EP1444405B1 - Trenching method and apparatus - Google Patents

Trenching method and apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1444405B1
EP1444405B1 EP01982611A EP01982611A EP1444405B1 EP 1444405 B1 EP1444405 B1 EP 1444405B1 EP 01982611 A EP01982611 A EP 01982611A EP 01982611 A EP01982611 A EP 01982611A EP 1444405 B1 EP1444405 B1 EP 1444405B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
trench
cutting
boom
cutting device
prime mover
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP01982611A
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German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
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EP1444405A1 (en
Inventor
Keith Richard Kelly
Jack Geelhoed
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Mastenbroek Ltd
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Mastenbroek Ltd
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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
    • E02F5/00—Dredgers or soil-shifting machines for special purposes
    • E02F5/02—Dredgers or soil-shifting machines for special purposes for digging trenches or ditches
    • E02F5/10—Dredgers or soil-shifting machines for special purposes for digging trenches or ditches with arrangements for reinforcing trenches or ditches; with arrangements for making or assembling conduits or for laying conduits or cables
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
    • E02F3/00—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines
    • E02F3/04—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven
    • E02F3/08—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging elements on an endless chain
    • E02F3/082—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging elements on an endless chain including a belt-type conveyor for transporting the excavated material
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02D—FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
    • E02D17/00—Excavations; Bordering of excavations; Making embankments
    • E02D17/13—Foundation slots or slits; Implements for making these slots or slits
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
    • E02F3/00—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines
    • E02F3/04—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven
    • E02F3/06—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging screws
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
    • E02F3/00—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines
    • E02F3/04—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven
    • E02F3/08—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging elements on an endless chain
    • E02F3/085—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging elements on an endless chain with auxiliary or additional digging elements other than digging elements on an endless chain
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
    • E02F3/00—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines
    • E02F3/04—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven
    • E02F3/08—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging elements on an endless chain
    • E02F3/088—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging elements on an endless chain pivotable relative to the frame
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
    • E02F3/00—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines
    • E02F3/04—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven
    • E02F3/08—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging elements on an endless chain
    • E02F3/10—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging elements on an endless chain with tools that only loosen the material, i.e. with cutter-type chains
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
    • E02F3/00—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines
    • E02F3/04—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven
    • E02F3/18—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging wheels turning round an axis, e.g. bucket-type wheels
    • E02F3/181—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging wheels turning round an axis, e.g. bucket-type wheels including a conveyor
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
    • E02F3/00—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines
    • E02F3/04—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven
    • E02F3/18—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging wheels turning round an axis, e.g. bucket-type wheels
    • E02F3/186—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging wheels turning round an axis, e.g. bucket-type wheels with the axis being substantially parallel to the direction of travel
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
    • E02F3/00—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines
    • E02F3/04—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven
    • E02F3/18—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging wheels turning round an axis, e.g. bucket-type wheels
    • E02F3/188—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging wheels turning round an axis, e.g. bucket-type wheels with the axis being horizontal and transverse to the direction of travel
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
    • E02F3/00—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines
    • E02F3/04—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven
    • E02F3/18—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging wheels turning round an axis, e.g. bucket-type wheels
    • E02F3/20—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging wheels turning round an axis, e.g. bucket-type wheels with tools that only loosen the material, i.e. mill-type wheels
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
    • E02F5/00—Dredgers or soil-shifting machines for special purposes
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
    • E02F5/00—Dredgers or soil-shifting machines for special purposes
    • E02F5/02—Dredgers or soil-shifting machines for special purposes for digging trenches or ditches
    • E02F5/04—Dredgers or soil-shifting machines for special purposes for digging trenches or ditches with digging screws
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
    • E02F5/00—Dredgers or soil-shifting machines for special purposes
    • E02F5/02—Dredgers or soil-shifting machines for special purposes for digging trenches or ditches
    • E02F5/06—Dredgers or soil-shifting machines for special purposes for digging trenches or ditches with digging elements mounted on an endless chain
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
    • E02F5/00—Dredgers or soil-shifting machines for special purposes
    • E02F5/02—Dredgers or soil-shifting machines for special purposes for digging trenches or ditches
    • E02F5/08—Dredgers or soil-shifting machines for special purposes for digging trenches or ditches with digging wheels turning round an axis

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method of trenching, and to a trenching apparatus, both of which are applicable in particular, but not exclusively, for cutting a trench in rock.
