Tunnel boring machine pipe extension assembly

Abstract

Tunnel boring machine (TBM) pipe extension assembly. This TBM pipe extension assembly (100) includes an automatic clamping device (200) comprising: - a plurality of clamps for gripping a new pipe section (Tn+1), to be positioned opposite an existing pipe section (Tn), - a clamping installation and locking mechanism, comprising first and second receiving parts for the first and second half-shells of the clamping device, respectively, configured to allow the positioning and closing of the two half-shells at the connection between the existing pipe section and the new pipe section. The clamping installation and locking mechanism also includes half-shell locking tools configured to tighten the two half-shells together with a predefined torque. Figure for the abbreviation: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Cooper's pipe extension assembly

[0001] The present invention relates to the extension of tunnel boring machine pipes, in particular the marinating circuit pipes of a tunnel boring machine. technical field

[0002] The invention relates more particularly, but not exclusively, to tunneling using a tunnel boring machine (TBM) known as a "slurry pressure" TBM. The excavated material is removed from the TBM by a hydraulic slurry removal system, i.e., by pumping the slurry. The slurry consists of the excavated material mixed with bentonite slurry, which is injected into the TBM for this purpose.

[0003] The transport of the marine material, that is, its conveyance to the tunnel boring machine and then its extraction to a surface treatment system, is carried out in a circuit called the "marine circuit." This is a network composed of a supply line, a return line, also called "service lines," and a number of centrifugal pumps for liquids containing solids. The two lines are formed by two pipes, each made up of assembled pipe sections, for example, each 3 to 12 m long. Previous technique

[0004] To allow the tunnel boring machine (TBM) to advance, it is equipped with a telescopic device that is progressively extended to accompany its progress. This telescopic device has a working stroke corresponding to the length of a single pipe section of the laying circuit. At the end of the telescopic device's stroke, the laying circuit is opened to allow the installation of a new pipe section on each line, and then the telescopic device is retracted for the next cycle. The telescopic device is also called the TBM's "laying telescope."

[0005] The different sections are joined by hose clamps. These hose clamps are equipped with a gasket to ensure the assembly is watertight. Given the size of the pipes, the hose clamps are heavy parts to handle, and the available handling equipment is too rudimentary considering the precision required for assembling the clamp and gasket.

[0006] This repetitive task, consisting of handling heavy piping components, typically weighing up to several hundred kilograms, poses a risk of personal injury. Indeed, this handling must be carried out using hoists operated by a single operator. Other operators must also be involved in the installation. The joint is positioned, and the bolts of the clamps need to be tightened manually. Several people must therefore work under uncomfortable conditions.

[0007] Furthermore, the length of these tasks can cause delays in restarting excavation activities. Indeed, these extension operations can only be carried out when the tunnel boring machine is not in the excavation phase.

[0008] Finally, the space available to carry out these operations is limited. Indeed, the tunnel boring machine trailers are connected to the surface by means of service trains whose track must remain clear, as well as by electrical cables, optical fibers and various pipes, for example for clean water, wastewater, compressed air, breathing air, which limits the remaining available space.

[0009] Also, there is a need to improve the execution of the operations of extending the marinating circuit pipes, in terms of available space, safety, speed, reliability and cost. Summary of the invention

[0010] Automatic installation device for a tunnel boring machine pipe clamp

[0011] The invention aims to meet all or part of these needs, and relates, according to a first aspect, to an automatic installation device for a tunnel boring machine pipe clamp, in particular a pipe for a tunnel boring machine's curing circuit, comprising: - a plurality of clamps for gripping a new section of pipe, including four clamps, to be positioned opposite a section of pipe already in place, - a collar installation and locking device, comprising a first and a second receiving part respectively for the first and second half-shells of the collar, configured to allow the positioning and closing of the two half-shells at the connection of the section of pipe already in place and the new section of pipe, the collar installation and locking device also comprising half-shell locking tools, configured to tighten the two half-shells to each other with a predefined tightening torque.

[0012] The automatic installation device according to the invention holds the two half-shells of the clamp to be installed in position, thus facilitating their placement, tightening, and securing. The device according to the invention allows for the automatic installation of the clamp, even in very confined spaces, particularly between a tunnel wall and the pipes, in a space that is typically only a few centimeters.

[0013] The hose clamp can be a self-locking hose clamp. It could be a VictaulicTM type hose clamp, for example, which is commercially available.

[0014] The locking tools may include cylinders, in particular hydraulic cylinders, in particular two. Thus, the clamping collar can be tightened automatically.

[0015] Thanks to the invention, human intervention can be minimized, and the risks of accidents avoided. Description of the invention

[0016] The first and second half-shells of the clamp can be fixed by screwing. Advantageously, screwing the clamp allows for reversibility of the assembly, which is particularly useful for enabling the dismantling of the pipes at the end of tunnel excavation.

[0017] For tightening, the locking tools may include hydraulic motors, in particular two impact wrenches that rotate and move until they reach the screws and tighten them or any nuts according to a predefined tightening torque. The tightening and locking of the two half-shells to each other is thus advantageously automated.

[0018] The clamping collar may include bolts already in place in the first half-shell, which may be positioned below the second half-shell. Each of these bolts may have a threaded rod designed to penetrate the second half-shell under the action of the collar's installation and locking mechanism.

[0019] The clamping collar may also include a sealing gasket intended to be positioned between the two half-shells.

[0020] The sealing joint can be automatically fitted onto the new section of pipe by means of a sealing joint mounting device described below.

[0021] The automatic clamping device can also be configured to be supplied with sections of pipe of different lengths, depending on the circumstances, in order to extend the marinating circuit, from a tunnel boring machine pipe section storage device located for example on the trailer dedicated to pipe extension, opposite the telescope.

[0022] The device may include an articulated frame comprising first and second parts movable relative to each other, in particular around a straight axis of rotation, the first part being connected by an extendable arm to a carriage and the second part carrying the clamps.

[0023] The trolley can be motorized relative to a chassis of a tunnel boring machine trailer. This is the trailer dedicated to extending the pipes, containing the tunnel boring machine's telescope.

[0024] In a storage position, awaiting use, the automatic laying device can be positioned by default above a pipe section storage device which will be described below, in order to allow the tunnel boring machine trains to pass through the trailer.

[0025] When it is to be used, the device can be driven in translation by the motorized trolley on rails fixed to the upper part of the trailer chassis along the longitudinal axis X of the tunnel boring machine, until the desired position.

[0026] The device further comprises a second motorized carriage enabling complementary movement of the device along a horizontal axis Y perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the tunnel boring machine. On this second carriage, a hydraulically driven slewing ring can be used to connect with an external mast of the telescope and actuate it around the longitudinal axis X of the tunnel boring machine.

