A structure for an ultra-large diameter tunnel boring machine with an atmospheric pressure cutterhead and cutter gate.

By introducing sealing and self-locking mechanisms into the cutter gate structure of ultra-large diameter tunnel boring machines, the problems of large space occupation and mud and water leakage of traditional gates have been solved, achieving more efficient cutter replacement and sealing effect.

CN116950677BActive Publication Date: 2026-05-26CHINA RAILWAY 11TH BUREAU GRP CORP LTD +1
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
CHINA RAILWAY 11TH BUREAU GRP CORP LTD
Filing Date
2023-07-26
Publication Date
2026-05-26

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

When replacing cutters on the atmospheric pressure cutterhead of an ultra-large diameter tunnel boring machine, the traditional gate structure occupies a large space, which limits the number of cutters, and the problem of mud and water leakage has not been effectively solved.

Method used

A knife gate structure including a sealing mechanism and a self-locking mechanism was designed. The opening and closing of the gate is controlled by a hydraulic cylinder. Combined with the self-locking mechanism of electromagnet and inclined plate, the gate can be tightly closed and supported and locked, reducing space occupation, increasing the number of cutters, and preventing mud and water leakage.

Benefits of technology

It effectively reduces the space occupied by the gate structure, increases the number of cutters that can be loaded on the atmospheric pressure cutter head, and ensures the sealing when changing cutters to avoid mud and water leakage.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

This invention discloses an atmospheric pressure cutterhead and cutter gate structure for an ultra-large diameter tunnel boring machine (TBM), relating to the field of TBM technology. It includes an atmospheric pressure cutterhead with multiple cutter modules mounted on it. Each cutter module includes a cutter cylinder. A gate chamber is fixedly connected to the bottom of a first cutter chamber. The sealing mechanism includes a connecting ring fixed to the top of the gate chamber, a rotating ring on the outside of the connecting ring, and a set of gates hinged to the bottom of the connecting ring. A hinge rod is inserted through a through hole. A hydraulic cylinder is fixedly connected inside the gate chamber, with a rack fixedly connected to the end of the hydraulic cylinder. A set of toothed blocks is fixedly connected to the outside of the rotating ring. This invention controls the hydraulic cylinder to retract, causing the rack to move in the opposite direction. The rack then causes the toothed blocks to rotate in the opposite direction, which in turn causes the rotating ring to rotate in the opposite direction. The rotating ring then causes the hinge rod to rotate, which in turn causes the gates to rotate in the opposite direction. All gates fit together, sealing the passage inside the gate chamber. This type of gate occupies little space and can increase the design quantity of cutters on the atmospheric pressure cutterhead.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of tunnel boring machine technology, specifically to a structure for an ultra-large diameter tunnel boring machine with an atmospheric pressure cutterhead and cutter gate. Background Technology

[0002] Ultra-large diameter shield tunneling has minimal impact on surface buildings and produces large-diameter tunnels, enabling highways, urban rail transit, and double-track railway tunnels to share a single tunnel. It has been widely used in projects such as river-crossing tunnels and railway tunnels.

[0003] After prolonged use, the cutterheads on ultra-large diameter tunnel boring machines (TBMs) experience wear and tear, necessitating replacement of damaged cutterheads. When using an atmospheric pressure cutterhead for cutterhead replacement, the cutterhead's gate must be opened to remove the cutterhead for replacement. However, after removing the cutterhead, slurry and water at the front of the cutterhead leak through channels on the cutterhead, requiring a gate to seal it off. But opening the gate occupies significant space on both sides, severely limiting the number of cutterheads that can be designed. Therefore, a novel atmospheric pressure cutterhead and cutterhead gate structure for ultra-large diameter TBMs is needed to address these technical challenges. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a structure for an ultra-large diameter shield machine with an atmospheric pressure cutterhead and cutter gate.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a high-pressure cutterhead and cutter gate structure for an ultra-large diameter tunnel boring machine, comprising a high-pressure cutterhead, on which multiple cutter modules are installed, each cutter module comprising a cutter cylinder, each cutter cylinder containing a detachable cutter, the bottom end of the cutter cylinder being installed in a first cutter chamber, the bottom end of the first cutter chamber being fixedly connected to a gate chamber, the bottom end of the gate chamber being fixedly connected to a second cutter chamber, and a sealing mechanism being provided in the gate chamber;

[0006] The sealing mechanism includes a connecting ring fixed to the top of the gate chamber, a rotating ring on the outside of the connecting ring, a set of gates hinged to the bottom end of the connecting ring, a set of through holes at the bottom end of the connecting ring, a hinge rod inserted into the through holes, one end of the hinge rod hinged to the gate, the other end of the hinge rod hinged to the bottom end of the rotating ring, a hydraulic cylinder fixed inside the gate chamber, a rack fixed to the end of the hydraulic cylinder, and a set of toothed blocks fixed to the outside of the rotating ring.