  • a prime mover such as a crawler tractor, or a conventional tractor pulling a trailer
  • a cutting device is positioned in the trench on a boom.
  • the main examples are a cutting rotor rotating about an axis transverse to the trench, known as a ripper cutter, or one or more cutting rotors rotating about an axis aligned along the length of the boom, generally known as a milling cutter, or a cutting device having an elongate endless support means carrying a plurality of cutting elements and trained along upper and lower runs on the boom, known as a chain cutter.
  • a cutting rotor is used this is mounted on the distal end of a boom projecting forwardly and downwardly from the prime mover, relative to the direction of digging of the trench.
  • a chain cutter is used, this is normally mounted on a boom extending downwardly and rearwardly from the prime mover relative to the direction of cutting of the trench.
  • the elongate support member moves in a direction such that the cutting elements move downwardly around the distal end of the boom and upwardly and forwardly along the lower run of the moving elongate support member.
  • a positioning device for raising and lowering the distal end of the cutting boom to vary the height of the trench. Examples of such trenching machines are found in, for example, CH-A-239498 (Entreprise de Grands Travaux SA), and WO 95/13433 (Mastenbroek & Company Limited).
  • a cutting rotor known as a ball cutter protrudes forwardly on a boom from a prime mover, and is movable in a vertical plane by pivoting of the boom on the prime mover.
  • the cutting rotor is lowered to the floor of the tunnel and the prime mover advances with the cutting rotor to engage the end face of the tunnel at floor level, to produce an undercut.
  • the cutting boom is then pivoted in an upward direction by hydraulic rams so that the cutting rotor or rotors are lifted upwardly to cut a slice of material from the end face of the tunnel.
  • the cutting boom is raised by application of a force between the cutting boom and the floor of the tunnel.
  • a form of chain cutter trained along upper and lower runs along the cutting boom and around the distal end of the cutting boom, for use for example in mining coal or soft stone.
  • the endless moving support means carrying the cutters is driven in a direction such that the cutters move upwardly around the distal end of the boom and move rearwardly along the upper run of the moving support member.
  • Examples of both forms of tunneling equipment are found in leaflets published in 1982 by Hawker Sidley Dosco Overseas Engineering Limited and entitled DOSCO 1982 The Twin Boom TB600" and DOSCO 1982 "Mark II Heavy Duty Dintheader".
  • EP-A-0080802 (Wallace) a machine for cutting a trench in rock by use of a ripper cutter.
  • EP-A-0080802 also acknowledges as prior art a known trench cutting machine comprises a giant chain saw mounted on a crawler chassis and equipped with tungsten carbide teeth which literally saw away the rock.
  • this machine suffers from the disadvantage that considerable bounce is generated along the saw, especially when cutting the harder rocks, and this reduces the cutting efficiency. Primarily the problem arises because of the long unsupported length of the cutting arm.
  • a machine for cutting a trench in rock having a pivoted boom with a rotatable cutting head at the distal end and a telescopic control arm extending between a mobile work platform and the end of the boom adjacent the cutting head, the telescopic control: arm being an hydraulically operable ram serving to move the cutting head on an arcuate path about the pivot axis of the boom.
  • the machine operates by the hydraulic ram applying to the cutting head a force having a major vertical component. In operation the machine is positioned to straddle the line of the trench and the boom is lowered into contact with the ground.
  • the cutting head is rotated whilst applying force by way of the hydraulic ram to move the cutting head on an arcuate path downwardly and to remove rock from the forward end of the trench.
  • a conveyor is positioned on the floor of the trench and the spoil is carried away. The boom is then raised and the machine moved forward and the process is repeated.
  • a trenching apparatus comprising a distal milling head arranged on a swinging arm and arranged to cut material by rotation about an axis of rotation transverse to the axis of the arm.
