Slurry discharge mechanism, shield machine, and method for replacing a slurry discharge pipe

Abstract

The application discloses a slurry discharging mechanism, a shield machine and a slurry discharging pipe replacing method, and the shield machine comprises a shield body and the slurry discharging mechanism, the shield body is provided with a slurry tank, and the slurry discharging mechanism comprises the following: a first slurry discharging pipe which is arranged in the shield body; a transition connecting pipe which is connected with the rear end of the first slurry discharging pipe in the axial direction; a second slurry discharging pipe, part of the structure of the second slurry discharging pipe is arranged on the inner side of the first slurry discharging pipe and the transition connecting pipe in a pull-out manner, one end of the second slurry discharging pipe is communicated with the slurry tank, the other end is communicated with a subsequent slurry discharging pipe line, the second slurry discharging pipe is detachably connected with the transition connecting pipe; a first control valve which controls the on-off of the first slurry discharging pipe and the transition connecting pipe; and a second control valve which controls the on-off of the second slurry discharging pipe and the subsequent slurry discharging pipe line. According to the slurry discharging mechanism, a double-layer slurry discharging pipe structure is formed, when the second slurry discharging pipe of the inner layer is greatly worn, the second slurry discharging pipe can be conveniently replaced, and when the second slurry discharging pipe is broken without being replaced in time, the first slurry discharging pipe and the transition connecting pipe on the outer side can also prevent leakage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of tunneling equipment technology, and in particular to a grout discharge mechanism, a tunnel boring machine, and a method for replacing grout discharge pipes. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, tunnel boring machines are increasingly being used for tunneling operations in the construction of urban rail transit, municipal projects, water diversion tunnels, railways, and highways.

[0003] During tunnel boring machine (TBM) operation, the slurry and excavated soil generated by the cutterhead at the front of the shield need to be transported to the outside. For slurry-balanced TBMs, the slurry discharge pipe at the bottom of the shield is the main channel for expelling slurry and sand from the excavation chamber. Because the slurry and excavated soil cause significant wear and tear on the slurry discharge pipe during tunneling, it suffers considerable wear during the excavation process. If the worn slurry discharge pipe is not replaced in time, a rupture could allow external water and slurry to rush into the shield, posing a significant threat to the equipment inside the shield and even causing a safety accident. Therefore, timely replacement of the slurry discharge pipe is crucial for ensuring the safety of TBM construction. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above problems, the present invention provides a grout discharge mechanism, a tunnel boring machine, and a grout discharge pipe replacement method. By constructing a double-layer grout discharge pipe structure for the grout discharge mechanism, and making the inner grout discharge pipe replaceable, it can be easily replaced when the inner grout pipe is worn. Furthermore, even if it is not replaced in time and breaks, the outer grout discharge pipe can also prevent leakage, preventing external water and mud from flowing into the shield body and improving safety.

[0005] The first aspect of the present invention provides a slurry discharge mechanism. The tunnel boring machine includes a shield body and the slurry discharge mechanism. The shield body is provided with a slurry chamber. The slurry discharge mechanism includes: a first slurry discharge pipe, which passes through the shield body; a transition connecting pipe, which is connected to the rear end of the first slurry discharge pipe along the axial direction; a second slurry discharge pipe, a portion of which is removably disposed inside the first slurry discharge pipe and the transition connecting pipe, one end of which communicates with the slurry chamber and the other end of which communicates with a subsequent slurry discharge pipeline, and the second slurry discharge pipe and the transition connecting pipe are detachably connected; a first control valve, which is disposed between the first slurry discharge pipe and the transition connecting pipe to control the on / off state of the first slurry discharge pipe and the transition connecting pipe after the second slurry discharge pipe is withdrawn from the first slurry discharge pipe; and a second control valve, which is disposed between the second slurry discharge pipe and the subsequent slurry discharge pipeline to control the on / off state of the second slurry discharge pipe and the subsequent slurry discharge pipeline.

