US3639006A

US3639006A - Machinery for driving tunnels, galleries or the like

Info

Publication number: US3639006A
Application number: US10714A
Authority: US
Inventors: Willi Steufmehl
Original assignee: Wirth Maschinen und Bohrgeraete Fabrik GmbH
Current assignee: Mhwirth GmbH
Priority date: 1970-02-12
Filing date: 1970-02-12
Publication date: 1972-02-01
Anticipated expiration: 1989-02-01

Abstract

Circular section tunnels are bored out by a stepped series of concentric longitudinally displaced boring heads mounted on separate units, the leading head being circular and of the smallest diameter and succeeding heads being annular and of progressively greater external diameter, such that the total cross-sectional area of the series of heads is equal to the area of the tunnel working face. Each boring head is mounted on a separate frame and is readily interchangeable, the frame clamping and advancing means and the boring heads for each unit being independently hydraulically or electrically driven and controlled from a common power supply and control unit, allowing wide flexibility of operation of the unit. The frame of each successive unit is guided through the tunnel section bored out by the immediately preceding unit and the larger diameter boring head of such unit is located in the rear thereof. With the most usual arrangement of such tunnel boring machines consisting of a leading unit and one follower unit, the mounting of the boring head of the follower unit in the rear portion thereof affords the advantage of most convenient disposal of the spoil.

Description

united States Patent Steutmehl [54] MACHINERY FOR DRIVING TUNNELS,

GALLERIES OR THE LIKE [72] Inventor:

[73] Assignee:

Willi Steuimehl, Erkelenz, Germany Maschinen- Und Bohrgerate-Fabrik Alfred Wirth & Co. K.G., Erkelenz, Germany 221 Filed: Feb. 12,1970

[21] Appl. No.: 10,714

FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 961,295 6/1964 GreatBritain ..299/56 Feb. 1, 1972 Primary Examiner-Ernest R. Purser Attorney-Holman & Stern [57] ABSTRACT Circular section tunnels are bored out by a stepped series of concentric longitudinally displaced boring heads mounted on separate units, the leading head being circular and of the smallest diameter and succeeding heads being annular and of progressively greater external diameter, such that the total cross-sectional area of the series of heads is equal to the area of the tunnel working face. Each boring head is mounted on a separate frame and is readily interchangeable, the frame clamping and advancing means and the boring heads for each unit being independently hydraulically or electrically driven and controlled from a common power supply and control unit, allowing wide flexibility of operation of the unit. The frame of each successive unit is guided through the tunnel section bored out by the immediately preceding unit and the larger diameter boring head of such unit is located in the rear thereof. With the most usual arrangement of such tunnel boring machines consisting of a leading unit and one follower unit, the mounting of the boring head of the follower unit in the rear portion thereof affords the advantage of most convenient disposal of the spoil.

11 Claims, 2 Drawing Figures FIG. 7

. IN VEN TOR WILLI STEUFMEHL 977-019 Mar:

Pmzmwrm 1m: 3,639,006

SHEET 2 UF 2 IN VEN TOR WILLI ST EUFMEHL MACHINERY FOR DRIVING TUNNELS, GALLERIES OR THE LIKE The invention relates to machinery for driving tunnels, galleries or the like by the separate advancing of at least two mutually concentric circularly defined part cross sections, consisting of a main appliance for boring the cross-sectional part with the smallest diameter and at least one additional appliance for boring the adjacent annular partial cross section, the apparatus being provided with frames which can be independently secured to the working site and working units with the necessary boring head relatively displaceable thereto.

The dividing up of the total final cross-sectional surface of a road or gallery to be worked into a plurality of partial cross sections and the boring out of these partial cross sections with the aid of machinery consisting of a plurality of units is of advantage in many respects. The equipment hitherto proposed for such a mode of working is still liable to encounter difficulties in practice in many respects and is subject to certain defects. A disadvantage is that the part of the machinery serving to bore out an annular partial cross section is a relatively massive piece of machinery, whose supporting and tensioning applicances for securing it to the sides of the gallery must be appropriately dimensioned to the large diameter of the already widened out part of the road or gallery. The spoil coming from the annular boring head of this machinery has to be discharged rearwardly along the entire length of the machine. This can in some cases require special costly precautions. Further difficulties can arise owing to the difficult accessibility of the boring head and of the separate chisels or cutters of such boring machinery, and particularly in the case of breakage of a tool.

