A retractable tunnel boring machine and its in-tunnel reorganization and starting method

Abstract

The present invention discloses a retractable tunnel boring machine and a method for reorganizing and starting the tunnel, which solves the technical problems of complicated procedures and low efficiency when using existing tunnel boring machines to construct multiple branch tunnels or connecting channels. The retractable tunnel boring machine includes a retractable main machine detachably connected to an outer shield body, the retractable main machine includes a variable diameter cutter head, and a reorganized outer shield body as a tail negative ring pipe segment is provided in the starting sleeve. When the retractable main machine retracts, the retractable main machine and the outer shield body, as well as the tunnel pipe segment, are all slid or rolled along the axial direction of the tunnel pipe segment through a supporting guide device, and a traction device for pulling the retractable main machine is provided at the starting end. The tunnel boring machine in the present invention adopts a detachable outer shield body design, which can realize the rapid retraction of the main machine in the branch tunnel, effectively solving the problem that the receiving end cannot fully receive due to space limitations, and also avoiding the long-distance turnover problem when constructing multiple branch tunnels using the existing tunneling method, thereby improving the overall construction efficiency of multiple branch tunnels.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of tunnel boring machines, in particular to a retractable tunnel boring machine and an in-hole reorganization and starting method thereof. Background Art

[0002] When constructing multiple branch tunnels or connecting passages using the existing pipe jacking method or shield method, the tunnel boring machine often needs to be launched from the main line tunnel on the starting side, received in the main line tunnel on the receiving side, and then transported to the ground through the working shaft for reassembly. It then needs to be transported again to the main line tunnel on the starting side for the construction of the next branch tunnel.

[0003] The aforementioned existing technology requires multiple rotations and hoisting operations of the TBM between the originating mainline tunnel and the receiving mainline tunnel, resulting in complex and time-consuming construction processes and other technical issues, severely restricting construction efficiency. Furthermore, with the advancement of underground engineering construction, the receiving mainline tunnel may not always meet the required receiving space during branch tunnel construction. Therefore, special consideration is required for situations where the receiving mainline tunnel has limited or no receiving space, otherwise the TBM cannot rotate.

[0004] In recent years, with the rapid development of communication channel construction technology, communication channel excavation equipment of various structures has emerged. For example, the Chinese invention patent application with the application publication date of 2020.09.08 and the application publication number of CN 111636885 A discloses a pipe jacking machine and a recyclable construction method of its main machine, including a shield body, a cutter head system driven by the main machine is arranged in the shield body, a shield body sleeve is detachably connected to the shield body, the main machine is arranged in the shield body sleeve, the outer edge of the cutter head system is provided with an outer edge tool, the outer edge tool is fixedly connected to the cutter head system in the circumferential direction and is axially downwardly rotatably hinged, the outside of the shield body is provided with a stand, and the top of the stand is provided with a jacking system that cooperates with the shield body.

[0005] For example, the Chinese invention patent application with the application publication date of 2018.11.27 and application publication number CN 108895201 A discloses a pipe jacking machine and a retractable pipe jacking construction method, which includes an outer shell and an inner shell, as well as a tool assembly and a pull-back device fixed to the end of the inner shell away from the tool assembly. The tool assembly includes a cutter disc fixed to the inner shell and capable of entering the central cavity, and a folding tool holder with a first end hinged to the cutter disc and a second end capable of flipping and folding around the first end into the central cavity.

[0006] Another example is a Japanese invention patent application with an application publication date of December 8, 2016 and application publication number JP2016205110A, which discloses a shield machine recovery method. After the tunnel boring machine excavates to a specific position in the existing main line segment, the cutterhead panel is removed using the inspection door (cabin) on the tunnel boring machine's partition wall, while the tunnel boring machine outer shell is fixed to the existing main line tunnel segment. The middle tunnel boring equipment is then separated from the outer shell and recovered to the starting end.

[0007] Although the tunneling equipment in the above patent application has the ability to retreat, after completing the retreat, the tunneling equipment including the main machine needs to be reassembled at the starting end (the starting main tunnel or shaft) with the outer shell and other equipment. This not only takes up a large starting space, but also takes a long time to assemble and the process is cumbersome, resulting in low construction and turnover efficiency in the construction of multi-branch tunnels.

[0008] Based on the above situation, it is urgent to design a retractable tunnel boring machine and an in-tunnel reorganization starting method to cope with the working conditions of limited receiving space on the receiving side and solve the technical problems of complicated construction procedures and low construction efficiency when constructing multiple branch tunnels or connecting channels. Summary of the Invention

[0009] In response to the deficiencies in the above-mentioned background technology, the present invention proposes a retractable tunnel boring machine and its in-tunnel reorganization and starting method, which solves the technical problems of complicated procedures and low efficiency when using existing tunnel boring machines to construct multiple branch tunnels or connecting channels.

