TBM tunnel steel arch installation device and installation method
By designing an automated TBM tunnel steel arch frame installation device, which utilizes motor-driven gears and hydraulic cylinders to achieve automated installation of the steel arch frame, the problem of low efficiency and poor accuracy of manual installation in existing technologies has been solved, thereby improving construction efficiency and safety.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CHINA RAILWAY TUNNEL GROUP CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2023-10-20
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-10
AI Technical Summary
In existing technologies, the installation of steel arch frames relies on manual lifting, which results in high labor intensity, slow installation speed, low efficiency, and poor accuracy.
A TBM tunnel steel arch frame installation device was designed, including a walking mechanism, a lifting mechanism, an angle adjustment component, a steel arch frame clamping mechanism, and an automated drive system. The automated installation of the steel arch frame is achieved by using a motor-driven gear and a hydraulic cylinder, and the addition of luminous track wheels improves visibility and safety.
This enabled efficient and accurate installation of steel arch frames, reduced manual labor intensity, improved installation speed and safety, and ensured the quality and efficiency of tunnel construction.
Smart Images

Figure CN117489380B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of tunnel steel arch frame installation technology, and in particular to a TBM tunnel steel arch frame installation device and installation method. Background Technology
[0002] Tunnel construction is a common construction method in modern engineering projects. TBMs (Tunnel Boring Machines) are a highly efficient and continuous excavation method suitable for various hard and soft rock formations. TBMs do not require segment laying during tunnel excavation; instead, they integrate excavation, support, and muck removal, achieving tunnel formation in a single operation. They are primarily used in the construction of long, hard rock tunnels. However, challenges constantly arise in tunnel construction, such as complex geological formations, water and sand inrushes, and significant construction interference, all of which place higher demands on tunnel construction. To solve these problems, continuous technological research and improvement are needed to enhance the efficiency and safety of tunnel construction. Due to the unique and complex properties of the rock strata in tunnel construction, steel arch supports are required to ensure tunnel stability. The installation of steel arch supports plays a crucial role in the tunnel boring machine's excavation process.
[0003] In tunnel construction, steel arches are a crucial support structure, significantly impacting tunnel safety and quality. Steel arch installation involves multiple steps, such as processing, transportation, positioning, and installation, all requiring strict quality control and technical standards. Due to limitations in existing steel arch support installation technology, the designed equipment lacks practical field application capabilities, relying heavily on manual lifting for installation. Traditional steel arch installation methods suffer from low efficiency, poor accuracy, high labor costs, high labor intensity, and slow installation speed. Therefore, we need to find a more efficient and accurate steel arch installation method. Summary of the Invention
[0004] In view of the above technical problems, this disclosure provides a TBM tunnel steel arch frame installation device and installation method, which solves the technical problems of relying on manual lifting to install steel arch frames in the prior art, resulting in high labor intensity and slow installation speed.
[0005] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a TBM tunnel steel arch frame installation device is provided, including a traveling mechanism that mates with the existing track of the TBM platform. The traveling mechanism includes multiple track wheels, with a fixed shaft between the track wheels. A lifting mechanism is installed on the fixed shaft, and the lifting mechanism includes multiple independent lifting cylinders. A working platform is installed above the lifting cylinders, wherein at least one lifting cylinder has an angle adjustment component installed on its top. The angle adjustment component includes a groove on the working platform and a pin that can move within the groove. At least one steel arch frame clamping mechanism is installed on the working platform via a moving track. The steel arch frame clamping mechanism includes a moving wheel that mates with the moving track. The moving wheel is connected to a drive motor, and clamps for clamping the steel arch frame are installed on both sides of the moving wheel.
[0006] The track wheel is a light-emitting track wheel.
[0007] A motor that drives the track wheel is mounted on the fixed shaft.
[0008] There are two steel arch frame clamping mechanisms, and a protractor is clamped in the middle of the steel arch frame clamping mechanism via an elastic telescopic element.
[0009] It also includes rope fasteners installed at both ends of the steel arch frame. The rope fasteners are connected to each other by transverse ropes. A counterweight is slidably connected to the transverse ropes by longitudinal ropes. The range of motion of the longitudinal ropes is in front of the protractor.
[0010] The counterweight is equipped with a counter to count the number of steel arch frames.
[0011] The clamp includes a left pin and a right pin located on both sides of the moving wheel. The left pin is connected to a left crank rod, and the right pin is connected to a right crank rod. The left and right crank rods are connected to each other via pads above and hydraulic cylinders below.
