Pipe extension process for a slurry shield

Abstract

The invention discloses a pipe extension process of a slurry shield tunneling machine, which adopts a pipe extension device including a tee pipe, an outer sleeve pipe, an extension pipe, a sealing element, a driving device and a blocking ball. After adopting the structure and process of the pipe extension device, the slurry does not need to be transported, the mechanism is simple, the economy is good, the operation and maintenance are convenient, the slurry pipeline in the tunnel is blocked by the blocking ball, the leakage of the slurry can be effectively avoided, the slurry pollution of the tunnel is reduced, the labor intensity and time cost of manual cleaning are reduced; in addition, the damage of the blocking ball in the movement process is avoided by using the characteristics of the extension sleeve pipe, compared with other ball type pipe extension devices, the mechanism is simple, the sealing is reliable, the sub-components are convenient to maintain and other significant advantages, and the defects of other ball type pipe extension devices such as sealing damage, valve ball damage, valve cavity easy to be blocked and high cost are overcome.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of application number 201910416988.2, filed on May 20, 2019, entitled "A Shield Tunneling Machine Pipe Extension Device and a Method for Connecting Mud Pipes in Tunnels". Technical Field

[0002] This invention belongs to the field of slurry shield tunneling machines in tunnel construction, and specifically relates to a pipe extension process for slurry shield tunneling machines. Background Technology

[0003] Slurry shield tunneling machines are now widely used in subway tunnel construction and cross-river and cross-sea tunnel projects. When a slurry shield tunneling machine is working, it needs to connect to the slurry pipe inside the tunnel every 6m-10m. During the connection process, a large amount of slurry will leak out from the broken part of the pipe, causing the inside of the tunnel to be contaminated with slurry, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive to clean up manually.

[0004] Currently, commonly used pipe extension devices typically employ sludge tanks to collect wastewater. This method requires multiple wastewater transfers, failing to effectively address sludge leakage issues. Furthermore, sludge gradually accumulates inside the wastewater tank, making cleaning extremely difficult. In addition, there are three-way ball-operated pipe extension devices. These devices have stringent requirements for the manufacturing of the three-way valve and the ball valve, resulting in a complex mechanism, high cost, and problems such as valve seal damage and easy blockage of the valve cavity during actual use. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention aims to provide a pipe extension process for a slurry shield tunneling machine.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0007] A pipe extension process for a slurry shield tunneling machine, comprising a pipe extension device including a tee pipe with a first port, an outer sleeve connected to the first port at one end, a telescopic pipe that can be retracted from the other end of the outer sleeve and extended into the tee pipe, a seal between the telescopic pipe and the outer sleeve, a drive device for moving the telescopic pipe, and a closing ball capable of entering or disengaging from the telescopic pipe under pressure. The tee pipe also has a second port that can be disconnected from the slurry pipeline of the slurry shield tunneling machine, and a third port that can be detached from the slurry pipeline inside the tunnel. At this time, the second port is blocked from the mud pipe of the tunnel boring machine. The telescopic pipe retracts relative to the outer sleeve and one end of the telescopic pipe extends into the tee pipe to block the second port. The closing ball disengages from the telescopic pipe and enters the mud pipe to seal the mud pipe. The third port is disengaged from the mud pipe, and another mud pipe is connected between the mud pipe and the third port. After the other mud pipe is connected, pressure is applied to the closing ball inside the mud pipe to make the closing ball disengage from the mud pipe and enter the telescopic pipe in sequence through the other mud pipe and the third port. At the same time, the pressure is provided by the pump on the ground.

[0008] Preferably, after the second port is blocked, pressure is applied to the blocking ball inside the telescopic tube through the other end of the telescopic tube. Under this pressure, the blocking ball disengages from the telescopic tube and enters the mud pipe through the third port.

[0009] According to a specific embodiment and preferred aspect of the invention, the other end of the telescopic tube is connected to an end cap, wherein the end cap has an interface connected to a pressure mechanism capable of providing pressure to drive the movement of the stop ball.

[0010] Preferably, the pressure mechanism provides water pressure.

[0011] According to another specific embodiment and preferred aspect of the present invention, after the blocking ball returns to the telescopic tube, the driving device drives the telescopic tube to extend and restores the connection between the second port and the mud pipe of the tunnel boring machine. The tunnel boring machine tube extension device returns to the tunneling state. When in the tunneling state, the second port is connected to the mud pipe of the tunnel boring machine, the third port is connected to the mud pipe, the telescopic tube extends relative to the outer sleeve, the blocking ball is located inside the telescopic tube, and the second port is connected to the third port.