[0010] The technical solution of this application is:

[0011] A retractable tunnel boring machine includes a retractable main machine detachably connected to an outer shield body, the retractable main machine includes a variable diameter cutter head, and a reorganized outer shield body serving as a tail negative ring pipe segment is arranged in a starting sleeve. When the retractable main machine retracts, the retractable main machine and the outer shield body, as well as the tunnel pipe segment, are slid or rolled along the axial direction of the tunnel pipe segment through a supporting guide device, and a traction device for pulling the retractable main machine is provided at the starting end.

[0012] This technical solution is primarily used for the rapid construction of branch tunnels, such as connecting passages, within mainline tunnels. The retractable tunnel boring machine (TBM) in this technical solution utilizes a removable outer shield design, enabling rapid disassembly of the retractable mainframe and outer shield. The TBM integrates a variable-diameter cutterhead and a support and guide device. The variable-diameter cutterhead reduces the outer diameter of the retractable mainframe to a smaller diameter than the inner diameter of the outer shield. A traction device then drives the retractable mainframe back within the already laid tunnel pipe segment, facilitating secondary assembly and launch. This effectively addresses the issue of receiving tunnels being unable to receive tunnels due to space limitations. It also avoids the long-distance turnover problem associated with existing tunneling methods for constructing multiple shafts, improving overall multi-well construction efficiency. Furthermore, the outer shield can double as a permanent branch tunnel structure and a negative ring pipe segment, enabling multifunctional structural components. During the retraction process, the support and guide device provides support and guidance for the retractable mainframe, while the traction device allows for stable and convenient retraction.

[0013] Furthermore, the support and guide device includes a bottom guide rail arranged in the outer shield body and the tunnel pipe section, and the retractable main machine is provided with a bottom support wheel or a bottom slide rail that cooperates with the bottom guide rail.

[0014] Based on the above technical solution, this technical solution provides a preferred structural form of a retractable tunnel boring machine. The bottom guide rails provided at the bottom of the outer shield and the tunnel pipe section can provide both support and guidance. The bottom of the retractable main machine can be provided with either a bottom slide rail that slides with the bottom guide rail or a bottom support wheel that rolls with the bottom guide rail. Preferably, bottom support wheels are provided at the bottom of the retractable main machine to roll with the bottom guide rail. Regardless of whether the bottom slide rail or the bottom support wheel is provided at the bottom of the retractable main machine, it is preferably provided to cooperate with the bottom guide rail in a limited manner, that is, the bottom support wheel or the bottom slide rail can only move along the length direction of the bottom guide rail and cannot deviate left or right.

[0015] Furthermore, at least one pair of bottom support wheels or bottom slide rails are symmetrically arranged about the middle section of the retractable main unit, and the number and position of the bottom guide rails are consistent with those of the bottom support wheels or bottom slide rails.

[0016] On the basis of the above technical solutions, this technical solution provides a preferred structural form of a retractable tunnel boring machine. First, the bottom guide rails and bottom support wheels that cooperate with each other or the bottom guide rails and bottom slide rails that cooperate with each other are arranged in pairs. Second, the above structures arranged in pairs are symmetrically arranged about the middle section of the retractable main machine, which fully ensures the stability of the retractable main machine during the retraction process, as well as the accuracy and convenience of assembly with the reorganized outer shield after retraction.

[0017] Furthermore, the support and guide device includes a side guide rail assembly and / or a lateral support wheel arranged between the outer shield and the retractable main machine, and between the tunnel pipe section and the retractable main machine.

[0018] Based on the above technical solution, the present technical solution provides a preferred structural form of a retractable tunnel boring machine. In order to further ensure the stability and accuracy of the retractable main machine during the retractable process, a side guide rail assembly is provided, or a lateral support wheel is provided, or a side guide rail assembly and a lateral support wheel are provided at the same time. When they act together with the bottom guide rail, the bottom support wheel or the bottom slide rail at the same time, multi-point support and guidance can be formed for the retractable main machine from the bottom and the side.

[0019] Furthermore, the lateral support wheels are arranged on the retractable main unit, and at least one pair of lateral support wheels are symmetrically arranged about the mid-section of the retractable main unit; the side guide rail assembly is symmetrically arranged about the mid-section of the retractable main unit.

[0020] On the basis of the above technical solutions, the present technical solution provides a preferred structural form of a retractable tunnel boring machine. First, the lateral support wheels or side guide rail assemblies are arranged in pairs. Second, the paired structures are symmetrically arranged about the middle section of the retractable main machine, further ensuring the stability of the retractable main machine during the retraction process, as well as the accuracy and convenience of assembly with the reorganized outer shield after retraction.

[0021] Furthermore, the support and guide device includes a support beam arranged in the outer shield body and the tunnel pipe section, and the retractable main machine is provided with a roller or pulley or sliding beam located on the upper end surface of the support beam.