  • the arm is coupled to a prime mover via a boom which is pivotally mounted at the prime mover and at the junction with the arm. Pivotal movement of the boom and the arm are effected by hydraulic cylinders.
  • the operation of the apparatus is that the milling head is positioned at the base of the trench and an undercut is produced by advancing the milling head forwardly relative to the direction of cutting of the trench.
  • the milling head is then raised to the top of the trench by operation of the hydraulic cylinders controlling the pivoting of the arm and the boom.
  • the milling head is then lowered to the bottom of the trench and the procedure is repeated.
  • the mobile milling loader has a receiving container for receiving the milled material.
  • Plate-shaped supporting elements can swing out at the sides of the arm or the receiving container, and can be laterally supported against the wall of the excavation.
  • the supporting elements can be swung out sideways by means of a double acting hydraulic cylinder. It is said that the support elements serve for lateral support and can be arranged on the working head or on the arm. It is said that lateral support and lateral guiding of the working head are possible during operation with the aid of the outwardly swinging supporting elements. It is said that lateral support and lateral guiding of the working head or of the arm bearing the working head are possible against the wall of the excavation during operation by the milling loader.
  • a method of trenching comprising positioning in a trench a cutting device mounted on a prime mover movable on the ground surface above the trench, the cutting device including a pivoted cutting boom; positioning the cutting device against the end face of the trench below the level of the ground surface, engaging the end face of the trench with the cutting device, and moving the cutting device forward in the trench while operating the cutting device, so as to produce an undercut in the end face of the trench; and lifting the boom upwardly in a substantially vertical plane from the undercut up to the top of the trench by exerting a lifting force between the boom and the ground surface above the trench and operating the cutting device during the upward movement so as to cut material from the end face of the trench; in which the method includes engaging the sides of the trench by side components of the apparatus during the upward movement of the boom, and exerting on the boom a further upward force acting between the side components and the boom during the upward cutting movement of the cutting device while the side components are engaged with the sides of the trench.
  • trenching apparatus comprising a prime mover, a cutting device including a pivoted cutting boom; mounting means for mounting the cutting device on the prime mover and for positioning the cutting device in a trench with the prime mover movable on the ground surface above the level of the trench, the cutting device being arranged to be engaged with an end face of the trench so as to cut material from the end face of the trench; lifting means arranged to lift the boom in a substantially vertical plane from an undercut in an end face at the bottom of the trench upwardly to the top of the trench while operating the cutting device in cutting engagement with the end face of the trench, by exerting an upward force between the boom and the ground surface above the trench; the apparatus includes side components adapted to engage the sides of the trench during the upward movement of the boom, and a powered linkage coupling the side components to the cutting boom and arranged to exert a further upward force on the cutting boom acting between the side components and the boom during the upward movement of the cutting device while the side components are engaged with the sides of the trench.
  • the method of the invention brings the advantage that during the upward cutting stroke the force exerted between the cutting device and the ground surface is limited only by the force generated and applied, and is not limited by potential raising of components of trenching apparatus from the ground as in the prior art where the cutting is effected on the down stroke of the cutting device. It is not necessary to provide substantial weight in the part of the apparatus on which the lifting means is mounted, as would be the case if the lifting means were pressing downwardly on the cutting device during the cutting stroke.
  • the cutting device is positioned to engage the end face substantially at the bottom of the trench.
  • the cutting device is mounted on a pivoted boom extending forwardly relative to the direction of cutting of the trench, and the said lifting step is carried out by moving the cutting device along an arcuate path defined by pivotal movement of the boom.
  • the step of lifting the cutting device upwardly is carried out by exerting a force between the cutting device and a region of the ground surface spaced from the axis of pivoting of the boom in a forward direction along the trench.
  • the step of lifting the cutting device upwardly is carried out by exerting a force between the cutting device and the ground surface in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the boom, and the step of lifting the cutting device upwardly is carried out by exerting a force at the distal end of the boom.
  • the step of lifting the cutting device upwardly is carried out by exerting a force in a direction inclined to the vertical in a direction forwardly relative to the direction of cutting of the trench.
