Method for cleaning a cutter head, method for constructing a tunnel, apparatus for cleaning a cutter head, and tunnel construction system

Abstract

To efficiently and safely remove deposits from cutter heads used in shield tunneling and pipe jacking methods. [Solution] A cleaning method according to one embodiment cleans the cutter head of a tunnel boring machine that excavates the ground to form a tunnel shaft, and includes a first step of arranging a cleaning device in the tunnel shaft that includes a rod with a flow channel formed inside, a monitor provided at the tip of the rod for spraying cleaning liquid supplied through the flow channel, and a work machine for moving the rod linearly and rotating it; a second step of moving the rod linearly with the work machine so that the monitor protrudes from the front surface of the cutter head through an opening in the cutter head; and a third step of rotating the rod with the work machine while the monitor is protruding from the front surface, and spraying cleaning liquid from the monitor toward the front surface to clean any deposits on the front surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for cleaning a cutter head used in a shield method or a propulsion method, a tunnel construction method using the cleaning method, a cleaning device for a cutter head, and a tunnel construction system using the cleaning device.

Background Art

[0002] As methods for forming a tunnel in the ground, a shield method and a propulsion method are known (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). In the shield method, segments constituting the tunnel inner wall are assembled behind a tunnel boring machine (shield machine) that excavates the ground, and a thrust is applied to the tunnel boring machine by a jack using these segments as a fulcrum. Further, in the propulsion method, a pipe body buried in the ground is pushed by a jack arranged at the construction start point (launch shaft), and a thrust is applied to a tunnel boring machine arranged at the tip of this pipe body.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In these shield methods and propulsion methods, while the tunnel boring machine is advancing excavation, gravel, clay, etc. may adhere to the cutter head and solidify, resulting in poor rotation of the cutter head and blockage of the opening (soil and sand intake port) of the cutter head.

[0005] In such cases, one possible method for removing deposits from the cutter head is to retreat the tunnel boring machine and have workers manually remove the deposits. However, this method requires measures to support the ground in front of the cutter head, which would be time-consuming and labor-intensive, and also raises safety concerns.

[0006] This invention was made based on the circumstances described above, and one of its objectives is to efficiently or safely remove deposits from cutter heads used in shield tunneling and pipe jacking methods. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A cleaning method according to one embodiment cleans the cutter head of a tunnel boring machine that excavates the ground to form a tunnel shaft, and includes a first step of arranging a cleaning device in the tunnel shaft that includes a rod with a flow channel formed inside, a monitor provided at the tip of the rod for spraying a cleaning liquid supplied through the flow channel, and a work machine for moving the rod linearly and rotating it; a second step of moving the rod linearly with the work machine so that the monitor protrudes from the front of the cutter head in the direction of excavation of the tunnel boring machine through an opening in the cutter head; and a third step of rotating the rod with the work machine while the monitor is protruding from the front, and spraying the cleaning liquid from the monitor toward the front to clean any deposits on the front surface.

[0008] A tunnel construction method according to one embodiment includes rotating a cutter head provided by a tunnel boring machine to excavate the ground, and then, with the cutter head stopped, cleaning the front surface of the cutter head in the direction of excavation of the tunnel boring machine using the cleaning method described above.

[0009] A cleaning device according to one embodiment cleans the cutter head of a tunnel boring machine that excavates the ground to form a tunnel shaft, and comprises a rod with a flow channel formed inside, a monitor provided at the tip of the rod and capable of spraying cleaning liquid supplied through the flow channel, and a work machine positioned in the tunnel shaft that moves the rod linearly and rotates it. Furthermore, the cleaning device moves the rod linearly using the work machine, causing the monitor to protrude from the front of the cutter head in the direction of excavation of the tunnel boring machine through an opening in the cutter head, and while the monitor is protruding from the front, the rod is rotated by the work machine and the cleaning liquid is sprayed from the monitor toward the front to clean any deposits on the front surface.

