EP1281835A1 - Tunnel boring machine - Google Patents

Tunnel boring machine Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1281835A1
EP1281835A1 EP02291730A EP02291730A EP1281835A1 EP 1281835 A1 EP1281835 A1 EP 1281835A1 EP 02291730 A EP02291730 A EP 02291730A EP 02291730 A EP02291730 A EP 02291730A EP 1281835 A1 EP1281835 A1 EP 1281835A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
pipe
bentonite
assembly
tunnel
machine according
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.)
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Application number
EP02291730A
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German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Bernard Collin
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NFM Technologies SAS
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NFM Technologies SAS
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Filing date
Publication date
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Publication of EP1281835A1 publication Critical patent/EP1281835A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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    • 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
    • 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
    • E21D9/0621—Shield advancing devices
    • 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
    • E21D9/087—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 rotary drilling-head cutting simultaneously the whole cross-section, i.e. full-face machines
    • E21D9/0873—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 rotary drilling-head cutting simultaneously the whole cross-section, i.e. full-face machines the shield being provided with devices for lining the tunnel, e.g. shuttering

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a machine for digging a tunnel.
  • Tunneling machines also called tunnel boring machines, have a large mobile structure comprising a cylindrical envelope in two parts, a first part called shield front and a second part called rear shield connected to the front shield.
  • the frontal shield which comes into contact with the waist face to cut the formation through which the tunnel passes, has a head cutting formed by a circular plate driven in rotation about an axis which corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the digging machine, at a speed determined which depends on the nature of the ground to be dug.
  • the digging machine also includes means for axial movement of the machine, a segment storage store, a device for laying these segments inside the tunnel as well as a system evacuation of the material resulting from the felling of the land under the advance of the digging machine.
  • the circular plate forming the cutting head has openings delimited by radial arms supporting work tools intended for the felling of the ground and which consist of planing tools, pick tools or tooth tools that have various shapes and uses.
  • the front part of the cylindrical envelope has also a fixed vertical partition, disposed behind the cutting head and forming therewith a slaughter chamber from which the material torn off is discharged towards the rear of the digging machine.
  • the felling of the ground is obtained by the rotation of the cutting head and the simultaneous advance of this generated by a strong push against the front of size.
  • the digging machines are provided with a assembly for supplying the slaughter chamber with a mixture of water and of clay, called bentonite.
  • the bentonite is injected into the slaughter chamber at through the openings of the cutting head towards the cutting face to ensure the cohesion of the face, maintain a back pressure in order to support the ground and to allow the cutting head to work in good conditions.
  • the cuttings mixed with bentonite are extracted by a opening located in the lower part of the slaughter chamber by an assembly extraction.
  • the supply assembly includes a first pipe rigid and fixed, which is integral with the walls of the tunnel, a second pipe rigid and integral with the front shield and a portion of flexible pipe connecting the first and second rigid pipes.
  • the free end of the first pipe in the assembly supply is connected to a bentonite supply system and the free end of the second pipe opens into the slaughter chamber of the frontal shield.
  • the extraction assembly can also be formed by a first rigid and fixed pipe, which is integral with the walls of the tunnel, a second rigid pipe integral with the front shield and a portion of flexible pipe connecting the first and second pipes rigid.
  • the extraction assembly can also be constituted by a screw conveyor or conveyor belt.
  • the free end of the first pipe of the extraction assembly is connected to a treatment system of bentonite and the free end of the second pipe opens into the slaughter chamber of the frontal shield.
  • each flexible assembly allows to ensure the connection between the two rigid pipes when advancing the frontal shield.
  • the portion of flexible pipe has a determined length so there comes a time when you have to stop the advance of the front shield to add a portion of rigid pipe between the first pipe and the flexible pipe and, therefore, allow the front shield to advance in order to dig the tunnel.
  • the laying of the pipe section additional requires cutting off the supply and extraction by via a shut-off valve arranged on the first pipe and the emptying the bentonite from the part of the pipeline located downstream of the valve Stop.
  • the object of the invention is to propose a digging machine a tunnel which avoids the drawbacks mentioned above.
  • the invention therefore relates to a machine for digging a tunnel of the type comprising, on the one hand, a front shield movable in translation and carrying a cutting head delimiting with a vertical partition a slaughter chamber and, on the other hand, a bentonite supply assembly of the slaughter chamber, said assembly comprising a first fixed pipe and rigid, integral with the walls of the tunnel, a second rigid pipe, integral of the front shield and a portion of flexible pipe connecting the first and second pipes, characterized in that said assembly comprises a obturator movable by means of a pressurized fluid between a retracted position releasing the passage of bentonite between the first and second pipes and a closed position of the first pipe to stop the passage of bentonite and allow the mounting of a section of additional fixed pipeline between said first pipeline and said flexible pipe.
  • the invention also relates to a machine for digging a tunnel of the type comprising, on the one hand, a front shield movable in translation and carrying a cutting head delimiting with a vertical partition a slaughter chamber and, on the other hand, a set of bentonite extraction from the slaughter chamber and mixed with spoil, said set comprising a first fixed and rigid pipe, integral with the walls of the tunnel, a second rigid pipe, integral with the front shield and a portion of flexible pipe connecting the first and second pipes, characterized in that said assembly includes a shutter member movable by means of a fluid under pressure between a retracted position releasing the passage of the bentonite between the first and second pipes and a position of closure of the first pipe to stop the extraction of bentonite and allow the mounting of an additional fixed pipe section between said first pipe and said flexible pipe.
  • Fig. 1 there is shown schematically a machine for excavation 1, called a tunnel boring machine, and which conventionally consists of a generally cylindrical shell in two independent parts, one first part 3 called front shield or front shield and a second part 2 called rear bumper.
  • a tunnel boring machine which conventionally consists of a generally cylindrical shell in two independent parts, one first part 3 called front shield or front shield and a second part 2 called rear bumper.
  • the front shield 3 has a cutting head 4 which comes in contact with the size A face to cut the formation geological crossing through the tunnel and which is in the general form of a circular plate slightly larger in diameter than the front shield 3.
  • the cutting head 4 is rotated by at least one motor, not shown, at a determined speed which depends on the nature of the ground to dig and this cutting head 4 has openings delimited by radial arms supporting working tools constituted for example by knurling wheels or planing or other tools depending on the nature of the ground through.
  • the front shield 3 also includes a vertical partition 3a fixed, arranged behind the cutting head 4 and forming a chamber therewith slaughter 6 from which the material torn off is discharged towards the rear of the digging machine.
  • the rear shield 2 and the front shield 3 are connected to each other.
  • the digging machine 1 includes means 7 for axial displacement of the assembly constituted by the rear shield 2, the shield front 3 and the cutting head 4, and also a set 8 of installation of segments 9 to inside the tunnel.
  • the means 7 for axial displacement of the front shield 3 as well as of the cutting head 4 are formed by a ring of jacks 7a integral with the frontal shield 3 and which come into abutment against the ring of segments 9 placed at inside the tunnel so as to exert thrust on the front shield 3 necessary for the excavation of the ground crossed.
  • the variations in the direction of the cutting head 4 are obtained by thrust differences between the different cylinders 7a.
  • the digging machine also includes a set 10 bentonite feed which is a mixture of water and clay. So conventional, bentonite is injected into the felling chamber 6 by the assembly 10 feed and passes through the openings of the cutting head 4, in direction of the face to ensure the cohesion of the latter.
