US3731977A - Equipment for preparing underground drifts, e.g. tunnels, channels, shafts, etc. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to equipment for producing underground drifts, by means of which a much bigger drift driving progress can be realized than up till now, under practically optional soil conditions and groundwater conditions and in addition without any previous drainage. The propulsion of the lining units requires less demand on force and at the same time a perfect waterproofing can be achieved between the individual lining units and between the cutting shield and the adjacent lining unit.

Description

United States Patent 91 11 3,731,977 Benedek et al. 1 51 May 8, 1973 [54] EQUIPMENT FOR PREPARING [56] References Cited UNDERGROUND DRIFTS, E.G. UNITED ES PATENTS TUNNELS, CHANNELS, SHAFTS, ETC.

2,425,169 8/1947 Wilson ..6l/85 [75] Inventors: Miklos Benedek; Tamas Irsai; San- 3,379,024 4 1968 Wohlrneyer dor Fekete; Sandor Ambrus; Istvan 3,650,116 3/1972 Cunningham ..61/85 Savolyi; Zoltan Both, all of Budapest, Hungary Primary Examiner-Dennis L. Taylor [73] Assignee: Banyaszati Tervezo Intezet, Bu- Attorney-Young & Thompson dapest Hungary 57 1 ABSTRACT [22] Flled: 1971 The invention relates to equipment for producing un- [21] Appl. No.: 119,227 derground drifts, by means of which a much bigger drift driving ro ress can be realized than u till now,

d ll l l d d d un er practica y optiona soi con itions an groun [52] U.S. Cl. ..299/31, 6l/42,2691;/8657, water Conditions and in addition without y previous [51] Int Cl End 9/00 drainage. The propulsion of the lining units requires [58] Fieid less demand on force and at the same time a perfect waterproofing can be achieved between the individual lining units and between the cutting shield and the adjacent lining unit.

7 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures PATENTED HAY 81875 SHEETBUFd' EQUIPMENT FOR PREPARING UNDERGROUND DRIFTS, E.G. TUNNELS, CHANNELS, SHAFTS, ETC.

The invention is equipment for preparing underground drifts, e.g., tunnels, channels, shafts, etc.,

where the process is performed by means of cutting shield provided with breaker equipment, of a row of protecting units to support the drifts already excavated, of devices to perform the jacking-operation, as well as of a conveying system to remove the muck out of the drift.

One has delt with the construction of underground lineal drifts, so of tunnels, channels, mine roadways, etc., since a very long time. Formerly these were built in drifts shaped with hand tools and protected with wooden propping (timber work). In case of engineering structures of tunnel character their cross section was formed mainly with arched lining. The so called tubing structures made of steel and reinforced concrete respectively, which are constructed by means of protecting shield, appeared at the end of the 19th century and became general in the th century. The characteristic feature of both the mining and the shield construction technology is the continuous building with small size segments, the use of jacking technology at the lineal structures started after the 2nd World War, at first with relatively shorter tubes of small diameter, then later on with bigger and longer tubes.

The jacking generally has begun from a vertical shaft or working pit, by means of a hydraulic ram system. The methods known today enable the jacking of pipes of several meter lengths and of 2 to 3 meter diameter made of reinforced concrete, plastic material or steel, up to a maximum continuous length of 40 to 60 meters. After every continuous section another intermediate jacking-station and working pit has to be arranged respectively, where the ram-system necessary for jacking the next section, will be placed. One of the numberous known equipment used for such purpose is the Westfalia-Liinen-system.

In spite of their general use, the known shield-driving and pipe-jacking methods have several drawbacks. Most important of them, as mentioned by K. Szchy in its book The Art of Tunneling, that they can operate trouble-free and with a good efficiency only in grounds which are homogeneous in the total length. If the soilcharacteristics change or the ground contains boulders, wet sand pickets etc., their operation is no more satisfactory. In such a case repeated mechanic readjusting is necessary which causes significant loss of time.

A disadvantage of the known mechanic equipment is that they by no means or only partly prop the face and cannot prevent the groundwater from seeping trough the face. The mechanic break is unsolved in case of waterlogged, granular and plastic clay soils. These disadvantages equally concern the rotor-, cutting disc-, hemispherical cutting headand bucket excavator equipment and their combinations.

