JP7684895B2 - Tunnel Boring Machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a tunnel boring machine equipped with a soil sampling device that samples excavated soil taken into a chamber from a cutter head.

A typical tunnel boring machine excavates a tunnel by rotating the cutter head and using multiple cutter bits attached to the front of the cutter head to excavate the ground ahead and form the tunnel face. The excavated soil generated by excavating the ground (cutting the face) passes through a soil passage, which is an opening formed in the cutter head, and is taken into a chamber on the back side of the cutter head. The excavated soil in the chamber is then transported and discharged backward in the tunnel extension direction by a soil discharge device such as a screw conveyor installed in the tunnel boring machine.

If the tunnel boring machine is an earth pressure type shield boring machine, the front surface of the cutter head is mainly composed of multiple cutter spokes extending radially from the center, and most of the front surface of the cutter head is an open cross section. In this case, the gaps between adjacent cutter spokes in the circumferential direction become soil passages, and the excavated soil is taken into the chamber from these gaps (soil passages).

On the other hand, when the tunnel boring machine is a slurry shield machine, the ground (face) is held down by the slurry pressure, but a cutter face plate is generally used to prevent the ground (face) from collapsing, so the front of the cutter head is composed of multiple cutter spokes and a cutter face plate that closes the gaps between adjacent cutter spokes in the circumferential direction. In this case, the gaps between the cutter spokes and the cutter face plate, the gaps between adjacent cutter face plates, or multiple slits formed as through-holes in the cutter face plate become soil passages, and the excavated soil is taken into the chamber through soil passages such as the slits.

In recent years, minimizing the impact on the ground has become more important than ever in shield construction using tunnel boring machines. To address this, there is a demand for technology to check whether the properties of the excavated soil taken into the chamber from the cutter head are appropriate. For this reason, a soil sampling device is used to collect (sample) the excavated soil in the chamber from the inside of the excavator body (rearward of the bulkhead). For example, Patent Document 1 describes a method in which a soil sampling device equipped with a soil extraction screw blade is attached to the bulkhead, and the excavated soil in the chamber is sampled by rotating the screw blade.

JP 2004-68250 A

However, the conventional soil sampling device described in Patent Document 1 uses a rotating screw blade to take in the excavated soil from the chamber into the inside of the device, which causes the properties of the excavated soil to change due to stirring, making it difficult to accurately grasp the properties of the excavated soil. In addition, the conventional soil sampling device uses an opening in the partition wall as the excavated soil intake port, so it is only possible to collect excavated soil near the partition wall in the chamber, and is unable to collect excavated soil from a position away from the partition wall.

In view of these problems, the present invention aims to provide a tunnel boring machine that can sample excavated soil at a position away from the partition wall within the chamber without changing the properties of the excavated soil.

In order to solve the above problems, the tunnel boring machine of the present invention comprises a cylindrical boring machine body, a cutter head rotatably mounted on the front end of the boring machine body, a partition wall arranged axially rearward of the cutter head and spaced apart from the cutter head in the axial direction of the boring machine body, a chamber which is a space partitioned between the cutter head and the partition wall, and a fixed wing protruding from a front face of the partition wall into the chamber, and the partition wall is provided with a soil sampling device, the soil sampling device having a first flow path having a first opening at the tip of the fixed wing, a second flow path branching from the first flow path and having a second opening axially rearward of the partition wall, a plug member slidably mounted within the first flow path, a moving mechanism for sliding the plug member within the first flow path so that at least the front end of the plug member straddles the branch position between the first flow path and the second flow path, a first opening/closing valve provided in the first flow path on the first opening side relative to the branch position and capable of opening and closing the first flow path, and a sampling box attached to the second opening .

The soil sampling device may further include a second on-off valve capable of opening and closing the second opening.

When the sampling box is attached to the second opening, it is airtight from the outside, and the sampling box may be provided with a first air vent valve.

The soil sampling device may further include a cleaning port, which is an opening in the first flow path that is connected to the branch position side of the first opening/closing valve and the second flow path when the first opening/closing valve is closed, and a third opening/closing valve capable of opening and closing the cleaning port, or a check valve provided in the cleaning port.

The cleaning port may be positioned on an extension of the second flow path.

The soil sampling device may further include a second air vent valve that communicates with the second flow path and with the branch position side of the first flow path relative to the first on-off valve when the first on-off valve is closed.

The rear end of the plug member may be located on the opposite side of the first opening with respect to the branching position of the first flow path, regardless of the position of the front end of the plug member.

The soil sampling device may further include a density meter provided on the branching position side of the first flow path relative to the first on-off valve, or on the second flow path.

The moving mechanism may include a hydraulic jack connected to the plug member.

The tip of the stator blade may be positioned at a location within the chamber that corresponds to the sampling location.

According to the present invention, it is possible to sample excavated soil at a position away from the partition within the chamber without causing any change in the properties of the excavated soil.

1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of a tunnel boring machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a soil sampling device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state during sampling of a soil sampling device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a first state after sampling of an embodiment of the soil sampling device of the present invention is completed. FIG. A schematic cross-sectional view showing a second state after sampling is completed of the soil sampling device of the embodiment of the present invention. An enlarged view showing the vicinity of the first opening/closing valve of the soil sampling device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. The dimensions, materials, and other specific values shown in the embodiment are merely examples to facilitate understanding of the invention, and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. In this specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same functions and configurations are given the same reference numerals to avoid duplicated explanations, and elements not directly related to the present invention are not illustrated.

<Tunnel boring machine configuration>
The configuration of a tunnel boring machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of a tunnel boring machine 1. Note that arrow F in Figure 1 indicates the forward direction of the tunnel boring machine 1 (i.e., the direction of travel), and arrow B indicates the rearward direction of the tunnel boring machine 1. Arrow F in Figure 1 points toward the tunnel face, and arrow B points toward the tunnel mouth.

The tunnel boring machine 1 is an earth pressure type (including mud pressure type) shield boring machine capable of excavating the ground. As shown in FIG. 1, the tunnel boring machine 1 includes an excavator body 10. The excavator body 10 is tubular (e.g., cylindrical or rectangular tubular). The axial direction of the excavator body 10 coincides with the front-rear direction of the tunnel boring machine 1.

In the following, the axial direction of the tunnel boring machine 1 (i.e., the axial direction of the boring machine body 10) is also simply referred to as the axial direction, the radial direction of the tunnel boring machine 1 (i.e., the radial direction of the boring machine body 10) is also simply referred to as the radial direction, and the circumferential direction of the tunnel boring machine 1 (i.e., the circumferential direction of the boring machine body 10) is also simply referred to as the circumferential direction.

A cutter head 11 is provided at the front end of the excavator body 10. The cutter head 11 is a roughly disk-shaped rotating body. The front end of the cutter shaft 12 is fitted into the center of the cutter head 11, and the cutter head 11 is supported so as to be rotatable around the cutter shaft 12.