  • the bentonite supply assembly 10 comprises a first rigid and fixed pipe 11, which is integral with the walls of the tunnel by through the segments 9, a second rigid pipe 12, integral by appropriate means, not shown, of the front shield 3 and a portion flexible pipe 13 connecting the first and second pipes 11 and 12.
  • This flexible pipe portion 13 ensures the connection between the two rigid pipes 11 and 12 during the advance of the front shield 3.
  • the free end 11a of the first pipe 11 is connected to means for supplying bentonite, not shown, and the free end 12a of the second pipe 12 opens into the slaughter chamber 6 as shown in Fig. 1.
  • the assembly 10 also includes a bypass 14 located at downstream of the flexible pipe portion 13 relative to the direction of flow of bentonite and which is provided with a valve 15 opening or closing the bypass 14.
  • the second pipe 12 is also provided with a valve 16 intended to open or close this second pipe 12.
  • the digging machine also includes means of extraction of the bentonite injected into the slaughter chamber 6 and mixed with spoil.
  • extraction means can be constituted by a screw conveyor or conveyor belt or by a set 50 of extraction identical to the set 10 of bentonite feed.
  • This bentonite extraction assembly 50 comprises a first rigid and fixed pipe 51, a second rigid pipe 52 and, secured by appropriate means, not shown, to the front shield 3 and a portion of flexible pipe 53 connecting the first and second lines 51 and 52.
  • This flexible pipe portion 53 ensures the connection between the two rigid pipes 51 and 52 during the advance of the front shield 3.
  • the free end 51a of the first pipe 51 is connected to bentonite suction means, not shown, and the free end 52a of the second pipe 52 opens at the lower part of the chamber slaughter 6, as shown in FIG. 1.
  • the assembly 50 also includes a bypass 54 which is provided with a valve 55 opening or closing this bypass 54.
  • the second line 52 is also provided with a valve 56 intended to open or close this second pipe 52.
  • the assembly 10, 50 comprises a designated shutter member as a whole by the reference 20 and movable, as we will see subsequently, by means of a pressurized fluid between a retracted position in bypass 14, 54 freeing the passage of bentonite between the first and second pipes 11, 51 and 12, 52 and a closed position of the first pipe 11, 51 to stop the passage of bentonite and allow mounting an additional section of pipe between said first line 11, 51 and said flexible line-13, 53.
  • This shutter member 20 has the general shape of a cylinder and is consists of three parts, a central part 21 and two end parts 22 each arranged on either side of said central part 21.
  • the central part 21 comprises a body 45 supporting autonomous means for blocking said shutter member 20 in the position of closing of the first pipe 11.
  • the autonomous blocking means are formed by at least two pads 23 and 24 opposite.
  • the autonomous locking means are formed by two pairs of pads 23 and 24 opposed.
  • Each shoe 23 of the first pair of shoes is mounted articulated on a support 25 which is itself mounted radially displaceable on the body 45 of the central part 21.
  • the support 25 includes a stop 26 mounted in a base 27 secured to body 45 so as to limit the transverse displacement of the pair of pads 23.
  • each pad 24 of the second pair of pads is mounted articulated on a support 28 which is itself mounted radially displaceable on the body 45 of the central part 21.
  • the support 28 has a stop 29 mounted in a base 30 secured to the body 45 so as to limit the radial movement of the pair of pads 24.
  • Each pad 23 of the first pair of pads is held applied against the internal wall of the corresponding pipe by a spring hydropneumatic which consists of a cylinder 31 for example simple effect comprising a rod 31a for controlling the translational movement of the shoe 23 correspondent.
  • Each cylinder 31 is connected by a conduit 32 to an accumulator hydropneumatic 33 supported by the body 45 of the central part 21.
  • the hydropneumatic accumulator 33 has a first chamber 33a (Fig. 3) containing nitrogen under pressure and a second chamber 33b containing oil and into which open the pipes 32, said chambers 33a and 33b being separated by a membrane 34.
  • the oil contained in chamber 33b is pressurized by the nitrogen contained in the chamber 33a which has the effect of applying to the pads 23 a constant force via the control rods 31a of the cylinders 31 so as to hold these pads 23 against the internal wall of the corresponding pipeline.
  • Each pad 24 of the second pair of pads is held applied against the internal wall of the corresponding pipe by a spring hydropneumatic which consists of a cylinder 35 for example simple effect comprising a rod 35a for controlling the transverse movement of the shoe 24 corresponding.
  • Each cylinder 35 is connected by a conduit 37 to an accumulator hydropneumatic 38 supported by the body 45 of the central part 21.
  • the hydropneumatic accumulator 38 has a first chamber 38a containing nitrogen under pressure and a second chamber 38b containing oil and into which the conduits 37 open, the said chambers 38a and 38b being separated by a membrane 39.
  • the oil contained in chamber 38b is pressurized by the nitrogen contained in the chamber 38a which has the effect of applying to the parts 24 a constant force through the control rods 35a jacks 35 so as to hold these pads 24 against the internal wall of the corresponding pipeline.
  • each end portion 22 of the shutter member 20 is connected to the body 45 of the central part 21 by a joint 40 of the appropriate type, which allows angular movement of said end portion 22 relative to said central portion 21.
  • Each articulation 40 is protected by a sealing bellows 41.
  • Each end portion 22 has at least one disc scraper 42, and in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, two discs scrapers 42 extending parallel to each other and whose diameter is greater than the diameter of the first pipe 11.
  • the scraper discs 42 are fixed between spacers 33 and the stack formed by the scraper discs 42 and the spacers 43 is maintained by liaison bodies 44.
  • valve 16 in normal operation, the valve 16 is open and valve 15 is closed and the bentonite flows through the first rigid pipe 11, the flexible pipe portion 13 and the second rigid pipe 12.
  • the bentonite is injected through the end 12a into the slaughter chamber 6 located behind the cutting head 4.
  • the shutter member 20 is in the retracted position in the branch 14.
  • the front shield 3 supporting the cutting head 4 and the second rigid pipe 12 progressively advances, so as to dig the tunnel this which has the effect of tightening the flexible pipe portion 13, as well as shown in Fig. 4B.
  • the flexible pipe portion 13 has a determined length if although there comes a time when you have to stop the advance of the front shield 3 and add a portion of rigid pipe between the first pipe 11 and the portion of flexible pipe 13.
  • valve 16 is closed and the valve 15 is open. Then, a pressurized fluid, such as water, is injected by the free end of the bypass 14 which has the effect of propelling the organ shutter 20 in the first pipe 11 and this despite the presence of a bentonite column in this first pipe 11 vented by the end 11a.
  • a pressurized fluid such as water
  • the pressure exerted by the fluid on the organ shutter 20 is greater than the pressure exerted by the bentonite in said first pipe 11. Sealing is ensured by the scraper discs 42 in contact with the internal wall of the pipeline through which said flow shutter 20.
  • the pads 23 and 24 constitute a mechanical brake allowing stopping and then maintaining in position the shutter member 20 when the pressure propulsion water is canceled.
  • This shutter member 20 is therefore kept in position at the end of the first pipe 11 (FIG. 4C) and then retains a column of bentonite which allows the opening of the first pipe downstream of the shutter member 20 and, therefore, the laying of a pipe section 46 additional between said first pipe 11 and said portion of flexible pipe 13, as shown in FIG. 4D.
  • the hydropneumatic springs constituted by the cylinders 31 and 35 and the accumulators 33 and 38 allow the positioning of the pads 23 and 24 to variations in the diameter of the pipes due to tolerances and wear of the pads.
  • Accumulators 33 and 38 allow variations to be absorbed oil volume due to stroke variations of cylinders 31 and 35, in keeping the braking force as constant as possible. They thus authorize the adjustment of both the holding hydraulic pressure and the pressure of the propulsion fluid of the shutter member 20.
  • valve 15 is closed and the valve 16 is opened which allows the bentonite slaughter chamber to be supplied again and therefore continue digging the tunnel.
  • the obturation member is therefore autonomous and does not require any connection with the outside.
  • the power supply assembly according to the invention has the advantage of reduce the downtime of the digging machine when extending the fixed pipe because there is no need to drain this pipe.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
  • Geology (AREA)
  • Excavating Of Shafts Or Tunnels (AREA)

Abstract

The tunnelling machine has a front shield (3) with a cutting head (4) and vertical panel (3a) forming a working chamber (6), and a bentonite feed assembly (10) with one duct (11) fixed to the tunnel wall and another (12) connected to the shield. The assembly incorporates a shutter (20) actuated by a pressure fluid so that it moves between a retracted position allowing the bentonite to flow between the first and second ducts and a position in which the first duct is closed to halt the flow of bentonite and allow an additional section of duct to be fitted.