[0010] A tunnel construction system according to one embodiment comprises a tunnel boring machine having a cutter head with an opening, and the cleaning device described above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] For example, according to the present invention, deposits on cutter heads used in shield tunneling and pipe jacking methods can be removed efficiently and safely. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a tunnel construction system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the structure of a rod and monitor. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of a configuration that can be applied to a cutter head. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows another example of a configuration that can be applied to a cutter head. [Figure 5A] Figure 5A shows an example of a tunnel construction method and a cutter head cleaning method according to one embodiment. [Figure 5B]FIG. 5B is a diagram showing the process following FIG. 5A. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C is a diagram showing the process following FIG. 5B. [Figure 5D] FIG. 5D is a diagram showing the process following FIG. 5C. [Figure 5E] FIG. 5E is a diagram showing the process following FIG. 5D. [Figure 5F] FIG. 5F is a diagram showing the process following FIG. 5E. [Figure 5G] FIG. 5G is a diagram showing the process following FIG. 5F. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0013] A cutter head cleaning method, a tunnel construction method, a cutter head cleaning device, and a tunnel construction system for constructing a tunnel by an earth pressure type shield method will be described with reference to the drawings in one embodiment. In the earth pressure type shield method, an additive for fluidizing the excavated soil is injected into a chamber behind the cutter head, thereby appropriately maintaining the pressure in the chamber and stabilizing the face.

[0014] However, the configuration disclosed in this embodiment, particularly the configuration related to the cleaning of the cutter head, can also be applied to other types of construction methods for constructing a tunnel using a cutter head. Examples of such other construction methods include, for example, the slurry shield method. In the slurry shield method, the excavated soil and sand are separated into soil and sand and slurry by a slurry treatment facility outside the tunnel pit, and this slurry is sent to a chamber behind the cutter head, and the pressure in the chamber is appropriately maintained to stabilize the face. Further, the configuration related to the cleaning of the cutter head disclosed in this embodiment is not limited to the shield method, but can also be applied to various types of propulsion methods such as earth pressure type and slurry type.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a tunnel construction system 1 according to this embodiment. The elements shown in this figure are only a part of the tunnel construction system 1, and the tunnel construction system 1 may include various other devices or facilities.

[0016] The tunnel construction system 1 includes a tunnel boring machine 2 that excavates the ground G to form a tunnel shaft T. In the following description, the direction in which the tunnel boring machine 2 advances while excavating the ground G (the extending direction of the tunnel shaft T) is referred to as the excavation direction D1.

[0017] The tunnel boring machine 2 includes a cutter head 3 and a bulkhead 4. These cutter head 3 and bulkhead 4 are circular in a front view. A large number of cutter bits 31 are provided on the front surface 30 of the cutter head 3 in the excavation direction D1. Further, the cutter head 3 has a plurality of openings 32. The cutter head 3 is rotationally driven by a drive device 34 to excavate the ground G.

[0018] The bulkhead 4 is located behind the cutter head 3 in the excavation direction D1 and faces the back surface of the cutter head 3. A chamber C is formed between the cutter head 3 and the bulkhead 4. When the ground G is excavated as the cutter head 3 rotates, the earth and sand are taken into the chamber C through the openings 32. That is, the openings 32 function as earth and sand intake ports.

[0019] The bulkhead 4 is provided with a pressure gauge 41 for detecting the pressure in the chamber C and at least one valve 42. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that a plurality of valves 42 are arranged in the radial direction of the bulkhead 4.

[0020] A large number of curved segments S are fitted on the inner surface of the tunnel shaft T generated by the excavation of the tunnel boring machine 2. The segments S are attached to the inner surface of the newly formed tunnel shaft T as the tunnel boring machine 2 advances by an erector not shown.

[0021] A plurality of jacks 5 are arranged between the existing segment S and the tunnel boring machine 2. These jacks 5 obtain a reaction force from the existing segment S and apply a propulsive force in the excavation direction D1 to the tunnel boring machine 2.

