A main drive sealing structure for a tunneling machine and the tunneling machine

Abstract

This invention belongs to the technical field of tunneling equipment, specifically providing a main drive sealing structure for a tunneling machine and the tunneling machine itself. The main drive sealing structure includes a wear-resistant plate mounting base, with a cooling water chamber between the wear-resistant plate and the mounting base. The wear-resistant plate is axially movable on the mounting base. A water-absorbing expansion body is provided in the cooling water chamber, which has a cooling zone corresponding to the position of the sealing ring and a water-absorbing zone for housing the water-absorbing expansion body. A water control structure is provided between the water-absorbing zone and the cooling zone to control the water flow to the water-absorbing expansion body, or the water-absorbing expansion body is made of a water-absorbing expansion material whose expansion rate changes with time. The tunneling machine includes the aforementioned main drive sealing structure. After cooling water is injected, the water-absorbing expansion body can absorb water and expand, providing a thrust to the wear-resistant plate towards the sealing ring, causing the wear-resistant plate to move closer to the sealing ring. This compensates for the wear of the sealing ring after it wears down.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of tunneling equipment technology, and in particular relates to a main drive sealing structure for a tunneling machine and a tunneling machine. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of underground space, tunnel construction projects involving great depth, high pressure, and long distances are becoming increasingly common. The main drive is a key core component of the tunnel boring machine (TBM), and its reliability directly affects the overall operating condition of the machine. The sealing structure is a crucial element in ensuring the stable operation of the main drive. Therefore, improving the reliability of the main drive's sealing structure is essential.

[0003] There are two main types of commonly used main drive seal structures: one is a combination of multiple VD rubber seals, and the other is a combination of multiple finger seals. When installing the finger seals, there are generally two methods: one is to install the finger seal on the rotating drive disc or cutterhead flange, and to install a wear-resistant plate on the main drive fixed part, such as a grease ring, for frictional engagement with the finger seal ring; in this case, the main drive fixed part forms the wear-resistant plate mounting base. The other method is to install the finger seal on the main drive fixed part, and to install the wear-resistant plate for frictional engagement with the finger seal on the rotating drive disc or cutterhead flange; in this case, the drive disc or cutterhead flange forms the wear-resistant plate mounting base.

[0004] Finger seals have good pressure-bearing capacity and are now widely used in high-pressure tunneling machines. However, finger seals are generally made of polyurethane, which is prone to aging and failure due to frictional heat during long-term operation. To solve the problem of finger seals being prone to overheating and aging failure, Chinese utility model patent CN215410181U (publication date: 2022.01.04) discloses a main drive sealing structure for a tunnel boring machine (TBM). This main drive sealing structure includes a finger seal ring and a wear-resistant plate that rotates with the finger seal ring. The wear-resistant plate is installed on the rotating cutterhead (wear-resistant plate mounting base), and a cooling water cavity is formed between the back of the cutterhead and the cutterhead. Cooling water can be added to the cooling cavity during operation to achieve a cooling effect.

[0005] While the aforementioned main drive seal structure with a cooling water chamber can prevent the finger seal from overheating and slow down its aging, the axial distance between the wear-resistant plate and the finger seal is fixed. Prolonged use will cause wear on the sealing ring, leading to seal failure, meaning the lifespan of the sealing structure is still relatively short. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a main drive sealing structure for a tunneling machine to solve the technical problem of rapid seal ring wear and failure caused by the non-adjustable axial distance between the wear-resistant plate and the sealing ring in the prior art. Another purpose of this invention is to provide a tunneling machine to solve the same technical problem described above.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the main drive sealing structure for tunneling machines provided by this invention is as follows:

[0008] A main drive sealing structure for a tunneling machine includes a wear-resistant plate mounting base, on which a wear-resistant plate is mounted. The wear-resistant plate has a sealing surface for rotational frictional engagement with a sealing ring, and a cooling water cavity is provided between the other side of the wear-resistant plate opposite to the sealing surface and the wear-resistant plate mounting base. The wear-resistant plate is axially movably mounted on the wear-resistant plate mounting base. A water-absorbing expansion body is provided in the cooling water cavity. The cooling water cavity has a cooling zone corresponding to the position of the sealing ring and a water-absorbing zone for setting the water-absorbing expansion body. A water control structure is provided between the water-absorbing zone and the cooling zone to control the water flow to the water-absorbing expansion body, or the water-absorbing expansion body is made of a water-absorbing expansion material whose expansion rate changes with time.