Similarly disadvantageous is the construction technology itself, which is coupled with the equipment, mainly therefore, since the waterproofing is not solved satisfactorily at the place of the rams propulsioning the lining segments, and so the methods can well and efficiently applied only under favorable groundwater conditions. It is disadvantageous too that the move of the pipe-shaped protecting units which form at the same time the cross section of the tunnel cannot be performed continuously, but in periodical strukes in consequence of which the jacking itself requires very great forces.

The ram-system arranged at a distance of 40 to 60 meters, exerting great forces, naturally give very great axial load onto the pipes. As a consequence, it is often experienced that e.g., units made of steel undergo damaging deformations and the ends of the concrete blocks moulder, which still makes worse the waterproofing at the joints.

A peculiar drawback of the known processes and equipment that owing to the nature of the jacking move, they practically can be used only for producing engineering structures driven is straight line, while the shaping of tunnels curved horizontally or vertically can be performed by no means or only extremely circuituously.

The aim of the invention is to provide equipment for producing underground drifts, by means of which a much bigger drift driving progress can be realized than up till now, under practically optional soil conditions and discretional groundwater conditions, and in addition, without any previous drainage. Besides, task of the invention is too that the propulsion of the lining units should require less demand on force, and at the same time, perfect waterproofing is to be achieved between the individual lining units, and between cutting shield and near by lining unit respectively.

Basic idea of the invention is the perception that such units can be shaped of tire-like rubber-rings for waterproofing between the units, which, because of their tire-like form, can be placed under pressure, and by means of the pressure they can be forced to such deformations, with the help of which the rubber ele ments can display great tensile forces. In otherwords this means that instead of the conventional construction technology based on the jacking, we can realize another construction technology performing worming caterpillar-like movement," which is characterized by that the lining units are moved not by compressive-, but by pull forces. This ensures a practically continuous moving and also advancing along an optimal trace.

Basic difference is, compaired with the traditional shield-driving and pipe-jacking technology that the advancing takes place there periodically and in long strokes (30 to 60 cms) produced by hydraulic rams, whereas according to the method proposed by us, the advancing takes place in shorter (l to 10 cms) strokes" as a consequence of the nature of the tensile units. Though this advancing takes place locally at various places, the row of units taken as a whole, moves essentially continuously.

Equipment according to the invention, to prepare underground drifts, e.g., tunnels, channels, shafts, etc.,

which equipment possesses cutting shield provided with breaker equipment, row of protecting units for supporting the shaped drift, devices for the jacking operation, as well as a transporting system for remove the excavated material out of the drift, characterized by that the cutting shield consists of cutting edge part the elements of which are connected movable in relation to each another, shield trunk and shield tail part, in the cutting shield there is a waterproof bucket-ladder breaker equipment moved by propulsion and turn, the cutting shield as locomotive" together with the row or protecting units coupled behind it as row of cars," and with the elastic tensile elements inserted between the members of the row of protecting units is composed as train" suitable for gradually advancing move.

As to the mechanical equipment its main advantage is that the cutting shield assembled specially and the breaker equipment units all favorable properties of the mechanic shield known up till now and of the shield types of closed face respectively. Most decisive of them is that it can be applied in whatever type of ground without any technological alteration, requires neither previous drainage nor internal overpressure, the face is propped up by the cutting crown and it provides security against slackening or breaking in of the roof.

Particularly advantageous is, compared with the known equipment that an accurate rock section can be broken, it is not necessary to apply dividing platforms and face closing elements even in case of large sections, it is easy to ensure the direction control while advancing and the precise adjusting to a discretional trace respectively. Regarding the operation, it is remarkable that weight, costs and energy demand of the equipment is much less than those of the solutions known up till now, and at the same time, the handling of the equipment is essentially more simple too.

The enumerated advantages are insured by the circumstance that the cutting shield of the equipment is such a rigid steel construction consisting of three partsthe cutting edge part, shield trunk and shield tail part the members of which can be move in axial direction as compared to each another, however, perfect water-proofing is insured between the members, while propulsioning the cutting shield by one only bigger stroke, it is supported by the row of protecting units being behind it, and conversely, while moving forward the row of protecting units by smaler strokes, the cutting shield ensures the hold in the drift. This latter can take place by means of leaning elements extending from the shield trunk, by means of which the cutting shield is able to fix itself in whatever ground.

