Tunnel boring machine having a sealing unit for sealing a ring gap around a drive shaft for a cutting wheel

Abstract

To provide a sealing unit for sealing a ring gap around a drive shaft of a tunnel boring machine, which is superior in handling reliability in operation, and a tunnel boring machine equipped with a predetermined number of such sealing units. A sealing unit (115) for sealing a ring gap (109) formed between a sealing race (106) and a sealing carrier (112) has a sealing ring holder (118) configured in a U-shape in a receiving area, the receiving area of ​​the sealing ring holder (118) surrounding a fixing area (209) of a sealing ring (121), thereby achieving a reliable insertion of the sealing unit (115) into the ring gap (109), particularly against the risk of tilting of the sealing ring (121).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sealing unit for sealing a ring gap around a drive shaft of a tunnel boring machine, and a tunnel boring machine equipped with such a sealing unit.

Background Art

[0002] From the following Non-Patent Document 1, a seal unit having a sealing ring holder made of a material with bending rigidity (bending resistance) and a sealing ring made of a material with bending elasticity is known. In this seal unit, the sealing ring is disposed in a recess opened on one side of the sealing ring holder. The final fixing of the sealing ring by frictional engagement is performed by the seal ring holder of a further sealing unit disposed adjacent to the open side of the sealing ring holder in the attached arrangement state.

[0003] From the following Patent Document 1, a sealing ring holder having a U-shaped receiving region for purely fixing the position of the sealing ring by frictional engagement is known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Patent Document 5

Patent Document 6

Patent Document 7

Non-Patent Literature

[0005]

Non-Patent Literature 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The problem underlying the present invention is to present a sealing unit for sealing a ring gap around a drive shaft of a tunnel boring machine with excellent handling reliability in operation, and a tunnel boring machine equipped with a predetermined number of such sealing units.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The above problems are According to a first aspect of the present invention, the following solved by a in sealing unit. That is, a sealing unit for sealing a ring gap around a drive shaft for a cutting wheel of a tunnel boring machine, comprising a sealing ring holder made of a material having bending rigidity, the sealing ring holder being configured in a U-shape so as to have at least in a receiving region, two side wall portions facing each other and a radially outer upper wall portion extending between radially outer ends of these side wall portions, comprising a sealing ring made of a material having bending elasticity, the sealing ring having a fixing region and at least one seal lip, the fixing region being surrounded by the side wall portions and the upper wall portion of the sealing ring holder, A sealing unit is provided, which is characterized in that. Furthermore, the above problem is solved by the following tunnel boring machine according to a second aspect of the present invention. That is, a tunnel boring machine, comprising a drive shaft for a cutting wheel, the drive shaft being surrounded by a sealing race and a sealing carrier arranged at a radial interval from the sealing race under the configuration of a ring gap, comprising a predetermined number of the sealing units described in the first aspect, these sealing units being arranged in an axially offset and sealed state within the ring gap, A tunnel boring machine is provided, which is characterized in that. More specifically, a tunnel boring machine, comprising a drive shaft for a cutting wheel, the drive shaft being surrounded by a sealing race and a sealing carrier arranged at a radial interval from the sealing race under the configuration of a ring gap, comprising a predetermined number of sealing units, these sealing units being arranged in an axially offset and sealed state within the ring gap, the sealing unit comprising a sealing ring holder made of a material having bending rigidity, the sealing ring holder being configured in a U-shape so as to have at least in a receiving region, two side wall portions facing each other and a radially outer upper wall portion extending between radially outer ends of these side wall portions, comprising a sealing ring made of a material having bending elasticity, the sealing ring having a fixing region and at least one seal lip, The fixed region is surrounded by the side wall portion and the upper wall portion of the sealing ring holder, whereby each sealing unit of those sealing units can be inserted into the ring gap without the risk of inclination of the sealing ring. A force flow occurs through the sealing ring holders adjacent to each other in the axial direction, so that almost no frictional loss occurs based on the slidability of the sealing ring holders in the axial direction, and an even distribution of the preload force is performed through the sealing ring holders. Each sealing ring holder absorbs the load applied to the sealing ring held by each sealing ring holder, whereby the load applied to the fixed region of the sealing ring is relatively small. A tunnel boring machine is provided, which is characterized in that.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] In the present invention, the following forms are possible. (Form 1) A sealing unit for sealing a ring gap around a drive shaft for a cutting wheel of a tunnel boring machine, comprising a sealing ring holder made of a material having bending rigidity, the sealing ring holder being configured in a U-shape so as to have two side wall portions facing each other at least in a receiving region and a radially outer upper wall portion extending between radially outer ends of these side wall portions. comprising a sealing ring made of a material having bending elasticity, the sealing ring having a fixed region and at least one seal lip. The fixed region is surrounded by the side wall portion and the upper wall portion of the sealing ring holder. (Form 2) It is preferable that the sealing ring holder and the fixed region have a structure portion that is engaged with each other in a shape-coupled manner. (Form 3) It is preferable that the sealing ring or each sealing ring has an overhanging portion that extends beyond an end face portion of the sealing ring holder that holds the sealing ring in the axial direction in a relaxed state. (Form 4) It is preferable that the sealing ring or each sealing ring has a ring hollow chamber, and the ring hollow chamber is in a hydrodynamically connected state with an outer surface portion of the sealing ring through at least one connecting flow path. (Form 5) The sealing ring holder preferably has a passage flow path which extends through the sealing ring holder and is in a hydrodynamically connected state with the connection flow path. (Form 6) The sealing ring preferably has an articulation region having a reduced material thickness compared to the seal lip between the fixed region and the seal lip or each seal lip. (Form 7) The fixed region is preferably disposed in the sealing ring holder with a preload. (Form 8) The side wall portions are preferably inclined toward each other in a direction away from the upper wall portion. (Form 9) The sealing ring holder is preferably configured in a two-member type having a first sealing ring holder member and a second sealing ring holder member, and these sealing ring holder members can be removably connected to each other via predetermined connecting means. (Form 10) The connecting means preferably includes a screw connection portion. (Form 11) The connecting means preferably includes at least one lock connection portion. (Form 12) A tunnel boring machine, comprising a drive shaft for a cutting wheel, the drive shaft being surrounded by a sealing race and a sealing carrier disposed at a radial interval from the sealing race under the configuration of a ring gap, comprising a predetermined number of the sealing units according to any one of Forms 1 to 11, and these sealing units being axially arranged in series in a sealed state within the ring gap. (Form 13) It is preferable that a predetermined number of block assembly bolts and / or individual assembly bolts are provided, and a predetermined number of sealing units can be assembled block by block and / or individually via these bolts. (Form 14) At least one ring-shaped sealing performance test tool is preferably provided, and the sealing performance test tool can bring about a pressure-sealed connection state with a sealing unit disposed axially outside. (Form 15) It is preferable that a centering auxiliary portion configured in a wedge shape is disposed at an insertion end portion of the ring gap. It should be noted that the reference signs attached to the claims of the present application are solely for facilitating the understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the form shown in the drawings.