[0006] According to the slurry discharge mechanism of the present invention, a first slurry discharge pipe is disposed on the shield body, and a second slurry discharge pipe is detachably nested inside the first slurry discharge pipe and the transition connecting pipe, so that the slurry discharge mechanism constitutes a double-layer slurry discharge pipe. On the one hand, when the second slurry discharge pipe is worn significantly, it can be easily replaced; on the other hand, even if it is not replaced in time and breaks, the outer first slurry discharge pipe and the transition connecting pipe can prevent leakage. Furthermore, the fit is simple and easy to assemble and disassemble. In addition, the first control valve is configured to control the opening and closing of the first slurry discharge pipe and the transition connecting pipe after the second slurry discharge pipe is pulled out from the first slurry discharge pipe, and the second control valve is configured to control the opening and closing of the second slurry discharge pipe and the subsequent slurry discharge pipeline. Through the cooperation of the first control valve and the second control valve, slurry leakage can be prevented during the replacement of the second slurry discharge pipe.

[0007] Optionally, the first slurry discharge pipe includes: a first pipe body and a first connector, the first pipe body passing through the shield body, and the first connector being located at the axial rear end of the first pipe body; the transition connecting pipe includes: a transition pipe body and a transition connector, there are two transition connectors, the two transition connectors are respectively located at both ends of the transition pipe body, and one of the transition connectors and the first connector are respectively connected to both ends of the first control valve; the second slurry discharge pipe includes: a second pipe body and a second connector, the second pipe body is located inside the first pipe body and the transition pipe body, the second connector is located at the end of the second pipe body away from the mud and water chamber, and both ends of the second connector are respectively connected to the other transition connector and the second control valve.

[0008] Optionally, any one of the first connector, the transition connector, and the second connector may be a connecting flange.

[0009] Optionally, one of the inner wall of the transition pipe body and the outer wall of the second pipe body is provided with a first sealing groove, the first sealing groove extending circumferentially along the second pipe body, and the slurry discharge mechanism further includes: a first sealing ring, the first sealing ring being embedded in the first sealing groove to seal the gap between the inner wall of the transition pipe body and the outer wall of the second pipe body.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the second slurry discharge pipe further includes: a first separation lifting lug, the first separation lifting lug being disposed on the second connector, the first separation lifting lug being adapted to cooperate with a lifting device to separate the second slurry discharge pipe from the transition connecting pipe.

[0011] Optionally, at least a portion of the inner wall of the second slurry pipe is formed with a wear-resistant structure.

[0012] Optionally, the first slurry discharge pipe is arranged at an upward angle relative to the axial direction of the shield body and from front to back, and is fixedly connected to the shield body.

[0013] Optionally, either the first control valve or the second control valve may be a gate valve.

[0014] A second aspect of the present invention provides a tunnel boring machine, the tunnel boring machine comprising: a shield body; and a slurry discharge mechanism according to the first aspect of the present invention, the slurry discharge mechanism being disposed on the shield body.

[0015] According to the present invention, by providing the slurry discharge mechanism of the first aspect, on the one hand, the inner second slurry discharge pipe can be easily replaced when it is worn to a large extent; on the other hand, even if it is not replaced in time, the outer first slurry discharge pipe and the transition connecting pipe can ensure the sealing of the slurry discharge process and prevent leakage.

[0016] The third aspect of the present invention provides a method for replacing the grout discharge pipe of a tunnel boring machine (TBM), applicable to the TBM described in the second aspect of the present invention. The method for replacing the grout discharge pipe includes the following steps: closing the second control valve and disconnecting the subsequent grout discharge pipeline from the second grout discharge pipe; removing the second grout discharge pipe; closing the first control valve when the second grout discharge pipe is removed from the first grout discharge pipe; removing the second grout discharge pipe from the transition connecting pipe; and replacing it with a new second grout discharge pipe.

