EP1319761B1 - 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 digging and / or trenching a ditch and a machine equipped with such a machine.

Such a machine, sometimes called "roto-slicer" is used in the field of agriculture for drainage and irrigation of land and in the field of roads for the sanitation of road edges. The French patent 1,604,301 discloses such a machine which comprises a support frame from which is suspended a rotating element or "rolling wheel" whose rotation allows to form a ditch. Such a device is satisfactory in 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 mounted is variable depending on the conditions of use of the machine. It is therefore necessary to provide different machine sizes with different offsets of the dredging wheel relative to the machine, in order to consider different applications.

In addition, a ditch is not always straight and it is sometimes difficult for the driver of a machine equipped with a known machine to follow the course of an existing ditch or to create a ditch along a predetermined curved path. Thus, if a machine complies with FR-A-1604301 is installed in the back of an agricultural tractor, turning the tractor to the left has the effect of deporting the dredging wheel to the right, which may lead to inaccuracies in the route obtained for the tractor. pit. The depth of a ditch must vary according to its intended use and / or the nature of the soil. With known rotary trenchers, a height adjustment of the rolling wheel takes place by rotating around it the PTO of the machine, the movement in height then inducing a parasitic movement in offset.

It is, moreover, known to GB-A-2,173,530 to produce a digging machine or ditching which comprises a generally parallelogram-shaped support structure on which is mounted a rotary member driven by a chain exposed to the open air, that is to say liable to be soiled or stuck by obstacles, including plants. In addition, the offset of the rotary member relative to the machine is fixed, with the same disadvantages as those mentioned above.

It is these drawbacks that the invention intends to remedy more particularly by proposing a machine that can be reliably controlled and that makes it possible to create or cut ditches according to a predetermined pattern, with good precision, both with regard to horizontal geometry of the ditches as their depth.

In this spirit, the invention relates to a machine for digging and / or trenching a ditch which comprises a rotary forming member of the ditch able to be driven by a machine and supported by a structure mounted on this machine and which comprises two primary arms capable to be articulated at their respective first ends relative to the machine, extending substantially in two generally parallel directions and whose respective second 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 in that one of the primary arms and the secondary arm contain rotational driving elements of the rotary member and in that at least one of the primary arms is adjustable in length, so that 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 constitute a generally deformable structure in the form of a regular or irregular parallelogram, the possibly irregular character of this parallelogram essentially resulting from the adjustable length character of the one of these arms. This structure in the form of a regular or irregular deformable parallelogram makes it possible to vertically move the second arm and the rotary member that it supports, which makes it possible to adjust the depth of a ditch conformed by this machine. The adjustable length of one of the primary arms allows to adjust the offset of the rotary member relative to the machine on which the machine is mounted, which facilitates the steering of such a machine. This adjustment can take place during the movement of the machine and the driver does not have to get off the machine to adjust the position of the rotary member or "dragging wheel", which facilitates its work. As the drive elements are protected in one of the primary arms and in the secondary arm, their operation is improved and a high power, necessary to dig a ditch, can be transmitted without problem through them.

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

The invention also relates to an agricultural machine, road or civil engineering equipped with a machine 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 digging machine and / or curing the ditches and a machine according to the invention, given solely by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings in which:

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

An agricultural tractor T is represented at Figures 1 to 5 digging a ditch F in the ground S. The tractor T is equipped with a machine 1 which comprises a plate 2 intended to be mounted at the rear of the tractor T being fixed thereto by any appropriate means. In particular, the plate 2 is equipped with an extension 21 for receiving a pin 3 intended to pass through 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 PTO provided at the rear of the tractor T. point A ₁ is the geometric center of articulation on the plate 2 of a box 4 of generally parallelepipedal and elongated shape and inside which is disposed a chain 41 partially shown only to figures 1 and 7 . In cross section, the box 4 has a generally rectangular shape, as is apparent from the figure 7 .