[0009] In the sealing unit according to the invention, the sealing ring is surrounded by the sealing ring holder in the fixed region on the outer side in the radial direction and on the outer side in the axial direction, so that each sealing unit is provided for receiving the sealing ring with reliability and, in particular, without the risk of tilting of the sealing ring, and is inserted into the ring gap provided on the outer side in the radial direction of the drive shaft of the tunnel boring machine.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the fixing of the sealing ring in the sealing ring holder is carried out by form-fitting (connection based on the engagement of shapes (so-called tight fit, Formschluss)) and frictional connection (connection based on frictional force, Reibschluss). The form-fitting and frictional connection defined thereby are given by fitting as an already assembled sealing unit. This combination of form-fitting and frictional connection exists from the pre-assembled state of the sealing ring and is maintained during operation.

[0011] Further configurations suitable for the purposes of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0012] Further configurations and advantages suitable for the purposes of the invention are apparent from the following description of the embodiments with respect to the figures of the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Figure 18

Figure 19

Example

[0014] FIG. 1 shows, as a cross-sectional view, the area around the drive shaft 103 for a cutting wheel (not shown in FIG. 1) of a tunnel boring machine. On the radially outer side of the drive shaft 103, a sealing race (sealing track portion) 106 is provided. The sealing race 106 is surrounded by a sealing carrier 112 under the configuration of a ring gap (annular gap) 109 that extends radially outward and axially from the axially inner side, that is, from the right side in the drawing of FIG. 1 (when looking at the drive shaft 103 sideways) toward the axially outer side, that is, toward the left side in the drawing of FIG. 1 (when looking at the drive shaft 103 sideways).

[0015] Furthermore, in FIG. 1, a predetermined number of sealing units 115 according to an embodiment are shown. After the execution of the assembly process described in detail in the subsequent paragraphs, these sealing units 115 are arranged adjacent to each other axially within the ring gap 109.

[0016] Each sealing unit 115 essentially comprises, as shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, a sealing ring holder 118 which is of one-piece construction and U-shaped in the receiving region, and a sealing ring 121 made of a soft elastic material. The sealing ring 121 is fixed, with tilt resistance, via a combination of frictional engagement and form-fit, exclusively by the corresponding sealing ring holder 118, especially during the assembly process, but also during normal use as specified.

[0017] FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the sealing unit 115 according to FIG. 1 as an enlarged cross-sectional view compared to the drawing of FIG. 1. At this time, the cutting plane of FIG. 1 and the cutting plane of FIG. 2 are located at different positions. It can be seen from FIG. 2 that in the embodiment illustrated here, the sealing ring holder 118 has a receiving groove 203 on the radially outer side, and in the receiving groove 203, an outer sealing 206 made of a soft elastic material and having a cross-section that fills the receiving groove 203 in the mounting situation and is configured in a ring shape is provided. By means of the outer sealing 206, the continuous sealing unit 115 is reliably sealed against the sealing carrier 112 on the radially outer side.