[0017] The method for replacing the grout discharge pipe of the tunnel boring machine according to the present invention has simple operation steps, high safety, and can conveniently and quickly replace the second grout discharge pipe with a large degree of wear, so as to ensure the smooth progress of the tunnel boring machine tunneling operation. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the slurry discharge mechanism in the state where the second slurry discharge pipe is not withdrawn, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the slurry discharge mechanism in the second slurry discharge pipe withdrawal state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the method for replacing the grout discharge pipe of a tunnel boring machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0023] 100 - Slurry discharge mechanism;

[0024] 1-First slurry pipe; 11-First pipe body; 12-First connector;

[0025] 2-Transition connecting pipe; 21-Transition pipe body; 22-Transition connecting piece; 23-Second separation lifting lug

[0026] 3-Second row of slurry pipe; 31-Second pipe body; 32-Second connector; 33-First separation lifting lug;

[0027] 4-First control valve; 5-Second control valve

[0028] 200 - Tunnel boring machine; 201 - Shield body; 202 - Fixing hole. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of the embodiments of this application more apparent and understandable, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0030] Currently, tunnel boring machines are increasingly being used for tunneling operations in the construction of urban rail transit, municipal projects, water diversion tunnels, railways, and highways.

[0031] During tunnel boring machine (TBM) operation, the slurry and excavated soil generated by the cutterhead at the front of the shield need to be transported to the outside. For slurry-balanced TBMs, the slurry discharge pipe at the bottom of the shield is the main channel for expelling slurry and sand from the excavation chamber. Because the slurry and excavated soil cause significant wear and tear on the slurry discharge pipe during tunneling, it suffers considerable wear during the excavation process. If the worn slurry discharge pipe is not replaced in time, a rupture could allow external water and slurry to rush into the shield, posing a significant threat to the equipment inside the shield and even causing a safety accident. Therefore, timely replacement of the slurry discharge pipe is crucial for ensuring the safety of TBM construction.

[0032] In view of this, the present invention provides a grout discharge mechanism, a tunnel boring machine, and a grout discharge pipe replacement method. By constructing a double-layer grout discharge pipe structure for the grout discharge mechanism, and making the inner grout discharge pipe replaceable, it can be easily replaced when the inner grout pipe is worn out. Furthermore, even if it is not replaced in time and breaks, the outer grout discharge pipe can also prevent leakage, preventing external water and mud from flowing into the shield body and improving safety.

[0033] The following is for reference. Figure 1 and Figure 2 A slurry discharge mechanism 100 according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention is described.

[0034] refer to Figure 1 The slurry discharge mechanism 100 of this embodiment can be used in a tunnel boring machine 200. Specifically, the tunnel boring machine 200 includes a shield body 201 and a slurry discharge mechanism 100. The front end of the shield body 201 is provided with a slurry chamber, and the slurry discharge mechanism 100 may include: a first slurry discharge pipe 1, a transition connecting pipe 2, a second slurry discharge pipe 3, a first control valve 4, and a second control valve 5.

[0035] The first slurry discharge pipe 1 passes through and connects to the shield body 201. The transition connecting pipe 2 is arranged axially sequentially with the first slurry discharge pipe 1, and is connected to the rear end of the first slurry discharge pipe 1. A portion of the second slurry discharge pipe 3 is removably located inside the first slurry discharge pipe 1 and the transition connecting pipe 2. One end of the second slurry discharge pipe 3 (e.g., the front end) is connected to the mud-water chamber, and the other end (e.g., the rear end) is connected to the subsequent slurry discharge pipeline. The second slurry discharge pipe 3 and the transition connecting pipe 2 are detachably connected.

[0036] Thus, the second slurry pipe 3, together with the first slurry pipe 1 and the transition connecting pipe 2, forms a double-layer slurry pipe structure. In this way, during the operation of the tunnel boring machine 200, the mud and slag in the mud chamber will be transported from the second slurry pipe 3 to the subsequent slurry pipe. Since the second slurry pipe 3 and the transition connecting pipe 2 are detachably connected, when the second slurry pipe 3 is worn out, it can be easily pulled out from the inside of the first slurry pipe 1 and the transition connecting pipe 2 for replacement.

