EP0520909A1 - Tunnelling machine having a cutting head, the position of which can be controlled - Google Patents

Tunnelling machine having a cutting head, the position of which can be controlled Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0520909A1
EP0520909A1 EP92401821A EP92401821A EP0520909A1 EP 0520909 A1 EP0520909 A1 EP 0520909A1 EP 92401821 A EP92401821 A EP 92401821A EP 92401821 A EP92401821 A EP 92401821A EP 0520909 A1 EP0520909 A1 EP 0520909A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cutting head
shield
axis
rings
tunneling machine
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP92401821A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0520909B1 (en
Inventor
Yves Martin
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GTM Batiment et Travaux Publics SA
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GTM Batiment et Travaux Publics SA
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Publication of EP0520909A1 publication Critical patent/EP0520909A1/en
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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21D—SHAFTS; TUNNELS; GALLERIES; LARGE UNDERGROUND CHAMBERS
    • E21D9/00—Tunnels or galleries, with or without linings; Methods or apparatus for making thereof; Layout of tunnels or galleries
    • E21D9/10—Making by using boring or cutting machines
    • E21D9/1093—Devices for supporting, advancing or orientating the machine or the tool-carrier
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B7/00—Special methods or apparatus for drilling
    • E21B7/04—Directional drilling
    • E21B7/06—Deflecting the direction of boreholes
    • E21B7/068—Deflecting the direction of boreholes drilled by a down-hole drilling motor
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21D—SHAFTS; TUNNELS; GALLERIES; LARGE UNDERGROUND CHAMBERS
    • E21D9/00—Tunnels or galleries, with or without linings; Methods or apparatus for making thereof; Layout of tunnels or galleries
    • E21D9/06—Making by using a driving shield, i.e. advanced by pushing means bearing against the already placed lining
    • E21D9/08—Making by using a driving shield, i.e. advanced by pushing means bearing against the already placed lining with additional boring or cutting means other than the conventional cutting edge of the shield
    • E21D9/0875—Making by using a driving shield, i.e. advanced by pushing means bearing against the already placed lining with additional boring or cutting means other than the conventional cutting edge of the shield with a movable support arm carrying cutting tools for attacking the front face, e.g. a bucket
    • E21D9/0879—Making by using a driving shield, i.e. advanced by pushing means bearing against the already placed lining with additional boring or cutting means other than the conventional cutting edge of the shield with a movable support arm carrying cutting tools for attacking the front face, e.g. a bucket the shield being provided with devices for lining the tunnel, e.g. shuttering

