Railway sleepers and conveying systems

Abstract

The present invention provides railway ties and a transport system that can increase the height dimension of the space above the ties. [Solution] A sleeper M is provided for use in a shield tunneling method in which the machine assembles a segment ring 4 behind the shield machine while excavating. The sleeper comprises a main line sleeper 15 installed in surface contact with the bottom surface 17 of the segment ring and in the center in the width direction, and a pair of auxiliary line sleepers 16 installed in surface contact with the bottom surface of the segment ring and on both sides in the width direction, and each detachably connected to the main line sleeper.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to sleepers and a conveying system used in the shield method.

Background Art

[0002] For example, as a method for constructing a tunnel in relatively shallow ground underground in an urban area, the shield method is known. In this shield method, the ground is excavated by a shield machine, and segments made of steel or concrete are assembled in a ring shape near the rear end of the shield machine to form a segment ring. Each time excavation progresses, a segment ring is added forward to extend the tunnel.

[0003] In the shield method, a segment conveyance vehicle for conveying segments from the launch shaft to near the rear end of the shield machine is provided. On the other hand, in the shield method, another vehicle for conveying capital equipment and materials necessary for excavation is also provided. Such capital equipment and materials include power supply equipment for operating the shield machine, a device for injecting a chemical agent to stabilize the face, a device for injecting a backfill agent (grout) into the gap between the outer periphery of the segment ring and the excavated ground, and the like. This other vehicle is towed by the shield machine and moves forward together with the shield machine, and is thus called a trailing vehicle.

[0004] Corresponding to these two vehicles, two tracks are provided in the tunnel, that is, a main line for running the segment conveyance vehicle and a branch line for running the trailing vehicle. Each line is composed of a sleeper and a pair (two) of rails.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] When installing these two tracks, typically, steel members are strung in a chord shape across the width of the segment ring, and these serve as common sleepers to install a pair of main line rails and a pair of secondary line rails.

[0007] However, in order to secure enough width to install two tracks, the sleepers must be placed at a relatively high position. As a result, the height of the space above the sleepers becomes smaller, which has the disadvantage of worsening work efficiency.

[0008] Therefore, this disclosure was conceived in view of these circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a railway sleeper and a transport system that can increase the height dimension of the space above the sleeper. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to one aspect of this disclosure, These are sleepers used in the shield tunneling method, where segment rings are assembled at the rear of the shield machine as it excavates. A main line sleeper is installed in a surface contact state at the bottom surface and in the center in the width direction within the segment ring, A pair of auxiliary track sleepers are installed in surface contact with the bottom surface and both sides in the width direction within the segment ring, and are detachably connected to the main track sleepers, A railway sleeper is provided, characterized by having the following features.

[0010] Preferably, the main line sleeper has an arc-shaped main line sleeper body installed in surface contact with the bottom surface, and engaging pieces provided at both ends of the main line sleeper body on the outside in the width direction. The aforementioned auxiliary track sleeper has an arc-shaped auxiliary track sleeper body installed in surface contact with the bottom surface, and a protruding piece provided at the inner end in the width direction of the auxiliary track sleeper body and projecting inward in the width direction. The protruding piece and the engaging piece are detachably fixed together by a fastener.

[0011] Preferably, at both ends of the main line sleeper body on the widthwise side, a pair of engaging pieces sandwich the protruding piece, and these pair of engaging pieces and the protruding piece are detachably fixed to each other by bolts, which serve as fasteners, passing through them.

[0012] According to other aspects of this disclosure, A transport system for transporting main line vehicles and auxiliary line vehicles in the longitudinal direction within a tunnel equipped with the aforementioned sleepers and assembled in the longitudinal direction of the aforementioned segment rings, A pair of main line rails attached to the aforementioned main line sleepers and supporting the aforementioned main line vehicles, A pair of auxiliary track sleepers are each attached to an auxiliary track rail that supports the auxiliary track vehicle, A transport system is provided that is characterized by comprising the following:

[0013] Preferably, the main line vehicle includes a segment transport vehicle that transports the segments constituting the segment ring, The aforementioned auxiliary line vehicles include a trailing vehicle towed by the shield machine to transport the necessary materials and equipment for excavation. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to this disclosure, the height dimension of the space above the railway ties can be increased. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is a schematic side view showing a shield tunneling system. [Figure 2] This is a rear cross-sectional view of the longitudinal position where the main line trains and auxiliary line trains are located, viewed from the rear. [Figure 3] This is a rear cross-sectional view of the longitudinal position where only main line vehicles are located, as seen from the rear. [Figure 4] This is a rear view showing the sleeper of this embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a plan view showing the sleepers of this embodiment. [Figure 6]It is a rear view showing the main part details of FIG. 4. [Figure 7] It is a plan view showing the main part details of FIG. 5. [Figure 8] It is a rear view showing the connection part of the main line sleeper and the branch line sleeper separated from each other. [Figure 9] It is a plan view showing a conveying system. [Figure 10] It is a plan view for explaining a method for adding a main line rail set and a method for replacing a branch line rail set. [Figure 11] It is a plan view for explaining a method for adding a main line rail set and a method for replacing a branch line rail set. [Figure 12] It is a plan view for explaining a method for adding a main line rail set and a method for replacing a branch line rail set.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view showing a shield tunneling system used in the shield method. For convenience, the directions of front, rear, left, right, up, and down are defined as shown in the figure. The front-rear direction and the left-right direction are horizontal and perpendicular to each other. The up-down direction is vertical and perpendicular to the front-rear direction and the left-right direction.

[0018] The rear side is the starting shaft side (not shown), and the front side is the arrival shaft side (not shown). The shield machine 1 tunnels in the ground G from the rear to the front. The circular hole excavated by the shield machine 1 is called an excavation hole 2. Behind the shield machine 1, an arc-shaped concrete segment 3 is assembled in a ring shape to cover the inner peripheral surface of the excavation hole 2. The ring thus formed is called a segment ring 4. The segment ring 4 is added and connected forward each time the tunneling progresses. What is formed by sequentially connecting the segment rings 4 in this way is called a tunnel 5.

[0019] Tunnel 5 extends from rear to front. Hereafter, unless otherwise specified, the longitudinal direction of tunnel 5 will be simply referred to as the longitudinal direction, the width direction of tunnel 5 as the width direction, and the height direction of tunnel 5 as the height direction. The longitudinal direction, width direction, and height direction coincide with the front-to-back direction, left-to-right direction, and up-and-down direction, respectively.

[0020] Inside tunnel 5, a transport system S is provided for transporting the main line vehicle 6 and the auxiliary line vehicle 7 in the longitudinal direction.

[0021] The main line vehicle 6 includes a segment transport vehicle 8 for transporting segments 3. The main line vehicle 6 also includes a spoil box transport vehicle 10 for transporting spoil boxes 9, and a battery locomotive 11 for towing the segment transport vehicle 8 and the spoil box transport vehicle 10.

[0022] In the illustrated example, multiple (2) segment transport vehicles 8, one battery locomotive 11, and multiple (2) spoil box transport vehicles 10 are connected in order from the front. However, the number of these vehicles is arbitrary. The segment transport vehicles 8 and spoil box transport vehicles 10 are trolleys without a drive source. Only the battery locomotive 11 has an electric motor as a drive source, and the segment transport vehicles 8 and spoil box transport vehicles 10 are driven by the battery locomotive 11.

[0023] The main line vehicle 6 travels back and forth between the launching shaft and the handover position near the rear end of the shield machine 1. On the outward journey, it mainly transports segments 3, and on the return journey, it mainly transports spoil. The reason for having the segment transport vehicle 8 at the front is to facilitate the handover of segments 3 to the segment assembly device K of the shield machine 1 when the segment transport vehicle 8, loaded with segments 3, reaches the handover position. The reason for having the spoil box transport vehicle 10 at the rear is to facilitate the detachment of the spoil box transport vehicle 10, loaded with spoil, when it returns to the launching shaft, and the replacement with another empty spoil box transport vehicle 10.

[0024] The auxiliary track vehicle 7 includes a follow-up vehicle 12 that transports the materials and equipment necessary for excavation, and in this embodiment, the follow-up vehicle 12 itself is the auxiliary track vehicle 7. The follow-up vehicle 12 consists of a trolley without a drive source and moves forward following the shield machine 1 when towed by the shield machine 1. The materials and equipment include power supply equipment for operating the shield machine 1, a device for injecting chemicals to stabilize the tunnel face, and a device for injecting backfill material (grout) into the gap between the segment ring 4 and the excavation hole 2. For convenience, the follow-up vehicle 12 is depicted as a single trolley in the diagram, but in reality, the follow-up vehicle 12 is composed of multiple trolleys connected together.

[0025] Figure 2 is a rear cross-sectional view of the longitudinal position where the main line vehicle 6 and the auxiliary line vehicle 7 are located, specifically the II-II cross-sectional view in Figure 1. At this position are the spoil box transport vehicle 10 and the following vehicle 12 of the main line vehicle 6.

