Cutting head for excavator, and corresponding excavator

Abstract

The invention relates to a cutting head (1) for an excavator (6) for producing vertical trenches, comprising: - at least two drums (8, 12) positioned side by side, and configured to rotate respectively about two axes of rotation extending in a substantially horizontal direction; and - a support member (2) intended to be mounted, by its upper side, on a chassis of the excavator, with the drums being mounted on the lower side of the support member; - at least two motor assemblies (12, 14) having a drive shaft (12a, 14a) and being mounted on the upper side (2b) of the support member, configured to rotate the at least two drums; and - means for mounting and removing (16a, 16b) the cutting head on the chassis, mounted on the upper side of the support member. The mounting and removing means (16a, 16b) are positioned between the two planes defined by the first drive shaft (12a) and the horizontal direction, and by the second drive shaft (14a) and the horizontal direction, respectively. The invention also relates to an excavator including such a cutting head.

Description

Description Title of the invention: Cutting head for an 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, allowing in particular the creation of trenches and cast walls in the ground. The present invention relates more particularly to the field of cutting heads for such excavation machines. Prior art

[0002] To create diaphragm walls, it is first necessary to dig a trench whose geometry corresponds to the wall to be created. Then, the trench is filled with grout or concrete, possibly with reinforcement, to obtain the diaphragm wall.

[0003] When the wall is of a certain depth and it must be carried out with great precision, cutter-type excavation machines are most often used in which the cutting head is equipped with two rotating assemblies equipped with excavation tools. These tools, under the effect of vertical thrust, disintegrate the ground or rock, which produces large quantities of spoil. During the drilling operation, the trench is kept filled with drilling fluid. The drill cuttings present in the drilling fluid are then pumped out of the trench.

[0004] An example is described in particular in document EP 1 486 620, in which a carrier, equipped with a boom, comprises an actual excavation machine mounted at the end of support cables passing through the end of the boom. This excavation machine comprises a vertical chassis at the lower end of which a cutting head is mounted. The cutting head is essentially constituted by two rotary cutting assemblies with horizontal axes of rotation, XX' parallel to each other. Preferably, each rotary cutting assembly is constituted by two cutters or drums mounted symmetrically on the chassis. The excavation machine also comprises, to allow the lifting of the spoil, a suction inlet arranged at the lower end of the chassis between the two rotating cutting assemblies, and a suction pipe connecting the suction inlet to a suction device, for example a pump.

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

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

[0007] The present invention aims to solve the various technical problems set out above. In particular, the present invention aims to propose an excavation machine allowing rapid and easy adaptation to different types of soil, while facilitating the maintenance operations to be carried out on the cutting head.

[0008] Thus, according to one aspect, there is provided a cutting head for an excavation machine for the creation of vertical trenches, comprising: - at least a 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 one second motor assembly, in particular hydraulic or electric, mounted on the upper side of the support and respectively comprising 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, in particular the assembly of mounting and dismounting means, being mounted on the upper side of the support.

[0009] The mounting and dismounting means are positioned, in particular when the cutting head is observed in 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 horizontal direction, for example between the two substantially vertical planes passing through said first and second axes of rotation.

[0010] Furthermore, all the assembly and disassembly means are mounted, in particular fixed, on the upper side of the support. Thus, the cutting head is designed to allow easy access to its motor assemblies, while retaining its assembly and disassembly functions on the chassis of an excavation machine. More particularly, the motor assemblies of the cutting head are positioned, on the cutting head, on either side of the assembly and disassembly means, that is to say on an upper side of the cutting head by which it is mounted on the chassis of the excavation machine. In particular, the motor assemblies are no longer positioned inside the corresponding drums, requiring prior disassembly of the drum to access the motor assembly. The motor assemblies are then directly accessible after disassembly of the cutting head, or even when the cutting head is mounted on the chassis, the assembly and disassembly means being grouped, with other means of cooperation with the chassis, in a central part of the upper side of the cutting head.

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

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

[0013] Preferably, the cutting head also comprises a suction mouth mounted between the first drum and the second drum. The mounting and dismounting means, and a connection zone of the suction mouth are positioned, when the cutting head is observed in said horizontal direction of the first and second axes of rotation, between said two motor assemblies.

[0014] Thus, the functionalities cooperating with the chassis of the excavation machine, namely the assembly / disassembly means and the connection area of the suction mouth, are provided in the central part of the upper side of the cutting head, while the ends are occupied only 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 axis, in particular rectilinear or straight, of each motor assembly intersects the rotation axis of the corresponding drum.

