A tunnel boring machine and construction technology

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of tunnel boring machine (TBM) technology, specifically to a tunnel excavation equipment and construction process. When the cutterhead rotates clockwise, the rock cracks under the action of a water jet to the right of the microwave source. Simultaneously, water seeps into the rock cracks. Under the influence of the microwaves, the rock itself rapidly heats up, generating micro-cracks; simultaneously, the water inside the rock rapidly escapes, causing further cracking. Under the action of the cutterhead, the rock cracks further propagate, ultimately leading to rock breakage. The water jet of this invention causes rock cracking and reduces rock strength; the microwaves rapidly remove water that has penetrated deep into the rock, causing cracking and even explosive breakage. Under the combined action of the water jet and microwaves, the rock strength is significantly reduced, greatly decreasing the load on the cutterhead and increasing its service life.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of tunnel boring machine technology, and in particular to a tunnel excavation equipment and construction process. Background Technology

[0002] TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine) construction is an advanced tunnel excavation technology that utilizes large-scale machinery to excavate straight tunnels in complex geological conditions such as mountains, underground cities, or underwater. This construction method integrates cutting, excavated material transportation, and tunnel support processes, significantly improving operational efficiency and safety. The TBM is equipped with a rotating cutterhead at its front end, capable of breaking rocks and soil. Simultaneously, its internal conveyor belts and logistics system continuously transport the excavated material to the outside of the tunnel. As the TBM advances, tunnel support structures such as segmental tunneling or shotcrete are installed in real time to ensure tunnel stability and safety. Compared to traditional drill-and-blast methods, TBM construction reduces the impact on the surrounding environment, lowers noise and vibration, and is particularly suitable for long-distance, large-diameter tunnel projects, making it an indispensable and important technological means in modern infrastructure construction.

[0003] The existing TBM front-end equipment mainly uses roller cutters and scrapers to crush rocks. When encountering high-hardness structures, this structure will cause strong impact and wear on the roller cutters and scrapers, which will reduce the life of the cutter head and increase construction costs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a tunnel boring machine and construction process that can significantly reduce rock strength under the combined action of water jet and microwave, thereby greatly reducing the load on the cutter head and increasing the service life of the cutter head.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a tunnel boring machine, comprising a cutterhead body, a microwave emitting source, a water jet nozzle, a roller cutter, and a scraper. The roller cutter and scraper are disposed on the cutterhead body, and the microwave emitting source is disposed on one side of the cutterhead body for transmitting microwaves to the rock when the cutterhead body rotates to break the rock. The water jet nozzle is disposed on one side of the microwave emitting source for spraying water onto the rock under the influence of microwaves.

[0006] There are multiple microwave emission sources, which are distributed on the cutter head body.

[0007] The water jet nozzles are multiple, and each water jet nozzle corresponds to a microwave emission source.

[0008] The tunnel boring equipment also includes a controller, which is used to adjust the power of the microwave emission source and the flow rate of the water jet nozzle based on the rock breaking resistance.

[0009] The controller includes a control strategy generation unit, a pressure sensor, a matching unit, a water flow control unit, and a microwave control unit.

[0010] The control strategy generation unit is used to configure the corresponding water flow rate and microwave power based on the pressure value to obtain a configuration table.

[0011] The pressure sensor is used to detect the force exerted by the roller cutter or scraper on the rock at each first time interval to obtain a first pressure value.

[0012] The matching unit is used to query and match the configuration table based on the first pressure value to obtain the target water flow rate and the target microwave power.

[0013] The water flow control unit is used to control the water output of the water jet nozzle in real time based on the target water flow rate.

[0014] The microwave control unit is used to control the microwave emission source based on the target microwave power.

[0015] The controller further includes a feedback unit, which is used to detect pressure values ​​by a pressure sensor within a second time interval. If the pressure value is within a preset range compared to a first pressure value, the first pressure value is not adjusted. If the pressure value exceeds the preset range, the first pressure value is replaced with the pressure value, and the target water flow rate and target microwave power are rematched using a matching unit.

[0016] The water jet nozzle includes a connecting pipe, a nozzle body, an adjusting plate, and an adjusting screw. The nozzle body is rotatably mounted on the cutter head body, the adjusting plate is slidably mounted on one side of the nozzle body, the adjusting screw is threadedly connected to the adjusting plate, and the connecting pipe is located on one side of the nozzle body.