[0022] The tunnel construction system 1 further includes an additive supply device 6 that supplies additives to the tunnel boring machine 2, and a soil removal device 7 that discharges soil from the chamber C. The additives are mixed with the soil excavated by the cutter head 3 to impart plastic fluidity to the soil and turn it into mud, and can be, for example, a mud additive or a foaming agent. The additive supply device 6 has, for example, an additive storage section and a pump. The additive supply device 6 may be located above ground, or at least a part of it may be located inside the tunnel T.

[0023] The soil removal device 7 includes, for example, a screw conveyor that leads to the chamber C through an opening provided in the partition wall 4. The soil M discharged from the chamber C by this screw conveyor is transported toward the entrance of the tunnel T by a belt conveyor or transport vehicle, and then transported to the surface using crane equipment or the like at the entrance shaft.

[0024] The additive supplied from the additive supply device 6 is sent to the chamber C via the supply pipe 61 and mixed with the soil taken into the chamber C through the opening 32. By properly maintaining the pressure of the mud (mud pressure) resulting from this mixing, it is possible to stabilize the cutting face facing the cutter head 3.

[0025] The earth pressure data of chamber C, measured by the pressure gauge 41, is output to the control device 100. For example, the control device 100 controls the additive supply device 6 and the soil removal device 7 based on the earth pressure data of chamber C, adjusting the amount of additive supplied and the amount of soil removed from chamber C so that the earth pressure of chamber C remains within an appropriate range. Such adjustments may also be made by a worker checking the earth pressure data and manually changing the control conditions of the additive supply device 6 and the soil removal device 7.

[0026] In this embodiment, the tunnel construction system 1 further includes a cleaning device 8 for the cutter head 3. The cleaning device 8 comprises a working machine 81, a rod 82, and a monitor 83.

[0027] The work machine 81 includes a linear motion mechanism for moving the rod 82 in the direction of its extension and a rotary mechanism for rotating the rod 82. The rod 82 is made of, for example, a hollow metal. A cleaning fluid supply pipe 91 is attached to the rear end of the rod 82. A monitor 83 is attached to the tip of the rod 82. The rod 82 and the monitor 83 are insertable into a valve 42 provided in the partition wall 4 and an opening 32 in the cutter head 3.

[0028] The supply pipe 91 is supplied with cleaning fluid by the cleaning fluid supply device 9. For example, mud can be used as the cleaning fluid, but this is not the only example. The cleaning fluid supply device 9 includes, for example, a cleaning fluid reservoir and a pump. The cleaning fluid supply device 9 may be located above ground, or at least a portion of it may be located inside the tunnel T. The cleaning fluid supplied from the cleaning fluid supply device 9 to the rod 82 via the supply pipe 91 is sent through the inside of the rod 82 to the monitor 83, and then sprayed from the monitor 83.

[0029] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the structure of the rod 82 and monitor 83. Inside the rod 82, there is a channel 820 for the cleaning fluid. Inside the monitor 83, there is a channel 830 for the cleaning fluid. At the end of the channel 830, there is a nozzle 831 for spraying the cleaning fluid. In addition, at the tip of the monitor 83, there is a drilling bit 832 capable of drilling into the ground G.

[0030] The cleaning fluid supplied to rod 82 flows in the supply direction D2 in the flow path 820. When rod 82 is parallel to the drilling direction D1, the supply direction D2 is also parallel to the drilling direction D1.

[0031] For example, the nozzle 831 is directed backward (upstream) in the supply direction D2. That is, the spray direction J of the cleaning fluid from the nozzle 831 is inclined at an angle θ greater than 90° with respect to the supply direction D2 (90° < θ). In one example, the angle θ is between 120° and 180° (120° ≤ θ ≤ 180°). The flow path 830 bends at least once before reaching the nozzle 831.