[0016] In order to limit the mechanical connections between the motor assemblies and the drums driven by said motor assemblies, the motor assemblies comprise a drive shaft, in particular rectilinear or straight, which 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 epicyclic.

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

[0018] In use, the excavating machine extends in a substantially vertical direction, in order to create the trench: the cutting head is thus positioned under the chassis, with an upper side of the support oriented above the lower side. The motor assemblies are therefore positioned substantially above the corresponding drums, with the drive shafts extending in a substantially vertical direction or inclined relative 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 use, the drive shafts of the motor assemblies will extend in a substantially vertical plane, since the rotation shafts of the drums will be substantially parallel and horizontal. The drive shafts may be vertical or inclined relative to the vertical, while remaining perpendicular to the rotation shafts of the drums.

[0021] Preferably, the drive axes of the motor assemblies extend, in the same plane, in 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 shaft of each of the motor assemblies may extend in a vertical plane, in a direction inclined relative to the vertical direction, such that the distance separating the two drive shafts decreases as one moves downwards, i.e. as one moves away from the motor assemblies to approach the drums.

[0023] In order to increase the space provided for the mounting / dismounting means, and any other means, between the two motor assemblies, the latter may be provided mounted on the upper side of the cutting head so as to inclined, so that their drive axis has an angle relative to the direction in which the excavation machine extends in use, i.e. relative to the vertical direction. The inclination of the mounting of the motor assemblies, while keeping a drive axis intersecting the axis of rotation of the corresponding drums, allows the motor assemblies to be moved away from each other, so as to free up more space between them for the assembly / disassembly means and other means cooperating with the chassis of the excavation machine.

[0024] Preferably, each motor assembly comprises 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 comprise inclined portions intended for mounting the motor assemblies with a determined inclination. Such a support makes it possible in particular to mount conventional motor assemblies therein, with a drive axis perpendicular to the support surface, and to determine the angle of inclination of the motor assemblies at the level of the support, by the geometry of the inclined portions of the upper side of the support.

[0026] Preferably, the assembly and disassembly 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 may thus be mechanical means extending, in a projecting manner, from the upper side of the support upwards, to be able to cooperate with corresponding means of the chassis, for example locking means. Such mechanical means make it possible in particular to keep a reduced size at the level of the upper side of the support, while being sufficiently strong to allow the mechanical connection between the chassis and the cutting head. However, the mounting and dismounting means are not limited to coupling means mechanical, but may also include electrical coupling means and / or hydraulic coupling means.

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

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

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

[0031] In order to facilitate the changing of one or more motor assemblies, these may be mounted on the upper side to remain accessible when the cutting head is disengaged from the chassis, or even when the cutting head is mounted on the chassis. However, and in order to protect the motor assemblies in use, the excavation machine may comprise a protective means surrounding the motor assemblies, in the use configuration, and positioned between the support and the chassis. Such a peripheral protective means may in particular separate itself from the cutting head when the latter is separated from the chassis, so as to make said motor assemblies easily accessible again.

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

[0033] In order to secure the cutting head to the frame, the latter may comprise locking means intended to cooperate with the means for mounting and dismounting the cutting head. For example, and in the case 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 comprise keys with a geometry corresponding to that of the transverse through-hole, so as to be able to cooperate with. Thus, to mechanically lock the head cutting, simply move the keys into the hole of the corresponding pins or lugs, and to mechanically separate the cutting head, simply remove the keys from the corresponding holes.

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

[0035] In order to limit the clearances 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 notably offer a large clearance when the keys enter the holes, and a zero or small clearance 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 of the suction inlet, the locking means can be configured to move, relative to the means for mounting and dismounting the cutting head, in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the drums. It is thus possible to reduce the space requirement in the direction passing through the two motor assemblies. Brief description of the drawings

[0038] [Fig. 1] Figure 1 schematically represents a first embodiment of a cutting head according to the invention;

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

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

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

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

[0043] [Fig. 6] Figure 6 shows a general view of a carrier comprising an excavation machine. Description of the embodiments

[0044] Figure 6 generally illustrates a tracked carrier A intended to create substantially vertical trenches with a view to creating diaphragm walls, preferably of great depth, for example at least 20 meters.

[0045] The tracked carrier A has a jib B on which a chassis C of an excavation machine is suspended, by means of cables. The cables allow in particular to lower the excavation machine as the trench is 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 chassis 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] Cutting head 1 will be described in more detail below, using figures 1 to 5.

