EP3066303A2

EP3066303A2 - Cutting tool holder for a tunnel-boring machine and associated cutting assembly

Info

Publication number: EP3066303A2
Application number: EP14799127.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Philippe LIOTARD; Patrice Robert
Original assignee: Bouygues Travaux Publics SAS
Current assignee: Bouygues Travaux Publics SAS
Priority date: 2013-11-04
Filing date: 2014-11-04
Publication date: 2016-09-14
Anticipated expiration: 2034-11-04
Also published as: KR20160078488A; CA2929448A1; CA2929448C; HK1225777A1; FR3012843B1; JP2016539265A; HRP20210730T1; ES2867032T3; EP3066303B1; AU2014343619B2; AU2014343619A1; US20160273358A1; WO2015063322A2; JP6408018B2; KR102310410B1; US10174615B2; FR3012843A1; WO2015063322A3; DK3066303T3

Abstract

The invention relates to a cutting tool holder (1) for a tunnel-boring machine, comprising: - a housing (2) comprising two cavities (26) formed in opposite walls (20), and - two clamping assemblies (3), configured to be removably mounted in the housing (2) on either side of the rotary knob (10), and each comprising: *a base (32), and * a central spacer (34), movably mounted on the base (32), * two lateral spacers (36), articulated between the base (32) and the central spacers (34) between a retracted position and a clamping position, in which the lateral spacers (36) swing transversely and penetrate into the cavity (26) facing the housing (2).

Description

Cutting tool holder for a tunnel boring machine and set

associated cutting

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a cutting assembly for a tunnel boring machine comprising a tunnel boring wheel, a method of replacing a tunnel burr wheel on the cutting head of a tunnel boring machine adapted to such a tool carrier as well as a handling device. of the wheel. BACKGROUND

Tunneling machines are known, or tunneling machines, which comprise a large mobile structure called shield, having a substantially circular section whose diameter corresponds to the diameter of the tunnel which is carried out.

A wheel, or cutting disc, is a cutting tool freely rotating on a shaft integral with the cutting head of a tunnel boring machine. During the rotation of the head and under the action of the thrust, the wheel rolls on the cutting edge and punches the rock in the form of flaking plates.

The cutting head thus comprises a plurality of wheels distributed regularly on its surface.

The knobs are conventionally fixed in a cutting tool holder on the cutting head by means of bolted wedges. For this, the cutting tool holder comprises a housing, adapted to be fixed on the shield of the tunnel boring machine and defining a chamber arranged to house the wheel. Clamps are attached to or formed with outer faces of the thumbwheel and include two lock surfaces adapted to engage a manual lock system. This locking system includes wedges, adapted to engage between fingerprints of the housing and locking surfaces of the clamping supports. These wedges are fixed in position in the fingerprints using several screws, bolts, etc. to prevent the wheels from dislodging the housing, despite the severe environment of use of the wheel.

The problem of the change of the knobs arises particularly in the case of TBMs, since access to the cutting head and fasteners of the wheels (wedges, screws, etc.) is difficult and the working environment is difficult. in hyperbaric conditions. In such tunneling machines, the wheel change is therefore made, for security reasons, from the rear of the cutting head, that is to say from the side of the cutting head opposite to the cutting edge.

The wheel changing procedure frequently requires considerable effort to take off the used wheel from its housing, due to jamming and the lack of guiding of the wheel, which is hardly compatible with work in hyperbaric conditions.

At present, the procedure of changing a wheel is to equip the wheel of lifting rings, to lift with a hoist sliding along a rail, to load on a trolley through the material airlock and back to the shield, at atmospheric pressure. During disassembly, it is also necessary to collect all the elements (wedges, screws, bolts, etc.) necessary for fixing the wheel and that will be reused for the assembly of the new wheel.

Before inserting the new wheel in its case, it must be positioned properly, which requires a delicate manual intervention. Once the wheel pushed to its position of use, the blocking wedges are then put back in place. In particular, it will be possible to refer to the documents JP H10 140980, JP 2007/070825, JP H07 180488 and FR 2 758 853, which describe cutting tools comprising wheels fixed in a housing on the cutting head by means of wedges held in place. fixed in position relative to the housing by means of bolts, screws and / or journals. We understand that this procedure is long and painful for operators.

