EP3421717B1 - Follower gear of a tunnelling machine comprising means for conveying a keystone - Google Patents

Follower gear of a tunnelling machine comprising means for conveying a keystone Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3421717B1
EP3421717B1 EP18180314.9A EP18180314A EP3421717B1 EP 3421717 B1 EP3421717 B1 EP 3421717B1 EP 18180314 A EP18180314 A EP 18180314A EP 3421717 B1 EP3421717 B1 EP 3421717B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
trailer
support
conveying means
rails
trailers
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Application number
EP18180314.9A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3421717A1 (en
Inventor
Quentin Marie Christophe BONNEMAISON
Bastien Simon PAPOT
Vincent Stéphane Laurent VIALLET
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Bouygues Travaux Publics SAS
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Bouygues Travaux Publics SAS
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Publication of EP3421717A1 publication Critical patent/EP3421717A1/en
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Publication of EP3421717B1 publication Critical patent/EP3421717B1/en
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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21D—SHAFTS; TUNNELS; GALLERIES; LARGE UNDERGROUND CHAMBERS
    • E21D11/00—Lining tunnels, galleries or other underground cavities, e.g. large underground chambers; Linings therefor; Making such linings in situ, e.g. by assembling
    • E21D11/40—Devices or apparatus specially adapted for handling or placing units of linings or supporting units for tunnels or galleries
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21D—SHAFTS; TUNNELS; GALLERIES; LARGE UNDERGROUND CHAMBERS
    • E21D11/00—Lining tunnels, galleries or other underground cavities, e.g. large underground chambers; Linings therefor; Making such linings in situ, e.g. by assembling
    • E21D11/04—Lining with building materials
    • E21D11/08—Lining with building materials with preformed concrete slabs
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21D—SHAFTS; TUNNELS; GALLERIES; LARGE UNDERGROUND CHAMBERS
    • E21D11/00—Lining tunnels, galleries or other underground cavities, e.g. large underground chambers; Linings therefor; Making such linings in situ, e.g. by assembling
    • E21D11/40—Devices or apparatus specially adapted for handling or placing units of linings or supporting units for tunnels or galleries
    • E21D11/403—Devices or apparatus specially adapted for handling or placing units of linings or supporting units for tunnels or galleries combined with the head machine