The object of the invention is to overcome the existing drawbacks and inadequacies and to provide a machine, which is distinguished by a particularly advantageous design of the followup or auxiliary appliance and to facilitate and improve the working procedure.

To this end the invention provides that the boring head of the auxiliary appliance is located in the region of the rear end thereof and that under working conditions the frame of the auxiliary appliance is located in the portion of the tunnel bored out by the forward part of the appliance.

A number of substantial advantages result from such a design of the machinery. The spoil detached by the tool of the follower appliance can simply drop down in the rear thereof and owing to the free space available can be removed much more simply than hitherto for which purpose it may be possible to use an enclosed conveyor belt or the like. Moreover the necessary finishing constructional work of the tunnel or road can be started immediately in the rear of the machinery, a fact of extreme importance particularly when working in material liable to rock fall. Moreover, the follower or auxiliary appliance together with the members for securing it to the sides of the gallery can be of small dimensions, which obviously has a favorable effect on the cost. Owing to its location at the rear end of the follower or auxiliary appliance the tool carrier with the various chisels or cutters is moreover readily accessible.

There is complete freedom with respect to the actual tool diameter in the case of the follower or auxiliary appliance. This is of very considerable importance, since the necessary gallery diameter at the various working faces is liable to considerable variation. Together with one and the same main appliance auxiliary appliances having tools of different sizes or different designs can be used at choice. Moreover, the invention contemplates the use of exchangeable or replaceable tools on the follower or auxiliary appliance. This can be done in a particularly simple manner owing to the favorable arrangement of the tool. As tools there can be used for example, boring heads with cutting rollers and with shovels for disposing ofthe comminuted rock or spoil.

An advantageous embodiment consists according to the invention in that the means for securing the follower or auxiliary appliance to the wall of the gallery are located in the forward part of the appliance.

According to a further feature of the invention radially adjustable guide clamps are provided on the working unit of the follower or auxiliary appliance in the region between the tool and the means for fixing it to the wall of the gallery. Such a design ensures not only accurate guiding of the working unit of the follower appliance, but also in addition enables changes in direction to be made.

It is possible to equip each machine independently with the necessary driving and control gear. According to a further feature of the invention a particularly advantageous embodiment consists however in that only a single driving or power supply group is present which may be connected as required either only to the main appliance or to the main and auxiliary applicances simultaneously. By this means the circumstances governing the expenditure necessary for broad flexibility of operation are rendered more favorable. The driving or power supply group can be attached to the main appliance. However it is preferable to design it as a separate unit. It can then as the case may be, be attached to the end of the entire machinery, so that when working with the main appliance alone it can be located behind it and when working with the main and auxiliary applicances it can be located behind the latter. The operating platform also can be simultaneously mounted on this group. In general the design of the power group depends upon the nature of the driving means provided for the machine. Hydraulic cylinders are preferably provided for securing the machinery to the gallery wall and for carrying out forward and rearward displacements. Electric motors or also hydraulic motors may be provided for the machinery for rotating the tools. It is also possible to use electric motors for example for the tool driving mechanism in the one appliance, say in the main appliance, and to use hydraulic motors for the other appliance. A suitable embodiment consists in the fact that the driving or power supply group contains motor-driven hydraulic pumps to supply the various user points and also the appropriate control devices such as valves and the like. There need be no traction connection between the main appliance and the auxiliary appliance. Power supply lines only lead from the group to the two appliances.

In particular the group is so laid out and provided with corresponding control devices, that during the operation of the tool of the auxiliary appliance the main appliance can be further advanced simultaneously (loosening of the jaws or tensioning shield gripping the gallery wall, advancing of the machine and renewed securing thereof to the gallery wall). Valuable time can be saved by such a simultaneous performance of different operations, which would otherwise appear as lost time. It is moreover also possible to carry out bor ing operations with both applicances simultaneously.

The drawing depicts an embodiment of the machinery according to the invention by way of example in partial sectional elevation. FIG. 2 being the continuation of FIG. 1.