It is also defined on the plate 2 a second remarkable point A ₂ hinge body 51 of a cylinder 5 double effect whose rod 52 is fixed at a first end 61 of a bar 6. The elements 5 and 6 are generally aligned and X ₂ -X ' _{2 is} the common longitudinal direction of elements 5 and 6.

In the same way, we note X ₁ -X ' ₁ the longitudinal direction of the box 4.

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

In the plan of Figures 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 pivot point B ₂ on the end 62 of the bar 6, whereas the connecting rod 7 is centered on an axis Y ₁ -Y ' ₁ whose trace in the plane of the figure 1 is the point of articulation B ₁ .

In practice, the rod 7 is traversed at 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 rod 7 is secured to a sleeve 91 pivotally mounted around a tube 44 itself secured to the casing 4 and centered on the axis Y ₁ -Y ' ₁ . Thus, the rod 7 can rotate about the axis Y ₁ -Y ' ₁ , the bridge B ₁ representing its point of articulation about this axis in the plane of the figure 1 .

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

This chain 92 makes it possible to drive in rotation, in the direction of the arrow R to the figure 1 a rotary member 10 provided with blades and which may be called "dragging wheel". A deflector 11 is mounted near the rolling wheel 10 and directs the rubble extracted from the ditch F by the rolling wheel 10 in the direction of the arrow G, due to the rotation R of the wheel 10.

The longitudinal direction of the box 9 is denoted X ₃ -X ' _3. The longitudinal direction of the connecting rod 7, that is to say the radial direction with respect to the axis Y _1, is denoted by X ₄ -X' _4. Y ' ₁ which passes through the bolt 8. The directions X ₃ -X' ₃ and X ₄ -X ' ₄ are parallel to each other and parallel to the plane of the figure 1 , so that their projections in this plane are merged.

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

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

The length of the casing 4 and in particular the distance between the points A ₁ and B ₁ at the figure 1 is fixed, which is in particular imposed by the fact that it contains the chain 41 for driving the wheel 10 in rotation. In the same way, 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 to the figure 1 is also constant.

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

In view of the foregoing, it is constituted a structure for supporting the droning wheel 10 relative to the plate 2, this structure comprising two primary arms constituted respectively by the box 4 and the set of elements 5 and 6. This structure also comprises a secondary arm constituted by the box 9, this arm being itself supported by one of the primary arms, while the rod 7 connects the ends 62 and 43 of the primary arms remote from the plate 2.

As is apparent in particular from the comparison of figures 1 , 2 and 3 it is possible to vary the depth P of the ditch F being formed by the wheel 10 by varying the length of the cylinder 12. Thus, in the configuration of the figure 2 , the depth P 'of the ditch F is relatively small because the primary arms formed respectively by the caisson 4 and by the elements 5 and 6 are lifted by the cylinder 12 and respectively rotate around the points A ₁ and A ₂ , as represented by the arrows F ₁ and F ₂ . Conversely, if the jack 12 is contracted, the primary arms turn respectively about the arms A ₁ and A ₂ as represented by the arrows F ' ₁ and F' ₂ at the 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 jack 5 is set 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 according to 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.

Note Δ the offset of the dragging wheel relative to the power take-off of the tractor T, that is to say the horizontal distance between the points A ₁ and C ₁ .

It is possible to vary the offset Δ by varying the length of the second primary arm consisting of the elements 5 and 6.

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

We understand that in the configurations of Figures 4 and 5 the geometrical 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 geometrical 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 is clear from the figure 8 it is possible to return the machine 1 in a configuration where it does not substantially protrude laterally relative to the tractor T by raising the casing 4 in a substantially vertical configuration and extending as much as possible the arm consisting of the elements 4 and 5.

As is clear from the figure 7 a solid axle 14 is supported by two bearings 15 and 16 respectively provided in the caissons 4 and 9, while two pinions 17 and 18 are mounted at the ends respective axis 14 and fixed by two nuts 17a and 18a. These gears are intended to cooperate respectively with the chains 41 and 92.