[0017] In a second aspect, the present invention also provides a tunnel excavation construction process, including: when the cutterhead rotates, a water jet is generated at the water jet nozzle on the side of the microwave emission source to cause cracks in the rock, and at the same time, water seeps into the rock cracks.

[0018] Activating the microwave generator causes the rock to heat up and crack, while the water inside the rock is rapidly released, causing the rock to crack as well.

[0019] Under the action of the rolling cutter, the rock cracks further spread, eventually leading to rock breakage.

[0020] The specific steps for generating a water jet from the water jet nozzle include:

[0021] The contact pressure of the hobbing cutter or scraper is tested;

[0022] The water flow rate is adjusted based on the contact pressure.

[0023] The specific steps involved in activating the microwave generator to heat the rock and induce cracks include:

[0024] Microwave transmission power is matched based on contact pressure;

[0025] The microwave emission unit is activated by the microwave emission power, which causes the rock to heat up and produce cracks.

[0026] This invention discloses a tunnel boring machine and construction process. When the cutterhead rotates clockwise, the rock develops cracks under the action of a water jet on the right side of the microwave emission source. Simultaneously, water seeps into the rock cracks. Under the influence of the microwaves, the rock itself rapidly heats up, generating microcracks; simultaneously, the water inside the rock rapidly escapes, causing further cracking. Under the action of the cutterhead, the rock cracks further propagate, ultimately leading to rock breakage. The water jet of this invention causes rock cracking and reduces rock strength; the microwaves rapidly remove water that has penetrated deep into the rock, causing cracking and even explosive breakage. Under the combined action of the water jet and microwaves, the rock strength is significantly reduced, greatly decreasing the load on the cutterhead and increasing its service life. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a tunnel boring machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a second structural diagram of a tunnel boring machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a partial structural diagram of the water jet nozzle of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the controller according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a tunnel excavation construction process according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] The components include: cutter head body 101, microwave emission source 102, water jet nozzle 103, roller cutter 104, scraper 105, controller 106, control strategy generation unit 107, pressure sensor 108, matching unit 109, water flow control unit 110, microwave control unit 111, feedback unit 112, connecting pipe 113, nozzle body 114, adjustment plate 115, and adjustment screw 116. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0035] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "length," "width," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships, are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. Furthermore, in the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0036] First Embodiment

[0037] Please see Figures 1-4 The present invention provides a tunnel boring machine, including a cutterhead body 101, a microwave emission source 102, a water jet nozzle 103, a roller cutter 104, and a scraper 105. The roller cutter 104 and the scraper 105 are disposed on the cutterhead body 101. The microwave emission source 102 is disposed on one side of the cutterhead body 101 and is used to send microwaves to the rock when the cutterhead body 101 rotates to break the rock. The water jet nozzle 103 is disposed on one side of the microwave emission source 102 and is used to spray water flow onto the rock under the influence of microwaves.

[0038] In this embodiment, when the cutter head rotates clockwise, the rock develops cracks under the action of the water jet on the right side of the microwave emission source 102. Simultaneously, water seeps into the rock cracks. Under the action of the microwaves, the rock itself rapidly heats up, generating microcracks; simultaneously, the water inside the rock rapidly escapes, causing further cracking. Under the action of the roller cutter 104, the rock cracks further propagate, ultimately leading to rock breakage. The water jet of this invention causes cracks in the rock, reducing its strength; the microwaves rapidly remove water that has penetrated deep into the rock, causing cracks and even explosions. Under the combined action of the water jet and microwaves, the rock strength is significantly reduced, greatly decreasing the load on the roller cutter 104 and improving the tool's service life.

[0039] There are multiple microwave emission sources 102, distributed on the cutterhead body 101. Multiple microwave emission sources 102 are installed on one side of the cutterhead. When the cutterhead rotates, these microwave emission sources 102 emit microwave energy into the rock, preheating it and weakening its internal structure, thereby significantly reducing its strength and toughness, creating extremely favorable conditions for subsequent physical crushing. The number of cutterheads can be set as needed.