[0009] The beneficial effects are as follows: This invention improves upon the existing main drive sealing structure. During normal tunneling, cooling water can be added to the cooling water chamber to cool the wear-resistant plate, preventing the sealing ring from overheating and slowing down its aging. Furthermore, a water-absorbing expansion body is installed in the cooling water chamber. As the sealing ring wears down, the flow rate of cooling water into the expansion body can be controlled by the water control structure, causing the expansion body to expand slowly. Alternatively, the expansion body can absorb water and expand slowly using its own properties. Since the wear-resistant plate is axially movable, the expanded expansion body can push the wear-resistant plate towards the sealing ring. This allows the wear-resistant plate to automatically adjust its position to compensate for the wear of the sealing ring, ensuring the sealing effect between the sealing ring and the wear-resistant plate and extending the service life of the sealing ring.

[0010] As a further improvement, the water control structure is formed by a partition ring, which is disposed on one of the wear-resistant plate and the wear-resistant plate mounting base, and a flow passage gap is provided between the partition ring and the other of the wear-resistant plate and the wear-resistant plate mounting base.

[0011] The beneficial effects are: the spacer ring is easy to install and has a low cost. Cooling water flows to the water-absorbing expansion body through the flow gap. At this time, the spacer ring can play a role in controlling water and prevent the water-absorbing expansion ring from expanding too quickly, which would cause the sealing ring and the wear-resistant plate to fit too tightly.

[0012] As a further improvement, the end face of the spacer ring used to form a flow gap with the wear-resistant plate or the wear-resistant plate mounting base is an arc-shaped surface.

[0013] The beneficial effects are: while ensuring that the spacer ring has a relatively thick thickness, the path length of the flow gap can be reduced, which can ensure smooth water flow and prevent the cooling water from being blocked.

[0014] As a further improvement, the water-absorbing swelling body is formed by a water-absorbing swelling ring with a continuous ring structure.

[0015] The beneficial effects are: the water-absorbing expansion ring with a complete ring structure facilitates installation, and the water-absorbing expansion ring can form a pushing surface that propels the wear-resistant plate to move, making the axial movement of the wear-resistant plate more stable. At the same time, the water-absorbing expansion ring can also seal the cooling water cavity.

[0016] As a further improvement, the water-absorbing expansion rings are arranged in pairs, each pair including an inner expansion ring arranged inside the cooling zone and an outer expansion ring arranged outside the cooling zone.

[0017] The beneficial effect is that the pair arrangement at this time can ensure that the wear-resistant plates are subjected to a more balanced thrust, preventing them from tilting to one side and getting stuck.

[0018] As a further improvement, a tensile elastomer is also connected between the wear-resistant plate and the wear-resistant plate mounting base. One end of the tensile elastomer is connected to the side of the wear-resistant plate away from the sealing surface, and the other end is connected to the wear-resistant plate mounting base. It is always kept in a tensile state. The tensile elastomer is located on the side of the water inlet of the water absorption expansion ring away from the cooling water cavity.

[0019] The beneficial effects are: the tensile elastomer can maintain the initial adhesion between the wear-resistant plate and the water-absorbing expansion ring, preventing the expansion ring from loosening. It also ensures that the expansion ring can immediately push the wear-resistant plate upon expansion, improving the response speed of the compensation system. Furthermore, thanks to the sealing effect of the expansion ring, the tensile elastomer can remain in a relatively dry environment, preventing aging caused by prolonged immersion in water.

[0020] As a further improvement, the main drive sealing structure of the tunneling machine also includes an elastic retainer, which is disposed between the wear-resistant plate and the wear-resistant plate mounting base. The elastic retainer is always kept in a compressed or stretched state to provide a retaining force for the wear-resistant plate in the direction close to the wear-resistant plate mounting base.

[0021] The beneficial effects are: at this time, it can ensure that the water absorption expansion ring is in close contact with the wear-resistant plate in the initial state, preventing the water absorption expansion ring from loosening. At the same time, it can also ensure that the water absorption expansion ring can push the wear-resistant plate at the moment of expansion, thus improving the response speed of the compensation system.

[0022] As a further improvement, the elastic retainer is a tensile elastomer, one end of which is connected to the side of the wear-resistant plate away from the sealing surface, and the other end is connected to the wear-resistant plate mounting base.

[0023] The beneficial effects are: this structure of the tensile elastomer allows the tensile elastomer to be placed inside the cooling water cavity, and the tensile force of the tensile elastomer provides the wear-resistant plate with a retaining force that presses against the water-absorbing expansion ring, saving space and facilitating installation.

