ANCHORING KIT FOR A DRILLING MACHINE

Abstract

The invention relates to an anchoring kit for a drilling machine provided with a frame, the anchoring kit including at least a first anchoring module having: a first part including an anchoring device for immobilizing the first part in the soil; a second part including a device for fixing to the frame; and a displacement device for moving the second part relative to the first part along a first direction.

Claims

1-15. (canceled)

16. An anchoring kit for a drilling machine comprising a frame which carries a drilling module, the anchoring kit including at least a first anchoring module comprising: a first part including an anchoring device for immobilizing the first part in the soil; a second part including a fixing device for fixing the second part to the frame, the second part cooperating with the first part; and a displacement device for moving the second part relative to the first part along a first direction

17. The anchoring kit according to claim 16, wherein the displacement device of the first anchoring module includes an actuator connected to the first part and to the second part of the first anchoring module.

18. The anchoring kit according to claim 17, wherein the actuator comprises a hydraulic cylinder, and wherein the anchoring kit further includes a hydraulic fitting connected to the hydraulic cylinder, the hydraulic fitting being configured to be connected to a hydraulic hose of the frame.

19. The anchoring kit according to claim 16, wherein the anchoring device includes a first and a second anchoring pad which are deployable along a second direction transverse to the first direction, the direction of deployment of the first anchoring pad being opposite to the direction of deployment of the second anchoring pad.

20. The anchoring kit according to claim 19, wherein the first part further includes a body, and the anchoring device includes at least one actuator connected to the first and second anchoring pads, the actuator being slidably mounted relative to the body along a third direction transverse to the first direction

21. The anchoring kit according to claim 16, wherein the first anchoring module further includes a guide system for guiding the displacement of the frame relative to the first part.

22. The anchoring kit according to claim 21, wherein the guide system includes a first portion and a second portion slidably mounted relative to the first portion, wherein the second portion includes members for fixing the second portion to the frame, and wherein the first portion is fixed to the anchoring device

23. The anchoring kit according to claim 16, further including a second anchoring module

24. The anchoring kit according to claim 23, further including a connecting device for securing together the first and second anchoring modules.

25. The anchoring kit according to claim 24, wherein the connecting device includes a passage for guiding the displacement of the frame, wherein the displacement device includes a first actuator disposed between the connecting device and the second part of the first anchoring module and a second actuator disposed between the connecting device and the second part of the second anchoring module.

26. A drilling machine, comprising: a frame extending along a longitudinal direction and having a lower part carrying a drilling module; and an anchoring kit including at least a first anchoring module, the first anchoring module comprising: a first part including an anchoring device for immobilizing the first part in the soil; a second part including a fixing device for fixing the second part to the frame, the second part cooperating with the first part; and a displacement device for moving the second part relative to the first part along a first direction, wherein the second part of the first anchoring module is fixed to the frame.

27. The drilling machine according to claim 26, wherein the lower part of the frame is provided with a pump, said drilling module being provided with cutting drums rotating about axes perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, in which the length of the milling cutter is less than 7 meters.

28. The drilling machine according to claim 26, wherein the length of the anchoring kit is substantially equal to the length of the frame.

29. The drilling machine according to claim 26, wherein the second part is disposed between the first part and the drilling module.

30. A method for modifying a drilling machine, comprising: providing a drilling machine with a frame extending along a longitudinal direction, the frame having a lower part carrying a drilling module; providing an anchoring kit for the drilling machine, the anchoring kit including at least a first anchoring module, the first anchoring module comprising: a first part including an anchoring device for immobilizing the first part in the soil; a second part including a fixing device for fixing the second part to the frame, the second part cooperating with the first part; a displacement device for moving the second part relative to the first part along a first direction; and fixing the second part of the first anchoring module of the anchoring kit to the frame so that the first direction is parallel to the longitudinal direction.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description of embodiments of the invention given by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the appended drawings, wherein:

[0053] FIG. 1 is a drilling machine of the compact milling cutter type, known besides;

[0054] FIG. 2 illustrates the drilling machine of FIG. 1 equipped with an anchoring kit according to a first embodiment of the invention, the displacement device being retracted;

[0055] FIG. 3 illustrates the machine of FIG. 2, the displacement device being deployed to exert on the drilling module a force directed downwardly;

[0056] FIG. 4 is a detailed view of the anchoring kit according to the first embodiment;

[0057] FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration, in side view, of the machine of FIG. 3;

[0058] FIG. 6 illustrates the drilling machine of FIG. 1 equipped with an anchoring kit according to a second embodiment of the invention, the displacement device being deployed;

[0059] FIG. 7 illustrates the machine of FIG. 6, the displacement device being retracted to exert on the drilling module a force directed downwardly;

[0060] FIG. 8 illustrates the drilling machine of FIG. 1 equipped with an anchoring kit according to a third embodiment of the invention, the displacement device being in the retracted position; and

[0061] FIG. 9 illustrates the machine of FIG. 8, the displacement device being deployed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0062] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a drilling machine 10 which is used to perform an excavation in a soil S. This drilling machine 10, known besides, is a compact milling cutter having a height H on the order of 5 m.

