Monitoring and early warning device and method for preventing TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine) from getting stuck

Abstract

The invention discloses a monitoring and early warning device and method for preventing a TBM from jamming, and the device comprises a plurality of monitoring and early warning units, and each monitoring and early warning unit is internally provided with an upper layer, a middle layer and a lower layer. Two transverse partition plates are fixed on the upper layer, a plurality of thin cylinders are connected between the two transverse partition plates, and the thin cylinders can move between the two transverse partition plates; the middle layer is provided with an inflatable airbag, and a laser scanner is arranged at the bottom of the inflatable airbag and used for imaging the upper portion of the inflatable airbag; the lower layer is provided with an air pressure monitor, an air pump and a control center, the air pressure monitor and the air pump are both connected with the inflatable air bag, and the air pressure monitor is further connected with the control center through a signal transmission line. The surrounding rock deformation condition of the whole tunnel can be comprehensively reflected in real time, an early warning signal is sent out in time, and the reliability of the device is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of surrounding rock deformation monitoring and early warning, and in particular to a monitoring and early warning device and method for preventing a TBM from getting stuck. Background Art

[0002] At a tunnel excavation construction site, if the TBM (tunnel boring machine) is down for too long, the tunnel surrounding rock may undergo convergence deformation. As the deformation continues to increase, the surrounding rock will squeeze the TBM's middle and rear backing, causing the TBM to jam and seriously affecting the construction progress. Therefore, it is crucial to effectively monitor the surrounding rock deformation.

[0003] Existing technologies often rely on strain sensors fixed to the tunnel walls to monitor minute deformations of the surrounding rock. While these strain sensors can, to a certain extent, capture minute deformations of the surrounding rock caused by factors such as geological stress changes or groundwater flow, at tunnel excavation sites, the surrounding rock conditions are complex and changeable, and some areas may experience uneven settlement or sudden geological changes. This makes it difficult for the strain sensors fixed to the tunnel walls to fully and real-time reflect the surrounding rock deformation of the entire tunnel, making existing monitoring devices unreliable.

[0004] Especially when the deformation speed of the surrounding rock accelerates or reaches a critical value, the existing monitoring devices are often unable to quickly issue early warning signals due to the limitations of their installation locations, posing potential risks to tunnel construction safety. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In response to the shortcomings of the existing technology, the present invention provides a monitoring and early warning device and method for preventing TBM jams. The present invention adapts to the complex changes in the surrounding rock surface by designing cross-diaphragms and thin cylinders. In combination with inflatable airbags, air pressure monitors and a control center, the present invention can comprehensively and real-timely reflect the surrounding rock deformation of the entire tunnel, and promptly issue early warning signals, thereby improving the reliability of the device.

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions: In a first aspect, the present invention provides a monitoring and early warning device for preventing TBM jams, comprising: a plurality of monitoring and early warning units, each of which has an upper layer, a middle layer, and a lower layer; The upper layer is fixed with two transverse partitions, and a plurality of thin cylinders are connected between the two transverse partitions, and the thin cylinders can move between the two transverse partitions; the middle layer is provided with an inflatable airbag, and a laser scanner is provided at the bottom of the inflatable airbag for imaging the upper part of the inflatable airbag; the lower layer is provided with an air pressure monitor, an air pump and a control center, wherein the air pressure monitor and the air pump are both connected to the inflatable airbag, and the air pressure monitor is also connected to the control center through a signal transmission line for transmitting the air pressure value.

[0007] As a further technical solution, the monitoring and early warning unit is a rectangular box-shaped structure, and several monitoring and early warning units are arranged in a ring shape in the groove on the surface of the TBM shield tail shell.

[0008] As a further technical solution, circular holes are provided on the two transverse partitions, and the thin cylinder passes through the circular holes on the two transverse partitions; protrusions are provided at both ends of the thin cylinder, and the radius of the protrusions is larger than the radius of the cross section at both ends of the thin cylinder, which is used to limit the movement of the thin cylinder between the two transverse partitions.

