Tunnel boring machine

Abstract

To provide a tunnel excavator capable of precisely calculating the discharged amount of earth and sand.SOLUTION: A tunnel excavator 1 includes: a cutter head 4 that excavates the ground; a screw conveyor 11 for discharging earth and sand generated by excavation by the cutter head 4; and an excavated soil amount measuring device 13 including a storage chamber 15 into which the earth and sand discharged from the screw conveyor 11 flows and whose volume changes according to the amount of the inflowing earth and sand. The excavated soil amount measuring device 13 calculates excavated soil amount based on the change in volume of the storage chamber 15. The excavated soil amount measuring device 13 preferably includes a gate 16 that opens and closes a discharge port of the storage chamber 15.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present specification discloses a tunnel boring machine. [Background technology]

[0002] One of the tunnel excavation methods using tunnel boring machines such as shield machines is the earth pressure method. In this earth pressure method, the pressure in the cutter chamber between the cutter head that excavates the ground and the partition wall is maintained at an appropriate high pressure. This prevents ground subsidence and upheaval caused by excavation of the ground.

[0003] In a shield tunneling machine using an earth pressure construction method, soil and sand produced by excavating the natural ground is discharged from a cutter chamber by a screw conveyor. A shield tunneling machine equipped with such a screw conveyor is disclosed in Patent Document 1. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-200694 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In this shield machine, the amount of soil discharged by the screw conveyor corresponds to the excavation speed of the shield machine. If this amount of soil discharged does not correspond to the excavation speed, there is a risk of ground subsidence or upheaval. From this perspective, it is preferable that this amount of soil discharged be calculated with high accuracy.

[0006] Conventionally, the amount of soil discharged has been calculated by, for example, attaching a weighing scale to the belt conveyor that transports the soil. Alternatively, the amount of soil discharged may be calculated from the load capacity of the carts transporting the soil and the number of carts that have discharged the soil. However, these calculation methods do not necessarily provide satisfactory calculation accuracy. Furthermore, these calculation methods have a significant time lag between when the soil is discharged from the screw conveyor and when the amount of soil discharged is calculated.

[0007] The applicant's intention is to provide a tunnel boring machine that can calculate the amount of earth and sand discharged with high accuracy. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A preferred tunnel boring machine comprises a cutter head for excavating natural ground, a screw conveyor for discharging earth and sand produced by excavation by the cutter head, and a discharged earth volume measuring device including a storage chamber into which the earth and sand discharged from the screw conveyor flows and whose volume changes depending on the amount of earth and sand flowing in. The discharged earth volume measuring device calculates the volume of the discharged earth and sand based on the change in volume of the storage chamber. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] This tunnel boring machine can calculate the amount of soil and sand discharged with high precision. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a tunnel boring machine according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view of a storage chamber provided in the tunnel boring machine of FIG. [Figure 3] Figure 3(A) is an explanatory diagram showing the state of use of the storage chamber in Figure 2, Figure 3(B) is an explanatory diagram showing the state of use of the storage chamber in which the outlet is closed compared to the state of use in Figure 3(A), and Figure 3(C) is an explanatory diagram showing the state of use of the storage chamber in which the volume has been expanded compared to the state of use in Figure 3(B). [Figure 4]Figure 4(A) is an explanatory diagram showing the storage chamber in use with an expanded volume compared to the storage chamber in use in Figure 3(C), Figure 4(B) is an explanatory diagram showing the storage chamber in use with the outlet opened compared to the storage chamber in use in Figure 4(A), and Figure 4(C) is an explanatory diagram showing the storage chamber in use with a reduced volume compared to the storage chamber in use in Figure 4(B). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate.

[0012] Figure 1 shows a tunnel boring machine 1 according to one embodiment. This tunnel boring machine 1 is a shield machine that assembles segments 2 inside itself. This tunnel boring machine 1 is an example, and is applicable to boring machines other than shield machines. For convenience of explanation, the direction of travel of the tunnel boring machine 1 will be described as the forward direction, and the direction opposite to the forward direction as the rearward direction.