[0022] On the basis of the above technical solutions, this technical solution provides a preferred structural form of a retractable tunnel boring machine. In order to fully ensure the stability and accuracy of the retractable main machine during the retraction process, rollers or pulleys or sliding beams are provided to cooperate with the support beams.

[0023] Furthermore, the support and guide device is arranged at the rear half of the retractable main machine, and the variable diameter cutter disc of the retractable main machine is detachably connected to the cutter disc supporting pulley.

[0024] On the basis of the above technical solution, this technical solution provides a preferred structural form of the retractable tunnel boring machine. The cutter head support pulley and the support guide device work together to further ensure the stability and accuracy of the retractable main machine's retracting process in the axial direction.

[0025] Furthermore, the retractable main machine is connected to the traction device via a retracting device, and the retracting device includes a combined frame, and the combined frame is connected to supporting wheels that roll with the inner wall of the tunnel pipe segment.

[0026] Furthermore, the outer shield is a steel pipe section, a steel-concrete pipe section, or a concrete pipe section, and the variable diameter cutter head is a socket-type variable diameter cutter head, a foldable variable diameter cutter head, or a telescopic variable diameter cutter head.

[0027] A method for re-starting a tunnel boring machine using the above-mentioned retractable tunnel boring machine comprises the following steps:

[0028] S1, tunneling

[0029] A starting sleeve with a built-in retractable tunnel boring machine is installed at the starting end of the tunnel. Under the action of the thrust cylinder, the tunnel boring machine can be retracted to excavate the stratum forward until the variable diameter cutterhead enters the receiving side space. During excavation, tunnel pipe segments are installed simultaneously to form the tunnel structure. The final two rings of tunnel structure use a reassembled outer shield with the same structural form.

[0030] S2, rollback preparation for the rollback host

[0031] Remove the connection structure between the outer shield and the retractable main machine, set a cutterhead support pulley at the bottom of the variable diameter cutterhead, and directly connect the traction device to the retractable main machine, or connect the traction device to the retractable main machine through the retracting device;

[0032] S3, can retract the host back to the starting sleeve

[0033] The traction device pulls the retractable main machine, and the retractable main machine moves into the reorganization outer shield inside the starting sleeve under the action of the cutter head support pulley and the support guide device; or the retractable main machine moves into the reorganization outer shield inside the starting sleeve under the action of the cutter head support pulley, the support guide device and the retracting device;

[0034] S4, reorganized retractable tunnel boring machine

[0035] Connect the retractable host machine that has been retracted to the starting sleeve to the reassembled outer shield, and then separate the starting sleeve from the main line tunnel;

[0036] S5, excavation of the next tunnel

[0037] The reassembled retractable tunnel boring machine is transported to the next tunnel to be constructed to continue construction.

[0038] Compared with the existing technology, the tunnel boring machine in the present invention adopts a detachable outer shield design, combined with frame-type trolleys and other equipment, which can realize rapid retreat in the main branch tunnel, provide convenience for secondary assembly and departure, effectively solve the problem that the receiving end cannot receive all due to space limitations, and avoid the long-distance turnover problem when constructing multiple branch tunnels using the existing tunneling method, thereby improving the overall construction efficiency of multiple branch tunnels.

[0039] The technical solution of the present invention has the following technical effects:

[0040] 1. The tunnel boring machine adopts a detachable inner and outer cylinder design, combined with a retraction device, which can realize the rapid retraction of the tunnel boring machine branch tunnel, providing convenience for secondary assembly and starting. It effectively solves the problem that the receiving end cannot receive all the materials due to space limitations, and avoids the long-distance turnover problem when constructing multiple branch tunnels using the existing tunnel boring method, thereby improving the overall construction efficiency of multiple branch tunnels.

[0041] 2. The outer tube of the tunnel boring machine also serves as the shield, steel pipe segment (or negative ring) and branch tunnel structure, realizing the multifunctional use of the structural parts. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0043] Figure 1 This is the excavation map for the tunnel boring machine;

[0044] Figure 2 This is the completed diagram of the tunnel boring machine;

[0045] Figure 3 This is the retreat diagram of the tunnel boring machine (method 1);

[0046] Figure 4 for Figure 2 Middle AA section: a is the side guide sliding form, b is the side support sliding form;

[0047] Figure 5 This is the completed drawing of the roadheader retreat;

[0048] Figure 6 Reassemble the tunnel boring machine.