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a tunneling machine, that is to say a machine for digging tunnels.
  • the tunnel boring machines comprise a disc-shaped cutting head mounted in rotation along an axis parallel to the axis of a cylindrical shield situated at the rear of the cutting head.
  • a hole with a diameter slightly larger than that of the outer skirt of the shield is usually drilled.
  • the cutting head has a diameter greater than that of the shield skirt.
  • the lower generator of the cutting head must not be located below the lower generator of the shield to prevent the machine from starting to descend gradually.
  • the cutting head in order for the machine to be able to fit into a curve, the cutting head must dig further into the ground in the direction in which the machine must turn. This condition implies that one can also shift the axis of the head in a horizontal plane.
  • the first known embodiment uses a peripheral tool mounted at the end of the rod of a cylinder arranged radially on the cutting head.
  • the constant or variable elongation of this cylinder makes it possible to adjust the diameter or the position of the overcut.
  • the cutting head is mounted on a ball which makes it possible to orient it towards the place where one wants to dig more.
  • Protecting the ball joint involves a protective seal that is exposed to materials that wear out quickly.
  • the orientation of the head requires control cylinders and position sensors associated with a calculation unit. Such a system is complicated, fragile and unreliable.
  • the object of the present invention is to remedy the drawbacks of known embodiments by proposing a simple and reliable system making it possible to adjust the position of the cutting head of a tunnel boring machine with respect to the axis of the shield.
  • the invention thus relates to a tunnel boring machine comprising a cylindrical shield carrying a disc-shaped cutting head mounted in rotation along an axis parallel to that of the shield, the cutting head comprising on its face adjacent to the shield an annular part centered on the axis of the cutting head, the diameter of the latter being greater than that of the shield.
  • this tunnel boring machine is characterized in that between said annular part of the cutting head and a cylindrical internal surface of the end of the shield is interposed at least one ring whose internal profile is a circle centered on the axis of the cutting head and the outer profile forming eccentric is a circle whose center is offset from the axis of the cutting head.
  • the outer profile ring forming an eccentric interposed between the annular part of the cutting head and the internal surface of the shield makes it possible to offset the axis of the cutting head relative to the axis of the shield.
  • the abovementioned offset can be such that the lower generator of the cutting head is located on the lower generator of the shield.
  • the latter performs an overcut of the ground towards the top of the tunnel, to reduce the friction of the tunnel boring machine with respect to the ground during its progression.
  • this ring constitutes a means of adjusting the offset between the two above axes, extremely reliable, unlike the cylinders and ball joints used in known embodiments.
  • two rings fitted one inside the other are interposed between said annular part of the cutting head and the internal surface of the end of the shield, these two rings defining three circles, one of which first circle centered on the axis of the cutting head, a second circle common to the two rings, the center of which is offset from the center of the cutting head, and a third circle, in contact with the internal cylindrical surface of the end of the shield, the center of which is also offset from the centers of the first and second circles.
  • the two rings cooperate with means which make it possible to adjust by rotation their angular position relative to the cutting head and one with respect to the other.
  • these rings make it possible to adjust the position of the axis of the cutting head relative to that of the shield, to compensate for the wear of the cutting head and to achieve an overcut of the ground making it possible to register the tunnel borer in a curve.
  • the tunnel boring machine comprises a shield 1 having a cylindrical outer skirt 2 engaged in the cylindrical tunnel 3 during drilling.
  • the end of the shield has a sharp circular edge 4. Behind this edge 4, the shield 1 has an annular protuberance 5 projecting radially towards the axis X-X ′ of the shield 1.
  • a covering consisting of concrete elements 6 has been placed inside the tunnel. Between the front edge of the covering 6 and the annular protuberance 5 extend cylinders 7 exerting an axial thrust which advances the shield 1 forward as the tunnel advances.
  • a cutting head 8 in the form of a disc and carrying at its periphery cutting tools 9 liable to wear out.
  • the rear face of the cutting head 8 comprises an annular part 10, centered on the axis of rotation YY ′ of the cutting head 8.
  • annular support 11 Around this annular part 10 is mounted an annular support 11. Between this support 11 and the annular part 10 is formed a circular rolling track 12 centered on the axis YY ′. Opposite this raceway 12 towards the axis YY ′, the annular part 10 comprises a ring gear 13 on which are gears of the pinions 14 driven by motors 15 integral with the support 11.
  • a hub 16 is engaged in the cylindrical recess of the annular part 10.
  • the support 11 is integral with stops 17 by means of connecting members 18 which will be detailed below.
  • the stops 17 are fixed to the shield 1 and collect the torque and thrust forces.
  • two rings 19, 20 axially fitted one inside the other.
  • These two rings 19, 20 define (see FIG. 2) three circles, including a first circle C1 centered on the axis YY ′ of the cutting head 8 and in contact with the external surface of the support 11, a second circle C2 common to two rings 19, 20 whose center O is offset from the axis YY ′ of the cutting head 8, and a third circle C3 in contact with the cylindrical internal surface 5a of the end of the shield whose center O1 is also offset from the centers YY ′ and O of the first and second circles C1, C2.
  • the two rings 19, 20 cooperate with means which make it possible to adjust by rotation, their angular position relative to the cutting head 8 and one relative to the other.
  • the rings 19, 20 each comprise, at their edge opposite the cutting head 8, a flange 19a, 20a.
  • the end of the support 11 adjacent to the stops 17 comprises a flange 11a which partly covers the rear of the ring 19.
  • the latter itself comprises a flange 19a which partly covers the rear of the ring 20 which also has a collar 20a which partially covers the adjacent edge of the cylindrical surface 5a.
  • the two rings 19, 20 cooperate with means which allow their angular position relative to the cutting head 8 to be adjusted by rotation.
  • These means can be constituted by motors driving in rotation (see FIG. 2) toothed wheels 21, 22 meshed with crowns or toothed sectors 23, 24 integral with the rings 19, 20.
  • Figures 2, 3A and 3B show the position of the rings 19, 20 when the cutting tools 9 carried by the cutting head 8 are new and the TBM progresses in a straight line.
  • the centers O, O1 of the outer circles C1, C3 of the two rings 19, 20 are offset in the same direction downwards, so that the lower generators G1 and G2 of the cutting head 8 and the shield 1 are confused.
  • the cutting tools 9 carried by it wear and cause a reduction in the diameter of the head and of the tunnel drilled by the latter.
  • FIGS. 4A and 4B show the case where the cutting tools 9 carried by the cutting head 8 are worn and the tunnel boring machine progresses in a straight line.
  • the center O1 of the outer circle C3 of the second ring 20 is shifted downward relative to the axis of rotation YY ′ of the head 8 while the center O of the outer circle C1 of the first ring 19 is shifted up.
  • This position is obtained by rotating the first ring 19 in the second ring 20 at an angle of 180 °, which, due to its eccentricity makes pass its center O above the center YY ′ of the cutting head.
  • the first ring 19 thus acts as an eccentric to compensate for the wear of the cutting tools 9.
  • FIGS. 4A and 4B corresponds to a position beyond which it is no longer possible to compensate for the wear of the cutting tools 9, that is to say to maintain the lower generators G1 and G2 in coincidence.
  • control of the rotation of the ring 19 to keep the lower generators G1 and G2 in coincidence could be controlled by the wear of the cutting tools which could itself be detected by means of suitable sensors.
  • the cutting head When you want to register the TBM in a curve, it is necessary that the cutting head performs an overcut in the ground in the direction of the curve, that is to say either to the right or to the left.
  • the magnitude of this overcut depends of course on the radius of the curve and the length of the shield. This overcut is made by shifting the axis of the cutting head 8 either to the right, for a curve to the right or to the left, for a curve to the left.
  • FIGS. 5A and 5B show the position of the rings 19 and 20 when the cutting tools 9 of the cutting head 8 are new and the tunnel boring machine is engaged in a curve.
  • the centers O and O1 of the outer circles C2, C3 of the two rings 19, 20 are offset in the same direction downward relative to the axis of rotation YY ′ of the head 8 and are situated on a straight line D forming a certain angle (a) with respect to a horizontal plane, this straight line being inclined towards the direction of the curve.
  • FIGS. 6A and 6B show the position of the rings 19, 20 when the cutting tools are worn and when it is desired to make an overcut to the right.
  • the centers O, O1 of the outer circles C2, C3 of the two rings 19, 20 are offset in the same direction relative to the axis of rotation YY ′ of the head 8 and are located on a horizontal line D1 opposite to the direction of the curve.
  • the position shown in FIG. 6A is the extreme position beyond which it is no longer possible to compensate for the wear of the cutting tools. Between the positions shown in FIGS. 5A and 6A exist intermediate positions, obtained by rotation of the ring 20.
  • the axis YY ′ of the cutting head 8 can occupy various positions relative to the axis XX ′ of the shield 1, it is necessary to provide between the support 11 of the head 8 and the stops 17 integral with the shield 1, connecting members 18 allowing the head 8 to move between the various above positions, while absorbing the torque and thrust forces.
  • Such a connecting member 18 is shown in exploded perspective in Figure 7. It comprises a part 25 integral with a stop 17 having on its face opposite the stop a rib 26 engaged in a complementary groove 27 formed in the opposite face an intermediate piece 28. The latter has on its opposite face a rib 29 making an angle of 90 ° by relative to the rib 26 of the part 25, engaged in a complementary groove 30 formed on the opposite face of a part 31, integral with the support 11.
  • This member takes up the principle of the Oldam keying.
  • seals will be placed between the annular part 10 and the hub 16, in front of the raceway 12 and the ring gear 13 to protect them against materials likely to penetrate the part between the cutting head 8 and the front edge 4 of the shield 1.
  • the device proposed in the present invention makes it possible, using cylinders located between the stops 17 and the supports 11, to permanently know the total thrust applied to the cutting head only by measuring their average pressure.
  • the two rings 19, 20 constitute eccentrics which make it possible both to compensate for the wear of the cutting head 8 and to make cuts in the ground to the right or to the left to register the tunnel boring machine in a curve.
  • these rings 19, 20 occupy a relatively small space in the front part of the TBM and are easy to assemble and disassemble.
  • these rings 19, 20 do not increase the axial length of the tunnel boring machine, unlike known embodiments, in which the cutting head is mounted on a ball joint.
  • a single eccentric ring is sufficient, if one is satisfied with compensating for the wear of the cutting tools.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
  • Geology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Excavating Of Shafts Or Tunnels (AREA)
  • Earth Drilling (AREA)
  • Perforating, Stamping-Out Or Severing By Means Other Than Cutting (AREA)
  • Drilling And Exploitation, And Mining Machines And Methods (AREA)

Abstract

The tunnelling machine comprises a cylindrical shield (2) carrying a disc-shaped cutting head (8) which is mounted rotationally along an axis (Y-Y') parallel to that of the shield (2). Between the said annular part (10) of the cutting head (8) and a cylindrical internal surface (5a) of the end of the shield (2), there is inserted at least one ring (19) whose inner outline is a circle (C1) centred on the axis (X-X') of the cutting head and whose outer outline, forming an eccentric, is a circle, the centre of which is offset with respect to the axis (Y-Y') of the cutting head. The invention may be used for compensating for the wear of the cutting heads and for producing additional lateral cuts in the ground for directing the tunnelling machine into the bends. <IMAGE>

Description

La présente invention concerne un tunnelier, c'est-à-dire une machine pour creuser les tunnels.The present invention relates to a tunneling machine, that is to say a machine for digging tunnels.

Les tunneliers comprennent une tête de coupe en forme de disque montée en rotation suivant un axe parallèle à l'axe d'un bouclier cylindrique situé à l'arrière de la tête de coupe.The tunnel boring machines comprise a disc-shaped cutting head mounted in rotation along an axis parallel to the axis of a cylindrical shield situated at the rear of the cutting head.

A l'intérieur du bouclier sont placés des vérins qui appliquent une poussée sur la tête de coupe en même temps que celle-ci est entraînée en rotation.Inside the shield are placed jacks which apply a thrust to the cutting head at the same time as it is rotated.

Pour éviter des frottements excessifs entre le bouclier et le terrain, on fore habituellement un trou de diamètre légèrement supérieur à celui de la jupe extérieure du bouclier. A cet effet, la tête de coupe présente un diamètre supérieur à celui de la jupe du bouclier. Toutefois, la génératrice inférieure de la tête de coupe ne doit pas se situer en-dessous de la génératrice inférieure du bouclier pour éviter que la machine ne se mette à descendre progressivement.To avoid excessive friction between the shield and the ground, a hole with a diameter slightly larger than that of the outer skirt of the shield is usually drilled. For this purpose, the cutting head has a diameter greater than that of the shield skirt. However, the lower generator of the cutting head must not be located below the lower generator of the shield to prevent the machine from starting to descend gradually.