The cutter head 11 has an outer ring 11a, an inner ring 11b, cutter spokes 11c, a fishtail cutter 11d, and a cutter bit 11e. Of these, the outer ring 11a forms the outer periphery of the cutter head 11, and the inner ring 11b is arranged radially inward from the outer ring 11a. In addition, a number of cutter spokes 11c are arranged radially on the front surface of the cutter head 11, centered on the cutter rotation shaft 12. A fishtail cutter 11d is attached to the center of the front surface of the cutter head 11. Furthermore, a number of cutter bits 11e are attached to the front surface of the cutter spokes 11c. Note that the fishtail cutter 11d and the cutter bit 11e may or may not be detachable.

The cutter head 11 has a number of openings between the outer ring 11a, the inner ring 11b, and the cutter spokes 11c. These openings function as excavated soil intake ports for taking in the excavated soil generated when the cutter head 11 excavates the ground (face) into the excavator body 10 (into the chamber 17 described below).

A partition wall 13 is disposed behind the cutter head 11 in the excavator body 10. The partition wall 13 is a plate-shaped (e.g., disk-shaped) wall disposed perpendicular to the axial direction (tunnel extension direction), and the outer periphery of the partition wall 13 is attached to the inner periphery surface 10a of the excavator body 10. The cutter head 11 and the partition wall 13 are disposed at a predetermined distance in the axial direction (tunnel extension direction). Various equipment of the tunnel excavator 1 is disposed behind the partition wall 13, and the partition wall 13 isolates the equipment from the excavated soil generated at the face. A discharge port V, which is an opening for discharging the excavated soil, is formed at the bottom of the partition wall 13.

The cutter shaft 12 is rotatably supported at the center of the partition wall 13. Furthermore, the partition wall 13 supports an annular rotating ring 14 rotatably around the cutter shaft 12. A plurality of connecting beams 15 are provided at a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction at the front of the rotating ring 14. The plurality of connecting beams 15 connect the cutter head 11 and the rotating ring 14. The front end of the connecting beam 15 is connected to the connection part between the inner ring 11b of the cutter head 11 and the cutter spokes 11c. Meanwhile, a ring gear 14a is provided at the rear of the rotating ring 14. The ring gear 14a may be of an external tooth type or an internal tooth type. Furthermore, a cutter rotation motor 16 is provided at the rear of the partition wall 13. The drive gear 16a of this cutter rotation motor 16 meshes with the ring gear 14a of the rotating ring 14.

By driving the cutter rotation motor 16, the rotation of the drive gear 16a is transmitted from the ring gear 14a to the rotating ring 14 and the connecting beam 15. This allows the cutter head 11 to rotate around the cutter rotation shaft 12. As a result, the front of the rotating cutter head 11 can be pressed against the ground (face) using the shield jack 19 described below, allowing the ground to be excavated.

A chamber 17 is defined between the cutter head 11 and the partition wall 13. The chamber 17 is a space (e.g., a substantially cylindrical space) defined by the rear surface of the cutter head 11, the front surface of the partition wall 13, and the inner peripheral surface 10a of the excavator body 10. Excavated soil generated when the cutter head 11 excavates the ground is taken into the chamber 17 through the opening (excavated soil intake port) formed through the cutter head 11. The chamber 17 functions as a space (room) for temporarily storing the excavated soil. The excavated soil taken into the chamber 17 is discharged from the chamber 17 into the screw conveyor 18 through the discharge port V at the bottom of the partition wall 13.

The screw conveyor 18 is provided on the rear side of the partition wall 13 in the excavator body 10. The screw conveyor 18 is arranged in the excavator body 10 so as to incline upward as it approaches the rear side. The opening at the front end of the screw conveyor 18 is connected to the discharge port V of the partition wall 13. As a result, the internal space of the screw conveyor 18 communicates with the chamber 17 through the discharge port V of the partition wall 13. The screw conveyor 18 is provided with a screw blade 18a, which is a screw-shaped rotating body with a helical blade. By rotating the screw blade 18a, the excavated soil stored in the chamber 17 can be taken into the screw conveyor 18, transported toward the rear of the excavator body 10, and discharged.

An erector device (not shown) is provided behind the bulkhead 13 of the excavator body 10. The erector device is provided so as to be movable in the axial, radial and circumferential directions (i.e., the tunnel extension direction, the tunnel radial direction and the tunnel circumferential direction) of the excavator body 10. The erector device can grasp the segments S, which are lining members, and assembles the grasped segments S along the inner wall surface (pit wall) of the tunnel T.

The segment S is a ring piece having a curved shape that conforms to the inner wall surface of the excavated tunnel T. By driving the erector device, multiple segments S can be assembled into a ring shape along the circumferential direction. This allows the inner wall surface of the tunnel T to be lined with multiple segments S, preventing the inner wall surface from collapsing.

Furthermore, a plurality of shield jacks 19 are provided in the excavator body 10 at intervals from each other in the circumferential direction. Each shield jack 19 is provided so as to extend in the axial direction of the excavator body 10 along the inner peripheral surface 10a of the excavator body 10. The shield jack 19 is, for example, a hydraulic jack, but may be another type of jack, actuator, etc., as long as it can generate the thrust of the tunnel boring machine 1. A stretchable driving rod 19a is provided at the rear end of the shield jack 19. The tip of the driving rod 19a faces the front end face of the existing segment S. By extending the driving rod 19a of the shield jack 19 rearward and pressing the existing segment S, a thrust reaction force (i.e., thrust) can be applied to the excavator body 10. In other words, the excavator body 10 can move forward by the thrust generated when the shield jack 19 presses the existing segment S.

Here, as shown in FIG. 1, an agitator blade 11f is provided on the rear surface of the cutter head 11. The agitator blade 11f protrudes from the rear surface of the cutter head 11 into the chamber 17. In the example of FIG. 1, two agitator blades 11f are arranged at a distance from each other in the radial direction. However, the number and the positions of the agitator blades 11f are not limited to the example of FIG. 1. In addition, a fixed blade 13a is provided on the front surface of the partition wall 13. The fixed blade 13a protrudes from the front surface of the partition wall 13 into the chamber 17. The fixed blade 13a is arranged so as not to interfere with the agitator blade 11f. In the example of FIG. 1, two fixed blades 13a are arranged at a distance from each other in the radial direction. However, the number and the positions of the fixed blades 13a are not limited to the example of FIG. 1.

As described above, in the tunnel boring machine 1, excavated soil generated during excavation of the ground is taken into the chamber 17 from the cutter head 11. When the cutter head 11 rotates, the mixing blade 11f rotates together with the cutter head 11. Meanwhile, the fixed blade 13a is fixed to the partition wall 13. Therefore, the excavated soil taken into the chamber 17 is mixed in the chamber 17 by the mixing blade 11f and the fixed blade 13a. In the tunnel boring machine 1, a soil sampling device 100 (see FIG. 2) is provided on the partition wall 13 to collect (sample) the excavated soil in the chamber 17 in order to check whether the properties of the excavated soil taken into the chamber 17 from the cutter head 11 are appropriate.

