EP1319761A1 - Ditch cutting and/or cleaning apparatus and vehicle equipped with such an apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The trench digging machine (1) has a rotary digger head (10) driven by an engine (T) and supported on a boom mounted on the engine casing. The boom has two primary arms (4,5-6) pivoted at their ends to the engine and at their other ends to a crank (7) pivoted on the arms. A secondary arm (9) on the second end of the primary arms carries the digging head. One of the primary arms can be adjustable for length to adjust the digger head.

Description

The invention relates to a machine for dig and / or clean a ditch and a machine equipped with a such machine.

Such a machine, sometimes referred to as a "rotary slicer" »Is used in agriculture for land drainage and irrigation and in the roads for sanitation of the edges of road. French patent 1,604,301 describes such a machine which includes a support frame from which is suspended a rotating element or "dragante wheel" of which rotation makes it possible to conform a ditch. Such a device gives satisfaction under certain conditions of use. However, the distance between the ditch to be created or cleaned and the machine, such as a tractor, on which the machine is variable according to the conditions of use of the machine. It is therefore necessary to provide different machine sizes with different wheel offsets dragant compared to the machine, in order to be able to consider different applications.

In addition, a ditch is not always straight and it is sometimes difficult for the driver of an equipped vehicle of a known machine to follow the layout of an existing ditch or create a ditch according to a predetermined curved path. Thus, if a machine conforming to FR-A-1 604 301 is installed on the back of an agricultural tractor, turning the tractor to the left has the effect of shift the dragging wheel of the machine to the right, this which can lead to inaccuracies in the plot obtained for the ditch. The depth of a ditch must be able to vary depending on its intended use and / or the nature of the ground. With the known rotary slicers, an adjustment in height of the dragging wheel takes place by a rotation around of the PTO of the machine, the movement in height then inducing a parasitic movement in offset.

It is also known from GB-A-2 173 530 of make a machine for digging or cleaning ditches which includes a generally shaped support structure parallelogram on which a rotary member is mounted driven by a chain exposed to the open air, that is to say likely to be soiled or trapped by obstacles, especially plants. In addition, the offset of the rotary member relative to the machine is fixed, with the same disadvantages than those mentioned above.

It is to these disadvantages that most particularly remedy the invention by proposing a machine that can be reliably controlled and for creating or cleaning ditches according to a route predetermined, with good accuracy, both in terms of concerns the horizontal geometry of the ditches that their depth.

In this spirit, the invention relates to a machine for dig and / or clear a ditch that includes a rotating member shaping the ditch suitable for being driven by a machine and supported by a structure mounted on this machine and which includes two primary arms capable of being articulated to the level of their respective first ends by relation to the craft, essentially extending in two directions generally parallel and whose seconds respective ends are connected by a connecting rod articulated on these arms, and a secondary arm articulated on the second end of a primary arm and on which is mounted the rotary member. This machine is characterized by what one of the primary arms and the secondary arm contain rotating drive elements from the rotary member and in that at least one of the arms primary is adjustable in length so that the offset of the rotary member relative to the machine is adjustable.

Thanks to the invention, the two primary arms, the part on which they are articulated and the connecting rod constitutes a generally deformable structure in the form of regular or irregular parallelogram, the character possibly irregular from this parallelogram arising basically of the adjustable length of one of these arms. This parallelogram-like structure deformable regular or irregular allows to move vertically the second arm and the rotary member which it supports, which allows you to adjust the depth of a ditch shaped thanks to this machine. The adjustable character in length of one of the primary arms allows to adjust the offset of the rotary member relative to the machine on which is mounted the machine, which facilitates the control of such machine. This adjustment can take place during movement of the craft and the pilot does not have to get off the craft to adjust the position of the rotary member or "wheel dragante ", which makes his job easier. Like the elements are protected in one of the primary arms and in the secondary arm, their functioning is improved and high power, necessary for digging a ditch, can be transmitted without problem by their intermediate.

Other advantageous aspects of the invention emerge dependent claims appended hereto.

The invention also relates to an agricultural machine, roads or civil engineering equipped with a machine such as previously described.