[0032] Figures 3 and 4 show examples of configurations that can be applied to the cutter head 3. These figures correspond to a front view of the cutter head 3 as seen from the front 30 side.

[0033] The cutter head 3 shown in Figure 3 corresponds to a so-called spoke-type configuration, comprising an outer ring body 35 on the outermost periphery and a plurality of spokes 36 extending radially inside the outer ring body 35. The cutter bit 31 is provided, for example, on one of the spokes 36. Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 3, a support member 37 is positioned between the outer ring body 35 and the center of the cutter head 3.

[0034] In this configuration, multiple openings 32 are formed, each surrounded by the outer ring 35, spokes 36, and support member 37. These openings 32 are aligned in the circumferential and radial directions of the cutter head 3.

[0035] The cutter head 3 shown in Figure 4 corresponds to a so-called faceplate type configuration, and most of it is formed by a faceplate member 38. In this faceplate member 38, a plurality of radially extending openings 32 are formed. These openings 32 are arranged in the circumferential direction of the cutter head 3. The cutter bit 31 is positioned at the edge of the openings 32, etc.

[0036] In addition to the above, various configurations can be applied to the cutter head 3. That is, the form of the opening 32 as a soil intake port is not particularly limited. As another example, the cutter head 3 may have a grid-like opening 32.

[0037] Figures 5A to 5F show examples of tunnel construction methods and cutter head 3 cleaning methods according to this embodiment.

[0038] As explained using Figure 1, in forming the tunnel shaft T, the jack 5 provides thrust to the tunnel boring machine 2 in the excavation direction D1, and the cutter head 3 rotates. This excavates the ground G. The soil generated by the excavation of the ground G is taken into the chamber C through the opening 32. In addition, the amount of additive supplied from the supply pipe 61 and the amount of soil removed by the soil removal device 7 are adjusted so that the soil pressure in the chamber C is within an appropriate range.

[0039] During the excavation of the ground G in this manner, gravel, clay, and other materials adhere to the cutter head 3. When such adhering materials X accumulate, at least some of the multiple openings 32 may become blocked, as shown in Figure 5A, which can hinder the intake of soil into the chamber C and reduce the earth pressure applied to the face. In addition, the adhering materials X may cause the cutter head 3 to malfunction.

[0040] In this embodiment, when it is necessary to remove such deposits X, the cutter head 3 is cleaned using the cleaning device 8 while the rotation of the cutter head 3 is stopped. For this cleaning, first, as shown in Figure 5B, the cleaning device 8 is positioned near the tunnel boring machine 2 inside the tunnel T (first step).

[0041] Furthermore, the rod 82, valve 42, and opening 32 are positioned so that they are aligned in the excavation direction D1. In one example, the cleaning device 8 is positioned so that the rod 82 faces one of the valves 42, and the cutter head 3 is rotated so that the valve 42 and one of the openings 32 face the excavation direction D1. The posture of the cutter head 3 (rotation angle from the reference state) can be confirmed, for example, by displaying information representing the posture on the display of the control device 100 based on the output of a sensor provided on the tunnel boring machine 2. Therefore, the worker can position the rod 82, valve 42, and opening 32 without releasing the sealed state of the chamber C. Alternatively, the control device 100 may automatically position the valve 42 and one of the openings 32.

[0042] Next, as shown in Figure 5C, the work implement 81 moves the rod 82 in a straight line, causing the monitor 83 to protrude from the front surface 30 of the cutter head 3 through the opening 32 (second step). During this operation, the rod 82 and monitor 83 are fed to the cutter head 3 through the valve 42. After the straight line movement stops, the valve 42 is closed, thereby closing off the area around the rod 82.

[0043] When extending the monitor 83 from the front surface 30, the face of the ground G opposite the front surface 30 may be excavated by the monitor 83. In this case, the working machine 81 rotates the rod 82 when it is moving linearly. As a result, the excavation bit 832 at the tip of the monitor 83 excavates the face, and the monitor 83 can be extended from the front surface 30 to an appropriate length.