Ces conditions impliquent donc que l'axe de rotation de la tête de coupe soit situé au-dessus de celui du bouclier.These conditions therefore imply that the axis of rotation of the cutting head is located above that of the shield.

Par ailleurs, pour que la machine puisse s'inscrire dans une courbe, il faut que la tête de coupe creuse davantage le terrain dans la direction suivant laquelle la machine doit tourner. Cette condition implique que l'on puisse également décaler l'axe de la tête dans un plan horizontal.Furthermore, in order for the machine to be able to fit into a curve, the cutting head must dig further into the ground in the direction in which the machine must turn. This condition implies that one can also shift the axis of the head in a horizontal plane.

D'autre part, lors de son fonctionnement, la tête de coupe s'use, de sorte que son diamètre diminue progressivement au cours du temps. Ainsi, pour maintenir la génératrice inférieure de la tête de coupe au même niveau que celle du bouclier, il convient de modifier progressivement le décalage existant entre les axes de la tête de coupe et du bouclier.On the other hand, during operation, the cutting head wears out, so that its diameter gradually decreases over time. Thus, to maintain the lower generatrix of the cutting head at the same level as that of the shield, it is necessary to gradually modify the offset existing between the axes of the cutting head and the shield.

On connaît diverses réalisations pour modifier la position relative de la découpe effectuée par la tête par rapport à celle du bouclier.Various embodiments are known for modifying the relative position of the cut made by the head relative to that of the shield.

La première réalisation connue utilise un outil périphérique monté au bout de la tige d'un vérin disposé radialement sur la tête de coupe. L'élongation constante ou variable de ce vérin permet de régler le diamètre ou la position de la surcoupe.The first known embodiment uses a peripheral tool mounted at the end of the rod of a cylinder arranged radially on the cutting head. The constant or variable elongation of this cylinder makes it possible to adjust the diameter or the position of the overcut.

Dans une autre réalisation connue, la tête de coupe est montée sur une rotule qui permet de l'orienter vers l'endroit où l'on veut creuser davantage. La protection de la rotule implique un joint de protection qui est exposé aux matériaux qui l'usent rapidement. De même, l'orientation de la tête nécessite des vérins de commande et des capteurs de position associés à une unité de calcul. Un tel système est compliqué, fragile et peu fiable.In another known embodiment, the cutting head is mounted on a ball which makes it possible to orient it towards the place where one wants to dig more. Protecting the ball joint involves a protective seal that is exposed to materials that wear out quickly. Similarly, the orientation of the head requires control cylinders and position sensors associated with a calculation unit. Such a system is complicated, fragile and unreliable.

Le but de la présente invention est de remédier aux inconvénients des réalisations connues en proposant un système simple et fiable permettant de régler la position de la tête de coupe d'un tunnelier par rapport à l'axe du bouclier.The object of the present invention is to remedy the drawbacks of known embodiments by proposing a simple and reliable system making it possible to adjust the position of the cutting head of a tunnel boring machine with respect to the axis of the shield.

L'invention vise ainsi un tunnelier comprenant un bouclier cylindrique portant une tête de coupe en forme de disque montée en rotation suivant un axe parallèle à celui du bouclier, la tête de coupe comportant sur sa face adjacente au bouclier une partie annulaire centrée sur l'axe de la tête de coupe, le diamètre de cette dernière étant supérieur à celui du bouclier.The invention thus relates to a tunnel boring machine comprising a cylindrical shield carrying a disc-shaped cutting head mounted in rotation along an axis parallel to that of the shield, the cutting head comprising on its face adjacent to the shield an annular part centered on the axis of the cutting head, the diameter of the latter being greater than that of the shield.

Suivant l'invention, ce tunnelier est caractérisé en ce qu'entre ladite partie annulaire de la tête de coupe et une surface interne cylindrique de l'extrémité du bouclier est intercalé au moins une bague dont le profil intérieur est un cercle centré sur l'axe de la tête de coupe et le profil extérieur formant excentrique est un cercle dont le centre est décalé par rapport à l'axe de la tête de coupe.According to the invention, this tunnel boring machine is characterized in that between said annular part of the cutting head and a cylindrical internal surface of the end of the shield is interposed at least one ring whose internal profile is a circle centered on the axis of the cutting head and the outer profile forming eccentric is a circle whose center is offset from the axis of the cutting head.

La bague à profil extérieur formant excentrique intercalée entre la partie annulaire de la tête de coupe et la surface interne du bouclier permet de décaler l'axe de la tête de coupe par rapport à l'axe du bouclier.The outer profile ring forming an eccentric interposed between the annular part of the cutting head and the internal surface of the shield makes it possible to offset the axis of the cutting head relative to the axis of the shield.

En réglant la position de la bague de façon appropriée par rapport à la tête de coupe, le décalage précité peut être tel que la génératrice inférieure de la tête de coupe soit situé sur la génératrice inférieure du bouclier.By adjusting the position of the ring appropriately with respect to the cutting head, the abovementioned offset can be such that the lower generator of the cutting head is located on the lower generator of the shield.

De ce fait, lors de la rotation de la tête de coupe, celle-ci réalise une surcoupe du terrain vers le haut du tunnel, pour réduire les frottements du tunnelier par rapport au terrain lors de sa progression.Therefore, during the rotation of the cutting head, the latter performs an overcut of the ground towards the top of the tunnel, to reduce the friction of the tunnel boring machine with respect to the ground during its progression.

Par ailleurs, cette bague constitue un moyen de réglage du décalage entre les deux axes ci-dessus, extrêmement fiable, contrairement aux vérins et rotules utilisés dans les réalisations connues.Furthermore, this ring constitutes a means of adjusting the offset between the two above axes, extremely reliable, unlike the cylinders and ball joints used in known embodiments.

Selon une version avantageuse de l'invention, entre ladite partie annulaire de la tête de coupe et la surface interne de l'extrémité du bouclier sont intercalées deux bagues emboîtées l'une dans l'autre, ces deux bagues définissant trois cercles, dont un premier cercle centré sur l'axe de la tête de coupe, un deuxième cercle commun aux deux bagues dont le centre est décalé par rapport au centre de la tête de coupe, et un troisième cercle, en contact avec la surface interne cylindrique de l'extrémité du bouclier dont le centre est également décalé par rapport aux centres des premier et deuxième cercles.According to an advantageous version of the invention, between said annular part of the cutting head and the internal surface of the end of the shield are interposed two rings fitted one inside the other, these two rings defining three circles, one of which first circle centered on the axis of the cutting head, a second circle common to the two rings, the center of which is offset from the center of the cutting head, and a third circle, in contact with the internal cylindrical surface of the end of the shield, the center of which is also offset from the centers of the first and second circles.

Selon une version préférée de l'invention, les deux bagues coopèrent avec des moyens qui permettent de régler par rotation leur position angulaire par rapport à la tête de coupe et l'une par rapport à l'autre.According to a preferred version of the invention, the two rings cooperate with means which make it possible to adjust by rotation their angular position relative to the cutting head and one with respect to the other.

Grâce à cette disposition, ces bagues permettent de régler la position de l'axe de la tête de coupe par rapport à celui du bouclier, pour compenser l'usure de la tête de coupe et pour réaliser une surcoupe du terrain permettant d'inscrire le tunnelier dans une courbe.Thanks to this arrangement, these rings make it possible to adjust the position of the axis of the cutting head relative to that of the shield, to compensate for the wear of the cutting head and to achieve an overcut of the ground making it possible to register the tunnel borer in a curve.