[0049] The cutting head 1 comprises a support 2 intended to allow the mounting of the various members 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 comprises 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 purposes of simplification, it will be considered in the remainder of the description that the excavation machine 6 extends in a substantially vertical direction, and that the drums 8, 10 rotate around substantially parallel axes of rotation. between them and substantially perpendicular to the direction of the excavation machine 6, that is to say 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 remainder of the description, it will be considered that the support 2 comprises 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 comprise an extension, for example perpendicular to the plate 2a, mounted on a 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 generally cylindrical shape, and is configured to rotate around an axis of rotation 8a.

[0054] The first drum 8 comprises, in a conventional manner, 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 delimit 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 driving of the first drum 8, the cutting head 1 comprises cooperation means (not shown) on which the first drum 8 is mounted. More precisely, 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 comprises, along its periphery, excavation tools, for example teeth mounted on tooth holders (see figure 4), driven in rotation by the first drum 8 and allowing the soil to be dug during excavation. The teeth and the tooth holders may extend in different digging planes which are perpendicular to the axis of rotation 8a of the first drum 8 and which are distributed over the width of the first drum 8. The tooth holders and the teeth may form a crown extending along the entire periphery of the first drum 8, or may only form segments partially surrounding the first drum 8.

[0057] The teeth at the distal end therefore allow digging at the side wall of the trench made by the excavation machine, while the teeth located at the proximal end or between the proximal end and the distal end 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 comprises in particular a drive shaft 12a, in particular rectilinear or straight, connected to the first drum 8 and by 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 may intersect the rotation shaft 8a of the first drum 8, at a first point of intersection at which the mechanical connection may 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 comprise two first drums 8 mounted on the same rotation axis 8a, on either side of the lower side 2c for example, and driven every two rotations by the first motor assembly 12.

[0061] The second drum 10 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 second drum 10 has a generally cylindrical shape, and is configured to rotate around an axis of rotation 10a.

[0062] The second drum 10 comprises, in a conventional manner, 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 delimit 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 driving of the second drum 10, the cutting head 1 comprises cooperation means (not shown) on which the second drum 10 is mounted. More precisely, 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 comprises, along its periphery, excavation tools, for example teeth mounted on tooth holders (see Figure 4), driven in rotation by the second drum 10 and making it possible to dig the ground during excavation. The teeth and the tooth holders can extend in different digging planes which are perpendicular to the axis of rotation 10a of the second drum 10 and which are distributed over the width of the second drum 10. The tooth holders and the teeth can form a crown extending along the entire periphery of the second drum 10, or form only segments partially surrounding the second drum 10.

[0065] The teeth at the distal end therefore allow digging at the side wall of the trench made by the excavation machine, while the teeth located at the proximal end or between the proximal end and the distal end 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 comprises in particular a drive shaft 14a, in particular rectilinear or straight, connected to the second drum 10 and by 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 may intersect the rotation shaft 10a of the second drum 10, at a first intersection point at which the mechanical connection may be implemented by 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 likely to limit the transmission of forces and / or likely to break.

[0068] The above description has been 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 comprise two second drums 10 mounted on the same rotation axis 10a, on either side of the lower side 2c for example, and driven every two 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 chassis 4. Thus, the cutting head 1 comprises mounting / dismounting means 16, in particular mechanical, making it possible to reversibly secure the cutting head 1 to the chassis 4. In particular, such mounting / dismounting means 16 make it possible to quickly change the cutting tools used to dig the ground, in particular depending on the type of ground, by simply changing the cutting head 1, instead of dismounting and replacing the different drums and / or teeth of the cutting head 1.

[0071] The mounting / dismounting means 16 may for example comprise two lugs, or pins, 16a, 16b, intended to cooperate with corresponding locking means 18 (see figures 3 and 5) provided on the chassis 4. In order to facilitate the cooperation of the pins 16a, 16b in the corresponding locking means 18, the pins 16a, 16b may have a generally conical shape providing a movement clearance, at the start of the insertion, which is greater than at the end of the insertion. The pins 16a, 16b may also comprise a transverse through opening 20a, 20b (see figure 4) for locking with the locking means 18 of the chassis 4.