[0049] Figure 7 This is a simplified diagram of the roadheader structure: the cutterhead a is a folding type, and the cutterhead b is a socket type;

[0050] Figure 8 This is the retreat diagram of the tunnel boring machine (method 2);

[0051] Description of Figure Numbers:

[0052] 1. Outer shield; 1a. Reassemble the outer shield; 2. Torque limiter;

[0053] 3. Support guide device; 3a. Bottom guide rail; 3b. Bottom support wheel; 3c. Side support wheel; 3d. Side guide rail; 3e. Beam support; 3f. Sliding beam;

[0054] 4. Drive motor;

[0055] 5. Reducer cutterhead; 5a. Folding cutter; 5b. Socket cutter;

[0056] 6. Screw conveyor; 7. Articulated cylinder; 8. Tunnel pipe section; 8a. Steel pipe section; 9. Connection hole in the middle of the main machine;

[0057] 10. Starting sleeve; 11. Sealing tail brush; 12. Propulsion cylinder; 13. Grouting area behind the mainline pipe segment wall; 13a. Grouting area behind the branch line pipe segment wall;

[0058] 14. Retraction device; 14a. Support wheel; 14b. Combined frame; 15. Connecting piece; 16. Steel cable;

[0059] 17. Portal casting area; 18. Branch tunnel; 19. Main line tunnel; 20. Trolley;

[0060] 21. Guide fixed pulley; 22. Cutter head support pulley; 23. Receiving side space; 100. Retractable main machine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] The following will be combined with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the core concept of the present invention and the following embodiments, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0062] The present invention provides a retractable connecting channel tunnel boring machine and a secondary assembly and launching method in a tunnel, which are mainly used for the rapid construction of branch tunnels, such as connecting channels, in main tunnels. The tunnel boring machine adopts a detachable outer shield design, which can realize the rapid disassembly of the tunnel boring machine main body and the outer shield; the tunnel boring machine integrates a variable diameter cutterhead and a support guide device, and the diameter of the cutterhead is reduced so that the overall outer diameter of the retractable main body is smaller than the inner diameter of the outer shield, and then the retraction device is used to drive the main body to retreat in the tunnel, providing convenience for the secondary assembly and launching, effectively solving the situation where the receiving side cannot receive due to space limitations, and avoiding the long-distance turnover problem when constructing multiple vertical shafts using the existing tunneling method, thereby improving the overall efficiency of multi-well construction. In addition, the outer shield adopts a steel box structure, which can also serve as a permanent structure of the branch tunnel and a negative ring pipe joint, realizing the multi-functional use of structural parts.

[0063] Example 1

[0064] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, a retractable tunnel boring machine includes a retractable main unit 100 detachably connected to an outer shield 1, and includes a variable diameter cutterhead 5. Before retracting the main unit 100, the variable diameter cutterhead 5 is reduced to a size smaller than the inner diameter of the outer shield 1, and then the retractable main unit 100 is removed from the outer shield 1.

[0065] A reassembled outer shield 1a, serving as the tail negative ring pipe segment, is located within the initial sleeve 10. When the retractable mainframe 100 retracts, the mainframe 100, along with the outer shield 1 and the tunnel pipe segment 8, slides or rolls along the axial direction of the tunnel pipe segment 8 via a support and guide device 3. The support and guide device 3 is preferably located on the slag discharge device of the retractable mainframe 100, namely, the screw conveyor 6.

[0066] like Figure 8 As shown, the originating end is provided with a traction device for pulling the retractable main machine 100, and the traction device is preferably a winch. Preferably, the retractable main machine 100 is directly connected to the winch via a steel cable 16, and a guide fixed pulley 21 for turning the steel cable 16 is provided at the originating end.

[0067] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, after the traction device pulls the retractable main machine 100 into the reassembled outer shield 1a, the retractable main machine 100 is connected to the reassembled outer shield 1a to serve as a tunnel boring machine for excavating the next tunnel.

[0068] The retractable tunnel boring machine in this embodiment adopts a detachable outer shield design, which can realize the rapid disassembly of the retractable main machine 100 and the outer shield 1; the retractable tunnel boring machine integrates a variable diameter cutter head 5 and a support guide device 3, and the outer diameter of the retractable main machine 100 is made smaller than the inner diameter of the outer shield 1 by reducing the diameter of the variable diameter cutter head 5, and then the traction device is used to drive the retractable main machine 100 to retract in the laid tunnel pipe section 8, providing convenience for secondary assembly and departure, effectively solving the situation where the receiving side cannot receive due to space limitations, and at the same time avoiding the long-distance turnover problem when constructing multiple vertical shafts using the existing tunneling method, thereby improving the overall efficiency of multi-well construction.

[0069] In addition, the outer shield 1 can also serve as a permanent support hole structure and a negative ring pipe joint, achieving multifunctional use of the structural component. During the retraction process of the retractable main unit 100, the support and guide device 3 provides support and guidance for the retractable main unit 100, and the traction device can stably and conveniently pull the retractable main unit 100 back.

[0070] Example 2

[0071] like Figure 4As shown, a retractable tunnel boring machine, based on Example 1, the support and guide device 3 includes a bottom guide rail 3a arranged in the outer shield body 1 and the tunnel pipe section 8, and the retractable main machine 100 is provided with a bottom support wheel 3b or a bottom slide rail that cooperates with the bottom guide rail 3a for guidance.