[0018] Furthermore, it can be seen from the drawing of FIG. 2 that the sealing ring 121 is configured to have a relatively large fixing region 209 and a sealing lip 212. At this time, the sealing lip 212 is connected to the fixing region 209 via a joint region 215 suitable for the purpose, and the joint region 215 has a reduced material thickness compared to the sealing lip 212.

[0019] The fixing region 209 of each sealing ring 121 is arranged in the U-shaped receiving region of the sealing ring holder 118, while the sealing lip 212 is in contact with the radially outer surface portion of the sealing race 106 with a predetermined preload in the radial direction, suitable for the purpose.

[0020] The sealing ring holder 118, which is suitable for the purpose and is located axially outward, has a counter nose 218 that protrudes axially inward on the side opposite to the sealing ring 121 held thereby. The counter nose 218 engages from below with the fixing region 209 of the adjacent sealing ring 121 as shown in FIG. 2 in the prescribed arrangement state within the ring gap 109, and additionally fixes this sealing ring 121 of the (adjacent) other sealing unit 115.

[0021] Furthermore, it can be seen from the drawing of FIG. 2 that the sealing carrier 112 has a stopper ring 221 that projects radially inward on the axially inner side. The stopper ring 221 constitutes an axial stopper for the sealing unit 115 inserted first during the assembly process, that is, for the sealing unit 115 located most on the right side in the drawing of FIG. 2. The stopper ring 221 is configured with a rear engaging nose 224, and the rear engaging nose 224 corresponds to the counter nose 218 and engages from below for additional fixing with the fixing region 209 of the sealing ring 121 adjacent to the stopper ring 221.

[0022] In the drawing of FIG. 2, on the side opposite to the stopper ring 221 (axially opposite side), a closing ring 227 is shown together with a sealing ring 230 located radially inward. The sealing ring 230 seals the ring gap 109 axially so as to fix the plurality of sealing units 115 inserted into the ring gap 109. The sealing ring 230 is similarly configured with a rear engaging nose 233, and the rear engaging nose 233 engages from below for additional fixing with the fixing region 209 of the sealing ring 121 adjacent to the sealing ring 230.

[0023] Furthermore, it can be seen from the drawing of FIG. 2 that the sealing ring holder 118 is respectively formed with a through component (through hole) 236 extending in the radial direction. The through component 236 depends on its final position after the completion of the assembly process. On the left side in the arrangement state of the drawing of FIG. 2, it is used to provide the supplied grease or appropriate medium to the chamber (cavity). In the center in the arrangement state of the drawing of FIG. 2, it is used to provide the oil or appropriate medium for lubricating the seal lip 212 to the chamber. And finally, in the arrangement position on the right side in the drawing of FIG. 2, it is configured to provide a chamber for receiving contaminants and medium residues from other chambers in case of leakage.

[0024] As will be described in detail in the following paragraphs, these through components 236 are also used to supply a fluid under pressure, such as compressed air, for performing pressure tests such as checking the closing pressure and / or opening pressure.

[0025] Also, from the drawing of FIG. 2, in the installed state of the plurality of sealing units 115, it can be seen that the force flow between the sealing carrier 112 and the sealing ring 230 occurs through the sealing ring holders 118 adjacent to each other in the axial direction. Thereby, almost no frictional loss occurs based on the slidability of the sealing ring holder 118 in the axial direction, and an even distribution of the preload force is achieved through the sealing ring holder 118. Furthermore, each sealing ring holder 118 absorbs the load applied to the sealing ring 121 held by each sealing ring holder 118. As a result, the load applied to the fixed region 209 of the sealing ring 121 is relatively small.

[0026] FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the sealing unit 115 according to FIGS. 1 and 2 in the region of the U-shaped receiving region of the sealing ring holder 118. In this embodiment according to FIG. 3, the receiving region is composed of short side walls 303 and long side walls 306 that face each other, and an upper wall portion (deck wall portion) 309 that extends between the ends of these side walls 303, 306 located on the radially outer side. On the long side wall 306, a shoulder 312 that protrudes axially is formed at a radial interval from the upper wall portion 309, and the shoulder 312 engages with a recess 315 that is complementarily configured with respect to the shoulder 312 in the fixing region 209 of the sealing ring 121. The shoulder 312 and the recess 315 are components of a structure that is in a form-fit and engaged state with each other in the sealing ring holder 118 and the fixing region 209.

[0027] A further structure of this type is composed of an end portion that protrudes radially inward of the short side wall 303 and an edge ring 318 of the fixing region 209 that is adjacent (abuts) to this end portion.

[0028] In order to fix the fixing region 209 in the sealing ring holder 118 with particular reliability, it is suitable for the purpose that the fixing region 209 has a certain excessive dimension in the relaxed state compared to the dimensions of the receiving region. As a result, when the fixing region 209 is fitted into the receiving region, a certain preload (preload) that improves the fixing will exist in the fixing region 209.

[0029] Furthermore, from the drawing of FIG. 3, it can be seen that at the end of the long side wall 306 on the side opposite to the upper wall portion 309 (radially), a stopper nose 321 that protrudes axially beyond the shoulder 312 is formed. When pressure is applied to the volume formed between the fixing region 209 and the seal lip 212, the seal lip 212 abuts against the stopper nose 321.