[0007] Preferably, the second cutter chamber is equipped with a self-locking mechanism, which includes a first electromagnet and a second electromagnet located at the bottom of the gate. The bottom of the gate is provided with a bottom groove, and the first electromagnet and the second electromagnet are fixedly connected in the bottom groove. An inclined plate is hinged in the bottom groove, and a first magnet is fixedly connected to the surface of the inclined plate. A set of abutment plates is provided on the inner side of the second cutter chamber, and the surface of the inclined plate is provided with a top opening. A set of third electromagnets and a fourth electromagnet are respectively provided on the inner side of the second cutter chamber, and a second magnet is fixedly connected to the side of the abutment plate near the third electromagnet.

[0008] Preferably, a sealing ring is fixed to the bottom of the gate chamber, and the diameter of the sealing ring is the same as the diameter of the connecting ring.

[0009] Preferably, the inner diameters of the first and second tool chambers are the same.

[0010] Preferably, the gate chamber is internally fixed with reinforcing ribs, and the sides of the reinforcing ribs are fixedly connected to the hydraulic cylinder.

[0011] Preferably, the inner wall of the second blade chamber is provided with a set of grooves, and the third and fourth electromagnets are both fixed in the grooves, and the abutment plates are both hinged to the bottom of the grooves.

[0012] Preferably, the abutment and the groove are the same size, and the inclined plate and the bottom groove are the same size.

[0013] Preferably, a slot is provided on one side of the gate, and a card plate is fixedly connected to the other side of the gate.

[0014] Beneficial effects:

[0015] Compared with existing technologies, the atmospheric pressure cutterhead and cutter gate structure of this ultra-large diameter tunnel boring machine has the following advantages:

[0016] I. This invention controls the retraction of a hydraulic cylinder, which drives the rack to move in the opposite direction. The rack drives the toothed block to rotate in the opposite direction, which drives the rotating ring to rotate in the opposite direction. The rotating ring drives the hinge rod to rotate, and the hinge rod drives the gate to rotate in the opposite direction. All the gates fit together, sealing the passage inside the gate chamber. Compared with traditional gates, this type of gate occupies less space and can hold more cutting tools, effectively solving the problem of large tool spacing on the atmospheric pressure cutting disc.

[0017] II. In this invention, after the passage inside the gate chamber is closed, electromagnet No. 1 and magnet No. 1 repel each other, the inclined plate rotates downward, electromagnet No. 3 and magnet No. 2 repel each other, and the top of the abutment plate enters the top opening, thus supporting and locking the gate to prevent it from being forced open. Before the gate is opened, the power supply to electromagnets No. 1 and No. 3 is disconnected, and then the power supply to electromagnets No. 4 and No. 2 is connected in sequence. The abutment plate rotates upward to return to its original state, electromagnet No. 2 attracts magnet No. 1, and the inclined plate rotates upward into the bottom groove, thereby releasing the support and locking of the gate. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the atmospheric pressure cutter head of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the tool module of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a partial cross-sectional structural diagram of the tool module of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing mechanism in the closed state in this invention;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing mechanism in the closed state from another perspective.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing mechanism in the open state in this invention;

[0024] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the gate structure in this invention;

[0025] Figure 8 For the present invention Figure 3 A magnified view of a portion of point A in the middle.