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a trailer of a follower train for a tunnel boring machine.
  • Tunneling machines are known, called tunneling machines, which have a large mobile structure consisting of a large mobile plant at the front of which is disposed a shield having a section compatible with the future section in line with the final shape. of the tunnel (tunnel of circular, bilobed, rectangular section %)
  • the front part of the shield which comes into contact with the cutting face to cut the geological formation traversed by the tunnel comprises a cutting head supporting working tools and driven in rotation at a determined speed which depends on the nature ground to dig.
  • the TBM has a follower train, also known as a back-up, which advances at the same time as the cutting head when digging the tunnel.
  • This following train travels on a taxiway resting on the concrete envelope of the tunnel and consists of several trailers (or wagons) containing the various operating modules, such as for example the power supply devices, the hydraulic systems , air supply and ventilation devices or even sanitary rooms.
  • the various operating modules such as for example the power supply devices, the hydraulic systems , air supply and ventilation devices or even sanitary rooms.
  • VMS Vehicle Multi Services VMS
  • MSV Multi Service Vehicle
  • the document JP H11 30096 describes a trailer of a train following a tunnel boring machine according to the preamble of claim 1. More specifically, the trailer comprises a carriage mounted on casters and configured to transport segments by moving on a chassis located in the lower part of the trailer. To this end, the carriage is guided along the trailer using rails, extending on either side of the carriage, and moved by the wheels.
  • the document JP 2006 200296 describes a method of constructing a tunnel allowing sufficient construction at high speed by the early construction of a floor slab.
  • An objective of the invention is therefore to propose a solution to the problems described above, and more particularly a trailer including a larger space to allow the passage of operators and maintenance operations, without penalizing its capacity to transport operating modules, and which also makes it possible to simplify logistics operations and limit the risks of co-activity, thereby increasing the level of safety within the train follower in operation.
  • the conveying means comprise two superimposed tracks of the double rail or hatch type.
  • the invention also comprises a train following a tunneling machine comprising at least one trailer as described above.
  • the invention provides a tunneling machine comprising a follower train as described above.
  • a tunnel boring machine 1 comprises, in the front part, a shield 2 having a substantially circular section whose diameter corresponds to the diameter of the tunnel which is dug.
  • the shield 2 is provided with a cutting head which comes into contact with the cutting face to dig the tunnel.
  • the tunnel boring machine 1 also comprises a follower train 3 extending behind the shield 2 and which advances at the same time as the cutting head during the digging of the tunnel.
  • the follower train 3 moves on a taxiway 5 resting on the concrete envelope formed by segments 7 of the tunnel.
  • the following train 3 is made up of several trailers 10 (or wagons) which include the various operating modules 6.
  • the following train 3 includes several trailers 10: a suspended trailer (also called a "bridge” ”) 8, connected to an erector (part of the shield) and configured to set up segments 7 against the wall cut by the cutting head, four or five central trailers 10 comprising the operating modules 6, and two trailers rear 9 configured to load the segments 7 in the following train 3.
  • the trailer 10 is therefore directly used to transport the segments 7 from the rear of the follower train 3 by cooperating with a support 40, without requiring the use of a VMS 4. This therefore makes it possible to greatly reduce the size of the passage necessary for allow the supply and return of the segments 7, since a simple support 40 moving or being moved along conveyor means 30 is sufficient. The volume thus gained can be used for the realization of one or more corridors for operators, maintenance operations or even the transport of parts.
  • the trailer 10 may include a support 40.
  • each central trailer 10 comprises conveying means 30 fixed in their lower part 21 in order to allow the support 40 to move from the rear part of the central trailer 10 furthest from the shield 2 towards the front part of the central trailer 10 closest to the shield 2.
  • the conveying means 30 of a given trailer 10 are therefore connected to the conveying means 30 of the next trailer 10 in order to allow the transfer of the support 40 from a trailer 10 to the 'other.
  • This configuration can make it possible, depending on the size of the tunnel, to store in the follower train 3 at least all of the segments 7 necessary to make a complete ring of the tunnel.
  • the rear trailers 9 can either include conveying means 30, or a housing configured to receive a VMS 4 in order to bring the segments 7 to the central trailers 10 and allow their loading onto the support (s) 40 (s) of the central trailers 10.
  • the rolling means 11 can be conventional and include, for example, bogies.
  • the supports 40 are adapted to be moved by the conveying means 30 along the trailer 10, or alternatively to move along the conveying means 30 along said trailer 10.
  • the conveying means 30 may comprise at least two superposed tracks.
  • the tracks can be formed by rails or a conveyor.
  • the conveying means 30 comprise at least one rail 32.
  • the support 40 then comprises means configured to cooperate with the rail 32 and thus allow the movement of the support 40 along the rail 32.
  • the support 40 can be placed on the rail 32, in which case the segment 7 can be placed on the support 40, or alternatively be suspended from said rail 32, in which case the segment 7 is fixed on the support 40.
  • the conveying means 30 comprise two parallel rails 32 and the support 40 comprises a carriage comprising associated displacement means, for example wheels 42 of the rail wheel type 42 comprising a tread, at least one flange (preferably two) and a bandage.
  • the support 40 is therefore placed on the rails 32.
  • the rails 32 extend in a horizontal plane (parallel to the ground).
  • the carriage 40 comprises a base comprising two parallel bars 43 at the end of each of which are fixed one or two railway wheels 42.
  • the bars 43 are interconnected by one or more crosspieces 44 making the carriage monobloc.
  • the carriage 40 further comprises, on the face intended to receive the segment or segments 7, wedges 45 configured to prevent the segment (s) 7 from moving.
  • These shims 45 are here formed of inclined walls configured to come into contact with the convex face of the segments 7.
  • the shims 45 may be flat or alternatively concave in order to conform to the convex shape of the face opposite the segments 7. They can be fixed or removable depending on what is desired for the trolley.
  • the carriage 40 only comprises the two bars 43 parallel to the end of each of which are fixed one or two railway wheels 42.
  • the bars 43 are connected together by one or more flexible connecting members 46.
  • the member link 46 includes a chain.
  • the carriage 40 further comprises, on the face intended to receive the segment or segments 7, wedges 45 configured to prevent the segment (s) 7 from moving.
  • These shims 45 can be substantially identical to those described above.
  • the support 40 brings the segments 7 by moving along the rails 32 from the rear of the trailer 10 towards the front of the trailer 10 (that is that is to say towards the shield 2), where the segments 7 are unloaded, then returns by moving along these same rails 32 to the rear of the trailer 10 in order to allow it to be reloaded with new segments 7.
  • the support 40 is unloaded by a mechanism configured to place the segments 7 at the disposal of the erector for their attachment to the wall of the tunnel.
  • the conveying means 30 comprise two superimposed tracks formed by two pairs of rails 32 extending in parallel two by two, one of the pairs of rails 32 being configured to transport the support 40 loaded with segments 7 towards the shield 2 while the other pair of rails 32 is configured to bring the support 40 empty towards the rear of the follower train 3.
  • the pairs of rails 32 are preferably superimposed, that is to say that they extend generally one above the other (in a vertical direction, that is to say perpendicular to the layout tunnel).
  • This configuration in fact makes it possible to reduce the space required on the ground for the conveying means 30 and the supports 40 while leaving a sufficient volume above the supports 40 to arrange the corridor for the operators, the maintenance and the transport of parts. .
  • this configuration makes it possible to house the conveying means 30 between the rolling means 11, in the lower part of the lower part 21 of the chassis 20.
  • the support 40 is moved along the follower train 3 by means of a first pair of rails 32, for example the pair of upper rails 32.
  • the support 40 goes up along the following train 3 thanks to the pair of upper rails 32 until reaching the central trailer 10 furthest forward, near the suspended trailer (bridge) 8 and the erector. Arrived at the level of the most forward central trailer 10, the support 40 leaves the rails 32 in order to allow its unloading and its return towards the rear of the following train 3, via the other pair of rails 32.
  • a transfer plate 50 can be placed in the extension of the upper rails 32 in order to be able to receive the support 40 loaded with segment (s) 7 ( figure 5a ).
  • the support 40 is placed on the plate 50.
  • the plate 50 can rotate 90 ° in order to facilitate the gripping of the segment 7 by the erector ( figure 5b ).
  • the segment 7 is preferably placed on the support 40 so as to minimize its size in the direction perpendicular to its direction of movement in the following train 3.
  • the segment 7 is therefore placed on the support 40 so its greatest length is parallel to its direction of travel.
  • the axis defining the curvature of the convex face of the segment 7 is perpendicular to the direction of movement.
  • the segment 7 is then unloaded onto a gripping table of the erector.
  • the plate 50 is lowered in order to place it in line with the pair of lower rails 32, and turned again by 90 ° (in one direction or the other) in order to position the wheels 42 of the support 40 opposite the rails 32 ( figure 5b ).
  • the support 40 is slid over the lower rails 32 and returned empty to the rear of the follower train 3.
  • the support 40 may comprise a motor configured to rotate all or part of its wheels 42 so as to allow its movement along the rails 32.
  • the support 40 may be passive and not include a motor, in which case it may be towed or pushed along the rails 32 by a motor placed on the follower train 3, on the shield 2 or even on a part external to the tunnel boring machine 1, at the rear of the follower train 3.
  • the conveyor means 30 comprise a conveyor 34.
  • the conveyor 34 may be of the chain conveyor type 34 and comprise a single conveyor belt forming two superposed tracks on which the support 40 is fixed, typically a support plate, or by variant include two chains moving at the same speed and on which are fixed studs 47 configured to carry, together, the segment or segments 7.
  • the support 40 comprises two pairs of studs 47 fixedly attached to two chains and configured to support one or more segments 7.
  • the studs 47 are of substantially rectangular shape, a rod projecting from each of said studs 47, and the segment 7 is placed in balance on the four rods.
  • the studs 47 can be connected two by two in order to stiffen the support 40.
  • the segment 7 is also placed on the support 40 so that its greatest length is parallel to its direction of movement in order to minimize its bulk, it can be envisaged to receive the segment 7 on a turntable 50 in order to rotate it 90 ° before it is gripped by the erector.
  • the plate 50 can only be a rotating plate and that it is not necessary for this plate to be able to move vertically.
  • the support 40 then has a substantially smooth lower face configured to slide on the conveying rollers or the spherical balls and to interface with the rollers or the balls so as not to risk damaging the segments 7 during their displacement.
  • the support 40 is also passive and is pulled or pushed along of the conveyor 34 by a motor placed on the follower train 3, on the shield 2 or even on a part external to the tunnel boring machine 1, at the rear of the follower train 3.
  • FIG 1 We have for example illustrated in figure 1 an example embodiment of a chassis 20 of a trailer 10 which can be implemented in this invention.
  • the chassis 20 comprises the lower part 21 and the upper part 26 described above.
  • the lower part 21 here comprises a front cross member 22a and a rear cross member 22b extending substantially parallel to one another and connected together by a central plate 23.
  • the front cross member 22a and the rear cross member 22b serve for fixing platforms configured to each receive one or more operating modules 6.
  • the front cross member 22a and the rear cross member 22b further extend substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the trailer 10 in the tunnel.
  • the central tray 23 can serve as a base for the transport of equipment, personnel, etc.
  • the central plate 23 can in particular be equipped with one or more rails 32 extending in the direction of movement of the trailer 10, in order to allow the transport of heavy loads and / or light loads.
  • the lower part 21 further comprises a front structure 24, on which are fixed front rolling means 11, the front end of the conveying means 30 of the trailer 10 and the front cross member 22a, and a rear structure 24, on which are fixed rolling means 11 rear, the rear end of the conveying means 30 of the trailer 10 and the rear cross member 22b.
  • each structure 24 comprises a C-shaped base configured to take up the pressure forces of the trailer 10.
  • the base 24 in C also comprises an external face (adapted to extend opposite the taxiway 5) on which are fixed the rolling means 11.
  • the C shape of the structure 24 makes it possible to adapt the chassis 20 to the circular shape of the tunnel dug by the cutting head.
  • Each crosspiece is fixed to the corresponding structure 24 at the free ends of the base 24 in C.
  • the conveying means 30 are then fixed to the internal face of the base 24 in C, in its lower part, between the means 11.
  • the conveying means 30 comprise two pairs of rails 32 or two pairs of conveyors 34 in parallel (case in particular of roller or ball conveyors 34)
  • said pairs of rails 32 (or conveyors 34) are then fixed one above the other, leaving sufficient space between the upper pair and the central plate 23 (respectively between the lower pair and the upper pair) to allow the passage of the support 40 equipped with the desired number of segments 7 , and between the upper pair and the lower pair (respectively between the upper pair and the central plate 23) to allow the passage of the support 40 when empty.
  • said conveyor 34 is fixed to the base 24 at C, leaving sufficient space between its upper face and the central plate 23 to allow the passage of the support 40 equipped with the number of segments. 7 desired, and between its underside and the ground to allow the passage of the support 40 empty
  • each structure 24 further comprises two vertical uprights 25 fixing the cross member associated with the base 24 at C.
  • the conveying means 30 can then be fixed between these two uprights 25.
  • the upper part 26 of the chassis 20 comprises, similarly to the lower part 21, a front cross member 27a and a rear cross member 27b. These crosspieces 27a, 27b are interconnected by lateral crosspieces 28.
  • the front crosspieces 27a, rear 27b and sidepieces 28 are used for fixing platforms configured to each receive one or more operating modules 6.
  • the upper part 26 is fixed to the lower part 21 by means of structural uprights 29 extending vertically between the front crosspieces 22a, 27a and rear 22b, 27b of each part 21, 26. Where appropriate, these structural uprights 29 extend in the extension of the uprights 26 of the structures 24.
  • the central trailers 10 each comprise conveying means 30 as described above. At least one support 40 is placed on these conveying means 30 in order to transport at least one segment 7.
  • the follower train 3 may comprise one or more supports 40 per central trailer 10 (see figure 3 ).
  • a junction bridge 60 can be provided between the conveying means 30 of said central trailers 10 .
  • the chain or chains of the conveyor 34 may simply extend along the set of central trailers 10 in order to allow the passage of the support 40 of the center trailer 10 furthest back to center trailer 10 furthest forward.
  • These chains being relatively flexible, they adapt to any relative movements between two adjacent trailers 10 (due in particular to turns, unevenness of the ground and slopes) without breaking, while ensuring the passage of the support 40 of a central trailer 10 to the next.
  • the junction bridge 60 between two adjacent central trailers 10 is therefore formed by the conveyor 34 itself.
  • the connecting bridge 60 may comprise a portion of rail 61, the thickness and where appropriate the height and the constituent material are substantially the same as that (those) of the rails 32 of the trailers 10.
  • the first mechanical connection 62 further comprises a slide connection 64 in order to compensate for the length play induced by the curves of the tunnel.
  • the second mechanical connection 63 may comprise a single pivot connection, a double pivot connection, a ball joint connection or an embedding connection.
  • the first mechanical connection 62 comprises a double pivot connection 63 and a slide connection 64 while the second mechanical connection 65 comprises a double pivot connection.
  • the rail portion 61 pivots around the horizontal axis to take up the rotational forces due to the slope and around the 'vertical axis to resume the rotational forces applied to the rails 32 of the trailers 10 which are due to the turn.
  • the slide link 64 for its part, is elongated, in order to resume the play of length induced by the turn.
  • the support 40 comprises railway wheels 42 with double flanges in order to guarantee the stability and the guiding of the support 40 during its passage over the junction bridge 60.
  • the rear trailers 9 conventionally include an internal passage allowing the introduction of a VMS 4 into said trailers 10 in order to bring segments 7 to the central trailers 10.
  • segments 7 are brought by a VMS 4 to the following train 3, from the rear thereof.
  • the VMS 4 enters the rear trailer 9, for example by rolling on an inclined plane, crosses it to reach the first central trailer 10, where the segments 7 are unloaded either directly on one or more supports 40, or on a device waiting before being placed on one or more supports 40.
  • the supports 40 are then successively placed on the conveying means 30 of this first central trailer 10 and then moved (either by their own means using a motor, either by the conveying means 30 themselves (in particular in the case of a chain conveyor 34), or by means external to the support 40 and to the conveying means 30) in order transporting the segments 7 along the first trailer 10 and then along the following central trailers 10 via the connecting bridges 60, to the suspended trailer (bridge) which is located at the very front.
  • Each support 40 can transport one or more segments 7 at a time. In one embodiment, each support 40 carries a single segment 7 at a time, in order to reduce the vertical space required for the passage of the segments 7 and thus increase the volume available for the central corridor 12.
  • the VMS 4 can back up to fetch additional segments 7 then return, once loaded, to the level of the first trailer 10 passing through the rear trailer 9 in order to unload the additional segments 7 on the supports 40.
  • These supports 40 will then follow the supports 40 already loaded towards the front of the following train 3. It is possible to repeat the loading of supports 40 until there is no longer any space on the means conveying 30 of the follower train 3 for an additional support 40.
  • central trailers 10 comprising conveyor means 30, the VMS 4 only needs to pass through one, or even two conventional rear trailers 9.
  • the supports 40 which will progressively advance in the follower train 3, passing from one central trailer 10 to the other.
  • supports 40 can be stored in a row in the central trailers 10, so that the follower train 3 can transport a large number of segments 7 at the same time, this number being sometimes sufficient to produce a complete segment of segments 7 covering the entire periphery of the tunnel to be built.
  • the volume thus recovered corresponds to the central corridor 12, which is delimited by the central plate, the uprights 26 and the upper part 26 of the chassis 20 (front, rear and side crosspieces) (see figure 2 ).
  • This central corridor 12 thus allows operators to circulate on a different lane from that used by the means of transport of segments, which eliminates the risks of coactivity between operators and different vehicles.
  • This passage also simplifies logistics operations, notably by facilitating maintenance operations and transporting consumables.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
  • Geology (AREA)
  • Lining And Supports For Tunnels (AREA)
  • Excavating Of Shafts Or Tunnels (AREA)

Description

DOMAINE DE L'INVENTIONFIELD OF THE INVENTION

L'invention concerne une remorque d'un train suiveur pour un tunnelier.The invention relates to a trailer of a follower train for a tunnel boring machine.

ARRIERE-PLAN TECHNOLOGIQUETECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

On connaît des machines de creusement de tunnels, appelées tunneliers, qui comportent une structure mobile de grandes dimensions consistant en une grande usine mobile à l'avant de laquelle est disposé un bouclier ayant une section compatible avec la future section en adéquation avec la forme définitive du tunnel (tunnel de section circulaire, bilobé, rectangulaire...)Tunneling machines are known, called tunneling machines, which have a large mobile structure consisting of a large mobile plant at the front of which is disposed a shield having a section compatible with the future section in line with the final shape. of the tunnel (tunnel of circular, bilobed, rectangular section ...)

La partie antérieure du bouclier qui vient en contact avec le front de taille pour réaliser la découpe de la formation géologique traversée par le tunnel comporte une tête de coupe supportant des outils de travail et entraînée en rotation à une vitesse déterminée qui est fonction de la nature du terrain à creuser.The front part of the shield which comes into contact with the cutting face to cut the geological formation traversed by the tunnel comprises a cutting head supporting working tools and driven in rotation at a determined speed which depends on the nature ground to dig.

Derrière le bouclier, le tunnelier comporte un train suiveur, également connu sous la désignation de back-up, qui avance en même temps que la tête de coupe lors du creusement du tunnel.Behind the shield, the TBM has a follower train, also known as a back-up, which advances at the same time as the cutting head when digging the tunnel.

Ce train suiveur se déplace sur une voie de circulation reposant sur l'enveloppe en béton du tunnel et se compose de plusieurs remorques (ou wagons) contenant les différents modules d'exploitation, comme par exemple les dispositifs d'alimentation électrique, les systèmes hydrauliques, les dispositifs d'alimentation en air et de ventilation ou encore les locaux sanitaires.This following train travels on a taxiway resting on the concrete envelope of the tunnel and consists of several trailers (or wagons) containing the various operating modules, such as for example the power supply devices, the hydraulic systems , air supply and ventilation devices or even sanitary rooms.

