Tunnel boring machine and method for driving a tunnel boring machine

Abstract

The invention proposes a tunnel boring machine in which the tunnel boring machine can be driven through the starting wall into the ground in a simple, cost-effective and time-saving manner. Furthermore, less space is required in the starting trench. The invention relates to a tunnel boring machine for shield tunnelling, comprising a bore head, a shield (35) and a plurality of hydraulic cylinders (31), which, during regular tunneling, are supported against the last tubbing ring of the tunnel under construction, wherein a pressure ring (15) is arranged behind the tunnel boring machine, wherein a plurality of pull rods (3) are arranged along the tunnel boring machine and wherein the pressure ring (15) can be fastened to the pull rods (3), characterised in that the shield (35) can be fastened to the pull rods (3), and in that the hydraulic cylinders (31) are supported against the pressure ring (15) when the tunnel boring machine is driven into the ground.

Description

[0001] Title: Tunnel boring machine and method for starting a tunnel boring machine

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to a tunnel boring machine according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for shield approach of such a tunnel boring machine.

[0004] In many construction projects, driving a tunnel boring machine (TBM) into the ground proceeds roughly as follows:

[0005] First, a starting pit is created. Depending on the TBM being used, a shield cradle is often installed at the bottom of the starting pit. The TBM is positioned and aligned on this shield cradle. The shield cradle is stationary, meaning that the TBM moves relative to the shield cradle during start-up.

[0006] The so-called approach wall is usually located at the front of the starting pit. The tunnel boring machine enters the ground through this wall.

[0007] When the tunnel boring machine subsequently starts up, considerable forces are generated. These consist of the counterpressure exerted by the TBM against the earth and water pressure, the contact force of the TBM's cutting wheel, and, among other things, the frictional forces of the TBM in the ground. In order to transfer these forces into the excavation pit or the subsoil, a support structure, the so-called back brace, is usually installed behind the tunnel boring machine in the starting excavation pit. This consists of a steel pressure ring and a massive steel frame behind it, which transfers the forces to be transferred, divided into compressive and tensile forces, into the structure floor, excavation pit walls or any bracing beams, as well as the subsoil. Until the TBM has completely disappeared into the subsoil, this load transfer system requires the construction of temporary structure rings, so-called blind rings, against which the TBM rests when it starts up.

[0008] During conventional starting, the

[0009] The tunnel boring machine's hydraulic cylinders, located at the rear end, act on the steel thrust ring directly or through the blind rings to be constructed against the rear stiffener. The travel of the hydraulic cylinders is matched to the width of the blind rings, so that whenever the hydraulic cylinders are extended sufficiently, there is space to build another blind ring in the starting pit.

[0010] Before a new blind ring is built in the tunnel boring machine, the hydraulic cylinders are retracted in groups so that prefabricated reinforced concrete elements, known as segments, can be installed in the vacated areas. By installing individual segments one after the other, a segment ring is installed successively.

[0011] After a segmental ring has been built, the hydraulic cylinders are pressed against this built blind ring and the tunnel boring machine can continue driving into the ground by extending the hydraulic cylinders.

[0012] Depending on the project's constraints, this method can have various disadvantages. Disadvantages include the

[0013] The space required for the blind rings and their corresponding support. Further disadvantages include their manufacturing time and cost. Another disadvantage is the space required for the massive backing plate and its support via props, which usually extend across the excavation pit. The starting excavations are often kept as small or as short as possible to minimize time and cost. Furthermore, space is often very limited, especially in urban areas.

[0014] Furthermore, the backing plate and the blind rings are only needed for the start-up process. Afterward, they must be dismantled and disposed of. This also incurs costs and can delay the construction process.

[0015] EP 1650 402 B1 discloses another method for

[0016] Shield approach for the construction of tunnel tubes and a tunnel boring machine usable therefor with the features of the preamble of claim 1 are known, which overcomes some of the disadvantages known from the prior art. In this method, no

[0017] Back stiffness and no gradually installed

[0018] Blind rings, but additional units required.

[0019] This previously known method provides that threaded rods are inserted with their front end into the approach wall of the

[0020] Tunnels are anchored. These threaded rods are aligned and arranged parallel to the tunnel boring machine. A solid thrust ring is provided behind the tunnel boring machine. This thrust ring serves to absorb the friction and excavation forces (hereinafter also referred to as start-up forces) that occur when the TBM starts up. It is connected to the threaded rods so that the start-up forces of the tunnel boring machine are transmitted via the threaded rods into the start-up wall of the tunnel to be bored. The axial fixation of the thrust ring relative to the threaded rods and the force transmission between the thrust ring and the threaded rods takes place via nuts that are screwed onto the threaded rod. Hollow piston presses are arranged between the thrust ring and the nuts. These are additional units different from the actual hydraulic cylinders for the regular advance of the TBM.These hollow piston presses provide the starting forces required to start the tunnel boring machine. These starting forces are transferred to the threaded rods, which transmit them into the starting wall of the starting pit, thereby driving the thrust ring, along with the TBM and its shield braced against it, into the ground.