[0030] FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of the sealing unit 115 as a cross-sectional view. At this time, in the embodiment described based on FIG. 3 and the embodiment according to FIG. 4, the same reference numerals are assigned to the corresponding elements, and no detailed description will be given to these elements below. Different from the embodiment according to FIG. 3, the embodiment according to FIG. 4 has a rear engaging nose 403 that protrudes in the direction of the long side wall portion 306 in the axial direction in the short side wall portion 303. The rear engaging nose 403 constitutes a corresponding structural portion and will engage with the fixed region 209 in a form-fit manner. Thereby, the fixing of the fixed region 209 is further improved.

[0031] FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the sealing unit 115 as a cross-sectional view. At this time, in the embodiment described based on FIG. 3 and the embodiment according to FIG. 5, the same reference numerals are assigned to the corresponding elements, and no detailed description will be given to these elements below. Regarding the receiving region and the fixed region 209, the embodiment according to FIG. 5 is different from the embodiment according to FIG. 3 in that the long side wall portion 306 is inclined in the direction of the upper wall portion 309 so as to form an acute angle between the inner surface of this side wall portion 306 and the inner surface of the upper wall portion 309. At this time, the fixed region 209 of the embodiment according to FIG. 5 fills the receiving region in a form-fit manner. Thereby, the protection function against the unintended inclination of the sealing ring 121 from the receiving region to the fixed region 209 is improved.

[0032] FIG. 6 shows, as a sectional view, another embodiment of the sealing unit 115. At this time, in the above-described embodiment and the embodiment according to FIG. 6, the same reference numerals are given to the corresponding elements, and no detailed description will be given to these elements below. In the embodiment according to FIG. 6, the long side wall portion 306 also has a rear engagement nose 603 that faces the rear engagement nose 403 formed on the short side wall portion 303. These rear engagement noses 403, 603 engage in nose groove portions 606, 609 formed in the fixed region 209 of the sealing ring 121. Due to such a mutually form-fitting and engaging structure formed by the rear engagement noses 403, 603 and the nose groove portions 606, 609, the fixed region 209 of the sealing ring 121 is extremely stably fixed within the receiving region of the sealing ring holder 118.

[0033] FIG. 7 shows, as a sectional view, another embodiment of the sealing unit 115. This sealing unit 115 is configured to include a sealing ring holder 118 and a sealing ring 121 having a plurality of seal lips 212. At this time, in the above-described embodiment and the embodiment according to FIG. 7, the same reference numerals are given to the corresponding elements, and no detailed description will be given to these elements below. The sealing ring holder 118 of the embodiment according to FIG. 7 has two relatively short side wall portions 703, 706 that are connected to each other via an upper wall portion 709 on the radially outer side. These side wall portions 703, 706 have claw-like protrusions that point toward each other at their ends away from the upper wall portion 709, and these protrusions engage in claw groove portions formed in the fixed region 209 of the sealing ring 121. By configuring the sealing ring 121 to have a predetermined number of seal lips 212 disposed only at intervals in the axial direction, a good sealing function can be obtained even though the rigidity of the seal lips 212 is relatively high in the transition region to the fixed region 209. The seal lips 212 taper in the direction of their free ends and extend obliquely away from the fixed region 209.

[0034] FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of the sealing unit 115 as a sectional view. In the embodiment according to FIG. 3 and the embodiment according to FIG. 8, the corresponding elements are given the same reference numerals, and no detailed description will be given of these elements below. The embodiment according to FIG. 8 is different from the embodiment according to FIG. 3 in that the sealing ring holder 118 is configured in a two-member type using a first sealing ring holder member 803 and a second sealing ring holder member 806. These sealing ring holder members 803, 806 constitute the upper wall portion 309 in the assembled configuration state, and are removably and fixedly connected to each other via a screw connection portion 809 as a connecting means in this region. Thereby, when the screw connection portion 809 is not yet fully tightened, the fixing region 209 of the sealing ring 121 can be inserted into the receiving region of the sealing ring holder 118 and finally fixed by tightening the screw connection portion 809. This embodiment is suitable for the purpose and is used when the fixing region 209 has an oversize dimension compared to the receiving region.

[0035] FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of the sealing unit 115 as a sectional view. In this embodiment, the sealing ring holder 118, which is composed of two side wall portions 903, 906 of equal length and an upper wall portion 909 connecting these side walls 903, 906 at their radially outer ends, is configured in a two-member type having a first sealing ring holder member 912 and a second sealing ring holder member 915. These sealing ring holder members 912, 915 are configured to have a locking connection portion 918 that engages in a form-fitting manner as a connecting means at a predetermined portion of the upper wall portion that faces each other. At this time, in the relaxed configuration state of the locking connection portion 918, the side wall portions 903, 906 extend radially inward and approach each other, so that the fixing region 209, which is substantially rectangular parallelepiped-shaped in cross section, is fitted into the receiving region, whereby the locking connection portion 918 will receive a preload and will be locked removably until the preload is removed.