[0013] This tunnel boring machine 1 comprises an excavator body 3, a cutter head 4 that excavates the natural ground, and a cutter drum 5 that rotates together with the cutter head 4. This cutter drum 5 is rotatably supported by the excavator body 3.

[0014] Although not shown, the tunnel boring machine 1 is equipped with a plurality of shield jacks that press against the segments 2 to move the tunnel boring machine 1 forward. Jack spreaders provided on the shield jacks are pressed against the segments 2. This reaction force allows the tunnel boring machine 1 to move forward while excavating the natural ground.

[0015] The tunnel boring machine body 3 of the tunnel boring machine 1 comprises a cylindrical body 6 and a partition wall 7 arranged in front of the body 6. The cross-sectional shape of the body 6 is, for example, circular. This body 6 is an example, and the cross-sectional shape may be rectangular or polygonal. The partition wall 7 closes the front opening of the body 6.

[0016] The cutter head 4 is disposed in front of the partition wall 7. Although not shown, the cutter head 4 is equipped with a large number of blades such as cutter bits and roller cutters.

[0017] The cutter drum 5 is annular in shape. This cutter drum 5 is connected to the cutter head 4 by a plurality of supports 9. The cutter drum 5 is rotatably supported by a partition wall 7. Although not shown, a soil seal seals the gap between the partition wall 7 and the cutter drum 5. In this tunnel boring machine 1, the cutter drum 5 is rotated by a drive device, which causes the cutter head 4 to rotate. Note that the tunnel boring machine 1 does not necessarily have to be equipped with a cutter drum 5, as long as it is equipped with a rotating shaft that drives the cutter head 4.

[0018] A cutter chamber 8 is formed between the cutter head 4 and the partition wall 7. Earth and sand 21 (see Figures 3(A) to 4(C)) generated when the cutter head 4 excavates the natural ground flows into the cutter chamber 8. The tunnel boring machine 1 is provided with a rotary joint 10 that connects the partition wall 7 and the center of the cutter head 4. Note that the tunnel boring machine 1 is an example and does not necessarily need to be provided with the rotary joint 10.

[0019] The tunnel boring machine 1 further includes a screw conveyor 11 for discharging earth and sand 21 from the cutter chamber 8, a gate 12 for opening and closing the discharge port of the screw conveyor 11, a discharged earth amount measuring device 13, and a belt conveyor 14.

[0020] The screw conveyor 11 is arranged inside the tunnel boring machine main body 3. The screw conveyor 11 comprises a casing 11A and a screw 11B that rotates within the casing 11A. The front of the casing 11A opens to the cutter chamber 8. As the screw 11B rotates, the screw conveyor 11 can transport earth and sand 21 from the casing 11A to the rear. Note that this tunnel boring machine 1 is an example and does not necessarily have to be equipped with a gate 12.

[0021] The soil discharge amount measuring device 13 comprises a storage chamber 15 and a gate 16 that opens and closes the discharge outlet of the storage chamber 15. The inlet of the storage chamber 15 is connected to the discharge outlet of the screw conveyor 11. A belt conveyor 14 is arranged behind the storage chamber 15. The belt conveyor 14 is capable of transporting the soil 21 discharged from the storage chamber 15 further rearward.

[0022] Here, the inlet of the storage chamber 15 is directly connected to the outlet of the screw conveyor 11, but this connection configuration is merely an example and is not limited to this. The storage chamber 15 may be configured so that all of the soil and sand 21 discharged from the screw conveyor 11 flows into it. Therefore, the storage chamber 15 may be further connected to the screw conveyor 11 via another screw conveyor. Furthermore, the storage chamber 15 may be disposed between two screw conveyors disposed in series, or may be disposed in the middle of one screw conveyor.

[0023] 2, the discharged soil amount measuring device 13 further includes a soil seal 17 and a support jack 18 as an expandable support tool. In FIG. 2, the gate 16 opens the discharge port of the storage chamber 15.