It has therefore been proposed in WO 201 1/076616 in the name of the Applicant, a new wheel comprising a locking member adapted to be immobilized in the housing, so that the wheel is a rigid block for handling, and means for prestressing the wheel may comprise screws integrally carried by the wheel. In a particular embodiment, the locking member comprises a bayonet adapted to cooperate with a cavity of the housing and movable in rotation between a position of insertion of the wheel in the housing and a locking position of the wheel in the housing .

However, in use, the wheel undergoes very high pressure and vibration stresses that may dislodge the bayonet. It is indeed difficult to apply a pre-stress force sufficient to withstand the vibrations of the wheel in hard terrain.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is therefore to provide a cutting tool holder and a cutting assembly for a tunneling machine comprising a tunnel boring wheel and an associated cutting tool holder, capable of withstanding the very severe environment of the wheels, in particular the significant pressure and vibration generated by the rolling of the wheel on the cutting edge, and which also allows to reduce or eliminate any human intervention when replacing a wheel.

Another object of the invention is to propose a method for replacing a wheel of such a cutting assembly, as well as a device for handling the wheel adapted for the implementation of this method, in particular allowing avoid any loss of parts. Also, the handling device of the cutting assembly itself must be easy to clean and not have water retention zones or sludge.

Finally, this device must be able to be used in existing cutting heads, preferably without requiring significant modifications thereof.

For this, the invention proposes a cutting tool holder for a tunnel boring machine, said cutting tool holder being adapted to house a wheel mounted free to rotate about an axis of rotation in said tool holder and comprising:

a housing, defining a chamber arranged to house the wheel, said housing comprising two cavities formed in opposite walls of the chamber, and

^■ two clamping assemblies, configured to be mounted on either side of the wheel removably in the housing, and each comprising a base, adapted to be fixed on the wheel in the housing, said wheel remaining free to rotate around its axis of rotation, and

^■ a central wedge and two lateral wedges,

the cutting tool holder being characterized in that, for each clamping assembly, the central shim is movably mounted on the base and in that the two lateral shims are mounted on the base and the central shim being articulated relative to to these between a retracted position, in which the lateral shims retract and allow the withdrawal of the clamping assembly relative to the housing, and a clamping position, in which the lateral wedges swing and engage in the impression against the housing to prevent the extraction of the clamping assembly from the housing.

Some preferred but non-limiting features of the cutterhead described above are as follows:

each clamping assembly further comprises a threaded stud, mounted on the base, and an actuating nut, mounted on the one hand on the central wedge and secondly on the threaded stud, so that the screwing or unscrewing of said actuating nut causes the translation of the central shim relative to the base and the displacement of the lateral shims between their retracted position and their clamping position,

the lateral wedges are rotatably mounted about an axis on the base or on the central wedge, and each comprise an actuating pin, and two guide grooves are formed in the central wedge or in the base respectively, said guide grooves defining cam surfaces for the actuating pins, each actuating pin being housed in a guide groove so that movement of the center shim relative to the base causes movement of the actuation along the guide groove and therefore the rotation of the lateral shim relative to the base between its retracted position and its clamping position,

the lateral shims are rotatably mounted on the base and the guide grooves are formed in the central shim,

the axis of rotation of the lateral wedges is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the wheel,

the lateral shims and the central shim comprise associated bearing faces, configured to engage when the lateral shims are in the clamping position in order to withstand the forces passing through the clamping assemblies and to give a stable state to said sets of clamps; clamping,

the lateral shims extending substantially symmetrically with respect to the base, and

- The housing further comprises four additional indentations respectively each in the opposite side walls between the indentations and the front face of the housing, adapted to each receive an additional lateral wedge distinct from the clamping assemblies.

According to a second aspect, the invention also proposes a housing of a cutting tool holder for a tunnel boring machine as described above, comprising side walls and a front face, by which the wheel protrudes, defining together a chamber arranged to house the wheel, the casing being characterized in that it comprises two cavities formed in opposite side walls of the chamber, and adapted to engage with the lateral wedges when said lateral wedges are in their clamping position to prevent extraction of the clamping assemblies from the housing.

Some preferred but non-limiting features of the housing are as follows:

it furthermore comprises at least four additional indentations respectively formed in the opposite side walls between the indentations and the front face of the casing and adapted to each receive an additional lateral wedge distinct from the clamping assemblies, and

- It further comprises a lateral locking system, fixed on one of the opposite side walls of the chamber, adapted to apply a lateral force on the housing.