[0027] The device can be configured to maintain the first part of the articulated frame in a horizontal position. For this purpose, the telescope may include a jack, in particular a hydraulic one, to allow the translation of its inner mast, itself connected to a second hydraulically driven ring which maintains the first part of the articulated frame in a horizontal position.

[0028] The extendable arm can be connected to the carriage with the possibility of rotation about an axis of rotation parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tunnel boring machine. The extendable arm can be connected to the frame, in particular to the first part of the frame, with the possibility of rotation about an axis of rotation parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tunnel boring machine.

[0029] The first and second parts are made mobile relative to each other by means of the action of jacks, in particular hydraulic jacks, arranged between them.

[0030] The clamps of the automatic laying device may each have two jaws for gripping, grasping, and holding a section of pipe. Using these clamps, a section of pipe can be grasped, for example, from a storage device described below, with the jaws locked. The clamps then allow the section of pipe to be lifted, transported, and rigidly held in position relative to one another.

[0031] The gripped pipe section can be placed in a waiting position opposite a clamp seal mounting device, which will be described below, so that it can receive a seal. To do this, the automatic positioning device centers it relative to the seal mounting device to allow the seal to be threaded correctly onto its end.

[0032] The device is configured to allow the section to be moved to the assembly area with the section already in place. The second part, carrying the clamps of the articulated frame, is deployed, actuated by cylinders, in particular hydraulic ones.

[0033] The extendable arm allows for the installation of pipe sections with very precise positioning, which can be on the order of millimeters in a construction site environment where the accuracy of attaching the sections along the walls is on the order of 10 cm and the accuracy of docking the trailers transporting the sections is on the order of 50 cm to 1 m. Thanks to the invention, very precise docking and alignment adjustment of the new section to be installed on the section already in place is achieved.

[0034] The device can then be configured to move into a new standby position, awaiting the installation of the hose clamp. Such an operation can, for example, be performed by an operator who places the half-shells and nuts of the hose clamp into the automatic hose clamp installation device.

[0035] The plurality of clamps may include at least one clamp movable relative to the second part of the frame, in particular two clamps movable relative to the second part of the frame. The movable clamps may at least be axially movable, in particular in translation.

[0036] The clamp(s) movable relative to the second part of the frame can be mounted on a carriage operated by a cylinder, in particular a hydraulic one.

[0037] The plurality of clamps may also include at least one clamp fixed relative to the rest of the device, in particular relative to the frame, specifically fixed relative to the second part of the frame. The fixed clamp(s) may, in particular, be axially fixed, especially in translation.

[0038] The two movable clamps allow one of the section of pipe already in place and the new section of pipe to be translated relative to the other.

[0039] The fixed clamps can be used to hold the other end of the existing pipe section and the new pipe section. The two pipe sections can thus be joined together at their respective ends, and brought into contact.

[0040] The clamp or clamps of the plurality of clamps, for example the clamp or clamps movable with respect to the second part of the frame, may include pushers to recenter the seal of the collar present on the section of pipe to be laid.

[0041] The device may also include a system for locating the end of the section of pipe already in place, in particular with a laser beam.

[0042] The laser beam source can, for example, be positioned on one of the moving parts of the articulated frame.

[0043] The laser beam can be configured to target the intrados of the tunnel to be excavated, and to deduce the position along the longitudinal axis X of the tunnel boring machine of the section of conduit already in place. The system can, for example, measure the length of the tunnel intrados relative to the end of the section.

[0044] The device can be configured to allow the removal of a collar already mounted on a pipe, in particular a clamp between a section of pipe already in place and a section of the tunnel boring machine's telescope.

[0045] Method for automatically installing a hose clamp

[0046] The invention also relates, according to another of its aspects, to a method for the automatic installation of a clamping collar, in which a section of pipe to be installed is provided, equipped with a sealing gasket at its end, and then the section of pipe to be installed is positioned opposite a section of pipe already in place, before closing the two half-shells on the end of the section of pipe to be installed by means of a device as defined above.

[0047] In advance, an operator can manually arrange the two half-shells of the collar and the screws and nuts in the device, as well as a sealing gasket on the telescope's conduit.

[0048] The process can then resume, for example at the operator's request. The device as defined above can position the section of pipe to be laid opposite the section of pipe already in place.

[0049] The fixed clamp(s) lock onto the section of pipe already in place, and the clamp(s) mobile relative to the rest of the device lock onto the section of pipe to be laid, which is then translated by them to come into contact with the section of pipe already in place.

[0050] The two half-shells of the clamping collar can be screwed together by fixing screws.

[0051] The installation of the half-shells and the screws and nuts of the collar in the automatic clamping device can be carried out by an operator. For safety, the positioning of the half-shells can be performed by electromagnets controlled by a remote control operated by an operator.

[0052] The two half-shells are then locked onto the pipe sections, for example by means of bolting tools which rotate and translate until they reach the screws and tighten them or tighten any nuts according to a predefined tightening torque.

[0053] After locking the clamp, the clamp(s) and the clamp installation and locking device can be loosened.

[0054] In particular, the installation and locking mechanism of the collar and the clamps of the automatic clamping device can be loosened, as well as the positioning clamp(s) which will be described below.

[0055] The section of pipe to be laid can then be locked with a pipe from a tunnel boring machine telescope by closing two half-shells of a sealing collar. on the end of the section of pipe to be laid using a device as described above.

[0056] In advance, an operator can manually place the two half-shells of the collar and the screws and nuts in the device, as well as a sealing gasket on the telescope's conduit.

[0057] The sequence of steps in the process can then resume, for example at the operator's request. The device as defined above can be positioned relative to the section of pipe to be laid, at its second end to be connected to the telescope. The device is thus positioned above the telescope and the second end of the section of pipe to be laid.

[0058] The clamp(s) fixed relative to the rest of the device lock onto the pipe to be laid, and the mobile clamp(s) lock onto the telescope, which is then translated by them to come into contact with the section of pipe to be laid.

[0059] In addition, the device may include pushers for recentering the gasket of the collar to be installed. The pushers may be arranged on the movable clamps. They allow the gasket placed on the telescope to be recentered.

[0060] The collar installation and locking mechanism then comes into action as before, and the two half-shells are closed onto the telescope and the section of pipe to be installed. The half-shell locking tools, in particular impact wrenches, rotate and move until they reach the screws and tighten the nuts to a predefined torque.

[0061] It is then possible to loosen, in particular, the installation and locking mechanism of the collar and the clamps of the automatic installation device for a clamping collar, as well as the positioning clamp(s) which will be described below.

[0062] The device is disengaged and the operations can be repeated in order to lengthen the second pickling line.

[0063] Once all the steps have been completed, the device returns to its initial position, for example above the pipe section storage device, particularly at the operator's request. Traffic flow through the trailer can then be restored.