The machinery shown comprises a main appliance A, an auxiliary appliance B and a driving or power supply group C. The main appliance has a frame I, which can be secured with the aid of supporting feet 2, where required to the side of the gallery. The supporting feet 2 are adjusted by means of hydraulic cylinders 3. The frame 1 can be designed for example as a boxlike or cylindrical guide for the longitudinally displaceable working unit 5. At the forward end of the working unit 5, is located a holder for a boring head 11a provided with cutting rollers. The spoil from said boring head is collected by a shovel wheel 13 or the like rotating with the boring head and is discharged onto a conveyor belt 14, which carries it away.

The front and rear parts of the working unit are connected together by means of tie rods 9, Hydraulic cylinders 10 serve for forward movement, said cylinders being pivotably mounted on the one hand to the frame I of the machine and on the other hand being connected through the appropriate piston rods with the driving unit 5.

The reference numeral 8a indicates the driving motors for the boring head 11a, which drive a spindle or shaft mounted in the interior of the machine and leading to the boring head holder through a transmission gear.

The following auxiliary appliance B is provided with an annular frame 51 and a working unit 52 with a tubular sleeve member 53 and a rearwardly disposed holder ring 54 provided with bearings 55 for a boring head provided with cutting rollcrs 56. On the frame 51 are mounted for example four plates or feet 57, which can be adjusted radially with the aid of hydraulic cylinders 58 and serve for securing the appliance to the wall ofthe gallery.

Hydraulic cylinders 59 are provided for the purpose of achieving forward displacement, which are pivotally connected on the one hand to the frame 51 on the other hand with their piston rods to the working unit 52. Slots 60 of a suitable length are disposed in the sleeve member 53, which allow the passage of the plates 57 and thereby serve simultaneously to prevent twisting. The working unit 52 contains four further feet 61, which move along the side of the gallery during the boring operation and serve to guide the working unit. These feet are adjustable radially by means of hydraulic cylinders (not shown) by which means an alteration in the direction of the auxiliary appliances is also possible.

For driving the boring head 56, four hydraulic motors 62 for example are used, the torque of which is transmitted via pinion 63 to an internal spur gearwheel linked with the bearing of the boring head.

There is a free space in the interior of the auxiliary appliance B through which an operative can conveniently gain access to the main appliance A. Moreover, the free space facilitates the disposal of the spoil. This passes from the conveyor belt 14 of the main appliance A via a chute 64 onto a further conveyor belt 65 at the end of which it is discharged on to a main conveyor belt 66. The spoil coming from the boring head 56 can also be carried away by means of the conveyor belt 66 or also with the aid of transporter trucks or trackless conveyor means.

in the rear of the auxiliary appliance B, is the driving or power supply group C, which in this case takes the form of a truck travelling on rails 67. it contains hydraulic pumps with the appurtenant driving motors and other driving gear for supplying the power consuming units in the main appliance A and the auxiliary appliance 8, thus inter alia for supplying the hydraulic motors 62, and all the hydraulic cylinders of the auxiliary appliance and for supplying the hydraulic cylinders 3 and and also further cylinders of the main appliance A, serving for the setting up and the adjustment of direction of the appliance. On the group C, there is also the operating platform having operating and control devices 68, for the separate functioning of both appliances. The various power-consuming points are linked with the group C, by flexible tubes or other lines, not shown in the drawing for the sake of clarity.

Such machinery permits the driving of a tunnel, galley or the like in an particularly advantageous manner. it is also possible to operate the main appliance alone or to link it with auxiliary appliances of different dimensions and design. The tools can be interchangeable both on the main appliances and also on the auxiliary appliance, so that account can be taken of all possible requirements.

All features mentioned in the foregoing description or illustrated in the drawing are to be regarded so far as the known state of the art permits, as being an essential part of the invention either alone or also in combination, even if they are not expressly mentioned in the claims.

lclaim:

l. Tunnel and gallery driving machinery comprising at least two longitudinally spaced mutually concentric circular boring members the combined cross sections of which occupy the whole tunnel cross section, the foremost member having the smallest diameter and further members in the rear thereof being annulii of progressively greater external diameter, a separate framework being associated with each boring member, each framework being arranged to be secured by clamping means independently to the tunnel wall and to be independently axially oriented relatively thereto, boring heads being provided on each of said boring members displaceable relative to said frames, each of said heads on said further members being positioned at the end thereof in the rear of said clamping means and each frame of said further member being adapted to be located during operation in the tunnel portion bored out by the immediately preceding member.