  • the step of cutting material from the end face of the trench is carried out by moving a plurality of cutting elements along upper and lower runs of an elongate endless support means trained along the boom, the cutting elements being driven in such a manner that at the distal end of the cutting boom the elements move in a direction upwardly around the end of the cutting boom and rearwardly along the upper run rotative to the direction of cutting the trench.
  • Such an arrangement is particularly advantageous because the cutting elements engage the undercut in a direction upwardly and rearwardly at the distal end of the boom so as to cooperate with the lifting force in bringing the cutting teeth into cutting engagement with the ground material.
  • the upper run of the elongate endless support means can be effective to carry away spoil, so that there is no need to provide a separate endless conveyor, or other means, to remove the spoil from the trench, although such an additional conveyor can be provided behind the chain cutter in some circumstances.
  • the cutting device may comprise a cutting rotor mounted at the end of a boom, and the step of cutting material from the end face of the trench is carried out by rotating the cutting rotor about an axis aligned transverse to the length of the trench, or by rotating the cutting rotor about an axis aligned generally along the length of the boom.
  • the lifting means is constructed to provide a power stroke in the upward direction and a return stroke in the downward direction, and to provide a greater force in the power stroke than in the return stroke.
  • the apparatus includes a mobile base unit spaced forwardly from a prime mover and coupled thereto for movement with the prime mover, the lifting means being mounted so as to exert the said lifting force between the cutting device and the prime mover and/or the mobile base.
  • the mobile base unit is coupled to the prime mover by a framework
  • the lifting means includes a pivoted arm pivoted to the prime mover and extending forwardly thereof, a pivoted link coupled at one end to a forward end of the pivoted arm and at the other end to the beam of the cutting device, and a source of lifting power coupled between the arm at a position intermediate the two ends thereof and the framework at a position intermediate the two ends thereof.
  • the lifting means includes an hydraulic ram.
  • the apparatus may include control means programmed to carry out a predetermined operating cycle in which:-
  • the base unit may consist of a structure mounted on skids which slide over the ground when propelled forwardly by the prime mover.
  • the base may be mounted upon wheels, or in some cases may be mounted on a second prime mover arranged to cooperate with the first prime mover in moving the cutting device along the trench.
  • Figures 1 and 2 show a known trench cutting apparatus described in EP-A-0080802 for cutting a trench in rock.
  • Two crawler chassis 3 and 5 are coupled together by tie bars 7, the rear crawler 3 having a cutting boom 2 pivotally mounted at 6.
  • the forward end of the boom 2 has a cutting rotor 7 driven in rotation about an axis transverse to the trench to be cut.
  • the distal end of the boom 2 is coupled to the forward crawler 5 by a telescopic control arm 8 comprising an hydraulic ram and telescopically extending sleeves coupled to the boom 2 by a coupling 9.
  • the machine is positioned to straddle the line of the trench and the boom 2 is lowered into contact with the ground.
  • the cutting head 7 is rotated while applying force by way of the hydraulic ram 8 to move the cutting head 7 on an arcuate path downwardly and to remove rock from the forward end of the trench.
  • An endless chain conveyor 4 is positioned behind the cutting rotor 7 and the spoil is carried away. The boom 2 is then raised and the machine moved forward and the process is repeated.
  • ballast may be carried by either or both of the forward and rearward crawlers 5 and 3.
  • trenching apparatus for cutting a trench in rock or the like has a first prime mover 21 having a cab 35, and a movable base unit 26 consisting of a second prime mover without a cab.
  • Each prime mover consists of a crawler chassis for movement over the ground surface 22.
  • a cutting device indicated generally at 23 is mounted on the prime mover 21 by mounting means indicated generally at 24.
  • a lifting means indicated generally at 25 is coupled to the cutting device 23 in the region of the distal end thereof.
  • the mobile base unit 26 is coupled to the first prime mover 21 by a framework 27.
  • the entire operation of the machine is controlled by control means indicated diagrammatically at 34, located in a cab 35 of the prime mover 21.