[0012] Preferably, a gate valve is installed at the second port or at the mud pipe of the tunnel boring machine, which can connect or block the second port from the mud pipe through its own switch.

[0013] In some specific implementations, the gate valve is a hydraulic gate valve.

[0014] According to another specific embodiment and preferred aspect of the invention, the occluder ball is an elastic body with a diameter larger than the inner diameter of the mud pipe in its free state. Here, the free state refers to the state in which the occluder ball is not under pressure.

[0015] According to another specific embodiment and preferred aspect of the invention, the first port and the third port are located on the same straight line, and the central axis of the second port is perpendicular to this straight line. Thus, the second port can be blocked and opened by extending and retracting the telescopic tube along its own axial direction.

[0016] In addition, the driving device is a telescopic hydraulic cylinder.

[0017] Existing pipe extension devices not only require multiple transfers of sewage, failing to truly solve the problem of sludge leakage, but also cause sludge to gradually accumulate inside the sewage tank, making cleaning very troublesome. In addition, there are three-way ball-type pipe extension devices, which have high requirements for the manufacturing of three-way valves and plug balls, have complicated mechanisms, and are expensive. Furthermore, in actual use, there are problems such as damage to the sealing of the three-way valve and easy blockage of the valve cavity. This invention cleverly solves the various shortcomings of existing structures through the overall design of the structure and process of the pipe extension device. After adopting the structure and process of the pipe extension device, the mud does not need to be transported back, the mechanism is simple, economical, and easy to operate and maintain. By using the blocking ball to block the mud pipeline in the tunnel, the leakage of mud can be effectively avoided, the mud pollution in the tunnel can be reduced, and the labor intensity and time cost of manual cleaning can be reduced. In addition, by utilizing the characteristics of the telescopic sleeve, damage to the blocking ball during the movement is avoided. Compared with other ball-type pipe extension devices, it has significant advantages such as simple mechanism, reliable sealing, and easy maintenance of sub-components. It overcomes the disadvantages of other ball-type pipe extension devices, such as seal damage, valve ball damage, easy blockage of valve cavity, and high cost. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Appendix Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a tunnel boring machine tube extension device in one embodiment of the present invention, which is in the tunneling state;

[0019] Appendix Figure 2 For the appendix Figure 1 The diagram shows the structural schematic of the shield tunneling machine pipe extension device during the connection and splicing process of the mud pipe.

[0020] Appendix Figure 3 For the appendix Figure 1 The diagram shows the structural schematic of the shield tunneling machine pipe extension device during the connection and splicing process of the mud pipe.

[0021] Appendix Figure 4 For the appendix Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the tunnel boring machine pipe extension device in the pipe-connecting state.

[0022] Appendix Figure 5 For the appendix Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic of the shield tunneling machine tube extension device applied to a shield tunneling machine.

[0023] The following are the labels in the diagram: 1. Tee; 11. First port; 12. Second port; 13. Third port; 2. Outer pipe; 3. Telescopic pipe; 4. Seal; 5. Drive device; 6. Blocking ball; 7. End cap; 71. Interface; 8a. Mud pipe; 8b. Another mud pipe; 9. Gate valve; 100. Tunnel boring machine; 101. Mud. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0025] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and 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 application.

[0026] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0027] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0028] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0029] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0030] Reference Appendix Figure 1 To be continued Figure 5 The shield tunneling machine pipe extension device in this embodiment includes a tee pipe 1 with a first port 11, an outer sleeve 2 connected to the first port 11 at one end, a telescopic pipe 3 that can be telescopically inserted from the other end of the outer sleeve 2 and extended into the tee pipe 1, a sealing member 4 disposed between the telescopic pipe 3 and the outer sleeve 2, a driving device 5 for driving the telescopic pipe 3 to move, and a blocking ball 6 that can enter or exit the telescopic pipe 3 under pressure. The tee pipe 1 also has a second port 12 that can be blockedly connected to the mud pipe 101 of the shield tunneling machine 100, and a third port 13 that can be detachably connected to the mud pipe 8a in the tunnel.

