Boring machine with variable cutting machine configuration

Abstract

The present invention relates to a boring machine (10) comprising a frame (12) carrying at least one first rotating cutting drum, at least one first arm (40) movable relative to said body (16), at least one first support (64) carrying said first cutting drum (60), said first support (64) being connected to said lower end (40b) of said first arm (40), and an actuation device (50) for moving at least said first arm (40) relative to said body (16), the invention being characterized by the fact that said body further comprises a translation guide device (30) extending along a longitudinal direction, said boring machine further comprising a movable member movable relative to said body along said longitudinal direction while being guided by said translation guide device (30), said first arm (40) being pivotally attached to said movable member (34).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of soil excavation, in particular the subject of boring machines with variable geometry cutting equipment. [Background technology]

[0002] For excavating, for example, trenches in the soil, it is known to use machines commonly known as "hydromills", which comprise a frame suspended from a mast of a carrier, the lower end of which carries a cutting device generally comprising one or two rotating cutting drums, also known as cutting drums, which comprise cutting tools arranged on or around the cutting drum.

[0003] Such a boring machine is specifically described in French patent application no. 2 211 027.

[0004] The cross section of the groove obtained with such a machine is, considered in the horizontal plane, substantially constant over the entire depth of the groove.

[0005] However, excavation operations may require an increase in the cross section of the trench, for example locally in the trench bed.

[0006] To do this, US Patent Application No. 2006 / 0032096 provides a boring machine with two cutting drums, each mounted on a support that can pivot relative to the frame, making it possible to vary the distance between the axes of rotation of the drums.

[0007] The pivoting of the support is obtained by means of an actuating mechanism consisting of two small articulated levers attached to the ends of a hydraulic cylinder which is pivotally attached to the support and which is itself attached to the lower end of the frame.

[0008] The structure of this actuation mechanism is fragile and nevertheless is not capable of exerting any significant torque on the support, which can make it difficult in some cases to deploy the cutting drum. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] French Patent Application No. 2211027 [Patent Document 2] US Patent Application No. 2006 / 0032096 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] The object of the present invention is to provide a boring machine with a variable geometry cutting device that is more robust, in particular with an alternative construction that makes it possible to provide a greater turning torque than conventional machines. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] To do this, the present invention provides: a frame carrying at least one cutting drum, the frame having a body extending along a longitudinal direction; at least one first motor for driving the first cutting drum in rotation about a first axis of rotation; at least one first arm having a lower end, the first arm being movable relative to the body; at least one first support carrying the first cutting drum and the first motor, the first support being connected to the lower end of the first arm and simultaneously movable relative to the body of the frame; and an actuator connected to the body for moving at least the first arm relative to the body.

[0012] Characteristically, the main body comprises: Further comprising a translation guide device extending along the longitudinal direction, The boring machine further comprises a movable member disposed on the body on the first support and interacting with the parallel movement guide device such that the movable member is movable relative to the body along the longitudinal direction and is guided by the parallel movement guide device, and the first arm is pivotally attached to the movable member.

[0013] Unlike conventional boring machines in which the actuator consists of a small hydraulic cylinder located outside the frame, the configuration according to the present invention allows a more powerful actuator to be mounted within the body of the frame.

[0014] Furthermore, the translation guide device, which functions to guide the translation of the movable member, also makes it possible to guide and stabilize the movement of the first arm.

[0015] This arrangement makes it possible to transmit more force between the actuator and the first support than with conventional mechanisms, which has the effect of obtaining a pivoting torque for the first support that is significantly greater than with the machines of the above-mentioned conventional documents.

[0016] The longitudinal direction is preferably vertical. The first axis of rotation is preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0017] It will further be appreciated that the translation guide means is spaced from the actuator means.

[0018] Advantageously, the movable member is housed within the translation guide arrangement so as to form a sliding connection therewith. Preferably, the movable member is movable within the guide arrangement. More preferably, the translation guide arrangement and the movable member are disposed within the frame.

[0019] Advantageously, said translation guide device is integrated in said frame and said movable member is arranged within said frame.

[0020] Advantageously, the actuator means is mounted to the body on the translation guide means.

[0021] The translation guide arrangement preferably includes two parallel rails extending along the length of the body and together defining a passageway for the movable member.

[0022] According to an advantageous embodiment, the first support is pivotally attached to the body about a first pivot axis and is pivotally attached to the lower end of the first arm about a first pivot axis,

[0023] Said actuation of the actuating device thereby has the effect of pivoting the first cutting drum relative to the body about the first pivot axis.

[0024] Preferably, considered along the longitudinal direction, the pivot axis is located above the first pivot axis.