The good efficiency of the equipment is enabled by the special breaker equipment, a dredger, the bucketladder of which turns around the theoretical longitudinal axis of the shiled and at the same time it can be pushed forward. The dredging by buckets is suitable for the break of all kinds of soils which practically can be met with, from the quick-sand, silt, through the waterlogged gravel, clay-sorts of different water-content and properties, detrital filling, up to the marl still hackable without blast. The progress can be unsured nearly without any alteration even in soilsorts changing most capriciously. The buckets-ladder dredger are fitted onto links or closed chain trackt carpet. So the cutting shield props up the face while hacking at the same time the closed break equipment, being sealed compared to the shield, can prevent the groundwater from flowing in, by means of the closed chain track carpet.

The invention is described in details hereunder with reference to an embodiment by way of example. On the enclosed drawing:

FIG. 1 indicates the diagrammatic layout of the equipment,

FIG. 2 shows the schematic longitudinal profile of the equipment according to the invention,

FIG. 3 is the front view on the line IIIIII in FIG. 2,

FIG. 4 is a cross-section along the plane IV-IV in FIG. 2,

FIG. 5 is the schematic cross-section of the tensile element and the protecting-waterproofing element, and FIGS. 6A and 6B are enlarged fragments of FIG. 2.

Main structural members of equipment according to the invention to prepare underground drifts are: A cutting shield B breaker equipment, C row protecting units, D tensile elements and E protecting-waterproofing elements. Part of A cutting shield are: A, cutting edge part, A, shield trunk and A shield tail part, members of B breaker equipment are: B, mining drum, B actuating system and B transporting equipment.

Within A, cutting edge part the most important structural details: 1 cutting crown, 2 carrier ring, 3 actuating cylinders for pushing forward A, cutting edge part, 4 actuating cylinders for moving B, mining drum, as well as B breaker equipment itself, which is mostly placed in the interior of A, cutting edge part. Both the 3, 4 actuating cylinders and the B breaker equipment partly extend into the A shield trunk. Incidentally, the A shield trunk is provided with 6 leaning elements serving for propping up, and 7 actuating cylinders for wedging these in radial direction, respectively, 5 actuating cylinders to ensure the pushing forward of the whole A shield trunk, being placed however mostly in A shield tail part.

The 8 end plate is placed on the side of B, mining drum of B breaker equipment which is facing towards the drift-face. The 8 end plate is a component part of 9 closed box including the b breaker equipment. The actuating part of B breaker equipment is the endless chain assembled of 10 closed links and 11 open links respectively, on which the 12 dredging buckets are fitted to prop up the face. This endless chain is threaded over 13 angle sheave and 14 roller, guided in 15 way and its rotation is insured by 16 actuating reeler.

A indicated on FIG. 3, the 17 tangential knife discs are situated along 8 end plate, as well as 18 radial knife discs embedded radially novable, which, in addition to 12 dredging buckets, also serve for attacking the face. The 19 gear rim is placed on the internal side of 2 carrier ring to ensure the spatial stiffness of A, cutting edge part, which the toothed wheels of the drive fixed into B, mining drum clutch at. Similary, the 20 pressure distribu ting ring in the rear part of A, cutting edge part the 2] pressure distributing ring in A shield trunk and the 22 pressure distributing ring between A shield trunk and A shield tail part, as well as 23 pressure distributing ring in the rear part of A shield tail part, serve for spatial stiffening of the A cutting shield too, but at the same time they also serve for taking, dividing unformly and transmitting respectively the forces exerted by the jacking-systems possessing 3,4 and 5 actuating cylinders.