Afin de permettre l'acheminement du matériel nécessaire à l'exploitation entre l'extérieur et le train suiveur, un passage est aménagé en partie inférieure des remorques afin de permettre la circulation d'un Véhicule Multi Services VMS (également connu sous sa dénomination anglaise de Multi Service Vehicle, MSV) pour le convoyage de voussoirs et autres consommables (pièces de rechange, tuyaux, paniers à matériel, etc.) de l'arrière du train suiveur vers le bouclier.In order to allow the routing of the material necessary for the operation between the exterior and the following train, a passage is arranged in the lower part of the trailers in order to allow the circulation of a Vehicle Multi Services VMS (also known by its English name of Multi Service Vehicle, MSV) for conveying segments and other consumables (spare parts, pipes, material baskets, etc.) from the rear of the train behind to the shield.

Il est donc nécessaire de prévoir, au sein de chaque remorque, un passage d'une taille suffisante pour permettre l'introduction et la circulation d'un VMS, ce qui pénalise l'encombrement général de chaque remorque, celles-ci devant en outre transporter les modules d'exploitation. De plus, la réglementation actuelle exige la présence de couloirs rectilignes au maximum permettant l'évacuation, si nécessaire, des opérateurs travaillant sur le chantier, et plus particulièrement depuis le bouclier du tunnelier. Il est en outre nécessaire de prévoir des couloirs supplémentaires pour la maintenance des équipements et le transport de pièces. Ces couloirs et ce passage empiètent par conséquent sur la place disponible pour les modules d'exploitation.It is therefore necessary to provide, within each trailer, a passage of sufficient size to allow the introduction and circulation of a VMS, which penalizes the overall size of each trailer, these must in addition transport the operating modules. In addition, the current regulations require the presence of rectilinear corridors to the maximum allowing the evacuation, if necessary, of the operators working on the site, and more particularly from the shield of the tunnel boring machine. It is also necessary to provide additional corridors for the maintenance of equipment and the transport of parts. These corridors and this passage therefore encroach on the space available for the operating modules.

Enfin, la circulation du VMS au sein des remorques pose des problèmes de sécurité, les opérateurs ayant tendance ou étant contraints, selon les modèles et tailles de tunneliers à passer par la même voie de circulation que le VMS. Or, une telle coactivité n'est pas acceptable du point de vue de la sécurité.Finally, the circulation of VMS in trailers poses safety problems, operators tending or being forced, depending on the models and sizes of tunnel boring machines, to pass through the same traffic lane as the VMS. However, such coactivity is not acceptable from a security point of view.

Le document JP H11 30096 décrit une remorque d'un train suiveur d'un tunnelier conforme au préambule de la revendication 1. Plus précisément, la remorque comprend un chariot monté sur des roulettes et configuré pour transporter des voussoirs en se déplaçant sur un châssis situé en partie inférieure de la remorque. A cet effet, le chariot est guidé le long de la remorque à l'aide de rails, s'étendant de part et d'autre du chariot, et déplacé par les roues.The document JP H11 30096 describes a trailer of a train following a tunnel boring machine according to the preamble of claim 1. More specifically, the trailer comprises a carriage mounted on casters and configured to transport segments by moving on a chassis located in the lower part of the trailer. To this end, the carriage is guided along the trailer using rails, extending on either side of the carriage, and moved by the wheels.

Le document JP 2006 200296 décrit une méthode de construction d'un tunnel permettant une construction suffisante à haute vitesse par la construction précoce d'une dalle de plancher.The document JP 2006 200296 describes a method of constructing a tunnel allowing sufficient construction at high speed by the early construction of a floor slab.

RESUME DE L'INVENTIONSUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Un objectif de l'invention est donc de proposer une solution aux problèmes décrits ci-avant, et plus particulièrement une remorque comprenant un plus grand espace pour permettre le passage des opérateurs et les opérations de maintenance, sans pénaliser pour autant sa capacité de transport des modules d'exploitation, et qui permette en outre de simplifier les opérations logistiques et de limiter les risques de co-activité, augmentant ainsi le niveau de sécurité au sein du train suiveur en fonctionnement.An objective of the invention is therefore to propose a solution to the problems described above, and more particularly a trailer including a larger space to allow the passage of operators and maintenance operations, without penalizing its capacity to transport operating modules, and which also makes it possible to simplify logistics operations and limit the risks of co-activity, thereby increasing the level of safety within the train follower in operation.

Pour cela, l'invention propose une remorque d'un train suiveur d'un tunnelier comprenant :

  • des moyens de roulement configurés pour permettre un déplacement de la remorque sur une voie de circulation,
  • un châssis comportant une partie inférieure comprenant les moyens de roulement et une partie supérieure, opposée aux moyens de roulement,
  • des moyens de convoyage, fixés dans la partie inférieure du châssis, lesdits moyens de convoyage étant configurés pour déplacer au moins un support le long de la remorque, ledit support étant configuré pour transporter au moins un voussoir le long du châssis.
For this, the invention provides a trailer for a train following a tunnel boring machine comprising:
  • rolling means configured to allow movement of the trailer on a traffic lane,
  • a chassis comprising a lower part comprising the rolling means and an upper part, opposite the rolling means,
  • conveying means, fixed in the lower part of the chassis, said conveying means being configured to move at least one support along the trailer, said support being configured to transport at least one segment along the chassis.

De préférence, les moyens de convoyage comprennent deux pistes superposées du type double rail ou couvoyeur.Preferably, the conveying means comprise two superimposed tracks of the double rail or hatch type.

Certaines caractéristiques préférées mais non limitatives de la remorque décrite ci-dessus sont les suivantes, prises individuellement ou en combinaison :

  • les moyens de convoyage s'étendent entre les moyens de roulement de la remorque.
  • les moyens de convoyage comprennent au moins un rail et/ou au moins un convoyeur.
  • la remorque comprend au moins deux rails s'étendant parallèlement l'un à l'autre, de préférence deux paires de rails s'étendant parallèlement deux à deux, les deux paires de rails étant superposées.
  • le le convoyeur est un convoyeur à chaîne, le support étant alors configuré pour être fixé sur le convoyeur et entrainé par ledit convoyeur.
  • la remorque comprend un couloir central configuré pour permettre une circulation d'un opérateur, ledit couloir central s'étendant au-dessus des moyens de convoyage.
Some preferred but non-limiting characteristics of the trailer described above are the following, taken individually or in combination:
  • the conveying means extend between the rolling means of the trailer.
  • the conveying means comprise at least one rail and / or at least one conveyor.
  • the trailer comprises at least two rails extending parallel to one another, preferably two pairs of rails extending parallel in pairs, the two pairs of rails being superimposed.
  • the conveyor is a chain conveyor, the support then being configured to be fixed on the conveyor and driven by said conveyor.
  • the trailer comprises a central corridor configured to allow movement of an operator, said central corridor extending above the conveying means.

Selon un deuxième aspect, l'invention comprend également un train suiveur d'un tunnelier comprenant au moins une remorque comme décrite ci-dessus.According to a second aspect, the invention also comprises a train following a tunneling machine comprising at least one trailer as described above.

Certaines caractéristiques préférées mais non limitatives du train suiveur décrit ci-dessus sont les suivantes, prises individuellement ou en combinaison :

  • le train suiveur comprend au moins deux remorques et un pont de jonction configuré pour connecter les moyens de convoyage de l'une des remorques aux moyens de convoyage de l'autre des remorques de manière à permettre le transfert d'au moins un voussoir le long des deux remorques via leurs moyens de convoyage respectifs.
  • les moyens de convoyage des deux remorques comprennent chacun au moins un rail et dans lequel le pont de jonction entre lesdits rails comprend une portion de rail fixée sur chacun des rails par l'intermédiaire de liaisons mécaniques comportant une liaison glissière et au moins l'une des liaisons suivantes : une liaison pivot simple, une double liaison pivot, une liaison rotule.
  • le train suiveur comprend un plateau tournant configuré pour réceptionner un support configuré pour transporter au moins un voussoir le long du châssis, ledit plateau tournant étant configuré pour tourner le support afin de faciliter la préhension par un érecteur d'un voussoir porté par le support.
  • les moyens de convoyage comprennent deux paires de rails superposés, le plateau tournant étant en outre configuré pour déplacer verticalement le support et le transférer de l'une des paires de rails à l'autre.
Some preferred but non-limiting characteristics of the following train described above are the following, taken individually or in combination:
  • the following train comprises at least two trailers and a junction bridge configured to connect the conveying means of one of the trailers to the conveying means of the other of the trailers so as to allow the transfer of at least one segment along of the two trailers via their respective conveying means.
  • the conveying means of the two trailers each comprise at least one rail and in which the junction bridge between said rails comprises a portion of rail fixed to each of the rails by means of mechanical connections comprising a slide connection and at least one of the following connections: a single pivot connection, a double pivot connection, a ball joint connection.
  • the follower train comprises a turntable configured to receive a support configured to transport at least one segment along the chassis, said turntable being configured to rotate the support in order to facilitate the gripping by an erector of a segment carried by the support.
  • the conveying means comprise two pairs of superimposed rails, the turntable being further configured to vertically move the support and transfer it from one of the pairs of rails to the other.

Selon un troisième aspect, l'invention propose un tunnelier comprenant un train suiveur comme décrit ci-dessus.According to a third aspect, the invention provides a tunneling machine comprising a follower train as described above.

BREVE DESCRIPTION DES DESSINSBRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

D'autres caractéristiques, buts et avantages de la présente invention apparaîtront mieux à la lecture de la description détaillée qui va suivre, et au regard des dessins annexés donnés à titre d'exemples non limitatifs et sur lesquels :

  • La figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un exemple de réalisation d'une remorque pouvant être utilisée dans l'invention, sur laquelle le support a été omis.
  • La figure 2 est une vue en coupe d'une remorque illustrée en figure 1 et sur laquelle ont été schématisés des exemples de modules d'exploitation ainsi qu'un exemple de support portant des voussoirs.
  • La figure 3 est une vue de côté schématique illustrant un tunnelier comprenant des exemples de remorques conformes à l'invention.
  • Les figures 4a et 4b illustrent un premier et un deuxième exemple de réalisation d'un support configuré pour porter un voussoir et pouvant être utilisé avec une remorque conforme à l'invention.
  • Les figures 5a, 5b et 5c illustrent le support de la figure 4a lors de son arrivée à l'avant d'un train suiveur (figure 5a), le déchargement du voussoir (figure 5b) et le retour du support à vide (figure 5c).
  • La figure 6 illustre un troisième exemple de réalisation d'un support configuré pour porter un voussoir et un exemple de moyen de convoyage associé, lorsque le support arrive à l'avant du train suiveur.
  • La figure 7 illustre deux exemples de remorque conformes à l'invention comportant des exemples de modules d'exploitation ainsi qu'un exemple de pont de jonction entre des moyens de convoyage.
  • La figure 8 est une vue en détail de l'un des ponts de jonction de la figure 7 dans un virage avec pente.
Other characteristics, objects and advantages of the present invention will appear better on reading the detailed description which follows, and with regard to the appended drawings given by way of nonlimiting examples and in which:
  • The figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a trailer which can be used in the invention, on which the support has been omitted.
  • The figure 2 is a sectional view of a trailer illustrated in figure 1 and on which have been shown schematically examples of operating modules as well as an example of support carrying segments.
  • The figure 3 is a schematic side view illustrating a tunnel boring machine comprising examples of trailers according to the invention.
  • The Figures 4a and 4b illustrate a first and a second embodiment of a support configured to carry a segment and which can be used with a trailer according to the invention.
  • The Figures 5a, 5b and 5c illustrate the support of the figure 4a when arriving at the front of a follower train ( figure 5a ), unloading the segment ( figure 5b ) and the return of the vacuum support ( figure 5c ).
  • The figure 6 illustrates a third embodiment of a support configured to carry a segment and an example of associated conveying means, when the support arrives at the front of the following train.
  • The figure 7 illustrates two examples of a trailer in accordance with the invention comprising examples of operating modules as well as an example of a junction bridge between conveyor means.
  • The figure 8 is a detailed view of one of the connecting bridges of the figure 7 in a bend with slope.