[0024] As a further improvement, the wear-resistant plate is movably mounted on the wear-resistant plate mounting base through two movable rings arranged at intervals on the inside and outside.

[0025] The beneficial effect is that it forms a method of mounting a wear-resistant plate on a wear-resistant plate outer casing, which simplifies the structure of the wear-resistant plate mounting substrate.

[0026] As a further improvement, at least one guide key is provided between the movable ring and the wear-resistant plate mounting base, the guide key and the movable ring being circumferentially anti-rotating and axially guiding.

[0027] The beneficial effects are: the guide key can prevent rotation, thus avoiding the counter-torque of the sealing ring on the wear-resistant plate causing the wear-resistant plate to rotate relative to the wear-resistant plate mounting base, resulting in better overall system stability.

[0028] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution for the tunneling machine provided by this invention is as follows:

[0029] A tunneling machine includes a main drive, which includes a sealing structure. The sealing structure includes a wear-resistant plate mounting base, on which a wear-resistant plate is mounted. The wear-resistant plate has a sealing surface for rotational frictional engagement with a sealing ring, and a cooling water chamber is provided between the other side of the wear-resistant plate opposite to the sealing surface and the wear-resistant plate mounting base. The wear-resistant plate is axially movably mounted on the wear-resistant plate mounting base. A water-absorbing expansion body is provided in the cooling water chamber. The cooling water chamber has a cooling zone corresponding to the position of the sealing ring and a water-absorbing zone for setting the water-absorbing expansion body. A water control structure is provided between the water-absorbing zone and the cooling zone to control the water flow to the water-absorbing expansion body, or the water-absorbing expansion body is made of a water-absorbing expansion material whose expansion rate changes with time.

[0030] The beneficial effects are as follows: This invention improves upon the existing main drive sealing structure. During normal tunneling, cooling water can be added to the cooling water chamber to cool the wear-resistant plate, preventing the sealing ring from overheating and slowing down its aging. Furthermore, a water-absorbing expansion body is installed in the cooling water chamber. As the sealing ring wears down, the flow rate of cooling water into the expansion body can be controlled by the water control structure, causing the expansion body to expand slowly. Alternatively, the expansion body can absorb water and expand slowly using its own properties. Since the wear-resistant plate is axially movable, the expanded expansion body can push the wear-resistant plate towards the sealing ring. This allows the wear-resistant plate to automatically adjust its position to compensate for the wear of the sealing ring, ensuring the sealing effect between the sealing ring and the wear-resistant plate and extending the service life of the sealing ring.

[0031] As a further improvement, the water control structure is formed by a partition ring, which is disposed on one of the wear-resistant plate and the wear-resistant plate mounting base, and a flow passage gap is provided between the partition ring and the other of the wear-resistant plate and the wear-resistant plate mounting base.

[0032] The beneficial effects are: the spacer ring is easy to install and has a low cost. Cooling water flows to the water-absorbing expansion body through the flow gap. At this time, the spacer ring can play a role in controlling water and prevent the water-absorbing expansion ring from expanding too quickly, which would cause the sealing ring and the wear-resistant plate to fit too tightly.

[0033] As a further improvement, the end face of the spacer ring used to form a flow gap with the wear-resistant plate or the wear-resistant plate mounting base is an arc-shaped surface.

[0034] The beneficial effects are: while ensuring that the spacer ring has a relatively thick thickness, the path length of the flow gap can be reduced, which can ensure smooth water flow and prevent the cooling water from being blocked.

[0035] As a further improvement, the water-absorbing swelling body is formed by a water-absorbing swelling ring with a continuous ring structure.

[0036] The beneficial effects are: the water-absorbing expansion ring with a complete ring structure facilitates installation, and the water-absorbing expansion ring can form a pushing surface that propels the wear-resistant plate to move, making the axial movement of the wear-resistant plate more stable. At the same time, the water-absorbing expansion ring can also seal the cooling water cavity.

[0037] As a further improvement, the water-absorbing expansion rings are arranged in pairs, each pair including an inner expansion ring arranged inside the cooling zone and an outer expansion ring arranged outside the cooling zone.

[0038] The beneficial effect is that the pair arrangement at this time can ensure that the wear-resistant plates are subjected to a more balanced thrust, preventing them from tilting to one side and getting stuck.