According to a third aspect, the invention also proposes a clamping assembly of a cutting tool holder for a tunnel borer as described above, configured to be mounted on both sides of a wheel in a removable manner in a housing, and each comprising:

a base adapted to be fixed on the wheel (10) in the casing, said wheel remaining free to rotate about its axis of rotation, and

- a central wedge and two lateral wedges,

the clamping assembly being characterized in that the central shim is mounted movably on the base and in that the two lateral shims are mounted on the base and the central shim being articulated relative thereto between a position retracted, in which the lateral shims retract and allow the withdrawal of the clamping assembly relative to the housing (2), and a clamping position, in which the lateral shims (36) swing and engage in the cavity opposite the housing to prevent extraction of the clamping assembly from the housing. According to a fourth aspect, the invention also provides a cutting assembly for a tunnel boring machine, comprising a wheel, fixed in a cutting tool holder as described above.

According to a fifth aspect, the invention also proposes a method of replacing a wheel of a cutting assembly for a tunnel boring machine as described above, characterized in that it comprises the steps of:

(i) extracting a worn wheel from the housing, comprising the steps of:

- docking and support on the housing of a handling device adapted for gripping and guiding the wheel,

gripping the clamping assembly and / or the wheel by the handling device,

- release of the clamping applied to the clamping assembly and the housing,

extraction of the wheel from the casing,

removal of the device for handling the housing,

(ii) placing in said casing a replacement wheel, comprising the following steps:

gripping the clamping assembly and / or the wheel by the handling device,

- docking and support of the handling device on the housing,

- introduction of the wheel in the housing, said wheel being guided by the handling device,

- Maneuvering the clamping assembly of the wheel so as to accommodate the wedge in the cavity of the housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description, and reference to the appended drawings given by way of non-limiting examples and in which:

FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views from different angles of an exemplary embodiment of a tunneling cutter assembly according to the invention,

FIG. 3 is a partially truncated side view of the cutting assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2,

FIG. 4a is a sectional view of a first exemplary embodiment of a tunnel-boring cutter holder according to the invention, in the retracted position, (ready for extraction),

FIG. 4b is a sectional view of the cutting tool holder of FIG. 4a, in the clamping position,

FIG. 5 is a sectional view along the axis A-A of the cutting assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2,

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a housing according to the invention for a tunneling cutter assembly, in which the wheel is clamped by an example of a conventional locking system, and

Figure 7 is a flowchart showing various steps of an exemplary embodiment of the method of replacing a wheel of a cutting assembly for a TBM according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT

A cutting assembly 5 comprises a cutting tool holder 1 for a tunnel boring machine and a wheel 10, housed in the tool holder 1.

A knurling wheel 10 has, in a manner known per se, the general shape of a disc comprising two lateral faces 12 connected by a substantially circular slice 14. During the rotation of the tunneler head and under the action of the thrust, the edge 14 of the wheel 10 rolls on the cutting edge, punch the rock and form flaking plates.

The wheel 10 is mounted in a tool holder 1 so as to be freely mobile in rotation about its axis X of rotation. For this, the tool holder 1 comprises a housing 2, adapted to be fixed on a shield of the TBM and two clamping assemblies 3 mounted on either side of the wheel 10 removably in the housing 2 to clamp the wheel 10 in said casing 2.

The housing 2 comprises side walls 20 connected by a front face 22 and a rear face 24 and together defining a chamber 21 adapted to receive a wheel 10. The front face 22 is defined as the face of which the wheel 10 opens, to the cutting face, while the rear face 24 of the housing 2 is the opposite face, by which the wheel 10 is inserted.

The housing comprises two cavities 26 formed in opposite sidewalls 20, configured to face the lateral faces 12 of the wheel 10 when the wheel 10 is inserted into the chamber 21 of the housing. These two opposite side walls 20 are also traversed by the drive shaft (not visible in the figures) of said wheel 10 to allow its rotation relative to the housing 2. Each clamping assembly 3 comprises a base 32, configured to be mounted on the wheel 10 in the housing 2 while leaving it free in rotation about its axis of rotation X, a central shim 34, mounted movably on the base 32, and two lateral shims 36. The lateral shims 36 are articulated between the base 32 and the central shim 34 between a retracted position, in which the lateral shims 36 are retracted, and a clamping position, in which the lateral shims 36 swing transversely and engage in the impression 26 facing the housing 2 in order to prevent the extraction of the clamping assembly 3 from the housing 2.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in the figures, the lateral wedges 36 are pivotally mounted on the base 3 about a Y axis substantially parallel to the axis X of rotation of the wheel 10. The wedges lateral 36 are therefore integral with the base 32 at any time. By solidarity, it will be understood here that the various elements are mechanically linked, that is to say that they can have relative movements relative to each other but that they remain mechanically connected to each other without natural possibility of separation. In general, all the parts forming the clamping assembly 3 are integral with each other, directly or indirectly, to allow the manipulation of the clamping assembly 3 by an automated handling device. Thus, the parts forming the clamping assembly 3 are captive, which greatly simplifies the implementation of such a handling device.