DESCRIPTION DETAILLEE D'UN MODE DE REALISATIONDETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT

De manière classique, un tunnelier 1 comprend, en partie avant, un bouclier 2 ayant une section sensiblement circulaire dont le diamètre correspond au diamètre du tunnel dont on réalise le creusement. Le bouclier 2 est muni d'une tête de coupe qui vient en contact avec le front de taille pour creuser le tunnel.Conventionally, a tunnel boring machine 1 comprises, in the front part, a shield 2 having a substantially circular section whose diameter corresponds to the diameter of the tunnel which is dug. The shield 2 is provided with a cutting head which comes into contact with the cutting face to dig the tunnel.

Le tunnelier 1 comporte en outre un train suiveur 3 s'étendant derrière le bouclier 2 et qui avance en même temps que la tête de coupe lors du creusement du tunnel. Le train suiveur 3 se déplace sur une voie de circulation 5 reposant sur l'enveloppe de béton formée de voussoirs 7 du tunnel.The tunnel boring machine 1 also comprises a follower train 3 extending behind the shield 2 and which advances at the same time as the cutting head during the digging of the tunnel. The follower train 3 moves on a taxiway 5 resting on the concrete envelope formed by segments 7 of the tunnel.

Le train suiveur 3 se compose de plusieurs remorques 10 (ou wagons) qui comprennent les différents modules d'exploitation 6. Habituellement, mais de manière non-limitative, le train suiveur 3 comprend plusieurs remorques 10 : une remorque suspendue (aussi appelée « bridge ») 8, connectée à un érecteur (faisant partie du bouclier) et configuré pour mettre en place des voussoirs 7 contre la paroi taillée par la tête de coupe, quatre ou cinq remorques centrales 10 comprenant les modules d'exploitation 6, et deux remorques arrière 9 configurées pour charger les voussoirs 7 dans le train suiveur 3.The following train 3 is made up of several trailers 10 (or wagons) which include the various operating modules 6. Usually, but in a nonlimiting manner, the following train 3 includes several trailers 10: a suspended trailer (also called a "bridge" ”) 8, connected to an erector (part of the shield) and configured to set up segments 7 against the wall cut by the cutting head, four or five central trailers 10 comprising the operating modules 6, and two trailers rear 9 configured to load the segments 7 in the following train 3.

Dans ce qui suit, on désignera par « arrière » la partie d'une remorque 10 ou du train suiveur 3 la plus éloignée du bouclier 2, par opposition à « avant » qui désignera la partie de la remorque 10 ou du train suiveur 3 la plus proche du bouclier 2, lorsque la remorque 10 fait partie d'un tunnelier 1.In what follows, we will designate by “rear” the part of a trailer 10 or the following train 3 farthest from the shield 2, as opposed to “front” which will designate the part of the trailer 10 or the following train 3 the closer to the shield 2, when the trailer 10 is part of a tunnel boring machine 1.

Une remorque 10 conforme à l'invention comprend :

  • des moyens de roulement 11 configurés pour permettre le déplacement de la remorque 10 sur la voie de circulation 5,
  • un châssis 20 comportant une partie inférieure 21 comprenant les moyens de roulement 11 et une partie supérieure 26, opposée aux moyens de roulement 11,
  • des moyens de convoyage 30, fixés dans la partie inférieure 21 du châssis 20, lesdits moyens de convoyage 30 étant configurés pour déplacer au moins un support 40 le long de la remorque 10, ledit support 40 étant configuré pour transporter au moins un voussoir le long du châssis 20.
A trailer 10 according to the invention comprises:
  • rolling means 11 configured to allow movement of the trailer 10 on the taxiway 5,
  • a chassis 20 comprising a lower part 21 comprising the rolling means 11 and an upper part 26, opposite the rolling means 11,
  • conveying means 30, fixed in the lower part 21 of the chassis 20, said conveying means 30 being configured to move at least one support 40 along the trailer 10, said support 40 being configured to transport at least one segment along chassis 20.

La remorque 10 est donc directement utilisée pour transporter les voussoirs 7 depuis l'arrière du train suiveur 3 en coopérant avec un support 40, sans nécessiter l'utilisation d'un VMS 4. Cela permet donc de réduire fortement la taille du passage nécessaire pour permettre l'amenée et le retour des voussoirs 7, puisqu'un simple support 40 se déplaçant ou étant déplacé le long de moyens de convoyage 30 suffit. Le volume ainsi gagné peut servir à la réalisation d'un ou plusieurs couloirs pour des opérateurs, des opérations de maintenance ou encore le transport de pièces.The trailer 10 is therefore directly used to transport the segments 7 from the rear of the follower train 3 by cooperating with a support 40, without requiring the use of a VMS 4. This therefore makes it possible to greatly reduce the size of the passage necessary for allow the supply and return of the segments 7, since a simple support 40 moving or being moved along conveyor means 30 is sufficient. The volume thus gained can be used for the realization of one or more corridors for operators, maintenance operations or even the transport of parts.

La remorque 10 peut comprendre un support 40.The trailer 10 may include a support 40.

Dans une forme de réalisation, chaque remorque centrale 10 comprend des moyens de convoyage 30 fixés dans leur partie inférieure 21 afin de permettre le déplacement du support 40 de la partie arrière de la remorque centrale 10 la plus éloignée du bouclier 2 vers la partie avant de la remorque centrale 10 la plus proche du bouclier 2. Les moyens de convoyage 30 d'une remorque 10 donnée sont donc connectés aux moyens de convoyage 30 de la remorque 10 suivante afin de permettre le transfert du support 40 d'une remorque 10 à l'autre.In one embodiment, each central trailer 10 comprises conveying means 30 fixed in their lower part 21 in order to allow the support 40 to move from the rear part of the central trailer 10 furthest from the shield 2 towards the front part of the central trailer 10 closest to the shield 2. The conveying means 30 of a given trailer 10 are therefore connected to the conveying means 30 of the next trailer 10 in order to allow the transfer of the support 40 from a trailer 10 to the 'other.

On comprendra bien entendu que plusieurs supports 40, transportant chacun un ou plusieurs voussoirs 7, peuvent donc être transportés par le train suiveur 3 simultanément. Les remorques centrales 10 forment donc des zones de stockage de voussoirs 7 en vue de leur reprise par l'érecteur qui se chargera ensuite de les fixer contre la paroi du tunnel dont on réalise le creusement.It will of course be understood that several supports 40, each carrying one or more segments 7, can therefore be transported by the follower train 3 simultaneously. The central trailers 10 therefore form segments of segments 7 for their recovery by the erector who will then be responsible for fixing them against the wall of the tunnel which is excavated.

Cette configuration peut permettre, selon la taille du tunnel, de stocker dans le train suiveur 3 au moins la totalité des voussoirs 7 nécessaires pour réaliser un anneau complet du tunnel.This configuration can make it possible, depending on the size of the tunnel, to store in the follower train 3 at least all of the segments 7 necessary to make a complete ring of the tunnel.

Les remorques arrière 9 quant à elles peuvent soit comprendre des moyens de convoyage 30, soit un logement configuré pour recevoir un VMS 4 afin d'amener les voussoirs 7 jusqu'aux remorques centrales 10 et permettre leur chargement sur le ou les support 40(s) des remorques centrales 10.The rear trailers 9 can either include conveying means 30, or a housing configured to receive a VMS 4 in order to bring the segments 7 to the central trailers 10 and allow their loading onto the support (s) 40 (s) of the central trailers 10.

Les moyens de roulement 11 peuvent être conventionnels et comprendre, par exemple, des boggies.The rolling means 11 can be conventional and include, for example, bogies.

Les supports 40 sont adaptés pour être déplacés par les moyens de convoyage 30 le long de la remorque 10, ou en variante se déplacer le long des moyens de convoyage 30 le long de ladite remorque 10.The supports 40 are adapted to be moved by the conveying means 30 along the trailer 10, or alternatively to move along the conveying means 30 along said trailer 10.

Par exemple, les moyens de convoyage 30 peuvent comprendre au moins deux pistes superposées. Par exemple, les pistes peuvent être formées par des rails ou un convoyeur.For example, the conveying means 30 may comprise at least two superposed tracks. For example, the tracks can be formed by rails or a conveyor.

Dans une première forme de réalisation illustrée sur les figures 4a à 5c, les moyens de convoyage 30 comprennent au moins un rail 32. Le support 40 comprend alors des moyens configurés pour coopérer avec le rail 32 et permettre ainsi le déplacement du support 40 le long du rail 32. Le support 40 peut être placé sur le rail 32, auquel cas le voussoir 7 peut être posé sur le support 40, ou en variante être suspendu audit rail 32, auquel cas le voussoir 7 est fixé sur le support 40.In a first embodiment illustrated on the Figures 4a to 5c , the conveying means 30 comprise at least one rail 32. The support 40 then comprises means configured to cooperate with the rail 32 and thus allow the movement of the support 40 along the rail 32. The support 40 can be placed on the rail 32, in which case the segment 7 can be placed on the support 40, or alternatively be suspended from said rail 32, in which case the segment 7 is fixed on the support 40.

Dans un mode de réalisation, les moyens de convoyage 30 comprennent deux rails 32 parallèles et le support 40 comprend un chariot comprenant des moyens de déplacement associés, par exemple des roues 42 du type roues 42 ferroviaires comprenant une bande de roulement, au moins un boudin (de préférence deux) et un bandage. Dans cette forme de réalisation, le support 40 est donc placé sur les rails 32. De préférence, les rails 32 s'étendent dans un plan horizontal (parallèle au sol).In one embodiment, the conveying means 30 comprise two parallel rails 32 and the support 40 comprises a carriage comprising associated displacement means, for example wheels 42 of the rail wheel type 42 comprising a tread, at least one flange (preferably two) and a bandage. In this embodiment, the support 40 is therefore placed on the rails 32. Preferably, the rails 32 extend in a horizontal plane (parallel to the ground).

On a par exemple illustré sur les figures 4a et 4b deux exemples de réalisation de chariot pouvant servir de support 40.We have for example illustrated on Figures 4a and 4b two exemplary embodiments of a carriage that can serve as a support 40.

