KR100824099B1 - Trenching method and apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

Trenching apparatus comprises a cutting device (23), preferably an endless chain cutter, mounted on a prime mover (21) for positioning the cutting device in a trench (18) with the prime mover movable on the ground surface (22) above the level of the trench. Where the cutting device is a chain cutter, the boom projects forwardly and downwardly relative to the direction of cutting the trench, and drive means are arranged to drive the chain in a direction to carry the cutting elements upwardly around the distal end of the boom and rearwardly along the upper run (30) of the endless chain cutter (23). In operation the distal end of the chain cutter (23) is positioned against the end face of the trench at the bottom of the trench (18); the prime mover (21) moves the chain cutter forwardly in the trench while operating the chain cutter, so as to produce an undercut (55) in the end face (54) of the trench; and the lifting means (25) lifts the cutting device (23) upwardly from the undercut through the material of the end face so as to cut material from the end face of the trench.

Description

Trenching Methods and Devices {TRENCHING METHOD AND APPARATUS}

The present invention relates in particular to trenching methods and trenching devices applicable to, but not limited to, digging trenches in rock.

There are many known trenching machines for digging trenches in the soil using prime movers, such as crawler tractors or conventional tractors pulling trailers, where the cutting mechanism is on a boom. Located in the trench. Major examples are cutting rotors that rotate about the transverse axis of a trench known as a ripper cutter, or one or more cuttings that rotate about an axis that is generally aligned along the length of a pour known as a milling cutter. There is a cutting mechanism with upper and lower runs arranged along a boolean, known as a rotor, or chain cutter, and elongate endless support means for conveying a plurality of cutting members. When a cutting rotor is used, the cutting rotor is mounted to the distal end of the bulge projecting forward and downward from the prime mover relative to the direction of digging the trench. When a chain cutter is used, the chain cutter is generally mounted in a boom extending down and back from the prime mover with respect to the cutting direction of the trench. In this arrangement the elongate support moves downwardly around the distal end of the pour and in the direction of upward and forward movement along the lower run of the elongated support that moves. All these types of trenching machines are generally provided with a positioning mechanism for moving the distal end of the cutting boom up and down to change the height of the trench. Such trenching machines are described, for example, in CH-A-239498 (Enterprise de Grand Travaux SA) and WO 95/13433 (Mastonbrough & Company Limited; Mastenbroek & Company Limited).

All these types of trenching machines are generally satisfactory for trench cutting in normal soil conditions, but are inadequate for cutting trenches in rock or other hard ground material. In cutting trenches in hard rock, a method that requires a great deal of work is commonly performed using impact equipment and explosions.

In another art not related to trenching, a tunneling machine is known for forming tunnels in rock, in which a cutting rotor known as a ball cutter projects forward from the prime mover on the pour. It is movable in a vertical plane by means of a pour pivot on the prime mover. In use, the cutting rotor descends to the bottom of the tunnel and the prime mover advances to engage the end face of the tunnel at about the bottom, so that the cutting rotor forms an undercut. The cutting boom is then pivoted upward by a hydraulic ram so that the cutting rotor or cutting rotors are lifted up to cut the material slice from the end face of the tunnel. The cutting buoy is raised by applying a force between the cutting buoy and the bottom of the tunnel. Modifications of this mechanism provide, for example, the form of chain cutters used for mining coal or soft stone and aligned along upper and lower runs around the distal end of the cutting boom along the cutting boom. The circular movement supporting means for conveying the cutter in such a machine is driven in a direction in which the cutter moves up around the distal end of the pour and moves backward along the upper run of the movable support. Examples of these two types of tunnel equipment were published by Hawker Sidley Dosco Overseas Engineering Limited in 1982 and published in DOSCO 1982 "The Twin Boom TB600." And DOSCO 1982 are known as leaflets called "Mark II Heavy Duty Dintheader."

 In addition to the foregoing prior art, EP-A-0080802 (Wallace) discloses a machine for cutting trenches in rock using a ripper cutter. EP-A-0080802 describes a trench cutting machine known as prior art comprising a huge chain saw blade mounted on a crawler chassis and having a tungsten carbide bite that literally shaves the rock. However, the machine has the disadvantage of causing significant bounce along the saw blade, especially when cutting hard rock, which reduces the cutting efficiency. This problem mainly occurs because of the length of the long and unsupported cutting arm. EP-A-0080802 also describes the ball cutting machine described above in tunneling, other rock cutting machines are known for mining operations and they are rotatable cuttings that are transported at the ends of the pours pivotally attached to the crawler chassis. Head. However, these known machines cannot be used to cut trenches and are also known to have similar vibration problems because they have long and unsupported booleans for transporting the cutting heads.

EP-A-0080802 discloses a machine for cutting trenches in rocks with pivotal buoys having a rotatable cutting head at the distal end and a folding control arm extending between the mobile work platform and the ends of the buoys adjacent to the cutting head. The foldable control arm is a hydraulically actuated ram that moves the cutting head in an arcuate path about the boom's pivot axis. The machine is operated by a hydraulic ram that provides a force with a major vertical component to the cutting head. In operation, the machine is positioned to straddle the lines of the trench and the buoy descends to contact the ground. The cutting head is rotated under force by a hydraulic ram to move the cutting head down in an arcuate path and remove rock from the front end of the trench. The conveyor is located on the bottom of the trench, through which spoils are transported. The buoy is then raised and the machine moves forward and the process is repeated.