[0039] As a further improvement, a tensile elastomer is also connected between the wear-resistant plate and the wear-resistant plate mounting base. One end of the tensile elastomer is connected to the side of the wear-resistant plate away from the sealing surface, and the other end is connected to the wear-resistant plate mounting base. It is always kept in a tensile state. The tensile elastomer is located on the side of the water inlet of the water absorption expansion ring away from the cooling water cavity.

[0040] The beneficial effects are: the tensile elastomer can maintain the initial adhesion between the wear-resistant plate and the water-absorbing expansion ring, preventing the expansion ring from loosening. It also ensures that the expansion ring can immediately push the wear-resistant plate upon expansion, improving the response speed of the compensation system. Furthermore, thanks to the sealing effect of the expansion ring, the tensile elastomer can remain in a relatively dry environment, preventing aging caused by prolonged immersion in water.

[0041] As a further improvement, the main drive sealing structure of the tunneling machine also includes an elastic retainer, which is disposed between the wear-resistant plate and the wear-resistant plate mounting base. The elastic retainer is always kept in a compressed or stretched state to provide a retaining force for the wear-resistant plate in the direction close to the wear-resistant plate mounting base.

[0042] The beneficial effects are: at this time, it can ensure that the water absorption expansion ring is in close contact with the wear-resistant plate in the initial state, preventing the water absorption expansion ring from loosening. At the same time, it can also ensure that the water absorption expansion ring can push the wear-resistant plate at the moment of expansion, thus improving the response speed of the compensation system.

[0043] As a further improvement, the elastic retainer is a tensile elastomer, one end of which is connected to the side of the wear-resistant plate away from the sealing surface, and the other end is connected to the wear-resistant plate mounting base.

[0044] The beneficial effects are: this structure of the tensile elastomer allows the tensile elastomer to be placed inside the cooling water cavity, and the tensile force of the tensile elastomer provides the wear-resistant plate with a retaining force that presses against the water-absorbing expansion ring, saving space and facilitating installation.

[0045] As a further improvement, the wear-resistant plate is movably mounted on the wear-resistant plate mounting base through two movable rings arranged at intervals on the inside and outside.

[0046] The beneficial effect is that it forms a method of mounting a wear-resistant plate on a wear-resistant plate outer casing, which simplifies the structure of the wear-resistant plate mounting substrate.

[0047] As a further improvement, at least one guide key is provided between the movable ring and the wear-resistant plate mounting base, the guide key and the movable ring being circumferentially anti-rotating and axially guiding.

[0048] The beneficial effects are: the guide key can prevent rotation, thus avoiding the counter-torque of the sealing ring on the wear-resistant plate causing the wear-resistant plate to rotate relative to the wear-resistant plate mounting base, resulting in better overall system stability. Attached Figure Description

[0049] Figure 1 This is a partial structural cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the main drive sealing structure of the tunneling machine in this invention;

[0050] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle;

[0051] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A magnified view of the central diaphragm ring.

[0052] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0053] 1. Large movable ring seal; 2. Large movable ring; 3. Guide key; 4. Outer expansion ring; 5. Cooling water inlet; 6. Cooling water chamber; 7. Inner expansion ring; 8. Grease ring; 9. Small movable ring; 10. Small movable ring seal; 11. Support ring; 12. Drive plate; 13. First bolt; 14. Small pressure plate; 15. Finger-shaped sealing ring; 16. Large pressure plate; 17. Second bolt; 18. Sealing ring; 19. Third bolt; 20. Spacer ring; 21. Fourth bolt; 22. Wear-resistant plate; 23. Tension spring; 24. Fifth bolt. Detailed Implementation

[0054] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments.

[0055] To achieve a better sealing effect by actively compensating for the wear of the sealing ring in the main drive sealing structure, the basic technical concept of this invention is to retain the cooling water chamber while allowing the wear-resistant plate and its mounting base to move axially. A water-absorbing expansion body made of a water-absorbing and expanding material is added to the cooling water chamber. After cooling water is injected, the water-absorbing expansion body absorbs water and expands, providing a thrust to the wear-resistant plate towards the sealing ring, causing the wear-resistant plate to move closer to the sealing ring. Furthermore, to prevent the water-absorbing expansion body from absorbing water too quickly and causing excessive compression of the sealing ring by the wear-resistant plate, this invention provides two solutions: one is to use a common fast-expanding material and to incorporate a water control structure in the cooling water chamber to control the rate of water flow towards the water-absorbing expansion body, thereby controlling the expansion speed of the expansion body; the other is to directly use a water-absorbing expansion body made of a water-absorbing and expanding material whose expansion rate changes over time, achieving a slow expansion effect over time. After the sealing ring wears, the wear-resistant plate can be actively adjusted to move towards the sealing ring to compensate for the wear.

