Earth pressure balance shield machine and method for discharging material therefrom

Abstract

The application discloses a soil pressure shield tunneling machine and a slag discharging method thereof. The soil pressure shield tunneling machine comprises a first conveying device, a first buffer tank and a second conveying device. The first conveying device is connected with a cutting chamber of the shield tunneling machine through a slag inlet. The first buffer tank is connected with the first conveying device through a slag outlet. The first buffer tank is provided with a valve element. The second conveying device is arranged in the first buffer tank. The second conveying device is connected with the first buffer tank through a slag inlet and a slag outlet. The pressure in the first buffer tank is automatically adjusted by the valve element to be adapted to the pressure in the cutting chamber or the external atmospheric pressure. The application solves the technical problems that the soil pressure shield tunneling machine is not easy to tunnel in water-rich or high-pressure strata and has hidden dangers of safety accidents.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of tunnel construction equipment, and more particularly to an earth pressure shield tunneling machine and its muck removal method, especially to an earth pressure shield tunneling machine and its muck removal method that uses a double helix conveyor for muck removal. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, during shield tunneling in underground tunnel projects, earth pressure balance shield tunneling machines experience varying degrees of gushing when traversing water-rich sandy soil layers, water-rich fault zones, and river sections, among other complex geological conditions. Large amounts of high-pressure mud, sand, and slag are ejected from the slag discharge port of the screw conveyor, severely polluting the construction environment inside the tunnel. In some high-altitude and cold regions, slurry shield tunneling machines that require the use of slurry separation stations freeze due to low temperatures, or the use of slurry systems causes a sharp drop in tunneling efficiency due to freezing, making shield tunneling impossible and resulting in extremely slow tunneling speeds.

[0003] When working in water-rich or high-pressure strata, earth pressure shield tunneling machines (EPS) typically utilize a screw conveyor to create a soil plug effect (i.e., as the excavated soil passes through the screw conveyor, it densely fills the gaps between the screw conveyor cylinder wall, shaft, and blades, preventing the pressure inside the soil chamber from escaping outwards. This creates a pressure drop between the screw conveyor inlet and outlet, and the pressure drop at both ends of the screw conveyor, formed by the dense excavated soil, can be used to offset the water and soil pressure inside the soil chamber). This balances the water and soil pressure within the soil chamber, and the soil plug effect can be further enhanced through excavated soil improvement measures, thereby reducing the risk of blowouts during operation. However, in practical applications, the effectiveness of screw conveyors is not ideal. The stability of the soil plug in the screw conveyor deteriorates as excavated soil is continuously discharged from the cylinder, and the state of the soil plug changes constantly, making blowouts difficult to prevent and stop. Therefore, the blowout problem remains difficult to solve, and in severe cases, it may lead to soil chamber instability or even the shield machine being flooded. Therefore, improving the reliability of shield tunneling in water-rich and high-pressure strata is extremely important.

[0004] There is currently no effective solution to the problem of earth pressure shield tunneling machines not being able to tunnel smoothly in water-rich or high-pressure strata, which poses a potential safety hazard.

[0005] Therefore, based on years of experience and practice in related industries, the inventor proposes an earth pressure shield tunneling machine and its muck removal method to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide an earth pressure shield tunneling machine and its muck removal method. By adding a buffer tank, the pressure difference between the two ends of the screw conveyor is reduced to a minimum, avoiding muck removal problems such as gushing during the muck removal process, ensuring tunneling safety and efficiency, and ensuring safe and efficient tunneling in water-rich or high-pressure strata.

[0007] The objective of this invention can be achieved through the following methods:

[0008] This invention provides an earth pressure shield tunneling machine, the earth pressure shield tunneling machine comprising:

[0009] The first conveying device has its slag inlet connected to the excavation chamber of the tunnel boring machine.

[0010] The first buffer tank has its inlet connected to the slag outlet of the first conveying device, and a valve element is provided on the first buffer tank.

[0011] The second conveying device is disposed inside the first buffer tank, and the slag inlet and slag outlet of the second conveying device are respectively connected to the inlet and outlet of the first buffer tank.

[0012] The valve element automatically adjusts the pressure inside the first buffer tank to match the pressure inside the excavation chamber or the external atmospheric pressure.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention

[0014] When the first conveying device conveys slag into the first buffer tank, the inlet of the first buffer tank is opened and the outlet of the first buffer tank is closed. When the slag is conveyed into the first buffer tank, the valve element discharges at least part of the gas in the first buffer tank.