Due to the position where the hydraulic ram is coupled to the boom adjacent to the cutting head, it provides stability to the cutting head so that the hydraulic ram can be omitted and the cutting force provided by the long boogie eliminates the expected vibration and recoil problems. The vibration and recoil problems caused are known to be eliminated. Due to the control arm exerting the required loading of the cutting head and the relatively short distance between the cutting head and the support point, the problems associated with kickback of the cutter head are almost eliminated.

However, as can be seen in EP-A-0080802, this type of machine has the disadvantage that the force applied to the cutting head tends to raise the machine and away from the ground. Although it has been proposed to include additional ballasts, nevertheless, the amount of force that can be applied to move the cutting head into the arcuate path is limited only when the surface mount component of the device is not lifted from the ground. none.
DE-A-4213523 describes a trenching device comprising an end milling head arranged on a swing arm and arranged to cut material by rotation about an axis of rotation traversing the axis of the arm. The arm is coupled to the prime mover through a boom that is pivotally mounted at the prime mover and at the junction with the arm. The pour and arm pivot movement is influenced by hydraulic cylinders. According to the operation of the device the milling head is located at the base of the trench and the undercut is formed by advancing the milling head forward with respect to the cutting direction of the trench. The milling head is then raised to the top of the trench by the operation of a hydraulic cylinder that controls the pivoting of the arm and the pour. The milling head then descends to the bottom of the trench and the process is repeated.
The mobile milling loader has a receiving container for receiving crushed material. The plate support member can swing on the side of the receiving container or arm and can be supported laterally opposite the excavating wall. The support member can be laterally swinged by a dual action hydraulic cylinder. It is known that the support member can be applied for lateral support and arranged on the working head or the arm. Lateral support and side guidance of the working head are known to be possible while assisting in swinging the support member outwards during operation. It is known that the side support and the side guide of the working head and the side support and the side guide of the arm supporting the working head are able to oppose the excavating wall during operation by the milling loader.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a trench cutting device in which the aforementioned problems are eliminated or reduced.

According to the present invention, there is provided a method, comprising: positioning a cutting mechanism in the trench mounted on a prime mover on a ground on a trench and comprising a pivot cutting boolean; While operating the cutting device to position the cutting mechanism against an end face of the trench below the ground, to join the cutting tool with the end face of the trench, and to form an undercut in the end face of the trench. Moving the cutting device forward in the trench; And applying a lifting force between the pivot cutting buoy and the ground above the trench to raise the pivot cutting buoy upward in an almost vertical plane from the undercut to the top of the trench and to cut the material from the distal end of the trench. A trenching method comprising actuating, wherein the method comprises engaging the sides of the trench by side components of the device during ascending and during up cutting movement of the cutting mechanism while the side components engage with the sides of the trench. A trenching method is provided that includes applying an additional upward force on the buoy acting between the buoy and the side components.

While the features of the invention are described in connection with the method according to the invention, it will be appreciated that such features also apply with respect to the device according to the invention and vice versa.

In particular, the prime mover according to the present invention; A cutting mechanism including a pivot cutting boom; Mounting means for positioning the cutting tool in the trench and mounting the cutting tool on the prime mover with the prime mover on the ground above the trench, the cutting mechanism being adapted to engage the end of the trench to dig out material from the end of the trench. Mounting means arranged; The pivot cutting buoy in a nearly vertical plane upward from the undercut at the bottom end of the trench to the top of the trench while operating the cutting mechanism at the end face of the trench and the cutting engagement by applying a lifting force between the ground and the buoy above the trench. A trenching device comprising lifting means arranged to elevate acts between the pour and side parts during the elevation of the cutting mechanism, while the side and side parts engaging the sides of the trench engage the sides of the trench during the rise of the buoy. And a power linkage arranged to apply additional lifting force to the pivot cutting buoy and to connect the side components to the pivot cutting buoy.

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The method according to the invention is that the force exerted between the cutting instrument and the ground during the ascending stroke of the cutting is limited only by the force generated and applied, and the trench is trenched from the ground as in the prior art where the cutting is affected at the down stroke of the cutting instrument. The advantage is that it is not limited by the potential rise of parts of the device. As in the case where the lifting means presses down the cutting mechanism during the cutting stroke, it is not necessary to provide a substantial weight to the part of the device on which the lifting means is mounted.

Many preferred features of the invention will now be described. Preferably, in the step of producing the undercut, the cutting mechanism is positioned at the bottom of the trench to substantially join the ends. Further, preferably, the cutting mechanism is mounted on a pivoted pour that extends relatively forward with respect to the cutting direction of the trench and is raised by moving the cutting mechanism along an arcuate path formed by the pivotable movement of the pour. Step is performed. In this arrangement, the step of raising the cutting device up is preferably performed by applying a force between the cutting device and the ground region spaced forwardly along the trench from the pivot axis of the pour. Further, preferably, raising the cutting mechanism upward is performed by applying a force between the ground and the cutting mechanism in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the pivot cutting boolean, and raising the cutting mechanism upwards This is done by applying force to the ends. Preferably, the step of raising the cutting mechanism up is carried out by applying a force in a direction inclined relative to the vertical, in a forward direction relative to the cutting direction of the trench. This arrangement increases the stability of the device and makes the most efficient use of the upward force applied to the cutting mechanism.

