A method and equipment for underground machining of shield tunnel cutterheads

By using a portable boring machine to process the shield cutterhead underground through a process of welding and boring, the installation difficulties caused by shield cutterhead deformation were solved, the construction period and cost were reduced, and the flexibility and precision of underground processing were improved.

CN116690101BActive Publication Date: 2026-07-03CHINA RAILWAY SHISIJU GROUP CORP +1

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
CHINA RAILWAY SHISIJU GROUP CORP
Filing Date
2023-06-26
Publication Date
2026-07-03

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The installation and disassembly of the tunnel boring machine cutterhead are difficult due to deformation during the installation and disassembly process. Existing processing equipment cannot be used in narrow spaces, which increases the construction period and cost.

Method used

A portable boring machine is used in conjunction with a method of welding before boring to perform secondary processing on the installed cutter head downhole, including electric welding and boring steps, to ensure the accuracy and adaptability of the cutter head.

Benefits of technology

This avoids the need for repeated lifting of the cutterhead, reduces construction time and costs, and improves the flexibility and precision of downhole processing.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

This invention discloses a method and equipment for underground machining of tunnel boring machine (TBM) cutterheads, relating to the field of underground machining. It employs a method of first welding and then boring to perform secondary machining of the target cutterhead underground. The process includes: welding the front end of the target cutterhead using an electric welding machine, followed by cooling; installing bolts in the bolt holes on the cutterhead to secure a portable boring machine; and using the portable boring machine to perform boring machining on the cutterhead and measuring its inner diameter. This invention uses a portable boring machine to machine and process the cutterhead within the already installed cutterhead underground, thus avoiding rework such as re-hoisting the cutterhead to the surface, reducing the on-site assembly and commissioning period of the TBM, and lowering construction costs.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of underground machining, and more particularly to a method and equipment for underground machining of tunnel boring machine cutterheads. Background Technology

[0002] During the installation and commissioning of the tunnel boring machine (TBM), due to its large size and weight, the cutterhead and other parts are prone to inward and outward elliptical deformation under its own weight. While this does not affect its tunneling performance, it can cause difficulties in the installation and disassembly of the cutterhead. Under current engineering models, the limited space at the front and rear ends of the cutterhead makes it impossible to install and use existing processing equipment in such a confined space. Furthermore, the materials and tools needed for cutterhead maintenance cannot be easily transported to the designated location for repairs. Therefore, the usual approach is to remove the installed cutterhead and reinstall it on the ground for maintenance. This method increases the workload of on-site TBM assembly and extends the construction period. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the purpose of this invention is to provide a method and equipment for underground processing of tunnel boring machine cutterheads. This method utilizes a portable boring machine to process and treat the cutterheads within the already installed cutterheads underground, thereby avoiding rework such as re-hoisting the cutterheads to the surface, reducing the on-site assembly and commissioning period of the tunnel boring machine, and decreasing construction costs.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention is implemented through the following technical solution:

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a method for underground machining of a shield tunnel cutterhead, employing a method of first welding and then boring to perform secondary machining of the target cutterhead underground, including:

[0006] The front end of the target tool holder is welded using an electric welding machine, and then cooled after welding.

[0007] Install bolts in the bolt holes on the tool holder for fixing the tool head to secure the portable boring machine;

[0008] The tool holder was bored using a portable boring machine, and the inner diameter of the tool holder was measured.

[0009] As a further implementation, during the installation of the portable boring machine, the center of the tool holder is first determined, and then the bearing housing bolts of the portable boring machine mounting bracket are adjusted to finely adjust the bearing position so that the center of the axle is consistent with the center of the tool holder.

[0010] As a further implementation method, during the boring process, rough machining is first performed based on the tool holder data to ensure that the remaining turning amount is greater than 0.5mm; then the accuracy is adjusted to 0.1mm for finishing machining of the tool holder; finally, chamfering is performed at the connection between the two different inner diameters inside the tool holder.

[0011] As a further implementation, the axle of the portable boring machine is fixed to the center of the tool holder by a fixing frame, and the cutting tool is installed at the front end of the tool holder in a weld overlay position.

[0012] As a further implementation method, a carbon dioxide shielded electric welding machine is used at the front end of the cutter head to perform a layer of overlay welding on the front end of the target cutter head. The thickness of the overlay welding material is 3-5mm, and the material is cooled for 10 hours after the overlay welding is completed.

[0013] As a further implementation, the method also includes: detecting the inner diameter of the front end of the tool holder to identify the deformed tool holder; rotating the tool disc to a set position and setting up a construction platform inside and outside the tool disc;

[0014] Clean the inside of the cutterhead and seal and protect the gate seal and gate pressure-holding pipeline.

[0015] As a further implementation, after completing the boring process of the tool holder, the inner diameter of the tool holder is measured using a micrometer; after the dimensions are found to be within acceptable limits, the toothed cutter is installed and a pressure test is performed.

[0016] As a further implementation, after the boring process is completed, the inner diameter error of the front part of the tool holder is 0.05 to 0.15 mm.