The base 32 can be fixed on the lateral face 12 of the wheel 10 by means of screws. Furthermore, the central wedge 34 is movable in translation relative to the base 32 and is adapted to move the lateral wedges 36 between their retracted position and their clamping position in a kinematic adapted to ensure the locking of the wheel 10 in the housing 2, and vice versa.

In one embodiment, in order to move the lateral shims 36 between their retracted position and their clamping position, each clamping assembly 3 comprises an actuating pin 37, fastened integrally on each lateral shim 36 and housed in a guide groove 35 formed in the central shim 34 so as to be movable along said guide groove 35. For example, the actuating pins 37 may be formed integrally with the corresponding lateral shim 36.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4a and 4b, the guide grooves 35 are of curved shape in order to define each two cam surfaces for the corresponding actuating pin 37. In this way, during the passage from the retracted position to the clamping position, the central wedge 34 is moved towards the base 32 which moves the actuating pins 37 along a first wall of the guide grooves 35, preferably following a circular arc centered on the Y axis. laterally 36 then swing transversely to engage the cavity 26 opposite the housing, and thus prevent the extraction of the clamping assembly 3 of the housing 2.

Conversely, during the passage from the clamping position to the retracted position, the central shim 34 is remote from the base 32 which moves the actuating pins 37 along a second wall of the guide grooves 35, preferably along an arc of a circle centered on the axis Y. The lateral shims 36 retract while approaching one another and leave the cavity 26, thus releasing the clamping assembly 3, and therefore the wheel 10, housing 2.

In one embodiment, the lateral shims 36 and the center shim 34 of each clamping assembly 3 comprise associated bearing faces 36a, 34a, configured to engage one another when the lateral shims 36 are in the clamping position. For this, the bearing faces 36a, 34a of the lateral shims 36 and the central shim 34 are shaped and oriented to withstand the forces passing through the clamping assemblies 3 forming a stable state for said clamping assembly 3. By stable state, it will be understood here that the bearing faces 34a, 36a remain in contact despite the strong vibrations and the significant pressure experienced by the cutting assembly 5, and only disengage by applying a force on the actuator 38 to retract the lateral shims 36. In this way, when the lateral shims 36 are in their clamping position, the stressing forces are distributed between the two lateral shims 36 and are not likely to be transferred onto the only one of the two lateral wedges 36. Furthermore, in the clamping position, the cooperation of the bearing faces 36a, 3aa of the lateral wedges 36 and of the central wedge 34 makes it possible to prevent the stress forces generated by the The severe environment of the cutting assemblies 5 passes through the actuating pins 37 and the guide grooves 35. The camming effect between the actuating pins 37 and the guide grooves 35 therefore becomes inoperative when the lateral wedges 36 are inoperative. in the clamping position, since it is the bearing faces 34a, 36a of the central shim 34 and lateral shims 36 which support the stress forces.

It will of course be understood that the invention also covers the case of an equivalent clamping assembly 3, in which the lateral shims 36 are integrally and freely rotatably mounted on the central wedge 34, while the guide grooves 35 forming the cam surfaces are formed in the base 32. The translation of the central shim 34 then causes the displacement of the actuating pins 37 along the guide grooves 35, preferably along arcs of circle centered on the Y axis , and thus the rotation of the lateral shims 36 relative to the central shim 34 between their retracted position and their clamping position.

In order to move the central shim 34 relative to the base 32, the clamping assembly 3 further comprises an actuator 38, mounted on the base 32 and the central shim 34.