[0072] The lower part of the chassis 4 comprises the locking means 18. Such locking means 18 may thus comprise lower openings intended to receive the pins 16a, 16b. In the vicinity of such lower openings, the locking means 18 may also comprise jacks, for example hydraulic jacks, 22 configured to move a metal key 24 fixed to the rod of each jack. 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 assembly and disassembly means 16, the cutting head 1 may also comprise a suction mouth opening, on the lower side 2c of the support 2, between the two drums 8, 10, to suck up the debris formed by the drums 8, 10, and connected, on the upper side 2b of the support 2, to a connection zone 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 pipe.

[0074] Finally, and in order to protect the motor assemblies 12, 14 of the cutting head 1, the excavation machine 6 may comprise a peripheral protection means 28 configured to be positioned between the chassis 4 and the cutting head 1 locked on said chassis 4, and to extend over at least part of the peripheral periphery of the motor assemblies 12, 14. Such a peripheral protection means 28 therefore makes it possible to protect the motor assemblies 12, 14, without complicating their disassembly 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 held in place in the complete excavation machine without requiring additional fixing means.

[0075] In a first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the drive shafts 12a, 14a are oriented substantially vertically. Thus, the drive shaft 12a of the first drive assembly 12 extends in a first vertical plane P comprising the rotation axis 8a, while the drive shaft 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 comprise 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 shaft 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 zone 26 of the suction mouth are provided in a central zone of the support 2.

[0077] More specifically, the mounting and dismounting means 16, that is to say all of the means for mounting and dismounting the cutting head on the chassis, as well as the connection zone 26 of the suction mouth to a suction pipe, 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, and in particular be fixed. The mounting and dismounting means 16, as well as the connection zone 26 of the suction mouth, 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 be able to position the mounting and dismounting means 16 there, as well as the connection zone 26 of the suction mouth.

[0079] In a second embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, the drive axes 12a, 14a are inclined relative to the vertical direction, while remaining in a vertical plane R and while intersecting the axes of rotation 8a, 10a corresponding. Thus, the drive axis 12a of the first drive assembly 12 defines, with the substantially horizontal direction of the first axis of rotation 8a of the first drum 8, a first plane Q inclined relative to the vertical, while the drive axis 14a of the second drive assembly 14 defines, with the substantially horizontal direction of the second axis of rotation 10a of the second drum 10, a second plane Q' inclined relative to the vertical. The drive axes 12a, 14a of the drive assemblies 12, 14 also extend substantially in the same vertical plane R perpendicular to the rotation axes 8a, 10a, but are intersecting with 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 greater, which makes it easier to position the assembly and disassembly means 16.

[0080] For example, the upper side 2b of the support 2 may comprise 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 furthermore provided so that the mounting of a motor assembly thereon makes it possible to position the drive axis in a direction intersecting the axis of rotation of the corresponding drum.

[0081] In particular, the inclined portions of the support 2 make it possible to install conventional motor assemblies, i.e. with a bearing surface perpendicular to the drive axis, on the cutting head 1, while improving the space available for the mounting / dismounting means in particular. This facilitates the maintenance of the motor assemblies of the cutting head, both for the installation and easy removal of the motor assemblies, but 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 easily and quickly to adapt the excavation machine to the specificities of the soil to be dug, while keeping a cutting head easy to repair or maintain. In particular, the arrangement of the different elements on the cutting head, and in in particular the engine assemblies, facilitate access to the various parts of the cutting head for possible replacement or maintenance.

Claims

Claims

1. Cutting head (1) for an excavation machine (6) for creating vertical trenches, comprising: - at least a first drum (8) and a second drum (10) positioned side by side, close to each other and configured to rotate respectively around 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) comprising an upper side (2b) and a lower side (2c), the support being intended to be mounted, by its upper side, on a chassis (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 one second motor assembly (14), in particular hydraulic or electric, mounted on the upper side (2b) of the support and comprising respectively a first drive shaft (12a) and a second drive shaft (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 excavation machine, 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 in said horizontal direction of the first and second axes of rotation (8a, 10a), between the two planes (Q, Q 7) 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 7 ) substantially vertical passing through 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 in 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 mouth mounted between the first drum and the second drum (8, 10), and in which the mounting and dismounting means (16), and a connection zone of the suction mouth are positioned, when the cutting head (1) is observed in said horizontal direction of the first and second axes of rotation, between said two motor assemblies (12, 14).

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

5. Cutting head (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which 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. An excavating machine (6) comprising a chassis (4) and a cutting head (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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

8. Excavating machine (6) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the chassis (4) comprises 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 jacks (22), to fit into a corresponding orifice (20a, 20b) of the mounting and dismounting means (16).

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

10. Excavating 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.

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