[0037] The first control valve 4 is located between the first discharge pipe 1 and the transition connecting pipe 2 to control the opening and closing of the first discharge pipe 1 and the transition connecting pipe 2 after the second discharge pipe 3 is withdrawn from the first discharge pipe 1. The second control valve 5 is located between the second discharge pipe 3 and the subsequent discharge pipe to control the opening and closing of the second discharge pipe 3 and the subsequent discharge pipe. Since the pressure in the mud and water chamber is relatively large, the first control valve 4 and the second control valve 5 can prevent mud from spraying out when the second discharge pipe 3 is replaced due to the excessive pressure difference between the mud and water chamber and the subsequent discharge pipe behind the second discharge pipe 3.

[0038] The method of using the slurry discharge mechanism 100 in this embodiment is as follows: First, control the second control valve 5 to close, so that the second slurry discharge pipe 3 and the subsequent slurry discharge pipe are cut off. Then, the second slurry discharge pipe 3 is pulled out backward along the axial direction of the first slurry discharge pipe 1. When the front end of the second slurry discharge pipe 3 moves backward to the transition connecting pipe 2, control the first control valve 4 to close, and then continue to pull out the second slurry discharge pipe 3. In this way, slurry spraying can be avoided.

[0039] According to the slurry discharge mechanism 100 of the present invention, a first slurry discharge pipe 1 is disposed on the shield body 201, and a second slurry discharge pipe 3 is detachably nested inside the first slurry discharge pipe 1 and the transition connecting pipe 2, so that the slurry discharge mechanism 100 constitutes a double-layer slurry discharge pipe. On the one hand, when the second slurry discharge pipe 3 is worn significantly, it can be easily replaced. On the other hand, even if it is not replaced in time and breaks, the outer first slurry discharge pipe 1 and the transition connecting pipe 2 can prevent leakage. Moreover, the fit is simple and easy to install and disassemble. In addition, the first control valve 4 is configured to control the opening and closing of the first slurry discharge pipe 1 and the transition connecting pipe 2 after the second slurry discharge pipe 3 is pulled out from the first slurry discharge pipe 1, and the second control valve 5 is configured to control the opening and closing of the second slurry discharge pipe 3 and the subsequent slurry discharge pipeline. Through the cooperation of the first control valve 4 and the second control valve 5, slurry leakage can be prevented during the replacement of the second slurry discharge pipe 3.

[0040] Optionally, refer to Figure 2 The first slurry pipe 1 may include a first pipe body 11 and a first connector 12. The first pipe body 11 passes through the shield body 201 and can be welded to the shield body 201 to ensure the installation stability of the first slurry pipe 1, thereby better supporting the transition connecting pipe 2, the second slurry pipe 3, and the flowing slurry. Alternatively, the first pipe body 11 can be detachably connected to the shield body 201 for easy assembly and disassembly.

[0041] For example Figure 2 As shown, the shield body 201 has an isolation wall extending radially along itself, with a fixing hole 202 formed in the isolation wall. The first pipe body 11 passes through the fixing hole 202. Optionally, the fixing hole 202 can be an oblique hole, and the first pipe body 11 can be arranged at an angle. Optionally, the first slurry discharge pipe 1 is arranged at an upward angle relative to the axial direction of the shield body 201 and in a front-to-back direction, and is fixedly connected to the shield body 201. In this way, the contact area between the hole wall of the fixing hole 202 and the first pipe body 11 can be increased, thereby improving the installation stability of the first slurry discharge pipe 1.

[0042] The first connecting member 12 is located at the rear end of the first pipe body 11 along the axial direction. The first connecting member 12 can be sleeved on the outside of the first pipe body 11. The first connecting member 12 can be integrally formed with the first pipe body 11, or it can be detachably connected to the first pipe body 11. The transition connecting pipe 2 can include: a transition pipe body 21 and a transition connecting member 22. The diameter of the transition pipe body 21 is the same as the diameter of the first pipe body 11. There are two transition connecting members 22, which are respectively located at both ends of the transition pipe body 21, and the transition connecting members 22 can be located on the outside of the transition pipe body 21. The transition connecting member 22 can be integrally formed with the transition pipe body, or it can be detachably connected to the transition pipe body 21. One of the transition connecting members 22 and the first connecting member 12 are respectively connected to both ends of the first control valve 4.