[0026] In the diagram: 1. Atmospheric pressure cutter head, 2. Cutter cylinder, 3. Cutting tool, 4. Cutter chamber 1, 5. Cutter chamber 2, 6. Gate chamber, 7. Sealing mechanism, 71. Connecting ring, 72. Rotating ring, 73. Gate, 74. Hinge rod, 75. Through hole, 76. Hydraulic cylinder, 77. Rack, 78. Tooth block, 8. Self-locking mechanism, 80. Electromagnet 1, 81. Electromagnet 2, 82. Magnet 1, 83. Inclined plate, 84. Top opening, 85. Electromagnet 3, 86. Electromagnet 4, 87. Magnet 2, 88. Support plate, 89. Bottom groove, 9. Sealing ring, 10. Reinforcing rib, 11. Groove, 12. Slot, 13. Slot plate. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The principles and features of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The examples given are only for explaining the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0028] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown, a large-diameter tunnel boring machine (TBM) with an atmospheric pressure cutterhead and cutter gate structure includes an atmospheric pressure cutterhead 1, on which multiple cutter modules are installed. Each cutter module includes a cutter cylinder 2, which is fixedly connected to the surface of the atmospheric pressure cutterhead 1. Cutter cylinders 2 are detachably connected to cutter blades 3. The bottom end of the cutter cylinder 2 is installed in a first cutter chamber 4, and a gate chamber 6 is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the first cutter chamber 4. A second cutter chamber 5 is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the gate chamber 6. The connecting part between the first cutter chamber 4, the gate chamber 6, and the second cutter chamber 5 is a channel through which the cutter blades 3 can be removed when changing. A sealing mechanism 7 is provided inside the gate chamber 6.

[0029] The sealing mechanism 7 includes a connecting ring 71 fixed to the top of the gate chamber 6. A rotating ring 72 is provided on the outer side of the connecting ring 71. A set of gates 73 is hinged to the bottom end of the connecting ring 71. A slot 12 is provided on one side of each gate 73, and a locking plate 13 is fixed to the other side. After all gates 73 are closed close together, the locking plate 13 will engage with the slot 12, enhancing the sealing between the gates 73. A set of through holes 75 is provided at the bottom end of the connecting ring 71. A hinge rod 74 is inserted into the through hole 75. One end of the hinge rod 74 is hinged to the gate 73, and the other end is hinged to the bottom end of the rotating ring 72. This structure is circumferentially distributed at equal angles. A hydraulic cylinder 76 is fixedly connected inside the gate chamber 6. A reinforcing rib 10 is fixedly connected inside the gate chamber 6, and the side of the reinforcing rib 10 is fixed to the hydraulic cylinder 76. The design of the reinforcing rib 10 helps to strengthen the connection between the hydraulic cylinder 76 and the gate chamber 6. A rack 77 is fixedly connected to the end of the hydraulic cylinder 76, and a set of toothed blocks 78 is fixedly connected to the outer side of the rotating ring 72. A sealing ring 9 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the gate chamber 6, and the diameter of the sealing ring 9 is the same as the diameter of the connecting ring 71. The sealing ring 9 serves to seal and prevent soil from entering the gate chamber 6. The inner diameters of the connecting ring 71, the first cutter chamber 4, and the second cutter chamber 5 are the same, making the sides of the soil passage uniform and ensuring that the flow is not affected.

[0030] During operation, when it is necessary to open the passage inside the gate chamber 6, the hydraulic cylinder 76 is extended. The hydraulic cylinder 76 drives the rack 77 to move, the rack 77 drives the gear block 78 to rotate, the gear block 78 drives the rotating ring 72 to rotate, the rotating ring 72 drives the hinge rod 74 to rotate, the hinge rod 74 drives the gate 73 to rotate, and the gate 73 rotates and retracts into the gate chamber 6. At this time, the connecting ring 71 is opened, connecting the first cutter chamber 4 and the second cutter chamber 5. When it is necessary to close the passage inside the gate chamber 6, the hydraulic cylinder 76 is extended. The hydraulic cylinder 76 drives the rack 77 to move, the rack 77 drives the gear block 78 to rotate, the gear block 78 drives the rotating ring 72 to rotate, the rotating ring 72 drives the hinge rod 74 to rotate, and the hinge rod 74 drives the gate 73 to rotate. The gate 73 rotates and retracts into the gate chamber 6. At this time, the connecting ring 71 is opened, connecting the first cutter chamber 4 and the second cutter chamber 5 to connect. The hydraulic cylinder 76 retracts, causing the rack 77 to move in the opposite direction. The rack 77 then causes the tooth block 78 to rotate in the opposite direction, which in turn causes the rotating ring 72 to rotate in the opposite direction. The rotating ring 72 then causes the hinge rod 74 to rotate, which in turn causes the gate 73 to rotate in the opposite direction. All the gates 73 are in contact with each other, sealing the passage inside the gate chamber 6. Compared with the traditional gate 73, this type of gate 73 occupies less space and can increase the number of tools that can be designed for the atmospheric pressure cutter disc.

