EP2239377A1 - Motorized machine for digging a trench in the soil and for depositing in said trench long objects - Google Patents

Abstract

The machine (1) has a basic element (16) positioned on a frame (2) in a transverse manner to move with the frame. An intermediate element (17) is vertically assembled to move in the basic element. A third element forms a carriage (18), is assembled vertically to move in the intermediate element and connected to a trenching wheel above the carriage passing elongated objects. Displacements of a telescopic vertical support beam (10) are obtained by a control unit (21) and other two control units, where all control units are hydraulic cylinders that are supplied by a power unit (5).

Description

The present invention relates to a motorized machine for digging trenches in the ground and laying elongated objects in the trench thus produced.

The term "elongated objects" refers in particular to the cables of the electrical networks, for example medium and low voltages, telephone and optical systems intended to be buried, at variable depths, in trenches, but it could also relate to flexible pipes or conduits for specific fluidic networks.

• un dispositif de creusage de la tranchée par roue trancheuse, comportant une potence de support verticale de ladite roue, qui est montée perpendiculairement sur ledit châssis de manière transversalement déplaçable à celui-ci et le long de laquelle peut se déplacer dans un plan vertical ladite roue trancheuse ; et
• un dispositif de support dudit objet allongé par touret rotatif, associé audit châssis et acheminant ledit objet allongé jusque dans ladite tranchée réalisée en passant au-dessus dudit dispositif de creusage.

Such types of motorized vehicles are already known, such as those described for example by FR 2 822 862 and EP 0 251 876 . In this last document, the motorized machine comprises, on its horizontal frame carried by rolling members:

• a trencher trench digging device, having a vertical support bracket of said wheel, which is mounted perpendicularly to said frame transversely displaceable thereto and along which can move in a vertical plane said wheel slicer; and
• a device for supporting said elongated object by rotating drum, associated with said frame and conveying said elongated object into said trench made by passing above said digging device.

Thus, as a result of the advance of the motorized machine and the rotation of the trencher wheel, the digging depth of which it is regulated by its vertical sliding along the fixed height support bracket, it achieves almost simultaneously the digging of the trench and the laying of elongated objects with quite satisfactory results.

However, such a machine nevertheless has some disadvantages encountered especially at the gallows and, consequently, at the passage of the cables thereon and the forces generated during the advance of the machine.

Indeed, as the depth of digging is given by the vertical sliding, via a control member, of the frame carrying the slicing wheel, on the vertical stem, the height of the latter is necessarily important (for example, nearly four meters for a trencher wheel diameter of 2.5 meters), which implies in addition to a substantial weight but in addition a high center of gravity. This height must also take into account the distance between the base of the stem on the chassis of the ground and the rise of the motorized machine on the inclined ramps of the platform of a carrier vehicle to prevent the wheel slicer ( located at the rear of the machine) does not touch the ground when the machine tilts backwards when climbing the ramps.

In addition, it is known that the traction forces generated by the rolling members (wheels, caterpillars) for the advance of the machine pass through the stem and then the rotary slicer wheel to ensure its progression. However, as the height of the stem is important and its center of gravity is high, the fatigue efforts on the various equipment are also important, leading to maintenance and early wear of them.

Moreover, since the drum of the support device, on which the cable is wound, is placed at the front of the chassis (as opposed to the digging device situated at the rear), the cable travels over the machine and the digging device passing on appropriate guide supports which are at a consistent height greater than that of the gallows (the highest point of the machine).

It is therefore understood that the placing on the guide supports of the cables to be laid at such a height is inconvenient and dangerous for the operators responsible for this task. The risks of accident (fall, clash with other equipment nearby, ...) are real and unfortunately occur.

In addition, such a height can hinder the progression of the motorized vehicle when the latter must pass under gantries, bridges or other obstacles of lower height.

The present invention aims to overcome these disadvantages.

• un premier élément de base reposant sur ledit châssis de manière transversalement déplaçable à celui-ci ;
• un deuxième élément intermédiaire monté verticalement déplaçable dans ledit premier élément ; et
• un troisième élément formant chariot, monté verticalement déplaçable dans ledit deuxième élément et relié à ladite roue trancheuse, au-dessus dudit chariot passant lesdits objets allongés, et lesdits déplacements de ladite potence étant obtenus par des organes de commande.