[0056] Specific embodiment 1 of the main drive sealing structure for tunneling machines provided by this invention:

[0057] This embodiment can be referred to. Figures 1-3 The system includes a drive disc 12 and a grease ring 8. The drive disc 12 can be used to connect to the cutterhead of the tunneling machine to drive the cutterhead to rotate. A sealing ring is provided between the grease ring 8 and the drive disc 12, and the two parts are sealed together by the sealing ring. In this embodiment, for high pressure requirements, the sealing ring between the grease ring 8 and the drive disc 12 is a finger-shaped sealing ring 15. Of course, depending on different application scenarios, the sealing ring between the grease ring 8 and the drive disc 12 can also be a lip-shaped sealing ring. This embodiment uses the finger-shaped sealing ring 15 as an example for explanation.

[0058] It should be noted that all of the above parts are circular or annular, with a definite axis. Figure 1 (left and right directions) and internal and external relationships ( Figure 1(The top is the outside) The figure only shows the parts related to the present invention.

[0059] A wear-resistant plate 22 is mounted on the grease ring 8, thus the grease ring 8 forms the mounting base for the wear-resistant plate. One of the two end faces of the wear-resistant plate 22 in the left-right direction can rotate and seal with the finger-shaped sealing ring 15, i.e., the sealing surface. A gap is provided between the other end face and the grease ring 8, and this gap is connected to the cooling water inlet 5, forming a cooling water chamber. During the tunneling process of the tunneling machine, cooling water can be introduced into the cooling water chamber, thereby cooling the finger-shaped sealing ring 15.

[0060] Unlike existing technologies, in this embodiment, the wear-resistant plate 22 is movably mounted on the grease ring 8, and its movement direction is axial. Furthermore, a water-absorbing expansion body is provided in the cooling water cavity between the wear-resistant plate 22 and the grease ring 8. The water-absorbing expansion body is made of a water-absorbing and expanding material, such as rubber materials used in existing technologies. Correspondingly, the cooling water cavity can be divided into two parts: one part is a cooling zone corresponding to the position of the finger-shaped sealing ring 15, which mainly serves a cooling function; the other part is a water-absorbing zone for placing the water-absorbing expansion body. When the wear-resistant plate 22 and the finger-shaped sealing ring 15 rotate and rub against each other, the water flow serves two purposes: firstly, it cools the surface; secondly, the water flow can flow into the water-absorbing expansion body, increasing its volume and pushing the wear-resistant plate 22 towards the finger-shaped sealing ring 15, thus achieving automatic wear compensation. In addition, as the wear-resistant plate 22 moves towards the finger-shaped sealing ring 15, the volume of the cooling water cavity also continuously expands, allowing more cooling water to be added and further enhancing the cooling effect.

[0061] To prevent the water-absorbing expansion body from becoming saturated with water too quickly, thus causing excessive tightness between the wear-resistant plate 22 and the finger-shaped sealing ring 15, this embodiment also includes a water control structure in the cooling water chamber to control the water flow rate towards the water-absorbing expansion body. Specifically, the water control structure is formed by a partition ring 20, which is located between the cooling water inlet and the water-absorbing expansion body. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, one end of the partition ring 20 is fixed to the grease ring 8, and the other end has a flow gap between it and the wear-resistant plate 22. This gap allows cooling water to flow through. Water entering from the cooling water inlet 5 passes through the flow gap between the partition ring 20 and the wear-resistant plate 22 and is absorbed by the water-absorbing expansion body. The partition ring 20 is used to control the cross-sectional area of ​​the water flow to the water-absorbing expansion body, which can better adjust the expansion speed of the water-absorbing expansion body and prevent it from expanding too quickly.

[0062] In other implementations, the water control structure can be any structure other than the partition ring. For example, a controllable shut-off valve can be directly installed between the water-absorbing expansion body and the cooling water inlet 5. For ease of understanding, it can be similarly regarded as setting the partition ring as an axially movable shut-off valve. When water needs to be supplied to the water-absorbing expansion body, the partition ring can be actively opened, and water flows into the water-absorbing expansion body. At this time, the expansion rate of the water-absorbing expansion body can also be actively controlled, and the cooling requirements can also be met.