[0009] As a further technical solution, the air pressure monitor is used to record the air pressure value in the inflatable airbag and transmit it to the control center; the air pump is connected to the inflatable airbag through a hose and is used to pump air into the inflatable airbag.

[0010] As a further technical solution, the lower layer is further provided with a power supply motor, which is connected to the pumping machine through a power supply line and is used to supply power to the pumping machine.

[0011] As a further technical solution, a baffle is provided on the outside of each monitoring and early warning unit. The baffle can slide on the outside of the monitoring and early warning unit and is flush with the TBM shield tail shell. The baffle is used to protect the monitoring and early warning unit.

[0012] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a monitoring and early warning method for preventing TBM jams, based on the monitoring and early warning device for preventing TBM jams described in any one of the first aspects, comprising: When the TBM stops excavating, the control center activates monitoring and early warning, and starts the air pump to pump air into the inflatable bag. After the inflatable bag expands, it squeezes the thin cylinder outward, and the thin cylinder protrudes outward to different lengths. When the air pressure change in the inflatable bag tends to be balanced, the air pumping is stopped, and the air pressure monitor records the air pressure value and transmits it to the control center. The control center sets the maximum air pressure threshold and obtains the initial surrounding rock imaging. If the surrounding rock shrinks and deforms, the thin cylinder is squeezed to move into the monitoring unit, and the inflatable bag is squeezed to increase the internal air pressure value. When the maximum air pressure threshold is exceeded, an early warning is issued.

[0013] As a further technical solution, after setting the maximum air pressure threshold, the laser scanner at the bottom of the inflatable airbag scans the shape of the contact between the upper part of the inflatable airbag and the bottom of the thin cylinder and images it to obtain the initial surrounding rock image, which is then transmitted to the control center.

[0014] As a further technical solution, when the surrounding rock shrinks and deforms, and the air pressure value in the inflatable airbag exceeds the maximum pressure threshold and an early warning is issued, the laser scanner at the bottom of the inflatable airbag again scans the shape of the contact between the upper part of the inflatable airbag and the bottom of the thin cylinder and forms an image to obtain an early warning surrounding rock image, which is then transmitted to the control center.

[0015] As a further technical solution, when the TBM stops excavating, the baffle slides open to one side, revealing the diaphragm and thin cylinder on the upper layer of the monitoring and early warning unit.

[0016] One or more technical solutions of the present invention have the following beneficial effects: (1) The present invention designs a monitoring mechanism consisting of a thin cylinder, a transverse diaphragm and an inflatable airbag. The thin cylinder is stuck between the two transverse diaphragms and moves up and down. The thin cylinder can squeeze the surrounding rock under the action of the inflatable airbag, thereby sensing the tiny displacement of the surrounding rock in real time and reflecting the surrounding rock deformation of the entire tunnel in a comprehensive and real-time manner.

[0017] (2) The inflatable airbag of the present invention can keenly capture the pressure changes inside the surrounding rock from the side through the connected air pressure monitor. When the surrounding rock is deformed or displaced, the degree of extrusion of the thin cylinder and the pressure inside the inflatable airbag will change accordingly. These changes will be immediately captured and converted into early warning signals, ensuring that the device issues early warnings in a timely manner, improving the safety of construction, and effectively reducing the potential risks caused by changes in the surrounding rock.

[0018] (3) The present invention arranges several monitoring and early warning units in a circular shape in the grooves on the surface of the TBM shield tail shell, ensuring that the monitoring and early warning devices are flush with the TBM surface, thereby effectively avoiding direct contact with the surrounding rock during the excavation process. Even under extremely complex geological conditions, the monitoring units are not easily worn and damaged by the surrounding rock, greatly extending their service life. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which constitute a part of the present invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute improper limitations on the present invention.