For this purpose, the motorized machine for digging trenches in the ground and laying elongated objects in said trench, of the type as defined previously, is remarkable, according to the invention, in that said support bracket vertical is of the telescopic type and consists of at least three elements assembled telescopically movable into each other between high and low positions, namely:

• a first base member resting on said frame transversely displaceable thereto;
• a second intermediate element mounted vertically displaceable in said first element; and
• a third carriage member, mounted vertically movable in said second member and connected to said slicing wheel, above said carriage passing said elongate objects, and said movements of said stem being obtained by control members.

Thus, thanks to its telescopic design, the height of the bracket on the chassis, when it occupies the low position (retracted), is greatly reduced while giving an identical or even greater displacement travel between its two extreme low positions (return) and high (output), to the previous design. The height of the telescopic stem in the lower position is lower, the top of the stem being at a level substantially identical to or less than the roof of the cab and / or the cowling of the engine unit of the machine, which now allows this one, with a smaller height, to circulate without obstacle along the roads. The center of gravity of the telescopic stem is thus lowered ensuring a better overall stability, and the elongated objects are set up much more easily than previously on the top of the bracket, for their passage over the digging device, decreasing the risk of accidents for the operators responsible for passing the cables over the machine.

Furthermore, as the height of the telescopic stem is lower in the low position and its center of gravity is lowered, the tensile forces generated are lower resulting in fatigue efforts also reduced.

In a preferred embodiment, said frame comprises a transverse slide on which is slidably mounted said telescopic stem under the action of said corresponding control member, and said first and second members of said stem comprise vertical rails between which are respectively mounted sliding said second and third elements of said bracket, under the action of said corresponding control members. Note the particularly simple and reliable design of the different movements between the frame and the stem, and the elements between them.

Advantageously, said transverse displacement control member on said bracket and on said frame is mounted on reversible intermediate fasteners. Thus, it can ensure the translation to the left or right of the bracket by reversing the fasteners of said body of control (cylinder) on the fasteners linked to the first element of the bracket and the slideway of the chassis without disassembling said control member.

Structurally, said device for supporting said elongated object is placed in front of said frame with respect to its direction of advance during the production of said trench, and said digging device is placed at the rear of said frame, guiding said elongate object being arranged on said frame and said digging device to bring said elongated object into said trench.

Advantageously, said digging device further comprises a controllable offset equipment of said trencher wheel, provided between the latter and said telescopic bracket and ensuring the transverse displacement of said wheel to lateral positions beyond the width of said wheel. chassis and its approximation or removal of said chassis. This equipment facilitates the driving of the slicing wheel in work during the advance of the machine being able to place it precisely at the desired location by the operator, allows to perform a trench out of the template (in width) of the machine near an embankment or other, for example, adjusts the distance separating the slicing wheel from the frame according to the quantity of cuttings leaving the excavation carried out by the trencher wheel and depending on the depth of the trench made to avoid the clogging of the tracks and the chassis, and brings the wheel closer to the chassis when transporting the machine.

In addition, said digging device comprises a tilt correction equipment of said frame provided between said telescopic bracket and said trencher wheel, and to maintain it in a vertical work plane. Thus, the trencher wheel is still in the vertical plane even if the ground, on which the machine is located, has a slope.

Preferably, said equipment respectively offset and slope correction are related to each other, said correction equipment cant being associated with said telescopic stem and said offset equipment being associated with the frame of said slicing wheel.

In a particular embodiment, said tilt correction equipment comprises a rotary ring about a horizontal axis, parallel to the plane of said frame, and composed of two relatively rotatable parts relative to each other about said axis, under the action of control members, and respectively associated with said carriage of the telescopic stem and said offset equipment.

