Crushing system and crushing method for materials to be crushed

Abstract

The purpose is to efficiently break down materials containing water, such as rock and concrete, using microwaves. [Solution] A crushing system for crushing a material containing moisture, comprising: a microwave irradiation mechanism for irradiating the material with microwaves; and a fluid supply mechanism for supplying fluid to the surface of the material, including the microwave irradiation section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a crushing system for crushing water-containing materials to be crushed, such as rock masses and concrete, using microwaves, and a method for crushing materials to be crushed.

Background Art

[0002] For example, in the excavation work of mountain tunnels, considering the surrounding area, there are cases where a rock cutting method that can perform rock mass crushing work without using blasting is adopted. The rock cutting method involves providing holes in the face rock mass with a drilling machine, and inserting, for example, a biggger, a static crusher, a rock cutting machine, etc. into these holes to generate cracks in the rock mass. After that, the rock mass with cracks generated is crushed with a breaker or the like.

[0003] The above-mentioned rock cutting method is adopted in many tunnel construction works because it can achieve low noise and low vibration. However, it has problems such as being likely to be a large-scale construction work because various construction machines are used, and the cost is likely to increase and the working efficiency is inferior. Under such circumstances, in order to simplify equipment and reduce costs, a method of crushing rock masses using microwaves has been studied.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a procedure for constructing a tunnel by crushing a rock mass using microwaves. Specifically, the face is previously divided into a plurality of blocks, and each block is irradiated with microwaves to crush the rock mass to a predetermined depth. After this operation is completed for all the blocks, sliding is performed, and the same operation is repeated on the newly exposed face.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] According to the method disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is possible to construct a mountain tunnel by crushing the rock mass with low noise and vibration while simplifying the equipment. However, as shown in Figure 5, when microwaves M are irradiated onto the tunnel face F, thermal stress is generated due to heating in the penetration portion P of the microwaves M, causing cracks to form and the rock mass R to be crushed. However, depending on the properties of the rock mass R and the frequency and output of the microwaves, a molten film G of melted glass components may be formed on the irradiated surface.

[0007] When this molten film G is formed, even if microwaves M are irradiated, the microwave energy is lost due to reflection and scattering, making it impossible to directly irradiate the rock mass R. As a result, it becomes difficult to penetrate the rock mass R in the depth direction, which may lead to a decrease in fracture efficiency or even make it impossible to fracture the rock mass.

[0008] This invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its main purpose is to efficiently crush water-containing materials such as rock and concrete using microwaves. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To achieve this objective, the present invention provides a crushing system for crushing a material containing moisture, characterized by comprising: a microwave irradiation mechanism for irradiating the material with microwaves; and a fluid supply mechanism for supplying fluid to the surface of the material, including the microwave irradiation portion.

[0010] The crushing system of the present invention is characterized in that the fluid supply mechanism comprises a nozzle for spraying fluid toward the surface of the material to be crushed, and a fluid supply pipe to which the nozzle is attached at its tip.

[0011] The crushing system of the present invention is characterized in that the fluid flow path of the fluid supply mechanism is provided within a waveguide for transmitting microwaves, which is provided in the microwave irradiation mechanism.

[0012] The crushing system of the present invention is characterized by comprising a movable mechanism that movably supports the microwave irradiation mechanism and the fluid supply mechanism.

[0013] The present invention relates to a method for crushing a material to be crushed using the crushing system of the present invention, characterized in that a fluid is supplied toward the surface of the material to be crushed, including the microwave irradiation area, while irradiating the material containing moisture with microwaves.

[0014] The present invention relates to a method for crushing a material, characterized in that the material to be crushed is rock mass, and microwaves are irradiated onto the tunnel face during mountain tunnel construction.

[0015] The present invention relates to a method for crushing materials, characterized in that the fluid is compressed air.

[0016] The present invention relates to a method for crushing materials, characterized in that the fluid is water.

[0017] According to the crushing system and crushing method of the present invention, microwaves are irradiated onto the material to be crushed, and a fluid such as compressed air or water is supplied to the surface of the material to be crushed, including the microwave irradiation area. As a result, cracks are generated in the material to be crushed from the microwave irradiation area to the penetration area, and when the rock mass is crushed as a result, it becomes possible to actively and efficiently remove the crushed rock fragments, dust, and other scattered materials.