  • the cutting device 23 includes an endless chain cutter comprising an elongate endless support means 28 such as a chain, carrying cutting teeth 29, indicated in more detail in Figure 3a.
  • the chain 28 is trained along upper and lower runs 30 and 31 on a boom 32.
  • the cutting teeth 29 pass at the end of the boom 32 around a pulley 33.
  • the elements 29 are driven by an upper pulley 49, in a sense such that at the distal end of the boom 32 the cutting elements move upwardly around the distal end of the boom and rearwardly along the upper run 30, relative to the intended direction of forward movement of the prime mover 21, which is indicated by the direction X in Figure 3.
  • Figure 3a shows the distal end of the boom 32 and details of the mounting of the teeth 29 on the endless support means 28.
  • the chain cutter 23 is driven by drive means including for example an hydraulic drive motor mounted in or on the prime mover 21, and the upper driven pulley 49.
  • the cutting device 23 may be a chain cutter as shown in prior published patent application WO 95/13433, although the chain cutter in that publication is driven in movement in the opposite sense to that shown in the present embodiment, so that the directional alignment of the teeth is reversed in the prior publication mentioned.
  • the mounting means 24 for mounting the boom 32 on the prime mover 21 comprise a pivot shaft 33A mounted between two mounting members mounted on the main frame of the prime mover 21.
  • the lifting means 25 includes a pivoted arm 59 pivoted to the prime mover 21 at a pivot 61 and extending forwardly thereof.
  • a pivoted link 59A is coupled at one end to a forward end of the pivoted arm 59 and at the other end to the beam 32 of the cutting device 23.
  • a source of lifting power consisting of an hydraulic ram 40 is coupled between the arm 59 and the framework 27. The ram 40 is coupled to the arm 59 at a position intermediate the two ends thereof, and to the framework 27 at a position intermediate the two ends thereof.
  • a drive piston 43 (Figure 3b) extends downwardly from the ram 40 and is coupled at the pivot 44 to the framework 27.
  • the cutting device 23 is shown in full lines in a lower position at the base of the trench (in Figure 3), and in broken lines in a raised position (in Figure 3b).
  • FIGS 3 and 3c there are shown exemplary side components according to the invention for stabilising the pivoting of the main cutting boom 32.
  • Attached to the cutting boom 32 is a side clamping assembly indicated generally at 80.
  • the main component is a transverse hydraulic ram indicated generally at 81, extending across the trench perpendicular to the direction of travel of the prime mover 21.
  • a circular pressure plate 83 At each end of the hydraulic ram 81 is a circular pressure plate 83 which bears against the inner side of the trench.
  • the hydraulic ram 81 is expanded, and the clamping plates 83 are pressed outwardly against the sides of the trench.
  • the clamping plates 83 are coupled to the boom 32 by a second clamp ram 85 and a strut comprising a ram 84.
  • the strut 84 is pivotally connected between the first clamp ram 81 and a pivot point 86 on the boom 32.
  • the second clamp ram 85 is pivotally coupled between a pivot point 87 intermediate the ends of the strut 84, and a pivot 88 on the boom 32.
  • the clamp ram 84 is expanded, to stabilise the movement, and to assist the upward cutting arc.
  • FIG 5a shows a detailed view of the cutting device 23.
  • the deflector plate assembly 48 guides the debris inwardly towards a central area where the debris is carried upwardly and rearwardly by the chain cutter 23.
  • the chain cutter 28 passes around the upper pulley 49 and deposits the debris onto a side discharge conveyor 50, by way of a boom discharge hopper 51.
  • Figures 7a to 7g show diagrammatic representations of the different stages in the cycles of operation.
  • Figures 7a and 7b show an initial stage of starting the trench. This may be done as shown, or alternatively may be cut by hand, explosives, percussion tools, or any other means.
  • initially the cutting device 23 is lowered to the ground level 22, and the cutting device is operated while being forced downwardly. This may conveniently be done by operating in reverse the lifting device 25 which has been described with reference to Figures 3 to 5a.
  • the result is the cutting of the beginning of a trench with an arcuate end face 54.