And said offset equipment may comprise, in a preferred embodiment, a box arm mounted at its ends about parallel vertical axes, one of which is connected to the second rotating portion of said ring and the other is connected to said trencher wheel, and control members respectively connecting said ring to said box arm and said box arm to said wheel frame for effecting said rotations about said vertical axes. Thus, a rotation in one direction of the arm relative to the carriage is compensated by an identical rotation in the other direction of the arm relative to the trencher wheel so as to maintain the latter in a vertical plane parallel to the longitudinal plane of symmetry of the gear.

Furthermore, the frame carrying said trencher wheel consists mainly of two parts hinged to each other about a horizontal axis orthogonal to the vertical plane of said trencher wheel, a first part supporting said wheel and a second part connected to said sliding carriage, and at least one control member being provided between said parts to allow movement of said wheel in a vertical plane between a lowered working position and an inactive raised position.

Preferably, said control members are hydraulic cylinders powered by a power unit provided on said frame.

• La figure 1 est une vue en plan longitudinal d'un exemple de réalisation d'un engin motorisé conformément à l'invention, avec ses dispositifs de creusage de tranchée et de pose d'objets allongés, en phase de travail.
• La figure 2 est une vue de dessus dudit engin motorisé.
• La figure 2A montre, en position de déport maximale, le dispositif de creusage de l'engin motorisé représenté sur la figure 2.
• Les figures 3 et 4 sont respectivement des vues en plan agrandies de ladite potence télescopique de l'invention en position basse de travail et en position haute de transport.
• La figure 5 montre en perspective de dessus le dispositif de creusage en position de déport maximale.
• La figure 6 montre en perspective frontale le dispositif de creusage avec la couronne de correction de dévers.
• La figure 7 est une vue en plan longitudinal de l'engin motorisé en cours de montée sur la remorque d'un véhicule de transport.

The figures of the appended drawing will make it clear how the invention can be realized. In these figures, identical references designate similar elements.

• The figure 1 is a longitudinal plan view of an embodiment of a motorized machine according to the invention, with its trench digging devices and laying elongated objects in the working phase.
• The figure 2 is a top view of said motorized vehicle.
• The Figure 2A shows, in the position of maximum offset, the digging device of the motorized machine represented on the figure 2 .
• The Figures 3 and 4 are respectively enlarged plan views of said telescopic stem of the invention in the low position of work and transport high position.
• The figure 5 shows in perspective from above the digging device in maximum offset position.
• The figure 6 front perspective watch digging device with the crown correction crown.
• The figure 7 is a longitudinal plan view of the motorized vehicle being mounted on the trailer of a transport vehicle.

As shown by figures 1 and 2 , the motorized vehicle 1 comprises a horizontal frame 2 carried by rolling members such that, in this example, two left 3 and right 4 tracks, a motor group 5 in the broad sense of the term, mounted on the frame and ensuring the advance of the machine 1 and the operation of the different servitudes (fluidic, electric, ...), and to carry out the realization of the trench T in the ground S and the laying of elongated object therein, a device of digging 6 and a support device 7 of the elongate object to be laid, such as a cable or cable harness C.

We see, on these figures 1 and 2 , that the digging device 6 is located at the rear of the chassis 2 with respect to the forward direction, arrow A, of the vehicle, and that it is arranged in this example, in the vertical longitudinal plane of symmetry PP of the motorized vehicle ( figure 2 ). And the support device 7 is, meanwhile, provided at the front of the frame and is in the form of a rotary drum 8 carried at its ends by side arms 9, articulated to the frame 2. We will return by the following on the routing of the cable C into the trench.

The digging device 6 consists of several subassemblies, namely: a vertical stem 10 connected to the frame 2 and in particular for adjusting the depth of the trench, a trenching wheel 11 for making the trench and its frame or support frame 12 connected to said bracket, an offset equipment 14 of the trencher wheel and a tilt correction equipment 15 thereof, said equipment 14, 15 being arranged between the vertical bracket 10 and the frame 12 of the slicing wheel 11.

According to the invention, the vertical stem 10 of the digging device is telescopic and consists, as shown in particular by Figures 3 and 4 , a first column-shaped base element 16, a second intermediate element 17 mounted vertically displaceable in the first element and a third trolley-shaped end element 18 mounted vertically displaceable in the second element intermediate and connected to the frame 12 of the trencher wheel 11 by the equipment 14, 15.