[0031] The tunnel boring machine (TBM) pipe extension device has at least a tunneling state and a connection state. When it is in the tunneling state, the second port 12 is connected to the mud pipe 101 of the TBM 100, the third port 13 is connected to the mud pipe 8a, the telescopic pipe 3 extends out relative to the outer sleeve 2, the blocking ball 6 is located inside the telescopic pipe 3, and the second port 12 is connected to the third port 13. When the TBM pipe extension device is in the connection state, the second port 12 is blocked from the mud pipe 101 of the TBM 100, the telescopic pipe 3 retracts relative to the outer sleeve 2, and one end of the telescopic pipe 3 extends into the tee pipe 1 to block the second port 12. The blocking ball 6 disengages from the telescopic pipe 3 and enters into the mud pipe 8a to seal the mud pipe 8a. The third port 13 disengages from the mud pipe 8a.

[0032] In a more preferred embodiment, a gate valve 9 is provided at the second port 12 or at the mud pipe 101 of the tunnel boring machine 100, which connects or blocks the second port 12 with the mud pipe through its own switch. In this embodiment, the gate valve 9 is located at the second port 12, and the gate valve 9 is a hydraulic gate valve 9.

[0033] In a more preferred embodiment, the other end of the telescopic tube 3 is connected to an end cap 7, which has an interface 71 connected to a pressure mechanism capable of providing pressure to drive the movement of the stop ball 6. In this embodiment, the pressure mechanism provides water pressure.

[0034] The occlusion ball 6 is an elastic body with a diameter larger than the inner diameter of the mud pipe 8a in its free state. Here, "free state" refers to the state where the occlusion ball 6 is not under pressure. It should be noted that the diameter of the occlusion ball 6 only needs to be slightly larger than the inner diameter of the mud pipe 8a to ensure that the occlusion ball 6 can move within the pipe under pressure. The specific dimensions can be determined based on the actual situation.

[0035] In this embodiment, the driving device 5 is a telescopic hydraulic cylinder. The cylinder body is connected to the three-way pipe 1, and the piston rod is connected to the telescopic pipe 3.

[0036] In a more preferred embodiment, the first port 11 and the third port 13 are located on the same straight line, and the central axis of the second port 12 is perpendicular to the straight line. In this way, the second port 12 can be blocked and opened by the telescopic tube 3 moving and extending in a straight line along its own axis.

[0037] The present invention also provides another technical solution: a method for connecting the slurry pipe 8a inside the tunnel based on the above-mentioned shield tunneling machine pipe extension device, comprising the following steps:

[0038] Step 1: When the tunnel boring machine is tunneling, the tunnel boring machine tube extension device is in the tunneling state.

[0039] Step 2: During the connection process, firstly, the connection between the second port 12 and the mud pipe 101 of the tunnel boring machine 100 is blocked, thus cutting off the mud pipe 101 of the tunnel boring machine 100. Then, the drive device 5 drives the telescopic pipe 3 to retract, so that one end of the telescopic pipe 3 extends into the tee pipe 1 and blocks the second port 12, achieving a secondary sealing of the mud pipe 101 of the tunnel boring machine 100. At the same time, the mud in the section where the second port 12 of the tee pipe 1 is located is sealed and will not leak. During the movement of the telescopic pipe 3, the mud will not leak to the outside due to the action of the sealing element 4.

[0040] Step 3: After the second port 12 is blocked, pressure is applied to the blocking ball 6 inside the telescopic tube 3 through the other end of the telescopic tube 3. Under this pressure, the blocking ball 6 disengages from the telescopic tube 3 and enters the mud pipe 8a through the third port 13. Since the blocking ball 6 is an elastic body with a diameter slightly larger than the inner diameter of the pipe, it can ensure that the mud in the mud pipe 8a does not leak during the movement of the blocking ball 6 and after it moves to the predetermined position.

[0041] Step 4: Disconnect the mud pipe 8a with the occlusion ball 6 from the third port 13, and connect another mud pipe 8b between the mud pipe 8a and the third port 13.

[0042] Step 5: After the other mud pipe 8b is connected, pressure is applied to the occluder ball 6 inside the mud pipe 8a to disengage the occluder ball 6 from the mud pipe 8a, and then it enters the telescopic pipe 3 through the other mud pipe 8b and the third port 13 in sequence; the pressure in this step is provided by the pump on the ground.

[0043] Step 6: When the blocking ball 6 is detected to have returned to the telescopic tube 3, the driving device 5 drives the telescopic tube 3 to extend and restores the connection between the second port 12 and the mud pipe 101 of the tunnel boring machine 100. The tunnel boring machine pipe extension device returns to the tunneling state.