  • the cutting device 23 is operated in the manner set out in the known machine of EP-A-0080802, i.e. cutting on the down stroke.
  • a starting hole can be provided by other conventional means such as drilling or blasting, or by a rock hammer.
  • the next step is that the cutting device 23 is operated whilst the prime mover 21 is driven forwardly, so as to produce an undercut 55 in the end face 54 of the trench.
  • the next step is that the lifting means 25 as shown for example in Figure 3 is operated to pivot the cutting device 23 upwardly from the undercut 55, while the cutting device 23 is operating, so as to cut material from the end face of the trench 54.
  • This cutting operation is shown in detail in Figure 5, where there is shown the material 56 which is cut from the end face 54 during upward movement of the cutting device 23 by the lifting means 25.
  • the cutting device 23 is lowered to the bottom 19 of the trench 18 as shown in Figure 7e.
  • the process is then repeated by operating the cutting device and moving the prime mover forwardly as shown in Figure 7f to produce a new undercut 55.
  • the cutting device 23 is again raised upwardly from the undercut 55 to cut a new end face 54 as shown in Figure 7g.
  • the main advantage of the embodiment of the invention which has been described is that during the upward cutting stroke of the cutting device 23 the force exerted between the cutting device 23 and the ground surface 22, by way of the mobile base 26, is limited only by the force generated by the lifting means 25 and is not limited by the potential floating of the base 25 up from the ground, as in the device shown in Figures 1 and 2 (where cutting is effected on the down stroke of the cutting device). It is not necessary to provide substantial weight in the part of the apparatus on which the lifting means is mounted, as would be the case if the lifting means were pressing downwardly on the cutting device during the cutting stroke.
  • the control means 34 is shown as consisting of a microprocessor 90 receiving information from a series of sensors, indicated diagrammatically as a clamp sensor 91 (for sensing when the clamp assembly 80 is fixed in position against the side walls of the trench); a clamp travel sensor 92 (for sensing the degree of travel of the clamp rams 81 and 85); an engine load control sensor 93 (for sensing the load placed on the engine at various stages of the cycles); a cutting depth sensor 94 (for sensing the depth of cutting of the cutting means 23); a cutting depth reference sensor 95 (for sensing the maximum depth of cutting of the apparatus in relation to a required reference plane); and a forward/reverse movement sensor 96 (for detecting direction of movement of the two crawler chassis of the prime movers 21 and 26).
  • a clamp sensor 91 for sensing when the clamp assembly 80 is fixed in position against the side walls of the trench
  • a clamp travel sensor 92 for sensing the degree of travel of the clamp rams 81 and 85
  • an engine load control sensor 93 for sensing
  • the microprocessor is also linked to an operator control unit 97 which allows the operator to set requirements for seven functions of the apparatus, for example seven functions as follows:- 1. Forward movement. 2. Reverse movement. 3. Max cutting depth. 4. Min cutting depth. 5. Trench clamp on/off. 6. System on/off. 7. Manual/automatic.
  • the operation of the apparatus in a predetermined automatic operating cycle incorporates the program flow chart of Figure 6b, and operates in normal use as follows. First the machine is manoeuvred manually into position. Then, in order to cut a first part of the trench in the virgin rock, the cutting boom 32 is lowered into the surface while cutting to the required depth, which is determined either manually or from a reference signal provided, for example by a laser, as in prior published Patent Application No. WO95/13433. Automatic operation is then selected. In steps 1 and 2, the apparatus moves forward a preset distance. The speed of forward movement is automatically controlled and balanced by the load control between cutting power required and engine power available, to ensure maximum performance.
  • the forward movement will stop and a signal will automatically be sent to the lift cylinder 40.
  • the lift cylinder 40 will push the cutting apparatus upwards while cutting the front surface of the trench.
  • the speed of the upward movement will automatically be controlled by the load control, and will balance out the cutting power required and the engine power available until the cutting apparatus reaches a preset distance (the minimum cutting depth, set with reference to the reference plane).
  • the machine is moved in reverse for a preset distance. Thereafter in steps 7 and 8 the lift cylinder 40 will lower the cutting apparatus down to the previous preset depth. If the operator then wishes to stop a manual stop decision will be entered at step 9. If not, the cycle will be repeated from step 1 onwards.