[0026] As shown in the figure, arc-shaped concrete segments 3 are assembled to form a ring, covering the inner circumferential surface of the excavation hole 2, thereby forming a segment ring 4. The following vehicle 12 is formed in a gate shape, allowing the main line vehicle 6 to pass through its center. The symbol C indicates the central axis C of the tunnel 5 extending in the longitudinal direction.

[0027] The transport system S comprises a pair (2) of main line rails 13 that support the main line vehicle 6, and a pair (2) of auxiliary line rails 14 that support the auxiliary line vehicle 7 (following vehicle 12). The transport system S also comprises a pair of main line sleepers 15 that support the pair of main line rails 13, and a pair (2) of auxiliary line sleepers 16 that support the pair of auxiliary line rails 14. The sleepers M of this embodiment are formed by the main line sleepers 15 and the pair of auxiliary line sleepers 16. The set of main line rails 13 and main line sleepers 15 is called a main line rail set 18, and the set of auxiliary line rails 14 and auxiliary line sleepers 16 is called an auxiliary line rail set 19.

[0028] The main line sleepers 15 are generally formed in an arc shape and are installed in surface contact with the bottom surface 17 within the segment ring 4, at the center in the width direction (left-right direction). The pair of auxiliary line sleepers 16 are generally formed in an arc shape and are installed in surface contact with the bottom surface 17 within the segment ring 4, on both sides in the width direction. In particular, the pair of auxiliary line sleepers 16 are detachably connected to the main line sleepers 15.

[0029] Figure 3 is a rear cross-sectional view of the longitudinal position behind the following vehicle 12 where only the main line vehicle 6 is located, viewed from the rear. Specifically, it is the III-III cross-sectional view in Figure 1. At this position, there is a spoil box transport vehicle 10 of the main line vehicle 6.

[0030] At this position, there is only the main line rail set 18, and no auxiliary track rail set 19. The reason for this, as will be explained in more detail later, is that as the following vehicle 12 moves forward, the auxiliary track rail set 19 at the rear, which is no longer needed, is removed and moved to the front (reattached).

[0031] Figures 4 and 5 are a rear view and a top view showing the sleeper M of this embodiment. Here, the auxiliary track rail set 19 includes a pair of auxiliary track sleepers 16 located on both sides (left and right) in the width direction, and auxiliary track rails 14 attached to each of the pair of auxiliary track sleepers 16.

[0032] Furthermore, Figures 6 and 7 show detailed views of the main parts of Figures 4 and 5. Figure 8 shows the connection points of the main line sleepers 15 and the auxiliary line sleepers 16, which have been separated from each other.

[0033] As shown in Figures 4 to 7, the main line sleeper 15 has an arc-shaped main line sleeper body 20 that is installed in surface contact with the bottom surface 17 inside the segment ring 4, and engaging pieces 21 provided at both ends of the main line sleeper body 20 on the outside in the width direction. The main line sleeper 15 also has a pair of rail mounting parts 22 for attaching a pair of main line rails 13. The main line sleeper 15 is configured symmetrically on both sides with respect to the position of the tunnel central axis C.

[0034] Here, "outside in the width direction" refers to the side or direction away from the tunnel's central axis C in the width direction (left-right direction). Conversely, "inside in the width direction" refers to the side or direction approaching the tunnel's central axis C in the width direction (left-right direction).

[0035] The main line sleeper body 20 is formed in a plate shape, and is constructed by curving a rectangular metal plate (specifically a steel plate) that extends in the width direction into an arc shape to match the curvature of the bottom surface 17. Two bolt mounting holes, specifically elongated holes 23 extending in the width direction, are provided symmetrically on the left and right sides of the center of the main line sleeper body 20 in the width direction. The main line sleeper body 20 is fixed to the bottom surface 17 using one of these two elongated holes 23 (the left one in the illustrated example). That is, the main line sleeper body 20 is fixed to the bottom surface 17 by inserting a bolt 24 from above into the elongated hole 23 and tightening it into a female screw hole (anchor hole) 25 provided in the bottom surface 17.