The configuration of the sediment sampling device 100 will be described below with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the sediment sampling device 100. Specifically, FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of the bulkhead 13 where the fixed wing 13a is provided. The sediment sampling device 100 may be provided for any of the multiple fixed wing 13a installed on the bulkhead 13. The sediment sampling device 100 may be provided for only one fixed wing 13a, or may be provided for each of the multiple fixed wing 13a. However, in order to sample excavated sediment from a desired sampling position in the chamber 17, it is preferable to provide the sediment sampling device 100 for the fixed wing 13a that is installed at a radial position and a circumferential position of the bulkhead 13 corresponding to the desired sampling position and has a corresponding length.

As shown in FIG. 2, the sediment sampling device 100 includes a fixed wing 13a, a flow path forming member 13b, a flow path formed within the fixed wing 13a and the flow path forming member 13b, and components associated with the flow paths. The sediment sampling device 100 includes a first flow path 21, a second flow path 22, and a third flow path 23 as the flow paths, and includes a plug member 31, a moving mechanism 32, a first opening/closing valve 41, a second opening/closing valve 42, a third opening/closing valve 43, a sampling box 51, a first air bleed valve 61, a second air bleed valve 62, and a density meter 71 as the components.

The fixed wing 13a has a cylindrical shape and extends in the axial direction of the excavator body 10. The internal space of the fixed wing 13a corresponds to a part of the first flow passage 21 described later. The tip (front end) of the fixed wing 13a is located forward of the bulkhead 13. The rear end of the fixed wing 13a is located rearward of the bulkhead 13 and is connected to the flow passage forming member 13b via the first opening/closing valve 41 described later. The flow passage forming member 13b is a hollow member for forming flow passages such as the first flow passage 21 described later. The fixed wing 13a and the flow passage forming member 13b may be integrally formed from the same member, or may be separately formed from different members.

The first flow passage 21 has a first opening 21a at the tip of the fixed wing 13a. In the example of FIG. 2, the first flow passage 21 extends in the axial direction of the tunnel boring machine 1. The first flow passage 21 extends from the tip of the fixed wing 13a to the rear of the bulkhead 13. The front side of the first flow passage 21 is formed inside the fixed wing 13a, and the rear side of the first flow passage 21 is formed inside the flow passage forming member 13b. However, the first flow passage 21 may be inclined or curved with respect to the axial direction of the tunnel boring machine 1. The shape of the flow passage cross section of the first flow passage 21 is, for example, circular. However, the shape of the flow passage cross section of the first flow passage 21 may be a shape other than circular.

The second flow path 22 branches off from the first flow path 21. In the example of FIG. 2, the second flow path 22 branches off from the first flow path 21 at a branching position P1 axially rearward of the partition wall 13, extends downward, and then curves and extends rearward. The second flow path 22 is formed inside the flow path forming member 13b. However, the path of the second flow path 22 is not particularly limited, and for example, the second flow path 22 does not have to be curved after extending downward from the branching position P1, and may extend in a direction other than downward from the branching position P1. A second opening 22a is provided at the end of the second flow path 22 opposite the branching position P1 side. In this way, the second flow path 22 has the second opening 22a axially rearward of the partition wall 13. The shape of the flow path cross section of the second flow path 22 is, for example, circular. However, the shape of the flow path cross section of the second flow path 22 may be a shape other than circular.

A plug member 31 is slidably provided in the first flow path 21. The outer peripheral surface of the plug member 31 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the first flow path 21 all around. When the cross-sectional shape of the first flow path 21 is circular, the plug member 31 is, for example, cylindrical or disk-shaped. However, the shape of the plug member 31 can be changed appropriately according to the cross-sectional shape of the first flow path 21. In the example of FIG. 2, the plug member 31 is slidable in the axial direction of the tunnel boring machine 1. The state of FIG. 2 is a standby state in which sampling of excavated soil can be performed, as described later, and in this state, the plug member 31 is located near the first opening 21a of the first flow path 21.

The movement of the plug member 31 is realized by the moving mechanism 32. The moving mechanism 32 slides the plug member 31 in the first flow path 21 across the branch position P1 between the first flow path 21 and the second flow path 22. In the example of FIG. 2, the plug member 31 is movable between the front end and the rear end of the first flow path 21. Also, in the example of FIG. 2, the moving mechanism 32 is a hydraulic jack connected to the plug member 31. The moving mechanism 32 includes an extendable driving rod 32a. The driving rod 32a is inserted into the first flow path 21 from an opening formed in the flow path forming member 13b near the rear end of the first flow path 21, and extends along the axial direction of the first flow path 21. The plug member 31 is attached to the tip (front end) of the driving rod 32a, and the driving rod 32a extends and contracts, causing the plug member 31 to slide axially in the first flow path 21. However, the movement mechanism 32 may be any mechanism capable of moving the plug member 31, and may be a mechanism other than a hydraulic jack.

In the soil sampling device 100, the excavated soil is sampled by moving the plug member 31. Details of the operation when sampling the excavated soil will be described later.

A first on-off valve 41 is provided on the first opening 21a side of the first flow path 21 with respect to the branch position P1. The first on-off valve 41 is arranged axially rearward of the partition wall 13. The first on-off valve 41 is, for example, a knife gate valve. The first on-off valve 41 can open and close the first flow path 21. When the first flow path 21 is opened by the first on-off valve 41, the first opening 21a side of the first flow path 21 and the branch position P1 side of the first on-off valve 41 are in communication with each other. This state is also called the open state of the first on-off valve 41. On the other hand, when the first flow path 21 is closed by the first on-off valve 41, the first opening 21a side of the first flow path 21 and the branch position P1 side of the first on-off valve 41 are in communication with each other and are blocked. This state is also called the closed state of the first on-off valve 41.

2, the first on-off valve 41 includes a valve body 41a. The valve body 41a can move in the radial direction of the first flow path 21. As shown in FIG. 2, the state in which the valve body 41a does not block the first flow path 21 corresponds to the open state of the first on-off valve 41. The state in which the valve body 41a moves from the state in FIG. 2 to block the first flow path 21 (for example, the state in FIG. 4 described later) corresponds to the closed state of the first on-off valve 41. However, the first on-off valve 41 is not limited to the above example as long as it can open and close the first flow path 21. For example, the valve body 41a of the first on-off valve 41 may be rotated to open and close the first flow path 21.

In the example of FIG. 2, the first on-off valve 41 is disposed between the fixed vane 13a and the flow path forming member 13b. However, the positional relationship between the first on-off valve 41, the fixed vane 13a, and the flow path forming member 13b is not limited to the example of FIG. 2.