[0031] The second cutter chamber 5 is equipped with a self-locking mechanism 8, which includes a first electromagnet 80 and a second electromagnet 81 located at the bottom of the gate 73. The bottom of the gate 73 is provided with a bottom groove 89, and the first electromagnet 80 and the second electromagnet 81 are fixedly connected in the bottom groove 89. An inclined plate 83 is hinged in the bottom groove 89, and a first magnet 82 is fixedly connected to the surface of the inclined plate 83. A set of abutment plates 88 is provided on the inner side of the second cutter chamber 5. A top opening 84 is provided on the surface of the inclined plate 83. A set of third electromagnets 85 and fourth electromagnets 86 are provided on the inner side of the second cutter chamber 5. A second magnet 87 is fixedly connected to the side of the abutment plate 88 near the third electromagnet 85. The inner wall of the second cutter chamber 5 has a set of grooves 11. Electromagnets 85 (number three) and 86 (number four) are both fixed within these grooves 11, and the abutment plates 88 are hinged to the bottom of each groove 11. After resetting, the abutment plates 88 will enter the grooves 11, thus preventing obstruction of soil flow. The abutment plates 88 and grooves 11 are the same size, and the inclined plate 83 and bottom groove 89 are also the same size, preventing soil from entering the grooves 11 and allowing the abutment plates 88 to rotate normally.

[0032] During operation, after closing the passage inside the gate chamber 6, electromagnet 80 is energized. Electromagnet 80 and magnet 82 repel each other, causing the inclined plate 83 to rotate downwards and tilt. Since the side of the bottom groove 89 closest to electromagnet 80 is inclined, it acts as a limit, ensuring the angle of rotation is acute. This guarantees the inclined plate 83 remains tilted. Then, electromagnet 85 is energized, repelling magnet 87. The abutment 88 rotates outwards, and its top end enters the top opening 84. The top end of the abutment 88 and the top opening... When the tops of 84 are in contact, the gate 73 is supported and locked by the abutment plate 88 and the inclined plate 83, preventing the gate 73 from being forced open. Before the gate 73 is opened, the power supply to electromagnets 80 and 85 is disconnected, and then the power supply to electromagnets 86 and 81 is connected in sequence. Electromagnet 86 and magnet 87 attract each other, the abutment plate 88 rotates upward and returns to its original state, electromagnet 81 attracts magnet 82, and the inclined plate 83 rotates upward into the bottom groove 89, thus releasing the support and locking of the gate 73.

[0033] Working principle: During operation, when it is necessary to open the passage inside the gate chamber 6, the hydraulic cylinder 76 is extended, driving the rack 77 to move. The rack 77 drives the tooth block 78 to rotate, which in turn drives the rotating ring 72 to rotate. The rotating ring 72 drives the hinge rod 74 to rotate, which in turn drives the gate 73 to rotate. At this time, the connecting ring 71 is opened, connecting the first tool chamber 4 and the second tool chamber 5. When it is necessary to close the passage inside the gate chamber 6, the hydraulic cylinder 76 is retracted, driving the rack 77 to move in the opposite direction. The rack 77 drives the tooth block 78 to rotate in the opposite direction, which in turn drives the rotating ring 72 to rotate in the opposite direction. The rotating ring 72 drives the hinge rod 74 to rotate, which in turn drives the gate 73 to rotate in the opposite direction. All the gates 73 are in contact, sealing the passage inside the gate chamber 6. Compared with the traditional gate 73, this type of gate 73 occupies less space and can increase the number of tools designed for the atmospheric pressure tool disc.