[0040] There are multiple water jet nozzles 103, and multiple water jet nozzles 103 are configured to correspond to multiple microwave emission sources 102.

[0041] The tunnel boring machine also includes a controller 106, which adjusts the power of the microwave transmitter 102 and the flow rate of the water jet nozzles 103 based on the rock breaking resistance. Multiple water jet nozzles 103 are installed at positions corresponding to each microwave transmitter 102. These nozzles are connected to a high-pressure water pump via connecting pipes 113, enabling precise spraying of high-pressure water onto the rock after microwave pretreatment, thus better assisting the microwave transmitter 102 in breaking the rock.

[0042] The controller 106 includes a control strategy generation unit 107, a pressure sensor 108, a matching unit 109, a water flow control unit 110, and a microwave control unit 111. The control strategy generation unit 107 is used to configure the corresponding water flow rate and microwave power based on the pressure value to obtain a configuration table. The pressure sensor 108 is used to detect the force exerted by the roller cutter 104 or scraper 105 on the rock at a first time interval to obtain a first pressure value. The matching unit 109 is used to query and match the configuration table based on the first pressure value to obtain the target water flow rate and target microwave power. The water flow control unit 110 is used to control the output of the real-time water jet nozzle based on the target water flow rate. The microwave control unit 111 is used to control the microwave emission source 102 based on the target microwave power.

[0043] The control strategy generation unit 107, based on detailed theoretical research and practical testing, pre-determines a set of control strategies. This strategy considers the changes in the physical properties of rocks under different pressure conditions, as well as the optimal combination of water jet and microwave action, thus generating a detailed configuration table. This table clearly lists the optimal water flow rate and microwave power ratio corresponding to different pressure values, ensuring rapid response to various working conditions during actual construction and enabling the immediate application of the optimal control strategy. Pressure sensors 108 are installed at key contact points of the roller cutter 104 or scraper 105, utilizing sensing technology to continuously monitor the force applied to the rock with extremely high frequency and accuracy. Every preset first time interval, it collects data, accurately obtaining the first pressure value borne by the roller cutter 104 or scraper 105 during the current rock crushing process. This real-time data serves as the direct basis for subsequent decision-making, ensuring the dynamic adaptability of the control system.

[0044] The matching unit 109 receives real-time pressure data from the pressure sensor 108 and quickly searches and matches it in the configuration table pre-set by the control strategy generation unit 107. Through real-time analysis of the first pressure value, the matching unit 109 can quickly identify the most suitable target water flow rate and target microwave power, ensuring that subsequent operation commands can accurately meet the current working conditions, thereby maximizing construction efficiency and rock breaking effect. Once the matching unit 109 determines the target water flow rate and microwave power, the water flow control unit 110 responds immediately, precisely controlling the water output of the water jet nozzle through a high-precision adjustment mechanism to ensure that the actual water flow rate is within the target value, assisting the formation and propagation of rock cracks in the most efficient hydrodynamic way. At the same time, the microwave control unit 111 precisely controls the microwave emission source 102 according to the target microwave power value, adjusting its output power to ensure stable microwave energy transmission, effectively heating the rock, accelerating the evaporation of its internal moisture, and weakening the rock structure, creating more favorable conditions for mechanical rock breaking.

[0045] The controller 106 further includes a feedback unit 112, which is used to detect pressure values ​​based on the pressure sensor 108 within a second time interval. If the pressure value is within a preset range compared with the first pressure value, the first pressure value is not adjusted. If the pressure value exceeds the preset range, the first pressure value is replaced with the pressure value, and the target water flow rate and target microwave power are rematched using the matching unit 109.

[0046] The feedback unit 112 works closely with the pressure sensor 108. In the second time interval—which follows the acquisition of the real-time pressure value and is shorter than the first time interval—its task is to track the current pressure value acting on the roller cutter 104 or scraper 105 in real time and compare it with the previously recorded first pressure value. This design aims to capture any subtle changes in the work environment instantly.