A second opening 22a of the second flow path 22 is provided with a second on-off valve 42. The second on-off valve 42 is, for example, a knife gate valve. The second on-off valve 42 can open and close the second opening 22a. A sampling box 51 is attached to the second opening 22a. The sampling box 51 is a box in which excavated soil collected during sampling of the excavated soil is stored. The sampling box 51 is detachable from the second opening 22a, and is removed from the second opening 22a after sampling is completed. When the second opening 22a is opened by the second on-off valve 42, the second flow path 22 is in communication with the space outside the second flow path 22 (in the example of FIG. 2, the internal space of the sampling box 51) through the second opening 22a. This state is also called the open state of the second on-off valve 42. On the other hand, when the second opening 22a is closed by the second opening valve 42, the second flow path 22 is not in communication with the space outside the second flow path 22 (in the example of FIG. 2, the internal space of the sampling box 51) through the second opening 22a and is in a blocked state. This state is also called the closed state of the second opening valve 42.

2, the second on-off valve 42 includes a valve body 42a. The valve body 42a can move in the radial direction of the second opening 22a. As shown in FIG. 2, the state in which the valve body 42a blocks the second opening 22a corresponds to the closed state of the second on-off valve 42. The state in which the valve body 42a moves from the state in FIG. 2 and does not block the second opening 22a (for example, the state in FIG. 3 described later) corresponds to the open state of the second on-off valve 42. However, the second on-off valve 42 is not limited to the above example as long as it can open and close the second opening 22a. For example, the valve body 42a of the second on-off valve 42 may be rotated to open and close the second opening 22a.

When attached to the second opening 22a, the sampling box 51 is airtight from the outside. This prevents the excavated soil sent to the sampling box 51 from leaking out of the sampling box 51 when sampling the excavated soil. The sampling box 51 is also provided with a first air vent valve 61. The first air vent valve 61 is a valve for discharging air from within the sampling box 51 to the outside. As described below, when sampling the excavated soil, the air from within the sampling box 51 is discharged to the outside by the first air vent valve 61, allowing the excavated soil to be smoothly sent to the sampling box 51.

The third flow path 23 branches off from the first flow path 21. In the example of FIG. 2, the third flow path 23 branches off from the branch position P1 of the first flow path 21 with the second flow path 22 and extends upward. The third flow path 23 is formed inside the flow path forming member 13b. However, the third flow path 23 may extend in a direction different from the upward direction, and may be curved. In addition, the third flow path 23 may branch off from a position other than the branch position P1 as long as it is on the branch position P1 side of the first flow path 21 with respect to the first opening/closing valve 41. In addition, the third flow path 23 may branch off from the second flow path 22. As described above, the third flow path 23 only needs to be connected to the branch position P1 side of the first flow path 21 with respect to the first opening/closing valve 41 and the second flow path 22. The shape of the flow path cross section of the third flow path 23 is, for example, circular. However, the shape of the flow path cross section of the third flow path 23 may be a shape other than circular.

A cleaning port 23a, which is an opening, is provided at the end of the third flow path 23 opposite the branch position P1. In the example of FIG. 2, the cleaning port 23a is arranged on an extension of the second flow path 22. When the first on-off valve 41 is closed, the cleaning port 23a communicates with the branch position P1 side of the first on-off valve 41 of the first flow path 21 and with the second flow path 22. When the first on-off valve 41 is closed, the sediment sampling device 100 is cleaned by supplying a fluid such as water into the flow path forming member 13b through the cleaning port 23a. Details of the operation of the sediment sampling device 100 during cleaning will be described later.

The cleaning port 23a is provided with a third on-off valve 43. The third on-off valve 43 is, for example, a ball valve. The third on-off valve 43 can open and close the cleaning port 23a. When the cleaning port 23a is opened by the third on-off valve 43, the third flow path 23 is in a state of communication with the external space through the cleaning port 23a. This state is also called the open state of the third on-off valve 43. On the other hand, when the cleaning port 23a is closed by the third on-off valve 43, the third flow path 23 is in a state of being blocked and not in communication with the external space through the cleaning port 23a. This state is also called the closed state of the third on-off valve 43. Although not shown, the third on-off valve 43 has a valve body, and the cleaning port 23a is opened and closed by the operation of the valve body. As described later, a check valve may be provided in the cleaning port 23a instead of the third on-off valve 43. This check valve prevents the flow of fluid from inside the third flow path 23 to the outside through the cleaning port 23a, and allows the flow of fluid from the outside to inside the third flow path 23 through the cleaning port 23a.

A second air vent valve 62 is provided at the branch position P1 between the first flow path 21 and the second flow path 22. The second air vent valve 62 is a valve for discharging air in the flow path in the flow path forming member 13b to the outside. However, the second air vent valve 62 may be provided at a position other than the branch position P1 as long as it is on the branch position P1 side of the first opening and closing valve 41 in the first flow path 21. The second air vent valve 62 may also be provided in the second flow path 22. The second air vent valve 62 may also be provided in the third flow path 23. In this way, when the first opening and closing valve 41 is closed, the second air vent valve 62 communicates with the branch position P1 side of the first flow path 21 with respect to the first opening and closing valve 41 and the second flow path 22. As will be described later, after the sampling of the excavated soil is completed, the watertightness of the soil sampling device 100 can be confirmed by discharging air using the second air vent valve 62. Details of the operation when checking the watertightness of the soil sampling device 100 will be described later.

The density meter 71 detects the density at the installation position of the density meter 71. In the example of FIG. 2, the density meter 71 is provided in the second flow path 22 near the second opening 22a, and detects the density in the second flow path 22 near the second opening 22a. However, the density meter 71 may be provided in the second flow path 22 at a position other than the position shown in FIG. 2, and may be provided in the first flow path 21 on the branch position P1 side (i.e., on the inside of the machine) with respect to the first opening/closing valve 41. In other words, the density meter 71 may be provided in the first flow path 21 on the branch position P1 side with respect to the first opening/closing valve 41, or in the second flow path 22. The method of using the density meter 71 will be described later.

<Tunnel boring machine operation>
The operation of the tunnel boring machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

As described above, the state in FIG. 2 is a standby state in which the sampling of excavated soil can be performed. As shown in FIG. 2, in the standby state, the first on-off valve 41 is in an open state, and the second on-off valve 42 is in a closed state. Also, in the standby state, the drive rod 32a is extended and its tip reaches the vicinity of the first opening 21a, and the plug member 31 advances in the first flow path 21 and is located near the first opening 21a. In the example of FIG. 2, the axial position of the front end of the plug member 31 coincides with the axial position of the tip (front end) of the fixed wing 13a. As a result, the plug member 31 prevents the excavated soil from entering the first flow path 21 from the chamber 17. Also, the pressure inside the aircraft behind the plug member 31 is maintained at atmospheric pressure. The position of the plug member 31 shown in FIG. 2 (i.e., the position when it is disposed on the tip side of the first flow path 21) is also called the forward position. When the plug member 31 is in the forward position, the plug member 31 closes the first opening 21a of the first flow path 21.