[0063] The drilling machine 10 includes a frame 12 having an upper end portion 12a which is fixed to lift cables 14. In known manner, the lift cables 14 are connected to the upper end of a mast of a carrier, for example a tracked carrier (not illustrated here).

[0064] The frame 12 has a lower end portion 12b which carries a drilling module 16. In a known manner, the drilling module 16 includes cutting drums 18 which are rotatable about axes of rotation Y, Z perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the frame 12. In this example, the longitudinal axis X of the frame is vertical, while the axes of rotation Y, Z of the rotary drums are horizontal.

[0065] The drilling machine 10 further includes a suction member 15 connected to a duct 17 for sucking and removing the cuttings mixed with the drilling mud.

[0066] In order to facilitate the sliding of the drilling machine 10 along the walls of the trench, the frame 12 is equipped with a first guide element 20 and a second guide element 22 which are fixed to the smallest faces 12c, 12d of the frame 12. In a known manner, the guide elements 20, 22 include guide plates allowing the frame to slide along the walls.

[0067] Such a drilling machine 10 includes, in a known manner, the drawback of applying a load on the tool, which is too low for drilling hard grounds or on re-bitten panels.

[0068] In order to overcome this drawback, the drilling machine 10 of FIG. 1 is modified according to a modification method in accordance with the invention to mount an anchoring kit therein in accordance with the present invention.

[0069] It is therefore understood that the anchoring kit 100 constitutes an added structural unit which is distinct from the drilling machine 10.

[0070] Three embodiments of the anchoring kit according to the present invention will be described below, as well as the modification method according to the present invention.

[0071] In FIG. 4, an anchoring kit 100 according to a first embodiment of the invention is illustrated.

[0072] The anchoring kit 100 includes a first anchoring module 110 which comprises a first part 112 including an anchoring device 114 for immobilizing the first part in the soil.

[0073] The anchoring device 114 will be described in more detail below.

[0074] The first anchoring module 114 further includes a second part 116 which includes a fixing device 118 for fixing the second part 116 to the frame 12. In this example, the fixing device 118 includes for example bolts 119.

[0075] It can also be observed that the second part 116 cooperates with the first part 112. More specifically, the first anchoring module 110 includes a displacement device 122 for moving the second part 116 relative to the first part 112 along a first direction A. It can be observed that, when the first anchoring module is mounted to the frame, the first direction A is parallel to the longitudinal direction X of the frame, these two directions being substantially vertical.

[0076] In this example, the displacement device 122 includes an actuator 124 connected to the first part 112 and to the second part 116. The actuation of the actuator 124 has the effect of moving the second part 116 relative to the first part 112 in translation along the first direction A. In this example, the actuator 124 comprises a hydraulic cylinder 126. In order to allow supplying the hydraulic cylinder 126 with hydraulic fluid, the anchoring kit 100 further includes a hydraulic fitting 130 which is connected to the cylinder 126 and which is also configured to be connected to a hydraulic hose 13 of the frame 12.

[0077] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4, it is understood that the fixing device 118 allows securing, in a removable manner, the second part 116 to the first small face 12c of the frame 12.

[0078] The fixing device also allows dismounting the anchoring kit when the latter is no longer needed. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, it can be observed that the anchoring device 114 includes a first and a second anchoring pad 140, 142 which are deployable along a second direction B transverse to the first direction A. It is also understood that the direction of deployment of the first anchoring pad 140 is opposite to the direction of deployment of the second anchoring pad 142. FIG. 5 illustrates the anchoring device in the anchored position, the first and second anchoring pads 140, 142 bearing against the opposite walls P1 and P2 of the trench T excavated in the soil S in order to immobilize the first part 112.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 5, it can be observed that the first part 112 further includes a body 144, and the anchoring device 114 includes first and second actuators 146, 148. In this example, hydraulic cylinders are respectively connected to the first and second anchoring pads 140, 142. The actuators 146, 148 are slidably mounted relative to the body 144 along a third direction C transverse to the first direction A. In this example, the second and third directions B, C are parallel. This floating mounting has the effect of anchoring the first part 112 in the soil without modifying the position of the body 144, which allows not modifying the position of the drilling module during anchoring. One advantage is not to deflect the drilling path during anchoring.

[0080] Referring again to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, it can be observed that the first anchoring module 110 further includes a guide system 150 for guiding the displacement of the frame 12 in translation relative to the first part 112 along the first direction A.

