TAIL SEAL OF SHIELD EXCAVATOR

PURPOSE:To improve a sealing function and prevent members from damages by forming the front end of the outer side protective plate circumscribing a segment into a recessed arcuate shape and the front end of the inner side protective plate inscribing the segment into a projecting arcuate shape to provide a split groove in the central part. CONSTITUTION:The front end 7a of a circumscribing protective plate 5a circumscribing the outer peripheral arc of a segment is formed into a nearly arcuate recessed shape as viewed from the proximal end, and a predetermined tail clearance is ensured between a tail skin plate l and the segment 2 so that the front end 7a extends along the outer peripheral surface of the segment. Next, the front end 7b of an inscribing protective plate 5b inscribing the outer peripheral arc of the segment is formed into a nearly arcuate projecting shape as viewed from the proximal end. A predetermined tail clearance is ensured between the tail skin plate 1 and segment 2 so that the front end 7b extends along the outer peripheral surface of the segment. A split groove 8 is provided in the center of the front end 7b of the inscribing protective plate 5b with the split groove.