Dans l'exemple de la figure 4a, le chariot 40 comprend un socle comportant deux barres parallèles 43 à l'extrémité de chacune desquelles sont fixées une ou deux roues ferroviaires 42. Les barres 43 sont reliées entre elles par une ou plusieurs traverses 44 rendant le chariot monobloc. Le chariot 40 comporte en outre, sur la face destinée à recevoir le ou les voussoirs 7, des cales 45 configurées pour empêcher le(s) voussoir(s) 7 de bouger. Ces cales 45 sont ici formées de parois inclinées configurées pour venir en contact avec la face convexe des voussoirs 7. Les cales 45 peuvent être planes ou en variante concaves afin de se conformer à la forme convexe de la face en regard des voussoirs 7. Elles peuvent être fixes ou amovibles selon ce qui est souhaité pour le chariot.In the example of the figure 4a , the carriage 40 comprises a base comprising two parallel bars 43 at the end of each of which are fixed one or two railway wheels 42. The bars 43 are interconnected by one or more crosspieces 44 making the carriage monobloc. The carriage 40 further comprises, on the face intended to receive the segment or segments 7, wedges 45 configured to prevent the segment (s) 7 from moving. These shims 45 are here formed of inclined walls configured to come into contact with the convex face of the segments 7. The shims 45 may be flat or alternatively concave in order to conform to the convex shape of the face opposite the segments 7. They can be fixed or removable depending on what is desired for the trolley.

Dans l'exemple de la figure 4b, le chariot 40 comprend uniquement les deux barres 43 parallèles à l'extrémité de chacune desquelles sont fixées une ou deux roues ferroviaires 42. Les barres 43 sont reliées entre elles par un ou plusieurs organes de liaison souple 46. Ici, l'organe de liaison 46 comprend une chaîne. Le chariot 40 comporte en outre, sur la face destinée à recevoir le ou les voussoirs 7, des cales 45 configurées pour empêcher le(s) voussoir(s) 7 de bouger. Ces cales 45 peuvent être sensiblement identiques à celles décrites précédemment.In the example of the figure 4b , the carriage 40 only comprises the two bars 43 parallel to the end of each of which are fixed one or two railway wheels 42. The bars 43 are connected together by one or more flexible connecting members 46. Here, the member link 46 includes a chain. The carriage 40 further comprises, on the face intended to receive the segment or segments 7, wedges 45 configured to prevent the segment (s) 7 from moving. These shims 45 can be substantially identical to those described above.

Lorsque la remorque 10 ne comprend qu'une paire de rails 32, le support 40 amène les voussoirs 7 en se déplaçant le long des rails 32 de l'arrière de la remorque 10 vers l'avant de la remorque 10 (c'est-à-dire en direction du bouclier 2), où les voussoirs 7 sont déchargés, puis revient en se déplaçant le long de ces mêmes rails 32 jusqu'à l'arrière de la remorque 10 afin de permettre son rechargement avec de nouveaux voussoirs 7.When the trailer 10 comprises only one pair of rails 32, the support 40 brings the segments 7 by moving along the rails 32 from the rear of the trailer 10 towards the front of the trailer 10 (that is that is to say towards the shield 2), where the segments 7 are unloaded, then returns by moving along these same rails 32 to the rear of the trailer 10 in order to allow it to be reloaded with new segments 7.

Lorsque la remorque 10 en question est la remorque centrale 10 la plus proche du bouclier 2, le support 40 est déchargé par un mécanisme configuré pour placer les voussoirs 7 à disposition de l'érecteur en vue de leur fixation à la paroi du tunnel.When the trailer 10 in question is the central trailer 10 closest to the shield 2, the support 40 is unloaded by a mechanism configured to place the segments 7 at the disposal of the erector for their attachment to the wall of the tunnel.

Dans une variante de ce mode de réalisation, illustré par exemple en figures 5a à 5c, les moyens de convoyage 30 comprennent deux pistes superposées formées de deux paires de rails 32 s'étendant parallèlement deux à deux, l'une des paires de rails 32 étant configurée pour transporter le support 40 chargé de voussoirs 7 vers le bouclier 2 tandis que l'autre paire de rail 32 est configurée pour ramener le support 40 à vide vers l'arrière du train suiveur 3.In a variant of this embodiment, illustrated for example in Figures 5a to 5c , the conveying means 30 comprise two superimposed tracks formed by two pairs of rails 32 extending in parallel two by two, one of the pairs of rails 32 being configured to transport the support 40 loaded with segments 7 towards the shield 2 while the other pair of rails 32 is configured to bring the support 40 empty towards the rear of the follower train 3.

Les paires de rails 32 sont de préférence superposées, c'est-à-dire qu'elles s'étendent globalement l'une au-dessus de l'autre (suivant une direction verticale, c'est-à-dire perpendiculaire au tracé du tunnel). Cette configuration permet en effet de réduire l'encombrement au sol nécessaire pour les moyens de convoyage 30 et les supports 40 tout en laissant un volume suffisant au-dessus des supports 40 pour aménager le couloir pour les opérateurs, la maintenance et le transport de pièces. Typiquement, cette configuration permet de loger les moyens de convoyage 30 entre les moyens de roulement 11, en partie basse de la partie inférieure 21 du châssis 20.The pairs of rails 32 are preferably superimposed, that is to say that they extend generally one above the other (in a vertical direction, that is to say perpendicular to the layout tunnel). This configuration in fact makes it possible to reduce the space required on the ground for the conveying means 30 and the supports 40 while leaving a sufficient volume above the supports 40 to arrange the corridor for the operators, the maintenance and the transport of parts. . Typically, this configuration makes it possible to house the conveying means 30 between the rolling means 11, in the lower part of the lower part 21 of the chassis 20.

En utilisation, le support 40 est déplacé le long du train suiveur 3 grâce à une première des paires de rails 32, par exemple la paire de rails 32 supérieure. Le support 40 remonte le long du train suiveur 3 grâce à la paire de rails 32 supérieure jusqu'à atteindre la remorque centrale 10 la plus en avant, à proximité de la remorque suspendue (bridge) 8 et de l'érecteur. Arrivé au niveau de la remorque centrale 10 la plus en avant, le support 40 sort des rails 32 afin de permettre son déchargement et son retour vers l'arrière du train suiveur 3, via l'autre paire de rails 32.In use, the support 40 is moved along the follower train 3 by means of a first pair of rails 32, for example the pair of upper rails 32. The support 40 goes up along the following train 3 thanks to the pair of upper rails 32 until reaching the central trailer 10 furthest forward, near the suspended trailer (bridge) 8 and the erector. Arrived at the level of the most forward central trailer 10, the support 40 leaves the rails 32 in order to allow its unloading and its return towards the rear of the following train 3, via the other pair of rails 32.

Pour cela, au cours d'une première étape, un plateau de transfert 50 peut être placé dans le prolongement des rails 32 supérieurs afin de pouvoir réceptionner le support 40 chargé de voussoir(s) 7 (figure 5a).For this, during a first step, a transfer plate 50 can be placed in the extension of the upper rails 32 in order to be able to receive the support 40 loaded with segment (s) 7 ( figure 5a ).

Puis, au cours d'une deuxième étape, le support 40 est placé sur le plateau 50.Then, during a second step, the support 40 is placed on the plate 50.

Au cours d'une troisième étape, optionnelle, le plateau 50 peut tourner de 90° afin de faciliter la préhension du voussoir 7 par l'érecteur (figure 5b). En effet, lors de son transport, le voussoir 7 est de préférence placé sur le support 40 de manière à minimiser son encombrement dans la direction perpendiculaire à sa direction de déplacement dans le train suiveur 3. Le voussoir 7 est donc placé sur le support 40 de sorte que sa plus grande longueur soit parallèle à sa direction de déplacement. En d'autres termes, lors du déplacement du voussoir 7 dans le train suiveur 3, l'axe définissant la courbure de la face convexe du voussoir 7 est perpendiculaire à la direction de déplacement. Or, pour permettre la mise en place du voussoir 7 dans le tunnel par l'érecteur, il est nécessaire de tourner le voussoir 7 de 90° par rapport à son orientation lors de son transport par le support 40.During a third optional stage, the plate 50 can rotate 90 ° in order to facilitate the gripping of the segment 7 by the erector ( figure 5b ). Indeed, during its transport, the segment 7 is preferably placed on the support 40 so as to minimize its size in the direction perpendicular to its direction of movement in the following train 3. The segment 7 is therefore placed on the support 40 so its greatest length is parallel to its direction of travel. In other words, during the movement of the segment 7 in the follower train 3, the axis defining the curvature of the convex face of the segment 7 is perpendicular to the direction of movement. However, to allow the segment 7 to be placed in the tunnel by the erector, it is necessary to rotate the segment 7 by 90 ° relative to its orientation when transported by the support 40.

Au cours d'une quatrième étape, le voussoir 7 est alors déchargé sur une table de préhension de l'érecteur.During a fourth step, the segment 7 is then unloaded onto a gripping table of the erector.

Au cours d'une cinquième étape, le plateau 50 est abaissé afin de le placer dans le prolongement de la paire de rails 32 inférieurs, et tourné à nouveau de 90° (dans un sens ou dans l'autre) afin de positionner les roues 42 du support 40 en regard des rails 32 (figure 5b).During a fifth step, the plate 50 is lowered in order to place it in line with the pair of lower rails 32, and turned again by 90 ° (in one direction or the other) in order to position the wheels 42 of the support 40 opposite the rails 32 ( figure 5b ).

Au cours d'une sixième étape, le support 40 est glissé sur les rails 32 inférieurs et renvoyé à vide vers l'arrière du train suiveur 3.During a sixth step, the support 40 is slid over the lower rails 32 and returned empty to the rear of the follower train 3.

Le support 40 peut comprendre un moteur configuré pour mettre en rotation tout ou partie de ses roues 42 afin de permettre son déplacement le long des rails 32. En variante, le support 40 peut être passif et ne pas comprendre de moteur, auquel cas il peut être tracté ou poussé le long des rails 32 par un moteur placé sur le train suiveur 3, sur le bouclier 2 ou encore sur une partie externe au tunnelier 1, à l'arrière du train suiveur 3.The support 40 may comprise a motor configured to rotate all or part of its wheels 42 so as to allow its movement along the rails 32. As a variant, the support 40 may be passive and not include a motor, in which case it may be towed or pushed along the rails 32 by a motor placed on the follower train 3, on the shield 2 or even on a part external to the tunnel boring machine 1, at the rear of the follower train 3.

Dans une deuxième forme de réalisation, illustrée sur la figure 6, les moyens de convoyage 30 comprennent un convoyeur 34. Par exemple le convoyeur 34 peut être du type convoyeur 34 à chaîne et comprendre une bande de convoyage unique formant deux piste superposées sur laquelle est fixé le support 40, typiquement un plateau support, ou en variante comprendre deux chaînes se déplaçant à une même vitesse et sur lesquelles sont fixées des plots 47 configurés pour porter, ensemble, le ou les voussoirs 7. Dans l'exemple de réalisation illustré en figure 6, le support 40 comprend deux paires de plots 47 fixées solidairement à deux chaînes et configurés pour supporter un ou des voussoirs 7. Ici, les plots 47 sont de forme sensiblement rectangulaire, une tige faisant saillie de chacun desdits plots 47, et le voussoir 7 est posé en équilibre sur les quatre tiges. Le cas échéant, les plots 47 peuvent être reliés deux à deux afin de rigidifier le support 40.In a second embodiment, illustrated on the figure 6 , the conveyor means 30 comprise a conveyor 34. For example, the conveyor 34 may be of the chain conveyor type 34 and comprise a single conveyor belt forming two superposed tracks on which the support 40 is fixed, typically a support plate, or by variant include two chains moving at the same speed and on which are fixed studs 47 configured to carry, together, the segment or segments 7. In the embodiment illustrated in figure 6 , the support 40 comprises two pairs of studs 47 fixedly attached to two chains and configured to support one or more segments 7. Here, the studs 47 are of substantially rectangular shape, a rod projecting from each of said studs 47, and the segment 7 is placed in balance on the four rods. Where appropriate, the studs 47 can be connected two by two in order to stiffen the support 40.