By the method indicated on FIG. 3., a 24 opening is formed on the 8 end plate of B breaker equipment, through which the break can be performed on the face by 12 dredging bucket provided with 25 cutting edge. In the course of the hacking operation the B, mining drum has to be able to turn around its 26 theoretical longitudinal axis (which otherwise coincides in this case with the theoretical axis of the whole A cutting shield), to which the possibility is given by 27 ball rim embedding the B, mining drum in the A, cutting edge part, and the sliding bed necessary for pushing forward B, mining drum is provided by 28 slipper. The turning of the mining drum B, will be suspended during each dredging phase, then, when the sum of the gradual turns amounts to nearly 180, the mining drum B, will be propulsioned and the sense of the gradual turns will be changed. The muck hacked by B, mining drum is discharged by 12 dredging buckets onto the 29 drag conveyor forming a part of B transporting equipment. The B, mining drum, as can be seen on FIG. 2 (marked with dotted line), can be extended before the face of 1 cutting crown by means of axial moving on 28 slipper. B, mining drum can work in such a position if the A cutting shield advances in stable ground. It is to be remarked that in such a case possibility is given too that the endless chain rotating the 12 dredging buckets should consist 11 open links only. When advancing in running or loose soil layer, B, mining drum can be drawn back behind the face-plane of 1 cutting crown, and in such a case the part of the 1 cutting crown that falls into the lengtheing of 30 skin of A, cutting edge part umbrella-like the 8 end plate B, mining drum, and the 12 dredging buckets appearing periodically in the 24 opening respectively, against breaking in of the loose ground. Naturally, in case of such soils, the endless chain rotating the 12 dredging buckets must prevailingly consists of 10 closed links as a closed chain track carpet, only one or two 10 closed links before the 12 dredging buckets are substituted by U open links. In this case either the gradual turn of the mining drum B or the gradual turn of the mining drum B, and the operation of the dredging buckets 12 will be simultaneously suspended, and in this latter case the material to be mined can only flow from the face into the interior of the mining drum. We insure waterproofing between the inner skin-surface 30 of the cutting edge part A, and the mining drum B, and the moisture seeping on through the end plate 8 of the mining drum B,which can be closed in a variable degree will be removed from the mining drum B, through the normal discharging place of the stripped muck. Between A, shield trunk and shield tail part, as well as between A, cutting edge part and A, shield trunk part are placed the 31 elastic waterproof connections, which insure that the internal place within the A cutting shield should be dry practically, even if the work is performed under the water-table. The same waterproofing function is ensured between the members of the row of protecting units by the D tensile elements and the E protecting-waterproofing elements respectively. The D tensile elements are tires, which can be pumped up with gaseous material or may be filled up by liquid material, and which are joined with the two neughboring protecting units by 32 peripheric flanges, and are provided with connecting stubs insuring filling up and discharging respectively.

By means of process according to the invention and with the use of equipment outlined above, the preparation of underground drifts takes place as follows.

First of all some kind of starting room, e.g., shaft is to be prepared, starting of which, protecting units suitably of ring or other cross-section are to be addedto, always from behind, considering the progress direction along the trace. Inthe course of this the train, consisting of A cutting shield, as well as of some protecting units joining to it, is propulsioned, being supported in the starting shafts first. This part of the operation is similar to the traditional shield-jacking construction technology. However these initial steps are necessitated only until the friction force between the advanced A cutting shield and members of the row'of C protecting units already mounted behind it and the surface of the rock section is great enough to insure the locomotivity of the train. From that moment on that the train became locomotive in this manner, on one hand the supporting in the starting shaft will be unnecessary, on the other hand the C row of protecting units already placed advances by pulling, due to the power effects transmitted by the D tensile elements.

Though the A cutting shield will be propulsioned by jacking after reaching the locomotivity, however so that the necessary supporting force comes into being by skin friction of the protecting units of n number already placed. The movement is then continuous, and is made up actually of two cycles, namely the moving forward of A cutting shield by pushing force, further the moving period of C row of protecting units by pulling force. Within this we have to mention that the movements of A, cutting edge part, A shield trunk and A shield tail part of A cutting shield do not take place simultaneously and in one phase. Namely, in the first phase the A, cutting edge part of A cutting shield is pushed forward onto the A shield trunk by one only H stroke by means of the 3 actuating cylinders propped up by the A shield tail part, as well as by the C row of protecting units already built in. The H stroke is of dm-order, in extreme case it can be even about I m. After finishing the advancing of A, cutting edge part, the elements increasing the friction of A, shield trunk in case of the referred embodiment of an example the 6 leaning elements are drown in, hereby rendering possible that the A, cutting edge part could be easily followed by the A shield trunk. The power necessary to perform this movement is supplied by the ram-system consisting of 5 actuating cylinders placed in the A shield tail part, which pushes forward in this manner the A shield trunk supported by the A shield tail part, as well as by.