[0020] Figure 1 A mounting groove for the monitoring and early warning device for preventing TBM jamming according to the present invention; Figure 2 It is a monitoring and early warning unit in the monitoring and early warning device for preventing TBM jamming of the present invention; Figure 3 It is a structural diagram of two transverse partitions of the present invention; Figure 4 It is a structural diagram of the inflatable airbag of the present invention; Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the air pump of the present invention; Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a power supply motor of the present invention; Figure 7 It is a structural diagram of the thin cylinder of the present invention; Among them: 1. Shield tail groove; 2. Partition; 3. Thin cylinder; 4. Inflatable airbag; 5. Air pressure monitor; 6. Air pump; 7. Power supply motor; 8. Laser scanner; 9. Hose; 10. Power supply line; 11. Protrusion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] It should be noted that the following detailed description is illustrative and is intended to provide further explanation of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used in the present invention have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs.

[0022] Example 1 This embodiment provides a monitoring and early warning device for preventing TBM jams. The monitoring and early warning device includes several monitoring and early warning units. In this embodiment, eight monitoring and early warning units are provided, such as Figure 2 As shown, each monitoring and early warning unit has an upper layer, a middle layer, and a lower layer. The upper layer is fixed with two transverse diaphragms 2. Multiple thin cylinders 3 are connected between the two transverse diaphragms to form a thin cylinder cluster. The thin cylinders 3 can move between the two transverse diaphragms 2. The middle layer is equipped with an inflatable airbag 4. During shutdown, the inflatable airbag squeezes the thin cylinder upward to contact the surrounding rock. When the surrounding rock deforms, the pressure monitor is triggered to provide an early warning of surrounding rock deformation. The lower layer is equipped with an air pressure monitor 5, an air pump 6, and a control center. The air pressure monitor 5 and the air pump 6 are both connected to the inflatable airbag 4. The air pressure monitor 5 is also connected to the control center via a signal transmission line to transmit the air pressure value.

[0023] In this embodiment, a shield tail groove is provided on the surface of the TBM shield tail shell. This groove closely fits the shape of the shield tail and is arranged in a circular pattern around it. Eight monitoring and early warning units are rectangular box-shaped structures and are arranged in a circular pattern within the shield tail groove on the surface of the TBM shield tail shell. This design effectively avoids direct contact with the surrounding rock during excavation. As a result, even in extremely complex geological conditions, the monitoring units are less susceptible to wear and damage from the surrounding rock, greatly extending their service life.

[0024] In this embodiment, if Figure 3 As shown, the two transverse partitions 2 are provided with dense circular holes, the circular holes on the two transverse partitions correspond to each other, and the thin cylinder 3 passes through the circular holes on the two transverse partitions, and as shown in FIG. Figure 7As shown, protrusions at each end of the thin cylinder, with a radius greater than the radius of its cross-section, restrict its movement between the two diaphragms. Initially, thin cylinder 3 is entirely located inside the monitoring and early warning unit, with the protrusions above it latching onto the circular holes in the diaphragms. By designing the diaphragms and thin cylinders to accommodate the complex variations in the surrounding rock surface, and in conjunction with the inflatable airbags, air pressure monitors, and control center, comprehensive and real-time monitoring of surrounding rock deformation throughout the tunnel is achieved.