[0043] The second slurry pipe 3 may include: a second pipe body 31 and a second connector 32. The outer diameter of the second pipe body 31 is smaller than the inner diameter of the first pipe body 11 and the transition pipe body 21. The second pipe body 31 is located inside the first pipe body 11 and the transition pipe body 21. The second connector 32 is located at the end of the second pipe body 31 away from the mud and water chamber. The second connector 32 may be located outside the second pipe body 31. The two ends of the second connector 32 along the axial direction are respectively connected to another transition connector 22 and a second control valve 5.

[0044] Thus, the connection between the first slurry pipe 1, the transition connection pipe 2, the second slurry pipe 3, the first control valve 4, and the second control valve 5 is simple. This allows the second slurry pipe 3 to be detachable, and the cooperation of the first control valve 4 and the second control valve 5 during the disassembly process can prevent slurry leakage.

[0045] Optionally, any one of the first connecting member 12, the transition connecting member 22, and the second connecting member 32 can be a connecting flange, and the connection ends of the first control valve 4 and the second control valve 5 can be flange structures. In this way, the first connecting member 12, the transition connecting member 22, the second connecting member 32, the first control valve 4, and the second control valve 5 can be connected by bolts and fasteners. The connection process between the first slurry discharge pipe 1, the transition connecting pipe 2, and the second slurry discharge pipe 3 is simple, easy to operate, and has high connection reliability.

[0046] Optionally, at least one of the inner wall of the transition tube body 21 and the outer wall of the second tube body 31 is provided with a first sealing groove (not shown in the figure). The first sealing groove extends circumferentially along the second tube body 31. For example, the first sealing groove may be formed only on the inner wall of the transition tube body 21, or the first sealing groove may be formed only on the outer wall of the second tube body 31, or the first sealing groove may be formed on both the inner wall of the transition tube body 21 and the outer wall of the second tube body 31. The location of the first sealing groove can be reasonably selected according to actual needs.

[0047] The slurry discharge mechanism 100 may further include a first sealing ring (not shown). Specifically, the first sealing ring is embedded in a first sealing groove to seal the gap between the inner wall of the transition pipe body 21 and the outer wall of the second pipe body 31. Thus, during the replacement of the second slurry discharge pipe 3, when the front end of the second slurry discharge pipe 3 moves to the transition connecting pipe 2 and the first control valve 4 is not yet closed, the first sealing ring can prevent slurry from seeping out from the gap between the second pipe body 31 and the transition pipe body 21, thereby ensuring the sealing performance of the slurry discharge mechanism 100 during the replacement of the second slurry discharge pipe 3.

[0048] Optionally, there can be multiple first sealing grooves, which are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the transition pipe body 21. Correspondingly, there are multiple first sealing rings that correspond one-to-one with the first sealing grooves. In this way, the sealing performance of the slurry discharge mechanism 100 can be further improved.

[0049] Optionally, the connection end face of one of the first connector 12 and the first control valve 4 is provided with a second sealing groove, and the connection end face of the transition connector 22 and the first control valve 4 is provided with a third sealing groove. The slurry discharge mechanism 100 may also include a second sealing ring and a third sealing ring, with the second sealing ring disposed in the second sealing groove and the third sealing ring disposed in the third sealing groove. In this way, the connection sealing performance between the first slurry discharge pipe 1 and the first control valve 4 and the connection sealing performance between the transition connector 2 and the first control valve 4 can be improved.