D'autres particularités et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront encore dans la description ci-après.Other features and advantages of the invention will appear in the description below.

Aux dessins annexés donnés à titre d'exemples non limitatifs :

  • la figure 1 est une vue en coupe longitudinale d'un tunnelier conforme à l'invention,
  • la figure 2 est une vue schématique en plan montrant la position des deux bagues excentriques par rapport à la tête de coupe,
  • la figure 3A est une vue schématique en plan montrant la position des deux bagues excentriques par rapport à la tête de coupe et au bouclier, lorsque les outils de coupe de la tête sont neufs et que le tunnelier progresse en ligne droite,
  • la figure 3B est une vue en coupe longitudinale correspondant à la figure 3A,
  • la figure 4A est une vue analogue à la figure 3A, montrant la position des deux bagues lorsque les outils de coupe sont usés,
  • la figure 4B est une vue en coupe longitudinale correspondant à la figure 4A,
  • la figure 5A est une vue analogue à la figure 3A, montrant la position des deux bagues lorsque l'on veut réaliser une surcoupe à droite avec des outils de coupe neufs,
  • la figure 5B est une vue en coupe longitudinale correspondant à la figure 5A,
  • la figure 6A est une vue analogue à la figure 5A, montrant la position des deux bagues lorsqu'on veut réaliser une surcoupe à droite avec des outils usés,
  • la figure 6B est une vue en coupe longitudinale correspondant à la figure 6A,
  • la figure 7 est une vue en perspective éclatée d'un organe de liaison entre le support de la tête et une butée,
  • la figure 8 est un schéma illustrant une variante de réalisation.
In the appended drawings given by way of nonlimiting examples:
  • FIG. 1 is a view in longitudinal section of a tunnel boring machine according to the invention,
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing the position of the two eccentric rings with respect to the cutting head,
  • FIG. 3A is a schematic plan view showing the position of the two eccentric rings with respect to the cutting head and the shield, when the cutting tools for the head are new and the tunnel boring machine progresses in a straight line,
  • FIG. 3B is a view in longitudinal section corresponding to FIG. 3A,
  • FIG. 4A is a view similar to FIG. 3A, showing the position of the two rings when the cutting tools are worn,
  • FIG. 4B is a view in longitudinal section corresponding to FIG. 4A,
  • FIG. 5A is a view similar to FIG. 3A, showing the position of the two rings when it is desired to make an overcut on the right with new cutting tools,
  • FIG. 5B is a view in longitudinal section corresponding to FIG. 5A,
  • FIG. 6A is a view similar to FIG. 5A, showing the position of the two rings when it is desired to make an overcut on the right with worn tools,
  • FIG. 6B is a view in longitudinal section corresponding to FIG. 6A,
  • FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a connecting member between the support of the head and a stop,
  • Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating an alternative embodiment.

Dans la réalisation de la figure 1, le tunnelier conforme à l'invention comprend un bouclier 1 présentant une jupe extérieure cylindrique 2 engagée dans le tunnel cylindrique 3 en cours de forage.In the embodiment of Figure 1, the tunnel boring machine according to the invention comprises a shield 1 having a cylindrical outer skirt 2 engaged in the cylindrical tunnel 3 during drilling.

L'extrémité du bouclier présente une arête circulaire vive 4. En arrière de cette arête 4, le bouclier 1 présente une protubérance annulaire 5 faisant saillie radialement vers l'axe X-X′ du bouclier 1.The end of the shield has a sharp circular edge 4. Behind this edge 4, the shield 1 has an annular protuberance 5 projecting radially towards the axis X-X ′ of the shield 1.

A une certaine distance de cette protubérance 5, un revêtement constitué d'éléments en béton 6 a été mis en place à l'intérieur du tunnel. Entre le bord avant du revêtement 6 et la protubérance annulaire 5 s'étendent des vérins 7 exerçant une poussée axiale qui fait progresser le bouclier 1 vers l'avant au fur et à mesure de l'avancement du tunnel.At a certain distance from this protuberance 5, a covering consisting of concrete elements 6 has been placed inside the tunnel. Between the front edge of the covering 6 and the annular protuberance 5 extend cylinders 7 exerting an axial thrust which advances the shield 1 forward as the tunnel advances.

A l'avant du bouclier 1 est montée une tête de coupe 8 en forme de disque et portant à sa périphérie des outils de coupe 9 susceptibles de s'user. La face arrière de la tête de coupe 8 comporte une partie annulaire 10, centrée sur l'axe de rotation Y-Y′ de la tête de coupe 8. Autour de cette partie annulaire 10 est montée un support annulaire 11. Entre ce support 11 et la partie annulaire 10 est ménagée une piste circulaire de roulement 12 centrée sur l'axe Y-Y′. A l'opposé de cette piste de roulement 12 vers l'axe Y-Y′, la partie annulaire 10 comporte une couronne dentée 13 sur laquelle sont engrenés des pignons 14 entraînés par des moteurs 15 solidaires du support 11. Dans l'évidement cylindrique de la partie annulaire 10 est engagé un moyeu 16.At the front of the shield 1 is mounted a cutting head 8 in the form of a disc and carrying at its periphery cutting tools 9 liable to wear out. The rear face of the cutting head 8 comprises an annular part 10, centered on the axis of rotation YY ′ of the cutting head 8. Around this annular part 10 is mounted an annular support 11. Between this support 11 and the annular part 10 is formed a circular rolling track 12 centered on the axis YY ′. Opposite this raceway 12 towards the axis YY ′, the annular part 10 comprises a ring gear 13 on which are gears of the pinions 14 driven by motors 15 integral with the support 11. A hub 16 is engaged in the cylindrical recess of the annular part 10.

Le support 11 est solidaire de butées 17 au moyen d'organes de liaison 18 qui seront détaillés plus loin. Les butées 17 sont fixées au bouclier 1 et encaissent les efforts de couple et de poussée.The support 11 is integral with stops 17 by means of connecting members 18 which will be detailed below. The stops 17 are fixed to the shield 1 and collect the torque and thrust forces.

Conformément à la présente invention, entre la partie annulaire 10 de la tête de coupe 8 et la surface interne 5a de la protubérance 5 de l'extrémité du bouclier 1 sont intercalées deux bagues 19, 20 emboîtées axialement l'une dans l'autre. Ces deux bagues 19, 20 définissent (voir figure 2) trois cercles, dont un premier cercle C₁ centré sur l'axe Y-Y′ de la tête de coupe 8 et en contact avec la surface extérieure du support 11, un deuxième cercle C₂ commun aux deux bagues 19, 20 dont le centre O est décalé par rapport à l'axe Y-Y′ de la tête de coupe 8, et un troisième cercle C₃ en contact avec la surface interne cylindrique 5a de l'extrémité du bouclier dont le centre O₁ est également décalé par rapport aux centres Y-Y′ et O des premier et deuxième cercles C₁, C₂.According to the present invention, between the annular part 10 of the cutting head 8 and the internal surface 5a of the protuberance 5 of the end of the shield 1 are interposed two rings 19, 20 axially fitted one inside the other. These two rings 19, 20 define (see FIG. 2) three circles, including a first circle C₁ centered on the axis YY ′ of the cutting head 8 and in contact with the external surface of the support 11, a second circle C₂ common to two rings 19, 20 whose center O is offset from the axis YY ′ of the cutting head 8, and a third circle C₃ in contact with the cylindrical internal surface 5a of the end of the shield whose center O₁ is also offset from the centers YY ′ and O of the first and second circles C₁, C₂.