More particularly, the first column element 16 rests on the frame 2 by a sliding link with horizontal displacement, transversely to the frame, that is to say perpendicularly to the vertical plane of symmetry PP. To do this, the link is defined by a slideway with two parallel and transverse guide rails 19, which are fixed to 2 and on which are mounted corresponding sliders 20 formed under the first member 16. A control member 21, such as a hydraulic cylinder, ensures the displacement or sliding of the telescopic vertical stem 10 relative to the frame 2, its cylinder 21B being in this example linked to the frame and its rod 21A to the first element.

We see on Figures 3 and 4 that the two horizontal rails of the slide 19 are almost arranged in the same horizontal plane, unlike previous embodiments where the two parallel rails are spaced apart from each other by at least one meter, which leads to a massive gallows , also obstructing the field of view of the operator whether in the cabin or outside. In the embodiment of the invention, the stem thus designed increases the visibility of the operator.

Note that the attachment of the hydraulic cylinder 21 between the first member 16 of the bracket 10 and the transverse guide 19 of the frame 2 is advantageously reversible so that, depending on the needs of the moment such as the positioning of the wheel on the slide and the location of the trench to be made to the left or right of the vertical longitudinal plane of symmetry PP of the machine, the bracket 10 can be brought by sliding from the right to the left of the chassis or vice versa.

To perform this inversion ergonomically and safely, two intermediate fasteners 22A, 22B, in the form of stirrups are provided for connecting the rod 21A and the cylinder 21B of the cylinder is respectively with the bracket 10 and the slideway 19 of the chassis or vice versa, without having to disassemble the cylinder itself. For this, the parallel rail transverse slide 19 comprises, in its middle and parallel to the latter, a central rail 19A, provided with aligned holes 19B for mounting the fasteners 22A, 22B of the jack, and side lugs 16A identical but opposite are provided on the gallows 10 to also receive the fasteners. More especially, as we see best on Figures 2 to 6 a fastener 22A is secured, by an attachment pin 21C, to a side lug 16A of the first member 16 and additionally receives the end of the rod 21A of the jack, and this fastener 22A rests by its inverted U-bracket on the central rail 19A so as to slide freely thereon. In contrast, the fastener 22B carrying the corresponding end of the cylinder 21B, located under the first element of the bracket, is fixed to the central rail 19A of the slideway by a fixing pin, not visible, passing through the relevant hole of the rail central.

The stem 10 can slide on the slide 19 according to the stroke of the cylinder 21. Also, to ensure its movement to the opposite track or return to the initial position of Figures 5, 6 , it is simply necessary to reverse the assembly of fastening pins fasteners without touching the cylinder to advance transversely step by step (depending on the stroke of the cylinder). The two fasteners are dismounted, on the one hand, the fixing axis "cylinder-rail" to put it at the level of the cylinder 21B and the concerned ear 16A of the gallows and, on the other hand, the axis of fixing 21C "rod-ear" to put it at the level of the rod 21A and the central rail 19A, and so on. However, it should be noted that the wheel 11 works most often with a right offset (as on the Figure 2A ) corresponding to the direction of movement of the machine.

The mounting of the second intermediate element 17 in the first is of the same type as above and is achieved by a parallel and vertical rail slide connection 23 provided in the first element 16 and between which are mounted corresponding vertical sliders 24 formed in the second element. And a control member 25, such as a hydraulic cylinder, provides the vertical movement (up-down) of the second member 17 relative to the first 16.

It is the same for the mounting of the third element or carriage 18 of the telescopic stem 10, which can move vertically in the second element 17 by a parallel and vertical rail slide 26 provided in the latter and receiving corresponding slides 27 Again, a control member 28, such as a hydraulic cylinder, provides vertical sliding (up-down) of the carriage 18 relative to the intermediate element 17.

By this telescopic design, the stem has a reduced height in the lower position, lower than the highest part of the machine (roof of the cabin if the machine is controlled or cowling of the power unit if the machine is radio-controlled) with previously stated advantages, and has a vertical stroke at least as great as the previous design.