[0012] The moving track includes a rack, and the moving wheel includes a gear.
[0013] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method for installing a steel arch frame in a TBM tunnel is provided, applicable to the aforementioned TBM tunnel steel arch frame installation device, comprising the following steps:
[0014] (1) Lifting steel arch frame: The hydraulic cylinder of the steel arch frame clamping mechanism extends, so that the curved rod clamps the steel arch frame, and the lifting cylinder extends synchronously, so that the steel arch frame reaches the predetermined height position;
[0015] (2) Offset steel arch frame:
[0016] (2.1) The first steel arch clamping mechanism clamps the steel arch, and the position remains unchanged;
[0017] (2.2) The second steel arch frame clamping mechanism releases the steel arch frame and drives the gear along the rack by the drive motor to move a pre-designed distance, and then clamps the steel arch frame again;
[0018] (2.3) The first steel arch clamping mechanism releases the steel arch;
[0019] (2.4) The second steel arch clamping mechanism clamps the steel arch and moves it to the predetermined position;
[0020] Repeat step (2) to make the first steel arch frame clamping mechanism and the second steel arch frame clamping mechanism alternately clamp and release to move the steel arch frame to the predetermined position.
[0021] Adjusting the tilt angle of the steel arch frame: The left and right lifting cylinders move asynchronously and independently, creating a height difference, thereby tilting the work platform and the steel arch frame at a certain angle.
[0022] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:
[0023] This invention has the advantages of simple structure, convenient operation, and good practical effect. It not only reduces the labor intensity of operators, but also speeds up the installation, while improving work efficiency and safety, eliminating safety hazards, ensuring construction safety, and providing stable support.
[0024] To improve efficiency, the steel arch frame clamping mechanism adopts a motor + gear drive, which integrates multiple steps through automated operation, greatly improving installation efficiency. At the same time, the installation process of this device only requires a small number of personnel to operate, reducing the input of manpower and further improving efficiency.
[0025] Rubber pads fixed to the ends of the left and right curved rods increase friction with the steel arch frame, ensuring accurate and reliable quality. When the left and right lifting cylinders move asynchronously, the work platform tilts at a certain angle, precisely aligning and adjusting the installation position to ensure the installation quality of the tunnel steel arch frame. The hydraulic cylinder motor drives the gears, which work in conjunction with the rack on the work platform for translational movement. If problems are found, the installation angle is adjusted according to the tunnel's geological conditions. The extension and retraction of the hydraulic cylinders rotates the curved rods, thus clamping the steel arch frame, avoiding quality problems caused by human error and ensuring the installation quality of the steel arch frame. The operation is simplified, easy to learn, requires no professional skills, is easy to maintain, and saves on operational difficulty and time costs.
[0026] The track wheels are designed to be luminous, which have the characteristic of emitting light in dark environments, increasing the visibility of the device in tunnels, improving operational safety, and also helping operators to better observe the position and movement of the device, thereby better controlling the movement trajectory of the device.
[0027] A motor is mounted on the fixed shaft, which can drive the track wheels to move, allowing the device to move autonomously in the tunnel, thus improving work efficiency and accuracy.
[0028] A counter is installed on the counterweight so that workers can know the number of steel arch frames at any time;
[0029] The design of the elastic telescopic component clamping protractor allows the distance between the two clamping mechanisms to be adjusted, and it can deform accordingly as the position of the clamping mechanisms changes.
[0030] A protractor is installed so that operators can adjust the angle and position of the steel arch as needed, while ensuring the overall stability and balance of the device. Attached Figure Description
[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the installation device for the steel arch frame of a TBM tunnel.
[0032] Figure 2 Another structural diagram of the steel arch frame installation device for a TBM tunnel;
[0033] The components in the diagram are named as follows: 1. Existing track of the TBM platform; 2. Track wheel; 3. Fixed shaft; 4. Lifting cylinder; 5. Working platform; 6. Slide groove; 7. Pin; 8. Moving track; 9. Moving wheel; 10. Left pin; 11. Right pin; 12. Left crank; 13. Right crank; 14. Pad block; 15. Steel arch frame; 16. Hydraulic cylinder; 17. Elastic telescopic element; 18. Protractor; 19. Rope fixing component; 20. Lateral rope; 21. Longitudinal rope; 22. Counterweight; 23. Drive motor. Detailed Implementation
[0034] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the preferred embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit the present invention. Example 1
[0035] This example discloses a TBM tunnel steel arch frame installation device. See [link to documentation]. Figure 1 and Figure 2The system includes a traveling mechanism that aligns with the existing track 1 of the TBM platform. The traveling mechanism includes multiple track wheels 2, with a fixed shaft 3 between the track wheels 2. A lifting mechanism is installed on the fixed shaft 3, and the lifting mechanism includes multiple independent lifting cylinders 4. A working platform 5 is installed above the lifting cylinders 4. One of the lifting cylinders 4 is hinged to the bottom of the working platform 5, and an angle adjustment component is installed on the top of the other lifting cylinder 4. The angle adjustment component includes a slide 6 on the working platform and a pin 7 that can move within the slide 6. At least one steel arch frame clamping mechanism is installed on the working platform 5 via a moving track 8. The steel arch frame clamping mechanism includes a moving wheel 9 that aligns with the moving track 8. The moving wheel 9 is connected to a drive motor 23, and clamps for clamping the steel arch frame are installed on both sides of the moving wheel 9.