[0015] When the first buffer tank is filled with slag, the inlet of the first buffer tank is closed, the valve element is adjusted to make the pressure inside the first buffer tank the same as the external atmospheric pressure, and the outlet of the first buffer tank is opened so that the slag inside the first buffer tank is discharged from the outlet of the first buffer tank.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a first gate is provided at the slag outlet of the first conveying device and / or the inlet of the first buffer tank, and a second gate is provided at the outlet of the first buffer tank.

[0017] When the first conveying device conveys slag into the first buffer tank, the first gate opens and the second gate closes;

[0018] Once the first buffer tank is full of slag, the first gate is closed. After the pressure inside the first buffer tank is equal to the external atmospheric pressure, the second gate is opened, and the slag inside the first buffer tank is discharged from the outlet of the first buffer tank through the second conveying device.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the inlet of the first conveying device is sealed to the excavation chamber of the tunnel boring machine, and the inlet of the first buffer tank is sealed to the outlet of the first conveying device.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the valve element is a clamp valve with a preset opening pressure. When the first conveying device conveys slag into the first buffer tank, the preset opening pressure of the clamp valve is less than the internal pressure of the first buffer tank.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first buffer tank is provided with a pressure regulating pipeline communicating with its interior, and the pinch valve is provided on the pressure regulating pipeline.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first buffer tank is provided with a pressure injection port, which is connected to a high-pressure gas injection device.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the earth pressure shield machine includes a pressure detection device for detecting the pressure inside the excavation chamber.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the earth pressure shield tunneling machine further includes:

[0025] The second buffer tank has its inlet connected to the slag outlet of the first conveying device. The second buffer tank is equipped with a valve element. The first buffer tank contains the second conveying device. The slag inlet and slag outlet of the second conveying device are respectively connected to the inlet and outlet of the second buffer tank.

[0026] When the first buffer tank discharges slag to the outside, the first conveying device conveys slag to the second buffer tank;

[0027] When the first conveying device delivers slag into the first buffer tank, the second buffer tank discharges slag to the outside.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the earth pressure shield machine includes a third conveying device, the inlet of which is connected to the outlet of the first buffer tank and / or the outlet of the second buffer tank.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the third conveying device is a belt conveyor.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the earth pressure shield machine includes a first trailer and a second trailer, the first buffer tank and / or the second buffer tank are disposed on the first trailer, and the third conveying device is disposed on the second trailer.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first trailer and / or the second trailer are connected to the main unit of the tunnel boring machine via a towing cylinder.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least a portion of the first conveying device is located within the main body of the tunnel boring machine.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, one or more of the first buffer tank, the second buffer tank, the third conveying device, the first trailer, the second trailer, at least a portion of the first conveying device, and at least a portion of the towing cylinder are located inside the tunnel.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, both the first conveying device and the second conveying device are screw conveyors.

[0035] This invention provides a muck removal method using the aforementioned earth pressure shield tunneling machine. The muck removal method includes the following steps:

[0036] When the first conveying device conveys slag into the first buffer tank, the inlet of the first buffer tank is opened and the outlet of the first buffer tank is closed. The slag is conveyed into the first buffer tank and at least part of the gas in the first buffer tank is discharged through the valve element.

[0037] When the first buffer tank is full of slag, the inlet of the first buffer tank is closed, and the pressure inside the first buffer tank is adjusted to be the same as the external atmospheric pressure through the valve element, so that the outlet of the first buffer tank is opened so that the slag inside the first buffer tank can be discharged from the outlet of the first buffer tank.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, before the first conveying device conveys the slag into the first buffer tank...

[0039] Detect the pressure inside the excavation chamber;

[0040] The pressure in the first buffer tank is adjusted according to the pressure in the excavation chamber.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, before the first conveying device conveys the slag into the first buffer tank, the opening pressure of the valve element is preset.

[0042] When the first conveying device conveys slag into the first buffer tank, the opening pressure of the valve element is always less than the internal pressure of the first buffer tank.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a second buffer tank is provided that works alternately with the first buffer tank;

[0044] When the first buffer tank discharges slag to the outside, the first conveying device conveys slag to the second buffer tank;

[0045] When the first conveying device delivers slag into the first buffer tank, the second buffer tank discharges slag to the outside.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, before the slag in the first buffer tank is discharged from the outlet of the first buffer tank,

[0047] The second conveying device adjusts the distribution position of the slag and soil in the first buffer tank so that the slag and soil are evenly distributed in the first buffer tank.