[0036] The combination based on the fixation via both frictional engagement and form-fitting engagement in the U-shaped receiving region of the sealing ring holder 118 has advantages, especially, but not only, in operation when the pressure in the excavation chamber of a tunnel boring machine fluctuates dynamically. This type of fixation method is preferably used to keep manufacturing costs low and to provide reduced assembly and disassembly effort. In addition, as will be explained in detail in the following paragraphs, the replacement, maintenance, and repair of one sealing unit 115 or a combination of a plurality of sealing units 115 can be carried out with normal effort.

[0037] In an embodiment not shown, the sealing ring 121 within the sealing ring holder 118 is effected by material bonding (bonding by joining of materials). This type of material bonding can be carried out, for example, by inserting the sealing ring 121 adhesively into the sealing ring holder 118 or by vulcanizing the sealing ring 121 within a sealing ring holder 118 made of a metallic material. This type of fixation by material bonding is particularly suitable for the purpose when there are continuous high-frequency vibrations during the operation of a tunnel boring machine, whereby relatively high repair effort and repair costs should be accepted in comparison, but the inclination of the sealing ring 121 during operation can be avoided with relatively high reliability.

[0038] FIG. 10 shows, as a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 1, an apparatus composed of a sealing race 106 and a sealing carrier 112 with a ring gap 109 formed therebetween, at the start of the assembly process of the sealing unit 115. In the drawing of FIG. 10, the sealing unit 115 is disposed on the wedge-shaped expanded insertion side of the ring gap 109, and the seal lip 212 of the sealing unit 115, which is still in a relatively steep gradient state, abuts against a wedge-shaped insertion assisting portion (centering assisting portion) 1003 that thickens radially outward in the insertion direction. By further inserting this sealing unit 115, which is already partially shown between the sealing race 106 and the sealing carrier 112, the seal lip 212 slides further on the insertion assisting portion 1003 until the reel lip 212 comes into contact with the radially outer surface portion of the sealing race 106. At this time, the radially outer surface portion of the sealing ring holder 118 slides along the radially inner surface portion of the sealing carrier 112. At this time, the radially outer surface portion of the sealing ring 121 is protected by the sealing ring holder 118 and thus does not come into contact with the sealing carrier 112.

[0039] At this time, in FIG. 10, the sealing unit 115, which has already partially entered the ring gap 109 and is shown, is arranged such that the seal lip 212 faces forward in the pushing direction. At this time, the pushing process immediately ends when the sealing unit 115 abuts against a stopper ring 221 configured to have a rear engaging nose 224 for engaging the fixed region 209 of the sealing ring 121 from the rear. Subsequently, further insertion of the sealing unit 115 is performed after fitting the fixed region 209 of the sealing ring 121 into the receiving region of the sealing ring holder 118 using an assembly tool 1006, which is shown very schematically in the drawing of FIG. 10 in some cases. At this time, these further sealing units 115 are arranged such that the corresponding seal lip 212 is disposed on the rear side in the insertion direction.

[0040] And after the completion of the assembly process, the arrangement configuration according to FIG. 1 is obtained.

[0041] FIG. 11 shows, as a cross-sectional view, a further configuration of an embodiment of the sealing unit 115 described with reference to FIG. 3. At this time, for the corresponding elements with the same reference numerals in the embodiment according to FIG. 3 and the further configuration according to FIG. 11, in order to avoid repetition of the description, no detailed description will be given below. In the further configuration according to FIG. 11, the sealing ring 121 is configured to have an edge ring 318, and the edge ring 318 projects beyond the end face portion 1106 of the upper wall portion 309 facing outward in the axial direction by the overhang portion 1103 in the relaxed state of the sealing ring 121. At this time, the dimension of the overhang portion 1103 in the axial direction depends on the elasticity of the sealing ring 121 in the fixed region 209 and is configured as follows, that is, without functionally impairing the form-fit between the upper wall portion 309 and the fixed region 209, in the installed state of the plurality of sealing units 115, the respective edge rings 318 are configured to be flush with the end face portion 1106. Therefore, by configuring the overhang portion 1103, the adjacent sealing ring holders 118 are sealed from each other in the radial direction.

[0042] Furthermore, the sealing ring holder 118 has a predetermined number of outer sealing receiving groove portions 1112 in the upper surface portion 1109 directed toward the outer side in the radial direction thereof, and an outer sealing 206 (see FIG. 2) for sealing the sealing ring holder 118 with respect to a sealing carrier 112 (not shown in FIG. 11) can be fitted into these outer sealing receiving groove portions 1112.

[0043] FIG. 12 shows a predetermined number of sealing units 115 according to a further configuration described based on FIG. 11, in an attached arrangement, as a cross-sectional view corresponding to the drawing of FIG. 2. At this time, in order to avoid repetition of explanations regarding the drawings of FIG. 2 and FIG. 12, the same reference numerals are given to corresponding elements, and no further detailed explanation of these elements will be given below. From the drawing of FIG. 12, it can be seen that a plurality of sealing units 115 are connected to the sealing carrier 112 for the axially inner sealing unit 115 disposed on the right side in the drawing of FIG. 12 via a predetermined number of individual ring fixing screws (individual ring fixing screw bolts) 1203, or are respectively connected to the adjacent sealing units 115 axially more inner for the axially outer sealing units 115. The axially outermost sealing unit 115 is removably connected to a sealing ring 230 dimensioned smaller in the radial direction compared to the sealing ring 230 according to FIG. 2, using a closing screw (closing screw bolt) 1206. A closing ring 1209 is connected to the sealing ring 230, which substantially completely covers the opening between the sealing carrier 112 and the sealing race 106 in the axially outer region.