Lorsque le support 40 est fixé sur le convoyeur 34, comme c'est le cas d'un convoyeur 34 à chaîne, un seul convoyeur 34 peut suffire pour alimenter l'érecteur en voussoirs 7 puis ramener le support 40 à vide. En effet, lorsque le support 40 se trouve sur la partie supérieure 26 du convoyeur 34, les voussoirs 7 peuvent être placés sur le support 40 et amenés jusqu'à l'érecteur puis, une fois le support 40 déchargé, celui-ci peut être ramené en passant en partie inférieure 21 du convoyeur 34 en suivant simplement le mouvement de la ou des chaîne(s). Il n'est donc pas nécessaire de transférer les supports 40 en vue de leur retour vers l'arrière du train suiveur 3, ceux-ci étant fixés sur le convoyeur 34. Toutefois, le voussoir 7 étant également placé sur le support 40 de sorte que sa plus grande longueur soit parallèle à sa direction de déplacement afin de minimiser son encombrement, il peut être envisagé de réceptionner le voussoir 7 sur un plateau 50 tournant afin de le faire tourner de 90° avant sa préhension par l'érecteur. On comprendra qu'ici le plateau 50 peut être uniquement un plateau tournant et qu'il n'est pas nécessaire que ce plateau soit capable de se déplacer verticalement.When the support 40 is fixed on the conveyor 34, as is the case of a chain conveyor 34, a single conveyor 34 may suffice to supply the erector with segments 7 and then bring the support 40 empty. In fact, when the support 40 is on the upper part 26 of the conveyor 34, the segments 7 can be placed on the support 40 and brought to the erector then, once the support 40 is unloaded, the latter can be brought back by passing in the lower part 21 of the conveyor 34 by simply following the movement of the chain or chains. It is therefore not necessary to transfer the supports 40 with a view to their return towards the rear of the follower train 3, these being fixed on the conveyor 34. However, the segment 7 is also placed on the support 40 so that its greatest length is parallel to its direction of movement in order to minimize its bulk, it can be envisaged to receive the segment 7 on a turntable 50 in order to rotate it 90 ° before it is gripped by the erector. It will be understood that here the plate 50 can only be a rotating plate and that it is not necessary for this plate to be able to move vertically.

Selon une autre variante de réalisation (non visible sur les figures), le convoyeur 34 peut comprendre un bâti et :

  • un jeu de rouleaux de convoyage montés à rotation sur le bâti autour d'un axe sensiblement perpendiculaire à la direction de convoyage des voussoirs 7,
  • un ensemble de billes sphériques montées libres en rotation sur le bâti,
  • un ensemble de billes sphériques montées en rotation sur le bâti autour d'un axe sensiblement perpendiculaire à la direction de convoyage des voussoirs 7.
According to another alternative embodiment (not visible in the figures), the conveyor 34 may include a frame and:
  • a set of conveyor rollers mounted for rotation on the frame around an axis substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction of the segments 7,
  • a set of spherical balls mounted free in rotation on the frame,
  • a set of spherical balls mounted in rotation on the frame around an axis substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction of the segments 7.

Dans cette variante de réalisation, le support 40 présente alors une face inférieure sensiblement lisse configurée pour glisser sur les rouleaux de convoyage ou les billes sphériques et faire interface avec les rouleaux ou les billes afin de ne pas risquer d'abîmer les voussoirs 7 lors de leur déplacement. Le support 40 est en outre passif et est tracté ou poussé le long du convoyeur 34 par un moteur placé sur le train suiveur 3, sur le bouclier 2 ou encore sur une partie externe au tunnelier 1, à l'arrière du train suiveur 3.In this alternative embodiment, the support 40 then has a substantially smooth lower face configured to slide on the conveying rollers or the spherical balls and to interface with the rollers or the balls so as not to risk damaging the segments 7 during their displacement. The support 40 is also passive and is pulled or pushed along of the conveyor 34 by a motor placed on the follower train 3, on the shield 2 or even on a part external to the tunnel boring machine 1, at the rear of the follower train 3.

Grâce aux moyens de convoyage 30 fixés sur la remorque 10 et l'utilisation de supports 40 au lieu d'un train suiveur 3 pour alimenter l'érecteur en voussoirs 7, il est possible de modifier la configuration des remorques 10 afin d'optimiser le positionnement des différents modules d'exploitation 6 et de créer un ou plusieurs couloirs 12 pour des opérateurs, des opérations de maintenance et le transport de pièces.Thanks to the conveying means 30 fixed to the trailer 10 and the use of supports 40 instead of a follower train 3 to supply the erector with segments 7, it is possible to modify the configuration of the trailers 10 in order to optimize the positioning of the different operating modules 6 and creating one or more lanes 12 for operators, maintenance operations and the transport of parts.

On a par exemple illustré en figure 1 un exemple réalisation d'un châssis 20 d'une remorque 10 pouvant être mis en œuvre dans cette invention.We have for example illustrated in figure 1 an example embodiment of a chassis 20 of a trailer 10 which can be implemented in this invention.

Le châssis 20 comprend la partie inférieure 21 et la partie supérieure 26 décrites ci-avant.The chassis 20 comprises the lower part 21 and the upper part 26 described above.

La partie inférieure 21 comprend ici une traverse avant 22a et une traverse arrière 22b s'étendant sensiblement parallèlement l'une à l'autre et reliées entre elles par un plateau central 23. La traverse avant 22a et la traverse arrière 22b servent à la fixation de plateformes configurées pour recevoir chacune un ou plusieurs modules d'exploitation 6.The lower part 21 here comprises a front cross member 22a and a rear cross member 22b extending substantially parallel to one another and connected together by a central plate 23. The front cross member 22a and the rear cross member 22b serve for fixing platforms configured to each receive one or more operating modules 6.

La traverse avant 22a et la traverse arrière 22b s'étendent en outre sensiblement perpendiculairement à la direction de déplacement de la remorque 10 dans le tunnel. Comme nous le verrons par la suite, le plateau central 23 peut servir de base pour le transport de matériel, de personnel, etc. A cet effet, le plateau central 23 peut notamment être équipé d'un ou plusieurs rails 32 s'étendant suivant la direction de déplacement de la remorque 10, afin de permettre le transport de charges lourdes et/ou de charges légères.The front cross member 22a and the rear cross member 22b further extend substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the trailer 10 in the tunnel. As we will see later, the central tray 23 can serve as a base for the transport of equipment, personnel, etc. To this end, the central plate 23 can in particular be equipped with one or more rails 32 extending in the direction of movement of the trailer 10, in order to allow the transport of heavy loads and / or light loads.

La partie inférieure 21 comprend en outre une structure 24 avant, sur laquelle sont fixés des moyens de roulement 11 avant, l'extrémité avant des moyens de convoyage 30 de la remorque 10 et la traverse avant 22a, et une structure 24 arrière, sur laquelle sont fixés des moyens de roulement 11 arrière, l'extrémité arrière des moyens de convoyage 30 de la remorque 10 et la traverse arrière 22b.The lower part 21 further comprises a front structure 24, on which are fixed front rolling means 11, the front end of the conveying means 30 of the trailer 10 and the front cross member 22a, and a rear structure 24, on which are fixed rolling means 11 rear, the rear end of the conveying means 30 of the trailer 10 and the rear cross member 22b.

Plus précisément, chaque structure 24 comporte une embase en forme de C configurée pour reprendre les efforts en pression de la remorque 10. L'embase 24 en C comprend par ailleurs une face externe (adaptée pour s'étendre en regard de la voie de circulation 5) sur laquelle sont fixés les moyens de roulement 11. La forme en C de la structure 24 permet d'adapter le châssis 20 à la forme circulaire du tunnel creusé par la tête de coupe.More specifically, each structure 24 comprises a C-shaped base configured to take up the pressure forces of the trailer 10. The base 24 in C also comprises an external face (adapted to extend opposite the taxiway 5) on which are fixed the rolling means 11. The C shape of the structure 24 makes it possible to adapt the chassis 20 to the circular shape of the tunnel dug by the cutting head.

Chaque traverse est fixée à la structure 24 correspondante au niveau des extrémités libres de l'embase 24 en C. Les moyens de convoyage 30 sont alors fixés à la face interne de l'embase 24 en C, dans sa partie basse, entre les moyens de roulement 11.Each crosspiece is fixed to the corresponding structure 24 at the free ends of the base 24 in C. The conveying means 30 are then fixed to the internal face of the base 24 in C, in its lower part, between the means 11.

Dans le cas où les moyens de convoyage 30 comprennent deux paires de rails 32 ou deux paires de convoyeurs 34 en parallèle (cas notamment des convoyeurs 34 à rouleaux ou à billes), lesdites paires de rails 32 (ou de convoyeurs 34) sont alors fixées l'une au-dessus de l'autre, en ménageant un espace suffisant entre la paire supérieure et le plateau central 23 (respectivement entre la paire inférieure et la paire supérieure) pour permettre le passage du support 40 équipé du nombre de voussoirs 7 désiré, et entre la paire supérieure et la paire inférieure (respectivement entre la paire supérieure et le plateau central 23) pour permettre le passage du support 40 à vide.In the case where the conveying means 30 comprise two pairs of rails 32 or two pairs of conveyors 34 in parallel (case in particular of roller or ball conveyors 34), said pairs of rails 32 (or conveyors 34) are then fixed one above the other, leaving sufficient space between the upper pair and the central plate 23 (respectively between the lower pair and the upper pair) to allow the passage of the support 40 equipped with the desired number of segments 7 , and between the upper pair and the lower pair (respectively between the upper pair and the central plate 23) to allow the passage of the support 40 when empty.

En variante, dans le cas du convoyeur 34 à chaîne, ledit convoyeur 34 est fixé sur l'embase 24 en C en ménageant un espace suffisant entre sa face supérieure et le plateau central 23 pour permettre le passage du support 40 équipé du nombre de voussoirs 7 désiré, et entre sa face inférieure et le sol pour permettre le passage du support 40 à videAs a variant, in the case of the chain conveyor 34, said conveyor 34 is fixed to the base 24 at C, leaving sufficient space between its upper face and the central plate 23 to allow the passage of the support 40 equipped with the number of segments. 7 desired, and between its underside and the ground to allow the passage of the support 40 empty

Le cas échéant, chaque structure 24 comporte en outre deux montants verticaux 25 fixant la traverse associée à l'embase 24 en C. Les moyens de convoyage 30 peuvent alors être fixés entre ces deux montants 25.Where appropriate, each structure 24 further comprises two vertical uprights 25 fixing the cross member associated with the base 24 at C. The conveying means 30 can then be fixed between these two uprights 25.