Les deux bagues 19, 20 coopèrent avec des moyens qui permettent de régler par rotation, leur position angulaire par rapport à la tête de coupe 8 et l'une par rapport à l'autre.The two rings 19, 20 cooperate with means which make it possible to adjust by rotation, their angular position relative to the cutting head 8 and one relative to the other.

Les bagues 19, 20 comprennent chacune à leur bord opposé à la tête de coupe 8 une collerette 19a, 20a.The rings 19, 20 each comprise, at their edge opposite the cutting head 8, a flange 19a, 20a.

L'extrémité du support 11 adjacente aux butées 17 comporte une collerette 11a qui recouvre en partie l'arrière de la bague 19. Cette dernière comporte elle-même une collerette 19a qui recouvre en partie l'arrière de la bague 20 qui comporte également une collerette 20a qui recouvre en partie le bord adjacent de la surface cylindrique 5a. Ces différentes collerettes transmettent la poussée de la tête jusqu'aux butées 17.The end of the support 11 adjacent to the stops 17 comprises a flange 11a which partly covers the rear of the ring 19. The latter itself comprises a flange 19a which partly covers the rear of the ring 20 which also has a collar 20a which partially covers the adjacent edge of the cylindrical surface 5a. These different flanges transmit the thrust from the head to the stops 17.

Par ailleurs, les deux bagues 19, 20 coopèrent avec des moyens qui permettent de régler par rotation leur position angulaire par rapport à la tête de coupe 8.Furthermore, the two rings 19, 20 cooperate with means which allow their angular position relative to the cutting head 8 to be adjusted by rotation.

Ces moyens peuvent être constitués par des moteurs entraînant en rotation (voir figure 2) des roues dentées 21, 22 engrenées avec des couronnes ou secteurs dentés 23, 24 solidaires des bagues 19, 20.These means can be constituted by motors driving in rotation (see FIG. 2) toothed wheels 21, 22 meshed with crowns or toothed sectors 23, 24 integral with the rings 19, 20.

Les figures 2, 3A et 3B montrent la position des bagues 19, 20 lorsque les outils de coupe 9 portés par la tête de coupe 8 sont neufs et que le tunnelier progresse en ligne droite.Figures 2, 3A and 3B show the position of the rings 19, 20 when the cutting tools 9 carried by the cutting head 8 are new and the TBM progresses in a straight line.

Dans ce cas, les centre O, O₁ des cercles extérieurs C₁, C₃ des deux bagues 19, 20 sont décalés dans la même direction vers le bas, de telle sorte que les génératrices inférieures G₁ et G₂ de la tête de coupe 8 et du bouclier 1 soient confondues.In this case, the centers O, O₁ of the outer circles C₁, C₃ of the two rings 19, 20 are offset in the same direction downwards, so that the lower generators G₁ and G₂ of the cutting head 8 and the shield 1 are confused.

Lors du fonctionnement de la tête de coupe 8, les outils de coupe 9 portés par celle-ci s'usent et engendrent une diminution du diamètre de la tête et du tunnel foré par celle-ci. Pour éviter que l'arête avant 4 s'accroche dans le terrain au niveau de la génératrice G₂ du bouclier 2, il faut rapprocher l'axe Y-Y′ de l'axe X-X′ du bouclier 1 pour amener les génératrices G₁ et G₂ en coïncidence.During the operation of the cutting head 8, the cutting tools 9 carried by it wear and cause a reduction in the diameter of the head and of the tunnel drilled by the latter. To prevent the front edge 4 from catching on the ground at the level of the generator G₂ of the shield 2, it is necessary to bring the axis YY ′ of the axis XX ′ of the shield 1 to bring the generators G₁ and G₂ into coincidence .

Les figures 4A et 4B montrent le cas où les outils de coupe 9 portés par la tête de coupe 8 sont usés et que le tunnelier progresse en ligne droite. Dans ce cas, le centre O₁ du cercle extérieur C₃ de la deuxième bague 20 est décalé vers le bas par rapport à l'axe de rotation Y-Y′ de la tête 8 tandis que le centre O du cercle extérieur C₁ de la première bague 19 est décalé vers le haut.FIGS. 4A and 4B show the case where the cutting tools 9 carried by the cutting head 8 are worn and the tunnel boring machine progresses in a straight line. In this case, the center O₁ of the outer circle C₃ of the second ring 20 is shifted downward relative to the axis of rotation YY ′ of the head 8 while the center O of the outer circle C₁ of the first ring 19 is shifted up.

Cette position est obtenue en faisant tourner la première bague 19 dans la seconde bague 20 suivant un angle de 180°, ce qui, du fait de son excentricité fait passer son centre O au-dessus du centre Y-Y′ de la tête de coupe.This position is obtained by rotating the first ring 19 in the second ring 20 at an angle of 180 °, which, due to its eccentricity makes pass its center O above the center YY ′ of the cutting head.

La première bague 19 agit ainsi comme excentrique pour compenser l'usure des outils de coupe 9.The first ring 19 thus acts as an eccentric to compensate for the wear of the cutting tools 9.

La position représentée sur les figures 4A et 4B correspond à une position au-delà de laquelle il n'est plus possible de compenser l'usure des outils de coupe 9 c'est-à-dire de maintenir les génératrices inférieures G₁ et G₂ en coïncidence.The position shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B corresponds to a position beyond which it is no longer possible to compensate for the wear of the cutting tools 9, that is to say to maintain the lower generators G₁ and G₂ in coincidence.

Bien entendu, entre les positions extrêmes représentées sur les figures 3A et 4A existent une infinité de positions intermédiaires que l'on adoptera pour compenser progressivement l'usure des outils de coupe.Of course, between the extreme positions shown in FIGS. 3A and 4A, there are an infinite number of intermediate positions which will be adopted to gradually compensate for the wear of the cutting tools.

A cet effet, la commande de la rotation de la bague 19 pour maintenir les génératrices inférieures G₁ et G₂ en coïncidence pourrait être asservie à l'usure des outils de coupe qui pourrait elle-même être détectée au moyen de capteurs appropriés.To this end, the control of the rotation of the ring 19 to keep the lower generators G₁ and G₂ in coincidence could be controlled by the wear of the cutting tools which could itself be detected by means of suitable sensors.

Lorsque l'on veut inscrire le tunnelier dans une courbe, il est nécessaire que la tête de coupe réalise une surcoupe dans le terrain dans la direction de la courbe, c'est-à-dire soit vers la droite soit vers la gauche. L'ampleur de cette surcoupe dépend bien entendu du rayon de la courbe et de la longueur du bouclier. Cette surcoupe est réalisée en décalant l'axe de la tête de coupe 8 soit vers la droite, pour une courbe vers la droite soit vers la gauche, pour une courbe vers la gauche.When you want to register the TBM in a curve, it is necessary that the cutting head performs an overcut in the ground in the direction of the curve, that is to say either to the right or to the left. The magnitude of this overcut depends of course on the radius of the curve and the length of the shield. This overcut is made by shifting the axis of the cutting head 8 either to the right, for a curve to the right or to the left, for a curve to the left.

Les figures 5A et 5B montrent la position des bagues 19 et 20 lorsque les outils de coupe 9 de la tête de coupe 8 sont neufs et que le tunnelier est engagé dans une courbe.FIGS. 5A and 5B show the position of the rings 19 and 20 when the cutting tools 9 of the cutting head 8 are new and the tunnel boring machine is engaged in a curve.