[0048] As described above, the earth pressure shield tunneling machine and its muck removal method of the present invention have the following characteristics and advantages: The first conveying device and the second conveying device work together to transport and remove muck. The inlet of the first conveying device is connected to the excavation chamber of the shield tunneling machine. The second conveying device is located inside the first buffer tank. The inlet of the first buffer tank is connected to the muck outlet of the first conveying device. The inlet of the second conveying device and the muck outlet of the second conveying device are respectively connected to the inlet and outlet of the first buffer tank. A valve element is installed on the first buffer tank. The valve element can automatically adjust the pressure inside the first buffer tank to match the pressure inside the excavation chamber or the external atmospheric pressure. This minimizes the pressure difference between the pressure inside the first buffer tank and the pressure inside the excavation chamber, or the pressure difference between the pressure inside the first buffer tank and the external atmospheric pressure, ensuring stable transport and discharge of muck. This ensures safe and efficient tunnel excavation even in water-rich or high-pressure strata. Attached Figure Description

[0049] The accompanying drawings are intended only to illustrate and explain the present invention and do not limit the scope of the invention.

[0050] in:

[0051] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the earth pressure shield tunneling machine of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the muck removal method for the earth pressure shield tunneling machine of the present invention.

[0053] The reference numerals in the accompanying drawings of this invention are:

[0054] 1. Main unit; 2. Excavation bin;

[0055] 3. First conveying device; 4. First gate;

[0056] 5. First buffer tank; 6. Second buffer tank;

[0057] 7. Second conveying device; 8. Second gate;

[0058] 9. Pressure regulating pipeline; 10. Valve components;

[0059] 11. First trailer; 12. Third conveying device;

[0060] 13. Second trailer; 14. Towing cylinder;

[0061] 15. Tunnel. Detailed Implementation

[0062] To provide a clearer understanding of the technical features, objectives, and effects of the present invention, specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0063] Implementation Method 1

[0064] like Figure 1 As shown, the present invention provides an earth pressure shield tunneling machine, which includes a first conveying device 3, a first buffer tank 5, and a second conveying device 7. The inlet of the first conveying device 3 is connected to the excavation chamber 2 of the shield machine, and the inlet of the first buffer tank 5 is connected to the outlet of the first conveying device 3. The first buffer tank 5 is equipped with a valve element 10 that can preset the opening pressure. The second conveying device 7 is disposed inside the first buffer tank 5. The inlet of the second conveying device 7 is connected to the inlet of the first buffer tank 5, and the outlet of the second conveying device 7 is connected to the outlet of the first buffer tank 5. The pressure inside the first buffer tank 5 can be automatically adjusted by the valve element 10 so that the pressure inside the first buffer tank 5 can be adapted to the pressure inside the excavation chamber 2 or the external atmospheric pressure.

[0065] In this invention, the first conveying device 3 and the second conveying device 7 work together to transport and remove excavated soil. The inlet of the first conveying device 3 is connected to the excavation chamber 2 of the tunnel boring machine. The second conveying device 7 is located inside the first buffer tank 5. The inlet of the first buffer tank 5 is connected to the outlet of the first conveying device 3. The inlet and outlet of the second conveying device 7 are respectively connected to the inlet and outlet of the first buffer tank 5. A valve element 10 is provided on the first buffer tank 5. The valve element 10 can automatically adjust the pressure inside the first buffer tank 5 to match the pressure inside the excavation chamber 2 or the external atmospheric pressure. This minimizes the pressure difference between the first buffer tank 5 and the excavation chamber 2, or the pressure difference between the first buffer tank 5 and the external atmospheric pressure, when transporting or discharging excavated soil into or from the first buffer tank 5. This ensures stable transport and discharge of excavated soil, guaranteeing safe and efficient tunnel excavation even in water-rich or high-pressure strata.

[0066] In this invention, the specific scenario in which the pressure inside the first buffer tank 5 is automatically adjusted by the valve element 10 to match the pressure inside the excavation chamber 2 is as follows: when the first conveying device 3 conveys slag into the first buffer tank 5, the inlet of the first buffer tank 5 is opened and the outlet of the first buffer tank 5 is closed. At the same time as the slag is conveyed into the first buffer tank 5, the valve element 10 automatically discharges at least part of the gas inside the first buffer tank 5. The specific scenario in which the pressure inside the first buffer tank 5 is automatically adjusted by the valve element 10 to match the external atmospheric pressure is as follows: when the first buffer tank 5 is full of slag, the inlet of the first buffer tank 5 is closed, and the pressure inside the first buffer tank 5 is adjusted by the valve element 10 to be the same as the external atmospheric pressure. The outlet of the first buffer tank 5 is then opened so that the slag inside the first buffer tank 5 is discharged from the outlet of the first buffer tank 5.