[0024] In this soil discharge amount measuring device 13, the storage chamber 15 comprises an outer cylinder 19 and an inner cylinder 20. This outer cylinder 19 is formed integrally with the casing 11A. The inner cylinder 20 is inserted inside this outer cylinder 19 so as to be movable in the axial direction. These outer cylinder 19 and inner cylinder 20 form an expandable wall 15A of the storage chamber 15. This expandable wall 15A expands and contracts as the inner cylinder 20 moves relative to the outer cylinder 19. The volume of the storage chamber 15 can be changed by expanding and contracting this expandable wall 15A.

[0025] The soil seal 17 seals the gap between the outer cylinder 19 and the inner cylinder 20. One end of the support jack 18 is attached to the outer cylinder 19. The other end of the support jack 18 is attached to the inner cylinder 20. The support jack 18 is extendable and retractable between its one end and the other end. The support jack 18 supports the inner cylinder 20 relative to the outer cylinder 19 so that the inner cylinder 20 can move axially.

[0026] Here, outer cylinder 19 is formed integrally with casing 11A, but it may be formed separately from casing 11A and attached to casing 11A. Also, casing 11A and inner cylinder 20 may be formed integrally, or the inner cylinder 20 formed separately may be attached to casing 11A. In this case, the volume of storage chamber 15 can be changed by moving outer cylinder 19 relative to inner cylinder 20.

[0027] In Figure 3(A), as in Figure 2, an inner cylinder 20 is inserted inside an outer cylinder 19. A gate 16 opens the discharge port of the storage chamber 15. Figure 3(A) shows a contracted expandable wall 15A. The volume of this storage chamber 15 is small. Soil 21 discharged from the screw conveyor 11 passes through the storage chamber 15 and is discharged from the discharge port of the storage chamber 15.

[0028] In Figure 3(B), the volume of the storage chamber 15 is the same as in Figure 3(A). A gate 16 closes the discharge outlet of the storage chamber 15. Soil 21 discharged from the screw conveyor 11 is stored in the storage chamber 15.

[0029] In Figure 3(C), the inner cylinder 20 has moved outward relative to the outer cylinder 19 compared to the state in Figure 3(B). The gate 16 closes the discharge outlet of the storage chamber 15. The expandable wall 15A has expanded compared to the state in Figure 3(B). The volume of the storage chamber 15 has expanded compared to the state in Figure 3(B). The soil and sand 21 flowing in from the screw conveyor 11 is stored in the storage chamber 15.

[0030] In Figure 4(A), the inner cylinder 20 has moved further out of the outer cylinder 19 relative to the outer cylinder 19 compared to the state in Figure 3(C). The gate 16 closes the discharge outlet of the storage chamber 15. The expandable wall 15A has extended further compared to that in the state in Figure 3(C). The volume of the storage chamber 15 has expanded further compared to the state in Figure 3(C). The soil and sand 21 flowing in from the screw conveyor 11 is stored in the storage chamber 15. The volume of the storage chamber 15 in Figure 4(A) is larger than that in Figures 3(B) and 3(C).

[0031] In Figure 4(B), compared to the state of Figure 4(A), the gate 16 opens the discharge port of the storage chamber 15. The expandable wall 15A is in the same state as in Figure 4(A). In the state of Figure 4(B), soil 21 is being discharged from the discharge port of the storage chamber 15.

[0032] In Figure 4(C), the inner cylinder 20 has moved inside the outer cylinder 19 relative to the state in Figure 4(B). The expandable wall 15A has shrunk compared to the state in Figure 4(B). The volume of the storage chamber 15 has decreased compared to the state in Figure 4(B). The gate 16 has opened the discharge outlet of the storage chamber 15. The soil and sand 21 that has flowed in from the screw conveyor 11 is being discharged from the discharge outlet of the storage chamber 15.

[0033] Although not shown, this discharged soil amount measuring device 13 is equipped with a sensor that detects whether the volume of the storage chamber 15 is in a predetermined reduced state or a predetermined expanded state. For example, this sensor detects whether the volume of the storage chamber 15 is in the state of FIG. 3(B) or the state of FIG. 4(A). Examples of this sensor include a limit switch, a stroke sensor, a laser sensor, etc. Note that the states of FIG. 3(B) and FIG. 4(A) are examples, and it is sufficient that the volume can be changed between a predetermined reduced state and a predetermined expanded state that is larger than the predetermined reduced state.