[0072] On the basis of the above embodiments, this embodiment provides a preferred structural form of a retractable tunnel boring machine. The bottom guide rail 3a arranged at the bottom of the outer shield 1 and the tunnel pipe section 8 can provide both support and guidance. The bottom of the retractable main machine 100 can be provided with a bottom slide rail that slides with the bottom guide rail 3a, or a bottom support wheel 3b that rolls with the bottom guide rail 3a. It is preferred to provide a bottom support wheel 3b at the bottom of the retractable main machine 100 that rolls with the bottom guide rail 3a.

[0073] Regardless of whether a bottom slide rail or a bottom support wheel 3b is set at the bottom of the retractable host 100, it is preferably set to cooperate with the bottom guide rail 3a in a limited manner, that is, the bottom support wheel 3b or the bottom slide rail can only move along the length direction of the bottom guide rail 3a and cannot be offset left or right.

[0074] Example 3

[0075] like Figure 4 As shown, a retractable tunnel boring machine, based on the above embodiment, the bottom support wheels 3b or bottom slide rails are symmetrically arranged with at least one pair about the middle section of the retractable main machine 100, and the number and position of the bottom guide rails 3a are consistent with the bottom support wheels 3b or bottom slide rails.

[0076] On the basis of the above embodiment, this embodiment provides a preferred structural form of a retractable tunnel boring machine. First, the bottom guide rail 3a and the bottom support wheel 3b that cooperate with each other or the bottom guide rail 3a and the bottom slide rail that cooperate with each other are arranged in pairs. Second, the above-mentioned structures arranged in pairs are symmetrically arranged about the middle section of the retractable main machine 100, which fully ensures the stability of the retractable main machine 100 during the retraction process, as well as the accuracy and convenience of assembly with the reorganized outer shield body 1a after retraction.

[0077] Example 4

[0078] like Figure 4 As shown, a retractable tunnel boring machine, based on the above embodiment, the support and guide device 3 includes a side guide rail assembly 3d and / or a lateral support wheel 3c arranged between the outer shield body 1 and the retractable main machine 100, and between the tunnel pipe section 8 and the retractable main machine 100.

[0079] On the basis of the above embodiments, this embodiment provides a preferred structural form of a retractable tunnel boring machine. In order to further ensure the stability and accuracy of the retractable main machine 100 during the retracting process, a side guide rail assembly 3d is provided, or a lateral support wheel 3c is provided, or a side guide rail assembly 3d and a lateral support wheel 3c are provided at the same time. When they act together with the bottom guide rail 3a, the bottom support wheel 3b or the bottom slide rail at the same time, multi-point support and guidance can be formed for the retractable main machine 100 from the bottom and the side.

[0080] Example 5

[0081] like Figure 4 As shown, a retractable tunnel boring machine, based on the above embodiment, the lateral support wheels 3c are arranged on the retractable main machine 100, and at least one pair of lateral support wheels 3c are symmetrically arranged about the mid-section of the retractable main machine 100; the side guide rail assembly 3d is symmetrically arranged about the mid-section of the retractable main machine 100.

[0082] On the basis of the above embodiment, this embodiment provides a preferred structural form of a retractable roadheader, one of which is to place the lateral support wheel 3c or the side guide rail assembly 3d

[0083] The paired arrangement, secondly, is that the above structures are symmetrically arranged about the middle section of the retractable main unit 100, which further ensures the stability of the retractable main unit 100 during the retraction process, as well as the accuracy and convenience of the assembly with the reassembled outer shield body 1a after retraction.

[0084] Example 6

[0085] like Figure 4 As shown, a retractable tunnel boring machine, based on the above embodiment, the support and guide device 3 includes a support beam 3e arranged in the outer shield body 1 and the tunnel pipe section 8, and the retractable main machine 100 is provided with a roller or pulley or sliding beam 3f located on the upper end surface of the support beam 3e.

[0086] On the basis of the above embodiments, this embodiment provides a preferred structural form of a retractable tunnel boring machine. In order to fully ensure the stability and accuracy of the retractable main machine 100 during the retraction process, a roller or pulley or sliding beam 3f is provided to cooperate with the support beam 3e.

[0087] Example 7

[0088] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a retractable tunnel boring machine, based on the above embodiment, the support and guide device 3 is arranged at the rear half of the retractable main machine 100, and the variable diameter cutter head 5 of the retractable main machine 100 is detachably connected to the cutter head support pulley 22.

[0089] Based on the above technical solution, this technical solution provides a preferred structural form of a retractable tunnel boring machine. The cutter head support pulley 22 and the support guide device 3 work together to further ensure the stability and accuracy of the retractable main machine 100 in the axial direction.

[0090] Example 8

[0091] like Figure 3 As shown, a retractable tunnel boring machine, based on the above embodiment, the retractable main machine 100 is connected to the traction device via a retracting device 14. The retracting device 14 includes a combined frame 14b, which is connected to a supporting wheel 14a that rolls with the inner wall of the tunnel pipe section 8.