As is known, the slicing wheel 1 is provided, at the periphery of its vertical veil 30, cutting or digging members 31 (peaks or teeth) distributed along the latter and inclined appropriately to proceed to the realization of the excavation, that is to say the digging of the trench T. These members 31 can be mounted fixedly or removably on the periphery (rim) of the web 30.

Dimensionally, such a slicing wheel 11 may have a diameter of up to more than 2.5 meters depending on the depth required and the type of elongated objects to be buried, and a width of a few centimeters to several tens of centimeters. And, functionally, it is driven in rotation, around its horizontal geometric axis 32 by geared motors 34 which are mounted, in the usual way, on side and parallel sides 35 of the frame 12 of the slicing wheel 11 and which cooperate, by pairs of gear gears-not shown crowns, with the latter to drive it in rotation.

We see, on the figure 1 that geared motors 34 are located in the upper part of the wheel, so that more than half of it can be buried in the ground to make deep trenches if necessary.

More particularly, the frame 12 of the trencher wheel usually consists of two structural parts 36 and 37 connected to one another about a horizontal articulation axis 38 parallel to the axis of rotation 32 of the wheel, and located between the rear of the frame 2 and the front periphery of the slicing wheel 11. A lower portion 36, substantially in a horizontal position on the figure 1 , comprise the two vertical lateral flanks 35 carrying the geared motors 34 and ends, at its free end opposite the hinge axis 38, by a heel 39. The latter follows the rear periphery of the slicing wheel 11 relative to in the direction of advance A of the machine 1 and engages in the trench T to apply, by its substantially horizontal lower edge 40, against the bottom FD of the excavation. And an upper portion 37, substantially vertical, is connected to the sliding carriage of the bracket 10 by the offset equipment 14 and cant correction 15 of the trencher wheel, as will be seen below.

Control members 41, such as two parallel and identical hydraulic cylinders, connect around hinge pins, the free ends of the two parts 36, 37 of the frame 12, so as to pass the slicing wheel 11, a lowered digging position to an inclined raised position including transport, and vice versa.

The offset equipment 14, shown on the Figures 2 to 6 , authorizes the transverse displacement of the trencher wheel 11 parallel to the longitudinal plane of symmetry PP of the machine 1, in addition to the displacement provided by the telescopic bracket 10 on the frame 2, and the bringing together or removal of the wheel 11 in its plan, relative to the rear of the chassis, as will be seen in more detail later.

First of all, structurally, the offset equipment 14 is defined by a rigid box arm 43 having an approximately quadrilateral planar shape (parallelogram) with two vertical and parallel front 44 and rear 45 sides respectively connected to the sliding carriage 18, through the tilt correction equipment 15, and the frame 12 of the slicing wheel. For this, two vertical hinge pins 46, 47 connect, on the one hand, the front side 44 of the box arm 43 to the tilt correction equipment 15 described below and, on the other hand, the rear side 45 of the arm at the upper vertical portion 37 of the frame 12 of the trencher wheel. To perform the angular movements of offset arm 43 relative to the telescopic stem 10 and the trencher wheel 11 relative to the arm 43, control members 48, 49 in the form, again, of hydraulic cylinders are provided. For this, as we see on the Figures 2, 2A , 3, 4 and 5 two hydraulic cylinders 48 are arranged horizontally (parallel to the plane of the frame) respectively on either side of the box arm 43 and connect it to the tilt correction equipment 15 to ensure angular movements left and right of the box arm 43, and similarly, two hydraulic cylinders 49 are arranged horizontally respectively on either side of the boxed arm and connect the latter to the upper part 37 of the frame 12 of the trencher wheel, to ensure the angular movements thereof around the axis 47, opposite to those of the arm relative to the bracket, to maintain the slicing wheel 11 in a plane parallel to the longitudinal plane of symmetry PP of the machine, c ' that is to say parallel to the direction of advance A of the machine 1.