[0034] Here, a method of using the discharged soil amount measuring device 13 of the tunnel boring machine 1 will be described mainly with reference to FIGS. 3(A) to 4(C).

[0035] As shown in Figure 3(A), soil 21 discharged from screw conveyor 11 passes through storage chamber 15 and is discharged from the discharge outlet of storage chamber 15. The discharged soil 21 is transported rearward by belt conveyor 14 shown in Figure 1.

[0036] Although not shown, the discharged soil volume measuring device 13 is equipped with a start switch. This start switch is turned ON. The gate 16 closes the discharge outlet of the storage chamber 15. Sediment 21 is stored in the storage chamber 15. As shown in Figure 3(B), the sediment 21 fills the storage chamber 15. As the sediment 21 further flows in, the inner cylinder 20 begins to move relative to the outer cylinder 19 from the state shown in Figure 3(A). A sensor detects the start of this movement of the inner cylinder 20.

[0037] Furthermore, the inner cylinder 20 moves relative to the outer cylinder 19, reaching the state shown in Figure 3(C). Further inflowing soil and sand 21 causes the inner cylinder 20 to move further relative to the outer cylinder 19 from the state shown in Figure 3(C). In this way, the discharged soil amount measuring device 13 reaches the state shown in Figure 4(A). The sensor detects that the inner cylinder 20 is in the position shown in Figure 4(A).

[0038] The discharged soil amount measuring device 13 measures the change in volume of the storage chamber 15 from the state of Figure 3(B) to the state of Figure 4(A) and the time required for this volume change. The discharged soil amount measuring device 13 calculates the amount of discharged soil per unit time from this change in volume and time.

[0039] On the other hand, after the sensor detects that the inner cylinder 20 is in the position shown in Figure 4(A), the gate 16 opens the discharge outlet of the storage chamber 15. The stored soil and sand 21 is discharged from the discharge outlet of the storage chamber 15. In this way, the soil discharge amount measuring device 13 changes from the state shown in Figure 4(A) to the state shown in Figure 4(B). The discharged soil and sand 21 is transported rearward by the belt conveyor 14 shown in Figure 1.

[0040] From the state shown in Figure 4(B), the inner cylinder 20 moves toward the inside of the outer cylinder 19 while the soil 21 is being discharged. As a result, the discharged soil amount measuring device 13 reaches the state shown in Figure 4(C). From the state shown in Figure 4(C), the inner cylinder 20 moves further toward the inside of the outer cylinder 19 while the soil 21 is being discharged. As a result, the discharged soil amount measuring device 13 returns to the state shown in Figure 3(A).

[0041] In this tunnel boring machine 1, the volume of storage chamber 15 changes in accordance with changes in the volume of earth and sand 21. This tunnel boring machine 1 can calculate with high accuracy the amount of earth and sand 21 based on the changes in the volume of storage chamber 15. This tunnel boring machine 1 can calculate with high accuracy the amount of earth to be discharged using this calculation method.

[0042] In this tunnel boring machine 1, gate 16 closes the discharge outlet of storage chamber 15, causing earth and sand 21 to be stored in storage chamber 15. Gate 16 opens the discharge outlet of storage chamber 15, causing earth and sand 21 to be discharged from storage chamber 15. By providing gate 16 that opens and closes the discharge outlet of storage chamber 15, this tunnel boring machine 1 can easily switch between storing and discharging earth and sand 21. This allows tunnel boring machine 1 to repeatedly calculate the amount of earth to be discharged. Tunnel boring machine 1 can easily calculate the amount of earth to be discharged automatically.

[0043] In this tunnel boring machine 1, the storage chamber 15 has an outer cylinder 19 and an inner cylinder 20 as expandable walls 15A. The double structure of this outer cylinder 19 and inner cylinder 20 is a relatively simple structure. This storage chamber 15 can be formed compactly. Furthermore, this double structure is also highly durable due to its simple structure.