[0063] The water absorption rate of the water-absorbing expansion body is related to the minimum flow cross-sectional area. To ensure the smooth flow of water to the expansion body while maintaining the required flow cross-sectional area, this embodiment uses an arc-shaped surface on the spacer ring 20 that forms the flow gap with the wear-resistant plate. The minimum flow area is determined at the apex of the arc, thus controlling the water flow rate. Simultaneously, the water flow path is shorter, facilitating water passage. Of course, when the flow gap is larger, the surface of the spacer ring 20 forming the flow gap can also be a complete annular plane.

[0064] In addition, the arrangement of the spacer ring 20 is relatively flexible. In other embodiments, it can also be installed on the wear-resistant plate, in which case the spacer ring and the grease ring form a flow gap.

[0065] Regarding the specific form of the water-absorbing expansion body, in this embodiment, the water-absorbing expansion body is a complete annular water-absorbing expansion ring. This has several advantages: First, when pushing the wear-resistant plate 22, the water-absorbing expansion ring can form a complete annular pushing surface, making the movement of the wear-resistant plate 22 more stable. Second, since the cooling water is absorbed by the water-absorbing expansion ring, it also acts as a seal for the cooling water cavity. Finally, the complete annular form of the water-absorbing expansion ring also facilitates installation.

[0066] Of course, in other embodiments, when the cooling water chamber is equipped with a sealing ring, depending on the material conditions on site, a split fan-shaped water-absorbing expansion body can also be set up. In this case, each water-absorbing expansion body can be installed separately on the wear-resistant plate mounting base.

[0067] Considering the spatial layout, the cooling zone is located near the center in this embodiment. To prevent the wear-resistant plate 22 from shifting sideways when the water-absorbing expansion rings expand, the water-absorbing expansion rings in this embodiment are arranged in pairs, with each pair including one inner and one outer water-absorbing expansion ring, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the outer expansion ring 4 is located on the outer side of the cooling zone, and the inner expansion ring 7 is located on the inner side of the cooling zone. This inner and outer arrangement ensures stable thrust on both the inner and outer sides of the cooling zone, making the wear-resistant plate 22 more stable. Of course, in other embodiments, depending on the location of the cooling zone, if the cooling zone is offset and there is space in the center, only one water-absorbing expansion ring can be set in the center.

[0068] Regarding the installation method of the wear-resistant plate 22 and the grease ring 8, this embodiment provides an installation method in which the plate is fitted onto the grease ring 8. Specifically, as shown... Figure 1 As shown, the wear-resistant plate 22 includes two movable rings, one large and one small, arranged inside and outside each other: a large movable ring 2 and a small movable ring 9. These two movable rings are in movable engagement with a grease ring 8. The movement can be either surface-to-surface sliding friction or roller-to-surface rolling friction. The two movable rings together form a sleeve-like structure. This design avoids excessive grooving of the grease ring 8. Of course, in other embodiments, a guide groove can be machined into the grease ring 8 to mount the wear-resistant plate 22. The wear-resistant plate 22 slides in the guide groove, achieving axial movement. Specifically, when connecting the wear-resistant plate and the movable rings, the following method can be used... Figure 2 The fourth bolt 21 and the fifth bolt 24 shown can also be made in other ways, such as by welding. Additionally, as... Figure 2 As shown, in order to facilitate the installation of the fourth bolt 21 and the fifth bolt 24, and to ensure a reliable connection between the wear-resistant plate 22 and the movable ring, the large and small movable rings are also provided with mounting flanges.

[0069] To facilitate installation and positioning, this embodiment also includes a guide key 3. The guide key 3 engages with the large movable ring 2 to prevent circumferential rotation, thus preventing the wear-resistant plate 22 from rotating relative to the grease ring and ensuring a reliable fit between the absorbent wear-resistant plate and the grease ring. Simultaneously, the guide key 3 also guides the axial movement of the wear-resistant plate 22. Additionally, as... Figure 2 As shown, the end of the guide key 3 (defined as the forward direction of the axial movement of the wear-resistant plate 22 after the expansion of the water-absorbing swelling body) is provided with an anti-detachment flange structure. The anti-detachment flange structure can limit the maximum displacement of the wear-resistant plate 22 and prevent the wear-resistant plate 22 from falling off the grease ring due to excessive expansion of the water-absorbing swelling body. In other embodiments, a guide key that cooperates with the small movable ring 9 can also be provided, or even two guide keys can be provided, one that cooperates with the large movable ring and the other that cooperates with the small movable ring. As another optional approach, a guide key can be omitted, and the anti-rotation effect can also be achieved by utilizing the friction between the movable ring and other parts of the main drive (such as the support ring mentioned below).