[0067] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, a first gate 4 is provided at the slag outlet of the first conveying device 3 and / or the inlet of the first buffer tank 5, and a second gate 8 is provided at the outlet of the first buffer tank 5. When the first conveying device 3 conveys slag into the first buffer tank 5, the first gate 4 can be opened and the second gate 8 can be closed. While the slag is being conveyed into the first buffer tank 5, the valve element 10 automatically discharges at least part of the gas in the first buffer tank 5, ensuring that the pressure in the first buffer tank 5 is close to the pressure in the excavation chamber 2 in real time, thereby avoiding the occurrence of gushing. When the slag fills the first buffer tank 5, the first gate 4 can be closed, and the pressure in the first buffer tank 5 can be adjusted to be the same as the external atmospheric pressure through the valve element 10. After the pressure in the first buffer tank 5 is the same as the external atmospheric pressure, the second gate 8 can be opened, and the slag in the first buffer tank 5 can be discharged from the outlet of the first buffer tank 5 through the second conveying device 7.

[0068] Furthermore, in this invention, the inlet of the first conveying device 3 and the excavation chamber 2 of the tunnel boring machine, as well as the inlet of the first buffer tank 5 and the outlet of the first conveying device 3, are sealed together, so that there will be no air leakage or soil leakage.

[0069] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, both the first conveying device 3 and the second conveying device 7 can be, but are not limited to, screw conveyors.

[0070] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, the valve element 10 is a clamp valve with a preset opening pressure. When the first conveying device 3 conveys excavated soil into the first buffer tank 5, the preset opening pressure of the clamp valve is slightly less than the internal pressure of the first buffer tank 5. This creates a soil plug effect between the inlet and outlet of the first conveying device 3, resulting in a certain pressure difference between the first buffer tank 5 and the excavation chamber 2. This pressure difference is small (enough to complete the excavation action without causing a gushing), ensuring that the excavated soil in the excavation chamber 2 does not gushing when passing through the first conveying device 3, thus guaranteeing the smooth conveying of the excavated soil. The pressure difference between the first buffer tank 5 and the excavation chamber 2 can be, but is not limited to, less than or equal to 1 bar.

[0071] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 As shown, the first buffer tank 5 is provided with a pressure regulating pipeline 9 that communicates with its interior. The pinch valve can be directly installed on the first buffer tank 5, or it can be installed on the pressure regulating pipeline 9.

[0072] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, the first buffer tank 5 is provided with a pressure injection port (not shown), which is connected to a high-pressure gas injection device. Before transporting the excavated soil, high-pressure gas can be injected into the first buffer tank 5 through the high-pressure gas injection device according to the pressure in the excavation chamber 2, so that the pressure in the first buffer tank 5 is close to the pressure in the excavation chamber 2, thus avoiding the occurrence of gushing.

[0073] Furthermore, the earth pressure shield machine includes a pressure detection device used to detect the pressure inside the excavation chamber 2, thereby adjusting the pressure inside the first buffer tank 5 based on the pressure inside the excavation chamber 2. The pressure detection device may be, but is not limited to, a pressure sensor.

[0074] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, the earth pressure shield machine also includes a second buffer tank 6, which has the same structure as the first buffer tank 5. The inlet of the second buffer tank 6 and the inlet of the first buffer tank 5 are respectively connected to the muck outlet of the first conveying device 3. The second buffer tank 6 is equipped with a valve element 10. The first buffer tank 5 contains a second conveying device 7, whose inlet is connected to the inlet of the second buffer tank 6, and whose outlet is connected to the outlet of the second buffer tank 6. The second buffer tank 6 and the first buffer tank 5 work alternately. When the first buffer tank 5 discharges muck, the first conveying device 3 feeds muck into the second buffer tank 6; when the first conveying device 3 feeds muck into the first buffer tank 5, the second buffer tank 6 discharges muck, thus achieving uninterrupted muck discharge, improving the efficiency of excavation and muck transportation, and ensuring that the tunneling is not affected by gushing muck.

[0075] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, the earth pressure shield machine includes a third conveying device 12, the inlet of which is connected to the outlet of the first buffer tank 5 and / or the outlet of the second buffer tank 6. The excavated soil discharged from the first buffer tank 5 and / or the second buffer tank 6 directly enters the third conveying device 12, and is then discharged outside the tunnel 15 via the third conveying device 12. The third conveying device 12 may be, but is not limited to, a belt conveyor.

[0076] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, the earth pressure shield tunneling machine includes a first trailer 11 and a second trailer 13. A first buffer tank 5 and / or a second buffer tank 6 are mounted on the first trailer 11, and a third conveying device 12 is mounted on the second trailer 13. The positions of the first buffer tank 5, the second buffer tank 6, and the third conveying device 12 within the tunnel 15 can be adjusted via the first trailer 11 and the second trailer 13 to ensure continuous muck removal as the tunnel 15 is excavated.