Description

La présente invention concerne une machine de creusement d'un tunnel.The present invention relates to a machine for digging a tunnel.

Les machines de creusement d'un tunnel, également appelées tunneliers, comportent une structure mobile de grande dimension comprenant une enveloppe cylindrique en deux parties, une première partie appelée bouclier frontal et une seconde partie appelée bouclier arrière relié au bouclier frontal.Tunneling machines, also called tunnel boring machines, have a large mobile structure comprising a cylindrical envelope in two parts, a first part called shield front and a second part called rear shield connected to the front shield.

Le bouclier frontal qui vient en contact avec le front de taille pour réaliser le découpage de la formation traversée par le tunnel, comporte une tête de coupe formée par un plateau circulaire entraíné en rotation autour d'un axe qui correspond à l'axe longitudinal de la machine de creusement, à une vitesse déterminée qui est fonction de la nature du terrain à creuser.The frontal shield which comes into contact with the waist face to cut the formation through which the tunnel passes, has a head cutting formed by a circular plate driven in rotation about an axis which corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the digging machine, at a speed determined which depends on the nature of the ground to be dug.

La machine de creusement comporte aussi des moyens de déplacement axial de la machine, un magasin de stockage de voussoirs, un dispositif de pose de ces voussoirs à l'intérieur du tunnel ainsi qu'un système d'évacuation du matériau résultant de l'abattage du terrain sous l'avance de la machine de creusement.The digging machine also includes means for axial movement of the machine, a segment storage store, a device for laying these segments inside the tunnel as well as a system evacuation of the material resulting from the felling of the land under the advance of the digging machine.

Le plateau circulaire formant la tête de coupe comporte des ouvertures délimitées par des bras radiaux supportant des outils de travail destinés à l'abattage du terrain et qui sont constitués par des outils rabots, des outils pics ou des outils à dents qui ont des formes et des utilisations diverses.The circular plate forming the cutting head has openings delimited by radial arms supporting work tools intended for the felling of the ground and which consist of planing tools, pick tools or tooth tools that have various shapes and uses.

La partie antérieure de l'enveloppe cylindrique comporte également une cloison verticale fixe, disposée derrière la tête de coupe et formant avec celle-ci une chambre d'abattage à partir de laquelle le matériau arraché est évacué vers l'arrière de la machine de creusement.The front part of the cylindrical envelope has also a fixed vertical partition, disposed behind the cutting head and forming therewith a slaughter chamber from which the material torn off is discharged towards the rear of the digging machine.

L'abattage du terrain est obtenu par la rotation de la tête de coupe et l'avance simultanée de celle-ci générée par une forte poussée contre le front de taille.The felling of the ground is obtained by the rotation of the cutting head and the simultaneous advance of this generated by a strong push against the front of size.

Généralement, les machines de creusement sont pourvues d'un ensemble d'alimentation de la chambre d'abattage en un mélange d'eau et d'argile, appelé bentonite. La bentonite est injectée dans la chambre d'abattage à travers les ouvertures de la tête de coupe en direction du front de taille pour assurer la cohésion du front de taille, maintenir une contre pression afin de soutenir le terrain et pour permettre à la tête de coupe de travailler dans de bonnes conditions.Generally, the digging machines are provided with a assembly for supplying the slaughter chamber with a mixture of water and of clay, called bentonite. The bentonite is injected into the slaughter chamber at through the openings of the cutting head towards the cutting face to ensure the cohesion of the face, maintain a back pressure in order to support the ground and to allow the cutting head to work in good conditions.

Les déblais mélangés à la bentonite sont extraits par une ouverture située en partie basse de la chambre d'abattage par un ensemble d'extraction.The cuttings mixed with bentonite are extracted by a opening located in the lower part of the slaughter chamber by an assembly extraction.

L'ensemble d'alimentation comprend une première canalisation rigide et fixe, qui est solidaire des parois du tunnel, une seconde canalisation rigide et solidaire du bouclier frontal et une portion de canalisation souple reliant les première et seconde canalisations rigides.The supply assembly includes a first pipe rigid and fixed, which is integral with the walls of the tunnel, a second pipe rigid and integral with the front shield and a portion of flexible pipe connecting the first and second rigid pipes.

L'extrémité libre de la première canalisation de l'ensemble d'alimentation est raccordée à un système de fourniture de bentonite et l'extrémité libre de la seconde canalisation débouche dans la chambre d'abattage du bouclier frontal.The free end of the first pipe in the assembly supply is connected to a bentonite supply system and the free end of the second pipe opens into the slaughter chamber of the frontal shield.

Dans certains cas, l'ensemble d'extraction peut également être formé par une première canalisation rigide et fixe, qui est solidaire des parois du tunnel, une seconde canalisation rigide et solidaire du bouclier frontal et une portion de canalisation souple reliant les première et seconde canalisations rigides. L'ensemble d'extraction peut également être constitué par un transporteur à vis ou une bande transporteuse.In some cases, the extraction assembly can also be formed by a first rigid and fixed pipe, which is integral with the walls of the tunnel, a second rigid pipe integral with the front shield and a portion of flexible pipe connecting the first and second pipes rigid. The extraction assembly can also be constituted by a screw conveyor or conveyor belt.

Dans le cas de canalisations, l'extrémité libre de la première canalisation de l'ensemble d'extraction est raccordée à un système de traitement de la bentonite et l'extrémité libre de la seconde canalisation débouche dans la chambre d'abattage du bouclier frontal.In the case of pipelines, the free end of the first pipe of the extraction assembly is connected to a treatment system of bentonite and the free end of the second pipe opens into the slaughter chamber of the frontal shield.

La portion de canalisation de chaque ensemble souple permet d'assurer la liaison entre les deux canalisations rigides lors de l'avance du bouclier frontal.The pipe portion of each flexible assembly allows to ensure the connection between the two rigid pipes when advancing the frontal shield.

Mais, la portion de canalisation souple a une longueur déterminée si bien qu'il arrive un moment où il faut arrêter l'avance du bouclier frontal pour rajouter une portion de canalisation rigide entre la première canalisation et la canalisation souple et, de ce fait, permettre au bouclier frontal d'avancer afin de creuser le tunnel. However, the portion of flexible pipe has a determined length so there comes a time when you have to stop the advance of the front shield to add a portion of rigid pipe between the first pipe and the flexible pipe and, therefore, allow the front shield to advance in order to dig the tunnel.

Jusqu'à présent, la pose du tronçon de canalisation supplémentaire nécessite la coupure de l'alimentation et de l'extraction par l'intermédiaire d'une vanne d'arrêt disposée sur la première canalisation et la vidange de la bentonite de la partie de la canalisation située en aval de la vanne d'arrêt.So far, the laying of the pipe section additional requires cutting off the supply and extraction by via a shut-off valve arranged on the first pipe and the emptying the bentonite from the part of the pipeline located downstream of the valve Stop.

L'exécution de ces différentes opérations augmente donc le temps de coupure de l'alimentation et de l'extraction et, de ce fait, le temps d'arrêt de la machine de creusement.The execution of these different operations therefore increases the time of power supply and extraction and, therefore, the downtime of the digging machine.

L'invention a pour but de proposer une machine de creusement d'un tunnel qui évite les inconvénients précédemment mentionnés.The object of the invention is to propose a digging machine a tunnel which avoids the drawbacks mentioned above.