[0036] The engaging pieces 21 are provided at the outermost end in the width direction of the main line sleeper body 20. The engaging pieces 21 are fixed to the upper surface of the main line sleeper body 20 by welding and are formed from small pieces of metal plates (specifically steel plates) that are roughly trapezoidal in shape when viewed from the rear, and which stand up from the upper surface. A pair of engaging pieces 21 are provided, spaced apart in the longitudinal direction (front-to-back direction). A protruding piece 41, which will be described later, is sandwiched between them. The pair of engaging pieces 21 are provided with through holes 27 for inserting bolts 26, which will be described later. Reinforcing plates 28 are fixed by welding to the inner end faces in the width direction of the pair of engaging pieces 21 and to the upper surface of the main line sleeper body 20 to reinforce the mounting strength of the engaging pieces 21. As shown in Figures 5 and 7, these pair of engaging pieces 21 and the reinforcing plates 28 are arranged in a U-shape in plan view.

[0037] The pair of engaging pieces 21 do not protrude from the main line sleeper body 20 in either the width or length direction, but are rather positioned almost flush with it. This prevents workers' feet from getting caught on the engaging pieces 21 when walking on the bottom surface 17 on which the main line sleeper 15 is located.

[0038] The rail mounting portion 22 is positioned inward in the width direction from the engaging piece 21 and outward in the width direction from the elongated hole 23. The rail mounting portion 22 has a rail base 29 on which the main line rail 13 is placed and supported from below, and a fixing piece 30 that fixes the placed main line rail 13 to the rail base 29.

[0039] The rail base 29 has a pair of first base plates 31 that extend in the width direction and are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction, and a second base plate 32 that is sandwiched between these first base plates 31 and extends in the longitudinal direction. These first base plates 31 and the second base plate 32 are fixed to the upper surface of the main line sleeper body 20 by welding when in an upright position, and are also fixed to each other by welding. As shown in Figures 5 and 7, these first base plates 31 and the second base plate 32 are arranged to form an H shape in plan view.

[0040] The rail base 29 is provided with an engaging piece 33 for positioning the outer end in the width direction of the lower flange 13A of the main line rail 13, which is formed from rail material (rail) with an I-shaped cross-section, in the width direction. Specifically, the outer ends in the width direction of a pair of first base plates 31 are formed in a J-shape when viewed from the rear, folded inward in the width direction. The engaging piece 33 is integrally formed by this folded portion.

[0041] The main line rail 13 is placed on the upper end surfaces of a pair of first base plates 31 and second base plates 32. The second base plate 32 is positioned directly beneath the web 13B of the main line rail 13, and is designed to effectively receive the vertical load from the web 13B.

[0042] The rail base 29 has a flange mounting plate 34 sandwiched between the widthwise inner ends of a pair of first base plates 31. The flange mounting plate 34 is positioned so that its upper surface is flush with the upper end surfaces of the widthwise inner ends of the pair of first base plates 31 and is fixed to the pair of first base plates 31 by welding. The widthwise inner end of the lower flange 13A of the main line rail 13 is placed on the flange mounting plate 34.

[0043] The flange mounting plate 34 is provided with through holes 36 for inserting bolts 35 for fixing the rail. Nuts 35A are also positioned coaxially with the through holes 36 on the underside or back surface of the flange mounting plate 34 and fixed by welding.

[0044] The fixing piece 30 is formed from a metal plate (specifically a steel plate) that is roughly wedge-shaped when viewed from the rear, and is designed to fix the main line rail 13 by sandwiching the inner end in the width direction of the lower flange 13A of the main line rail 13 between a pair of first base plates 31 and flange mounting plates 34. The fixing piece 30 is provided with an insertion hole 37 for inserting a bolt 35.

[0045] After the main line rail 13 is placed on the rail base 29 and positioned, the fixing piece 30 is placed on top of the lower flange 13A of the main line rail 13. Then, a bolt 35 is inserted from above through the insertion hole 37 of the fixing piece 30 and through the insertion hole 36 of the flange mounting plate 34, and tightened with a nut 35A. In this way, the main line rail 13 is fixed to the rail base 29 and attached to the rail mounting section 22.

[0046] Next, as shown in Figures 4 to 8, the auxiliary sleeper 16 has an arc-shaped auxiliary sleeper body 40 that is installed in surface contact with the bottom surface 17 inside the segment ring 4, and a protruding piece 41 provided at the inner end of the auxiliary sleeper body 40 in the width direction and projecting inward in the width direction. The auxiliary sleeper 16 also has one rail mounting portion 42 for attaching one auxiliary rail 14. The auxiliary sleepers 16 on both sides in the width direction, i.e., the left and right auxiliary sleepers 16, are configured symmetrically with respect to the position of the tunnel central axis C.