[0077] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 As shown, the first trailer 11 and / or the second trailer 13 are connected to the main unit 1 of the tunnel boring machine via a towing cylinder 14. The first trailer 11 and / or the second trailer 13 are towed within the tunnel 15 via the towing cylinder 14.

[0078] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 As shown, at least part of the first conveying device 3 is located inside the main unit 1 of the tunnel boring machine.

[0079] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 As shown, one or more of the first buffer tank 5, the second buffer tank 6, the third conveying device 12, the first trailer 11, the second trailer 13, at least a portion of the first conveying device 3, and at least a portion of the towing cylinder 14 are located inside the tunnel 15.

[0080] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, a slurry discharge pipeline can be connected to the slurry outlet of the first conveying device 3, and a slurry discharge pump can be installed at the slurry outlet of the first conveying device 3 or on the slurry discharge pipeline to discharge slurry by pumping.

[0081] The working process of the earth pressure shield machine of the present invention is as follows: Before excavation, the pressure in the excavation chamber 2 is collected by a pressure sensor installed in the main body 1 of the shield machine. Through the cooperation of a high-pressure gas injection device and a clamp valve, the pressure in the first buffer tank 5 is continuously adjusted to be the same as or close to the pressure in the excavation chamber 2. At the same time, the opening pressure of the clamp valve is preset to be slightly less than the pressure in the first buffer tank 5. During the excavation process, the excavated soil is continuously transported to the first buffer tank 5 through the first conveying device 3. As the excavated soil in the first buffer tank 5 increases, the pressure in the first buffer tank 5 continuously rises. During this process, the clamp valve is continuously opened to discharge the gas in the first buffer tank 5 to make room for the excavated soil. After the first buffer tank 5 is full of excavated soil, the first conveying device 3 stops feeding the excavated soil, and both the first gate 4 and the second gate 8 are closed. At the same time, the clamp valve is opened to the maximum to release the pressure in the first buffer tank 5 to be the same as the external atmospheric pressure. Then, the second gate 8 is opened and the second conveying device 7 is started to discharge the excavated soil onto the third conveying device 12 (belt conveyor) and transport it to the outside of the tunnel 15.

[0082] During the tunneling process, the second buffer tank 6 and the first buffer tank 5 work alternately. The process of operating the second buffer tank 6 to collect and discharge the excavated soil is the same as that of the first buffer tank 5, and will not be described in detail here.

[0083] The features and advantages of the earth pressure shield tunneling machine of the present invention are as follows:

[0084] First, this earth pressure shield machine can minimize the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet of the first conveying device 3 during the muck discharge process (i.e., the pressure difference between the first buffer tank 5 and the excavation chamber 2, and the pressure difference between the first buffer tank 5 and the outside atmosphere), fundamentally solving the problem of gushing during muck discharge from the first conveying device 3. This enables the earth pressure shield machine to discharge muck smoothly and efficiently in water-rich or high-pressure strata, ensuring the smooth tunneling of the shield machine and guaranteeing construction safety.

[0085] Second, this earth pressure shield machine can replace the slurry shield machine in environments unsuitable for slurry separation stations (such as high-altitude and cold regions) to excavate inside tunnels, ensuring smooth excavation under high water pressure.

[0086] Implementation Method 2

[0087] This invention provides a muck removal method, which uses the aforementioned earth pressure shield tunneling machine for muck removal. The muck removal method includes the following steps:

[0088] Step S1: When the first conveying device 3 conveys the slag into the first buffer tank 5, the inlet of the first buffer tank 5 is opened and the outlet of the first buffer tank 5 is closed. The slag is conveyed into the first buffer tank 5 and at least part of the gas in the first buffer tank 5 is discharged through the valve element 10.

[0089] Step S2: When the first buffer tank 5 is full of slag, the inlet of the first buffer tank 5 is closed, and the pressure inside the first buffer tank 5 is adjusted to be the same as the external atmospheric pressure through the valve element 10. The outlet of the first buffer tank 5 is then opened so that the slag inside the first buffer tank 5 can be discharged from the outlet of the first buffer tank 5.

[0090] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, before step S1: the first conveying device 3 conveys slag into the first buffer tank 5, the slag discharge method further includes:

[0091] Step S01: Detect the pressure inside the excavation chamber 2; wherein, the pressure inside the excavation chamber 2 can be detected by a pressure detection device. The pressure detection device may be, but is not limited to, a pressure sensor.