L'invention a donc pour objet une machine de creusement d'un tunnel du type comportant, d'une part, un bouclier frontal déplaçable en translation et portant une tête de coupe délimitant avec une cloison verticale une chambre d'abattage et, d'autre part un ensemble d'alimentation en bentonite de la chambre d'abattage, ledit ensemble comprenant une première canalisation fixe et rigide, solidaire des parois du tunnel, une seconde canalisation rigide, solidaire du bouclier frontal et une portion de canalisation souple reliant les première et seconde canalisations, caractérisée en ce que ledit ensemble comprend un organe d'obturation déplaçable au moyen d'un fluide sous pression entre une position escamotée libérant le passage de la bentonite entre les première et seconde canalisations et une position de fermeture de la première canalisation pour arrêter le passage de la bentonite et permettre le montage d'un tronçon de canalisation fixe supplémentaire entre ladite première canalisation et ladite canalisation souple.The invention therefore relates to a machine for digging a tunnel of the type comprising, on the one hand, a front shield movable in translation and carrying a cutting head delimiting with a vertical partition a slaughter chamber and, on the other hand, a bentonite supply assembly of the slaughter chamber, said assembly comprising a first fixed pipe and rigid, integral with the walls of the tunnel, a second rigid pipe, integral of the front shield and a portion of flexible pipe connecting the first and second pipes, characterized in that said assembly comprises a obturator movable by means of a pressurized fluid between a retracted position releasing the passage of bentonite between the first and second pipes and a closed position of the first pipe to stop the passage of bentonite and allow the mounting of a section of additional fixed pipeline between said first pipeline and said flexible pipe.

L'invention a aussi pour objet une machine de creusement d'un tunnel du type comportant, d'une part, un bouclier frontal déplaçable en translation et portant une tête de coupe délimitant avec une cloison verticale une chambre d'abattage et, d'autre part, un ensemble d'extraction de bentonite de la chambre d'abattage et mélangée avec des déblais, ledit ensemble comprenant une première canalisation fixe et rigide, solidaire des parois du tunnel, une seconde canalisation rigide, solidaire du bouclier frontal et une portion de canalisation souple reliant les première et seconde canalisations, caractérisée en ce que ledit ensemble comprend un organe d'obturation déplaçable au moyen d'un fluide sous pression entre une position escamotée libérant le passage de la bentonite entre les première et seconde canalisations et une position de fermeture de la première canalisation pour arrêter l'extraction de la bentonite et permettre le montage d'un tronçon de canalisation fixe supplémentaire entre ladite première canalisation et ladite canalisation souple.The invention also relates to a machine for digging a tunnel of the type comprising, on the one hand, a front shield movable in translation and carrying a cutting head delimiting with a vertical partition a slaughter chamber and, on the other hand, a set of bentonite extraction from the slaughter chamber and mixed with spoil, said set comprising a first fixed and rigid pipe, integral with the walls of the tunnel, a second rigid pipe, integral with the front shield and a portion of flexible pipe connecting the first and second pipes, characterized in that said assembly includes a shutter member movable by means of a fluid under pressure between a retracted position releasing the passage of the bentonite between the first and second pipes and a position of closure of the first pipe to stop the extraction of bentonite and allow the mounting of an additional fixed pipe section between said first pipe and said flexible pipe.

Selon d'autres caractéristiques de l'invention :

  • la seconde canalisation comporte une dérivation de positionnement de l'organe d'obturation dans sa position escamotée,
  • l'organe d'obturation est formé par une partie centrale comprenant un corps muni de moyens autonomes de blocage dudit organe en position de fermeture et par deux parties d'extrémité disposées de part et d'autre de la partie centrale et comportant chacune des moyens d'étanchéité avec la paroi interne de la canalisation correspondante,
  • les moyens autonomes de blocage sont formés par au moins deux patins opposés, montés chacun articulé et déplaçable radialement sur le corps de la partie centrale, chaque patin étant maintenu appliqué contre la paroi interne de la canalisation correspondante par un ressort hydropneumatique,
  • chaque ressort hydropneumatique est formé par un vérin comportant une tige de commande du déplacement en translation du patin correspondant,
  • chaque vérin est relié à un accumulateur hydropneumatique supporté par le corps de la partie centrale,
  • les moyens d'étanchéité de chaque partie d'extrémité sont formés par au moins un disque racleur dont le diamètre est supérieur au diamètre de la première canalisation.
According to other characteristics of the invention:
  • the second pipe comprises a positioning bypass of the shutter member in its retracted position,
  • the shutter member is formed by a central part comprising a body provided with autonomous means for blocking said member in the closed position and by two end parts arranged on either side of the central part and each comprising means sealing with the internal wall of the corresponding pipe,
  • the autonomous blocking means are formed by at least two opposite pads, each mounted articulated and radially movable on the body of the central part, each pad being kept applied against the internal wall of the corresponding pipe by a hydropneumatic spring,
  • each hydropneumatic spring is formed by a jack comprising a rod for controlling the translational movement of the corresponding pad,
  • each cylinder is connected to a hydropneumatic accumulator supported by the body of the central part,
  • the sealing means of each end part are formed by at least one scraper disc whose diameter is greater than the diameter of the first pipe.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaítront au cours de la description qui va suivre, donnée uniquement à titre d'exemple et faite en référence aux dessins annexés, sur lesquels:

  • la Fig. 1 est une vue schématique en coupe axiale d'une machine de creusement conforme à l'invention,
  • la Fig. 2 est une vue schématique en coupe axiale d'un organe d'obturation d'une canalisation de l'ensemble d'alimentation et d'extraction de la bentonite,
  • la Fig. 3 est une vue en coupe transversale de l'organe d'obturation,
  • les Figs. 4A à 4E sont des vues schématiques en coupe de l'ensemble d'alimentation ou d'extraction montrant les différentes positions de l'organe d'obturation.
Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear during the description which follows, given solely by way of example and made with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
  • Fig. 1 is a schematic view in axial section of a digging machine according to the invention,
  • Fig. 2 is a schematic view in axial section of a member for closing a pipe of the bentonite supply and extraction assembly,
  • Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the shutter member,
  • Figs. 4A to 4E are schematic sectional views of the supply or extraction assembly showing the different positions of the shutter member.

Sur la Fig. 1, on a représenté schématiquement une machine de creusement 1, appelée tunnelier, et qui se compose, de manière classique, d'une enveloppe généralement cylindrique en deux parties indépendantes, une première partie 3 appelée bouclier avant ou bouclier frontal et une seconde partie 2 appelée bouclier arrière.In Fig. 1, there is shown schematically a machine for excavation 1, called a tunnel boring machine, and which conventionally consists of a generally cylindrical shell in two independent parts, one first part 3 called front shield or front shield and a second part 2 called rear bumper.

Le bouclier frontal 3 comporte une tête de coupe 4 qui vient en contact avec le front de taille A pour réaliser le découpage de la formation géologique traversée par le tunnel et qui se présente sous la forme générale d'un plateau circulaire de diamètre légèrement supérieur à celui du bouclier frontal 3.The front shield 3 has a cutting head 4 which comes in contact with the size A face to cut the formation geological crossing through the tunnel and which is in the general form of a circular plate slightly larger in diameter than the front shield 3.

La tête de coupe 4 est entraínée en rotation par au moins un moteur, non représenté, à une vitesse déterminée qui est fonction de la nature du terrain à creuser et cette tête de coupe 4 comporte des ouvertures délimitées par des bras radiaux supportant des outils de travail constitués par exemple par des molettes ou des outils rabots ou autres en fonction de la nature du terrain traversé.The cutting head 4 is rotated by at least one motor, not shown, at a determined speed which depends on the nature of the ground to dig and this cutting head 4 has openings delimited by radial arms supporting working tools constituted for example by knurling wheels or planing or other tools depending on the nature of the ground through.