Although many different cutting mechanisms can be used in embodiments of the present invention, cutting the material from the end face of the trench is performed by moving the plurality of cutting members along the upper and lower runs of the long circular support means aligned along the pour. Preferably, the cutting member is driven in such a way that at the distal end of the pivot cutting buoy the member moves upwardly around the end of the pivot cutting buoy and along the top run relative to the cutting direction of the trench. . This arrangement is particularly advantageous because the cutting member engages the undercuts in the upward and backward directions at the distal end of the pour to cooperate with the lifting force to cut and engage the cutting teeth with the ground material. In the case of hard rock this allows an effective cutting action in which the movement of the cutting member cooperates with the upward movement of the lifting means and the forward movement of the prime mover during cutting. In addition, the upper run of the long circulation support means is effective to transport the waste, so that although additional conveyors may be provided behind the chain cutter in some circumstances, a separate circulation conveyor, or other means, may be provided to remove the waste from the trench. no need.

In another arrangement, the cutting mechanism may comprise a cutting rotor mounted at the end of the pour, and cutting the material from the end face of the trench may rotate the cutting rotor about an axis aligned across the trench length, This is generally done by rotating the cutting rotor about an axis aligned along the pour length.

In a preferred form the lifting means is configured to provide a strong power stroke in the upward direction, a return stroke in the downward direction, and to provide greater force in the movable stroke than in the recovery stroke.

Although in some arrangements the lifting means are mounted on the prime mover, the means comprise a mobile base unit spaced forward from the prime mover and coupled to the prime mover for movement with the prime mover, the lifting means being a cutting mechanism. And between the prime mover and / or the moving base to apply the lift force. In a particularly preferred form, the movable base unit is coupled to the prime mover by a framework, the lifting means being pivoted about the prime mover and extending forwardly from the prime mover, one end of which is coupled to the front end of the pivot arm and the other. A pivot link and an upward force source, the ends of which are coupled to the beam of the cutting instrument, the source being between the arm at an intermediate position at both ends of the arm and a framework at an intermediate position at both ends of the framework. Combined. Preferably, the lifting means comprises a hydraulic ram.

According to a particularly preferred feature of the invention, the apparatus may comprise control means programmed to perform a predetermined operating cycle, as follows:                 

(Iii) the mounting means positioning the cutting mechanism at the bottom surface of the trench opposite the end surface of the trench,

(Ii) the prime mover moving the cutting tool forward in the trench by a predetermined distance while operating the cutting tool to produce an undercut in the end face of the trench,

(Iii) the lifting means lifting the cutting mechanism up from the undercut through the material of the end face while operating the cutting mechanism;

(Iii) the prime mover moving the cutting mechanism backwards by a predetermined distance,

(Iii) the lifting means lowering the cutting mechanism to the bottom of the trench, and

(Iii) The previous step is repeated.

The base unit may comprise a structure mounted on a skid that slides over the ground when propelled forward by the prime mover. In another arrangement, the base may be mounted on a wheel, or in other cases on a second prime mover arranged to cooperate with the first prime mover when moving the cutting tool along the trench.
Preferably the trenching method of the present invention comprises applying a lifting force to the pivot cutting pour below ground level.
Preferably the trenching method of the present invention comprises applying a lifting force to the side of the pivot cutting pour.
Preferably the step of applying the lifting force is carried out by pivoting the pivot cutting buoy about the pivot axis on the prime mover, wherein the undercut is driven forward by driving the prime mover on the ground by driving contact with the ground at a position behind the pivot axis. Is formed.
Preferably the undercut is formed by driving contact with the ground at both the position behind the pivot axis and the forward position of the pivot axis.
Preferably said pivot cutting boom is mounted on said prime mover for pivotable movement about a pivot axis, said prime mover being mounted on the ground by a driving contact with the ground at a position behind the pivot axis. An undercut is formed in the bottom of the trench by driving the prime mover forward.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 and 2 show perspective views of known trench cutting devices disclosed in EP-A-0080802, and FIG. 2 is a detailed view of the cutting mechanism of the device,                 

3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a trench cutting device implementing the present invention and using a chain cutter,

FIG. 3A is a side view of the distal end of a chain cutter suitable for use in the embodiment of FIG. 3, with other portions omitted to show in detail the side cutting wheel shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 3B shows the front end of the device of FIG. 3 showing a different operating step than FIG. 3 with the device of FIG.

3c is a rear view of the side clamp assembly of the device of FIG. 3, taken in FIG.

4 is a schematic cross sectional view of the front of the device shown in FIG. 3, taken in FIG. 3 in a direction A;

FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of the detailed view of the chain cutter shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 5A is a partial plan view taken in direction B of FIG. 5, showing the lower end of the chain cutter of FIG. 5,

6a is a block circuit diagram of a control means programmed to perform a predetermined operating cycle of the apparatus, and FIG. 6b shows a flowchart of the operating cycle,

7A-7G are schematic diagrams illustrating a series of operational steps of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 3-6, and

8 is a schematic side view of another further embodiment of the present invention, wherein the cutting mechanism comprises a milling cutter.