[0064] Pipe clamp sealing gasket mounting device tunnel boring machine

[0065] The invention also relates, according to another of its aspects, to a device for mounting sealing joints for tunnel boring machine pipe clamps, comprising a conical shaft carrying one or more sealing joints, intended to be centered on the end of the pipe section, axially movable relative to the pipe section, and an internal cylinder, in particular hydraulic, disposed on the conical shaft, intended to push a sealing joint onto the pipe section.

[0066] The sealing gasket mounting device according to the invention makes it possible to ensure the automatic placement and positioning of the sealing gasket.

[0067] The device may include a cylinder, in particular a pneumatic one, at the rear of the conical barrel to drive it axially and allow its positioning on the end of the pipe section. The internal cylinder, in particular a hydraulic one, may be connected to a clamp allowing the seal to be pushed around its entire circumference.

[0068] The sealing joint mounting device can simultaneously carry a plurality of sealing joints, for example 4 or 5, only the last one being placed on the pipe section.

[0069] Consequently, the internal cylinder, particularly a hydraulic one, can be configured to maintain its position until the next seal is fitted. Simultaneously, the rear cylinder, particularly a pneumatic one, can retract so that the conical barrel is again in the waiting position for the next seal fitting and the section of pipe that has received a seal is released.

[0070] The sealing gasket mounting device can be fed manually or automatically.

[0071] The sealing joint mounting device can be located on the same tunnel boring machine trailer as the automatic clamping device, for example, installed at the rear of the trailer, particularly near the pipe section storage area. This positioning allows the sealing joints to be installed at the ends of the pipe sections before they are transferred to the other side of the trailer for the extensions of the pipelines.

[0072] Method for automatically installing a sealing gasket for a tunnel boring machine pipe clamp

[0073] The invention also relates, according to another aspect, to a method for automatically installing a sealing gasket for a tunnel boring machine pipe clamp, comprising the following two steps:

[0074] - position a conical drum carrying one or more sealing gaskets on the end of a section of pipe, in particular by centering it in relation to the end of the section of pipe, and

[0075] - push a sealing gasket onto the pipe section using a jack internal, particularly hydraulic, arranged on the conical shaft.

[0076] Positioning can be carried out using the automatic placement device defined above. The pipe section can be placed on the conical barrel by the clamps of the automatic placement device, in particular by the movable clamps. The conical barrel can be moved by a cylinder, in particular a pneumatic cylinder, located at the rear of the seal mounting device.

[0077] The internal cylinder, particularly a hydraulic one, extends to the width of a joint in order to fit the joint onto the end of the pipe section. Then, the rear cylinder, particularly a pneumatic one, retracts and the conical barrel is thus detached from the pipe section.

[0078] After the sealing gasket has been installed, the pipe section can be brought into position by the clamps of the automatic installation device alongside the pipe section already in place. The pipe section already in place can be gripped by the clamps of the automatic installation device, in particular by the fixed clamps.

[0079] The two sections can be brought together by the movement of the movable clamps and brought into contact, then the sealing gasket can be pushed into position at the junction of the two pipe sections. The automatic installation device may include pushers actuated by cylinders, particularly pneumatic cylinders, along a predefined stroke to push the sealing gasket. The device may include four pushers. The predefined stroke allows for precise positioning of the gasket at the junction between the pipe sections. The four actuated pushers can be fixed according to the alignment of the hollow axes of the rollers carried by the section positioning clamps described below.

[0080] The sealing gasket may be U-shaped, comprising two lips, each of which is pressed against a section of pipe. The pipe sections may have at their free end an annular groove forming a shoulder, designed to receive a lip of the U-shaped sealing gasket. Once in place, the sealing gasket is external to the pipe sections and internal to the clamp.

[0081] Alternatively, the sealing gasket could be mounted in such a way manual.

[0082] Cooper's steering positioning device

[0083] The invention also relates, according to another aspect, to a tunnel boring machine conduit positioning device, comprising a positioning clamp mounted on a rotating arm, configured to grasp a section of conduit and hold it.

[0084] The positioning device may include cylinders, particularly hydraulic cylinders, for maneuvering the rotating arm. The cylinders, particularly hydraulic cylinders, may themselves be coupled to accumulators in order to provide them with a certain degree of flexibility to position themselves without stressing the pipe section.

[0085] The positioning device can be maneuvered to bring it closer to the section of pipe to be positioned. Once in position, the accumulators can be short-circuited to stiffen the positioning device.

[0086] The positioning clamp may include a first part, in particular a half-moon shape, intended to receive the section of pipe to be held, and a locking part intended to hold the section of pipe in the first part, in particular a half-moon shape, the two parts, in particular the half-moon shape and the locking part, being rotationally mobile relative to the rotating arm.

[0087] The first part, particularly the crescent shape, can be wide enough to allow the passage of the pipe section. In particular, its opening diameter can be slightly larger than the diameter of the pipe section.

[0088] The thickness of the first part, in particular in a half-moon shape, can be sufficiently small to allow its passage between a wall of the tunnel and the pipe sections or between two pipe sections.

[0089] The positioning clamps of the positioning device thus allow for easy gripping of pipe sections that may be placed in a rather cluttered and / or difficult-to-access location, for example against the tunnel wall. The first part, particularly the crescent-shaped section, can be rotated relative to the rotating arm, thus describing a circular motion of the first crescent-shaped section. When approaching the pipe section, the first crescent-shaped section can be in a vertical position, and the locking part in the open position.

[0090] The locking part can be controlled by a cylinder, in particular a hydraulic one, configured to drive it in rotation relative to the rotating arm.

[0091] When the positioning device is in position on the section already in place, the first crescent-shaped part rotates about its center. The first crescent-shaped part, driven for example by a circular rack and pinion mechanism, rotates approximately 90° and reaches a horizontal position. The first crescent-shaped part then becomes a kind of cradle under the pipe section, and the locking part is also rotated and closes like a jaw onto the pipe section, locking it in the first crescent-shaped part. The first crescent-shaped part can be in a horizontal position, and the locking part in the closed position.

[0092] The hose is therefore held captive in the clamp, being secured within it, and the telescope can be safely detached. By having secured the hose Nl, the clamp prevents it from experiencing potentially dangerous slack movements for the operators.

[0093] The positioning device can be connected by a rotating arm to a trailer chassis of the tunnel boring machine, being fixed to it at the rear end of the trailer. This connection can be fixed, without the possibility of translation relative to the chassis. The rotating arm can be connected to the carriage with the possibility of rotation around an axis of rotation parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tunnel boring machine.

[0094] The positioning clamps allow the pipe sections already in place to be gripped before they are uncoupled from the tunnel boring machine's shunting telescope, in order to maintain their position and also to determine their position in space. The positioning clamps also allow the position of the pipe sections already in place to be corrected manually before the connection of the new pipe sections to be installed.

[0095] The positioning device may only be used and in motion during the extension of the shoring pipes. During the tunnel boring machine's progress, it may be placed in a so-called garage position.