[0092] Step S02: Adjust the pressure in the first buffer tank 5 according to the pressure in the excavation chamber 2. The first buffer tank 5 is equipped with a pressure injection port (not shown), which is connected to a high-pressure gas injection device. High-pressure gas can be injected into the first buffer tank 5 according to the pressure in the excavation chamber 2, making the pressure in the first buffer tank 5 close to the pressure in the excavation chamber 2, thus preventing gushing.

[0093] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, before the first conveying device 3 conveys the excavated soil into the first buffer tank 5 in step S1, the opening pressure of the valve element 10 needs to be preset; when the first conveying device 3 conveys the excavated soil into the first buffer tank 5, the opening pressure of the valve element 10 is always less than the internal pressure of the first buffer tank 5. This creates a soil plug effect between the inlet and outlet of the first conveying device 3, resulting in a certain pressure difference between the first buffer tank 5 and the excavation chamber 2. This pressure difference is small (enough to complete the excavation without causing a gushing), ensuring that the excavated soil in the excavation chamber 2 does not gushing when passing through the first conveying device 3, thus guaranteeing the smooth conveying of the excavated soil. The pressure difference between the first buffer tank 5 and the excavation chamber 2 can be, but is not limited to, less than or equal to 1 bar.

[0094] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, a second buffer tank 6 is provided to work alternately with the first buffer tank 5; when the first buffer tank 5 discharges excavated soil to the outside, the first conveying device 3 conveys excavated soil into the second buffer tank 6; when the first conveying device 3 conveys excavated soil into the first buffer tank 5, the second buffer tank 6 discharges excavated soil to the outside, thereby achieving the purpose of uninterrupted excavation, improving the efficiency of excavation and excavated soil transportation, and ensuring that the tunneling is not affected by the gushing.

[0095] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, step S2: before the slag in the first buffer tank 5 is discharged from the outlet of the first buffer tank 5, the second conveying device 7 needs to be controlled to switch between forward and reverse rotation multiple times, so that the distribution position of the slag in the first buffer tank 5 can be adjusted by the second conveying device 7 so that the slag is evenly distributed in the first buffer tank 5.

[0096] like Figure 2 As shown, the slag removal method of the present invention will be specifically described using the following example:

[0097] In areas with high ground pressure, high-permeability gravel strata, or where it is impossible to set up a mud-water separation station due to high cold regions, the use of earth pressure shield tunneling machines can easily cause gushing, which in turn can lead to ground pressure loss and other hazards during tunneling. In such cases, the muck removal method of the present invention can be used for muck removal.

[0098] The first conveying device 3 is installed inside the main body 1 of the tunnel boring machine. The first conveying device 3 is driven by a drive unit. The first gate 4 controls the opening and closing of the slag outlet of the first conveying device 3. The first buffer tank 5 and the second buffer tank 6 are respectively sealed to the slag outlet of the first conveying device 3, ensuring no air leakage. The outlets of the first buffer tank 5 and the second buffer tank 6 are respectively connected to the inlet of the third conveying device 12. Two second conveying devices 7 are respectively installed inside the first buffer tank 5 and the second buffer tank 6. The device 7 can perform forward and reverse rotation control, thereby adjusting the distribution of excavated soil in the first buffer tank 5 and the second buffer tank 6, ensuring that the excavated soil can be evenly distributed in both the first buffer tank 5 and the second buffer tank 6; the first buffer tank 5 and the second buffer tank 6 are installed on the first trailer 11, and the third conveying device 12 is installed on the second trailer 13. The first trailer 11 and the second trailer 13 are respectively connected to the main unit 1 of the tunnel boring machine through the towing cylinder 14, and the first buffer tank 5, the second buffer tank 6 and the third conveying device 12 are moved in the tunnel 15 by the towing cylinder 14.

[0099] When the pressure inside the excavation chamber 2 is abnormal, or when the formation pressure is sensitive, the first buffer tank 5 can be emptied in advance, and the pressure inside the first buffer tank 5 can be adjusted according to the pressure inside the excavation chamber 2 (e.g., high-pressure gas is injected into the first buffer tank 5 through a high-pressure gas injection device so that the pressure inside the first buffer tank 5 is the same as or close to the pressure inside the excavation chamber 2). While opening the first gate 4, the second gate 8 remains closed. Normal excavation proceeds within the excavation chamber 2, and excavated soil is discharged normally into the first buffer tank 5 via the first conveying device 3. Simultaneously, due to the continuous increase in pressure within the first buffer tank 5, exceeding the opening pressure of the first gate 4, the first gate 4 opens. Water, mud, and / or a small amount of excavated soil from the first buffer tank 5 are simultaneously discharged onto the third conveying device 12 via the pressure regulating pipeline 9. During the excavation process, the first conveying device 3 uses the second conveying device 7 to switch between forward and reverse directions multiple times, thereby adjusting the distribution of excavated soil within the first buffer tank 5. When the first buffer tank 5 is full of excavated soil, the first conveying device 3 is stopped, and the first gate 4 is closed. The pressure within the first buffer tank 5 can be released through the pressure injection port and clamp valve, ensuring that the pressure within the first buffer tank 5 is equal to the external atmospheric pressure. At this point, the second gate 8 is opened, and the second conveying device 7 is rotated forward to safely transport the excavated soil from the first buffer tank 5 onto the third conveying device 12, thus excavating it outside the tunnel 15.