La partie supérieure 26 du châssis 20 comprend, de manière analogue à la partie inférieure 21, une traverse avant 27a et une traverse arrière 27b. Ces traverses 27a, 27b sont reliées entre elles par des traverses latérales 28. Les traverses avant 27a, arrière 27b et latérales 28 servent à la fixation de plateformes configurées pour recevoir chacune un ou plusieurs modules d'exploitation 6.The upper part 26 of the chassis 20 comprises, similarly to the lower part 21, a front cross member 27a and a rear cross member 27b. These crosspieces 27a, 27b are interconnected by lateral crosspieces 28. The front crosspieces 27a, rear 27b and sidepieces 28 are used for fixing platforms configured to each receive one or more operating modules 6.

La partie supérieure 26 est fixée sur la partie inférieure 21 par l'intermédiaire de montants structurels 29 s'étendant verticalement entre les traverses avant 22a, 27a et arrière 22b, 27b de chaque partie 21, 26. Le cas échéant, ces montants structurels 29 s'étendent dans le prolongement des montants 26 des structures 24.The upper part 26 is fixed to the lower part 21 by means of structural uprights 29 extending vertically between the front crosspieces 22a, 27a and rear 22b, 27b of each part 21, 26. Where appropriate, these structural uprights 29 extend in the extension of the uprights 26 of the structures 24.

Un train suiveur 3 conforme à un mode de réalisation de l'invention peut ainsi comprendre, de manière non limitative, de l'avant vers l'arrière à partir du bouclier 2 :

  • une remorque suspendue 8 (bridge), connectée à un érecteur,
  • au moins une remorque centrale 10 comprenant des modules d'exploitation 6, de préférence entre quatre et cinq remorques centrales 10, et
  • au moins une remorque arrière 9 configurée pour charger les voussoirs 7, par exemple deux remorques arrière 9.
A follower train 3 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention may thus include, without limitation, from front to rear from the shield 2:
  • a suspended trailer 8 (bridge), connected to an erector,
  • at least one central trailer 10 comprising operating modules 6, preferably between four and five central trailers 10, and
  • at least one rear trailer 9 configured to load the segments 7, for example two rear trailers 9.

Les remorques centrales 10 comprennent chacune des moyens de convoyage 30 comme décrits ci-dessus. Au moins un support 40, est placé sur ces moyens de convoyage 30 afin de transporter au moins un voussoir 7. Le train suiveur 3 peut comprendre un ou plusieurs supports 40 par remorque centrale 10 (voir figure 3).The central trailers 10 each comprise conveying means 30 as described above. At least one support 40 is placed on these conveying means 30 in order to transport at least one segment 7. The follower train 3 may comprise one or more supports 40 per central trailer 10 (see figure 3 ).

Afin de permettre le passage du support 40 d'une remorque centrale 10 vers la remorque centrale 10 voisine et de reprendre les efforts entre les deux remorques centrales 10, un pont de jonction 60 peut être prévu entre les moyens de convoyage 30 desdites remorques centrales 10.In order to allow the passage of the support 40 from a central trailer 10 to the neighboring central trailer 10 and to take up the forces between the two central trailers 10, a junction bridge 60 can be provided between the conveying means 30 of said central trailers 10 .

Dans le cas de moyens de convoyage 30 comprenant un convoyeur 34, et plus particulièrement un convoyeur 34 à chaîne(s), la ou les chaînes du convoyeur 34 peuvent simplement s'étendre le long de l'ensemble de remorques centrales 10 afin de permettre le passage du support 40 de la remorque centrale 10 la plus à l'arrière à la remorque centrale 10 la plus à l'avant. Ces chaînes étant relativement flexibles, elles s'adaptent aux éventuels mouvements relatifs entre deux remorques 10 adjacentes (dus notamment aux virages, irrégularités du sol et pentes) sans rompre, tout en assurant le passage du support 40 d'une remorque centrale 10 à la suivante. Le pont de jonction 60 entre deux remorques centrales 10 adjacentes est donc formé par le convoyeur 34 lui-même.In the case of conveyor means 30 comprising a conveyor 34, and more particularly a conveyor 34 with chain (s), the chain or chains of the conveyor 34 may simply extend along the set of central trailers 10 in order to allow the passage of the support 40 of the center trailer 10 furthest back to center trailer 10 furthest forward. These chains being relatively flexible, they adapt to any relative movements between two adjacent trailers 10 (due in particular to turns, unevenness of the ground and slopes) without breaking, while ensuring the passage of the support 40 of a central trailer 10 to the next. The junction bridge 60 between two adjacent central trailers 10 is therefore formed by the conveyor 34 itself.

Dans le cas de moyens de convoyage 30 comprenant un ou plusieurs rails 32, la présence d'un pont de jonction 60 capable de compenser les éventuels mouvements relatifs entre deux remorques centrales 10 adjacentes est préférable, les rails 32 étant rigides et pouvant difficilement se déformer sans rompre. Par exemple, le pont de jonction 60 peut comprendre une portion de rail 61, dont l'épaisseur et le cas échéant la hauteur et le matériau constitutif sont sensiblement les mêmes que celle(ceux) des rails 32 des remorques 10.In the case of conveying means 30 comprising one or more rails 32, the presence of a junction bridge 60 capable of compensating for any relative movements between two adjacent central trailers 10 is preferable, the rails 32 being rigid and hardly able to deform without breaking. For example, the connecting bridge 60 may comprise a portion of rail 61, the thickness and where appropriate the height and the constituent material are substantially the same as that (those) of the rails 32 of the trailers 10.

La portion de rail 61 est alors montée sur le rail 32 des remorques centrales 10 qu'il connecte par l'intermédiaire de deux liaisons mécaniques 62, 65. La première liaison mécanique 62 peut comprendre l'une parmi les liaisons suivantes :

  • une simple liaison pivot dont l'axe de pivotement est vertical (c'est-à-dire sensiblement perpendiculaire à a voie de circulation 5). Cette liaison permet ainsi de compenser les rotations relatives des remorques centrales 10 dans les virages.
  • une double liaison pivot comprenant un pivot dont l'axe est vertical et un pivot dont l'axe est horizontal (parallèle à la voie de circulation 5) et transversal à la direction de déplacement. Cette liaison permet ainsi de compenser les rotations relatives des remorques centrales 10 dans les virages et ainsi que celles résultant à une pente.
  • une liaison rotule, afin de compenser les rotations relatives des remorques centrales 10 dans les virages et ainsi que celles résultant à une pente.
The rail portion 61 is then mounted on the rail 32 of the central trailers 10 which it connects via two mechanical connections 62, 65. The first mechanical connection 62 may comprise one of the following connections:
  • a simple pivot link whose pivot axis is vertical (that is to say substantially perpendicular to a taxiway 5). This link thus compensates for the relative rotations of the central trailers 10 when cornering.
  • a double pivot link comprising a pivot whose axis is vertical and a pivot whose axis is horizontal (parallel to the taxiway 5) and transverse to the direction of movement. This connection thus makes it possible to compensate for the relative rotations of the central trailers 10 when cornering and as well as those resulting from a slope.
  • a ball joint, in order to compensate for the relative rotations of the central trailers 10 when cornering and as well as those resulting from a slope.

Le cas échéant, la première liaison mécanique 62 comprend en outre une liaison glissière 64 afin de compenser les jeux de longueur induits par les courbes du tunnel.Where appropriate, the first mechanical connection 62 further comprises a slide connection 64 in order to compensate for the length play induced by the curves of the tunnel.

La deuxième liaison mécanique 63 peut comprendre une liaison pivot simple, une double liaison pivot, une liaison rotule ou une liaison encastrement.The second mechanical connection 63 may comprise a single pivot connection, a double pivot connection, a ball joint connection or an embedding connection.

Dans le mode de réalisation illustré sur les figures 6 et 7, la première liaison mécanique 62 comprend une double liaison pivot 63 et une liaison glissière 64 tandis que la deuxième liaison mécanique 65 comprend une double liaison pivot. Comme on peut le voir notamment en figure 7, qui illustre la configuration du pont de jonction 60 alors que les remorques centrales 10) adjacentes prennent un virage en pente, la portion de rail 61 pivote autour de l'axe horizontal pour reprendre les efforts en rotation dus à la pente et autour de l'axe vertical pour reprendre les efforts en rotation appliqués aux rails 32 des remorques 10 qui sont dus au virage. La liaison glissière 64 quant à elle s'est allongée, afin de reprendre les jeux de longueur induit par le virage.In the embodiment illustrated in the figures 6 and 7 , the first mechanical connection 62 comprises a double pivot connection 63 and a slide connection 64 while the second mechanical connection 65 comprises a double pivot connection. As can be seen in particular in figure 7 , which illustrates the configuration of the junction bridge 60 while the adjacent central trailers 10) take a slope, the rail portion 61 pivots around the horizontal axis to take up the rotational forces due to the slope and around the 'vertical axis to resume the rotational forces applied to the rails 32 of the trailers 10 which are due to the turn. The slide link 64, for its part, is elongated, in order to resume the play of length induced by the turn.

De préférence, dans le cas où un tel pont de jonction 60 est utilisé, le support 40 comprend des roues 42 ferroviaires à double boudins afin de garantir la stabilité et le guidage du support 40 lors de son passage sur le pont de jonction 60.Preferably, in the case where such a junction bridge 60 is used, the support 40 comprises railway wheels 42 with double flanges in order to guarantee the stability and the guiding of the support 40 during its passage over the junction bridge 60.

Les remorques arrière 9 comprennent, de manière conventionnelle, un passage interne permettant l'introduction d'un VMS 4 dans lesdites remorques 10 afin d'amener des voussoirs 7 aux remorques centrales 10.The rear trailers 9 conventionally include an internal passage allowing the introduction of a VMS 4 into said trailers 10 in order to bring segments 7 to the central trailers 10.

En utilisation, des voussoirs 7 sont amenés par un VMS 4 au train suiveur 3, depuis l'arrière de celui-ci. Le VMS 4 entre dans la remorque arrière 9, par exemple en roulant sur un plan incliné, traverse celle-ci pour atteindre la première remorque centrale 10, où les voussoirs 7 sont déchargés soit directement sur un ou plusieurs supports 40, soit sur un dispositif d'attente avant d'être placés sur un ou plusieurs support 40. Les supports 40 sont alors placés successivement sur les moyens de convoyage 30 de cette première remorque centrale 10 puis déplacés (soit par leurs propres moyens à l'aide d'un moteur, soit par les moyens de convoyage 30 eux-mêmes (notamment dans cas d'un convoyeur 34 à chaîne), soit par des moyens externes au support 40 et aux moyens de convoyage 30) afin de transporter les voussoirs 7 le long de la première remorque 10 puis le long des remorques centrales 10 suivantes via les ponts de jonction 60, jusqu'à la remorque suspendue (bridge) qui est située tout à l'avant. Chaque support 40 peut transporter un ou plusieurs voussoirs 7 à la fois. Dans une forme de réalisation, chaque support 40 transporte un seul voussoir 7 à la fois, afin de réduire l'encombrement vertical nécessaire pour le passage des voussoirs 7 et d'augmenter ainsi le volume disponible pour le couloir central 12.In use, segments 7 are brought by a VMS 4 to the following train 3, from the rear thereof. The VMS 4 enters the rear trailer 9, for example by rolling on an inclined plane, crosses it to reach the first central trailer 10, where the segments 7 are unloaded either directly on one or more supports 40, or on a device waiting before being placed on one or more supports 40. The supports 40 are then successively placed on the conveying means 30 of this first central trailer 10 and then moved (either by their own means using a motor, either by the conveying means 30 themselves (in particular in the case of a chain conveyor 34), or by means external to the support 40 and to the conveying means 30) in order transporting the segments 7 along the first trailer 10 and then along the following central trailers 10 via the connecting bridges 60, to the suspended trailer (bridge) which is located at the very front. Each support 40 can transport one or more segments 7 at a time. In one embodiment, each support 40 carries a single segment 7 at a time, in order to reduce the vertical space required for the passage of the segments 7 and thus increase the volume available for the central corridor 12.