[0047] If the difference between the pressure value detected by the feedback unit 112 and the first pressure value remains within the preset tolerance range, it indicates that the current operating conditions are relatively stable and no intervention is required. In this case, the feedback unit 112 maintains the original control strategy, i.e., it does not adjust the set first pressure value, ensuring that the water flow rate and microwave power remain at the previously matched optimized levels, avoiding unnecessary control fluctuations and ensuring the continuity and stability of the operation. However, when the detected pressure value deviates from the first pressure value by more than the preset range, the feedback unit 112 immediately identifies a significant change in the operating conditions, possibly caused by a sudden change in rock hardness, irregular geological structure, or external interference. In this case, the feedback unit 112 responds quickly, recognizing the latest pressure value as the new first pressure value. This immediate update ensures that the control strategy is always adjusted based on the latest and most accurate information. Immediately afterwards, the matching unit 109 restarts the workflow, re-querying the configuration table based on the updated first pressure value to obtain the new target water flow rate and target microwave power settings. The water flow control unit 110 and microwave control unit 111 then make corresponding adjustments based on these new parameters, ensuring that they can quickly adapt even in environments with varying geological conditions, maintain high rock breaking efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and protect the equipment from unnecessary stress damage.

[0048] The water jet nozzle 103 includes a connecting pipe 113, a nozzle body 114, an adjusting plate 115, and an adjusting screw 116. The nozzle body 114 is rotatably mounted on the cutter head body 101. The adjusting plate 115 is slidably mounted on one side of the nozzle body 114. The adjusting screw 116 is threadedly connected to the adjusting plate 115. The connecting pipe 113 is located on one side of the nozzle body 114.

[0049] Water can be supplied to the nozzle body 114 through the connecting pipe 113 and sprayed out through the nozzle body 114. In order to better cooperate with the microwave emission source 102, the adjusting screw 116 can be rotated to drive the adjusting plate 115 to slide on the cutter disc body 101, thereby driving the nozzle body 114 to rotate and adjust the spray angle, making it more convenient to use.

[0050] Second Embodiment

[0051] Please see Figure 5This invention provides a tunnel excavation construction process, including:

[0052] When the S101 cutter head rotates, a water jet is generated at the water jet nozzle 103 on the side of the microwave emission source 102, which causes cracks in the rock and water seeps into the rock cracks.

[0053] The specific steps for the water jet nozzle 103 to generate a water jet include: detecting the contact pressure of the roller cutter 104 or scraper 105; and adjusting the water flow rate based on the contact pressure.

[0054] While the cutterhead rotates steadily, the water jet nozzle 103, located opposite the microwave emission source 102, begins to operate. Utilizing the extremely high kinetic energy of the water jet, tiny cracks are instantly formed on the rock surface, and the natural permeability of water allows water molecules to penetrate deep into the tiny crevices inside the rock, laying the foundation for the efficient execution of subsequent steps.

[0055] A highly sensitive pressure sensor 108 continuously monitors pressure changes when the roller cutter 104 or scraper 105 contacts the rock. Based on the received pressure data, the control system quickly calculates and adjusts the water flow output of the water jet nozzle 103. This dynamic adjustment mechanism ensures that the water jet can induce initial cracks without damaging the overall rock structure, and can automatically optimize as the rock hardness and contact resistance change, achieving the best crack propagation effect.

[0056] S102 activates the microwave source, causing the rock to heat up and crack. At the same time, the water inside the rock is rapidly released, causing the rock to crack.

[0057] The specific steps for activating the microwave source to heat the rock and induce cracks include: matching the microwave transmission power based on the contact pressure; and activating the microwave transmission unit based on the microwave transmission power to heat the rock and induce cracks.

[0058] The system precisely matches the power output of the microwave transmitting unit based on previously monitored contact pressure values. This process utilizes an optimal matching algorithm derived from extensive experimental data analysis, designed to ensure efficient utilization of microwave energy. When microwave energy is directed into the rock, it penetrates surface cracks and rapidly heats the rock, causing internal moisture to evaporate and expand rapidly. This, in turn, exacerbates crack formation and propagation from within, paving the way for overall rock fragmentation.

[0059] The microwave emitting unit is not simply turned on, but dynamically adjusts the power according to a pre-set program and real-time feedback of contact pressure to control the heating rate and final temperature of the rock, ensuring that crack formation is both rapid and uniform, and avoiding unintended effects caused by local overheating.

[0060] Under the action of the roller cutter 104, the rock cracks in S103 further spread, eventually leading to rock breakage.