[0044] This application discloses a tunnel boring machine (TBM) pipe extension device and a method for connecting mud pipes inside the tunnel. The device eliminates the need for mud transport, features a simple structure, is economical, and is easy to operate and maintain. By using a blocking ball to seal the mud pipes inside the tunnel, mud leakage can be effectively prevented, reducing mud pollution in the tunnel and lowering the labor intensity and time cost of manual cleaning. Furthermore, the use of the telescopic sleeve prevents damage to the blocking ball during movement. Compared to other ball-type pipe extension devices, this device has significant advantages such as simple structure, reliable sealing, and easy maintenance of sub-components. It overcomes the disadvantages of other ball-type pipe extension devices, such as seal damage, valve ball damage, easy blockage of the valve cavity, and high cost.

[0045] The above embodiments are only for illustrating the technical concept and features of the present invention, and are intended to enable those skilled in the art to understand the content of the present invention and implement it accordingly. They should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. All equivalent changes or modifications made in accordance with the spirit and essence of the present invention should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A pipe extension process for a slurry shield tunneling machine, characterized in that: The pipe extension device used includes a tee pipe (1) with a first port (11), an outer sleeve (2) connected to the first port (11) at one end, a telescopic pipe (3) that can be telescopically inserted from the other end of the outer sleeve (2) and extended into the tee pipe (1), a seal (4) disposed between the telescopic pipe (3) and the outer sleeve (2), a drive device (5) for driving the telescopic pipe (3) to move, and a closing ball (6) that can enter or exit the telescopic pipe (3) under pressure. The tee pipe (1) also has a second port (12) that can be disconnected from the mud pipe (101) of the slurry shield machine (100), and a third port (13) that can be disconnected from the mud pipe (8a) in the tunnel. When connecting the pipe, the second port (12) is connected to the mud pipe (101) of the shield machine (100). The second port (12) is blocked between the two. The telescopic tube (3) retracts relative to the outer tube (2) and one end of the telescopic tube (3) extends into the three-way tube (1) to block the second port (12). The blocking ball (6) disengages from the telescopic tube (3) and enters the mud pipe (8a) to seal the mud pipe (8a). The third port (13) disengages from the mud pipe (8a) and connects another mud pipe (8b) between the mud pipe (8a) and the third port (13). After the other mud pipe (8b) is connected, pressure is applied to the blocking ball (6) inside the mud pipe (8a) to make the blocking ball (6) disengage from the mud pipe (8a) and enter the telescopic tube (3) in sequence through the other mud pipe (8b) and the third port (13). At the same time, the pressure is provided by the pump on the ground.

2. The pipe extension process for a slurry shield tunneling machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: After the second port (12) is blocked, pressure is applied to the blocking ball (6) inside the telescopic tube (3) through the other end of the telescopic tube (3). Under the action of this pressure, the blocking ball (6) disengages from the telescopic tube (3) and enters the mud pipe (8a) through the third port (13).

3. The pipe extension process for a slurry shield tunneling machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The other end of the telescopic tube (3) is connected to an end cap (7), wherein the end cap (7) has an interface (71) connected to a pressure mechanism capable of providing pressure to drive the movement of the occluder ball (6).

4. The pipe extension process for a slurry shield tunneling machine according to claim 3, characterized in that: The pressure mechanism provides water pressure.

5. The pipe extension process for a slurry shield tunneling machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: After the blocking ball (6) returns to the telescopic pipe (3), the driving device (5) drives the telescopic pipe (3) to extend and restores the connection between the second port (12) and the mud pipe (101) of the shield machine (100). The shield machine pipe extension device returns to the tunneling state. When in the tunneling state, the second port (12) is connected to the mud pipe (101) of the shield machine (100), the third port (13) is connected to the mud pipe (8a), the telescopic pipe (3) extends relative to the outer sleeve (2), the blocking ball (6) is located inside the telescopic pipe (3), and the second port (12) is connected to the third port (13).

6. The pipe extension process for a slurry shield tunneling machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: A gate valve (9) is provided at the second port (12) or at the mud pipe (101) of the tunnel boring machine (100) to connect or block the second port (12) from the mud pipe.

7. The pipe extension process for a slurry shield tunneling machine according to claim 6, characterized in that: The gate valve (9) is a hydraulic gate valve.

8. The pipe extension process for a slurry shield tunneling machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The occlusion ball (6) is an elastic body whose diameter in the free state is larger than the inner diameter of the mud pipe (8a).

9. The pipe extension process for a slurry shield tunneling machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first port (11) and the third port (13) are located on the same straight line, and the central axis of the second port (12) is perpendicular to the straight line.

10. The pipe extension process for a slurry shield tunneling machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drive device (5) is a telescopic hydraulic cylinder.

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