[0081] The guide system 150, better visible in FIG. 4, includes a first portion 152 and a second portion 154 which is slidably mounted relative to the first portion. The second portion 154 includes fixing members 156 for fixing the second portion 154 to the frame 12. Furthermore, the first part 112 of the first anchoring module 110 includes the first portion 152 of the guide system 150. In this example, the second portion 154 includes a rail 158, while the first portion 152 includes a groove 160 in which the rail 158 engages, which allows defining a sliding connection between the frame 12 and the first part 112 of the first anchoring module 110.

[0082] It is also understood that the rail 158 is securely fixed to the frame thanks to the fixing members 156, for example bolts.

[0083] As understood from FIGS. 2 and 3, the anchoring kit 100 further includes a second anchoring module 110′ which is here identical to the first anchoring module 110.

[0084] The second anchoring module 110′ also includes a first part 112′ provided with an anchoring device 114′, and a second part 116′ intended to be fixed to the frame 12. It further includes a fixing device 118′ to the frame, as well as a displacement device 122′.

[0085] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the anchoring kit 100 further includes a connecting device 170 for securing together the first and second anchoring modules 110, 110′. In this example, the connecting device 170 is arranged to secure together the first parts 112, 112′ of the first and second anchoring modules 110, 110′. The connecting device here consists of bars 172, 174 forming a rigid element which connects the first parts to each other.

[0086] Thanks to FIGS. 2 and 3, it is understood that when the anchoring devices of the first parts of the first and second anchoring modules 110, 110′ are actuated, said first parts are immobilized in the soil. In FIG. 2, the displacement devices are in the retracted position. The subsequent actuation of the displacement devices 122, 122′ has the effect of deploying the hydraulic cylinders, which then exert a pull directed downwardly on the second parts of the first and second anchoring modules, and therefore on the frame and afterwards on the drilling module. As explained above, one advantage is to facilitate the drilling in the presence of hard ground.

[0087] In the example of FIGS. 2 to 4, the second part 116 of the first anchoring module is disposed between the first part 112 and the drilling module 16. Thanks to FIGS. 6 and 7, a second embodiment of the anchoring kit 200 according to the present invention will now be described.

[0088] The anchoring kit 200 is mounted on the drilling machine 10 illustrated in FIG. 1. Like the first embodiment, the anchoring kit 200 includes a first anchoring module 210 which comprises a first part 212 including an anchoring device 214 for immobilizing the first part 212 in the soil, as well as a second part 216 including a fixing device 218 for fixing the second part to the frame 12, the second part 216 cooperating with the first part 212.

[0089] The anchoring kit 200 also includes a displacement device 222 for moving the second part 216 relative to the first part 212 along the first direction A.

[0090] It is understood from FIGS. 6 and 7 that the anchoring kit 200 according to the second embodiment is very similar to the anchoring kit 100 according to the first embodiment which has been described above. Said anchoring kit 200 includes anchoring devices 214, 214′, as well as displacement devices 222, 222′ comprising hydraulic cylinders. The second embodiment of the anchoring kit 200 differs from the first embodiment in that the first part is disposed between the second part and the drilling module. In FIG. 6, the displacement devices 222, 222′ are in the deployed position. When the anchoring devices 214, 214′ are actuated, that is to say when the first part is immobilized in the soil, the actuation of the displacement devices 222, 222′ has the effect of bringing the cylinders of the displacement devices 222, 222′ in the retracted position, which exerts a pull directed downwardly on the second part 216, which therefore causes a pull on the frame 12 and therefore on the drilling module 16.

[0091] Thanks to FIGS. 8 and 9, a third embodiment of the anchoring kit 300 according to the invention will now be described. Here again, the anchoring kit 300 is mounted on the drilling machine 10 illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0092] The third embodiment of the anchoring kit 300 differs from the first embodiment in that the connecting device 370 which links together the first parts 312, 312′ of the first and second anchoring modules 310, 310′ includes a passage 372 for guiding the displacement of the frame 12 along the longitudinal direction X. Seen otherwise, the first parts 312, 312′ of the first and second anchoring modules 310, 310′ form a single piece. In this example, this single part includes an anchoring device 314 provided with a pair of large anchoring pads 315 which extend along the width of the drilling machine. Also, in this example, the second part 316 of the first anchoring module 310 is also disposed between the first part 312 of the first anchoring module 310 and the drilling module 16.

[0093] This anchoring kit 300 includes a first actuator 323 disposed between the connecting device 370 and the second part 316 of the first anchoring module 310 and a second actuator 325 disposed between the connecting device 370 and the second part 316′ of the second anchoring module 310′.

[0094] When the anchoring device 314 is actuated, the first part is immobilized in the soil. Like the first embodiment, the first and second actuators 323, 325 are in the retracted position, as illustrated in FIG. 8, and the actuation of the displacement device 322 has the effect of deploying the first and second actuators 323, 325, which generates a push directed downwardly on the frame 12 and on the drilling module 16.