[0050] According to some embodiments of the present invention, reference Figure 2 The second row of slurry pipes 3 may also include a first separation lifting lug 33. Specifically, the first separation lifting lug 33 is provided on the second connector 32. The first separation lifting lug 33 is adapted to cooperate with lifting equipment such as a hand chain hoist. In this way, when replacing the second row of slurry pipes 3, the lifting equipment can be connected to the first separation lifting lug 33 through a hook or a rope to separate the second row of slurry pipes 3 from the transition connecting pipe 2 and pull the second row of slurry pipes 3 out of the first row of slurry pipes 1 and the transition connecting pipe 2. Alternatively, a new second row of slurry pipes 3 can be hoisted into the first row of slurry pipes 1 and the second row of slurry pipes 3.

[0051] Optionally, the first separation lug 33 can be integrally formed with the second connector 32 to improve the connection strength between the first separation lug 33 and the second connector 32, and ensure the smooth replacement of the second slurry pipe 3.

[0052] Alternatively, the first separating lug 33 can be detachably connected to the second connecting member 32, for example, by bolts. In this way, the first separating lug 33 can be reused, which helps to reduce costs and improve economy.

[0053] Optionally, refer to Figure 2 The transition connecting pipe 2 also includes a second separation lifting lug 23. Specifically, the second separation lifting lug 23 is provided on the transition connecting member 22. The second separation lifting lug 23 is suitable for use with lifting equipment such as a hand chain hoist, so that the transition connecting pipe 2 can be conveniently installed using the lifting equipment.

[0054] The second separation lug 23 can be integrally formed with the transition connector 22 to improve the connection strength between the second separation lug 23 and the transition connector 22; or, the second separation lug 23 can also be detachably connected to the transition connector 22, such as by bolts. In this way, the second separation lug 23 can be reused, which helps to reduce costs and improve economy.

[0055] Optionally, at least a portion of the inner wall of the second slurry pipe 3 is formed with a wear-resistant structure. For example, a wear-resistant layer can be provided on the inner wall of the second slurry pipe 3, or the wall of the second slurry pipe 3 can be thickened. Of course, the present invention is not limited to these, and the construction of the wear-resistant structure can be reasonably selected according to actual needs. By providing a wear-resistant structure on the inner wall of the second slurry pipe 3, it is beneficial to reduce the wear of the second slurry pipe 3, extend its service life, thereby reducing the frequency of replacement and reducing costs.

[0056] Optionally, either the first control valve 4 or the second control valve 5 can be a gate valve. Since the liquid flowing in the slurry discharge mechanism 100 is mud or other liquids containing a lot of particulate impurities, using gate valves for the first control valve 4 and the second control valve is beneficial to ensuring sealing.

[0057] The following is for reference. Figure 1 and Figure 2 A tunnel boring machine 200 according to a second aspect of the present invention is described.

[0058] The tunnel boring machine 200 of this embodiment may include: a shield body 201 and a slurry discharge mechanism 100 as described in the above embodiment.

[0059] Specifically, the front end of the shield body 201 is provided with a mud and water chamber, and the slurry discharge mechanism 100 may include: a first slurry discharge pipe 1, a transition connecting pipe 2, a second slurry discharge pipe 3, a first control valve 4, and a second control valve 5.

[0060] The first slurry discharge pipe 1 passes through and connects to the shield body 201. The transition connecting pipe 2 is arranged axially sequentially with the first slurry discharge pipe 1, and is connected to the rear end of the first slurry discharge pipe 1. A portion of the second slurry discharge pipe 3 is removably located inside the first slurry discharge pipe 1 and the transition connecting pipe 2. One end of the second slurry discharge pipe 3 (e.g., the front end) is connected to the mud-water chamber, and the other end (e.g., the rear end) is connected to the subsequent slurry discharge pipeline. The second slurry discharge pipe 3 and the transition connecting pipe 2 are detachably connected.

