TBM launch tunnel segment sealing device

Abstract

The application discloses a TBM starting hole section sealing device, which comprises a pre-buried steel ring arranged at a starting hole door, an inner lining ring plate arranged at an end surface of the pre-buried steel ring, a bent ring plate group arranged at the end surface of the pre-buried steel ring, and a pair of pressing plates arranged at upper and lower parts of the end surface of the pre-buried steel ring respectively. The application has at least two waterproof sealing structures, can effectively control the generation of gaps, forms a sealing effect of front sealing and rear plugging, has the advantages of simple structure, good reliability, flexible operation and the like, and has large-scale popularization value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of tunnel boring machine (TBM) construction technology. More specifically, this invention relates to a sealing device for the starting tunnel section of a TBM. Background Technology

[0002] A full-face tunnel boring machine (TBM) is a factory-produced, assembly-line tunnel construction equipment integrating mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, optical, and pneumatic systems. It boasts advantages such as high excavation speed, environmental friendliness, and high overall efficiency. It can construct long, deeply buried tunnels in complex terrains that are difficult to achieve using traditional drill-and-blast methods, and its application in railway, hydropower, transportation, mining, and municipal tunnel projects in China is rapidly increasing. The starting tunnel section of a TBM requires sealing of the starting portal, especially in areas with abundant groundwater resources. Sealing the starting portal is a crucial step in ensuring the safe start and normal excavation of the TBM. Currently, existing technologies generally use a combination of hinged pressure plates and rubber sheet curtains. During TBM launch, the rubber sheet curtains wrap around the soil and water, pressing it against the TBM, while the hinged pressure plates flip inward to support the rubber sheet curtains. The problem is that under high water pressure, leakage easily occurs between the rubber sheet curtains. Long-term leakage can lead to dangerous situations such as sand and water inrush, difficulty in controlling the shield's excavation posture, and instability at the tunnel face, posing significant safety risks. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention provides a sealing device for the starting hole section of a TBM, which has at least two waterproof sealing structures, effectively controlling the generation of gaps and forming a sealing effect of front sealing and rear plugging. It has the advantages of simple structure, high reliability, and flexible operation, and has great potential for large-scale promotion.

[0004] To achieve these objectives and other advantages according to the present invention, a sealing device for the starting tunnel section of a TBM is provided, comprising:

[0005] A pre-embedded steel ring is installed at the starting portal and extends radially into the inner lining wall along the starting portal.

[0006] An inner lining ring plate is disposed on the end face of the pre-embedded steel ring, and the inner lining ring plate is provided with a radial limiting groove;

[0007] A bent ring plate assembly is installed on the end face of the pre-embedded steel ring. The bent ring plate assembly includes multiple layers of bent ring plates with the same size specifications. The outer ends of the bent ring plates abut against the inner lining ring plate. The inner diameter of the bent ring plates is larger than the TBM cross-section. Each layer of bent ring plates has a ring of elastic steel plate bundles at its inner end, forming a hole coaxial with the starting portal. The length of the elastic steel plate bundles of the multiple layers of bent ring plates increases from the outside to the inside along the TBM tunneling direction. The hole size formed by the elastic steel plate bundles of the outermost layer of bent ring plates is smaller than the TBM cross-section. The elastic steel plate bundles of adjacent layers of bent ring plates are staggered. The elastic steel plate bundles of the multiple layers of bent ring plates bend and abut against multiple cross-sections of the TBM shield surface during TBM tunneling.

[0008] A pair of clamping plates are respectively disposed on the upper and lower parts of the end face of the pre-embedded steel ring. One end of the clamping plate is slidably disposed in the limiting groove and is detachably connected to the inner lining ring plate by clamping bolts. The inner side of the clamping plate is pressed against the surface of the outermost bent ring plate. The other end of the clamping plate is a semi-circular clamping structure. The length of the limiting groove is set such that the other end of the clamping plate is flush with the inner wall surface of the pre-embedded steel ring, or the other end of the clamping plate matches and abuts against the arc of the TBM shield surface.