[0096] The first part, in particular in a half-moon shape, may include rollers that are free to rotate on their axis, configured to allow contact with the section of pipe to be positioned.

[0097] Thus, during the contact phase, the positioning clamp is guided and comes into contact with the pipe section. Contact is ensured by the presence of these rollers, which are free to rotate on their axis.

[0098] The device may include positioning sensors disposed in the cylinders, in particular hydraulic cylinders, of the device and / or in actuators of at least one positioning clamp.

[0099] Integrating these positioning sensors into the cylinders, particularly hydraulic cylinders, and / or into the actuators of the positioning clamp allows, after processing, the determination of the position of the pipe sections already in place, without resorting to optical measurement methods that would be poorly suited to the constraints of the tunnel boring machine's working environment. Furthermore, this eliminates the risk of movement from the tunnel boring machine's trailer and the pipe section already in place.

[0100] The device may include two positioning clamps that can operate in parallel. The two positioning clamps may be identical. Each of the two positioning clamps can grip a different section of pipe, for example, two different pipes, in particular a supply pipe and a return pipe. The two positioning clamps may be actuated simultaneously or successively.

[0101] Method for positioning a section of tunnel boring machine conduit

[0102] The invention also relates, according to another of its aspects, to a method of positioning a section of tunnel boring machine conduit, in which a section of conduit already in place is grasped with a device such as described above, to hold it in position.

[0103] Alternatively or additionally, the positioning clamp can be placed manually on the pipe section.

[0104] The telescope can then be detached from the section of pipe already in place.

[0105] The telescope can be retracted to the required length; this maneuver can be performed manually or automatically. In particular, the retraction of the telescope can be carried out using the automatic retraction device described above.

[0106] Storage device for sections of cooper's pipes

[0107] The invention also relates, according to another aspect, to a device for tunnel boring machine pipe section storage, comprising a rail on which are arranged mobile supports in translation relative to the rail, the mobile supports being able to accommodate pipe sections of different lengths depending on their position on the rail.

[0108] The device can be configured to allow the storage of sections of different lengths, for example, at least two different lengths, or at least three different lengths, or even more. The possible section lengths are chosen, for example, from the following list, which is not exhaustive: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 meters, in particular 1, 3, and 6 meters. The diameter of the sections can be between 100 and 700 mm, preferably between 200 and 600 mm, or even between 300 and 500 mm, for example, 323.9 mm (12"). The diameter is measured on the outside of the sections. These can be steel pipe sections.

[0109] Each section can be supported by two movable supports. Each movable support can, for example, support two groups of sections, one on each side, except for the movable supports at each end. Each group of sections can, for example, contain several sections, for example, three. Within a group, the sections are stacked one on top of the other in a number of levels corresponding to the number of sections in the group. The groups of sections are placed one after the other along the rail.

[0110] The storage device may, for example, comprise four movable supports, so that it can be configured to store two or three groups of sections, depending on their length. For example, it may store two groups of 6-meter sections, or alternatively one group of 6-meter sections and two groups of 3-meter sections, or even one group of 6-meter sections, one group of 3-meter sections and one group of 1-meter sections.

[0111] The automatic laying device described above can be used to load the storage device, in particular from a service train of the tunnel boring machine delivering the additional sections. In this case, a section can be gripped by one or even two grippers of the automatic laying device, depending on its length, for example, if the section is longer than 6 meters. Alternatively, the loading operation of the storage device can be manual. In all In some cases, this loading operation can be carried out while the tunnel boring machine is progressing, i.e. while the tunnel excavation is in progress.

[0112] The storage device can for example be placed on the same trailer of the tunnel boring machine as the automatic clamping device and / or the sealing joint mounting device, being installed for example on one side of the trailer, opposite the pipes, while leaving a central traffic lane free, in particular on the right if one looks in the direction of tunnel excavation.

[0113] The mobile supports can each include a position sensor. The position sensors can provide information on the position of each of the mobile supports relative to the rail, for example to within + / - 4 mm in the axial direction, and deduce information on the position and length of the stored sections, and in particular on the configuration of the sections in the storage device.

[0114] The position sensor(s) may, for example, be laser rangefinders fixed on the rail of the device, for example at the right of each moving support.

[0115] In one embodiment, the operator can input the control system by entering the lengths of the sections stored in the various mobile supports. Once the system is informed of the quantity and length of the stored sections, it selects the section to be placed when the automatic placement cycle is started.

[0116] Furthermore, this information facilitates the grasping and movement of the sections. Thus, the path of the grippers of the automatic laying device for grasping the sections can be facilitated, being more precise and reliable. The gripper(s) of the automatic laying device may, in particular, be devoid of any other detection sensor or approach trajectory control system.

[0117] The storage device may also include a section counting system. It may also include a bottom detector, enabling detection when the storage device is empty.

[0118] In cases where the tunnel forms a curve, it may be useful to use shorter pipe sections to allow the pipes to follow the tunnel's curvature. In this case, the implementation of the invention is particularly useful for automatically selecting sections of appropriate length and knowing where they are stored. In one embodiment, specific hose clamps can also be used to follow the tunnel's curvature.

[0119] Tunnel boring machine pipe extension assembly

[0120] The invention also relates, according to another aspect, to a set of tunnel boring machine conduit extension, including at least one of the devices as described above.

[0121] The assembly may in particular include an automatic installation device for a tunnel boring machine pipe clamp as described above.

[0122] The assembly may also include, as an alternative or additional option, a sealing gasket mounting device for a tunnel boring machine pipe clamp as described above.

[0123] The assembly may also include, as an alternative or additional option, a tunnel boring machine conduit positioning device as described above.

[0124] Finally, the assembly may also include, as an alternative or additional option, a tunnel boring machine pipe section storage device as described above.

[0125] The assembly can be integrated into a trailer of the tunnel boring machine follower train dedicated to the extension of the pipes.

[0126] The assembly may include a control system for controlling the devices of the assembly.

[0127] The control system can be mobile, for example being carried by an operator to allow him to perform the commands of the system in "manual" mode, for example.

[0128] Alternatively or additionally, the control system can manage the entire operation automatically, allowing, for example, the selection of the length of the section to be deployed. This control system can be positioned outside the operating area of ​​the various devices, at the front or rear ends of the trailer dedicated to the extension. Access to this control system can be secured by physical or virtual barriers.

[0129] The control system can be configured to receive at least one piece of information concerning the filling of the storage device, in particular that the storage device has been recharged, and / or that the telescope has retracted and / or that the marine circuit has been emptied of the marine.

[0130] The control system may include means for initiating the tunnel boring machine (TBM) pipe extension process described below, either in its entirety or in stages. Staged initiation has the advantage of allowing an operator to visually verify the proper execution of each stage before starting the next.

[0131] The trigger order can be launched in association with an instruction regarding the length of the section to be used for the pipeline extension.