[0047] The secondary track sleeper body 40 is formed in a plate shape, and is constructed by curving a rectangular metal plate (specifically a steel plate) that extends in the width direction into an arc shape to match the curvature of the bottom surface 17. Two bolt mounting holes, specifically elongated holes 43 that extend in the width direction, are provided in the width direction center of the secondary track sleeper body 40, spaced apart in the width direction. The main track sleeper body 20 is fixed to the bottom surface 17 using either of these two elongated holes 43. That is, a bolt 44 is inserted from above through the elongated hole 43 and tightened into a female screw hole (anchor hole) 45 provided in the bottom surface 17, thereby fixing the secondary track sleeper body 40 to the bottom surface 17.

[0048] As shown in Figure 4, the left-side tie body 40 for the secondary track is fixed with a bolt 44 using the elongated hole 43 on the left side. Similarly, the right-side tie body 40 for the secondary track is also fixed with a bolt 44 using the elongated hole 43 on the left side.

[0049] The protruding piece 41 is provided at the innermost end in the width direction of the auxiliary track sleeper body 40. The protruding piece 41 is fixed to the upper surface of the auxiliary track sleeper body 40 by welding and is formed from a metal plate (specifically a steel plate) that is roughly trapezoidal in view from the rear, rising from the upper surface. The protruding piece 41 extends in the width direction, and its inner end in the width direction protrudes inward from the auxiliary track sleeper body 40 in the width direction. As described above, this inner end in the width direction of the protruding piece 41 is sandwiched between a pair of engaging pieces 21 of the main track sleeper 15 and fixed to the pair of engaging pieces 21 by a bolt 26 and a nut 50. An insertion hole 47 for inserting the bolt 26 is provided at the inner end in the width direction of the protruding piece 41.

[0050] When connecting the main line sleeper 15 and the auxiliary line sleeper 16, the auxiliary line sleeper 16 is connected to the main line sleeper 15, which is already fixed to the bottom surface 17. At this time, as shown in Figure 8, the inner end surface 49 in the width direction of the auxiliary line sleeper body 40 is abutted against the outer end surface 48 in the width direction of the main line sleeper body 20. Simultaneously, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the protruding piece 41 is inserted between a pair of engaging pieces 21 and sandwiched between them, so that the insertion holes 27 of the engaging pieces 21 and the insertion holes 47 of the protruding piece 41 are aligned coaxially.

[0051] Next, bolts 26, which serve as fasteners, are inserted into the through holes 27 and 47 from the longitudinal front, and nuts 50 are tightened onto the bolts 26. This fixes the protruding piece 41 and the engaging piece 21, and consequently the auxiliary track sleeper 16 and the main track sleeper 15, so that they can be detachably attached to each other.

[0052] The bolt 26 may be inserted from the rear in the longitudinal direction. The nut 50 may be omitted, and a female thread may be formed in the insertion hole 27 of the engaging piece 21 on the rear side in the bolt insertion direction.

[0053] In this manner, at both ends of the main line sleeper 15 on the widthwise side, a pair of engaging pieces 21 sandwich a protruding piece 41, and these pair of engaging pieces 21 and the protruding piece 41 are fixed to each other by bolts 26 which serve as fasteners that pass through them.

[0054] The rail attachment portion 42 is provided at the outermost end in the width direction of the auxiliary track sleeper body 40. The rail attachment portion 42 on the left auxiliary track sleeper 16 or auxiliary track sleeper body 40 has the same configuration as the rail attachment portion 22 on the left main track sleeper 15. Therefore, the explanation is omitted.

[0055] Similarly, the rail attachment portion 42 on the right-side auxiliary track sleeper 16 or auxiliary track sleeper body 40 has the same configuration as the right-side rail attachment portion 22 on the main track sleeper 15. Therefore, the explanation is omitted.

[0056] Each element of the auxiliary track rail mounting section 42 is represented using the same names and symbols as each element of the main track rail mounting section 22.

[0057] Figure 9 is a plan view showing the transport system S. The main line vehicle 6 and the auxiliary line vehicle 7 are shown simplified with dashed lines.

[0058] As shown in the diagram, as excavation progresses, the segment rings 4 are successively added forward, and the tunnel 5 is constructed. Each segment 3 and segment ring 4 has a length L1 in the longitudinal direction, and in this embodiment, length L1 is 1 m. On the other hand, the main line rail 13 and the auxiliary line rail 14 have equal lengths L2. This length L2 is an integer multiple of the length L1 of the segment ring 4. In this embodiment, length L2 is 5 m, which is 5 times the length L1.