• La figure 1 est une vue par l'arrière d'un tracteur agricole équipé d'une machine conforme à l'invention dans une première configuration de travail ;
• La figure 2 est une vue, analogue à la figure 1 et à plus petite échelle, de l'engin dans une seconde configuration de travail ;
• La figure 3 est une vue analogue à la figure 2 dans une troisième configuration de travail ;
• La figure 4 est une vue analogue à la figure 2 dans une quatrième configuration de travail ;
• La figure 5 est une vue analogue à la figure 2 dans une cinquième configuration de travail ;
• La figure 6 est une vue en perspective de la machine représentée aux figures 1 à 6 ;
• La figure 7 est une coupe partielle selon la ligne VII-VII à la figure 6 et
• la figure 8 est une vue analogue à la figure 2 lorsque l'engin est en cours de déplacement entre deux chantiers.

The invention will be better understood and other advantages thereof will appear more clearly in the light of the following description of an embodiment of a machine for digging and / or cleaning ditches and a machine in accordance with the invention, given solely by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings in which:

• Figure 1 is a rear view of an agricultural tractor equipped with a machine according to the invention in a first working configuration;
• Figure 2 is a view, similar to Figure 1 and on a smaller scale, of the machine in a second working configuration;
• Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2 in a third working configuration;
• Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 2 in a fourth working configuration;
• Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 2 in a fifth working configuration;
• Figure 6 is a perspective view of the machine shown in Figures 1 to 6;
• Figure 7 is a partial section along the line VII-VII in Figure 6 and
• Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 2 when the machine is being moved between two sites.

An agricultural tractor T is shown in Figures 1 to 5 digging a ditch F in the ground S. The tractor T is equipped with a machine 1 which includes a plate 2 intended to be mounted at the rear of the T tractor being attached to it by any suitable means. In particular, plate 2 is equipped with an extension 21 receiving a pawn 3 intended to cross an ear, adapted and not shown, provided on the tractor T.

The plate 2 is dimensioned and configured so that it can be mounted on the tractor T in a position such that a point A ₁ is generally aligned with a power take-off provided at the rear of the tractor T. This point A ₁ is the geometric center of articulation on the plate 2 of a box 4 of generally parallelepiped shape and elongated and inside which is arranged a chain 41 shown partially only in Figures 1 and 7. In cross section, the box 4 has a generally rectangular shape, as shown in FIG. 7.

It is also defined on the plate 2 a second remarkable point A ₂ of articulation of the body 51 of a double-acting jack 5 whose rod 52 is fixed to a first end 61 of a bar 6. The elements 5 and 6 are generally aligned and denote by X ₂ -X ′ ₂ the common longitudinal direction of the elements 5 and 6.

In the same way, we denote X ₁ -X ′ ₁ the longitudinal direction of the box 4.

We note 42 the end of the box 4 surrounding the articulation point A ₁ . The opposite end of the box 4 is noted 43. The end of the bar 6 opposite the end 61 secured to the rod 52 is noted 62.

In the plane of FIGS. 1 to 5, a connecting rod 7 is disposed between the ends 43 and 62. More specifically, the connecting rod 7 is articulated at a point of articulation B ₂ on the end 62 of the bar 6, while the connecting rod 7 is centered on an axis Y ₁ -Y ′ ₁ , the trace of which in the plane of FIG. 1 is the point of articulation B ₁ .

In practice, the connecting rod 7 is crossed, at the level a first end 71 by a bolt 8 which constitutes an axis of articulation between the elements 6 and 7.

On the side opposite its end 71, the connecting rod 7 is secured to a sleeve 91 pivotally mounted around a tube 44 which is itself secured to the box 4 and centered on the axis Y ₁ -Y ' ₁ . Thus, the connecting rod 7 can rotate around the axis Y ₁ -Y ′ ₁ , the bridge B ₁ representing its point of articulation around this axis in the plane of FIG. 1.

A second box 9 is integral with the sleeve 91 and contains a chain 92 shown partially only in Figures 1 and 7.

This chain 92 allows to rotate, in the direction of the arrow R in FIG. 1 a rotary member 10 provided with blades and which can be called “dragante wheel”. A deflector 11 is mounted near the dragging wheel 10 and allows to direct the rubble extracted from the ditch F by the dragging wheel 10 in the direction of the arrow G, because of the rotation R of the wheel 10.

We denote X ₃ -X ' ₃ the longitudinal direction of the box 9. We denote X ₄ -X' ₄ the longitudinal direction of the connecting rod 7, that is to say the radial direction relative to the axis Y ₁ - Y ' ₁ which passes through the bolt 8. The directions X ₃ -X' ₃ and X ₄ -X ' ₄ are mutually parallel and parallel to the plane of Figure 1, so that their projections in this plane are combined.