[0009] Preferably, it also includes:

[0010] The elastic airbag includes multiple independent air bags disposed on the inner wall of the pre-embedded steel ring. The air bags are connected to high-pressure gas cylinders. The size of the air bags is configured such that when the air bags are filled with high-pressure gas, the inner side is attached to the shield surface of the TBM, and the end face is attached to the elastic steel plate bundle of the innermost bent ring plate.

[0011] Preferably, the other end of the top clamping plate is provided with a horizontal extension.

[0012] Preferably, the top clamping plate is provided with a stiffening angle plate.

[0013] Preferably, each layer of the bent ring plate includes 2 to 3 rings of elastic steel plate bundles of the same specifications, with adjacent rings of elastic steel plate bundles being staggered.

[0014] Preferably, the free end of the elastic steel plate bundle and the other end of the top clamping plate are both provided with a rubber layer.

[0015] The present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0016] First, this invention modifies the starting tunnel section by setting up an elastic anti-contact waterproof sealing structure formed by a bent ring plate assembly, and also sets up a spliced ​​wrapping anti-contact waterproof sealing structure formed by a top tightening plate, forming a front sealing and rear blocking sealing effect, which increases the stability of the TBM starting section. It has the advantages of simple structure, high reliability, and flexible operation, and has large-scale promotion value.

[0017] Secondly, a steel ring is pre-embedded in the inner lining wall, including part of the inner wall surface of the launching portal and part of the end face of the inner lining wall, forming a ring-shaped cavity. This is existing technology and will not be elaborated here. The inner lining ring plate is set on the end face of the pre-embedded steel ring and can be spliced ​​from multiple independent blocks. The inner lining ring plate is provided with a limiting groove to facilitate the sliding of the top clamping plate along the limiting groove. There are two top clamping plates. One end of the top clamping plate is fixedly connected to the inner lining ring plate by a top clamping bolt. After the semi-circular clamping structure at the other end of the two top clamping plates is spliced, it can wrap around and abut against the surface of the TBM shield. When tightening is not required, the top clamping plate is slid away until it is flush with the inner wall surface of the pre-embedded steel ring. When tightening is required, the top clamping plate is slid close until it wraps around and abuts against the surface of the TBM shield, forming the first waterproof sealing structure.

[0018] Third, the bent ring plate assembly is set between the pre-embedded steel ring and the top clamping plate. The bent ring plate assembly consists of multiple layers of bent ring plates with the same size and specifications, which can be achieved by welding. The inner side of the bent ring plate is attached to the pre-embedded steel ring, and the outer side of the bent ring plate is attached to the top clamping plate. The outer end of the bent ring plate abuts against the inner lining ring plate. A ring of elastic steel plate bundles is set at the inner end of the bent ring plate. Each elastic steel plate bundle is arranged radially, independent of each other, and can be spliced ​​into a ring structure, that is, a hole coaxial with the starting tunnel portal. The free end of the elastic steel plate bundle forms a bending abutment end, which bends and abuts against the TBM shield surface when impacted by the TBM. The elastic steel plate bundles of the multiple layers of bent ring plates are arranged in ascending order from the outside to the inside. The elastic steel plate bundles of adjacent layers of bent ring plates are staggered, that is, they bend during TBM tunneling, forming a closed staggered contact structure. The outer elastic steel plate bundles apply external force to the inner elastic steel plate bundles in sequence, forming a tight, high-strength second waterproof sealing structure.

[0019] Fourth, before the TBM tunnels, the elastic steel plate bundles of the bent ring plate are in a natural state, that is, the free ends of each elastic steel plate bundle are spliced ​​to form a hole coaxial with the starting tunnel portal. At this time, a pair of top clamping plates move away radially, that is, the other end of the top clamping plate is flush with the edge of the pre-embedded steel ring. When the TBM tunnels, the elastic steel plate bundles of the bent ring plate are in a bent state, that is, the free ends of each elastic steel plate bundle are bent and abut against multiple sections of the TBM's shield surface. At this time, a pair of top clamping plates move towards each other radially, that is, the other end of the top clamping plate matches and abuts against the arc of the TBM's shield surface.