[0044] After the monitor 83 is extended from the front surface 30, as shown in Figure 5D, the rod 82 and monitor 83 are rotated by the work machine 81, and cleaning fluid is sprayed from the monitor 83 toward the front surface 30 (third step). As a result, the deposits X on the front surface 30 are cleaned within the spray range of the cleaning fluid.

[0045] Once cleaning is complete, the rod 82 and monitor 83 are retracted by the work machine 81, as shown in Figure 5E. Furthermore, the cutter head 3 is rotated so that the valve 42 faces the other opening 32. In this state, as shown in Figure 5F, the rod 82 is inserted into the valve 42 and opening 32, causing the monitor 83 to protrude from the front surface 30, and the cleaning solution is sprayed while rotating the monitor 83 to clean the front surface 30.

[0046] By repeating the steps shown in Figures 5C to 5F, it is possible to clean each of the openings 32 that are arranged circumferentially at the radial position of the valve 42 at the top of the figure. Furthermore, if the valve 42 at the bottom of the figure is used as the insertion point for the rod 82 and monitor 83, it is possible to clean the area on the outer circumference of the front surface 30 of the cutter head 3. As a result, as shown in Figure 5G, the entire front surface 30 can be cleaned and the attached substances X can be removed.

[0047] In this explanation, we have described the case where two valves 42 are provided on the partition wall 4, but more valves 42 may be provided on the partition wall 4 by changing their radial positions. This allows for cleaning of the front surface 30 over an even wider area.

[0048] The pressure of the cleaning solution required for cleaning may vary depending on the properties of the deposit X, the type of cleaning solution, the configuration of the cutter head 3, and the configuration of the monitor 83. For example, spraying the cleaning solution at a pressure of 20 MPa or higher, preferably 30 MPa or higher, can effectively remove the deposit X. However, the cleaning solution may be sprayed at a lower pressure, and the deposit X may be removed over time.

[0049] From the standpoint of ensuring face stability, it is preferable that the soil pressure in chamber C during cleaning is also within the appropriate range described above. Therefore, the soil pressure measured by the pressure gauge 41 may be monitored during cleaning, and at least one of the soil removal device 7 and the cleaning device 8 may be controlled so that the value remains within the appropriate range.

[0050] For example, if the soil pressure exceeds the appropriate range, the soil removal device 7 can be used to discharge the soil or muddy water from chamber C, thereby reducing the pressure inside chamber C.

[0051] Furthermore, the rise in mud pressure can also be suppressed by reducing the spray pressure of the cleaning fluid from monitor 83 or by stopping the spray altogether. Such control may be performed by the control device 100, or by an operator checking mud pressure data and manually changing the control conditions of the soil removal device 7 and the cleaning device 8.

[0052] In this embodiment, the deposits X on the cutter head 3 can be removed by the cleaning device 8 without having to move the tunnel boring machine 2 backward. In this case, since cleaning can be performed with the tunnel face in a stable state by the tunnel boring machine 2, the face support measures required when moving the tunnel boring machine 2 backward as described above are unnecessary. Therefore, the cost and efficiency of cleaning can be greatly improved. In addition, safety is extremely high because workers do not need to go in front of the tunnel boring machine 2.

[0053] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the opening 32 in the cutter head 3, which serves as a soil intake port, is used as a passage for the monitor 83. This eliminates the need for any special processing of the cutter head 3 when performing cleaning. In addition, during cleaning, the valve 42 provided in the partition wall 4 closes the area around the rod 82, thereby suppressing leakage of muddy water from the chamber C. In addition to those exemplified here, various other desirable effects can be obtained from this embodiment.