The bearings 15 and 16 allow a rotational movement of the axis 14 relative to the tube 44, which allows a transmission of the movement of the chain 41 to the chain 92, in order to drive the wheel 10.

The tube 44 is connected to the main part of the box 4 by means of a weld bead 46. A second bead 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 related to the sliding of the tube 44 inside the sleeve 91, this being possible thanks to the oblong character of the slots provided in the flange 48.

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

It is understood that it is possible to control the operation of the cylinders 5 and 12 so that the center of the rolling wheel 10 can be moved along a substantially vertical direction, similar to the direction ZZ 'mentioned with reference to the configuration of Figures 1 to 3 , including when the structure formed of the primary arms constitutes an irregular deformable parallelogram.

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

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

Claims (10)

1. Machine for digging and/or cleaning out a ditch, the said machine comprising a rotary unit for forming the ditch, which can be driven by a vehicle and supported by a structure which is fitted onto the said vehicle, and comprising:

   - two primary arms (4, 5-6)which can be articulated (at A₁, A₂) at the level of their respective first ends (42, 51) relative to the said vehicle (T), whilst extending substantially in two directions (X₁ - X'₁, X₂

   - X'₂) which are globally parallel, and the second respective ends (43, 62) of which are connected by a connecting rod (7) which is articulated (at B₁, B₂) on the said arms;

   - a secondary arm (9) which is articulated (at B₁) on the second end (43) of a primary arm (4) which is integral with the said connecting rod, and onto which the said rotary unit (10) is fitted,

   characterised in that one (4) of the primary arms and the secondary arm (9) contain elements (17, 18, 41, 92) for rotation (R) of the said rotary unit (10), and in that at least one (5-6) of the said primary arms has an adjustable length, such that the offsetting (Δ) of the rotary unit relative to the said vehicle (T) is adjustable.
2. Machine according to claim 1, characterised in that the said drive elements comprise chains (41, 92) which co-operate with pinions, two of which (17, 18), which are provided respectively in the said primary (4) and secondary (9) arms, are connected to one another by a common shaft (14).
3. Machine according to claim 2, characterised in that the said common shaft (14) is fitted, with the possibility of rotation (at 15, 16) in a tube (44) which is integral with one (4) of the said arms, and is engaged, with the possibility of rotation, in a sleeve (91) which is integral with the other arm (9).
4. Machine according to claim 3, characterised in that the said tube (44) or the said sleeve (91) is integral in rotation with the said connecting rod (7).
5. Machine according to one of claims 3 or 4,
   characterised in that it comprises means (19) for relative axial immobilisation of the said tube (44) and the said sleeve (91).
6. Machine according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that it comprises a jack (12) for adjustment (F₁, F'₁, F₂, F'₂) of the angular position of the said primary arms (4, 5-6) relative to the said vehicle (T).
7. Machine according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that the respective points (A₁, A₂) of articulation of the said primary arms (4, 5-6) relative to the said vehicle (T) are aligned on a straight line (D) which, in the normal configuration of use of the said machine (1) fitted on a vehicle which is supported on a generally horizontal surface (S), is inclined relative to the horizontal (D') by an angle (α) which is between 40 and 50°, and is preferably approximately 45°.
8. Machine according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that the said primary arm (5-6), the length of which is adjustable, comprises a jack (5), the body of which (51) constitutes the first end of the said arm, and the rod (52) of which is integral with a bar (6) which is articulated (at B₂) on the said connecting rod (7).
9. Machine according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that it comprises a base plate (2) on which the said primary arms (4, 5-6) are articulated at the level of their respective ends (42, 51), and which can be fitted on a vehicle (T), such that the point of articulation (A₁) of one (4) of the said primary arms on the said plate is aligned with a power take-off of the said vehicle.
10. Agricultural, highways or civil engineering vehicle, equipped with a machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

Images