[0021] In this known method for starting or driving the TBM including shield through the starting wall into the subsoil, the hydraulic cylinders for the regular advance of the tunnel boring machine are not active, but the TBM including shield and thrust ring is pushed from the starting excavation pit into the subsoil by the hollow piston presses.

[0022] The travel (stroke) of the hollow piston presses, which act between the nuts mounted on the stationary threaded rods and the thrust ring, is typically approximately 20 to 30 cm. After the hollow piston presses have been extended for an initial advance, a first group of hollow piston presses is retracted, reducing their overall length by approximately 20 to 30 cm, corresponding to the travel. The remaining hollow piston presses remain extended for the time being. During this stage, the axial fixation or securing of the TBM is achieved by the remaining hollow piston presses (= second or subsequent group of hollow piston presses).

[0023] Meanwhile, the nuts belonging to the first group of retracted hollow piston presses are tightened onto the threaded rods by a further 20 to 30 cm until a frictional connection is established between the thrust ring, the retracted hollow piston presses of the first group, and the respective threaded rod. From this point on, the axial fixation or securing of the tunnel boring machine is additionally provided by the first group of hollow piston presses and the associated threaded rods.

[0024] The next group of hollow-piston jacks is then retracted, and the tie rod nuts belonging to this next group are also tightened onto the threaded rods by approximately 20 to 30 cm. This process is repeated cyclically until all hollow-piston jacks have been retracted and all nuts have been tightened. This multi-stage process is repeated for each advance until the tunnel boring machine, including the shield, has completely sunk into the ground.

[0025] This method represents a significant improvement over the conventional approach to starting up a tunnel boring machine mentioned above. However, the process is still relatively time-consuming because the tunnel boring machine, which is typically between 10 and 20 meters long, must be driven into the ground step by step in many small increments of, say, 30 cm. The requirement for qualified personnel is also relatively high, because the hollow piston presses must be adjusted in groups, and the nuts must be screwed onto the threaded rods accordingly.

[0026] In addition, the state-of-the-art

[0027] The device is relatively complex because each threaded rod requires a hollow piston press as well as a pressure oil supply and control system.

[0028] The invention is based on the object of providing a tunnel boring machine which shortens, accelerates and makes the start of the tunnel boring machine through the start-up wall into the subsoil easier to control.

[0029] This object is achieved according to the invention by a tunnel boring machine having the features of claim 1 and by a method having the features of claim 14.

[0030] As with the state of the art, behind the

[0031] A thrust ring is arranged on the tunnel boring machine, and several tie rods connected to the thrust ring are arranged along the machine for entry into the ground near the starting pit. The thrust ring and the tie rods are therefore components of the tunnel boring machine during the shield approach, i.e., during the insertion of the tunnel boring machine and shield into the ground at the beginning of a tunnel construction project.

[0032] Because in the tunnel boring machine according to the invention not only the thrust ring but also the shield can be secured to the tie rods, the hydraulic cylinders with their usually large travel distance per stroke can be used not only for the subsequent regular tunnel excavation, but also for the shield approach, i.e. the insertion of the tunnel boring machine including the shield from the starting pit into the subsoil. The hydraulic cylinders are supported axially to the rear against the thrust ring, which in turn is axially supported to the rear against the tie rods. When the hydraulic cylinders are extended, the tunnel boring machine including the shield can then be pushed into the subsoil by the travel distance of the hydraulic cylinders per stroke, with the forces for the rear support being absorbed via the tie rods and introduced into the starting pit or the approach wall in various ways to be explained below.As the hydraulic cylinders extend, the tunnel boring machine and its shield move axially away from the thrust ring, which is axially supported against the tie rods during this time, while the shield also moves axially along the tie rods. After each stroke of the hydraulic cylinders, the shield is secured to the tie rods again, so that it, and thus the tunnel boring machine, moves axially backwards again.

[0033] is supported by tie rods. The hydraulic cylinders can now be retracted again, in particular all hydraulic cylinders at the same time. This allows the thrust ring to be retightened. For this purpose, it proves advantageous if the hydraulic cylinders are designed as double-acting cylinders. However, it is also conceivable for the thrust ring to be tightened or pushed in a different way, for example by tightening adjusting elements on the tie rods, in particular nuts, in order to push the thrust ring axially into the subsoil in the direction of the retracted or retracted hydraulic cylinders. Compared to the multi-stage repositioning of several groups of hollow piston presses during each feed process, which is known from the prior art.

[0034] The invention therefore proposes not to use additional units between the thrust ring and the threaded rods for the shield approach or shield entry of the tunnel boring machine into the ground, but rather to use the hydraulic cylinders for the tunnel boring machine's regular tunnel advance. Since this requires the thrust ring to be repeatedly repositioned, the invention proposes to design the shield so that it can be secured to the tie rods, so that the forces acting from front to back on the tunnel boring machine and its shield can be diverted via the shield to the tie rods while the thrust ring is advanced.

[0035] Furthermore, according to the invention, it is proposed that the hydraulic cylinders are connected in a tensile manner to the shield and to the pressure ring, so that following a feed of the tunnel boring machine during the shield approach by

[0036] When the hydraulic cylinders are retracted, the pressure ring can be adjusted.