[0044] The closing ring 1209 is connected to the sealing carrier 112 using a closing ring fixing screw (closing ring fixing screw bolt) 1212, whereby the plurality of sealing units 115 are once again fixed as a combined body. The closing ring 1209 itself is covered by a covering ring 1215 axially outside for protection.

[0045] Furthermore, from FIG. 12, it can be seen that the sealing unit 115 adjacent to the stopper ring 221 constitutes a radial sealing portion for the adjacent sealing unit 115, using a radially edge sealing ring 1218 disposed on the sealing ring holder 118.

[0046] FIG. 13 shows a predetermined number of sealing units 115 according to a further configuration modified based on FIG. 11 as a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 12. At this time, in order to avoid repetition of explanations regarding the drawings of FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, the same reference numerals are given to the corresponding elements to each other, and no further detailed explanations will be given to these elements partially hereinafter. In the embodiment according to FIG. 13, a plurality of first through-holes 1303 extending in the axial direction are formed in the sealing ring holder 118, and these through-holes 1303 cross each sealing ring holder 118. Further, from the view of FIG. 13, a predetermined number of block assembly bolts 1306 are provided, and it can be seen that these block assembly bolts 1306 are screwed into the stopper ring 221 at one end and extend in the axial direction so as to be away from the stopper ring 221.

[0047] As can be seen from FIG. 13, the sealing unit 115 is inserted onto the block assembly bolt 1306 on the outer side in the axial direction and pushed in until it abuts against the stopper ring 221 or until it abuts against the sealing unit 115 located more inward in the axial direction. Therefore, with the block assembly bolts 1306 dimensioned sufficiently large, a plurality of sealing units 115 are fixed to each other without using individual screw fixing parts.

[0048] FIG. 14 shows a further configuration of the embodiment according to FIG. 13 as a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIGS. 12 and 13. At this time, in order to avoid repetition of explanations regarding the drawings of FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, the same reference numerals are assigned to the corresponding elements, and no further detailed explanation will be given to these elements partially. From the drawing of FIG. 14, in order to enhance the stability of the combined body by the sealing unit 115 compared to the embodiment according to FIG. 13, in addition to the block assembly bolts 1306, individual assembly bolts 1403 are provided. These individual assembly bolts 1403 are configured within the sealing ring holder 118 and extend through the second through holes 1406 which are circumferentially displaced with respect to the first through holes 1303 for the block assembly bolts 1306. By using these individual assembly bolts 1403, it can be seen that the sealing ring holders 118 adjacent in the axial direction can be bolt-fixed, and thereby, in order to enhance the stability of the combined body by the sealing unit 115, the adjacent sealing ring holders 118 can also be directly coupled to each other as a pair.

[0049] FIG. 15 shows, as a cross-sectional view, the configuration of the sealing unit 115 having the two sets of through holes 1303 and 1406 described based on FIG. 14 in the sealing unit 115 in a pre-assembled state. In this pre-assembled state, a plurality of sealing units 115 are already bolt-fixed to each other via individual assembly bolts 1403 (not shown in FIG. 15) so as to form one assembly block, and are prepared to be pushed onto the block assembly bolts 1306. Thereby, a particularly efficient pre-assembled state of a plurality of sealing units 115 is obtained outside the ring gap 109 formed between the sealing race 106 and the sealing carrier 112.

[0050] In embodiments (s) suitable for the purpose of the tunnel boring machine according to the present invention, a sealing test tool configured in a ring shape is provided, and these will be described in detail below.

[0051] FIG. 16 shows a holding tool (downhole tool) 1603 configured in a ring shape as a cross-sectional view partially corresponding to FIG. 12 in an example of a sealing test tool. The holding tool 1603 is disposed in a ring gap 109 and is screwed to a sealing ring holder 118 located axially outward for a sealing test using a tool fixing screw (tool fixing screw bolt) 1606. At this time, the end face portion of the holding tool 1603 facing the sealing unit 115 is configured to have a counter nose 218 like the corresponding region of the sealing ring holder 118 in the region of the fixing region 209 of the sealing ring 121. However, unlike this type of sealing ring holder 118, it has a seal lip stopper 1609 on the side adjacent to the sealing race 106, and using the seal lip stopper 1609, the seal lip 212 adjacent to the seal lip stopper 1609 can be fixed against movement. Further, it can be seen from the view of FIG. 16 that a tool seal 1612 for sealing in the axial direction is provided in the region of the seal lip stopper 1609.