Les centres O et O₁ des cercles extérieurs C₂, C₃ des deux bagues 19, 20 sont décalés dans la même direction vers le bas par rapport à l'axe de rotation Y-Y′ de la tête 8 et sont situés sur une droite D formant un certain angle (a) par rapport à un plan horizontal, cette droite étant inclinée vers la direction de la courbe.The centers O and O₁ of the outer circles C₂, C₃ of the two rings 19, 20 are offset in the same direction downward relative to the axis of rotation YY ′ of the head 8 and are situated on a straight line D forming a certain angle (a) with respect to a horizontal plane, this straight line being inclined towards the direction of the curve.

Ce résultat a été obtenu en faisant tourner de 45° la bague extérieure 20 sur la bague intérieure 19, par rapport à la position indiquée sur la figure 3A.This result was obtained by rotating the outer ring 20 on the inner ring 19 by 45 °, relative to the position indicated in FIG. 3A.

Les figures 6A et 6B montrent la position des bagues 19, 20 lorsque les outils de coupe sont usés et que l'on veut réaliser une surcoupe vers la droite.FIGS. 6A and 6B show the position of the rings 19, 20 when the cutting tools are worn and when it is desired to make an overcut to the right.

Les centres O, O₁ des cercles extérieurs C₂, C₃ des deux bagues 19, 20 sont décalés dans la même direction par rapport à l'axe de rotation Y-Y′ de la tête 8 et sont situés sur une droite horizontale D₁ opposée à la direction de la courbe.The centers O, O₁ of the outer circles C₂, C₃ of the two rings 19, 20 are offset in the same direction relative to the axis of rotation YY ′ of the head 8 and are located on a horizontal line D₁ opposite to the direction of the curve.

La position représentée sur la figure 6A est la position extrême au-delà de laquelle il n'est plus possible de compenser l'usure des outils de coupe. Entre les positions représentées sur les figures 5A et 6A existent des positions intermédiaires, obtenues par rotation de la bague 20.The position shown in FIG. 6A is the extreme position beyond which it is no longer possible to compensate for the wear of the cutting tools. Between the positions shown in FIGS. 5A and 6A exist intermediate positions, obtained by rotation of the ring 20.

Etant donné que l'axe Y-Y′ de la tête de coupe 8 peut occuper diverses positions par rapport à l'axe X-X′ du bouclier 1, il est nécessaire de prévoir entre le support 11 de la tête 8 et les butées 17 solidaires du bouclier 1, des organes de liaison 18 permettant les déplacements de la tête 8 entre les diverses positions ci-dessus, tout en encaissant les efforts de couple et de poussée.Since the axis YY ′ of the cutting head 8 can occupy various positions relative to the axis XX ′ of the shield 1, it is necessary to provide between the support 11 of the head 8 and the stops 17 integral with the shield 1, connecting members 18 allowing the head 8 to move between the various above positions, while absorbing the torque and thrust forces.

Un tel organe de liaison 18 est représenté en perspective éclatée sur la figure 7. Il comprend une partie 25 solidaire d'une butée 17 présentant sur sa face opposée à la butée une nervure 26 engagée dans une gorge complémentaire 27 ménagée dans la face en regard d'une pièce intermédiaire 28. Cette dernière comporte sur sa face opposée une nervure 29 faisant un angle de 90° par rapport à la nervure 26 de la partie 25, engagée dans une gorge complémentaire 30 ménagée sur la face en regard d'une partie 31, solidaire du support 11. Cet organe reprend le principe du clavetage Oldam.Such a connecting member 18 is shown in exploded perspective in Figure 7. It comprises a part 25 integral with a stop 17 having on its face opposite the stop a rib 26 engaged in a complementary groove 27 formed in the opposite face an intermediate piece 28. The latter has on its opposite face a rib 29 making an angle of 90 ° by relative to the rib 26 of the part 25, engaged in a complementary groove 30 formed on the opposite face of a part 31, integral with the support 11. This member takes up the principle of the Oldam keying.

D'autres dispositions sont bien entendu possibles, telles que celle représentée sur la figure 8, utilisant deux vérins hydrauliques 32, 33.Other arrangements are of course possible, such as that shown in FIG. 8, using two hydraulic cylinders 32, 33.

Bien entendu, des joints d'étanchéité seront disposés entre la partie annulaire 10 et le moyeu 16, en avant de la piste de roulement 12 et de la couronne dentée 13 pour protéger celles-ci à l'égard des matériaux susceptibles de pénétrer dans la partie comprise entre la tête de coupe 8 et l'arête avant 4 du bouclier 1.Of course, seals will be placed between the annular part 10 and the hub 16, in front of the raceway 12 and the ring gear 13 to protect them against materials likely to penetrate the part between the cutting head 8 and the front edge 4 of the shield 1.

Lors du fonctionnement du dispositif selon l'invention, la poussée totale engendrée est la somme des composantes suivantes :

  • effort de coupe des outils,
  • poussée hydrostatique sur l'avant de la machine,
  • frottement de la machine sur le terrain et le revêtement.
During the operation of the device according to the invention, the total thrust generated is the sum of the following components:
  • tool cutting force,
  • hydrostatic thrust on the front of the machine,
  • friction of the machine on the ground and the coating.

D'autre part, dans le cas d'une machine universelle, les efforts à appliquer sur les molettes, lorsqu'elle travaille en terrains durs, sont très faibles par rapport à la poussée totale possible.On the other hand, in the case of a universal machine, the forces to be applied to the rollers, when it works in hard ground, are very low compared to the total possible thrust.

Enfin, le roulement de la machine n'est pas toujours capable de reprendre sa poussée totale. Sur les grandes machines, ceci conduirait à un roulement trop coûteux.Finally, the rolling of the machine is not always capable of resuming its full thrust. On large machines, this would lead to too costly rolling.

Il est donc de la plus grande importance de pouvoir surveiller :

  • l'effort sur les outils de coupe,
  • l'effort total sur la tête,
  • le frottement de la machine,
  • la poussée totale.
It is therefore of the utmost importance to be able to monitor:
  • the effort on the cutting tools,
  • the total effort on the head,
  • the friction of the machine,
  • the total thrust.

Le dispositif proposé dans la présente invention permet, à l'aide de vérins situés entre les butées 17 et les supports 11, de connaître en permanence la poussée totale appliquée à la tête de coupe uniquement en mesurant leur pression moyenne.The device proposed in the present invention makes it possible, using cylinders located between the stops 17 and the supports 11, to permanently know the total thrust applied to the cutting head only by measuring their average pressure.

CalculsCalculations

Les grandeurs mesurées sont :

PA
= Pression des fronts
PR
= Pression sur les vérins de tête de coupe
PV
= Pression sur les vérins de poussée
The quantities measured are:
PA
= Front pressure
PR
= Pressure on the cutting head cylinders
PV
= Pressure on the thrust cylinders

Les éléments de calculs sont :

D
= Diamètre du bouclier
NV
= Nombre de vérins de poussée
DV
= Diamètre des vérins de poussée
NR
= Nombre des vérins de tête de coupe
DR
= Diamètre des vérins de tête de coupe
SR
= Surface frontale de la tête de coupe exposée à la pression des fronts
NM
= Nombre de molettes
PM
= Poussée admissible par molette
The calculation elements are:
D
= Shield diameter
N V
= Number of thrust cylinders
D V
= Diameter of thrust cylinders
N R
= Number of cutting head cylinders
D R
= Diameter of the cutting head cylinders
S R
= Front surface of the cutting head exposed to front pressure
N M
= Number of knobs
P M
= Admissible thrust by wheel

Les grandeurs à calculer sont :

PT
= Poussée totale sur le bouclier
PTC
= Poussée totale sur tête de coupe
PO
= Poussée sur les outils
PF
= Frottement du bouclier
PM
= Poussée hydrostatique sur bouclier
The quantities to be calculated are:
P T
= Total thrust on the shield
P TC
= Total thrust on the cutting head
P O
= Thrust on tools
P F
= Friction of the shield
P M
= Hydrostatic thrust on shield

Les relations sont

Figure imgb0001
Relationships are
Figure imgb0001

Il en résulte donc que ce système permet de régler de façon précise et exacte tous les composants de la poussée de la machine.It therefore follows that this system makes it possible to precisely and precisely adjust all of the components of the thrust of the machine.