[0036] Track wheel 2 is an illuminated track wheel.
[0037] The track wheels are equipped with LED lights powered by batteries. In addition, the light color of the track wheels can be adjusted according to actual needs, such as red, green or blue, so as to better identify and distinguish different devices or equipment in the tunnel.
[0038] A motor that drives the track wheel is mounted on the fixed shaft 3.
[0039] Based on the size and weight of the track wheels, as well as the required travel speed and acceleration, a motor with sufficient torque and speed is selected to drive the track wheels to move smoothly and quickly in the tunnel. The motor can be connected to the track wheels through gears, chains, or direct drive. Gear transmission can provide higher transmission efficiency and more stable driving force, chain transmission has higher reliability and durability, and direct drive can directly transmit the power of the motor to the track wheels, with higher efficiency and precision.
[0040] There are two steel arch frame clamping mechanisms, with the protractor 18 clamped in the middle of the steel arch frame clamping mechanism via an elastic telescopic element 17.
[0041] It also includes rope fasteners 19 installed at both ends of the steel arch frame. The rope fasteners 19 are connected to each other by a transverse rope 20. The counterweight 22 is slidably connected to the transverse rope 20 by a longitudinal rope 21. The range of motion of the longitudinal rope 21 is in front of the protractor 18.
[0042] A counter is installed on the counterweight 22 to count the number of steel arch frames.
[0043] A counter is installed on the counterweight to count the number of steel arches. The counter can be mechanical or electronic, recording the number of steel arches by sensing the movement of the counterweight. The counter can also be equipped with a display screen or other visual components so that operators can monitor the number of steel arches at any time.
[0044] The design of the elastic telescopic component clamping protractor allows the distance between the two clamping mechanisms to be adjusted. The elastic telescopic component is made of elastic material and has a certain degree of telescopic performance, which can deform accordingly with the change of position of the clamping mechanism.
[0045] The rope fixing components are connected by transverse ropes, and the counterweight is slidably connected to the transverse ropes via longitudinal ropes. The range of motion of the longitudinal ropes is in front of the protractor. This allows the operator to adjust the angle and position of the steel arch as needed, while ensuring the overall stability and balance of the device. By clamping the protractor, the longitudinal ropes connect to the counterweight, and the angle between the longitudinal ropes and the steel arch can be precisely controlled within the required range, thus better adapting to the installation requirements of steel arches at different angles.
[0046] The clamp includes a left pin 10 and a right pin 11 located on both sides of the moving wheel 9. The left pin 10 is connected to the left curved rod 12, and the right pin 11 is connected to the right curved rod 13. The left curved rod 12 and the right curved rod 13 are clamped by a pad 14 above and connected by a hydraulic cylinder 16 below.
[0047] The moving track 8 includes a rack and pinion, and the moving wheel 9 includes a gear.
[0048] The lifting cylinder 4 can achieve both synchronous and independent movement. The working platform 5 is placed horizontally, with a rack and pinion fixed as the moving track 8 for the steel arch frame clamping mechanism. One side of the lifting cylinder 4 is hinged to the bottom of the working platform 5, while the other side is connected to the working platform 5 via a pin 7 and a slide 6. When the left and right lifting cylinders 4 move asynchronously, the working platform 5 can tilt at a certain angle. The steel arch frame clamping mechanism is driven by a motor and gears. Rubber pads are fixed to the ends of the left and right curved rods 12 and 13 to increase the friction with the steel arch frame. The hydraulic cylinder 16, driven by a motor and gears, works in conjunction with the rack and pinion on the working platform 5 to perform translational movement. The extension and retraction of the hydraulic cylinder 16 rotates the curved rods, thereby clamping the steel arch frame.