[0037] To successively fix the shield to the tie rods to create an axial support to the rear, in the rear area of ​​the shield, i.e. in the

[0038] In the area of ​​the shield tail, there will be external lugs through which the tie rods pass. These lugs contain separately adjustable nuts. When the nuts are in contact with the lugs, the tunnel boring machine is immovably fixed or secured to the rear via the shield, even if the tunnel boring machine's hydraulic cylinders are retracted and are no longer supported by the thrust ring. The forces acting on the machine to the rear are then still transmitted to the tie rods via the lugs and nuts.

[0039] As an alternative to directly fastening or mounting the lugs on the shield tail, it is also possible to attach a separate ring directly behind or on the shield tail, with the lugs mounted on the outside. This has the advantage that the lugs do not have to be assembled and disassembled individually; instead, only the additional ring needs to be assembled and disassembled after the running-in process is complete. This separate ring can then engage in a tapered area of ​​the compression ring while the tunnel boring machine is running into the ground. This ring then simply remains in front of the start-up wall at the end of the start-up process, and the lugs do not have to be disassembled from the shield tail. This is particularly advantageous when a tunnel boring machine is used to bore different tunnels and is therefore used one after the other in different start excavations (subway construction).

[0040] Because the tunnel boring machine is connected to the shield

[0041] If the drawbars are fixed, the hydraulic cylinders can be retracted after a thrust without the tunnel boring machine being pushed backward out of the ground due to frontal counterpressure. At the same time or after the hydraulic cylinders have been retracted, the thrust ring can be adjusted in the direction of advance until the retracted hydraulic cylinders rest against the thrust ring again.

[0042] In this position, the thrust ring is reattached to the tie rods. The forces generated during further retraction of the tunnel boring machine, just as at the beginning of the retraction process, are then transferred via the tunnel boring machine, its hydraulic cylinders, and the thrust ring to the tie rods via the re-spindle or re-tightened nuts. For this purpose, the tunnel boring machine's hydraulic cylinders are extended again, and the tunnel boring machine is retracted through the approach wall into the ground. In many applications, the travel distance of the hydraulic cylinders is more than 1.2 meters, often even 2 meters or more. This shortens the retraction process by several days. This is a significant economic advantage.

[0043] The detachable lugs on the shield tail are removed before the tunnel boring machine's final stroke into the ground. If the lugs are bolted on, they are simply unscrewed. If the lugs are welded to the shield tail, they can be removed with a power cutter and / or a welding torch.

[0044] Because the tunnel boring machine is connected to the shield

[0045] Because the drawbars are axially fixed and the hydraulic cylinders are axially fixed for retraction, all of the tunnel boring machine's hydraulic cylinders can be retracted simultaneously. As already mentioned, this results in a significant time saving compared to the state of the art.

[0046] Furthermore, if the hydraulic cylinders are designed as double-acting hydraulic cylinders, it is possible to move the thrust ring along with the hydraulic cylinders as they retract, eliminating the need to advance the thrust ring separately after the hydraulic cylinders have been retracted. This also significantly saves time and personnel.

[0047] Once the hydraulic cylinders have been retracted, all that's needed is to activate the means for securing the thrust ring to the tie rods in the new position. If the tie rods are threaded, simply turn the nuts further until they rest against the rear end / underside of the thrust ring.

[0048] A further significant advantage of the tunnel boring machine according to the invention is that the entire travel range of the tunnel boring machine's hydraulic cylinders can be used. In tunnel boring machines, the travel ranges of the advance cylinders are several decimetres greater than the actual ring length, which is approximately between one and two metres. Typically, the usable travel range of the advance cylinders is between 1.2 metres and 2.60 metres. This means that with a retraction process according to the invention, the tunnel boring machine can, in the best case, be driven up to 2.6 metres into the ground without having to interrupt the advance due to the system. Only then does the pressure ring need to be adjusted. This therefore already corresponds in the start-up phase more or less to the normal advance cycle used in the later standard advance.

[0049] In the known method according to EP 1650 402 B1, the additional hollow piston presses only have a working path of, for example, 30 cm, so that according to the state of the art the method must be repeated more than six times to achieve an advance of 2 m. This also results in considerable time savings. Another, equally important advantage is that the tunnel boring machine is started up via the normal control station of the tunnel boring machine, so that the operator of the tunnel boring machine can work in his usual working environment with the controls he is familiar with while driving the tunnel boring machine into the ground. He can extend the jacking presses with different oil pressures or oil volumes to correct the direction and can react quickly at any time to changes in the excavation process of the cutter head and the removal of the excavated material.

[0050] The tunnel boring machine according to the invention is also more cost-effective than a machine required to carry out the method known from EP 1 650 402 B1.

[0051] Tunnel boring machines with hollow piston presses. This requires an additional hollow piston press on each drawbar, the corresponding hydraulics, and a "temporary" control panel to operate the hollow piston presses. This control system is not as precise and the control panel is less ergonomic than the driver's cab of a tunnel boring machine designed to bore tunnels many kilometers long.