[0020] Fifth, the elastic airbags form a third waterproof sealing structure. When high-pressure gas is not pumped in, the elastic airbags are in an unfilled state with each airbag folded. After high-pressure gas is pumped in, they are in a filled state with each airbag expanding. The inner side is attached to the surface of the TBM's shield, and the end face is attached to the innermost elastic steel plate bundle, effectively wrapping the TBM and forming a third waterproof sealing structure.

[0021] Sixth, the other end of the top clamping plate is provided with a horizontal extension to increase the area of ​​wrapping with the TBM, thereby improving the mechanical strength of the first waterproof sealing structure; the clamping angle plate is made of angle steel to improve the weld strength and further improve the mechanical strength of the first waterproof sealing structure; each layer of bending ring plate includes 2 to 3 rings of elastic steel plate bundles of equal length, which can improve the overall strength of each layer of bending ring plate, and the adjacent two rings of elastic steel plate bundles are staggered to form a stronger interception effect and elastic force; the rubber layer further improves the sealing effect.

[0022] Other advantages, objectives and features of the present invention will become apparent in part from the following description, and in part from those skilled in the art through study and practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of one state of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another state of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can implement it based on the description.

[0026] It should be understood that terms such as “having,” “comprising,” and “including” as used herein do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other elements or combinations thereof.

[0027] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the experimental methods described in the following embodiments are conventional methods, and the reagents and materials mentioned are commercially available. In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "setting" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connection or setting, detachable connection or setting, or integral connection or setting. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances. The terms "lateral," "longitudinal," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description. They do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

[0028] like Figure 1-2 As shown, the present invention provides a sealing device for the starting tunnel section of a TBM, comprising:

[0029] A pre-embedded steel ring 1 is set at the starting portal and extends radially into the inner lining wall 5 along the starting portal.

[0030] The inner lining ring plate 2 is disposed on the end face of the pre-embedded steel ring 1, and the inner lining ring plate 2 is provided with a radial limiting groove;

[0031] A bending ring plate assembly is set on the end face of the pre-embedded steel ring 1. The bending ring plate assembly includes multiple layers of bending ring plates 3. The multiple layers of bending ring plates 3 have the same size and specifications. The outer end of the bending ring plate 3 abuts against the inner lining ring plate 2. The inner diameter of the bending ring plate 3 is larger than the cross-section of TBM 6. Each layer of bending ring plate 3 has a ring of elastic steel plate bundles at its inner end, forming a hole coaxial with the starting tunnel portal. The length of the elastic steel plate bundles of the multiple layers of bending ring plates 3 increases from the outside to the inside along the tunneling direction of TBM 6. The hole size formed by the elastic steel plate bundles of the outermost layer of bending ring plate 3 is smaller than the cross-section of TBM 6. The elastic steel plate bundles of adjacent layers of bending ring plates 3 are staggered. The elastic steel plate bundles of the multiple layers of bending ring plates 3 bend and abut against multiple cross-sections of the shield surface of TBM 6 during the tunneling state of TBM 6.

[0032] A pair of clamping plates 4 are respectively disposed on the upper and lower parts of the end face of the pre-embedded steel ring 1. One end of the clamping plate 4 is slidably disposed in the limiting groove and is detachably connected to the inner lining ring plate 2 by clamping bolts. The inner side of the clamping plate 4 is pressed against the surface of the outermost bent ring plate 3. The other end of the clamping plate 4 is a semi-circular clamping structure. The length of the limiting groove is set such that the other end of the clamping plate 4 is flush with the inner wall surface of the pre-embedded steel ring 1, or the other end of the clamping plate 4 is in contact with the arc of the shield surface of the TBM 6.

[0033] In the above technical solution, the present invention modifies the starting tunnel section, sets up an elastic contact waterproof sealing structure formed by the bending ring plate 3, and also sets up a splicing wrapping contact waterproof sealing structure formed by the top tightening plate 4, forming a front sealing and rear blocking sealing effect, which increases the stability of the starting section of TBM 6. It has the advantages of simple structure, good reliability and flexible operation, and has large-scale promotion value.