With respect to the tilt correction equipment 15, which is more clearly seen on the figure 6 it is mainly composed of a rotating ring 50 about a horizontal axis 51 parallel to the frame 2. The ring comprises a fixed portion 52 secured to the carriage sliding member 18 of the telescopic stem 10 and a movable part 53 rotatably mounted on the fixed part 52 by means of control members 54 around the horizontal axis 51 and integral with the box arm 43. As previously, these control members 54 are hydraulic cylinders disposed approximately vertically and symmetrically to each other on each side of said axis, and connecting the fixed part 52 to the movable part 53 of the ring gear 50. In the case of a slope soil leading to one of the tracks 3, 4 at a different level from the other, the operator acts on the cylinders 54 which operate simultaneously and in opposition to one another to bring the wheel 11 in a vertical plane via the rotary ring 50 to which is associated the offset equipment 14.

As regards the routing of the cable C above the motorized vehicle 1, vertical guide supports 58 designated combs, are provided at the front of the chassis, at the exit of the drum 8, then at the rear of the chassis 2 on the telescopic stem 10 (which is noted that in the low position, its height does not exceed that of the highest part of the machine facilitating the laying of the cable on the corresponding comb), and on the free end of the lower portion 36 of the wheel frame 12. And, to gradually bring the cable C into the trench T, a formwork 60 consisting of two parallel plates 61 assembled and substantially corresponding to the height and width of the trench, is introduced into it, being articulated around a vertical axis 62 at the rear of the heel 39 of the frame 12. The cable C thus passes between the two plates 61, on and under transverse rotary rollers 63 to maintain it and make it take an adequate curvature, so that it formwork substantially horizontally parallel to the bottom FD of the excavation carried out. Preferably, the cable C is placed on a bed of LS protection sand dumped, by equipment not shown, at the formwork 60, before the arrival of the cable C on the bottom.

Note, moreover, on figures 3 and 6 in particular, that two vertical plates 63 are arranged symmetrically to the plane PP on the sliding carriage 18 of the bracket 10. These plates 63 are provided with a plurality of connectors intended for hydraulic pipes or hoses or other not shown for the sake of clarity on the Figures, which are from the power group on the machine 1 and go to the servitudes of the digging device 6 (cylinders, geared motors, etc. ..).

The operation of the motorized vehicle 1 and its digging devices 6 and support 7 takes place in the following manner.

It is noted that the motorized vehicle 1, represented on the figures 1 and 2 is in the working position, the slicing wheel 11 of its digging device 6 being in the process of producing a trench T in which a cable C, coming from the support device 7, is placed.

By the arrows A, R and AC are indicated respectively the direction of advance of the machine, the direction of rotation of the slicing wheel and that of the cable to be laid. We notice on the figure 2 , that the digging device 6 is in the vertical longitudinal plane of symmetry PP of the machine 1, which is of course an arbitrary position. Indeed, the trencher wheel 11 is generally in any other plane parallel to PP that can be located, according to the transverse displacement of the telescopic bracket 10 on the slide 19 of the frame 2 and according to the actuation of the offset equipment 14 by the operator, between the two left and right maximum offset positions, one of which (the right) is represented on the Figure 2A . These different positions given to the trencher wheel 11 are a function of the nature and relief of the terrain encountered, the space available, obstacles to avoid, etc.

The operation of the machine 1 and the digging device 6 is provided by the general power unit 5 and the various controls to its smooth operation can be carried out in the cabin by the operator or remote control by remote control.

As a result of the advance of the motorized machine 1 and the rotation of the trencher wheel 11 in the working position, the digging members 31 perform the trench T. It is seen on the figures 1 and 3 , that the telescopic stem 10 has a low position, with a minimum height, the sliding carriage 18 being closest to the ground S, which causes the slicing wheel 11 to make a trench T having a maximum depth, greater than half of its radius. As the telescopic stem, with its equipment 6 and 7 and its wheel 11, is in the low position, with a center of gravity as low as possible, the traction forces generated by the train of tracks 3, 4 to pull the assembly are less, compared to a higher standard monobloc stem. In this way, the mechanical stresses on the various components drawn are also smaller avoiding damage to them.

During the realization of the trench T, the articulated frame 12 of the trencher wheel 11 is of course in the lowered position by the extension of the two corresponding cylinders 41, and the lower edge 40 of the heel 39 of the frame is thus applied to the bottom FD excavation to smooth the latter.