[0132] The control system can be configured to allow the process to be interrupted, for example in case of an emergency. The assembly according to the invention includes a small number of visual or contact sensors, as it is configured for use in a harsh environment. The assembly may be camera-free.

[0133] The assembly can be configured so that the sections are assembled by welding.

[0134] A configuration for assembling the pipes by welding can be envisaged by replacing the fitting of the collar and the joint with the performance of a weld. For this To do this, a welding device can be used instead of the automatic clamping device for installing the clamps and sealing gasket. This device can include motorized rollers to rotate the two pipe sections to be joined and a welding torch. The device also allows for the installation of a connecting clamp to join the two pipe sections. This connecting clamp can be configured to allow rotation of the sections during the welding phase, as well as articulation of the sections within the tunnel, necessary to follow the curves of the tunnel alignment during excavation. A specific connecting sleeve with the shoring telescope can also be used if a conventional clamp connection is not required.

[0135] Method for extending cooper's pipes

[0136] The invention also relates, according to another aspect, to a method for extending tunnel boring machine conduits, comprising the following steps: - providing a section of conduit to be laid, - connect said section of pipe to be laid to a section of pipe already in place with a clamp, by implementing the automatic clamp laying process as defined above.

[0137] The extension process may further include the following additional step: - connecting said section of pipe to be laid to a telescope of the tunnel boring machine with a clamping collar, by implementing the automatic clamping collar laying process as defined above.

[0138] Thus, the new section is connected to the tunnel boring machine's turret.

[0139] The lengthening process may further include the following additional steps: - maintain the section of conduit already in place, in particular by means of the tunnel boring machine conduit positioning device as defined above, and - to decouple a telescope from the tunnel boring machine from the section of conduit already in place.

[0140] The extension method may include the implementation of one or more of the methods described above, in particular the method of automatically installing a clamp, the method of automatically installing a sealing gasket for a clamp, and / or the method of positioning a section of tunnel boring machine pipe.

[0141] In particular, the extension method may also include, as an alternative or additionally, a method for automatically installing a sealing gasket for a tunnel boring machine pipe clamp as described above.

[0142] Finally, the extension method may also include, as an alternative or additionally, a method for positioning a section of tunnel boring machine conduit as described above.

[0143] The devices and methods according to the invention make it possible to overcome the many constraints related to the narrowness of the tunnel, the bulkiness of the pipe sections, the need to carry out these tasks in a minimum of time, while leaving sufficient space for the movement of service trains and people, the requirements of dismantling the pipes at the end of the construction site, the variability of the pipes from one tunnel to another in terms of pipe diameter and tunnel diameter, the state of cleanliness, the location of the pipes in space with respect to the position of the trailer dedicated to the extension of the pipes, comprising the telescope, the relative movements of the trailer in the tunnel, the integration of the system on existing tunnel boring machines, the safety parameters. Tunnel boring machine

[0144] The invention also relates, according to another aspect, to a tunnel boring machine comprising one or more of the devices as defined above. The tunnel boring machine can be equipped with one or more of the devices as defined above before its entry into the tunnel.

[0145] The tunnel boring machine may include a tunnel boring machine head, equipped with a front cutter wheel for carrying out the drilling, as well as means for laying a lining on the tunnel walls, namely prefabricated reinforced concrete rings, which can be laid under the protection of a metal skirt.

[0146] The tunnel boring machine may also include a plurality of trailers. The tunnel boring machine may include a plurality of trailers that allow the transport of the workshops and materials necessary for the operation of the tunnel boring machine, such as tunnel segments, packing mortar, grease, this list being non-exhaustive. The tunnel boring machine includes, in particular, a trailer dedicated to the extension of the tunnels, containing the telescope. Brief description of the drawings

[0147] [Fig-1] Fig. 1 is a schematic and partial perspective view of a set tunnel boring machine conduit extension according to the invention.

[0148] [Fig.2] The [Fig.2] is a view analogous to the [Fig.1] of the whole of the [Fig.1].

[0149] [Fig.3] Fig.3 is a schematic and partial cross-sectional view of Figures 1 and 2 together.

[0150] [Fig.4] The [Fig.4] is a schematic and partial perspective view of a tunnel boring machine conduit positioning device of the whole of the [Fig.1].

[0151] [Fig.5] The [Fig.5] is a view analogous to the [Fig.4] of the same tunnel boring machine conduit positioning device of the whole of the [Fig.1].

[0152] [Fig.6] The [Fig.6] is a view analogous to the [Fig.4] of the same tunnel boring machine conduit positioning device of the whole of the [Fig.1].

[0153] [Fig.7a] The [Fig.7a] is a view analogous to the [Fig.3] of the whole of the [Fig.l].

[0154] [Fig.7b] The [Fig.7b] is a schematic and partial perspective view of the whole of the [Fig.l].

[0155] [Fig.7c] The [Fig.7c] is a view analogous to the [Fig.3] of the whole of the [Fig.l].

[0156] [Fig.7d] The [Fig.7d] is a view analogous to the [Fig.3] of the whole of the [Fig.l].

[0157] [Fig.7e] The [Fig.7e] is a view analogous to the [Fig.3] of the whole of the [Fig.l].

[0158] [Fig.8] Fig.8 is a schematic and partial perspective view of a device automatic installation of a tunnel boring machine pipe clamp for the entire [Fig.1],

[0159] [Fig.9] The [Fig.9] is a schematic and partial perspective view of the use of the device of the [Fig.8].

[0160] [Fig. 10] The [Fig. 10] is a schematic and partial perspective view of the use of the device of the [Fig.8] associated with the sealing joint mounting device for tunnel boring machine pipe clamp of the assembly of the [Fig.1].

[0161] [Fig. 11] Fig. 11 is a detailed view of it.

[0162] [Fig. 12] The [Fig. 12] is an isolated, schematic, partial perspective view of the sealing joint mounting device for tunnel boring machine pipe clamp assembly of the [Fig.l].

[0163] [Fig. 13] The [Fig. 13] is a schematic and partial longitudinal section of the device of the [Fig. 12].

[0164] [Fig. 14] [Fig. 14] is a schematic and partial perspective view, analogous to [Fig. 11],

[0165] [Fig. 15] [Fig. 15] is a schematic and partial perspective view, analogous to [Fig. 11],

[0166] [Fig. 16a] The [Fig. 16a] is a schematic and partial perspective view of the use of the device of the [Fig.8].

[0167] [Fig. 16b] The [Fig. 16b] is a schematic and partial perspective view of the use of the device of the [Fig.8].

[0168] [Fig. 16c] The [Fig. 16c] is a schematic and partial perspective view of the use of the device of the [Fig.8].

[0169] [Fig.16d] The [Fig. 16d] is a schematic and partial perspective view of the use of the device of the [Fig.8].

[0170] [Fig. 16e] The [Fig. 16e] is a schematic and partial perspective view of the use of the device of the [Fig.8].

