GB1479537A - Tunnel boring machine - Google Patents

Abstract

1479537 Tunnelling machines DRESSER INDUSTRIES INC 2 May 1975 [7 June 1974] 18487/75 Heading E1F A tunnel-boring machine of the full face rotary type has roll correction means provided on the cutter head support of the machine for rotating this support relative to the rest of the machine about the axis of rotation of the cutterhead. Preferably the roll correction means may also be operated to steer the machine vertically and horizontally. In a preferred embodiment the roll correction means involves shoes 48 that can be braced against the wall of the tunnel being bored by the machine and means 64 interconnecting the shoes and the cutter head support 12 for actuation to rotate the cutter head about a longitudinal axis A when the grippers provided on the cutter head structure to take the thrust of means for advancing the machine against the face are released. In another embodiment the roll correction means comprise downwardly extending shoe structures and means 68 interconnecting the cutter head structure 12 and the shoe structures 52, 54, which are connected to the cutter head structure by an arcuate, transversely extending guide beam 66. This roll correction means is operative when the shoe structures are engaged against the tunnel wall, the above mentioned grippers are released, and the means 68 actuated. The two forms of roll correction means may be combined as shown in the accompanying Figure. The guide beam 66 may be a part elliptical formation so that the cutter head is vertically offset of the axis A and the means 64 may be horizontally and diametrically opposed of the axis A. The shoe structures 52, 54 may be replaced by a single shoe structure. U.S.A. Specifications 2988348, 3061287 and 3203737 are referred to.