[0025] In this embodiment, if Figure 4 As shown, a laser scanner 8 is provided at the bottom of the inflatable airbag 4 for imaging the upper part of the inflatable airbag, and the inflatable airbag 4 is also connected to an air pressure monitor 5, which is used to record the air pressure value inside the inflatable airbag and transmit it to the control center. The airbag can keenly capture the pressure changes inside the surrounding rock from the side through the connected air pressure monitor. When the surrounding rock is deformed or displaced, the degree of squeezing of the thin cylinder and the pressure inside the inflatable airbag will change accordingly. These changes will be immediately captured and converted into early warning signals, ensuring that the device issues early warnings in a timely manner, improving the safety of construction, and effectively reducing the potential risks caused by changes in the surrounding rock. In this embodiment, if Figure 5 As shown, the pump 6 is connected to the inflatable airbag 4 through a hose 9, and is used to pump air into the inflatable airbag, so that the inflatable airbag 4 expands. The inflatable airbag gradually expands and compresses upward. After the inflatable airbag is filled to a certain extent, the upper surface of the inflatable airbag completely contacts the bottom of the thin cylinder and begins to squeeze. In addition, the lower layer of the monitoring and early warning unit is also provided with a power supply motor 7, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown, the power supply motor 7 is connected to the pumping machine 6 via a power supply line 10 for supplying power to the pumping machine 6 .

[0026] In this embodiment, if Figure 1 As shown, a baffle 1 is further provided on the outside of each monitoring and early warning unit. The baffle 1 can slide on the outside of the monitoring and early warning unit and is flush with the TBM shield tail shell. The baffle 1 is used to protect the monitoring and early warning unit.

[0027] Example 2 This embodiment provides a monitoring and early warning method for preventing TBM jams, based on the monitoring and early warning device for preventing TBM jams mentioned in the first embodiment, including: When the TBM stops excavating, the monitoring and early warning are turned on through the control center. First, the baffle automatically slides to one side to reveal the diaphragm and thin cylinder on the upper layer of the monitoring and early warning unit. The power supply motor is started to power the air pump. The air pump pumps air into the inflatable airbag. The inflatable airbag gradually expands and squeezes the thin cylinder outward. The thin cylinder is passively moved upward for a distance. At this time, the thin cylinder protrudes toward the surrounding rock and remains motionless after reaching equilibrium with the surrounding rock surface. Due to the soft plasticity of the airbag, the thin cylinder protrudes outward to different lengths to achieve full contact with the irregular surface of the surrounding rock.

[0028] Then the air pump fully inflates the airbag, and the control center monitors the air pressure in the airbag in real time. When the air pressure change in the airbag tends to be balanced, the pumping is stopped, and the air pressure monitor records the air pressure value and transmits it to the control center. The control center records the air pressure value at this time and sets it as the maximum air pressure threshold. At the same time, the laser scanner at the bottom of the airbag scans the shape of the contact between the upper part of the airbag and the bottom of the thin cylinder and images it to obtain the initial surrounding rock image, which is then transmitted to the control center.

[0029] If the surrounding rock shrinks and deforms, squeezing the thin cylinder toward the inside of the monitoring unit, the compressed airbag increases the internal pressure. Once the maximum pressure threshold is exceeded, an alert is issued. Simultaneously, a laser scanner at the bottom of the airbag scans the contact area between the upper portion of the airbag and the bottom of the thin cylinder, generating an image of the surrounding rock. This image is then transmitted to the control center. The control center uses images of the surrounding rock from different locations transmitted by several monitoring and early warning units, combines existing ground data with AI to predict rock trends in areas where no monitoring and early warning units are installed, and generates a complete image of the surrounding rock's appearance.

[0030] Among them, when the surrounding rock deforms, the thin cylinder is squeezed downward, and the thin cylinder squeezes the inflatable airbag, causing the air pressure in the inflatable airbag to increase. After exceeding the maximum air pressure threshold, an early warning is issued. By comparing the changes in the initial surrounding rock imaging and the early warning surrounding rock imaging, the specific deformation location of the surrounding rock can be obtained, and guidance can be provided for anti-jamming work. By understanding the detailed conditions and potential changes of the surrounding rock in advance, construction personnel can formulate excavation strategies more accurately and adjust the operating parameters of the TBM, thereby effectively avoiding the occurrence of jamming accidents and improving construction efficiency and safety.