1 and 2 show known trench cutting devices for cutting trenches in the rocks disclosed in EP-A-0080802. The two crawler chassis 3 and 5 are joined to each other by tie bars 7, and the rear crawler 3 has a cutting boom 2 pivotally mounted at 6. The front end of the pour 2 has a cutting rotor 7 which is driven to rotate about an axis across the trench to be dug. The distal end of the pour 2 is coupled to the front crawler 5 by a foldable control arm 8 comprising a telescopically extending sleeve coupled to the pour by the coupling 9 and a hydraulic ram. In operation, the machine is positioned to straddle the lines of the trench and the pour 2 is lowered to contact the ground. The cutting head 7 is rotated with force by the hydraulic ram 8 to move the cutting head 7 down the arcuate path and remove rock from the front end of the trench. A circular chain conveyor 4 is located behind the cutting rotor 7 through which spoils are conveyed. The pour 2 is then raised and the machine moves forward and the process is repeated.

In this machine, there is a disadvantage in that the force applied to the cutting head 7 causes the front crawler 5 to rise and fall from the ground. In an attempt to solve this problem, the first hydraulic ram 8 may be mounted in a heavy and independent crawler chassis 5 and the second additional ballast may be included in either or both of the front crawler 5 and the rear crawler 3. have.

3 to 4 illustrate a trench cutting device embodying the present invention. In general, the components of the embodiments of the invention known in the prior art are described in the specification of EP-A-0080802 described above, and may be modified as necessary in view of the features of the invention implemented in the apparatus shown. Referring first to FIG. 3, a trench arrangement for digging trenches in rocks and the like has a first prime mover 21 having a cap 35, and the movable base unit 26 is comprised of a second prime mover without a cap. . Each prime mover consists of a crawler chassis for movement over ground 22. The cutting mechanism, shown generally at 23, is mounted to the prime mover 21 by mounting means, generally at 24. The lifting means, shown generally at 25, is coupled to the cutting mechanism 23 in the distal region of the cutting mechanism 23. The movable unit 26 is coupled to the first prime mover 21 by a framework 27. The overall operation of the machine is controlled by control means, shown schematically at 34, located in the cap 35 of the prime mover 21.

Considering the detailed structure of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 now, the cutting mechanism 23 is a long circular support means 28 such as a chain for conveying the cutting teeth 29 shown in more detail in FIG. 3A. It includes a circular chain cutter having a. Chain 28 is moved along upper and lower runs 30 and 31, run on pour 32. The cutting teeth 29 pass through the distal end of the pour 32 around the pulley 33. The member 29 is upwards around the distal end of the pour and rearward along the upper run 30 at the distal end of the pour 32 in relation to the intended forward movement direction of the prime mover 21 shown in direction X in FIG. 3. It is driven by the upper pulley 33 in a manner that moves to. 3A shows a detailed view of the distal end of the pour 32 and the mounting state of the teeth 29 on the circulation support means 28. The chain cutter 23 is driven by drive means comprising, for example, a hydraulic drive motor and an upper drive pulley 49 mounted in or on the prime mover 21. The chain cutter described in the patent application WO 95/13433 is driven in a direction opposite to the chain cutter shown in the present invention in the direction of movement so that the direction arrangement of the teeth is in the opposite direction to the above-mentioned publication, but generally cutting The mechanism 23 may be a chain cutter as shown in the above publication.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the mounting means 24 for mounting the pour 32 to the prime mover 21 is a pivot shaft 33A mounted between two mounts mounted on the main frame of the prime mover 21. ). The lifting means 25 comprise a pivot arm 59 which is pivoted about the prime mover 21 in the pivot 61 and extends forward from the pivot 61. Pivot link 59A is coupled at one end to the front end of pivot arm 59 and at the other end to pour 32 of cutting device 23. A source of lifting force, comprised of hydraulic ram 40, is coupled between arm 59 and framework 27. The hydraulic ram 40 is coupled to the arm 59 at both ends of the arm 59 and to the framework 27 at both ends of the framework 27. Drive piston 43 (FIG. 3B) extends down from hydraulic ram 40 and is coupled to framework 27 at pivot 44. The cutting mechanism 23 is shown in the lower position in the trench base in FIG. 3 and in the raised position in FIG. 3B.

3 and 3c show additional and optional assembly of components to stabilize the pivot of the pivot cutting pour 32. Attached to the pivot cutting buoy 32 is the side clamp assembly shown generally at 80. The main part is a transverse hydraulic ram, shown generally at 81 and extending across a trench perpendicular to the direction of movement of the prime mover 21. At both ends of the hydraulic ram 81 there is a circular pressure plate 83 which is supported toward the inner side of the trench. During the ascending phase of the cutting cycle, the hydraulic ram 81 is extended and the clamp plate 83 is pressed outward with respect to the side of the trench.