En parallèle, de manière optionnelle, le VMS 4 peut reculer pour aller chercher des voussoirs 7 supplémentaires puis retourner, une fois chargé, au niveau de la première remorque 10 en passant à travers la remorque arrière 9 afin de décharger les voussoirs 7 supplémentaires sur les supports 40. Ces supports 40 vont alors suivre les supports 40 déjà chargés vers l'avant du train suiveur 3. Il est possible de renouveler le chargement de supports 40 jusqu'à ce qu'il n'y ait plus de place sur les moyens de convoyage 30 du train suiveur 3 pour un support 40 supplémentaire.In parallel, optionally, the VMS 4 can back up to fetch additional segments 7 then return, once loaded, to the level of the first trailer 10 passing through the rear trailer 9 in order to unload the additional segments 7 on the supports 40. These supports 40 will then follow the supports 40 already loaded towards the front of the following train 3. It is possible to repeat the loading of supports 40 until there is no longer any space on the means conveying 30 of the follower train 3 for an additional support 40.

On remarquera que, grâce à l'utilisation de remorques centrales 10 comprenant des moyens de convoyage 30, le VMS 4 n'a plus besoin que de passer dans une, voire deux remorques arrière 9 conventionnelles. Ce sont les supports 40 qui vont avancer progressivement dans le train suiveur 3, en passant d'une remorque centrale 10 à l'autre. Avantageusement, des supports 40 peuvent être stockés d'affilée dans les remorques centrales 10, de sorte que le train suiveur 3 peut transporter un grand nombre de voussoirs 7 en même temps, ce nombre pouvant parfois suffire pour réaliser un anneau complet de voussoir 7 couvrant toute la périphérie du tunnel à réaliser.It will be noted that, thanks to the use of central trailers 10 comprising conveyor means 30, the VMS 4 only needs to pass through one, or even two conventional rear trailers 9. These are the supports 40 which will progressively advance in the follower train 3, passing from one central trailer 10 to the other. Advantageously, supports 40 can be stored in a row in the central trailers 10, so that the follower train 3 can transport a large number of segments 7 at the same time, this number being sometimes sufficient to produce a complete segment of segments 7 covering the entire periphery of the tunnel to be built.

De plus, dans la mesure où le VMS 4 s'arrête à l'entrée de la première remorque centrale 10 pour y décharger les voussoirs 7 et que ces voussoirs 7 sont transportés en partie inférieure 21 du châssis 20 des remorques centrales 10 grâce aux moyens de convoyage 30, il n'est plus nécessaire de prévoir un évidement central dans le châssis 20 afin d'autoriser la circulation du VMS 4 à travers les remorques centrales 10. Seul un passage restreint, en partie inférieure 21, reste nécessaire pour accommoder les moyens de convoyage 30 et le ou les supports 40 et permettre ainsi l'amenée des voussoirs 7. Une partie du volume initialement utilisé pour permettre la circulation du VMS 4 peut donc être converti en espace de stockage de modules d'exploitation 6 et/ou en passage pour les opérateurs, couloirs de maintenance, etc. Dans l'exemple de réalisation illustré sur les figures, le volume ainsi récupéré (par rapport au volume du passage ménagé dans la remorque arrière 9 pour le VMS 4) correspond au couloir central 12, qui est délimité par le plateau central, les montants 26 et la partie supérieure 26 du châssis 20 (traverses avant, arrière et latérales) (voir figure 2). Ce couloir central 12 permet ainsi aux opérateurs de circuler sur une voie différente de celle empruntée par les moyens de transport des voussoirs, ce qui supprime les risques de coactivité entre les opérateurs et les différents véhicules. Ce passage simplifie en outre les opérations de logistique, en facilitant notamment les opérations de maintenance et le transport de consommables.In addition, insofar as the VMS 4 stops at the entrance to the first central trailer 10 to unload the segments 7 therein and these segments 7 are transported in the lower part 21 of the chassis 20 of the central trailers 10 by means conveyor 30, it is no longer necessary to provide a central recess in the chassis 20 in order to allow circulation of the VMS 4 through the central trailers 10. Only a restricted passage, in the lower part 21, remains necessary to accommodate the conveying means 30 and the support or supports 40 and thus allow the supply of the segments 7. Part of the volume initially used to allow the circulation of the VMS 4 can therefore be converted into storage space for operating modules 6 and / or in transit for operators, maintenance corridors, etc. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the volume thus recovered (relative to the volume of the passage formed in the rear trailer 9 for the VMS 4) corresponds to the central corridor 12, which is delimited by the central plate, the uprights 26 and the upper part 26 of the chassis 20 (front, rear and side crosspieces) (see figure 2 ). This central corridor 12 thus allows operators to circulate on a different lane from that used by the means of transport of segments, which eliminates the risks of coactivity between operators and different vehicles. This passage also simplifies logistics operations, notably by facilitating maintenance operations and transporting consumables.

Claims (12)

  1. A trailer (10) of a backup train (3) of a tunnel boring machine (1) comprising:
    - rolling means (11) configured to allow movement of the trailer (10) on a circulation route (5),
    - a chassis (20) including a lower portion (21) comprising the rolling means (11) and an upper portion (26), opposite to the rolling means (11),
    - conveying means (30), fixed in the lower portion (21) of the chassis (20),
    the trailer being characterized in that the conveying means (30) comprise two superimposed paths (32, 34) configured to move at least one support (40) along the trailer (10), said support being configured to transport at least one arch segment (7) along the chassis (20).
  2. The trailer (10) according to claim 1, wherein the conveying means (30) extend between the rolling means (11) of the trailer (10).
  3. The trailer (10) according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the conveying means (30) comprise at least one rail (32) and/or at least one conveyor (34).
  4. The trailer (10) according to claim 3, wherein the superimposed paths comprise two pairs of rails (32) extending in parallel two by two, the two pairs of rails (32) being superimposed.
  5. The trailer (10) according to claims 3, wherein the conveyor (34) is a chain-link conveyor (34), the chain forming the two superimposed paths, the support (40) then being configured to be fixed to the conveyor (34) and driven by said conveyor (34).
  6. The trailer (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a central corridor (12) configured to allow circulation of an operator, said central corridor (12) extending above the conveying means (30).
  7. A backup train (3) of a tunnel boring machine (1) characterized in that it comprises at least one trailer (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6.
  8. The backup train (3) according to claim 7, comprising at least two trailers (8, 9, 10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, and a connecting bridge (60) configured to connect the conveying means of one of the trailers (10) to the conveying means (30) of the other of the trailers (10) so as to allow the transfer of at least one arch segment (7) along the two trailers via their respective conveying means (30).
  9. The backup train (3) according to claim 8, wherein the conveying means (30) of the two trailers each comprise at least one rail (32) and wherein the connecting bridge (60) between said rails (32) comprises a portion of rail (61) fixed to each of the rails (32) by means of mechanical joints including a sliding joint and at least one of the following joints: a single pivot joint, a double pivot joint, a ball joint.
  10. The backup train (3) according to one of claims 7 to 9, comprising a rotating plate configured to receive a support (40) configured to transport at least one arch segment (7) along the chassis (20), said rotating plate (50) being configured for turning the support (40) so as to facilitate gripping by an erector of an arch segment (7) carried by the support (40).
  11. The backup train (3) according to claim 10, wherein the conveying means (30) comprise two superimposed pairs of rails (32), the rotating plate (50) also being configured to move the support (40) vertically and transfer it from one of the pairs of rails (32) to the other.
  12. A tunnel boring machine (1) comprising a backup train (3) according to one of claims 7 to 11.
EP18180314.9A 2017-06-28 2018-06-28 Follower gear of a tunnelling machine comprising means for conveying a keystone Active EP3421717B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1755954A FR3068324B1 (en) 2017-06-28 2017-06-28 TRAIN FOLLOWING A TUNNELIER COMPRISING MEANS FOR CONVEYING A VOUSSOIR

Publications (2)

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EP3421717A1 EP3421717A1 (en) 2019-01-02
EP3421717B1 true EP3421717B1 (en) 2020-04-08

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EP18180314.9A Active EP3421717B1 (en) 2017-06-28 2018-06-28 Follower gear of a tunnelling machine comprising means for conveying a keystone

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US (1) US10648335B2 (en)
EP (1) EP3421717B1 (en)
FR (1) FR3068324B1 (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN111691902A (en) * 2020-06-04 2020-09-22 中交一公局集团有限公司 Tunnel inverted arch construction process
FR3123591B1 (en) * 2021-06-04 2023-06-23 Eiffage Genie Civil Equipment for pushing a follower train of a tunnel boring machine

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3678694A (en) * 1970-07-10 1972-07-25 Commercial Shearing Methods and apparatus for installing tunnel liners
US3812679A (en) * 1972-08-08 1974-05-28 W Ruemmele Tunnel lining and method of applying
FR2244876B1 (en) * 1973-09-20 1978-01-06 Scarpi Bruno
AT341567B (en) 1974-06-18 1978-02-10 Gewerk Eisenhuette Westfalia TUBBING TROLLEY
US4629362A (en) * 1984-06-07 1986-12-16 Ishikawajima-Harima Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Shield tunneling machine
JP3303945B2 (en) * 1993-12-29 2002-07-22 西松建設株式会社 Segment loading device
JPH10280896A (en) * 1997-04-10 1998-10-20 Konoike Constr Ltd Method for supplying and assembling segment in shield work, and segment supplying and assembling device
JP3456866B2 (en) * 1997-07-11 2003-10-14 日立造船株式会社 Segment supply / transport equipment
DE29816075U1 (en) * 1998-09-07 2000-01-13 Tauber Rohrbau Gmbh & Co Kg Device for placing concrete segments in tunnels
JP4318042B2 (en) * 2005-01-24 2009-08-19 清水建設株式会社 Tunnel construction method
CN104265334B (en) * 2014-09-30 2016-06-15 辽宁三三工业有限公司 Shield machine segment fast unloading device

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20190003305A1 (en) 2019-01-03
EP3421717A1 (en) 2019-01-02
FR3068324A1 (en) 2019-01-04
US10648335B2 (en) 2020-05-12
FR3068324B1 (en) 2019-07-26

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