[0100] After the first buffer tank 5 is filled with excavated soil, it can be switched to transport the excavated soil to the second buffer tank 6. At this time, the first buffer tank 5 transports the excavated soil to the third conveying device 12. During the tunneling process, the switching between the first buffer tank 5 and the second buffer tank 6 is repeated to achieve uninterrupted excavation, ensure excavation efficiency, and avoid the equipment tunneling being affected by the gushing.

[0101] When the pressure inside the excavation chamber 2 is normal, the first gate 4 and the second gate 8 can be opened simultaneously, and the first conveying device 3 and the second conveying device 7 can be controlled to be in forward rotation. Thus, the excavated soil inside the excavation chamber 2 is transported to the first buffer tank 5 through the first conveying device 3, and then the excavated soil inside the first buffer tank 6 is transported to the third conveying device 12 through the second conveying device 7, thereby transporting the excavated soil outside the tunnel 15.

[0102] The characteristics and advantages of the slag removal method of the present invention are as follows:

[0103] First, this muck removal method can not only transport the muck smoothly to the outside of tunnel 15, but also avoid problems such as muck gushing and other difficulties caused by excessive pressure difference between the first buffer tank 5, the excavation chamber 2, and the external atmosphere, thus ensuring the smooth progress of tunneling.

[0104] Second, this slag removal method can replace slurry shield tunneling machines in environments unsuitable for slurry separation stations (such as high-altitude and cold regions), ensuring smooth tunneling under high water pressure.

[0105] The above description is merely an illustrative embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Any equivalent changes and modifications made by those skilled in the art without departing from the concept and principles of the present invention should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An earth pressure shield tunneling machine, characterized in that, The earth pressure shield tunneling machine includes: The first conveying device (3) has its slag inlet connected to the excavation chamber (2) of the tunnel boring machine; The first buffer tank (5) has its inlet connected to the slag outlet of the first conveying device (3), and a valve element (10) is provided on the first buffer tank (5). The second conveying device (7) is installed inside the first buffer tank (5). The slag inlet and the slag outlet of the second conveying device (7) are respectively connected to the inlet and the outlet of the first buffer tank (5). The valve element (10) is a clamp valve with a preset opening pressure. When the first conveying device (3) conveys slag into the first buffer tank (5), the preset opening pressure of the clamp valve is less than the internal pressure of the first buffer tank (5). When the first conveying device (3) conveys slag into the first buffer tank (5), the inlet of the first buffer tank (5) is opened and the outlet of the first buffer tank (5) is closed. The slag is conveyed into the first buffer tank (5) and the clamp valve is automatically opened by the internal pressure of the first buffer tank (5) so as to automatically discharge at least part of the gas in the first buffer tank (5) through the valve element (10). The valve element (10) automatically adjusts the pressure in the first buffer tank (5).

2. The earth pressure shield tunneling machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, When the first buffer tank (5) is filled with slag, the inlet of the first buffer tank (5) is closed, the valve element (10) is adjusted to the same pressure in the first buffer tank (5) as the external atmospheric pressure, and the outlet of the first buffer tank (5) is opened so that the slag in the first buffer tank (5) is discharged from the outlet of the first buffer tank (5).

3. The earth pressure shield tunneling machine as described in claim 2, characterized in that, A first gate (4) is provided at the slag outlet of the first conveying device (3) and / or at the inlet of the first buffer tank (5), and a second gate (8) is provided at the outlet of the first buffer tank (5). When the first conveying device (3) conveys slag into the first buffer tank (5), the first gate (4) opens and the second gate (8) closes; When the first buffer tank (5) is filled with slag, the first gate (4) is closed. When the pressure inside the first buffer tank (5) is the same as the external atmospheric pressure, the second gate (8) is opened, and the slag inside the first buffer tank (5) is discharged from the outlet of the first buffer tank (5) through the second conveying device (7).

4. The earth pressure shield tunneling machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The inlet of the first conveying device (3) is sealed to the excavation chamber (2) of the tunnel boring machine, and the inlet of the first buffer tank (5) is sealed to the outlet of the first conveying device (3).