[0044] The expandable wall 15A is not limited to the outer tube 19 and the inner tube 20. The expandable wall 15A may have a structure in which a larger number of tubes are combined. The expandable wall 15A may also have, for example, a bellows structure. Furthermore, the storage chamber 15 is not limited to one having the expandable wall 15A as long as the difference in volume between the predetermined contracted state and the predetermined expanded state is specified.

[0045] In this tunnel boring machine 1, a storage chamber 15 is connected to the discharge outlet of the screw conveyor 11 that discharges earth and sand 21 from the cutter chamber 8. This tunnel boring machine 1 calculates the amount of earth and sand 21 discharged immediately after it has been discharged from the discharge outlet of the screw conveyor 11. This tunnel boring machine 1 has a small time lag between the time when earth and sand 21 is discharged from the screw conveyor 11 and the time when the amount of earth and sand 21 discharged is calculated. This tunnel boring machine 1 can reduce the time lag in calculating the amount of earth and sand discharged compared to machines that calculate the amount of earth and sand discharged using a conveyor or cart located behind. This tunnel boring machine 1 can calculate the amount of earth and sand discharged with high accuracy, even in terms of the time lag.

[0046] In this tunnel boring machine 1, the discharged soil amount measuring device 13 starts measuring the amount of discharged soil by turning on the switch, but this is not limited to this. The discharged soil amount measuring device 13 may start measuring the amount of discharged soil automatically periodically or based on predetermined conditions.

[0047] [Disclosure items] Each of the following sections is a disclosure of a preferred embodiment.

[0048] [Item 1] a cutter head 4 for excavating the natural ground; a screw conveyor 11 for discharging soil and sand generated by excavation by the cutter head 4; and a discharged soil amount measuring device 13 including a storage chamber 15 into which the soil discharged from the screw conveyor 11 flows and whose volume changes depending on the amount of soil flowing in. A tunnel boring machine (1) in which a discharged soil amount measuring device (13) calculates the amount of discharged soil based on a change in the volume of a storage chamber (15).

[0049] [Item 2] Item 1. The tunnel boring machine (1) according to item 1, wherein the discharged soil volume measuring device (13) is provided with a gate (16) for opening and closing the discharge outlet of the storage chamber (15).

[0050] [Item 3] 3. The tunnel boring machine (1) according to item 1 or 2, wherein the discharged soil volume measuring device (13) includes an expandable wall (15A) that changes the volume of the storage chamber (15).

[0051] [Item 4] 4. The tunnel boring machine 1 according to item 3, wherein the telescopic wall 15A includes an outer cylinder 19 and an inner cylinder 20 that is movable relative to the outer cylinder 19. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 1. Tunnel boring machine 4. Cutter head 8. Cutter chamber 11. Screw conveyor 13. Soil discharge volume measuring device 15...Storage chamber 15A...Telescopic wall 16 Gate 19....Outer cylinder 20...Inner cylinder 21. Sediment

Claims

1. a cutter head for excavating the natural ground; a screw conveyor that discharges soil and sand excavated by the cutter head; A soil discharge amount measuring device including a storage chamber into which the soil discharged from the screw conveyor flows and whose volume changes depending on the amount of the soil that flows in; a sensor that detects the start of a volume change in the storage chamber; The soil discharge amount measuring device measures the change in volume of the storage chamber from the start of the volume change and the time required for the volume change, and calculates the amount of soil discharged per unit time of the soil and sand based on the change in volume of the storage chamber and the time, The soil discharge amount measuring device is provided with a gate that opens and closes the discharge outlet of the storage chamber, With the discharge outlet open by the gate, the soil is discharged from the discharge outlet while flowing from the screw conveyor into the storage chamber, thereby returning the volume of the storage chamber from an expanded state to a reduced state.

2. 2. The tunnel boring machine according to claim 1, wherein the soil discharge measurement device includes an expandable wall that changes the volume of the storage chamber.

3. 3. The tunnel boring machine of claim 2, wherein the telescopic wall includes an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder movable relative to the outer cylinder.

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