Shield tunneling machine liquid level detection device

Abstract

The invention discloses a shield tunneling machine liquid level detection device which comprises a ruler, a camera and a cleaning device, the ruler is used for being installed in an air cushion bin of a shield tunneling machine and provided with scale marks, the camera is used for being installed in the air cushion bin of the shield tunneling machine and used for shooting the ruler, the cleaning device is arranged on the ruler, and the cleaning device is used for cleaning the air cushion bin of the shield tunneling machine. And the cleaning device is used for cleaning the scales of the ruler. During working, the liquid level in the air cushion bin of the shield tunneling machine is on the scale marks corresponding to the scale, scale data of the scale can be observed through the camera, so that the liquid level position is accurately obtained, the scale can be cleaned through the cleaning device, the scales on the scale can be kept clear, and camera shooting is facilitated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of tunnel boring machines, and in particular to a liquid level detection device for tunnel boring machines. Background Technology

[0002] The application of tunnel boring machines (TBMs) in underground engineering is becoming increasingly widespread, and their performance and safety directly affect the smooth progress of the project. During the slurry circulation process during TBM excavation, mismatches between the slurry inlet and outlet flow rates, sudden blockages in the outlet pipeline, or tripping of the inlet and outlet pumps can all cause significant fluctuations in the liquid level within the air cushion chamber. Inaccurate liquid level detection can lead to large pressure fluctuations at the excavation face, and a full chamber can damage the pressure-maintaining system and other sensors and electrical components. Therefore, a liquid level monitoring system is crucial.

[0003] In existing technologies, liquid level monitoring technologies generally use ultrasonic waves and infrared rays for ranging. However, these technologies suffer from problems such as low ranging accuracy and poor stability, making them unsuitable for underground working conditions. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, the present invention proposes a liquid level detection device for tunnel boring machines (TBMs), which can solve the problem of inaccurate liquid level detection inside TBMs.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a shield tunneling machine liquid level detection device includes: a scale, a camera, and a cleaning device. The scale is installed in the air cushion chamber of the shield tunneling machine and has graduation lines. The camera is installed inside the air cushion chamber of the shield tunneling machine and is used to capture images of the scale. The cleaning device is disposed inside the scale or the air cushion chamber of the shield tunneling machine and is used to clean the graduations of the scale.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a shield tunneling machine liquid level detection device has at least the following beneficial effects: during operation, the liquid level in the air cushion chamber of the shield tunneling machine is on the scale line corresponding to the scale. The scale data of the scale can be observed through a camera, thereby accurately obtaining the liquid level position. Furthermore, the scale can be cleaned through a cleaning device, so that the scale on the scale can be kept clear, which is convenient for camera recording.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the cleaning device includes at least one cleaning nozzle and a scraping mechanism, wherein the cleaning nozzle is capable of spraying cleaning liquid onto the scale and the scraping mechanism is capable of scraping the scale.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the scraping mechanism includes a drive member, a transmission arm, and a scraper. The drive member is disposed on the scale, the transmission arm is connected to the drive member, the scraper is detachably disposed on the transmission arm, the scraper abuts against the scale, and the drive member can drive the scraper to reciprocate along the scale to clean the surface of the scale.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the scraper is made of coated rubber.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the scale includes at least three segmented scales that can be detachably connected to each other.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the scale is provided with at least two through holes for cable threading.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the scale has a wiring cavity that communicates with the wire hole.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the camera has a self-cleaning component that can clean the outer wall of the camera lens.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a float level gauge is also included, which is installed inside the air cushion chamber of the tunnel boring machine.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the system further includes a water storage tank, a pumping pump, and a replenishment pump. The pumping pump and the replenishment pump are connected to the water storage tank and the tunnel boring machine air cushion chamber via pipelines. The pumping pump and the replenishment pump can operate according to the liquid level signal detected by the camera. When the liquid level detected by the camera is higher than a predetermined range, the pumping pump can pump water from the tunnel boring machine air cushion chamber to the water storage tank. When the liquid level detected by the camera is lower than the predetermined range, the replenishment pump can pump water from the water storage tank to the tunnel boring machine air cushion chamber.

[0016] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The above or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the arrangement in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of scale and cleaning device;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the scraping device;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the scraper.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of liquid level control.