[0017] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention also provide a shield cutterhead downhole processing device, comprising:

[0018] Electric welding machine, used for overlay welding on the front end of the target tool holder;

[0019] A portable boring machine has its axle fixed to the center of the tool holder by a fixing frame, and the cutting tool is installed at the front end of the tool holder in a welded position; the portable boring machine is used to perform boring operations on the tool holder.

[0020] As a further implementation, a micrometer and a micrometer are also included. The micrometer is used to initially determine the position of the tool holder center, and the micrometer is used to accurately measure the position of the tool holder center.

[0021] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0022] (1) The present invention adopts a processing scheme of welding first and boring later. At the same time, a portable boring machine is used to process and process the cutter holder in the cutter head that has been installed in the well, avoiding the rework of re-hoisting the cutter head to the ground, avoiding the deformation of the remaining undeformed cutter holders caused by the repeated installation of the cutter head, reducing the construction period of the shield machine assembly and commissioning on site, and reducing the construction cost.

[0023] (2) The present invention is fixed by bolt holes in the cutter holder. The fixing method can be freely selected according to the different cutter holders at different positions of the cutter head. It has the characteristics of strong adaptability and easy operation, and makes it convenient for construction personnel to carry out processing operations in the narrow space inside the cutter head in the mine.

[0024] (3) The present invention first performs rough machining based on the tool holder data to ensure that the remaining turning amount is greater than 0.5mm; then the precision is adjusted to 0.1mm and the tool holder is finished; finally, the connection between the two different inner diameters in the tool holder is chamfered to facilitate the installation of the tool and improve the installation accuracy; and during the installation process, the base is fixed to ensure that the tool holder accuracy will not be deviated due to the shaking of the base during the boring process. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the invention.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of the present invention according to one or more embodiments;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the tool holder structure according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0028] Among them, 1. Tool holder, 2. Weld overlay. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Example 1:

[0030] In a typical embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, a method for underground machining of the shield cutterhead is presented.

[0031] Removing and reinstalling the cutterhead from the installed machine for maintenance increases the workload of on-site assembly and passively prolongs the construction period. This embodiment provides a method for underground processing of the cutterhead, using a portable boring machine and a welding-first, boring-latching approach to perform secondary processing on the target cutterhead underground. This avoids the repetitive work of removing and reinstalling the cutterhead, reduces the assembly and commissioning period, and lowers construction costs.

[0032] The following is a detailed description of the above-mentioned method for processing the cutterhead in the shaft, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, the underground processing method of the shield cutterhead 1 in this embodiment includes the following steps: 1. Inspect the dimensions of the cutterhead 1 to determine the object to be processed and repaired; 2. Build a platform in front of the cutterhead to obtain the processing work space; 3. Clean the cutterhead 1 and protect the gate seal of the cutterhead 1; 4. Perform welding on the front end of the cutterhead 1 to prepare for boring; 5. Fix a portable boring machine to perform boring on the cutterhead 1; 6. Re-inspect the dimensions of the cutterhead 1 and install the cutterhead for pressure testing. The processing and repair work of the cutterhead 1 is completed.

[0034] The specific steps are as follows:

[0035] Step 1: Inspect the inner diameter of the front end of tool holder 1 on site to identify the deformed tool holder 1, which is the target tool holder.

[0036] like Figure 2 As shown, the end of the tool holder 1 closest to the weld overlay layer 2 is the front end, and the other end is the rear end.

[0037] Step 2: Rotate the cutter head to the appropriate position and set up a processing platform inside and outside the cutter head to form a processing work space.

[0038] Step 3: Clean the inside of tool holder 1 to keep it clean; and seal and protect the gate seal and gate pressure-holding pipeline of tool holder 1 to prevent welding slag and machining debris from entering the front gate seal and damaging the sealing performance of the front gate.

[0039] Step 4: Using a CO2 shielded welding machine, deposit a layer of weld material 3-5mm thick onto the front end of the target tool holder. After depositing, cool for 10 hours to prepare for subsequent processing. A thickness of 3mm or more ensures sufficient corrosion-resistant layer thickness, while less than 5mm ensures minimal weld slag formation. The 10-hour cooling time prevents rapid cooling and the formation of hardened structures, avoids cracking in the heat-affected zone, and reduces welding stress and deformation.

[0040] Step 5: Using the bolt holes in the tool holder 1 to fix the tool disc, install bolts and set up and fix the mounting frame of the portable boring machine.

[0041] When determining the center of tool holder 1, first use a micrometer to find the approximate center position of tool holder 1, install and fix the bearing, then use a micrometer to accurately measure and determine the center position, requiring an error of no more than 0.02mm, and finally adjust the bolts of the boring machine mounting bracket bearing housing to fine-tune the bearing position so that the center of the axle is consistent with the center of tool holder 1.