[0061] Under the combined action of microwave heating and water jet, the internal structure of the rock is greatly weakened. At this point, the roller cutter 104 on the cutter head begins to perform its physical rock-breaking function, using its sharp cutting edge and powerful rotational force to penetrate deep along the existing cracks, causing the cracks to spread rapidly until the rock is completely broken. Due to the prior microwave and water jet treatment, the required mechanical force is greatly reduced, which not only improves rock-breaking efficiency but also reduces equipment wear and extends its service life.

[0062] The above description discloses only one preferred embodiment of the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the processes of the above embodiments can be implemented, and equivalent changes made in accordance with the claims of the present invention are still within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A tunnel boring machine, characterized in that, The tunnel boring machine includes a cutterhead body, a microwave emission source, a water jet nozzle, a roller cutter, and a scraper. The roller cutter and scraper are mounted on the cutterhead body. The microwave emission source is located on one side of the cutterhead body and is used to send microwaves to the rock when the cutterhead body rotates and breaks the rock. The water jet nozzle is located on one side of the microwave emission source and is used to spray water flow onto the rock under the influence of microwaves. The tunnel boring machine also includes a controller. The controller is used to adjust the power of the microwave emission source and the flow rate of the water jet nozzle based on the rock breaking resistance. The controller includes a control strategy generation unit, a pressure sensor, a matching unit, a water flow control unit, and a microwave control unit. The control strategy generation unit is used to configure the corresponding water flow rate and microwave power based on the pressure value to obtain a configuration table. The pressure sensor is used to detect the force exerted by the roller cutter or scraper on the rock breaking at a first time interval to obtain a first pressure value. The matching unit is used to query and match the configuration table based on the first pressure value to obtain the target water flow rate and target microwave power. The water flow control unit is used to control the water output of the water jet nozzle in real time based on the target water flow rate. The microwave control unit is used to control the microwave emission source based on the target microwave power. The controller also includes a feedback unit, which is used to detect pressure values ​​by a pressure sensor within a second time interval. If the pressure value is within a preset range compared to a first pressure value, the first pressure value is not adjusted. If the pressure value exceeds the preset range, the first pressure value is replaced with the pressure value, and a matching unit is used to rematch the target water flow rate and the target microwave power. If the difference between the pressure value detected by the feedback unit and the first pressure value remains within a preset tolerance range, the feedback unit does not adjust the set first pressure value. When the detected pressure value deviates from the first pressure value by more than [a certain amount], [the adjustment is made]. Within the preset range, the feedback unit recognizes the latest pressure value as the new first pressure value. The matching unit restarts the workflow, re-queries the configuration table based on the updated first pressure value, and obtains the new target water flow rate and target microwave power settings. There are multiple water jet nozzles, and multiple water jet nozzles correspond to multiple microwave emission source settings. Each water jet nozzle includes a connecting pipe, a nozzle body, an adjusting plate, and an adjusting screw. The nozzle body is rotatably mounted on the cutter head body, the adjusting plate is slidably mounted on one side of the nozzle body, the adjusting screw is threadedly connected to the adjusting plate, and the connecting pipe is located on one side of the nozzle body.

2. The tunnel boring machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, There are multiple microwave emission sources, which are distributed on the cutter head body.

3. A tunnel boring construction process, employing the tunnel boring equipment described in claim 1, characterized in that, include: When the cutter head rotates, a water jet is generated at the water jet nozzle on the side of the microwave emission source, causing cracks in the rock, and water seeps into the rock cracks at the same time. Activating the microwave generator causes the rock to heat up and crack, while the water inside the rock is rapidly released, causing the rock to crack as well. Under the action of the rolling cutter, the rock cracks further spread, eventually leading to rock breakage.

4. The tunnel excavation construction technology as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The specific steps for generating a water jet from the water jet nozzle include: The contact pressure of the hobbing cutter or scraper is tested; The water flow rate is adjusted based on the contact pressure.

5. The tunnel excavation construction process as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The specific steps for activating the microwave generator to heat the rock and induce cracks include: Microwave transmission power is matched based on contact pressure; The microwave emission unit is activated by the microwave emission power, which causes the rock to heat up and produce cracks.

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