[0052] In short, the tunnel boring machine according to the invention allows for a much faster, more precise, and more cost-effective approach of the tunnel boring machine through the approach wall into the subsoil. An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the tension rods are designed as threaded rods, that a nut is screwed onto each threaded rod, which is located behind a lug attached to the shield or a separate ring, and that another nut is screwed onto each threaded rod, which is located behind a lug attached to the thrust ring or a through-bore of the thrust ring.

[0053] This allows the shield or thrust ring to be secured to the drawbar simply by turning the nuts. This can be done easily and reliably, even under the harsh operating conditions in a tunnel's starting pit.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the thrust ring according to the invention has a reinforcement ring at its front end and / or at its rear end. This ensures that the thrust ring does not deform, despite the forces acting on it, which are generated by the hydraulic cylinders or introduced into the thrust ring by the tie rods, but remains dimensionally stable.

[0055] It has proven advantageous to integrate screwing options into the front reinforcement ring to fix the first "regular" segment ring.

[0056] It has proven advantageous if the radial extension of the reinforcement rings is no greater than the wall thickness of the segment rings that will later be used to construct the tunnel. This avoids collisions with the other components or the segment rings that will later be used to line the cavity drilled by the tunnel boring machine.

[0057] It has proven advantageous if the inner diameter of the compression ring is approximately equal to the inner diameter of the segment rings used to construct the tunnel. Similarly, it is advantageous if the outer diameter of the compression ring in the area of ​​the front and rear reinforcement rings is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the segment rings used to construct the tunnel.

[0058] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the thrust ring has a tapered area, particularly between the front reinforcement ring and the rear reinforcement ring. The outer diameter of the thrust ring in this tapered area is smaller than the outer diameter of the thrust ring outside the detailed area, i.e. particularly in the area of ​​the reinforcement rings. The outer diameter of this tapered area is selected such that brush seal elements or spring plate seal elements, which may be located at the rear end of the shield, do not come into contact with the thrust ring during the retraction process and therefore cannot be damaged by the thrust ring. The brush seal and spring plates serve to seal against groundwater and grout between the outer surface of the stationary segmental rings and the forward-moving tunnel boring machine.

[0059] These brush seals are usually designed so that they can only be pushed over the segment rings in the forward direction of tunneling. Reverse movement is not possible, as this would lead to the destruction of the brushes.

[0060] If the thrust ring is tapered according to the invention, the brushes are not damaged by the back and forth movement of the thrust ring relative to the shield or to the brushes of the tunnel boring machine.

[0061] The length of the waisted area is preferably at least equal to the working stroke or travel of the hydraulic cylinders.

[0062] In order to be able to assemble the pressure ring, it is advantageous if it is composed of several segments, for example four segments at 90°.

[0063] To absorb the forces introduced into the tie rods, a first embodiment of the invention can provide for the tie rods to be connected at their front end to a tensile force-absorbing structure. The tensile force-absorbing structure can be designed as a ring or steel support grid, usually a steel structure located in front of the tunnel boring machine at the start of the running-in process. The inner diameter of the structure is advantageously larger than the outer diameter of the tunnel boring machine, so that the boring machine can drive through this ring or grid into the approach wall during the running-in process. The tie rods can be attached by their front ends to this structure, which is often made of steel.

[0064] This structure or grid can be supported against the bottom of the starting pit via optional inclined supports.

[0065] It is also possible that this structure or grid is supported by a shield cradle located at the bottom of the starting pit. The shield cradle serves as a support for the tunnel boring machine.

[0066] Another alternative is for the tensile force-absorbing structure to be formed by a starting wall of the tunnel to be bored, as in the prior art mentioned above. The tie rods are then attached to the starting wall of the tunnel to be bored or to anchors pre-installed in the subsoil outside the boring profile of the tunnel boring machine. In this case, the tensile force-absorbing structure or another tensile force-absorbing construction can be omitted. In some cases, this

[0067] This saves costs and further reduces the required construction space in the launch pit. Another alternative is to replace the tension rods in the upper section with compression struts, which transfer the forces backward into nearby structural elements in the launch pit. These are either telescoped out or completely retracted as the compression ring is advanced, with the force introduction point on the structural element being re-fixed after each relocation. When compression stiffeners are used in the upper section, the tunnel boring machine is secured with tension rods in the lower section during the relocation of the compression ring, as described above.

[0068] The object mentioned at the outset is also achieved by a method for shield entry of a tunnel boring machine according to one of the preceding device claims, wherein the method comprises the method steps of independent claim 14, which are explained in more detail below.

[0069] Fixing the pressure ring on the tie rods.

[0070] Driving the drill head so that the drill head can first cut through the approach wall and then into the subsoil, while the

[0071] The tunnel boring machine's hydraulic cylinders are extended and are supported axially backwards against the pressure ring attached to the tie rods. By extending the hydraulic cylinders, the tunnel boring machine, including the shield, is

[0072] Propulsion direction moved forward.

[0073] When the hydraulic cylinders are extended, the shield of the tunnel boring machine is secured to the tie rods so that the shield, and thus the tunnel boring machine, is supported axially against rearward compressive forces. The hydraulic cylinders are then retracted. At the same time or subsequently, the thrust ring is moved along the tie rods in the direction of advance. This adjustment can be accomplished by a separate process, for example, by turning the nuts on the threaded tie rods accordingly. It is also possible to design the hydraulic cylinders as double-acting hydraulic cylinders, so that the hydraulic cylinders move the thrust ring in the direction of advance when the piston rods are retracted.