[0034] An embedded steel ring 1 is constructed in the inner lining wall 5, which includes part of the inner wall surface of the launching portal and part of the end face of the inner lining wall 5, forming an annular cavity. This is existing technology and will not be described in detail. The inner lining ring plate 2 is set on the end face of the embedded steel ring 1 and can be spliced ​​from multiple independent blocks. The inner lining ring plate 2 is provided with a limiting groove to facilitate the sliding of the top clamping plate 4 along the limiting groove. There are two top clamping plates 4. One end of the top clamping plate 4 is fixedly connected to the inner lining ring plate 2 by a top clamping bolt. After the semi-circular clamping structure of the other end of the two top clamping plates 4 is spliced, it can wrap around and abut against the shield surface of the TBM 6. When it is not necessary to tighten, the top clamping plate 4 is slid away until it is flush with the inner wall surface of the embedded steel ring 1. When it is necessary to tighten, the top clamping plate 4 is slid close until it wraps around and abuts against the shield surface of the TBM 6, forming the first waterproof sealing structure.

[0035] The bent ring plate assembly is positioned between the embedded steel ring 1 and the top clamping plate 4. The assembly comprises multiple layers of bent ring plates 3 with identical dimensions, which can be achieved through welding. The inner surface of the bent ring plate 3 is fitted with the embedded steel ring 1, and the outer surface is fitted with the top clamping plate 4. The outer end of the bent ring plate 3 abuts against the inner lining ring plate 2. A ring of elastic steel plate bundles is arranged at the inner end of the bent ring plate 3. Each elastic steel plate bundle is radially arranged, independent of each other, and can be spliced ​​into a ring structure, i.e., a hole coaxial with the launching portal. The free ends of the elastic steel plate bundles form bending contact ends, bending and contacting the shield surface of the TBM 6 when impacted by the TBM 6. The elastic steel plate bundles of the multiple layers of bent ring plates 3 are arranged progressively from the outside to the inside, with adjacent layers of bent ring plates 3 staggered. 6. During tunneling, the steel plates are bent to form layers of closed, interlocking contact structures. The outer elastic steel plate bundles apply external forces to the inner elastic steel plate bundles in sequence, forming a tight, high-strength second waterproof sealing structure.

[0036] Before TBM 6 tunneling, the elastic steel plate bundles of the bent ring plate 3 are in a natural state, that is, the free ends of each elastic steel plate bundle are spliced ​​to form a hole coaxial with the starting tunnel portal. At this time, a pair of top clamping plates 4 move away radially, that is, the other end of the top clamping plate 4 is flush with the edge of the pre-embedded steel ring 1. When TBM 6 tunnels, the elastic steel plate bundles of the bent ring plate 3 are in a bent state, that is, the free ends of each elastic steel plate bundle are bent and abut against multiple sections of the shield surface of TBM 6. At this time, a pair of top clamping plates 4 move towards each other radially, that is, the other end of the top clamping plate 4 matches and abuts against the arc of the shield surface of TBM 6.

[0037] Another technical solution also includes:

[0038] The elastic airbag includes multiple independent air bags disposed on the inner wall of the pre-embedded steel ring 1. The air bags are connected to high-pressure gas cylinders. The size of the air bags is configured such that when the air bags are filled with high-pressure gas, the inner side is attached to the shield surface of TBM6, and the end face is attached to the innermost elastic steel plate bundle.

[0039] In the above technical solution, the elastic airbags form a third waterproof sealing structure. When the elastic airbags are not pumped with high-pressure gas, they are in an unfilled state with each airbag folded. After the high-pressure gas is pumped in, they are in a filled state with each airbag expanded. The inner side is attached to the shield surface of TBM 6, and the end face is attached to the elastic steel plate bundle of the innermost bent ring plate 3, which effectively wraps TBM 6 and forms a third waterproof sealing structure.

[0040] In another technical solution, the other end of the top clamping plate 4 is provided with a horizontal extension. The horizontal extension at the other end of the top clamping plate 4 increases the area of ​​wrapping with the TBM 6, thereby improving the mechanical strength of the first waterproof sealing structure.