[0171] [Fig. 16f] The [Fig. 16f] is a schematic and partial perspective view of the use of the device of the [Fig.8].

[0172] [Fig. 17] The [Fig. 17] is an isolated perspective, schematic and partial view of the automatic placement device for a tunnel boring machine pipe clamp of the whole of the [Fig.1].

[0173] [Fig. 18a] The [Fig. 18a] is an isolated perspective, schematic and partial view of the tunnel boring machine pipe section storage device of the whole of the [Fig.1].

[0174] [Fig. 18b] The [Fig. 18b] is a variant of its use.

[0175] [Fig. 18c] The [Fig. 18c] is a variant of its use. Detailed description

[0176] Figures 1 to 3 illustrate a set 100 of tunnel boring machine pipe extensions, comprising several devices which will be described in detail below.

[0177] The assembly includes, in particular, a device 200 for the automatic installation of a tunnel boring machine (TBM) pipe clamp, as well as a device 300 for mounting a sealing gasket for the TBM pipe clamp and a positioning device 400 for the TBM pipe. Finally, the assembly also includes a storage device 500 for TBM pipe sections.

[0178] The assembly can be integrated into a trailer 50 of the tunnel boring machine follower train dedicated to the extension of the pipes, present in the tunnel T already excavated, as illustrated in [Fig.1].

[0179] The assembly includes a control system configured to control the various devices mentioned above. The control system may be located in the tunnel boring machine's automated control unit (TBM). The control system may include means for initiating the tunnel boring machine conduit extension process described below, either in its entirety or in stages. Staged initiation has the advantage of allowing an operator to visually verify the proper execution of each stage before initiating the next.

[0180] The tunnel boring machine pipe extension process essentially comprises the following steps: - to maintain the existing section of pipe Tn using the positioning device 400 which will be described below, - Disconnect the 600 mm telescope from the tunnel boring machine and the section of conduit already in place. - provide a section of pipe to be laid Tn+1, from the storage device 500 which will be described later, - connect said section of pipe to be laid Tn+1 to the section of pipe already in place Tn with a hose clamp, using the automatic hose clamp installation procedure which will be described later, and - Connect the aforementioned section of pipe to be laid, Tn+1, to the 600 mm telescope of the tunnel boring machine using a clamp, implementing the automatic clamping procedure that will be described later. This connects the new section Tn+1 to the 600 mm mounting telescope of the tunnel boring machine.

[0181] We will now describe in detail the tunnel boring machine control positioning device 400 with reference to Figures 4 to 6.

[0182] The positioning device 400 includes a positioning clamp 410 mounted on a rotating arm 420, configured to grasp a section of pipe Tn and hold it.

[0183] The positioning device 400 includes hydraulic cylinders 430 for maneuvering the rotating arm 420.

[0184] The positioning device 400 is connected by a rotating arm 450 to a chassis of the tunnel boring machine trailer 50, being fixed to it at the rear end of the trailer. The rotating arm is connected by a carriage 460, with the possibility of rotation about an axis of rotation parallel to the axis of the tunnel boring machine X.

[0185] The positioning clamp 410 comprises a first half-moon part 412 intended to receive the pipe section Tn to be held, and a locking part 414 intended to hold the pipe section Tn in the half-moon part 412. Both the half-moon and locking parts are movable in rotation relative to the rotating arm 420.

[0186] The crescent-shaped portion 412 is wide enough to allow the passage of the pipe section. The thickness of the crescent-shaped portion is low enough to allow its passage between a tunnel wall and the pipe sections Tn or between two pipe sections, as illustrated in [Fig.3].

[0187] The crescent-shaped portion includes rollers 415 that rotate freely on their axis, configured to allow contact with the section of pipe to be positioned. Thus, during the contact phase, the positioning clamp is guided and comes into contact with the section of pipe. Contact is ensured by the presence of these rollers 415, which rotate freely on their axis.

[0188] The half-moon part 412 is driven in a rotational movement relative to the rotating arm, thus describing a circular movement of the half-moon part, illustrated in figures 5 and 6. When approaching the pipe section, the half-moon part can be in a vertical position, and the locking part in an open position.

[0189] The locking part 414 is controlled by a hydraulic cylinder 416 configured to drive it in rotation relative to the rotating arm 420.

[0190] The positioning device 400 is maneuvered from a storage position illustrated in [Fig.7a] in order to bring it closer to the section of pipe Tn to be positioned, as illustrated in [Fig.7b]. Once in the position illustrated in [Fig.7c], the positioning device is rigidified by locking the hydraulic cylinders 430.

[0191] When the positioning device is in position on the section already in place, the crescent-shaped portion rotates about its center, as illustrated in [Fig. 7d]. The crescent-shaped portion rotates approximately 90° and comes to a horizontal position. The crescent-shaped portion then becomes a kind of cradle under the pipe section.

[0192] Next, the locking part 414 is also rotated and closes like a jaw on the pipe section Tn and locks it in the half-moon part 412, as illustrated in [Fig. 7e]. The half-moon part is thus in a horizontal position, and the locking part in a closed position.

[0193] The conduit is therefore held captive in the clamp, being clamped therein, and the detachment from the telescope can be carried out safely. By having captured the conduit Tn, the clamp prevents it from experiencing potentially dangerous relaxation movements for the operators O.

[0194] Positioning clamps allow the pipe sections already in place to be gripped before they are uncoupled from the tunnel boring machine's gantry crane, in order to maintain their position and also to determine their position in space. The positioning clamps also allow the position of the pipe sections already in place to be corrected manually before the connection of the new pipe sections to be installed. For this purpose, the device includes positioning sensors located in the hydraulic cylinders 430. The integration of these positioning sensors into the hydraulic cylinders allows, after processing, the position of the pipe sections already in place to be determined in space.

[0195] The device comprises two positioning clamps that can operate in parallel, as shown in Figures 1 to 3. The two positioning clamps may be identical. Each of the two positioning clamps can grip a different section of pipe, for example, two different pipes, in particular a supply pipe and a return pipe. The two positioning clamps may be actuated simultaneously or successively.

[0196] The telescope is then detached from the section of pipe Tn already in place. The telescope can be moved back the required length; this maneuver can be performed manually or automatically.

[0197] The positioning device may only be used and in motion during the extension of the shoring pipes. During the tunnel boring machine's progress, it may be placed in the so-called garage position.

[0198] Next, a new section of pipe to be laid, Tn+1, is entered using a device 200 for mounting sealing gaskets for clamps. tunnel boring machine control illustrated in isolation in [Fig.8]. The new section Tn+1 is taken from the storage device 500, as illustrated in [Fig.9].

[0199] First, a sealing joint is placed on the pipe section Tn+1, using a 300 device for mounting sealing joints for tunnel boring machine pipe clamps, as illustrated in [Fig. 10].