The clamp plate 83 is coupled to the pour 32 by a strut including a ram 84 and a second clamp ram 85. The strut 84 couples between the first clamp ram 81 and the pivot point 86 on the pour 32. The second clamp ram 85 pivotally couples between the pivot point 87 between the ends of the strut 84 and the pivot 88 on the pour 32. During the movable stroke of the main ram 40, the clamp ram 84 extends to stabilize the movement and contributes to the formation of an upward arced cutting path. As the main ram 40 exerts an upward force between the pour 32 and the ground 22, the clamp ram 84 pours between the fixed position of the side clamp plate 83 and the pour 32. It will be contemplated that the plate 83 is held in position by the extended ram 81, exerting an upward force acting on the phase.

As shown in FIG. 4, the conventional cutting mechanism 23 extends laterally from the pulley 33 at the distal end of the pivot cutting pour, in addition to the cutting chain 28, to widen the channels dug by the cutting chain. extention drums 46 and 47. The elongated drum is replaceable and removable to vary the width of the trench by using drums with different widths. 5A shows a detailed view of the cutting mechanism 23. Below the distal end of the pour 32 is a deflection plate assembly 48 which collects debris excavated by the cutting chain 28 and the elongating drums 46, 47. The deflection plate assembly 48 directs the waste inwards towards the central area where the waste is conveyed up and back by the chain cutter 23. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 5A, at the top of the pivot cutting pour 32, the chain cutter 28 passes through the upper pulley 49 and pours waste into the side discharge conveyor 50 by means of the discharge hopper 51. Put on.

The operation of the embodiment is particularly described with reference to FIGS. 7A-7G and also with reference to FIGS. 3-5B. 7A-7G show schematic representations of different stages of an operating cycle. 7A and 7B show the initial stage of initiation of the trench. This may be done as shown, or alternatively, may be excavated by hand, explosion, impact equipment, or other means. However, referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the cutting mechanism 23 initially descends from the ground 22 and is operated under force. This may be done by reversely operating the lifting mechanism 25, which is typically described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5A. As shown in FIG. 7B, the result is an initial cutting of the trench with an arcuate cross section 54. During the steps shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the cutting mechanism 23 is operated in the manner described in the known machine of EP-A-0080802, ie by cutting down stroke. Instead, the starting hole can be provided by conventional means or rock hammers, such as drill operations or blasting operations.

As shown in FIG. 7C, the cutting mechanism 23 is operated with the prime mover 21 advancing to form an undercut in the end face 54 of the trench in the next step. In the next step, the cutting mechanism 23 is actuated while the lifting means 25, for example as shown in FIG. 3, to excavate material from the end face of the trench 54, cutting up from the undercut 55. It is operated to pivot the instrument 23. This cutting operation is shown in detail in FIG. 5, where the material 56 is excavated from the end face 54 by the lifting means 25 during the upward movement of the cutting mechanism 23. This creates a new end face 54 of the trench as shown in FIG. 7D. When this operation is complete, the cutting mechanism 23 descends to the bottom 19 of the trench 18 as shown in FIG. 7E. The process is then repeated by operating the cutting mechanism and advancing the prime mover as shown in FIG. 7F to create a new undercut 55. The cutting mechanism 23 is in turn raised from the undercut 55 again to dig a new end face 54 as shown in FIG. 7G.

The main advantage of the embodiment of the invention described is that the force generated between the cutting instrument 23 and the ground 22 through the moving base 26 during the upward cutting stroke of the cutting instrument 23 is applied to the lifting means 25. Limited only by the force generated by it and limited by the possibility that the base 25 from above the ground can float above the ground, as in the instrument shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 (where the cutting is effective at the down stroke of the cutting instrument). It doesn't work. As in the case where the lifting means presses down the cutting mechanism during the cutting stroke, it is not necessary to provide a significant weight to the part of the device on which the lifting means is mounted.

There is an additional advantage with respect to the cutting of the undercut 55. Since the cutting area of the distal end of the cutting mechanism 23 is relatively limited, and the prime mover 21 is advanced during the cutting of the undercut, the problem of penetration effect into hard rock is compared with the difficulty of penetrating from above during the downward cutting stroke. , It is relatively reduced. This advantage arises because the number of cutting tools or teeth that contact hard rock is limited by the number of cutting tools or teeth at the distal end of the beam. In an embodiment of the present invention, as a result of more power being applied for each tool, the available power can be concentrated on a few working tools.

Referring now to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the block circuit diagram of FIG. 6A and the flowchart of FIG. 6B will be disclosed. In FIG. 6A, the control means 34 is shown as being composed of a microprocessor 90 which receives information from a series of sensors, the sensors comprising a clamp sensor 91 (the clamp assembly 80 having the side wall of the trench). For detecting when it is fixed in a position opposite to the; Clamp feed sensor 92 (for detecting feed amount of clamp rams 81 and 85); Engine load control sensor 93 (for detecting load applied to the engine at various stages of the cycle); Cutting depth sensor 94 (for detecting cutting depth of cutting means 23); Cutting depth reference sensor 95 (for sensing the maximum cutting depth of the device relative to the required reference plane); And front / rear movement sensor 96 (for detecting the direction of movement of the two crawler chassis of prime movers 21, 26). The microprocessor is also connected to an operator control unit 97 which allows the operator to set requirements for the seven functions of the apparatus, for example the following seven functions.