For example, the actuator may comprise a threaded stud 39 anchored in the base 32, at the free end of which is screwed an actuating nut 38, here a flange nut. The nut 39 is further mounted on the central shim 34 so as to be integral in translation thereof. The screwing / unscrewing of the nut 38 on the stud bolt 39 then causes the displacement of the nut 38 along the threaded stud 39 and therefore that of the central shim 34 relative to the base 32. Preferably, the torque tightening on the nut 38 makes it possible to apply sufficient force to the lateral wedges 36 to lock the wheel 10 relative to the housing 2 during its digging operation, despite the severe environment experienced by the cutting assembly 5.

This embodiment of the actuator 38 is not limiting, other types of actuators 38 capable of controlling the translation of the central shim 34 relative to the base 32 while ensuring the maintenance in end position of course of the wheel 10 can be envisaged. It may be for example a hydraulic cylinder. In an alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the casing 2 further comprises a lateral wedging system 40 adapted to adjust the wedging of the wheel 10 and clamping assemblies 3 in the casing 2 along the axis X of rotation of the wheel 10. This lateral locking system 40 comprises a box 42, attached to one of the side walls 20 of the housing 2 and comprising a housing in which are housed two wedges 44, 46 connected together in the manner of a dovetail. A first corner 44 is fixed on the side wall 20 of the housing 2, and therefore stationary relative thereto, while the second corner 46 is capable of sliding on a surface 45 of the first corner 44, which forms a surface of cam. Preferably, the dimensions of the wedges 44, 46 are such that the second wedge 46 is locked in a direction perpendicular to the side wall 20, but movable in a translation direction T substantially parallel thereto. A screw 48, extending in the translation direction T, is also fixed on the second wedge 46. Thus, the screwing of the screw 48 causes the second wedge 46 to move to a working position of the wedge, in which the wedges 44, 46 apply a force perpendicular to the side wall 20 of the housing 2, and a retracted position, in which the corners 44, 46 are at rest.

Alternatively, the screw 48 could be replaced by a support finger provided with a spring.

The housing 2 of the cutting assembly 5 can further configured to allow the clamping of the wheel 10 with a conventional manual locking system. For this purpose, the housing 2 may comprise, in the inner face of the opposite side walls 20 in which the cavities 26 are formed, two additional cavities 28. The additional cavities 28 are preferably formed between the cavities 26 intended to receive the lateral wedges 36 of the clamping assemblies 3 and the front face 22. As can be seen in FIG. 6, each additional cavity 28 is adapted to house a lateral shim further 40 of the manual locking system, distinct from the clamping assemblies 3. The additional lateral shims 36 are then held in engagement in the additional cavities 28 with the aid of an additional central shim 42, screwed onto a conventional clamping support, itself fixed on the lateral face 12 of the wheel 10.

The cutting tool holder 1 according to the invention therefore allows, without modification of the wheel 10, to clamp in a simple, fast, inexpensive and automated way, a wheel 10. If necessary, the tool holder housing 1 may further allow clamping by conventional systems of the wheel 10.

A replacement method S of a wheel 10 in a tool holder 1 according to the invention will now be described with reference to FIG.

During the commissioning of the tunnel boring machine, each wheel 10 is installed in its housing 2 by being subjected to a prestress applied to the lateral wedges 36 by the actuator 38 which enables it to withstand the forces it undergoes in operation (c that is to say during the felling). The reaction of this constraint comes from the lateral faces of the base 32 thus creating a looping of the forces which allow the perfect immobilization of the wheel 10 under loads and during the relaxation of the cutting forces (rebound). In addition, the variation of the force in the studs 38 remains well below their prestressing value which guarantees the absence of loosening

Conventionally, the housing 2 is fixed to the cutting head, typically by welding.

The replacement method S comprises a first step S1 for extracting the wheel 10 used from the casing 2, and a second step S1 for placing a replacement wheel 10 in the casing 2. The extraction S1 of the wheel 10 used and the introduction of the wheel 10 replacement S2 can be performed automatically, using a suitable handling device. Indeed, the different parts of the clamping assembly 3 are integral with each other and therefore captive. This embodiment is particularly advantageous in the case of tunneling confined front, since the working environment is in hyperbaric conditions. In such tunneling machines, the change of wheel 10 is made, for security reasons, by the rear of the cutting head, that is to say on the side of the cutting head opposite to the cutting edge.

Alternatively, the extraction steps S1 and S2 implementation can be made in whole or part manually.