[0074] With such a process sequence it is possible to achieve a feed path of up to 2 m or more.

[0075] However, since the tunnel boring machine is significantly longer than 2 m, it is advantageous to run through this process several times in succession, so that in steps of preferably at least 50 cm, in particular of preferably at least 80 cm, in particular of preferably at least 100 cm, in particular of preferably 120 cm, in particular of preferably 140 cm, in particular of preferably 160 cm, in particular of preferably 180 cm, further preferably of at least 200 cm, the tunnel boring machine is driven through the approach wall into the

[0076] According to one embodiment of the method according to the invention, when the hydraulic cylinders are retracted, the thrust ring is retightened by means of a tensile coupling to the hydraulic cylinders, in particular to the piston rods of the hydraulic cylinders. Retracting the hydraulic cylinders then simultaneously retightens the thrust ring, so that this latter measure does not need to be performed using additional actuating forces.

[0077] To control the orientation of the tunnel boring machine, it is advantageous if the hydraulic cylinders can be subjected to different pressures or if different amounts of hydraulic oil can be injected into the hydraulic cylinders. This allows, as already mentioned, directional corrections to be made in the manner familiar from normal tunneling.

[0078] The movement or fixing of the thrust ring on the tie rods, the fixing of the shield on the tie rods and / or the adjustment of the thrust ring in the direction of advance is advantageously carried out by turning nuts on the tie rods designed as threaded rods.

[0079] The method according to the invention can also be implemented with a conventional and / or used tunnel boring machine if it is retrofitted to a limited extent. For example, the shield of the tunnel boring machine can be secured to the tie rods and the hydraulic cylinders are supported against the thrust ring during the retraction process.

[0080] The shield can be secured directly to the tie rods if lugs are attached to the shield. The shield can be secured indirectly to the tie rods if lugs are attached to a separate ring and the tunnel boring machine or its shield is

[0081] During the retraction process, the vehicle can temporarily rest against this separate ring. This separate ring can be secured to the tie rods using nuts that interact with the ring's lugs. Protection is also required for this.

[0082] Further advantages and advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the following drawings, their description and the patent claims.

[0083] drawing

[0084] They show:

[0085] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a tensile force absorbing structure in an isometric view,

[0086] Figure 2 is an isometric view of a pressure ring according to the invention,

[0087] Figure 3 is a front view of the thrust ring according to the invention; Figure 4 is the rear end of a tunnel boring machine according to the invention with thrust ring, with the hydraulic cylinders extended,

[0088] Figure 5 shows a tunnel boring machine according to the invention (highly simplified) with a tensile force absorbing structure and a pressure ring according to the invention, with the hydraulic cylinders extended; and

[0089] Figure 6 shows the tunnel boring machine according to the invention, as in Figure 5, with almost completely retracted hydraulic cylinders and

[0090] Figure 7 shows a flow diagram of the method according to the invention and

[0091] Figures 8a-e show a simplified representation of the components of the tunnel boring machine during the shield approach.

[0092] Description of the embodiments

[0093] Figure 1 shows an isometry of an embodiment of a tensile force absorbing structure.

[0094] It comprises a frame 1, which ultimately reveals an octagonal ring inside. The diameter of the ring is larger than the outer diameter of a tunnel boring machine (see Figure 5) that is to be driven into the ground. Of course, the invention is not limited to this embodiment. The structure can be modified according to the on-site conditions as well as the dimensions and weight of the tunnel boring machine.

[0095] The frame 1 comprises two vertical posts 5, which are connected at their upper end by a crossbeam 7. The posts 5, when installed (not visible in Figure 1), stand on the floor of a starting pit. Between the crossbeam 7 and the posts 5 and the floor of the

[0096] A total of four beams 9 are provided for the starting excavation pit, on which, in this embodiment, a total of approximately twenty tie rods 3 are arranged. For reasons of clarity, not all tie rods have been provided with the reference symbol 3.

[0097] The main features and functions of such a framework are:

[0098] Inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the tunnel boring machine

[0099] Devices for securing the front end of the

[0100] Tie rods transfer insertion forces into the base of the excavation pit or other elements of the excavation pit

[0101] The tension rods 3 are often designed as threaded rods or so-called Dywidag rods. These Dywidag rods can also be considered threaded rods with a special thread shape. Through holes are provided in the beams 9, and nuts are screwed onto the front end of the tension rods (left in Figure 1). This allows tensile forces to be transferred from the tension rods 3 to the beams 9 and the structure 1.

[0102] 11 is an arrow that indicates the direction of advance and retraction.

[0103] To ensure that the structure 1 does not give way even under the influence of the highest tensile forces, optional struts 13 are provided, which can transfer the tensile forces into the bottom of the starting excavation pit (not shown in Figure 1).

[0104] Figure 2 shows an isometric view of a thrust ring 15 according to the invention. Of course, the invention is not limited to this embodiment. The thrust ring 15 can be modified according to the on-site conditions as well as the dimensions and weight of the tunnel boring machine.