[0031] The foregoing description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and variations of the present invention are possible. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention shall be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A monitoring and early warning device for preventing TBM jams, characterized in that: include: Several monitoring and early warning units, each of which has upper, middle and lower levels; The upper layer is fixed with two transverse partitions, and a plurality of thin cylinders are connected between the two transverse partitions, and the thin cylinders can move between the two transverse partitions; the middle layer is provided with an inflatable airbag, and a laser scanner is provided at the bottom of the inflatable airbag for imaging the upper part of the inflatable airbag; the lower layer is provided with an air pressure monitor, an air pump and a control center, wherein the air pressure monitor and the air pump are both connected to the inflatable airbag, and the air pressure monitor is also connected to the control center through a signal transmission line for transmitting the air pressure value.

2. The monitoring and early warning device for preventing TBM jamming according to claim 1, characterized in that: The monitoring and early warning unit is a rectangular box-shaped structure, and a plurality of monitoring and early warning units are arranged in a ring shape in the groove on the surface of the TBM shield tail shell.

3. The monitoring and early warning device for preventing TBM jamming according to claim 1, characterized in that: There are circular holes on the two transverse partitions, and the thin cylinder passes through the circular holes on the two transverse partitions; protrusions are provided at both ends of the thin cylinder, and the radius of the protrusions is larger than the radius of the cross section at both ends of the thin cylinder, which is used to limit the movement of the thin cylinder between the two transverse partitions.

4. The monitoring and early warning device for preventing TBM jamming according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air pressure monitor is used to record the air pressure value in the inflatable airbag and transmit it to the control center; the air pump is connected to the inflatable airbag through a hose and is used to pump air into the inflatable airbag.

5. The monitoring and early warning device for preventing TBM jamming according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower layer is also provided with a power supply motor, which is connected to the pump machine through a power supply line and is used to supply power to the pump machine.

6. The monitoring and early warning device for preventing TBM jamming according to claim 1, characterized in that: A baffle is also provided on the outside of each monitoring and early warning unit. The baffle can slide on the outside of the monitoring and early warning unit and is flush with the TBM shield tail shell. The baffle is used to protect the monitoring and early warning unit.

7. A monitoring and early warning method for preventing TBM jams, based on the monitoring and early warning device for preventing TBM jams according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: include: When the TBM stops excavating, the control center activates monitoring and early warning, and starts the air pump to pump air into the inflatable bag. After the inflatable bag expands, it squeezes the thin cylinder outward, and the thin cylinder protrudes outward to different lengths. When the air pressure change in the inflatable bag tends to be balanced, the air pumping is stopped, and the air pressure monitor records the air pressure value and transmits it to the control center. The control center sets the maximum air pressure threshold and obtains the initial surrounding rock imaging. If the surrounding rock shrinks and deforms, the thin cylinder is squeezed to move into the monitoring unit, and the inflatable bag is squeezed to increase the internal air pressure value. When the maximum air pressure threshold is exceeded, an early warning is issued.

8. The monitoring and early warning method for preventing TBM jamming according to claim 7, characterized in that: After setting the maximum air pressure threshold, the laser scanner at the bottom of the inflatable airbag scans the shape of the contact between the upper part of the inflatable airbag and the bottom of the thin cylinder and images it to obtain the initial surrounding rock image, which is then transmitted to the control center.

9. The monitoring and early warning method for preventing TBM jamming according to claim 7, characterized in that: The surrounding rock shrinks and deforms. When the air pressure inside the inflatable airbag exceeds the maximum pressure threshold and an early warning is issued, the laser scanner at the bottom of the inflatable airbag scans the shape of the contact between the upper part of the inflatable airbag and the bottom of the thin cylinder again and forms an image to obtain an early warning surrounding rock image, which is then transmitted to the control center.

10. The monitoring and early warning method for preventing TBM jamming according to claim 7, characterized in that: When the TBM stops excavating, the baffle slides open to one side, revealing the diaphragm and thin cylinder on the upper layer of the monitoring and early warning unit.

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