[0052] In the arrangement state shown in FIG. 16, by applying a fluid under pressure such as compressed air to a passage component 236 configured in the sealing unit 115 adjacent to the holding tool 1603, the opening pressure of the sealing unit 115 disposed axially inward and connected to the stopper ring 221 can be inspected.

[0053] FIG. 17 shows, as a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 12, a pressing tool 1703 as another sealing test tool configured in a ring shape for an assembly of a plurality of sealing units 115 disposed in a ring gap 109. The pressing tool 1703, like the holding tool 1603, is screwed to the sealing ring holder 118 of the sealing unit 115 located axially outward using a tool fixing screw (tool fixing screw bolt) 1606, and is configured to have a counter nose 218 for engaging with the fixing region 209 from the rear in the region of the fixing region 209 of the sealing ring 121.

[0054] However, unlike the holding tool 1603 (see FIG. 16), the area of the pressing tool 1703 adjacent to the sealing race 106 is axially spaced from the free end of the seal lip 212 adjacent to the pressing tool 1703, whereby this seal lip 212 is movable to a certain extent. The pressing tool 1703 is also sealed axially via a pressing tool seal 1706 adjacent to the sealing race 106.

[0055] The pressing tool 1703 is configured to have a pressure intake opening 1709 that extends axially through the pressing tool 1703 and can supply fluid under pressure into a test ring space 1712 formed between a sealing ring 121 disposed axially inward and the pressing tool 1703. Thereby, the closing pressure, also referred to as the functional pressure of the sealing ring 121 adjacent to the pressing tool 1703, can be inspected.

[0056] Furthermore, since each sealing unit 115 is configured to have a passage component 236, various pressure configurations (pressure configurations) are inspected to determine whether the closing pressure and opening pressure required by the last-attached sealing unit 115 or the combination of the already-attached sealing units 115 are maintained, using the pressing tool 1703 disposed in the last-attached sealing unit 115 axially outward or axially outermost, i.e., at the end side.

[0057] FIG. 18 shows, as a cross-sectional view, a further configuration of the sealing unit 115, in which the sealing ring 121 has, in its fixed region 209, a ring hollow chamber 1803 that is suitable for the purpose and extends in the circumferential direction, and is configured to have a relatively small remaining material thickness in the region facing the seal lip 212. The ring hollow chamber 1803 is hydraulically connected to the outer surface portion of the fixed region 209 through a predetermined number of connection flow paths 1806. A passage flow path 1809 formed in the sealing ring holder 118 is connected to the connection flow paths 1806, and the passage flow path 1809 is in a connected state with a fluid flow path 1812 formed in the sealing carrier 112.

[0058] The hydrodynamic connection structure of the ring hollow chamber 1803, the connection flow paths 1806, the passage flow path 1809, and the fluid flow path 1812 of the sealing unit 115, or for the sealing unit 115, is filled with a fluid, suitable for the purpose, and filled with an incompressible or substantially incompressible fluid in order to act on the movement characteristics of the corresponding seal lip 212 or in order to act on the position of the seal lip 212.

[0059] FIG. 18 shows the above-described hydrodynamic system in a pressureless state, in which the ring hollow chamber 1803 has a relatively small stationary volume.

[0060] FIG. 19 shows the configuration according to FIG. 18, including a hydrodynamic connection structure composed of the ring hollow chamber 1803, the connection flow paths 1806, the passage flow path 1809, and the fluid flow path 1812, placed under pressure. Here, the volume of the ring hollow chamber 1803 is, as an operating volume, with respect to the stationary volume shown in FIG. 18, the region of the fixed region 209 facing the seal lip 212 protrudes forward and bulges forward, and is enlarged to abut against the seal lip 212 in the drawing of FIG. 19.

[0061] Therefore, depending on the pressure occupying the above-described connection structure, it is possible to perform an inspection of the closing pressure or the opening pressure.

[0062] By applying an appropriate pressure within the connection structure, the seal lip 212 can be restricted or suppressed for load relief in the joint region 215.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0063] 103 Drive shaft 106 Sealing race 109 Ring gap 112 Sealing carrier 115 Sealing unit 118 Sealing ring holder 121 Sealing ring 203 Receiving groove 206 Outer seal 209 Fixed region 212 Seal lip 215 Joint region 218 Counter nose 221 Stopping ring 224 Rear engaging nose 227 Closing ring 230 Sealing ring 233 Rear engaging nose 236 Passing component 303 Short side wall 306 Long side wall 309 Upper wall 312 Shoulder 315 Depression 318 Edge ring 321 Stopping nose 403 Rear engaging nose 603 Rear engaging nose 606 Nose groove 609 Nose groove 703 Side wall 706 Side wall 709 Upper wall 803 First sealing ring holder member 806 Second sealing ring holder member 809 Threaded connection part 903 Side wall part 906 Side wall part 909 Upper wall part 912 First sealing ring holder member 915 Second sealing ring holder member 918 Lock connection part 1003 Insertion auxiliary part 1006 Assembly tool 1103 Protruding part 1106 End face part 1109 Upper face part 1112 Outer sealing receiving groove part 1203 Individual ring fixing screw 1206 Closing screw 1209 Closing ring 1212 Closing ring fixing screw 1215 Cover ring 1218 Radial edge seal ring 1303 First through hole 1306 Block assembly bolt 1403 Individual assembly bolt 1406 Second through hole 1603 Pressing tool 1606 Tool fixing screw 1609 Seal lip stopper 1612 Tool seal 1703 Pressing tool 1706 Pressing tool seal 1709 Pressure intake opening 1712 Test ring space 1803 Ring hollow chamber 1806 Connection flow path 1809 Through flow path 1812 Fluid flow path