[0092] Preferably, the cross-sectional shape of the combined frame 14b is adapted to the cross-sectional shape of the inner cavity of the tunnel pipe segment 8, and the support wheels 14a are arranged at various positions on the circumferential edge of the combined frame 14b to ensure that the combined frame 14b does not move in the radial direction of the tunnel pipe segment 8.

[0093] At the same time, if Figure 7 As shown, a connector 15 is preferably used to connect the assembled frame 14b and the retractable main unit 100. The retractable main unit 100 is provided with a plurality of central main unit connection holes 9 surrounding its axis. The connector 15 is connected to the retractable main unit 100 through the central main unit connection holes 9. A plurality of connectors 15 are provided. Some connectors 15 are horizontally connected between the assembled frame 14b and the central main unit connection holes 9, i.e., arranged in a cylindrical shape; other connectors 15 are connected between the central main unit connection holes 9 and the circumferential edge of the assembled frame 14b, i.e., arranged in a funnel shape.

[0094] Example 9

[0095] like Figure 7 As shown, a retractable tunnel boring machine is provided. Based on Example 1, the outer shield 1 is a steel pipe segment, a steel-concrete pipe segment, or a concrete pipe segment. The variable diameter cutterhead 5 is a socket-type variable diameter cutterhead, a folding variable diameter cutterhead, or a telescopic variable diameter cutterhead. The socket-type variable diameter cutterhead changes its overall size by inserting the socket 5b, the folding variable diameter cutterhead changes its overall size by flipping the folding blade 5a, and the telescopic variable diameter cutterhead changes its overall size by radially extending and retracting the telescopic blade.

[0096] Example 10

[0097] like Figures 1-8As shown, a retractable roadheader primarily comprises a retractable main unit 100, an outer shield 1, and a reassembled outer shield 1a. The retractable main unit 100 and outer shield 1 are connected via a torque limiter 2, which transmits the torque generated during tunneling. The torque limiter 2 is designed to be segmented, with seals provided between the connections. This allows for rapid assembly and disassembly of the roadheader.

[0098] The outer shield 1 is a steel box structure with an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the folded reducer cutterhead 5, allowing for easy retraction of the retractable mainframe 100 into the mainline tunnel. The ends of the outer shield 1 are annular flat surfaces, allowing them to contact the sides of the tunnel pipe section 8 and transmit thrust.

[0099] The retractable mainframe 100 integrates structural components such as the variable-diameter cutterhead 5, drive motor 4, and screw conveyor 6. To enable the mainframe's in-tunnel retraction, a support and guide device 3 is installed on the screw conveyor 6 of the tunnel boring machine. This device primarily comprises bottom support wheels 3b, lateral support wheels 3c, bottom guide rails 3a, and side guide rails 3d. The bottom support wheels 3b and lateral support wheels 3c support the retractable mainframe 100 during retraction, while the bottom guide rails 3a and side guide rails 3d guide the retractable mainframe 100.

[0100] The retraction device 14 is a frame-type trolley, primarily composed of a modular frame 14b and supporting wheels 14a. The modular frame 14b is provided with connection holes, allowing for rapid assembly using bolts. The supporting wheels 14a are mounted on the modular frame 14b. The end of the frame-type trolley, facing away from the roadheader, is connected to a steel cable and winch (not shown in the accompanying drawings).

[0101] To ensure the stability of the overall center of gravity of the retractable mainframe 100 during its retraction, a connector 15 is used to connect the mainframe's central connection hole 9 to the upper-middle connection hole of the frame-type trolley. Connector 15 can be a rigid connecting plate, a flexible steel strand, or other types of connecting components. This allows the center of gravity of the retractable mainframe 100 to shift from the variable-diameter cutterhead 5 to the support guide 3. The power for the retractable mainframe's in-hole retraction comes from a winch located in the mainline tunnel. The winch is connected to the frame-type trolley via a steel cable 16, which in turn pulls the retractable mainframe 100 backward.

[0102] To facilitate rapid re-launching within the tunnel after the retractable mainframe 100 has been retracted, the final two branch tunnel segments (i.e., the negative segments) utilize identical steel pipe segments and outer shields, namely, reassembled outer shields 1a. After the retractable mainframe 100 has been retracted into the launching sleeve 10, it is reconnected to the reassembled outer shield 1a, serving as the negative segment, via the torque limiter 2. This allows the launching trolley 20 to carry the reassembled tunnel boring machine for construction of the next branch tunnel. The linking structure and sealing tail brush 11 at the launching sleeve 10 are prior art and will not be further described here.