[0059] The main line sleepers 15 and the auxiliary line sleepers 16 have the same length L3. This length L3 is sufficiently smaller than the length L1 of the segment ring 4.

[0060] Each sleeper M (one main line sleeper 15 and a pair of secondary line sleepers 16) is installed near the length center of each segment ring 4, one sleeper per segment ring 4. The bolts 24 that secure the main line sleeper body 20 are arranged in a staggered pattern, with their positions in the width direction (left-right direction) alternating as you move toward one side in the longitudinal direction (for example, forward). This is because each time the segment ring 4 moves toward one side in the longitudinal direction, the position of the segment 3 shifts alternately in the circumferential direction, and consequently, the position of the female screw holes (anchor holes) 25 provided in the segment 3 also changes alternately in the circumferential direction. To enable this staggered arrangement of the bolts 24, the main line sleeper body 20 is provided with two symmetrically spaced elongated holes 23. However, the bolts 24 do not have to be arranged in a staggered pattern; they may also be arranged in series at the same position in the width direction as you move toward one side in the longitudinal direction. In this case, only one of the two elongated holes 23 on the left and right is used continuously. Furthermore, since the main line sleepers 15 are symmetrical both front-to-back and left-to-right, they can be installed even if their orientation is reversed, which is convenient.

[0061] In contrast, the bolts 44 that secure the main body 40 of the auxiliary track sleeper are arranged in series at the same position in the width direction as you move toward one side in the longitudinal direction. The reason for this is that even if the position of the segment 3 changes alternately in the circumferential direction as you move toward one side in the longitudinal direction, the position of the female screw holes (anchor holes) 45 provided in the segment 3 in the width direction remains constant.

[0062] As shown in Figure 4, the left-side tie body 40 for the secondary track is fixed with a bolt 44 using the elongated hole 43 on the left side. Similarly, the right-side tie body 40 for the secondary track is also fixed with a bolt 44 using the elongated hole 43 on the left side. In other words, the widthwise distances from the tunnel's central axis C to the left and right female screw holes 45, which are used to fasten the left and right bolts 44, are different.

[0063] On the other hand, from an operational standpoint, it is more convenient to use identical tie 16s for the left and right auxiliary tracks, and to be able to reverse the same tie 16 and use it on either the left or right side. To achieve this, two elongated holes 43, each at a different widthwise distance from the tunnel's central axis C, are provided on a single tie 40, corresponding to the left and right female screw holes 45. This allows the same tie 16 to be used on either the left or right side, improving work efficiency.

[0064] The auxiliary track sleepers 16 are arranged symmetrically front to back. The female screw holes 45 in the floor surface 17 are originally intended for installing piping racks after the construction of the tunnel 5, but in this embodiment, these female screw holes 45 are used for attaching the auxiliary track sleepers 16. However, dedicated female screw holes 45 may also be provided. The auxiliary track bolts 44 may be arranged in a staggered pattern, similar to the main track bolts 24.

[0065] Next, we will explain the method for adding main line rail sets 18 (a set of main line rails 13 and main line sleepers 15) and the method for rearranging auxiliary line rail sets 19 (a set of auxiliary line rails 14 and auxiliary line sleepers 16) that are carried out in conjunction with excavation.

[0066] The addition of the main line rail set 18 and the replacement of the auxiliary line rail set 19 are carried out each time the excavation of a length L2 equivalent to one main line rail 13 and auxiliary line rail 14 is completed. The addition of the main line rail set 18 is carried out in units of one pair (2 rails) of main line rails 13 and five main line sleepers 15. The replacement of the auxiliary line rail set 19 is carried out in units of one pair (2 rails) of auxiliary line rails 14 and five pairs (10 sleepers) of auxiliary line sleepers 16.

[0067] Figure 10 shows the state immediately after the addition of the main line rail set 18 at a certain point in time. The main line rail set 18 usually extends forward beyond the auxiliary track rail set 19, as shown in the figure, but it may also extend forward to the same position as the auxiliary track rail set 19.

[0068] Figure 11 shows the situation from the point in Figure 10 to the point when the excavation of length L2 is completed. Compared to the state in Figure 10, a set of five segment rings 4 GS1 and a main line rail set GH1, which is the length of one main line rail, have been added forward by a length of L2. In addition, the main line vehicle 6 has also been moved forward by a length of L2.

[0069] As the tunnel is excavated over a length of L2, the auxiliary track vehicle 7 is towed forward by the shield machine 1 by a length of L2.