We note 93 the end of the box 9 closest to point B ₁ and 94 its end closest to the dragging wheel 10.

A jack 12 is mounted on a lug 45 provided on the box 4, while being articulated on this lug 45 while its rod is articulated, by means of a screw 13, at a point A ₃ of the plate 2.

The length of the box 4 and in particular the distance between the points A ₁ and B ₁ in Figure 1 is fixed, which is in particular imposed by the fact that it contains the chain 41 used to drive the wheel 10 in rotation. Likewise, the length of the box 9 is constant, which means that the distance between the point B ₁ and the center C ₁ of rotation of the wheel 10 in FIG. 1 is also constant.

We denote by D a straight line passing through the points of articulation A ₁ and A ₂ in FIG. 1. We also note by a horizontal straight line passing by point A ₁ in FIG. 1. As the box 4 is horizontal at the Figure 1, the line D 'is confused with the direction X ₁ , X' ₁ . We note α the angle that the line D makes with respect to the line D 'when the tractor T rests on a horizontal ground. This angle is 45 ° and can, in practice, have a value between 40 and 50 °.

In view of the foregoing, a structure for supporting the dragging wheel 10 by compared to plate 2, this structure comprising two primary arms respectively constituted by the box 4 and by all of elements 5 and 6. This structure also includes a secondary arm constituted by the box 9, this arm itself being supported by one of the primary arms, while the connecting rod 7 connects the ends 62 and 43 of the primary arms distant from the plate 2.

As appears more particularly from the comparison of FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, it is possible to vary the depth P of the ditch F during shaping by means of the wheel 10 by varying the length of the jack 12. Thus, in the configuration of FIG. 2, the depth P ′ of the ditch F is relatively small since the primary arms constituted respectively by the box 4 and by the elements 5 and 6 are lifted by the jack 12 and rotate respectively around the points A ₁ and A ₂ , as shown by the arrows F ₁ and F ₂ . Conversely, if the cylinder 12 is contracted, the primary arms rotate respectively around the arms A ₁ and A ₂ as shown by the arrows F ' ₁ and F' ₂ in Figure 3, so that the depth P '' of the pit F thus created is increased.

In the configuration shown in Figures 1 to 3, the actuator 5 is adjusted so that the cumulative length of the elements 5 and 6 is equal to the distance between the points A ₁ and B ₁ , so that the points A ₁ , A ₂ , B ₁ and B ₂ define a deformable parallelogram. Thus, the rotations along the arrows F ₁ , F ₂ , F ' ₁ and F' ₂ have the effect of moving the center C ₁ of the wheel 10 in a vertical direction ZZ 'when the surface of the ground S is horizontal.

We denote by Δ the offset of the dragging wheel relative to the PTO of the tractor T, that is to say the horizontal distance separating the points A ₁ and C ₁ .

It is possible to vary the offset Δ by playing along the length of the second primary arm consisting of items 5 and 6.

Thus, as is apparent from FIG. 4, the offset Δ can be increased up to a value Δ 'by contracting the jack 5. It is on the contrary possible to reduce this offset to the value Δ''by deploying the jack 5, so that the distance between points A ₂ and B ₂ is increased.

It is understood that, in the configurations of FIGS. 4 and 5, the geometric figure created by the points A ₁ , A ₂ , B ₁ and B ₂ is not exactly a parallelogram but is a quadrilateral having approximately the shape of a parallelogram such a geometric figure can be described as an irregular parallelogram. In all cases, the directions X ₁ -X ' ₁ and X ₂ -X' ₂ remain substantially parallel.

As can be seen more particularly from FIG. 8, it is possible to bring machine 1 back into a configuration where it does not protrude substantially laterally with respect to the tractor T up the box 4 in a practically vertical configuration and by extending as much as possible the arm made up of the elements 4 and 5.

As can be seen more particularly from FIG. 7, a solid axis 14 is supported by two bearings 15 and 16 respectively provided in the boxes 4 and 9, while two pinions 17 and 18 are mounted at the respective ends of the axis 14 and immobilized by two nuts 17 a and 18 a . These sprockets are intended to cooperate with the chains 41 and 92 respectively.