[0018] Furthermore, by delaying the temperature rise in the area from the microwave irradiation zone to the penetration zone, it is possible to suppress the phenomenon of molten material formation by inducing cracks due to thermal stress before reaching the melting temperature. Moreover, even if molten material is formed, it is possible to suppress the phenomenon of the microwave irradiation zone being covered with a molten film by using a fluid to guide the molten material out.

[0019] In this way, by supplying fluid to the microwave irradiation area, a suitable environment for causing fracturing can be maintained in the area from the microwave irradiation area to the penetration area of ​​the material to be fractured. This makes it possible to efficiently and continuously fracture water-containing materials such as rock and concrete using microwaves.

[0020] Furthermore, as crushing efficiency is improved, the time required for crushing can be shortened. This reduces the impact on the surrounding environment due to vibrations and noise generated from the microwave irradiation mechanism during microwave irradiation, and also reduces the load on the microwave irradiation mechanism itself.

[0021] Furthermore, by providing a movable mechanism that supports the microwave irradiation mechanism and the fluid supply mechanism so that they can move freely, the microwave irradiation section can be easily moved each time rock fracturing occurs using this movable mechanism. This makes it possible to significantly improve the efficiency of the fracturing work, even when the surface of the material to be fractured covers a wide area.

[0022] Furthermore, the crushing system can perform a series of operations, from the installation of the microwave irradiation mechanism and fluid supply mechanism to microwave irradiation and removal of crushed fragments. Therefore, for example, if the crushing system is adopted in mountain tunnel construction involving excavation of bedrock, the number of work processes performed by workers near the tunnel face can be reduced, contributing to safety measures and labor savings in tunnel construction. In addition, since the microwave irradiation machine and the tunnel face are non-contact and the moving mechanism can be simplified by omitting a drive unit, a longer lifespan for the crushing system can be expected. Moreover, since the crushing system does not use fossil fuels, it can contribute to zero emissions. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] According to the present invention, by supplying a fluid to the surface of the material to be crushed, a suitable environment for crushing can be maintained in the range from the microwave irradiation area to the penetration area, making it possible to efficiently and continuously crush the material using microwaves. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0024] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing a crushing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing a procedure for crushing a rock mass according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a diagram showing another example (example 1) of a crushing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a diagram showing another example (example 2) of a crushing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a diagram showing a state of irradiating a rock mass with microwaves of the prior art.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] The crushing system of the present invention and the method for crushing a material to be crushed using the crushing system can be applied to any material to be crushed as long as it is a material containing moisture such as rock, rock mass, or concrete. In this embodiment, the material to be crushed is a rock mass, and a mountain tunnel construction for excavating this rock mass is taken as an example, and its details will be described while referring to FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0026] ≪≪Crushing System≫≫ As shown in FIG. 1, the crushing system 100 includes a microwave irradiation mechanism 10, a fluid supply mechanism 20, and a moving mechanism 30 that movably supports the microwave irradiation mechanism 10 and the fluid supply mechanism 20.

[0027] ≪≪Microwave Irradiation Mechanism≫≫ The microwave irradiation mechanism 10 includes a microwave generator 11 that generates microwaves M, a waveguide 12 that transmits the microwaves M oscillated by the microwave generator 11, and a power supply device 13 that supplies power to the microwave generator 11. Further, the waveguide 12 is formed, for example, by connecting a straight waveguide 121 and a flexible waveguide 122 having flexibility.

[0028] In this configuration, when microwave M is emitted from the microwave generator 11 connected to the base end of the waveguide 12, the microwave irradiation mechanism 10 irradiates the microwave M from the radiating port 12a formed on the tip end of the waveguide 12 toward the face F, as shown in Figure 2(a).

[0029] ≪≪Fluid supply mechanism≫≫ As shown in Figure 1, the fluid supply mechanism 20 consists of an air compressor 21, a flexible supply pipe 22 whose base end is connected to the air compressor 21, and a nozzle 23 provided at the tip of the supply pipe 22. Here, we give an example of operating the air compressor 21 using the power supply device 13 of the microwave irradiation mechanism 10.