[0023] Figure label:

[0024] Scale 100, graduation lines 110, segment ruler 120, thread hole 130;

[0025] Camera 200;

[0026] Cleaning device 300, cleaning nozzle 310, scraping mechanism 320, driving component 321, transmission arm 322, scraper 323;

[0027] Shield tunneling machine cabin 400;

[0028] Float level gauge 500;

[0029] Water storage tank 610, water pump 620, water replenishment pump 630;

[0030] Control unit 700. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0032] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships, are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. Furthermore, features defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0033] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0034] Reference Figures 1 to 2 According to a first aspect of the present invention, a shield tunneling machine liquid level detection device includes a scale 100, a camera 200, and a cleaning device 300. The scale 100 is installed in the air cushion chamber of the shield tunneling machine and has graduation lines 110. The camera 200 is installed inside the air cushion chamber of the shield tunneling machine and is used to capture images of the scale 100. The cleaning device 300 is disposed on the scale 100 and is used to clean the graduations on the scale 100. During operation, the liquid level in the air cushion chamber of the shield tunneling machine is on the graduation line 110 corresponding to the scale 100. The camera 200 can observe the graduation data of the scale 100 to accurately determine the liquid level position. The cleaning device 300 can clean the scale 100, ensuring that the graduations on the scale 100 remain clear for easy image capture by the camera 200.

[0035] Specifically, the camera 200 can be installed inside the air cushion chamber of the tunnel boring machine. The signal cable of the camera 200 can be connected to an external control center. The scale 100 can be set inside the air cushion chamber, and a scale line 110 can be set on the scale 100. The scale 100 can be calibrated according to the liquid level in the air cushion chamber. The liquid level can be known by observing the scale line 110. The camera 200 can transmit the collected image data to the control center for the controller to observe and adjust the liquid level. Since the liquid in the air cushion chamber is mud, the scale 100 needs to be calibrated. The scale 100 is cleaned to provide clear markings. The cleaning device 300 can be installed on the scale 100 to rinse its surface. The cleaning device 300 can be electrically connected to the control center and can provide feedback through images captured by the camera 200. The operator can control whether the cleaning device 300 cleans or not, so that the scale 100 can be clearly observed. Through the above structure, the environment and liquid level inside the chamber can be accurately observed, and the situation inside the air cushion chamber can be clearly and accurately known, thereby maintaining the stability of the excavation.

[0036] Understandably, the cleaning device 300 can also be installed inside the air cushion chamber of the tunnel boring machine.

[0037] Reference Figures 1 to 2In some embodiments of the present invention, the cleaning device 300 includes at least one cleaning nozzle 310 and a scraping mechanism 320. The cleaning nozzle 310 can spray cleaning fluid onto the scale 100, and the scraping mechanism 320 can scrape the scale 100. The cleaning nozzle 310 and the scraping mechanism 320 can cooperate with each other to spray and then scrape, thereby improving the cleaning effect and keeping the scale markings on the surface of the scale 100 clearly visible.

[0038] Specifically, the cleaning nozzle 310 can be connected to an external water supply device via a pipe. The water supply device can be equipped with a water pump to provide a certain pressure. The cleaning nozzle 310 can be directed at the surface of the scale 100 and spray onto the surface of the scale 100 to rinse away the mud on the surface of the scale 100. The cleaning nozzle 310 can also soften the mud. The scraping mechanism 320 can scrape the surface of the scale 100 to remove the mud and ensure that the scale line 110 can clearly transmit the liquid level. The cleaning nozzle 310 can cooperate with the scraping mechanism 320 to spray and then scrape to improve the cleaning effect.

[0039] It should be noted that the cleaning device 300 is not limited to the above embodiment, and other embodiments can also be adopted. For example, the cleaning device 300 may also include an air blowing device, which can be connected to an external compressed air source. The air blowing device can blow high-pressure air onto the surface of the scale 100, which, together with the cleaning nozzle 310 and the scraping mechanism 320, can further improve the cleaning effect.