Le bouclier frontal 3 comporte également une cloison verticale 3a fixe, disposée derrière la tête de coupe 4 et formant avec celle-ci une chambre d'abattage 6 à partir de laquelle le matériau arraché est évacué vers l'arrière de la machine de creusement.The front shield 3 also includes a vertical partition 3a fixed, arranged behind the cutting head 4 and forming a chamber therewith slaughter 6 from which the material torn off is discharged towards the rear of the digging machine.

De manière classique, le bouclier arrière 2 et le bouclier frontal 3 sont reliés l'un à l'autre.Conventionally, the rear shield 2 and the front shield 3 are connected to each other.

La machine de creusement 1 comporte des moyens 7 de déplacement axial de l'ensemble constitué par le bouclier arrière 2, le bouclier frontal 3 et la tête de coupe 4, et aussi un ensemble 8 de pose de voussoirs 9 à l'intérieur du tunnel.The digging machine 1 includes means 7 for axial displacement of the assembly constituted by the rear shield 2, the shield front 3 and the cutting head 4, and also a set 8 of installation of segments 9 to inside the tunnel.

Les moyens 7 de déplacement axial du bouclier frontal 3 ainsi que de la tête de coupe 4 sont formés par une couronne de vérins 7a solidaires du bouclier frontal 3 et qui viennent en appui contre l'anneau de voussoirs 9 posés à l'intérieur du tunnel de façon à exercer sur le bouclier frontal 3 la poussée nécessaire à l'excavation du terrain traversé.The means 7 for axial displacement of the front shield 3 as well as of the cutting head 4 are formed by a ring of jacks 7a integral with the frontal shield 3 and which come into abutment against the ring of segments 9 placed at inside the tunnel so as to exert thrust on the front shield 3 necessary for the excavation of the ground crossed.

Les variations de direction de la tête de coupe 4 sont obtenues par des écarts de poussée entre les différents vérins 7a.The variations in the direction of the cutting head 4 are obtained by thrust differences between the different cylinders 7a.

La machine de creusement comporte également un ensemble 10 d'alimentation en bentonite qui est un mélange d'eau et d'argile. De manière classique, la bentonite est injectée dans la chambre d'abattage 6 par l'ensemble 10 d'alimentation et passe à travers les ouvertures de la tête de coupe 4, en direction du front de taille afin d'assurer la cohésion de ce dernier.The digging machine also includes a set 10 bentonite feed which is a mixture of water and clay. So conventional, bentonite is injected into the felling chamber 6 by the assembly 10 feed and passes through the openings of the cutting head 4, in direction of the face to ensure the cohesion of the latter.

L'ensemble 10 d'alimentation en bentonite comprend une première canalisation 11 rigide et fixe, qui est solidaire des parois du tunnel par l'intermédiaire des voussoirs 9, une seconde canalisation 12 rigide et, solidaire par des moyens appropriés, non représentés, du bouclier frontal 3 et une portion de canalisation 13 souple reliant les première et seconde canalisations 11 et 12.The bentonite supply assembly 10 comprises a first rigid and fixed pipe 11, which is integral with the walls of the tunnel by through the segments 9, a second rigid pipe 12, integral by appropriate means, not shown, of the front shield 3 and a portion flexible pipe 13 connecting the first and second pipes 11 and 12.

Cette portion de canalisation 13 souple assure la liaison entre les deux canalisations rigides 11 et 12 lors de l'avance du bouclier frontal 3.This flexible pipe portion 13 ensures the connection between the two rigid pipes 11 and 12 during the advance of the front shield 3.

L'extrémité libre 11a de la première canalisation 11 est reliée à des moyens de fourniture de bentonite, non représentés, et l'extrémité libre 12a de la seconde canalisation 12 débouche dans la chambre d'abattage 6 comme représenté à la Fig. 1.The free end 11a of the first pipe 11 is connected to means for supplying bentonite, not shown, and the free end 12a of the second pipe 12 opens into the slaughter chamber 6 as shown in Fig. 1.

L'ensemble 10 comporte également une dérivation 14 située en aval de la portion de canalisation 13 souple par rapport au sens d'écoulement de la bentonite et qui est munie d'une vanne 15 ouvrant ou fermant la dérivation 14.The assembly 10 also includes a bypass 14 located at downstream of the flexible pipe portion 13 relative to the direction of flow of bentonite and which is provided with a valve 15 opening or closing the bypass 14.

La seconde canalisation 12 est aussi munie d'une vanne 16 destinée à ouvrir ou à fermer cette seconde canalisation 12.The second pipe 12 is also provided with a valve 16 intended to open or close this second pipe 12.

La machine de creusement comporte aussi des moyens d'extraction de la bentonite injectée dans la chambre d'abattage 6 et mélangée avec des déblais. Ces moyens d'extraction peuvent être constitués par un transporteur à vis ou une bande transporteuse ou encore par un ensemble 50 d'extraction identique à l'ensemble 10 d'alimentation en bentonite.The digging machine also includes means of extraction of the bentonite injected into the slaughter chamber 6 and mixed with spoil. These extraction means can be constituted by a screw conveyor or conveyor belt or by a set 50 of extraction identical to the set 10 of bentonite feed.

Cet ensemble 50 d'extraction de la bentonite comprend une première canalisation 51 rigide et fixe, une seconde canalisation 52 rigide et, solidaire par des moyens appropriés, non représentés, au bouclier frontal 3 et une portion de canalisation 53 souple reliant les première et seconde canalisations 51 et 52.This bentonite extraction assembly 50 comprises a first rigid and fixed pipe 51, a second rigid pipe 52 and, secured by appropriate means, not shown, to the front shield 3 and a portion of flexible pipe 53 connecting the first and second lines 51 and 52.

Cette portion de canalisation 53 souple assure la liaison entre les deux canalisations rigides 51 et 52 lors de l'avance du bouclier frontal 3.This flexible pipe portion 53 ensures the connection between the two rigid pipes 51 and 52 during the advance of the front shield 3.

L'extrémité libre 51a de la première canalisation 51 est reliée à des moyens d'aspiration de la bentonite, non représentés, et l'extrémité libre 52a de la seconde canalisation 52 débouche à la partie inférieure de la chambre d'abattage 6, comme représenté à la Fig. 1.The free end 51a of the first pipe 51 is connected to bentonite suction means, not shown, and the free end 52a of the second pipe 52 opens at the lower part of the chamber slaughter 6, as shown in FIG. 1.

L'ensemble 50 comporte également une dérivation 54 qui est munie d'une vanne 55 ouvrant ou fermant cette dérivation 54. La seconde canalisation 52 est munie aussi d'une vanne 56 destinée à ouvrir ou à fermer cette seconde canalisation 52.The assembly 50 also includes a bypass 54 which is provided with a valve 55 opening or closing this bypass 54. The second line 52 is also provided with a valve 56 intended to open or close this second pipe 52.

L'ensemble 10, 50 comprend un organe d'obturation désigné dans son ensemble par la référence 20 et déplaçable, comme on le verra ultérieurement, au moyen d'un fluide sous pression entre une position escamotée dans la dérivation 14, 54 libérant le passage de la bentonite entre les première et seconde canalisations 11, 51 et 12, 52 et une position de fermeture de la première canalisation 11, 51 pour arrêter le passage de la bentonite et permettre le montage d'un tronçon de canalisation supplémentaire entre ladite première canalisation 11, 51 et ladite canalisation souple-13, 53.The assembly 10, 50 comprises a designated shutter member as a whole by the reference 20 and movable, as we will see subsequently, by means of a pressurized fluid between a retracted position in bypass 14, 54 freeing the passage of bentonite between the first and second pipes 11, 51 and 12, 52 and a closed position of the first pipe 11, 51 to stop the passage of bentonite and allow mounting an additional section of pipe between said first line 11, 51 and said flexible line-13, 53.