  • the clamping assembly 80 is added, which clamps between the side faces of the trench.
  • the control means 34 can be expanded so as to control also the operation of the clamping assembly. This will release and retract during lowering of the cutting boom and reverse movement of the machine, but will clamp and assist during the forward movement and the upward cutting of the cutting mechanism. This will also operate automatically within the operating sequence of the machine.
  • the steering of the machine can either be done manually or automatically by signals from, for example, a preset wire, line, or laser.
  • the verticality of the trench can be adjusted by a side tilt system built into the machine track frames. -
  • the cutting device 23 comprises a cutting boom 32 having a milling cutter 71 mounted at the distal end thereof. Mounted behind the milling cutter 71 is an endless conveyor belt 73 for removing the debris cut by the milling cutter 71.
  • the mobile base 26 of the apparatus runs on tracks 72.
  • the general construction and operation of the milling cutter 71 and debris removing conveyor 73 are as set out in the prior specification EP-A-0080802.
  • a method of trenching which includes stabilising the upward cutting movement of the cutting device by engaging the sides of the trench by side components of the apparatus and exerting an upward force on the cutting device acting between the side components and the cutting device during the upward cutting movement of the cutting device.
  • the method described includes pressing the side components outwardly against the sides of the trench during the upward cutting movement of the cutting device.
  • trenching apparatus which includes a stabilising assembly extending rearwardly from the cutting device for stabilising the upward cutting movement of the cutting device, the stabilising assembly comprising side components adapted to engage the sides of the trench during the upward cutting movement of the cutting device, and a powered linkage coupling the side components to the cutting device and arranged to exert an upward force on the cutting device acting between the side components and the cutting device during the upward movement of the cutting device.
  • the stabilising assembly shown includes a powered transverse component extending between the side components and arranged to press the side components outwardly against the sides of the trench during the upward cutting movement of the cutting device.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Paleontology (AREA)
  • Road Repair (AREA)
  • Excavating Of Shafts Or Tunnels (AREA)
  • Earth Drilling (AREA)
  • Placing Or Removing Of Piles Or Sheet Piles, Or Accessories Thereof (AREA)
  • Shovels (AREA)
  • Processing Of Stones Or Stones Resemblance Materials (AREA)
  • Sawing (AREA)
  • Crushing And Grinding (AREA)
  • Numerical Control (AREA)
  • Crystals, And After-Treatments Of Crystals (AREA)
  • Harvesting Machines For Root Crops (AREA)
  • Soil Working Implements (AREA)
  • Forging (AREA)
EP01982611A 2001-11-13 2001-11-13 Trenching method and apparatus Expired - Lifetime EP1444405B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/GB2001/005007 WO2003044286A1 (en) 2001-11-13 2001-11-13 Trenching method and apparatus

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1444405A1 EP1444405A1 (en) 2004-08-11
EP1444405B1 true EP1444405B1 (en) 2006-12-20

Family

ID=9909733

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP01982611A Expired - Lifetime EP1444405B1 (en) 2001-11-13 2001-11-13 Trenching method and apparatus