5. The earth pressure shield tunneling machine as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first buffer tank (5) is provided with a pressure regulating pipeline (9) communicating with its interior, and the clamp valve is provided on the pressure regulating pipeline (9).

6. The earth pressure shield tunneling machine as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first buffer tank (5) is provided with a pressure injection port, which is connected to a high-pressure gas injection device.

7. The earth pressure shield tunneling machine as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The earth pressure shield machine includes a pressure detection device, which is used to detect the pressure inside the excavation chamber (2).

8. The earth pressure shield tunneling machine as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The earth pressure shield tunneling machine also includes: The second buffer tank (6) has its inlet connected to the slag outlet of the first conveying device (3). The second buffer tank (6) is equipped with a valve element (10). The first buffer tank (5) is equipped with the second conveying device (7). The slag inlet and slag outlet of the second conveying device (7) are connected to the inlet and outlet of the second buffer tank (6), respectively. When the first buffer tank (5) discharges slag to the outside, the first conveying device (3) conveys slag into the second buffer tank (6); When the first conveying device (3) conveys slag into the first buffer tank (5), the second buffer tank (6) discharges slag to the outside.

9. The earth pressure shield tunneling machine as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The earth pressure shield machine includes a third conveying device (12), the inlet of which is connected to the outlet of the first buffer tank (5) and / or the outlet of the second buffer tank (6).

10. The earth pressure shield tunneling machine as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The third conveying device (12) is a belt conveyor.

11. The earth pressure shield tunneling machine as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The earth pressure shield machine includes a first trailer (11) and a second trailer (13), the first buffer tank (5) and / or the second buffer tank (6) are mounted on the first trailer (11), and the third conveying device (12) is mounted on the second trailer (13).

12. The earth pressure shield tunneling machine as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The first trailer (11) and / or the second trailer (13) are connected to the main unit (1) of the tunnel boring machine via a towing cylinder (14).

13. The earth pressure shield tunneling machine as described in claim 12, characterized in that, At least part of the first conveying device (3) is located inside the main body (1) of the tunnel boring machine.

14. The earth pressure shield tunneling machine as described in claim 12, characterized in that, One or more of the first buffer tank (5), the second buffer tank (6), the third conveying device (12), the first trailer (11), the second trailer (13), at least a portion of the first conveying device (3), and at least a portion of the towing cylinder (14) are located inside the tunnel (15).

15. The earth pressure shield tunneling machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first conveying device (3) and the second conveying device (7) are screw conveyors.

16. A slag removal method, characterized in that, The muck removal method, which employs the earth pressure shield tunneling machine according to any one of claims 1 to 15, comprises the following steps: When the first conveying device (3) conveys slag into the first buffer tank (5), the inlet of the first buffer tank (5) is opened and the outlet of the first buffer tank (5) is closed. The slag is conveyed into the first buffer tank (5) and at least part of the gas in the first buffer tank (5) is discharged through the valve element (10). When the first buffer tank (5) is filled with slag, the inlet of the first buffer tank (5) is closed, and the pressure inside the first buffer tank (5) is adjusted to be the same as the external atmospheric pressure by the valve element (10), so that the outlet of the first buffer tank (5) is opened so that the slag inside the first buffer tank (5) is discharged from the outlet of the first buffer tank (5).

17. The slag removal method as described in claim 16, characterized in that, Before the first conveying device (3) conveys the slag into the first buffer tank (5), Detect the pressure inside the excavation chamber (2); The pressure in the first buffer tank (5) is adjusted according to the pressure in the excavation chamber (2).

18. The slag removal method as described in claim 16, characterized in that, Before the first conveying device (3) conveys the slag into the first buffer tank (5), the opening pressure of the valve element (10) is preset; When the first conveying device (3) conveys slag into the first buffer tank (5), the opening pressure of the valve element (10) is always less than the internal pressure of the first buffer tank (5).

19. The slag removal method as described in claim 16, characterized in that, A second buffer tank (6) is provided to work alternately with the first buffer tank (5); When the first buffer tank (5) discharges slag to the outside, the first conveying device (3) conveys slag into the second buffer tank (6); When the first conveying device (3) conveys slag into the first buffer tank (5), the second buffer tank (6) discharges slag to the outside.

20. The slag removal method as described in claim 16, characterized in that, Before the slag in the first buffer tank (5) is discharged from the outlet of the first buffer tank (5), The second conveying device (7) adjusts the distribution position of the slag in the first buffer tank (5) so that the slag is evenly distributed in the first buffer tank (5).

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