2. Tunnel and gallery driving machinery comprising two longitudinally spaced mutually concentric circular boring members the combined cross section of which occupy the whole tunnel cross section, the first member having the smaller diameter while the second member has an annular boring surface of greater external diameter than the boring surface of said first member, a separate framework being associated with each of said boring members each framework being arranged to be secured by clamping means indepen dently to the tunnel wall and to be independently axially oriented relatively thereto, boring heads being provided on each of said boring members displaceable relatively to said frames, the head of said second member being positioned and the end thereof in the rear of said clamping means and the frame of said second member and being adapted to be located rearwardly thereof during operation in the tunnel portion bored out by said first member.

3. Tunnel and gallery driving machinery as claimed in claim 2, in which the boring head on the second boring member is interchangeable.

4. Tunnel and gallery driving machinery as claimed in claim 2, in which axially spaced clamping plates for securing the boring member to the side of the tunnel wall are disposed forward of the boring head of said second boring member.

5. Tunnel and gallery driving machinery as claimed in claim 2, in which clamping means on the second boring member includes clamping plates for sliding contact with the tunnel wall and functioning as guides as the machinery moves forwardly during a boring operation.

6. Tunnel and gallery driving machinery as claimed in claim 8, in which the clamping plates are radially adjustable.

7. Tunnel and gallery driving machinery as claimed in claim 2, which is provided with a driving and power supply unit adapted to be connected to at least either of the first and second boring members.

8. Tunnel and gallery driving machinery comprising at least two longitudinally spaced, mutually concentric circular boring members having a combined cross section for forming the cross section of the tunnel being formed,

said boring members including a foremost member having the smallest diameter and a further member in the rear thereof having an annulii of the greatest diameter; the improvement characterized by:

a separate framework associated with each of said boring members,

each of said frameworks including independent clamping means for independent engagement with a tunnel wall being formed,

said frameworks including means for independent axial orientation relative to the tunnel being bored,

said boring members including boring heads displaceabie relative to said frames, the boring heads of said further member being located rearwardly of said independent clamping means.

9. The structure as claimed in claim 8 in which the framework of said further member comprises a tubular extension projecting axially forwardly of the further member, said clamping means being mounted on said tubular extension forwardly of said boring heads thereon.

10. The structure as claimed in claim 9 in which said clamping means comprise radially extendable, clamp plates for engagement in a previously bored tunnel.

11. The structure as claimed in claim 10 in which said clamping means comprises a series of axially spaced, radially spaced units forwardly of the boring head of said further member.

Claims

1. Tunnel and gallery driving machinery comprising at least two longitudinally spaced mutually concentric circular boring members the combined cross sections of which occupy the whole tunnel cross section, the foremost member having the smallest diameter and further members in the rear thereof being annulii of progressively greater external diameter, a separate framework being associated with each boring member, each framework being arranged to be secured by clamping means independently to the tunnel wall and to be independently axially oriented relatively thereto, boring heads being provided on each of said boring members displaceable relative to said frames, each of said heads on said further members being positioned at the end thereof in the rear of said clamping means and each frame of said further member being adapted to be located during operation in the tunnel portion bored out by the immediately preceding member.

2. Tunnel and gallery driving machinery comprising two longitudinally spaced mutually concentric circular boring members the combined cross section of which occupy the whole tunnel cross section, the first member having the smaller diameter while the second member has an annular boring surface of greater external diameter than the boring surface of said first member, a separate framework being associated with each of said boring members each framework being arranged to be secured by clamping means independently to the tunnel wall and to be independently axially oriented relatively thereto, boring heads being provided on each of said boring members displaceable relatively to said frames, the head of said second member being positioned and the end thereof in the rear of said clamping means and the frame of said second member and being adapted to be located rearwardly thereof during operation in the tunnel portion bored out by said first member.

8. Tunnel and gallery driving machinery comprising at least two longitudinally spaced, mutually concentric circular boring members having a combined cross section for forming the cross section of the tunnel being formed, said boring members including a foremost member having the smallest diameter and a further member in the rear thereof having an annulii of the greatest diameter; the improvement characterized by: a separate framework associated with each of said boring members, each of said frameworks including independent clamping means for independent engagement with a tunnel wall being formed, said frameworks including means for independent axial orientation relative to the tunnel being bored, said boring members including boring heads displaceable relative to said frames, the boring heads of said further member being located rearwardly of said independent clamping means.