[0061] The first control valve 4 is located between the first discharge pipe 1 and the transition connecting pipe 2 to control the opening and closing of the first discharge pipe 1 and the transition connecting pipe 2 after the second discharge pipe 3 is withdrawn from the first discharge pipe 1. The second control valve 5 is located between the second discharge pipe 3 and the subsequent discharge pipe to control the opening and closing of the second discharge pipe 3 and the subsequent discharge pipe. Since the pressure in the mud and water chamber is relatively large, the first control valve 4 and the second control valve 5 can prevent mud from spraying out when the second discharge pipe 3 is replaced due to the excessive pressure difference between the mud and water chamber and the subsequent discharge pipe behind the second discharge pipe 3.

[0062] According to the embodiment of the present invention, the tunnel boring machine 200, by setting the slurry discharge mechanism 100 in the above embodiment, can conveniently replace the inner second slurry discharge pipe 3 when the wear is large. On the other hand, even if it is not replaced in time, the outer first slurry discharge pipe 1 and the transition connecting pipe 2 can ensure the sealing of the slurry discharge process and prevent leakage.

[0063] The following is for reference. Figure 3 A method for replacing the grout discharge pipe of a tunnel boring machine 200 according to a third aspect embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0064] The method for replacing the grout discharge pipe of the tunnel boring machine 200 according to this embodiment of the invention can be applied to the tunnel boring machine 200 in the above embodiment. The method for replacing the grout discharge pipe includes the following steps: S1, closing the second control valve and disconnecting the subsequent grout discharge pipeline from the second grout discharge pipe; S2, removing the second grout discharge pipe; S3, closing the first control valve when the second grout discharge pipe is removed from the first grout discharge pipe; S4, removing the second grout discharge pipe from the transition connecting pipe; S5, replacing the second grout discharge pipe with a new one.

[0065] Specifically, firstly, the tunnel boring machine 200 can be stopped from tunneling, the mud gate closed, and the bottom mud in the mud chamber emptied to avoid generating new mud during the replacement process. Then, the second control valve 5 is closed, so that there is no mud flow between the second slurry pipe 3 and the subsequent slurry pipe, and the second slurry pipe 3 and the subsequent slurry pipe are disconnected; then, the second connector 32 of the second slurry pipe 3 and the transition connector 22 of the transition connector 2 are separated, and the second slurry pipe 3 is slowly pulled out using a lifting device such as a hand-operated hoist in conjunction with the first separation lug 33; when the front end of the second slurry pipe is completely pulled out of the first slurry pipe 1, the first control valve 4 is closed, and then the second slurry pipe 3 is pulled out from the transition connector 2. Finally, the new second slurry pipe 3 is installed, thus completing the replacement of the slurry pipe.

[0066] It should be noted that during the replacement of the slurry pipe, due to the large pressure difference between the mud and water chamber and the subsequent slurry pipe, the cooperation of the first control valve 4 and the second control valve 5 can ensure that the high pressure in the mud and water chamber is isolated from the outside, reduce safety hazards, and enable maintenance personnel to quickly complete the replacement of the slurry pipe in a stable pressure environment.

[0067] The method for replacing the grout discharge pipe of the tunnel boring machine 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention has simple operation steps, high safety, and can conveniently and quickly replace the second grout discharge pipe 3 with a large degree of wear, so as to ensure the smooth progress of the tunnel boring machine 200 tunneling operation.

[0068] It should be noted that the embodiments referred to in the specification, such as "one embodiment," "embodiment," "exemplary embodiment," and "some embodiments," may include specific features, structures, or characteristics, but not every embodiment necessarily includes that specific feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, when a specific feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, implementing such a feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments, whether explicitly described or not, is within the knowledge scope of those skilled in the art.

[0069] Generally speaking, terms should be understood at least in part by their use in context. For example, at least in part by context, the term "one or more" as used in the text can be used to describe any feature, structure, or characteristic of the singular meaning, or a combination of features, structures, or characteristics of the plural meaning. Similarly, at least in part by context, terms such as "a" or "the" can also be understood to convey either singular or plural usage.