[0200] Said sealing joint mounting device 300 comprises, as illustrated in detail in figures 11 to 15, a conical barrel 310 carrying one or more sealing joints 320. It is intended to be centered on the end of the pipe section Tn + 1. It is also movable in translation relative to the pipe section Tn+1 by means of a cylinder, in particular pneumatic, 330 disposed at the rear of the conical barrel in order to drive the latter in translation and allow its positioning on the end of the pipe section Tn+1.

[0201] The sealing gasket mounting device according to the invention allows for the automatic installation and positioning of the sealing gasket. For this purpose, it comprises an internal cylinder, in particular a hydraulic cylinder, 350, located on the conical shaft 310, designed to push a gasket 320 onto the pipe section Tn+1. The internal cylinder, in particular a hydraulic cylinder, is connected to a ring 360 that allows the gasket to be pushed along its entire periphery.

[0202] The sealing joint mounting device can simultaneously carry a plurality of sealing joints, for example 4 or 5, only the last one being placed on the pipe section.

[0203] The method for automatically installing a sealing gasket for a tunnel boring machine pipe clamp thus comprises the following two steps:

[0204] - position the conical barrel 310 carrying the sealing gaskets 320 on the end of the pipe section Tn+1, in particular by centering it with respect to the end of the pipe section, as illustrated in [Fig. 11], and

[0205] - push a sealing gasket 320 onto the pipe section using a jack Internal hydraulic cylinder 350 is arranged on the conical barrel, as illustrated in [Fig. 14]. The internal hydraulic cylinder 350 extends by the width of a joint in order to fit the joint onto the end of the pipe section.

[0206] The internal hydraulic cylinder 350 is configured to maintain its position until the next seal is fitted. Then, the rear pneumatic cylinder 330 retracts and the tapered barrel 310 is thus disengaged from the pipe section, so that the tapered barrel is again in the waiting position for the next seal fitting and the pipe section that has received a seal is released, as illustrated in [Fig.15].

[0207] After the installation of the sealing joint 320, the pipe section Tn+1 can be brought by the clamps of the automatic installation device 200 to the side of the pipe section already in place.

[0208] We will now describe in detail the automatic laying device 200.

[0209] The automatic installation device 200 of a pipe clamp tunnel boring machine includes an articulated frame 205 comprising first 210 and second 220 parts movable relative to each other, around a straight axis of rotation, as illustrated in [Fig.8].

[0210] The first and second parts are made mobile relative to each other by means of the action of cylinders 225, in particular hydraulic cylinders, arranged between them.

[0211] The first part 210 is connected by an extendable arm 230 to a trolley 231 which is motorized relative to a chassis of the tunnel boring machine trailer 50. This is the trailer dedicated to extending the pipes, containing the telescope.

[0212] The extendable arm 230 is connected to the carriage 231 and is capable of rotating about an axis of rotation parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the tunnel boring machine. The extendable arm 230 is also connected to the frame 205, more specifically to the first part 210 of the frame, and is also capable of rotating about an axis of rotation parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the tunnel boring machine.

[0213] When it is to be used, the device is driven in translation by the motorized trolley 231 on rails fixed to the upper part of the chassis of the trailer 50, along the X axis of the tunnel boring machine, until the desired position.

[0214] The device further comprises a second carriage 232, motorized relative to the first carriage 231, enabling complementary movement of the device along a horizontal axis Y perpendicular to the X axis of the tunnel boring machine. On this second carriage 232, a hydraulically driven slewing ring 235 connects to an external mast of the telescope and actuates it around the X axis of the tunnel boring machine.

[0215] The device is configured to allow the first part 210 of the articulated frame 205 to be kept in a horizontal position. For this purpose, the telescope includes a jack, in particular hydraulic, to allow the translation of its inner mast, itself in correspondence with a second ring 236 with hydraulic motorization allowing the first part 210 of the articulated frame 205 to be kept in a horizontal position.

[0216] The second part 220 of the device 200 comprises a plurality of clamps 286, 285, more precisely four clamps in the example described. The plurality of clamps comprises two clamps 286 movable relative to the second part 220 of the frame, which are mounted on a carriage 290 actuated by a cylinder, in particular a hydraulic one.

[0217] The plurality of clamps may also include two clamps fixed 285 with respect to the rest of the device, in particular with respect to the frame, in particular fixed with respect to the second part 220 of the frame.

[0218] The two movable clamps 286 allow one of the section of pipe already in place and the new section of pipe to be translated relative to the other.

[0219] The fixed clamps 285 allow the other end of the existing pipe section and the new pipe section to be held in place. The two pipe sections can thus be joined together at their respective ends and brought into contact.

[0220] The clamps of the automatic laying device each have two jaws 287 for gripping, grasping, and holding a section of pipe. Using these clamps, a section of pipe Tn+1 can be grasped, for example, from a storage device described below, with the jaws 287 locked in place. The clamps then allow the pipe to be lifted and transported, and provide rigid support for the pipe sections relative to each other.

[0221] We will now describe the automatic installation process of the clamping collar, with reference to figures 16a to 16f. The second part carrying the clamps of the articulated frame unfolds, actuated by the cylinders 225, in particular hydraulic cylinders, 225.

[0222] The gripped pipe section can first be placed in a waiting position opposite the clamp seal mounting device, as described previously, so that it can receive a seal 320. To do this, the automatic placement device allows it to be centered in relation to the seal mounting device in order to allow the seal to be threaded appropriately onto its end.

[0223] The device is configured to then allow the section to be moved to the assembly area with the section already in place Tn and to position it opposite the latter.

[0224] The section of pipe already in place can be gripped by clamps of the automatic laying device, in particular by the fixed clamps 285, as illustrated in [Fig. 16a].

[0225] The two sections are then brought together by the movement of the movable clamps 286 and made to contact, then the sealing gasket 320 is pushed to the right of the two pipe sections Tn and Tn+1, as illustrated in Figures 16b and 16c. The clamps 286, movable relative to the second part of the frame, have pushers 295 to recenter the gasket of the collar 320 present on the pipe section to be laid Tn + 1. The pushers are for this purpose actuated by cylinders, in particular pneumatic cylinders, following a predefined stroke to push the sealing gasket 320 from the waiting position illustrated in [Fig. 16b] to the final position directly above the joint between the sections Tn and Tn+1 illustrated in [Fig. 16c]. The device described in the example comprises four pushers 295. The predefined stroke allows for positioning in a specifies the joint at the junction between the pipe sections Tn and Tn+1. The four actuated pushers can be fixed according to the alignment of the hollow axes of the rollers 415 carried by the positioning clamps of the sections described previously.

[0226] The device is then configured to move into a new standby position, awaiting the installation of the hose clamp. Such an operation can, for example, be carried out by an operator who places the half-shells and the screws and nuts of the hose clamp into the automatic hose clamp installation device.

[0227] The automatic clamping device 200 further comprises a clamping installation and locking element 250, illustrated separately in [Fig. 17].