The bearings 15 and 16 allow a movement of rotation of the axis 14 relative to the tube 44, which allows transmission of movement from chain 41 to chain 92, with a view to driving the wheel 10.

The tube 44 is connected to the main part of the box 4 thanks to a weld bead 46. A second bead of solder 47 connects the tube 44 to a flange 48.

The sleeve 91 is connected to the box 9 by a weld bead 96 and to the flange 7 by a second weld bead 97. Bolts 19 passing through oblong slots provided in the flange 48 make it possible to ensure the relative positioning of the boxes 4 and 9 along the axis Y ₁ -Y ′ ₁ , with a possibility of rotation linked to the sliding of the tube 44 inside the sleeve 91, this being possible thanks to the oblong nature of the lights provided in the flange 48.

According to a variant not shown of the invention, the bolts 19 could be replaced by a nut mounted on the end of the tube 44 introduced into the box 9, this end then being threaded.

We understand that it is possible to enslave the operation of cylinders 5 and 12 so that the center of drag wheel 10 can be moved along in an essentially vertical direction, analogous to the direction Z-Z 'mentioned with reference to the configuration Figures 1 to 3, including when the structure formed primary arms constitutes a deformable parallelogram irregular.

The invention has the particular advantage that the structure formed of elements 4 to 9 is compatible with the transmission of power to the dragging wheel 10, by means chains 41 and 92, while being adjustable.

According to a variant not shown of the invention, the two primary arms 4 and 5-6 can be adjustable in length, measures are then taken so that this possibility of adjustment to be compatible with training in rotation of the wheel 10.

Claims (10)

Machine for digging and / or cleaning a ditch, said machine comprising a rotary member for shaping the ditch capable of being driven by a machine and supported by a structure mounted on said machine and comprising: two primary arms (4, 5-6), able to be articulated (at A ₁ , A ₂ ) at their respective first ends (42, 51), with respect to said machine (T), essentially extending in two directions (X ₁ -X ' ₁ , X ₂ -X' ₂ ) generally parallel and whose respective second ends (43, 62) are connected by a connecting rod (7) articulated (at B ₁ , B ₂ ) on said arms; a secondary arm (9) articulated (at B ₁ ) on the second end (43) of a primary arm (4), integral with said connecting rod and on which said rotary member (10) is mounted, characterized that one (4) of the primary arms and the secondary arm (9) contain elements (17, 18, 41, 92) of rotational drive (R) of said rotary member (10) and in that the at least one (5-6) of said primary arms is adjustable in length, so that the offset (Δ) of said rotary member relative to said machine (T) is adjustable. Machine according to Claim 1, characterized in that the said drive elements comprise chains (41, 92) cooperating with pinions, two of which (17, 18), respectively provided in the said primary (4) and secondary (9) arms, are connected by a common tree (14). Machine according to claim 2, characterized in that said common shaft (14) is mounted, with the possibility of rotation (at 15, 16), in a tube (44) integral with one (4) of said arms and engaged, with possibility of rotation, in a sleeve (91) integral with the other arm (9). Machine according to claim 3, characterized in that said tube (44) or said sleeve (91) is integral in rotation with said connecting rod (7). Machine according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that it comprises means (19) for relative axial immobilization of said tube (44) and said sleeve (91). Machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a jack (12) for adjusting (F ₁ , F ' ₁ , F ₂ , F' ₂ ) the angular position of said primary arms (4, 5 -6) relative to said machine (T). Machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective points (A ₁ , A ₂ ) of articulation of said primary arms (4, 5-6) relative to said machine (T) are aligned on a straight line (D ) which, in normal configuration of use of said machine (1) mounted on a machine resting on a generally horizontal surface (S), is inclined relative to the horizontal (D ') by an angle (α) between 40 and 50 °, preferably of the order of 45 °. Machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said primary arm (5-6) whose length is adjustable comprises a jack (5) whose body (51) constitutes the first end of said arm and whose rod (52 ) is integral with a bar (6) articulated (at B ₂ ) on said connecting rod (7). Machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a base plate (2) on which said primary arms (4, 5-6) are articulated at their respective ends (42, 51), and which is capable of being mounted on a machine (T), so that the articulation point (A ₁ ) of one (4) of said primary arms on said plate is aligned with a power take-off of said machine. Agricultural, road or civil engineering machinery equipped with a machine (1) according to one of claims preceding.

Images