Country Status (15)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1444405B1 (ru)
JP (1) JP4087794B2 (ru)
KR (1) KR100824099B1 (ru)
CN (1) CN1322205C (ru)
AT (1) ATE348919T1 (ru)
AU (1) AU2002214153C1 (ru)
BR (1) BR0117174B1 (ru)
CA (1) CA2466940C (ru)
DE (1) DE60125425T2 (ru)
DK (1) DK1444405T3 (ru)
EA (1) EA005541B1 (ru)
ES (1) ES2278796T3 (ru)
NO (1) NO338167B1 (ru)
PT (1) PT1444405E (ru)
WO (1) WO2003044286A1 (ru)

Families Citing this family (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR100767628B1 (ko) * 2006-03-10 2007-10-18 (주)동아컨설턴트 지중 벽체 시공 장치
KR100818690B1 (ko) * 2006-10-09 2008-04-01 안익로 매설장치
DE102007010101B4 (de) * 2007-03-02 2012-07-05 Geschw. Balter Bauunternehmung Gmbh Verfahren zur Herstellung eines Versorgungsleitungskanals sowie Zug bestehend aus Fahrzeugen zur Durchführung des Verfahrens
KR100914372B1 (ko) * 2007-11-22 2009-08-28 안호성 매설장치
GB2496373A (en) * 2011-10-26 2013-05-15 Ihc Engineering Business Ltd Underwater trenching apparatus
CN109296376B (zh) * 2018-07-13 2023-10-17 滨州职业学院 管道铺设掘进机
EP3874095A2 (en) 2018-10-29 2021-09-08 Mastenbroek Ltd. Trenching apparatus and a method of trenching
GB2599079B (en) 2020-09-10 2024-01-10 Mastenbroek Ltd A backfill device for a trencher and a method of backfilling a trench
CN113446008A (zh) * 2021-08-04 2021-09-28 中铁工程装备集团有限公司 竖井挖掘装置及其施工方法
CN118207922A (zh) * 2022-03-25 2024-06-18 中铁工程装备集团有限公司 一种双模式掘沟机

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2002035016A1 (en) * 2000-10-23 2002-05-02 Mastenbroek Ltd. Trenching method and apparatus

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US946609A (en) * 1908-12-16 1910-01-18 Loira C Loomis Ditching and tile machine.
US1769074A (en) * 1926-02-11 1930-07-01 Benjamin Tornavacca Ditch digger
CH239498A (fr) * 1943-07-26 1945-10-31 Grands Travaux Sa Entreprise D Excavateur pour la formation de tranchées.
EP0080802A1 (en) * 1981-10-14 1983-06-08 James Christopher Wallace A machine for cutting a trench in rock
GB2133436A (en) * 1983-01-12 1984-07-25 Trenchers Developments Limited A boom type of trenching machine
JPS60250129A (ja) * 1984-05-25 1985-12-10 Mitsui Miike Mach Co Ltd 連続溝掘機
US5056242A (en) * 1989-05-12 1991-10-15 Finic, B.V. Underground wall construction method and apparatus
US5074063A (en) * 1989-06-02 1991-12-24 Pella Engineering & Reseach Corporation Undercut trenching machine
CN2079201U (zh) * 1990-11-28 1991-06-19 天津市自来水公司 链刀式挖沟机
DE4213523B4 (de) * 1992-04-24 2005-12-08 Tamrock Voest-Alpine Bergtechnik Ges.m.b.H. Mobiles Fräsladegerät, insbesondere Bodenfräsgerät
GB9323298D0 (en) * 1993-11-11 1994-01-05 Mastenbroek & Co Ltd J Improvements in and relating to excavating apparatus

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WO2002035016A1 (en) * 2000-10-23 2002-05-02 Mastenbroek Ltd. Trenching method and apparatus

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
BR0117174B1 (pt) 2010-11-16
EA005541B1 (ru) 2005-04-28
AU2002214153C1 (en) 2008-12-11
WO2003044286A1 (en) 2003-05-30
EA200400669A1 (ru) 2004-12-30
AU2002214153B2 (en) 2008-06-26
ATE348919T1 (de) 2007-01-15
EP1444405A1 (en) 2004-08-11
PT1444405E (pt) 2007-03-30
JP4087794B2 (ja) 2008-05-21
DK1444405T3 (da) 2007-04-30
CA2466940C (en) 2010-04-13
CA2466940A1 (en) 2003-05-30
DE60125425D1 (de) 2007-02-01
DE60125425T2 (de) 2007-10-04
KR20040063961A (ko) 2004-07-15
ES2278796T3 (es) 2007-08-16
BR0117174A (pt) 2004-10-26
KR100824099B1 (ko) 2008-04-21
AU2002214153A1 (en) 2003-06-10
CN1582358A (zh) 2005-02-16
JP2005509769A (ja) 2005-04-14
NO20042420L (no) 2004-06-10
NO338167B1 (no) 2016-08-01
CN1322205C (zh) 2007-06-20

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