However, in the standby state, the axial position of the front end of the plug member 31 may be located rearward of the axial position of the tip of the fixed blade 13a. In the standby state, the plug member 31 only needs to be located at least on the first opening 21a side of the first on-off valve 41 in the first flow path 21. In this way, the plug member 31 only needs to be able to slide across the branch position P1 to the first opening 21a side of the first on-off valve 41 in the first flow path 21.

Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the state of the soil sampling device 100 during sampling. As shown in Figure 3, when sampling excavated soil, the second on-off valve 42 is in an open state, as opposed to the standby state shown in Figure 2. This causes the second flow path 22 to communicate with the internal space of the sampling box 51 via the second opening 22a.

During sampling, the drive rod 32a contracts axially rearward from the standby state in FIG. 2, and the plug member 31 retracts from the forward position in FIG. 2 to the rear end of the first flow path 21, straddling the branch position P1. This places the chamber 17 and the internal space of the sampling box 51 in communication via the first flow path 21 and the second flow path 22. The position of the plug member 31 shown in FIG. 3 (i.e., the rear end of the first flow path 21) is also referred to as the retracted position.

When the plug member 31 is moved axially rearward by the moving mechanism 32 from the forward position to the retracted position, a space with a lower pressure than the pressure of the chamber 17 is created on the first opening 21a side of the plug member 31 in the first flow path 21, and the excavated soil in the chamber 17 is sucked into the first flow path 21. Therefore, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 3, the excavated soil in the chamber 17 is sucked into the first flow path 21 from the first opening 21a and taken into the soil sampling device 100. The excavated soil sucked into the first flow path 21 is sent from the branch position P1 to the second flow path 22, and sent through the second flow path 22 to the sampling box 51. At this time, air is discharged appropriately by the first air vent valve 61. As a result, the excavated soil is smoothly sent to the sampling box 51. In this way, the excavated soil in the chamber 17 is collected.

When the plug member 31 is in the retracted position, the front surface of the plug member 31 is located axially rearward of the branch position P1. In other words, the plug member 31 does not partially block the second flow path 22. This facilitates the flow of excavated soil within the soil sampling device 100 when sampling the excavated soil.

After the sampling of the excavated soil is completed, the soil sampling device 100 first goes into a first state and then into a second state in order to recover the sampling box 51 in which the excavated soil is stored and to prepare for returning the soil sampling device 100 to a standby state. The first and second states of the soil sampling device 100 after sampling is completed are described below.

Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the first state of the soil sampling device 100 after sampling is completed. In the first state of Figure 4, the plug member 31 is located in a retracted position at the rear end of the first flow path 21, as during sampling.

As shown in FIG. 4, after the sampling of the excavated soil is completed, the first on-off valve 41 is closed, as compared to the sampling state in FIG. 3. As a result, the excavated soil in the chamber 17 is blocked by the valve body 41a of the first on-off valve 41, and the inflow of the excavated soil in the first flow path 21 backward of the first on-off valve 41 is stopped.

After the sampling of the excavated soil is completed, the second on-off valve 42 is closed as shown in FIG. 3. As a result, the second flow path 22 is not connected to the internal space of the sampling box 51 through the second opening 22a and is blocked, and the inflow of the excavated soil into the sampling box 51 is stopped. In this state, the sampling box 51 in which the excavated soil is stored is removed from the second opening 22a and collected. If the sampling box 51 is provided with a cover member (or an on-off valve) that closes the opening of the sampling box 51, the opening of the sampling box 51 is closed by the cover member (or the on-off valve) after the sampling box 51 is removed from the second opening 22a. This prevents the excavated soil from leaking out of the sampling box 51 when the sampling box 51 is collected.

It is preferable that the sampling box 51 is collected with both the first and second on-off valves 41 and 42 in a closed state. This allows the flow path in the soil sampling device 100 to be more reliably closed with a double valve, preventing the excavated soil from erupting from the second opening 22a when the sampling box 51 is collected. However, this is not limited to the example, and the sampling box 51 may be collected with only the second on-off valve 42 of the first and second on-off valves 41 and 42 in a closed state.

The second on-off valve 42 may not be provided in the sediment sampling device 100. In that case, for example, the sampling box 51 is collected when the first on-off valve 41 is closed. As a result, the excavated sediment in the chamber 17 is blocked by the valve body 41a of the first on-off valve 41, and the sampling box 51 can be collected in a state in which the excavated sediment is prevented from continuing to flow into the sampling box 51. In addition, for example, when the second on-off valve 42 is not provided in the sediment sampling device 100, the sampling box 51 may be collected when the sediment sampling device 100 is in the standby state shown in FIG. 2 described above. As a result, the excavated sediment in the chamber 17 is blocked by the plug member 31, and the sampling box 51 can be collected in a state in which the excavated sediment is prevented from continuing to flow into the sampling box 51. Note that, in cases where only a small amount of excavated sediment is sampled, the sampling box 51 may not be provided in the sediment sampling device 100, and the excavated sediment may be collected directly from the second opening 22a.

In the first state of FIG. 4, the third on-off valve 43 is opened and a fluid such as water is supplied into the flow path forming member 13b through the cleaning port 23a, thereby cleaning the soil sampling device 100. For example, the flow path of the excavated soil in the soil sampling device 100 is cleaned by connecting a water supply pipe to the cleaning port 23a and supplying water from the water supply pipe to the cleaning port 23a. In the first state of FIG. 4, the part of the first flow path 21 between the first on-off valve 41 and the plug member 31 in the retracted position can be cleaned. The second flow path 22 can also be cleaned. If a check valve is provided in the cleaning port 23a instead of the third on-off valve 43, a fluid such as water can be supplied into the flow path forming member 13b through the check valve.

When cleaning the sediment sampling device 100, a fluid other than water may be supplied from the cleaning port 23a into the flow path forming member 13b. When cleaning the sediment sampling device 100, in addition to a fluid such as water, a rubber ball may be supplied from the cleaning port 23a into the flow path forming member 13b. By using a rubber ball for cleaning, sediment and the like that has adhered to the inner wall of the flow path can be removed more reliably.

In addition, in the first state of FIG. 4, by opening the second air vent valve 62 and discharging air through the second air vent valve 62, it is possible to check whether the watertightness of the first opening/closing valve 41 is ensured. For example, if soil, water, etc. are not discharged through the second air vent valve 62 when the second air vent valve 62 is opened, it can be determined that excavated soil has not flowed from the chamber 17 through the first flow path 21 beyond the first opening/closing valve 41 to the rear side of the first opening/closing valve 41, and the watertightness of the first opening/closing valve 41 is ensured. On the other hand, if soil, water, etc. are discharged through the second air vent valve 62 when the second air vent valve 62 is opened, it can be determined that excavated soil has flowed from the chamber 17 through the first flow path 21 beyond the first opening/closing valve 41 to the rear side of the first opening/closing valve 41, and the watertightness of the first opening/closing valve 41 is not ensured.

Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the second state after sampling of the soil sampling device 100 is completed. As shown in Figure 5, after sampling of the excavated soil is completed, the sampling box 51 is collected in the first state of Figure 4, and then the drive rod 32a extends and the plug member 31 advances across the branch position P1 to a position in the first flow path 21 between the first opening/closing valve 41 and the branch position P1.

In the second state of FIG. 5, as in the first state of FIG. 4, the third on-off valve 43 is opened and a fluid such as water is supplied into the flow path forming member 13b through the cleaning port 23a, thereby cleaning the sediment sampling device 100. In the second state of FIG. 5, the retracted position (i.e., the rear end of the first flow path 21) that could not be cleaned in the first state of FIG. 4 can be cleaned. Also, as in the first state of FIG. 4, the second flow path 22 can also be cleaned. Note that if a check valve is provided in the cleaning port 23a instead of the third on-off valve 43, a fluid such as water can be supplied into the flow path forming member 13b through the check valve.

In addition, in cleaning in the second state of FIG. 5, as in cleaning in the first state of FIG. 4, a fluid other than water may be supplied from the cleaning port 23a into the flow path forming member 13b, and in addition to a fluid such as water, a rubber ball may be supplied from the cleaning port 23a into the flow path forming member 13b.

In addition, in the second state of FIG. 5, by opening the second air vent valve 62 to allow air to be discharged through the second air vent valve 62, and then opening the first opening/closing valve 41, it is possible to check whether the watertightness of the plug member 31 is ensured. For example, if soil, water, etc. are not discharged through the second air vent valve 62 when the first opening/closing valve 41 is opened, it can be determined that excavated soil has not flowed from the chamber 17 through the first flow path 21 beyond the plug member 31 to the rear side of the plug member 31, and the watertightness of the plug member 31 is ensured. On the other hand, if soil, water, etc. are discharged through the second air vent valve 62 when the first opening/closing valve 41 is opened, it can be determined that excavated soil has flowed from the chamber 17 through the first flow path 21 beyond the plug member 31 to the rear side of the plug member 31, and the watertightness of the plug member 31 is not ensured.

In the above, an example in which the sampling box 51 is collected in the first state of FIG. 4 has been described, but the sampling box 51 may also be collected in the second state of FIG. 5. The sampling box 51 may also be collected before or after the watertightness of the first on-off valve 41 is confirmed. The sampling box 51 may also be collected before or after the watertightness of the plug member 31 is confirmed.

After the watertightness of the plug member 31 is confirmed in the second state of FIG. 5, the first on-off valve 41 opens, the drive rod 32a extends, and the plug member 31 moves to the vicinity of the first opening 21a of the first flow path 21, returning to the standby state of FIG. 2.

Here, in the standby state of FIG. 2, similarly to the first state of FIG. 4 and the second state of FIG. 5, the third on-off valve 43 is opened and a fluid such as water is supplied through the cleaning port 23a into the flow path forming member 13b and the fixed wing 13a, so that the sand sampling device 100 can be cleaned. In the standby state of FIG. 2, in addition to the places that can be cleaned in the second state of FIG. 5, the part of the first flow path 21 forward of the first on-off valve 41 can also be cleaned. Also, similarly to the first state of FIG. 4 and the second state of FIG. 5, the second flow path 22 can also be cleaned. Note that if a check valve is provided in the cleaning port 23a instead of the third on-off valve 43, a fluid such as water can be supplied into the flow path forming member 13b through the check valve.

In addition, in cleaning in the standby state of FIG. 2, as in cleaning in the first state of FIG. 4 and cleaning in the second state of FIG. 5, a fluid other than water may be supplied from the cleaning port 23a into the flow path forming member 13b, and in addition to a fluid such as water, a rubber ball may be supplied from the cleaning port 23a into the flow path forming member 13b.

In addition, in the standby state of FIG. 2, by opening the second air vent valve 62 and discharging air through the second air vent valve 62, it is possible to check whether the watertightness of the plug member 31 is ensured. For example, if soil, water, etc. are not discharged through the second air vent valve 62 when the second air vent valve 62 is opened, it can be determined that excavated soil has not flowed from the chamber 17 to the first flow path 21 beyond the plug member 31, and the watertightness of the plug member 31 is ensured. On the other hand, if soil, water, etc. are discharged through the second air vent valve 62 when the second air vent valve 62 is opened, it can be determined that excavated soil has flowed from the chamber 17 to the first flow path 21 beyond the plug member 31, and the watertightness of the plug member 31 is not ensured.

In the above, an example in which the second air vent valve 62 is used to check watertightness has been described. However, the second air vent valve 62 may also be used to facilitate the movement of the plug member 31. For example, when moving the plug member 31 rearward, the second air vent valve 62 is opened to set the pressure behind the plug member 31 in the first flow path 21 to atmospheric pressure, thereby facilitating the rearward movement of the plug member 31. Also, for example, when moving the plug member 31 forward, high-pressure air may be supplied from the second air vent valve 62 to the rear side of the plug member 31 in the first flow path 21. This allows the plug member 31 to be moved forward smoothly and reliably by pressing the plug member 31 forward from the back side with high-pressure air.

Also, in the above, an example has been described in which the state in FIG. 2 is a standby state, and sampling of excavated soil is performed by transitioning from this state to the state in FIG. 3. However, the standby state is not limited to the example in FIG. 2. For example, the state in FIG. 5 (i.e., the second state) may be set as the standby state, and sampling of excavated soil may be performed by transitioning from this state to the state in FIG. 3.

As described above, in the soil sampling device 100, the plug member 31 slides in the first flow path 21, straddling the first on-off valve 41. Here, a step may be formed in the first flow path 21 at the position where the first on-off valve 41 is provided. In this case, when the plug member 31 slides in the first flow path 21, straddling the first on-off valve 41, there is a risk that the plug member 31 may hit such a step and be damaged, or that the smooth sliding of the plug member 31 may be hindered. Therefore, it is preferable to implement measures to suppress damage to the plug member 31 and sliding problems caused by the step. An example of such a measure will be described below with reference to FIG. 6.

Figure 6 is an enlarged view showing the vicinity of the first on-off valve 41 of the soil sampling device 100. In the example of Figure 6, a tapered portion T1 is formed at the corner of the part of the inner circumferential surface of the member that divides the first flow path 21 adjacent to the first on-off valve 41 to chamfer the corner. Specifically, the tapered portion T1 is formed at the rear end of the inner circumferential surface of the fixed blade 13a that divides the first flow path 21 and the front end of the inner circumferential surface of the flow path forming member 13b that divides the first flow path 21. This prevents a step from being formed between the member that divides the first flow path 21 and the first on-off valve 41, and prevents the plug member 31 from hitting such a step and being damaged or preventing smooth sliding when it slides in the first flow path 21 across the first on-off valve 41. However, the tapered portion T1 does not have to be formed at the part of the inner circumferential surface of the member that divides the first flow path 21 adjacent to the first on-off valve 41.