[0070] In this situation, a surplus auxiliary track rail set GF1 is created at the rear of auxiliary track vehicle 7. This auxiliary track rail set GF1 has the length of one auxiliary track rail. Therefore, this auxiliary track rail set GF1 is removed from the rear and moved to the front.

[0071] At this point, the auxiliary track rail set GF1 is first dismantled. The bolts 35 of the auxiliary track rail mounting section 42 are removed, and the auxiliary track rails 14 are removed from the auxiliary track sleepers 16. Also, the bolts 44 that fix the auxiliary track sleepers 16 to the floor surface 17 are removed, and the bolts 26 that connect the auxiliary track sleepers 16 to the main line sleepers 15 are removed. As a result, the auxiliary track sleepers 16 are removed from the floor surface 17 and the main line sleepers 15. Then, the auxiliary track rails 14 (one on each side) and the auxiliary track sleepers 16 (five on each side) of the auxiliary track rail set GF1 are dismantled.

[0072] These dismantled auxiliary track rails 14 and auxiliary track sleepers 16 are transported to a position ahead of the auxiliary track vehicle 7. At this time, since each auxiliary track sleeper 16 is relatively light (about 5 kg), it is easy to carry and handle. The main line vehicle 6 may also be used for transport.

[0073] Next, the transported auxiliary track rail set GF1 is assembled in front of the auxiliary track rail set GF2, which was previously at the front. At this time, the reverse procedure of the dismantling process is performed.

[0074] The auxiliary track sleepers 16 of the auxiliary track rail set GF1 are connected to the main track sleepers 15 of the main track rail set GH2, which is located directly in front of the auxiliary track vehicle 7, and are also fixed to the floor surface 17. Then, the auxiliary track rails 14 are attached to the auxiliary track sleepers 16 of the auxiliary track rail set GF1. This completes the rearrangement of the auxiliary track rail set GF1.

[0075] As described above, according to this embodiment, the main line sleepers 15 and the auxiliary line sleepers 16 are installed in surface contact with the bottom surface 17 inside the segment ring 4. Therefore, compared to the case of conventional sleepers that are strung in a chord shape inside the segment ring, the height dimension of the space above the sleepers can be increased, improving work efficiency. With the increase in height dimension, the main line vehicles 6 and auxiliary line vehicles 7, which have relatively large height dimensions, can be used, further increasing work efficiency. In addition, in the case of tunnels with small diameters, it was conventionally difficult for workers to stand and walk. However, this embodiment can solve this problem.

[0076] Furthermore, a pair of auxiliary track sleepers 16 are detachably connected to each main track sleeper 15. Therefore, each auxiliary track sleeper 16 can be easily removed from the main track sleeper 15 for transport, making it easy to rearrange the auxiliary track rail set 19. Since the auxiliary track sleepers 16 are compact and lightweight, they are very easy to handle. For example, one auxiliary track sleeper 16 weighs about 5 kg, so it can be easily carried by one person. The same applies to the main track sleepers 15.

[0077] Conventional railway sleepers are made of steel members (such as H-beams) stretched in a chord-like manner within a segment ring, making them heavy and posing a risk of pinching fingers if they fall unexpectedly. However, the main line sleepers 15 and secondary line sleepers 16 of this embodiment are sufficiently lightweight, thus eliminating such problems and ensuring safety.

[0078] As shown in Figure 2, during work, worker Y descends from the walkway 51 provided on the side of the auxiliary track vehicle 7 (the left and right sides in this embodiment) to the center of the bottom surface 17 in the width direction using stairs (not shown). In this embodiment, the height of the walkway 51 can be lowered compared to the conventional method because the position of the auxiliary track sleepers 16 is lower. Therefore, even if worker Y were to fall down the stairs, the risk of an accident could be significantly reduced.

[0079] Conventionally, even if soil and sand accumulated on the floor surface below the sleepers, main line vehicles and auxiliary line vehicles could still run, so the cleaning of the soil and sand tended to be neglected. However, in this embodiment, if soil and sand accumulate on the floor surface 17, there is a risk that it will hinder the operation of main line vehicles 6 and auxiliary line vehicles 7. Therefore, the soil and sand accumulated on the floor surface 17 will inevitably be cleaned, and the inside of the tunnel 5 can be kept clean.