[0228] This includes a first 261 and a second 262 receiving parts respectively of first 271 and second 272 half-shells of the clamping collar 270 to be installed, configured to allow the positioning and closing of the two half-shells at the connection of the section Tn of pipe already in place and the new section of pipe Tn+1.

[0229] The two half-collars 271, 272 can be held in the first 261 and second 262 receiving parts by electromagnets.

[0230] The clamping and locking device 250 for the collar 270 also includes locking tools 280 for the half-shells, configured to tighten the two half-shells 271, 272 to each other with a predefined tightening torque, as illustrated in [Fig. 10d]. The locking tools 280 include, in particular, two hydraulic cylinders 281 and bolting wrenches 282 that rotate and translate until they reach the screws 283 and tighten the nuts 284 to a predefined tightening torque. The nuts 284 can be held by magnets housed at the ends of the bolting wrenches 282. Thus, the clamp 270 can be tightened automatically.

[0231] The clamping collar may in particular include bolts previously installed in the first half-shell 271, which may be positioned below the second half-shell 272. Said bolts may each include a threaded rod intended to penetrate the second half-shell, under the action of the collar installation and locking device.

[0232] Once the clamp is in place and tightened on the conduit sections, the process can then resume, for example at the operator's request. After locking the clamp, the fixed clamps 285, the movable clamps 286, and the clamp installation and locking mechanism are loosened.

[0233] The section of pipe to be laid Tn+1 is then locked with a pipe from the tunnel boring machine's telescope, as illustrated in Figures 16e and 16f, by closing two half-shells of a sealing collar on the end of the pipe section to be laid Tn+1 using device 200.

[0234] In advance, an operator can manually place the two half-shells of the collar and the screws and nuts in the device, as well as a sealing gasket on the telescope conduit.

[0235] The sequence of steps can then resume, for example at the operator's request. Device 200 is positioned relative to the section of pipe to be laid on its second end to be connected to telescope 600. Device 200 is thus positioned above telescope 600 and the second end of the section of pipe to be laid Tn+1.

[0236] The clamps 285 fixed relative to the rest of the device lock onto the pipe to be laid, and the mobile clamps 286 lock onto the telescope, which is then translated by them to come into contact with the section of pipe to be laid.

[0237] In addition, the pushers 295 of the device 200 allow the joint placed on the telescope to be recentered.

[0238] The collar installation and locking mechanism then comes into action as before, and the two half-shells 271, 272 are closed onto the telescope 600 and the section of pipe to be placed Tn+1. The locking tools 280 of the half-shells 271, 272 rotate and translate until they reach the screws and tighten the nuts according to a predefined tightening torque.

[0239] The clamp installation and locking mechanism and the clamps of the automatic clamping device, as well as the positioning clamp(s), can then be loosened. The device is released, and the operations can be repeated to extend the second pickling pipe. Once all steps are completed, the device returns to the initial position of the pipe section storage device, for example, at the operator's request. Traffic flow through the trailer can then be restored.

[0240] The automatic laying device 200 is configured to allow the supply of pipe sections of varying lengths, depending on the circumstances, in order to extend the tunnel boring machine (TBM) pipe section storage device 500. This device is located on the trailer 50 dedicated to pipe extension, opposite the telescope 600.

[0241] The tunnel boring machine pipe section storage device 500 comprises a rail 510 on which four supports 520 are arranged, movable in translation relative to the rail. The movable supports 520 are suitable for holding pipe sections of different lengths depending on their position on the rail 510, as illustrated in Figures 18a to 18c.

[0242] The device is configured to allow the storage of segments of different lengths, for example, at least two different lengths, or at least three different lengths, or even more. The possible segment lengths are, for example, 1, 3, and 6 meters. In the example in [Fig. 18a], six 6-meter segments are stored. In the example in [Fig. 18b], three 6-meter segments and six 3-meter segments are stored. Finally, in the example in [Fig. 18c], three 6-meter segments, three 3-meter segments, and three 1-meter segments are stored.

[0243] Each section is supported by two movable supports 520. Each movable support 520 carries two groups of sections, one on each side, except for the movable supports at each end. Within a group, the sections are stacked one on top of the other in a number of levels corresponding to the number of sections in the group. The groups of sections are placed end to end along the rail.

Claims

Demands

1. Tunnel boring machine conduit positioning device (400), comprising a positioning clamp (410) mounted on a rotating arm (420), configured to grasp and hold a conduit section.

2. Positioning device according to the preceding claim, comprising cylinders (430), in particular hydraulic cylinders, for maneuvering the rotating arm (420).

3. Positioning device according to one of the two preceding claims, the positioning clamp (410) comprising a first part (412), in particular in a half-moon shape, intended to receive the section of pipe to be held, and a locking part (414) intended to hold the section of pipe in the first part in particular in a half-moon shape, the two parts in particular in a half-moon shape and the locking part being rotationally movable relative to the rotating arm (420).

4. Device according to the preceding claim, the first part (412), in particular in a half-moon shape, comprising rollers (415) free to rotate on their axis, configured to allow contact with the section of pipe to be positioned.

5. Device according to one of the two preceding claims, comprising positioning sensors disposed in the cylinders (430), in particular hydraulic cylinders, of the device and / or in actuators of at least one positioning clamp.

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising two positioning clamps (410) capable of operating in parallel.

7. Method of positioning a tunnel boring machine pipe section, in which a pipe section (Tn) already in place is grasped with a device (400) according to any one of the preceding claims, to hold it in position.

8. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein the telescope (600) is then detached from the section of pipe (Tn) already in place.

9. Assembly (100) of tunnel boring machine pipe extension, comprising at least one of the devices (200, 300, 400, 500) according to any one of the preceding claims.

10. Assembly according to the preceding claim, comprising a control system configured to receive at least one piece of information concerning the filling of the storage device (500), in particular that the storage device (500) has been recharged, and / or that the telescope (600) has retracted and / or that the marinating circuit is emptied of the marin.

11. Assembly according to one of the two preceding claims, configured so that the sections are assembled by welding.

12. Method for extending tunnel boring machine pipes, comprising the following steps: - providing a section (Tn+1) of pipe to be laid, - connecting said section (Tn+1) of pipe to be laid to a section (Tn) of pipe already in place with a clamping collar (270), using a tunnel boring machine pipe positioning device (400) as defined in claims 1 to 8.

13. Extension method according to the preceding claim, comprising the following additional step: - connecting said section of pipe (Tn+1) to be laid to a telescope (600) of the tunnel boring machine with a clamping collar (270), using a tunnel boring machine pipe positioning device (400) as defined in claims 1 to 8.

14. Extension method according to one of the two preceding claims, comprising the following additional steps: - maintain the section of conduit (Tn+1) already in place, and - uncouple a telescope (600) from the tunnel boring machine from the section of conduit (Tn) already in place.

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