1. Moving forward.

2. Move backward.

3. Maximum cutting depth.

4. Minimum cutting depth.

5. Trench clamp on / off.

6. System On / Off.

7. Manual / Auto.

The operation of the device in a scheduled automatic operation cycle is incorporated in the program flow diagram of FIG. 6B and operates in the following typical use. First, the trench cutting device is manually moved to an appropriate position. Then, to dig the first part of the trench into the virgin rock, the pivot cutting pour 32 is lowered into the surface while digging to the required depth, the required depth being manually or published prior patent application number. As in WO 95/13433, for example, it is determined from a reference signal provided by a laser. After that, automatic operation is selected. In steps 1 and 2, the trench cutting device advances a predetermined distance. The forward travel speed is automatically controlled and adjusted by load control between the required cutting power and the effective engine power to ensure maximum performance. When the preset distance is reached, forward movement will stop and a signal will automatically be sent to the lifting cylinder. In steps 3 and 4, the lifting cylinder will push the cutting device up while cutting the front portion of the trench. The ascent speed will be automatically controlled by load control and will adjust the effective engine power and the required cutting power until the cutting device reaches a preset distance (minimum cutting depth set relative to the reference plane). In steps 5 and 6, the trench cutting device is moved back toward the preset distance. Thereafter, in steps 7 and 8, the lifting cylinder will lower the cutting device down to a previously set depth. If thereafter, the coordinator wishes to stop, a manual stop command will be entered in step 9. If not, the cycle will then repeat from step 1.

For improved stability while cutting into the trench face, a clamp assembly 80 is clamped between the sides of the trench. In addition, the control means 34 can be expanded to control the operation of the clamp assembly. The clamp assembly will release and retract during the lowering of the pivot cutting buoy and the backward movement of the trench cutting device, but will clamp and cooperate during the forward movement and up cutting of the cutting instrument. The clamp assembly will also operate automatically within the operating sequence of the trench cutting device. The adjustment of the trench cutting device can be done manually or automatically by, for example, a signal from a preset wire, line or laser. The verticality of the trench can be adjusted by a side tilt system installed in the machine track frame.
Now, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 8, wherein the chain cutters of FIGS. 1 to 6 are the above-described parts shown by reference numerals and the like. In the embodiment of FIG. 8, the cutting mechanism 23 includes a pivot cutting buoy 32 having a milling cutter 71 mounted at the distal end of the pivot cutting buoy 32. Mounted behind the milling cutter 71 is a circular conveyor belt 73 for removing waste excavated by the milling cutter 71. In the embodiment shown, the movement base 26 of the device moves on the track 72. The general structure and operation of the milling cutter 71 and the waste removal conveyor 73 are as described in the specification of the prior European patent A-0080802. The general structure and operation of the lifting means 25 of FIG. 8 and the general structure and operation of the overall operation of the trench device are as described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7 of the present application. In another arrangement, the conveyor 73 of the embodiment of FIG. 8 may be used with the chain cutter of FIGS. 3-5B.
Thus, stabilizing the upward cutting movement of the cutting mechanism by engaging the sides of the trench by the side components of the device and cutting the upward force acting between the cutting mechanism and the side components during the upward cutting movement of the cutting mechanism. A trenching method comprising applying to the instrument is described with reference to the drawings. The described method includes pressing the side parts in an outward direction opposite the side of the trench during the up cutting movement of the cutting mechanism.

Further, in order to stabilize the upward cutting movement of the cutting mechanism, a trenching apparatus comprising a stabilizing assembly extending rearwardly from the cutting mechanism is described with reference to the drawings, wherein the stabilizing assembly is formed during the up cutting movement of the cutting mechanism. Side parts adapted to engage both sides and side parts to the cutting mechanism and a powered linkage arranged to apply to the cutting mechanism an upward force acting between the cutting mechanism and the side parts during the raising of the cutting device. do. The stabilization assembly includes a powered transverse component that extends between the side components and is arranged to press outwardly the side components against the side of the trench during an upward cutting movement of the cutting instrument.

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Claims (40)