[0025] Furthermore, when considered along a lateral direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and perpendicular to the first pivot axis, the first rotation axis is preferably disposed between the first pivot axis and the first pivot axis when the boring machine is in the retracted position.

[0026] This configuration allows for the attachment of a first arm that is larger and more sturdy than the small lever of the conventional boring machine.

[0027] Advantageously, the frame further comprises a second arm connected to the movable member, the second arm having a lower end, the first and second arms being pivotable relative to one another, the actuator being configured to move the second arm relative to the body, and the boring machine comprising: a second cutting drum and a second motor that rotates the second cutting drum about a second axis of rotation; and a second support movable relative to the body, the second cutting drum and the second motor being mounted to the second support, the second support being connected to the lower end of the second arm.

[0028] Preferably, the second support is pivotally mounted to the body about a second pivot axis and pivotally mounted to the lower end of the second arm about a second pivot axis, whereby said actuation of the actuator has the effect of pivoting the second cutting drum relative to the body about the second pivot axis.

[0029] The second pivot axis is preferably parallel to the second pivot axis and to the second axis of rotation.

[0030] More preferably, the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis are parallel.

[0031] The first and second pivot axes may be collinear without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0032] In an advantageous configuration, the first and second pivot axes are arranged above the first and second pivot axes.

[0033] Preferably, the first and second cutting drums can be pivoted about their respective pivot axes independently of each other. The pivot amplitude is preferably between 0° and 60°. Preferably, the pivot amplitude of the cutting drums about the pivot axis is the same for both drums. Without departing from the scope of the invention, the two cutting drums can have different deployment amplitudes.

[0034] Advantageously, said first and second pivot axes are disposed between said first and second pivot axes, considered along a lateral direction perpendicular to said longitudinal direction and said first pivot axis.

[0035] Advantageously, the boring machine has a retracted position in which the distance between the first and second cutting drums is minimum, and the boring machine further includes a stop device for maintaining said minimum distance between the first and second cutting drums when in the retracted position.

[0036] It will be appreciated that transition between the retracted and deployed positions is effected by actuating the actuator.

[0037] The boring machine described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006 / 0032096 also has the disadvantage that the cutting drums may come into contact with each other if the cylinders are over-retracted or improperly adjusted, which will inevitably lead to damage or breakage of the cutting drums.

[0038] Conversely, thanks to the invention, the stop device makes it possible to avoid the first and second cutting drums coming into contact with each other when they approach each other, so as to maintain a minimum distance between the two cutting drums, for example of a few centimeters.

[0039] Preferably, the first and second supports are configured to contact each other when the boring machine is in the retracted position, and the stop device is configured with a stop surface arranged opposite each of the first and second supports.

[0040] According to a preferred embodiment, the actuation device includes a first actuator connected to the body and the first arm to move the first arm relative to the body, and a second actuator connected to the body and the second arm to move the second arm relative to the body. The first and second actuators are preferably pivotally mounted to the body. More preferably, the first and second actuators are connected to the body on the translation guide.

[0041] Without departing from the scope of the invention, the actuation device may comprise a primary actuator attached to the body on the one hand and to the movable member on the other hand, in which embodiment actuation of the primary actuator has the effect of moving the movable member in translation, the movement of the movable member causing pivoting of the first and second arms.

[0042] For rapid removal of the boring machine from the suspension device, the frame further includes a swivel joint connected to the body by a removable element.

[0043] One advantage is that the frame of the boring machine according to the invention can be quickly exchanged for another frame, for example a grab frame, whilst retaining the same carrier. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0044] 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] FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of the boring machine according to the invention, with the cutting drum in the retracted position. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the boring machine of FIG. 1 with the cutting drum in the deployed position. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows an example of the use of the boring machine of FIG. 1 for boring holes at different depths in two adjacent soil portions. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows an example of an application of the boring machine of FIG. 1, in which the cutting device overcuts the vertical edges of two adjacent panels therebetween. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a view taken in a horizontal plane showing the overcut area during the process of FIG. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 shows a variation of FIG. 5 in which the panel has been overcut through a portion of its thickness to form a pavement notch joint. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0045] Detailed Description Next, the boring machine 10 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0046] The boring machine 10 comprises a frame 12 attached to the ends of a suspension element 14, the latter being connected to the mast of a carrier, not shown.

[0047] According to the invention, the frame includes a body 16 extending along a longitudinal direction L between an upper end 16a and a lower end 16b.