8-10 cm). This moving in parts takes place by means of control automation known for itself. Regarding its character, this gradual propulsion in small steps is similar to stringing of beads, while the common movement of A cutting shield and C row of protecting units can be actually considered as worming caterpillar-like movement in that way that alternatively either one part of it is stationary while the other one moves or the other way round. The move rate of A cutting shield and C row protecting units is determined by the I-I/h ratio.

Trains of optional length could be theoretically composed by this method, this is, in other words, by means of one only starting shaft an underground drift of discretional length and trace could be prepared. Practically the uninterrupted length is limited by the circumstance that both the energy demand necessary for the moving and the transportation length of the muck increase proportionally with the length of C row of protecting units. In addition, the increasing length of the drift already prepared causes special worry regarding ventilation too.

Because of the above considerations it is expedient to interrupt the movement of the train by arranging further starting shafts at a spacing of some hindred meters. This is performed so that after having the A cutting shield passed the intermediate shaft, the detachment of the C row of protecting units will be carried out only when the A cutting shield has already advanced to a distance from the intermediate shaft that the skin friction between A cutting shield and shaft, necessary for self-propelling the train, is at disposal again along the C row of protecting units being on this section. This method is especially expedient, since in such a case the intermediate shafts are not to be provided with supporting structure, for the members of C row of protecting units have not to be propulsioned by jacking not even upto the self-propelling is achieved. Naturally, after the separation taken place at the intermediate shaft, the section of row of protecting units being before the intermediate shaft ceases to move the drift already prepared. So the actuating energy can be used more economically. Similary saving move energy is aimed at by the measure that after having placed n pieces of protecting units sufficient to insure the selfpropelling of the train, i.e., to support A cutting shield, thixotrope fluid is brought in between the external surface of the further members of C row of protecting units and the surface of the rock section, with the use of which the skin friction can be decreased. So, the haulage of this steadily increasing section of the train will be possible with less energy too.

One of the main guarantees of the success of process is the suitable forming and operation of D tensile elements placed in between the members of C row of protecting units. According to the examinations, it is expedient to use rubber or synthetic material tire for this purpose, the end of which are fixed expediently to the members of C row of protecting units by fittings of steel structure. In the case of the embodiment of the example, the D tensile elements are operated by compressed air. When pumping up, the tensile elements being originally of flat cross section in axial direction, endeavor to take oviform cross section, as a consequence of pumping, while they pull the following protecting unit to the unit before them, in particular always with a distance of a stroke ofh size. The value of pulling force that can be produced by D tensile elements depends on the pressure of the filling medium and naturally, on the geometrical data of the D tensile element itself. According to examinations, to Mp/running meter force measured along the circumference of the row of protecting units, can be considered as optimum to haul the row of units. It is to be remarked that the D tensile elements insure a waterproofness between the neighboring members of the protecting units.

The D tensile elements are supplied with E waterproofing elements too, which provide that no groundwater and soil grains can get in between the D tensile elements and the fittings fixing them to the protecting units. The E protecting-waterproofing elements are elastic rings of bell-shaped cross section, as can be seen on FIG. 5., made of rubber or synthetic material, which can follow the deformation of the D tensile elements. At the same time, the D tensile elements and E protecting-waterproofing elements are also suitable, that the distance between the end faces of the members of C row of protecting units and the relative position of the neighboring members of the protecting units compared with each another respectively, could be changed, and so, in case of advancing in curve the protecting unitmembers can adjust themselves along the chordpolygon, osculating to the curved trace.