If, during digging, a transverse pipe is identified, the intermediate element 17 and the truck 18 of the bracket are raised to an appropriate height by their respective cylinders 25, 28. There is also obtained a management of the vertical stroke the stem easier and more accurate with two jacks with a single cylinder (previous design).

We also note, on figures 1 and 4 in particular, that on each side of the lower portion 36 of the frame 12 of the slicing wheel is provided a spacer 68 in the form of an inclined plate. This spacer is carried by a control member 69, such as a hydraulic cylinder, associated with said lower portion 36 and disposed substantially vertically to apply the spacer to the ground. Thus, the two spacers 68 are intended to evacuate to the outside the cuttings D exited by the peaks 31 of the trencher wheel 11 during the execution of the face of size FT trench T (cuttings D out on the ground on both sides of the wheel were not represented on the figure 2 ).

Regarding the cable C conveyed from the drum 8 and passing on the combs 58 above the machine 1, it is deposited freely by its own weight, through the formwork 60, on the LS sand bed dumped in the bottom FD of the trench. The advance A of the machine 1 causes the unwinding of the cable C of the drum 8.

Furthermore, in addition to being able to move transversely the slicing wheel 11 relative to the motorized vehicle 1, while maintaining it in a vertical plane parallel to the plane PP, the offset equipment 14 can bring closer or move the wheel in its plane relative to the rear of the frame 2. To do this, using the cylinders 48 and 49 working in opposition and the hinge pins 46 and 47, is formed more or less an angle ( initially flat) between the tilt correction equipment 15 (linked to the carriage 18 of the telescopic bracket) and the box arm 43 and, simultaneously, an identical but opposite angle between the box arm 43 and the frame 12 of the wheel to maintain the wheel parallel to the plane PP (see Figures 2A and 5 especially). In this way, the greater the angle, the more the slicing wheel 11 approaches the rear of the frame 2 (see the position 1 1 'of the wheel on the figure 1 ), which is interesting when the trench T to be made has a shallow depth since a small amount of cuttings out of the search, and for another reason described later. On the other hand, when the trench depth T is important, as on the figures 1 and 2 , the above angles of the offset equipment are flat, resulting in a maximum distance of the slicing wheel 11 by relative to the chassis 2, to allow the evacuation of cuttings D and avoid clogging of the track train 3, 4 and the chassis 2 in general.

In addition, when the wheel 11 is working with a large offset ( Figure 2A ), the motor unit 5 can be mounted on rotating equipment such as a rotary ring (not shown) around a vertical axis or horizontal cross slide equipment, so as to be (rotational or translational) ) in a position opposite to the digging device relative to the chassis and, thus, balance and stabilize the machine during its progression.

During the realization of the trench T, several reels of cables may be necessary. Their usual change will not be described further, and the new cable will be brought into the various combs of the machine with the telescopic stem in the low position, to facilitate its mounting into the formwork of the trench where it will be. connected to the laid cable.

When the trench T is made with the serial cable or cables deposited therein, the motorized vehicle 1 stops and the telescopic stem 10 is actuated so as to slide the second intermediate element 17 and the carriage 18 towards the high by their respective cylinders 25, 28, until the slicing wheel 11 is out of the trench T. The rotation R thereof is stopped. It is then possible to act on the articulated frame, even before or simultaneously with the movement of the bracket, in order to move the slicing wheel 11 from the lowered position to the inclined raised position of the frame 12 by retracting the corresponding cylinders 41.

When it comes to transporting the motorized vehicle 1, it uses a carrier vehicle 70 such as that shown partially and schematically on the figure 7 and consists of a tractor truck (not visible) and its flat trailer 72. Inclined ramps 73, hinged to the rear of the trailer 72, allow the rise (and descent) of the motorized vehicle 1 on the trailer. And it is understood that, in order to prevent the slicing wheel 11 from touching the ground S when the machine is climbing on the ramps (especially when the latter is coming onto the ramps 73 in totality), the wheel 11 must be in the raised position on its hinged frame 12 and the bracket 10 must be in the upper position given by the sliding of the intermediate element 17 and the carriage 18. The slicing wheel 11 is disposed prior to mounting the machine 1 on the trailer 72, so as to be in the vertical longitudinal plane of symmetry PP, by acting on the transverse displacement of the bracket 10 on the slideways of the frame 2 and on the offset equipment 14 to bring the wheel of the frame as close as possible. Of course, the formwork 60 has been previously detached from the heel 39, and the guide supports 58 are folded. When the machine 1 is on the platform of the trailer 72, the telescopic stem 10 is lowered to its lower position, until the slicing wheel 11 comes into contact with or near the platform 72 of the vehicle carrier.