[0054] The embodiments described above do not limit the scope of the present invention to the configurations disclosed in those embodiments. In addition, various other methods for cleaning cutter heads, tunnel construction methods, cutter head cleaning devices, and tunnel construction systems can be realized without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] 1...Tunnel construction system, 2...Tunnel boring machine, 3...Cutter head, 4...Bulkhead, 5...Jack, 6...Additive supply device, 7...Soil removal device, 8...Washing device, 9...Washing liquid supply device, 30...Front view, 31...Cutter bit, 32...Opening, 41...Pressure gauge, 42...Valve, 81...Working machine, 82...Rod, 83...Monitor, D1...Drilling direction, G...Ground, J...Injection direction, X...Adhered material.

Claims

1. A method for cleaning the cutter head of a tunnel boring machine that excavates the ground to form a tunnel shaft, A first step is to place a cleaning device in the tunnel, which includes a rod with a flow channel formed inside, a monitor provided at the tip of the rod for spraying cleaning fluid supplied through the flow channel, and a work machine for moving the rod linearly and rotating. A second step involves moving the rod in a straight line using the aforementioned work machine, thereby causing the monitor to protrude from the front surface of the cutter head in the tunnel boring machine's excavation direction through an opening in the cutter head. A third step involves rotating the rod with the work machine while the monitor is protruding from the front surface, and spraying the cleaning liquid from the monitor toward the front surface to clean any deposits on the front surface. A cleaning method that includes [details omitted].

2. The monitor sprays the cleaning liquid supplied through the flow path, folding it back at an angle greater than 90°. The cleaning method according to claim 1.

3. The cutter head has a plurality of openings into which the rod and the monitor can be inserted, The second and third steps are performed on each of the aforementioned multiple openings. The cleaning method according to claim 1.

4. The tunnel boring machine comprises a partition wall facing the back surface of the cutter head, and a valve provided in the partition wall. In the first step, the work machine is positioned behind the partition wall in the direction of excavation. In the second step, the rod is sent toward the cutter head through the valve. The third step is performed with the area around the rod closed off by the valve. The cleaning method according to claim 1.

5. In the third step, control at least one of the discharge mechanism that discharges the mud accumulated in the chamber and the washing device in accordance with the pressure of the chamber formed between the cutter head and the partition wall. The cleaning method according to claim 4.

6. The tunnel boring machine rotates its cutter head to excavate the ground, With the cutter head stopped, the front surface of the cutter head in the tunnel boring machine's direction of excavation is cleaned using the cleaning method described in any one of claims 1 to 5. A tunnel construction method that includes the following.

7. A cleaning device for the cutter head of a tunnel boring machine that excavates the ground to form a tunnel shaft, A rod with a flow channel formed inside, A monitor is provided at the tip of the rod and capable of spraying the cleaning liquid supplied through the flow path, A work machine is placed inside the tunnel and moves the rod in a straight line and rotates, Equipped with, By moving the rod in a straight line using the aforementioned work machine, the monitor is made to protrude from the front surface of the cutter head in the direction of excavation of the tunnel boring machine through the opening in the cutter head. With the monitor protruding from the front surface, the rod is rotated by the work machine, and the cleaning solution is sprayed from the monitor toward the front surface to clean any deposits on the front surface. Washing device.

8. The monitor sprays the cleaning liquid supplied through the flow path, folding it back at an angle greater than 90°. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 7.

9. A tunnel boring machine having a cutter head with an opening, A cleaning apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, A tunnel construction system equipped with the following features.

10. The cutter head has a plurality of openings into which the rod and the monitor can be inserted. The tunnel construction system according to claim 9.

11. The tunnel boring machine comprises a partition wall facing the back surface of the cutter head, and a valve provided in the partition wall. The rod is insertable into the valve, The valve is configured to be able to close off the area around the inserted rod. The tunnel construction system according to claim 9.

12. A pressure gauge for detecting the pressure in the chamber formed between the cutter head and the partition wall, A soil removal device for removing the mud accumulated in the chamber, The tunnel construction system according to claim 11, further comprising:

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