[0030] In this configuration, the fluid supply mechanism 20 blows compressed air A supplied from the air compressor 21 through the supply pipe 22, which is a fluid passage, from the nozzle 23 towards the area of ​​the tunnel face F that includes the microwave M irradiation area, as shown in Figure 2(b). In this embodiment, the supply pipe 22 of the fluid supply mechanism 20 is positioned above the waveguide 12 of the microwave irradiation mechanism 10 so that the compressed air A blown towards the microwave M irradiation area flows downward, thereby adjusting the direction of the nozzle 23.

[0031] ≪≪Moving mechanism≫≫ Any structure capable of movably supporting the microwave irradiation mechanism 10 and the fluid supply mechanism 20 can be used for the moving mechanism 30, but in this embodiment, the case in which a robot arm 31 is included will be used as an example and explained below.

[0032] As shown in Figure 1, the mobile mechanism 30 comprises a robot arm 31, a trolley 32, and a support frame 33. The trolley 32 has a running body 321 on its underside, and the running body 321 can be any of the following: rolling elements, tires, or crawlers that move along guide rails. The trolley 32 may also be equipped with a drive unit to enable self-propulsion, or it may be constructed to move by means of towing or other means without a drive unit. The support frame 33 is installed on the upper surface of the trolley 32.

[0033] The support frame 33 comprises a top plate 331 and a lifting mechanism 332 that supports the top plate 331 so that it can move up and down. The robot arm 31 is mounted on the top plate 331 along with the microwave generator 11 and power supply unit 13 of the microwave irradiation mechanism 10, the air compressor 21 of the fluid supply mechanism 20, and other components.

[0034] The robot arm 31 comprises a multi-joint manipulator 311 and an end effector 312 provided at the tip of the manipulator 311. The waveguide 12 of the microwave irradiation mechanism 10 and the supply pipe 22 of the fluid supply mechanism 20 are supported by the end effector 312. In this embodiment, a case in which a 6-axis multi-joint robot is used for the manipulator 311 is given as an example. Furthermore, a case in which the waveguide 12 and the compressed air A supply pipe 22 are arranged in parallel and connected via a connecting fitting 34 is given as an example.

[0035] The moving mechanism 30 having the above configuration allows the height of the robot arm 31 to be set to a desired height by adjusting the height of the top plate 331 using the lifting mechanism 332 of the support frame 33. In addition, the position and orientation of the radiation port 12a and nozzle 23 of the waveguide 12 can be controlled by the operation of the manipulator 311.

[0036] Furthermore, the manipulator 311 can be operated by operating a control device such as a personal computer, by storing a job file containing a pre-configured operation path in the control device.

[0037] ≪≪Method for crushing the material to be crushed≫≫ Using the crushing system 100 having the above configuration, rock mass can be crushed, for example, by the following procedure.

[0038] First, as shown in Figure 1, the crushing system 100 is moved by the moving mechanism 30 and installed in a predetermined position facing the cutting face F, and the lifting mechanism 332 of the support frame 33 is activated to position the robot arm 31 in an arbitrarily set home position.

[0039] Next, the operation of the manipulator 311 of the robot arm, which is installed in the home position, is controlled by the control device based on the job file to position the radiation port 12a of the waveguide 12 relative to the tunnel face F. At this time, the orientation of the nozzle 23 of the fluid supply mechanism 20 is adjusted in advance so that compressed air A can be blown towards the area including the irradiation part of the microwave M irradiated from the radiation port 12a once the radiation port 12a of the waveguide 12 is positioned relative to the tunnel face F.

[0040] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 2(a), microwaves M are irradiated from the waveguide 12 of the microwave irradiation mechanism 10 toward the tunnel face F. Also, as shown in Figure 2(b), compressed air A is continuously or intermittently blown from the nozzle 23 of the fluid supply mechanism 20 into the area of ​​the tunnel face F that includes the microwave irradiation area M.

[0041] When microwaves M are irradiated onto the tunnel face F, the microwaves M penetrate into the rock mass R and heat the water contained in the penetration portion P of the rock mass R. As a result, the water vapor pressure inside the rock mass R increases, and thermal stress strain is generated between the heated area and its surroundings due to localized heating, causing cracks to form in the area from the microwave irradiation point to the penetration portion P.