[0103] The variable diameter cutterhead 5 is a folding cutterhead, i.e., multiple folding blades 5a are provided on the outer periphery of the cutterhead, connected to the cutterhead body at the center of the cutterhead via pins. The cutterhead diameter is reduced by rotating the folding blades 5a. When the cutterhead is pulled back within the tunnel using the retraction device 14, a support pulley 22 is provided at the bottom of the cutterhead to support and transport the main body of the cutterhead. Alternatively, the diameter expansion portion of the variable diameter cutterhead 5 can use a socket-type tool, i.e., sockets are provided at intervals on the outer periphery of the cutterhead body, and the sockets are inserted into the sockets to achieve expansion and reduction of the diameter. After the socket blades 5b are removed, the outer diameter of the cutterhead is smaller than the inner diameter of the branch tunnel, facilitating the retraction of the main body.

[0104] A propulsion device, namely a propulsion cylinder 12, is provided on the trolley 20 at the starting end of the main line tunnel, and the power for the tunnel boring machine to move forward is provided by the propulsion device.

[0105] Example 11

[0106] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown, a method for re-starting a tunnel boring machine in a tunnel, using the above-mentioned retractable tunnel boring machine, includes the following steps:

[0107] S1, tunneling

[0108] A starting sleeve 10 with a built-in retractable tunnel boring machine is installed at the starting end of the tunnel. Under the action of the thrust cylinder, the tunnel boring machine can be retracted to excavate the stratum forward until the variable diameter cutter head 5 enters the receiving side space. During excavation, tunnel pipe segments 8 are simultaneously installed to form a tunnel structure. Finally, the two ring tunnel structures adopt a reorganized outer shield body 1a with the same structural form.

[0109] S2, rollback host 100 rollback preparation

[0110] Remove the connection structure between the outer shield 1 and the retractable main machine 100, set a cutter head support pulley 22 at the bottom of the variable diameter cutter head 5, and directly connect the traction device to the retractable main machine 100, or connect the traction device to the retractable main machine 100 through the retracting device 14.

[0111] S3, the host 100 can be retracted back to the starting sleeve 10

[0112] The traction device pulls the retractable main machine 100, and the retractable main machine 100 moves to the reorganization outer shield body 1a inside the starting sleeve 10 under the action of the cutter disc support pulley 22 and the support guide device 3; or the retractable main machine 100 moves to the reorganization outer shield body 1a inside the starting sleeve 10 under the action of the cutter disc support pulley 22, the support guide device 3 and the retracting device 14.

[0113] S4, reorganized retractable tunnel boring machine

[0114] The retractable mainframe 100 retracted to the starting sleeve 10 is connected to the reassembled outer shield 1a, and then the starting sleeve 10 is separated from the main line tunnel.

[0115] S5, excavation of the next tunnel

[0116] The reassembled retractable tunnel boring machine is transported to the next tunnel to be constructed to continue construction.

[0117] Example 12

[0118] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown, a method for re-starting a tunnel boring machine in a tunnel, using the above-mentioned retractable tunnel boring machine, includes the following steps:

[0119] S1, excavation of branch tunnel

[0120] Before construction, post-grouting of the mainline tunnel segments is performed, creating a post-grouting area 13 for the mainline segment walls. Then, a launching sleeve 10, housing a retractable tunnel boring machine (TBM), is installed at the tunnel's starting point. Driven by a thrust cylinder 12, the TBM excavates the ground until the cutterhead enters the receiving space 23. During excavation, branch segment segments, or tunnel segments 8, are installed simultaneously, forming the branch tunnel structure. The final two rings of branch segment segments (i.e., the negative rings) utilize identical steel pipe segments and a reassembled outer shield 1a.

[0121] S2, preparation for retreat of tunneling equipment

[0122] After the branch tunnel is excavated, it is back-grouted to prevent water leakage. This is done in the branch pipe segment back-grouting area 13a. The torque limiter 2 is then removed to facilitate the retraction of the main machine 100. A cutterhead support pulley 22 is installed at the bottom of the variable diameter cutterhead 5. A retraction device 14 is installed in the branch tunnel and connected to the main machine. A winch is then installed in the main tunnel.

[0123] S3, the tunneling equipment retreats to the starting sleeve

[0124] Connect the steel cable 16 to the retraction device 14, and use the winch to pull back the steel cable 16. The main machine 100 can be retracted under the action of the cutter disc support pulley 22, the bottom support wheel 3b and the side support wheel 3c, and moved along the bottom guide rail 3a and the side guide rail 3d under the pullback of the retraction device 14 to the reorganized outer shield body 1a inside the starting sleeve 10.

[0125] S4, reassemble the tunnel boring machine

[0126] After the main machine 100 can be retracted into the starting sleeve 10 in the hole, it is reconnected with the reassembled outer shield 1a through the disassembled torque limiting block 2, the retraction device 14 and other equipment are removed, and then the starting sleeve 10 is cut and separated from the main line tunnel composite pipe segment.

[0127] S5, construction of the next branch tunnel

[0128] The reassembled tunnel boring machine will be transported to the next branch tunnel to be constructed to continue construction. At the same time, the portal structure and lining of the previous branch tunnel will be constructed simultaneously.

[0129] Any details not provided in the present invention are conventional technical means known to those skilled in the art.