[0040] Reference Figures 3 to 4 In some embodiments of the present invention, the scraping mechanism 320 includes a drive member 321, a transmission arm 322 and a scraper 323. The drive member 321 is disposed on the scale 100, the transmission arm 322 is connected to the drive member 321 in a transmission manner, the scraper 323 is detachably disposed on the transmission arm 322, the scraper 323 abuts against the scale 100, and the drive member 321 can drive the scraper 323 to reciprocate along the scale 100 to clean the surface of the scale 100.

[0041] Specifically, the drive component 321 of the scraping mechanism 320 can be a servo motor, and the transmission arm 322 can be a transmission link. The specific link structure is not specifically limited. The scraper 323 can be engaged with the end of the transmission arm 322 or connected by fasteners so that the scraper 323 can be disassembled and replaced. The scraper 323 can have a certain elasticity so that the scraper 323 can fit against the surface of the scale 100. The drive component 321 can drive the transmission arm 322 to swing back and forth, so that the scraper 323 can swing back and forth to scrape the surface of the scale 100.

[0042] In some embodiments of the present invention, the scraper 323 is made of coated rubber. Specifically, the scraper 323 may be made of Teflon-coated rubber, thereby improving the durability of the scraper 323, reducing the frequency of replacement, and thus reducing the cost of use.

[0043] Reference Figure 1 In some embodiments of the present invention, the scale 100 includes at least three segmented scales 120, which are detachably connected to each other. The segmented scales 120 are also easy to install, allowing for segmented installation and disassembly, thus facilitating installation and maintenance.

[0044] Specifically, the air cushion chamber of the tunnel boring machine is roughly circular, so the scale 100 can be set as a three-section scale 120. The scale 120 can fit the shape of the circular air cushion chamber and be set in the upper, middle and lower parts of the air cushion chamber. At the same time, the scale 120 can also be easy to install, can be installed and disassembled in sections, and is convenient for installation and maintenance.

[0045] In some embodiments of the present invention, the scale 100 is C-shaped. Specifically, the scale 100 may also be C-shaped, so that the scale 100 can fit the annular air cushion chamber, continuously covering the entire height direction of the air cushion chamber, and can be screwed into the chamber for installation.

[0046] In some embodiments of the present invention, the surface of the scale 100 is provided with an anti-corrosion coating. Specifically, the surface of the scale 100 may be coated to prevent the scale 100 from being corroded by mud, and a hydrophobic coating may also be provided to reduce the area of ​​the scale 100 that is adhered to by mud, thereby reducing the cleaning intensity of the cleaning device 300.

[0047] Reference Figure 2 In some embodiments of the present invention, the scale 100 is provided with at least two through holes 130 for cable routing. Specifically, the scale 100 may be provided with through holes 130, which facilitate cable routing of the cleaning device 300 and facilitate installation and maintenance.

[0048] In some embodiments of the present invention, the scale 100 has a wiring cavity that communicates with the wire hole 130. Specifically, the scale 100 can be hollow, with the internal space serving as the wiring cavity, allowing various control cables to be arranged through the wiring cavity for easy installation and maintenance.

[0049] In some embodiments of the present invention, the camera 200 has a self-cleaning component that can clean the outer wall of the lens of the camera 200. Specifically, the camera 200 is also prone to lens contamination by mud when it is in the air cushion chamber, so a self-cleaning component can be provided. The self-cleaning component can be located outside the lens of the camera 200 and can be configured as a rinsing device that can rinse the lens. It is understood that the self-cleaning component can also be provided with an air blowing component, which can work with the rinsing device to blow air onto the lens after rinsing to wash away excess liquid, so that the camera 200 can capture images normally.

[0050] It should be noted that the camera 200 is not limited to the above embodiments. Other embodiments can also be used. For example, the camera 200 can also be set in a protective cavity. An observation window can be set on the protective cavity. The cleaning device 300 mentioned above can be set on the observation window to clean the observation window, so as to ensure that the camera 200 can collect images normally and further protect the camera 200.

[0051] Reference Figure 5 In some embodiments of the present invention, a float level gauge 500 is also included, which is installed inside the air cushion chamber of the tunnel boring machine. Specifically, the float level gauge 500 can serve as a redundant level detection device, and when the camera 200 fails, the float level gauge 500 can be used to supplement the detection data.