[0105] In this embodiment, the thrust ring 15 consists of four segments (each extending over 90°). A first reinforcement ring 17 is formed at the front end of the thrust ring 15. A second reinforcement ring 19 is formed at the rear end of the thrust ring 15. The reinforcement rings 17 and 19 are also segmented, so that ultimately a quarter of the thrust ring 15 can always be lowered into the starting pit. The four segments of the thrust ring 15 are assembled in the starting pit within the shield tail to form a thrust ring 15. Alternatively, assembly can also take place on top of the construction site, and the pre-assembled ring can be lifted into the starting pit without the reinforcement ring 17 and inserted into the shield tail. The front

[0106] Reinforcement ring 17 must be mounted.

[0107] Lugs 21 are formed on the rear reinforcement ring 19. These lugs 21 have through holes (without reference symbols). The tie rods 3 of the tunnel boring machine according to the invention can be pushed through these through holes. A clamping element or a nut, if the tie rod is designed as a threaded rod, can be provided behind the lugs 21.

[0108] Figure 3 shows a front view of the pressure ring 15. The lugs 21 of the pressure ring are arranged in such a way that the tension rods, which are fastened in the beams 9 of the tensile force-absorbing structure 1, can be inserted through the through holes in the lugs 21 of the pressure ring.

[0109] It is then possible, in a manner analogous to the spars 9, to fix the thrust ring in the axial direction to the tie rods 3 using tension rods 3 designed as threaded rods. Figure 4 shows a section of the thrust ring 15. Furthermore, the rear end of the tunnel boring machine with the hydraulic cylinders 31 and their piston rods 27 is shown in a highly simplified manner.

[0110] In this sectional view, the reinforcement rings 17 and 19 as well as the lugs 21 can be clearly seen.

[0111] In Figure 4 it can also be clearly seen that the tie rods 3 in this embodiment are designed as threaded rods and that a nut is screwed onto each tie rod 3 behind the lugs 21 of the pressure ring 15.

[0112] An inner diameter D I of the pressure ring 15 corresponds approximately to the inner diameter of the segment rings, which will later be used to line the tunnel created by the tunnel boring machine.

[0113] Tunnels can be used.

[0114] An outer diameter D A in a waisted area 23 between the first reinforcement ring 17 and the second reinforcement ring 19 is only slightly larger than the inner diameter D I of the pressure ring 15.

[0115] The length of the waisted area 23 is approximately equal to the travel path of the hydraulic cylinders 31 plus the length of the brush seals of the tunnel boring machine to be bridged or approximately equal to the ring length of the segment rings to be installed in the standard advance plus the length of the brush seals to be bridged.

[0116] In Figure 4, the piston rods 27 of the hydraulic cylinders are shown extended. As a first approximation, the travel 33 of the hydraulic cylinders is equal to the length of the piston rods 27, as shown in Figure 4.

[0117] A shield 35 of the tunnel boring machine has a diameter that is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the thrust ring 15 in the area of ​​at least the first reinforcement ring 17. In other words, it is possible to retract the thrust ring 15 into the interior of the shield 35 (see Figure 6).

[0118] At the rear end of the plate 35 is this

[0119] In this embodiment, a brush seal 37 is provided.

[0120] These brushes are located in the tapered area 23, i.e. between the first reinforcement ring 17 and the second reinforcement ring 19 of the pressure ring 15. They have no contact with the pressure ring 15.

[0121] This allows the pressure ring 15 to be moved back and forth in the axial direction relative to the brushes 37 without touching and damaging the brushes 37.

[0122] Lugs 38 are arranged on the outer diameter and at the rear end of the shield 35. The lugs 38 of the tunnel boring machine also have through holes. The tension rods 3 are inserted through these through holes. In other words: The drilling pattern of the through holes in the beams 9 of structure 1 (see Figure 1), in the lugs 21 of the thrust ring 15 (see Figures 2 and 3), and the lugs 38 provided on the shield 35 of the tunnel boring machine have the same drilling or hole pattern. Therefore, the tension rods 3 can be inserted through them.

[0123] In the illustrated embodiment, the tie rods 3 are designed as threaded rods. A nut 39 is provided on each tie rod behind the lugs 38 of the shield 35. The same applies to the lugs 21 on the thrust ring 15. These nuts are provided with the reference numeral 41. Here, too, not all tie rods and all nuts 41 have been provided with reference numerals.

[0124] As already mentioned, the lugs 38 mounted on the outside of the shield are dismantled before the shield tail enters the approach wall.

[0125] As an alternative to directly fastening or mounting the cleats 38 on the shield tail, it is also possible to attach a separate ring directly behind or on the shield tail, with the cleats 38 mounted on the outside. This has the advantage that the cleats do not have to be mounted individually; instead, only the additional ring needs to be installed. This separate ring then sits in the waisted area of ​​the pressure ring. At the end of the launch process, this ring simply remains in front of the launch wall, and the cleats do not have to be removed from the shield tail. This is particularly advantageous when a tunnel boring machine is used to bore different tunnels and is therefore used one after the other in different launch pits (subway construction).