Il est ainsi possible de ne jamais dépasser les maxis admissibles et de protéger le matériel.It is thus possible never to exceed the maximum allowable values and to protect the equipment.

Les principaux avantages du tunnelier que l'on vient de décrire sont les suivants :
   Les deux bagues 19, 20 constituent des excentriques qui permettent à la fois de compenser l'usure de la tête de coupe 8 et de réaliser des surcoupes dans le terrain vers la droite ou la gauche pour inscrire le tunnelier dans une courbe.The main advantages of the tunnel boring machine just described are as follows:
The two rings 19, 20 constitute eccentrics which make it possible both to compensate for the wear of the cutting head 8 and to make cuts in the ground to the right or to the left to register the tunnel boring machine in a curve.

Ces bagues sont des organes mécaniques robustes, simples à réaliser et à commander en rotation, qui de plus sont peu sensibles à l'usure engendrée par les matériaux environnants.These rings are robust mechanical members, simple to make and to control in rotation, which moreover are not very sensitive to the wear generated by the surrounding materials.

Par ailleurs, ces bagues 19, 20 occupent une place relativement réduite dans la partie avant du tunnelier et sont faciles à monter et à démonter.Furthermore, these rings 19, 20 occupy a relatively small space in the front part of the TBM and are easy to assemble and disassemble.

En particulier, ces bagues 19, 20 n'augmentent pas la longueur axiale du tunnelier, contrairement aux réalisations connues, dans lesquelles la tête de coupe est montée sur une rotule.In particular, these rings 19, 20 do not increase the axial length of the tunnel boring machine, unlike known embodiments, in which the cutting head is mounted on a ball joint.

Dans une réalisation simplifiée de l'invention, une seule bague excentrée suffit, si l'on se contente de la compensation de l'usure des outils de coupe.In a simplified embodiment of the invention, a single eccentric ring is sufficient, if one is satisfied with compensating for the wear of the cutting tools.

Claims (11)

Tunnelier comprenant un bouclier cylindrique (2) portant une tête de coupe (8) en forme de disque montée en rotation suivant un axe (Y-Y′) parallèle à celui du bouclier (1), la tête de coupe (8) comportant sur sa face adjacente au bouclier une partie annulaire (10) centrée sur l'axe (Y-Y′) de la tête de coupe, le diamètre de cette dernière étant supérieur à celui du bouclier (1), caractérisé en ce qu'entre ladite partie annulaire (10) de la tête de coupe (8) et une surface interne cylindrique (5a) de l'extrémité du bouclier (2) est intercalé au moins une bague (19) dont le profil intérieur est un cercle (C₁) centré sur l'axe (X-X′) de la tête de coupe et le profil extérieur formant excentrique est un cercle (C₂) dont le centre (O) est décalé par rapport à l'axe (Y-Y′) de la tête de coupe.Tunneling machine comprising a cylindrical shield (2) carrying a cutting head (8) in the form of a disc mounted in rotation along an axis (YY ′) parallel to that of the shield (1), the cutting head (8) having on its face adjacent to the shield an annular part (10) centered on the axis (YY ′) of the cutting head, the diameter of the latter being greater than that of the shield (1), characterized in that between said annular part (10 ) of the cutting head (8) and a cylindrical internal surface (5a) of the end of the shield (2) is interposed at least one ring (19) whose internal profile is a circle (C₁) centered on the axis (XX ′) of the cutting head and the outer profile forming an eccentric is a circle (C₂), the center (O) of which is offset from the axis (YY ′) of the cutting head. Tunnelier conforme à la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce qu'entre ladite partie annulaire (10) de la tête de coupe (8) et la surface interne (5a) de l'extrémité du bouclier (1) sont intercalées deux bagues (19, 20) emboîtées l'une dans l'autre, ces deux bagues définissant trois cercles, dont un premier cercle (C₁) centré sur l'axe (Y-Y′) de la tête de coupe (8), un deuxième cercle (C₂) commun aux deux bagues (19, 20) dont le centre (O) est décalé par rapport au centre (Y-Y′) de la tête de coupe, et un troisième cercle (C₃) en contact avec la surface interne cylindrique (5a) de l'extrémité du bouclier dont le centre (O₁) est également décalé par rapport aux centres des premier et deuxième cercles.Tunneling machine according to claim 1, characterized in that between said annular part (10) of the cutting head (8) and the internal surface (5a) of the end of the shield (1) are interposed two rings (19, 20) fitted into each other, these two rings defining three circles, including a first circle (C₁) centered on the axis (YY ′) of the cutting head (8), a second common circle (C₂) to the two rings (19, 20) whose center (O) is offset from the center (YY ′) of the cutting head, and a third circle (C₃) in contact with the internal cylindrical surface (5a) of the end of the shield whose center (O₁) is also offset from the centers of the first and second circles. Tunnelier conforme à la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que les deux bagues (19, 20) coopèrent avec des moyens qui permettent de régler par rotation leur position angulaire par rapport à la tête de coupe (8) et l'une par rapport à l'autre.Tunneling machine according to claim 2, characterized in that the two rings (19, 20) cooperate with means which allow their angular position to be adjusted by rotation relative to the cutting head (8) and one relative to the 'other. Tunnelier conforme à la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que lorsque les outils de coupe (9) portés par la tête de coupe (8) sont neufs et le tunnelier progresse sur ligne droite, les cercles extérieurs (C₂, C₃) des deux bagues (19, 20) sont décalés dans la même direction vers le bas de telle sorte que les génératrices inférieures (G₁, G₂) de la tête de coupe (8) et du bouclier (2) soient confondues.Tunneling machine according to claim 3, characterized in that when the cutting tools (9) carried by the cutting head (8) are new and the TBM progresses on a straight line, the outer circles (C₂, C₃) of the two rings (19, 20) are shifted in the same direction downwards so that the generators lower (G₁, G₂) of the cutting head (8) and the shield (2) are combined. Tunnelier conforme à la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que lorsque les outils de coupe (9) portés par la tête de coupe (8) sont usés et que le tunnelier progresse en ligne droite, le centre (O₁) du cercle extérieur (C₃) de la deuxième bague (20) est décalé vers le bas par rapport à l'axe de rotation (Y-Y′) de la tête (8) tandis que le centre (O) du cercle extérieur (C₂) de la première bague (19) est décalé vers le haut.Tunneling machine according to claim 3, characterized in that when the cutting tools (9) carried by the cutting head (8) are worn and the tunneling machine progresses in a straight line, the center (O₁) of the outer circle (C₃) of the second ring (20) is offset downward relative to the axis of rotation (YY ′) of the head (8) while the center (O) of the outer circle (C₂) of the first ring (19) is shifted up. Tunnelier conforme à la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que lorsque les outils de coupe de la tête de coupe sont neufs et que le tunnelier est engagé dans une courbe, des centres (O et O₁) des cercles extérieurs (C₂, C₃) des deux bagues (19, 20) sont décalées dans la même direction vers le bas par rapport à l'axe de rotation (Y-Y′) de la tête (8) et sont situés sur une droite (D) formant un certain angle (a) par rapport à un plan horizontal, cette droite (D) étant inclinée vers la direction de la courbe.Tunneling machine according to claim 3, characterized in that when the cutting tools for the cutting head are new and the tunneling machine is engaged in a curve, centers (O and O₁) of the outer circles (C₂, C₃) of the two rings (19, 20) are offset in the same direction downward with respect to the axis of rotation (YY ′) of the head (8) and are located on a straight line (D) forming a certain angle (a) by relative to a horizontal plane, this straight line (D) being inclined towards the direction of the curve. Tunnelier conforme à la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que lorsque les outils de coupe (9) de la tête de coupe (8) sont usés et que le tunnelier est engagé dans une courbe, les centres (O, O₁) des cercles extérieurs (C₂, C₃) des deux bagues (19, 20) sont décalées dans la même direction par rapport à l'axe de rotation de la tête et sont situés sur une droite horizontale (D₁) opposée à la direction de la courbe.Tunneling machine according to claim 3, characterized in that when the cutting tools (9) of the cutting head (8) are worn and the tunneling machine is engaged in a curve, the centers (O, O₁) of the outer circles ( C₂, C₃) of the two rings (19, 20) are offset in the same direction relative to the axis of rotation of the head and are located on a horizontal line (D₁) opposite the direction of the curve. Tunnelier conforme à l'une des revendications 2 à 7, caractérisé en ce qu'entre la première bague (19) et la partie annulaire (10) de la tête de coupe (8) est intercalé un support annulaire (11) en appui contre la partie annulaire de la tête de coupe et contre lequel prennent appui des butées (17) solidaires du bouclier (1).Tunneling machine according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that between the first ring (19) and the annular part (10) of the cutting head (8) is interposed an annular support (11) bearing against the annular part of the cutting head and against which abut stops (17) integral with the shield (1). Tunnelier conforme à la revendication 8, caractérisé en ce que les bagues (19, 20) comprennent chacune à leur bord opposé à la tête de coupe (8) une collerette (19a, 20a), la collerette (20a) de la deuxième bague (20) étant en butée contre le bord arrière de la surface interne cylindrique (5a) de l'extrémité du bouclier, la collerette (19a) de la première bague (19) étant en butée contre le bord arrière de la deuxième bague (20), le support (11) comportant lui-même sur son bord arrière une collerette (11a) en appui contre les collerettes (19a, 20a) des bagues.Tunneling machine according to claim 8, characterized in that the rings (19, 20) each comprise at their edge opposite the cutting head (8) a flange (19a, 20a), the flange (20a) of the second ring ( 20) being in abutment against the rear edge of the cylindrical internal surface (5a) of the end of the shield, the flange (19a) of the first ring (19) being in abutment against the rear edge of the second ring (20) , the support (11) itself comprising on its rear edge a flange (11a) bearing against the flanges (19a, 20a) of the rings. Tunnelier conforme à l'une des revendications 8 ou 9, caractérisé en ce que les butées (17) prennent appui contre ledit support (11) par l'intermédiaire d'organes (18) permettant un coulissement relatif perpendiculairement à l'axe (X-X′) du bouclier (2) entre ledit support (11) et lesdites butées (17), tout en encaissant le couple de rotation de la tête de coupe (8).Tunneling machine according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the stops (17) bear against said support (11) by means of members (18) allowing relative sliding perpendicular to the axis (XX ′) Of the shield (2) between said support (11) and said stops (17), while collecting the torque of the cutting head (8). Tunnelier conforme à l'une des revendications 8 à 10, caractérisé en ce qu'entre les butées (17) et le support (11) sont situés des vérins et des moyens sont prévus pour mesurer la pression moyenne de ceux-ci.Tunneling machine according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that between the stops (17) and the support (11) are located jacks and means are provided for measuring the average pressure thereof.
EP92401821A 1991-06-28 1992-06-26 Tunnelling machine having a cutting head, the position of which can be controlled Expired - Lifetime EP0520909B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9108051 1991-06-28
FR9108051A FR2678296B1 (en) 1991-06-28 1991-06-28 TUNNELIER INCLUDING A CUTTING HEAD WHOSE POSITION IS ADJUSTABLE.