We should like to mention that though the 8 end plate of the breaker equipment placed in the A, cutting edge part is closed, and the 24 opening being on it, necessary for breaking, is covered by the chain track carpet consisting of 10 closed links, and is sealed even in case of work to be performed under the groundwater-table, however, certain seepage can occur between its parts joining to each another. The upper opening, necessary for introducing the 25 cutting edge of 12 dredging bucket, can be covered by the 25 cutting edge itself, and the bottom opening can be covered by an eventual 33 spring cover plate. Only a minimum seepage can occur between them too. Otherwise it is necessary to close the 24 opening of 8 end plate by means of 12 dredging bucket only, if the ground is inclined to flow even without artificial breaking, from the face into B mining drum. This occurs in case of uncoherent, quick subsoils. Otherwise the water percolating into the B breaker equipment can leave the B mining drum only concentrated, at the normal discharging place of the 12 dredging bucket, and it can be pumped off from here in case of necessity.

The process and equipment according to the invention, apart from constructing underground channels and tunnels respectively, is theoretically suitable to sink whatever kind of inclined shafts, in extreme case even vertical ones, and compared with the methods known up till now, it is quicker, more economic and of greater efficiency.

We claim:

1. In underground mining machinery comprising a cutting shield encompassing power-driven digging members, a series of protecting units for supporting the earth to the rear of the digging members and conveyor means for conveying earth rearwardly from the digging members within said supporting units; the improvement in which the cutting shield comprises a cutting edge, a shield trunk, and a shield tail, fluid pressure cylinder and piston assemblies interconnecting said cutting edge and shield trunk for longitudinal movement relative to each other, fluid pressure cylinder and piston assemblies interconnecting said shield trunk and shield tail for longitudinal movement relative to each other, said digging members comprising a plurality of buckets on an endless circulating member, power means for circulating said endless member, said sup porting units being in the form of a longitudinally extending series, elastic tensile means interconnecting the members of said series, and elastic waterproof means interconnecting the members of said series in fluidtight relationship.

2. Mining machinery as claimed in claim 1, said shield trunk comprising relatively movable elements in a peripheral series about said shield trunk, and means for moving the members of said peripheral series radially outwardly.

3. Mining machinery as claimed in claim 1, said digging members being disposed in a box which is closed by a plate in the direction of movement of the mining machinery, said plate having an opening through which said digging members protrude, and means sealing between said endless circulating member and said plate.

4. Mining machinery as claimed in claim 1, and means to advance and rotate said endless circulating member relative to said cutting shield.

5. Mining machinery as claimed in claim 4, and cutting discs whose axes are disposed radially of the longitudinal axis of the mining machinery, and means to advance said discs and to rotate said discs about said

Claims (6)

1. In underground mining machinery comprising a cutting shield encompassing power-driven digging members, a series of protecting units for supporting the earth to the rear of the digging members and conveyor means for conveying earth rearwardly from the digging members within said supporting units; the improvement in which the cutting shield comprises a cutting edge, a shield trunk, and a shield tail, fluid pressure cylinder and piston assemblies interconnecting said cutting edge and shield trunk for longitudinal movement relative to each other, fluid pressure cylinder and piston assemblies interconnecting said shield trunk and shield tail for longitudinal movement relative to each other, said digging members comprising a plurality of buckets on an endless circulating member, power means for circulating said endless member, said supporting units being in the form of a longitudinally extending series, elastic tensile means interconnecting the members of said series, and elastic waterproof means interconnecting the members of said series in fluidtight relationship.

2. Mining machinery as claimed in claim 1, said shield trunk comprising relatively movable elements in a peripheral series about said shield trunk, and means for moving the members of said peripheral series radially outwardly.

3. Mining machinery as claimed in claim 1, said digging members being disposed in a box which is closed by a plate in the direction of movement of the mining machinery, said plate having an opening through which said digging members protrude, and means sealing between said endless circulating member and said plate.

4. Mining machinery as claimed in claim 1, and means to advance and rotate said endless circulating member relative to said cutting shield.

5. Mining machinery as claimed in claim 4, and cutting discs whose axes are disposed radially of the longitudinal axis of the mining machinery, and means to advance said discs and to rotate said discs about said axis.

6. Mining machinery as claimed in claim 1, said elastic tensile means comprising inflatable members peripherally interconnected between said protecting units, and means for inflating said inflatable members. 7 Mining machinery as claimed in claim 1, said elastic waterproof means comprising annular strips interconnected along their edges to adjacent said protecting units.

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