The first opening 21a of the fixed blade 13a is in direct contact with the soil in the chamber 17, so the periphery of the first opening 21a and the front surface of the plug member 31 may be subjected to wear-resistant treatment such as hardening. Also, to prevent the first opening 21a from being blocked by lumps of excavated soil, a regulating material may be provided at the first opening 21a to regulate the size of lumps of soil to be taken into the first flow path 21.

In the soil sampling device 100 described above, the plug member 31 has a function of ensuring watertightness (i.e., a sealing function) in the first flow path 21. Therefore, when the plug member 31 is moved toward the branch position P1 relative to the first opening/closing valve 41 in the first flow path 21, this function can be inspected and maintained.

The sediment sampling device 100 does not necessarily need to be provided with a density meter 71. However, by providing the density meter 71 on the branch position P1 side (i.e., the inside of the machine) of the first flow path 21 with respect to the first opening/closing valve 41, or on the second flow path 22, it is possible to use the detection results of the density meter 71 to determine whether the sediment to be sampled has passed through the installation position of the density meter 71 (or whether it has been filled at the installation position). In addition, the density of the excavated sediment taken into the sediment sampling device 100 may change during the handling process due to soil-water separation and evaporation of water. Therefore, it is useful to use the detection results of this density meter 71 to monitor the density of the excavated sediment being taken into the sediment sampling device 100.

In the above, an example has been described in which the moving mechanism 32 slides the plug member 31 within the first flow path 21 across the branch position P1 between the first flow path 21 and the second flow path 22. In other words, in the above example, the entire plug member 31 (i.e., all parts of the plug member 31 from the front end to the rear end) slides within the first flow path 21 across the branch position P1. However, it is sufficient that the moving mechanism 32 slides the plug member 31 within the first flow path 21 so that at least the front end of the plug member 31 straddles the branch position P1 between the first flow path 21 and the second flow path 22.

For example, the plug member 31 may be a long member that is longer in the axial direction than the above example, and in a standby state in which the tip of the plug member 31 is located near the first opening 21a (the state of FIG. 2 in the above example), the plug member 31 may extend from the axial front to the axial rear of the branch position P1 in the first flow path 21. In this case, the tip of the plug member 31 is located in the same position as in FIG. 2, but the rear end of the plug member 31 is located on the opposite side of the first opening 21a side with respect to the branch position P1 in the first flow path 21. In this case, when sampling the excavated soil, the tip of the plug member 31 straddles the branch position P1 and retreats to the axial rear of the branch position P1 in the first flow path 21, as in the state of FIG. 3 in the above example. Therefore, sampling of the excavated soil can be performed.

In such an example in which the plug member 31 is a long member, the rear end of the plug member 31 is located on the opposite side of the first opening 21a side with respect to the branch position P1 of the first flow path 21, regardless of the position of the front end of the plug member 31. Here, the cross-sectional shape of the plug member 31 corresponds to the shape of the flow path cross section of the first flow path 21, as described above. For example, when the flow path cross section of the first flow path 21 is circular, the cross-sectional shape of the plug member 31 is also circular. In an example in which the plug member 31 is a long member, the outer diameter of the plug member 31 is approximately constant, and the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the plug member 31 and the inner peripheral surface of the first flow path 21 is approximately constant regardless of the axial position. As a result, during the process in which the plug member 31 retreats axially rearward during sampling of the excavated soil, the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the plug member 31 and the inner peripheral surface of the first flow path 21 can be maintained small axially rearward of the branch position P1 of the first flow path 21, so that it is possible to suppress the intrusion of soil or foreign matter into the gap.

<Effects of tunnel boring machines>
The effects of the tunnel boring machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

In the tunnel boring machine 1, the partition 13 is provided with a soil sampling device 100. The soil sampling device 100 has a first flow path 21 having a first opening 21a at the tip of the fixed wing 13a, a second flow path 22 branching from the first flow path 21 and having a second opening 22a axially rearward of the partition 13, a plug member 31 slidably provided within the first flow path 21, a moving mechanism 32 that slides the plug member 31 within the first flow path 21 so that at least the front end of the plug member 31 straddles the branch position P1 between the first flow path 21 and the second flow path 22, and a first opening/closing valve 41 that is provided on the first flow path 21 on the first opening 21a side with respect to the branch position P1 and that can open and close the first flow path 21.

By moving the plug member 31 axially rearward to a retracted position by the moving mechanism 32, the excavated soil in the chamber 17 can be sucked and collected through the first opening 21a provided at the tip of the fixed blade 13a. Therefore, unlike when sampling the excavated soil using, for example, a rotating screw blade, the excavated soil can be sampled without changing the properties of the excavated soil in the chamber 17. Furthermore, by providing the first opening 21a, which is the intake port for the sampled soil, at the tip of the fixed blade 13a, the excavated soil can be sampled at a position away from the bulkhead 13 in the chamber 17.

As described above, the tunnel boring machine 1 according to this embodiment can sample the excavated soil at a position in the chamber 17 away from the partition wall 13 without changing the properties of the excavated soil. This makes it possible to more accurately check whether the properties of the excavated soil taken into the chamber 17 from the cutter head 11 are appropriate.

Preferably, in the tunnel boring machine 1, the soil sampling device 100 further includes a second opening/closing valve 42 capable of opening and closing the second opening 22a. This allows the second flow path 22 to be in a blocked state, not communicating with the space outside the second flow path 22 via the second opening 22a, and stops the inflow of excavated soil into the space outside the second flow path 22. Therefore, the collected excavated soil can be collected in this state, improving safety when collecting the excavated soil.

Preferably, in the tunnel boring machine 1, the soil sampling device 100 further includes a sampling box 51 that is attached to the second opening 22a. This allows the excavated soil collected during sampling of the excavated soil to be stored in the sampling box 51. This prevents the excavated soil collected during sampling of the excavated soil from leaking into the machine. In addition, by collecting the sampling box 51, the collected excavated soil can be easily and quickly collected, improving the workability of the excavated soil collection operation.

Preferably, in the tunnel boring machine 1, the sampling box 51 is provided airtight from the outside when attached to the second opening 22a, and the sampling box 51 is provided with a first air vent valve 61. This prevents the excavated soil sent to the sampling box 51 from leaking out of the sampling box 51 when sampling the excavated soil. Furthermore, when sampling the excavated soil, the air inside the sampling box 51 is discharged to the outside by the first air vent valve 61, so that the excavated soil can be smoothly sent to the sampling box 51.