En se reportant maintenant aux Figs. 2 et 3, on va décrire l'organe d'obturation 20.Referring now to Figs. 2 and 3, we will describe the organ shutter 20.

Cet organe d'obturation 20 a la forme générale d'un cylindre et se compose de trois parties, une partie centrale 21 et deux parties d'extrémité 22 disposées chacune de part et d'autre de ladite partie centrale 21. This shutter member 20 has the general shape of a cylinder and is consists of three parts, a central part 21 and two end parts 22 each arranged on either side of said central part 21.

La partie centrale 21 comprend un corps 45 supportant des moyens autonomes de blocage dudit organe d'obturation 20 en position de fermeture de la première canalisation 11.The central part 21 comprises a body 45 supporting autonomous means for blocking said shutter member 20 in the position of closing of the first pipe 11.

Les moyens autonomes de blocage sont formés par au moins deux patins 23 et 24 opposés.The autonomous blocking means are formed by at least two pads 23 and 24 opposite.

Dans l'exemple de réalisation représenté sur les figures, les moyens autonomes de blocage sont formés par deux paires de patins 23 et 24 opposées.In the embodiment shown in the figures, the autonomous locking means are formed by two pairs of pads 23 and 24 opposed.

Chaque patin 23 de la première paire de patins est monté articulé sur un support 25 qui est lui-même monté déplaçable radialement sur le corps 45 de la partie centrale 21. Le support 25 comporte une butée 26 montée dans une embase 27 solidaire du corps 45 de façon à limiter le déplacement transversal de la paire de patins 23.Each shoe 23 of the first pair of shoes is mounted articulated on a support 25 which is itself mounted radially displaceable on the body 45 of the central part 21. The support 25 includes a stop 26 mounted in a base 27 secured to body 45 so as to limit the transverse displacement of the pair of pads 23.

De même, chaque patin 24 de la seconde paire de patins est monté articulé sur un support 28 qui est lui-même monté déplaçable radialement sur le corps 45 de la partie centrale 21. Le support 28 comporte une butée 29 montée dans une embase 30 solidaire du corps 45 de façon à limiter le déplacement radial de la paire de patins 24.Likewise, each pad 24 of the second pair of pads is mounted articulated on a support 28 which is itself mounted radially displaceable on the body 45 of the central part 21. The support 28 has a stop 29 mounted in a base 30 secured to the body 45 so as to limit the radial movement of the pair of pads 24.

Chaque patin 23 de la première paire de patins est maintenu appliqué contre la paroi interne de la canalisation correspondante par un ressort hydropneumatique qui se compose d'un vérin 31 par exemple simple effet comportant une tige 31a de commande de déplacement en translation du patin 23 correspondant.Each pad 23 of the first pair of pads is held applied against the internal wall of the corresponding pipe by a spring hydropneumatic which consists of a cylinder 31 for example simple effect comprising a rod 31a for controlling the translational movement of the shoe 23 correspondent.

Chaque vérin 31 est relié par un conduit 32 à un accumulateur hydropneumatique 33 supporté par le corps 45 de la partie centrale 21.Each cylinder 31 is connected by a conduit 32 to an accumulator hydropneumatic 33 supported by the body 45 of the central part 21.

De manière classique, l'accumulateur hydropneumatique 33 comporte une première chambre 33a (Fig. 3) contenant de l'azote sous pression et une seconde chambre 33b contenant de l'huile et dans laquelle débouchent les canalisations 32, lesdites chambres 33a et 33b étant séparées par une membrane 34.Conventionally, the hydropneumatic accumulator 33 has a first chamber 33a (Fig. 3) containing nitrogen under pressure and a second chamber 33b containing oil and into which open the pipes 32, said chambers 33a and 33b being separated by a membrane 34.

L'huile contenue dans la chambre 33b est mise sous pression par l'azote contenu dans la chambre 33a ce qui a pour effet d'appliquer sur les patins 23 une force constante par l'intermédiaire des tiges de commande 31a des vérins 31 de façon à maintenir ces patins 23 contre la paroi interne de la canalisation correspondante.The oil contained in chamber 33b is pressurized by the nitrogen contained in the chamber 33a which has the effect of applying to the pads 23 a constant force via the control rods 31a of the cylinders 31 so as to hold these pads 23 against the internal wall of the corresponding pipeline.

Chaque patin 24 de la seconde paire de patins est maintenu appliqué contre la paroi interne de la canalisation correspondante par un ressort hydropneumatique qui se compose d'un vérin 35 par exemple simple effet comportant une tige 35a de commande du déplacement transversal du patin 24 correspondant.Each pad 24 of the second pair of pads is held applied against the internal wall of the corresponding pipe by a spring hydropneumatic which consists of a cylinder 35 for example simple effect comprising a rod 35a for controlling the transverse movement of the shoe 24 corresponding.

Chaque vérin 35 est relié par un conduit 37 à un accumulateur hydropneumatique 38 supporté par le corps 45 de la partie centrale 21.Each cylinder 35 is connected by a conduit 37 to an accumulator hydropneumatic 38 supported by the body 45 of the central part 21.

L'accumulateur hydropneumatique 38 comporte une première chambre 38a contenant de l'azote sous pression et une seconde chambre 38b contenant de l'huile et dans laquelle débouchent les conduits 37, lesdites chambres 38a et 38b étant séparées par une membrane 39.The hydropneumatic accumulator 38 has a first chamber 38a containing nitrogen under pressure and a second chamber 38b containing oil and into which the conduits 37 open, the said chambers 38a and 38b being separated by a membrane 39.

L'huile contenue dans la chambre 38b est mise sous pression par l'azote contenu dans la chambre 38a ce qui a pour effet d'appliquer sur les parties 24 une force constante par l'intermédiaire des tiges de commande 35a des vérins 35 de façon à maintenir ces patins 24 contre la paroi interne de la canalisation correspondante.The oil contained in chamber 38b is pressurized by the nitrogen contained in the chamber 38a which has the effect of applying to the parts 24 a constant force through the control rods 35a jacks 35 so as to hold these pads 24 against the internal wall of the corresponding pipeline.

Ainsi que représenté à la Fig. 2, chaque partie d'extrémité 22 de l'organe d'obturation 20 est reliée au corps 45 de la partie centrale 21 par une articulation 40 de type approprié, qui permet un débattement angulaire de ladite partie d'extrémité 22 par rapport à ladite partie centrale 21. Chaque articulation 40 est protégée par un soufflet d'étanchéité 41.As shown in FIG. 2, each end portion 22 of the shutter member 20 is connected to the body 45 of the central part 21 by a joint 40 of the appropriate type, which allows angular movement of said end portion 22 relative to said central portion 21. Each articulation 40 is protected by a sealing bellows 41.

Chaque partie d'extrémité 22 comporte au moins un disque racleur 42, et dans l'exemple de réalisation représenté à la Fig. 2, deux disques racleurs 42 s'étendant parallèlement l'un par rapport à l'autre et dont le diamètre est supérieur au diamètre de la première canalisation 11.Each end portion 22 has at least one disc scraper 42, and in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, two discs scrapers 42 extending parallel to each other and whose diameter is greater than the diameter of the first pipe 11.

Les disques racleurs 42 sont fixés entre des entretoises 33 et l'empilement formé par les disques racleurs 42 et les entretoises 43 est maintenu par des organes de liaison 44. The scraper discs 42 are fixed between spacers 33 and the stack formed by the scraper discs 42 and the spacers 43 is maintained by liaison bodies 44.