[0048] In this non-limiting example, frame 12 includes a swivel joint 18 that is attached to the upper end 16a of the body 16 by a removable element 20. The swivel joint is further connected to the suspension element 14. The removable element 20 allows the frame 12 to be easily replaced with another frame, such as a grab frame, for example carrying a different type of drilling equipment.

[0049] In this embodiment, the frame further includes a first guide element 22 and a second guide element 24 disposed on opposite sides of the body 16 .

[0050] These guide elements extend along a longitudinal direction L and are intended to bear against the walls of the trench in order to guide the vertical movement of the boring machine 10 through the soil.

[0051] The body 16 further includes a translation guide arrangement 30 extending along the longitudinal direction L. In this embodiment, the translation guide arrangement 30 includes a first rail 32 and a second rail 34 that are parallel to one another and extend along the longitudinal direction L, the first rail 32 and the second rail 34 together defining a passageway 36, the usefulness of which will be described in more detail below.

[0052] The frame further includes a first arm 40 having an upper end 40a and a lower end 40b.

[0053] In this embodiment, the frame further includes a second arm 42 having an upper end 42a and a lower end 42b.

[0054] As can be seen in Fig. 1, the upper ends 40a, 42a of the first and second arms are connected to a movable member 44 in the form of a roller housed in the above-mentioned passage 36 of the translation guide device 30. The movable member is therefore housed in the translation guide device 30 and guided parallel along the longitudinal direction by the first and second rails. In other words, the movable member 44 is housed in the translation guide device 30 so as to together constitute a sliding connection oriented along the longitudinal direction L. In this embodiment, the translation guide device 30 is integrated into the frame 12, and the movable member 44 is arranged in the frame 12.

[0055] More precisely, in this non-limiting example, the first and second arms are pivotable relative to one another about a joint axis X perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L.

[0056] More precisely, each of the first and second arms 40, 42 is pivotable relative to the movable member 44 about the joint axis X.

[0057] Thus, it will be appreciated that the first and second arms 40 , 42 are movable relative to the body 16 .

[0058] The boring machine 10 according to the invention further comprises an actuation device 50, which in the embodiment depicted in Figures 1 and 2, comprises a first actuator 52 constituted by a hydraulic cylinder and a second actuator 54 also constituted by a hydraulic cylinder. It will be appreciated that the actuation device 50 is connected to the body 16 so as to move the first arm and the second arm 42 relative to the body 16. In this embodiment, the translation guide device 30 is spaced from the actuation device 50.

[0059] In this non-limiting example, the first actuator 52 includes an upper end 52a pivotally attached to the body 16 about an axis Y1. The first actuator 52 is further connected to the lower end 40b of the first arm 40 for pivotal movement about an axis Y2 that is parallel to the axis Y1.

[0060] Similarly, the second actuator 54 has an upper end 54a pivotally attached to the body 16 about an axis Y3 that is parallel to the axis Y1. The second actuator 54 also includes a lower end 54b pivotally connected to the lower end 42b of the second arm 42 about an axis Y4 that is parallel to the axis Y3.

[0061] In this embodiment, it can be seen that the upper ends of the first and second actuators 52 , 54 are mounted on the translation guide assembly 30 .

[0062] It will be appreciated that the actuation of the first and / or second actuators 52 , 54 has the effect of moving the first and second arms 40 , 42 relative to the body 16 .

[0063] In this embodiment, the movement of the first and second arms 40, 42 relative to the body 16 is a combination of rotation about the articulation axis X and translation along the longitudinal direction L.

[0064] It can be seen that the upper end of the actuator 50 is attached to the upper end 16 a of the body 16 .

[0065] In this embodiment, the upper ends of the first and second actuators 52 , 54 are attached to the upper end 16 a of the body 16 .

[0066] According to the invention, the frame carries a first cutting drum 60, which in this embodiment also carries a second cutting drum 62. The first cutting drum 60 rotates about a first axis of rotation A1 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L, while the second cutting drum 62 rotates in this embodiment about a second axis of rotation A2 parallel to the first axis of rotation A1.

[0067] The boring machine 10 further includes a first motor that drives the first cutting drum 60 to rotate about the first axis of rotation A1, and a second motor that drives the second cutting drum 62 about the second axis of rotation A2.

[0068] The first and second motors are housed within the first and second cutting drums 60, 62. This arrangement is also known and will not be described in further detail herein. Without departing from the scope of the invention, the first and second motors may alternatively be located above the first and second cutting drums in a configuration that is also known.

[0069] According to the present invention, the boring machine 10 further comprises a first support 64 carrying the first cutting drum 60 and the first motor. As can be seen in Fig. 1, the first support 64 is connected to the lower end 40b of the first arm 40 and is movable relative to the body 16 of the frame.

