first removable key formed to pass laterally through the first mounting stud 140, the key protruding on either side of the first mounting stud 140. It should be understood that when the cutting device is attached to the body of the grab frame, the plate 125 of the mounting element 123 is held between the support and the key of the first locking device 142.

[0106] In this embodiment, the first removable fixing device further includes a second mounting stud 144 identical to the first mounting stud 140, which is fixed to the support 110 and configured to engage the second opening 128. A second locking device 146, also in the form of a removable key, is also provided which cooperates with the second mounting stud to block the support against the plate of the mounting element.

[0107] In accordance with the present invention, the excavating machine further includes a second removable fastening device 150 for removably attaching the support 110 to the lower end 34 b of the first arm 34 .

[0108] The second removable fastener 150 includes a second member 152 for attachment to the frame disposed above the support 110 .

[0109] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the second mounting member 152 includes a first pivot element 154 secured to the support and formed by a bracket 154a with two oppositely disposed orifices 154b formed to receive removable mounting bolts 154c.

[0110] The second removable fastening device 150 further includes a first orifice 160 formed in the lower end 34b of the first arm 34. When the cutting device is mounted to the frame, the lower end of the second arm is engaged with the bracket 154a and the mounting bolt 154c is engaged with the first orifice 160.

[0111] The excavating machine further includes a third removable fixing device 151 for removably attaching the support 110 to the lower end 36b of the second arm 36. The third removable fixing device 151 includes a third member 156 for attachment to the frame disposed above the support.

[0112] The third mounting member 156 includes a second pivot element 162 similar to the first pivot element 154. The second pivot element 162 is formed by a bracket 162a fixed to the support. The bracket 162a is provided with two oppositely disposed orifices configured to receive a mounting bolt 162b. The second removable fastening device further includes a second orifice 164 formed in the lower end 36b of the second arm 36. When the cutting device is mounted to the frame, the lower end of the second arm is engaged with the bracket 162a, and the mounting bolt 162b of the second pivot element 162 is engaged with the second orifice 164.

[0113] Again, the second pivot element 162 can be easily removed from the third mounting member 156 to quickly remove the support 110 from the second arm 36 .

[0114] Also, thanks to the present invention, the cutting device can be easily and quickly attached to and removed from the frame.

[0115] According to a second advantageous embodiment, specifically illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, the removable cutting device 100 is variable. The cutting device of Figures 6 and 7 differs from the first exemplary embodiment of Figure 3 in that the first and second mill drums 102, 104 can be spaced apart from one another.

[0116] To do so, in this embodiment, the support 110 includes a first support portion 200 and a second support portion 202 that is movable relative to the first support portion 200, so that the first mill drum 102 can be moved laterally relative to the main body of the frame.

[0117] 6 and 7, the first mill drum 102 and the first motor are supported by the second support 202. The first hydraulic junction box 106 is attached to the second support 202. In this embodiment, the second support 202 is attached to the first support 200 so as to be pivotable about a first pivot axis B1. It can be seen from the figures that the first pivot axis B1 is parallel to the first rotation axis A1 of the first mill drum 102.

[0118] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first pivot axis B1 is disposed between the first and second rotation axes A1, A2 of the first and second mill drums 102, 104 when projected along a transverse direction T that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L and perpendicular to the first rotation axis A1.

[0119] As in the first embodiment, the first removable fixing device 120 is configured to removably mount the first support 200 to the body 16. Again, the first removable fixing device 120 includes the first mounting member described above, provided with the first and second mounting studs 140, 144, and the first and second locking devices 142, 146 described above. The second removable fixing device 150 is configured to removably mount the second support 202 to the lower end 34b of the first arm 34, whereby the actuation of the actuator device has the effect of moving the first mill drum 102 relative to the frame.

[0120] More specifically, in this embodiment, actuation of the first actuator of the actuator system has the effect of pivoting the first mill drum 102 relative to the first frame about the first pivot axis B1. As in the first embodiment, the second removable fixation device 150 includes a second mounting member 152 with a first pivot element 154 belonging to the second support. The second removable fixation device further includes a first orifice 160 formed in the lower end 34b of the first arm 34. As in the embodiment of FIG. 3, the first pivot element 154 is configured to engage the first orifice 160. Additionally, the second support 202 is pivotally mounted to the first arm 34 about a pivot axis C1 that is parallel to the first pivot axis B1.

[0121] In the deployed position, the second removable fixation device 150 is disposed on the first pivot axis B1.

[0122] The excavator further includes a third support 204 pivotally mounted to the first support 200 about the second pivot axis C2. The second mill drum 104 and the second motor are carried by the third support 204. The same applies to the second hydraulic junction box 108.