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0520909A1 true EP0520909A1 (en) 1992-12-30
EP0520909B1 EP0520909B1 (en) 1995-12-27

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EP92401821A Expired - Lifetime EP0520909B1 (en) 1991-06-28 1992-06-26 Tunnelling machine having a cutting head, the position of which can be controlled

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EP (1) EP0520909B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE132228T1 (en)
DE (2) DE69207084T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2036997T1 (en)
FR (1) FR2678296B1 (en)
GR (1) GR930300048T1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0677643A1 (en) * 1994-04-15 1995-10-18 Alpine Westfalia Berg- und Tunneltechnik GmbH &amp; Co. Tunnel boring machine
EP0727562A1 (en) * 1995-02-17 1996-08-21 ROLLS-ROYCE POWER ENGINEERING plc Improved bearing system for a boring machine

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3667556A (en) * 1970-01-05 1972-06-06 John Keller Henderson Directional drilling apparatus
FR2299495A1 (en) * 1975-02-03 1976-08-27 Gewerk Eisenhuette Westfalia
DE2545041A1 (en) * 1975-10-08 1977-04-21 Peiner Masch Schrauben Tunnelling shield deflection system - has interposed cylinder divided obliquely into eccentrically rotating tumbler discs
DE3545765A1 (en) * 1985-12-21 1987-06-25 Gewerk Eisenhuette Westfalia DRIVING DEVICE WITH A FULL CUTTING MACHINE STORED IN A DRIVE SHIELD
EP0410353A1 (en) * 1989-07-28 1991-01-30 Kabushiki Kaisha Iseki Kaihatsu Koki Shield tunnelling machine

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3667556A (en) * 1970-01-05 1972-06-06 John Keller Henderson Directional drilling apparatus
FR2299495A1 (en) * 1975-02-03 1976-08-27 Gewerk Eisenhuette Westfalia
DE2545041A1 (en) * 1975-10-08 1977-04-21 Peiner Masch Schrauben Tunnelling shield deflection system - has interposed cylinder divided obliquely into eccentrically rotating tumbler discs
DE3545765A1 (en) * 1985-12-21 1987-06-25 Gewerk Eisenhuette Westfalia DRIVING DEVICE WITH A FULL CUTTING MACHINE STORED IN A DRIVE SHIELD
EP0410353A1 (en) * 1989-07-28 1991-01-30 Kabushiki Kaisha Iseki Kaihatsu Koki Shield tunnelling machine

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0677643A1 (en) * 1994-04-15 1995-10-18 Alpine Westfalia Berg- und Tunneltechnik GmbH &amp; Co. Tunnel boring machine
US5575537A (en) * 1994-04-15 1996-11-19 Alpine Westfalia Berg- Und Tunneltechnik Gmbh & Co. Tunnel drilling machine or tube-driving machine
EP0727562A1 (en) * 1995-02-17 1996-08-21 ROLLS-ROYCE POWER ENGINEERING plc Improved bearing system for a boring machine

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ES2036997T1 (en) 1993-06-16
GR930300048T1 (en) 1993-06-30
DE69207084D1 (en) 1996-02-08
ATE132228T1 (en) 1996-01-15
DE69207084T2 (en) 1996-09-19
FR2678296B1 (en) 1993-10-29
FR2678296A1 (en) 1992-12-31
EP0520909B1 (en) 1995-12-27
DE520909T1 (en) 1993-05-19

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