In the following, the replacement method S will be described in the case of a tunneling cutter assembly 5 comprising a cutting tool holder 1 comprising two clamping assemblies 3 fixed on either side of the wheel 10 , each provided with an actuator 38 comprising a sleeve housing a threaded stud 39. Furthermore, each clamping assembly 3 comprises, as illustrated in FIGS. 4a and 4b, two lateral shims 36 rotatably mounted on the base 32 which can be actuated by translation of the central shim 34 by the actuator 38.

This is however not limiting, insofar as the lateral shims 36 could be rotatably mounted on the central shim 34 whose displacement does not necessarily follow a translation movement, and / or the actuator 38 could comprise other bodies that a stud 39 and a sleeve 38.

The clamping and unclamping mechanism can then be actuated by simply screwing or unscrewing the actuators 38 of the clamping assemblies 3, which makes the implementation of the method particularly suitable for the use of an automatic handling device. The extraction of a used wheel 10 from its housing 2 is implemented in the following steps.

In a first step S1 1, a device for handling the wheel 10 is brought to the housing 2, by the rear face 24 of the cutting head (that is to say the face opposite to the cutting edge), and fixed to the housing 2 to allow the extraction of the wheel 10.

For example, the handling device and the housing 2 may have respective housings that cooperate to allow guiding and docking of the handling device on the housing 2.

The feeding of the handling device can be carried out semi-automatically by means of a hoist or in a completely automated way, thanks to a handling robot.

Once in position, locking elements of the handling device or the carrier robot can be actuated to lock the device on the housing 2. These locking elements may comprise movable quarter-turn retaining pins arranged on the handling device for retaining adequate housings on the housing 2.

In a second step S12, the handling device grasps the clamping assemblies 3 and / or the wheel 10.

For this purpose, the handling device may comprise a gripping element arranged to grip the wheel 10 and index it all to safety. Alternatively, the gripping member could grasp and index the clamping assemblies 3.

At this stage, the wheel 10 is always housed in the housing 2 and clamped therein. Control devices can then dock the housing 2 and then maneuver S13 clamping assemblies 3 to move the lateral shims 36 from their clamping position to their retracted position by The wheel 10 and the clamping assemblies 3 are then disengaged from the casing 2 and can be extracted S14 by an ejection effect generated by the end of the operating movement of the clamping assemblies 3. This principle does not apply. is not limiting, the ejection movement may also be from an additional actuator. This ejection movement can in particular be generated either by a support reaction on the structure of the cutting head integral with the housing 2, or on the housing 2, or by the device supporting the handling device.

So that the wheel 10 is manipulable for its extraction S13, all of the integral elements of the wheel 10 must preferably be immobile relative to each other to form a rigid block. For this purpose, the clamping assemblies 3 can be constrained in such a way that the parts of the clamping assemblies 3 become stationary with respect to each other, for example by keeping the actuator 38 in position relative to the base 30 while the lateral shims 36 are in the retracted position.

During the extraction S14, a relatively large force may be necessary because of the bracing resulting mainly from the operating stresses that jam the wheel 10 in its housing 2.

The device for manipulating the wheel 10 thus comprises extraction elements (for example cylinders or vibrators) which make it possible to exert the necessary extraction and detachment force. If necessary, the bracing can be reduced by forming clearance faces in the side walls 20 and the faces 21, 24 of the housing 2 in the path of the wheel 10 during its extraction movement.

Finally, the handling device can be removed S15 and the assembly comprising the clamping assemblies 3 and the wheel 10 can be routed to the workshop where the used wheel 10 is disassembled.

It will be noted that at any time before, during or after the extraction step S1, sub-phases of cleaning, for example by jets high pressure water, can be implemented so as to ensure cleanliness of the support faces of the tool holder 1 when receiving the new wheel 10.

In addition, it is possible to clean the handling device before reusing it to set up a new wheel 10.

The introduction S2 of a replacement wheel 10 in the housing 2 can be implemented in the following steps.

At first, in the workshop, the clamping assemblies 3 are fixed on the wheel 10, for example by screwing the base 32 onto the lateral faces 12 of the wheel 10. The handling device can then enter S21 wheel 10 with the gripping element of the handling device mentioned above.

So that the wheel 10 is manipulable, the different parts of the clamping assemblies 3 are preferably made immobile relative to each other so that they constitute a rigid block. Moreover, the lateral shims 36 are brought into the retracted position, so as not to impede the introduction of the wheel 10 into the casing 2.