[0042] As a result, as shown in Figure 2(c), various types of airborne particles R2, including not only fragments R1 of the rock mass R but also dust, are generated in the infiltration area P. At this time, compressed air A is supplied downwards to the area including the microwave M irradiation area at the tunnel face F, so these can be removed by the compressed air A and their accumulation can be prevented.

[0043] Furthermore, by blowing compressed air A, the temperature rise of the penetration portion P can be slowed, so that cracks due to thermal stress can be generated in the area from the microwave M irradiation area to the penetration portion P before the melting temperature is reached. This suppresses the phenomenon of molten material formation. Moreover, even if molten material is formed, by guiding this molten material to flow out with compressed air A blown downwards, the formation of a molten film G in the microwave M irradiation area, as explained with reference to Figure 5, can be suppressed.

[0044] In this way, at the microwave irradiation area in the tunnel face F, microwaves M can be continuously irradiated directly onto the rock mass R, and an optimal environment can be maintained in the microwave penetration area P to induce cracks due to thermal stress. This makes it possible to efficiently and continuously fracture the rock mass R using microwaves M. The temperature and pressure of the compressed air A should be adjusted as appropriate according to the properties of the rock mass (e.g., melting point and viscosity of the molten material).

[0045] Furthermore, as crushing efficiency is improved, the time required for crushing can be shortened. This reduces the impact on the surrounding environment due to vibrations and noise generated from the microwave irradiation mechanism 10 during microwave M irradiation, and also reduces the load on the microwave irradiation mechanism 10.

[0046] Furthermore, after cracks are generated in the microwave M penetration area P, producing fragments R1 and scattered materials R2, and these are removed with compressed air A, the microwave M irradiation area can be moved over the tunnel face F using the movement of the robot arm 31 or the movement mechanism 30, thereby significantly improving the efficiency of the crushing work across the entire tunnel face F.

[0047] Furthermore, by connecting the trolley 32 and support frame 33 to the control device that controls the movement of the robot arm 31 via wired or wireless means, and setting these to be controllable by the control device, it becomes possible for workers to remotely operate the crushing system 100. In this case, a series of operations, from the installation of the crushing system 100 to the irradiation of microwaves M and the removal of crushed fragments R1 and scattered materials R2, can be performed remotely. Therefore, the number of work processes performed by workers near the tunnel face F can be reduced, contributing to safety measures and labor savings in tunnel construction.

[0048] The crushing system 100 and the crushing method for materials to be crushed according to the present invention are not limited to the embodiments described above, and it goes without saying that various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0049] <<Other examples of microwave irradiation mechanisms>> For example, Figures 1 and 2 show an example where only one waveguide 12 is provided in the microwave irradiation mechanism 10, but it is not limited to this, and a configuration with multiple waveguides is also possible, as shown in Figures 3(a) and (b).

[0050] Figure 3(a) illustrates the case where three waveguides 12 are used, but multiple waveguides 12 may be arranged in parallel with intervals between them, and microwaves M may be simultaneously irradiated toward the working face F from each radiating port 12a. In this way, cracks generated in each penetration portion P of the microwaves M are made continuous, allowing for the fracture of a wide area of ​​the rock mass R, and enabling efficient fracture work.

[0051] Furthermore, Figure 3(b) shows an example where the orientation of the waveguides 12 is adjusted so that the irradiation directions of the microwaves M emitted from each of the three waveguides 12 intersect at a predetermined depth in the rock mass R, rather than at the face F. In this case, the microwaves M emitted from each of the three waveguides 12 are focused at the point where they intersect, so that the penetration area P of the microwaves M can be secured in the depth direction of the rock mass, and cracks can be quickly and reliably induced at the focused area.

[0052] Methods for irradiating multiple microwaves M at close range, or for focusing microwaves M at a predetermined depth in the rock mass R, are not limited to the methods described above. Conventional methods may also be used.

[0053] <<Other examples of fluid supply mechanisms>> As shown in Figures 4(a) and (b), the fluid supply mechanism 20 may be configured to omit the nozzle 23 and spray fluid from the waveguide 12 of the microwave irradiation mechanism 10 toward the face F.

[0054] Specifically, as shown in Figure 4(a), for example, the tip of the supply pipe 22 is connected to the base end of the straight waveguide 121, and compressed air A supplied from the air compressor 21 is emitted together with microwaves M from the radiation port 12a of the waveguide 12 and blown towards the microwave irradiation area.