[0130] The above content shows and describes the basic principles, main features and beneficial effects of the present invention. 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 shall be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A retractable tunnel boring machine, comprising a retractable main machine (100) detachably connected to an outer shield (1), the retractable main machine (100) comprising a variable diameter cutterhead (5), characterized in that: A reorganized outer shield (1a) serving as a tail negative ring pipe segment is provided in the starting sleeve (10). When the retractable main unit (100) retracts, the retractable main unit (100) and the outer shield (1) and the tunnel pipe segment (8) are all slidably or rollably engaged along the axial direction of the tunnel pipe segment (8) via the supporting guide device (3). A traction device for traction of the retractable main unit (100) is provided at the starting end. The retractable main machine (100) is provided with a roller or a pulley or a sliding beam (3f) adapted to the supporting guide device (3); The support guide device (3) is arranged at the rear half of the retractable main machine (100), and the variable diameter cutter disc (5) of the retractable main machine (100) is detachably connected to the cutter disc support pulley (22); The retractable main machine (100) is connected to the traction device via a retracting device (14), and the retracting device (14) is connected to a supporting wheel (14a) that rolls with the inner wall of the tunnel pipe section (8).

2. The retractable tunnel boring machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support and guide device (3) includes a bottom guide rail (3a) provided in the outer shield (1) and the tunnel pipe section (8), and the retractable main machine (100) is provided with a bottom support wheel (3b) or a bottom slide rail that cooperates with the bottom guide rail (3a) for guidance.

3. The retractable tunnel boring machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: At least one pair of bottom support wheels (3b) or bottom slide rails are symmetrically arranged about the middle section of the retractable main unit (100), and the number and position of the bottom guide rails (3a) are consistent with those of the bottom support wheels (3b) or bottom slide rails.

4. The retractable roadheader according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The support and guide device (3) comprises a side guide rail assembly (3d) and / or a lateral support wheel (3c) arranged between the outer shield (1) and the retractable main machine (100), and between the tunnel pipe section (8) and the retractable main machine (100).

5. The retractable roadheader according to claim 4, characterized in that: The lateral support wheels (3c) are arranged on the retractable main machine (100), and at least one pair of lateral support wheels (3c) are symmetrically arranged about the middle section of the retractable main machine (100); and at least one pair of side guide rail components (3d) are symmetrically arranged about the middle section of the retractable main machine (100).

6. The retractable roadheader according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 5, characterized in that: The support guide device (3) comprises a support beam (3e) arranged in the outer shield (1) and the tunnel pipe section (8); the retractable main machine (100) is provided with a roller or a pulley or a sliding beam (3f) located on the upper end surface of the support beam (3e).

7. The retractable tunnel boring machine according to claim 6, characterized in that: The retraction device (14) comprises a combined frame (14b), wherein the combined frame (14b) is connected to support wheels (14a) that are in rolling engagement with the inner wall of the tunnel pipe section (8).

8. The retractable roadheader according to any one of claims 1-3, 5, and 7, characterized in that: The outer shield (1) is a steel pipe section, a steel-concrete pipe section, or a concrete pipe section, and the variable diameter cutter head (5) is a socket-type variable diameter cutter head, a foldable variable diameter cutter head, or a telescopic variable diameter cutter head.

9. A method for re-initiation in a tunnel boring machine, characterized by: The retractable roadheader according to any one of claims 1 to 8 comprises the following steps: S1, tunneling A starting sleeve (10) with a built-in retractable tunnel boring machine is installed at the starting end of the tunnel. Under the action of the propulsion cylinder, the retractable tunnel boring machine excavates the stratum forward until the variable diameter cutter head (5) enters the receiving side space. During the excavation, tunnel pipe segments (8) are simultaneously installed to form a tunnel structure. Finally, the two ring tunnel structures adopt a recombined outer shield (1a) of the same structural form. S2, rollback host (100) rollback preparation The connection structure between the outer shield (1) and the retractable main machine (100) is removed, a cutterhead support pulley (22) is provided at the bottom of the variable diameter cutterhead (5), and the traction device is directly connected to the retractable main machine (100), or the traction device is connected to the retractable main machine (100) through the retracting device (14); S3, can roll back the host (100) to the starting sleeve (10) The traction device pulls the retractable main machine (100), and the retractable main machine (100) moves into the reorganized outer shield (1a) inside the starting sleeve (10) under the action of the cutter disc support pulley (22) and the support guide device (3); or the retractable main machine (100) moves into the reorganized outer shield (1a) inside the starting sleeve (10) under the action of the cutter disc support pulley (22), the support guide device (3) and the retracting device (14); S4, reorganized retractable tunnel boring machine Connecting the retractable host (100) retracted to the starting sleeve (10) to the reassembled outer shield (1a), and then separating the starting sleeve (10) from the main line tunnel; S5, excavation of the next tunnel The reassembled retractable tunnel boring machine is transported to the next tunnel to be constructed to continue construction.

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