[0070] More precisely, in this embodiment, the first support 64 is pivotally mounted on the body 16 about a first pivot axis B1.

[0071] Further, the first support 64 is attached to the lower end 40b of the first arm 40 so as to be pivotable about a first pivot axis C1.

[0072] It will therefore be appreciated that the operation of the actuation device 50, and more precisely the operation of the first actuator 52, has the effect of pivoting the first cutting drum 60 about the first pivot axis B1 relative to the main body 16.

[0073] It can also be seen that the first pivot axis B1 is parallel to the first pivot axis C1, which in this embodiment are also parallel to the first rotation axis A1.

[0074] Further, note that the first pivot axis C1 is disposed above the first pivot axis B1.

[0075] It will be appreciated that in this embodiment, actuation of the first actuator 52 has the effect of pivoting the first cutting drum 60 relative to the body 16 about the first pivot axis B1.

[0076] In this embodiment, the boring machine further includes a second support 66 that is movable relative to the body 16. The second cutting drum 62 and the second motor are also mounted to the second support, the latter being connected to the lower end 42b of the second arm 42.

[0077] 1 and 2, in the exemplary embodiment described herein, the second support 66 is pivotally mounted to the body 16 about a second pivot axis B2. The second support 66 is further pivotally mounted to the lower end 42b of the second arm 42 about a second pivot axis C2.

[0078] It will be appreciated that the operation of the actuator 50, and more precisely the operation of the second actuator 54, has the effect of pivoting the second cutting drum 62 relative to the main body 16 about the second pivot axis B2.

[0079] It will be seen that, projected onto a horizontal plane, the actuation of the first and second actuators 52, 54 has the effect of modifying the distance between the first and second rotation axes A1, A2 of the first and second cutting drums 60, 62, which allows the first and second cutting drums to be moved between a retracted position shown in Figure 1 and a deployed position shown in Figure 2. The amplitude of pivoting of each of the first and second supports is preferably between 0° and 60°.

[0080] In this embodiment, the first and second pivot axes B1, B2 are parallel. The first and second pivot axes B1, B2 could be collinear without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0081] Further, it should be noted that the first and second pivot axes C1, C2 are disposed above the first and second pivot axes B1, B2, and the first rotation axes A1 and A2 are disposed below the first and second pivot axes B1, B2.

[0082] It should also be noted that, considering along a transverse direction T which is on the one hand perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L and on the other hand perpendicular to the first pivot axis B1, the first and second pivot axes are disposed between the first and second pivot axes.

[0083] Furthermore, when the boring machine 10 is in the retracted position, the separation distance between the first and second cutting drums 60, 62 is at a minimum. The boring machine further includes a stop device 70 for maintaining the minimum separation distance between the first and second cutting drums when the boring machine is in the retracted position.

[0084] In this embodiment, the first and second supports 64, 66 are configured to contact one another when the boring machine is in the retracted position as shown in Figure 1. The stop device 70 is here formed by oppositely arranged stop surfaces 72, 74 on each of the first and second supports. It will be understood that in the retracted position, the stop surfaces 72, 74 are in contact with one another.

[0085] The first portion 64 includes a first hydraulic junction box 82 connected to the first motor and to hydraulic hoses (not shown here) for supplying hydraulic power to the first motor. Similarly, the second support 66 includes a second hydraulic unit 84 connected to the second motor and to hydraulic hoses for supplying hydraulic power to the second motor.

[0086] FIG. 3 shows the boring machine 10 according to the invention in the deployed position, with the boring machine having a variable configuration allowing it to dig holes E in the soil S on both sides of the trench being excavated.

[0087] In Fig. 4, the boring machine 10 is used to overcut the vertical edges 300a, 302a of two elementary panels 300, 302 arranged on either side of the machine. After digging a trench between the two elementary panels with the boring machine 10, the cutting device is brought to the retracted position, the cutting device is put into the deployed position, and the boring machine 10 is raised to overcut the elementary panels over a depth p, this depth being considered along the horizontal direction.

[0088] 5, which shows a horizontal cross section of the excavation, the vertical edges 300a, 300b of the panel are overcut throughout the thickness e of the panel. The overcut areas are designated 304, 306.

[0089] In Fig. 6, which shows a variation of the excavation shown in Fig. 5, the vertical edges 300a, 300b of the panel are overcut over a fraction of the thickness e of the panel. The overcut areas are indicated by the reference numbers 306, 308 and form paving notches. To do this, the width of the cutting drum will be adapted to the desired width of the paving notch.