As a trenching method using a trenching device, Positioning a cutting mechanism (23) in the trench, mounted on the prime mover (21), movable on the ground (22) above the trench and including a pivot cutting pour (32); Positioning the cutting mechanism relative to the end surface of the trench below the ground level, engaging the end surface 54 of the trench with the cutting mechanism, and operating the cutting mechanism within the trench while operating the cutting mechanism. Advancing) to form an undercut (55) in the end surface of the trench; And Elevating the pivot cutting buoy 32 from the undercut to the top of the trench in a substantially perpendicular plane, applying a lifting force between the ground above the trench and the pivot cutting buoy 32, Operating the cutting mechanism to raise the pivot cutting buoy 32 to dig material out of the end surface of the trench; Engaging the side of the trench by side components (83) of the trenching device during the ascension of the pivot cutting pour (32); And The pivot cutting unit engages the additional upward force acting between the pivot cutting buoy 32 and the side component 83 during an upward cutting movement of the cutting mechanism 23 while the side component 83 is engaged with the side of the trench. Further comprising applying on pour 32, Trenching method. The method of claim 1, Pressing the side piece 83 outward with respect to the side of the trench in a fixed position during the upward cutting movement of the cutting mechanism 23, Trenching method. The method according to claim 1 or 2, Excavating the material from the end face of the trench by moving the plurality of cutting members 29 along the upper and lower runs 30, 31 of the elongated circular support means 28 aligned along the pivotal cutting buoy 32. Steps, The pivot cutting buoy protrudes forward and downward with respect to the intended direction of digging the trench, and the cutting member 29 is formed by the cutting member 29 digging the trench at the distal end of the pivot cutting buoy 32. Driven backwardly along the upper run 30 with respect to X) and in an upward direction about an end of the pivot cutting boolean, Trenching method. The method of claim 3, wherein Digging the trench wider than the circulation support means by means of an additional cutting member of the cutting mechanism 23, Trenching method. The method of claim 4, wherein Digging the trench wider than the circulation support means 28 by operating a pair of cutting drums 46, 47 extending laterally from the distal end of the pivot cutting pour 32. Trenching method. The method according to claim 1 or 2, Applying the lifting force to the pivot cutting pour 32 below ground level, Trenching method. The method according to claim 1 or 2, Applying the lifting force to the side of the pivot cutting buoy 32, Trenching method. The method according to claim 1 or 2, Forming the undercut 55 is performed by advancing the prime mover 21 on the ground while operating the cutting mechanism 23, Trenching method. The method of claim 8, The raising of the pivot cutting buoy 32 is performed by pivoting the pivot cutting buoy 32 about the pivot axis 33A on the prime mover 21, the undercut 55 being the prime mover 21. Is formed at a position behind the pivot axis 33A by contacting the ground 22 and driving forward on the ground, Trenching method. The method of claim 9, The undercut is in contact with the ground 22 and is formed at both the position behind the pivot axis 33A and the front position of the pivot axis 33A, Trenching method. The method according to claim 1 or 2, In the step of forming the undercut, the cutting mechanism 23 is positioned to engage the end surface 54 substantially at the bottom 19 of the trench, Trenching device. The method according to claim 1 or 2, Raising the pivot cutting buoy 32 is performed by moving the cutting mechanism 23 along an arcuate path formed by the pivoting movement of the pivot cutting buoy 32, Trenching method. The method according to claim 1 or 2, Applying a force in the forward direction X along the trench between the cutting mechanism 23 and a ground region spaced apart from the pivot axis of the pivot cutting buoy 32, Trenching method. The method according to claim 1 or 2, Applying a force between the cutting mechanism 23 and the ground 22 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the pivot cutting boolean, Trenching method. The method according to claim 1 or 2, Applying a lifting force to the cutting mechanism in the distal region of the pivot cutting buoy 32, Trenching method. The method according to claim 1 or 2, Applying a lifting force to the cutting mechanism in a direction inclined relative to the vertical direction in a forward direction with respect to the digging direction (X), Trenching method. The method according to claim 1 or 2, (Iii) positioning the cutting mechanism (23) at the bottom of the trench with respect to the end face (54) of the trench; (Ii) moving the prime mover 21 forward on the ground 22 to form an undercut in the end face of the trench, while cutting the cut mechanism 23 by a predetermined distance within the trench while operating the cutting mechanism 23. Moving the instrument 23 forward; (Iii) pressing the side piece (83) outward with respect to the side of the trench in a fixed position with the cutting mechanism (23) positioned relative to the end face (54) of the trench; (Iii) raising the cutting mechanism (23) up from the undercut to the material (56) of the end face while operating the cutting mechanism (23); (Iii) releasing and retracting the side components from the sides of the trench; (Iii) moving the cutting mechanism (23) backward by a predetermined distance by moving the prime mover (21) backward on the ground (22); (Iii) lowering the cutting mechanism (23); And (Iii) having a predetermined operating cycle comprising repeating the steps (iii) to (iii), Trenching method. Prime mover 21; A cutting mechanism 23 comprising a pivot cutting portion 32; Mounting means (24) for mounting the cutting mechanism (23) to the prime mover (21) and positioning the cutting mechanism in the trench with the prime mover movable on the ground (22) above the trench level; And By applying a lifting force between the ground 22 over the trench and the pivot cutting pour 32, the cutting mechanism is operated in a cut engagement with the end face of the trench, while at the end face 54 at the bottom of the trench. A trenching device, comprising lifting means 25 arranged to raise the pivot cutting pour 32 in a plane that is substantially perpendicular from an undercut 55 to an upper portion of the trench. The side component 83 and the side component 83 that couple to the side of the trench during the rise of the pivot cutting