En se reportant aux Figs 4A à 4E, on va décrire le fonctionnement de l'ensemble 10 d'alimentation en bentonite, le fonctionnement de l'ensemble 50 d'extraction étant identique.Referring to Figs 4A to 4E, we will describe the operation of the bentonite supply assembly 10, the operation of the assembly 50 of extraction being identical.

Ainsi que représenté à la Fig. 4A, en fonctionnement normal, la vanne 16 est ouverte et la vanne 15 est fermée et la bentonite s'écoule par la première canalisation 11 rigide, la portion de canalisation 13 souple et la seconde canalisation 12 rigide. La bentonite est injectée par l'extrémité 12a dans la chambre d'abattage 6 située derrière la tête de coupe 4. L'organe d'obturation 20 est en position escamotée dans la dérivation 14.As shown in FIG. 4A, in normal operation, the valve 16 is open and valve 15 is closed and the bentonite flows through the first rigid pipe 11, the flexible pipe portion 13 and the second rigid pipe 12. The bentonite is injected through the end 12a into the slaughter chamber 6 located behind the cutting head 4. The shutter member 20 is in the retracted position in the branch 14.

Le bouclier frontal 3 supportant la tête de coupe 4 et la seconde canalisation 12 rigide avancent progressivement, de façon à creuser le tunnel ce qui a pour effet de tendre la portion de canalisation 13 souple, ainsi que représenté à la Fig. 4B.The front shield 3 supporting the cutting head 4 and the second rigid pipe 12 progressively advances, so as to dig the tunnel this which has the effect of tightening the flexible pipe portion 13, as well as shown in Fig. 4B.

La portion de canalisation 13 souple a une longueur déterminée si bien qu'il arrive un moment où il faut arrêter l'avance du bouclier frontal 3 et rajouter une portion de canalisation rigide entre la première canalisation 11 et la portion de canalisation 13 souple.The flexible pipe portion 13 has a determined length if although there comes a time when you have to stop the advance of the front shield 3 and add a portion of rigid pipe between the first pipe 11 and the portion of flexible pipe 13.

Pour cela, la vanne 16 est fermée et la vanne 15 est ouverte. Ensuite, un fluide sous pression, comme par exemple de l'eau, est injectée par l'extrémité libre de la dérivation 14 ce qui a pour effet de propulser l'organe d'obturation 20 dans la première canalisation 11 et cela malgré la présence d'une colonne de bentonite dans cette première canalisation 11 mise à l'atmosphère par l'extrémité 11a.For this, the valve 16 is closed and the valve 15 is open. Then, a pressurized fluid, such as water, is injected by the free end of the bypass 14 which has the effect of propelling the organ shutter 20 in the first pipe 11 and this despite the presence of a bentonite column in this first pipe 11 vented by the end 11a.

Pour cela, la pression exercée par le fluide sur l'organe d'obturation 20 est supérieure à la pression exercée par la bentonite dans ladite première canalisation 11. L'étanchéité est assurée par les disques racleurs 42 en contact avec la paroi interne de la canalisation dans laquelle circule ledit organe d'obturation 20.For this, the pressure exerted by the fluid on the organ shutter 20 is greater than the pressure exerted by the bentonite in said first pipe 11. Sealing is ensured by the scraper discs 42 in contact with the internal wall of the pipeline through which said flow shutter 20.

Les patins 23 et 24 constituent un frein mécanique permettant l'arrêt, puis le maintien en position de l'organe d'obturation 20 lorsque la pression de l'eau de propulsion est annulée. The pads 23 and 24 constitute a mechanical brake allowing stopping and then maintaining in position the shutter member 20 when the pressure propulsion water is canceled.

Cet organe d'obturation 20 est donc maintenu en position à l'extrémité de la première canalisation 11 (Fig. 4C) et retient alors une colonne de bentonite ce qui permet l'ouverture de la première canalisation en aval de l'organe d'obturation 20 et, de ce fait, la pose d'un tronçon de canalisation 46 supplémentaire entre ladite première canalisation 11 et ladite portion de canalisation 13 souple, comme représenté à la Fig. 4D.This shutter member 20 is therefore kept in position at the end of the first pipe 11 (FIG. 4C) and then retains a column of bentonite which allows the opening of the first pipe downstream of the shutter member 20 and, therefore, the laying of a pipe section 46 additional between said first pipe 11 and said portion of flexible pipe 13, as shown in FIG. 4D.

Les ressorts hydropneumatiques constitués par les vérins 31 et 35 et les accumulateurs 33 et 38 permettent l'adaptation du positionnement des patins 23 et 24 aux variations du diamètre des canalisations dues aux tolérances et à l'usure des patins.The hydropneumatic springs constituted by the cylinders 31 and 35 and the accumulators 33 and 38 allow the positioning of the pads 23 and 24 to variations in the diameter of the pipes due to tolerances and wear of the pads.

Les accumulateurs 33 et 38 permettent d'absorber les variations de volume d'huile dues aux variations de course des vérins 31 et 35, en maintenant un effort de freinage aussi constant que possible. Ils autorisent ainsi le réglage à la fois de la pression hydraulique de maintien et de la pression du fluide de propulsion de l'organe d'obturation 20.Accumulators 33 and 38 allow variations to be absorbed oil volume due to stroke variations of cylinders 31 and 35, in keeping the braking force as constant as possible. They thus authorize the adjustment of both the holding hydraulic pressure and the pressure of the propulsion fluid of the shutter member 20.

Après l'allongement de la première canalisation 11 rigide par le tronçon de canalisation 46 supplémentaire, la pression de bentonite est augmentée ce qui a pour effet de ramener l'organe d'obturation 20 dans sa position escamotée située à l'intérieur de la dérivation 14 (Fig. 4E).After the extension of the first rigid pipe 11 by the additional pipe section 46, the bentonite pressure is increased which has the effect of bringing the shutter member 20 back into its retracted position located inside the branch 14 (Fig. 4E).

Ensuite, la vanne 15 est fermée et la vanne 16 est ouverte ce qui permet d'alimenter de nouveau la chambre d'abattage en bentonite et de poursuivre donc le creusement du tunnel.Then, the valve 15 is closed and the valve 16 is opened which allows the bentonite slaughter chamber to be supplied again and therefore continue digging the tunnel.

De même, après la pose d'un tronçon de canalisation 46 supplémentaire entre la première canalisation 51 rigide et la canalisation souple 53, la bentonite mélangée avec les déblais est de nouveau aspirée de la chambre d'abattage.Similarly, after the laying of a section of pipe 46 additional between the first rigid pipe 51 and the flexible pipe 53, the bentonite mixed with the cuttings is again sucked from the slaughter room.

L'organe d'obturation est donc autonome et ne nécessite aucune liaison avec l'extérieur.The obturation member is therefore autonomous and does not require any connection with the outside.

L'ensemble d'alimentation selon l'invention présente l'avantage de diminuer les temps d'arrêt de la machine de creusement lors de l'allongement de la canalisation fixe du fait qu'il n'est pas nécessaire de vidanger cette canalisation.The power supply assembly according to the invention has the advantage of reduce the downtime of the digging machine when extending the fixed pipe because there is no need to drain this pipe.