[0049] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method for installing a steel arch frame in a TBM tunnel is provided, applicable to the aforementioned TBM tunnel steel arch frame installation device, comprising the following steps:
[0050] (1) Lifting steel arch frame 15: The hydraulic cylinder 16 of the steel arch frame clamping mechanism extends, so that the left curved rod 12 and the right curved rod 13 clamp the steel arch frame 15, and the lifting cylinder 4 extends synchronously, so that the steel arch frame 15 reaches the predetermined height position.
[0051] (2) Offset steel arch frame 15:
[0052] (2.1) The first steel arch clamping mechanism clamps the steel arch, and the position remains unchanged;
[0053] (2.2) The second steel arch frame clamping mechanism releases the steel arch frame and drives the gear along the rack by the drive motor to move a pre-designed distance, and then clamps the steel arch frame 15 again;
[0054] (2.3) The first steel arch clamping mechanism releases the steel arch 15;
[0055] (2.4) The second steel arch clamping mechanism clamps the steel arch 15 and moves it to the predetermined position;
[0056] Repeat step (2) to make the first steel arch frame clamping mechanism and the second steel arch frame clamping mechanism alternately clamp and release, so that the steel arch frame 15 gradually moves to the predetermined position;
[0057] (3) Adjust the tilt angle of the steel arch frame 15: The left and right lifting cylinders 4 move asynchronously and independently to form a height difference, so as to achieve a certain angle of tilt of the working platform 5 and the steel arch frame 15.
[0058] Although some preferred embodiments of the invention have been described, those skilled in the art, upon learning the basic inventive concept, can make other changes and modifications to these embodiments. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including the preferred embodiments as well as all changes and modifications falling within the scope of the invention.
[0059] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this invention without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, if these modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this invention is also intended to include these modifications and variations.
Claims
1. A TBM tunnel steel arch frame installation device, characterized in that: The system includes a traveling mechanism that mates with the existing track of the TBM platform. The traveling mechanism comprises multiple track wheels with a fixed shaft between them. A lifting mechanism is mounted on the fixed shaft, comprising multiple independent lifting cylinders. A working platform is mounted above the lifting cylinders, with an angle adjustment component mounted on the top of at least one lifting cylinder. The angle adjustment component includes a groove on the working platform and a pin that can move within the groove. At least one steel arch frame clamping mechanism is mounted on the working platform via a moving track. The steel arch frame clamping mechanism includes a moving wheel that mates with the moving track, the moving wheel being connected to a drive motor, and clamps for holding the steel arch frame mounted on both sides of the moving wheel. The steel arch frame clamping mechanism includes two clamps, and a protractor is clamped in the middle of the steel arch frame clamping mechanism via an elastic telescopic element; Rope fasteners are installed at both ends of the steel arch frame. The rope fasteners are connected to each other by a transverse rope. A counterweight is slidably connected to the transverse rope by a longitudinal rope. The range of motion of the longitudinal rope is in front of the protractor. The counterweight is equipped with a counter that can count the number of steel arch frames; The clamp includes a left pin and a right pin on both sides of the moving wheel. The left pin is connected to a left crank rod, and the right pin is connected to a right crank rod. The left and right crank rods are connected to the steel arch frame above by pad blocks and below by hydraulic cylinders. The moving track includes a rack, and the moving wheel includes a gear.
2. A method for installing a steel arch frame in a TBM tunnel, applicable to the TBM tunnel steel arch frame installation device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: (1) Lifting steel arch frame: The hydraulic cylinder of the steel arch frame clamping mechanism extends, so that the curved rod clamps the steel arch frame, and the lifting cylinder extends synchronously, so that the steel arch frame reaches the predetermined height position; (2) Offset steel arch frame: (2.1) The first steel arch clamping mechanism clamps the steel arch, and the position remains unchanged; (2.2) The second steel arch frame clamping mechanism releases the steel arch frame and drives the gear along the rack by the drive motor to move a pre-designed distance, and then clamps the steel arch frame again. (2.3) The first steel arch clamping mechanism releases the steel arch; (2.4) The second steel arch clamping mechanism clamps the steel arch and moves it to the predetermined position; Repeat step (2) to make the first steel arch frame clamping mechanism and the second steel arch frame clamping mechanism alternately clamp and release, so as to gradually move the steel arch frame to the predetermined position. Adjusting the tilt angle of the steel arch frame: The left and right lifting cylinders move asynchronously and independently, creating a height difference, thereby achieving an angled tilt of the working platform and the steel arch frame.