Preferably, in the tunnel boring machine 1, the soil sampling device 100 further includes a cleaning port 23a, which is an opening that communicates with the branch position P1 side of the first on-off valve 41 of the first flow path 21 and the second flow path 22 when the first on-off valve 41 is closed, and a third on-off valve 43 that can open and close the cleaning port 23a, or a check valve provided in the cleaning port 23a. This allows the soil sampling device 100 to be cleaned by supplying a fluid such as water to the first flow path 21 and the second flow path 22 through the cleaning port 23a.

Preferably, in the tunnel boring machine 1, the cleaning port 23a is positioned on an extension of the second flow path 22. This allows fluids such as water supplied from the cleaning port 23a to be smoothly supplied not only to the first flow path 21 but also to the second flow path 22. Therefore, the first flow path 21 and the second flow path 22 can be properly cleaned.

Preferably, in the tunnel boring machine 1, the soil sampling device 100 further includes a second air vent valve 62 that communicates with the branch position P1 side of the first on-off valve 41 in the first flow path 21 and with the second flow path 22 when the first on-off valve 41 is closed. This makes it possible to check whether the watertightness of the first on-off valve 41 is ensured and whether the watertightness of the plug member 31 is ensured. Furthermore, the movement of the plug member 31 can be made smoother.

Preferably, the rear end of the plug member 31 is located on the opposite side of the first opening 21a from the branch position P1 of the first flow path 21, regardless of the position of the front end of the plug member 31. As a result, when sampling excavated soil, as the plug member 31 retreats axially rearward, the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the plug member 31 and the inner peripheral surface of the first flow path 21 can be maintained small axially rearward of the branch position P1 of the first flow path 21, thereby preventing soil or foreign matter from entering the gap.

Preferably, in the tunnel boring machine 1, the soil sampling device 100 further includes a density meter 71 provided on the branch position P1 side of the first on-off valve 41 in the first flow path 21, or on the second flow path 22. As a result, as described above, it is possible to grasp whether the soil to be sampled has passed through the installation position of the density meter 71 (or whether it has been filled at the installation position), and to monitor the density of the excavated soil that is in the process of being taken into the soil sampling device 100.

Preferably, in the tunnel boring machine 1, the moving mechanism 32 includes a hydraulic jack connected to the plug member 31. This allows the plug member 31 to be appropriately slid within the first flow path 21.

Preferably, in the tunnel boring machine 1, the tip of the fixed wing 13a is positioned at a position corresponding to the sampling location in the chamber 17. As described above, in the tunnel boring machine 1 according to this embodiment, the first opening 21a is provided at the tip of the fixed wing 13a, so that the excavated soil can be sampled at a position in the chamber 17 away from the partition wall 13. Here, the position in the chamber 17 of the excavated soil sampled by the soil sampling device 100 changes depending on the position of the tip of the fixed wing 13a where the first opening 21a is provided. Therefore, for example, by positioning the tip of the fixed wing 13a within a predetermined range including the sampling location in the chamber 17 (i.e., the location where the excavated soil to be sampled is present), the excavated soil can be sampled at a desired location.

The above describes a preferred embodiment of the present invention with reference to the attached drawings, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various modifications and alterations within the scope of the claims also fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

For example, while an earth pressure type (including mud pressure type) tunnel boring machine 1 has been described above, the tunnel boring machine according to the present invention may also be a mud water type.

For example, the components of the tunnel boring machine 1 have been described above with reference to the drawings, but the dimensions and positional relationships of the components in the drawings are merely examples, and the dimensions and positional relationships of the components of the tunnel boring machine 1 are not limited to the examples shown in the drawings. Furthermore, components may be added, deleted, or modified as appropriate for the tunnel boring machine 1 illustrated in the drawings.

1 Tunnel boring machine 10 Excavator body 11 Cutter head 11a Outer ring 11b Inner ring 11c Cutter spokes 11d Fishtail cutter 11e Cutter bit 11f Agitator blade 12 Cutter rotating shaft 13 Partition wall 13a Fixed blade 13b Flow path forming member 14 Rotating ring 14a Ring gear 15 Connecting beam 16 Cutter rotation motor 16a Drive gear 17 Chamber 18 Screw conveyor 18a Screw blade 19 Shield jack 19a Drive rod 21 First flow path 21a First opening 22 Second flow path 22a Second opening 23 Third flow path 23a Cleaning port 31 Plug member 32 Moving mechanism 32a Drive rod 41 First opening/closing valve 41a Valve body 42 Second opening/closing valve 42a Valve body 43 Third opening/closing valve 51 Sampling box 61 First air bleed valve 62 Second air bleed valve 71 Density meter 100 Soil sampling device P1 Branch position S Segment T Tunnel T1 Tapered section V Discharge outlet

Claims (10)

A cylindrical excavator body;
A cutter head rotatably provided at a front end of the excavator body;
A partition wall arranged axially rearward of the cutter head of the excavator body and spaced apart from the cutter head in the axial direction;
A chamber that is a space defined between the cutter head and the partition wall;
a fixed wing protruding from a front surface of the partition into the chamber;
Equipped with
The partition is provided with a soil sampling device,
The sediment sampling device includes:
A first flow passage having a first opening at a tip portion of the fixed blade;
a second flow passage branching from the first flow passage and having a second opening rearward in the axial direction relative to the partition wall;
A plug member slidably disposed within the first flow passage;
a moving mechanism that slides the plug member within the first flow path so that at least a front end of the plug member straddles a branch position between the first flow path and the second flow path;
a first on-off valve provided on the first flow path on the first opening side with respect to the branching position and capable of opening and closing the first flow path;
A sampling box attached to the second opening;
having
Tunnel boring machine. The soil sampling device further includes a second opening/closing valve capable of opening and closing the second opening.
A tunnel boring machine according to claim 1. The sampling box is provided airtightly against the outside when attached to the second opening,
The sampling box is provided with a first air vent valve.
A tunnel boring machine according to claim 1 or 2 . The soil sampling device includes:
a cleaning port that is an opening that communicates with the second flow path and with a side of the first on-off valve that is at the branching position with respect to the first on-off valve when the first on-off valve is closed;
a third opening/closing valve capable of opening and closing the cleaning port, or a check valve provided in the cleaning port;
Further comprising:
A tunnel boring machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3 . The cleaning port is disposed on an extension line of the second flow path.
A tunnel boring machine according to claim 4 . The soil sampling device further includes a second air vent valve that communicates with the second flow path and with a side of the first flow path that is on the branching position side with respect to the first on-off valve when the first on-off valve is closed.
A tunnel boring machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5 . a rear end of the plug member is located on an opposite side of the first opening side with respect to the branching position of the first flow path, regardless of a position of a front end of the plug member;
A tunnel boring machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6 . The soil sampling device further includes a density meter provided in the first flow path on the branch position side with respect to the first on-off valve or in the second flow path.
A tunnel boring machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7 . The moving mechanism includes a hydraulic jack connected to the plug member.
A tunnel boring machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8 . The tip of the fixed blade is disposed at a position corresponding to a sampling point in the chamber.
A tunnel boring machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9 .

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