The handling device supporting the wheel 10 and the clamping assemblies 3 is then brought vis-à-vis the rear face 24 of the housing 2.

Once in position centered on the housing 2, the handling device is flanged S22 thereon by its locking elements.

The gripping element of the handling device is then advanced S23 to insert the wheel 10 provided with the clamping assemblies 3 in the chamber 21 of the housing 2 until it abuts against the front face 22 of the housing.

Optionally, thanks to housings arranged in the internal faces of the side walls 20 of the housing 2, the wheel 10 is automatically centered on it. The shape of the housings may further be provided to provide bearing surfaces for the ends of the shaft of the wheel 10 in the front portion of the housing 2. Furthermore, the housing 2 may further comprise means 30 forming a stop disposed in an area adjacent to the front face 12, adapted to limit the stroke of the wheel 10 in the housing 2 at its insertion S23. For example, in Figures 4a and 4b, the means 30 forming a stop comprise two screws fixed in the opposite side walls 20 of the housing 2 in which are formed the cavities 26, in the vicinity of the front face 12. The screws 30 are configured to form a stop and come into contact with the bases 32 when the wheel Ù10 is inserted S23 in the housing 32, which ensures that the wheel 10 is not too advanced relative to the front face 12 of the housing and that the lateral shims 36 lie well opposite their corresponding imprint 26.

In one embodiment, once the means 30 forming stop reached by the wheel 10, it can be slightly moved back so as not to remain in contact with said means 30 when the cutting assembly 5 is in operation, and d avoid generating forces likely to interfere with the preload applied by the clamping assemblies 3 in the clamping position. As a variant, this slight recoil can be generated by the profile of the supports of the means 30 forming a stop on the bases 32.

Control devices can then dock the housing 2 and then operate the clamping assemblies 3 in order to move the lateral shims 36 from their retracted position to their clamping position S24 by tilting them transversely thanks to the actuators 8. For this purpose, an effort of rotation is applied to the nut 38, in order to bring it at the end of travel and to engage the lateral wedges 36 in the cavity 26 facing the housing 2. Preferably, the tightening torque applied by the nut 38 in the clamping position is sufficient for the lateral shims 36 apply a pre-stress to the housing 2 able to withstand severe vibrations, even on hard ground.

The wheel 10 and the clamping assemblies 3 are then engaged in the housing 2 and held firmly in this position.

The establishment of the wheel 10 with prestressing being completed, then detach the handling device (control devices, gripping element and locking elements).

Claims

1. Cutting tool holder (1) for a tunnel boring machine, said cutting tool holder (1) being adapted to accommodate a wheel (10) rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation (X) in said tool holder ( 1) and comprising:

a housing (2), defining a chamber (21) arranged to house the wheel (10), said housing (2) comprising two cavities (26) formed in opposite walls (20) of the chamber (21), and

- two clamping assemblies (3), configured to be mounted on both sides of the wheel (10) removably in the housing (2), and each comprising:

^■ a base (32) adapted to be fixed to the wheel (10) in the housing (2), said wheel (10) remaining free to rotate about its axis of rotation (X), and

^■ a central shim (34) and two side supports (36),

the cutting tool holder (1) being characterized in that, for each clamping assembly (3), the central shim (34) is movably mounted on the base (32) and in that the two lateral shims (36) are mounted on the base (32) and the central shim (34) being hinged relative thereto between a retracted position, in which the lateral shims (36) retract and allow the withdrawal of the assembly of clamping (3) relative to the housing (2), and a clamping position, in which the lateral shims (36) swing and engage with the recess (26) opposite the housing (2) to prevent the extraction of the clamping assembly (3) from the housing (2).

The cutting tool holder (1) according to claim 1, wherein each clamping assembly (3) further comprises a threaded stud (39), mounted on the base (32), and an actuating nut ( 39), mounted firstly on the central wedge (34) and secondly on the threaded stud (39), so that the screwing or unscrewing of said actuating nut (38) causes the translation of the central shim (34) relative to the base (32) and the displacement of the lateral shims (36) between their retracted position and their clamping position. Cutting tool holder (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein:

the lateral shims (36) are rotatably mounted about an axis (Y) on the base (32) or on the central shim (34), and each comprise an actuating pin (37), and

two guide grooves (35) are formed in the central wedge (34) or in the base (32) respectively, said guide grooves (35) defining cam surfaces for the actuating pins (37), each actuating pin (37) being housed in a guide groove (35) so that the displacement of the central wedge (34) relative to the base (32) causes the actuating pin (37) to move along the guide groove (35) and thus the rotation of the lateral shim (36) relative to the base (30) between its retracted position and its clamping position.