Claims (10)

Motorized machine for digging trenches in the ground and laying elongated objects, such as cables or the like, in said trench made, of the type comprising, on its horizontal frame (2) carried by rolling members (3, 4): - a digging device (6) of the slicing wheel trench (11), comprising a vertical support bracket (10) of said wheel, which is mounted perpendicularly to said frame transversely displaceable thereto and along which can move in a vertical plane said slicing wheel (11); and - a support device (7) of said elongate object by rotary drum (8), associated with said frame and conveying said elongated object into said trench made by passing above said digging device, characterized in that said vertical support bracket (10) is of the telescopic type and is composed of at least three members telescopically movably connected to one another between high and low positions, namely: - a first base member (16) resting on said frame (2) transversely displaceable thereto; a second intermediate element (17) mounted vertically displaceable in said first element; and a third carriage element (18) mounted vertically displaceable in said second element and connected to said slicing wheel, above said carriage passing said elongated objects, and said displacements of said stem being obtained by control members (21, 25, 28). Machine according to claim 1,
characterized in that said horizontal frame (2) comprises a transverse slide (19) on which is slidably mounted said telescopic stem (10) under the action of said corresponding control member, and said first and second members (16, 17) of said bracket include vertical rails between which are respectively slidably mounted said second and third members (17, 18) of said stem under the action of said corresponding control members. Machine according to one of claims 1 or 2,
characterized in that said transversely displacing control member (21) on said telescopic stem (10) and on said frame (2) is mounted on reversible intermediate fasteners (22A, 22B). Machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
characterized in that said digging device (6) further comprises a controllable offset equipment (14) of said trencher wheel (11) provided between the latter and said telescopic bracket and providing transverse displacement of said wheel to at lateral positions beyond the width of said frame and its approximation or removal from said frame. Machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
characterized in that said digging device (6) further comprises a tilt correction equipment (15) of said frame (2) provided between said telescopic bracket and said trencher wheel and making it possible to maintain it in a plane of vertical work. Machine according to the preceding claims 4 and 5,
characterized in that said respectively offset (14) and cant correction (15) equipment are connected to each other, said cant correction equipment (15) being associated with said telescopic stem (10) and said offset equipment (14) being associated with the frame (12) of said slicing wheel. Machine according to one of claims 5 or 6,
characterized in that said tilt correction equipment (15) comprises a rotatable ring (50) about a horizontal axis (51), parallel to the plane of said frame, and composed of two relatively rotatable portions (52, 53); one relative to the other about said axis, under the action of control members (54), and respectively associated with said carriage (18) of the telescopic stem and said offset equipment (14). Machine according to one of claims 4 to 7,
characterized in that said offset equipment (14) comprises a box arm (43) mounted at its ends about parallel vertical axes (46, 47), one of which (46) is connected to the second rotary portion (53) of said ring gear (50) and the other (47) of which is connected to said trencher wheel, and control members (48, 49) respectively connecting said ring gear to said box arm and said box arm to said wheel frame to perform said rotations around said vertical axes. Machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
characterized in that the frame (12) of said trencher wheel (11) is composed of two parts (36, 37) articulated to each other about a horizontal axis (38) orthogonal to the vertical plane of said wheel slicer, a first portion (36) supporting said wheel and a second portion (37) connected to said sliding carriage, at least one control member (41) being provided between said portions to allow said wheel to occupy a lowered work position and a raised position inactive. Machine according to claims 1, 7, 8 and 9,
characterized in that said control members (21, 25, 28, 41, 48, 49, 54) are hydraulic cylinders powered by a power unit (5) provided on said frame.

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