[0123] Furthermore, the third removable fastening device 151 is configured to removably attach the third support 204 to the lower end 36 b of the second arm 36 .

[0124] Also in this embodiment, the third support 204 is pivotally mounted to the second arm 36 about a second pivot axis C2 that is parallel to the first pivot axis C1 and the second pivot axis B2.

[0125] 6 shows the variable geometry cutting device in the retracted position, while FIG. 7 shows it in the deployed position. In the retracted position, the distance between the first and second rotation axes A1, A2 is minimal. In other words, the gap between the first and second mill drums is minimal, on the order of a few centimeters.

[0126] The transition between the retracted position and the deployed position is achieved by rotation of the second and third supports about the first and second pivot axes B1, B2. The deployment is achieved by retraction of the first and second actuators 38, 40.

[0127] As can be seen in FIG. 6, the cutting device includes an abutment device 230 for maintaining a minimum gap between the first and second mill drums 102,104.

[0128] The contact device 230 ensures a minimum distance between the rotation axes A1, A2 of the first and second mill drums 102, 104 when the cutting device is in the retracted position. In this embodiment, the contact device 230 includes a first contact surface 232 on the second support 202 and a second contact surface 234 on the third support 204.

[0129] As can be seen in FIG. 6, in the retracted position, the contact surfaces 232 and 234 contact each other to maintain a minimum spacing between the first and second rotational axes of the first and second mill drums 102, 104 so that they do not touch each other.

[0130] It is also important to note that when projected in the lateral direction T, the first and second pivot axes B1, B2 are disposed between the first and second pivot axes C1, C2.

[0131] Furthermore, in this same reference frame, the first rotation axis A1 is disposed between the first pivot axis C1 and the first pivot axis B1, while the second rotation axis A2 is disposed between the second pivot axis B2 and the second pivot axis C2.

[0132] Furthermore, in a plane P perpendicular to the first pivot axis, the first and second pivot axes C1, C2 are disposed above the first and second pivot axes B1, B2, while the first and second rotation axes A1, A2 are disposed below the first and second pivot axes B1, B2.

[0133] FIG. 8 shows the excavating machine according to the second embodiment during excavation of the hard area K of ground, with the drum in the retracted position.

[0134] Figure 9 shows the excavating machine 10 according to the invention with the variable configuration excavating device in the deployed position, which makes it possible to excavate cavities E in the earth on both sides of the trench being excavated.

[0135] 10, the excavating machine 10 is used to dig into the vertical edges 300a, 302a of two base panels 300, 302 located on either side of the machine. After using the excavating machine 10 to excavate a trench between the two base panels, the cutting device is brought into the retracted position, the cutting device is brought into the extended position, and the excavating machine 10 is raised to dig into the base panels to a depth P, which is considered to be along the horizontal direction.

[0136] Figure 11 shows the horizontal portion of the excavation, with the vertical edges 300a, 300b of the panel being undermined through the entire thickness e of the panel. The undermined areas are shown at 304, 306.

[0137] In Figure 12, which shows a variation of the excavation shown in Figure 11, the vertical edges 300a, 300b of the panel are dug in through a portion of the thickness e of the panel. The dug in areas are designated 306, 308 and form a notch joint. To do so, the width of the mill drum will be adapted to the desired width of the notch joint.

Claims

1. a body (16) extending along a longitudinal direction (L) between an upper end (16a) and a lower end (16b), the body having a guide device (24) extending along the longitudinal direction; a movable member (32) cooperating with the guide device (24) such that the movable member (32) is movable relative to the body (16) along the longitudinal direction (L); a first arm (34) pivotable relative to the movable member, the first arm having a lower end (34b); a second arm (36) pivotable relative to the movable member (32), the second arm having a lower end, the first and second arms (34, 36) pivotable relative to one another; and at least one actuator device (37) connected to a body for moving at least the first arm (34) relative to the body, the excavating machine (10) comprising: At least one first mill drum (102); at least one first motor for driving the first mill drum in rotation about a first rotation axis (A1); a removable cutting device (100) including a support (110) carrying said first mill drum (102) and said first motor; The excavation machine, a first removable fastening device (120) for removably attaching said support (110) to said lower end (16b) of said body (16); and a second removable fastening device (150) for removably attaching the support (110) to the lower end of the first arm, thereby allowing the cutting equipment to be easily removed from the grab frame (12).

2. The support (110) is A first support portion (200); a second support (202) movable relative to the first support (200), the first mill drum (102) and the first motor being attached to the second support (202); 2. The excavation machine according to claim 1, wherein the first removable fixing device (120) is configured to removably attach the first support (200) to the body (16) and the second removable fixing device (150) is configured to removably attach the second support (202) to the lower end (34b) of the first arm (34), whereby actuation of the actuator device (37) has the effect of moving the first mill drum (102) relative to the grab frame (12).