[0052] Reference Figure 5 In some embodiments of the present invention, a water storage tank 610, a water pump 620, and a water replenishment pump 630 are also included. The water pump 620 and the water replenishment pump 630 are connected to the water storage tank 610 and the shield machine air cushion chamber through pipelines. The water pump 620 and the water replenishment pump 630 can operate according to the liquid level signal detected by the camera 200. When the liquid level detected by the camera 200 is higher than a predetermined range, the water pump 620 can pump water from the shield machine air cushion chamber to the water storage tank 610. When the liquid level detected by the camera 200 is lower than the predetermined range, the water replenishment pump 630 can pump water from the water storage tank 610 to the shield machine air cushion chamber.

[0053] Specifically, the liquid level within the air cushion chamber of the tunnel boring machine (TBM) can regulate the pressure of the slurry shield. For example, at a high liquid level, there is less air, and when there is a slight disturbance in the pressure at the excavation face, the system can compensate more quickly and directly by adjusting the air pressure, resulting in smaller pressure fluctuations and a more stable excavation face. This is beneficial for stability but sacrifices flexibility. At a low liquid level, there is more gas, and the gas has good compressibility, allowing the air cushion chamber to absorb or release pressure changes more flexibly and quickly. This is beneficial for responsiveness but sacrifices stability. Therefore, it is necessary to precisely control the liquid level within a preset range according to specific working conditions, with the liquid level ratio generally set between 30% and 70%. Through the above structure, the water storage tank 610 can control the liquid level height through the water supply pump 630 and the pump 620. It can be understood that the camera 200, the water supply pump 630, and the pump 620 can be linked and controlled through the control component 700, thereby achieving liquid level control.

[0054] It is understandable that the water pump 620 and the makeup water pump 630 can operate in both directions using a single pump.

[0055] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0056] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A liquid level detection device for a tunnel boring machine, characterized in that, include: A scale (100) is used to install in the air cushion chamber of the tunnel boring machine, the scale (100) having scale lines (110); A camera (200) is installed inside the air cushion chamber of the tunnel boring machine, and the camera (200) is used to photograph the scale (100); A cleaning device (300) is installed inside the scale (100) or the shield machine air cushion chamber. The cleaning device (300) is used to clean the scale (100).

2. The shield tunneling machine liquid level detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cleaning device (300) includes at least one cleaning nozzle (310) and a scraping mechanism (320). The cleaning nozzle (310) is capable of spraying cleaning liquid onto the scale (100), and the scraping mechanism (320) is capable of scraping the scale (100).

3. The shield tunneling machine liquid level detection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The scraping mechanism (320) includes a drive member (321), a transmission arm (322), and a scraper (323). The drive member (321) is disposed on the scale (100). The transmission arm (322) is connected to the drive member (321). The scraper (323) is detachably disposed on the transmission arm (322). The scraper (323) abuts against the scale (100). The drive member (321) can drive the scraper (323) to reciprocate along the scale (100) to clean the surface of the scale (100).

4. The shield tunneling machine liquid level detection device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The scraper (323) is made of coated rubber.

5. The shield tunneling machine liquid level detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The scale (100) includes at least three segmented scales (120) that are detachably connected to each other.

6. The shield tunneling machine liquid level detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The scale (100) is provided with at least two through holes (130) for cable threading.

7. A shield tunneling machine liquid level detection device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The scale (100) has a wiring cavity, which is connected to the wire hole (130).

8. The shield tunneling machine liquid level detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The camera (200) has a self-cleaning component that can clean the outer wall of the lens of the camera (200).

9. A shield tunneling machine liquid level detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a float level gauge (500), which is installed inside the shield machine air cushion chamber.

10. A shield tunneling machine liquid level detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a water storage tank (610), a water pump (620), and a water replenishment pump (630). The water pump (620) and the water replenishment pump (630) are connected to the water storage tank (610) and the shield machine air cushion chamber through pipelines. The water pump (620) and the water replenishment pump (630) can operate according to the liquid level signal detected by the camera (200). When the liquid level detected by the camera (200) is higher than a predetermined range, the water pump (620) can pump water from the shield machine air cushion chamber to the water storage tank (610). When the liquid level detected by the camera (200) is lower than a predetermined range, the water replenishment pump (630) can pump water from the water storage tank (610) to the shield machine air cushion chamber.

Images