[0070] Furthermore, to avoid excessive grooving of the grease ring 8, a support ring 11 is also provided in this embodiment. The support ring 11 can also be made of wear-resistant material. The support ring 11 supports the inner small movable ring 9, and the small movable ring 9 is also provided with a small movable ring seal 10 that mates with the support ring 11. A large movable ring seal 1 is also provided on the large movable ring 2, which can also serve as a structural sealing fit with the large movable ring 2. The setting of the large movable ring seal 1 and the small movable ring seal 10 is related to the structure that mates with the movable ring and the machining accuracy of the related structures. If the machining accuracy can meet the sealing fit requirements, the seal on the movable ring can also be omitted.

[0071] Additionally, it should be noted that in this embodiment, the wear-resistant plate 22 is mounted on the grease ring 8, meaning the grease ring 8 forms the wear-resistant plate mounting base for mounting the wear-resistant plate 22. The finger-shaped sealing ring 15 is mounted on the drive disc 12. Specifically, during installation, as follows... Figure 1 As shown, the main pressure plates 16 and 14 at the inner and outer ends of the finger-shaped sealing ring 15 are large and small, respectively, and are mounted on the drive plate by the second bolt 17 and the first bolt 13. Furthermore, to ensure a seal on the drive plate, a sealing ring 18 is connected to the drive plate in this embodiment via a third bolt 19. In other embodiments, where the finger-shaped sealing ring is positioned on a fixed grease ring, the wear-resistant plate can be mounted on the rotating drive plate, thus forming a mounting base for the wear-resistant plate. In this case, other structural connection methods, water-absorbing expansion bodies, etc., can be consistent with Embodiment 1.

[0072] Specific embodiment 2 of the main drive sealing structure for tunneling machines provided by the present invention:

[0073] The purpose of this invention is to provide a water-absorbing expandable body made of a water-absorbing expandable material whose expansion rate after absorbing water can change over time, without the need for a water control structure. Examples include nanoscale organic water-absorbing expandable materials commonly used in oil and gas well sealing. This material can slowly expand according to the wear of the sealing ring and can also actively adjust the position of the wear-resistant plate. In this case, the water-absorbing expandable body can be directly placed in the cooling water chamber; correspondingly, the area in the cooling water chamber used to place the water-absorbing expandable body is the water absorption zone.

[0074] Specific embodiment 3 of the main drive sealing structure for tunneling machines provided by the present invention:

[0075] Based on Example 1, this example further includes an elastic retainer, which is disposed on the wear-resistant plate and the grease ring. The function of the elastic retainer is to provide a force close to the grease ring to the wear-resistant plate in the initial state, ensuring that the wear-resistant plate is pressed against the water-absorbing swelling body. This allows for timely feedback of water absorption and expansion to the wear-resistant plate after absorption, resulting in a faster response and preventing gaps between the water-absorbing swelling body and the wear-resistant plate, thus ensuring the sealing effect of the water-absorbing swelling body.

[0076] As an optional implementation method, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the elastic buffer in this embodiment is a tensile elastomer, specifically a tension spring 23. One end of the tension spring 23 is fixed to the side of the wear-resistant plate opposite to the sealing surface used for frictional contact with the sealing ring, and the other end is fixed to the grease ring 8. Since the movable ring in this embodiment has a mounting flange, for ease of installation, one end of the tension spring 23 is connected to the mounting flange of the movable ring. The specific fixing method can be welding or screws, etc. Initially, the tension spring 23 is in a stretched state, ensuring that the wear-resistant plate can press against the water-absorbing expansion body. This optimizes the use of space in the cooling water cavity 6, making the overall structure more compact. Of course, one end of the tension spring can also be directly connected to the wear-resistant plate 22, as long as it can transmit tension. In addition, the tensile elastomer is not limited to a tension spring, but can also be a tension rope or other structure.

[0077] When the water-absorbing expansion body is a water-absorbing expansion ring, the tension spring 23 can be set on the side of the water-absorbing expansion ring away from the cooling water inlet 5, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, one tension spring 23 is located on the side of the outer expansion ring 4 away from the cooling water inlet, and another tension spring 23 is located on the side of the inner expansion ring 7 away from the cooling water inlet. This allows the tension spring 23, or other forms of tensile elastomer, to be kept in a relatively dry environment, preventing rusting or aging from prolonged immersion in water. Alternatively, a tension spring made of stainless steel can be used directly. In this case, even if the water-absorbing expansion body is not a water-absorbing expansion ring, i.e., the water-absorbing expansion body does not have a water-absorbing sealing effect, the tensile elastomer still has good reliability.