Claims

1. A tunnel boring machine, comprising a drive shaft (103) for a cutting wheel, said drive shaft (103) being surrounded by a sealing race (106) and a sealing carrier (112) arranged at a radial distance from said sealing race (106) under the configuration of a ring gap (109), comprising a predetermined number of sealing units (115), these sealing units (115) being arranged axially one behind the other in a sealed state within said ring gap (109), said sealing unit (115) comprises a sealing ring holder (118) made of a material having bending rigidity, said sealing ring holder (118) having, at least in the receiving region, two side wall portions (303, 306; 703, 706; 903, 906) facing each other and a radially outer upper wall portion (309; 709; 803, 806; 909) extending between the radially outer ends of these side wall portions (303, 306; 703, 706; 903, 906), and being configured in a U-shape, comprises a sealing ring (121) made of a material having bending elasticity, said sealing ring (121) having a fixing region (209) and at least one sealing lip (212), said fixing region (209) being surrounded by said side wall portions (303, 306; 703, 706; 903, 906) and said upper wall portion (309; 709; 803, 806; 909) of said sealing ring holder (118), whereby each of these sealing units (115) of the sealing units (115) can be inserted into said ring gap (109) without the risk of tilting of the sealing ring, a force flow occurs through said sealing ring holders (118) adjacent to each other axially, whereby there is almost no frictional loss based on the slidability of said sealing ring holders (118) in the axial direction, an even distribution of the preload force is performed through said sealing ring holders (118), each sealing ring holder (118) absorbs the load applied to the sealing ring (121) held by each sealing ring holder (118), and thereby the load applied to the fixing region (209) of said sealing ring (121) is relatively small. A tunnel boring machine characterized by **Claim 2** The sealing ring holder (118) and the fixed region (209) have structural parts (312, 315; 318; 403; 603) that are shape-coupled and engage with each other. The tunnel boring machine according to claim 1, characterized by **Claim 3** The sealing ring (121) or each sealing ring (121) has an overhang (1103) that, in the relaxed state, extends axially beyond the end face portion (1106) of the sealing ring holder (118) that holds the sealing ring (121). The tunnel boring machine according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized by **Claim 4** The sealing ring (121) or each sealing ring (121) has a ring hollow chamber (1803), and the ring hollow chamber (1803) is in a hydrodynamically connected state with the outer surface portion of the sealing ring (121) via at least one connecting flow path (1806). The tunnel boring machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by **Claim 5** The sealing ring holder (118) has a passage flow path (1809), and the passage flow path (1809) extends through the sealing ring holder (118) and is in a hydrodynamically connected state with the connecting flow path (1806). The tunnel boring machine according to claim 4, characterized by **Claim 6** The sealing ring (121) has an articulation region (215) with a reduced material thickness compared to the sealing lip (121) between the fixed region (209) and the sealing lip (212) or each sealing lip (212). The tunnel boring machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by **Claim 7** The fixed region (209) is disposed in the sealing ring holder (118) with a preload. The tunnel boring machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by **Claim 8** The side wall portions (903, 906) are inclined toward each other in a direction away from the upper wall portion (909). The tunnel boring machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by **Claim 9** The sealing ring holder (118) is configured as a two-member type having a first sealing ring holder member (803; 912) and a second sealing ring holder member (860; 915), and these sealing ring holder members (803, 806: 912, 915) can be removably connected to each other via predetermined connecting means (809, 918). The tunnel boring machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that.

10. The connecting means includes a screw connection part (809). The tunnel boring machine according to claim 9, characterized in that.

11. The connecting means includes at least one lock connection part (918). The tunnel boring machine according to claim 9 or claim 10, characterized in that.

12. A passage forming part (236) is formed in the sealing ring holder (118), and the passage forming part (236) depends on its position after the completion of the assembly process and provides grease, oil, or an appropriate medium supplied to the chamber, or supplies a fluid under pressure to perform a pressure test. The tunnel boring machine according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that.

13. A predetermined number of block assembly bolts (1306) and / or individual assembly bolts (1403) are provided, and through these, a predetermined number of sealing units (115) can be assembled block by block and / or individually. The tunnel boring machine according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that.

14. At least one ring-shaped sealing test tool (1603, 1703) is provided, and the sealing test tool (1603, 1703) can bring about a pressure-sealed connection state with a sealing unit (115) arranged axially outside. The tunnel boring machine according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that.

15. A wedge-shaped centering auxiliary part (1003) is arranged at the insertion end of the ring gap (109). The tunnel boring machine according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that.

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