[0042] After the center bearing is fixed, install the drive motor and cutting tools, and begin boring. Throughout the installation process, ensure the base is securely fixed to prevent base movement during boring, which could cause accuracy deviations in tool holder 1 and lead to further problems. After installing the cutting tools, perform a second centering check to ensure the installation process did not affect the center bearing position. Before starting boring, turn on the motor for pre-machining preparation and observe for significant base movement. If movement occurs, re-align and fix the base. If no significant movement occurs, the base is securely fixed, and boring can begin.

[0043] During the boring process, rough machining is first performed according to the data of tool holder 1 to ensure that the remaining turning amount is greater than 0.5mm; then, the accuracy is adjusted to 0.1mm for finish machining of tool holder 1; finally, chamfering is performed at the connection between the two different inner diameters inside tool holder 1 to facilitate tool installation. Throughout the boring process, frequent observation and measurement are necessary to ensure the turning thickness and avoid turning the inner diameter of tool holder 1 too large, which would require rework. After the boring is completed, the inner diameter error of the front part of tool holder 1 is 0.05~0.15mm.

[0044] Step Six: After completing the boring process of tool holder 1, use a micrometer to measure the inner diameter of tool holder 1. After the dimensions are found to be within acceptable limits, install the toothed cutter and conduct a pressure test. The machining operation of tool holder 1 is now complete.

[0045] This embodiment uses a portable boring machine, which is fixed by the bolt holes of the tool in the tool holder 1. The fixing method can be freely selected according to the different positions of the tool holder 1 in different parts of the cutter head. It has the characteristics of strong adaptability and easy operation, which makes it convenient for construction personnel to carry out processing operations in the narrow space inside the cutter head in the mine.

[0046] This embodiment can reduce the workload of shield machine assembly and commissioning, shorten the on-site assembly and commissioning period of shield machine, and reduce construction costs.

[0047] Example 2:

[0048] This embodiment provides a shield tunnel cutterhead underground processing equipment, including an electric welding machine, a portable boring machine, a construction platform, a micrometer, a dial gauge, etc. The electric welding machine is used to weld the front end of the target cutterhead; the portable boring machine is used to bore the cutterhead, and its axle is fixed to the center of the cutterhead by a fixing frame, and the cutting tool is installed at the welded position at the front end of the cutterhead.

[0049] A micrometer is used to initially determine the position of the tool holder's center, while a 1 / 2 inch is used to precisely measure the position of the tool holder's center.

[0050] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A method for underground machining of shield tunnel cutterheads, characterized in that, The target tool holder is subjected to secondary machining downhole using a method of first welding and then boring, including: The front end of the target tool holder is welded using an electric welding machine, and then cooled after welding. Install bolts in the bolt holes on the tool holder for fixing the tool head to secure the portable boring machine; The tool holder was bored using a portable boring machine, and the inner diameter of the tool holder was measured. During the installation of the portable boring machine, first determine the center of the tool holder, then adjust the bearing housing bolts of the portable boring machine mounting bracket, and fine-tune the bearing position so that the center of the axle is consistent with the center of the tool holder; the axle of the portable boring machine is fixed in the center of the tool holder by the mounting bracket, and the cutting tool is installed at the front end of the tool holder where it is welded. The method further includes: detecting the inner diameter of the front end of the tool holder to identify the deformed tool holder; rotating the tool disc to a set position and setting up a construction platform inside and outside the tool disc; Clean the inside of the cutterhead and seal and protect the gate seal and gate pressure-holding pipeline.

2. The method for underground machining of shield tunnel cutterheads according to claim 1, characterized in that, During the boring process, rough machining is first performed based on the tool holder data to ensure that the remaining turning amount is greater than 0.5mm; then the accuracy is adjusted to 0.1mm for finishing machining of the tool holder; finally, chamfering is performed at the connection between the two different inner diameters inside the tool holder.

3. The method for underground machining of shield tunnel cutterheads according to claim 1, characterized in that, A carbon dioxide shielded electric welding machine is used at the front end of the cutter head to deposit a layer of weld on the front end of the target cutter head. The thickness of the weld material is 3~5mm. After the weld is completed, it is cooled for 10 hours.

4. The method for underground machining of shield tunnel cutterheads according to claim 1, characterized in that, After the boring of the tool holder is completed, the inner diameter of the tool holder is measured with a micrometer; after the dimensions are found to be within acceptable limits, the toothed cutter is installed and a pressure test is performed.

5. A method for underground machining of a shield cutterhead according to claim 4, characterized in that, After boring, the inner diameter error of the front part of the tool holder is 0.05 to 0.15 mm.

6. A processing equipment used in the underground processing method for a shield cutterhead as described in any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, include: Electric welding machine, used for overlay welding on the front end of the target tool holder; A portable boring machine has its axle fixed to the center of the tool holder by a fixing frame, and the cutting tool is installed at the front end of the tool holder in a welded position; the portable boring machine is used to perform boring operations on the tool holder.

7. The shield tunnel cutterhead downhole processing equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes micrometers and micrometers. The micrometer is used to initially determine the position of the center of the tool holder, and the micrometer is used to accurately measure the position of the center of the tool holder.