[0126] Figure 5 shows a side view of the tunnel boring machine (very simplified) with the tensile force-absorbing structure 1, the tie rods 3, and the thrust ring 15. The floor of the starting pit is designated by reference numeral 45. A starting wall is designated by 51.

[0127] A shield cradle 46 is indicated on the floor 45 of the starting pit. The tunnel boring machine rests on it during the insertion process.

[0128] The struts 13 of the structure 1 are supported against abutments 47 on the bottom 45 of the starting excavation pit, so that the entire tensile forces introduced into the structure 1 by the tension rods 3, which are directed opposite to the arrow 49, can be absorbed by the structure 1 and introduced into the bottom 45 of the starting excavation pit 45.

[0129] Figure 6 shows the situation in which the hydraulic cylinders 31 have been almost fully retracted and the thrust ring 15 has been displaced along the tie rods 3, also in the direction of advance (see the arrow in Figures 5 and 6). Meanwhile, the tunnel boring machine is secured to the tie rods 3 by means of the lugs 38 and the nuts 39 and is axially supported rearward, so that the axial forces acting on the TBM are transferred from the shield 35 into the tie rods 3.

[0130] In other words: The nuts 41 at the rear end of the tie rods are not loaded. Rather, they can be screwed further onto the tie rods 3 until they rest again on the thrust ring 15 or the associated lugs 21.

[0131] When the hydraulic cylinders 31 are then extended, the piston rods of the hydraulic cylinders are supported against the first reinforcement ring 17 of the pressure ring 15, so that the tunnel boring machine can advance in the

[0132] direction of advance (to the left in Figures 4, 5 and 6). As soon as the tunnel boring machine is slightly in

[0133] As the tunnel boring machine has moved in the direction of advance, an increasingly large distance arises between the lugs 38 on the shield 35 of the tunnel boring machine and the

[0134] Nuts 39. As soon as the nuts 39 no longer rest on the lugs 38, the tensile forces are transmitted to the tension rods 3 exclusively via the pressure ring 15, the lugs 21 and the nuts 41.

[0135] Only a few reference numerals are shown in Figure 6 for the sake of clarity. Figure 7 shows a flow diagram of the method according to the invention, and Figures 8a to e show a simplified representation of the components of the tunnel boring machine and their interaction during shield approach. After start-up, the thrust ring 15 is secured to the tie rods 3 in block 101. This can be done, for example, by screwing the nuts 41 onto the tie rods 3, which are designed as threaded rods, until they rest on the lugs 21 of the thrust ring 15 (shown in simplified form in Figure 8a). The force flow between axial tensile forces and propulsion forces between the tunnel boring machine and the tie rods 3 is then as follows: The hydraulic cylinders 31 are supported with their piston rods 27 on the reinforcing ring 17 of the thrust ring 15.The pressure ring 15 transfers the resulting forces to the tie rods 3 via the lugs 21 and the nuts 41.

[0136] In a further step 103, the cutter head is driven so that the tunnel boring machine can cut into the approach wall 51 (see Figure 5) and then into the subsoil into which the tunnel is to be bored. Simultaneously, while the cutter head rotates, the piston rods 27 of the hydraulic cylinders 31 are extended, allowing the desired advance movement to occur (shown in simplified form in Figure 8b).

[0137] Once the hydraulic cylinders 31 are extended, the shield 35 of the tunnel boring machine is secured to the tie rods 3. This occurs in block 105. Here, too, the shield can be secured to the tie rods by turning the nuts 39, which are located behind the lugs 38 on the shield 35, on the tie rods 3 until they rest against the lugs 38 (shown in simplified form in Figure 8c).

[0138] Subsequently, in a step 107, the piston rods 27 of the hydraulic cylinders 31 are retracted and the thrust ring 15 is moved in the advancing direction (shown in simplified form in Figure 8d). Step 107 (retracting the hydraulic cylinders 31 and moving the thrust ring 15 in the advancing direction (step 109)) can also take place simultaneously. This is particularly the case when the hydraulic cylinders 31 are designed as double-acting hydraulic cylinders and the piston rods 27 or hydraulic rods are connected to the thrust ring 15 in a tensile and / or compressive manner. Then, when the hydraulic cylinder 31 is retracted, the piston rods 27 pull the thrust ring 15 along, and it moves in the direction of the shield 35 into a position as shown in Figure 6 and simplified in Figure 8d.

[0139] The nuts 41 on the threaded rods 3 are then tightened again until they rest against the lugs 21 of the thrust ring 15, so that the thrust ring is again supported axially rearwardly on the threaded rod 3 (shown in simplified form in Figure 8e).

[0140] This sequence of steps is repeated until the outer lugs 38 are almost flush with the approach wall or any existing sealing cup, for example. The lugs are then removed. Prior to this, the thrust ring 15 is retracted again so that the tunnel boring machine can penetrate the approach wall 51 as far as possible into the ground.

[0141] The compression ring 15 according to the invention, the tension rods 3, and the tensile force-absorbing structure 1 are then dismantled. All of these components are reusable because they are preferably designed as welded constructions. They can therefore be removed from the starting excavation pit without damage and temporarily stored until the same tunnel boring machine is to be driven into the ground again after passing an intermediate station during the advance, or until it is used again at another construction site.