[0070] It should be readily understood that the terms “on,” “above,” and “on top of” in this disclosure should be interpreted in the broadest possible sense, such that “on” means not only “directly on something” but also “on something” with an intermediate feature or layer therebetween, and that “above” or “on top of” means not only “on top of something” but also “on top of something” without an intermediate feature or layer therebetween (i.e., directly on something).

[0071] Furthermore, for ease of explanation, spatially relative terms such as "below," "below," "under," "above," and "above" may be used to describe the relationship of one element or feature relative to other elements or features as shown in the figures. Spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation other than those shown in the figures. The device may have other orientations (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptive terms used herein may be interpreted accordingly.

[0072] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A grout discharge mechanism for a tunnel boring machine, characterized in that, The tunnel boring machine includes a shield body and a slurry discharge mechanism. The shield body is equipped with a slurry chamber, and the slurry discharge mechanism includes: The first grout pipe is installed through the shield body; A transition connecting pipe is connected to the rear end of the first slurry discharge pipe along the axial direction; The second slurry pipe is partially removably located inside the first slurry pipe and the transition connecting pipe. One end of the second slurry pipe is connected to the mud and water tank, and the other end is connected to the subsequent slurry discharge pipeline. The second slurry pipe and the transition connecting pipe are detachably connected. A first control valve is located between the first slurry discharge pipe and the transition connection pipe to control the on / off state of the first slurry discharge pipe and the transition connection pipe after the second slurry discharge pipe is withdrawn from the first slurry discharge pipe. A second control valve is located between the second slurry discharge pipe and the subsequent slurry discharge pipe to control the opening and closing of the second slurry discharge pipe and the subsequent slurry discharge pipe. The first slurry discharge pipe includes: a first pipe body and a first connector, the first pipe body passing through the shield body, and the first connector being located at the rear end of the first pipe body along the axial direction; The transition connection pipe includes: a transition pipe body and a transition connector. There are two transition connectors, which are respectively disposed at both ends of the transition pipe body. One of the transition connectors is connected to both ends of the first control valve, along with the first connector. The second discharge pipe includes: a second pipe body and a second connector. The second pipe body is located inside the first pipe body and the transition pipe body. The second connector is located at the end of the second pipe body away from the mud and water tank. The two ends of the second connector are respectively connected to another transition connector and the second control valve.

2. The slurry discharge mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, Any one of the first connecting member, the transition connecting member, and the second connecting member is a connecting flange.

3. The slurry discharge mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one of the inner wall of the transition tube body and the outer wall of the second tube body is provided with a first sealing groove, the first sealing groove extending circumferentially along the second tube body. The slurry discharge mechanism further includes a first sealing ring, which is embedded in the first sealing groove to seal the gap between the inner wall of the transition pipe body and the outer wall of the second pipe body.

4. The slurry discharge mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second slurry discharge pipe further includes: a first separation lifting lug, which is disposed on the second connector and is adapted to cooperate with lifting equipment to separate the second slurry discharge pipe from the transition connecting pipe.

5. The slurry discharge mechanism according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, At least a portion of the inner wall of the second slurry pipe is formed with a wear-resistant structure.

6. The slurry discharge mechanism according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The first slurry discharge pipe is arranged at an upward angle relative to the axial direction of the shield body and from front to back, and is fixedly connected to the shield body.

7. The slurry discharge mechanism according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, Both the first control valve and the second control valve are gate valves.

8. A tunnel boring machine, characterized in that, include: Shield body; a slurry discharge mechanism according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the slurry discharge mechanism is disposed on the shield body.

9. A method for replacing the grout discharge pipe of a tunnel boring machine, applied to the tunnel boring machine according to claim 8, characterized in that, The method for replacing the slurry discharge pipe includes the following steps: Close the second control valve and disconnect the subsequent slurry discharge pipeline from the second slurry discharge pipeline; Remove the second row of slurry pipes; When the second slurry pipe is withdrawn from the first slurry pipe, close the first control valve; The second slurry discharge pipe is pulled out of the transition connecting pipe; Replace the second row of slurry pipes.

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