buoy are connected to the pivot cutting buoy 32 and the side component 83 is coupled to the side of the trench. Power linkages 84, 85 arranged to apply additional lifting force to the pivot cutting buoy 32 while acting between the pivot cutting buoy 32 and the side component 83 during the raising of the cutting mechanism 23. Including, 86, 87, 88) Trenching device. The method of claim 18, Comprising a power transverse component 81 extending between the side components 83 and arranged to press the side component 83 outward with respect to the side of the trench during the raising of the cutting mechanism 23, Trenching device. The method of claim 18 or 19, The side part 83 is located rearward from the cutting mechanism 23, Trenching device. The method of claim 18 or 19, The cutting mechanism 23 includes a long circular support means 28 which carries a plurality of cutting members 29 and is aligned along the upper and lower runs 30, 31 on the pivot cutting buoy, wherein the pivot cutting buoy 32 is mounted so as to project forward and downward with respect to the intended direction X of digging the trench, the trenching device being rearward and along the upper run 30 of the circulation support means and the pivot cutting pour. A drive means 49 arranged to drive the circulation support means 28 in a direction for carrying the cutting member 29 upwardly around a distal end thereof, Trenching device. The method of claim 21, The cutting mechanism 23 comprises an additional cutting member for widening the channel dug by the cutting member on the circulation support means 28, Trenching device. The method of claim 22, The additional cutting member is mounted on cutting drums 46, 47 extending laterally from the distal end of the pivot cutting pour 32. Trenching device. The method of claim 18 or 19, The lifting means 25 is connected to the pivot cutting buoy 32 at a position to exert the lifting force on the pivot cutting buoy 32 below the ground level during normal operation. Trenching device. The method of claim 18 or 19, The lifting means 25 is connected to the pivot cutting buoy 32 at the side of the pivot cutting buoy by a pivot link 59A. Trenching device. The method of claim 18 or 19, A cutting pour 32 is mounted on the prime mover 21 for pivotable movement about the pivot axis 33A to generate the rise of the cutting mechanism 23, the prime mover 21 being grounded to the ground. Contacting 22 to drive the prime mover 21 forward on the ground to form the undercut 55 of the bottom 19 of the trench at a position behind the pivot axis 33A, Trenching device. The method of claim 18 or 19, The lifting means 25 is mounted to apply the lifting force in a direction inclined with respect to the vertical line in the forward direction with respect to the direction of digging the trench in use, Trenching device. The method of claim 18 or 19, The lifting means 25 is arranged to move the cutting mechanism 23 along an arced path formed by the pivotable movement of the pivot cutting buoy 32, Trenching device. The method of claim 18 or 19, The lifting means 25 is mounted to exert the lifting force between the ground 22 and the cutting mechanism 23 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the pivot axis 33A of the pivot cutting pour, Trenching device. The method of claim 18 or 19, The lifting means 25 is connected to the pivot cutting buoy 32 in the distal region of the pivot cutting buoy, Trenching device. The method of claim 26, The prime mover 21 comprises a rear crawler chassis 39 located behind the pivot axis 33A, Trenching device. The method of claim 31, wherein A movement base 26 spaced forward from the pivot axis 33A and connected to the pivot axis 33A for movement with the pivot axis 33A, Trenching device. The method of claim 32, The movable base 26 is connected to the rear crawler chassis 39 by a framework 27, the lifting means 25 being pivoted relative to the framework 27 and extending forward from the framework. Pivot arm 59, a pivot link 59A having one end connected to the front end of the pivot arm 59 and the other end connected to the pivot cutting pour 32 of the cutting mechanism 23, and the arm (59) a lifting force source 40 connected between the arm 59 at an intermediate position at both ends and the framework 27 at an intermediate position at both ends of the framework 27, Trenching device. The method of claim 32, The moving base 26 comprises a front crawler chassis 26, Trenching device. The method of claim 18 or 19, The lifting means 25 comprises a hydraulic ram 40, Trenching device. The method of claim 18 or 19, The power linkage comprises a hydraulic ram 84, Trenching device. The method of claim 18 or 19, Comprising control means 34 arranged to actuate the lifting means 25 and the cutting mechanism 23 at the same time,  Trenching device. The method of claim 19, (Iii) said mounting means positioning said cutting mechanism (23) with respect to the end face (54) of said trench at the bottom of said trench; (Ii) by advancing the prime mover 21 over the ground 22, a predetermined distance within the trench while operating the cutting mechanism 23 such that the prime mover 21 forms the undercut in the end face of the trench. Moving the cutting mechanism (23) forward by as much as possible; (Iii) the power transverse component 81 presses the side component 83 outward with respect to the side of the trench in a fixed position, with the cutting mechanism 23 positioned relative to the end face of the trench. ; (Iii) the lifting means 25 actuates the step while operating the cutting mechanism 23 while the power linkage 84, 85, 86, 87, 88 exerts an additional lifting force on the cutting mechanism 23; Raising the cutting mechanism (23) upwardly from the undercut past the material (56) on the side; (Iii) the power lateral component (81) releasing and retracting the side component from the side of the trench; (Iii) moving the cutting mechanism (23) backward by the predetermined distance by moving the prime mover (21) rearwards on the ground (22); (Iii) the lifting means 25 lowering the cutting mechanism 23 to the bottom of the trench; (Iii) control means 34 programmed to execute a predetermined operating cycle comprising the step of repeating the steps (i) to (iii), Trenching device. The method of claim 18 or 19, The cutting mechanism includes a cutting rotor mounted to the distal end of the buoy for rotation about an axis aligned transversely to the length of the buoy, Trenching device. The method of claim 18 or 19, The cutting mechanism includes a cutting rotor mounted to the distal end of the pivot cutting buoy for rotation about an axis generally aligned in the longitudinal direction of the pivot cutting buoy, Trenching device.

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