Patent · US Expired

Tunnelling machine

US5443305A · kind A · utility

6Cited by
1References
29Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateAug 8, 1993
Grant dateAug 22, 1995
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 8, 2013

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
  • CPC primaryE21D9/0879
  • WIPO fieldCivil engineering
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

A tunnelling machine for large cross-section tunnels (with a 12 m diameter and more), as well as for excavating loose rocks leading to groundwater, has a shield with a cylindrical case. A front section (1) of the case is rotary. The front face (3) of the rotary section is designed at least outside a central area (11) as a helical heading supporting surface at least approximately full when seen in the axial direction (6) of the tunnel. Preferably, the supporting surface is composed of several helical surfaces (4, 5) that supplement each other in the circumferential and/or radial directions. In the supporting surface is arranged at least one excavating shoulder (12, 13) whose surface is at an angle with respect to the supporting surface. An excavating device is preferably arranged on at least one excavating shoulder (12, 13). In the area of the supporting surface the earth or rocks are supported at the same time as they are excavated exclusively at the excavating shoulder(s).

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.