[0034] After closing the passage inside the gate chamber 6, electromagnet 80 is energized. Electromagnet 80 and magnet 82 repel each other, causing the inclined plate 83 to rotate downwards and tilt. Since the side of the bottom groove 89 closest to electromagnet 80 is sloped, this ensures the inclined plate 83 remains tilted. Then, electromagnet 85 is energized, causing it to repel magnet 87. The abutment plate 88 rotates outwards, and its top tip enters the top opening 84, contacting the top tip of the top opening 84. At this point... Under the action of the abutment plate 88 and the inclined plate 83, the gate 73 can be supported and locked to prevent it from being forced open. Before the gate 73 is opened, the power supply of electromagnet 1 80 and electromagnet 3 85 is disconnected, and then the power supply of electromagnet 4 86 and electromagnet 2 81 is connected in sequence. Electromagnet 4 86 and electromagnet 2 87 attract each other, the abutment plate 88 rotates upward and returns to its original state, electromagnet 2 81 attracts electromagnet 1 82, and the inclined plate 83 rotates upward into the bottom groove 89, so that the support and locking of the gate 73 is released.

[0035] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A large-diameter shield tunneling machine atmospheric pressure cutterhead and cutter gate structure, comprising an atmospheric pressure cutterhead (1), characterized in that: Multiple tool modules are installed on the atmospheric pressure tool disc (1). Each tool module includes a tool cylinder (2). Each tool cylinder (2) is equipped with a detachable tool (3). The bottom end of the tool cylinder (2) is installed in the first tool chamber (4). The bottom end of the first tool chamber (4) is fixedly connected to a gate chamber (6). The bottom end of the gate chamber (6) is fixedly connected to a second tool chamber (5). A sealing mechanism (7) is provided in the gate chamber (6). The sealing mechanism (7) includes a connecting ring (71) fixed to the top of the gate chamber (6). A rotating ring (72) is provided on the outside of the connecting ring (71). A set of gates (73) arranged in a circular array are hinged to the bottom of the connecting ring (71). A set of through holes (75) is opened at the bottom of the connecting ring (71). A hinge rod (74) is inserted into the through hole (75). One end of the hinge rod (74) is hinged to the gate (73), and the other end of the hinge rod (74) is hinged to the bottom of the rotating ring (72). A hydraulic cylinder (76) is fixed inside the gate chamber (6). A rack (77) is fixed to the end of the hydraulic cylinder (76). A set of toothed blocks (78) is fixed to the outside of the rotating ring (72). A self-locking mechanism is provided in the second knife chamber (5). The mechanism (8) includes a first electromagnet (80) and a second electromagnet (81) located at the bottom of the gate (73). The bottom of the gate (73) is provided with a bottom groove (89), and the first electromagnet (80) and the second electromagnet (81) are fixed in the bottom groove (89). The bottom groove (89) is hinged with an inclined plate (83). The surface of the inclined plate (83) is fixed with a first magnet (82). The inner side of the second knife chamber (5) is provided with a set of abutment plates (88). The surface of the inclined plate (83) is provided with a top opening (84). The inner side of the second knife chamber (5) is provided with a set of third electromagnets (85) and fourth electromagnets (86). The side of the abutment plate (88) near the third electromagnet (85) is fixed with a second magnet (87).

2. The atmospheric pressure cutterhead and cutterhead structure for an ultra-large diameter tunnel boring machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: A sealing ring (9) is fixed to the bottom of the gate chamber (6), and the diameter of the sealing ring (9) is the same as the diameter of the connecting ring (71).

3. The atmospheric pressure cutterhead and cutter gate structure for an ultra-large diameter tunnel boring machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The inner diameters of the first tool chamber (4) and the second tool chamber (5) are the same.

4. The atmospheric pressure cutterhead and cutterhead structure for an ultra-large diameter tunnel boring machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The gate chamber (6) is internally fixed with a reinforcing rib (10), and the side of the reinforcing rib (10) is fixed to the hydraulic cylinder (76).

5. The atmospheric pressure cutterhead and cutter gate structure for an ultra-large diameter tunnel boring machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner wall of the second blade chamber (5) is provided with a set of grooves (11). The third electromagnet (85) and the fourth electromagnet (86) are both fixed in the grooves (11), and the abutment (88) is hinged to the bottom of the grooves (11).

6. The atmospheric pressure cutterhead and cutter gate structure for an ultra-large diameter tunnel boring machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The abutment (88) and the groove (11) are the same size, and the inclined plate (83) and the bottom groove (89) are the same size.

7. The atmospheric pressure cutterhead and cutterhead structure for an ultra-large diameter tunnel boring machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: A slot (12) is provided on one side of the gate (73), and a card plate (13) is fixedly connected to the other side of the gate (73).