Claims (8)

Machine de creusement d'un tunnel du type comportant, d'une part, un bouclier frontal (3) déplaçable en translation et portant une tête de coupe (4) délimitant avec une cloison verticale (3a) une chambre d'abattage (6) et, d'autre part, un ensemble (10) d'alimentation en bentonite de la chambre d'abattage, ledit ensemble (10) comprenant, une première canalisation (11) fixe et solidaire des parois du tunnel, une seconde canalisation (12) solidaire du bouclier frontal (3) et une portion de canalisation (13) souple reliant les première et seconde canalisations (11, 12), caractérisée en ce que l'ensemble d'alimentation comprend un organe d'obturation (20) déplaçable au moyen d'un fluide sous pression entre une position escamotée libérant le passage de la bentonite entre les première et seconde canalisations (11, 12) et une position de fermeture de la première canalisation (11) pour arrêter le passage de la bentonite et permettre le montage d'un tronçon de canalisation (46) fixe supplémentaire entre ladite première canalisation (11) et ladite portion de canalisation (13) souple.Machine for digging a tunnel of the type comprising, on the one hand, a front shield (3) movable in translation and carrying a cutting head (4) delimiting with a vertical partition (3a) a slaughter chamber (6) and, on the other hand, an assembly (10) for supplying bentonite to the slaughter chamber, said assembly (10) comprising, a first pipe (11) fixed and integral with the walls of the tunnel, a second pipe (12 ) integral with the front shield (3) and a flexible pipe portion (13) connecting the first and second pipes (11, 12), characterized in that the supply assembly comprises a shutter member (20) movable at means of a pressurized fluid between a retracted position releasing the passage of the bentonite between the first and second pipes (11, 12) and a closed position of the first pipe (11) to stop the passage of the bentonite and allow the installation of a pipe section (46) additional fixed between said first pipe (11) and said flexible pipe portion (13). Machine de creusement d'un tunnel du type comportant, d'une part, un bouclier frontal (3) déplaçable en translation et portant une tête de coupe (4) délimitant avec une cloison verticale (3a) une chambre d'abattage (6) et, d'autre part, un ensemble (50) d'extraction de la bentonite de la chambre d'abattage (6) et mélangée avec des déblais, ledit ensemble (50) comprenant une première canalisation (51) fixe et solidaire des parois du tunnel, une seconde canalisation (52) solidaire du bouclier frontal (3) et une portion de canalisation (53) souple reliant les première et seconde canalisations (51, 52), caractérisée en ce que l'ensemble d'extraction comprend un organe d'obturation (20) déplaçable au moyen d'un fluide sous pression entre une première position escamotée libérant le passage de la bentonite entre les première et seconde canalisations (51, 52) et une position de fermeture de la première canalisation (51) pour arrêter le passage de la bentonite et permettre le montage d'un tronçon de canalisation (46) fixe supplémentaire entre ladite première canalisation (51) et ladite portion de canalisation (53) souple. Machine for digging a tunnel of the type comprising, on the one hand, a front shield (3) movable in translation and carrying a cutting head (4) delimiting with a vertical partition (3a) a slaughter chamber (6) and, on the other hand, an assembly (50) for extracting bentonite from the slaughter chamber (6) and mixed with spoil, said assembly (50) comprising a first pipe (51) fixed and integral with the walls of the tunnel, a second pipe (52) integral with the front shield (3) and a flexible pipe portion (53) connecting the first and second pipes (51, 52), characterized in that the extraction assembly comprises a member shutter (20) movable by means of a pressurized fluid between a first retracted position releasing the passage of bentonite between the first and second pipes (51, 52) and a closed position of the first pipe (51) for stop the passage of bentonite and allow the mounting an additional fixed section of pipe (46) between said first pipe (51) and said flexible pipe portion (53). Machine de creusement selon la revendication 1 ou 2, caractérisée en ce que la seconde canalisation (12; 52) comporte une dérivation (14 ; 54) de positionnement de l'organe d'obturation (20) dans sa position escamotée.Digging machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second pipe (12; 52) comprises a bypass (14; 54) for positioning the shutter member (20) in its retracted position. Machine de creusement selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisée en ce que l'organe d'obturation (20) est formé par une partie centrale (21) comprenant un corps (45) muni de moyens autonomes (23, 24) de blocage dudit organe (20) en position de fermeture et par deux parties d'extrémité (22) disposées de part et d'autre de la partie centrale (21) et comportant chacune des moyens d'étanchéité (42) avec la paroi interne de la canalisation correspondante.Digging machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the shutter member (20) is formed by a central part (21) comprising a body (45) provided with autonomous means (23, 24 ) for locking said member (20) in the closed position and by two end parts (22) arranged on either side of the central part (21) and each comprising sealing means (42) with the wall internal of the corresponding pipe. Machine de creusement selon la revendication 4, caractérisée en ce que les moyens autonomes de blocage sont formés par au moins deux patins (23, 24) opposés, montés chacun articulé et déplaçable radialement sur le corps (22) de la partie centrale (21), chaque patin (23, 24) étant maintenu appliqué contre la paroi interne de la canalisation (11) correspondante par un ressort hydropneumatique (31, 33, 35, 38).Digging machine according to claim 4, characterized in that the independent blocking means are formed by at least two opposite pads (23, 24), each mounted articulated and radially movable on the body (22) of the central part (21) , each shoe (23, 24) being kept applied against the internal wall of the corresponding pipe (11) by a hydropneumatic spring (31, 33, 35, 38). Machine de creusement selon la revendication 5, caractérisée en ce que chaque ressort hydropneumatique est formé par un vérin (31, 35) comportant une tige de commande (31a, 35a, 36) du déplacement en translation du patin (23, 24) correspondant.Digging machine according to claim 5, characterized in that each hydropneumatic spring is formed by a jack (31, 35) comprising a control rod (31a, 35a, 36) of the translational movement of the corresponding pad (23, 24). Machine de creusement selon la revendication 6, caractérisée en ce que chaque vérin (31, 35) est relié à un accumulateur hydropneumatique (33, 38) supporté par le corps (45) de la partie centrale (21).Digging machine according to claim 6, characterized in that each jack (31, 35) is connected to a hydropneumatic accumulator (33, 38) supported by the body (45) of the central part (21). Machine de creusement selon la revendication 4, caractérisée en ce que les moyens d'étanchéité de chaque partie d'extrémité (22) sont formés par au moins un disque racleur (42) dont le diamètre est supérieur au diamètre de la première canalisation (11).Digging machine according to claim 4, characterized in that the sealing means of each end part (22) are formed by at least one scraper disc (42) whose diameter is greater than the diameter of the first pipe (11 ).
EP02291730A 2001-08-03 2002-07-09 Tunnel boring machine Withdrawn EP1281835A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0110466A FR2828233B1 (en) 2001-08-03 2001-08-03 TUNNEL EXCAVATION MACHINE
FR0110466 2001-08-03

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EP1281835A1 true EP1281835A1 (en) 2003-02-05

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Cited By (1)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2021005170A1 (en) * 2019-07-09 2021-01-14 Bouygues Travaux Publics Crs: quick connector for tunnel boring machine spoil pipe

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GB1573946A (en) * 1976-04-05 1980-08-28 Tekken Constr Co Automatic tunnel face hydraulic pressure controlling apparatus in shield type hydraulic tunnel boring system
DE3125644A1 (en) * 1981-06-30 1983-01-13 Wayss & Freytag Ag, 6000 Frankfurt Method of driving a tunnel with the use of a shield with liquid-filled working chamber
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JPH09328992A (en) * 1996-06-10 1997-12-22 Sato Kogyo Co Ltd Excavator provided with multi-function injecting device and fitting structure of injection nozzle
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DE3125644A1 (en) * 1981-06-30 1983-01-13 Wayss & Freytag Ag, 6000 Frankfurt Method of driving a tunnel with the use of a shield with liquid-filled working chamber
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JPH09328992A (en) * 1996-06-10 1997-12-22 Sato Kogyo Co Ltd Excavator provided with multi-function injecting device and fitting structure of injection nozzle
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Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2021005170A1 (en) * 2019-07-09 2021-01-14 Bouygues Travaux Publics Crs: quick connector for tunnel boring machine spoil pipe
FR3098565A1 (en) * 2019-07-09 2021-01-15 Bouygues Travaux Publics Assembly of a marinating pipe for a tunnel boring machine
US11841102B2 (en) 2019-07-09 2023-12-12 Bouygues Travaux Publics CRS: quick connector for tunnel boring machine spoil check

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FR2828233B1 (en) 2003-12-19

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