Cutting tool holder (1) according to claim 3, wherein the lateral wedges (36) are rotatably mounted on the base (32) and the guide grooves (35) are formed in the central wedge (34). ).

5. cutting tool holder (1) according to one of claims 3 or 4, wherein the axis (Y) of rotation of the lateral shims (36) is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation (X) of the wheel (10).

6. A cutting tool holder (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the lateral wedges (36) and the central wedge (34) comprise associated bearing faces (36a, 34a), configured to engage when the lateral wedges (36) are in the clamping position to withstand the forces passing through the clamping assemblies (3) and provide a stable condition to said clamping assemblies (3).

7. cutting tool holder (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the lateral shims (36) extending substantially symmetrically with respect to the base (32).

Cutting tool holder (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the housing (2) further comprises four additional indentations (28) respectively each in the opposite side walls (20) between the cavities ( 26) and the front face (22) of the housing (2), adapted to each receive an additional lateral shim (36) separate from the clamping assemblies (3).

9 housing (2) of a cutting tool holder (1) for a tunneling machine according to one of claims 1 to 8, comprising side walls (20) and a front face (22), by which the wheel (10) ) protrudes, defining together a chamber (21) arranged to house the wheel (10),

the housing (2) being characterized in that it comprises two cavities (26) formed in opposite side walls (20) of the chamber (21), and adapted to engage the lateral wedges (36) when said wedges side (36) are in their clamping position to prevent extraction of the clamping assemblies (3) from the housing (2).

10. Housing (2) according to claim 9, further comprising at least four additional indentations (28) formed respectively in the side walls (20) opposite between the cavities (26) and the front face (22) of the housing (2). and adapted to each receive an additional lateral shim (36) separate from the clamping assemblies (3).

1 1. Housing (2) according to one of claims 9 or 10, further comprising a lateral locking system (40) attached to one of the side walls

(20) opposite the chamber (21), adapted to apply a lateral force on the housing (2).

12. Clamping assembly (3) of a cutting tool holder (1) for a TBM according to one of claims 1 to 8, configured to be mounted on either side of a wheel (10) of removable way in a housing (2), and each comprising:

- a base (32), adapted to be fixed on the wheel (10) in the housing (2), said wheel (10) remaining free to rotate about its axis of rotation (X), and

a central shim (34) and two lateral shims (36),

the clamping assembly (3) being characterized in that the central shim (34) is movably mounted on the base (32) and in that the two lateral shims (36) are mounted on the base (32) and the central shim (34) being articulated with respect to the latter between a retracted position, in which the lateral shims (36) retract and allow the clamping assembly (3) to be removed from the housing (2 ), and a clamping position, in which the lateral shims (36) swing and engage in the cavity (26) opposite the housing (2) to prevent the extraction of the clamping assembly (3). ) of the housing (2). 13. Cutting assembly (5) for a tunnel boring machine, comprising a wheel (10) fixed in a cutting tool holder (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8.

14. A method of replacing (S) a wheel (10) of a cutting assembly (5) for a tunneling machine according to claim 13, characterized in that comprises the steps of:

(iii) extracting (S1) a wheel (10) used from the casing (2), comprising the following steps:

- docking and support (S1 1) on the housing (2) of a handling device adapted for gripping and guiding the wheel (10),

- Gripping (S12) of the clamping assembly (3) and / or the wheel (10) by the handling device, release (S13) of the clamping applied to the clamping assembly (3) and to the housing (2),

extraction (S14) of the wheel (10) of the casing (2),

- removal (S15) of the device for handling the housing (2),

(Iv) placing (S2) in said housing (2) a replacement wheel (10), comprising the following steps:

- gripping (S21) of the clamping assembly (3) and / or the wheel (10) by the handling device,

- docking and support (S22) of the handling device on the housing (2),

- introduction (S23) of the wheel (10) in the housing (2), said wheel (10) being guided by the handling device,

- Maneuvering (S24) of the clamping assembly (3) of the wheel (10), so as to accommodate the shim (36) in the cavity (26) of the housing (2).