[0078] As another alternative implementation, the elastic retainer can also be a compression elastomer, such as a compression spring. If space permits, a retaining ring is needed at the grease ring connection position that extends beyond the sealing surface of the wear-resistant plate. The compression spring is placed between the retaining ring and the sealing surface of the wear-resistant plate, which can achieve the same elastic retaining effect.

[0079] Specific embodiments of the tunneling machine in this invention:

[0080] The tunneling machine includes a main drive, which includes the sealing structure in embodiment 1, 2 or 3 of the above-described tunneling machine main drive sealing structure, which will not be described in detail here.

[0081] Finally, it should be noted that the above descriptions are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still make modifications to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments without creative effort, or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A main drive sealing structure for a tunneling machine, comprising a wear-resistant plate mounting base, a wear-resistant plate mounted on the wear-resistant plate mounting base, the wear-resistant plate having a sealing surface for rotational frictional engagement with a sealing ring, and a cooling water cavity provided between the other side of the wear-resistant plate opposite to the sealing surface and the wear-resistant plate mounting base, characterized in that, The wear-resistant plate is movably mounted on the wear-resistant plate mounting base along the axial direction. A water-absorbing expansion body is provided in the cooling water cavity. The cooling water cavity has a cooling zone corresponding to the position of the sealing ring and a water-absorbing zone for setting the water-absorbing expansion body. A water control structure is provided between the water-absorbing zone and the cooling zone to control the water flow to the water-absorbing expansion body, or the water-absorbing expansion body is made of a water-absorbing expansion material whose expansion rate changes with time.

2. The main drive sealing structure of the tunneling machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water control structure is formed by a partition ring, which is disposed on one of the wear-resistant plate and the wear-resistant plate mounting base, and a flow passage gap is provided between the partition ring and the other of the wear-resistant plate and the wear-resistant plate mounting base.

3. The main drive sealing structure for a tunneling machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The end face of the spacer ring used to form a flow passage gap with the wear-resistant plate or the wear-resistant plate mounting base is an arc-shaped surface.

4. The main drive sealing structure for a tunneling machine according to claim 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that, The water-absorbing and swelling body is formed by a water-absorbing and swelling ring with a continuous ring structure.

5. The main drive sealing structure for a tunneling machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, The water-absorbing expansion rings are arranged in pairs, each pair including an inner expansion ring arranged inside the cooling zone and an outer expansion ring arranged outside the cooling zone.

6. The tunneling machine main drive sealing structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, A tensile elastomer is also connected between the wear-resistant plate and the wear-resistant plate mounting base. One end of the tensile elastomer is connected to the side of the wear-resistant plate away from the sealing surface, and the other end is connected to the wear-resistant plate mounting base. It is always kept in a tensile state. The tensile elastomer is located on the side of the water inlet of the water absorption expansion ring away from the cooling water cavity.

7. The tunneling machine main drive sealing structure according to claim 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that, The main drive sealing structure of the tunneling machine also includes an elastic retainer, which is disposed between the wear-resistant plate and the wear-resistant plate mounting base. The elastic retainer is always kept in a compressed or stretched state to provide a retaining force for the wear-resistant plate in the direction close to the wear-resistant plate mounting base.

8. The main drive sealing structure for a tunneling machine according to claim 7, characterized in that, The elastic retainer is a tensile elastomer. One end of the tensile elastomer is connected to the side of the wear-resistant plate away from the sealing surface, and the other end is connected to the wear-resistant plate mounting base.

9. The main drive sealing structure for a tunneling machine according to claim 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that, The wear-resistant plate is movably mounted on the wear-resistant plate mounting base through two movable rings arranged at intervals on the inside and outside.

10. The main drive sealing structure for a tunneling machine according to claim 9, characterized in that, At least one guide key is provided between the movable ring and the wear-resistant plate mounting base. The guide key and the movable ring are circumferentially anti-rotating and axially guiding.

11. A tunneling machine, comprising a main drive, the main drive including a sealing structure, characterized in that, The sealing structure is the main drive sealing structure of the tunneling machine as described in any one of claims 1-10.

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