Method for replacing a tunnel boring machine roller cutter, handling device and roller cutter suited to such a method

A method for replacing a used roller cutter mounted within a housing built into the cutting head of a tunnel boring machine by a replacement roller cutter, said method being implemented with used and replacement roller cutters each having, permanently attached thereto,

• a member for locking the used or replacement roller cutter within the housing and a member for applying preload members to said used or replacement roller cutter, said method including the steps:
• a) removing the used roller cutter from said housing, comprising the following steps:
• clamping, onto the housing, a handling device designed for grasping and guiding the used roller cutter,
• grasping of the used roller cutter by the handling device,
• releasing the preload members applied to the used roller cutter, wherein the member for applying said preload members remains attached to the used roller cutter,
• unlocking of the used roller cutter from the housing,
• extracting the used roller cutter from the housing, wherein the member for locking remains attached to the used roller cutter,
• unclamping the handling device from the housing,
• b) installing in said housing of a replacement roller cutter, comprising the following steps:
• grasping of the replacement roller cutter by the handling device,
• docking, then clamping the handling device on the housing,
• inserting the replacement roller cutter into the housing, said replacement roller cutter being guided by the handling device,
• locking the replacement roller cutter into the housing,
• applying the preload members to the replacement roller cutter.