[0041] In another technical solution, the top clamping plate 4 is provided with a stiffening angle plate. The stiffening angle plate is made of angle steel, which improves the weld strength and further enhances the mechanical strength of the first waterproof sealing structure.

[0042] In another technical solution, each layer of the bending ring plate 3 includes 2 to 3 rings of elastic steel plate bundles of equal specifications, with adjacent rings of elastic steel plate bundles staggered. Each layer of the bending ring plate 3 includes 2 to 3 rings of elastic steel plate bundles of equal length, which can improve the overall strength of each layer of the bending ring plate, and the staggered arrangement of adjacent rings of elastic steel plate bundles forms a stronger interception effect and elastic resultant force.

[0043] In another technical solution, a rubber layer is provided at the free end of the elastic steel plate bundle and at the other end of the top clamping plate 4. The rubber layer further improves the sealing effect.

[0044] The number of devices and processing scale described herein are for the purpose of simplifying the description of the invention. Applications, modifications, and variations of the invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0045] Although embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed above, they are not limited to the applications listed in the specification and embodiments. They can be applied to various fields suitable for the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other modifications can be easily made. Therefore, without departing from the general concept defined by the claims and their equivalents, the present invention is not limited to the specific details and illustrations shown and described herein.

Claims

1. A sealing device for the starting tunnel section of a TBM, characterized in that, include: A pre-embedded steel ring is installed at the starting portal and extends radially into the inner lining wall along the starting portal. An inner lining ring plate is disposed on the end face of the pre-embedded steel ring, and the inner lining ring plate is provided with a radial limiting groove; A bent ring plate assembly is installed on the end face of the pre-embedded steel ring. The bent ring plate assembly includes multiple layers of bent ring plates with the same size specifications. The outer ends of the bent ring plates abut against the inner lining ring plate. The inner diameter of the bent ring plates is larger than the TBM cross-section. Each layer of bent ring plates has a ring of elastic steel plate bundles at its inner end, forming a hole coaxial with the starting portal. The length of the elastic steel plate bundles of the multiple layers of bent ring plates increases from the outside to the inside along the TBM tunneling direction. The hole size formed by the elastic steel plate bundles of the outermost layer of bent ring plates is smaller than the TBM cross-section. The elastic steel plate bundles of adjacent layers of bent ring plates are staggered. The elastic steel plate bundles of the multiple layers of bent ring plates bend and abut against multiple cross-sections of the TBM shield surface during TBM tunneling. A pair of clamping plates are respectively disposed on the upper and lower parts of the end face of the pre-embedded steel ring. One end of the clamping plate is slidably disposed in the limiting groove and is detachably connected to the inner lining ring plate by clamping bolts. The inner side of the clamping plate is pressed against the surface of the outermost bent ring plate. The other end of the clamping plate is a semi-circular clamping structure. The length of the limiting groove is set such that the other end of the clamping plate is flush with the inner wall surface of the pre-embedded steel ring, or the other end of the clamping plate matches and abuts against the arc of the TBM shield surface. The elastic airbag includes multiple independent air bags disposed on the inner wall of the pre-embedded steel ring. The air bags are connected to high-pressure gas cylinders. The size of the air bags is configured such that when the air bags are filled with high-pressure gas, the inner side is attached to the shield surface of the TBM, and the end face is attached to the elastic steel plate bundle of the innermost bent ring plate.

2. The sealing device for the TBM starting tunnel section as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The other end of the top plate is provided with a horizontal extension.

3. The sealing device for the TBM starting tunnel section as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The top plate is equipped with a stiffening angle plate.

4. The sealing device for the TBM launching tunnel section as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Each layer of bent ring plate includes 2 to 3 rings of elastic steel plate bundles of the same specifications, with adjacent rings of elastic steel plate bundles staggered.

5. The sealing device for the TBM launching tunnel section as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Both the free end of the elastic steel plate bundle and the other end of the top clamping plate are provided with rubber layers.

Images