[0080] As shown in Figure 4, in one sleeper M, one main line sleeper 15 and a pair (two) auxiliary line sleepers 16 are connected to each other and fixed to the floor surface 17 with three bolts 24, 44, 44. Therefore, even if a horizontal force is applied to at least one of the main line sleeper 15 and auxiliary line sleeper 16 due to the movement of the main line vehicle 6 and auxiliary line vehicle 7, displacement of the main line sleeper 15 and auxiliary line sleeper 16 can be suppressed.

[0081] On the other hand, one auxiliary track sleeper 16 is fixed to the floor surface 17 with one bolt 44. Therefore, the number of bolts 44 can be kept to a minimum, making it easy to rearrange the auxiliary track sleepers 16.

[0082] In one sleeper M, a single main line sleeper 15, which is not connected to a pair of auxiliary line sleepers 16, may be fixed to the floor surface 17 by a single bolt 24. In this case, rotation around the bolt 24 is only prevented by a pair of main line rails 13 fixed to the main line sleeper 15. Therefore, if there is concern about displacement due to horizontal force, the number of bolts 24 may be increased by providing two female screw holes 25 corresponding to two elongated holes 23.

[0083] As shown in Figure 9, one sleeper M is installed near the length center of one segment ring 4. In some cases, there may be an inlet for backfilling (grout) at the length center of the segment ring 4. In this case, it is preferable to install the sleeper M as close as possible to the inlet.

[0084] Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above, various other embodiments and modifications of the present disclosure are conceivable. For example, the fasteners for fixing the protruding piece 41 and the engaging piece 21 may be pins, clamps, etc. The engaging piece 21 provided at one end of the main line sleeper body 20 does not have to be a pair, but may be single. The relationship between the engaging piece 21 and the protruding piece 41 may be reversed, with the protruding piece 41 provided on the main line sleeper 15 and the engaging piece 21 on the auxiliary line sleeper 16. The auxiliary line vehicle 7 has a shape that straddles the main line vehicle 6 in the width direction, but does not have to be symmetrical. However, in that case, the shapes of the left and right auxiliary line sleepers 16 are formed to match the auxiliary line vehicle 7.

[0085] The embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, but include any variations, applications, and equivalents encompassed within the spirit of this disclosure as defined by the claims. Therefore, this disclosure should not be constrained, but can be applied to any other art that falls within the scope of the spirit of this disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1 Shield Unit 3 segments 4-segment ring 6 Main Line Vehicles 7. Vehicles for auxiliary tracks 8-segment transport vehicle 12 Following vehicles 13 Main line rails 14 Rails for auxiliary tracks 15 Main line sleepers 16 Side line sleepers 17. Bottom 20 Main line sleeper body 21 Engaging piece 26 volts 40 Side line sleeper body 41 Projecting piece M Sleeper S Conveyor System

Claims

1. These are sleepers used in the shield tunneling method, where segment rings are assembled at the rear of the shield machine as it excavates. A main line sleeper is installed in a surface contact state at the bottom surface and in the center in the width direction within the segment ring, A pair of auxiliary track sleepers are installed in surface contact with the bottom surface and both sides in the width direction within the segment ring, and are detachably connected to the main track sleepers, A railway sleeper characterized by having the following features.

2. The aforementioned main line sleeper has an arc-shaped main line sleeper body installed in surface contact with the bottom surface, and engaging pieces provided at both ends of the main line sleeper body on the outside in the width direction. The aforementioned auxiliary track sleeper has an arc-shaped auxiliary track sleeper body installed in surface contact with the bottom surface, and a protruding piece provided at the inner end in the width direction of the auxiliary track sleeper body and projecting inward in the width direction. The protruding piece and the engaging piece are detachably fixed by a fastener. A railway sleeper according to claim 1.

3. At both ends of the main line sleeper body on the widthwise side, a pair of engaging pieces sandwich the protruding piece, and these pair of engaging pieces and the protruding piece are detachably fixed to each other by bolts, which serve as fasteners and pass through them. A railway sleeper according to claim 2.

4. A transport system for transporting a main line vehicle and a secondary line vehicle in the longitudinal direction within a tunnel comprising the sleepers described in claim 1 and the segment rings assembled in the longitudinal direction, A pair of main line rails attached to the aforementioned main line sleepers and supporting the aforementioned main line vehicles, A pair of auxiliary track sleepers are each attached to an auxiliary track rail that supports the auxiliary track vehicle, A transport system characterized by comprising the following features.

5. The aforementioned main line vehicle includes a segment transport vehicle that transports the segments constituting the segment ring, The aforementioned auxiliary line vehicle includes a follow-up vehicle towed by the shield machine to transport the necessary equipment and materials for excavation. The transport system according to claim 4.

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