Claims

1. a frame (12) carrying at least one first cutting drum, the frame having a body extending along a longitudinal direction; at least one first motor for driving the cutting drum (60) in rotation about a first axis of rotation (A1); at least one first arm (40) having a lower end (40b), the first arm being movable relative to the body (16); at least one first support (64) carrying the first cutting drum (60) and the first motor, said first support (64) being connected to the lower end (40b) of the first arm (40) and simultaneously movable relative to the body (16) of the frame; an actuator (50) connected to the body (16) for moving at least the first arm (40) relative to the body (16), the body comprising: The device further includes a translation guide device (30) extending along the longitudinal direction, The boring machine, a movable member (34) movable relative to the body along the longitudinal direction and guided by the parallel movement guide device (30), the movable member being disposed on the body on the first support and interacting with the parallel movement guide device (30) such that the first arm (40) is pivotally attached to the movable member (34).

2. the first support (64) is pivotally attached to the body (16) about a first pivot axis (B1) and to the lower end (40b) of the first arm (40) about a first pivot axis (C1); 2. The boring machine according to claim 1, whereby the actuation of the actuating device (50) has the effect of pivoting the first cutting drum (60) about the first pivot axis (B1) relative to the body (16).

3. 3. The boring machine according to claim 2, wherein the first pivot axis (C1) is arranged on the first swivel axis (B1).

4. the frame further includes a second arm (42) connected to the movable member (34), the second arm (42) having a lower end (42b), the first and second arms pivoting relative to one another, the actuator (50) configured to move the second arm relative to the body, and the boring machine includes: a second cutting drum (62) and a second motor for driving the second cutting drum in rotation about a second axis of rotation (A2); 2. The boring machine of claim 1, further comprising: a second support (66) movable relative to said body (16), said second cutting drum (62) and said second motor being mounted to said second support, said second support being connected to said lower end (42b) of said second arm (42).

5. The frame further includes a second arm (42) connected to the movable member (34), the second arm (42) having a lower end (42b), the first and second arms pivoting relative to one another, the actuator (50) configured to move the second arm relative to the body, and the boring machine further includes: a second cutting drum (62) and a second motor for driving the second cutting drum in rotation about a second axis of rotation (A2); a second support (66) movable relative to said body (16), said second cutting drum (62) and said second motor being mounted on said second support, said second support being connected to said lower end (42b) of said second arm (42); the second support (66) is pivotally attached to the body (16) about a second pivot axis (B2) and to the lower end (42b) of the second arm (42) about a second pivot axis (C2); 3. The boring machine according to claim 2, whereby the actuation of the actuating device (50) has the effect of pivoting the second cutting drum (62) about the second pivot axis (B2) relative to the body (16).

6. 6. The boring machine according to claim 5, wherein the first and second pivot axes (B1, B2) are parallel.

7. 6. The boring machine according to claim 5, wherein the first and second pivot axes (C1, C2) are disposed on the first and second swivel axes (B1, B2).

8. 6. The boring machine of claim 5, wherein the first and second swivel axes (B1, B2) are disposed between the first and second pivot axes (C1, C2) when considered along a transverse direction (T) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the first swivel axis.

9. 5. The boring machine of claim 4, wherein the boring machine has a retracted position in which a distance between the first and second cutting drums is minimum, the boring machine further comprising a stop device for maintaining the minimum distance between the first and second cutting drums when the boring machine is in the retracted position.

10. 10. The boring machine of claim 9, wherein the first and second supports (64, 62) are configured to contact each other when the boring machine is in the retracted position, and the stop device (70) is comprised of stop surfaces (72, 74) disposed opposite each of the first and second supports.

11. 5. The boring machine of claim 4, wherein the actuation device (50) includes a first actuator (52) connected to the body and the first arm to move the first arm relative to the body, and a second actuator (54) connected to the body and the second arm to move the second arm relative to the body.

12. 2. The boring machine of claim 1, wherein the first motor is hydraulic.

13. 2. The boring machine of claim 1, wherein the frame further comprises a swivel joint (18) connected to the body by a removable element (20).

14. The boring machine of claim 1, wherein the movable member (44) is received within the translation guide arrangement (30) so as to form a sliding connection therewith.

15. 2. The boring machine of claim 1, wherein the translation guide device (30) includes two parallel rails extending along the longitudinal direction of the body and together defining a passage for the movable member.

16. 2. The boring machine of claim 1, wherein the translation guide device (30) is isolated from the actuator device.

17. 2. The boring machine of claim 1, wherein the translation guide device (30) is integrated into the frame (12) and the movable member is disposed within the frame (12).

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