3. The second support (202) is pivotally attached to the first support (200) about a first pivot axis (B1); 3. The excavating machine according to claim 2, whereby said actuation of said actuator device has the effect of pivoting said first mill drum (102) about said first pivot axis (B1) relative to said grab frame (12).

4. The first removable fastening device comprises: a mounting element (123) disposed at the lower end of the body; At least one first opening (126) formed in the mounting element (123); a first mounting stud (140) secured to the first support and configured to engage the first opening (126); and a first mounting member including a first locking device (142) cooperating with the first mounting stud (140) to retain the first support against the mounting element.

5. The first removable fastening device comprises: a second opening (128) formed in said mounting element (123); The first mounting member is a second mounting stud (144) secured to the first support and configured to engage the second opening; 5. The excavation machine of claim 4, further comprising a second locking device (146) cooperating with the second mounting stud to block the first support against the mounting element.

6. 3. The excavating machine of claim 2, wherein the second removable fixation device (150) includes a first pivot element (154) connected to the second support and a first orifice (160) formed in the lower end (34b) of the first arm (34), the first pivot element (154) being configured to engage with the first orifice (160).

7. The cutting device is A second mill drum (104); 2. The excavating machine of claim 1, further comprising: a second motor for rotatably driving said second mill drum, said second mill drum and said second motor being carried on said support.

8. 2. The excavating machine of claim 1, further comprising a third removable fastening device (151) for removably attaching the support (110) to the lower end (36b) of the second arm.

9. The cutting device comprises: A second mill drum (104); a second motor for rotatably driving the second mill drum, the second mill drum and the second motor being supported by the support; The excavation machine includes: a third removable fastening device (151) for removably attaching said support (110) to said lower end (36b) of said second arm; The support is a third support (204) pivotally mounted on the first support (200) about a second pivot axis (B2), the second mill drum (104) and the second motor being mounted on the third support; and the third removable fastening device (150) is configured to removably attach the third support (204) to the lower end (36b) of the second arm (36).

10. 10. An excavating machine according to claim 3 or 9, wherein the first and second pivot axes (B1, B2) are parallel.

11. 10. The excavating machine of claim 9, wherein the third removable fixing device (151) includes a second pivot element (162) connected to the third support (204) and a second orifice (164) formed in the lower end (36b) of the second arm (36), the second pivot element (162) being configured to engage with the second orifice.

12. The excavating machine of claim 1, wherein the actuator arrangement (37) includes a first actuator (38) connected to the body (16) and the first arm (34).

13. 13. The excavating machine of claim 12, wherein the grab frame further includes a second actuator (40) connected to the body (16) and the second arm (36) for moving the second arm relative to the body.

14. first and second mill drums (102, 104); first and second motors for driving the first and second mill drums to rotate about first and second rotation shafts (A1, A2); a first support (200) provided with a first member (151) for mounting on a glove frame; a second support (202) movable relative to the first support, the first mill drum (102) and the first motor being mounted on the second support, the second support being provided with a second member (152) for mounting on the grab frame; and a third support (204) movable relative to the first support, the second mill drum and the second motor being mounted on the third support, the third support being provided with a third member (156) for mounting on the grab frame.

15. 15. The cutting device of claim 14, wherein the second support (202) is pivotally mounted to the first support (200) about a first pivot axis (B1) and the third support (204) is pivotally mounted to the first support (200) about a second pivot axis (B2).

16. 16. The cutting device according to claim 15, wherein the first and second pivot axes (B1, B2) are parallel to the axis of rotation (A1) of the first mill drum (102).

17. 16. The cutting device according to claim 15, wherein said second and third members (152, 156) for mounting on said grab frame are arranged on said first and second pivot axes (B1, B2).

18. 16. The cutting device of claim 15, wherein the second mounting member (152) includes a first pivot element (154) extending parallel to the first pivot axis.

19. 15. The cutting device of claim 14, wherein the first mounting member (124) comprises at least one mounting stud (140, 144) protruding from the first support board (201).

20. 15. The cutting apparatus of claim 14, wherein the first motor is a hydraulic motor, and at least the second support further comprises a hydraulic junction box (106) connected to the first motor.

21. 15. The cutting device of claim 14, wherein the cutting device (100) has a deployed position and a retracted position in which a gap between the first and second mill drums (102, 104) is minimized, the cutting device further including an abutment device for maintaining a minimum gap between the first and second mill drums when the cutting device is in the retracted position.

22. 22. The cutting device of claim 21, wherein the second and third support portions (202, 204) are configured to contact each other when the cutting device is in the retracted position, and the abutment device is constituted by an abutment surface (232, 234) arranged opposite each of the second and third support portions.

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