[0055] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 4(b), the internal space of the waveguide 12 may be divided by a partition member 12b into a microwave M transmission space and a compressed air A flow path, and the compressed air A may be discharged from the radiating port 12a together with the microwave M.

[0056] As described above, by using the waveguide 12 that transmits microwaves M as a passage for compressed air A, the entire crushing system 100 can be made slimmer and easier to handle at the work site.

[0057] ≪Other Examples≫ For example, in Figure 1, the waveguide 12 and the supply pipe 22 are connected via a connecting fitting 34, and these are mounted on the end effector 312 of a single robot arm 31. However, it is also possible to use two robot arms 31, with one supporting the waveguide 12 and the other supporting the compressed air supply pipe 22.

[0058] Alternatively, the moving mechanism 30 may be replaced with a self-propelled construction machine, such as a drill jumbo, instead of a structure equipped with a robotic arm 31. The arms of the construction machine may support the waveguide 12 and the compressed air A supply pipe 22, and the distance and direction of the radiating port 12a and nozzle 23 of the waveguide 12 relative to the working face F may be controlled to irradiate the working face F with microwaves M and blow compressed air A onto it.

[0059] The fluid supplied by the fluid supply mechanism 20 is not limited to compressed air A. Any gas can be used as long as it can maintain an environment suitable for crushing, that is, an environment in which the formation of a molten film G as described with reference to Figure 5 can be suppressed, microwaves M can be directly irradiated onto the rock mass R at all times, and an environment in which cracks due to thermal stress are generated in the penetration portion P of the irradiated microwaves M before the melting temperature of the rock mass R is reached. Alternatively, a liquid such as water may be used.

[0060] In this embodiment, the crushing system 100 was used as an example in mountain tunnel construction involving excavation of bedrock. However, if the material to be crushed contains moisture, it can also be used, for example, in the demolition of concrete structures. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0061] 100 Crushing System 10 Microwave irradiation mechanism 11 Microwave generator 12 Waveguide 12a Radiation port 12b Partition Member 121 Straight waveguide 122 Flexible waveguide 123 Fluid supply channel 13 Power supply 20 Fluid supply mechanism 21 Air Compressor 22 Supply pipe 23 nozzles 30 Moving mechanism 31 Robot Arm 311 Manipulator 312 End Effector 32 bogies 321 Running body 33 Support frame 331 Top plate 332 Lifting mechanism F (Finger) G Melt film M Microwave R bedrock R1 Fragments R2 flying objects P penetration part

Claims

1. A crushing system for crushing materials containing moisture, A microwave irradiation mechanism for irradiating the material to be crushed with microwaves, A fluid supply mechanism that supplies fluid to the surface of the object to be crushed, including the microwave irradiation area, A crushing system characterized by comprising the following features.

2. In the crushing system according to claim 1, A crushing system characterized in that the fluid supply mechanism comprises a nozzle for spraying fluid toward the surface of the material to be crushed, and a fluid supply pipe to which the nozzle is attached at the tip.

3. In the crushing system according to claim 1, A crushing system characterized in that the fluid flow path of the fluid supply mechanism is provided within a waveguide for transmitting microwaves, which is provided in the microwave irradiation mechanism.

4. In the crushing system according to claim 1, A crushing system characterized by comprising a movable mechanism that movably supports the microwave irradiation mechanism and the fluid supply mechanism.

5. A method for crushing an object to be crushed using the crushing system described in any one of claims 1 to 4, A method for crushing a material containing moisture, characterized by supplying a fluid to the surface of the material, including the microwave irradiation area, while irradiating the material with microwaves.

6. In the method for crushing a material to be crushed according to claim 5, A method for crushing a material to be crushed, characterized in that the material to be crushed is bedrock and microwaves are irradiated onto the tunnel face during mountain tunnel construction.

7. In the method for crushing a material to be crushed according to claim 5, A method for crushing an object to be crushed, characterized in that the object to be crushed is concrete, and microwaves are irradiated onto the concrete structure.

8. In the method for crushing a material to be crushed according to claim 5, A method for crushing an object to be crushed, characterized in that the fluid is compressed air.

9. In the method for crushing a material to be crushed according to claim 5, A method for crushing an object to be crushed, characterized in that the fluid is water.

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