[0142] Reference symbol

[0143] 1 frame

[0144] 3 drawbar

[0145] 5 vertical posts

[0146] 7 Crossbeam

[0147] 9 Holm

[0148] 11 Vector arrow

[0149] 13 Strut

[0150] 15 Pressure ring D I Inner diameter of the pressure ring

[0151] 17 first reinforcement ring

[0152] 19 second reinforcement ring 21 Cleat

[0153] 23 waisted area

[0154] D A Outer diameter in the waisted area 25 -

[0155] 31 hydraulic cylinders

[0156] 33 Travel of the hydraulic cylinders

[0157] 35 Shield of the tunnel boring machine

[0158] 37 Brush seal

[0159] 38 Knagge

[0160] 39 mother

[0161] 41 Mother

[0162] 45 Bottom of the starting pit

[0163] 46 Shield Cradle

[0164] 47 abutments

[0165] 49 Arrow

[0166] 51 approach wall

[0167] 101 to 109 steps of the method according to the invention

Claims

Patent claims 1. Tunnel boring machine for shield driving, comprising a cutter head, a shield (35) and a plurality of hydraulic cylinders (31) which, during regular tunnel driving, are supported against the last segmental ring of the tunnel under construction, wherein a pressure ring (15) is arranged behind the tunnel boring machine, wherein a plurality of tie rods (3) are arranged along the tunnel boring machine, and wherein the pressure ring (15) can be fixed to the tie rods (3), characterized in that the shield (35) can be fixed to the tie rods (3), and in that the hydraulic cylinders (31) are supported against the pressure ring (15) during a driving-in process of the tunnel boring machine into the subsoil.

2. Tunnel boring machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the hydraulic cylinders (31) are connected in a tensile manner to the shield (35) and to the pressure ring (15), so that following a feed of the tunnel boring machine during the shield approach by When the hydraulic cylinders (31) are retracted, the pressure ring (15) is adjusted.

3. Tunnel boring machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the tie rods (3) are designed as threaded rods, that a nut (39) is screwed onto each threaded rod (3), which nut is located behind a lug (38) attached to the shield (35) or a separate ring, and that a nut (41) is screwed onto each threaded rod (3), which nut is located behind a lug (21) attached to the pressure ring (15) or a through hole of the pressure ring (14).

4. Tunnel boring machine according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that a reinforcing ring (17, 29) is provided at a front end and / or a rear end of the pressure ring (15).

5. Tunnel boring machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an inner diameter (Di) of the pressure ring (15) is approximately equal to the inner diameter of the segment rings used to construct the tunnel.

6. Tunnel boring machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an outer diameter (D A ) of the pressure ring (15) is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the segmental rings used to construct the tunnel.

7. Tunnel boring machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure ring (15) has a waisted region (23), that an outer diameter of the pressure ring (15) in the waisted region (23) is smaller than an inner diameter of brushes (37) or another seal which is attached to the shield (35).

8. Tunnel boring machine according to claim 7, characterized in that a length of the waisted area (23) is at least as large as the working stroke or the travel path of the hydraulic cylinders (31).

9. Tunnel boring machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure ring (15) is composed of several segments.

10. Tunnel boring machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tension rods (3) are connected at their front end to a structure (1) absorbing tensile forces.

11. Tunnel boring machine according to claim 10, characterized in that the tensile force absorbing structure (1) comprises a ring, and that an inner diameter of the ring is larger than an outer diameter of the tunnel boring machine 12. Tunnel boring machine according to claim 10, characterized in that the tensile force-absorbing structure is attached to a shield cradle (46), in particular to its front end.

13. Tunnel boring machine according to claim 10, characterized in that the structure absorbing tensile forces is a starting wall (51) of the tunnel to be bored, and that the tension rods (3) are connected directly or indirectly to the starting wall (51).

14. Method for shield approach of a tunnel boring machine according to one of the preceding device claims, comprising the steps - Fix the pressure ring (15) to the tie rods (3). - Driving the drill head and extending the hydraulic cylinders (31) of the tunnel boring machine against the pressure ring (15), - Fixing the shield (35) to the tie rods (3), - Retraction of the hydraulic cylinders (31) and - Adjusting the thrust ring (15) in the direction of advance.

15. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that when the hydraulic cylinders (31) are retracted, the pressure ring (15) is tightened by means of a tensile coupling with the hydraulic cylinders (31), in particular with piston rods of the hydraulic cylinders (31).

16. Method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that it is carried out several times in succession until at least the major part of the shield (35) is inserted into the approach wall (51) or the building site has been entered.

17. Method according to claim 14, 15 or 16, characterized in that the hydraulic cylinders (31) are subjected to different pressures and / or are subjected to different amounts of hydraulic fluid, in particular in order to control and / or make directional corrections.

18. Method according to one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that the fixing of the pressure ring (15) to the tie rods (3), the fixing of the shield (35) to the tie rods (3) and / or the adjustment of the pressure ring (15) in the direction of advance is carried out by turning the nuts (39, 41) on the tie rods (3) designed as threaded rods.

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